Last Flag Flying (2017)

C – 125m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
Novel By: Darryl Ponicsan
Screenplay By: Richard Linklater and Darryl Ponicsan
Pro. – Dir.: Richard Linklater
Starring: Bryan Cranston, Laurence Fishburne, Steve Carell and Samuel Davis.

Thirty years after they served together in Vietnam, three friends reunite to help bury on of their sons. A very sad but moving story is actually pretty well summarized as: The Last Detail (1973) and Taking Chance (2009) meets The Big Chill (1983). It is more of an emotional rollercoaster than one may think from the trailers. Fine performances by the actors! This film should not be missed.

Trivia: This is a spiritual sequel to The Last Detail (1973) and the novel was an actual sequel to it. This was filmed in and around Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Rated: [R] – Language Throughout Including Some Sexual References
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Battle Of The Sexes (2017)

C – 121m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: The Battle Of The Sexes}
Starring: Emma Stone, Steve Carell, Sarah Silverman, Bill Pullman, Alan Cumming, Howard Cosell and Mary Tyler Moore.

The true story of the 1973 tennis match between World number one Billie Jean King and ex–champ and serial hustler Bobby Riggs. Well done dramatization of the true story has great acting and enough laughs in it to keep audiences entertained for the just over two hour duration. The actors are in top form. It starts a little slow though, so stick with it. Be forewarned that modern feminists will go nuts over much of the dialogue that Carell and Pullman spew. Remember though: this is a capture of a moment in time. Some people thought that way. So don’t take offense and ruin the rest of the film for yourself, view it as the set up that it is to the payoff of the match.

Trivia: Emma Stone was originally cast as Billie Jean King but had to pass due to scheduling conflicts. Brie Larson looked to be replacing her until she too had to drop out. Then Emma Stone freed up and the film was made with her in the role. Emma Stone put on 15 pounds of muscle for this film. Stone’s middle name is also Jean – like the woman she portrays here.

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