Jennifer Lawrence is a wonderful actress. She brings something different to every role she’s been in, and it’s even more magical when she works with directors she knows like Francis Lawrence. You can tell there were moments that brought her out of her comfort zone, and she’s used that to bring a realness to the character.

This film is tense, and even if it might be a little long, it’s an interesting ride. Not only is Lawrence brilliant, but so is Joel Edgerton, and when they are together there is a give-and-take present that helps move the story along.

I do feel this movie should have received more praise, for it was a good thriller.

I loved the book JUMANJI when I was little, and really enjoyed the first movie. I wasn’t too thrilled in the idea of a remake, even if my favorites (Johnson and Gillan) were in it. Granted, I knew I was going to see it because of those two, but I wasn’t expecting that this movie would blow everything I thought I knew out of the water.

The source material is based on a board game, and in the 21st century, that is a relic. I loved how they updated the premise, and they didn’t any of the brilliance of the original story in the process. The little details they added, not only honoring the original game, but elements of video games were fun.

I mean, this was just a fun, laugh out loud movie that I will gladly see again.

Dear Dictator is not your typical teen comedy, and deserves proper attention as a great film. Under the surface there are elements of finding the truth within yourself and not being afraid to express that, but also a healthy dose of comedic charade. It’s not hard to have fun with this film, and in our current state they are a blessing. 

One of the best surprises is how wonderful Caine is in this film. Most film goers can list off a handful of his films within seconds, with each one consisting of a smooth and debonair character. Even as deplorable dictator, Caine finds a way to be awkward and oblivious in Dear Dictator. A tyrannical character like this not only adds humor but also a new dimension to the film, as well as Caine himself. It’s an interesting take on a character like this, yet it doesn’t make what he’s doing in his home country any less horrible. It’s a nice balance, one that you can sense Addario and Syracuse spent respectful time on to get right.

This movie is everything. I heard how amazing it was from the internet and family, but I was not ready for how much it truly was.

There is so many elements of this film that are beyond cinematic. The way he plays with the sense, not only audio but sight. It’s one of those film that you can’t stop thinking about. For days i kept thinking about the film, not only the heartbreakingly beautiful plot but the tension.

Oh, the tension. So well done. It’s not horror, but it is. It’s a new horror, praying on our deepest fears and forcing us to confront them. Vulnerability at it’s height, there are many layers to this story that you can spend an entire class unfolding.

I hope Krasinski continues to direct, and I can’t wait to see what he does in the next one.

Right from the beginning, Shigeno and Tomita unfold the emotional connect ramen has on both chef and patron. It’s hard not to draw similarities to both chicken soup and the film Like Water for Chocolate, and the film becomes much less of a regional documentary than a cultural connectivity we have with tradition. The tone is secured by the captivating line, “If the person making the ramen is happy, the end result will be happiness.”

It goes beyond the chef, though, even if your respect for Tomita and his accomplishments in the food genre continue to grow throughout the film. The variety of ramen dishes is extensive, but it’s always honorable and representative of the chef behind the recipes. It’s fascinating to witness, but what blew me away more was the modest price Tomita charges. It truly proves that you are engaging an audience to travel down a food journey with the outcome being joy, price doesn’t have to be extravagant. This also goes for the chefs who want to keep their recipes secret, which Tomita points out; the ones that hide ingredients are nothing fancy, and the ones that are fancy have nothing to hide.

The world of ramen isn’t only broken down in the dish itself in Ramen Heads, but in every detail that surrounds it. Ramen isn’t a for-the-masses dish, it’s about the individual and the restaurant area that reflects that. With so much detail going into the meal, each one is different, prepared for the person at that time, which explains why these shops are small and restrictive. This opened my eyes to the Austin shop, and my snobbiness melted away to be replaced by respect. A traditional ramen place doesn’t focus on the scratch portion of the meal, but the unique experience available.

This film was way overdue to be added to the list. 

First off, Sam Rockwell is amazing. He's always been amazing, bringing a freedom to complicated characters in everything that he does. However, what he is able to do in a film where it's just him, is mindblowing.

This is one of those films, unfortunately, that the main situation in the movie wasn't held secret.  I usually try to stay away from the internets when it comes to movies I still want to see, and thankfully that avoidance kept most of the really important stuff a secret. This is one of those movies that is best to go into blind, but if you hear something it still doesn't ruin it for you if you don't look too much into it.

The brilliance of this movie is the simplicity. It's a heavy story, lots of movie points and situations, but they never try too hard to explain it all to you. You are able to figure it out and understand everything in due time, it's never forced.

It's a great movie, and one I'll be watching again.

I loved the book when I was little, and I was interested when I heard it was changed into a film. Not totally excited, I don't think all books need to be made into a film, but whatever.

This is one of those cases when a book needed to be left alone. Sure, Ferdinand is adorable, but the reality behind the story, what happens to the bulls in the ring, is kind of fucked up. I don't believe a child should be dealing with such a controversial topic with adorable animals. Yeah, I know the end revolved around that, but still. I don't know if it handled it the way it should have been.

I don't know, maybe I'm going too deep into it, but I wasn't too big of a fan of this movie. The voice talent was great, at least. I want Tennant to do All the Voices!

I finally got a chance to see this movie, and I really did love it. 

It is a great mother-daughter movie, it's realistic and doesn't really hide the complexity that is in most relationships. I was told to watch it because I have such a great relationship with my mother, and even though I think I have a healthier one that in the film, there was a lot of things I could relate to.

My two favorite pieces of the film are when they are shopping. 1) they argue about being passive-aggressive and dragging her feet, then immediately change when they find the perfect dress, and 2) when she tries on a prom dress and the mother doesn't say the right thing. I have been there many times. I also saw the movie with my mom, and we both loved and smiled at those scenes. It was nice to actually see a close complicated relationship.

I'm excited to see what Gerwig continues to write-direct, she has a beautiful way of trapping reality and fiction in the storyline that leads to truth. And Saoirse Ronan is amazing!! I love everything that she does.

I really don't know why it took me so long to see this movie. I knew I was going to enjoy it, and I also knew I was going to relate to it. I guess it's better late than never.

This is one of those great examples where real culture is showcased but not in a stereotyped way. For me, that line is always so hard to walk, especially since what I know of the Latin culture (Mexico, primarily) is accurately portrayed most of the time. However, there is something beautiful when it's seamless and effortless. I could imagine visiting this house, that this was my family's house, and I knew the hardships.

Thankfully my mother never made me feel like that, but that doesn't mean I didn't get those looks from other family members. It's such an interesting culture when you're on the cusp of a new generation. I do believe this is a movie that is perfect for it's time, and it may not be able to be replicated/fully understood by this generation, but it is a great example of what was.

My review of this film will go more into detail about my thoughts on the film, but for now, I'll keep it simple.

The concept of belief is a powerfully personal situation, and I think this film did an interesting job opening that up and examining the smallest portion of what this means to people.

"Belief is all we have," and if we believe anything is possible.

Recently I've adopted a "limited information" block on the Marvel properties. I want to go into it knowing as little as possible. Most of them have great writers and plots that unfold in a unique way, and I don't want to deprive myself of that journey. Jessica Jones S2 is exactly like that. I saw one trailer, freaked out with the purple light, and couldn't wait until it was released. It was beyond what I was expecting and unfolded in an interesting way.

It's hard to pick a favorite Marvel hero/antihero, but for many reasons, I think Jessica is becoming my favorite. There are portions of personality that I wish were my own, and others that I battle along with her. This season really opened up her as a character, her hardships, and pain, and it presented her in an even more human way that I would have ever imagined. I'm really fascinated by the way Netflix lets these stories unfold, and I love that they can do what they wish.

I love the fact that this was developed by a woman, that S2 have all women directors, and that women characters show their diversity and complexity in a variety of ways. This is one of the best examples of what women can do, who we are, and what we can become; all the while never making it a point to hammer those details into the ground. It's just beautiful. 

I hope one day I can create a wonderful female character and world like JJ.

I've had a revelation, I'm now a firm believer that action movies, the ones that are built around action elements, should be directed by Stunt Coordinators/Choreographers. These talented people know all the workings of an action sequence, the way the body moves, the way the camera moves and can blend them together to make something magical.

Let's face it, there is something magical about 87 Eleven, period. This stunt team knows how to manipulate the body in such a way that it is equal realistic pain and beautiful visuals. It's hard to do, but they have mastered it. It's always a joy to watch these movies, not only as an action fan who loves great sequences but as a film fan who is going to look at them with a judging eye. Besides, they put together a great cast.

They know how to play to each of these actors strengths, and it's awesome to watch. (I have added a training session with 87 Eleven to my bucket list.) It's this attention to physicality and action that creates one magical sequence in their films. John Wick 1 &2 has it's scenes (for me; Keanu vs Adrianne and Keanu vs Common, respectfully), and in Atomic Blonde it was the building scene.

The use of the camera, the close-ups, which originally contradicted my appreciation for the 87 Eleven directors and their choice of pulling the camera back, but then I realized it worked because it was Charlize and it was the use of seamless cuts. This scene was not only brutal, but it was stunning.

I've always been an action nerd, but working with IDTV has revealed a new side of my appreciation for these films. I'm seeing them in a new light, understanding the people beyond the stunts, and loving these films in an even fuller way. The best action movies are the ones that have something hiding under the genre, and this one is just that.

When you have the main cast as powerful as this one, Morgan Freeman--Alan Arkin--Michael Caine, you know you are going to get a great film. I wouldn't necessarily say this is the best film that they've been in, but it's enjoyable.

They do touch on a lot of issues that the Senior population face, some that I deal with on a daily basis with my mother, so there are a lot of things that are relatable. Because of that, I believe this film is geared more towards the Baby Boomers, but that doesn't mean everyone else can't understand the troubles.

While it is fun to watch a humorous film about these issues, sometimes I felt that those issues were made too comical. These issues cause a lot of pain for a lot of people, and I don't know how I feel about it being made into a comedy. Then again, we can't heal and get through issues unless we find the humor in our situations. We have to find the light somewhere to guide us through the murk.

I also didn't know Zach Braff directed this. I like the fact that it wasn't made to be a "Zach Braff production." 

Bio movies can be hard to do, and there is so much information to put into a 2-hour film. At times, ELIS feels rushed, but because of the determination and passion Elis Regina had for her craft it worked.

I was not familiar with her music but was blown away. She had a beautiful voice, so much power in her tiny frame. Her story is tragic and yet so common, but you were following her heart.

I will be looking for her records, I want to relive her passion when I need to find my way.

Besides the connection to history, the film immediately draws in your attention. From the gently yet firm use of narration to explain the settling, this world is presented in brutal realism. A painting is shown before you, and regardless of your emotional state, you’re intrigued to find out more. The intrigue continues to come from the beautiful way the story and characters are introduced in the film. It’s not long that you forget you are watching a drama about war and sport, and all emotional attention falls to these prisoners and the struggles they endured to survive.

It’s this heart that adds an even more emotional tone to the historical content of the film. As all history deserves its time in lore, these stories can also inspire the next wave of generations. The comaraderie between these Boer soldiers, and what they were able to accomplish in their situation, is inspiring. The end may be bleak, but that does not mean the journey has to be.

There is something about the movies from New Zealand, they always have this energy of love and possibility swirling around them. Even with serious situations, there seems to be optimism, it's just fun to watch.

Not to mention their comic timing is on point!

This movie was entertaining and unexpected. The progression of the film was realistic, yet there was always this fantasy realm lurking off to the side. I don't know, I just love it. 

It's a remake of 1980 film called GOODBYE, PORK PIE, which was written by the writer-director's father, and that I love that trivia. While I haven't seen the original, I will make a point to try.

This film is beautifully heartbreaking. It tackles so many issues, making them resonate with the viewer without being in your face. It's just powerful.

I'm working on an interview, so there will be more exploration soon.

Man, this film. It's starting to get a little weird (or just means I'm getting old) that all these news stories from my youth are starting to make it into films, and like with most of them, I had no idea about a chunk of the details.

I think they did a great job in making the story seem tragic, which it is, but also add a little bit of ridiculousness, cause it is. All the while stating very plainly that this was going to be told from the different perspective involved, even if the main one was Tonya's.

Beyond all of that, though, what they were able to accomplish with Margot Robbie and the cinematography (thank you Nicolas Karakatsains) was fascinating!

The way the tension builds is the other. The tension isn’t thrown at you, it’s not flashy or cause for spectacle. Thrillers sometimes tend to overdo the mood of the film, becoming heavy handed in the way they want the audience to feel. They Remain is the opposite, it allows for the unknown to cast a shadow around the film, creating an environment in which the audience decides what is real and what is occult.

There is a downside, though, to keeping the audience in relative darkness. With the lack of distinction on what the course of action the film is taking, there are moments of confusion in trying to figure out the placement of the plot. Vagueness is good in building tension, but when things start to take an eccentric turn, the audience has to catch up in understanding what exactly is going on. In those moments, you are taken out of the story as you try to put the puzzle back together.

I was kind of excited, well many more very interested about this movie. It was written as if it was a newer The Others, which is such a great film. Sadly, I was disappointed.

It had a lot of good points, but it has more points that I was not thrilled about. For someone who isn't so much of a horror/gothic tale, I need more to draw me in than what was in this film.

This was definitely a fun film with beautiful choreography.

Filmmaking is not an easy task. There are a variety of people that are needed, and if you’ve ever watched the end credits you understand that this list is not minute. Each and every one of these creative people are immensely talented and are needed to bring a film to life. One art that doesn’t get enough recognition is the art of Foley Sound, in which an individual brings sound to life on film using random objects and their craft of sound.

The film does a great job venturing into the history of Foley and a film trade, one that I was fascinated to learn about. Sometimes it’s hard to imagine a world without the modern requirements of film, when in reality the beginning of the film industry was not really that long ago in our overall history. The film is full of examples of Foley in classic films, pulling the curtain away to reveal the tricks that were used in beloved films.

The most amazing thing about this show is the format. It's a deep and complicated story, but each episode is only 20 minutes.

You think the episodes are just filler in between the difficult moments of their situation, but there is so much more than that. Each and everything in these episodes is important to the story and or the characters. I was impressed.

The story moved, and it was logical, even if it was a bad situation after another. You never felt like it was just drama after drama, but you understand what they were going through and how they got into this situation.

It's dark, don't get me wrong, but if you allow yourself to look beyond that, it's so much more.

Beautiful, Powerful, Entertaining....fucking amazing.

Man, this show. I was told very little by people and knew even less from the media, and I'm happy I went into it like that. There are so many layers to this saga, that the audience really needs to experience it on their own.

I loved how diverse the casting was, how amazing each of them was in their own way, making their characters incredibly important for the entire series.

It's also one that needs to be watched multiple times. Not only will you notice and experience something new, but it's just entertaining to watch.

I love this show so much! 

I think this season is better than last, but that might be because we saw Brianna more. (She's my spirit animal.)

It also dealt with issues that I appreciated. I have parents that are older, and some of the things they touched on are things I worry and think about all the time. Although, I don't think my mom would hit a cop car while driving a scooter drunk, even if it would be hilarious.

These aren't things the kids like to deal with, and are even scarier for the parents who are going through it. The beauty about this show is to show aging gracefully, and with spunk. If these ladies can sell vibrates at 70, why can't my mom do it too! (Well, in my mom's world it's vintage and nerd inspired sewing merchandise.)

I enjoyed the first one, and the cast is great with Harrelson, Ruffalo, and Caplan, and even Radcliff....but the film was just blah.

I feel like it tried too hard to recapture the glory and awe of the first one. The tricks had to be bigger, yes, but in doing so the logic and believability went out the window.

You went along with it more for the fact that it was presented and easier to digest than really being interested in how the characters set everything up.

Even with just following I felt lost, though. It was too big of a concept and not enough heart to make me care about this installment. I'm not looking forward to a 3, I don't even think there should be one!

Oh, my goodness. 

I love these movies, they are ridiculous, and they know it. It's adrenaline shot directly into your veins. It got so much better when The Rock joined, but still, I love them.

However, this film.....
This was the biggest ego trip I have ever seen in this franchise, and that's saying a lot. I'm pretty sure if you've seen the movie you know who I'm talking about.

I do feel it should have ended with  7, RIP Paul Walker, but it was not in the cards. This whole movie felt like it was trying to grasp at something that wasn't there. Maybe it was because a big piece of the heart was missing, or it was trying to change it to be something it's not.

I'm also tired of some of the same old tricks with the crew. We get the roles they play, but come on, development is needed.

I will say this, though, When the Rock--Statham movie comes out, you better believe I will be in the theater for that one.

I would never have watched this movie if it wasn't for my mom and bestie. They ended up watching it cause nothing else was on, but loved it. So, I decided to give it a try and watch it.

The best part of watching this movie was watching it with my mom. She kept laughing, commenting on how much she loved it, and would even laugh before the joke/scene happened. For once, the tables were turned.  There has been more than one occasion that I have showed my mom a movie I love and waited for her to love just as much as I do. It was nice to watch a film in which she was the one showing me her humor.

In general, though, it was cute. Andy Samberg is always hilarious, and the Wolves are amazing. I wasn't aware of Stephen Kramer Glickman, but he was my favorite as Pigeon Toady.

Well, this was certainly a PTA-DDL film. I think even after 12 plus hours I'm still processing the film.

It was beautiful. Yes, the film was presented in the world of gown making, but the elegance goes beyond the fabric and form of the dress creations. The way the camera was able to guide like fabric in a breezy through the scenes was breathtaking. The way the camera slowly zoomed into the frame, allowing the audience to become more and more intimate with our hosts as we partake in their lives.

There was something very intimate with this film, not only through the delicate camera movements.  One might think that taking clothes off is seductive, but watching someone dress, or be dressed by someone, is one of the most carnal experiences one can share with someone. Clothes do not just sit on the body, especially during this time. It clings to every curve and drapes the frame, creating an image that is unlike the one next to it. Clothes hide secrets in its fabric, concealing flaws and desires.

Intimacy, relationships, and independence bleed throughout. It's about how things can be co-dependent and independent at the same time, and the passion that bridges those two together.

Then again, I'm still processing the many layers of this film. There is something to say about great collaborations, and the PTA-DDL one is brilliant.

I love the first one and I didn't know if there needed to be a sequel.

Z2 was a ridiculous film, more than I have seen in a very long time. However, it's exactly what it should have been. There is no way that a sequel to Zoolander is supposed to make sense. 

It's fun, doesn't make any sense, ridiculous, and really entertaining.

Sometimes when you aren't feeling good you need to watch movies that are feel good.

I mean, sure, it's a bit over dramatic and I kept thinking about the 70s version of this movie called Boy in the Plastic Bubble but it was an entertaining movie. It is a bit frustrating, I had to admit, that there are always really great teenage guys in these movies. I knew like 2 of them in high school that could be cast in one of these movies/books. Then again, I guess that's what makes them escapes.

Trivia Point: I think the end bookstore was shot in one that I've been to in Vancouver. There's a really great breakfast place around the corner, too

I couldn't pass up another opportunity to watch the icon at work, especially when it's with Spencer Tracy. I haven't ever seen them together in a movie (I know, horrible film buff) so I thought it was about time.

Knowing that they had to hide their relationship for the majority of their career and lives, the lack of unnatural chemistry was amazing. Sure, they worked amazingly well together, and they played off each other with ease, but none of that would have ever had pointed to an affair. That sounds weird to bring that up in a review of a film, but considering that the affair is cemented into film history, it's interesting it wasn't obvious, even when looking for it.

Once again, Hepburn's life immitates life. I loved the story, I loved how she was so adamient about equality, such a film ahead of it's time. Or, was it perfect for it's time and we've ebbed and flowed since them. Throughout the trail, Amanda Bonner brought up all great examples of why Doris Attinger wasn't receiving a fair trail. I wonder if those points would be able to be used in court today?

I really enjoyed this film, and once again the fact that I knew nother but Spencer and Hepburn was the best thing I could have done. 

Starting 2018 with a classic film, and a film with the icon Katherine Hepburn. I admire her so much and believe she was before her time. She was a strong female, in film and in life, when it was not customary for them to be. She was both independent and feminine, in a way that I strive for daily. It was an honor to start my quest with her film, and I hope I can continue her teachings throughout the year.

Besides knowing the cast, I didn't know much anything else about this film. I am beginning to prefer watching movies like that, it leaves the anticipation, for better or worst, outside of the entertainment. It took a bit to get the path that the movie was going down, but once in I was all in.

The chemistry between Hepburn, Grant, and Stewart was fascinating. They were all great at doing what they did and allowed the others to shine in their own way too, true partnerships. They never seemed to fight for the spotlight, which makes each of them the center of equal attention. Except for Virginia Weldler, that is, she was a sassy little sister that worked her way into all of our hearts.

I don't think the story was predictable, even if I did want her to end up with Grant, but I surprised by the reason for the end of her engagement. Then again, it's a Katherine Hepburn film, she will always be a strong independent woman.