Mamma Mia! Series (2008 & 2018)

Mamma Mia! Series (2008 & 2018)

Mamma Mia! was a hit Broadway musical featuring the music of Swedish musical group ABBA. In 2008 a film version of the hit show was released theatrically. It became a Summer box office smash hit over night. A decade later, Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again! (2018), a sequel to the first hit film, sometimes called: Mamma Mia! 2, was released. Below are the reviews for the two films.

Mamma Mia! (2008)

C – 108m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Mamma Mia! The Movie
Dir.: Phyllida Lloyd
Writer (Music Book and Script): Catherine Johnson
Exec. Pro.: Tom Hanks, Bjorn Ulvaeus and Rita Wilson
Music by: Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus
Starring: Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Amanda Seyfried, Stellan Skarsgard, Colin Firth, Julie Walters, Christine Baranski, Dominic Cooper, Heather Emmanuel, Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus.

A bride to be tries to find her real father; featuring the songs of the hit 1970’s group ABBA. Arguably the feel good movie of 2008! The film was a box office smash and it is easy to see why. Streep, Seyfried and the rest of the cast are in fine form and the music is fun. Note: Notice the music swells when Brosnan sings. 

Trivia:

Pierce Brosnan signed onto the film knowing only that Meryl Streep was set to star and that it would be filmed in Greece. The cast members performed their own singing. Streep recorded the vocals for her rendition of, “The Winner Takes It All,” in one take. The, “Slipping Through My Fingers,” song scene features Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried laughing in a short clip. The crew blasted heavy metal music to get that footage. At the start of, ‘Dancing Queen,” the mirror next to Streep’s bed features Seyfried’s professional head shot and at the end of, “Our Last Summer,” Streep is holding a real baby picture of Seyfried. Several scenes such as “I Have A Dream,” were shot during the day but changed to evening or night in post–production. Cher was originally offered the role of Tanya but turned it down. She would go on to be in the sequel film: Mamma Mia!: Here We Go Again (2018). And: The Colin Firth line, “I’m Bright, Harry Bright,” is a spoof of the, “Bond, James Bond,” line in the 007 films; hence his delivery of it next to Pierce Brosnan.

Golden Globe nominee for: Best Motion Picture – Comedy Or Musical and Best Actress – Motion Picture – Comedy Or Musical – Meryl Streep.

Followed by: Mamma Mia!: Here We Go Again (2018).
Rated: [PG–13] – Some Sex Related Comments
Available on 4K & Regular Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy 

Mamma Mia!: Here We Go Again (2018)

C – 114m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Mamma Mia! 2
Idea Originally Conceived By: Judy Craymer
Based On The Music By: Catherine Johnson
Story By: Richard Curtis, Ol Parker and Catherine Johnson
Screenplay By: Ol Parker
Exec. Prod.s: Benny Andersson, Richard Curtis, Tom Hanks and Bjorn Ulvaeus
Dir.: Ol Parker
Starring: Lily James, Amanda Seyfried, Meryl Streep, Dominic Cooper, Pierce Brosnan, Stellan Skarsgard, Christine Baranski, Colin Firth, Cher, Julie Walters, Jeremy Irvine, Andy Garcia, Josh Dylan, Hugh Skinner, Jessica Keenan Wynn, Alexa Davies and Bjorn Ulvaeus.
Music By: Benny Andersson, Anne Dudley and Bjorn Ulvaeus

Sophie learns about her mother’s past while pregnant herself. This was a step down from the mega hit a decade earlier. It is contrived to say the least and it shows in the “story” of the film. However the songs are fun, the cast is fantastic and the visual and audio aesthetics are perfect. So why complain too much. The stronger acting is done by the now seasoned actors: Streep, Seyfried, Brosnan, Skarsgard, Firth, Baranski, Walters, Garcia, Cher and Cooper, but the actors playing the younger versions of Streep, Brosnan, Skarsgard, Baranski, Firth and Walters show great promise. Pierce Brosnan performs a particularly touching scene in the film when he quietly warbles S.O.S. while looking at a picture of the younger Streep character. This may not be the caliber of the first one, and at that may still be of little to no interest of some people, but if given a chance, there is still a spark of warmth to it that a lot of films, released around the time of this one, don’t have. For that reason alone, it is worth watching.

Trivia:

This film was released exactly 10 years after the first one. Meryl Streep (Donna in this film series) filmed all her scenes in one week. Julie Walters was given a day off from the Shepperton Studios filming in November 2017 so she could attend an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace, where she was made a Dame Commander Of The Order Of The British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II. Cher, who played Meryl Streep’s mother and Amanda Seyfried’s grandmother in this film, was actually only 3 years older than Meryl Streep. ABBA member, Bjorn Ulvaeus, makes a cameo during the number: “When I kissed The Teacher”. ABBA member Benny Andersson appears as a University Chancellor during young Donna’s graduation. Cher was originally offered the role of Tanya in the first film but turned it down. A decade later she took a role in this film. Cher also handpicked Andy Garcia to play Fernando out of a bunch of selected actors. The film choreographer is the same choreographer who worked with the traveling Mamma Mia! North American Farewell Tour. The reveal of Bill Anderson’s twin was referenced in the first film with the line: “You’re not going to tell me you have a twin sister, are you?”

Rated: [PG–13] – Some Suggestive Material
Available on 4K & Regular Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018)

The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018)

C – 116m / 117m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen
Screenplay By: Susanna Fogel and David Iserson
Dir.: Susanna Fogel
Starring: Justin Theroux, Mila Kunis, Kate McKinnon, David Iserson, Sam Heughan, Hasan Minhaj, Peter Schueller, Gillian Anderson, Jane Curtin, Paul Reiser, Hugo Bolton, Fred Melamed, James Fleet, Justine Wachsberger, Tom Stourton, Roderick Hill and Nick Wittman (as Nicholas Wittman).

Audrey and Morgan are best friends who unwittingly become entangled in an international conspiracy when one of the women discovers the boyfriend who dumped her was actually a spy. Well–done Action – Comedy in the vein of Lethal Weapon (1987) for action and the Bob Hope and Bing Crosby Road To…Series (194 –1962), but for women. Both the humor and the action fly fast and furious. Admittedly the humor is mostly crude but for astute film buffs there are scenes that a remenciant of the Hope and Crosby Road films, particularly when what is going on around them finally dawns on them. Specifically the scene in the bathroom during the dinner at, “a friend’s house,” with the body in the tub… Said scene also has echoes of the “There Is a beautiful woman in my bed and a dead man in my bathtub,” scene from: The Pink Panther Strikes Again (1976). There is nothing wrong with this film that this reviewer could spot, everything works in terms of CGI, action, comedy, acting and yes – pacing too is perfect. See it, without reservation!    

Trivia:

Gillian Anderson was a childhood crush of Kate McKinnon’s. Kate McKinnon and Mila Kunis previously co–starred in the Family Guy episode Peter’s Sister. Sam Heughan played Sir Roger Moore’s son in A Prince For Christmas (2011). Roger Moore played James Bond in The Spy Who Loved Me (1977), which this film’s title, like the title of Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999), spoofs. Although there is an actual light gun arcade game series called Point Blank, the in–game footage and title screen of the game that Audrey is playing during her birthday at the beginning of the movie is from the Nintendo DS version, called: Point Blank DS.

Rated: [R] – Violence, Language Throughout, Some Crude Sexual Material & Graphic Nudity
Available on 4K & Regular Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

The Last Movie Star (2017/2018)

The Last Movie Star (2017/2018)

C – 94m
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Dog Years
Writer – Dir.: Adam Rifkin
Starring: Burt Reynolds, Chevy Chase, Macy Whitener, Ariel Winter, Clark Duke and Ellar Coltrane.

An elderly movie star travels to a small film festival to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award and goes on a trip down memory lane with the aid of his crass female assistant / driver. Slow paced but entertaining film with a perfect cast headed by Burt Reynolds, Chevy Chase and Ariel Winter. Winter stands out, something that is hard to do opposite Reynolds and Chase, as a troubled young woman who just needs a fresh set of eyes on her problems to tell her that she is capable of making the changes necessary to find happiness. For those familiar with Reynolds’ work prior to this film, this will be a treat. For those who are not, go find earlier Reynolds films to see before this. Particularly: Deliverance (1972), Smokey And The Bandit (1977), Smokey And The Bandit Part II (1980), The Cannonball Run (1981) and Cannonball Run II (1984). Reynolds may be slowed by age in terms of physicality but he is no less impressive to watch here than any of his other films. Great use of old footage and photos by the way! Rifkin hits all the right notes with this one.   

Trivia: Writer – Director Adam Rifkin stated that if Burt Reynolds had turned down the role, he wouldn’t have made the movie as he had written the part specifically for Burt Reynolds. 

Rated: [R] – Some Sexuality / Partial Nudity
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Blockers (2018)

Blockers (2018)

C – 102m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Cherries, The Pact
Prod.s: Chris Fenton, Seth Rogan, Jon Hurwitz and James Weaver
Dir.: Kay Cannon
Starring: Leslie Mann, John Cena, Ramona Young, Kathryn Newton, Miles Robbins, Gary Cole, Graham Phillips and Jill Jane Clements.

Parents accidentally find out a pact that their daughters have to lose their virginity on prom night and set out to stop them. American Pie for girls with meddling parents as the heroes of the film. Nice twist on the Pie storyline. For those who care Kay Cannon, the director of this film, wrote the Pitch Perfect series. This made her a natural choice to direct this (if you will pardon the pun) coming of age story. The film has more to it than meets the eye and ear in the advertisement campaign (television spots and theatrical trailers). The casting is perfect and there is a lot of heart behind the otherwise crude jokes. At that, the jokes start off as cringe worthy but elevate from there after the first little bit of the film. If one can stomach vulgarity, than this is a breeze. If one can’t see past the crudeness, than this film may not be for them. The parents are played as slow, which may appeal to teens, though they ultimately prove to be more on top of things than you may think. The teens are played as highly intelligent and very self–aware. While the accuracy of that may be questioned, it works well for this film to have well–rounded characters. Seldom do these kinds of comedies score high with this reviewer, but this one hits all the right notes. It would be a shame to miss this one!  

Trivia: The title is short for: “Cock Blockers”. Due to censorship on advertising, a silhouette of a rooster (a cock by definition of gender) is shown in front of the word Blockers on the advertisements to suggest the full title.

Rated: [R] – Crude And Sexual Content, And Language Throughout, Drug Content, Teen Partying, & Some Graphic Nudity
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

The Shape Of Water (2017)

The Shape Of Water (2017)

C  / B&W – 123m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
Story By: Guillermo del Toro
Screenplay By: Guillermo del Toro and J. Miles Dale
Pro. – Dir.: Guillermo del Toro
Starring: Sally Hawkins, Michael Shannon, Richard Jenkins, Octavia Spencer, Michael Stuhlbarg, Doug Jones, David Hewlett and Nick Searcy.

In the 1950’s a lonely janitor at a top-secret research lab starts a relationship with an amphibious creature that is being held in captivity. A creature film in the style of The Creature From The Black Lagoon (1954), right down to the design of the creature; difference being: this is a love story. The film is by no means fast paced but it has the visual flair of del Toro to off–set it. Period detail is nice, sets are impeccable, costumes are tops and the actors play their parts with gusto. How can you go wrong? The only complaint here is that it is a creature film from the 1950’s released in 2017. In short: It has all been done before. Unlike most creature films though you actually feel for the creature here. Between that and the romance element being played in an entirely different way makes this a film worth watching. 

Trivia: The creature’s design here was heavily influenced by the title creature in the film: The Creature From The Black Lagoon (1954). Guillermo del Toro reportedly wrote backstories for all the characters and offered them to the actors. Some utilized them (Michael Stuhlbarg) while others ignored them (Richard Jenkins). Guillermo del Toro started work on this film in 2011.

Oscar® winner for: Best Picture – Guillermo del Toro and J Miles Dale, Best Director – Guillermo del Toro, Best Original Score and Best Production Design. Additionally nominated for Oscars® for: Best Actress – Sally Hawkins, Best Supporting Actor – Richard Jenkins, Best Supporting Actress – Octavia Spencer, Best Original Screenplay – Guillermo del Toro and Vanessa Taylor, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing and Best Film Editing. Golden Globe winner for: Best Director – Motion Picture – Guillermo del Toro and Best Original Score – Motion Picture. Additionally nominated for Golden Globes for: Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama – Sally Hawkins, Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture – Richard Jenkins, Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture – Octavia Spencer, Best Original Screenplay – Guillermo Del Toro.

Rated: [R] – Sexual Content, Graphic Nudity, Violence & Language
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Just Getting Started (2017)

Just Getting Started (2017)

C – 91m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen (Theatrical) / 2.40:1 – Widescreen (Blu–ray)
A.K.A.: Villa Capri
Writer – Dir.: Ron Shelton
Starring: Morgan Freeman, Tommy Lee Jones, Rene Russo, Joe Pantoliano, Glenne Headly, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Elizabeth Ashley, George Wallace, Graham Beckel, Jane Seymour, Johnny Mathis, Eli Goodman and Kat Sawyer.

An ex–F.B.I. Agent and his ex–mob lawyer in the witness protection program have to put aside their petty rivalry on the golf course to fend off a mob hit. Mildly uneven and a tad overlong, but never the less a fun outing with the stars… The unevenness comes from the scenes going on a tad longer than they likely should have. Rene Russo has the most level – headed role in the film. Morgan Freeman and Tommy Lee Jones play off of each other very well. The scene where Freeman tries to pick Russo up in the bar is a riot. The actors are in fine form and most of the material is good. If only the scenes had been trimmed just a tad more. Still it is entertaining and is worth a watch.  

Trivia: This film was never screened for critics prior to its theatrical release.

Rated: [PG–13] – For language, suggestive material & Brief Violence
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy 

Marie Antoinette (1938 & 2006)

Marie Antoinette (1938)

B&W – 149m (General Release Cut) / 157m (Road Show Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1 – Fullscreen
Writers: F. Scott Fitzgerald (Uncredited), Talbot Jennings (dialogue – uncredited) and Robert E. Sherwood (Uncredited)
Dir.: W.S. Van Dyke and Julien Duvivier
Pro.: Irving Thalberg (Uncredited)
Starring:  Norma Shearer, Tyrone Power, John Barrymore, Robert Morley, Anita Louise, Gladys George, Reginald Gardiner, Henry Daniell, Albert Dekker, Joseph Calleia, George Meeker, Scotty Beckett, Harry Cording, Cecil Cunningham, Howard Da Silva, Harry Davenport, Harold Entwistle, Ann Evers, Barry Fitzgerald, Neil Fitzgerald, Holmes Herbert, Mary Howard, Ruth Hussey, Edward Keane, Ian Wolfe and George Zucco.

The story of the ill–fated Queen of France, Marie–Antoinette. A pleasant if somewhat long but masterful telling of the tale. Far superior to the Sophia Coppola 2006 film.

Trivia: Peter Lorre was originally announced for the part that Robert Morley plays in his film debut.

Available on DVD & Digital Copy though: The Warner Archive Collection

Marie Antoinette (2006)

C – 123m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
Writer – Pro. – Dir.: Sophia Coppola
Exec. Pro.: Francis Ford Coppola
Starring: Kristen Dunst, Jason Schwartzman, Judy Davis, Rip Torn, Rose Byrne, Molly Shannon, Shirley Henderson, Danny Huston, Tom Hardy and Steve Coogan.

Retelling of France’s iconic but ill–fated queen, Marie Antoinette. Slow, boring and dismal telling of the bio of the ill–fated French queen. Saving grace is the cast and Sophia Coppola’s eye for visuals. Very little else is worth noting in this dud.

Trivia: The French government granted special permission for the crew to film in The Palace Of Versailles. The film crews were allowed to store their equipment in the real Marie–Antoinette’s bedroom. Although the title is not hyphenated, the real woman’s name was.

Rated: [PG–13] – Sexual Content, Partial Nudity & Innuendo
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

The Twilight Saga (2008 – 2012)

Twilight (2008)

C – 122m (Theatrical Cut) / 126m (Extended Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: The Twilight Saga: Twilight, Twilight Saga: Twilight, Twilight 1
Novel: Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Dir.: Catherine Hardwicke
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Sarah Clarke, Billy Burke, Gil Birmingham, Taylor Lautner, Anna Kendrick, Nikki Reed, Kellan Lutz, Ashley Greene, Jackson Rathbone, Robert Pattinson, Ned Bellamy and Stephanie Meyer.

A teenage girl risks everything when she falls in love with a vampire. The first entry in The Twilight Saga (2008–2012) is pretty good. It certainly launched the prominence of the careers of Lautner, Stewart and Pattinson, though they had all done work previously. Director Hardwicke also saw a boost in her career. Worth a watch.

Trivia: Robert Pattinson is actually playing the piano when Edward plays, “Bella’s Lullaby.” Nikki Reed was the one who suggested putting Robert Pattinson’s songs on the soundtrack. She recorded some of his songs with her laptop and brought them to the producers when she pitched the idea. He accepted the next day. In the scene where Bella goes to The Cullen house Nikki Reed’s character breaks a bowl, Nikki Reed is wearing gloves in the scene. That is because in an earlier take of breaking the bowl she cut her hands. For a few weeks before filming began on Twilight Robert Pattinson stopped talking to people so he could feel as isolated as Edward did. Kristen Stewart wore hair pieces so that she would have more time to shoot.

Rated: [PG–13] – Some Violence & A Scene Of Sensuality
[UNRATED] – More Of The Same
Available in Theatrical Cut & Extended Cut on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy 

The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009)

C – 130m (Theatrical Cut) / 137m (Extended Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Twilight Saga: New Moon, New Moon: Twilight Saga, Twilight: New Moon, New Moon, Twilight 2
Novel: New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Billy Burke, Anna Kendrick, Taylor Lautner, Ashley Greene, Jackson Rathbone, Michael Sheen, Nikki Reed, Gil Birmingham, Graham Greene and Dakota Fanning.

Edward leaves Bella after an attack that nearly claimed her life. In her depression she falls partially for a shape–shifter (werewolf), Jacob Black. Pretty good sequel to the first one. Nothing special though. The book was far superior to the film though, in this reviewer’s opinion. 

Trivia: This was Robert Pattinson’s favorite book in the series. Taylor Lautner hated his long haired wig.

Rated: [PG–13] – Some Violence & Action
[UNRATED] – More Of The Same
Available in Theatrical Cut and Extended Cut on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (2010)

C – 124m (Theatrical Cut) / 129m (Extended Cut) / 131m (Full Extended Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Twilight Saga: Eclipse, Eclipse: Twilight Saga, Twilight: Eclipse, Twilight 3, Eclipse
Novel: Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Billy Burke, Anna Kendrick, Jackson Rathbone, Ashley Greene, Nikki Reed, Taylor Lautner, Gil Birmingham, Jack Huston and Dakota Fanning.

A series of killings are scaring the residents of Seattle and Bella must choose between Edward and Jacob. The best film of the series in this reviewer’s opinion. The pacing is much improved over the previous entries and although this is the bridge story, it doesn’t feel that way. It has some stunning CGI for the time it was made.

Trivia: Kristen Stewart wore a wig for this film after cutting her hair short for The Runaways (2010). According to Taylor Lautner on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the wolves could not have genitalia due to censors. This could also be a planned joke. Kristen Stewart received her high school diploma one week before filing Bella’s graduation ceremony. She took a mock (fake) graduation photo with an extra so that she would have a photo of her graduating high school. Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter series) and Channing Tatum were both considered for the role of Riley. Miranda Kerr and Vanessa Hudgens were considered to play Leah Clearwater. Paul Weiz, Drew Barrymore, James Mangold and J.A. Bayona were all considered as potential directors for the film. This was Taylor Lautner’s favorite book in the series.

Rated: [PG–13] – Intense Sequences Of Action And Violence, & Some Sensuality
[UNRATED] – More Of The Same
Available in Theatrical Cut and Extended Cut on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 (2011)

C – 117m (Theatrical Cut) / 122 (Extended Cut) / 125m (Full Extended Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1, Twilight: Breaking Dawn – Part 1, Twilight: Breaking Dawn, Breaking Dawn: Part 1, Twilight 4: Part 1, Breaking Dawn, Twilight 4
Novel: Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
Starring: Taylor Lautner, Gil Birmingham, Bill Burke, Kristen Stewart, Ashley Green, Jackson Rathbone, Nikki Reed, Robert Pattinson, Anna Kendrick, Michael Sheen and Stephenie Meyer.

The government of vampires close in on just married and expecting parents Bella and Edward and the Cullen family. The soon to be born child poses at threat to the werewolves, vampires and humans. A step down from the last film but still solid entertainment. The emaciated look that Stewart has is haunting.

Trivia: The sex scene between Bella and Edward originally landed the film with an: [R] rating from the MPAA. The scene was edited down to meet the requirements of a: [PG–13] rating. Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson appeared on talk shows talking and joking bluntly about what had to be trimmed. Sophia Coppola was interested in directing this film but she only wanted to do one film. She didn’t get the job because Summit Entertainment wanted to split the book into two films.

Rated: [PG–13] – Disturbing Images, Violence, Sexuality / Partial Nudity & Some Thematic Elements
[UNRATED] – More Of The Same
Available in Theatrical Cut and Extended Cut on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 (2012)

C – 115m (Theatrical Cut) / 122 (Extended Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2, Twilight: Breaking Dawn – Part 2, Breaking Dawn: Part 2, Twilight 4: Part 2, Twilight 5
Novel: Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Peter Facinelli, Ashley Greene, Jackson Rathbone, Nikki Reed, Billy Burke, Michael Sheen and Dakota Fanning.

After the birth of their daughter Bella, Edward and family gather to defend the child from destruction at the hands of the vampire government. Well–done and action–packed finale in the series.

Trivia: The end credits are for the entire series, not just this entry. Both an animatronic baby and three–week old babies were used in the filming. Kristen Stewart preferred to work with the real babies because she felt that it helped her give a better performance.

Rated: [PG–13] – Sequences Of Violence Including Disturbing Images, Some Sexuality & Partial Nudity
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

The Rewrite & Some Kind Of Beautiful (2014)

The Rewrite (2014)

C. – 107m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: The Reluctant Professor
Writer – Dir.: Marc Lawrence
Starring: Hugh Grant, J.K. Simmons, Marisa Tomei and Allison Janney.

An Academy Award winning Hollywood screenwriter is forced to take a job as a writing teacher to pay the bills after Hollywood has rejected all of his ideas for another film. Affairs of the heart come into play here too. Surprisingly well done film is a sleeper hit of 2014. Good performances and a solid story leave one feeling satisfied at the end of the film. The cast is in fine form.

Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

Some Kind Of Beautiful (2014)

C. – 99m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen.
A.K.A.: How To Make Love Like An Englishman, Professor Love
Starring: Pierce Brosnan, Salma Hayek, Jessica Alba, Malcolm McDowell and Ben McKenzie.

A Cambridge poetry professor reevaluates his life when true love enters the picture. The premise is simple, the genre is drama but what sits in front of the audience is a romantic Dramady that has a good heart. Worth watching… Fine performances help this sleeper hit. On a trivial note, Malcolm McDowell is only ten years older than Pierce Brosnan but plays his father here anyway.

Rated: [R] – Language, Sexual Content, Some Nudity & Drug Use
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Austin Powers Trilogy

Austin Powers: International Man Of Mystery (1997)

C – 89m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen (Original) / 2.35:1 – Widescreen (Blu–ray)
A.K.A.: Austin Powers
Co – Writer: Mike Myers
Dir.: Jay Roach
Starring: Mike Meyers, Elizabeth Hurley, Michael York, Mimi Rogers, Robert Wagner, Seth Green, Mindy Sterling, Charles Napier, Will Ferrell, Clint Howard, Cindy Margolis, Barbara Ann Moore, Brian George, Burt Bacharach, Tom Arnold, Carrie Fisher, Susanna Hoffs, Richard Joel, Mike Judge, Rob Lowe, Michael McDonald, Christian Slater and Sterling Wolfe.

After being cryonically frozen in the 1960’s and released in the 1990’s the swinging 1960’s spy Austin Powers, now paired with his former partner’s daughter, chases his old nemesis Dr. Evil, who was also frozen in the 1960’s and released in the 1990’s. The first Austin Powers film is smart and fresh, despite being another parody of the popular 1960’s spy films. The cast is game and the material is fun. One trivia note: Mike Myers wanted Jim Carrey to play Dr. Evil but Carrey passed due to scheduling conflicts with his own film, Liar Liar (1997).

Rated: [PG–13] – Nudity, Sex–Related Dialogue & Humor
Out Of Print on VHS but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999)

C – 95m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen (Original) / 2.35:1 – Widescreen (Blu–ray)
A.K.A.: Austin Powers 2: The Spy Who Shagged Me, Austin Powers 2: It’s Shagging Time, The Return Of Dr. Evil, It’s Shagging Time, Austin Powers 2
Co – Writer: Mike Myers
Dir.: Jay Roach
Starring: Mike Myers, Heather Graham, Michael York, Robert Wagner, Rob Lowe, Seth Green, Mindy Sterling, Verne Troyer, Elizabeth Hurley, Kevin Cooney, Clint Howard, Jeff Garlin, Jennifer Coolidge, Michael McDonald, Steve Wilkos, Burt Bacharach, Elvis Costello, Will Ferrell, Woody Harrelson, Kristen Johnston, Charles Napier, Willie Nelson, Tim Robbins, Rebecca Romijn, Jerry Springer and Fred Willard. 

Dr. Evil travels back to 1969 and steals Austin Power’s mojo while Powers is frozen. The current day Powers suffers from it and in turn travels back to 1969 to stop Dr. Evil’s 2nd attempt and world domination; he (Powers) is paired with Felicity Shagwell. Oscar® nominated for Best Makeup. The makeup is impressive and the gags are abundant. Rarely is a sequel better than the original but this is the case here. Almost everything works.

Trivia: It took 7 hour for Mike Myers to get into the Fat Bastard suit and makeup. Reportedly Heather Graham was about to accept an offer to appear in a softcore porn film until she landed the role in this film. Additionally it is reported that she used some of the money she made from this film to buy a copy of the said film that she would have been in. And finally it is reported that Mike Myers partially based Heather Graham’s character, Felicity Shagwell, on the title character in Barbarella (1968).

Rated: [PG–13] – Sexual Innuendo & Crude Humor
Out Of Print on VHS but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Austin Powers In Goldmember (2002)

C – 94m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen (Original) / 2.35:1 – Widescreen (Blu–ray)
A.K.A.: Austin Powers: Never Say Member Again, The Third Installment Of ‘Austin Powers’, The Next Installment Of Austin Powers, Austin Powers: Goldmember, Austin Powers 3, Austinpussy
Co – Writer: Mike Myers
Dir.: Jay Roach
Starring: Mike Myers, Beyonce (Knowles), Seth Green, Sir Michael York, Robert Wagner, Mindy Sterling, Verne Troyer, Sir Michael Caine, Fred Savage, Kevin Cooney, Clint Howard, Mandy Moore, Tom Cruise, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kevin Spacey, Danny DeVito, Steven Spielberg, Quincy Jones, Britney Spears, Nathan Lane, Katie Couric, Michael McDonald, Ozzy Osbourne, Sharon Osbourne, Kelly Osbourne, Jack Osbourne, John Travolta, Burt Bacharach, Rob Lowe, Will Ferrell and Heather Graham.

Dr. Evil teams with 1970’s whack–job Goldmember for world domination and kidnapping Austin’s father. Once again Austin Powers must travel back in time, to stop Dr. Evil, Goldmember and rescue his father. He does so only to learn some long buried truths about his family. The third outing in the series is tired and it shows. The humor appears to be recycled from the first two films but the added laughs of poking fun at Hollywood for music videos and films were / are welcome. The cast is game even if some of the material is subpar. Worth a watch just to complete the series.  

Trivia: Heather Graham reprised her role in a scene that was ultimately cut from the film and so did Will Ferrell, this time answering the question he was asked four times. Sir Sean Connery was considered for the role that went to Sir Michael Caine. Sir Michael Caine used his glasses from The Ipcress Files (1965), which Austin Powers’ glasses were modeled after. And finally: Director Jay Roach’s first cut of the film ran three hours.  

Rated: [PG–13] – Sexual Innuendo, Crude Humor & Langauge
Out Of Print On VHS but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Nicholas Sparks Films Volume III

The Best Of Me (2014) 

C. 118m. (Theatrical Cut) / 111m. (Storybook Edition Cut)
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen / 2.40:1 – Widescreen (Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy)
Novel By: Nicholas Sparks
Starring: Michelle Monaghan, James Marsden, Luke Bracey, Liana Liberato, Gerald McRaney, Caroline Goodall and Clarke Peters.

Two teen soul mates are reunited as adults to help execute the will of their mutual friend who died. The old flame is still there and it complicates things for them, especially since she is married and has a kid. By the numbers to be sure but the story has real heart (sorry for the pun), and gives new life to the song lyric from Titanic (1997), “…My heart will go on…” Note: The Storybook Edition Cut removes most of the sad stuff but otherwise offers nothing new.

Trivia: Paul Walker was cast in the lead role but when he died suddenly in the car crash, the role was given to James Marsden.

Rated: [PG–13] – Sexuality, Violence, Some Drug Content & Brief Strong Language
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

The Longest Ride (2015)

C. / B&W – 123m. / 128m. (Blu–ray)/ 139m.
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen / 2.40:1 – Widescreen (Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy)
Novel By: Nicholas Sparks
Starring: Scott Eastwood, Britt Robertson, Jack Huston, Oona Chaplin and Alan Alda.

The lives of a bull – riding champion looking to make a comeback, an up and coming person college student in the world of art, and an old dying mall all intersect at a key time for each. More plot-heavy than most Sparks adaptions, this one has distinguished descendants and Alda to boost it. Running times may vary. 

Trivia: The painting, “Man With Moustache,” (1960) was done by Robert De Niro Sr. 

Rated: [PG – 13] – Some Sexuality, Partial Nudity & Some War And Sports Action.
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

The Choice (2016)

C. – 111m
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 – Widescreen
Novel By: Nicholas Sparks
Starring: Benjamin Walker, Teresa Palmer, Maggie Grace and Tom Wilkinson.

Neighborhood strangers fall in love and their love is tested. This is certainly a lesser adaption of a Nicholas Sparks novel but it is still mildly enjoyable. Predictable, but who cares? Outside of Wilkinson the actors aren’t the caliber of the others in other Sparks films.

Trivia: Noteworthy as the first Nicholas Sparks film where no character, main or supporting, dies.

Rated: [PG–13] – Sexual Content & Some Thematic Issues
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

Nicholas Sparks Films Volume II

The Last Song (2010)

C. – 107m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Untitled Miley Cyrus Project
Screenplay & Novelization By: Nicholas Sparks.
Starring: Miley Cyrus, Liam Hemsworth and Greg Kinnear.

An angry and rebellious city–girl teen girl is sent, with her brother, to spend the summer with her father. Their mutual love of music helps them reconnect. Along the way she finds happiness with a teen boy about her age. Relatable and realistic view of teen–hood played out with the usual sentimental touches by Sparks. The cast is in fine form as well. This is as near perfect as a Sparks film and novel can get!

Trivia: Written for the screen especially for Miley Cyrus by Nicholas Sparks. After the film was made he wrote the novelization of it. Reportedly Liam Hemsworth never played beach volleyball before making this film and even lied about having played it during his audition. Miley Cyrus worked with a dialect coach to lose her southern accent and she learned to play classical piano for the film. Greg Kinnear had to leave the production for a few days when his daughter Katie was born. Kinnear and Hemsworth attended workshops on making stain glass windows. This was the film that Liam Hemsworth and Miley Cyrus started dating during. This also happens to be one of only two of Sparks’ films that are rated: [PG]. The other is A Walk To Remember (2002).

Rated: [PG] – Thematic Material, Some Violence, Sensuality & Mild Language.
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

Dear John (2010)

C. – 108m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen. / 2.40:1 – Widescreen. (Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy)
Novel By: Nicholas Sparks
Starring: Amanda Seyfried, Channing Tatum, Richard Jenkins and Henry Thomas.

A soldier falls in love with a conservative college girl while at home on leave. Complications ensue. Another near perfect Sparks film that tackles Autism Level 1 as well! Everyone is I top form here. Some of it may be hard to take for some but if one sits through the entire film, it pays off well. The novel is equally good. Like the other Sparks film of that year, The Last Song (2010), this film features an angry protagonist. 

Trivia: This was the first of two Nicholas Sparks films to focus on people in the armed forces. The other was: The Lucky One (2012). This is also the first Sparks novel / film to deal with Autism Level 1 / Asperger’s Syndrome. Something that endears it to this reviewer. Reportedly the character played by Richard Jenkins was inspired by Sparks’ own son who has Asperger’s Syndrome / Autism Level 1. The title is a military term for a letter in which a girl breaks up with a soldier. Amanda Seyfried wrote the song her character sings to Tatum’s character, titled: “Little House.” It can be found, in its entirety, on the soundtrack to the film. On this film’s opening weekend in the United States, it shot to number one, knocking James Cameron’s Avatar (2009) off of its seven–week perch.

Rated: [PG–13] – Some Sensuality & Violence.

The Lucky One (2012)

C. – 101m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen. / 2.40:1 – Widescreen. (Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy)
Novel By: Nicholas Sparks
Starring: Zac Efron, Taylor Schilling and Blythe Danner.

After serving three tours of duty in Iraq a Marine travels to Louisiana to find a woman he believes was his good–luck charm. There is no question about it, Sparks has a formula to his work but this is yet another film that turned out well from yet another compelling book by Sparks. The pacing is a bit show but the story unfolds in due course.

Trivia: The house where Beth lives in this film, is the same house where Tucker lives in The Best Of Me (2014).

Rated: [PG–13] – Some Sexuality & Violence
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

Safe Haven (2013)

C. – 115m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen. / 2.40:1 – Widescreen. (Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy)
Novel By: Nicholas Sparks
Starring: Julianne Hough and Josh Duhamel.

A woman with a mysterious past shows up in a small town and takes up with a widower and it raises questions about her past. What happens next? The town is totally unprepared for. Hold on to your seat. An unexpectedly delicious romantic thriller plays like a modern B – Movie of the 1940’s and 1950’s but rises above it. Cast is in top form and so was Sparks with this novel! Another near–perfect Sparks outing. 

Trivia: Notable as the first Nicholas Sparks film to have an actual antagonist.

Rated: [PG–13] – Thematic Material Involving Threatening Behavior, And Violence & Sexuality.
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Nicholas Sparks Films Volume I

Message In A Bottle (1999)

C. – 126m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
Producer: Kevin Costner. Novel By: Nicholas Sparks
Starring: Kevin Costner, Robin Wright, Paul Newman, John Savage, Illeana Douglas and Robbie Coltrane

A woman discovers a tragic love letter in a bottle on a beach and decides to track down the author of the letter. This reviewer is not entirely sure what went wrong in the adaption of the Sparks novel but this is a near misfire. The cast saves it mildly. Noteworthy as the first film to be adapted from a Nicholas Sparks novel, and for the record, the novel is much better. 

Rated: [PG–13] – A Scene Of Sexuality
Available on DVD & Digital Copy.  

A Walk To Remember (2002)

C. – 101m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
Novel By: Nicholas Sparks
Starring: Shane West, Mandy Moore, Peter Coyote, Daryl Hannah and Clayne Crawford.

A dying teen daughter of a pastor captures the heart of a troublesome teen in their tight-knit community. A step up from Message In A Bottle (1998), this one is aimed at teens. Like its 2010 counterpart, The Last Song, this one is well done in terms of performances. However, this one has some slow points that show more to adults than to teens. Then again when most of it works, why complain? Mandy Moore stands out here!

Trivia: The first of two Nicholas Sparks films to be rated: [PG]. The other was: The Last Song (2010). In the book, A Walk To Remember, Mandy Moore’s character is a blonde. And finally, many of the sets, especially: The Hospital, The School and Landon’s Home were from the television show: Dawson’s Creek (1998 – 2003).

Rated: [PG] – Thematic Elements, Language & Some Sensual Material.
Available on DVD & Digital Copy.

The Notebook (2004)

C. – 123m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen / 2.40:1 – (Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy)
Novel By: Nicholas Sparks
Dir.: Nick Cassavetes
Starring: Gena Rowlands, James Garner, Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Sam Shepard, Joan Allen and James Marsden.

When cinephiles hear that Cassavetes is directing a romance film they may expect something like Love Streams (1984). What is shown here is something resembling a pretty trainwreck. All the parts are beautiful (acting, writing, cinematography) but the final result is awful. The pacing is slow and the only saving grace for this film are Gena Rowlands, the director’s mother, and James Garner who are fine and welcome as always. Credit should also be given to Rachel McAdams for a valiant stab at the material.    

Trivia: Director Nick Cassavetes (son of John Cassavetes and Gena Rowlands) staged and intervention with Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling. The results can be seen in the film and in the news of them dating for a while in real life after the making of the film. Ryan Gosling made the kitchen table used in the film in his pre-production character development work.

Rated: [PG–13] – Some Sexuality.
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

Nights In Rodanthe (2008)

C. – 97m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen / 2.40:1 – Widescreen (Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy)
Novel By: Nicholas Sparks
Starring: Richard Gere, Diane Lane, Christopher Meloni, Viola Davis and Scott Glenn.

A woman whose life is in chaos retreats to a small beach town and spends time during a storm with a busy doctor who is staying there for a spell. Romance ensues and so do the usual complications. Likable enough. Aimed squarely at the sexagenarian set of folks, who, as the Abba song (from Mamma Mia! (2008)) put it, “aren’t too old for sex.” And if you’ll pardon the additional pun, Gere and Lane put that over well, “…when all is said and done.” 

Trivia: As of 2013 the house, featured in the film, has been renamed: “The Inn At Rodanthe” and has been refurbished to more closely resemble the interior movies scenes, which were actually shot elsewhere. The house is a rental property and now functions as an attraction after being washed into the surf around 2010.

Rated:  [PG–13] – Some Sensuality.
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.