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
Ready or Not
“Ready or Not” is a modern horror/black comedy movie with a bunch of twists. A young woman marries into a rich, eccentric family. As part of their tradition, the newlywed must play a game with them. One of the games is hide and seek with the in-laws ultimately killing the newlywed. A lot of the action is played for laughs. The biggest star in it is Andie MacDowell, but Samara Weaving as the bride is wonderful. Lots of blood and gore, but kind of witty and lots of surprises. An enjoyable “B” movie. If you don’t see it in the theaters it can be a good diversion on a rainy afternoon.
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.
Good Boys
“Good Boys” is a middle schooler’s version of “Super Bad”. It’s about three 12 year olds who are kind of nerdy. They get invited to a boy/girl party and make it their business to learn how to kiss a girl. Jacob Tremblay, who was so wonderful in “Room” and “Wonder”, plays his first normal role. The film is cute, the kids are believable and there are plenty of plot twist. Mildly entertaining. If you are looking for a comedy, this one is decent.
The Farewell
“The Farewell” is a little movie about a Chinese family coming together to say good bye to a dying member under the pretense of wedding. (In China they don’t tell a loved one that they are dying until the last minute.) The film stars Awkwafina as an American raised granddaughter who is still trying to find her way in the world. She cannot understand the Chinese custom. The rest of. the cast are lesser known Chinese actors. All are wonderful, especially the grandmother! She steals the movie and you fall in love with her. Delightful, sweet, funny and charming. You won’t want to miss this one.
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.
The Art of Self Defense
I don’t usually give a scathingly bad review to a movie, but “The Art of Self Defense” deserves one. This one is a stinker! It’s an independent film with a very different plot, but it is slow, completely underplayed, and offensive to the sensibilities. Other than that it is fine. Jesse Eisenberg plays a 35 year old loser who, after being mugged, decides to join a karate club that is run by a guy who is stranger than he is. The club is kind of a cult. The story gets darker and more off-putting as it goes on and the ending is truly weird. The acting is dead pan and none of the characters are relatable. Jesse Eisenberg is at his most annoying and quirkiest. I not only wanted to ask for my money back, but also for the time I spent.
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.
Mark's Movie Reviews 