Movies Scheduled for the Week of November 27 - December 3

Hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving and maybe caught up on all the movies you may have missed. It actually seems seasonable weatherwise, so maybe there was some Netflix marathoning going on this weekend. In any event it's a short week for screenings. But as usual keep an eye on your emails because there may be some last minute additions to the schedule.

And as always, please write to the people offering the pass and not to this list. Daina and I do not personally have passes to distribute. You must enter the contests and/or follow the links provided. If any of those redeemable passes are not available, it will say event is full. We don't have any magical codes to give you. You can request help from other members of the group if they have one extra. Just pay it forward the next time.

November 27 - December 3

Monday - November 28

The Space Between - 7:00 pm - AMC Northpark

Tuesday - November 29

Man Down - 7:30 pm - Cinemark 17

Manchester By The Sea

Ben Affleck is Cool and All but Casey is Finally Getting his Due

Opening:
Years ago when Ben Affleck was big in Hollywood no one paid attention to his brother Casey even though he was in some good films. Now, Ben is an established director/filmmaker and Casey is starting to nab these roles that make him shine. This one might launch him as the new Affleck in the public’s eyes. Let’s get reel and break this down.

Plot:
An uncle is forced to take care of his teenage nephew after the boy's father dies.

Directing/Writing

Pros:
Director Kenneth Lonergan brings us an authentic, genuine, and heartbreaking tale about loss and the process of how some people are different when coping with a tragedy. The characters seem realistic and as if you are following real people you would see every day around your community. The communal aspect and intimacy of the town really shines through adding the grounded realism of the story. The characters themselves are always consistent of how they are written and are never melodramatic and over acting. This film prompts me urgently to watch Lonergan’s previous works. I hear Margaret is amazing. The way it also ends really doesn’t sit well with people and just cuts off abruptly. I myself found it to be like real life and how things just happen and we have to deal with them and kind of move on.

Cons:
None.

Acting

Pros:
Casey Affleck is definitely the star and really breaks through to an inevitable Oscar nomination. The raw nature of his performance and hardened character provides thunderous quiet moments and saddening loud moments. He bounces off of Michelle Williams fantastically. Her character is the only one who can break him and that provides us with some heartbreaking scenes. She is only in a few scenes but she makes an imprint on the film. Lucas Hedges, who plays Casey’s nephew, is also a standout providing the angst and frustration of losing a parental figure as a tennager.

Cons:
This isn’t really a con but more an observation. I love Kyle Chandler a lot and he is very good in this film but his performance is slightly under everyone else. I am probably just nitpicking and you can light up your torches now.

Cinematography

Pros:
I am a bit of sucker when it comes to films set on the east coast. This film is no different. The beautiful, blue ocean and the gorgeous fall colors of the landscapes made me want to move there immediately. All the ocean scenes add a layer of calming beauty to the characters and the dialogue.

Cons:
None.

Editing/Special Effects

Pros:
The two hour run-time is non-existent and you are swept up into the tragedies that this family processes and really caring for each individual person. On the surface it might look like a typical family drama, but the performances will transport you into this environment and make you forget you are watching a movie.

Cons:
Despite my love for the film, I am contemplating the re-watch ability of the film. It is heavy and not something I would want to watch all the time. My friend George McCann on Facebook said it best, “This would make a great stage play.” If it was a play, I wouldn’t mind seeing it again.

Overall:
Definitely in my top ten of the year, this is simply one of the best of the year. Step aside Ben, Casey is about to burst through the mainstream with a nomination and I hope Michelle Williams gets one for Supporting Actress as well.

Grade:
A-
(Review by Chase Lee)

Bad Santa 2

The Baddest, Crudest, Santa is F**king Back…Kind of.

Opening:
Bad Santa is an enjoyable, raunchy time around the holiday season in the Chase household. I am kidding; it’s just a decent sized apartment. I was looking forward to the sequel, probably the only one, and I was ok with it. Let’s get reel and break this down.

Plot:
Fueled by cheap whiskey, greed and hatred, Willie teams up once again with his angry little sidekick, Marcus, to knock off a Chicago charity on Christmas Eve.

Directing/Writing

Pros:
There were a few hard hitting moments of laughter but…

Cons:
…the majority of it wasn’t. I would say the comedy was a 70/30 split hit and miss with miss being the ladder. The story itself fits the crazy, dark atmosphere you would expect from a sequel. The characters are as if they never left the roles thirteen years ago. The new comers are fine and bleed into the background with little to no dialogue or character with the exception of Kathy Bates. While not finding her completely funny, I imagine what Willie’s mom was like and I think she nailed it. Another big issue is Thurman Murman, you know, the little kid from the first; he is all grown up here and it feels a bit more cartoonish and awkward than cute and charming. The heart of the film appears too late in this one unlike the first one where it was a good balance.

Acting

Pros:
Say what you want about the comedy, everyone does give 100%. Billy Bob Thornton is crass, crude, and just the way you like your bad Santa. Tony Cox is always great as the loveable elf and Kathy Bates is great as the grizzled mother.

Cons:
The side characters aren’t particularly funny or convincing but then again…this is Bad Santa 2 and the Godfather 2.

Cinematography

Pros:
There was one cool overhead shot towards the end climax.

Cons:
Another big offender is that everything looked like a cheap set and you can definitely tell. The soft lighting and basic set design and art direction sticks out.

Editing/Special Effects

Pros:
At an hour and a half, it isn’t too painful and you can find some enjoyment and entertainment about it.

Cons:
None.

Overall:
As a fan of the first, I was disappointed but the audience I saw it with loved it so there are some people out there that will find some raunchy enjoyment this thanksgiving break.

Grade:
C
(Review by Chase Lee)

Elle

If This Was a Thanksgiving Dinner, Elle Would be the Turkey Carcass Your Dog Chews on for Weeks After

Opening:
Happy Thanksgiving and I hope you have a good week, that headline was for you. Back to the review, I want to pull my hair out after watching this. First let me say that I love Paul Verhoeven and the majority of his films. I can’t tell you how many times I have watched Starship Troopers, Basic Instinct, Total Recall, Robocop, or even the super trashy Showgirls. However, this was a huge misfire. Let’s get reel and break this down.

Plot:
A successful businesswoman gets caught up in a game of cat and mouse as she tracks down the unknown man who raped her.

Directing/Writing

Pros:
None.

Cons:
The subject matter is sensitive and Verhoeven takes it into a stupid, Lifetime movie. I don’t mind fun, trashy films but this was far from it. From the plot, I thought it was going to be a character study of someone re-entering society after a sexual assault, shame on me. The “mystery” of the attacker within is lackluster and comes off as lazy storytelling. The characters are lifeless drones of what a person “should” be and colossally moronic. Even the supporting characters are in and out of the movie and don’t add any substance. On top of that, every character is extremely unlikeable and you are praying for the movie to be done after the “reveal”. The way it also ends is baffling and leaves you to wonder why one of your favorite hard-R directors didn’t deliver.

Acting

Pros:
I guess everyone was trying their hardest even though they probably read the script and had no idea why they signed onto it?

Cons:
None.

Cinematography

Pros:
None.

Cons:
With the dark subject matter, you figure they would be some interesting shot composition and lighting. Well, you had wishful thinking. It’s about as flat and uninteresting as its characters.

Editing/Special Effects

Pros:
The opening scene is gripping and does command your attention but…

Cons:
…everything that follows just makes you want to leave as fast as possible, go home, and ball up in the fetal position because you realize you defend Paul Verhoeven on his other films.

Overall:
I don’t hate Paul Verhoeven or most of his films but when I see something like this I am passionately angry because I admire his other works and they have put joy into my life. Also, if you aren’t a fan of subtitles or foreign films, this is a French film. Just thought I would warn you. I love French films but obviously I don’t care for this one.

Grade:
D
(Review by Chase Lee)

Movies Scheduled for the Week of Nov 20 - Nov 26

Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving. I for one feel very thankful to this group and all the nice people that come to the screenings and help each other out finding passes. I'm thankful to the screening reps and studios that offer so many opportunities to be able to see these films. We are blessed with generous websites that offer passes and make it easy for us to get them. (Remember those days when we had to drive all over town and stand in line?) Y'all stay safe and warm over the holiday and see you on the other side.

November 20 - November 26

Monday-November 21

Moana - 7:00 pm - AMC Northpark
Bad Santa 2 - 7:30 pm - Angelika Dallas and UA Galaxy

Saturday - November 26

Sing - 10:00 am - first 200 people in line at

AMC Grapevine Mills 30 with Dine-In Theatres

AMC Firewheel 18

AMC Stonebriar 24

AMC Irving Mall 14

AMC Highland Village 12

AMC NorthPark 15

AMC Mesquite 30 with Dine-in Theatres

Thanksgiving Weekend's Free "Sing Saturday"

ILLUMINATION ENTERTAINMENT, UNIVERSAL PICTURES AND AMC THEATRES® ANNOUNCE THANKSGIVING WEEKEND’S FREE “SING SATURDAY”


First 200 Moviegoers in Line at 200 AMC Theatres Nationwide Can Enjoy Biggest Advance-Screening Program in Universal’s History

“Sing Saturday” Launches Event Film Starring Oscar® Winners Matthew McConaughey and Reese Witherspoon, as Well as Seth MacFarlane, Scarlett Johansson, John C. Reilly, Taron Egerton and Tori Kelly

AMC Theaters, Universal Pictures will be launching SING SATURDAY on Saturday, November 26 at 200 AMC Theaters locations across the country. SING SATURDAY is a round of free first-come, first-served screenings each starting at 10:00 AM
Several Dallas, Irving, Grapevine, Garland and Mesquite theaters are included.

AMC Grapevine Mills 30 with Dine-In Theatres

AMC Firewheel 18

AMC Stonebriar 24

AMC Irving Mall 14

AMC Highland Village 12

AMC NorthPark 15

AMC Mesquite 30 with Dine-in Theatres


Universal City, CA, November 14, 2016—Illumination Entertainment, Universal Pictures and AMC Theatres today announced a Thanksgiving weekend event for audiences of all ages: “Sing Saturday,” a celebration of free screenings of the new event film from Illumination at 200 AMC Theatres nationwide, on November 26. From the creators of Despicable Me, Sing—in which Academy Award® winners Matthew McConaughey and Reese Witherspoon lead an all-star cast—arrives nationwide on December 21, 2016.

Tickets for “Sing Saturday” screenings are available on a first-come, first-served basis to the first 200 moviegoers in line at participating AMC Theatres on Saturday, November 26 (10 a.m. local time). Audiences are encouraged to bring their family and friends of all ages and experience the film Variety calls “a game changer.” Moviegoers must be in line to receive a ticket for the screening.

“We are so proud that ‘Sing Saturday’ marks the biggest advance-screening program in the history of Universal Pictures and are honored to join AMC as we kick off the holiday season with Illumination’s gift for moviegoers of every generation,” said Nick Carpou, President of Distribution, Universal.

“For the past several years, Sing has been a labor of love for everyone at Illumination, as well as the tireless performers who have poured their hearts into this movie,” said Chris Meledandri, Founder and CEO of Illumination. “We know audiences of all ages will embrace the heart and the humor of this extraordinary film and can’t wait for movielovers to experience Sing over Thanksgiving weekend, throughout the holiday season and beyond.”

“For AMC movie-loving audiences of all ages who have cooked through Thanksgiving Thursday and shopped through Black Friday, AMC is thrilled to offer a holiday-entertainment treat with Sing Saturday,” said Elizabeth Frank, EVP and Chief Content and Programming Officer, AMC Theatres.

For more information and a list of AMC Theatres participating in “Sing Saturday,” please visit www.SingSaturday.com.

About Sing
Illumination has captivated audiences all over the world with the beloved hits Despicable Me, Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, Despicable Me 2 and Minions, now the second-highest-grossing animated movie in history. Following the release of this summer’s comedy blockbuster The Secret Life of Pets, Illumination presents Sing this holiday season.

With its highly relatable characters, heart and humor, the first collaboration between writer/director Garth Jennings (Son of Rambow, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy) and Illumination founder and CEO Chris Meledandri marks the sixth fully animated feature from the studio.

The event film stars Academy Award® winners Matthew McConaughey and Reese Witherspoon, alongside Seth MacFarlane, Scarlett Johansson, John C. Reilly, Taron Egerton and Grammy Award-nominated Tori Kelly.

Set in a world like ours but entirely inhabited by animals, Sing stars Buster Moon (McConaughey), a dapper koala who presides over a once-grand theater that has fallen on hard times. Buster is an eternal—some might even say delusional—optimist who loves his theater above all and will do anything to preserve it. Now faced with the crumbling of his life’s ambition, he has one final chance to restore his fading jewel to its former glory by producing the world’s greatest singing competition.

Five lead contestants emerge: Mike (MacFarlane), a mouse who croons as smoothly as he cons; Meena (Kelly), a timid teenage elephant with an enormous case of stage fright; Rosita (Witherspoon), an overtaxed mother run ragged tending a litter of 25 piglets; Johnny (Egerton), a young gangster gorilla looking to break free of his family’s felonies; and Ash (Johansson), a punk-rock porcupine struggling to shed her arrogant boyfriend and go solo.

Each arrives under Buster’s marquee believing that this is their shot to change the course of their life. And as Buster coaches each of his contestants closer and closer to the grand finale, he starts to learn that maybe the theater isn’t the only thing that is in need of saving.

Featuring more than 65 hit songs, Sing is produced by Meledandri and his longtime collaborator Janet Healy. Together, they have produced all of Illumination’s films since the studio’s inception. Released by Universal Pictures, Sing arrives in theaters on December 21, 2016. www.singmovie.com

About Illumination Entertainment
Illumination Entertainment, founded by Chris Meledandri in 2007, is one of the entertainment industry’s leading producers of event animated films. Illumination, which has an exclusive financing and distribution partnership with Universal Pictures, is the creator of the hugely successful Despicable Me franchise, which includes Minions, the second-highest-grossing animated film of all time, as well as Despicable Me 2, an Academy Award® nominee for Best Animated Feature of 2013. In all, Illumination’s films, which also include the 2016 record breaking The Secret Life of Pets, 2011’s Hop and 2012’s Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, have grossed more than $4 billion in worldwide box-office revenues and feature some of the world’s most renowned talent.

Upcoming films include Despicable Me 3, starring Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig and Trey Parker, which is set for June 2017; and a newly-imagined version of Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas, starring Benedict Cumberbatch in the title role of The Grinch, which is set for November 2018. In addition, “Despicable Me: Minion Rush” (more than 750 million downloads) has become one of the world’s most popular apps, and Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem attracts huge crowds at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood.

About Universal Pictures
Universal Pictures is a division of Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com). Universal Studios is part of NBCUniversal. NBCUniversal is one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group and world-renowned theme parks. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

About AMC Theatres
AMC (NYSE: AMC) is the guest experience leader with 388 locations and 5,295 screens located primarily in the United States. AMC has propelled innovation in the theatrical exhibition industry and continues today by delivering more comfort and convenience, enhanced food & beverage, greater engagement and loyalty, premium sight & sound, and targeted programming. AMC operates the most productive theatres in the country’s top markets, including No. 1 market share in the top three markets (NY, LA, Chicago). http://www.amctheatres.com.

Bleed For This

Great Performances KO the Ironically Weak Story

Opening:
I love a good old fashion underdog story, especially when involves boxing. However, this has to be one of the flattest boxing films I have seen and the actors and actresses are trying their hardest. Let’s get reel and break this down.

Plot:
The inspirational story of World Champion Boxer Vinny Pazienza who, after a near fatal car crash, which left him not knowing if he'd ever walk again, made one of sport’s most incredible comebacks.

Directing/Writing

Pros:
Everything outside of the boxing ring is well done in terms of grounding it in a gritty, urban reality. I felt like we were dropped in on a real family somewhere on the east coast. Yes, it’s a standard boxing film and some of the tropes are there but for it being the most inspirational comeback in sports history…

Cons:
…it was dull. Going with the overall story, it was lifeless and there is no emotional weight to any events, characters, or fights. Everything feels rushed and felt like just random scenes put together with no gravitas to anything. The characters are one-dimensional and you never feel like you know them. They are never explored and feel like cardboard cutouts despite it being based on real life people.

Acting

Pros:
One of the shining moments is Miles Teller and Aaron Eckhart. There performances, regardless of how they are written, are fantastic and I wish the story matched their commitment. Some great line delivery from both parties makes up some of the few scenes that actually work. Everyone else is fine at best.

Cons:
None.

Cinematography

Pros:
All the shooting within the cities are great and make you feel like you are there back in the 80’s and early 90’s having a real sense of community within the neighborhood.

Cons:
The actual fights are filmed pretty poorly. Listen, I don’t mind shaky cam but this was too much. There weren’t any sweeping, visceral, or gritty shots to really suck you in mentally and emotionally within the fights.

Editing/Special Effects

Pros:
I guess the two hours didn’t seem too boring?

Cons:
It does feel longer than it should because it feel lifeless and the jumbled nature the scenes cut together with the fights are jarring and the transitions are rushed.

Overall:
Not a bad boxing film but also not very good. It is down the middle for me but I will give the slight edge upward for the performances.

Grade:
C+
(Review by Chase Lee)

Nocturnal Animals

This Year’s Mulholland Drive…Don’t Worry That’s a Great Thing.

Opening:
The cat’s out of the bag, I am a huge David Lynch fan and I pretty much fall in love with anything that can match that man’s surreal and bizarre storytelling style. Nocturnal Animals came close to it and every single second of it was engrossing. Let’s get reel and break this down.

Plot:
An art gallery owner is haunted by her ex-husband's novel, a violent thriller she interprets as a veiled threat and a symbolic revenge tale.

Directing/Writing

Pros:
Director Tom Ford brings us a delightfully nightmarish movie that will have you hooked and leave feeling cold when it’s done. I regretfully missed his freshman effort in 2013 A Single Man and now I am kicking myself for it. The way Tom tells this story is masterful. There are little hints of multiple genres including: Suspense, Thriller, Mystery, even a bit of Horror and Dark Comedy for good measure. None of the genres or tones conflicted with each other making a hell of a ride and great theater experience. Mixing all those genres fluently makes for great direction. Ford also plays with the audience and blurring the line of reality and fiction making the journey mind bending and intriguing. The characters are rich, for the most part, and take you along this journey that won’t soon forget. I don’t want to talk about it anymore as this is a movie to go into blind.

Cons:
Not going to lie, people might be turned off from the opening credits. It did go on a bit too long and was definitely a bumpy start to the film. Some of characters barely have anything to do and felt a bit underdeveloped. But that’s ok; it made up for the amazing characters that the story built around.

Acting

Pros:
Everyone, I would argue, delivers one of the better performances of their careers. Whether it be Amy Adams and her cold, isolated character that conveys emotions through her eyes, Jake Gyllenhaal’s transformation to seek revenge, Aaron Taylor-Johnson convincingly disgusting and awful character, or Michael Shannon’s badass detective character, everyone shines and I wouldn’t be surprised if one or all got nominated.

Cons:
Like I said above, some actors have one or two scenes that really didn’t do much with their characters or performances.

Cinematography

Pros:
Every scene and some distinct shots are absolutely beautiful. The dreamlike atmosphere conjures up some gorgeous imagery that could be a painting. The colors are vibrant and the shooting techniques make this story pop out even more and suck you into this world. The music also adds another sophisticated layer to the surreal nature of the cinematography really sweeping you up in the moment.

Cons:
None.

Editing/Special Effects

Pros:
For being almost two hours, I was never bored and completely invested in everything that was going on. The white-knuckled tension throughout the film made me move up to the edge of my seat a few times in anticipation of the unknown.

Cons:
Like I mentioned above, the opening credits might turn some people off and seem a bit rough to get going. I will even admit that I was worried once it started but after the credits all was well.

Overall:
This will be in my top ten of the year. It’s a surreal journey that never lets up with its tension and brilliant storytelling. If you do not like bizarre films that have a non-linear structure then you probably won’t like this. I might be bias because I love this type of filmmaking but even though the ending left me cold, empty, and stunned I still wanted to jump back into it immediately and experience it again. My grade might go higher but for now I will give it…

Grade:
A
(Review by Chase Lee)

Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk

A lot has been said of Ang Lee’s unprecedented shooting and projection frame rate of 120 frames per second in 3D at 4K HD resolution. It’s the first film to be shot at such a high frame rate Lee wanted the film to be “immersive and realistic”. Unfortunately, the special equipment needed to view this new tech is only available in New York City, Los Angeles and in China. So, everyone else must settle for just a 2D format. There were also issues the filmmakers had to deal with using the high resolution which meant the actors could not wear makeup. Special silicone based makeup that can see through the skin was used to even out skin tone. Lighting had to use different approaches, and the actors could give nothing less than authentic performances.

Dallas’s own Ben Fountain wrote the novel of the same name in 2012 which received numerous positive reviews and several year-end awards. The screenplay written by Jean-Christophe Castelli may be serviceable to the novel, but the story is somewhat simplistic. Bravo Squad has been brought back to the States to embark on a victory tour to plug the war after a cell phone recording of their brave actions in Iraq go viral. Suddenly, Specialist Billy Lynn (Joe Alwyn) from small town Texas is a big time hero. A mantle that which he is not entirely comfortable. He recalls that day as the worst in his life when he lost his sergeant an Eastern philosophy spouting Yoda known as Shroom (Vin Diesel). The culmination of this tour before they are shipped back to war, is to appear in a big half time show production with Destiny’s Child.

The absurdity of their whole situation is held in check by Sgt. David Dime (Garrett Hedlund). He sees a leadership quality to Billy Lynn who is conflicted by his sister Kathryn (Kristen Stewart) who wants him to walk away from it all after the show. Meanwhile producer Albert (Chis Tucker) is fielding offers of a movie made of the squad with Hillary Swank in Billy’s role. Enticing the team of a possibly big pay out if a movie is made. The big Thanksgiving Dallas Cowboy game is organized by millionaire owner Norm Oglesby (Steve Martin), a slick greasy mover and shaker who is only concerned about the big event without thought that these young men are leaving the next day like this never happened.

There is interplay on those who truly are thankful for the soldiers and their sacrifices and those who just want to beat the snot out of them. Billy also finds love in a Christian Cowboy’s cheerleader who may be more attracted to him as a hero. Billy was confused and uncentered when he came back to the states for the tour, but somehow by the end he finds his real place in life. Without having the special 3D high def to bring to the table, even the excellent performances can’t make this movie anything remarkable. It would probably be better to read the book.
(Review by reesa)

Movies Scheduled 11/13-11/19

Hopefully back to normal. So I can help out more.

It is the week before Thanksgiving. Where did the year go?

So since I am back if you have any questions please email me at damitdaina@hotmail.com.


Sunday Nov. 13th


Monday Nov. 14th

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them AMC Northpark
The Edge of Seventeen Cinemark 14 Denton


Tuesday Nov. 15th

The Edge of Seventeen Alamo Dallas
Nocturnal Animals Angelika Dallas


Wednesday Nov. 16th

The Space Between Us AMC Northpark
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them AMC Northaprk
Bleed For This AMC Northpark


Thursday Nov. 17th


Friday Nov. 18th


Saturday Nov. 19th

Movies Scheduled 11/6-11/12

Hopefully this weeks I will get the movies on the right date.


Now I know we all get excited and try hard to get that movie pass. Please take the time to read the link we send out. We normally send out links that work we look and see what and where when we can.


I am still not around a whole lot but if need something I will try to help. Email me at damitdaina@hotmail.com


Sunday Nov. 6th


Monday Nov. 7th

The Edge of Seventeen Cinemark Denton
Almost Christmas Angelika Dallas
The Arrival AMC Northpark


Tuesday Nov. 8th

The Edge of Seventeen AMC Northpark
Loving Magnolia


Wednesday Nov. 9th

The Space Between Us TBA


Thursday Nov. 10th

Shut In Cinemark 17


Friday Nov. 11th


Saturday Nov. 12th

Moonlight

Get Your Moonscreen Because Moonlight Burns So Good

Opening:
Have you ever walked out of a movie feeling like you just watched something of cinematic greatness? When I leave a theater, I love to say, “This is why I love movies”. Well, folks, this film provokes that statement. Let’s get reel and break this down.

Plot:
A timeless story of human connection and self-discovery, Moonlight chronicles the life of a young black man from childhood to adulthood as he struggles to find his place in the world while growing up in a rough neighborhood of Miami.

Directing/Writing

Pros:
This is a story that is timeless and that everyone can relate too. Whether you are being bullied, figuring out whom you are and your sexuality or just trying to fit in, everyone can relate but the film also breaks new grounds with main character. The main lead lives in a poor neighborhood, is black, and gay, and considering our history as a species I am glad this film is showcasing a character like this to show people with closed off minds that there are more, realistic movie characters out there that isn’t a white frat kid from the most recent college fraternity film. Told in three short films essentially, director Barry Jenkins gives us an emotional ride with a beautiful love story and perfect, realistic character arcs we immediately invest in from the opening frame.

Cons:
None.

Acting

Pros:
Everyone is wonderful and give subtle, yet strong performances. I felt everything from these characters and bought every single pieces of dialogue throughout. I also noticed the use of facial expressions and the acting of eyes that provide the subtlety. That sometimes is more powereful than any word spoken.

Cons:
None.

Cinematography

Pros:
There is a gorgeous, golden glow that kind of adds a classic look to it. The environments felt real and grounded and adding a delicate touch to the characters that inhabitant it.

Cons:
None.

Editing/Special Effects

Pros:
Running at around an hour and fifty minutes, the story and flow is tight and concise without any wasted frames. It had the flow of a touching symphony and you are sucked in the whole time caring about everything happening.

Cons:
I wish it was longer. I know it’s a weird complaint but I could have watched a three hour long cut of it.

Overall:
There is nothing more to say, this film is exquisite.

Grade:
A+
(Review by Chase Lee)

Trolls

Trolls Try to Troll Us into Thinking it’s a Good Movie

Opening:
Willy Wonka gets super depressed and eats a bunch of his candy and pukes up colorful, candy vomit. The colorful vomit represents this movie; pretty gross, right? Let’s get reel and break this down.

Plot:
A troll princess and her companion, the one unhappy troll tries to rescue her friends from being eaten by their nemeses.

Directing/Writing

Pros:
The directors play with the theme of being yourself and staying true to who you are and don’t change to impress anyone. This is a really great lesson for kids to learn. And I might be crazy for thinking this but in the film the creatures that want to eat the trolls to be happy correlate with greed and how people think money will make them happy but deep down it won’t fix anything and you will feel more depressed. Like I said, that is a stretch of a theme but I did notice it. I did enjoy some of the innuendo for adults sprinkled throughout but it isn’t enough.

Cons:
This film offers nothing new or creative in the animated genre. With a year filled with Zootopia, Finding Dory, and Kubo and The Two Strings, this is sub-par at best. The story itself is nothing exciting and the premise is stretched thin with humorless scenes and musical insertions that are more of a distraction instead of an enhancement. The re-watchability is non-existent and I have no desire to re-watch it and I think kids wouldn’t even want to re-visit it as well. It is about as vapid as kid’s entertainment gets and is simply an hour and half distraction to place in front of your children so you can go to the grocery store in peace.

Acting

Pros:
I guess everyone is serviceable? Here is the deal, you could replace the big name actors and you wouldn’t be able to tell. This isn’t a film that warrants big names. The songs themselves are catchy, even though there is no point to them, and Justin Timberlake and Anna Kendrick sing them well

Cons:
None.

Cinematography

Pros:
The colorful nature of the world of Trolls is good eye candy and can be visually appealing. Even with the village of the creatures eating the Trolls is gloomy and depressing but captures a fairy-tale type of atmosphere. The animation itself is crisp, clear, and detailed providing the experience as…not as bad.

Cons:
None.

Editing/Special Effects

Pros:
For a child, it could be a swift hour and a half…

Cons:
…for adult can be a drag especially with the thin, lifeless story and the comedy that doesn’t hit.

Overall:
This might be one of the worst ones of the year for me. Listen, as a kid, I am sure it will be fine but as an adult, especially with animated films this year, it is a chore to sit through.

Grade:
D+
(Review by Chase Lee)

Christine

Rebecca Hall Shines in a Tragic but Very Good Film

Opening:
Dealing with this story and subject matter, it has to be delicate on how it is presented. While I was expecting excellence, I still ended up with a very good film. Let’s get reel and break this down.

Plot:
The story of 1970s TV reporter Christine Chubbuck.

Directing/Writing

Pros:
The Chubbock family has expressed disinterest in a film based around one of the most infamous suicides involving their family member. For the most part, the direction is well done capturing the era and tragic nature of the story without exploiting it. However, there is one big thing about this film that separates it from greatness…

Cons:
…the story is ultimately thin, yet engaging. The thing is the movie itself is good but it is completely missing that emotional depth that I thought it was going to have. Christine Chubbock is portrayed and acted very well but I never felt like the director explored her depression or her as a person enough to have an emotional grip when that final moment happens.

Acting

Pros:
Rebecca Hall is by far the best thing about the movie and really sinking into Christine as a person providing smaller, quitter moments that are very effective. If the story around her was as strong, her performance would be even better.

Cons:
The supporting cast around her is fine but nothing special.

Cinematography

Pros:
I am a sucker for anything set in the 70’s. The colors from the costumes, props, and sets really pop out providing for an eye candy experience and this is no different. And sticking with times, there is a golden glow that illuminates around and within the frame to really highlight the decade.

Cons:
None.

Editing/Special Effects

Pros:
Running at about two hours, I wish it was longer to explore a bit more within the characters but it runs swiftly as is.

Cons:
None.

Overall:
As a biopic and based on a real event, it’s good enough and is powered by a great performance, which I firmly believe an Oscar nomination is not out of the question, but falls short for me. I still recommend it.

Grade:
B+
(Review by Chase Lee)