jonbower

The Way of the Water succeeds where it's predecessor succeeded: in creating a world of wonder populated by people and animals that fit its logic. In fact, it raises the bar for all other films to follow in terms of its world creation. It is truly stunning, and well worth seeing on the biggest screen you can find.

Sadly, it fails to upgrade its predecessor's war story, and the loss is even greater this time. The Na'vi deserve better than spending their story defending themselves from violence and irrationality. Yes, those things are real on earth, and this movie could be a parable of the expansion of European culture across the globe at the tip of a spear, but why does spiritual advancement and love have to constantly respond to evil?

I, for one, am tired of it.

In spite of the lifeless title and the stiff start, I enjoyed Finding You. The beautiful scenery and the predictable plot twists kept a smile on my face, and its an easy movie to share with a wife or a date. The fact that the female lead has a normal body and the most sympathetic character in the movie is well over 80 add some positive, and unusual, normalcy to the young beauty on the screen.

This is a film about a lie. As such, it's very had to feel good about the characters and the decisions they make. On the other hand, it's a wonderful depiction of those characters and the lives that led them to the events in the film. So, do I love the film? No, there is too much lying. Did I enjoy the film? Yes, it's real, heartfelt and illuminating. Sometimes, life just isn't all positive, and this film goes where the story takes it. I respect this film, I just don't love it.

Not what I expected, but, what a movie! Taron Egerton and two younger actors do a spectacular job telling, singing and dancing the story of Elton John. And, it's a truly poignant story that goes way beyond sex, drugs and rock and roll to explore how the man became Elton John the superstar, and later Sir Elton John. It's a visceral telling, sparing no detail and barely balancing the bad with the good. We walked out somewhat shell shocked, and very glad to have gone.

So Disney did it again: took the playful, happy spirit of their animated classic, brought it up to date with a strong female lead, created the digital land of Agraba along with great digital characters, and tossed in Will Smith to keep things lively. It works! The proof was the huge round of applause at the end of our kids-heavy show, and the 10 year old girl who danced all the way out of the theater. It's an instant classic.

I haven't seen.the original, so I can like this film on its own merits: fine acting, an uplifting story and a few subtle messages. Sure, it's a bit predictable, but the story carries it's own until Aretha Franklin kicks in.

Loved this movie: the leads are true to their characters, good and bad. The story is both believable and unbelievable - who would tour the deep south in 1962 as a black classical/jazz musician? The way the world treats these two, it hurts and it raises them up. I'll probably go see it again before it leaves the theaters.

This should have been called Fantastic Beasts: Episode 2 of 5. While impressive to look at, the movie lacks an ending. The plot begins, sort of at the end of the last one, picks up and pauses, setting up the next installment. That's fine for a TV show that will be on again next week. Not fine for a movie. Too bad, too. The creatures are better than ever, some of the character development is good and the overall plot has some interesting twists. But, a movie needs an ending!

This is a great movie: not just for the concert scenes which are great, but for the Freddie Mercury character study it shares which is fantastic. The trials, the triumphs, the luck and the tribulations are presented with pace and style, and we all feel for Freddie. The complaints about whether it is pro- or anti-gay is media bull to sell web clicks. Go see it!

This is a great film - action, visuals, surprises, love. And the best thing is that it's all about the characters. They grow, they form relationships and they sacrifice for each other. It's a movie about the real world that creates a virtual world. Lots of fun!

Wonder is a great movie: 1) It brings the viewer back to a 5th graders eye level and viewpoint, 2) Each of the kids has a reason for who they are, and their behavior holds true, 3) The adults, while a bit idealized, act like adults (not always well), and 4) The story holds up and creates an arc for all the major characters.

The movie brought be to tears more than once, and I went home with a smile on my face. How often can you say that?

Queen of Katwe goes far beyond the usual cliché movie: underdog overcomes adversity to win championship. Here, wonderful actors depict real people struggling with the realities of their lives: single motherhood, overcoming poverty, feeling out of place, and the challenges of playing high level chess. Particularly compelling is the story of Phiona's mother who lost her husband and struggles to provide for four children by selling cooked maize in the market. The actress who portrays her depicts her strength, and also her limitations with integrity. A wonderful performance. Of course, Phiona's story as a chess prodigy from the slums of Katwe, Uganda is harrowing, inspiring and insightful. The movie doesn't settle for a trophy as the outcome, focusing on the impacts on Phiona and her family along the way. The story of Phiona's coach is as inspiring as her story. His sacrifices, his wife's sacrifices and his challenges providing for his family as he tries to help the children of Katwe is a movie unto itself. That's why the whole thing is so satisfying. It is an amazing story of real people, only lightly changed for film-making, well acted and compelling.

I can always enjoy a movie that sets me in a new world to imagine and discover. Tim Burton does that again with aplomb. Strange people living unusual lives right among us, but invisible to us. Their relationships strained by their circumstances and the dangers they face. A hero thrust among them, challenged to help while torn about leaving his own world behind. All good. But then, the Hollywood script conventions hit and the mood is ruined. Violent adults threatening the children, monsters that must be fought, a love story between two emotionally underdeveloped teens, the climactic battle fought against all odds, and finally, the unlikely reunion. I just wish that Hollywood had another plot, and another tone. So tired of the same...

Kubo is set in ancient Japan, yet created by Westerners. It is the story of a boy, told by the boy himself, yet he finds himself inside his own story. The story has a couple of holes, hence my score of 9 instead of 10. The film making carries you along so beautifully that you don't notice until it's over. The film making is extraordinary - combining stop motion animation with digital animation to create a wonderful ancient world of magic. And, the magic feels real. The characters are consistent, if impossible. And, the pace showcases the beauty of the story. The writers let you in on the plot as the characters learn it too - a wonderful approach that makes the audience a part of the film. Highly recommended!

This is a silly movie fully of silly lines in Hindglish. It revels in the sights and sounds of India while leaving out the smells, the pain and the struggle. Yet it won my heart by focusing on the characters - their foibles, their struggles, their miscommunication and their rare triumphs. It shows how wonderful life can be. Its a story.

Is it an important story - no. Is it a realistic story - no. That's not the point. It's a story to make you smile, feel good and go home happy. In an era of CG effects, violence and explosions masquerading as stories, it's a breath of fresh air. Go see it, smile and be happy. You won't be sorry.

We went to this movie ready to love it. We came out depressed.

This is what we've all been pining for: a new, creative concept executed with excellent film making and effects. It's visually stunning, combining the highest tech with a good back story in a near future world in a convincing way. The robot is intriguing, sexy and mostly seems possible. The inventor seems as feasible as Mark Zuckerberg. We're ready to go along for the ride.

But then, comes the plot, and there's nobody to root for. It's a nihilistic world view acted convincingly by actors who create realistic characters. If you form an emotional connection with any character, you're left out to dry. The movie left us both bummed out and impressed. And where's the fun in that?