Fist Fight: Two Teachers and Two Sets of Fists

So my husband and I have this system when life throws us unwanted curve balls, we see a movie.  Friday was definitely that day and instead of staying home and being sad, we saw a stupidly hilarious movie, and were so glad we did.

Andy Campbell is a teacher at a public high school and is known as the nice guy.  His wife is due any day now and he is set to dance with his daughter at her school talent show.  It also happens to be the last day of school, so you'd think life couldn't be better.  This school, however, has some unruly high schoolers, especially seniors, and is creating some extreme pranks such as traps throughout the school, a horse running free, and some not so appropriate images mowed into the lawn.  The administration  is also making huge cut backs, so many jobs are on the line.  Andy's school is literally a mess and it gets much worse when he rats out a teacher for using an ax to chop up a desk after freaking out on a student.  The teacher does not take being ratted out so well and tells Andy he needs to meet him in the parking lot at 3 o'clock to fight.  So now Andy has to find out if he still has a job, maintain some order in an unruly school, meet his daughter for their dance, and fight another teacher. Andy doesn't know what to do, but he is sick of being the nice guy who always getting walked on.  He can either try to make amends with his fellow teaching partner, ignore the fight altogether, or prove he isn't a doormat.

This movie was hilarious in that stupid funny way you'd expect after seeing the trailer.  It clearly would never happen in real life and the concept was far fetched, but it made me laugh a lot which was exactly what I needed.  So if you are in the mood for some dumb humor and you don't mind a lot of profanity, this is your movie.  Rotten Tomatoes gave it 32% and IMDB gave it a 6/10.  I'd say IMDB was spot on.  It isn't going to win any awards and tended to drag a bit, but I promise you'll laugh if you can appreciate it for what it is.  I also think teachers will appreciate the sentiment and message it sends regarding cut backs and expectations of educators.

Two Very Different Movies with One Thing in Common: Space

There were two movies coming out this winter that I knew I had to see.  After seeing both, I was more impressed with one than the other, but also thought it interesting how they had something in common.  You see, both movies shared the human interest of space travel in common and though one was from our past and one from our possible future, were equally as interesting.

Hidden Figures

Plot: This movie was about three intelligent, African American women who had to fight their whole lives to proof their intelligence in a world run by white men.  They had two things going against them which were their race and their gender.  During this time in US history, women were secretaries and every aspect of the US was separated by color from where you drank to what restroom you used.  You'd think NASA would be different, but it was far from it.  These three young ladies each worked for NASA in a computing department, but were capable of much more.  Each had their own battle in order to get out of computing and prove their intellect. After Russia had a successful mission into space, NASA was under the wire and pressure was on for us to send our men to the moon.  This allowed the girls to show NASA just what they were capable of.

Review: With the current state of the divisions of race in our country, I delayed seeing this.  I didn't want it to add to my discontent, but am happy to report that it was inspiring more than anything.  One of the women, Katherine, had to literally walk 20 minutes to the nearest colored bathroom and her co-workers designated a colored coffee pot for her to use.  One day when asked where she goes and why it takes her so long, she lost it and explained that it was due to the color of her skin.  This scene was powerful and so well acted.  You could see and feel in the injustice and how she finally let it all out.  I loved how this scene then sent a change through NASA and her boss who was typically reserve and conservative, began making changes such as removing all colored bathrooms and explaining there would be no division in NASA.  Another compelling story was from Mary who could't work on a project until she had a specific degree, but the problem was that she couldn't take the needed classes, because it was an all white school.  The best scene was when her boss explained she had no excuse since he was a Polish Jew who  got to where he was.  Mary fought her way to that degree and was able to convince a judge to change the ruling.  So as you can see, this movie was filled with inspiration.  IMDB gave it a 7.9/10 and Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 92%.  I would give it a 9.5/10.  The only reason why is because I wished it ended on a more inspiring note, but it was based on a true story so I can't blame the film for that.  I highly recommend this for all to see for a reminder of how diversity can be beautiful.

The Space Between Us

Plot: A young astronaut learns she is pregnant as she is on a mission to Mars.  Her baby is delivered on the planet and left without a mother as she died during child birth.  This leaves NASA with quite the predicament.  Here is this baby whose body is not able to handle the travel to Earth let alone its atmosphere, so they are left with no choice, but to have him live on Mars.  Fast forward 16 years later and like any teenager, Gardner is itching for interaction with others his age.  He is able to communicate with a girl from Earth via the internet and after finding some hints about where his real father could be, he is determine to get to Earth.  After some convincing of his sudo mom on Mars, Gardner is granted his wish.  Once arriving on Earth, the rebellious teen in him kicks in and he runs away to search for his lady friend and his father.  He does find his lady friend, Tulsa, quickly and the two are off on an adventure, but first he must convince her of where he is really from.  She soon finds out the guy she thought she knew is from a world she's never known and realizes he doesn't have much time as his body is slowly showing just how not from Earth he really is.  They are determined to find his father in time before it's too late.

Review: The best word to sum up this movie in one word is, cute.  I loved the concept of exploring space and the science behind the human body and how it would be tricky with a baby only ever living in Space.  However, the plot was well suited for a younger crowd.  If I was 16/17, I would have eaten this up, but with more life experience, it seemed cheesy in parts.  The plot twist at the end was predictable, but the science and scenes were pretty cool.  I'd say if it was a Sunday morning and you saw this on Netflix, give it a go, otherwise save your money.  IMDB gave it a 6.2/10 and Rotten Tomatoes gave it a whopping 18%.  This really tells you how it is, because Rotten Tomatoes has been pretty generous lately, so for them to give it that low of a score, you know it's lacking.  I would give it a 5/10.  It's all about perspective and at 31, I need more in a movie.

Split: The Director of Signs and 6th Sense Makes Another Must See Film

Every so often I come across trailers that get me extremely stoked for the movie.  This was definitely one of those trailers.  Unfortunately, it usually happens that I get my hopes up and the movie ends up letting me down in a big bad way. I believe one movie I even walked out on, which I never do.  This movie however, did not disappoint and actually surpassed my expectations.

Three high school girls are kidnapped and wake up in what appears to be a secluded room in a basement somewhere unknown.  They soon find out they were selected for a reason.  You see, the man who took them has 23 personalities and he is working on revealing his 24th which is known as the Beast.  The Beast wants souls who have never experienced pain as an offering and these girls seem to be who fits that requirement.  The girls continue to learn more and more about their captor and his different versions.  They try to use what they learn to trick him into letting them go.  This works for a short time and then they are even worse than where they started.  Time is drawing closer to the end where they will meet the Beast and they are trying to do everything they can do avoid that, but will they be strong enough or clever enough to do so?

This was definitely a suspenseful movie, but it was also interesting because it showed almost 3 stories at the same time.  The film focuses on Kevin, played by James McAvoy, who has 23-24 personalities, but also shares the story of his counselor who has researched and believes his disorder to be him having more use of his brain than others. For example, one of his personalities has diabetes, one is a women, one is gay, and so on.  Each one was almost willed into being.  His body chemistry even changes and all in an attempt for his mind to protect who he really is which is a man named Kevin who was severely abused as a child.  We also have one of the kidnapped girls who has her own backstory with an awful uncle.  We slowly see more and more of what happened to her which ends up saving her in many situations throughout the film.  There were so many facets and deeper stories than just a kidnapping which made this an excellent psychological thriller.  IMDB gave it a 7.6/10 and Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 75%.  I would score it a 7.8/10.  James McAvoy is truly talented and the way he portrayed each personality and the internal conflict of his character was outstanding.  The movie keeps you in your toes the whole time and if you like thrillers with a mix of suspense and physiology, you'll like this film.  It is rated PG-13, but has some dark innuendos so I would leave the kids and teems at home for this one.

Action Films Galore: What Should You See?

I've seen two action films this week, and thought it would be better to do a comparison to help you determine which may strike your fancy.  I honestly liked them both for different reasons, but promise to reveal which I preferred best.  To start, let's give a brief summary of both.

Live by Night: Directed by Ben Affleck
Joe Coughlin, played by Ben Affleck, lived the life of a mobster.  The problem is that he let a girl get in the way which almost cost him his life.  He was later given a chance to start over which entailed moving to Miami and working for another mobster, who happened to be the enemy of the man he was previously working for.  His goal was to make his new boss profitable and Joe was good at what he did. He developed a life in Miami and even fell in love again, but things got more complicated when he realized a group known as the KKK were heavily prominent in this area and did not like having Casinos and shady business occurring in the same area as their strong, Christian values.  Their goal was to shut him down, but what happens to a mobster who gets shut down when he has an even tougher mobster to report to?

Patriots Day: Starring Mark Wahlberg
Tommy is a Boston police officer who is assigned to work the Boston Marathon.  He'd rather be at home with his wife as he considers this security patrol verses true police work, but is trying to prove himself after a temporary suspension.  The day seems so be going as planned until a series of explosions occur at the race injuring many and even killing several- including an 8 year old boy.  The entire city is in devastation and Tommy is left to help pick up the pieces and try to figure out who did this to his city.  Naturally, once this event is labeled as terrorism, the FBI show up and take over.  Tommy and the FBI director don't always see eye to eye, but he won't rest until they find the two responsible for this. The FBI doesn't want to admit this, but they need Tommy in this investigation as he knows this city inside and out.  Will his help be enough and will they be able to find the suspects before another explosion occurs?

Who Did it Best?
Live by Night scored a whopping 34% on Rotten Tomatoes which is awful since they seem to have been more kind recently in their rating to most movies. IMDB gave it a 6.8/10.  I think a 6/10 would be fair.  It was good for what it was, but tended to drag a bit.  They could have easily cut out 30 minutes and cut out some unnecessary scenes, then would have had a better film.

Patriots Day rated a 79% on Rotten Tomatoes and 7.8/10 on IMDB.  I would have given it an 8/10.  It's not really a fair comparison, just because we have so much more interest and compassion for this movie since it was based on the true events of the bombings at the Boston Marathon.  Tommy was a fictional character, but this film showed how they found photos of the suspects, the poor MIT student that was taken by them and how he escaped, the intense scenes where many Boston PD and FBI agents were getting bombs thrown at them while trying to corner the suspects, and how they finally caught them.  It also showed several real images throughout the movie in a way that was smooth and didn't seem odd or draw attention.  I also loved the last 20 minutes when they showed interviews with some victims and police officers from that day.  It was suspenseful even though you knew what happened and it was heartfelt.  I am usually not a Wahlberg fan as some of his roles can be quite cheesy, but his acting was well done in this film.

If you need more support for why Patriots Day wins this competition, then take it from my Dad who sent me this text this morning, " I saw Live by Night yesterday. Pretty good! But I think the Patriot was better."  So there you have it folks- now you know which action film you need to see this week.  Enjoy!

Jackie: Natalie Portman is Jackie Kennedy

I feel like ever since I was little, I have been obsessed with Jackie Kennedy.  Her poise, demeanor, smile, and style just drew me in.  I think I also admired her for being the victim of a rather lack luster marriage, yet she always seemed like she had it together.  I am not condemning JFK, but lets be honest here, would you want to marry him?  However your feelings were for JFK, I think many can agree that Jackie was to be noticed. With that said, I was surprised when my 85 year old grandmother complained that we had yet again, another Jackie movie.  I never watched the series starring Katie Holmes and am not sure what else is out there, but can assure you that this was a well done movie and I definitely think Jackie lovers all over or history buffs would enjoy it.

Our film begins with an interview just after JFK was murdered.  We have Jackie, starring Natalie Portman, and a journalist who has agreed to allow her to edit this interview and decide what is published.  The remainder of the film goes back and forth between the death of JFK and immediate dates after leading up to the interview and the interview itself.  Jackie not only was sitting next to her husband when he died, but she held his opened scull together to help from further bleeding, and had to tell their two children that their daddy would not be coming home.  The movie also portrayed the transition to Lyndon Johnson's presidency and how much support was given to ensure Jackie was taken care of.  Her main focus was that her husband received the best send-off possible and she would't listen to anyone who told her to do otherwise.   Security during this time was scary and many didn't feel a walking procession was the best idea, but Jackie did it anyway and had thousands of supporters doing the same.

This movie scored 87% on Rotten Tomatoes and 7.6/10 on IMDB.  I would round up to an 8/10 as it was so well acted by not only Natalie Portman but also Peter Sarsgaard, who plays Bobby Kennedy.  The film really focused on the inner conflicts of Jackie during the darkest days of her life.  It was compelling and raw.  If you are looking for excitement or action, even mystery, this is not your film.  If you are looking for depth along with history then you have come to the right place.

Must See Movies of the Season

Don't be silly and think that since I haven't blogged a movie review since early December, that I haven't been to the movies.  You guys know me and know that would just be downright depressing.  I decided that since December is so busy with the holidays and there are so many movies out, I would narrow it down to a list of movies I really think you should see.  Each is very different from the other but equally as enjoyable and worth the money.  Hope you enjoy and after this we will go back to our weekly/semi weekly reviews!

Rogue One

Summary

Jyn Erso has been on the run since she can remember.  Her father was forced to work for the First Order on a dangerous weapon that could destroy everything and Jyn is rescued by the resistance in hopes she can lead them to him.  The problem is that one of the Resistance members has been ordered to kill him.  Jyn and others from the Resistance feel their leaders aren't making the right calls and decide to break out on their own in hopes of saving the galaxy.  Will their small group be enough to take on the First Order and Darth Vader?

Why You Should See It

This movie was awesome.  I have not always been the biggest Star Wars fan (hoping the husband didn't just draw up divorce papers now), but felt I didn't have to see others to understand what was going on.  This movie was its own story that connected other movies an characters in the Star Wars series. Jyn was the perfect protagonist and the symbolism of hope rang throughout the film.  An excellent cast and excellent effects made for an excellent movie. 

Audience

Besides the obvious Star Wars fans, I think kids and adults will love this movie.  The scenes weren't too intense for children and there was plenty of humor along with great action scenes. 

Why Him

Summary

Ned Fleming's world is turned upside down when his daughter requests he, his wife, and son join her in California to meet her new boyfriend.  Ned soon discovers that his baby is all grown up and madly in love with a millionaire who leads a slightly different lifestyle than Ned is accustomed too.  The boyfriend, Laird, is determined to get Ned to like him and does everything he can to do so such as: a tattoo of the family on his back, a bowling alley with Ned's face plastered all over it, and lots of other methods that end up turning into disasters.  It seems like the more he tries, the further he pushes Ned away and therefore his girlfriend.  Will Laird be able to figure out a way to win the heart of the father of the love of his life?  

Why You Should See It

This movie had so much stupid humor it was ridiculous.  I mean that in a good way.  I laughed the entire time, but how can you not with a cast that includes Bryan Cranston and James Franco. If you can appreciate lots of swearing and a ton of adult humor, you'll love this movie.  

Audience

Please leave children at home.  The content and swearing is a little much for kiddos, but feel free to take your significant other and enjoy a hilarious date night.

Passengers

Summary

Jim Preston wakes up to discover he is on his way to another planet.  Once he is more awake, he remembers signing up for this new adventure, but once he realizes he woke up too early, as the remaining 5,000 passengers are asleep, and has 90 years to go, he knows he has a problem.  Jim makes the best of his new situation but after a year passes, he needs what he has been missing most, human connection.  It is when he sees a sleeping passenger that he has the biggest debate of his life.  He wants to wake her but knows that means placing her in the same situation he is in.  Is it fair to end her promise of a future so he can have a companion?  of course not, but that doesn't stop him.  Jim wakes up who he now knows as Aurora and together they develop a beautiful relationship, but there is one small problem- Aurora has no idea that Jim woke her.  Once she finds out, her hatred for him is more than either could have imagined.  The two soon discover another woken passenger and hope that just maybe, they'll be able to get out of this ship and be able to live on an actual planet. Will they be able to set aside their heartache and will the passenger be able to help them find a way to correct whatever it is that woke them up in the first place?

Why You Should See It

Can you imagine finding out you are on a vessel in space, headed for another planet, but woke up 90 years too early?  I can't either, but feel like I lived it after seeing this movie.  Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence do an amazing job of portraying the realness of their situation and all of the emotions that go along with it.  I'll never forget when Aurora (Jennifer) finds out that Jim (Chris) woke her up.  The rage and hurt she felt was evident and I have to give Jennifer major kudos for such acting.  The plot definitely twists and the trailer does not prepare you for what happens- which I liked.  This is definitely an excellent movie for suspense and a good love story,

Audience

I think older teens to adults would appreciate this movie.  There are some pretty intimate scenes so that will depend on your parenting preferences.  Other than that, the content is just fine.  

Brooklyn by Colm Toibin

Ellis lives in a small town in Ireland with her sister, Rose, and mother.  Ellis is quiet and unassuming with a small group of friends and nothing else intriguing to look forward to.  Her sister is the vibrant one with a path in life.  This all changes when Ellis receives an opportunity to move to New York where she is forced to come into her own and find out who she really is.

Ellis lives in a home with several other young ladies.  She attends school for book keeping and works in a boutique.  As time passes, she becomes more comfortable with herself and begins expressing her opinions which never would have happened in Ireland.  Then, when she least expects it, a boy named Tony changes her world even more.  

The two meet at an Irish dance, which is interesting since Tony is very much Italian, and are quite the pair.  Ellis wants to take her time with him and Tony dives in heart first.  After awhile, Tony's pursuit wins and he steals her heart.  Unfortunately, their world is turned around when Ellis hears word of her sister passing away.  She is to leave for Ireland for one month to help her mother and get affairs in order.  Tony is devastated and Ellis agrees to marry him before leaving for Ireland.

Upon arrival, Ellis is already very aware of how different it all seems.  She is not the same girl she was when she left and her friends in Ireland notice this too.  One in particular is Jim who apparently has fancied her for some time now.  Ellis is first strong willed in knowing she will return to Brooklyn, but this slowly fades as he life in Ireland seems more real than her life in New York.  Which will she choose?

This book was similar to Ellis in that it was quiet and unassuming.  All of a sudden things start happening and before you know it, you are hooked.  I really enjoyed it and loved the development of Ellis.  A quick read on a quiet Sunday.