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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: 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: My Old Ass
THE INDIVIDUALS LOOKING AT ME IN the photos I have in my hand are related to me, but I do not know how. They all have been deceased for a long time and there is no one alive in my family who is old enough to remember them. I wished I had seen the photos years ago and had the foresight to ask about the people in the photos, to learn how they were related to me, what they did in life, and any other bits of information that would provide me with a clearer picture about my family roots. Now, they will be framed and hung on a wall as a mystery for our family. My other thought is maybe these deceased relatives have descendants who might like photocopies of their ancestors. I cannot say I have regrets; it is the first time I have seen these photos and there is nothing I can do about it. Besides, I already have a variety of memories I can dwell on and determine if there would have been a different outcome if I had only done “such and such.” I certainly do not want to go through life having regrets, but if I could have pressed a magic replay button, there may have been a few times I would have liked to alter the outcome. WHEN I THINK BACK TO ALL the people I have dated, I have no regrets about having dated them. There might be one or two that I could have done without, but if I think hard about it, I gained something by knowing each person, even if it did not turn out to be a long-term relationship. When it comes to events, there are a few I wish I could have managed differently. For example, I wish I had not sped my way through a national park that resulted in me being pulled over and given a speeding ticket. In my defense, I thought the park had a closing time. When I mentioned this to the officer, he chuckled and said it is a national park, there is not a closing time. At that point, I knew I was going to get a ticket. Of all the things I have done in my life there are a few that come close to me, having regrets about how I acted. One was a relative’s funeral I did not attend because I had just started a new job and was afraid to immediately ask for a day off. Looking back, I should have talked to my boss and explained the situation; if they said no, at least I would have known I tried instead of making the decision on my own. Imagine if we had a way to get advice about upcoming events in our life; we could avoid having any regrets. It is an interesting proposition and one that is skillfully handled in this dramatic comedy romance. AFTER GETTING HIGH ON MUSHROOMS FOR her birthday, a young girl is introduced to her older self who comes with a warning. The question is, should the younger self really believe her older self. With Maisy Stella (Nashville-TV, Spirit Riding Free-TV) as Elliott, Aubrey Plaza (Ingrid Goes West, Safety Not Guaranteed) as Older Elliott, Percy Hynes White (Cast No Shadow, The Gifted-TV) as Chad, Maddie Ziegler (The Fallout, The Book of Henry) as Ruthie, and Kerrice Brooks (Feeling Randy, The Prom) as Ro; this might appear like a typical story about an older and younger self meeting. However, this script put a twist on the genre and created a sweet, thoughtful, touching story about family and coming of age. I thought Aubrey and Maisy were a perfect match; they had good comedic timing and easily expressed their emotions with their face and body. The writers also took the story and created mini stories to work in conjunction with the main one which allowed more space to let the stories evolve. I was entertained by this film and had no regrets having taken the time to sit down and watch it.
3 stars
Flash Movie Review: Conclave
THROUGHOUT MY SCHOOL YEARS, I WAS never great with testing. Whether it was scheduled or a pop quiz, I struggled with it. Gratefully, early on, I realized I would have to study harder for tests and just hope for the best when it came to pop quizzes. I always knew the subject; that was not the issue. However, when I was given a multiple-choice question, the imaginative side of my brain could usually justify more than one choice. It took me several years to find a way to quickly throw out the obviously incorrect answers so I could quickly test out the remaining responses, to determine which one was the correct answer. In grade school, I remember there was a boy who sat a couple of seats ahead of me in the next row who would cheat on the teacher’s tests. He had a close friend who sat in the seat next to him who helped by flashing him with different hand signals. Whenever this boy needed an answer, he would tap his pencil on the edge of the desk. His friend would glance over, and the cheater would hold up the number of fingers corresponding to which question he needed the answer. The friend would check then give him a hand signal. For example, if the correct answer was “A” then the boy would point his index and middle fingers down until the fingertips were resting on the desk. For the “C” answer he would form the letter “C” with his hand and so on. It annoyed me that he was cheating but I never tattled on him. I later would discover certain students made a habit of cheating. I ALWAYS FOUND CHEATING AN ODD thing. Mainly because I believed we needed to know the right answers because the class structure was one where teachers were building upon building on top of the information we were learning. We had to know the events that led to a historical event, not just know that World War II happened without understanding how it came to be. Applying this to my current life, I certainly would not go to a doctor who cheated on their tests. But I have seen in the business world, there are individuals who make it a habit of cheating for personal gain. I worked at a company where one salesperson would steal sample books from other salespeople. They wanted to give out books to everyone in their territory even though they were told the smaller volume customers would need to be charged for the books. They did not think so, which was their right; however, it was not fair to steal books from fellow salespeople. Sadly, this is only one example; throughout my career, I have encountered cheaters from every line of work. And if anything, I saw in this movie is based on truth, I am dumbstruck. UPON THE UNEXPECTED DEATH OF THE pope, the cardinals were summoned to the Vatican to begin the process of selecting a new pope. Only one cardinal finds themselves standing in the middle of events uncovered that could rattle the Catholic Church to its core. With Ralph Fiennes (The Forgiven, Harry Potter franchise) as Lawrence, Stanley Tucci (The Witches, The Lovely Bones) as Bellini, John Lithgow (Killers of the Flower Moon, Cabrini) as Tremblay, Lucian Msamati (The Good Liar, Gangs of London-TV) as Adeyemi, and Jacek Koman (Defiance, Tonight You’re Sleeping with Me) as Wozniak; this dramatic thriller started as a slow burn for me. However, as the story unfolded, I became more engaged. It did not hurt that I was excited to see locations that I have visited at the Vatican. The acting was outstanding from the cast, even the short time Isabella Rossellini as Sister Agnes was on screen was a memorable experience. As for the story, I have not read the book but if any of it is based on truth then I am stunned. The screenwriters did a wonderful job of creating a live chess match for these actors to play in. Also, I could see where parallels could be drawn to current events. Truth be told, even after seeing this film several days ago, I still wonder if any of the story was based on truth. If so, it would give me a different perspective on the church.
3 ¼ stars
Flash Movie Review: Wicked
I WAS BROWSING THROUGH THE BOOKSTORE, despite already having a couple of books in my hand. As I came up to one of the display tables that were scattered throughout the store, a book cover caught my eye. Believe it or not, it was the light-colored paper that attracted my eyes to it first, but then it was the illustration. It looked like one of those old-fashioned pencil drawn cartoons you would see in a magazine or newspaper. I was intrigued by this, so I decided to stop and pick up one of the book copies that were stacked on top of the table. I read the back cover first before opening the front cover to read the brief summary describing what the book was about. It was such a fascinating idea for a story and clicked into my childhood fantasies that had been fueled by movies I had seen when I was a small boy. I decided to purchase the book and began reading it as soon as I got home. The writing was imaginative and creative; I was able to see the characters and scenery perfectly in my mind as if I were right there with them. Going forward, I made sure I put time aside every day to read more of the book until I finished it. AFTER I HAD READ THE BOOK, I told all my friends about what a wonderful story it was to read. Because I do not like giving much away when people ask, “What is it about,” I produced the perfect answer: it is a prequel to the story of “The Wizard of Oz.” Some of the looks I would get from friends were amusing. Most of them said they did not know or hear there was such a thing. I explained the story was about the early life of some of the characters. My fondness for the book made me be on the lookout for any other books written by the same author. Several years later, I was surprised to hear about a new musical that was opening on Broadway, which was based on the book I had read back in 1995. I made a point of looking for theater reviews or news about the production, besides wishing I could go to New York to see it for myself. As it turned out, the musical was a big hit, and it won the Tony Award. I had to wait a couple of years before I was able to see it when a traveling company set up residence in my city; it went on to become one of the longest lasting running plays here. And now, years later, I witnessed another transformation of the novel I read decades ago, by watching this musical romantic dramatic fantasy. COMING FROM COMPLETELY DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS, two first-year college students are forced to be roommates. These friendly enemies soon learn there was something more to each of them when they were together. With Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Widows) as Elphaba, Ariana Grande (Don’t Look Up, Victorious-TV) as Galinda, Jeff Goldblum (Jurassic Park franchise, The Grand Budapest Hotel) as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Michelle Yeoh (Tomorrow Never Dies, A Haunting in Venice) as Madame Morrible, and Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton-TV, Fellow Travelers) as Fiyero; this big production blockbuster did not spare a penny in creating a magical feast for the eyes. The scenery was amazing, colorful, and creative. The actors were perfectly cast and crafted for their roles. Jonathan Bailey was the biggest surprise for me with his singing and dancing. However, at the top of screen star power, I have to say it goes to Cynthia. Anyone in a scene with her faded slightly to the background because of Cynthia’s acting ability. She was able to emote such feelings simply through her facial expressions. Now, I will say the film, which is only part one, was too long. The middle section dragged at times for me; however, the last hour was worth the price of admission. For me, that was the exciting part of the film and kept me laser focused on what was taking place on screen. Luckily, no one in the audience felt the need to sing along with the actors. If one is not an enthusiastic fan of musical numbers, they will get bored at times because the musical numbers fill up a generous portion of the scenes. For everyone else, they will love this film. Part two will be released in November of 2025.
3 ½ stars
Flash Movie Trailer: Emilia Perez
ONCE I FEEL SOMEONE IS NOT a good person, I rarely change my mind. What I mean by good is someone who displays kindness, thoughtfulness, empathy, compassion, and other similar types of qualities. In a previous movie review, I mentioned the time I spotted a classmate setting fire to a cat’s tail. Unless he found the answer in curing cancer later in life, I cannot ever consider him a decent human being. Some years ago, I bumped into a former classmate who was mean to me. I was cordial but had no desire to continue a conversation with him until unexpectedly he asked me if I remembered us when we were back in school. When I said yes, he offered me an apology which, I have to say, seemed heartfelt. He explained his home life back then and how angry he was at everyone, but pointing out it still was not an excuse for the things he did to me. I was touched by his words and accepted his apology. We continued talking for a bit and I asked him what he did for a living. When he said he was a teacher, I chuckled. He asked what was so funny and I said from him being a teacher’s nightmare to becoming a teacher was funny. He thought for a moment, smiled, and said he would have to agree with me. AS I HAVE STATED IN THE past, I believe everyone is born with both good and evil inside of them. It is up to the individual to decide and choose which one they will manifest. I used to know this person when I was a kid who had a fun sense of humor and was very personable. However, they had such a quick temper that they would periodically get into fistfights. Being strong and former military, they usually won those fights. Unfortunately, as time went on, the people he fought were getting seriously injured, to the point they needed to be hospitalized. As a result, there were a couple of times this person had to be jailed. Would you say they were a good or bad person? I felt they had a mix of both. Though I remember the times I was around them, I would always try not to upset them. There were a couple of people I used to work with at previous companies who were running scams. One woman was living with a man who was the father of her three children; but they were not married. The reason being she could file for state aid on each child. With the money they would get they used it to help fund the lavish trips they took and designer clothes they bought. I could not say she was a good person which ironically was my dilemma with the main character in this crime, musical thriller, drama. AN UNSATISFIED LAWYER RECEIVES AN OFFER that could drastically change her life. She had no idea how much change and risk it would entail. With Zoe Saldana (Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, The Adam Project) as Rita Moro Castro, Karla Sofia Gascon (We Are the Nobles, Wild Heart-TV) as Manitas Del Monte, Selena Gomez (Only Murders in the Building-TV, Spring Breakers) as Jessi, Adriana Paz (The Empty Hours, Spectre) as Epifania, and Edgar Ramirez (Jungle Cruise, Point Break( as Gustavo Brun; this film festival winning movie grabbed me right from the start. What a mix of ideas that on paper looked like they would not work together, but instead created this imaginative piece of entertainment that had a couple of messages thrown in without preaching. Zoe and Karla were outstanding, and I felt this could be Zoe’s best performance. The basic idea of the story was not that unusual; but the execution of it was imaginative and creative. At times bordering close to being humorous to becoming a powerful statement, I enjoyed this picture from beginning to end. It is a good movie. There were a few scenes with violence and blood.
3 ½ stars
Flash Movie Review: Didi
I DO NOT KNOW WHEN IT actually changed, but I quickly realized some of the games and toys I liked, no one else did. It was like one day my friends and I were playing a game of tag, and the next day it became a game for little kids. My world was quickly changing; certain things and activities once “cool” were no longer “cool” anymore. There was the year everyone I knew in school was wearing puka bead necklaces. There were a few students who would make and sell them to the other students. I had three different ones that I would wear, depending on what shirt I wore that day. All of us thought we were trendsetters. However, the following school year if you were caught wearing those necklaces, it was more than likely someone would make a snide comment about it. Just like that it had fallen out of favor. What replaced the necklaces with being the hot item for the year was a particular new brand of blue jeans. Many students could be seen throughout the school hallways wearing these jeans; all except me because they did not come in my size. I was devastated; I desperately wanted to up my “cool factor” and my weight was holding me back. IT WAS DURING THIS TIME WHEN I noticed my body was starting to change, as were most of the kids around me. My skin started breaking out with acne and I started growing facial hair. I had no idea that being one of the first boys to have this growth would be considered “cool.” It did not last long as many of my friends started appearing with shadow stubbles around their jawline. I worked extra hard to lose weight to make up for the feelings of dread whenever I saw my acne covered face in the mirror. It was such an awkward time and all of us were about to move on to high school, where there would be a much larger student body. My freshman year had a rough start. With my beard growing heavier and thicker, I was prone to getting multiple ingrown hairs that would get infected. I had to start going to a dermatologist that had to use a device that would leave me with scabs around my neck. Add in the acne, and heavy weight; my self-worth was down in the dumpster. Friends were expanding their circle or friends, boys and girls were dating, and a pecking order was developing within the first-year class. One had to be careful about the way they dressed, talked, and moved throughout the school. It was such an awkward period which should explain why I appreciated this movie so much. IT IS THE SUMMER BEFORE THE new school year starts and a 13-year-old Asian boy is trying to find a way to fit in with the kids in the neighborhood. With Izaac Wang (Good Boys, Clifford the Big Red Dog) as Chris Wang, Joan Chen (Sleep Without a Shepherd, Marco Polo-TV) as Chungsing Wang, Shirley Chen (Beast Beast, Wake Up) as Vivian Wang, newcomer Zhang Li Hua as Nai Nai, and newcomer Raul Dial as Fahad; this film took a well-covered genre and made it something special. First off, I thought the acting was superb from the main cast, especially Joan and Izaac. I felt the actors were completely lost in their characters; they were so believable. There was no need to over explain situations or turn them into a form of basement humor. The script and directing blended in a clean and uncomplicated way, allowing the actions to tell the story. I feel a good portion of the viewers will be able to relate to this story, minus the insecurities or fears they might have had when they were at that age. Multiple scenes had Chinese spoken with English subtitles.
3 ½ stars
moviejoltz 