Best Action, drama, non stop thrill rides
These films have all you would ever want.. good storylines, vengeance, and well choreographed action packed performances.
1. John Wick 2014 -
Keanu Reeves plays John Wick ex hitman who is forced to come out of
retirement when after losing his wife he is forced to endure the theft
of his 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 and his beloved puppy given to him to
aid in his grief. The film is one of Keanu Reeves best and will keep
your attention throughout.
2. John Wick Chapter 2 2017
- Keanu Reeves returns as a hitman who goes on the run after a bounty
is placed on his head. This movie is packed with even more action than
the first and a much bigger dog. Both films are outstanding and John Wick Chapter 3 Parabellum is scheduled to be released in May 2019.
3.Taken -2008, Taken 2 -2012, Taken 3 -2015
The trilogy of Taken stars actor Liam Neeson as Bryan Mills a former
CIA operative. In the first installment his daughter is kidnapped on a
holiday in France with her friend by sex traffickers and Bryan Mills
uses his skills to track down his daughter's kidnappers.
Taken 2 installment begins when the Albanians take revenge on the CIA operative while in Istanbul and kidnap both him and his ex-wife for one of the deaths while saving his daughter when she was kidnapped two years earlier.
Taken
3 installment begins when his ex-wife is murdered and he finds her
lifeless body in his apartment. While Bryan seeks to find his ex wife's
murderer, he also has to evade the police (Forest Whitaker) who seeks to
arrest him.
All three installments are packed with plenty of drama, action, well scripted performances and some of Liam Neeson's best work.
4. The Accountant 2016 -
is a crime thriller action movie and stars Ben Affleck as a CPA with
highly functioning autism that makes his living uncooking the books of
criminal organizations around the world. This movie is full of twists
and turns and while the movie is very hard to describe it is full of
drama and well worth watching.
5. Honorable
Mention - Mission Impossible 1 -1996, Mission Impossible 2 -2000,
Mission Impossible 3 -2006, Mission Impossible 4 -2011 Ghost Protocol,
Mission Impossible 5 -2015 Rogue Nation, Mission Impossible -2018
Fallout - Tom Cruise stars as Ethan Hunt a special agent in the
IMF (Impossible Mission Force) in all these action packed films and
while I won't go into the dynamics of each film I will say they have a
huge following. I have watched the films but I have never been a true
fan of either MI series or the James Bond 007 films.. Although I find
both MI and OO7 films to be packed full of drama, espionage, and on the
edge of your seat action. However with that being said not every movie
is everyone's cup of tea and all of my movie picks are just based on my
opinions and I urge everyone to judge these movies for
yourself..
The Matrix Franchise - is a sci-fi action thrill ride franchise about a group of heroes who fight a war against machine overlords that have enslaved humanity in a high tech virtual reality system.. Keanu Reeves stars in this amazing special effect franchise noted for its stop action slow motion effects.. The Matrix 1999, The Matrix Reloaded 2003 and The Matrix Revolutions 2003 all of which were creations of The Wachowskis..
I have to be honest much like other high impact action films.. I can say I have watched all of The Matrix films.. however they are not really my type .. I much prefer Keanu Reeves in the John Wick franchise.. I just love the whole concept of the John Wick franchise.. but that being said ..The Matrix has its place in films.. because it incorporates high action, sci fi, fantasy and special effects like no other movies have.. and of course Keanu Reeves is ever so hot in them.. Definitely worth seeing all of them.. Exceptional special effects..
Monday, December 24, 2018
Best Action, Superhero films
I have to say I have always been partial to action movies, especially the ones that highlight some kind of drama, thriller dynamics.. typically films with real stories I can identify with.. However here lately I have been watching an increasing number of superhero action movies, even though I have never been a big fan of them.. Possibly because these type of films have really improved over the years by adding stronger female roles.
1. Black Panther 2018 - Marvel superhero action film with an outstanding cast highlights a superhero who unites some African tribes to form Wakanda who have developed advance technology and come to isolate themselves by posing as a third world country. Without giving away too much of the storyline someone comes to Wakanda to challenge its ruler for the throne. The movie has many strong female roles and highlights family dynamics. I found it an extreme action thrill ride and very watchable for everyone of any age.
2. Avengers Infinity War 2018 - Infinity War is the newest film released of the Avengers Marvel superhero films and highlights how because of the Infinity Stones all of the Superheros have to unite to protect their world and universe from those looking to use the stones for evil. At least that is how I will try to describe this film. It has an outstanding cast, and all of the superheros unite to stand and fight to keep evil from winning. I was completely thrilled with this movie and would say it has everything any superhero movie watcher could ever want. Thumbs up up up.. you want be disappointed. Avengers End Game is scheduled to be released in April 26 2019 Trailer
3. Aquaman 2018 - DC comics superhero based movie for me was an extremely interesting action flick. While I admittedly have no prior knowledge of comic storylines and have never been much of a fan of superhero films. I was totally engrossed in the story of a normal lighthouse man rescuing a princess of Atlantis during a storm and then them having a son with the ability to speak to animals and breathe under the sea. The movie quickly progresses into a struggle between two sons rights to the throne. I would describe this movie pure enjoyable action and a definite must see..
4. Suicide Squad 2016 - is a superhero film based on a DC Comics supervillian team .. it has an outstanding cast (including Will Smith, Jared Leto, and Margot Robbie) that I actually think makes the movie the hit that it is.. the story is based on a team of supervillians offered release to execute a government mission and save the world.. The soundtrack also adds a great backdrop for the movie and even though the movie is a superhero action film is actually has a lot of comedy with a touch of dark romance between Harley and her man the Joker.. I really enjoyed this film and it has a huge fan base.. Gotta love supervillians that save the world..
Birds of Prey Harley Quinn is Back scheduled for release February 7 2020 Trailer
5. Captain Marvel 2019 - is a superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character Carol Danvers (Brie Larson) ..The film has an outstanding cast that includes Samuel L. Jackson, Jude Law and Annette Bening... The film follows Danvers (Larson) as she becomes Captain Marvel when Earth was caught between two alien worlds during a galactic conflict..
I enjoyed the film from start to finish.. The film has everything .. its funny, packed with action.. a young blonde badass girl (Larson), Samuel L. Jackson, aliens and a cat.. What more could you want? All kidding aside.. I enjoyed it.. and definitely think anyone that enjoys superhero films will as well.. Let me know what you think?
6. Venom 2018 - is a superhero film Marvel Comics .. The film focuses on Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy / Venom) an investigative journalist in search of a big story.. that after getting access into a top secret facility gains superpowers after being taken over by an alien symbiote (life form) whose species plans to invade Earth..
The film is full of action and humor.. I have to be honest I avoided watching it for quite sometime since as previously stated I have never been big on superhero films.. but after seeing the film.. I can honestly say I loved it.. I found it to be a perfect mixture of humor and action (Loved the motorcycle chase) .. as well as some great visual effects.. A definite must see .. and Tom Hardy was outstanding..
I have to say I have always been partial to action movies, especially the ones that highlight some kind of drama, thriller dynamics.. typically films with real stories I can identify with.. However here lately I have been watching an increasing number of superhero action movies, even though I have never been a big fan of them.. Possibly because these type of films have really improved over the years by adding stronger female roles.
1. Black Panther 2018 - Marvel superhero action film with an outstanding cast highlights a superhero who unites some African tribes to form Wakanda who have developed advance technology and come to isolate themselves by posing as a third world country. Without giving away too much of the storyline someone comes to Wakanda to challenge its ruler for the throne. The movie has many strong female roles and highlights family dynamics. I found it an extreme action thrill ride and very watchable for everyone of any age.
2. Avengers Infinity War 2018 - Infinity War is the newest film released of the Avengers Marvel superhero films and highlights how because of the Infinity Stones all of the Superheros have to unite to protect their world and universe from those looking to use the stones for evil. At least that is how I will try to describe this film. It has an outstanding cast, and all of the superheros unite to stand and fight to keep evil from winning. I was completely thrilled with this movie and would say it has everything any superhero movie watcher could ever want. Thumbs up up up.. you want be disappointed. Avengers End Game is scheduled to be released in April 26 2019 Trailer
3. Aquaman 2018 - DC comics superhero based movie for me was an extremely interesting action flick. While I admittedly have no prior knowledge of comic storylines and have never been much of a fan of superhero films. I was totally engrossed in the story of a normal lighthouse man rescuing a princess of Atlantis during a storm and then them having a son with the ability to speak to animals and breathe under the sea. The movie quickly progresses into a struggle between two sons rights to the throne. I would describe this movie pure enjoyable action and a definite must see..
4. Suicide Squad 2016 - is a superhero film based on a DC Comics supervillian team .. it has an outstanding cast (including Will Smith, Jared Leto, and Margot Robbie) that I actually think makes the movie the hit that it is.. the story is based on a team of supervillians offered release to execute a government mission and save the world.. The soundtrack also adds a great backdrop for the movie and even though the movie is a superhero action film is actually has a lot of comedy with a touch of dark romance between Harley and her man the Joker.. I really enjoyed this film and it has a huge fan base.. Gotta love supervillians that save the world..
Birds of Prey Harley Quinn is Back scheduled for release February 7 2020 Trailer
5. Captain Marvel 2019 - is a superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character Carol Danvers (Brie Larson) ..The film has an outstanding cast that includes Samuel L. Jackson, Jude Law and Annette Bening... The film follows Danvers (Larson) as she becomes Captain Marvel when Earth was caught between two alien worlds during a galactic conflict..
I enjoyed the film from start to finish.. The film has everything .. its funny, packed with action.. a young blonde badass girl (Larson), Samuel L. Jackson, aliens and a cat.. What more could you want? All kidding aside.. I enjoyed it.. and definitely think anyone that enjoys superhero films will as well.. Let me know what you think?
6. Venom 2018 - is a superhero film Marvel Comics .. The film focuses on Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy / Venom) an investigative journalist in search of a big story.. that after getting access into a top secret facility gains superpowers after being taken over by an alien symbiote (life form) whose species plans to invade Earth..
The film is full of action and humor.. I have to be honest I avoided watching it for quite sometime since as previously stated I have never been big on superhero films.. but after seeing the film.. I can honestly say I loved it.. I found it to be a perfect mixture of humor and action (Loved the motorcycle chase) .. as well as some great visual effects.. A definite must see .. and Tom Hardy was outstanding..
Friday, December 21, 2018
Movies based on true stories or events..
These types of films have to be my favorite for a variety of reasons. Anyone like myself who loves knowing about people or events in the past would probably agree with me, for one you may be able to learn something you may not have previously known and for another sometimes you learn about events or people you may never have known and they struggles that surrounded them.
1. Patriots Day 2016 - is a crime drama based on the Boston 2013 marathon bombing and the hunt for the bombers that ensued. I have to admit I remember the bombing vividly and watched the manhunt and the media coverage along with the fast resolve of the cities law enforcement and other agencies that came together to find the bombers.. While not being a previous marathon watcher, I remember watching the terrifying event and being in awe of how Bostonians showed how they could and would stand together to find these terrorists and not let this event define them.. I have repeatedly found myself since more interested than ever in marathons, Boston and what we as Americans can do when we have to come together. I have also seen that strength many times in some of the horrors our present day society faces.. This is a tragic event movie with an overwhelming feel good and rewarding takeaway.. Please watch it .. The movie is also one of Mark Wahlberg movies. Trust me you will not be able to take your eyes off this film.
2. Deepwater Horizon 2016 - this film is based on the real disastrous oil drilling rig explosion and oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. I remember the disaster and the coverage of the impact that the massive spill caused however it wasn't until I saw the film that I was made aware of the corners that the company took that ultimately played a hand in the traumatic event.. The movie sports an all-star cast including Mark Wahlberg and Kurt Russell. I love the movie because it showed what lead to the disaster and highlighted the men that were lost and survived the tragedy. While I knew the impact of the tragedy of the oil spill, the film focuses on how easily such an event can happen. This is a must see movie.. watch it..
3. Concussion 2015 - is a biographical sports drama based on the discovery of a brain disease brought on by repeated blows to the brain during game play. Will Smith plays Dr. Bennet Omalu the forensic pathologist who actually discovered the brain degeneration disease known as CTE. This is a traumatic chronic condition that has been brought to light because of this doctor's research and plagues anyone with repeated trauma to the brain. While a concussion can be sustained in many ways including a blow to the head during a car crash. Many sports most notably American football have now been made aware of the dangers of repeated concussions sustained by their players. This movie highlights the medical evidence and physical harm brought about this disease. This is a must see film, please watch it if you haven't already.
4. Hidden Figures 2016 is a biographical drama film based on the female black mathematicians that worked at NASA, including Katherine Goble Johnson who calculated flight trajectories for many of the NASA space programs most notably Apollo 11. This film has everything comedy, great dramatic performances by an outstanding cast and many factual aspects of the time including gender and racial segregation. I am very interested in the history this film does an exceptional job at highlighting and I think it is a must see for anyone wanting to know more about the women behind NASA's early beginnings. I was awe-struck and still think this movie is a must see for all young women no matter what color of their skin.
5. The Butler 2013 is an American historical drama based on Eugene Allen who worked as a butler in the White House for decades. In the movie Forest Whitaker plays a man by the name of Cecil Gaines who worked as a White House butler for 34 years. The film has an outstanding all-star cast and the film highlights many historical events during the time he spent in the White House. This movie was outstanding and kept my attention from start to finish. This film is a definite must see and the performances are unforgettable.
6. The Blind Side 2009 - is a biographical drama sports movie based on the book The Blind Side Evolution of a Game based on Michael Oher a Baltimore Ravens football player .. The film follows how Oher came from a poverty stricken childhood in Memphis TN.. to his adoption by Sean and Leigh Tuohy, ultimately becoming a first round pick of the Ravens.. In the film Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron) befriends a younger student Sean Jr Tuohy.. and one night Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock) notices Michael walking alone in the cold and invites him to come home with her and sleep on the couch.. One night turns into so much more.. I truly can't say enough about this film.. it is completely heart warming.. and a film everyone should see... Ultimately Love, Kindness, and Humanity knows no boundaries and no color.. Love, Love, Love this film..
These types of films have to be my favorite for a variety of reasons. Anyone like myself who loves knowing about people or events in the past would probably agree with me, for one you may be able to learn something you may not have previously known and for another sometimes you learn about events or people you may never have known and they struggles that surrounded them.
1. Patriots Day 2016 - is a crime drama based on the Boston 2013 marathon bombing and the hunt for the bombers that ensued. I have to admit I remember the bombing vividly and watched the manhunt and the media coverage along with the fast resolve of the cities law enforcement and other agencies that came together to find the bombers.. While not being a previous marathon watcher, I remember watching the terrifying event and being in awe of how Bostonians showed how they could and would stand together to find these terrorists and not let this event define them.. I have repeatedly found myself since more interested than ever in marathons, Boston and what we as Americans can do when we have to come together. I have also seen that strength many times in some of the horrors our present day society faces.. This is a tragic event movie with an overwhelming feel good and rewarding takeaway.. Please watch it .. The movie is also one of Mark Wahlberg movies. Trust me you will not be able to take your eyes off this film.
2. Deepwater Horizon 2016 - this film is based on the real disastrous oil drilling rig explosion and oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. I remember the disaster and the coverage of the impact that the massive spill caused however it wasn't until I saw the film that I was made aware of the corners that the company took that ultimately played a hand in the traumatic event.. The movie sports an all-star cast including Mark Wahlberg and Kurt Russell. I love the movie because it showed what lead to the disaster and highlighted the men that were lost and survived the tragedy. While I knew the impact of the tragedy of the oil spill, the film focuses on how easily such an event can happen. This is a must see movie.. watch it..
3. Concussion 2015 - is a biographical sports drama based on the discovery of a brain disease brought on by repeated blows to the brain during game play. Will Smith plays Dr. Bennet Omalu the forensic pathologist who actually discovered the brain degeneration disease known as CTE. This is a traumatic chronic condition that has been brought to light because of this doctor's research and plagues anyone with repeated trauma to the brain. While a concussion can be sustained in many ways including a blow to the head during a car crash. Many sports most notably American football have now been made aware of the dangers of repeated concussions sustained by their players. This movie highlights the medical evidence and physical harm brought about this disease. This is a must see film, please watch it if you haven't already.
4. Hidden Figures 2016 is a biographical drama film based on the female black mathematicians that worked at NASA, including Katherine Goble Johnson who calculated flight trajectories for many of the NASA space programs most notably Apollo 11. This film has everything comedy, great dramatic performances by an outstanding cast and many factual aspects of the time including gender and racial segregation. I am very interested in the history this film does an exceptional job at highlighting and I think it is a must see for anyone wanting to know more about the women behind NASA's early beginnings. I was awe-struck and still think this movie is a must see for all young women no matter what color of their skin.
5. The Butler 2013 is an American historical drama based on Eugene Allen who worked as a butler in the White House for decades. In the movie Forest Whitaker plays a man by the name of Cecil Gaines who worked as a White House butler for 34 years. The film has an outstanding all-star cast and the film highlights many historical events during the time he spent in the White House. This movie was outstanding and kept my attention from start to finish. This film is a definite must see and the performances are unforgettable.
6. The Blind Side 2009 - is a biographical drama sports movie based on the book The Blind Side Evolution of a Game based on Michael Oher a Baltimore Ravens football player .. The film follows how Oher came from a poverty stricken childhood in Memphis TN.. to his adoption by Sean and Leigh Tuohy, ultimately becoming a first round pick of the Ravens.. In the film Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron) befriends a younger student Sean Jr Tuohy.. and one night Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock) notices Michael walking alone in the cold and invites him to come home with her and sleep on the couch.. One night turns into so much more.. I truly can't say enough about this film.. it is completely heart warming.. and a film everyone should see... Ultimately Love, Kindness, and Humanity knows no boundaries and no color.. Love, Love, Love this film..
Sunday, December 16, 2018
Lets talk family movies, family movies to me are ones that have
everything animals perhaps, comedy, upbeat and well pure entertainment
for all ages..
1. A Dogs Purpose 2017 would be one of them, and if you believe that animals can be reincarnated and comeback to help their owners.. You should watch this movie.. it is uplifting and shows that a man's best friend does have a divine purpose to be there for us in our time of need.. I have to say this ended up being a real tear-jerker for me because I have just such a dog.. He means the world to me and has been my constant companion through many twists and turns in my life.. I call him my best friend.. I challenge anyone that is an animal lover to watch this movie with their kids.. and see how much joy a dog or any animal for that matter.. can bring to their owners lives..Oh yeah try not to cry..
2. Christopher Robin 2018 and Goodbye Christopher Robin 2017 both of which I enjoyed but in two different ways..
Goodbye Christopher Robin tells truly the best version of how the creation of Winnie the Pooh came to be .. and the life of the creator of the heart felt stories AA Mine, inspired by his son Christopher Robin.. I found this film to be truly gripping.. Although this may not be a film for the truly young crowd.. it is a truly enriching family movie and describes the relationship between a father and his son.. I cried of course tend to do that in movies that have dramatic story lines.. and this movie doesn't disappoint.. and is definitely my favorite among the two films..
Christopher Robin .. however is a much different story.. it does have appeal for the smaller crowd..since all the characters talk.. and the story is about how Christopher Robin grows up only to be focused on his work and push his family to the side.. until Winnie the Pooh seeks him out for his help in Hundred Acre Wood. There is a very good ending when he learns what is important.. Definitely not my favorite of the two films but much more a comedy family movie in the end, and everyone these days deserves some laughter in their lives.
3. Nine Lives 2016 I have to be honest this movie provided me more laughter and smiles than I have had in a long time.. Another father trying to connect with his young daughter decides to buy a cat for a gift.. However magic always seems to come in handy when teaching someone there is more to life than business ventures.. I don't want to spoil anything because this film is truly one that holds everything a family movie needs.. there is action, laughs galore, and a great cast to make it a fantastic film for the whole family.. Here kitty kitty.. Nice kitty kitty.. Trust me this is a movie for all ages and watch it..
4. Max 2015 - is a family adventure drama and tells the story of Max (Malinois breed) who was a combat deployed canine with the Marines in Afghanistan and handled by Kyle Wincott.. After Kyle is questioned after weapons go missing, he confronts his friend Tyler and while on the battlefield under fire Kyle is killed and Max is injured and released from duty to Kyle's family..
Kyle's brother Justin eventually uncovers the circumstances of his brother's death.. The film has lots of action and drama.. truly loved all the twists and turns.. and this dog is amazing.. a true family movie.. and a definite must see.. All I am going to say is I cried.. more than once.. love love love
The movie has been compared to the true life story of Eli a combat bomb sniffing Labrador Retriever whose handler Colton Rusk was killed by Taliban sniper fire and upon being released from duty bonded with Colton's brother Brady.. Sadly there are so many service handlers and canines that lose their lives during combat.. for a combat canine to be released from duty and returned to a handler or his family is truly a blessing..
A sequel was released Max 2 White House Hero 2017.. but for me sadly couldn't compare to the original film..
5. Honorable Mention
Charlotte's Web 1973 - is an animated drama based on a little pig named Wilbur who becomes friends with a very intelligent spider named Charlotte who saves him from being slaughtered..
Charlotte's Web 2006 - is a live action and computer animated comedy drama that featured a star studded cast including Dakota Fanning, Beau Bridges, Julia Roberts, Oprah Winfrey, Cedric the Entertainer, Robert Redford and many others..
Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey 1993 - is an adventure family comedy .. based on a book by the same name by Sheila Burnford and is a remake of the 1963 film The Incredible Journey.. Homeward Bound is about three family pets that believe they have been abandoned and decide to embark on a journey to make their way home.. Shadow is a Golden Retriever and the oldest of the three (voiced by Don Ameche) , Sassy is a very mouthy Himalayan cat (voiced by Sally Field) and the youngest of the three is Chance a mischievous and immature American Bulldog (voiced by Michael J. Fox).. the film features many adventures as they struggle to stay together and make their way home to their humans.. Loved Loved Loved it.. truly a film for the whole family.. and a definite must see
Ice Age Franchise
Ice Age 2002 - is the original film and centers on a group of mammals trying to survive the Paleolithic ice age.. It features Manny, a mammoth and Sid, a sloth.. who while they are traveling north rescue a baby .. and decide to find the father and return the baby..The soon are joined by Diego one of the tigers that previously attacked the humans.. who after joining the group falls in love with the baby.. This film is adorable and very funny..
Ice Age: The Meltdown 2006 - features the trio (Manny, Sid and Diego) living in a valley that is surrounded by enormous ice walls.. that they soon discover are barely holding a massive body of water the valley.. They embark to get to a boat to save them but they only have three days to get there.. Along the way Manny meets Ellie a female mammoth that thinks she is a possum because she has grown up with two brother possums.. adventure abounds...
Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs 2009 - features Manny and Ellie who are expecting their first child.. Sid who wishes to start his own family.. and Diego who is feeling anxious ..
Ice Age: Continental Drift 2012 - takes place several years after in which Manny and Ellie's daughter Peaches is now a teenager.. and after being separated from the rest of the family and the film follows the trio (Manny, Sid and Diego) struggling to get home..
Ice Age: Collision Course 2016 - takes place after Continental Drift and after the planet is threatened Manny, Sid and Diego along with the rest of the herd leave their home to find a way to save the planet..
I know they have talked about releasing a sixth installment of Ice Age but as of now no date has been issued..
1. A Dogs Purpose 2017 would be one of them, and if you believe that animals can be reincarnated and comeback to help their owners.. You should watch this movie.. it is uplifting and shows that a man's best friend does have a divine purpose to be there for us in our time of need.. I have to say this ended up being a real tear-jerker for me because I have just such a dog.. He means the world to me and has been my constant companion through many twists and turns in my life.. I call him my best friend.. I challenge anyone that is an animal lover to watch this movie with their kids.. and see how much joy a dog or any animal for that matter.. can bring to their owners lives..Oh yeah try not to cry..
2. Christopher Robin 2018 and Goodbye Christopher Robin 2017 both of which I enjoyed but in two different ways..
Goodbye Christopher Robin tells truly the best version of how the creation of Winnie the Pooh came to be .. and the life of the creator of the heart felt stories AA Mine, inspired by his son Christopher Robin.. I found this film to be truly gripping.. Although this may not be a film for the truly young crowd.. it is a truly enriching family movie and describes the relationship between a father and his son.. I cried of course tend to do that in movies that have dramatic story lines.. and this movie doesn't disappoint.. and is definitely my favorite among the two films..
Christopher Robin .. however is a much different story.. it does have appeal for the smaller crowd..since all the characters talk.. and the story is about how Christopher Robin grows up only to be focused on his work and push his family to the side.. until Winnie the Pooh seeks him out for his help in Hundred Acre Wood. There is a very good ending when he learns what is important.. Definitely not my favorite of the two films but much more a comedy family movie in the end, and everyone these days deserves some laughter in their lives.
3. Nine Lives 2016 I have to be honest this movie provided me more laughter and smiles than I have had in a long time.. Another father trying to connect with his young daughter decides to buy a cat for a gift.. However magic always seems to come in handy when teaching someone there is more to life than business ventures.. I don't want to spoil anything because this film is truly one that holds everything a family movie needs.. there is action, laughs galore, and a great cast to make it a fantastic film for the whole family.. Here kitty kitty.. Nice kitty kitty.. Trust me this is a movie for all ages and watch it..
4. Max 2015 - is a family adventure drama and tells the story of Max (Malinois breed) who was a combat deployed canine with the Marines in Afghanistan and handled by Kyle Wincott.. After Kyle is questioned after weapons go missing, he confronts his friend Tyler and while on the battlefield under fire Kyle is killed and Max is injured and released from duty to Kyle's family..
Kyle's brother Justin eventually uncovers the circumstances of his brother's death.. The film has lots of action and drama.. truly loved all the twists and turns.. and this dog is amazing.. a true family movie.. and a definite must see.. All I am going to say is I cried.. more than once.. love love love
The movie has been compared to the true life story of Eli a combat bomb sniffing Labrador Retriever whose handler Colton Rusk was killed by Taliban sniper fire and upon being released from duty bonded with Colton's brother Brady.. Sadly there are so many service handlers and canines that lose their lives during combat.. for a combat canine to be released from duty and returned to a handler or his family is truly a blessing..
A sequel was released Max 2 White House Hero 2017.. but for me sadly couldn't compare to the original film..
5. Honorable Mention
Charlotte's Web 1973 - is an animated drama based on a little pig named Wilbur who becomes friends with a very intelligent spider named Charlotte who saves him from being slaughtered..
Charlotte's Web 2006 - is a live action and computer animated comedy drama that featured a star studded cast including Dakota Fanning, Beau Bridges, Julia Roberts, Oprah Winfrey, Cedric the Entertainer, Robert Redford and many others..
Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey 1993 - is an adventure family comedy .. based on a book by the same name by Sheila Burnford and is a remake of the 1963 film The Incredible Journey.. Homeward Bound is about three family pets that believe they have been abandoned and decide to embark on a journey to make their way home.. Shadow is a Golden Retriever and the oldest of the three (voiced by Don Ameche) , Sassy is a very mouthy Himalayan cat (voiced by Sally Field) and the youngest of the three is Chance a mischievous and immature American Bulldog (voiced by Michael J. Fox).. the film features many adventures as they struggle to stay together and make their way home to their humans.. Loved Loved Loved it.. truly a film for the whole family.. and a definite must see
Ice Age Franchise
Ice Age 2002 - is the original film and centers on a group of mammals trying to survive the Paleolithic ice age.. It features Manny, a mammoth and Sid, a sloth.. who while they are traveling north rescue a baby .. and decide to find the father and return the baby..The soon are joined by Diego one of the tigers that previously attacked the humans.. who after joining the group falls in love with the baby.. This film is adorable and very funny..
Ice Age: The Meltdown 2006 - features the trio (Manny, Sid and Diego) living in a valley that is surrounded by enormous ice walls.. that they soon discover are barely holding a massive body of water the valley.. They embark to get to a boat to save them but they only have three days to get there.. Along the way Manny meets Ellie a female mammoth that thinks she is a possum because she has grown up with two brother possums.. adventure abounds...
Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs 2009 - features Manny and Ellie who are expecting their first child.. Sid who wishes to start his own family.. and Diego who is feeling anxious ..
Ice Age: Continental Drift 2012 - takes place several years after in which Manny and Ellie's daughter Peaches is now a teenager.. and after being separated from the rest of the family and the film follows the trio (Manny, Sid and Diego) struggling to get home..
Ice Age: Collision Course 2016 - takes place after Continental Drift and after the planet is threatened Manny, Sid and Diego along with the rest of the herd leave their home to find a way to save the planet..
I know they have talked about releasing a sixth installment of Ice Age but as of now no date has been issued..
Saturday, December 15, 2018
Disturbing Movies that are thought provoking
1. Netflix 2018..The Kindergarten Teacher is what I would call a dark drama about a teacher that fixates on a young pupil that composes and recites poetry. She thinks the boy is gifted and instead of acting appropriately she spirals into a truly possessed woman over this boy. I found myself holding my breath during so many parts, and I don't wish to spoil this very thought provoking film. I will however tell you the ending will leave you speechless. This is a movie that takes you on a slippery slope of emotions and is a must see.
2. Acrimony 2018 is a suspense dark drama that follows the path of a woman who gives up her dreams to support a mechanical engineering student through adulthood. The young woman loses her mother early in the movie and it becomes apparently quickly that this young man has big dreams of inventing a what he thinks will be the next big thing and will stop at nothing to attain it. Including draining her over the years of all her inheritance. While again I do not wish to spoil all the twists and turns throughout the movie. I will say that I was screaming at him to come to his senses many times, however the ending left me spellbound at how she ultimately becomes unglued. This is a thriller full of jaw dropping events and one worthy of watching.
3. Collateral Beauty 2016 is a real tear-jerker drama that has an outstanding cast. At first the movie takes you on the journey of a man who has loss touch with his life after the death of his young daughter, which to me seems in some aspects understandable. After all the pain of grief is to many people hard to deal with alone. Many times during the film you find yourself wanting to know what exactly happened and will he ever be able to come back from his heart breaking depression. His business partners who are worried about his ability to continue to run the business go behind his back and find a dramatic way to use his mental status against him. In the end the emotional well written journey will lift your spirit and revitalize your faith. If you haven't seen this movie watch it and let me know what you think.
4. Hostiles 2017 is a western with a disturbing look at how gruesomely brutal a life back in 1892. The movie starts with a horrific attack upon a family by Comanches. After fleeing from the attack the wife and mother of the family is the only one left alive. At the same time a military detail is ordered to escort a dying Cheyenne chief and four members of his family back to their tribe. As the military group embarks on the orders with the chief and his family they soon come upon the family homestead and find the mother surrounded by the carnage. After convincing her it is in her best interest that she ride along with them to their destination they are ambushed by Comanches and soon it comes to light that they all have to work together to make it to their destination alive. I really enjoy watching westerns especially those with exceptional casts and this one was not only scripted well but was gripping from the start. A truly heart stopping western nail-biting film worth watching.
5. Lizzie 2018 is a biographical thriller remake of the story of Lizzie Borden.. This film stars Kristen Stewart as the live in maid and ultimately an accomplice in the murders of Lizzie's father and stepmother. I found this film takes on a relatively darker version of the crime story than I had previously seen in such films as The Legend of Lizzie Borden in 1975 starring Elizabeth Montgomery who were actually sixth cousins once removed and equally a gruesome account of the disturbing murders. Both of these films are exceptional dark thrillers and worth watching to gain history on the murders and ultimately the acquittal of Lizzie Borden.
1. Netflix 2018..The Kindergarten Teacher is what I would call a dark drama about a teacher that fixates on a young pupil that composes and recites poetry. She thinks the boy is gifted and instead of acting appropriately she spirals into a truly possessed woman over this boy. I found myself holding my breath during so many parts, and I don't wish to spoil this very thought provoking film. I will however tell you the ending will leave you speechless. This is a movie that takes you on a slippery slope of emotions and is a must see.
2. Acrimony 2018 is a suspense dark drama that follows the path of a woman who gives up her dreams to support a mechanical engineering student through adulthood. The young woman loses her mother early in the movie and it becomes apparently quickly that this young man has big dreams of inventing a what he thinks will be the next big thing and will stop at nothing to attain it. Including draining her over the years of all her inheritance. While again I do not wish to spoil all the twists and turns throughout the movie. I will say that I was screaming at him to come to his senses many times, however the ending left me spellbound at how she ultimately becomes unglued. This is a thriller full of jaw dropping events and one worthy of watching.
3. Collateral Beauty 2016 is a real tear-jerker drama that has an outstanding cast. At first the movie takes you on the journey of a man who has loss touch with his life after the death of his young daughter, which to me seems in some aspects understandable. After all the pain of grief is to many people hard to deal with alone. Many times during the film you find yourself wanting to know what exactly happened and will he ever be able to come back from his heart breaking depression. His business partners who are worried about his ability to continue to run the business go behind his back and find a dramatic way to use his mental status against him. In the end the emotional well written journey will lift your spirit and revitalize your faith. If you haven't seen this movie watch it and let me know what you think.
4. Hostiles 2017 is a western with a disturbing look at how gruesomely brutal a life back in 1892. The movie starts with a horrific attack upon a family by Comanches. After fleeing from the attack the wife and mother of the family is the only one left alive. At the same time a military detail is ordered to escort a dying Cheyenne chief and four members of his family back to their tribe. As the military group embarks on the orders with the chief and his family they soon come upon the family homestead and find the mother surrounded by the carnage. After convincing her it is in her best interest that she ride along with them to their destination they are ambushed by Comanches and soon it comes to light that they all have to work together to make it to their destination alive. I really enjoy watching westerns especially those with exceptional casts and this one was not only scripted well but was gripping from the start. A truly heart stopping western nail-biting film worth watching.
5. Lizzie 2018 is a biographical thriller remake of the story of Lizzie Borden.. This film stars Kristen Stewart as the live in maid and ultimately an accomplice in the murders of Lizzie's father and stepmother. I found this film takes on a relatively darker version of the crime story than I had previously seen in such films as The Legend of Lizzie Borden in 1975 starring Elizabeth Montgomery who were actually sixth cousins once removed and equally a gruesome account of the disturbing murders. Both of these films are exceptional dark thrillers and worth watching to gain history on the murders and ultimately the acquittal of Lizzie Borden.
Saturday, November 24, 2018
The Holidays are Upon Us!.. Here are a few of my favorite shows, films and loves for the Holiday Season..
1) The Grinch .. Newest Animated Version 2018 ,, is out and I loved the updated version.. I thought it was well thought out and just as good as earlier versions of this beloved movie / cartoon fame character.. Kids everywhere love the Grinch .. I know all mine did and even my grand kids are in love with the character.. and Cindy Lou is as always adorable..
The Grinch movie from 2000 is actually called (How the Grinch Stole Christmas) was with Jim Carrey. and Jim Carrey really brought the Grinch to life for everyone.. and actually features one of my favorite versions of Christmas movie songs sung by Faith Hill (Where are you Christmas?)
The classic Boris Karloff narrated cartoon (How the Grinch Stole Christmas) 1966.. is what I would call the original loved version of the trio and one I, myself loved as a child .. it has graced not only me but countless thousands through the years including my children every year throughout the holiday season. It even still plays to this day on TV every year.
Of course honorable mention is the countless cartoons and books starring the Grinch (a Dr Seuss born classic beloved character for children everywhere)
2) The Nightmare Before Christmas 1993 is an animated movie which is a dark fantasy mixture between Halloween / Christmas .. and one that has an acquired taste but one that my children and grand kids have all fondly come to enjoy. However I think the story which includes a countless array of characters and music score .. is what truly makes this animated a classic that grabs everyone.
3) I also want highlight several of the beloved cartoons that have played every season since I was a child and that just as my children enjoyed them will forever be a staple from our childhood that will be passed on throughout generations to come .. ( to which I love to watch every year )
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Frosty the Snowman
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Twas the Night Before Christmas
Only to name a few there are several newer Christmas cartoons out these days including ones with Shrek, Barbie and Toy Story.
4) Jack Frost - 1998 movie that makes me cry every time I watch it.. Story line is absentee hard-working father dies in an accident leaving the family grieving, especially the son that is having dealing with his death. Father comes back to life (so to speak) as a snowman to reconnect with his grieving son and over just a small period of time a full spectrum of emotions play out between the son and his father. Over time it becomes clear that it is time for him to leave his son now that he has helped his son with his passing but I won't spoil the ending other than to say .. I wish I could have had that kind of closure when my grandfather passed suddenly. This movie is a definite Christmas go to tearjerker for the whole family..
The End.. Have a Great Holiday Season.. Christmas is my birthday and my favorite holiday season ..but unfortunately also the time I cry the most .. Love to all, especially my beloved kids and grandchildren
5. The Holiday 2006 - This movie is a cross between a love story and a Christmas must see. The cast is exceptional and I do think that is what ultimately makes this one of my favorite films. The film is based on two women who presented with spending a really sad holiday season decide to swap homes in the hopes that new scenery may brighten their spirits. One from England and one from LA embarking on spending the holiday for only two weeks. However what they both find enriches their lives forever. I love this movie, it has everything good Christmas love stories should have laughter and love mixed with Christmas and New Year's joy..
6. Almost Christmas 2016 - is a hilarious Christmas comedy based on a dysfunctional but loving family that comes together for the first Christmas holiday after their mom's death. The movie has an outstanding cast that includes Gabrielle Union, Mo'Nique, Danny Glover, Omar Epps, Jessie Usher, Keri Hilson, Nicole Ari Parker, Kimberly Elise, John Michael Higgins as well as many others.. I literally laughed through the entire movie.. The film not only shows how dramatic the loss of the mother was to the entire family but it also makes you smile..highlighting all the dynamic personalities within the family .. this is a must see movie.. Happy Holidays
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Honorable Mention Die Hard 1988, Die Hard 2 1990, Die Hard with a Vengeance 1995, Live Free or Die Hard 2007, A Good Day to Die Hard 2013 - The Die Hard series are all action films..
However the first Die Hard movie has become a huge iconic Christmas classic .. because the action film takes place on Christmas Eve when John McClane (Bruce Willis) comes to a company Christmas party to be with his wife Holly.. However soon after arriving he realizes terrorists have taken over the building to steal millions from the vault in the building.. The first Die Hard is a cult holiday action flick with a huge fan following..
Die Hard 2.. is another film of the series that takes place on Christmas Eve .. and takes place while John McClane is waiting at Washington International Airport for his wife.. of course the movie is full of action as mercenaries take over the airport and McClane learns of their plans...
Die Hard with a Vengeance .. is the third movie in the series and McClane is back in NYC and suspended from the police force .. when a terrorist threatens to blow up various locations unless McClane will play his version of Simon Says.. with riddles and tasks.. McClane learns the terrorist is the brother of the terrorist from the first film and agrees to help.. action action action..
Live Free or Die Hard .. is the fourth in the series and this film takes place on Independence Day .. McClane is now divorced when terrorists hack into FBI computers and go after McClane who was sent to bring in a computer hacker for questioning .. The terrorists end up holding McClane's estranged daughter hostage .. which was not a good idea.. John McClane to the rescue..
A Good Day to Die Hard .. the fifth in the series takes place in Moscow.. when McClane finds out that his estranged son Jack has been arrested in Moscow for murder.. However when he goes to the courthouse terrorists bomb the building and Jack escapes.. McClane action ensues.. the plot thickens with CIA, uranium and plenty of on the edge of your seat action..
1) The Grinch .. Newest Animated Version 2018 ,, is out and I loved the updated version.. I thought it was well thought out and just as good as earlier versions of this beloved movie / cartoon fame character.. Kids everywhere love the Grinch .. I know all mine did and even my grand kids are in love with the character.. and Cindy Lou is as always adorable..
The Grinch movie from 2000 is actually called (How the Grinch Stole Christmas) was with Jim Carrey. and Jim Carrey really brought the Grinch to life for everyone.. and actually features one of my favorite versions of Christmas movie songs sung by Faith Hill (Where are you Christmas?)
The classic Boris Karloff narrated cartoon (How the Grinch Stole Christmas) 1966.. is what I would call the original loved version of the trio and one I, myself loved as a child .. it has graced not only me but countless thousands through the years including my children every year throughout the holiday season. It even still plays to this day on TV every year.
Of course honorable mention is the countless cartoons and books starring the Grinch (a Dr Seuss born classic beloved character for children everywhere)
2) The Nightmare Before Christmas 1993 is an animated movie which is a dark fantasy mixture between Halloween / Christmas .. and one that has an acquired taste but one that my children and grand kids have all fondly come to enjoy. However I think the story which includes a countless array of characters and music score .. is what truly makes this animated a classic that grabs everyone.
3) I also want highlight several of the beloved cartoons that have played every season since I was a child and that just as my children enjoyed them will forever be a staple from our childhood that will be passed on throughout generations to come .. ( to which I love to watch every year )
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Frosty the Snowman
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Twas the Night Before Christmas
Only to name a few there are several newer Christmas cartoons out these days including ones with Shrek, Barbie and Toy Story.
4) Jack Frost - 1998 movie that makes me cry every time I watch it.. Story line is absentee hard-working father dies in an accident leaving the family grieving, especially the son that is having dealing with his death. Father comes back to life (so to speak) as a snowman to reconnect with his grieving son and over just a small period of time a full spectrum of emotions play out between the son and his father. Over time it becomes clear that it is time for him to leave his son now that he has helped his son with his passing but I won't spoil the ending other than to say .. I wish I could have had that kind of closure when my grandfather passed suddenly. This movie is a definite Christmas go to tearjerker for the whole family..
The End.. Have a Great Holiday Season.. Christmas is my birthday and my favorite holiday season ..but unfortunately also the time I cry the most .. Love to all, especially my beloved kids and grandchildren
5. The Holiday 2006 - This movie is a cross between a love story and a Christmas must see. The cast is exceptional and I do think that is what ultimately makes this one of my favorite films. The film is based on two women who presented with spending a really sad holiday season decide to swap homes in the hopes that new scenery may brighten their spirits. One from England and one from LA embarking on spending the holiday for only two weeks. However what they both find enriches their lives forever. I love this movie, it has everything good Christmas love stories should have laughter and love mixed with Christmas and New Year's joy..
6. Almost Christmas 2016 - is a hilarious Christmas comedy based on a dysfunctional but loving family that comes together for the first Christmas holiday after their mom's death. The movie has an outstanding cast that includes Gabrielle Union, Mo'Nique, Danny Glover, Omar Epps, Jessie Usher, Keri Hilson, Nicole Ari Parker, Kimberly Elise, John Michael Higgins as well as many others.. I literally laughed through the entire movie.. The film not only shows how dramatic the loss of the mother was to the entire family but it also makes you smile..highlighting all the dynamic personalities within the family .. this is a must see movie.. Happy Holidays
________________________________________________________________________________
Honorable Mention Die Hard 1988, Die Hard 2 1990, Die Hard with a Vengeance 1995, Live Free or Die Hard 2007, A Good Day to Die Hard 2013 - The Die Hard series are all action films..
However the first Die Hard movie has become a huge iconic Christmas classic .. because the action film takes place on Christmas Eve when John McClane (Bruce Willis) comes to a company Christmas party to be with his wife Holly.. However soon after arriving he realizes terrorists have taken over the building to steal millions from the vault in the building.. The first Die Hard is a cult holiday action flick with a huge fan following..
Die Hard 2.. is another film of the series that takes place on Christmas Eve .. and takes place while John McClane is waiting at Washington International Airport for his wife.. of course the movie is full of action as mercenaries take over the airport and McClane learns of their plans...
Die Hard with a Vengeance .. is the third movie in the series and McClane is back in NYC and suspended from the police force .. when a terrorist threatens to blow up various locations unless McClane will play his version of Simon Says.. with riddles and tasks.. McClane learns the terrorist is the brother of the terrorist from the first film and agrees to help.. action action action..
Live Free or Die Hard .. is the fourth in the series and this film takes place on Independence Day .. McClane is now divorced when terrorists hack into FBI computers and go after McClane who was sent to bring in a computer hacker for questioning .. The terrorists end up holding McClane's estranged daughter hostage .. which was not a good idea.. John McClane to the rescue..
A Good Day to Die Hard .. the fifth in the series takes place in Moscow.. when McClane finds out that his estranged son Jack has been arrested in Moscow for murder.. However when he goes to the courthouse terrorists bomb the building and Jack escapes.. McClane action ensues.. the plot thickens with CIA, uranium and plenty of on the edge of your seat action..
Saturday, October 20, 2018
Top TV watchable Series (In my opinion to which are both provocative and entertaining)
1. True Blood- American Fantasy Horror based on a series of novels which premiered in 2008 depicts a unique and yet fantasy driven story based in Louisiana about mortals, vampires and wolves would simply not do this series, the cast also includes fairies, witches, and shape-shifters as well. While the storyline seems dark and brooding it also contains many provocative nuances along with humorous aspects. While the series has now ended, it continues to have a fan base and many such as myself loved many of the characters. It was pure entertainment, at times very sexual which more than likely didn't hurt its ratings .. Look this sort of series isn't for everyone but if you want to binge watch and enjoy TV fantasy genre such as Night Gallery, X Files, Tales from the Crypt, The Twilight Zone (all oldies and yet classic fantasy series), and American Horror Story (still ongoing American Fantasy series with many provocative story lines as well) than you will enjoy True Blood. So what do you have to lose, trust me it will keep your attention.
2. Weeds - Premiered in 2005 and wrapped up in 2012 however it sets the bar high in my opinion for being one of the best marijuana based long running series. Weeds was definitely in my opinion one of the first but now in just the past couple of years more series and shows based on marijuana have sprouted up..(notice how I added that sly play on words Sprout..ha ha) . Storyline is based on Nancy Botwin a woman who starts dealing from the suburbs after her husband dies.. but along with marijuana dealing the show soon takes off on the family dynamics of her two sons, brother-in-law along with a whole list of friends. It is not the typical drug dealing aspects one might be inclined to think.. this is the suburbs and they are not the typical bunch of gangsters you might think.. However the story spans what seems like a lot in just the 7 years it ran.. and Nancy Botwin becomes a very self learned drug dealing woman. The series has humor, sex and pushes the envelope on drug dealing in the suburbs .. I think the series carries a good cast and makes a fantastic pick for binge watching .. Enjoy..
3. Power - American Crime Drama premiered on Starz in 2014, and is a series still going strong .. but why wouldn't it with an amazing cast and drug dealing storyline. I will be honest I was hooked on this series from the first episode.. This show is dynamic in just about every facet .. while drug dealing is the backdrop it draws you in as being really human.. the pull of wanting to break free from crime and yet doing what is right isn't always easy .. and how growing up on the streets and making it is hard.. I can't describe how jaw dropping and enticing the story is .. and how the struggles and pain the main characters have to endure through the years .. but this series is gripping just doesn't do it justice.. I am not black but I see it as being a series that anyone can identify with .. life and marriage is tough and not everyone will have your back.. as well as dreams are hard to achieve.. Just watch it and judge for yourself.. I will warn this is hard-hitting but the overall storyline will keep you watching and the cast is superb..
That's all for now.. remember not all my picks maybe your cup of tea.. but trust me you will enjoy watching..
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