Theater Thursday:
5 Movies Not To Miss
The Foreigner:
The Rundown: Quan is a humble London businessman whose long-buried past erupts in a revenge-fueled vendetta when the only person left for him to love — his teenage daughter — dies in a senseless act of politically motivated terrorism. His relentless search to find the terrorists leads to a cat-and-mouse conflict with a British government official whose own past may hold the clues to the identities of the elusive killers.
How Would I Rate It and Would I Recommend It?
Jackie Chan has still got it!! While he’s a bit older in this film (which I think is more makeup than reality), it is quickly apparent that Jackie’s still got it!! This film is Law Abiding Citizen meets Taken and it was sooo good. It was really great to see Jackie in a serious role versus his usual comedy. It was an action packed engaging film that I would highly recommend and happily see again!!
Kingsman: The Golden Circle:
The Rundown: With their headquarters destroyed and the world held hostage, members of Kingsman find new allies when they discover a spy organization in the United States known as Statesman. In an adventure that tests their strength and wits, the elite secret agents from both sides of the pond band together to battle a ruthless enemy and save the day, something that’s becoming a bit of a habit for Eggsy.
How Would I Rate It and Would I Recommend It?
So I actually really liked the first Kingsmen and found it to be quite entertaining so I was excited to see the second one. Luckily it did not disappoint. It was action packed, star studded and surprisingly VERY current. While I missed Samuel L Jackson as the villain, Julianna Moore filled the shoes nicely as the appropriately named Poppy. What I loved the most (and also presently surprised me) was the plot line that centered around the war on drugs. It was a very interesting commentary on how we view drugs in this country and the “war” we have against them. It was a really well done, action packed and thought provoking film that I have recommended to many and that I would watch again.
American Made:
The Rundown: Barry Seal, a TWA pilot, is recruited by the CIA to provide reconnaissance on the burgeoning communist threat in Central America and soon finds himself in charge of one of the biggest covert CIA operations in the history of the United States. The operation spawns the birth of the Medellin cartel and almost brings down the Reagan White House.
How Would I Rate It and Would I Recommend It?
Tom Cruise has another hit with this incredibly wild true story. As stated, “some of this shit really happened” and if only half of it is true, America got some splainin to do!! This movie is a wild and crazy ride and totally supports my lack of trust in the government. I believe it because truth is way stranger than fiction and the government lies to us all the time lol. So if you want to go on a wild ride through history check out this movie. You will have to remind yourself that it is based on a true story because it’s out there. I’d recommend it but I probably won’t see it again because it will just make me mad to be honest. Just watch it and you’ll understand.
The Florida Project:
The Rundown: Warm, winning, and gloriously alive, Sean Baker’s The Florida Project is a deeply moving and unforgettably poignant look at childhood. Set on a stretch of highway just outside the imagined utopia of Disney World, The Florida Project follows six-year-old Moonee (Brooklynn Prince in a stunning breakout turn) and her rebellious mother Halley (Bria Vinai, another major discovery) over the course of a single summer. The two live week to week at “The Magic Castle,” a budget hotel managed by Bobby (a career-best Willem Dafoe), whose stern exterior hides a deep reservoir of kindness and compassion. Despite her harsh surroundings, the precocious and ebullient Moonee has no trouble making each day a celebration of life, her endless afternoons overflowing with mischief and grand adventure as she and her ragtag playmates—including Jancey, a new arrival to the area who quickly becomes Moon’s best friend—fearlessly explore the utterly unique world into which they’ve been thrown. Unbeknownst to Moonee, however, her delicate fantasy is supported by the toil and sacrifice of Halley, who is forced to explore increasingly dangerous possibilities in order to provide for her daughter.
How Would I Rate It and Would I Recommend It?
This movie is a beautiful tragedy. Willem Dafoe is incredible in this film but he’s outshined by breakout stars Brooklynn and Bria!! They are the heart, soul and magic of this movie. It is a look into a childhood that is happier and more loving than any of us might imagine but also troubled. Sean Baker does a beautiful job of shining a light on a normally looked down portion of society. He showed a young mother doing everything she could to provide a life for her child. He showed a young mother fighting to give her child a childhood and every ounce of happiness she could muster up from the world around them. He made you love Moonee and Halley for being perfectly broken and beautiful. He gave Bobby a heart of gold that wanted to protect his family of misfits living in his motel. The visuals and storyline were beautiful and I would highly recommend it!!
Ingrid Goes West:
The Rundown: Following the death of her mother and a series of self-inflicted setbacks, young Ingrid Thorburn escapes a humdrum existence by moving out West to befriend her Instagram obsession, a Los Angeles socialite named Taylor Sloane. After a quick bond is forged between these unlikeliest of buddies, the facade begins to crack in both women’s lives — with comically malicious results.
How Would I Rate It and Would I Recommend It?
This movie is a comedy mixed with a tragedy. Ingrid moves West to chase her new instagram obsession and through a series of staged events she mets her icon. They become fast friends until her instability begins to show. A fascinating story about living life in the public and what sometimes comes along with that. It was mostly funny but also a little sad but I would recommend it. Definitely makes me think #NoNewFriends though.
