Peanut Butter Falcon

Here is another example of an independent movie being better than the majority of big films that have come out recently. “Peanut Butter Falcon” is the story of a young man with Downs Syndrome and no family who is placed in a retirement home because he can’t take care of himself. His dream is to become a professional wrestler. He finally escapes and hooks up with who is running away from his messed up life. The two of them end up on a journey that is filled with surprises. Shia LaBeuf plays one of the characters and he is natural, realistic and charming. This is really a road picture, but it is very entertaining and there are plenty of interesting twists. Zach Gottsagen, who has Downs Syndrome, plays the young man and he does an outstanding job. Dakota Johnson is a social worker who is sent to find the young man and bring him back, but instead joins their trek. Entertaining, enjoyable and well-executed

Angel Has Fallen

“Angel Has Fallen” is similar to “Olympus Has Fallen” from a few years ago. Gerard Butler plays a Secret Service agent assigned with protecting the President of the United States. This time the President, played by Morgan Freeman, is attacked but saved by Butler. He ends up in a coma and Butler is framed for the attack. He has to hide and try to find out who really did it. Lots of action, not all of it believable. Nick Nolte plays Butler’s father, who ran away from civilization years ago. This is a fun action picture. By the way, I would vote for Morgan Freeman for president in a minute.

Fast and Furious Presents Hobbs and Shaw

“Fast and Furious Presents Hobbs and Shaw” is a spin off of the series with Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham reprising their characters. This time they are rivals who are forced to work together. They are trying to stop someone from wiping out half of humanity. Their main rival is played by Idris Elba and he is a bad ass. The female lead is Vanessa Kirby and she is also quite formidable. Lots of action, comedy, things blowing up, not to mention car chases. One of the better action movies of the summer.

Blinded by the Light

“Blinded by the Light” is the story of a Pakastani/British young man who is leading a mundane existence. His father runs a strict, traditional home and his son is not allowed to do anything he really wants. A friend introduces him to the music of Bruce Springsteen and it transforms his life. The big difference between this film and “Yesterday” is that the music inspires the protagonist instead of propelling him to fame. Directed by Gurinder Chadha, who did “Bend it Like Beckham”, this is a funny, inspiring, and quite enjoyable movie. It’s a nice little film. If you love the Boss’s music, you will love this movie.

The Lion King

The original “Lion King” was Disney’s highest grossing animated film. The stage play is nothing short of brilliant. The new version of “The Lion King” is the latest “live action’ remake of one of Disney’s animated classics. This time they used computer animation to tell the story. The animals looked real. The story is the same, with a couple of updates. It’s a whole new set of voices except for James Earl Jones, who is back as Musafah. A couple of the songs, like “Be Prepared”, are underplayed. And I missed Jeremy Irons as Scar. If you’re a fan of the original, you should like this version. Is it ground breaking? No, but it’s still a good story with fun characters. Entertaining and kids should love it.

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”, Quentin Tarantino’s latest film is not his best, but not his worst. Like most of his movies there are multiple plot lines. He totally nails the period, 1969, and Los Angeles. The story revolves around a television actor who hasn’t really graduated to the big time in movies. The main story is about him and his stunt man/double, who is now his driver and gopher. The second story is about Sharon Tate. Like most Tarantino movies the dialogue is great as is the acting. The problem is that the story meanders, with a lot of scenes going on a bit too long. There isn’t much action until the very end and like most of Tarantino’s movies, it is fast, furious, bloody, and over the top. There just isn’t enough of it. The acting is first rate, especially Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt. Look for them to be noticed at awards time. Worth seeing, but a bit long.

Men in Black: International

“Men in Black: International” is a continuation of the series. This time Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones are absent. Tessa Thompson plays a new agent assigned to London to work with Chris Hemsworth’s experienced but rouge agent. Their adventures take them around the world as they encounter aliens, including a cute little one voiced by Kumail Nanjiani from “The Big Sick”. While not as original as the first two films, this is not a bad continuation of the series. It doesn’t have the same sense of humor as those films, but it is still pretty enjoyable. A good summer diversion.

Late Night

“Late Night” is the story of a late night talk show host who has lost her touch with the audience and is on her way out. She hires an Indian-American novice writer who changes the whole show, making it contemporary and the host beloved. The host is played by Emma Thompson as a type A, take no prisoners character and she is quite good. The Indian-American is played by Mindy Kaling, who also wrote the film. Her encounters with the male writers are funny. A nice diversion.

Ma

Octavia Spencer plays a different type of role in “Ma”. She is an off kilter veterinarian assistant who befriends a bunch of high school kids by buying them booze. She then offers her basement as a place for them to party. Her motives are somewhat darker and relate to her high school years. Spencer is good as always. This film unites her with her director from “The Help”, Tate Taylor. Not a bad mystery, horror film.

Rocketman

“Rocketman” is the biography of Elton John starring Taron Egerton. Unlike “Bohemian Rhapsody” this film does not place the songs in the order in which they were written. Instead they are placed where they fit into the story. Egerton is great as Elton and I kept wondering who was playing his mother. It was Bryce Dallas Howard in a black wig and she was also quite good. The music is phenomenal, the acting excellent, and the costumes are outrageous, just like John’s. The main story, bedsides his list to fame is about his loneliness and addictions. The film is good, e specially if you like Elton John’s music. Unlike “Bohemian Rhapsody”, it is not great, but still worth seeing.