Everyone, we are almost there, and are just one review away from reviewing the 500th movie review that I shall review on this blog (and including the times when I only reviewed movies on Facebook before starting this blog). In the meantime, we are going to be reviewing a movie that was released in 1972, and will officially reach it’s 50th anniversary as of October of this year. In the meantime, this film was part of a Fathom Events, where an old classic film gets released for a limited amount of time, and watched in theaters. In this case, this was a film called Lady Sings The Blues. So now, let’s talk about this film.

Plot: The movie chronicles some of the life of Eleanor Fagan, who would later have the stage name Billie Holiday (played by Diana Ross), and how she would rise to fame as a music singer, and all that she went through during her years in that career, including decades like the 1930s, and 1940s.

Well, first off, it is understandable as to why this film is rated R. I mean with there being moments where people cuss a lot, and drugs being a big thing in this film, as was the case with a lot of these characters in real life (and again, this film is based on a true story), and things like that. The movie also very educational as to why drinking, doing drugs, and other things like it seem to cause more harm than good to individuals. Honestly, if kids were to watch movies like Lady Sings The Blues, and/or other films like it that show examples of the dangers of fame, and drugs, what have you, and been willing to watch them say as young as 11, or 12, sometime like that, then maybe not nearly as many people would do those things? Well, you got me. Anyway, the way the movie was set up was very clever. Could it have been handled differently? Perhaps! Still, with how this film was set up especially in the beginning, the film was very good the way that it was in that regard. Additionally, the acting is amazing, particularly Diana Ross, and Billy Dee Williams as Billie Holiday, and Louis McKay respectively. Also, seeing as the latter actor was probably not as well known before playing Lando in a couple of the old Star Wars films a few years later, films like this one seemed to help him get off the ground as an actor, and help him act as well as he did in popular films like some of the Star Wars movies, you know? Next, the movie doesn’t shy away from subjects like black people being treated horribly, or just being given different privileges of white people, and other things along those lines. Not to mention that you have people like the Ku Klux Klan being shown at certain points in this film as well. The music is also really good. Especially if you grew up enjoying listening to the music by Billie Holiday, people who have been fans of her music sometime before, or even after this film was released will come to appreciate even the musical aspect of this film. All of the characters are great too. Even for those who don’t get as much screen time as the others, they seem to work surprisingly well. Oh, and another thing! Could we take time to appreciate that this film doesn’t seem to quite nearly as much sexual innuendo, or inappropriate sex scenes? With this film being rated R, that’s saying plenty, and is great, compared to how much sexuality there has seemed to be in most, if not every R rated film that has been released in today’s movie climate, wouldn’t you say? Finally, Lady Sings The Blues teaches some good lessons such as how people can make mistakes that could potentially screw up relationships, drugs, and drinking, especially in excessive amounts, are never good, it is never good to say things that you most likely don’t mean in the end, and other ones.

And that’s my review for Lady Sings The Blues. Honestly, if you want to see a film, made by Paramount Pictures, that touches on mature subjects, and surprisingly does a great job with it, then it is worth your time. Yes, because of the R rating, and the really mature themes in it, this film is mainly for adults without question. Still, I will say this, if kids are mature enough say around middle school, or sometime like that, to think critically, and they may want to have a better education on the mostly disadvantages of drinking, drugs, you name it, then movies like this may be a good place to start in that regard. Also, if you want a film with some fun, and upbeat music, then all the more reason to see this film. Well, hope this review helped you all out to decide as to whether or not you want to see Lady Sings The Blues. On that note, see you all back on here next time for my 500th movie review!

Final Grade: A+

Hey everyone! Today, we are reviewing yet another movie! Yes, just think that we have two more reviews until we hit the 500th review. Let me tell you that you may, or may not be surprised by what I review. For now, we talk about a science fiction film that was just released around the beginning of this month. Starring Halle Berry, Patrick Wilson, John Bradley, and some other people, the movie is Moonfall.

Plot: When the moon begins to get out of orbit, and gets so close to Earth that it causes the water tide to rise, it is discovered that there may be some life forms on the moon that may have caused the moon to get to that point. So now, it is up to two astronauts, Jocinda Fowler (Halle Berry), and Brian Harper (Patrick Wilson), and a conspiracy theorist named K.C. Houseman (John Bradley) to travel to the moon, find the source of the chaos, and bring things back to normal once and for all.

Well, there’s no doubt that Moonfall was certainly a decent film. However, the film is probably not one of the best sci-fi films out there. First of all, the film can feel a little cringeworthy, and have a New Age undertone with the whole thing about aliens creating the moon (at least in this movie). I mean it works better with say Lord Of The Rings having good wizards, or Disney having certain animated films that had either Greek gods living on Mt. Olympus, spirits of humans, and animals living in the Northern lights, and things like that. But here’s the thing! In those cases, those stories were clearly either trying to be fantasy stories, or be mythology stories of some kind, you know? But here in Moonfall, one just wonder, “Was this film trying to be a mythology, or fantasy sort of sci-fi story too, or was this film actually trying to take things like God out of the equation this time around?” Just something to think about, yes? Even then, this film also suffers from quite a few cliches, particularly with one of the characters being a teenage delinquent, who was okay, but not the best. Outside of the main characters Jocinda Fowler, Brian Harper, and K.C. Houseman, and a military general none of the other characters seem to leave too big of an impact on the audience. Plus, there’s a point where Moonfall tries to cram in certain villains at one point, and, well, let’s say it doesn’t seem to work out quite as well as one would hope. In addition to all this, there were also points where Moonfall seemed to be a little too fast-paced, especially in the beginning. As for the story, though creative at points, let’s just say that you may sometimes find yourself saying that you’ve enjoyed science films like The Day After Tomorrow, Armageddon, Gravity, or films like those more than Moonfall.

But is this film bad? Of course not. The visuals are definitely really good. This is specifically the case when you see meteors at different points in this film. Also, as mentioned before, there were at least very few standout characters, especially the main ones. In addition to these, the action is also really suspenseful, most notably when any characters end up having to be in life-threatening situations for one reason, or another. Some of the plot twists are also well done. As for the story, though not the best, does of course have it’s high points throughout this film.

And that’s my review for Moonfall. Though it is not a decent film, I’m not sure if it’s one of the best out there. Sure, it is good enough to be watched again for a few times more. Beyond that, however, you might want to maybe just go back and rewatch something better like Armageddon, or War Of The Worlds, or some film like those. I would say still see Moonfall at least once, for the good things that are in this film!

Final Grad: C+

Well everyone, we are just a few reviews away from reaching Movie Review # 500. For now, we are now reviewing an action film that was just released shortly after 2022 began. starring Jessica Chastain, Penelope Cruz, Fan Bingbing, Diane Kruger, Lupita Nyong’o, and Sebastian Stan, the movie is The 355.

Plot: In Bogota, Columbia, a CIA operative named Mason “Mace” Brown (Jessica Chastain), and her CIA partner, Nick Fowler (Sebastian Stan), are assigned to recover a digital device that can have access to any other digital system on Earth. But when the mission goes south, the pair must join forces with enemies like Marie Schmidt (Diane Kruger), a psychologist named Graciela Riviera (Penelope Cruz), Khadijah Adiyeme (Lupita Nyong’o), and an MSS agent named Lin Mi Sheng (Fan Bingbing). Can they each overcome their differences, and work together to bring their common enemy to justice?

Okay, first of all, the set up for this story is well done. The whole deal with having main characters starting off as enemies, only to be willing to work together, and possibly becoming friends later on is rather clever. Not to mention that a theme like that can serve as a good message about how it’s good to be willing to set aside differences that one might have with others, and be willing to get to know an individual regardless of how similar, or different that they might be from you. I mean seeing that the US has done a good job of judging people by appearance, and actions, and things like that, movies like this can help be a good teaching tool in that regard. Now, am I saying that we shouldn’t be careful when it comes to choosing our friends? Of course not, because we still should. Still, it never hurts to get to get to know someone even a little bit first before determining something like that. All to say that this film does a good job in showing that aspect of this film. Next, there is the costume designs. That is especially when it comes to those that are worn during special events that occur in this film. Same can be said about the costume designs for the rest of this film as well. The characters are also likable, and well developed. That is except for one that probably could have been fleshed out a little more. Oh, and another thing! There were one, or two points that didn’t seem to make sense, at least not as much as one would have probably liked in the end. Finally, people will probably enjoy the clever plot twists that occur throughout this film, most notably one bear the end that people will especially love, and be satisfied at the end of the day. I won’t spoil anything for those who still have yet to see this film. Still, people are bound to be shocked by how UNPREDICTABLE The 355 is in the end.

And that’s my review for The 355. This movie is good for the good lessons to be taken away, the stunning action, the plot twists, the likable characters, and other good good aspects of this film. Despite one, or two flaws in this film, The 355 is a film that was released in January that is most definitely worth seeing, especially on the big screen. So, I would say go see it if you haven’t, and see what you think!

Final Grade: A

Ladies & gentlemen, today, we are going to getting back into reviewing theatrical releases, as we review an action film that was released around Christmas time this past year. It is a part of the Kingsman movie series that began around the mid-2010s. So now, for the third installment, simply called The King’s Man.

Plot: Set during WWI, a British aristocrat named Orlando Oxford (Ralph Fiennes) has a son named Conrad (Harris Dickinson), who is determined to fight in the war after some of their leaders have been getting killed. Orlando refuses to let him join, as it is of course dangerous. But when things in the war begin to escalate for the worst. Will Orlando have a change of heart, and let his son join, and will the war end soon?

Well, first of all, one just give credit to Ralph Fiennes, Harris Dickerson, Rhys Ifan, and the rest of the cast for each of their successive performances. And true, the Kings’s Man deal is of course fictional. However, though that may be the case, and the majority of the characters are also fictional, it is cool to see some of the actors, and actresses playing some characters that actually did live in real life during the time of WWI. Not only that, but it was also interesting to see some actual events from the actual WWI take place here in this film as well. The film also does not shy away from how bloody, gory, and ugly life was during this particular war. And the music, how could you not like the musical score for this film? The characters are also really great. Especially when it comes to some of the protagonists, even though you may disagree with some of their decisions, you also get an understanding of where they’re coming from. The movie also does a great job of helping people to learn what to do, and what one shouldn’t do during difficult periods of one’s life. Oh, and as for the action, wow, do we have some impressive scenes when it comes to that aspect of the film. In fact, if one doesn’t want to see this film for any of the reasons that I mentioned before now, the action will ultimately make this film worthwhile. We’re talking some of the best action scenes that a film, especially a fictional one set in real times, could ever have.

Still, though all that may be the case, The King’s Man does have a couple flaws. First of all, there were some scenes that were a little creepy, and inappropriate. Yes, the inappropriate aspect is expected in an R-rated film. Still, it wouldn’t be surprising if one were to feel even a little too creeped out by one, or two scenes even in a film that’s rated R. Second, again, did we really need a lot of crude language in this film? Okay, again, yes, this is rated R. But come on! Do the movie makers really believe that the filthy language, specifically the F-bomb, was used a lot even in old times like WWI? Sure, movies can take liberties, I’m all for that, for the most part. But I don’t think they should be taken to that extent with the crude language aspect, you know?

And that’s my review for The King’s Man. Yes, even though this film may have a little too much of inappropriate language, as well as one, or two rather creepy moments, this film is still very fun. It has good characters, a good way of helping one learn, or relearn about events from WWI, and has some of the best action that one could ask for. I would say that if you can overlook the couple negative moments mentioned near the end of this review, definitely check this film out! You’re most likely going to enjoy it overall.

Final Grade: A-

Today, we are going to be reviewing yet another film that was released on Netflix as of this past year. Not only that, but this film is based on actual events that occurred back in 2014. Starring Dennis Quaid, Jimmy Gonzales, and Raymond Cruz, among a few other people, the movie is Blue Miracle.

Plot: The movie tells the true story of how, in 2014, Omar Hogar (Jimmy Gonzales), and his wife, Becca (Fernanda Urrejola), who run a children’s/teen orphanage called Casa Hogar. The film takes place around circumstances that involved them running into debt that caused them to have to find a way to save their orphanage before it was too late.

I may have mentioned in yesterday’s movie review that that film, Faith, Hope, & Love, should have gone to theaters first before hitting Netflix, yes? Well, after seeing Blue Miracle this past weekend, one could likely feel that way even more than the former film. Yes, the former film was still good, but I’m sure a lot of us can agree that this film was slightly better. So what makes Blue Miracle so great? Well, for one, it’s great to be immersed in the culture of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. For those of us who think of rich places like Cancun, or Cozumel, or the rich places like that when thinking about Mexico, this movie will help the viewer realize that Mexico is not an entirely rich place. In fact, there are some parts of Mexico that are dirt poor. Next, there is the acting. To begin Johnny Gonzales is great as the main character Omar Hogar. The same can be said about Dennis Quaid as a fisherman named Captain Wade, and, of course, the rest of the cast. The characters are also memorable, most notably Omar, and Captain Wade. I mean normally, either in live-action, or animated movies, you have the main characters truly learning some valuable lessons about life, you know? Here, however, where characters like Captain Wade seem to serve more as a side characters than main one, you have him learning some valuable lessons about life in addition to Omar, and his adoptive children learning those things. Speaking of lessons, Blue Miracle does an excellent job of teaching people to learn to trust God even when it may feel hard to do so, doing what’s right now matter what, and other valuable lessons as well. Finally, how could you not appreciate this film capturing the beauty of the ocean at certain points in this film?

And that’s my review for Blue Miracle. Yeah, even though this film went straight to the steaming service, Netflix in this case, it most certainly should have gone to the big screen first. I mean as it is, this film may not be as popular thanks to it not getting the movie theater treatment first, you know? It has great characters, and teaches some valuable life lessons. Trust me when I say that Blue Miracle is not a film that you’d want to miss. After seeing it, you’ll be glad that you got to experience it.

Final Grade: A+

Ladies & gentlemen, today, we are going to be reviewing a Christian film that was on Netflix until this past Thursday, for some reason. Hopefully, today’s review can still be found On Demand. Well, today, let’s talk about the most likely lesser known film, Faith, Hope, & Love.

Plot: A widowed father named Jimmy Hope (Robert Kranz) raises two daughters (Aria Walters, and Natasha Burr respectively). Jimmy has lately begun to struggle in his current job, as well as depression from losing his wife nearly two years before. But when an opportunity arises for Jimmy to learn some dancing from a dance instructor named Faith Turley (Peta Murgatroyd), who happens to also be his youngest daughter’s dance instructor, will Jimmy be able to learn to value life much more again, as well as be successful in all areas of his life overall?

Okay, now, if this film had come out in 2020, or shortly after, it would likely be more understandable as to why this film would go straight to Netflix. But since this film came out in 2019, why didn’t Faith, Hope, & Love go to theaters first? Granted, there are times when the story can feel a little cheesy. Overall, however, Faith, Hope, & Love is a really good film. First of all, by the end, you’ll probably have a better understanding as to why this film is titled the way it is. Second, the acting is also very good. Oh, and what’s more, if you want to learn some possibly cool dance moves, then all the more reason to give this film a shot. But really, what makes one of the major highlights of Faith, Hope, & Love is that the characters in this film are authentic, and honest about each of their strengths, and flaws. It’s also interesting with the kinds of music that play throughout this film. Oh, and the film does a really great job of portraying real life, and also overall being fun at the same time. I mean you have Christian parents who end up having somewhat strict rules, and other parents, and characters that are more flexible with how they handle disciplining children. So it was good to have that range in this film too. Finally, Faith, Hope, & Love is great at conveying when it’s time to hold onto certain parts of your life, as well as when it’s also time to let some of those parts of your life go.

And that’s my review for Faith, Hope, & Love. It is a really fun movie that feels very engaging, and is one that quite a few people can relate to with certain aspects. The story is genuine, and the characters are also real, honest, and genuine. And of course, this film is really good at representing life. I would say that if you can find this film at least On Demand, definitely make a point to watch it. You won’t be sorry using up an hour and a half to two hours watching this film.

Final Grade: A

Good afternoon everyone! Today, after a long time of us being absent from this particular animation company for a while, we now return to the world of Universal, and Illumination. Of course we’re talking about the very animation company that made the Despicable Me movies, The Secret Life Of Pets 1 & 2, The Lorax, the 2018 animated adaptation of The Grinch, and 2016’s Sing. Well, today, the characters of the 2016 film, Sing (which was released back in December of that year) made another big screen debut once again in December of this past year, in 2021, in an attempt to make things bigger, and better? Did our friends Buster Moon the koala, Ash the hedgehog, Rosita the pig, and the rest of the animal gang succeed in their mission, or was the world better off just seeing them in 2016’s Sing? Let’s find out, as we dive into reviewing Sing 2!

Plot: Sometime after the events of Sing 1, the optimistic koala Buster Moon (Matthew McConaughy), and his animal theater friends are beginning to thrive at the Moon theater. But soon after, an opportunity arises for Buster Moon, and his employees to perform a show in front of at a place called Redshore City, a fictional city that’s like the real life city of Las Vegas. Jimmy Crystal (Bobby Cannavale), a wolf that is the head of the entertainment industry in Redshore City, agrees to have Buster Moon, and his team perform a space show, on the condition that they convince a rock star lion named Clay Calloway (Bono) to be part of the show in three weeks. With some rehearsing, and attempting to convince Clay Calloway to be part of their show, Will Buster Moon the koala, Ash the hedgehog (Scarlett Johansson), Rosita the female pig (Reese Witherspoon), Gunter the male pig (Nick Kroll), Miss Crawly the lizard (Garth Jennings), Meena the elephant (Tori Kelly), and Johnny the gorilla (Taron Egerton) succeed in making a great new show, and going to new heights, or will Buster, and the gang wish that they had just stayed in their comfortable position at the Moon theater?

Now, as many of us know, sequels are not always as good as their predecessors, whether they be sequels that go to theaters, or the bigger hit sequels that hit theaters. However, especially when it comes to some sequels that come to theaters, there are those rare to fewer sequels that succeed in being as good, if not better, than their predecessors. Well, be not afraid, ladies and gentlemen, as Sing 2 is one of those rare to fewer sequels that succeeds in being just as good, maybe even better than the first Sing film. First of all, as you watch this film, you can tell right off the bat that Sing 2 is trying to go to bigger heights than the first film tried to reach. Did this film succeed in that regard? Very so! Granted, some of Moon’s methods of trying to get himself, and his gang to certain heights weren’t exactly the best. Still, despite that, there are ways in which you can understand where Moon, and his team are coming from. The characters are also well done even this time. Yes, the old characters from the first film were well written. However, in this sequel, not only is that the case in this sequel, but there seems to be even more buildup to some of them this time around time. What’s more is that you get to even see a newer side to some of the older characters that we didn’t get to see quite nearly as much in Sing 1. Props to the makers of this sequel for showing proof that that’s part of what helps make a sequel just as good, if not better, than it’s predecessors, or, in this case, just predecessor. And, of course, how could I not mention even a little bit about some of the newer characters like Jimmy Crystal’s daughter Porsha (Halsey), Nooshy (Letitia Wright), Klaus Kickenklober (Adam Braxton), and some of them? Be it positively, or negatively, these characters get some really amazing character arcs. Likely because of the fact that, like the first Sing film being nearly two hours long, these arcs work amazingly well in this sequel that’s nearly two hours long as well. I mean none of them probably would have worked as well had this film only been say 90 minutes long, or something like that, had films like Sing, and Sing 2 been released 10-20, maybe 30 years ago. However, because these films were released in just recent years, and the filmmakers were willing to go so far as to make them both around two hours long, having quite a few characters crammed in especially this sequel, ends up working as miraculously well. That’s saying something especially for either an animated movie, or an animated sequel, wouldn’t you say? Then again, many animated films have come so far in that regard in recent years (Sing, 1, and 2, Zootopia, and Moana, anyone?). Oh, and another thing to mention! Sing 2 ends up having better developed villains this time around. Not to say that the villains in Sing 1 were poorly developed, or anything like that. Still, when it comes to the villains of this sequel, they end up having very good memorabilia. Well done, Universal/Illumination! Additionally, the animation is also phenomenal, particularly when we have a couple musical sequences that occur around the middle to end of this film. Nevertheless, the animation is overall just as awesome, maybe even better than in the first Sing movie. Still, it’s really in certain musical moments around the middle to end of this film that seem to serve as the stand out moments. So much so that it wouldn’t be surprising if people were to compare those moments to the stunning animation in a scene such as when “Firework” plays in DreamWorks Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (which of course came out almost a decade ago). Oh, and another thing! Even if most of the songs in this film will be ones that people had heard before, how could you still not like the songs in this film? The film is also incredibly funny at times. Finally, Sing can provide some really good lessons in terms of teaching us that trying to please everyone in the world is not always the best idea, people can’t always be trusted, and that people should be angry, but not sin in the process.

And that’s my review for Sing 2. If you’ve at least seen the trailers for Sing 2 , but never seen the movie itself, I’d highly recommend that you do so. You know that feeling that many of us got with the trailers for Zootopia, where we expected it to be enjoyable for the most part, but not expecting to be as full of craft, and heart as it was? Well, as astonishing as this may sound, you will oddly enough probably find yourselves feeling that way after you walk out of seeing this Sing sequel, Sing 2. It is really fun, has incredible animation, has great, and likable characters, both old, and new alike, and provides some really great morals. I would say that if you can, definitely make it a point to see Sing IN THEATERS before it leaves, and goes to video. Sing 2 is undeniably one of those films that deserves to be seen on the big screen itself! After watching it, you won’t regret it. In fact, you’ll find yourself surprised by how fun this film is on the end.

Final Grade: A+

Everyone, hope you all are doing well! Today, we are going to be reviewing an old classic film that was released during the time when WWII was still taking place, and America had no choice but to get involved in the war after Pearl Harbor was viciously attacked by the Japanese. Well, we had this film that took place during this difficult war. Starring Humphrey Bogart, Paul Henried, and Ingrid Bergman, the film is the one, and only, Casablanca.

Plot: Set in Casablanca, Morocco, in the year 1941, an owner of a nightclub named Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) comes in possession of a couple “letters of transit,” documents that allow whoever possesses them to freely travel around German-occupied Europe, or then neutral Portugal. Shortly after, Blaine’s old flame, Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman), and her husband, Victor Laszlo (Paul Henried) show up. Though this initially causes complications especially for Blaine, he must decide as to whether or not he will give the letters of transit to Ilsa, and Victor, or use them for him, and/or someone else.

Surprisingly, I don’t recall hearing about this film until maybe around a decade ago, or even a little longer than that. However, I get to see advertisements for it as a Fathom Events deal once again about a couple weeks ago. So, I finally got to see it when it played last weekend. I must say that after finally seeing it after it being 80 years since it was first released, I am surprised as to how well done it is. First off, Casablanca is a great example of how a movie doesn’t need to have it’s picture quality in color to be a good film. True, color may be preferable. Still, I’m sure that back when films like this one were released , there were more movies that didn’t have color as well. Anyway, the movie also does well with portraying how ugly, and violent things were during WWII. Additionally, Casablanca ends up being a really good literary piece of historical fiction. Sure, the characters in here are most likely fictional, but that doesn’t change that the fact that that’s most likely how many people’s lives ended up running back in this particular time period. Also, not only are all the characters well developed in this film, but the film does show how people can be complicated. I mean with there being some characters who have old feelings for others resurfacing, but still knowing not to let things get in the way, and things like that, the film does well with showing how situations like that can occur from time to time. Also, even if some of the characters make mistakes, sometimes you understand why they make them in the end. The villains are also really great. It’s also good how this film shows that people can surprisingly change after certain circumstances that may have occurred in their lives. Oh, and the script is also really great. Movie makers really knew how to make their scripts really unique, and special back when movies like this one were released. Casablanca certainly proved to be no exception. Oh, and the music, how could you not fall in love with the music in this film? Sure, people who were born somewhat closer to 1942 might appreciate the music, as well as Casablanca overall more than people born decades later. Still, especially if people born decades following this film’s release decide to expose themselves to this kind of music more, they’ll likely come to appreciate these kinds of songs more. Finally, without hopefully giving away the ending, even if one will probably feel somewhat ambivalent about the ending, he/she will more than likely also feel satisfied with how things turn out at the end of this film.

And that’s my review for Casablanca. Yeah, I can see why this film may be rerelease in theaters even for a limited amount of time every ten years. Casablanca is most definitely a piece of work proving how timeless, and a classic films can remain even decades following their initial release. The film has some really memorable characters, superb acting, good music, and provides some really good lessons. If you haven’t seen Casablanca yet, I would highly recommend it. By the time you see this film, you will find yourself glad that you saw it, regardless of whether or not you find yourself enjoying it, or not.

Final Grade: A+

Ladies & gentlemen, today, we are going to be going into the works of romantic comedy, or drama, whatever kind of genre you call today’s movie review. The one, and only Licorice Pizza!

Plot: Set in the San Fernando Calley in 1973, a 15-year-old guy named Gary Valentine (Cooper Hoffman), who is getting into the acting/celebrity business, attempts to pursue 25-year-old female named Alana Kane (Alana Haim), who works at his high school? Though she initially refuses his advances due to the age difference, and their points in life, the two begin to form a friendship later on. Will they just stay friends, or will their relationship form into something else later on?

Well, what can I say about this film? First off, Licorice Pizza does a very good job of playing the kind of music that played during this time period, the culture in America during that time period, and the acting is very good, especially with leads Cooper Hoffman, and Alana Haim, along with Bradley Cooper in a more minor role, among the others involved in this film. Other than those aspects, however, Licorice Pizza was not all that great. First of all, the story was not the best. In addition to these, the characters were okay, but not exactly likable, not by a whole lot. I mean you have people who act like creeper stalkers, our main leads acting disrespectful to each other, and to other people at times, and things like those. Oh, and another thing! Who on Earth thought it a good idea to attempt a relationship between a 25-year-old, and a 15-year-old? Okay, forgive me if I might be ruining this film by a bit! But you know what, as you watch this film, you can probably see where it may be going from the start. And also, I understand that sometimes relationships like those can occur legally between say a 45-year-old, and a 35-year-old, or sometime like that. But when there’s a relationship involving someone over the age of 18, and someone even a few years under that legal age, that could present some potential danger, wouldn’t you say? Also, for those people who are in there teen years, or even early to mid-20s, this movie could give people around that age range some wrong, and/or convoluted ideas about love, and dating, and maybe even marriage. I know that might sound crazy to people around that young of an age. Still, for those of you who are older, you hopefully know what I mean. Finally, I’m not sure that any of the characters seem to grow, and learn all that much in this film.

Well, it goes without saying that Licorice Pizza is not one of the best films out there. It does have a relationship that is fairly cute, and strange at the same time. Also, the characters are just okay, and the movie overall could set a bad example for people especially in their teens, and early to mid-20s. I would say that if you really want to see this film, maybe rent it when it comes to Red Box, or something like that. In the meantime, there’s still some other good films playing in theaters that are likely worth seeing much more than a film like this one.

Final Grade: D

Hello everyone! Welcome to another movie review! Wow, I can’t believe that after this review, we will have ten more movie reviews to get to Movie Review # 500. I will say that I find it somewhat peculiar in this case because, well, when I was on my 290th movie review, and of course still reviewing movies only on Facebook, I was reviewing a Christian-themed film that was based on a true story. That movie of course being Breakthrough. Now, two hundred movie reviews later, we are once again reviewing a Christian-themed movie that is based on a true story. This time, however, instead of an adoptive mother praying for her son, who fell through ice on a lake back in 2015, we are reviewing a film that is based on events in the early 1990s, with a man named Kurt Warner dreaming of joining in the NFL, and his attempts to do so. So now, without further ado, let’s talk about American Underdog.

Plot: Taking place in the early 1990s, 1992, and shortly after, to be exact, the movie is centered around football player Kurt Warner (Zachary Levi), and his journey to achieving his dream to join the NFL.

Wow, first of all, it is cool to see that within 3-4 years, the Erwin Brothers have directed not one, not two, but three films, Christian-themed, and based on a true story. I mean what, they directed 2018’s I Can Only Imagine, then 2020’s I Still Believe, and now, 2021’s American Underdog. So, was this film as good as the previous two films? Wow, yes, very much so! First of all, it is cool to see the Erwin Brothers direct a film that was not based solely on the journey of a Christian artist, or band. Okay, that’s not to say that it was annoying for them to do that, or something like that. Still, it is nice to change the game, provided that the directors were to have the Christian elements kept in this biopic of, in this case, an American football player. So, did the movie makers do a great job with what they covered in the live fe of Kurt Warner? Yes, very much so. Sure, there has been more to Kurt’s life than we got to see in this film. Still, for what we get, this film does really well with portraying what we got to see of Kurt’s life through this biopic. First of all, as mentioned before, it is great to see Kurt’s relationship with God kept in this film, along with other aspects of Kurt’s life. I’m not sure how much of this film was accurate, or how much of this film was made up for Hollywood purposes. Either way, it is great to see yet another film, and one that is based on a true story, being made even by mainstream media like Lionsgate, with help from Erwin Brothers Entertainment, and Kingdom Story Company. Again, with not as much Christian-based films either not coming out, or not being allowed to play in as many movie theaters, it’s most definitely a miracle that a film like this was able to come out in theaters in the first place. Anyway, the score by John Debney is also really good. I mean Debney shows once again, how he can use music to engage the audience just like in films like The Emperor’s New Groove, the 2016 remake of Jungle Book, and movies like those. But one of the major benefits about American Underdog is how it never sugarcoats the difficulties that occurred with either Kurt, or even his family. I mean seeing as Kurt cared about his family so much that he was willing to make sacrifices of almost every kind just to support his family, and be willing to be all in with his family, and most importantly, in his faith in God. The acting is also top notch. You have Zachary Levi, Anna Pasquin, and Dennis Quaid, among others in this film. Yeah, whoever was in charge of casting for this film clearly knew who to cast in which roles. I will admit that, at first, when I first saw the previews for this film, and saw that Zachary Levi was going to be the star of this film as the main character, part of me was sort of surprised by that choice, seeing as he played in more comedic family films like Tangled, Alvin & The Chipmunks: The Squeakquel, Shazam, and a few other films. I must say this was a probable big change for him to go from comedies like those to a role in a more serious film like this one. Even here, he did not disappoint. Finally, American Underdog does well with teaching valuable lessons about trusting God even when it’s difficult to do so, not giving up on your dreams, or on life in general, and things like that.

And that’s my review for American Underdog. It is a really great film with valuable lessons, and proof as to why the world needs to see movies like this even in the 21st century, movies about God, and people continuing to have faith in God no matter what. Also, the acting is phenomenal, along with the story overall. If you haven’t seen American Underdog, I would highly recommend it. You will have a blast with it, and will be surprised by how great it is.

Final Grade: A+