Dying To Work There..."The Belko Experiment"

The Belko Experiment (2017)

Rated R

Starring John Gallagher Jr., Tony Goldwyn, Adria Arjona, John C. McGinley, Gregg Henry, Michael Rooker, Sean Gunn

Directed by Greg McLean

The Story:

An office in Bogota Colombia suddenly transforms into a prison as all the windows and doors are sealed. Then a voice (Henry) calmly instructs the workers that they need to kill a fellow co-worker in the given amount of time...or else.

So begins a twisted corporate version of kill or be killed, brought to you by the guy who gave us the fun and wholesome Guardians of the Galaxy, James Gunn.

It's a twisted day at the office, to be sure, and as the voice tells us at the very beginning, most of you won't survive the day.

That's an understatement.

While you have an idea of who the lone survivor might be, it's still an occasional jolt as each person meets their untimely demise.

Some pre-meditated, some accidental, some just by chance and happenstance, the movie grabs you and carries you along for the ride until the very end.

No huge stars in it, though I suppose Michael Rooker might take exception to that, but lots of familiar faces abound.

Won't go down as a cinematic classic in the horror or thriller genre, but still worth a peek.  It will likely become a cult classic like Gunn's other works (Slither).

 Final Grade: B-

So That's Where Babies Come From..."The Boss Baby"

The Boss Baby (2017)

Rated PG

Starring Alec Baldwin, Miles Bakshi, Jimmy Kimmel, Lisa Kudrow, Steve Buscemi, Tobey Maguire

Directed by Tom McGrath

The Story:

This is the story about how Tim (Bakshi) and his little brother (Baldwin) first met, and how they saved the world from not having anymore babies. At least as recounted by Tim (Maguire) now that he's much older.

Well, if you would have told me at the beginning of the year that 2 of my favorite animated films of 2017 would be studies on where babies come from, I would have called you crazy.

But here we are.

After the surprisingly touching Storks taught people how to be better parents, along comes Boss Baby with a lesson on what it takes to be a sibling.

Along with all the laughs, be prepared for an emotional moment or two as well.

This is nothing new of late, as Dreamworks Animation keeps killing it with their movies.

I know the rest of the world clamors for whatever Disney or Pixar is putting out next, but Dreamworks seems to be the most consistent maker of animated hits in our household.

Baldwin shines as Boss Baby, and he basically plays himself, or at least what audiences have come to perceive as Alec Baldwin, just as a tiny baby. Sure, it sounds crazy, but it works.

However, don't look past the role of Tim, which Dreamworks veteran Bakshi imbues with a lot of heart and soul. Graduating to a starring role versus just one of the kid characters he's played before, he holds his own with Baldwin and provides the emotional punch for the movie in the finale.

Apparently a sequel is heading our way. Not sure how they'll pull that off, but I'll be ready for it.

Final Grade: B+

Absolutely Delicious..."The Great British Baking Show"

The Great British Baking Show (2010)

Starring Mary Berry, Paul Hollywood, Mel Giedroyc, Sue Perkins

The Story:

12 of Britain's best amateur bakers face off in a giant outdoor tent where each week they attempt to make 3 different recipes. Their efforts are judged by renowned British baking experts (Berry & Hollywood) and each week, one baker is rewarded as Star Baker, while the one most lacking that week is sent home. Finally at the end of the season, one baker remains triumphant.

Ah, reality TV as brought to you by the BBC and renamed and aired over here on PBS.

:)

Now, 3 of the shows 7 seasons are available on Netflix for streaming.

I really enjoyed the first season, the 2nd season not as much, but I am enjoying the 3rd season as well.

The difference in the 3 seasons?

It all comes down to the contestants.

The first season had a nice variety of people, and there were so many interesting characters, you don't really mind who the ultimate winner might be, and you're almost sad to see them all go.

Season 2... not nearly the connection for me with those contestants at all, and I think we wound up jumping a few episodes just to see who won and move on.

In the third season, again a better mix of contestants that rise and fall with the challenges and keep the viewer interested in who will succeed and who will be sent home.

So how is this different from every other reality TV show?

I'd say the judges, Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood. One, the duo has the best possible names ever for baking judges! :)

But two, and most importantly, they are quite possibly the nicest judges in reality TV history. Always offering the most enthusiastic reviews when they taste something good. Yet when they eat something that doesn't work, they are often quick to answer why it tastes bad.

Normally it's either too much or too little flavor, or the recipe in question is raw and inedible.

Not sure if we'll ever get the other seasons on Netflix, but if we do, I'll definitely give them a try.

Final Grade: B+

That's "Life"

Life (2017)

Rated PG-13

Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Ryan Reynolds, Rebecca Ferguson, Hiroyuki Sanada, Ariyon Bakare, Olga Dykhovichnaya

Directed by Daniel Espinosa

The Story:

6 of the world's finest astronauts are trying to collect a soil sample from Mars aboard the International Space Station. When they discover a single cell organism, they have proof that life on Mars exists. As they further experiment, they soon discover that this life wants to grow and be free...at any cost.

This movie seems very familiar.

If you've seen Alien, you've pretty much already seen this film, except they don't really leave much room for a plethora of sequels and prequels.

However, maybe that's a good thing? :)

Now I'm one to suspend belief as much as humanly possible during a film, but there was one scene that really bugged me, is they reference for Re-Animator.

Yes, it's an off-the-cuff quip from Reynolds character, but it drove me buggy. Because how can he realize he's watching something out of Re-Animator, and never acknowledge what is happening is straight out of Alien?!?!

I know, I'm over-thinking this likely, but it's things like that, and then watching each astronaut make stupid choice after stupid choice that gets them killed (oops...spoiler) that just made the movie annoying enough to not love it.

Totally watchable, sure, but nothing in the horror/sci-fi genre that I would need to revisit any time soon.

Final Grade: B-

A Spoiler Free Look At "The Defenders"

The Defenders (2017)

TV-MA

Starring Charlie Cox, Krysten Ritter, Mike Colter, Finn Jones, Elodie Yung, Jessica Henwick, Scott Glenn, Simone Missick, Eldon Henson, Wai Ching Ho, Rosario Dawson,

Created by Douglas Petrie & Marco Ramirez

The Story:

The Hand has used the last of their mysterious life restoring energy to resurrect Elektra from the dead. With her leading the charge, their goal is to retrieve the Iron Fist to unlock an ancient door and give The Hand the ultimate power. The downside, opening that door will cause the total destruction of New York City. Looks like the heroes of New York will need to band together and save the day.

Now that is more like it.

8 episodes.

Very little drag to them at all.

Not as much time for redundancy and stalling as the tale needs to be told and finished with far fewer episodes than the Netflix series have previously enjoyed.

And it shows.

The first 2 episodes cut back and forth between Jessica Jones (Ritter), Luke Cage (Colter), Daredevil (Cox) and Iron Fist (Jones) and the members of their supporting cast who will be seen briefly in The Defenders.

I would argue if you've not seen, or didn't care for certain characters, this is the show for you that will give them a chance to shine and change your opinion on them.

The weak link is still Iron Fist, but the show acknowledges that, and actually spotlights that this is kind of the point.

He's still "a kid" in theory. He's learning the ropes as a superhero who has been handed a ton of responsibility in life and realizes he's already failed at just about everything he was born to do.

Everything wraps up fairly nicely and sends the heroes back to their own shows, ready to hit the ground running.

There are also a few surprises and changes for some characters along the way as well.

Finally, once you've completed episode 8, stick around after the credits for a trailer for Marvel's next Netflix Original.

Final Grade: A-

Labor Intensive Viewing..."Ghost In The Shell"

Ghost in the Shell (2017)

Rated PG-13

Starring Scarlett Johansson, Pilou Asbaek, Juliette Binoche, Michael Pitt, Takeshi Kitano

Directed by Rupert Sanders

The Story:

In the future, Major (Johannson) is an elite soldier that has been cybernetically enhanced to face criminals that mean to do the world harm. However, while most people get enhanced parts, Major is the first to have her life put into a completely cybernetic being. Now someone is killing those behind her creation, and it's up to Major to stop them.

I enjoyed this one a lot more 30 years ago when it was called RoboCop.

:)

I can't tell how this compares to the Manga series of the same name, I would imagine that having the lead Japanese character played by Scarlett Johannson is the first of many departures from the original.

Because, oh yeah, when they recreated Major, she was previously a Japanese girl, and the body they opted to put her in was decidedly not Japanese.

They also decided to put her in a movie that really seemed overlong, rather boring, and completely uninteresting.

I did watch the whole thing instead of shutting it off, but at the end of the film, I have to ask myself, "did I enjoy what I just watched" and "would I ever want to watch it again" ?

The answer to both, a resounding no.

I hope this doesn't hurt Scarlett's shot at a solo Black Widow movie.  That, I do want to see!

 Final Grade: D+

Well That Was Awkward..."All Nighter"

All Nighter (2017)

Rated R

Starring Emile Hirsch, J.K. Simmons, Analeigh Tipton, Taran Killam, Kristen Schaal, Shannon Woodward

Directed by Gavin Wiesen

The Story:

When Ginnie (Tipton) introduces her boyfriend Martin (Hirsch) to her father, Mr. Gallo (Simmons), it's basically the worst first impression you could possibly hope for. Fast forward 6 months, and Mr. Gallo is knocking on Martin's door looking for Ginnie. The only problem... Ginnie and Martin aren't together anymore. Mr. Gallo doesn't mind, Martin needs to get up, get dressed, and come help him find his daughter.

What follows next is a buddy comedy of epic proportions!

Okay, maybe not epic, but there is some smiles and laughs to be had with Hirsch and Simmons running around L.A. looking for his daughter.

As they run into one friend after another, nobody can quite put their finger on where they last saw Ginnie, and the night becomes a blur or crazy characters and situations as the two have to get past their mutual annoyance of one another and work for the bigger picture - where is Ginnie?

Simmons is as great a comic actor as he is a dramatic one. He makes any picture better just by being in it, and Hirsch provides able support as the beleaguered ex who still hasn't gotten over his old flame, but just might before the night is over.

You won't be doubled over in laughter, but you likely won't regret taking the time to spend watching this one.

Final Grade: C+

Guardianship Matters..."Gifted"

Gifted (2017)

Rated PG-13

Starring Chris Evans, McKenna Grace, Lindsay Duncan, Jenny Slate, Octavia Spencer,

Directed by Marc Webb

The Story:

Frank (Evans) has been taking care of his niece Mary (Grace) for the last seven years after his sister died. However Mary is now old enough to go to school. The only real problem, Mary is a math genius, and the public school curriculum is a bit... redundant for her. That's when the grandma (Duncan) shows up and demands custody of little Mary, so she can put that brain to use and become famous.  Sounds like this one is heading to court.

Ah, contesting guardianship...

That's a fun subject for a film! : /

That's the underlying theme for this film though as the grandmother who has never been there shows up demanding what she deems best for the child.

On the other side, the uncle who has been by her side the entire time, trying to make sure that she isn't just some "weird kid" because he already knew what that was like growing up, and he wants Mary to be as close to normal as possible.

Would this even be necessary if Mary were any less than a mathematical genius?

I think you'll figure out that answer long before the credits roll.

It's a sweet, caring film that is carried by Grace and the subdued performance of Evans. Proving that he's more than just a guy with a shield, Evans carries a weighty burden on his shoulders as he constantly doubts whether what he's doing is right or not, but always erring on the side of what he believes to be the best interests of Mary, and honoring what he believes his sister would have wanted.

It's quite likely you missed this in theaters during the winter.

Now's the time to make up for it.

Final Grade: B+

Well, That Was Disappointing..."Shin Godzilla"

Shin Godzilla (2016)

Not Rated

Starring Godzilla, Thousands of Screaming Japanese People

Directed by Hideaki Anno & Sean Whitley

The Story:

Some great disturbance under the ocean floor unleashes a worm unlike the world has ever seen. At least it seems like a worm. Eventually it makes landfall, and in short order begins to evolve, stand tall, and begin to destroy Japan!  How will the Japanese government stop...

Godzilla!

Hey look kids, it's a film about Emergency Management planning!

Sound fun?

Well, it's not. 

It's basically 2 hours of governments attempting to figure out how to stop Godzilla, and which arm of the government should take the lead on it. 

Yeah, not very exciting. 

Then you've got Godzilla, who looks really ridiculous at first, until he finally evolves into something that mostly resembles the Godzilla we've come to love over the last 50+ years from Toho. 

But, it still doesn't really feel right. The face is off, enough... perhaps too big of a mouth opening.

And then I kept laughing at the ridiculous length of the tail as it flailed around in the movie.

However, keep a close eye on it, as it apparently holds the key to the sequel...

that I will probably watch, but don't look forward to seeing. 

:)

Unlike Kong: Skull Island, this one was very much a disappointment for me. 

While they've allowed different takes with each movie, it doesn't seem like they can decide what direction they're going with for Godzilla at this point. 

Instead, they freeze him like a statue and wait for the next film to probably start all over again. 

Godzilla is getting more origin stories than Spider-Man at this point! 

I'm hearing rumblings of another cinematic meet-up with Kong in the future. 

We'll see how that goes...

Final Grade:  D

There Are Worse Places To Be..."Table 19"

Table 19 (2017)

Rated PG-13

Starring Anna Kendrick, Wyatt Russell, Lisa Kudrow, Craig Robinson, Tony Revolori, Stephen Merchant, June Squibb

Directed by Jeffrey Blitz

The Story:

Eloise (Kendrick) has just been dumped by her boyfriend, Teddy (Russell). She decides to go to the wedding of her best friend anyway, even though Teddy is the best man and she was supposed to be the maid of honor. Now she's relegated to Table 19, home of the misfit guests. Perhaps she should have burned the RSVP card after all.

For a comedy, this film isn't fall down funny.

Instead, it rolls steadily on an even keel of amusement.

Nothing too outlandish, nothing too out there.

Just a lot of people at a wedding who really don't want to be there, or at least aren't sure why exactly they are there.

Ah, but wouldn't you know, that as the night wears on, there is a bit of camaraderie that takes place and the guests at Table 19 end up bonding, slowly and reluctantly, with one another.

Each one works through the issues that they have, and they all depart the wedding better than they were when they arrived.

It's a good cast that could have used some stronger material to work with, but it's still entertaining enough to enjoy.

Final Grade: C / C+ range

Clearly This Is Not Your Father's "CHiPS"

CHiPS (2017)

Rated R

Starring Dax Shepard, Michael Pena, Vincent D'Onofrio, Kristen Bell,

Written and Directed by Dax Shepard

The Story:

Jon Baker (Shepard) is a former motocross legend who's trying to get a real job to impress his ex (Bell) so she might take him back. Ponch (Pena) is an undercover Federal agent investigating the possibility that there are some dirty cops on the job at the California Highway Patrol. Let the crashes commence!

I grew up watching CHiPs. Loved that show. Jon and Ponch were a great team, and the crashes were always fantastic.

This is not that show.

This is:  what if Dax Shepard wrote, directed and starred in a movie about the California Highway Patrol?

So depending on what you expect, that might very well determine whether you enjoy this one or roll your eyes in frustration at it.

If you saw his 2012 film Hit and Run, you know what to expect.

I did. I liked it. It was a crazy film, and Shepard showed a lot of skill as the man of many hats, writing/directing/producing and starring.

He's back for more, and this one is just as fun, possibly even moreso.

A lot of the credit for that goes to Shepard himself, but also to Pena who plays his partner, who has no interest in being partners, yet the two manage to bond almost in spite of themselves.

Pena is gold in just about any role he touches anymore, so whenever he's in a film, it's already better just for his involvement.

Don't believe me?

Tell me Ant-Man would be as good without his character.

Yeah, that's what I thought.

Sure, it's stupid, crude... but when it's funny, it's spot on.

And the crashes, well they do the memory of their namesake proud.

I saw this one awhile ago, and whenever I see the logo on Amazon or Vudu, I still smile thinking about the movie.

For me, that says a lot about how fun it really was.

Final Grade: C+/B-

Hail To The King..."Kong: Skull Island"

Kong: Skull Island (2017)

Rated PG-13

Starring Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, John C. Reilly, John Goodman, Corey Hawkins, John Ortiz,

Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts

The Story:

With the Vietnam War ending, a team of scientists are using a military escort to a previously uncharted territory in the South Pacific before the Russians discover them on satellite. They will encounter things the likes of which no one has ever seen before...and lived to tell about it.

Loki (Hiddleston), Captain Marvel (Larson) and Nick Fury (Jackson) head to a deserted island...

Whoops, wrong cinematic universe.

Say what you will about reboots, cinematic universes and whatnot...

When they work, they are amazing, and when they don't, they are often colossal failures.

For me, the relaunch of (King) Kong may very well be my favorite iteration of the giant ape to appear on screen.

I know, blasphemy for the 30s original, but this is simply a technically superior storyline.

Or at least one with a much more satisfying ending.

I hate to give too much away for those that haven't seen it, but I never particularly cared for the whole "beauty and the beast" notion that has been a constant in the films.

Nor have I ever enjoyed the cage him up and take him to New York plot device.

Skull Island erases both of those shortfalls and gives as as plausible of a storyline for Kong, how he exists, why he exists and why he's never been found before.

That a sequel will invariably come from this is a good thing.

I just hope they realize they've set the bar fairly high for themselves, and unlike another giant monster franchise, I hope they can continue putting out a quality product.

Vogt-Roberts nailed it as only his 2nd feature (the excellent Kings of Summer - still streaming for those with Prime) and first blockbuster/franchise tent-pole right out of the gate. Hope he's brought back along with whatever cast may have survived their first encounter with Kong.

Count me as a huge fan of this one.

Final Grade: B+

Not As Painful As It Sounds..."Kill Me Three Times"

Kill Me Three Times (2014)

Rated R

Starring Simon Pegg, Alice Braga, Teresa Palmer, Sullivan Stapleton, Luke Hemsworth, Callan Mulvey, Bryan Brown

Directed by Kriv Stenders

The Story:

Charlie Wolfe (Pegg) is a hitman on the job in Australia when he gets his next assignment. It seems that Alice (Braga) has a price on her head, but when Charlie arrives to take care of matters, he discovers that a local dentist and his wife (Stapleton & Palmer) are attempting to take care of his problem for him. So Charlies sits back and watches the mayhem unfold.

To try and describe the further what is going to happen would ruin much of the charm and storyline of the film.

I think they were going for a Tarantino-esque Australian caper, and I'd say they pretty much hit the nail on the head.

Action, humor, oddball characters, they're all added into the mix with twist and turn and betrayals lying around every corner.

The glue that holds the whole narrative together is Wolfe, who may not be the best hitman in the world, but he's the only one available in this corner of the world, so he apparently keeps a steady income.

It's a perfect fit for Pegg, and he makes the best of it whether it's through dialogue or just reaction shots.

The rest of the cast fills their roles nicely with some familiar and not too familiar faces providing Pegg different characters to work with.

All in all, an enjoyable caper from beginning to end.

Currently streaming on Netflix if you're in the mood to give it a try.

Final Grade: C+ / B- range

Those Thrilling Days of Yesteryear..."xXx: The Return of Xander Cage"

xXx: The Return of Xander Cage (2017)

Rated PG-13

Starring Vin Diesel, Donnie Yen, Deepika Padukone, Kris Wu, Ruby Rose, Tony Jaa, Toni Collette, Samuel L. Jackson,

Directed by D.J. Caruso

The Story:

When Augustus Gibbons (Jackson) is killed, the government seeks out Xander Cage (Diesel) to retrieve 'Pandora's Box'. The problem, he's not the only one looking for the device, and Cage will be going head to head with Xiang (Yen) to retrieve the box and all the secrets it holds. Does Xander still have what it takes to be part of the xXx program?

What?

You weren't clamoring for a sequel 15 years after the original xXx movie?

Well, it's only been 12, if you count the sequel that Diesel had no part of, but had Ice Cube as the lead agent.

Now if you've seen either, or both of those, then you know exactly what you're going to see here, and you shouldn't walk away disappointed.

Unless you disliked either, or both of those, but then, why would you be renting this one?  In the hopes it got better with age?

Pfft.

The stunts are fun. The action is good.

I had no problem with this movie at all.

While it won't generate on my best of the year list, it was enjoyable and I would watch it again downt he road.

I'll take popcorn movies like this nearly any day of the week.

Final Grade:  B-

You'll Never Make It At The Next Level... "Greater"

Greater (2016)

Rated PG-13

Starring Christopher Severio, Neal McDonough, Leslie Easterbrook, Peter Gray Lewis, Frederic Lehne, M.C. Gainey, Mark Dobies,

Directed by David Hunt

The Story:

Brandon Bulsworth (Severio) dreamed of playing for the Arkansas Razorbacks since he was little. He lacked the size, but he had the heart. If only he could get his chance, he could show the coaches, and the world, what he could do.

Naturally, based on a true story.

Bulsworth's life is probably part of Arkansas lore at this point, but for the rest of us, it's a nice movie that flashes back to Brandon's life as he struggles to become...well... greater than what he is.

His high school coach believes in him, and gets him a tryout at Arkansas. They are unimpressed, but Brandon foregoes a full scholarship at a junior college to instead walk on at Arkansas. The financial impact will likely cripple his mother (Easterbrook) and his big brother (McDonough) is frustrated that Brandon's heart is overruling his head.

However, you can probably tell where this movie is headed.

After all, they rarely make movies about has beens, or never weres.

Of course all of this is told via flashback as we prepare for Brandon's funeral.

Because on top of the inspirational football life, Brandon was a devout Christian, whose faith and determination helped him become the man that he was.

Which of course leads his brother to the awful question of why do bad things happen to good people.

It's a fine balance that the film walks, as it is neither a complete sports movie nor is it a complete faith movie.  Both are presented equally, fairly, and are well done.

Even though you know what the movie is building up to, you may still find yourself with a lump in your throat by the end.

Final Grade: B+