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MickyG333
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War Dogs (2016)
Creeping compromise
8.4 stars.
People succumb to creeping compromise all too easily in this world. Dabble a little bit into the illegal, get lucky, have a decent, IQ, learn some basic negotiation skills, be willing to look the other way a little...the perfect recipe for becoming an arms dealer.
In his own mind, a young man has the perfect life except for one thing - he's not rich. As his character deftly narrates throughout the whole film, he starts us off with his back story. He gives massages to "old men" in Florida for about $75 an hour. Well, that's not too bad, because if you do the math, he probably was earning at least $50,000 a year...and that's only working part time. And he has the perfect girlfriend, beautiful, nice, understanding, supportive...
He happens to run into his old buddy from younger days. This friend is in the gun running business, he's a small time arms dealer, but he's working on becoming a kingpin in the trade. Business is easy and very lucrative for him, and he hasn't even delved much into the illegal stuff yet, but soon it all goes south.
This story is about how these two twenty-somethings turn into hardened men very quickly, not mature and stable men, but dangerous and volatile ones in a very cutthroat and dubious profession. This can be really shady stuff, but it starts of mainly legal. Inevitably, they cross the line here a little, there a little - creeping into the black market side of selling weapons to small armies.
Then his buddy starts to get too greedy, and causes our protagonist (if you want to call him that) to be thrust into a life-threatening situation. Now he has nothing to lose, because his baby girl and baby momma might have to live without him (if you get my drift). And it's no help that his "friend" is untrustworthy and a con artist, which our protagonist suspected all along, but couldn't quite believe it to be true, because he was too naive and they were making too much money. He had conned several previous associates, but the evidence was lacking. Once our good guy has a gun pointed to his head, it's time to get out and cut his losses.
This movie is absolutely thrilling and epic in chronicling two naive young men who negotiate multi-million dollar government weapon contracts. This profession puts them in harm's way - getting shot, kidnapped, threatened. Most of it happens in questionable places...Iraq, Jordan, Albania...you name it. They dabbled in it and almost got killed on multiple occasions, yet they kept coming back for the money.
This film tells the story in a most riveting and entertaining way and I found no flaws in the presentation.
You've Got Mail (1998)
Erudite romance
8.3 stars.
I think about when I first saw this...I was but a young man in my twenties. And did I fully comprehend the scope of a romance story with this level of depth? No, I most certainly did not. But wait, 'You've Got Mail' is so very juvenile and basic, right? I mean, how can a romance like this hold a candle to anything the likes of Harry Met Sally, or 'Sleepless in Seattle' for Meg Ryan? Let's omit 'Joe Vs the Volcano' which doesn't count as a noteworthy anything. But let's widen the scope and include greats like 'Pretty Woman', 'Love Actually', 'Jerry Maguire'...Heck, let's take a time machine back to the 60's for 'Breakfast at Tiffany's', 'Bye Bye Birdy', and the 70's with 'Annie Hall'. These are the ones I see listed in a quick search. I've seen them all. Funny, I don't see 'The Graduate' on any lists. I wonder if it was too cringe for its era, and now it's just not PC in so many ways...my point is that innumerable cleverly written romance films have been around for a very long time, so when one like 'You've Got Mail' hits the big time, we have to sit and wonder what is so special about it...what sets it apart from the previous ones? Nothing. Except it is original because of the fresh internet aspect and, of course, Hanks and Ryan are at their very vest. Arguably, they are both at the height of their careers. For these two reasons alone, this film was devastatingly groundbreaking. To gross 230 million in the 90's - for a romance film - was pretty much unheard of. And yet, it is eclipsed by 'Sleepless in Seattle', which was released 5 years prior. At least, if you account for inflation. So what makes this film great? Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks' on-screen chemistry, that's what. There is no coincidence they co-starred in more than a few romance films together. The formula: clever dialogue, Hanks, Ryan, decent director = magic. Why didn't they collaborate on any more romances after this? I'm not sure anyone has the answer. I read somewhere that Hanks was supposed to be in 'When Harry Met Sally', but turned it down. Interesting.
The Judge (2014)
Well-balanced courtroom drama
8.0 stars.
This is my kind of movie when it comes to the thrill of two powerful lawyers (Downey Jr vs Billy Bob Thornton) battling in a courtroom in a murder trial. These types of movies seem to be popular more than not. But there is much more to this story than courtroom drama, murder, and intrigue. It's primarily about a father and his three sons and an enormous rift between them.
'The Judge' is one of those dark films, almost noir-esque, where the courtroom is notably underlit, the shadows cast off the faces of each character are ominous and bleak. The background of the murder trial is thrilling and mysterious. Interestingly, the film depicts one of the darkest courtrooms in cinema I've seen in years. Even in most Grisham films, or 'A Few Good Men', at least we can see and recognize all the people, but not with 'The Judge'. I'm not sure why it's so dark, but I wanted to emphasize the fact.
It's about an old judge named Joseph (Duvall) who was too hard on his son Hank (Downey Jr), but Hank always wanted to be like him and eventually becomes a hot shot lawyer, probably a better lawman than he. Joseph has never been proud of Hank and we don't know why, at first, except to assume he is hard on him because he's reminded of himself. Eventually we are shown the cause for his disdain, and why Hank left his family and town behind. He even left the love of his life Samantha (Farmiga) to escape his father's derision. Joseph is not nearly so harsh on Hanks two brothers, so we see his contempt is aimed solely Hank, and soon we find out why.
'The Judge' is superbly accomplished and the script is nothing short of a brilliant study into the dysfunction of a family of men. It adeptly draws a sketch of a family dynamic, and how only Joseph can be the alpha, afterall, he is father and Judge. The other intellectual genius, Hank, had to get out of the picture, which he did...went far away to the other side of the country. But that left the other two sons to fend for themselves for many years. Their mother has recently died, which precipitates Hank returning for the funeral.
The youngest son is mentally challenged and needs to be cared for to some extent. The eldest, Joseph's favorite son Glen (D'Onofrio), was maimed in a car accident many years ago. Unfortunately, Hank was the driver. The accident caused him to lose some function in his pitching hand, and therefore his chances to become a professional baseball player were forfeit. Now Glen owns an automotive shop and is married with children, but it's obvious he is unfulfilled and generally bedraggled. Joseph hates Hank for causing this.
Only a few days after the death of his wife of 50 years, Joseph is suspected of murder. The reasons and circumstances surrounding this are too many to list. Needless to say, Joseph is now on trial for murder and the only chance he's got for acquittal is to be defended by Hank. Hank's services are unwelcomed and spurned by Joseph, but eventually he comes around for various reasons. Let the pure drama commence.
The personalities are engaging and rich, the story is full of conflict and drama, therefore, this is a must-see.
The Edge of Seventeen (2016)
Visceral teenage girl angst
8.1 stars.
I can only imagine these are the feelings that teenage girls must manage on a daily basis in high school. What is the lesson to be learned for a man like myself? Probably nothing. But what I'm reminded of is that the age of seventeen has a significant edge to it. It seems obvious the title speaks of this edge, the precipice, walking the thin line, living on a razor; all of these metaphors that apply to a girl who is either 17 or will be very soon. She is living on the edge of greatness, concurrently in a virtual nightmare, yet potentially the most amazing and fun era of her life.
I think this film attempts to capture the essence of it and quite frankly (in my ignorant, yet hopeful and humble opinion) it nails it perfectly. The only unrealistic aspects are that everyone is so pretty. I mean, everyone is too good looking and so it's not completely honest as far as that goes. A young girl this pretty usually does not have zero friends...unless she was heretofore ugly and then recently blossomed, which it seems the writer is trying to suggest, but it falls a bit short of that mark. She would quickly make many shallow friends immediately after her transformation into the gorgeous creature that is portrayed by Stanfield (one of my favorite young actresses-I really loved her in True Grit). Yet the time elapses, she is wonderfully stunning for months, but without the usual conglomeration of devotees.
Entertaining from start to finish is how I'd best describe it.
A Walk to Remember (2002)
Wide-eyed appeasement
8.4 stars.
Gosh, did I see this twenty years ago? I'm thinking I did, but only bits and pieces remained with me. Now here we are on the second go round and what a little slice of heaven I had almost forgotten.
This will always be a movie to remember. It just works. One of those instant romantic classics that helps teach us about pain and faith. Like her character says (paraphrasing), you can't enjoy the light (blessings and joy) without the darkness. And now I know why her personality is so beautiful and lovable. She has matured much too quickly, but it all makes sense and it all fits together like the perfect tragic vision of loveliness.
'A Walk to Remember' was out of time and place in this genre, it is therefore timeless...how it captures the essence of trueness, embodies the genuine and consummate aspirations of the soul.
Yes, I'm being sappy, but I just have to say this movie does seem to fit the mold for an uplifting and tearful experience rarely seen being portrayed by such young and inexperienced actors...they really nailed it.
Sure, in some respects, this film is rushed and shoddy, somewhat clunky...but as a whole, it is sheer brilliance. The music was a bit much, that's the only downside. Don't get me wrong, the music is decent, there's just too much. The upside is an endless array of nuanced magic, captured in too short a story. I have demands for more of whatever enchantment the filmmaker has sealed in a time capsule of romantic bliss. I'm done with the schmalz. If you are seeing this for the first time right now, I envy your next 101 minutes.
God's Not Dead (2014)
Allegorical and elementary
7.3 stars.
Okay, my initial thoughts do not equal the sum total of my final ones. For the most part, I was entertained, not for its amazingly profound theological impact (which it does NOT impart), but for the capable acting and various mood swings we are the beneficiaries of witnessing. I also enjoyed some of the clever, in-your-face moments, which felt like an underdog making a steady and satisfying comeback from time to time.
My overall impression is this is an allegorical lecture about creation versus evolution. Is God real and did he create the universe, or are most of the philosophers and scientists correct in their theory of the opposite? The allegory consists of several anecdotes of the lives of twelve people.
I enjoyed the story, but it's a bit too elementary. The women are too dull-witted and seemingly weak to provide much of a moral impact. Our college boy, let's call him the protagonist-pro-creationist...is attempting to prove that God exists and meanwhile his girlfriend of 6 years, who is supposedly Christian, presents a haphazard and impetuous ultimatum. It's all too unrealistic (thus my allegory theory). The professor's girlfriend is much too simple minded and subservient to be any kind of stalwart...too trite to symbolize contemporary female strength. But, I suppose, since she is a Christian and living under the thumb of an arrogant man who denies the existence of a creator, it makes partial sense. The professor is adamant to a fault that there is no God and his threats are fervent, but to the audience, the relationship is a contradiction. He is zealously against religion and has known she was a Christian since they met. It doesn't add up, unless he was simply trying to get some "tail" (as some might crudely describe it). The debate between student and professor is efficacious in that they present a broad spectrum of academic issues as they each defend their beliefs. This is the most impactful aspect of the movie for me. I should have taken notes. "Philosophy is dead". Is God dead? You might enjoy (if nothing else) the robot zombies the other students in the class represent.
There are several secondary characters (possibly one too many people to focus upon). The reverend subplot is superfluous, as is the lawyer and his protege, the Asians and Muslims. In spite of some needless characters, they added some emotional impact to the film as a whole, so I can understand why the filmmaker didn't remove them.
I still enjoyed 'God's Not Dead' in spite of its acute unsophistication. The characters are all intertwined in a really interesting way, which when revealed, was a pleasant surprise. But, In the end, the plethora of storylines minimized the protagonist's impact.
Lola (2024)
I watched it
6.0 stars.
I mean how bad can it be? At first it seems like it's going to be a normal movie about a young pretty girl who is a stripper and trying to get by with a low life, mother and stepdad. She is simply trying to make enough money to free herself and her nine-year-old brother, who is gender dysphoric. But things get worse and worse, and could they get any worse?
This is an extremely depressing tale of a person with no escape from her dead-end existence. But the story is naive. There are too many gaps where we need dialogue and fluff. The writer didn't give us anything to chew on. Instead we are left with a traumatic and unfulfilled narrative with no purpose or theme. Anyone could write this. And yet I somehow wanted to finish it. And then it starts to look like...and then it's over.
A Country Romance (2021)
Slow motion
6.5 stars.
Just barely rounds up to a 7. It's somewhat difficult to manage placing this story in the realm of possible for several reasons. The main actor is not straight, so envisioning him as it is already difficult. But that's the reality of Hollywood, once an actor comes out, there's no stuffing themselves back in. Sure, we could say it's no different than trying to believe a straight portraying a non character. So be it. It's all about getting into the romance and enjoying the experience of attraction between two leads, knowing that one of them isn't capable of being that for the other. Ok, like I said, so be it.
Now let's talk about the movie. This story is presented to us in slow motion. I am not kidding. The tempo of conversation is literally turned down to 65%. Every sentence is deliberate, so the 90 minutes of run time is telling a 60 minute story. The story itself is not original in any way. In fact, this is about as unoriginal and monotonous as they come. So what was good about it? It's very relaxing and ASMR-like. This is a good film to unwind and end your hectic day with. Just too slow moving for any entertainment, but it has value in other respects.
Mother of the Bride (2024)
Netflix propaganda?
6.9 stars.
This isn't bad and it's certainly not 4.9 stars bad. Is Netflix lying when they say this was #1 on their movie list this week? It doesn't have too many reviews and the rating is way too low for a #1, so I'm confused.
It's a decent rom com, Bratt and Shields have good chemistry. For two people in their late 50's they look really great. I will do my best to look that youthful when I get there, which isn't far off. Both of them have physiques of ripped 35 year olds, young looking faces, good all around health and tone.
The movie is generic. It's about a destination wedding on a tropical island resort, the whole family is there - not too many members. CMM is a supporting hot younger guy who is trying to get with Shield's character. Bratt's character is trying to get her attention again, to win her affections the way he had her 30 years ago in college. Meanwhile her daughter is marrying his son. There was history between several of the fifty something group - they all went to college together, lots of memories and drama.
Not a bad story, so I'm perplexed at the low ratings. Not great, sure, but entertaining enough.
Love, of Course (2018)
Great chemistry
7.8 stars.
The leads have great chemistry, which elevates 'Love, of Course' from average to above. It's about a woman driving with her daughter to help her move into college in Oregon. While there, she is offered a permanent job, but it's a difficult decision, because her home is in Los Angeles. Her husband has long since passed. While considering this permanent career opportunity and a much needed change of scenery, she is given the job on a temporary basis to see if she is a perfect fit. A male professor is helping her with the duties. The romance sparks.
The chemistry between these two is undeniable. The woman's daughter has a minor role, but enough for us to get acquainted with her endearing character.
I wish they would have given the daughter 10 more minutes of screen time, but overall this film hits the spot for romance.
Baby Reindeer (2024)
Watched in one day
8.4 stars.
I don't know how to describe this miniseries. It's unlike anything I've ever seen, yet contains so many similarities to many shows. The fact that I watched it all in one day says a lot. It's about 3.5 hours long in total, seven episodes about 30-40 minutes each.
What we have here is a jaw-dropping story based on true events that will leave you speechless. I can say this much, the author captured the reality of his life in so profound a manner, I could not believe what I was watching. The confusion that takes place in the mind of a person who suffers with chronically low self-worth, for any number of reasons...it can be mind numbing, and crazy making.
Funny, most of us don't learn from advice, we have to experience it for ourselves. Such is life. The damage can cause people to repeatedly fall into the same mistakes and traps. Some say this is the definition of insanity, but it's more accurately disillusionment caused by a lack of faith and confidence in your intuition...a direct result of chronic abuse. And there is also some guilt and shame and the intense desire for acceptance that follows.
The main character exhibits all of these traits as a result of what he has endured, the rape, the stalking, the comedy, the gaslighting. What an extraordinary and chilling journey for this man. No wonder he was trapped in an endless loop of pity and remorse for his malefactors.
Anyone But You (2023)
Salacious but amusing
8.0 stars.
This movie is the romantic total package as it checks almost every proper box a rom com should, and some improper boxes too. The story has been done a trillion times, but it never gets old, if done right. 'Anyone But You' is quality viewing even if it's fairly crude with a lot of language. F-bombs left and right, not just a few, maybe a few too many for comfort, but maybe the choice words were a necessary element for this particular story. The vulgarity only serves as a guide to the inner frustrations of the lead characters. The reason is because we have two young adults who are very angsty and a bit deflated about the direction of their personal lives. Both have hit a slump in their romantic endeavors and are feeling disillusioned with love in general. He was devastated by a breakup some time ago, and she as well. We aren't fully aware of why or how the breakups occurred, but they were somewhat recent. As the plot continues, more of their past comes to light and previous romantic partners emerge.
This romantic tale begins in a coffee shop meet-cute, which is very hilarious and clever. Things couldn't be more wonderful until a misunderstanding which leaves them both in shock due to the apparent betrayal by both. Naturally, each blames the other for something that never happened. This seething distaste lasts for almost two years.
Now they are stuck seeing each other again at a destination wedding between his friend and her sister. We get to meet her parents and other parents, some friends, and a relative or two. It's a nightmare week where just about anything goes. The loathing they have for each other must be moderated by the other people involved before it gets out of hand, but the agendas and schemes run amok and threaten to derail the wedding itself.
I was not disappointed with the craftiness of this film. Looking beyond the language and quasi-nudity, it's one of the most entertaining and witless, yet exceedingly witty dialogues I've had the pleasure of experiencing in a while. The music and scenery were amazing, not to mention the sterling production as a whole.
Elevator Girl (2010)
Learning to compromise in life
7.3 stars.
A young hot-shot lawyer and a free spirited woman get stuck on an elevator together and immediately spark an attraction. It's a rocky path to happiness and relationship bliss from that point forward. He is a bit hesitant to date her openly, because she is of "lower" class than he, but he's not a bad guy; it's just his place in life for the moment. But he immediately learns that life is more than status and appearances. He accepts that he's made a big mistake and makes up to her. She is very satisfied with him, and accepts him wholeheartedly. Things go smoothly for a while, but soon he starts to see traits in her that he feels she should improve upon. At first she is open to suggestions, until it goes just a little too far. This takes a toll on the relationship and it goes awry. Eventually, she realizes that maybe she should rethink her own life choices. Will they get a second chance to try again?
This is a nice and easy-going love story about two people who learn to stop and take a glance in the mirror and make a genuine effort to improve themselves. It's a nice bit of instruction for all of us: get out of your comfort zone before you can't find your way out.
'Elevator Girl' is an interesting title, but I can think of a dozen better ones.
Love Under the Stars (2015)
Sapp-a-licious
8.0 stars.
I've not been blessed with the opportunity to see this until now. After monitoring and watching just about every film in existence (since 2005 or so) in the family genre (Hallmark, UP, Family channels),this one has eluded me? Wow, so they haven't aired this, that I can see, for over two full years on any of those channels, but who knows, I could've simply missed it (probably not).
What a wonderful experience going on a journey with a woman who is working on her third college degree. She's 30 years young, has dated a number of college men, and is now learning all about what it means to truly love people through the eyes of a little girl and her daddy.
That's all I have to say about it. The movie is sappy and sad and fun and wonderful. Enjoy!
Dark Waters (2019)
Stopped Teflon years ago
8.4 stars.
If I didn't know better, I'd guess this was a film based on a Grisham novel. But NO, this is real. The film is compelling and gripping even beyond most of the Grisham novel based films. I stopped using Teflon after watching 'Dark Waters', but anyone who watches this can't continue to use it and consider themselves sane.
Ruffalo is a genius as usual. He is perfect for roles like this and I really like his style of acting. He always makes a character his own, and this is no different. He is the quintessential underdog, a small cog in the wheel of big chemical and industrial powerhouses who take advantage of the public. He is the lawyer who got suckered into a no-win-scenario case as a favor for his grammer (grandma), not realizing it would become a class action lawsuit resulting in a hundreds-of-millions dollar settlement.
The atmosphere created by the director is brilliant, one of those rare hard-hitting, fact-based stories about corporate corruption and deception on a grand scale. We all knew that Dupont (however great a company they have been for us, because they were instrumental in creating the atomic bomb) had more skeletons in the closet than most. Arguably the largest and mega-wealthiest corporation of its kind ever to exist on planet earth, but equally mega-destroying our ecosystems in the process.
12 Dates of Christmas (2011)
Retains its freshness
8.1 stars.
I must've seen this three times now, but spread out evenly over the past decade. It popped up in Prime Video, figured why not, so I just bought it, because it was on sale, a very huge sale. I anticipate I'll watch it again in a few years, and again some years after. I just love both actors, they really shine, are so charismatic, and have great chemistry. Some people know how to do romance, both of these actors got it down to a science.
I was a bit perplexed by the number of dates (days) she repeats. It seems like about 30 at least, because some of the information didn't fit into such a small number. But that was my only critique worth mentioning. The rest is so entertaining and lovely and it just makes you want to get out there and fall in love again (or for the first time).
The Reckoning (2015)
Let the casting divide you
7.2 stars.
All three of these movies were average for me, so I don't plan on seeing them again. This one was no different than #2 in that once again they changed the cast, but now a new actor portrays her long lost Amish boyfriend, Daniel. I really liked the actor portraying Daniel in the second film, but they switched him out for some scruffy looking guy. And along with Mr. Scruff is a questionable scrub whom he associates with. These dudes look like shady trailer trash. But as time passes, Daniel's character becomes more palatable. And then we have her adoptive Amish parents who appear to also be different actors as well. I thought they were likable enough. And we also meet a couple other characters that are fine.
So, suddenly, I prefer the new guy in her life. He's tall, handsome, and relatable. Why did the author have to diminish her old flame into a half a man? If I were the author, I would have deleted his character from the franchise. Either resurrect him as the long lost love interest and soulmate that he should've been, or remove him altogether. And when he finally sees her for the first time in so many years, the meeting is anti-climactic. This was the moment I was anticipating since finishing 'The Confession' (a few hours ago...*snicker*), but it was a disappointment. The last 10 minutes wrapped up a bit too fast. At that point I was thinking they packed too much material into the ending. All in all this is not the most impactful conclusion for the trilogy.
The main actress (Leclerc) grows on the audience even more profoundly than in the second film. I really liked her in this, and so the romance has some redeeming value that make this watchable. Notwithstanding, 'The Reckoning' is not an improvement over the first two.
The Confession (2013)
Transition from Amish to society
7.4 stars.
I liked this one better than 'The Shunning', because there is more to the story and it's not totally shrouded in an Amish atmosphere. The producers could have made the first one better if they had provided more to the story, given us more variety and simply enlarged it a bit more. I certainly didn't enjoy the fact they dropped the original actress for this one. But I'm guessing she chose not to be in this for her own reasons. So we are left with this actress, who at first does not satisfy my subtle desire for continuity and consistency, however she grows on you. Actually, the actress who plays her doppelganger of sorts, was actually a better fit for the leading role. I actually liked her more.
Overall 'The Confession' is not a better film than 'The Shunning' in most respects, like cinematography, acting, music...but what was ten times better is the storyline, writing and dialogue. And we had a sinister man with a sinister plot to get the inheritance (not really sinister, but it was criminal). Just that aspect alone elevates this film above the first. I am somewhat disappointed to have no choice but rate this higher, because the first one was much higher quality production (in my opinion). If only they had made this a two movie set instead of three and stayed with the original actress...
The Shunning (2011)
Full on Amish
7.2 stars.
I somewhat enjoyed the poignant factors in 'The Shunning'. It's not at all what I was expecting. We see some short scenes of a girl who we know is Amish, yet she's living in the secular world. But that was only a short scene, so I'm wondering if it was a daydream, or a flash into the future, or if the whole film was a flashback. But I'm not bothering to rewind and see exactly what I missed, I'm going to move on to the sequel.
Like I said, this film is enjoyable enough for a viewing. I'll probably not watch it again...well maybe in 15 years or so, who knows. My re-watch list generally has to be a 7.5 or higher.
Not much else to say except it's a touching story, but there is too much wasted potential. The plot is too basic. I think that's because they planned two sequels. Maybe next time make one sequel, pack more of a wallup two movies, instead of watering down three.
Branching Out (2024)
Far and away good
8.2 stars.
I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I could go on about the plot in great detail, but I figure there isn't much point to it. I'll describe in a nutshell. A woman gets pregnant through a sperm bank and has a little girl. Daughter (about 9 years old) overhears some conversation between mom and best friend, now she wants to meet her dad. The rest of the story is about mom and daughter meeting dad and his wonderful extended family. Mommy and baby daddy fall in love, little girl falls in love with the rest of the family - the end.
There are a dozen qualities of this film that really stand that require no further mentioning. I will leave you with a bit of advice: focus on the little girl and her colorful personality and the rest will fall into place.
Running the Bases (2022)
You will love it or leave it
8.3 stars.
If you need to feel inspired today, watch 'Running the Bases'. This is not a movie about baseball, although almost every scene happens on the ball field. Baseball is just the backdrop, but the main theme is about courage and faith. Yes, it's a religious theme, but more about how it feels than how it works.
This story is as emotionally driven as any faith based movie I've ever seen. You will be unable to hold back the tears if you are willing to let yourself go with the provocative message and the music. But if you wish to reserve your emotions for something not so "preachy" or wholesome, go right ahead and wait for that bigger and better action movie, or sci-fi, fantasy, or whatever floats your boat. But for me, I need some real inspiration sometimes.
This is one of, if not THE best Christian movie I've ever seen. Sure it's got that whole over-dramatization aspect with the inflated spiritual message and the love bombing, do-gooder theme. Nevertheless, it impacted me at the core of my being.
Based on the reviews I've seen, you will either love it or leave it. Do try to love it. Open yourself up to the possibilities that in many ways this narrative might change your perspective.
A Million Miles Away (2023)
Root for the underdog
7.8 stars.
This is the quintessential root-for-the-underdog story. This guy has no advantages in life. He grows up in a poor family that does their best to make the most of a life in America, being from Mexico and destitute...already two strikes against. But this guy is super smart, like the smartest guy around, and you just know he's got it all figured out. When it comes to math and science and a mind that is able to grasp things that most people don't even know exists...what makes this really entertaining is watching him make fools out of everyone around him, but he's not that sort of person who even notices, he's just a good natured super intelligent man with a vision and dream to be an astronaut, and he's more than capable - except for some limited physical prowess (a big requirement of being an astronaut).
Highly recommended film for anyone who needs encouragement and comes from a position of being less fortunate than most.
Play the Flute (2019)
Fully religious but inspiring
7.6 stars.
I was inspired by this story of teenagers in a church youth class, giving their new youth leader a hard time. There is one girl in the group that has a stutter, and she's the only one that is interested in being a Christian. The rest of the bunch are just there because their parents make them go to church and youth group. There are two boys who are obviously the leaders of the misfit bunch and they are angsty and sarcastic and rebellious. There are two girls who are somewhat subordinate to the two boys, although one of the girls is very angry and overly hateful of the whole idea of God and sin and life. She is bitter and it rubs off on her friend (the other girl in charge of the female clique). The poor girl with the speech impediment is a sweetheart, but they all make fun of her, so she is alone with her faith. The youth leader and his wife make it a point to focus on helping her fit in.
Of course she is a gorgeous young girl, and all the rest of the teens are too good looking for this to be realistic. Nevertheless, 'Play the Flute' is entertaining as much as it's uplifting.
The youth leader and his wife are inspiring personalities. This is a must-see faith based film. If I had to choose my the top ten Christian films, this might be on the list.
Left Behind (2014)
What did you expect?
8.1 stars.
'Left Behind' is about good people being taken to heaven by the Christian God and the rest of the people are stuck on earth to fend for themselves. While the good people have recently vanished, we focus on the story of an airline pilot (Cage) and his daughter who are somewhat strangers to each other. He has been too busy with his job, she's been away at college, but she's coming home and again he's neglecting the relationship. He has to fly to Europe this time. Once again there is tension. Her Mom has become a Jesus freak and her little brother is a cool little fella.
Suddenly, millions of people disappear and there is a lot of drama and action. It's an apocalyptic film about the end of the world, or almost the end. Will these remaining people "repent" and maybe go to heaven too? We won't find out in this movie, but the audience is asking the questions: could this really happen as the Bible seems to indicate? (side note, this isn't how the Bible describes it. Many people use a verse or two to create a paradigm of righteous people being swept up so they won't have to be persecuted. It's misinterpreted). Will there be a "rapture" of all the saints, while the "bad" people are left on earth to suffer and die? Who knows, but in this movie it happens.
The protagonist seems like a good person, so I'm not sure why she's left behind. She meets a nice, good looking man (Murray) and he also seems like a really decent guy. So what's missing with these supposed kind and level-headed people? Why didn't they go too?
This looks and feels like a blockbuster film, but there is something glaringly wrong with the whole setup. As you watch, you will notice little things that give it away...things like odd music that seems out of place, almost period music, like 80's television movies, or maybe some 90's music too, and once in a while the music is standard for our time. It's an odd combination.
Nicolas Cage does fine, it's obvious this was one of his last attempts at something decent before he went rogue. Now he's just an actor-of-fortune, does whatever, whenever he can, with reckless abandon. His last 40 movies (no joke) since 2014 have been busts, but he just does it for the paycheck. He has another 4 projects in the works. This man is prolific.
I really liked this movie. I always have enjoyed Airline disaster stories. This one has good special effects. The large passenger jet is the primary location for most of the scenes, and it was done right. The explosions and air shots and the scenery were all very well done. I think there is just something amiss. The supporting cast are almost all very cheesy and amateur in their presentations and this is really the main detractor.
The Valley of Light (2006)
Endearing and nice
7.1 stars.
This is a very quiet and laid back story about a young man just out of the war. He has a brother who is in prison, but no other family to speak of. He meets an elderly man who says he needs to go to a lake just over the mountains yonder and maybe he'll find a good life. So he goes there and meets a community of very wonderful people who accept him as part of the big family.
There are a variety of personalities, such as a mute boy and his grandparents who have raised him, a slender blond woman who is widowed. Her husband was also in the war, but he has since died. We get to know a nice store owner and some lazy fellas who stir up minor trouble, but nothing too serious. It's a town, it's a nice place. Our protagonist starts to fall for the blond woman, and likewise she is taken by him. His real talent is fishing. He's the best catfisher you ever seen and the whole town is excited about it.
Some tragic happenings occur, and for a small town of nice people who have had their share of tragedy, it's not a particularly uplifting narrative. This film is somber and full of sadness. Maybe love will elevate this film out of a gloomy place. Love makes a valiant effort, but falls a bit short.