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Movie Review – Richard Jewell

Movie Review - Richard JewellI don’t even want to address the controversy over Clint Eastwood and his obvious distaste for the media. All I can say is Eastwood has knocked it out of the park, again.

Richard Jewell is a tightly constructed biography of a man with a lifelong ambition of becoming a member of law enforcement. His commitment to this goal was well played by Paul Walter Hauser, who captured the pain and frustration felt by Jewell during his troubled life. I credit Hauser for his fine acting skills. However, Eastwood was able to take those skills and fine tune them into an unforgettable performance by Hauser. That being said, the truly outstanding performance was given by Kathy Bates as Jewells mother. There has to be an Oscar nod in her future.

Richard Jewell is an amazing movie, and a very sad story.

Grade: A

About The Peetimes: I have recommended the second Peetime since it give you just a little longer.

There are no extra scenes during, or after, the end credits of Richard Jewell. (What we mean by Anything Extra.)

Rated (R) for language including some sexual references, and brief bloody images
Genres: Drama, True life story

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Movie Review – Queen & Slim

 

Movie Review - Queen & SlimOops, I did it again! Yes, another cop-ish movie. I told you before that this year is all about bad cops. Queen & Slim was entertaining. This movie is a spin off of the Bonnie and Clyde story, but with a little twist of soul, and a flame to the Black Lives Matter movement fire.

Considering that we already know the storyline, the movie progressed a little too slowly for me.

The Actors

Daniel Kaluuya and Jodie Turner-Smith did a good job in these roles. Bokeem Woodbine as Uncle Earl was a nice added touch of humor to a sad story of a couple’s first Tinder date that turns bad after a cop pulls them over.

And in Real Life

The crazy part of the movie was how people were reacting to the police incident; glorifying it as if that was motivation or life inspiration for some reason. To me, that incident had no ‘Obama hope’ in it at all. The whole incident was sad, the new norm, and quite disheartening, but to many in America, it was a “keep hope alive” moment.

I enjoyed the different stories within the story, revealed during the great escape. I learned a lot about the character’s lives and their pure motivations. It’s sad all their dreams were cut short for an unnecessary traffic stop.

Pay attention to the director’s change of mood and tone with the use of daytime and nighttime cinematography. Very good! The soundtrack is a must-buy. There’s some really great songs that lightened up the journey of doom, love, fear, awareness, enlightenment, faith, Samaritanism, and joy.

On this Thanksgiving Day, I too, am grateful, for many things in my Black life as well as MY journey, no matter how it ends.

TTFN (TaTa for Now)!

Grade: C

About The Peetimes: There are 4 Peetimes. I recommend the 1st Peetime.

There are no extra scenes during, or after, the end credits of Queen & Slim. (What we mean by Anything Extra.)

Rated (R) for violence, some strong sexuality, nudity, pervasive language, and brief drug use
Genres: Drama, crime, cop movie

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Movie Review – Dark Waters

Movie Review - Dark WatersIt was an amazing expose that has reignited the media and informed the public about this company and its subsidiaries.

I found this movie inspirational because it depicted the hard work of a lawyer who dedicated more than a decade of his life to see justice prevail.

It was eye-opening for me because so often, as consumers, we trust the government and corporations — believing that they would never intentionally harm us.

I think the take away from this is to be an investigative consumer, especially when it comes to things that affect our health.

Grade: B+

About The Peetimes: The filmmakers had to culminate many years of information into 2 hours, so there weren’t many irrelevant scenes. There were some awe-striking moments that I think viewers should watch and so I tried very hard to not select Peetimes that would cut into those scenes. Though not easy, I was able to get 3 Peetimes throughout the movie.

There are no extra scenes during, or after, the end credits of Dark Waters. (What we mean by Anything Extra.)

Rated (PG-13) for thematic content, some disturbing images and strong language
Genres: Biography, Drama, History, True life story

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Movie Review – Knives Out

 

Movie Review - Knives OutKnives Out is an absolutely delightful mystery about some really horrible people. The stellar ensemble cast works wonders together and Rian Johnson’s tale doesn’t cheat — the clues are all there. And even if you figure out WhoDunnit before the end, you’ll still be thrilled at the fun you’re having along the way.

Knives Out is clever, amusing, and really sings best when it showcases the awful members of Harlan’s dysfunctional extended family.

Chris Evans, in particular, seems to relish playing a jerk after all those years as Captain America. And Daniel Craig is just this side of ridiculous as a Kentucky Fried Detective. (You know he’s loving this. Not a hint of Bond to be seen.) Jamie Lee Curtis chews her nasty dialog with glee, and even Don Johnson (yes, that Don Johnson) is a lot of fun. Everyone brought their best game. I have a feeling a lot of actors wanted to get in on this film, which writer/director Rian Johnson apparently spent a decade trying to make happen.

While parts of the movie recall this year’s Ready or Not (with another amusingly abusive family and murder most foul), Knives Out also bring to mind the classic mystery comedies Clue (from the 80s) and Murder By Death (from the 70s). Note that all four of these films feature lush, iconic, and mildly creepy mansions.

And now I want to collect daggers and make my own Game of Thrones-style seating area. Really. That is some demented shit. I loved this movie and suspect you will too.

Grade: A-

About The Peetimes: This was very difficult to get Peetimes for, as there are a lot of characters whose names kind of flit by, and it’s hard to tell what will or won’t be a clue later. I have 3 Peetimes, nicely spaced out, that won’t leave you lost. I Recommend the final one.

There are no extra scenes during, or after, the end credits of Knives Out. (What we mean by Anything Extra.)

Rated (PG-13) for thematic elements including brief violence, some strong language, sexual references, and drug material
Genres: Comedy, Crime, Drama

Top 5 Whodunnits in Film

Movie Review – Ready or Not

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Movie Review – 21 Bridges

Movie Review - 21 BridgesWow! If you are considering a life as a police officer, this year’s line up of movies do not make it an easy choice. You know how we are used to seeing “chick flicks” that male bash? Well, this year is all about calling out the pig in our men and women in blue. You see what I did there?! LOL

While the movie is somewhat predictable, the plot surrounding Officer Andre Davis was appealing, and created curiosity. Not to mention the contradiction where Andre was being ridiculed for his weapon discharging frequency in one area of the police department, but the same officers were also up to no good and not being called on the carpet for it.

Let me say that the first shoot out was great! I’m not a violent woman, but I enjoy a good, well-played out gun show with lots of action, twists and turns, a BMW get away ride, and excellent imagery and tone. You know, the kind you’ve seen in Rush Hour and Bad Boys. I love just about anything with Chadwick Boseman and J.K. Simmons. I will admit, just between me and you, I was imagining Chadwick turning into the Black Panther during a few of the action scenes. IJS, don’t judge me. Wakanda Forever pee-ple!!

Remember, as you make decisions in life, make sure your choice is the right bridge you want to cross over, as consequences are always on the other side.

Oh, if you plan on taking your kids because they want to see “the guy” that plays Black Panther in another movie, this reel has severe violence, gore, and profanity.

Grade: B

About The Peetimes: It wasn’t too difficult selecting Peetimes — except that none of them are very long — because the movie often cuts rapidly between scenes. I recommend the 2nd Peetime.

There are no extra scenes during, or after, the end credits of 21 Bridges. (What we mean by Anything Extra.)

Rated (R) for violence and language throughout
Genres: Action, Crime, Drama

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Movie Review – A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood

Movie Review - A Beautiful Day in the NeighbourhoodFirst of all, big kudos to the writers, Micah Fitzerman-Blue, and Noah Harpster. They put together an amazing story which showcased the brilliance of the beloved Fred Rogers. Although the story was only partially true (the character of Lloyd Vogal was based on writer Tom Junod) the embellishments were there to emphasize the true nature of our….hero.

Tom Hanks, of course, did a spectacular job of capturing the essence of Fred Rogers. The tone of Tom’s voice was a little off, but every inflection and nuance was shown respect by this talented actor. For me, it was in the eyes of Tom Hanks that revealed the absolute perfection in which he portrayed Mr. Rogers. It has been said that Tom has the kindest eyes in Hollywood, and this characteristic translated beautifully into the eyes of Rogers. So beautifully that it should garner, at the very least, an Oscar nod for Supporting Actor.

This is not a children’s movie; they’d be bored senseless. Instead, I believe the target audience are those who grew up watching Mr. Rogers. Or, as it is in my case, had children who watched the show.

I give A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood a solid ‘A’.

Grade: A

About The Peetimes: I was able to get two good Peetimes in this movie. Both Peetimes have protracted scenes of very little dialog or complete silence as the characters have moments of deep reflection.

There are extra scenes during, or after, the end credits of A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood. (What we mean by Anything Extra.)

Rated (PG-13) for some strong thematic material, a brief fight, and some mild language
Genres: Biography, Drama, True life story

Movie Review – Won’t You Be My Neighbor

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RunPee Sis’s Movie Review – Jojo Rabbit

Movie Review - Jojo RabbitJoJo Rabbit shocked me. I hadn’t heard a peep about it, knew nothing going into it…and walked out in love with what I had just seen.

This movie was a work of art. Hollywood produces some great flicks to amuse us, and some not so great ones, ones where people can just get paid. JoJo Rabbit told a story from a perspective that hasn’t been done to my knowledge and was masterfully produced.

Every single character in this movie had that certain spark that’s hard to come across anymore…no matter if they were good or bad or ugly. These actors did something amazing, each and everyone of them.

This is something I thought I’d never say: Hitler was my favorite. OMG, every moment of his screen time had me in stitches!! This spin on him was so perfect that I’m going to watch it again. I’m going back tonight just to enjoy it.

Grade: A+

About The Peetimes: So much happens in tiny bursts that Peetimes were incredibly hard to find. It was hard to duplicate them for you. I was able to give you a sense of what’s happening, but the body language in this movie was very poignant and said so much in itself.

There are no extra scenes during, or after, the end credits of Jojo Rabbit. (What we mean by Anything Extra.)

Rated (PG-13) for mature thematic content, some disturbing images, violence, and language
Genres: Comedy, Drama, War

Read also Golden Man’s Movie Review of JoJo Rabbit, and check out the interesting comments going on! Did you realize there is an entire “Funny Hitler” movie genre, oddly enough? Remember, three of anything makes a collection:

Golden Man’s Movie Review – Jojo Rabbit

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Movie Review – The Good Liar

Movie Review - The Good LiarMirren and McKellen are the Crown Jewels of British drama. Seeing them together is a treat which I can’t believe has been so long coming. Then there is Russell Tovey, who has got hours of TV screen time racked up on this side of the pond and should be in a lot more films as well.

The story itself rattles along at a fine old pace and the flashback scenes show there is a lot more going on behind how the characters are behaving and what they are saying. As Betty (Mirren) says at the end, “it’s deeper than it looks,” especially if all you’ve seen are the trailers!

Grade: B+

About The Peetimes: This genre of movie thrives on leading the viewer astray, and it is easy to lose track if you’re not paying attention. However, I think I’ve got some Peetimes that can be easily summed up or don’t really drive the story along.

There are no extra scenes during, or after, the end credits of The Good Liar. (What we mean by Anything Extra.)

Rated (R) for some strong violence, and for language and brief nudity
Genres: Drama, Thriller

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Movie Review – Midway

Movie Review - MidwaySorry to say: this movie doesn’t live up to the true events it attempts to depict. Unless you feel you must see the battle events on the big screen, this movie is better suited to DVD/streaming…in 2 or 3 months when it’s available.

To be sure, there’s plenty of explosions, bombs dropping, explosions, aerial dog fights, explosions, plane crashes, explosions,… 😉 That aspect of the movie doesn’t fail, except that it honestly gets a little redundant. (I wonder how many minutes of the movie were focused on closeups of Dick Best as he dive bombed — too many for sure.)

Where the movie falls short of it’s target, is in character development. And I mean all of it. There wasn’t a single character that had any sort of depth.

MIDWAY: between a bad movie and a horrible movie.Historically, I know the US Navy winning the Battle of Midway wasn’t just one miracle, it was several miracles. In the movie they tell us that, but we never really feel it. The story just doesn’t connect the dots in the way it should have. I’m not saying this is easy, but with a budget like this movie had there’s no excuse for not having a better script.

Grade: D+

About The Peetimes: I managed to find 4 good Peetimes and would recommend the 3rd one. There are no battle scenes in any of the Peetimes.

There are extra scenes during, or after, the end credits of Midway. (What we mean by Anything Extra.)

Rated (PG-13) for sequences of war violence and related images, language and smoking
Genres: Action, Drama, History

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Movie Review – Last Christmas

Movie Review - Last ChristmasThis movie caters to a particular audience because it’s almost a textbook for its genre — rom-com. If you enjoy this genre, this movie will press all your buttons.

By “textbook,” I don’t mean this is a dull movie. On the contrary, it’s packed with sarcastic British humor. You will laugh at least once.

I don’t want to say the plot is not important to this genre in general, but let’s face it; it’s just not. The story pretty much follows the same structure from a grand scheme for rom-com. I mean, the name is self-explanatory — it’s a love story that will make you laugh along the way.

The nickname of this genre should be “painkiller”. It’s supposed to make you feel better afterward, and that’s exactly what this movie does. You will walk out of the theater feeling healed and brain-washed by George Micheal’s “Last Christmas”.

Oh yes, and the actors and actresses did a good job; the directing was adequate, the pacing was about right, and… “the lighting was crap”. You will get it. 🙂

Grade: B

There are no extra scenes during, or after, the end credits of Last Christmas. (What we mean by Anything Extra.)

Rated (PG-13) for language and sexual content
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance