Flash Movie Review: Trap
WE WERE EXCITED TO SEE THE production, especially because this was its first stop direct from Broadway. A small group of us bought tickets with the idea of meeting for dinner beforehand then walking over to the theater. It is always a crapshoot when one buys tickets before the reviews, but we lucked out because all the reviews had been glowing about this high-tech production. As we were walking up to the theater, I had everyone stand below the marquee to get a group photo. The theater was one of the larger ones in the city, having been built in 1906. So, it is this majestic, opulent space with mosaic tiled floors, vibrant red colors, statues, and friezes. There were so many people outside the theater, I figured the show had to be sold out. There was a reason, however, why so many people were congregated outside; everyone had to go through a security check. I started to feel like I was at the airport. Anyone carrying a bag or purse had to get it hand inspected. One person in line was stopped because they had a small bottle of orange juice in their pocket. The usher wanted to confiscate it, but the patron argued they needed it in case their blood sugar was dropping. The usher was not at first understanding until the patron explained the situation, saying it was a health issue and if they had a problem to call the manager. The usher backed off and allowed them to go in with the orange juice. IT WAS A SURREAL EXPERIENCE FOR me to have a security checkpoint to get into a Broadway show. Seeing people open their bags for security and seeing those with bulky coats having their pockets checked was weird in this venue. As they say, the times sure are changing. Having gone to numerous concerts and events when I was younger, there was no type of security except for the ushers, which came in all ages and sizes. Now granted, I remember a concert where someone threw a can of beer at the singer who got mad and stormed off the stage, but still nothing to prevent people bringing in things to the event. I understand we live in a different world, and I am not complaining by any means; heck, I am grateful to have TSA at airports and security measures at places where people congregate. After watching this psychological crime thriller, I do not know if I would even want to go to a concert now or if so, ask first what security measures have been put into place. TAKING HIS DAUGHTER TO A MUSIC concert, a father soon discovers there is another reason there is so much security positioned around the arena. With Josh Hartnett (Wrath of Man, Black Hawk Down) as Cooper, Ariel Donoghue (Blueback, Wolf Like Me-TV) as Riley, newcomer Saleka Shyamalan as Lady Raven, Alison Pill (Eric Larue, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World) as Rachel and Haley Mills (The Parent Trap, Wild at Heart-TV) as Dr. Josephine Grant; this film written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan (Old, The Visit) had good intentions. I thought the beginning had a nice buildup of suspense which was immensely helped with Josh’s assistance. But soon after the script started falling apart when scenes became less believable. Then there were times where I felt the whole story was written to promote Saleka Shyamalan (his daughter) as a singer. By the end, the story was almost ridiculous. Granted, I am not a fan of M. Night’s movies; his past projects have always disappointed me. This picture had some good parts to it but just did not come together in a cohesive solid way. I just hope I do not think about it the next time I find myself at a pop concert.
2 ½ stars
Flash Movie Review: Juror #2
THEY WERE NEW TO MY YOGA class, but for some reason which I could not explain at first the younger one stood out for me. Before class started, I walked up and introduced myself to them, asking if this was their first time doing yoga. The older one said yes; the younger one kept her eyes directed below my face, more towards my chest. Throughout the class the younger one stood out from everyone else, though I was sure that was not her intention. She would begin to do a pose but then stop herself to push her hair behind her ears or pull down the hem of her T-shirt. There was always something she felt she needed to do before doing the pose. The ones that challenged her more, she would sit down on her mat and watch everyone else. After class I made a point to go and talk to them, to see if they had any questions and to see if I could get a better understanding of the younger one. Unfortunately, she was not very communitive; the older one would answer for her. I was surprised when they kept coming to class; the older one said she had been feeling better since she started. However, something was nagging at the back of my brain regarding the younger one. THROUGH THOSE BEGINNING WEEKS WITH THEM, I kept getting a familiar feeling as I watched the younger one. Her actions and mannerisms reminded me of things I used to do. I did not want to admit it but the way she acted reminded me that her actions I used to do during the time I was being abused/bullied in school. It was such a strong reaction, that everything in me clicked and I was convinced she was a victim of the same thing. The big question was what do I do? I am a yoga/fitness instructor not a psychiatrist, though ironically that is what I was studying in college. Having gotten to know them better as the weeks went by, an opportunity appeared when the younger one did not show up one day for class, so I decided to broach the subject. The way I presented it was to tell my story to the older one, who was her mother. I talked about my weight issues which I could tell struck a chord in the mother because her daughter was overweight. Never did I say I thought her daughter was being abused; I only pointed out the actions I had observed during class. That was all I had to say, and the conversation ended with the mother thanking me for sharing my story. It was a couple of weeks later, when the daughter did not come to class again and her mother came up afterwards to thank me for saying something to her. It turned out her daughter was getting picked on at school and now the mother was aware and getting school officials involved. I was glad I said something and that it had a positive outcome. It is hard to say the same for the main character in this dramatic mystery crime thriller. SELECTED TO BE A JUROR, A soon to be father finds himself listening to a murder trial that has some familiar elements. What he knows could change the outcome. With Nicholas Hoult (The Order, Renfield) as Justin Kemp, Toni Collette (Mafia Mamma, The Estate) as Faith Killebrew, J.K. Simmons (Red One, The Union) as Harold, Kiefer Sutherland (They Cloned Tyrone, Flatliners) as Larry Lasker, and Zoey Deutch (Not Okay, Something From Tiffany’s) as Allison Crewson; this film was a crisp, no frills story that grabbed my attention from the start. Though the script had a few predictable moments in it, the cast was excellent, especially Nicholas and J.K., and the tension continued to build throughout the story. This was a conversational driven plot that posed interesting questions that made me think. Directed by Clint Eastwood, the pacing was consistent throughout the movie, while sticking to the main story line. Everything felt both right and scary about the jurors on this trial. If this becomes Clint’s last movie, he at least is ending on a high note.
3 ½ stars
Flash Movie Review: Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story
THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A TIME when I worked out at the fitness center and did not witness incredible human feats. I am not talking about the individuals who lift massive amounts of weights or are running on a treadmill for lengthy times; I am referring to those individuals who are working out with a prosthetic limb or while sitting in a wheelchair. When such an individual is in my line of sight, I pay attention to what they are doing and am always impressed by their dedication. There is one person I see almost every time I am at the center who is confined to a wheelchair. He goes through an almost complete circuit of weight machines. For each one, he must line up his wheelchair just right, lock the wheels, hoist himself up using only his arms while grabbing onto something sturdy on each machine. He then does something like a pirouette that will place him in position to fall back onto the machine’s seat. At his age he is not out to lift heavy weights; he simply wants to maintain good muscle tone, especially in his arms since they do the heavy lifting for him instead of his legs. When I look at him, I am reminded of something I would share with all my yoga classes: women have more lower body strength while men have more upper body strength. Of course, this was said just before we were going into a pose that would tax the upper body, but I would ask the class to think about how we get out of a chair when we are in our 80’s. We use our arms to push ourselves up which is why I am focusing on upper body poses. PERIODICALLY I SEE A MAN AT the fitness center whose leg is amputated at the knee. Where the previous person I was talking about did a pirouette, this individual lifts himself out of his chair and hops on one leg to get over to the seat or bench of a weight machine. He is younger so he is able to achieve this hopping movement confidently. It is amazing to watch him on a rowing machine. With one leg he still works himself up to a steady sweat. As I said earlier, I always see someone doing something incredible who despite their ailment or circumstances continues to work out and maintain a healthy lifestyle. A woman who either had a stroke or has a debilitating disease spends at least 45 minutes walking the track. One arm hangs loosely down which makes me assume it is non-functioning, and she has a severe limp. Yet, she keeps a steady pace until she completes her time or number of laps. It truly is inspirational, and I admire each one of them. I had the same feelings watching this heartfelt, beautiful biographical documentary. FROM BEING THE FIRST SUPERHERO IN modern times, to a different kind of superhero, Christopher Reeve never stopped pursuing justice for all. Written by Otto Burnham (Atomic People, Right to Fight), and directed and written by Ian Bonhote (Alleycats, Rising Phoenix) and Peter Ettedgui (McQueen, Rising Phoenix); this movie lovingly follows Christopher through the stages of his life, including the stages of his family’s lives. The mix of archival footage and friends and family interviews painted a well-rounded picture of Christopher. I did feel that the powers that be kept more to an upbeat story instead of sinking into despair. I had forgotten what a big deal it was when the first Superman movie debuted; everyone assumed Christopher was his character. What made it more convincing was the fact the CGI effects were not as advanced as they are now. The overall feeling I had while watching this film was that it was an honest portrayal of everyone. From the various family members to the celebrity interviews of Susan Sarandon, Glen Close, Jeff Daniels and John Kerry. Despite the hardships, Christopher remained a fighter and tried to make the world a better place for all. This film does him justice.
3 ½ stars
Flash Movie Review: Mufasa: The Lion King
I SIMPLY SAT THERE ENTHRALLED LISTENING to how the two finally came together as boyfriend and girlfriend. The first time they met was in college. For a dance being held, he asked his roommate if his girlfriend had any friends, he could be fixed up with to take to the dance. The girlfriend did and the first time the two met was the day of the dance. Things seemed to be fine that evening, and he even went out on a second date with her. However, that is where the dating status ended. Unbeknownst to him, by the end of the second date the girl who had been fixed up with him did not care for him. Two years later they bumped into each other at a party off campus. They talked on and off throughout the night but left at separate times. It was not until their senior year, when they bumped into each other at a concession stand at the college’s football stadium, that a fuse was lit. He walked her back to her seat and by the time they got there they agreed to meet at an afterparty. It was at that party where the fuse ignited their hearts. They quickly became a couple since they saw each other multiple times throughout the week and weekends. However, a decision was looming over their heads regarding their graduation. AFTER HIS GRADUATION, HE WAS SCHEDULED to enter the U.S. Army Officer Candidate School in a southern state. The question they were mulling over is whether she returns home and the two of them maintain a long-term relationship, or she relocates to where he will be stationed and find a job. Though they knew each other for the first three years of college, it was their senior year where they blossomed and grew into a loving couple. She decided she would move with him, find a job and a small apartment to live in. That decision worked out well because they easily found themselves in a steady routine and continued to grow within their relationship. After a little over a year, they got engaged and started to plan a wedding, which was going to take place just before he was to get his first assignment. All their planning fell into place; they had a brief honeymoon vacation before they had to pack and combine their belongings and move to Germany. For the next few years, they would wind up moving three more times, along with their children who were born in different countries. When they told me this tale, their daughter was sitting with us; it was the first time she had heard about how they met. And it was a chance meeting at a concession stand that made everything possible, including her. Their story reaffirmed my belief that there are no accidents; there is a reason for everything, and it is proven again in this family fantasy adventure film. LOST AND ON HIS OWN, A YOUNG cub has a chance encounter with another cub that puts the two of them on a journey that will have a dramatic effect on their destinies. With Aaron Pierre (Rebel Ridge, Brother) voicing Mufasa, Kelvin Harrison Jr (It Comes at Night, Waves) voicing Taka, Tiffany Boone (The Midnight Sky, The Chi-TV) voicing Sarabi, Kagiso Lediga (The Umbrella Men franchise, Wonder Boy for President) voicing young Rafiki, and Preston Nyman (Crooked House, Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom-TV) voicing Zazu; this sequel like the original was a visual wonder. Everything looked totally real. As for the story, I appreciated the idea behind it; however, with it being told in flashbacks, I felt some of the drama was lost. Plus, adding in the comedic interludes did not provide a continuous buildup of events. Also, it took me longer to get engaged with the characters, leaving me slightly bored in the beginning. Despite not having the same magic feeling as the first one, this movie’s message and my belief with there being no accidents, I am glad I saw this on the big screen.
2 ½ stars
Flash Movie Review: The Six Triple Eight
IN PREVIOUS REVIEWS, I MENTIONED I spent time volunteering at various organizations around the city. I decided to do this to honor a special person who was no longer in my life. This individual was a volunteer who found themselves doing whatever needed to be done, from restocking office supplies to being support host to delivering food to those who were not able to provide for themselves. From the stories I heard, it was obvious my friend was making a difference in the lives of so many people; I felt an intense sense of pride in the work they were doing. So, when I decided to devote time to volunteering, I chose organizations that either meant something to my friend or were doing similar types of work to the places where they had volunteered. My first introduction as a volunteer was to get dressed up in a suit and tie and walk around at this organization’s annual fundraising event, selling raffle tickets. It was being held in a downtown hotel’s grand ballroom and I had to be there an hour before the doors opened. Having this be my first experience volunteering, quickly took away any anxiety or nervousness I was feeling. In fact, my only biggest worry was making sure I did not mess up when giving back change whenever someone was using cash to make a purchase. Outside of that, the evening went smoothly, and the volunteers even got fed as well. FROM THAT FIRST EXPERIENCE, MY NEXT commitment to volunteering was for an organization that provided medical and health needs for those on limited incomes. The organization, for the past few years, was accepting donations in the form of household products such as kitchenware, ceramics, and artwork. Someone in their marketing department came up with the idea of opening a pop-up resale shop and stock it with all the donations they had been collecting. I thought it was a great idea. A group of volunteers were chosen to head over to the retail space and set up displays all over the store, using the donations. When we arrived at the shop, we all gathered inside and went around stating what each of us would like to tackle first. I wanted to create displays after the items were unpacked; three other volunteers wanted to join me. We each took a corner of the store and got to work. I had an awesome time setting out the different pieces, creating settings such as a den, office, and kitchen. By the time we were done the place had been transformed into what looked like a model home for sale. Gratefully, all the volunteer assignments I had were a positive experience. Yet, after seeing this historical drama and seeing what the main characters endured during their stint, I was simply scratching the surface of volunteering. The women in this story were doing something monumental. WITH RAMPENT RACISM AND SEXISM BLANTLY on display, the Women’s Army Corp’s only Black battalion was sent overseas on a mission. No one expected them to succeed, which was why they were chosen. With Kerry Washington (American Son, The Prom) as Major Adams, Ebony Obsidian (If Beale Street Could Talk, Sistas-TV) as Lena Derriecott King, Milauna Jackson (A Jazzman’s Blues, Strike Back-TV) as Captain Campbell, Kylie Jefferson (Tiny Pretty Things-TV) as Bernice Baker, and Shanice Shantay (Perfect Harmony-TV, The Wiz Live!-TV) as Johnnie Mae; this movie based on a true story needed a better script. The reason I say this is because the story was so much better than the film. Written and directed by Tyler Perry, the script had too many syrupy moments that were not necessary. The acting, however, was wonderful. Kerry was perfect in her role, commanding attention every time she was in a scene. I honestly cannot believe this important event in history had never been brought to light before. I could not stop thinking about this film after I was done watching it. A remarkable achievement that needed a stronger vehicle to carry its message. There was actual footage shown during the ending credits.
2 ¾ stars
Flash Movie Review: Moana 2
IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD I GREW UP in, I did not know the area was being kept under a bubble. Most everyone in the neighborhood had similar physical features or traits. We had one large grocery store, so you were always bumping into people you knew, the same with only two pharmacies. I knew everyone who lived on my entire square block and then some. For the most part we were all the same race, religion and had the same socioeconomical status. I would like to say I lived an idyllic life, but that would not be exactly true. Though I had many friends in the neighborhood, groups of us would get together and play every day during summer vacation; I suddenly felt something was different about me. I began noticing most of the other boys enjoyed things that did not hold the same attraction for me. For example, everyone I knew loved playing some type of team sport; I on the other hand preferred riding my bike or playing my version of tennis by hitting a ball against a wall. Most kids I knew enjoyed going away for summer camp; I hated the idea and refused when I was asked if I wanted to go with my friends. So, it was those types of things that started to make me feel like I was not like everyone else. And what sealed it for me was the fact I grew up enjoying classical music and playing the piano. No one else my age had any interest in it. IT WAS NOT UNTIL COLLEGE, WHEN I moved out of state, that I realized there were so many different versions of the people I grew up with from my neighborhood. Plus, I am not talking about their skin color or religion since I was quite versed in those through my schooling. It was their mindset, their thoughts, their actions, their belief systems, and their appreciation and avoidance of things which were matching up with mine. Through those years away from home, I was forming a new circle of people around me who were becoming my family. Not to replace what I already had, but to increase and expand my awarenesses. I understood one did not need to have shared blood to become family. It was a revelation to me. To meet someone from different circumstances, a different part of the world and yet be able to connect to our shared interests and feelings was a “heady” feeling. And this was despite going to a school where the major I was studying put me in classes where I certainly looked like I was a minority. It is because of these experiences I could easily understand the main character in this animated adventure sequel. ACTING ON HER THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS for connections, Moana, voiced by Auli’I Adam (Mean Girls, The Power-TV), embarks on a sea adventure that would become treacherous and perilous. With Dwayne Johnson (Black Adam, Red One) voicing Maui, relative newcomer Hualalai Chung voicing Moni, Rose Matafeo (Baby Done, Starstruck-TV) voicing Loto, and David Fane (Next Goal Wins, Our Flag Means Death-TV) voicing Kele; this musical sequel was a visible wonder. The creativity and animation were exciting, and the cast was perfect. The issue was that the script did not match any of these positive features. I felt lost at times and lost connection with the characters. The other issue was how long it took to introduce Dwayne’s character into the story. Based on the original film, he certainly is one of the stronger characters and I felt he was needed earlier in this picture. I feel young kids will not care and thoroughly enjoy this movie; the songs are fun but not memorable, great action scenes, and I appreciated the message in the story. If the movie studio plans on another film for this franchise, I hope they work at matching the excitement of the first one.
2 ½ stars
Flash Movie Review: Carry-On
ON MY RECENT FLIGHT, I WAS flagged by TSA. I could not believe it because I purposely do not wear a belt, wristbands, watch or shoes with any kind of metal on them. Everything is stuffed in my jacket which I take off to put through the X-ray machine. I normally do not take my wedding ring off, but in this case, we were wearing our traveling silicon ones; so even that could not set off any alarms. And I must add, as a passenger I am fine taking off jackets and shoes, only checking through liquids in 3-ounce containers, no bottled water; whatever they want us to do to keep safe I will do it. Having arrived at the airport early enough so I would not have to fret about being late for my flight, I was more annoyed that I was randomly picked for further scanning. The TSA agent asked me to step out of line and stand in front of that machine that looked like the machine Jeff Goldblum was in that turned him into a fly. Of course, my first thought was what the other people in line were thinking about me. For some reason, my first thought is what did I do wrong; did I look like an evil person, was I blinking too much or fidgeting too much. I could have gone through a multitude of reasons but chose to remain calm and let the agents do their job. THERE WERE TWO PASSENGERS AHEAD OF me, waiting for the glass X-ray booth. The first one, I could see, was agitated; they complained they were going to be late for their flight. When it was the second person’s turn, it must have been their first time because they wanted to know exactly what the agent could see from the scan. After being reassured, they stepped in and let the scanner do its thing. When I was told to step in, I smiled and lifted my arms up above my head. I figured it would earn me points though I was not sure for what. While I retrieved my items, I watched the TSA agents working. I wanted to see the screen they sat in front of that shows the inside of everyone’s carry-on bag. It intrigues me, how can they quickly decide whether something is illegal or not. From the many times I have flown, I have seen all kinds of behavior on display and do not understand why people take their frustrations out on the TSA agents. Why get an agent so angry that they might want to do something like what the agent was asked to do in this action, crime mystery. A MYSTERIOUS TRAVELER DEMANDS A TSA agent allows their carry-on bag to go through without any conflict. If the agent refuses, then his girlfriend will die. With Taron Egerton (Rocketman, Eddie the Eagle) as Ethan Kopek, Jason Bateman (Air, Game Night) as Traveler, Sofia Carson (Purple Hearts, Feel the Beat) as Nora Parisi, Danielle Deadwyler (The Harder They Fall, Till) as Elena Cole, and Theo Rossi (Emily the Criminal, Sons of Anarchy-TV) as Watcher; this film had a strong vibe reminiscent of those older action films like The Poseidon Adventure and The Towering Inferno. I was quickly hooked on the story, despite the script not always being believable. It did not matter, because the action and mystery started right up and kept up a strong tension throughout the story. The cast worked so well together, where Taron and Jason pushed everyone to dig deeper into their characters. This was such an entertaining movie watching experience; I enjoyed every minute of it, though a small part of me was wondering if this could ever happen. Hopefully not.
3 ½ stars
Flash Movie Review: Brothers
DESPITE BEING A YOUNG KID IN 4th grade, I already could tell my friend’s mother favored him over his oldest brother. Various times when I was playing at their house, the mother and older brother would yell at each other. It was no longer a surprise when I heard a door slam in the house; it usually happened at the end of their yelling matches. I did not know the oldest brother that well because we had little interaction with him. He was with his friends or out of the house a good deal of the time. At the most, he played a board game with us five or six times. One time, I asked my friend why his brother and mother were always fighting, and he said his mother did not like his attitude. I was not sure what he meant by that, so I let it go. The thing I found so weird about the whole thing is the fact they would be arguing in front of me. I am sure every family has a disagreement/fight between family members, but I could never imagine having one in front of guests. It just seemed wrong to me because I knew how uncomfortable I felt when they were arguing, and I certainly would not want to have any friends who were over to the house to experience such a thing. AS I GREW OLDER, MORE MATURE, and with the expansion of my circle of friends, I became aware of the fact that parents for the most part equally love their children. They may, though, show it in different ways and that is okay. A friend’s parents were always on him to complete his homework. They had a more hand’s off attitude when it came to his sister. Where they would sit with him and go over his homework, asking questions, and pushed him harder, they would only have to ask their daughter once about her homework, then never mentioned it again. I felt the parents realized my friend had trouble focusing on completing his assignments, so they took a more active role in his education. They did heap much praise on him whenever he completed a school task, encouraging him to do more. I always felt they loved him, despite him complaining to me how tough they were on him. This bond that forms between parent and child is also based on personalities. Just like we may be friends with one person but not with another, I think parents must navigate through a child’s personality and figure out how to fit in with them. Though I am not sure about the mother in this action, crime comedy. WHEN A REFORMED CRIMINAL IS VISITED by his twin brother, who has a proposal for him that could be quite profitable, he must decide how loyal he wants to be to their mom’s favorite. With Josh Brolin (Dune franchise, Only the Brave) as Moke Munger, Peter Dinklage (She Came to Me, American Dreamer) as Jady Munger, Taylour Paige (My Rainey’s Black Bottom, The Toxic Avenger) as Abby Munger-Jacobson, Brendan Fraser (The Whale, Doom Patrol-TV) as Farful, and Glenn Close (The Wife, The Deliverance) as Cath Munger; this movie’s saving grace was the cast. The story is one most people have seen, but the actors did their best to create a different spin on it. Unfortunately, the writers wrote a generic blueprint of a story that was easy to predict and had average humor to it. I felt they could have pushed the characters farther to create more substance inside of each of them. There were several amusing scenes but not enough to always keep me engaged with the story. There is not much else to say about this picture except, I wonder what the writers’ mothers thought about it.
2 stars
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