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Reviews
The Irishman (2019)
Disappointing, didn't live up to the hype
For all the hype this movie received, I must say that The Irishman was disappointing. I wanted to see it because of the fond memories of past movies with these actors, but in my opinion:
* Goodfellas was much better
* Heat was much better
If they had edited out at least an hour of the 3.5 hour film, it might have been more tolerable. The pace was too slow and drawn out and the performances were sub-par for these acting giants.
Three Identical Strangers (2018)
Decent human beings won't want to believe it's true
This film is a must see for anyone of Jewish heritage - especially those who were adopted.
Decent human beings won't want to believe that this story is true! But the facts are clearly stated and balanced with the understandably emotional recollections of the "subjects" and their families and friends in such a way that doubters would be hard-pressed to present evidence to the contrary.
I won't give away the almost unbelievable and unsettling conclusions of this documentary, but I will say that I still have a sick and angry feeling in the pit of my stomach the morning after watching it.
That anyone could come up with such a sinister plot to inflict on orphans... there are no words - at least none that I can post here.
My heart goes out to the victims!
Geostorm (2017)
Disappointing!
I wish I had read Mauro Volvox's review before wasting 1 hr 49 min of my life going to see this film. Everything about this movie was disappointing!
Andy Garcia has always been one of my favorite actors, his role in this film is weak and unbelievable - what US President would react in the manner that his character is scripted to do?
Ed Harris, another giant in film, is cast in a role I am certain he would have developed more deeply if allowed, but writer/director Devlin obviously had other plans. I'm honestly shocked that Ed accepted such a role, things must be tough for older actors in Hollywood these days.
The emotion between Gerard Butler and Jim Sturgess' characters leaves a lot to be desired - it's not realistic, and is lacking true human emotion. Plus the backstory is missing too much for the viewer to understand the family dynamics. Adding another 15 minutes to the story might have given their characters depth, but again, Dean Devlin fails the audience.
Geostorm is a disappointing failure in the Action Sci-Fi Thriller genre. If it had been billed as a satire based on some of the successful films with stories of the earth's threatened existence - pieces of which Devlin may have been trying to imitate (e.g., Independence Day (1996), The Day After Tomorrow (2004), etc.) then I might tend to be more charitable with this review, but unfortunately that is not the case.
Star Trek Beyond (2016)
A Trek Down Memory Lane
Having grown up watching the Star Trek TV series, and not having later become a fanatic regarding the too many Star Trek movies, I actually enjoyed this prequel to the TV series stories.
I'm surprised by the many negative reviews posted about this movie on IMDb.
Overall, I think this was an entertaining family movie (for ages 8 and up). Not a blockbuster by any stretch of the imagination, but it's one of the few movies we've seen during the past 5 years that I feel is acceptable for the whole family, i.e., no unexpected nudity or audio/visuals of sexual intimacy, no disgusting graphic violence, no nightmarish horrifying scenes or creatures (considering most of the creatures in this film are tame compared to what can be view on prime time TV).
Parental Guidance (2012)
Wholesome family entertainment
Sadly, it isn't often these days that studios put out a film that the whole family can and would want to watch together. Parental Guidance exceeded my expectations and I'm really thankful for the wonderful family experience. The fact that I didn't have to cover my son's eyes or ears during this film was refreshing!
Billy Crystal and Bette Midler make a great comedic pair :-) Our youngest wasn't familiar with them and couldn't stop laughing as they played off of each other.
The story-line is one that many families will relate to as parents become grandparents and their children try to be better parents than those who raised them (because the teenage,know-it-all syndrome doesn't always fade so easily). Parental Guidance tells that story in a humorous and touching way as this family finds their way through some major challenges - the type many of us have or will face. In that, this film can be educational as it provides one possible path to a happy resolution.
We would love to see Hollywood produce more films like this one. Bravo!
Finding Neverland (2004)
Gets better every time
It's been years since I've seen this movie and today my family decided this would be our family time film because my husband didn't remember seeing it. Unlike too many other films, once is not enough with Finding Neverland - it' seems to get better each time I see it!
I'm not a big Johnny Depp fanatic but I have seen several films he's been in and without a doubt (at least for me) this is his best performance ever. Freddie Highmore also gives an incredibly moving performance in this film.
For those of us who spend most of our waking hours as serious grown-ups focused on the many responsibilities and stresses of 21st Century adulthood, Finding Neverland provides an emotional escape and reminds us to treasure creativity and time.
RV (2006)
Funny and Clean Enough for the Whole Family!
I'm disappointed to see so many negative comments bringing the rating of this movie down. We watched it a few years ago and enjoyed it. Tonight we were looking for something clean and fun - unfortunately a rare find these days - and decided to give RV another spin.
I think we laughed harder the second time around! We anticipated some of the scenes and were laughing before they happened. Robin Williams is hysterical as always - and Jeff Daniels is in a role that seems tailored just for him. I would have loved to see out takes at the end because I wondered how the cast were able to keep a straight face during the filming but I guess maybe studios didn't do those way back in 2006. The entire cast did a great job of portraying normal human reactions to the challenges they faced throughout this wholesome and realistic family story. We give RV a big thumbs up!
Fly Away Home (1996)
Sweet, Funny, Human
Wow, another excellent family film that has received low ratings from many reviewers here - I just don't get it. Fly Away Home is a beautiful story, filled with realistic emotion and incredible views of Canada and the geese.
Jeff Daniel's portrayal of the eccentric father is smooth and realistic to the point that you might feel like you could run into him during a drive in the country. Anna Paquin tugs at your heartstrings and our family was cheering her on throughout the movie.
Fly Away Home is a wholesome and entertaining family experience that we have watched several times - this says a lot since we rarely all agree on viewing the same film together twice.
Big Miracle (2012)
Wholesome Family Movie
Bravo for creating a refreshingly clean family movie! It's encouraging and rare these days to have an opportunity to view a film the whole family can enjoy. Big Miracle is a wholesome, educational and entertaining movie that I happily recommend to anyone struggling like we often to to find a movie suitable for the under 15 crowd, that adults will also enjoy.
Big Miracle is loosely based on a true story and utilizes TV news clips from the Reagan era that we felt made the film very realistic. Ancient traditions, multi-generational challenges, morality, ethics, friendship, love and social responsibility are weaved into a story set in beautiful Alaska that made us laugh, cry and cheer along with the characters - it was a fun adventure into a world we didn't know much about.
Courageous (2011)
Powerful!
Courageous is one of the best films I've had the pleasure of viewing in recent years. The message is one that the world desperately needs to internalize - and especially America. I grew up in the Albany area and applaud the film makers for their realistic portrayal of the diverse population and life in that community.
The acting was excellent, the characters so real that I felt like they were my neighbors and I wanted to be there with - and for - them. It is an emotionally-charged story that should receive awards, but probably won't because it doesn't match the politically-correct liberal agenda being shoved down the throats of America today.
I am not a Christian, but I can appreciate the Biblical mandate within this story for fathers to step up to the plate and be Godly role models and leaders within their homes (and communities). What a refreshing message in our messed up world of liberal secular-humanistic in-your-face entertainment!
I encourage everyone (regardless of religious persuasion/aversion) to get beyond the handful of "Christ" references in this film and embrace the powerful message for the benefit of future generations. This film goes way beyond entertainment and into the good old fashioned realm of responsible film making. Bravo!
Iranium (2011)
This is a MUST SEE video for all Americans!
With all the media propaganda polluting the world today, Iranium was a breath of fresh air despite its alarming content. People can - and will - dispute their impressions of reality for eternity, but there is no disputing the footage in this video of Islamic leaders speaking their minds in public (caught on film).
I am an American currently living in the Middle East and unfortunately find this film to be very accurate. I encourage all Americans, as well as people from other countries, to view this video and carefully weigh the facts. I am more fearful for my family and friends living in the US right now than I am for those living in Israel. At least Israel is realistic about their enemies and the need for appropriate security. It's time for the US to wake up and to stop misrepresenting reality to her citizens in an effort to prevent panic. An educated public will be better prepared to respond in the correct manner.