I have fallen behind on my movie reviews, so I’m just going to dump all the ones I saw in February. I saw all of two movies in March, so theoretically that should be an easier blog post….
They Shall Not Grow Old
I actually saw this documentary twice: first via streaming, and then in the theater. The second viewing was most certainly better, first because a bigger screen is always preferred, and second, since I knew what to expect. The only words/voices is of British WWI veterans: there is no pompous historian waxing poetic about the Treaty of Versailles, or the assassination of Franz Ferdinand. What makes this film worthy of being seen is how Peter Jackson and his crew bring the past to life and removes the century separating us. Watching the old footage in color and at a normal speed humanizes a war that often feels far too distant.
★★★★★
The Mule
I was torn on seeing The Mule because I’m torn on how I feel about Clint Eastwood. However, there is no denying he is a talented actor and director. The plot/script was not really what I was expecting (especially the ending) but that’s probably for the best. The main character is a complicated man with a complicated family life, but thankfully there is enough humor peppered throughout to prevent things from getting too dreary and heavy. I never thought I’d cheer on drug runners, but there you have it.
★★★★☆
The Upside
Okay, so, The Upside is fairly predictable and generic in terms of the overarching plotline. There are some unexpected outcomes, but frankly it’s the actors’ performances that sells the film. I mean, it’s a feel good movie with Kevin Hart. But it’s at least a well-produced feel good movie with Kevin Hart.
★★★★☆
The Prodigy
Well. Well. I really wanted to like this movie more than I did. It just does not live up to the trailer. It’s an interesting premise and the cast gives their best, but it never quite meets its full potential. Or maybe I’m just jaded. Entertaining horror film, just on the edge of not being scary enough for me.
★★★☆☆
Alita: Battle Angel
Or as I like to call it: Attila. I’m a sucker for sci-fi. I’m a sucker for anime. A sci-fi, live action, anime adaptation is right up my alley. The effects are awesome, Christoph Waltz is awesome, Jennifer Connelly and Mahershala Ali are awesome. The script is…not so awesome. More specifically the love plotline falls flat and just makes me scratch my head towards the end. It’s very much a film for sci-fi nerds, and has plenty of splash to satisfy that itch. Even though I wasn’t a huge fan of the script, I’m totally ready for a sequel.
★★★☆☆
What Men Want
Is this just a gender-flip/race-flip of What Women Want? Probably. Is it a fun, entertaining comedy? Definitely. Some of the jokes fall flat, and the love story is of course predictable, but overall it’s a very well done comedy movie.
★★★★☆
Lego Movie 2
So…I actually forgot I saw this move. Which is probably the biggest mark against it: how forgettable it is. If you’re a huge Lego fan, this might be for you, but some movies do not need to be made into a franchise. This is one.
★★★☆☆
Isn’t It Romantic
I LOVED THIS MOVIE. I usually am not a fan at all of romantic comedies. But I left the theater wanting to tell all my friends to see this movie. I was legit gushing. Rebel Wilson, and Liam Hemsworth (who I originally thought was Chris…don’t judge me) were fantastic. Everyone was fantastic! There’s a Whitney Houston karaoke sing/dance off! OMG just go see it.
★★★★★
Cold Pursuit
I was enjoying this film until the end, when I got a serious case of déjà vu. I mean a bad case of déjà vu. Turns out Cold Pursuit is a remake of the Norwegian film In Order of Disappearance which I had previously seen and enjoyed. So maybe I’m biased because of that, but I did enjoy the film. Both the original and the remake feel like dark violent comedies, so it probably helps to leave aside some logic before viewing.
★★★★☆
Greta
Another horror movie I was disappointed by in February. Almost everyone except Greta seemed stupid throughout 98% of the movie. Isabelle Huppert as Greta is the only saving grace.
★★☆☆☆