RoseIsland—good bio-pic—tells its educational and interesting
story with good Italian actors and uses voice overs for the English. Know that
the voice overs do not match the mouth movements and can be a bit distracting
at times. Be aware there are sexual references in the movie.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
An engineer builds his own island in the ocean.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Sydney Sibilia for
directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Paolo Lucarini for making the
film possible. Characters/cast include: Giorgio Rosa (Elio Germano), Maurizio
Orlandini (Leonardo Lidi), Gabriella (Matilda De Angelis), W.R. Neumann (Tom
Wlaschiha), Giovanni Leone (Luca Zingaretti), Franco Restivo (Fraizio
Bentivoglio), Jean Baptiste Toma (Francois Cluzet), Carlo (Ascanio Balbo),
Franca Violetta Zironi), and Pietro Bernardini (Alberto Astorri).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. The movie is an educational watch and worth
seeing.
Wedding Cake—interesting short film—provokes thought about what one takes into a
marriage and the value of kindness with an awareness of another’s needs and not
so much of one’s own needs. The message serves more of an adult audience than a
child audience.
Film Poster Courtesy of YouTube Images
Storyline
A small definition of married life.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Viola Baier for directing the film.
Thank you to YouTube for hosting the short film. Characters/cast include: Jessica
Kramer and Helge Sidow.
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. The short film tells what one does and does not
want in marriage and makes one think about what one can do to make it great to
the last drop.
Mice, a Small Story—animated short film—has
a very good storyline and great animation. It reminds one, a bit, of the Lord
of the Rings trilogy. It ends where one wants to see more and serves as a
good teaser film.
Film Poster Courtesy of YouTube
Storyline
Mice find an aluminum can pin that
rats want.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to ISARTDigital
and YouTube for release of the film.
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. Despite its
shortness of presentation, it is worth its watch.
Meet Dave—simple afternoon flick—shows Eddie Murphy in some of his later work.
The movie serves as suitable for a teen/adult watch.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
A man/robot serves as a spaceship for small
aliens.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Brian
Robbins for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Thomas Hammel
and Arnon Milchan for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast
include: Dave (Eddie Murphy), Gina Morrison (Elizabeth Banks), Number 3
Cultural Officer (Gabrielle Union), Dooley (Scott Caan), Number 2 (Ed Helms),
Number 17 (Kevin Hart), Knox (Mike O’Malley), Number 4 (Pat Kilbane), Engineer
(Judah Friedlander), and Mark (Marc Blucas).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. It’s a good watch to see Kevin Hart in some
of his earlier acting works. Be aware that the film, while a good watch, does
contain rude humor.
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island is better than the first Journey to the Center of the Earth with Brendan Fraser and Josh Hutcherson. Dwayne Johnson is a fresh casting choice for the film. Michael Caine as Sean’s grandfather offsets the other actors well. Luis Guzman is a great addition to this film.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
A grandfather sends a signal to his grandson to
come to an island.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Brad Peyton for directing
effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Michael Bostick, Richard Brener,
Samuel Brown, Michael Disco, Evan Turner, and Marcus Viscidi for making the
film possible. Characters/cast include: Hank (Dwayne Johnson), Alexander
(Michael Caine), Sean (Josh Hutcherson), Gabato (Luiz Guzman), Kailani (Vanessa
Hudgens), Liz (Kristin Davis), and Jessica
(Anna Colwell).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. Journey 2: The Mysterious Island is a
better watch than the Brendan Fraser version of TheCenter of the Earth
film.
Migrants—fabulous animation—has heart and excellent cohesive presentation. But,
the conclusion is unclear and difficult to interpret with its introduction of
people. The story up to the conclusion is clear, concise, and easy to follow.
Original and creative idea.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
Melting ice sends a mother polar bear and her cub
far away from their native habitat.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Paul Chadeisson for
directing effort. Thank you to Jacob Philip for voicing effort.
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. This short film is well done and is very
interesting to view.
Mission: Impossible-Ghost Protocol—part IV of a Mission Impossible movie series—is
better than the third film due to its tighter script. While the previous movie has a flatness to it, this movie moves out of that flatness to
perform as well as the first film in the series. The movie works as good
teen/adult share entertainment. Watch for actor Simon Pegg as he reprises his
role of Benji.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
Ethan Hunt endeavors to accomplish another
mission impossible.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director
Brad Bird for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Tom Cruise, J. J.
Abrams, and Bryan Burk for making the film possible. Characters/cast include:
Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise), William Brandt (Jeremy Renner), Benji Dunn (Simon
Pegg), Jane Carter (Paula Patton), Kurt Hendricks (Michael Nygvist), Anatoly
Sidorov (Vladimir Mashkov), Trevor Hanaway (Josh Holloway), Brij Nath (Anil
Kapoor), and Sabine Moreau (Lea Seydoux).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. This is a worthy watch and is very well put
together.
Mia and the White Lion works tension to the max at the beginning of the
story as two young children interact with a lion. This movie allows a child far
too much freedom in making and influencing parental decisions that have the capability
to permanently affect a family’s well-being and happiness. Mixed messages are
sent throughout the film that detract from its overall story. Be aware that
there is a scene toward the end of the movie where a young daughter not only
points a rifle at her father in anger, but pulls the trigger and hits him with
a tranquilizer dart. She then proceeds to leave him lying in the outback while
driving away in his vehicle with no regard for his safety or well-being. This
sends a very poor message about the value of human life, the value of family
relationships, and priorities in loyalty and love. Hunting practices are not
well explained. If choosing to watch this film as a family watch, do some
research and educate the children about the different types of safari hunting,
what is legal, what is illegal. The film
does not present the case, upfront, that lions are endangered.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
A young girl befriends
a lion cub and must make hard choices as it grows into maturity.
Additional Thanks
Thank you to Director Gilles de Maistre for
directing effort. Thank you to Producers Valentine Perrin, Jacques Perrin,
Nicolas Elghozi, Gilles de Maistre,Stephane Simon, and Catherine Caborde for making the film possible.
Characters/cast include: Mia Owen (Daniah De Villiers), Alice Owen (Melanie
Laurent), John Owen (Langley Kirkwood), Mick Owen (Ryan Mac Lennan), Kevin
(Lionel Newton), Jodie (Lillian Dube), Dirk (Brandon Auret), and Charlie the
Lion (Thor).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Maybe. The film may have been more effective as a
documentary film about lions as an endangered species. The fictional format detracts
from the movie’s real purpose. Children should be advised before watching that
a significant amount of time (3 years) was spent so that actors/actresses could
bond with these animals before filming began so that children are not under the
impression that wild animals are the same as domesticated animals. Also, before
watching, there should be an education/instructive time allotted to rifles
loaded with tranquilizer darts, weaponry, and shooting humans or even pointing
such devices at people or threatening people with such devices as there is a
disturbing scene toward the conclusion of the film where Mia not only shows
anger toward her father, but shoots him with a rifle loaded with darts. While
it is important to care for our environment and the many lifeforms that live
within it, humans are a part of that environment. Respect needs also to be
shown for the value of human life as well as animal life.
The Further Adventures of the Wilderness Family, although a little predictable at times, performs
at a higher level of entertainment due to the expanded scenes that develop the
character Boomer (George ‘Buck’ Flower). He brings flavor and an enhanced
richness to the story that is welcome. Overall, the script is tighter and seems
to have a better sense of direction and purpose than did its predecessor.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
A family who has moved to the wilderness finds
adventure after adventure as they adapt to living in the wild.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Frank Zuniga for directing
effort. Thank you to Producer Arthur Dubs for making the film possible.
Characters/Cast include: Skip Robinson (Robert Logan), Pat Robinson (Susan
Damante-Shaw), Jenny Robinson (Heather Rattray), Toby Robinson (Ham Larsen),
and Boomer (George Buck Flower).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. This sequel film has more quality than the first
film. It follows the same easy-on-the-mind formatting. It deserves its watch as a light
afternoon entertainment piece.
*Also known as: The Adventures of the
Wilderness Family 2
Daydream Believers: The Monkees' Story—not a thorough documentary—runs on a storyline
so thin that even though each Monkee’s name is introduced, it is soon
forgotten. Whatever the reason for this documentary’s lack of ‘thickness’ that sadly
contributes to its lack of appeal, it makes an audience feel like switching
entertainment at its beginning. But because it is a band bio-pick or if one is
beginning research on this musical group, one may desire to finish the film. Flat
and non-effective, it devalues the effort of this group as performers.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
The story behind the formation of The Monkees and
their rise to fame.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director
Neill Fearnley for directing effort. Characters/cast include: Davy Jones
(George Stanchev), Peter Tork (L.B. Fisher), Michael Nesmith (Jeff Geddis), and
Micky Dolenz (Aaron Lohr).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Maybe. Overall, it’s a somewhat interesting watch, but it could
be more universally written for the audience unfamiliar with this rock group.
Mac and Me—personable—reminds one a bit of ET: Extraterrestrial because
it relies on a similar story of a small extraterrestrial who makes friends with
children, but the likeness ends there. While ET: Extraterrestrial has a better
script and its own special spark, Mac and Me easily earns its watch as a
terrific child/adult share and has a particularly pleasing conclusion. In some
ways the movie seems a bit trite with its new home/new adventure storyline, but
heart and kindness shines throughout the movie and excuses that. It earns it
watch as a comfortable night out with the family watch.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
A young extraterrestrial takes residence with a
family.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director
Stewart Raffill for directing effort. Thank you to Matt Damon, William Kerr,
and R.J. Louis for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Janet
Cruise (Christine Ebersole), Michael Cruise (Jonathan Ward), Courtney (Tina Caspary), Debbie
(Lauren Stanley), Eric Cruise (Jade Calegory), Mitford (Vinnie Torrente),
Wickett (Martin West), Zimmerman (Ivan Rado), Jack Jr. (Danny Cooksey), Linda
(Laura Waterbury), and Splatter Car Driver (Jack Eiseman).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. Not as good as ET: Extraterrestrial, but
in its own way serves as a good, clean child/adult watch.
Edward on Edward—exceptionally thorough documentary— tells about King Edward VIII who abdicated the throne for love of a woman who was not approved as a marital partner for this king. This film is very well done, but complicated. The
documentation is lovely work as presented by Prince
Edward Earl of Wessex (Duke of Edinburgh), grandson of King George VI. Exceptionally interesting, extremely well-organized, the
documentary raises and answers many questions about love, leadership, obligation,
loyalty, courage, life, and duty. This film becomes an excellent source of after
viewing discussion, a terrific history lesson, and deserves a permanent place
in the home video library. Wonderful archival footage.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
Thoroughly documents the life of the Windsors
after the abdication of the British throne.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director
Robin Bextor for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Michael Latham and
Desmond Wilcox for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Host (Prince Edward), Self (Duke of Windsor),
and Self (George Earl of Harewood).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. An exceptional documentary earns its watch
and re-watch.
*Also Known As: Whatever Happened to the
Windsors?
Mission: Impossible III—notable special effects—has a complicated
storyline. The first part of the movie has no real life spark until Lawrence Fishburne enters the scene and commands the stage with his striking screen presence. About halfway
through the movie, it improves even more and holds that
stronger tone through the rest of the film. Without the special effects, this
movie performs at the average level. Watch
for Simon Pegg’s good performance.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
Ethan takes another mission impossible
assignment.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director J.J. Abrams for directing
effort. Thank you to Producers Tom Cruise and Paula Wagner for making the film
possible. Characters/cast include: Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise), Luther Stickell
(Ving Rhames), Owen Davian (Philip Seymour Hoffman), Julia Meade (Michelle Monghan),
Zhen Lei (Maggie Q), Declan Gormley (Jonathan Rhys Meyers), and John Musgrave
(Billy Crudup).
Alpha and Omega 7: The Big Fureeze—short film—serves a young child audience. To
some extent, this short movie is better than the last film for storyline. Presentation and portrayal
continue to need improvement in the series. The animation is neat and clean.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
The cubs rescue Humphrey and Kate after a
blizzard.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Directors
Tim Maltby and Brian Pimental for directing effort. Thank you to Executive
Producers R.K Chand, Dipesh Desai, and Susan Gelb for making the film possible.
Characters/cast include: Kate (Kate Higgins), Runt (Voice of Debi Derryberry), Claudette (Voice
of Marieve Herington), Paddy/Marcel (Voice of Christopher Smith), King (Voice
of Blackie Rose), Hench (Voice of Shaun Gerardo), Link/Lyle (Solomon Gartner),
and Eve (Voice of Cindy Robinson).
Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter has little storyline, runs on gore, some nudity,
and sexual references. It is an adult watch that serves a narrow audience. Not for the
faint of heart…nothing much here except night scenes with lots of teeth, open
mouths, tricks with a silver coated axe, and blood everywhere.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
Abraham Lincoln hunts vampires.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Timur Bekmambetov for
directing effort. Thank you to Producers Tim Burton, Timur Bekmambetov, and Jim
Lemley for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Abraham Lincoln
(Benjamin Walker), Henry Sturgess (Dominic Cooper), and Will Johnson (Anthony
Mackie).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. It works
as a horror, thriller film, but know that little storyline is present here.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III—cheezy special effects and martial arts—serves as
a walk down memory lane for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle fans. This older movie series catches the human
element that the new 2014/2016 series remake fails to capture. The original series has a spark that makes that series work.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
The turtles need to
rescue their friend, April.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Stuart Gillard for
directing effort. Thank you to Producers Thomas Gray, Kim Dawson, and David
Chan, Thomas Gray, and Kim Dawson for making the film possible. Characters/cast
include: Leonardo (Voice of Brian Tochi),Donatello (Corey
Feldman), Raphael (Tim Kelleher), Michelangelo (Robbie Rist), Splinter (James
Murray), April O’Neil (Paige Turco), Casey Jones (Elias Koteas), Walker (Stuart
Wilson), Niles (John Aylward), Lord Norinaga (Sab Shimono), and Mitsu (Vivian
Wu).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Maybe. This film ends the old series. For diehard
turtle fans, it may be a desirable watch due to its original likableness.
*Also known as: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III:
Turtles in Time
