Category: Entertainment

Horizon – An American Saga

On By Author Edmond GagnonIn EntertainmentLeave a comment

Being July 4th, America’s Independence Day, I thought it appropriate to post my review of Kevin Costner’s latest movie, Horizon – An American Saga. Yellowstone series fans have been wondering why Costner would leave such a lucrative full-time job leading the western television series, and now they have an answer.

Falling back on his high-risk gamble with Dances With Wolves, where he wrote, produced, directed and starred in an epic kind of true-to-life American western movie, Costner has put all his time and money into the Horizon series. Yes, I say series because the movie is done in four parts – probably becoming a ten part mini series once all four installments have left the big screen.

Warning: Horizon is filled with the kind of violence that has never really been portrayed in the typical westerns Hollywood has pumped out in the past. It was so violent that my wife chose to leave the theater less than an hour into the three hour and ten minute movie. If indigenous people of the American west slaughtering white settlers, and mercenary white men killing and scalping native women and children doesn’t bother you, then by all means see the movie.

Horizon is a collection of stories within the story, showcasing the lives of folk from all walks of life who travel to or live in the wild west for one reason or another. Costner’s character doesn’t actually appear until about an hour into the movie. And after trying to digest his character for the three plus hours of film, I was left trying to figure out his goal and real life ambition.

From cowboy and Indian skirmishes, to wagon trains, railway expansions, and promises of free land to those who can make the dangerous journey out west, Horizon gives you an unbiased look into the brutal birth of the American west, how it was invaded and eventually settled. And all the while, the United States is in the middle of it’s civil war, pitting north against south.

I’ve always loved westerns, even those that might not be for the faint-hearted, like Dances With Wolves or Unforgiven. So, I enjoyed the story, cinematography, and action in Horizon. I give the film a 9 out of 10. Cathryn didn’t see enough to rate the movie. So, if you decide to see the flick yourself, load up on popcorn but don’t drink too much – unless you can hold your bladder for 3 hours.

Napoleon – the Movie

On By Author Edmond GagnonIn EntertainmentLeave a comment

Ridley Scott knows how to make an epic movie for the big screen. Beautiful cinematography, explosive sound from cannon fire, and the horrific cacophony of battle cries and screams. Mix in an evolving love story and you have a detailed accounting of the rise in power of Napoleon Bonaparte.

It’s one of those movies that should be seen on the big screen, and perhaps from the comfort of a Lazy Boy recliner because if its two hour and forty minute length. I thought some of the intimate scenes between Napoleon and Josephine could have been trimmed a bit but they give viewers an in-depth look at the military commander’s personal life.

No doubt Joaquin Phoenix will get an Oscar nomination for his role in portraying the little French General with the big ego. I found some of his character traits were similar to those he portrayed as Commodus in Gladiator. Unknown to me, actress Vanessa Kirby did a nice job of portraying Josephine, Napoleon’s lifetime love.

Scott did an amazing job of combining real action in battle scenes with CGI special effects to the point where it is difficult to separate the two. I can’t imagine the skill and co-ordination it takes to pull off such huge undertakings.

For a war movie, Cathryn said it wasn’t too gory and she managed to keep her eyes open through the whole film. I thought the action was great but found the show a bit slow between battle scenes. She gave the flick a 9 and I and 8 out of 10.

Life On Our Planet (Netflix)

On By Author Edmond GagnonIn EntertainmentLeave a comment

If you’re a natural history or geography buff or at all interested in the evolution of our own planet, you have to check out, Life On Our Planet, currently on Netflix. The series is similar to the Planet Earth series by the BBC and David Attenborough, with amazing graphics, CGI, and real footage.

Morgan Freeman narrates this series, which focuses on any and all life on our planet, including the mass extinctions that killed off animals like the Dinosaurs. Although accurately describing life here millions of years ago must be a lot of educated guesswork, the CGI used to recreate the different species that came before us it mind blowing.

If you’re looking for something different and new to watch, you have to check this out.

Killers of the Flower Moon

On By Author Edmond GagnonIn EntertainmentLeave a comment

Slow and long. Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon will no doubt be nominated and win some Academy Awards, but as in most Oscar winners it’s difficult to watch. Not because of all the killing in the name of personal and corporate greed, but because the film’s 3.5 hour length drags on longer than a Sergio Leone spaghetti western.

We all know the plot – white man wants red man land and the oil that lies beneath it, and will stop at nothing to obtain it. Perhaps this Oklahoma tale hasn’t been heard by the masses but it is an all too-familiar story that continues today with our own governments fighting wars over natural resources.

The star-studded cast – with a few you really have to look for – helps move the movie along at a steady snails pace. Although the acting was top-notch, I think the film editor could have been a little more sadistic with the scissors. I got the message in the first ten minutes of the movie.

I don’t believe this movie is a must-see on the big screen but well worth the watch from your own living room, where you can nod off and not worry about someone stealing your popcorn. Cathryn had no interest in seeing this flick so I went solo. I give it a 7 out of 10.

Oppenheimer – The Movie

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I have to say I was drawn into the hype before this movie was released and liked the positive reviews, but was turned off within minutes of the start because of the excessively loud soundtrack. Imagine an old locomotive building up steam and then blasting right through your head – they did it several times in the movie and we found it very annoying.

I’m a bit of a history buff and enjoyed the story, although many parts of it were drawn out way too long. The all-star cast and their acting was superb all throughout. The switching back and forth between color and black and white helped to separate two events but the timeline was still confusing.

I didn’t realize Albert Einstein was still alive and asked for input during the creation of the atom bomb, and that so many other scientists with the exception of him, were such egomaniacs. There were a lot of people involved in the Trinity project and their characters helped the movie along. As in the name,

the film is about Oppenheimer himself, more than the bomb.

The movie gives you great insight into American politics – how they were so paranoid about Communists, the Nazis, and even their allies – the Russians. They flaunt their power once the bomb is created, then backtrack to clear their name on the international stage and discredit its creator.

The movie is three hours long, probably an hour more than it should be. I have to admit it was entertaining for me, but Cathryn fell asleep at least twice. She didn’t like the movie at all and rated it a 4 out of 10. I have a tough time giving it a 6.

Mission Impossible 7 – Dead Reckoning Part 1

On By Author Edmond GagnonIn EntertainmentLeave a comment

Tom Cruise loves cinema so much he turned down several offers from movie streamers like Netflix and Amazon, and he purposely developed his latest instalment of Mission Impossible specifically for the big screen. It’s his mission to keep movie theaters alive, thus the reason he rushed Top Gun Maverick into production during the Covid epidemic.

Just browse the limited selection of movies these days at your local theater and it’s easy to see their days are numbered. Blame covid, movie ticket or popcorn prices or virtually free streaming from the comfort of your own living room…even all the superhero movies aimed younger audiences don’t seem to be filling theater seats.

But there are certain movies that should be seen on the big screen and M.I. 7 is one of them. Unlike the last instalment of Indiana Jones, which was mostly CGI, Dead Reckoning is a movie made for adrenaline junkies. Action in the form of foot and car chases is second to none, with awesome and realistic stunts, some of which are performed by Cruise himself.

There is one aerial chase scene that the action star trained a whole year for. It’s no secret that Cruise strives to impress audiences by pushing the envelope when it comes to the type of fast-paced and almost non-stop action that the Impossible Mission Force delivers each time they accept a new assignment.

There is plenty of death and destruction in M.I. 7, as in most action movies these days, but there are also elements of humor, humility and compassion. The plot has to do with Artificial Intelligence, something that is a hot topic around the world today. This film gives us a glimpse at how scary a super A.I. can be in the wrong hands.

Apparently, Dead Reckoning is a long story to tell, with part one running two and three-quarter hours and part two already in production. Hopefully our local cinemas will still be in business when the second installment comes out. Cathryn and I both enjoyed the movie, both of us easily giving it a 10 out of 10.

Indiana Jones – Dial of Destiny

On By Author Edmond GagnonIn EntertainmentLeave a comment

Cathryn and I always enjoy getting out to see a good movie on the big screen, even though there’s been barely anything to go see. If you’re a superhero fan then there’s been plenty of flicks to entertain you. But with the lack of attendance at local theatres and so many movies going directly to venues like Netflix and Prime, seeing a movie out is becoming a rare occurrence.

You would think that a blockbuster series like Indiana Jones, strategically released during Canadian and American holidays, would rake in the dough. But the Dial of Destiny grossed only tens of millions instead of the usual figures around ten times that amount.

Having seen all the previous Indy movies, we came away from this one a bit disappointed. Perhaps it was the same old Nazi villains, or Indy’s old friends, or the old Harrison Ford himself. There’s lots of computer magic in this film, even parts where they’ve dubbed in a younger face on the old one-time action movie star. It wasn’t hard to imagine the actors in front of the green screen through the sequence of chase scenes – so much looked way too fake.

But who could expect so much action from an old fart. After seeing Ford in the Yellowstone prequill, 1923, I wondered how and why he would take on another Indiana Jones roll. I guess the repetitious plot has finally worn itself out, much like Ford himself.

Having said all that, the movie is still somewhat fun and entertaining, and worth the trip out to eat dry and overpriced popcorn. Thankfully, I now qualify for seniors discount on movie tickets.

Air – The Nike/Michael Jordan Movie

On By Author Edmond GagnonIn EntertainmentLeave a comment

It seems there’s nothing on at the movie theatres these days except action hero and children’s films. Cathryn and I have been itching to see something worthwhile on the big screen since out last visit to see Top Gun Maverick.

The trailer for ‘Air’ looked interesting even though we knew it wouldn’t be worthy of the big screen. But we were looking to get out of the house and I had a popcorn craving.

If you’re looking for a sports or basketball movie, this is not it. With Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Jason Bateman and Viola Davis, we figured there would at least be some good acting and interaction between characters.

It was a cool story that I’m sure many people aren’t aware of…inspired by real events when Nike went after rookie Michael Jordan to expand their basketball shoe line.

70’s music and attire give the movie a ‘real feel’ for those who lived it. It’s a serious but sometime comedic flick.

Cathryn and I enjoyed the movie and we both give it an 8 out of 10.

Elvis – The Movie

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I can’t believe someone hasn’t done an Elvis Presley movie before this one. ‘Elvis’ is an in depth look into his life, starting with how he was drawn to music as a child, and later being ‘discovered’ by Colonel Tom Parker. I found it interesting that the rock legend’s story was actually told by the Colonel, a man who defrauded Elvis of much of his fortune.

Why is it that so many great and talented people fall for or trust the wrong person and get taken to the cleaners? Are they too focused on their career’s and assume life the finance will take care of itself. It doesn’t make sense to me, but then I’m no rock and roll star.

The movie seems to have the jitters at first, while it finds it’s footing, but you’ll be tapping your foot or singing along to the awesome music in no time. The flick is almost two and a half hours long but it moved along well. I’d never heard of Austin Butler but I’m sure plenty of folks will now. To me, his awesome performance was only overshadowed by Tom Hanks, who portrayed Elvis’ promoter, the Colonel Tom Parker.

No matter how much you think you know about Elvis Presley’s life and his music, I’m sure you’ll come away with at least a few new facts after seeing this movie. Cathryn and I did. I even learned of other black musicians where the King got some of his inspiration. And I didn’t know that he wrote some of his own songs or that he died at such a young age. Sad.

Cathryn and I saw the movie with her mother and a friend, who spent much of the film singing along with the music. The movie was good and we recommend seeing it. We both give it an 8 out of 10, not worthy of a perfect score from me only because of it was the Colonel’s perspective of the King’s life.

Jurassic World – Dominion

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I lost track of how many sequels of Jurassic Park there have been but we’ve managed to see them all and have to admit they are fun to watch. We decided to see this latest instalment in Imax format for extra-sized fun. Add that to the bigger and badder dinosaurs that roamed the earth along with mankind, and this movie was a CGI extravaganza.

Dominion brings back the original cast – some almost dinosaurs themselves, and (spoiler alert) chooses not to have any of them eaten alive during the movie. But don’t fret, plenty of others are snatched up and become dino-food. It is quite amazing how they can blend real people and a gigantic computer-generated animal into the same scene.

And as with other Jurassic movies, there are bad guys and good guys – not the creatures themselves, but people who want to exploit the dinosaurs and our heroes who want to save them. Add in a greedy bio-engineering company and Dominion has all the makings of a scary but lovable family movie.

With nothing else on the big screen these days but superhero movies, Cathryn and I enjoyed the movie. She rated it a 9 out of 10, mostly because nobody really dies. I give it a 6.