Tag: Film Reviews

The Mule

On By Author Edmond GagnonIn EntertainmentLeave a comment

muleClint Eastwood says The Mule is the last movie he’ll act in, but oddly enough, he fit the main character’s roll perfectly. The story is about 90 year old horticulturist Earl Stone who takes on a job transporting dope for a Mexican cartel after his plant business goes belly up.

Earl was only going to make one trip, but upon seeing how easy he could make a pile of cash, he takes on bigger and bigger shipments. He uses the money to try and buy his way back into his family’s good graces.

Eastwood brings back Bradley Cooper for the role of a DEA Agent who is trying to make a name for himself, and to make his boss look good, by making a large cartel bust.

The movie is descent, perhaps a bit less intense than most of Clint’s work, but with a few life lessons about family and money. Cathryn and I both give it a 7 out of 10.

First Man

On By Author Edmond GagnonIn EntertainmentLeave a comment

first manThere have been many movies made about space exploration, but First Man is unique in that it lets you see and experience the thrills and spills of travelling to outer space through the eyes of those who have done it. None of us mere mortals can even imagine how it feels to do the crazy and courageous stunts that the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo astronauts have done for mankind.

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A Star is Born

On By Author Edmond GagnonIn EntertainmentLeave a comment

starI remember seeing the second remake of A Star is born with Kristofferson and Streisand, but barely remember the story. Besides acting in, and directing this latest installment of the tragic love story, Bradley Cooper wrote the screenplay. Although he personalized the movie by changing things like the music, he paid homage to the earlier versions by re-using character traits and certain things in the plot.

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Jurassic World – Fallen Kingdom

On By Author Edmond GagnonIn EntertainmentLeave a comment

Jurassic-World-Fallen-KingdomI thought this was the fourth installment from the Flintstones age, so perhaps I missed a sequel to one of the other sequels, but this is number five. I believe I was confused because they all look the same – man messes with dinosaur DNA, good doctors play with their new creations, bad dinosaurs eat a few of the less important characters and finally the hunter villain.

So why bother going to see such a yawner? Cathryn likes the series and it is one of those movies that’s fun to see on the big screen. I think we all have to admit it’s amazing what they can do with computer generated special effects these days. The movie is good family entertainment, but I need a different plot to keep my interest.

I don’t have much more to say about the movie. If you’re a fan than I’m sure you’ll enjoy the film. If you’re looking for something different than don’t waste your time. Perhaps you can wait for number six, yes they tease you in the end, the next installment will no doubt be bad dinosaurs terrorizing a city like the old Godzilla movies.

Cathryn gave this flick a 7 and I a 6 out of 10.

Murder on the Orient Express

On By Author Edmond GagnonIn EntertainmentLeave a comment

Orient

I for one, can’t believe that Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express took forty years to bring back to the big screen. The scenery, costumes, and characters in this movie are as colorful as the actors who portray a list of suspects that reminded me of the game “Clue.”

The mustache on the Belgian Detective who investigates a murder on-board is almost as long as the train itself. His powers of observation and deduction take him from passenger to passenger, while he uncovers clues and lies.

The movie moved a bit slow in the middle, but the classic whodunit kept me guessing until the end. I’d seen the movie when I was a kid, but didn’t remember much of it. As entertaining as the flick was, Cathryn and I both give it a 7 out of 10.

Victoria & Abdul

On By Author Edmond GagnonIn EntertainmentLeave a comment

victoriaVictoria & Abdul is a (mostly) true story about the unusual friendship of Queen Victoria of England, and an Indian servant named Abdul, who becomes her teacher. It’s a good flick for the big screen, it captures the grandeur of places like Windsor Castle and the Taj Mahal.

The story is set at the turn of the century when India is part of the British Empire. The plot gives us a look at English pomp and pretentiousness first hand. Even the aging Queen admits that all the ridiculous celebrations are killing her. From bowel movements to boredom, Judy Dench gives us an inside look at what it’s like to be at the top of a monarchy.

Unlike other movies that focus on body counts or comic book superheros, Victoria & Abdul is mostly fun and good entertainment. Cathryn rates it an 8 and I a 7 out of 10.

Only The Brave

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Brave

If you see this movie you’ll never think of wildfires in the same way again. Ever. We hear about these disasters all the time, but I’m sure most of us have no idea what the firefighters or hotshots who deal with these raging infernos do for a living.

Only The Brave gives us a firsthand look at the job these men do and how it affects their personal lives at home. Like Navy Seals, Hotshots are elite specialty units with the expertise that allows them to be dropped into the middle of out-of-control wildfires in the hope they can save thousands of acres of forest or in some cases, whole towns full of private homes.

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The Foreigner – Jackie Chan

On By Author Edmond GagnonIn EntertainmentLeave a comment

JackieJackie Chan is no stranger to action films, but he is The Foreigner to serious thrillers. I’m not alone in thinking this is one of Chan’s best performances ever. Granted, many of his previous action films were serious, but they had a cheap feel to them, like the old martial arts movies where the voices didn’t match lip movements.

Although the story seems familiar – former military special forces guy seeks revenge for missing or murdered family member, it’s credibility is bolstered by Chan’s humble character. With the exception of one scene where he should have produced a few tears, Jackie’s acting was superb.

Former James Bond, Pierce Brosnan plays a believable bad guy who’s involved with the IRA. Jackie may be older and grayer, and his moves may have all been choreographed, but he’s still got the moves. Mr. Chan is still quick as lightning. The movie moves well and is loaded with lots of action. It’s great entertainment – Cathryn got so excited at one point she tried blocking the kung fu punches from her seat.

We both enjoyed the movie and give it a 9 out of 10.