Jurassic World: Dominion

Rated: PG-13

Starring: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Isabella Sermon, Laura Dern, Sam Neill, Jeff Goldblum, DeWanda Wise, Mamoudzou Athie, Campbell Scott and BD Wong

Running time: 2 Hours and 27 minutes

It’s hard to know where to begin with “Jurassic World: Dominion” because there is so much going on. The excitement and action are off the charts! There are many stories within the story that made it hard to follow. The filmmakers tried to bring the in former scenarios along with new ones and combine them for for an even more convincing storyline. Even though there was a lot of CGI (computer generated imagery) obviously with the dinosaurs, they were very lifelike and realistic. They came in all shapes and sizes and they were bright and colorful, both sweet and terribly vicious. This story takes place four years after the devastation in the former movie “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom”. Dinosaurs are free to roam the world along with their human counterparts and it is interesting to say the least! Both Owen Grady (Chris Pratt) and Claire Dearing (Bryce Dallas Howard) live in a remote area with their daughter Maisie (Isabella Sermon) who they took in when her mother died. When Maisie is suddenly kidnapped from them along with a baby Velociraptor dinosaur who belongs to a Velociraptor they befriended and named Blue. They were taken by a group of men who were sent to get them for the evil villain Lewis Dodgson (Campbell Scott). 

Characters from the original Steven Spielberg “ Jurassic Park” are incorporated into this movie. Laura Dern as Ellie Sattler, Sam Neill as Alan Grant, Jeff  Goldblum as Ian Malcolm and BD Wong as Dr. Henry Wu. I wish they had, had bigger parts in the movie, they brought back a little of that original Jurassic magic. All in all it was exciting, entertaining, adventurous and fun, a great summertime popcorn movie.

Parents be advised: This movie is rated PG-13. Some mild profanity and no sexual innuendo. The dinosaurs are very realistic and intense, there are several chase scenes and dino-devouring of humans that I think are too realistic for young children. I think when it comes to dinosaur violence you are the best judge of what your children can and cannot handle. To be honest, a couple of those scenes even made me squeamish! I am giving “Jurassic World: Dominion” two and a half bags of popcorn.

TOP GUN MAVERICK

 PG-13

Starring: Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer, Miles Teller, Jon Hamm, Charles Parnell, Bashir Salahuddin, Glen Powell, Lewis Pullman, Monica Barbaro, Greg Tarzan, Jay Ellis, Jack Schumacher, Danny Ramirez Ed Harris and Jennifer Connelly.

  Running Time: 2 Hours and 11 Minutes.

So where do you begin after 36 years? Yes, it’s been 36 years since the original “Top Gun” movie was released in 1986. I keep hearing everywhere that it’s been 30 something years ago but it is actually 36, therefore after that long I had no idea what to expect. 

Tom Cruise reprises his role as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell. You really aren’t sure exactly what he has been doing for the past 36 years. He received a call that he is needed at The United States Navy Fighter Weapons School better known as Fighter Town USA, or “Top Gun” as it is famously known. Unknown to him, he was requested back by four-star admiral Tom “Iceman” Kazansky (Val Kilmer), from the original “ Top Gun” movie. When he arrives he is greeted by Admiral Beau “Cyclone” Simpson (Jon Hamm)  with an interesting tension between the two. Cyclone questioning Maverick never having graduated through the ranks of the Navy to Admiral like those in his class so many years ago did. Rumor has is that Maverick didn’t move up because he never wanted to be grounded. Cyclone presents the mission they have called him back for and not as a pilot but as a teacher for the current class of the “Top Gun” attendees. Maverick is completely thrown off-guard by the teaching request/demand! A crisis has arisen in enemy territory and the USA only has three weeks or less to resolve the situation before it is too late. They need the top six pilots for the mission and they have to be flawless without exception! Maverick has the entire mission on his shoulders as he is dealing with coming back after all that time and many ghosts from his past.

I cannot recommend this movie enough, if you enjoyed the first movie, you will enjoy this movie, even if you never saw the original, you will enjoy this movie. If you have even forgotten the first movie, you will enjoy this movie. If you love extreme action and excitement, you will enjoy this movie! Plus, there is subtle romance and tenderness in this movie and some emotional reality as well. Also, this movie was made with minimal CGI (computer generated imagery). They shot the incredible video with six cameras inside each of the F/A-18 Super Hornet Jets for the most incredibly realistic effects! They also had the actual actors film the video themselves for an even more amazing experience. I absolutely loved this movie, it truly is a great feel good movie! Tom Cruise was exceptional!

Parents be advised: This movie is rated PG-13. I would say a very mellow 13. There honestly was nothing too extreme for children. They toned down some of the sexual innuendo and profanity from the original, however there is some mild profanity with an unfortunate F-bomb uttered but not really distinguishable.  There is a lot of intense edge of your seat action between the flight training scenes and the actual mission itself. It might be too intense for children 12 and under. Also there is a scene on the beach with the male students playing tag football without their shirts on.

I am giving “Top Gun Maverick” a strong four bags of popcorn.

E is 

FROZEN II

PG
Starring the voices of: Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Josh Gad, Jonathan Groff, Sterling K. Brown, Evan Rachel Wood and Jason Ritter
Running Time: 1 Hour and 43 Minutes

Sequels are so unpredictable, you just never quite know what to expect. As we all know by now, the original “Frozen” was such a huge smashing success that it has just become a part of our culture especially with the eternal ear-worm song, “Let It Go”.
It seems to me nowadays that the movie industry is trying so hard to be current and empower young women to be fiercely independent that sometimes it’s just too forced and artificial.
Even with the message of strong young women, “Frozen II” stayed true to the original story theme and it felt like it was a fairly smooth transition from the original to the sequel.
It’s hard to believe that “Frozen” came out in 2013 so Disney has had six years to get this sequel just right.
Fortunately, “Frozen II” does NOT have a huge theme song like “Let It Go”. I am so grateful for that!
Anna (Kristen Bell), and Queen Elsa (Idina Menzel) are both back in Arendelle, along with their loyal crew; Olaf (Josh Gad),  Kristoff (Jonathan Groff) and Sven (Jonathan Groff) and yes, he does indeed do the voiceover for both Kristoff and Sven.
Anna and Elsa hear a tale about a battle that took place between their ancestors and different tribes living on a mountain in an enchanted forest land. This battle destroyed the relationship between the people of Arendelle and the mountain people. Elsa knows and is determined that she has to go and explore to find out the mystery that is her and Anna’s past history. She also is being haunted by a  voice that only she can hear. When she gets to the mountain she finds a beautiful Autumn-like forest that she has to enter to begin her adventure.
Anna gets together with the always enjoyable snowman Olaf, her boyfriend Kristoff, who is always searching for the perfect opportunity to propose to her and and the reindeer Sven. They also enter into the  elusive enchanted forest to search for Elsa.
This is a movie full of adventure and excitement about the two sisters who are fiercely loyal to one another that I think both children and adults alike will enjoy.
The special effects were incredible and very realistic! The  detail and colors were phenomenal!
There is also a darling little character who is a Salamander named Bruni who will capture everyone’s hearts.
Parents be advised: This movie is rated PG. I think this movie is appropriate for children of all ages. However, there is a dark and scary forest with some frightening situations that take place that are fairly intense.
I am giving “Frozen II” three and a half bags of popcorn.

A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

PG
Starring: Tom Hanks, Matthew Rhys, Chris Cooper, Susan Kelechi Watson and Maryann Plunkett
Running Time: 1 Hour and 48 Minutes

I have to admit I was a little confused why there was another Mister Rogers movie being released after the documentary movie, “Mister Rogers: It’s You I Like” was just out last year.
Now I can say, these two movies are completely different! Last years documentary was more of a tribute to the TV series.
This new movie “A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood” is based on a true and very touching story. Tom Hanks stars as  the infamous Mr. Fred Rogers and plays him masterfully!
When Lloyd Vogel (Matthew Rhys) is assigned to do an expose on Mr. Rogers, he is what you might say, a little less than excited. As he reluctantly sets out on this new and challenging assignment he finds out a lot more than he ever dreamed of!
This movie ends up being a lot more about Lloyd’s past and his personal relationship with his own father Jerry Vogel (Chris Cooper). Lloyd is very uncomfortable with Mr. Rogers discussing and opening up a can of ancient worms that he would rather forget!
This movie is a heartwarming and beautiful story of the true and sincere person that Fred Rogers really was! He was honestly kind and dear to everyone. He formed such a personal bond with Lloyd Vogel and helped him to overcome his anger and his hang-ups.
The relationships in this movie are all very special and will touch your soul! This is a movie that will stay with you and I think everyone will find something in this movie that they can relate too.
I was impressed with all of the acting and I enjoyed seeing a cameo of the real Joanne Rogers.
Tom Hanks did an exceptional job as Mr. Rogers and I hope he will be nominated for a Best Actor Award.
Parents be advised: This movie is rated PG. It is rated this for a reason, because it deals with real life drama and realistic situations. This is not a movie for children, don’t be misled by the Mr. Rogers association. There is no profanity or sexual innuendo, just adult subject matter.
I am giving “A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood” four bags of popcorn.

Maleficent: Mistress Of Evil

PG
Starring: Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Harris Dickinson, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sam Riley, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Robert Lindsay
Running Time: 1 Hour and 58 Minutes

I honestly had no idea what to expect going into this movie. This is the continuation of the movie,      “Maleficent” in 2014 (which is also a follow up to the original “Sleeping  Beauty” from way back in 1959). Angelina Jolie reprises her role as the always evil character that cannot deny that she has a heart even though she tries to deny it.
Elle Fanning resumes her role as the sweet and wonderful, Princess Aurora. Maleficent is protective and  possessive of young Aurora but Prince Philip (Harris Dickinson) has stolen her heart!
When Prince Philip proposes to Princess Aurora, it was one of the most beautiful scenes I have ever seen in a movie! The animation and special effects were absolutely amazing and stunning!!
When Prince Philip goes back home to his family’s palace to share his special news, his father, King John (Robert Lindsay) is ecstatic and elated for his son! On the other hand his mother, Queen Ingrith (Michelle Pfeiffer) is not so happy with her son’s announcement! They insist on bringing Aurora and her guardian, Maleficent to the palace to meet them and for dinner. Maleficent is uncomfortable  and reluctant to go but wants to keep Aurora happy.
Once the two family’s meet and sit down to enjoy dinner, the sparks start to fly! There is tension and hostility between Maleficent and Queen Ingrith! This pretty much sets the stage for the entire movie.
They continue to have many conflicts causing great sadness, heartbreak and destruction!
I didn’t find this movie to have a great storyline, it wasn’t as strong and entertaining as I was hoping for. There was a lot of anger, hostility and jealousy. In the end it eventually works out.
I will say it truly was one of the most beautiful and visually stunning special effects job I have ever seen in a movie!
Parents be advised: This movie is rated PG. It contains a lot of anger violence. The two Queens have a lot of rage and fury against each other! Aside from that it was enjoyable and I think children over the age of 8 will be entertained by it.
I am giving “Maleficent: Mistress Of Evil” three bags of popcorn.

The Addams Family

PG
Starring the voices of: Oscar Issac, Charlize Theron, Chloe Grace Moretz, Finn Wolfhard, Nick Kroll, Snoop Dogg, Bette Miller and Allison Janney
Running Time: 1 Hour and 27 Minutes

This is an animated movie based on the original TV series that debuted way back in 1964.
There have also been many different spin-offs of
“The Addams Family” over the years including two movies, TV movies and several cartoons.
This movie takes place during the current times with all of the bells and whistles of our technology and social media complete with all of the creepy, kooky, mysterious, spooky and all together ooky details that
 “The Addams Family” is famous for.
The original cast is back reprising their unique roles.
It begins with Gomez (Oscar Issac) and Morticia (Charlize Theron) at their wedding ceremony and suddenly things get strange and they are whisked off and end up at their amazing “Addams Family” mansion. Then the story begins 13 years later with both Pugsley (Finn Wolfhard) and Wednesday (Chloe Grace Moretz) as children trying to fit in and establish friendships with the neighborhood kids.
Pugsley is busy embarking on achieving his Barmitzvah-type initiation while he would rather be shooting off bombs. His parents have invited all of their unusual relatives to their home to witness Pugsley’s big event.
Also in the mix is a new character, Margaux Needler (Allison Janney) who is a busy body real estate developer who is suspicious of “The Addams Family”  and is not at all happy with their lifestyle.
It was fun to see all of the original details brought back to life including the characters, their lifestyle, music, and just the overall resurrection of the series that I loved so much as a child.
The animation and details were a lot of fun.
I think children and adults alike will enjoy this fun movie and just in time for Halloween.
Parents be advised: This movie is rated PG. I didn’t find anything objectionable it just has a more contemporary and modern feeling with dark overtones.
I am giving “The Addams Family” two bags of popcorn.

Out Of Liberty

PG
Starring: Jasen Wade, Brandon Ray Olive, Casey Elliott, Corbin Allred, Adam Johnson, Danny James, Larry Bagby, Brock Roberts, Shawn Stevens and Travis Farris
Running Time: 1Hour and 51 Minutes

I am so late getting this review up, I was finally able to go and see it. I was unable to attend the sneak screening. This movie was released back on September 13th. Let me start by explaining that The Director of this movie Mr. Garrett Batty, grew up in the house right next door to me and is the son of my dear friend Sheryl.
To those of you who are not familiar with Garrett, he is also the writer and director of both of these spectacular movies; “The Saratov Approach” and “Freetown”.
They were both such great and inspiring movies! I thoroughly enjoyed both of them.
“Out Of Liberty”, is based on factual events that took place in 1839 over the course of 6 months.
This movie is kind of a Western style of movie that reminded me of an old jail-break movie from the past.
It begins with Joseph Smith (Brandon Ray Olive) and several other Church leaders of
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints being held captive in The Liberty jail in Liberty, Missouri.
They are held in the cold and dreary basement in freezing and filthy conditions without any privacy. They only have a bucket to use for a toilet and are given very little food to eat. A very miserable situation!
They are being held because they had requested that The Militia assist them after they had received an extermination order to leave Missouri. The Militia did assist them and in all of the uproar with the mob mentality, a man was unfortunately killed. The local people accuse Joseph Smith and his fellow church members of killing him and demand that they be locked up and tried for his murder.
The jailer, Samuel Tillery (Jasen Wade) played a key role in keeping the men safe and alive. He had a genuinely good heart and took sympathy upon the men.
I found this movie to be riveting and captivating, I was on the edge of my seat with intrigue! It really held my attention. I honestly found it to be very similar to today’s mindset with a lot of people in our country.
I think all of the actors did a really great job portraying their characters, they made it very believable and realistic!
Garrett Batty has done an outstanding job on this movie and he should be very proud of his hard work!
Parents be advised: This movie is rated PG. I think that this movie is appropriate for children ages eight and older because of the graphic and realistic conditions that the men endure and the harshness of the story matter. There was NO swearing or cursing.
I am giving “ Out Of Liberty” four bags of popcorn.