Tag: Film Reviews

Bruce Springsteen – Deliver Me From Nowhere

On By Author Edmond GagnonIn EntertainmentLeave a comment

If you’re expecting a movie full of musical action and a cross selection of Springsteen songs to see and hear on the big screen, don’t bother. Wait to stream it. This film is more about how the Boss battled with his demons – an alcoholic father and his own ongoing depression. In my opinion, the back story made the whole movie slow and depressing.

On the upside, Jeremy Allen White gives the performance of his life – not only mimicking Springsteen’s mood and mannerisms but he kick’s ass when singing his songs. His rendition of Born in the USA actually gave me goosebumps. It was the highlight of the movie, for me.

Bruce is a talented songwriter and performer, and even though his unorthodox recording of the Nebraska album wasn’t accepted by record producers, he held fast and demanded the vinyl be released with no media fanfare, tour, or even his picture on the cover.

The flick was a bit deep and dark for me but Cathryn enjoyed it. There should have been more music. She gave it an 8 out of 10. I’m giving it a 6 but a 10 for White’s performance.

Mission Impossible – The Final Reckoning

On By Author Edmond GagnonIn EntertainmentLeave a comment

Like no other actor has ever done, Tom Cruise greets viewers at the beginning of the film, saying that he and his crew have created the best cinematic viewing experience possible. He couldn’t be more right. He goes above and beyond with each of his movie’s cinematography, location, soundtrack and stunt work, solely for our enjoyment.

If you’re expecting a ho-hum part two for the latest MI installment, you’d be completely wrong. Buckle up for this one because Cruise takes it up another notch with heart-pounding chase scenes, underwater excitement, and aerial stunts never seen on film before. And the aging actor does many of these crazy stunts himself.

Although the plot is of the typical save the world type, it brilliantly uses flashbacks and even re-introduces characters from long-past MI movie instalments, to intricately weave together Ethan Hunt and his team’s accomplishments over the previous thirty years. Thinking each film had it’s own specific plot, I was blown away how they put it all together in the Final Reckoning.

As usual, the film locations and soundtrack are awesome. It was filmed in iMax and our only regret is not seeing it in an iMax theater. At three hours, the movie is a bit long but the action is almost non-stop, keeping you on the edge of your seat. Granted, Hunt saving the world can go over the top at times but the flick is still very entertaining.

Cathryn and I both rate The Final Reckoning 10 out of 10.

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.

Oppenheimer – The Movie

On By Author Edmond GagnonIn EntertainmentLeave a comment

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.

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.

No Time to Die

On By Author Edmond GagnonIn EntertainmentLeave a comment

After over a year of pandemic-related delays, the latest installment in the James Bond 007series has finally hit the big screens. This movie is Daniel Craig’s last fling as the British Agent who’s licensed to kill. The movie starts with Bond living out his retirement in Jamaica, but he’s soon drawn back into service by his old friend Felix Leiter, of the CIA.

The explosive action starts within the first ten minutes, with Bond almost blown up, and then getting into the type of wild and crazy chase scene that 007 fans have come to love. And the action never really stops after that, with lots of fights, more chase scenes and explosions, and a new villain.

James has grown older and a bit tired of saving the world, but as usual he stops at nothing to complete his mission. He only beds one woman in this story, the same one he tried to settle down with, but left behind after he felt betrayed by her. She shows up later in the story with a little surprise.

Ernst Blofeld and Spectre are still a formidable force for evil, but Rami Malek’s Lyutsifer Safin has his own plans for taking over the world. The movie runs 2hours and 43 minutes and may have you fidgeting in your seat, but there’s no time to fall asleep.

The cinematography, film locations, and action scenes were second to none, as per usual in a 007 movie. Although I guessed what was coming at the end, the music and actors played heavy on my emotions. All I can say is that the conclusion was a surprise, and a shock to some viewers around us.

Cathryn hated the ending and refused to rate the movie, but I know she enjoyed the majority of it. I thought it was excellent, and a must-see to any James Bond fan. 10 out of 10 from me. Having said that, I can’t say I agree with those who want the next 007 to be a female.

RESPECT – The Aretha Franklin Story

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Find out what RESPECT really means to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. The movie tells her life story from the time she was a little girl singing in her father’s church, until she becomes an international star. If you’re a music lover or a fan of Aretha you won’t want to miss this movie. My first surprise in the flick was learning the extent of talent in her family, from her mother to her sisters.

Her over-bearing father, a Baptist Minister, plays a huge role in Aretha’s life, and is socially connected to important people like Doctor Martin Luther King. Franklin comes of age in an era when blacks have taken to the streets in a quest for equality. Many of Aretha’s singing engagements were in church or to raise money for the movement.

As with many other celebrities, Miss Franklin is haunted by demons from her childhood and continual conflict with her father. Her choice in men only exacerbates her problems, to the point where it all becomes too much and she breaks down. The church and gospel music re-inspire her and she becomes the music icon we all know.

Jennifer Hudson plays Aretha in the movie and delivers one of the best performances of her career. Respect is not a movie you really need to see on the big screen, but the soundtrack is awesome and will surely have you tapping your foot. Cathryn even got up and danced in the isle to one song. We were the only ones in the theater.

We both enjoyed the movie. I gave it a 9 and she a 10 out of 10.

Stillwater

On By Author Edmond GagnonIn EntertainmentLeave a comment

Wow, two trips to the movie theater in less than a week – I almost feel normal again. My wakeup to the new normal was at the candy counter where I paid $9 for a small bag of popcorn. It seems recovering from the pandemic means adding dollars to the cost of everything except the movie.

Stillwater is the name of an American town where an out of work Roughneck turned construction worker (Matt Damon) lives. It’s also the pendant on a necklace that he gives his daughter before she goes off to university in Marseilles, France, where she is convicted of murder and sent to prison for the death of her girlfriend.

The story drags like a tractor pull, led by a baseball-capped redneck version of Jason Bourne in slow motion. Damon visits his daughter in prison but their communication skills are about as far apart as France and the U.S. on a world map. Cultural differences are brought to light in this flick, pointing out the bullying image of Americans and how France has nearly lost their identity to the mass influx of immigrants.

With the exception of a few scenery shots along the rocky shore of the Mediterranean Sea, this is not a movie you need to rush out and see on the big screen. If fact, it’s our opinion you don’t need to rush out and see this flick for any reason. Cathryn and I both give it a 6 out of 10.

News of the World – the Movie

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For movie buffs like Cathryn and I, the year 2020 was painful. And because of of the worldwide pandemic with Covid 19, 2021 isn’t shaping up to be much better. Old movies in our DVD collection and streaming companies like Netflix and Crave have been our only saving grace. Even the producers of television shows had to take a hiatus in the name of safety.

After exhausting the list of decent movies to stream, and for a change from binge-watching our favorite TV shows, we’ve taken to searching for decent movies that have to be rented. Major motion picture studios seem to have caught on to our dilemma, and since they can’t release their new movies in theaters, they are making them available to rent.

Last night we rented the latest movie by Tom Hanks, News of the World. We were shocked that we had to pay $25 to watch the new release, but took into consideration that it would have cost us more to see it in a theater. And since we’re not allowed out of our house, what choice did we have. We were able to rent and download the movie through Apple TV.

News of the World is a western with a completely different story line that’s never been done before. It takes place after the American Civil war, when the country is trying to heal, and the south has suffered the most. Tom Hanks’ character travels from town to town, reading from the latest newspaper articles, apprising folk of what’s happening in their part of the world.

I found the movie a bit slow at times, typical of some westerns, but there was enough action and a great story line that kept me interested. We both loved the movie, with Cathryn giving it a big 10. I can’t say there was anything wrong with the flick but I’m giving it a conservative 8, just because I can.

Honest Thief

On By Author Edmond GagnonIn EntertainmentLeave a comment

Do you remember the days, long ago, when you could go to a special place to see movies on a big screen? I’m not talking about your living room to watch Netflix on your sixty inch TV. I mean a real movie theatre with a screen as wide as your house, sound that vibrates your love handles, and freshly buttered popcorn that costs as much as your monthly cable bill.

Well, guess what? If you look up your local theatre you might just find they’ve dusted off their projectors and are actually playing some newly released films. Cathryn and I went to Lakeshore Cinemas last night to see Honest Thief, with Liam Neeson.

The movie is about what the title suggests…a bank robber who’s never hurt anyone, and decides to go straight when he meets a woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with. It’s an action movie but not like many of Neeson’s other flicks where the body count is higher than Covid.

Turning himself into the FBI doesn’t go exactly as planned and the retired bank robber has to fall back on his military skills to keep a couple of bad agents from cashing in on his windfall. It’s a thriller kind of love story that both Cathryn and I enjoyed. We both rate it 10 out of 10.

Our only complaint was with Lakeshore Cinemas who obviously didn’t clean or sanitize our seats before the show, popcorn and refuse left behind were big clues. Cathryn also complained the back of her recliner smelled of dirty hair. She complained to one of only two staff working, who did nothing. We will say more later in a written complaint to the company.