And now, we are going to talk about a film that is based on a true story, and may likely be much, much better than the last film that I reviewed. It is a film that stars Kelsey Grammar, Jonathan Roumie, Joel Courtney. Oh, and did I forget to mention that Christian author Greg Laurie, and movie director Jon Erwin were a couple of the people that helped produce this film? Anyway, let’s discuss the one, and only Jesus Revolution.

Plot: The film depicts the time of the beginning of what they called the Jesus Movement that began at Calvary Chapel in Southern California. It shows how pastor Chuck Smith (played by Kelsey Grammar in this film), a street preacher Lonnie Frisbee (played by Jonathan Roumie), and Greg Laurie (played by Joel Courtney) were among some of the leaders that were used by God to help start this movement of Revival in America.

Wow, I could probably go on for a long while about how amazing this film is. However, to avoid spoilers, and to have a review that you guys would take time to read, I’ll just try to make certain important points about why Jesus Revolution is a great film. You know like with my other reviews of why I mention that a movie is good, or even bad for that matter. Well, in this case, what makes Jesus Revolution a great film? Well, for one, one of the Erwin brothers, who directed films like I Can Only Imagine, and I Still Believe a few years back, helped direct the film, alongside director Brent McCorkle. Honestly, I find myself wondering how, when both Erwin Brothers have directed a film, especially faith-based films that were based on actual events that occurred sometime ago, they were able to make the film really, really good. Could it be due to the fact that films like this, and I Can Only Imagine were based on true events? Could it perhaps also be that they were able to find the characters in there films relatable in one way, or another? I’m sure it could be those reasons, along with some other speculative reasons that I’m failing to mention. Either way, John Erwin, Brent McCorkle, and the rest of the filmmakers truly did a tremendous job with creating an amazing, and spectacular film that was based on the Revival of the 60s, and 70s. First of all, the casting is surprisingly very well thought out. For one, Kelsey Grammar as Pastor Chuck Smith is great. He knows how to put life into this character, have an understanding of how he would feel, or act in certain situations, you name it. Of course there’s Joel Courtney as young Greg Laurie, Anna Grace Barlow as Cathe Laurie, you name it. However, one of the biggest surprises was Jonathan Roumie as Lonnie Frisbee. Okay, number one, if anyone can name any other actor that could have played Lonnie better than this actor, please tell me who. Second, some of you out there have seen the show The Chosen, have you not? Well, for those of you who have, you may recall that Roumie plays Jesus in that show. Let me tell you, Roumie does an excellent job of playing Jesus in that show. The only reason why I bring that up is because Lonnie looks very much like Jesus from The Chosen, not just because of both characters being played by the same actor, but because of both having beards, both basically being leaders, and things like that. Granted, unlike Lonnie, Jesus was, and is perfect, but you hopefully still get my point. Anyway, Jesus Revolution is also great at making the characters raw, real, and relatable. I’m not sure how much liberties were taken with this film. Still, the film does seem to do really well with depicting how tough life was for these people, how amazing of a movement there was with people getting baptized, and saved, and a lot more. Honestly, if you’re a Christian who has quite a few non-Christian friends, definitely try to see this film, and invite them to come. Jesus Revolution will most definitely help open their eyes up to how there are hypocrites in the church, but also how there were, and still are Christians out there who will do anything to love on non-Christians, and make sure that they will hopefully desire to have a relationship with Jesus. Even if you’re not a pastor, or even a hippie, you’ll still find yourself enjoying this film, especially due to any of those characters, or even those in this film that are outside of those two categories, being relatable in one aspect, or another. Finally, Jesus Revolution does help teach some valuable lessons about how even leaders can get caught up in giving glory to themselves instead of God, you can’t please everyone even in the church, one must follow God wholeheartedly, even if it means sacrificing certain jobs, relationships, etc., and how God does in fact use failures, and mistakes, and make good out of it for any purposes that He may have had in the past, or may have in the present, and future.

And that’s my review for Jesus Revolution. Wow, honestly, if more people go see this film, hopefully the film will help bring about Revival not only in America, but also in the rest of the world. Hopefully more people will come to Christ, and both Christians, and non-Christians will truly see the love of God through films like Jesus Revolution. It has amazing characters, it will help people think very critically about certain aspects of life, especially the life of being a Christian, show how Christians truly need to love one another no matter what, and how God does in fact work in mysterious ways, and bring about good out of failures in life. If you haven’t seen Jesus Revolution, let me tell you, you will love it. Is it possible that Christians will maybe love it a little more so? Sure! However, at the same time, non-Christians are also bound to gain some understanding, and insight after seeing this film. So please, go see, and support Jesus Revolution. You won’t want to miss this film for both reasons that I mentioned above, and for reasons that I didn’t mention as well.

Final Grade: A+

Well, everyone, today, we review a film that is said to be inspired by true events. Apparently, the events of this film were set in the 1980s. So now, let’s discuss this film, known as Cocaine Bear.

Plot: Loosely based on events from the 1980s, the film depicts how a shipment of cocaine accidentally dropped from an airplane, and landed in the Chattahoochee-October National Forest. It then shows how an American black started to eat some of it, and became aggressive towards others that would come near it. So, was the black bear put to death in the end?

Well, as some of us know, this film is said to be inspired by true events. Well, was this film good as a result? Well, it was okay. Here’s the thing! This film may have over exaggerated on how many people died because of the bear doing cocaine. I mean would a real bear truly succeed in choking off a leg in real life, getting a head cut off, or tunings like that? Well, then again, bears do have sharp claws, so, maybe they could successfully cut off certain parts of a human with those claws? You got me. Maybe I need to study bears more. Anyway, putting some of the possibly extreme violence aside, a lot of the characters seem more one note. Well, kids like Dee Dee, Henry, and Dee Dee’s Sari were okay, along with villains like Syd, and his two smuggler sidekicks. Bob, the black cop that’s played by Isiah Whitlock Jr., is also a good character too. The rest of the cast seemed to feel more like a mixed bag. That being said, one could argue that around half of the characters were decent to good, while the other half was not all that likable. That is due to the likable half getting fairly well-developed, while we could have maybe known the other half a little better. So, could this film have been done better in that regard? Maybe cut out some of them? Perhaps! Or maybe make this movie a little longer than it was? Either way, as mentioned before the characters were a mixed bag of memorable, and not as memorable. Also, the film may have been a little more violent than it should have been in the end. Thankfully, this film was given an R-rating, and not a PG-13 rating, but still.

Well, if there was anything to like about this film was, again, half of the characters were somewhat likable. Also, there are some very interesting twists that occur near the end of this film as well. I will also say that I’m very surprised that actress Elizabeth Banks directed this film. Does she have a big taste for violent films? Perhaps! Again, you got me!

And that’s my review for Cocaine Bear. The film does have some good action, and some fairly memorable characters here, and there. Also, it was cool to see some nice action scenes, and have an education of the whole cocaine deal that occurred in the 1980s. Whether this film was based on a true story, or not, this is not a film that maybe you’ll want to see once, but not see ever again after that. I would say just wait until it’s cheaper to see this film either On Demand, or somewhere else, and just see the new Ant-Man film, or Jesus Revolution, or some other film in the meantime.

Final Grade: D

Well, ladies, and gentlemen, today, things are going to be changed up a little bit. The reason being is that we will be reviewing a film that was released in theaters just 25 years ago. Oh, but that’s not all. Today, the film that we are reviewing was just re-released in theaters just a couple weeks ago as a 25th anniversary edition. What’s more is that it won not one, not two, but apparently even Academy Awards like Best Original Song, Best Director, Best Picture, and more. Did this film deserve all those Oscars a while back? Well, let’s find out as we talk about the one, and only Titanic, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, and others.

Plot: A fictional character named Rose Calvert (Gloria Stuart plays the elder Rose, while Kate Winslet plays younger Rose, when her last name was originally Butaker) recaps to a group of marine scientists about her experience on the voyage of the Titanic ship that sailed from Southampton, England, and attempted to sail to America, but was ultimately sunk after hitting a large iceberg over 80 years before.

Now, for the million dollar question! Did Titanic deserve to receive as many Golden Globe Awards, and Academy Awards as it did in the end? Also, did it deserve to perform surprisingly well at the box office? Well, let me put it to you all this way. There have been times when there have been films throughout the years that won awards that they shouldn’t have won in the end. However, there are other films that did deserve those awards that they won. I’m delighted to tell you all that Titanic happens to fall in the latter category. First of all, the way the story is structured, with it starting out in almost the present day (or present day at the time this film was released), and then having us go back to the time when the Titanic first sailed, works really well. Yes, the film could have just been set in 1912, when the ship sailed, and sank, and been done with it. And yes, the main character, Rose Calvert (formerly Butaker when the film flashes back to the character in her younger years) was a fictional character, as were characters like Jack Dawson, Cal Hockley, Spicer Lovejoy, Liszt Calvert, Brock Lovett, and all of them. Still, how often has it been that a film based on a true story hasn’t taken liberties, included fictional characters that weren’t part of the real event, and things like that? Plus, adding these elements adds more layers to the Titanic event anyway. Also, as you hear elder Rose go more in depth of her experience with being on the Titanic ship, you’d be surprised to hear how her journey went. In addition to this, it will serve as a reminder of how different people do in fact have different perspectives about certain situations around them. I won’t go into details, but let’s just say that you’d be surprised as to how, and why Rose saw things differently from many people that surrounded her. Anyway, even if this Titanic film may feel more like a love story than anything else, and may have been more dramatized compared to the actual event, it does seem to do quite well with trying to remain faithful to the telling of the whole story with Titanic. Not to mention that the film does well with depicting quite a few aspects of the Titanic event, from some of the crew members ignorantly saying that “not even God could sink the Titanic” (yeah, never good to make statements like that) to the downfall of the ship, and more. Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane, Bill Paxton, Suzy Amis, Kathy Bates, Victor Garber, Bernard Hill, and the rest of the cast were just phenomenal with their performances. Billy Zane was especially great as the main antagonist of this film that almost seemed like Gaston from Beauty & The Beast, but likely worse. James Horner’s score was also phenomenal as well. Honestly, I’m sorry that I don’t own the soundtrack for this film, because this score most definitely seems to be out of this world. Definitely was great to see Horner get an Oscar for his score with this film. His score can range from being calm, and soothing, to being really dramatic when it needs to be. He most definitely knew how to use his score to engage the audience even more with this film. In addition to all of this, Titanic was great at not sugarcoating this story at any given point. Now, should this film haven been over three hours long? Well, if this film dragged at points, probably not. However, Titanic hardly, if ever, drags at all. It does well with maintaining a steady pace with it’s story. James Cameron did well when he made films like this, and Avatar later on. Oh, and the cinematography was spectacular. It’s understandable as to why this film won an award in that category as well. Oh, and even if you don’t get to hear it until the end credits, who wouldn’t want to sing “My Heart Will Go On.” It is undoubtedly a powerful song that deserved the Oscar for Best Original Song. Yes, “At The Beginning” (Anastasia), and “Go The Distance” (Hercules), which also got nominated for Best Original Song, were good songs too. Still, something about Titanic’s “My Heart Will Go On” is so amazing that you may want to hear it several times more.

But are there any downsides to this film? Well, the only one that I can think of is that there were a couple points where Rose’s character development was lacking at least a little bit. I don’t know how to explain it except that she made one, or two choices that let’s just could have come off as feeling a little random. You still understand her motives, but it could have been handled a little better.

And that’s my review for Titanic. Honestly, it is most definitely worth seeing. The characters are likable, and memorable, the story is understandably long, and possibly even unique, the score is amazing, and the action is great. All to say, whenever you see this film, if you haven’t already, you’ll be glad that you did in the end. If you have never seen Titanic at all over the last 25 years that it’s been out, definitely do so. Either see it while it’s still in theaters a little longer, or rent it somehow. Yes, the ending may be somewhat of a surprise. Still, you’ll definitely find a great many things to enjoy about it in the end. Don’t believe me!?! Well, just watch it, and see for yourself then!

Final Grade: A

Well, everyone, today, we shall have my last movie review of the week. This time, it is a mystery detective film that stars people like Liam Neeson. Presenting to you all my review of the one, and only Marlowe.

Plot: Set in 1939, an heiress named Clare Cavendish (Diane Kruger) asks private detective Philip Marlowe (Liam Neeson) to investigate about what happened to an ex-lover of hers. Will Marlowe find out the mystery in the end?

Okay, first of all, it is great to see a detective film come out for the first time in, well, a while. It’s also interesting to see this film take place around a time like WWII. And what’s more, it’s not too surprising that this film was as violent as it ended up being in the end. Not only that, but this film doesn’t sugarcoat how much corruption there seemed to be in the US even back then. Sure, morals may have gone down much worse when God was taken out of public schools in the 1960s, but it doesn’t change the fact that there were still gangs, and things like that even before then. Anyway, David Holmes has a superb score that fits well with a time period like the 1930s, and 1940s. The cast is also really good, especially with Liam Neeson, and Diane Kruger. No, the latter may not be a detective. Still, both main characters work really well off of each other. Plus, how could one not like Liam Neeson being in this film. Much like Tom Hanks, one could probably almost anything that he’s in. The acting, overall, is spot on as well. Anyhow, the storyline is also really good. It almost has this Sherlock Holmes vibe to it. Yes, it may feel complex at times, but still really enjoyable. Oh, and another thing to mention! If you have plans to see Marlowe, make sure you see it at a time when you don’t feel even remotely tired, or don’t feel tempted to doze off. It will probably be hard for you to follow the film otherwise. Okay, the movie may not feel as complex as say one like Inception, but still. There’s also really good action, and a good climax as well.

And that’s my review for Marlowe. I understand it may be one of my shorter reviews. Still, I hope that what I said will convince others to go, and see it. That is if you want a film with great writing, good characters, a good mystery, and more. Well, if you want a film with all of these good elements, along with great acting, definitely see Marlowe, and see what you think!

Final Grade: A+

Ladies, and gentlemen, today, we shall be hanging out with the superheroes of the Marvel Studios gang, and hang out with some of the Avengers, particularly with Ant-Man, and his family to explore some new worlds. About time we got to hang out with Ant-Man again, eh? Well, let’s discuss Ant-Man & The Wasp: Quantumania.

Plot: After it is discovered that Scott/Ant-Man, and Hope Lang’s/Wasp’s daughter, Cassie (Kathryn Newton) has been using particles to send communications to the Quantum Realm, a problem occurs that causes Ant-Man, Wasp, Cassie, and Hope’s parents, Hank (Michael Douglas), Janet Van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer) to be sucked down to the Quantum Realm. When there, it is discovered that a great evil has befallen that world in the form of a leader (Jonathan Majors) that wants to destroy the Realm, and all of the world. Can Ant-Man, and the gang stop him before it’s too late?

Okay, first of all, I would like to ask, why on Earth did this film get a low score of 47% on Rotten Tomatoes? Do most professional critics not understand the true meaning of a good story? Were they upset about there not being any gay, or lesbian characters in this particular Marvel superhero film? Is it both reasons, and maybe even more? Well, one could only speculate. Either way, please don’t listen to what the majority of critics are saying for this particular film. I mean in the past, there have been plenty of films that I have understood where critics were coming from, whether it was when films like The Lion King, and Zootopia got really high scores, and extremely good reviews, or when Home On The Range got mixed to negative reviews, you name it. Even back then, there were times when I disagreed with some of the reviews that critics gave a film, like when The Joker got a really high score, or The Chronicles Of Narnia: Prince Caspian got mixed reviews for some reason. Well, with Ant-Man & The Wasp: Quantumania, either I’m missing something, or maybe I just have to respect the opinions of the critics, and maybe even some of the audience viewers. You got me! Either way, if you plan to see this film, go into it with an open mind. First of all, the Quantum Realm, though we could have maybe gotten to know the world a little more, and maybe even the citizens of that realm a little more, the place consists of a mostly great world building. For one, the characters there are very likable, and fun. There’s even this one alien like creature that especially has a great sense of humor, and delivered some really fun jokes throughout the film. One might even go so far as to say that he might be a better version of a character like Jar Jar Binks from the Star Wars prequels, or someone like that. And as for the rest of the main cast like Scott, Hope, Cassie, you name it, how can you go wrong with these characters? In this third film, Cassie, for being a newer character, is very well fleshed out in this third film of the Ant-Man film series. Anyway, speaking of Star Wars, Ant-Man & The Wasp: Quantumania does a surprisingly excellent job of acting like both a Marvel superhero film, and a Star Wars type of film as well. Okay, it may not start that way. However, when we, the audience, enter the Quantum Realm (aka Quantumania), it’s almost like the filmmakers may have taken inspiration from Star Wars. Hard to believe? Well, get this, then. Some of the creatures, and aliens seem to have personalities, and behaviors similar to those of Star Wars, some of the homes, and technology have a Star Wars type of feel, and things like those as well. Next, there’s the music by Christophe Beck. Man, did he do awesome with the score. He really helps set you in the mood, be it the good parts, the action scenes, you name it. Additionally, just like with many Marvel films, Ant-Man & The Wasp is incredibly funny. Yes, the alien in the space suit is most hilarious this time around. However, quite a few other characters bring some rather comedic lines as well. And another thing! Who wouldn’t want to see Bill Murray at one point during this film. I won’t say what character he plays, or what his character does. However, let’s just say that it’s interesting what they did to his character. Finally, there’s the climax of this film. Again, I’m not going to say how that turns out. However, I will say that you’d be surprised by how much raw emotion is contained in this climax, along with how well many of the characters get developed especially during this portion of the film. And of course the climax lasts just the right amount.

And that’s my review for Ant-Man& The Wasp: Quantumania. Despite there being a tiny bit of character development lacking, the movie is overall really well done. The characters are likable overall, the world of Quantumania is well done, especially having a Star Wars few to it, the climax is surprisingly excellent, and well-written, and choreographed, and the acting, and actor are also great. Plus, considering how woke some of the more recent Marvel films have been with them putting in gay characters, or unnecessary things like those, this film is a nice welcome back to movies not pushing the gay agenda. If this continues to perform well at the box office, hopefully even Marvel films will slowly reign back to normal, the way that they were before. So, go see Ant-Man & The Wasp: Quantumania, and see what you think!

Final Grade: A

Alright, everyone, today we are going to be reviewing a film that has a mix live-action, and animation, and that was released exclusively to Disney+ just a couple months ago, back around Thanksgiving of this past year, as a matter of fact. And it’s not just any live-action/animation hybrid film, but it is a sequel to a popular Disney film that was released just fifteen years before, in 2007, and featured Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, Idina Menzel, and more. And now, most of that cast from that film, known as Enchanted, returns in this sequel to that film, the one, and only, 2022’s Disenchanted. So now, let’s see how Disenchanted compares to it’s predecessor, Enchanted, shall we?

Plot: Set ten years after the events of Enchanted, Robert (Patrick Dempsey), and Giselle (Amy Adams) are now happily married, and have a new child of their own, in addition to Robert’s daughter, Morgan (now a teenager, and played by Gabriella Baldacchino). However, after starting to feel unsatisfied with life in New York City, Robert, Giselle, their daughter Morgan, and their newborn, Sofia, decide to move to a fictional suburban town called Monroeville. After things begin to go wrong while living in their new home, and Giselle is given a wishing wand by old friends Prince Edward (James Marsden), and his queen, Nancy (Idina Menzel), who come from Andalusia to visit them, and present Sophia with a wishing wand, Giselle decides to use it to wish that her family’s life was a “perfect fairytale.” Will this wish make life better for Giselle, Robert, and their family, or will Giselle come to regret making that wish?

So, as I’m sure many of us know, this sequel was released exclusively to Disney+ just as the first film would reach it’s 15th anniversary. With that said, did we need a sequel in the end? Was it necessary? Quite honestly, no! Okay, it’s an okay follow up to the original Enchanted. However, Disenchanted was probably not the best sequel for Disney to come out with. Yes, there were some good lessons to take away from this film, even though those may have been executed in better films. And yes, the acting was very good, especially from Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, Idina Menzel, and of course Gabriella Baldacchino, who played teenage Morgan. The 2D hand-drawn animation for the scenes where we’re taken back to the kingdom of Andalasia, is also superb. Quite honestly, if Disney is willing to take a stab, or two, at hand-drawn animation again for any of their upcoming projects from Walt Disney Animation Studios, then hopefully the will be just as great, if not better, than it was for the animation here in Disenchanted. Anyway, the score by Alan Menken was also very good. I mean, come on, he’s most definitely a musical genius whenever composes especially for any Disney film (case in point, Enchanted, The Little Mermaid, or Pocahontas, for example). Finally, the film did have some rather comical lines, and moments as well.

With all those being said, Disenchanted is still not the best. The reason being is, well, there’s the story, for one. Don’t get me wrong, it is the nice idea with the kind of storyline that the writers were trying to convey this time around. And yeah, it was nice to see Morgan be a teenager, and end up having conflicts with either of her parents, and her having to learn some valuable lessons along the way. Still, it’s safe to say that there are other movies out there that seem to execute this kind of storyline better than in this one. Plus, if all of the main characters were memorable to you in the first film, let’s just say you probably won’t like how some of them are handled in this sequel, especially characters like Giselle, and her chipmunk pal, Pip. As for the ending, it was most certainly a decent ending, but probably felt a little too rushed. With issues such as these, it’s safe to say that Disney needs to get more back in the game of coming up with original ideas, instead of these sequels, and remakes, and all of those things, and milking out franchises, you know?

And that’s my review for Disenchanted. It may be an okay sequel. However, it probably wasn’t the best one to exist. If you liked the first film, probably stick just with that one. While there may be worse sequels out there, this one either could have had a better storyline, or, better yet, not existed at all. If you’re looking something newer to watch on Disney+, then I guess you could go worse. Just don’t expect one of the best sequels out there.

Final Grade: C+

Well, everyone, hope you are all back by a great week, and that you all had a fun Valentine’s Day this past Tuesday, whether you have a significant other, or are surprisingly single for the time being. Well, with that said, today, we are going to be diving into the world of documentary films. This time around, we will dive into a documentary that may likely be somewhat unique from your typical documentary movie. So, with that said, let’s be in the lives of the Suskind family, and their journey in their documentary film that was released back in 2016. It is the one, and only, Life, Animated.

Plot: The movie delves into some of the life of Owen Suskind, a man who, at 3 years old, was diagnosed with autism. It then takes the audience on his journey from his childhood, and into some of his early to mid-adult years, and how, when diagnosed with autism, lost his speech for a while. Along the way, we get to witness how Owen’s folks, Rob, and Cornelia, and his older brother, Walter helped Owen regain his speech again, and attempt to communicate with the world around him through watching animated films, particularly those animated films from Walt Disney Animation Studios (i.e. films like Bambi, Aladdin, The Lion King, Hercules, and some of those films), and pretending to interact with some of the fictional animated characters from some of those films.

I will say that part of me was rather surprised to not have first seen this film back in 2016, especially after seeing a trailer for it. I will admit that after watching it, I can kind of relate to Owen, despite not having autism myself. However, I do have Asperger’s Syndrome, which is said to be a step down from autism. Not only that, but I can recall memorizing quite a few animated films, and a few live-action ones as well, when I was younger. Wow, and not to mention that my folks sometimes retell about how, when I was a really, really young kid, I apparently memorized all of the animated version of Charlotte’s Web (which was of course made by Paramount Pictures, and Hanna-Barbera, not Disney).

Anyway, sorry, I just thought I’d take a moment to mention that. Now that that’s out of the way, how is Life, Animated? Well, I’m delighted to say that this film is really fun even for a documentary. Okay, that’s not to say that documentaries aren’t fun to begin with. They can be fun if people would let them be fun, depending on the topics that are covered in any particular documentary film. However, I will just say this, it is pleasantly surprising how enjoyable this one in particular is. First of all, especially for those of us who like Disney animated films, or even animated films that were not made by Disney, I think a lot of us will like this film even more. I mean we get to see clips, and footage of certain animated films from the past. How cool is that? Not only that, but instead of the footage being real-life footage 100% of the time, some of Owen’s life ends up being drawn in the form of animation as well. It’s intriguing how well done some of the animation scenes of this film are. This is especially true when it comes to a scene that, let’s just say, was so clever, and brilliantly well done shortly after the very beginning of this film. Additionally, it’s cool how Owen creatively uses Disney’s animated films in particular to help him either cope, or just joyfully interact with the world around him, as well as use them in different ways to parallel events happening in his life in many different ways. So, with that said, will most people enjoy this film, or will it be mostly those with autism, or even other special needs that enjoy this film? Well, let me put it to you all this way, ladies and gentlemen! First of all, people with autism, or Asperger’s Syndrome, or any other minor, or major disability, or that has issues that impair a person’s social skills, will most likely be the ones to appreciate Life, Animated even more so than those that don’t have those types of social impairments. However, that doesn’t mean that people who don’t have those types of impairments won’t enjoy this film to one degree, or another as well. In fact, I would say that if you’re a parent, or even a young kid, or teenager, or basically any other age for that matter, you should see this film. For one, this film will probably help more people to realize that people with social impairments matter too, and that we should love, and care for them just as much as those without social impairments. That is especially since those with autism, Asperger’s, Down syndrome, you name it have seemed to be ignored, and shunned by society more than those without those kinds of deals. Two, this film will probably help people to realize that people with social impairments end up having rather unique, and intriguing narrow interests. Finally, Life, Animated will help serve as a reminder that people with social issues like these fail to read the room more often than not. Oh, and another thing! If you’re a parent with young kids, definitely have your kids sit down with you to watch it. This film will likely prepare them for issues that they will face as they get older. What’s more is that because of the fact that this film has a most intriguing, and peculiar ending, that will probably help people to have a better understanding about life even more.

Honestly, the only downside might be when Walter ended up giving, or at least thought about giving some advice to Owen at one point that, let’s just say, wasn’t the best. And that’s all I’ll say about that. Moreover, they could have maybe expanded on one, or two people from this documentary that seemed to be slightly underdeveloped. And that’s my review for Life, Animated. It is a fun documentary that will hopefully be eye-opening, but especially fun overall. If you want a documentary that’s fun, upbeat, and interesting, then definitely see this film. Hopefully after seeing this film, it will help us to think about the feelings of those with autism, or any other social impairments, even more so. So, definitely make a point to see Life, Animated, and see what you think!

Final Grade: A-

Well, everyone, as we all know, the Super Bowl occurred as of recently! So, in celebration of that being the case, it would seem as if Paramount Pictures decided to release a film that revolved around a year in which the Super Bowl took place in the past. So now, let’s discuss 80 For Brady (wow, kind of a mouthful, eh?).

Plot: Set in the year 2017, it’s discovered that Tom Brady, and the New England Patriots have won so many games, and are now in the Super Bowl. Meanwhile, a group of four women (played by Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Rita Moreno, and Sally Field) win four tickets to go to the Super Bowl. Now, once they go there, will they develop relationships that last a lifetime, or will they end up having the worst times of their lives while there?

Okay, so just be aware that even though this film was set in a more recent year like 2017, this film is NOT based on a true story. This film is still a fictional one. That being said, is this film still good? Absolutely. Granted, when it comes to some of the jokes, older people in their 40s, 50s, or 60s, and beyond might get, and appreciate those a little more than those in their younger years. Still, this movie is very funny at times. Also, how could we not appreciate the fact that people like Tom Brady, Guy Fieri, and other real people end up making cameo appearances in this film? Again, people who are really big football fans will appreciate that all the more. Even then, those who are not football fans even quite nearly as much may probably still enjoy seeing those cameo appearances in this film. As for the acting, wow, it is great. From start to finish, Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, and especially Sally Field deliver, and really put themselves into the shoes of these characters really well. Also, who doesn’t enjoy a film especially with Sally Field? That is considering other roles that she’s been in like Mrs. Doubtfire, Amazing Spider-Man, the voice of Sassy in the two Homeward Bound films, and others, you know? The other three female actors are hilarious as well, especially Lily Tomlin during some of the scenes that she’s in. Next, there is the score by John Debney. Okay, his score may not be Oscar worthy, but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s still fun nonetheless. Oh, on that subject as well, I was surprised to hear that Debney not only scored in films like this film, but also in films like 1997’s Liar Liar, 2000’s The Emperor’s New Groove, 2002’s Snow Dogs, and quite a few other films as well. He definitely knows how to make situations more epic, or simply to make situations more calm, jazzy, or whatever else. Even though he may not get nominated for Best Original Score for this film, Debney should for sure get nominated, and maybe even win one of these years. He certainly seems to be an underrated music composer. This film seems to be one of many films to serve proof of that. Additionally, there is the story as well. Granted there are some cliches in this film that could have probably been handled a little better. Still, the movie does work overall. I mean not only does the story work for the most part, but the characters are likable as well. Even some of the underdeveloped characters seem to be even a little bit memorable. Yeah, definitely saying a lot, wouldn’t you say? Not only that, but in a day, and age where a lot of films seem to have immoral scenes, convoluted messages, and scenes that are really inappropriate, it is also nice to have a movie like this one that has a nice story, likable characters, scenes that are appropriate for the most part, and things like those. Oh, and there are some very good messages in this film as well. Honestly, the only downside may be that there are one, or two characters that seem slightly underdeveloped, but not my a whole lot.

And that’s my review for 80 For Brady. Although there are some scenes that may not be the best, at least they’re not inappropriate to the point of being vulgar, or even unbearable for that matter. I mean with some other films that have had some vulgar stuff in more recent years, or even months, at least we can be grateful that 80 For Brady is one of those films that you can basically enjoy without having to cringe at any given point. The film may have a slight flaw, but it’s still very good overall. If you want to see a movie about football, one in which people enjoy that sport, along with events like the Super Bowl, likable characters, and a film with much more clean humor, then all the more reason to see this film. Not to mention that the cast for this film seemed perfect. Well, I’ll just say go see 80 For Brady! You’ll have a fun time with it, I’m sure.

Final Grade: A

Okay, so, I apparently have one more film from 2022 to review. It is a film that takes place in 2010. It’s also based on a novel that was released back in 2018 by author Miriam Toews. Always nice to have some historical fiction involved, he? So, with that said, let’s discuss Women Talking.

Plot: Set in the year 2010, a colony of Mennonite women have begun to have a problem of getting raped by some of the men that live in their community. So one day, some of the women come together in a private place, and decide whether or not to stay, and forgive the rapists, or leave, and attempt to find a new life somewhere else.

Okay, first of all, after seeing this movie, I found myself wondering, do people in the Mennonite community have strange beliefs when it comes to trying not forgive others, and other things along those lines? Oh, and another thing! Do people that consider themselves part of a Mennonite community believe more in living in a more rural environment, away from the city life, just like the communities such as the Amish one, for instance? Well, one way, or another, after watching movies like Women Talking, or even other films with storylines similar to it, as well as with similar settings, you will probably asking questions like those, and maybe even more. That is if you haven’t already. Having said all that, the movie is also really good. The film does not shy away from the harsh things that have happened in communities like this one. I was surprised to also discover that this film was based on a novel that was just released a few years ago. Now, chances are there may be more detail in the book than in the film. But, come on, that’s almost always the case when it comes to adapting a movie from a book, is it not? Anyhow, the actors, and actresses bring so much raw emotion, and overall life into these characters. Ben Whishaw also plays one of the rare to few male characters. Let me tell you, even he does well. It is so amazing how well done the acting is overall in this film. Additionally, it’s good how the movie shows how different people have different outlooks on situations, and that any one person may analyze any situation differently than the other person might. Finally, the movie is excellent at telling how one must always consciously forgive others, no matter how difficult it may be, or how badly that person hurt you. Again, yes, easier said than done, but still.

And that’s my review for Women Talking. If you want to see a film with a more rural setting, and/or a film that gives you the opportunity to have a taste at another culture, then all the more reason to see this film. There are great lessons to take away from it, the cinematography is fabulous, the characters are likable, despite some of them being frustrating sometimes, and a beautiful score. If you haven’t seen it, I would most definitely recommend it. So go see it, and see what you think!

Final Grade: A+

Ladies and gentlemen, today, we now have twenty more film reviews until we reach the next milestone. As for what I will be reviewing for the 600th review, let’s just say that I do at least have a couple choices in mind. I won’t give away what those choices are, but once we get closer, I’ll have my decision made for that, and we’ll just go from there. In the meantime, we review a new mystery/thriller film that was directed by M. Night Shamalayan (who, of course, directed films like The Sixth Sense, The Village, Signs, and some films like those). So now, let’s discuss his newest film, Knock At The Cabin.

Plot: When some visitors come, and intrude on a cabin that’s owned by two fathers (Ben Aldridge, and Jonathan Groff), and their adopted Asian daughter, Wen (Kristen Cui), they inform the owners that they’ll have to sacrifice one of themselves in order to stop an apocalypse from occurring. Believing this to be bogus, fights, and unwarranted sacrifices end up occurring in the process. That being said, will one of the dads, or the daughter have to be sacrificed, or will it turn out that something else is going on?

Okay, first of all, why would a director like M. Night Shamalayan have a couple of the main characters be homosexual ones? Is he one of the main characters who’s part of the culture shock, along with nearly the rest of Hollywood? such a pity, if that’s the case. It probably would have been better if the parents were a normal husband, and wife couple. But whatever. Additionally, there was a scene around the beginning of the film that, let’s just say might have been a little creepy even by adult standards. Okay, especially since this film is rated R, hardly any young kids will see this film, but still.

Aside from those items, Knock At The Cabin is a very good film. Part of me had worried that the film was going to be boring at first. Thankful, that was far from the case. The film finds ways to be suspenseful, even if most of the story takes place at the family cabin. Yes, the film can be a little too violent at times. However, whenever any potential gory scenes occur, the film, more often than not, shies away from some of the blood being shown. Yeah, after seeing too much gore in a film like M3GAN, that was most definitely a nice change, especially for an R-rated film. Oh, and did I forget to mention that the movie cast includes Rupert Grint, whose roles included playing Ronald Weasley in the Harry Potter franchise? Even though his character wasn’t in the film quite nearly as long as the others, he still did a great job in the role. And yeah, so did the rest of the cast. There were also some very interesting twists especially near the end of the film. Finally, the film was also a good reminder about how it’s good to think critically about situations, and trying to see through any potential deceptions that might occur.

And that’s my review for Knock At The Cabin. Aside from one, or two flaws, the film is definitely another good work from M. Night Shamalayan. Even if it may not be quite as good as Shamalayan’s other works, this film is definitely worth watching. Definitely see Knock At The Cabin, and see what you think!

Final Grade: A-