Cindy Prascik's Review of Ben-Hur & Kubo and the Two Strings

Dearest Blog: Yesterday it was off to the chariot races...erm...off to Marquee Cinemas for Ben-Hur and Kubo and the Two Strings. Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers.

First on the docket, the ill-advised remake of Ben-Hur. An exiled prince returns home to seek revenge on the brother who wronged his family.

Regular reader(s) may recall that religious-themed movies fall at or about Nicholas Sparks-level on the list of "Things I Endure Only Under Duress."

I have no great love for 1959's Ben-Hur, but it's an iconic enough piece of cinema that even I recognized this remake as a bad idea. However, I think any movie with Jack Huston is a very good idea indeed, so I headed out to cheer on my man in his silly chariot race.

*sigh* The good news is, while Ben-Hur is far from a great movie, it's not nearly as terrible as I'd feared. Let's get the bad out of the way first, shall we?

This remake is a good 90 minutes shorter than its predecessor, but it still goes on a bit. Some of the dialoge is wrong for the characters and/or the time period, and some of it is just plain wrong.

The first act features some weirdly awkward time hops, the second act is a criminal waste of Morgan Freeman, and the ending is so cheesy it's almost physically painful, but....... Jack Huston is in nearly every single frame of this picture.

I mean, almost every last one. When a guy's the sole reason you plunk down your ten bucks for a ticket, it's hard to complain about a movie that ponies up like that.

Huston is a truly great actor and Ben-Hur doesn't come close to giving his talent a workout, but he does as well as anyone could with it.

There are some gorgeous costumes and nice looking sets, and the film's sound effects are particularly well done. I'm not a believer, myself, but Jesus (whose appearance amounts to little more than a cameo), provides a timely and important reminder that we have to start being better to each other. Really, people. Finally, if the chariot race is what puts butts in the seats, that sequence is a well-executed nail-biter, even if you already know the outcome.

Ben-Hur clocks in at 124 minutes and is rated PG13 for "sequences of violence and disturbing images."

Ben-Hur isn't quite the disaster most anticipated, but that's hardly a ringing endorsement. Oh, and, Jack...if the best of your last three movies is Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, it might be time to have a little chat with the agent.

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Ben-Hur gets five. (But I'll probably see it again because...SO MUCH JACK HUSTON!)

Next up: Kubo and the Two Strings. A boy sets out on a quest to find the magical items that will protect him from an old enemy.

Kubo and the Two Strings is a gorgeous telling of a gorgeous story. The art and animation are breathtaking and unique, and the tale reflects its culture while being signifcant and relatable to everyone.

Big-name voice talent, in the form of Charlize Theron and Matthew McConaughey, adds to the film's appeal, as does a lovely score by Dario Marianelli. (Be sure to stick around for Regina Spektor's haunting cover of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" over the end credits!) On the downside, the story is a little slow at times, and some parts may be too scary for younger viewers.

The 3D is also kind of pointless, so don't waste the extra three bucks if you can avoid it. Kubo and the Two Strings runs 101 minutes and is rated PG for "thematic elements, scary images, action, and peril." 2016 is proving to be a banner year for really great animated offerings, and Kubo and the Two Strings is among the best.

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Kubo and the Two Strings gets seven and a half.

Until next time...

MOVIE REVIEW: BAD MOMS

Three overstressed, overworked mothers (Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, and Kathryn Hahn) decide to blow off their responsibilities and have some fun, but their wild ways cause them to clash with a rival mommy (Christina Applegate) who's dedicated to preserving the facade of her perfect life. Jada Pinkett Smith co-stars. Written and directed by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore. ~ Jack Rodgers, Rovi

Director: Jon Lucas, Scott Moore 

Cast: Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, Kathryn Hahn, Jay Hernandez, Annie Mumolo

Release Date: Jul 29, 2016

Rated R for Full Frontal Nudity, Drug and Alcohol Content, Language Throughout and Sexual 

Material

Runtime: 1 hr. 41 min.

Genres: Comedy

Review:

Bad Moms is a fairly straightforward women behaving badly comedy that offers a decent amount of laughs.  It’s a great showcase for Mila Kunis who is a gifted comedic actress who’s deserved a showcase for a while.  Kunis is great in her role but Kathryn Hahn nearly steals the show as her bawdy new friend.  Hahn is always the most interesting person on screen and covers for some underlying script issues.  Kristen Bell is solid if unimpressive, mainly due to a thinly written character.  There in lies the films biggest issue.  The actors really make a weak script far better than it should be.  The characters are all types more than actual people.  It’s not a terrible flaw since the actors all turn in solid work but noticeable enough to make you wish they’d spent a bit more time fleshing these characters out.

B-

Cindy Prascik's Reveiws of Pete’s Dragon & Florence Foster Jenkins

Dearest Blog, yesterday I decided to leave Sausage Party to the grownups (my blog partner Daniel!) while I headed off to Marquee Cinemas for the inoffensive pairing of Pete's Dragon and Florence Foster Jenkins. Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers. First up: Disney's remake of Pete's Dragon. 

An orphaned boy survives in the wild with help from his best friend...who happens to be a dragon. Dear Reader(s), I have not seen the 1977 version of Pete's Dragon. I like to think that leaves me free of nostalgia that might unfairly bias my opinion of this remake, but, sadly, I am still underwhelmed. My first issue is that the dragon looks awful, resembling a jungle cat with wings more than anything else. 

The movie attempts to imbue him with pet-like mannerisms, but doesn't come close to the excellence of How to Train Your Dragon in that regard. Both television and film have set a pretty high barre for dragons these days, and a picture with a titular dragon cannot afford to fail on that front. Filmmakers have loaded the movie with an environmentally-conscious message, cookie-cutter good and bad guys, and moody pseudo-folk tunes, but none of that is any help to this dull rehash of a tired tale that's been told a thousand times before, with only the details varying. 

There's an unintentionally hilarious moment where two adults, first faced with the dragon, hide behind a child (really??) and, despite having nothing else to date the movie outside a few older-looking vehicles, everyone in Pete's Dragon still uses a land line. 

I found that even more unbelievable than dragons! Having said all that, even the worst movie has its positives, and Pete's Dragon boasts some gorgeous scenery and dizzying aerial shots. 

It's also worth noting that "Forest Ranger" Bryce Dallas Howard has learnt her lesson from Jurassic World and is at least wearing sensible shoes to run around the wilderness this time. Pete's Dragon runs 102 minutes and is rated PG for "action, peril, and brief language." Pete's Dragon is a weak effort from Disney that has very little to recommend it. Maybe take the kids to see Secret Life of Pets again instead. 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Pete's Dragon gets three. Fangirl points: Robert Redford. Karl Urban. 

On the same screen. I nearly swooned myself to death! Next on the agenda: Florence Foster Jenkins, a.k.a. This Year's Meryl Streep Oscar Nomination. 

The true story of a a wealthy heiress who, encouraged by her husband, pursues a singing career despite a notable lack of talent. 

There's no hiding the fact that Florence Foster Jenkins' primary function is the annual throwing of Meryl Streep's hat into the Awards Season Sweepstakes. She is her usual magnificent self here, expertly playing both the comedy and the tragedy of Jenkins. Jenkins was a terrible singer who believed (or was led to believe) she was actually good, and Streep tackles her performances with the earnestness of a woman who not only believes in herself, but is making a genuine effort to learn and improve. 

On the surface, there are sadder aspects of her story (a chronic illness and an unfaithful husband, for starters), but to me none of it seems any more tragic than being the butt of a joke of which everyone but her is aware. 

It makes the character sympathetic, bordering on pathetic, and makes the movie almost too uncomfortable to watch at times, though its saving grace is it's never mean spirited. Hugh Grant is charming as Jenkins' enabling husband, and Simon Helberg is delightful as her young accompanist. His reactions to her caterwauling are some of the movie's funniest moments. 

Like Eddie the Eagle before it, Florence Foster Jenkins presents viewers with some awkward questions: To what point can devotion and enthusiasm substitute for talent and skill? Is it better or more kind to destroy a loved one's dream than to let him make a fool of himself? If a good movie is one that leaves you thinking about the points it raises, then Florence Foster Jenkins certainly fits the bill. 

Outside of Streep's extraordinary work, the film probably isn't special enough to create much of a stir come awards time, but if you love music more than anything else (as I do, and as Jenkins did), you're going to feel this one in your very soul. Florence Foster Jenkins clocks in at 110 minutes and is rated PG13 for "brief suggestive material." Florence Foster Jenkins is a delightful, if sometimes awkward, story that's bolstered by strong performances and likeable characters. 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Florence Foster Jenkins gets seven. 

Until next time...

MOVIE REVIEW: SAUSAGE PARTY

A misplaced sausage (voice of Seth Rogen) and his food friends embark on an existential adventure through the aisles of a massive supermarket in this raunchy animated comedy. While they are initially excited by the prospect of a Fourth of July sale, the perishable pals are soon horrified when they learn the full truth about what happens after they are purchased.

Director: Greg Tiernan, Conrad Vernon

Cast: Seth Rogen, Kristen Wiig, Jonah Hill, Bill Hader, Michael Cera

Release Date: Aug 12, 2016

Rated R for pervasive Language, Drug Use and Strong Crude Sexual Content

Runtime: 1 hr. 29 min.

Genres: Animated, Comedy

Review:

Sausage Party is every bit as raunchy and politically incorrect coming from the minds of  Seth Rogen, Johan Hill, and Evan Goldberg.  If not for the sheer amount of F bombs and sex jokes this would fit right in with any Pixar movie.  The basis of the plot is very similar to some of the Toy Story films taken to the extreme with a focus on sex while skewering organized religion and various other topics along the way.  It’s pretty easy to get lost in all the raunchy fun but the script does a great job of satirizing a lot of big themes.  Even with it’s headier themes mixed into the plot the film accomplices it’s primary goal of being laugh out loud funny for the better part of it’s runtime.  The trek through the grocery store is a cornucopia of set pieces which are incredibly impressive and fun all leading up to a final scene that will either make you laugh uncontrollably or shake your head in disbelief.   

A

MOVIE REVIEW: SUICIDE SQUAD

Director David Ayer (Fury) takes the helm for this Warner Bros. production adapted from the DC Comics series about a group of super-villains who are given a shot at redemption by embarking on a heroic mission that will most likely mean the death of them all. ~ Rovi

Director: David Ayer 

Cast: Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Jared Leto, Jai Courtney, Cara Delevingne, Jay Hernandez, Jai Courtney 

Release Date: Aug 05, 2016

Rated PG-13 Disturbing Behavior, Action Throughout, Language, Sequences of Violence and 

Suggestive Content 

Runtime: 2 hr. 10 min.

Genres: Action/Adventure

Review:

Suicide Squad isn’t a perfect film and there are plenty of hints of the turmoil and studio tinkering abound but, almost in spite of itself, it’s still a fun film.  David Ayer really tries to deliver a comic book film that will make fans happy and he succeeds on various levels.  The film’s strength is its collection of characters and actors.  The film spends the most time with Will Smith’s Deadshot and Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn with both delivering excellent performances that really drive the film.  Viola Davis is pretty much pitch perfect as Amanda Waller, the government agent who puts the squad together.  As a longtime fan, I did appreciate the amount of effort put into the characterization of some of these characters even if some do end up on the periphery, Killer Croc and Katana fare the worst.  The chemistry of cast is pretty strong through out with a few surprises like Jai Courtney Captain Boomerang and a nice bit of emotional depth from Jay Hernandez.  The biggest issue the film has is the film’s overall plot and primary villain.  It’s pretty straightforward and follows the tropes we’ve seen plenty of times in superhero film with the villain coming off as under written.  The Joker, Jared Leto’s take is more crazed gangster than Ledger’s anarchic take, would have probably served as a better foil for the team.  Still, even with it’s issues Suicide Squad is an enjoyable comic book film that’s got plenty of characters that you’ll want to revisit.  

B

Cindy Prascik's Review of Suicide Squad

Dearest Blog: Yesterday it was off to Marquee Cinemas for DC Comics' latest effort, Suicide Squad. Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers. 

 

The US government recruits some of the world's worst criminals for a special mission. My dear reader(s), I'm gonna be upfront with ya: I'm a DC girl through and through, but my eagerness for Suicide Squad was mostly hinged on a bit of bonus Batman between headline gigs. 

 

I am pleased to report that the movie is worth a lot more than that. Suicide Squad kicks off with an epic intro, and you can tell right away it's something different from the norm. I think the last time I was this impressed with how well a movie's appearance captured its very essence was Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. 

 

This comic book movie just LOOKS like a comic book, and it's fantastic! Introductions run somewhat long, but that's justifiable given that most of these characters aren't comic A-listers with whom the general public already will be familiar. The acting is overall quite solid, and not just "for a comic book movie." Singling out those who made the biggest impression (good and bad): Cara Delevingne as June Moone/Enchantress: The mousy June/evil Enchantress is a dual role with extremes that exceed the talent and skill of model Delevingne; throw in some weird CGI with her movements, plus those distracting eyebrows, and she is almost unwatchable. 

 

Margot Robbie as Dr. Harleen Quinzel/Harley Quinn: Robbie's turn as Harley is truly disturbing, yet she looks so amazing you wouldn't turn her down even knowing she's utterly bananas. 

 

As Frank Valente once said, "Psycho chicks are the best!" Will Smith as Floyd Lawton/Deadshot: One of the more likeable actors working today, Smith brings all of his considerable appeal to his character, turning in a tough, funny, and sympathetic performance. 

 

As great actors do, Smith becomes the clear "star" of this ensemble picture, without needing to be heralded as such. 

 

Jay Hernandez as Chato Santana/Diablo: Having turned over a new leaf in prison, Diablo is reluctant to use his terrible power, even for good. Hernandez is heartbreaking, and his is my favorite work in the movie. 

 

Finally... Jared Leto as the Joker. I love, love, LOVE this take on the Joker, and I want more of it like yesterday. 

Leto is insane and terrifying, everything this character should be. Suicide Squad seems a bit jumpy, a feeling exacerbated by the inclusion of almost too many good tunes in too-quick sucession. 

 

Occasionally it plays more like a series of cool music videos than a coherent whole, which also leads to spots where it stalls in progression, if not in action. 

 

It doesn't lag or lose your attention, but it does sometimes feel like everything that's going on still isn't getting it from point A to point B. The CGI is mostly great, and, as mentioned, it looks fantastic. There's a certain element to this movie that's more deeply unsettling than your average comic book picture, and I genuinely think an R rating would have been more appropriate and would have better served the material. 

 

Suicide Squad clocks in at 123 minutes and is rated PG13 for "sequences of violence and action throughout, disturbing behavior, suggestive content, and language." Suicide Squad is a rollicking good time, loaded with action, humor, and great characters. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Suicide Squad gets seven and a half. 

 

Fangirl points: Joel Kinnaman! Oh, and...Batman! Batman! Batman! Until next time...