Star Wars:The Force Awakens

PG-13
Starring: Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Warwick Davis, Oscar Issac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Max Von Sydow, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, Lupita Nyong'o and Kenny Baker
Running Time: 2 Hours and 16 Minutes

Wow! Just wow! I was so excited to see "Star Wars" reprised  on the big screen again and to see how the always awesome J.J. Abrams was going to pull this off. I am such a huge fan of George Lucas and the "Star Wars" phenomenon that I just wasn't sure if it would really have that "Star Wars" feel. As you all know, our entire society has been raised on "Star Wars" with the original being released in 1977, that is 38 years of "Star Wars" impacting society! This is the seventh episode in the franchise.
I really loved  the fact that they brought back Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) and Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) in their original roles. It was so fun to see them back, even if it was for just a short time. They were all in perfect form!
I don't want to divulge the storyline here, this is definitely one that everybody just needs to see for themselves!
I will say that I really enjoyed the new characters that they introduced, the young Finn (John Boyega)  and Rey (Daisy Ridley) were perfectly cast in their roles. The new cute little robot BB-8 was a heart stealer!! You couldn't help but fall in love with him. I really enjoyed this movie. I was broken-hearted in one scene and I certainly was not anticipating the outcome of it! I genuinely feel that J.J. Abrams has done himself proud in this episode!
 For all of you who are already suffering and needing another "Star Wars" fix... hang in there,
"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" will be released on December 16th of this year.
Parents be advised: This movie is rated PG-13 for sci-fi action violence. As all the other "Star Wars" movies before it, there is a lot of fighting and light saber violence. There are battle scenes between X-Wings and TIE Fighters that end up looking like fireworks. Also there are some new alien beasts which slither around and are very hungry. I think children ages 10 and older will be fine with this movie.
I am giving "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" four bags of popcorn.

In the Heart of the Sea

PG-13
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Benjamin Walker, Cillian Murphy, Ben Whishaw, Brendan Gleeson and Frank Dillane
Running Time: 2 Hours and 1 Minute

This is a dramatic seafaring adventure that takes place in 1820 and just happens to be the true story about how Herman Melville's epic novel "Moby Dick" came to be.
The movie takes place in Nantucket, Massachusetts, one of the top whaling destinations during that era. Whaling was a huge industry and fiercely competitive. The demand for whale oil was at an all time high. Whaling was a very tough and demanding career and definitely not for the weak of heart!
The seasoned and very qualified Owen Chase (Chris Hemsworth) was hired on as the first mate to assist on the New England whaling ship the Essex, alongside the new and inept Captain George Pollard (Benjamin Walker). They set out to sea during the winter under very tough and dangerous conditions. Under the defiant Captain's orders they plowed right through an incredible storm and sustained an extreme amount of damage to their ship. The captain wanted to return back to Nantucket for the ship's repairs but Owen insisted they continue on their journey.
When they finally come upon the infamous whale colony they encounter "the whale of all whales"! This was not any ordinary whale, this was a whale that defied all description! It was a monstrosity and had a vengeance that no one had ever encountered before. As Owen fought valiantly, he was more determined than ever to take down this behemoth! After a series of most unfortunate circumstances, the crew is left stranded at sea for 90 days with supplies drastically dwindling and feeling like giving up, they must continue and not give up hope. As it becomes a most desperate situation, they are forced to do the unthinkable just to survive.
Parents be advised: This movie is rated PG-13. This was a hard PG-13 solely based on graphics. There are several very graphic depictions of killing, cutting and stripping apart a whale. Not just a little bit of cutting, but a lot!!! All the way to the point of inserting a young fourteen year old boy inside the whale to remove every ounce of oil from its insides.
Also, they have to resort to cannibalism, so this also takes place with a graphic description of how they remove and eat the organs! Not for the faint of heart!!! They kept repeating the same swear words (GD) over several times too.
This was truly an epic adventure directed by Ron Howard. Definitely a "man's-man movie"!
 The graphic scenes were just a bit too much for me. Chris Hemsworth did an outstanding job as usual.
I am giving "In the Heart of the Sea" three bags of popcorn.

The Good Dinosaur

PG
Starring the voices of: Raymond Ochoa, Jack Mc Graw, Jack Bright, Jeffrey Wright,
Frances McDormand and Sam Elliott
Running Time: 1 Hour and 40 Minutes

This is the second Disney Pixar release this year. "The Good Dinosaur" is following on the heels of  the extremely popular "Inside Out".
This movie has a little different spin from the theory that we have always been taught about the comet hitting the earth and destroying all dinosaur life. In this movie the comet misses the earth and so the dinosaurs and the humans coexist at the same time for a totally different perspective.
The baby dinosaur Arlo (Jack McGraw) is hatched into a very loving and supportive family. He learns the importance of survival and being self- supportive. He is taught how to grow corn and harvest it for the year.
He needs to work hard so that he can follow in his family's footsteps and have the honor of putting his paw print on the corn silo alongside his parents and siblings. He soon finds that the work is more difficult than what he ever imagined.
One tragic day he is out alone with his father (Jeffrey Wright) when a horrible storm overtakes them and he is separated from his father. His father perishes and young Arlo finds himself lost and alone.
He encounters a young cave boy named Spot (Jack Bright). Arlo is very reluctant and after a rocky start the two of them form a bond and become the dearest of friends.
This was a very unique and different movie than what I had anticipated from Pixar. I enjoyed it but it was not all that I had hoped for. There were some very serious moments which were quite intense for young viewers. The graphics were incredible and the animation was state-of-the-art which we have all come to expect from a Pixar movie.
Parents be advised: this movie is rated PG, a lot more real-life drama and excitement than I had been  expecting. Young Arlo encountered many difficult situations which could be upsetting for young viewers. He had to deal with separation, death, attacks, bad storms loneliness and heartbreak. I think it is appropriate for children over the age of seven. I took my little four year old grandson and I felt like it was too intimidating for him.
Also, the Pixar short before the movie was sweet but also a little intimidating and scary for young children.
I am giving "The Good Dinosaur" three bags of popcorn.

Spectre

PG-13
Starring: Daniel Craig, Christoph Waltz, Ralph Fiennes. Dave Bautista, Monica Bellucci, Lea Seydoux, Ben Whishaw and Naomie Harris
Running Time: 2 Hours and 28 Minutes

Daniel Craig is back as James Bond, agent 007. And... he is back with a bang! This movie starts out with a gigantic bang and just keeps going from there. It begins on "The Day of the Dead" in Mexico City amongst a whole myriad of unique characters. There is a whole web of intrigue and drama as Bond sets out on a rogue mission to uncover a nefarious organization known as "Spectre".
A new leader, "C" (Andrew Scott) has been assigned to the Centre of National Security in London that Bond questions and isn't quite sure of his intentions. "C" wants to do away with 007's job and change things up. Bond just isn't having any of it and carries on with the help and assistance of Moneypenny (Naomie Harris) and "Q" (Ben Whishaw).
Meanwhile, Bond heads to Rome to uncover a secret meeting where he encounters the head of "Spectre", the diabolical heartless and sinister, Oberhauser (Christoph Waltz) whom Bond actually has a history with!
The plot thickens when bond finds Mr. White (Jesper Christensen) in Austria and pledges to find and protect his beautiful daughter Madeleine Swann (Lea Seydoux) and rescue her from a bad situation.
This movie is filled with suspense, drama, action, intrigue, you name it, it is filled with all the stunts you have come to know and love affiliated with James Bond! Add in very expensive race cars, helicopters and airplanes too.
I thoroughly enjoyed this movie! I maybe didn't enjoy it quite as much as "Skyfall", but it was a very close second for me! I thought Daniel Craig was great and very convincing as Bond.
Parents be advised: This is a PG-13 James Bond movie! There are two different love scenes with two different women that get fairly suggestive. There is also one torture scene that is difficult to watch and a death scene too. There is a lot of action/adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I don't really remember any swearing or cursing.
I am giving "Spectre" four bags of popcorn.

The Peanuts Movie

G
Starring the voices of: Bill Melendez, Noah Schnapp, Hadley Belle Miller, Noah Johnston, Alexander Garfin, Venus Schultheis, Trombone Shorty, Rebecca Bloom, Anastasia Bredikhina, Francesca Capaldi, Kristin Chenoweth, and A. J. Tecce
Running Time: 1 Hour and 33 Minutes

So Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Lucy, Schroeder, Pig Pen, Peppermint Patty and the whole entire Peanuts crew are back, in living 3-D color.
This is the classic and nostalgic Peanuts gang you have come to know, love and enjoy for the past half century. It was interesting to see these little characters back in all their sweet little glory to enjoy again. I feel like this Charles Schulz's next generation really stayed true and very close to the original iconic characters.
A new character surfaces; The Little Red-Haired Girl and rocks Charlie Brown's world. He tries valiantly to impress her but as we all know, things don't come easy for good old Chuck!
 I think how they brought the plot together was sweet and honest to the original series.
Snoopy is back, he spends a fair amount of time trying to write a book about a flying ace and his antics with the Red Baron.
I found this movie to be a sweet and simple road back to the original Peanuts gang. An adorable and tender little movie that the entire family will enjoy. One thing I really appreciated about this movie was that they kept all the original music which I love!
Parents be advised: I found it refreshing that it was wholesome and rated "G"! A movie ideal for any age.
I am giving "The Peanuts Movie" three and a half bags of popcorn.

The Martian

PG-13
Starring: Matt Damon, Jessica Chastian, Jeff Danials, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Donald Glover, Kate Mara, Michael Pena and Kristed Wiig
Running Time: 2 Hours and 21 Minutes

"The Martian" is obviously about space travel and the planet Mars. Matt Damon stars as Mark Watney, both an astronaut and a botanist. He is part of the crew on the manned mission to Mars. While they are on Mars, a very severe storm develops and Astronaut Watney is hit by a large flying object.  He was knocked unconscious, the crew saw no sign of life in him and decide they must abort their mission before their spacecraft sustains any more damage from the intense storm.
Just one small, insignificant issue... Astronaut Watney is still alive!!!
 When he wakes up from his delusional state, much to his horror, he finds himself completely alone! Just a mere 221 million miles from the planet Earth. There is not another mission to Mars planned by NASA for another four more years.
When he is able to get up, he realizes he has been impaled by a large stick or pole, which he needs to remove and treat the wound immediately, (Not really for the faint of heart), it is a pretty gruesome scene. He actually handles the situation very well, shooting off some F-bomb expletives, (quite a few times).. He realizes that he is completely dependent on himself if he intends to survive!
As he heals up, he plans out what he must do to sustain his life and survive in this hostile environment. He only has enough supplies to sustain life for thirty-one days!
He becomes very resourceful and clever. He finds out that he is indeed, very ingenious.
He also tries frantically to try and contact NASA, where eventually, he is successful.
NASA tries frantically to pull strings to send him supplies and also to figure out some way to rescue him.
I don't want to divulge too much of the plot and spoil the movie. I will just say that I thought it was a great, edge of your seat, very entertaining movie.
Matt Damon was excellent as Astronaut Mark Watney. He did an outstanding job!
 There was also some fun humor set against the serious side of the movie as well.
I believe that there will be a lot of comparisons made to the 2013 movie "Gravity" with Sandra Bullock, but, I can also see a little bit of the movie "Castaway" starring Tom Hanks in 2000 as well.
Parents be advised: This is rated PG-13, it is fairly strong subject matter being left all alone on a planet so far away. The F-bomb is dropped multiple times and even spelled out on the NASA computers from all of Astronaut Watney's frustration. Plus, Matt Damon does a total nude shot of his entire back side in one brief scene. I think children ages 13 and over will be entertained by this movie if, they (and their parents) are comfortable with the F-bombs and the nude scene.
I am giving "The Martian" four bags of popcorn.

The Intern

PG-13
Starring: Robert DeNiro, Anne Hathaway, Rene Russo, Anders Holm, JoJo Kushner, Andrew Rannells, Adam DeVine, Zack Pearlman and Christina Scherer
Running Time: 2 Hours and 2 Minutes

It has been such a long time since there has been a good movie in my genre to review. Well... this is the one!
Such a great movie, it really tugs at the heartstrings.
Anne Hathaway stars as Jules Ostin, the young creator and owner of a super fast growing specialty clothing company. Her clothing company ATF, is in dire need of a CEO and someone who can help her with the demands of an up and coming company. Plus she is trying to balance her home life with her husband Matt
(Anders Holm) and her adorable daughter Paige
 (JoJo Kushner).
She and her assistant Cameron (Andrew Rannells) decide to try a different spin and hire a senior intern.
Enter Ben Whittaker (Robert DeNiro) a 70 something year old widower, who is finding that retirement just isn't his cup of tea. He sees the ad and decides to apply for the intern position. Much to his surprise, he is hired and starts immediately. He finds himself in a whirlwind situation where the workforce is nothing like it was when  he was formerly employed. He is working for a company that has only existed for a year and a half and employs around 250 employees. He is surrounded with young millennials who are very casual and laid back. Ben is the consummate professional in every way, he is assigned to be Jules' intern much to her chagrin. He is at her beck and call, he even becomes her driver where they are able to develop a more personal relationship, much like a father/daughter relationship, and it just works!
I found this movie to be so refreshing and uplifting. Such a sweet and tender movie with a lot of fun and comedy too! Robert DeNiro was impeccable as Ben and Anne Hathaway was perfect as the young entrepreneur Jules. Ben also becomes somewhat of a rock-star to all the young employees, especially to Davis (Zack Pearlman), they were great together. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and think you will too.
Parents be advised: This is rated PG-13, but a pretty soft PG-13. However, the F-bomb was dropped once and there was one scene where Ben was getting a small massage in the office by the in-house Masseuse Fiona (Rene Russo) where he gets a little excited (awkward but funny), other than that it was pretty mellow. I think children ages ten and older will be fine with this movie.
I am giving "The Intern" three and a half bags of popcorn.

The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

PG-13
Starring:  Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer, Alicia Vikander, Elizabeth Debicki, Luca Calvni, Sylvester Groth and Hugh Grant
Running Time: 1 Hour and 56 Minutes

This is a perfect throwback to the 1960's, complete with everything being spot-on for that generation. The clothing and fashions were absolutely impeccable. This is a movie made up of absolutely beautiful people! It is loosely based on the original TV series that ran from 1964-1968.
This new movie also uses the two secret agents from the United States and Russia who work for U.N.C.L.E., the acronym for: United Network Command for Law and Enforcement.
Napoleon Solo (Henry Cavill) a professional art thief turned CIA Agent and KGB Agent Illya Kuyakin (Armie Hammer) are trying to stop the neo-nazis from acquiring an atomic bomb. Plus, they both get intertwined with the gorgeous Gaby (Alicia Vikander) who can fix any car and double as a drop-dead fashion model, I didn't quite understand her relationship with agents Solo and Kuyakin. She was paired up with the Russian, but he really didn't seem that interested in her? She also just happens to be the daughter of a long-lost German nuclear physicist. He is her father whom she had not seen for many years. Also, a fun character was Victoria (Elizabeth Debicki), a ruthless soul who plays the part perfectly. She so reminded me of the "Twiggy" era!  The story was a little weak and confusing, but I still enjoyed it. I loved the European scenery and the 60's culture, fashion and make-up, it was a true blast from the past! A fun popcorn movie.
This is definitely not your "007" or "Mission Impossible" caliber, but it is worth seeing just because it is polished with a lot of eye candy and just plain fun.
Parents be advised: "The Man From U.N.C.L.E." is rated PG-13, there is no real objectionable material, some profanity, a little partial nudity and  some violence, but I think children ages ten and over will be fine with this movie.
I am giving "The Man From U.N.C.L.E." three bags of popcorn.

Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation

PG-13
Starring: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, Rebeca Ferguson, Ving Rhames, Sean Harris, Simon McBurney and Alec Baldwin
Running Time: 2 Hours and 11 Minutes

Wow, this movie is non-stop action from the very beginning to the very end. Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) is back, he is definitely back! This is the fifth installment of the "Mission Impossible" series starring Tom Cruise. This begins with Ethan in quite an incredible predicament! I found that this movie just reels you in and holds you tight throughout the entire motion picture.
 Ethan and his team including William Brandt (Jeremy Renner), Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg) and Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames) combine their efforts to take on the Syndicate, a wicked International organization designed to destroy the IMF. At the head of the Syndicate is a very sick and twisted leader, Lane (Sean Harris) who is completely evil and devoid of emotion.
Ethan finds himself caught and being held by some very ruthless and dangerous men who would do anything to get him to talk. A woman by the name of Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson) is also there and takes pity on him. She suddenly jumps into action and helps him out. She allows him to escape and therefore saves his life. There is sequence after sequence of unimaginable action that take place in this movie. I don't want to give to much away with the story on this one, it is just a movie you will have to see to believe. I found the drama and the intrigue were both interesting and exciting.
This is a heart-pounding edge of your seat thrill ride that will take your breath away! There is a scene where Ethan has to hold his breath for three minutes under water that is just unbelievable, and also a motorcycle chase that will leave you breathless.The chemistry between Ethan and Ilsa also really worked for me too. This movie has it all, drama, suspense, intrigue and the "Mission Impossible" theme music. I think this is my favorite of The Mission Impossible movies.
Parents be advised: This is a PG-13 rated movie. There is a lot of violence and some incredible action sequences that are very realistic. I would not advise children under thirteen for this movie. There was one bikini scene and a clothes changing scene but no real sexual innuendos also some mild profanity
I am giving "Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation" four bags of popcorn.

Ant-Man

PG-13
Starring: Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly, Corey Stoll, Michael Pena, Bobby Cannavale, Judy Greer and Abby Ryder Fortson
Running Time: 1 Hour and 57 Minutes

This is the movie Marvel fans have been dying to see with a new super-hero coming to life in
 "Ant-Man", I was also excited to see it and have already seen it twice!
 Paul Rudd stars as Scott Lang, an ex-con  with a Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering. He is battling his way back to regain his ex-wife Maggie's (Judy Greer) respect as well as come clean and try for a new start in life. He would do anything to have the opportunity to be a part of his adorable little daughter Cassie's (Abby Ryder Fortson) life and spend time with her. She is his entire world!
He tries desperately to stay strong and maintain his new found independence. When things don't go his way, he turns to his friend Luis (Michael Pena) who entices him to commit another crime and score (hopefully) big money from the safe of a millionaire. But, when he finally breaks into the super strong 1910 safe, all he finds is the "Ant-Man" suit! Suddenly he hears the voice of Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) telling him "I need you to be the Ant-Man"! Dr. Pym needs Scott Lang/Ant-Man to help him pull off a heist against the evil and corrupt Darren Cross/Yellowjacket (Corey Stoll) his protege. This is when the movie finally gets interesting! Yellowjackect is a dark and sinister character who will stop at nothing to bring his dream to fruition!
"Ant-Man" was a fun movie filled with a lot of comedy.The audience thoroughly enjoyed the humor and laughed throughout the entire movie. This is yet another movie based in San Francisco (I'm beginning to believe that San Francisco is the movie capital of the world)! If you just want to enjoy a fun-filled time escaping reality, this movie is for you. The special effects were great, especially when they transform  Scott Lang from a regular guy to teeny-tiny "Ant-Man". Seeing life from an insects point of view was interesting. Be sure and stay after the movie is over for the two extra scenes-they are  well worth it!
Parents be advised: "Ant-Man" is rated PG-13. I think children ages ten and over will enjoy this movie. There are some scenes with toys (yes toys) where the toys are enlarged and lose control. Thomas The Tank Engine for instance, is blown way up and ends up crashing, it was humorous but could be intimidating for young children. The insects could also be intimidating, but especially the nefarious Yellowjacket, He was a real bad guy!
I am giving "Ant-Man" three and a half bags of popcorn.

Self / Less

PG-13
Starring: Ben Kingsley, Ryan Reynolds, Matthew Goode, Natalie Martinez and Victor Garber
Running Time: 1 Hour and 57 Minutes

The idea behind "Self / Less" is  an intriguing one but it is very unrealistic. The story centers around
Damian (Ben Kingsley) an incredibly wealthy man who has helped to develop the New York skyline and is an infamous Real Estate tycoon. He was diagnosed with terminal cancer and he is desperate to find a way out of his catastrophic death sentence! He finds a top secret company located in New Orleans that can perform a unique and very unbelievable procedure called "body shedding".
Body shedding is a process where you take a human body and stop the heart and then switch the spirit out of that body into another body! You also have to sever all ties with any former family or friends and stage your death.
The understanding that Damian is under, is that if he pays this company two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, he can have this procedure done on him. He anxiously heads to New Orleans to join the brand new body that was cultivated just for his spirit and therefore he can continue to live. He jumps at the opportunity to live forever in a brand new healthy body. When he wakes up after the body shedding occurs he finds himself in the body of the younger Damian (Ryan Reynolds), a man about fifty years his junior. He is informed that the transformation will take some time and that he will have to take a special medicine until it is complete. He finds himself alone in New Orleans with a healthy young body. He plays local street basketball and party's and has affairs with many young women! He finds himself  having flashbacks and major confusion.
He sets out to follow a feeling he keeps having and finds out that the new body he was assigned was actually another human who previously lived and was killed. This ends up being a very convoluted and confusing story to follow. I really wanted to like it, but it made me feel very strange.
Parents be advised: This movie is rated PG-13, but it is a strong PG-13. I would not recommend it for anyone under 13. Young Damian has multiple affairs with many young ladies with suggestive scenes. There is some strong fighting and gun-fighting violence. Also a pretty intense car chase and crash scene that is upsetting. The F-bomb is also dropped once in this movie. It is definitely a thriller which I really was not expecting.
I am giving "Self / Less" two bags of popcorn.