A Great Reminder of What Our Country has Gone Through In "Patriot's Day"

While we may not want to remember the Boston Marathon Bombing in 2013, or recall that the entire city of Boston was paralyzed for some time. Patriot's Day is worth seeing to remind us all what people of the United States have gone through, not to mention how resilient and patriotic American's are. Usually, I don't put in a plug for the actors in the films I talk about. However, Mark Wahlberg did such a tremendous job portraying a Boston Police Officer that he deserves to be recognized for this work. Especially, when you learn that his character is the composition of two real (not made up) Boston Officers, one a detective, and one a uniformed officer. Thank you both for your service. And thank you Mr. Wahlberg for your portrayal. Two scenes in the movie really chocked me up. One scene, where an officer stood over the body of an 8 year old boy. When the boy's body was finally transported to the morgue all of the officers, including the officer that watched over him for hours, saluted him as the ambulance drove away. The second, was when one of the marathon runners, that lost his leg,  returned to run the  marathon a couple of years after the attack. This is a movie worth your time and money. Go and see it, then come back and lets chat.

 

Hidden Treasures, Hidden History are found in "Hidden Figures"

As I have stated in earlier posts. I love movies that are based on true stories, or actual information. "Hidden Figures" is about three black ladies in 1961 that work for the NASA Space Program. Without Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson, and Dorothy Vaughan, John Glenn may have not gotten into space and orbited the Earth. This movie is well worth the time you will spend in the theater. The film shows you how naïve we were as a society. To think that because of ones gender or skin color would determine ones intelligence. I don't want to give you anymore information, it would ruin the film for you. Let me just say, we need to rewrite the history books to include these untold stories.  Go and see this film, then come back and lets chat.  

Looking forward to seeing these in the Theater

I really enjoy learning about our countries past. WWII always gets a lot of attention, and 2017 looks like it will have at least one. When the storyline is based on truth or actual event that is all the better. "Dunkirk" is one that is set in France during WWII, based on true events...sounds good to me. 

I have shared with my students, when they complain about their lives, that everyone has adversity. There isn't anyone who has skated through life unscathed. "The Shack" is a story about one man's trials. The movie has been called faith based, and an American fantasy drama. I choose to call it a feel good movie. We can't get enough of feel good anything, in our normally, stressful lives. Looking forward to seeing "The Shack".

Finally, the happy dancing cosmic super hero is coming back with more songs from the 70's. "Guardian of the Galaxy Vol.2" will be gracing the silver screen with all the characters we laughed with during the 1st Vol. The movie looks like a fun ride.

Of course that's not all the movies coming out this year. But it is all the time I have right now. I will be posting more about upcoming films as I see previews, or hear of any that sound like they might be of interest. At any rate, take a look at the trailers and lets chat. What do you think of these three films?

An Old Time Feel for a New Flick...You're in "LA LA Land"

WOW! if you like the dancing styles of Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O'Connor in "Singing In The Rain" then you are going to love "LA LA Land. Lets face it, who hasn't dreamed of throwing your car into park, getting out and starting to sing and dance in the middle of a bumper to bumper I-5 traffic jam. What fun. It is a treat to see all the movie back lots, old artifacts (probably replicas, but who cares), and paintings of Hollywood greats from the past. Great Music (heavy on the Jazz), Wonderful Singing, and Fantastic Dancing. You will find this film just an enjoyable way to relax and transport yourself into another world. Go and See it. Then come back and lets chat.

The inspiratation is found on "Sing Street"

Life is what you make it. If you let someone drive your life than you  will get what get, and the only way to change it is to work hard and persevere. "Sing Street" provides you with that inspiration. Decide who you want to be and what you want to do, then go for it! Regardless of the obstacles you stumble across along the way. If it is worth having one has to push forward. Learn from those attempts that fall short of your goal. Celebrate the successes you obtain, move ahead, and take the risk. No matter what the outcome, you come out a winner, because you have learned something about yourself. That is "Sing Street". You can find it on Netflix. It is worth your time and the price is right, If for nothing else enjoy the great music. Go and see it, then come back and lets chat. 

A Wave of Emotion washes over "Manchester by the Sea"

This seems to be the season for movies containing deep thought for the viewer as we watch the tragedy of the character(s). Manchester by the Sea fits right into this trend. The movie is filled with beautiful scenery, snow falling on the small town of  Manchester. Everyone knows everyone and it is tough to get away from the past, especially yours. If you are looking for a movie with a good story, then Manchester by the sea is for you.  A good matinee, full price might be over the top. If nothing else catch it on DVD when it comes out. In any case, be sure to have some tissue handy as you may shed a few tears. Go see it and then come back and lets chat.

You'll Find a Beauty in "Collateral Beauty"

My wife and I saw this movie yesterday. This was the most enjoyable movie we have seen all year. While the premise is a father has suffered a great loss and how he deals with it. There is so much more. This film is well worth your time and the cost of admission. Go and see it, then come on back and lets chat.