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Why Going To The Drive In Rocks

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-1 Drive-in movies are a classic American experience, and we’re lucky enough to have two great drive-ins to choose from.  Whether you’re on a hot date or bring your family, here are some tips for getting the most out of your drive-in experience:

  • Drive-ins are cheaper than regular movies – for less than a ticket at that chain theater you can see a  double feature, so plan to stay for both.
  • If you want a prime spot, show up early.
  • Going to the drive-in on a date allows more cuddling and conversation time than a regular movie.
  • You can bring pillows &  blankets and get all comfy in your own car.
  • Children have room to move around and don’t need to be silent.
  • Kids can be tucked into the back seat at bedtime, and you can enjoy the late show.
  • You can bring your own favorite snacks if you want, or visit the concession stand.
  • You can BYOB if you’re 21 or over.
  • If you choose to, you can smoke in your own car.
  • You can bring your pet if you want.
  • Use the bathroom/buy snacks in the middle of the movie. Before and between movies is always a madhouse.
  • If you leave early, only put on parking lights to exit. Turning on your headlights ruins the movie for everybody else and blinds them for several minutes.

 

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Dixie Drive-In
6201 N. Dixie Drive, Dayton
Movies playing Thursday, March 24 through Sunday, March 27 are:

BATMAN V SUPERMAN and DEADPOOL
ZOOTOPIA and STAR WARS 7

Box office will open at 7:30pm and the first features will start around 8:30pm!
Admission:  $8 (13yrs. & up)  $2 (5yrs. – 12yrs.)
And don’t forget, the Paris Flea Market will also be open this Sunday!

 

9768efdb07073989fbf16aea7d87241fMelody 49
7606 Pleasant Plain Rd, Brookville

Movies playing Thursday, March 24 through Sunday, March 27 are:

BATMAN VS. SUPERMAN and  DAWN OF JUSTICE

THE DIVERGENT SERIES Movie 1ALLEGIANT

Box office opens at 8p.m. and the movie starts at dark,  between 8:30 and 9:00pm

Sally Field’s DORIS & Star-Studded Malick Film Open Friday at THE NEON!

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rs_634x939-151119112930-634-hello-my-name-is-doris-posterHello Everyone,

We’re cleaning house this week! If you need to see HITCHCOCK/TRUFFAUT, MUSTANG, SON OF SAUL or LADY IN THE VAN, Thursday will be your last chance to catch them at THE NEON. On Friday, we’ll begin a film that many of you have expressed excitement about – HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS – starring Sally Field. In addition, we’ll begin a film by master filmmaker Terrence Malick with a star-studded cast – KNIGHT OF CUPS.

Synopsis for HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS: “When Doris Miller meets John Fremont, her company’s hip new art director, sparks fly-at least for Doris. In the cluttered house she shared with her late mother, Doris mines the Internet for information on her one-and-only, guided by the 13-year-old granddaughter of her best pal Roz. When Doris begins showing up at John’s regular haunts, she wins over his Williamsburg friends. Her new life brings Doris a thrilling perspective, but also creates a rift between her and her longtime friends and family, who believe she’s making a fool of herself over a guy half her age. Eager for all the experiences she has missed out on, Doris throws caution to the wind and follows her heart for the very first time.” VARIETY wrote, “A showstopper. Sally Field shines.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pdn-CcRypo8

Synopsis for KNIGHT OF CUPS: “Knight of Cups follows writer Rick (Christian Bale) on an odyssey through the playgrounds of Los Angeles and Las Vegas as he undertakes a search for love and self. Even as he moves through a desire-laden landscape of mansions, resorts, beaches and clubs, Rick grapples over complicated relationships with his brother (Wes Bentley) and father (Brian Dennehy). His quest to break the spell of his disenchantment takes him on a series of adventures with six alluring women: rebellious Della (Imogen Poots); his physician ex-wife, Nancy (Cate Blanchett); a serene model Helen (Freida Pinto); a woman he wronged in the past Elizabeth (Natalie Portman); a spirited, playful stripper Karen (Teresa Palmer); and an innocent Isabel (Isabel Lucas), who helps him see a way forward. Rick moves in a daze through a strange and overwhelming dreamscape — but can he wake up to the beauty, humanity and rhythms of life around him? The deeper he searches, the more the journey becomes his destination.” THE VILLAGE VOICE wrote, “KNIGHT OF CUPS might be both the most intoxicating film [Malik] has ever made-a deluge of gorgeous, kinetic images and sounds-and, in some ways, the most perplexing.” Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

It’s almost time for THE DAYTON JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL, and this year’s selections look like a winning line-up! The fest begins in early April with screenings and speakers all around town. Here’s a list of films that will screen at THE NEON:
Thursday, April 7 – 7:15pm – ATOMIC FALAFEL
Sunday, April 10 – 7:15pm – THE LAST MENTSCH
Tuesday, April 12 – 9:30am – GETT: THE TRIAL OF VIVIANE AMSALEM
Tuesday, April 12 – 7:15pm – BORROWED IDENTITY
Thursday, April 14 – 7:15pm – APPLES FROM THE DESERT
Sunday, April 17 – 5:20pm – MAKING MORNING STAR
Sunday, April 17 – 7:15pm – DOUGH
Advanced tickets are available on the festival’s official site.

On Wednesday, April 20 at 7:30, “Go Wild for Earth Month at the WILD AND SCENIC FILM FESTIVAL presented by Aveda and the SierraClub. The evening will be a celebration of wilderness and waterways as we take a cinematic tour of rivers, lakes, oceans and the individuals exploring, enjoying, and protecting them. Over 15 films spanning the globe highlight why our waterways should be wild.” (taken from press notes) Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased in advance via this LINK. If tickets remain, they will be sold one hour before the event at our box office. All proceeds benefit the Sierra Club.

We hope to see you soon!
Thanks for your continued support!
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Tuesday, March 22 – Thursday, March 31:

THE LADY IN THE VAN (PG-13) 1 Hr 44 Min
Tuesday – Thursday (March 22-24): 3:00, 7:30
FINAL DAY – March 24!

SON OF SAUL (R) 1 Hr 47 Min
Tuesday-Thursday (March 22-24): 5:10
FINAL DAY – March 24!

HITCHCOCK/TRUFFAUT (PG-13) 1 Hr 19 Min
Tuesday-Thursday (March 22-24): 5:15
FINAL DAY – March 24!

MUSTANG (PG-13) 1 Hr 37 Min
Tuesday-Thursday (March 22-24): 3:15, 7:30
FINAL DAY – March 24!

HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS (R) 1 Hr 35 Min
Friday & Saturday (March 25 & 26): 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:30
Sunday (March 27): 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20
Monday – Thursday (March 28-31): 3:00, 5:15, 7:30

KNIGHT OF CUPS (R) 1 Hr 58 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday (March 25-27): 12:30, 3:00, 5:30, 8:00
Monday – Thursday (March 28-31): 3:00, 5:30, 8:00

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
April 1 – I SAW THE LIGHT
April 8 – DEMOLITION
April ? – REMEMBER
April 22 – MILES AHEAD (shot in Cincinnati & Dayton)
April ? – THE DARK HORSE
April ? – KRISHA
May 6 – SING STREET
May 13 – LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP
May 27 – THE MEDDLER
June 10 – MAGGIE’S PLAN
June 17 – DARK HORSE

McCoy on Movies: The Divergent Series: Allegiant

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The first installment of the two-part finale of the Divergent series is here. But is it a post-apocalyptic masterpiece or a dystopian dud?

“Hold me … Now put on that song by The Wknd you know I love so much …” Four (Theo James) and Tris (Shailene Woodley) in The Divergent Series: Allegiant. Credit: Dan McFadden. © 2016 Summit.


KEY CAST MEMBERS: Shaliene Woodley, Theo James, Ansel Elgort, Maggie Q., Naomi Watts, Miles Teller, Zoë Kravitz, Miles Teller, Jeff Daniels, Octavia Spencer and Bill Skarsgård

 

WRITER(S): Josh Campbell, Matthew Stuecken and Damien Chazelle (screenplay); Josh Campbell and Matthew Stuecken (story)
DIRECTOR(S): Robert Schwentke
 
60 SECOND PLOT SUMMARY (OR AS CLOSE TO THAT TIME AS ONE CAN MAKE IT): The first of the two part , big screen finale adaptation of the Hunger Games Divergent novel series, Allegiant finds our hero Tris (Shaliene Woodley) and her fellow renegade boyfriend Four (Theo James) ready to venture outside the walls of Chicago. No, not Wrigley Field-loving, deep dish pizza Chicago – this is dystopian, the Cubs finally won a World Series and hell-has-frozen-over Chicago. The evil Jeanine (formerly played by Kate Winslet) has been defeated, but a new potential has risen her place in the form of Four’s mother Evelyn (Naomi Watts), who is warring with Johanna (Octavia Spencer) and her new Allegiant group (the old faction system has been taken down). Caleb (Ansel Elgort), meanwhile is preparing to stand trial for his alleged crimes under Jeanine’s rule ….


While they wish to save Caleb, Tris, Four, Christina (Zoë Kravitz) and Peter (Miles Teller) also have their eyes on a greater journey: Venturing outside the walls to discover who has contacted them and saying they are needed. They soon discover that the man who has been calling them is David (Jeff Daniels), the director of the Bureau of Genetic Welfare who explains to Tris how and why the faction system ever came into existence in the first place. 


But what she doesn’t know is the true nature of David’s plans for the future … And how she is the key to unlocking them all. 
 
WHO WILL LIKE THIS FILM THE MOST? Shaliene Woodley and Theo James fans; people who absolutely love the first two films and/or the book series enough to want to see the final two films
 
WHO WON’T (OR SHOULDN’T) LIKE THIS MOVIE? Jeff Daniels and Naomi Watts fans; Hunger Games fans who feel Divergent detracts from that series; people who hate films with poorly constructed dialogue and/or spotty acting; just about anyone not covered in the groups that will like this film

 

SO, IS IT GOOD, BAD OR ABSOLUTELY AWFUL? A movie series that started off strong and has continued to peter out of steam with each installment, the best thing about Allegiant is that its release means there’s only more film to go in the Divergent series. And if that sounds harsh, there’s a reason: It should – because Allegiant is really just not that good.

Poor Theo James. It must be hard being the only actor fully committed to a movie littered with weak, junior high-level dialogue, lackluster efforts from Jeff Daniels, Naomi Watts and what is easily Miles Teller’s worst performance in eons (yup, even worse than that superhero movie from last year that we shall not speak of) and a plot which is executed in a muddled, unexhilirating fashion.


As the Hunger Games series wore on, it did lose a little intrigue each time, but at least it never felt as stale and anti-climatic as the Divergent series has. Woodley, like many of the characters now, unfortunately just feels like she’s along for the ride instead of leading these excursions and the adults have a very obvious going through the motions feel from start to finish. Having not read the books, I cannot obviously say with certainly if they are less muddled than the films, but Allegiant is so jumbled up that by the time you reach the climax, you’re already over it. That may come as bad news since this film is the first of the two-part finale, which has a LOT of work to do to make its villain seem truly threatening and its heroes, well, heroic. For this paint by numbers affair is loaded with tired tropes (the love conflict story, the guy who isn’t what he seems at first, the former coward that does something to redeem himself by acting unselfishly) that if they are this bland in the novel – which is not the same as the story here (it’s true, Google it!) – then one would have to wonder how the Divergent series can hope to offer up anything fresh.


You’d be better off being allegiant to a better to a better teen dystopian series … Or just embracing the apocalypse altogether. 


 


OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

McCoy on Movies: 10 CLOVERFIELD LANE

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The unexpected companion film to 2008’s Cloverfield is here …

“So, the plan for the actual last season of Roseanne was – wait, you’re not Becky!” Howard (John Goodman) and Michelle (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) share a moment beneath the surface in a scene from 10 CLOVERFIELD LANE. Credit: Michele K. Short © 2016 Paramount Pictures. All rights reserved. 


KEY CAST MEMBERS: Mary Elizabeth Winstead, John Goodman and John Gallagher, Jr.

WRITER(S): Josh Campbell, Matthew Stuecken and Damien Chazelle (screenplay); Josh Campbell and Matthew Stuecken (story)DIRECTOR(S): Dan Trachtenberg

WEB SITE: http://www.10cloverfieldlane.com/60 SECOND PLOT SUMMARY (OR AS CLOSE TO THAT TIME AS ONE CAN MAKE IT): A companion to 2008’s hit “scramble cam” sci-fi/horror/monster movie Cloverfield, 10 Cloverfield Lane stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Michelle. Who is Michelle? She is an engaged Louisiana resident who is less than happy with her boyfriend Ben (to put it mildly). That’s why she has split and hit the road heading north … At least she was heading north until she is involved in a major car accident leaving her red Jetta turned upside in the middle of a field.


As you might imagine, Michelle is a bit distraught as a result of the crash – but not as distraught as she is when she wakes up to find herself chained at the knee to a wall with a mysterious IV in her arm. This is when she eventually meets Howard (John Goodman). Who is Howard? Well, he’s the former Navy satellite specialist who has built a doomsday bunker with help from Emmett (John Gallagher, Jr.) to deal with the potential end of the world threat he’s long suspected will one day happen. And that’s when Howard and Emmett deliver the bad news to Michelle that there has been an attack on the United States and pretty much everyone she ever knew outside is dead. 


But as scared and frightened as she was once she woke up in Howard’s bunker, she has no idea of what lies ahead. For as the film’s poster says, “monsters come in many forms” …

WHO WILL LIKE THIS FILM THE MOST? John Goodman fans; Mary Elizabeth Winstead fans; fans of 1970s low budget thrillers where story and performance were more important than special effects; people looking for a thriller in a market flooded with a lot of the same type of movie

WHO WON’T (OR SHOULDN’T) LIKE THIS MOVIE? People expecting something exactly like the first Cloverfield film; those who find the story tense but too predictable 

SO, IS IT GOOD, BAD OR ABSOLUTELY AWFUL? A film that is a slow burn homage to monster/claustrophobia films of days gone by, 10 Cloverfield Lane is an extremely tense, smart and well-acted old school thriller that proves when done right, there is still some life left in a monster movie – especially when you’re not sure who the bigger monster is.


Now, if you skewer Lane with a fine-toothed comb, there is a LOT of foreshadowing that, depending on how closely you pay attention, could put a damper on your overall enjoyment of the film. However, thanks to strong performances on the part of Howard and Goodman, you likely won’t mind so much as they work so well together that their weird father/daughter-or-is-it-pervert/captive-or-perhaps-even-man trying to make up for some crazy past incident/woman who isn’t sure who to trust but maybe he’s not a psychopath interactions will keep you enthralled. This is slow burn theater where each scene is like a someone slowly poking a bear before the bear goes mad. 


It’s hard to truly articulate just how well Winstead and Goodman enact their roles, for seeing is truly believing. Whereas Winstead starts out following the typical tropes of a young white woman in distress in a situation with no way out, she progresses and grows her character into a very capable and formidable figure. Goodman, however, gets a chance to shine in playing against pretty much almost every type he’s known for by bringing the perfect mix of a creepy yet disarming until he is absolutely alarming physical presence. But in playing Howard as a man who may actually know more than he lets on but believes everything he is doing is not only right but necessary, Goodman delivers the type of performance that should be considered for an acting award even though the genre of the film virtually guarantees he never will be. None of this is designed to serve as a slight to Gallagher, Jr., mind you as he serves as a terrific bridge between Goodman and Winstead’s characters and the drama/danger that surrounds them all as the well-meaning but possibly too naive for his own good guy in the middle.


Saying much more would ruin the fun of the film; of course, in a world where The Walking Dead has delivered end-of-the-world devastation to millions on a weekly basis, 10 Cloverfield Lane may not be the scariest flick on the block, but it might be the best. It’s 90-plus minutes of intense, well-paced and even better performed tension with (thankfully) no gimmicky, shaky camera action to be found.
 
OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

 

McCoy on Movies: Zootopia

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Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman headline Disney’s latest excellent animated achievement

 

“If this happened in the real world, everyone would be too busy freaking out animals are talking than to care that they are working at the Department of Motor Vehicles!” Officer Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) tries to desperately get information while Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) smiles knowing his friend Flash (Raymond S. Persi) works a computer in a scene from ZOOTOPIA. Credit: © 2016 Walt Disney Studios. All rights reserved.


WATCH THE TRAILER HERE:


KEY VOICE CAST MEMBERS: Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Idris Elba, J.K. Simmons, Jenny Slate, Nate Torrence, Bonnie Hunt, Don Lake, Tommy Chong, Octavia Spencer, Maurice LaMarche Shakira, Raymond S. Persim Alan Tudyk and Phil Johnston

WRITER(S): Jared Bush and Phil Johnston (screenplay); Jared Bush, Phil Johnston, Jennifer Lee, Jose Trinidad, Jim Reardon and Rich Moore (story); Dan Fogelman (additional story material) DIRECTOR(S): Byron Howard and Rich Moore; Jared Bush (co-director)

WEB SITE: http://movies.disney.com/zootopia60 SECOND PLOT SUMMARY (OR AS CLOSE TO THAT TIME AS ONE CAN MAKE IT): An animated coming of age, fish out of water – or make that bunny out of meadow? – story, Zootopia begins by introducing us to Jenny Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin), a rabbit living in the rural farm town of Bunnyburrow who dreams of one day moving to Zootopia. What is Zootopia? It’s the magical big city where predators and prey alike live in peace and where Judy hopes to live out her dream: Becoming the first rabbit on the Zootopia police force.


Fast-forward 15 years after a life-changing incident and a now adult Jenny has overcome the odds to achieve her dream … Only to quickly learn that life as a police officer that also happens to be a bunny is not as glamorous or great as she imagined it would be. A little down as the case may be, she decides to do a good deed for someone who, by nature, should be her natural enemy: Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman), a fox who turns out to be quite sly as his species’ reputation would have you believe. But while Nick gets the better of Jenny at first, she quickly turns the tables on him, forcing him to help her with a big case to impress her boss Chief Bogo (Idris Elba) at the risk of getting fired: Discovering what happened to Mr. Otterton, a mild-manner florist who, like several other mammals in Zootopia, has mysteriously disappeared. 


But once Jenny and Nick start going down the rabbit hole, what the predator-and-prey friends discover is bigger than either could have ever imagined …

WHO WILL LIKE THIS FILM THE MOST? Ginnifer Goodwin fans; Jason Bateman fans; adults who will enjoy the allusions to certain decades/elements of pop culture past and modern times; hip kids who get the jokes for the adults; kids and parents who enjoy the light-hearted yet purely Disney positive message of the film

WHO WON’T (OR SHOULDN’T) LIKE THIS MOVIE? Anyone who hates animation; those who feel like the film tries to force feed a message down their cinematic throats; people who dislike mirth

SO, IS IT GOOD, BAD OR ABSOLUTELY AWFUL? With a good amount of pop culture-related humor, plays on traditional roles (for both people and within the animal world) and that trademark movie magic of a life lesson that is stated in the beginning and comes together fully in the final act, Zootopia is Disney’s finest non-Pixar related outings in years and one audiences of all ages will enjoy. 


Whereas Zootopia looks rich and complete as the thriving “what if the world was run by animals?” metropolis its creative team intended to deliver, the characters are truly brought to life by the film’s cast with Goodwin and Bateman leading the way. As Jenny Hopps and Nick Wilde respectively, Goodwin and Bateman have a great vocal chemistry that makes the film, building what goes from a true rivalry to a friendship that compliments each other and feels as natural as can be despite nature’s setup. Whereas Goodwin truly makes Jenny a well-rounded character struggling to find her place in the world while remaining endearing, funny, smart and inspiring for little boys and girls alike, Bateman crafts a nice, snarky yet hard not to appreciative smart guy out of what could have easily become a one note or forced character. 


That’s not to suggest they are the only stars in the film; far from it, in fact. Whereas Elba is sadly limited to just being Jenny’s huff-and-puff boss, Jenny Slate shines as the constantly put-upon vice-mayor Bellweather as does Tommy Chong as ultra-hippie and clueless spa owner Yax. All the characters fit well within the world directors Byron Howard and Rich Moore craft, delivering action sequences totally appropriate for the worlds it explores while making you want to explore it further. 

Likewise, the self-referential jokes work well while being kid-friendly but loaded with more adults sensibility than one might imagine for a PG-rated Disney flick. (Let’s just say there’s a not-so-subtle reference to a very popular TV show that recently ended that has spawned a prequel on AMC that fits into the story so well you might miss it. And that’s not the only one in the movie.) Conventions of police departments and cop movies are broken down, the idea of what it means to fight your limitations are explored well … And if you know someone that collects Funko Pop! figures, expect them to want a Flash, Mr. Big or Clawhauser one soon due to a silly/cuteness factor that continues to bridge the gap between kid movie/adult friendly animated movie. 


Throw in a well-constructed plot twist, an actually interesting story and a general, true sense of fun and Zootopia is a great 3D experience. If you don’t like that, perhaps you ought to be spayed and neutered since your sense of enjoyment at the movies already is. Yup, that’s how good Zootopia is. 

 
OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

McCoy on Movies: London Has Fallen

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Gerard Butler’s Secret Service agent returns to kick ass, spew one-liners in presidential-based action sequel

 

“Get down – they’ve got reviews of our last couple non-Fallen films coming right at us!” President Benjamin Asher (Aaron Eckhart) ducks for cover under the protection of top Secret Service agent Mike Banning (Gerard Butler, right) as Secret Service Director Lynne Jacobs (Angela Bassett) gets similar help in a scene from director Babak Najafi’s LONDON HAS FALLEN. Credit: Jack English / Gramercy Pictures

 

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE:
 

 


KEY CAST MEMBERS: Gerard Butler, Aaron Eckhart, Morgan Freeman, Jackie Earle Haley, Angela Bassett, Melissa Leo, Robert Forster, Waleed Zuaiter, Charlotte Riley, Radha Mitchell and Alon Moni Aboutboul

WRITER(S): Creighton Rothenberger, Katrin Benedikt, Christian Gudegast and Chad St. John (screenplay); Creightton Rothenberger and Katrin Benedikt (story and characters) DIRECTOR: Babak Najafi

WEB SITE: http://triple9movie.com/

60 SECOND PLOT SUMMARY (OR AS CLOSE TO THAT TIME AS ONE CAN MAKE IT): The unexpected sequel to 2013’s White House action opus Olympus Has Fallen, London Has Fallen once again centers around President Benjamin Asher (Aaron Eckhart) and his top Secret Service protector Mike Banning (Gerard Butler). While they two have become the best of friends to the point they are literally now regular running buddies, Mike has been thinking of turning in his resignation and settling down with his pregnant wife Leah (Radha Mitchell). 


Then the Prime Minister of Britain dies unexpectedly following routine surgery, prompting world leaders to all flock to London for his funeral, pressing Banning (his preferred moniker) back into action for the 3-day affair. Banning, you see, doesn’t like having short notice to prepare for things – and neither does Secret Service head Lynne Jacobs (Angela Bassett) nor Vice-President Allan Trumbull (Morgan Freeman). 


Of course, as fate would have it, Banning and company have plenty to worry about because Aamir Barkawi (Alon Moni Aboutboul), a notorious arms dealer of apparent Middle Eastern origin that the U.S. ordered an airstrike against a few years ago, has been waiting for such an event. So when the opportunity arises to take out several of the top world leaders, he can’t wait, even though he plans to save his biggest revenge for last: Executing President Asher live on the Internet for the entire world to see.


Then again, Barkawi has never met Mike Banning … But he’s definitely about to …

WHO WILL LIKE THIS FILM THE MOST? People who loved 80s action movies; Gerard Butler fans; people in search of a new one-liner spewing hero; those who always enjoy watching Morgan Freeman be more Morgan Freeman in am authoritative type of role; those looking for a supporting female hero who is solid in her role

WHO WON’T (OR SHOULDN’T) LIKE THIS MOVIE? Those who were unimpressed with Olympus Has Fallen (which is a better film); Angela Bassett fans; those who fear a film like this is a bit too xenophobic in its execution; anyone who finds the standard guns-n-bad guys film overdone

SO, IS IT GOOD, BAD OR ABSOLUTELY AWFUL? A film that might as well come with a “CNN Headline News/1980s-style action found here!” sticker on it, London Has Fallen doesn’t look to re-invent the wheel by any stretch of the imagination when it comes to action flicks. It simply looks to keep them moving in a stampeding fashion in hopes of box office returns.


Let’s be honest: Gerard Butler is an actor who (depending on how you feel about him, sadly or not) is at his best with a gun or sword in his hands. There’s a reason it’s nearly impossible to think of him and not have this scene from 10 years ago come to mind, for it’s the definitive thing that he does best: Hurt people, spout profane-yet-corny-yet-effective one liners and usually look 80s action hero cool as he does it. London is full of Butler doing all these things as the “I gotta do what my country needs me to do” moments come fast and furious from start to finish. Banning is never without a clever (and potentially derisive) quip or a weapon at just the right time, which does play well against Eckhart’s “I’m just trying to do my best job for the American people so why I am being treated like this” naiveté. 


Make no mistake: Morgan Freeman is the coolest, most level-headed person here and thank God that he is as it is needed in between explosions and fist fights. 


But … That’s where the movie emotionally stops. You don’t care so much as about the characters as individuals as you do as watching America come out on top in what is essentially a live action version of playing Call of Duty or Battlefield with your friends online (complete with an equal amount of cursing and explicit machismo). You can enjoy London Has Fallen as a guilty pleasure – emphasis on “guilty” – on a basic level, but there are no grand statements being made, save for “America will always rise to stop bad guys” and “If you ain’t us, you’re against us.”Liking the film on any other level is on par with the girl who dates a guy for his car, muscles and/or money or the guy who dates a girl because she’s got a million dollar body and a $.10 head – It’s fine, but there’s nothing serious going on there beyond a brief, frivolous fling.Then again, in a world where a reality star could become president, don’t be surprised if you see another sequel with a title like “Tokyo Has Fallen” in 3 years time …
 

OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

Tabari McCoy (http://mccoyonmovies.blogspot.com)

And The Oscar Goes To…

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88thchrisrock (1)Controversy threatens to diminish the accolades associated with the 88th annual Academy Awards honoring the best cinema of 2015 Sunday, Feb. 28 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Oscars So White has been trending since last month, but the broader voting landscape still indicates Hollywood’s surprising leeriness to fully embrace diversity in storytelling and filmmaking. In particular, the marvelously conceived, gay-themed Carol being shut-out of the Best Picture and Director categories is just as disappointing as the egregious omissions of minorities in the acting fields. Nevertheless, the Oscars are an American pop culture tradition worth celebrating in good times and bad. As always, anything is possible when it comes to the 6,261 members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, specifically their final choice of the evening which will undoubtedly be suspenseful.
Here are my predictions in the top six categories.

 

BEST PICTUREspotlight-one-sheet-11
The Big Short
Bridge of Spies
Brooklyn
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Martian
The Revenant
Room
Spotlight

Overlooked: 45 Years; Amy; Beasts of No Nation; Black Mass; Carol; Clouds of Sils Maria; Creed; The Dairy of a Teenage Girl; The Danish Girl; Ex Machina; Far From the Madding Crowd; The Hateful Eight; Joy; Love and Mercy; Sicario; Steve Jobs; Straight Outta Compton; Trumbo

Will/Should Win: Spotlight

One of the closest Best Picture races in recent history will come down to three choices based on precursors. Spotlight was embraced by the Screen Actors Guild, Revenant was a hit with the Directors Guild, and Big Short wowed the Producers Guild. Revenant has momentum, but the topical, universal, heartbreaking relevance of Spotlight, accented by a tremendous ensemble, gives it the edge.

 

BEST DIRECTOR
Lenny Abrahamson, Room
Alejandro Gonzalez Iñarritu, The Revenant
Tom McCarthy, Spotlight
Adam McKay, The Big Short
George Miller, Mad Max: Fury Road

Overlooked: Olivier Assayas, Clouds of Sils Maria; Danny Boyle, Steve Jobs; Ryan Coogler, Creed; Cary Fukunaga, Beasts of No Nation; Alex Garland, Ex Machina; F. Gary Gray, Straight Outta Compton; Andrew Haigh, 45 Years; Todd Haynes, Carol; Spike Lee, Chi-Raq; John Madden, Brooklyn; Jay Roach, Trumbo; David O. Russell, Joy; Ridley Scott, The Martian; Steven Spielberg, Bridge of Spies; Quentin Tarantino, The Hateful Eight; Denis Villeneuve, Sicario; Thomas Vinterberg, Far From the Madding Crowd
Will/Should Win: Iñarritu

Miller rebooted Mad Max to the hilt, but Iñarritu, the mastermind honored here last year for Birdman, looks unstoppable as the first director to win back-to-back since Joseph L. Mankiewicz in 1950 for All About Eve.


BEST ACTORslide_339989_3492372_free
Bryan Cranston, Trumbo
Matt Damon, The Martian
Leonardo DiCaprio, The Revenant
Michael Fassbender, Steve Jobs
Eddie Redmayne, The Danish Girl

Overlooked:; Abraham Attah, Beasts of No Nation; Michael Caine, Youth; Tom Courtenay, 45 Years; Paul Dano, Love and Mercy; Johnny Depp, Black Mass; Jesse Eisenberg, The End of the Tour; Domhnall Gleason, Ex Machina; Tom Hanks, Bridge of Spies; Jake Gyllenhaal, Southpaw; Michael B. Jordan, Creed; Ian McKellen, Mr. Holmes; Mark Ruffalo, Infinitely Polar Bear; Matthias Schoenaerts, Far From the Madding Crowd; Will Smith, Concussion

Will/Should Win: DiCaprio

DiCaprio’s rigorous, palpable, raw, and literally gutsy portrayal of fur trapper Hugh Glass is classic, all-about-me Oscar bait from his first scene to his final close-up. Only the reliably versatile Cranston and the most daring performance Redmayne has delivered thus far seem capable of stealing Leo’s overdue Oscar.

 

BEST ACTRESSMV5BMjM4MzAxOTI5NV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwMzMzNTA4NjE@._V1_SX640_SY720_
Cate Blanchett, Carol
Brie Larson, Room
Jennifer Lawrence, Joy
Charlotte Rampling, 45 Years
Saoirse Ronan, Brooklyn

Overlooked: Juliette Binoche, Clouds of Sils Maria; Emily Blunt, Sicario; Sandra Bullock, Our Brand Is Crisis; Blythe Danner, I’ll See You in My Dreams; Helen Mirren, Woman in Gold; Carey Mulligan, Far From the Madding Crowd and Suffragette; Bel Powley, The Diary of a Teenage Girl; Zoe Saldana, Infinitely Polar Bear; Maggie Smith, The Lady in the Van; Meryl Streep, Ricki and the Flash; Lily Tomlin, Grandma

Will Win: Larson
Should Win: Blanchett

Blanchett, as captivating and nuanced as ever, mesmerized with delicacy, but Larson is a sure bet for her fierce portrayal of a mother held captive with her son.

 

BEST SUPPORTING ACTORCreed-character-poster-2-600x890
Christian Bale, The Big Short
Tom Hardy, The Revenant
Mark Ruffalo, Spotlight
Mark Rylance, Bridge of Spies
Sylvester Stallone, Creed

Overlooked: Josh Brolin, Sicario; Kyle Chandler, Carol; Billy Crudup, Spotlight; John Cusack, Love and Mercy; Jeff Daniels, Steve Jobs; Robert De Niro, Joy; Benecio del Toro, Sicario; Idris Elba, Beasts of No Nation; Sam Elliott, I’ll See You in My Dreams; Paul Giamatti, Straight Outta Compton; Domhnall Gleeson, The Revenant; Walton Goggins, The Hateful Eight; Oscar Isaac, Ex Machina; Samuel L. Jackson, The Hateful Eight; Michael Keaton, Spotlight; Jason Mitchell, Straight Outta Compton; Kurt Russell, The Hateful Eight; Liev Schreiber, Spotlight; Jason Segel, The End of the Tour; Michael Shannon, 99 Homes; Michael Sheen, Far From the Madding Crowd; Alexander Skarsgaard, The Diary of a Teenage Girl; Rick Springfield, Ricki and the Flash; Tom Sturridge, Far From the Madding Crowd; Jacob Tremblay, Room; Stanley Tucci, Spotlight; Forest Whitaker, Southpaw

Will Win: Stallone
Should Win: Rylance

Recent BAFTA winner Rylance, a three-time Tony Award winner with extensive stage credits in London’s West End, relied on the most subtle acting choices to heighten his quietly commanding performance. However, Stallone, nominated for Rocky in 1977, is the sentimental favorite and will likely receive the first standing ovation of the night. If you’re a Stallone fan, have your tissues handy.

 

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Jennifer Jason Leigh, The Hateful Eight
Rooney Mara, Carol
Rachel McAdams, Spotlight
Alicia Vikander, The Danish Girl
Kate Winslet, Steve Jobs

Overlooked: Joan Allen, Room; Elizabeth Banks, Love and Mercy; Angela Bassett, Chi-Raq; Jane Fonda, Youth; Mamie Gummer, Ricki and the Flash; Lola Kirke, Mistress America; Laura Linney, Mr. Holmes; Helen Mirren, Trumbo; Sarah Paulson, Carol; Isabella Rossellini, Joy; Kristin Stewart, Clouds of Sils Maria; Tessa Thompson, Creed; Alicia Vikander, Ex Machina; Julie Walters, Brooklyn; Kristin Wiig, The Diary of a Teenage Girl

Will Win: Vikander
Should Win: Mara

Let’s face it. Vikander and Mara commit category fraud for being placed here instead of the leading field where they belong. Nonetheless, both were remarkable and deserve to win despite a late surge for Winslet. Due to Carol’s dwindling support within the Academy, Mara’s incredibly layered and revelatory work will not surpass Vikander’s dynamic breakthrough portrayal of an artist championing and loving her identity-rattled husband against all odds.

The 88th annual Academy Awards, hosted by Chris Rock, will be telecast live Sun. Feb. 28 on ABC at 8:30 pm.

 

Enter FilmDayton’s Oscar Prediction Contest

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12717228_832981736828073_5373942470955810948_n-300x168-1You’ve seen the movies, now see how you do at predicting the winners. Everyone has a different strategy, some folks look towards the Directors Guild and the Golden Globes as early indicators. Some folks analyze an artists body of work and take that into account and decide who is due for a win. Not matter what your strategy is, FilmDayton wants you to join our Oscar Prediction fundraiser. We’ve partnered with Mitosis, a full-service digital creative agency, to make it easy for you to enter our Oscar contest online.

You’ll also be able to pick up a ballot at Fifth Street Brewpub on Monday night, when FilmDayton members will be the guest bartenders!

The competition works like this. Contestants make their predictions, mark their ballots for their Oscar favorites and donate $20 to support FilmDayton. The entrant who predicts the most winners will win a movie ticket prize pack )with tickets to The Neon Movies, and a pair for the Rave Dayton South 16 as well as a $50 gift card to Thai9) and the all important bragging rights. The contest website is oscars.mitosiscreative.com.

The contest will close at the start of the Academy Awards® telecast on February 28th.

 

McCoy on Movies: TRIPLE 9

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TRIPLE 9
Crime thriller delivers cool characters, but light on story save for some basic cops n’ robbers action

“Are we seriously gonna sit here and let this dude give us secondhand smoke?! I’m trying to enjoy my beer over here!” Marcus Atwood (Anthony Mackie) and Chris Allen (Casey Affleck) unwind at a local bar in a scene from director John Hillcoat’s action thriller TRIPLE 9. Credit: Bob Mahoney. © 2016 Open Road Films.

 


WATCH THE TRAILER HERE:
 


KEY CAST MEMBERS: Casey Affleck, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Anthony Mackie, Woody Harrelson, Kate Winslet, Norman Reedus and Aaron Paul with Gal Gadot and Blake McLennan

WRITER(S): Matt Cook

DIRECTOR: John Hillcoat

WEB SITE: http://triple9movie.com/

60 SECOND PLOT SUMMARY (OR AS CLOSE TO THAT TIME AS ONE CAN MAKE IT): Triple 9 stars Casey Affleck as Chris Allen, a rookie detective with the Atlanta Police Department where his uncle Jeffrey (Woody Harrelson) is a top cop (his position is never fully reveal but let say he’s a chief). Now fully in the police fold, Chris finds himself in a partnership with Marcus (Anthony Mackie), who would rather not work with a rookie on his beat in the urban, gang-infested streets of Hotlanta. However, Marcus realizes that his new partner might just be the perfect person to help him out – not with a case, but with something much more sinister.


You see, Marcus – like Rodriguez (Clifton Collins, Jr.), Gabe Welch (Aaron Paul), his brother Russell (Norman Reedus) and his best friend/fellow former military soldier Michael Atwell (Chiwetel Ejiofor) – is a actually a criminal. Yes, like homicide detective Rodriguez (and formerly Welch), Marcus wears a badge, but is a member of a gang that recently pulled off one of the biggest bank heists in the city’s history. Why? To retrieve information from a safety deposit box for Irina Vslalov (Kate Winslet), wife of a currently incarcerated Russian mob boss who has taken over in her husband’s place. Irina is also the sister of Elena (Gal Gadot), who just so happens to be the mother of Michael’s son Felix. (And now you know why Michael is doing jobs for Irina.)


However, just when Michael thinks he and his boys are out, Irina pulls a bait-and-switch by informing him he has to do one more job so that she can get the information she needs to spring her husband from prison … Unless he never wants to see Felix again and risk them all be mob targets, that is. To pull it off, Michael and his crew realizes there’s only way to create a big enough distraction to draw away the police so they can do the crime: A “triple nine,” or a call to an officer down at the scene of a shooting.


And guess what rookie detective seems like the perfect candidate to suffer the fate of Michael and company’s wrath?

WHO WILL LIKE THIS FILM THE MOST? Casey Affleck fans, Woody Harrelson fans; Chiwetel Ejiofor fans; people who enjoy crime/heist movies and don’t need too much more than cops and robbers to be happy

WHO WON’T (OR SHOULDN’T) LIKE THIS MOVIE? Russian Americans; Anthony Mackie and Aaron Paul fans; people who hate crime flicks that could have been better with a little tweaking; police departments worried this man give some criminals ideas …


SO, IS IT GOOD, BAD OR ABSOLUTELY AWFUL? Triple 9 is a movie that features some really great performances … In a movie that in and of itself is solid but not that memorable overall. Instead of taking the time to fully develop the story through one or perhaps two characters’ eyes, Triple 9 that tries to cram in too many characters in one setting, which kind of wastes the performances of Harrelson, Ejiofor and Affleck, which are excellent. 


While Affleck’s is the character you are seemingly supposed to care most about on the surface, you are given so little about his background and motivations (other than being a good cop) that he has to rely on his sheer quiet intensity to carry you through. We’re not certain why he is a new member of the Atlanta PD, where he came from (apparently he may have been in the military at one point) and the nature of he and his uncle’s relationship and how it led to this situation. Likewise, Harrelson’s character gets to say a lot of cool lines (which fortunately don’t come off as corny at all), but his character does so much foreshadowing that a lot of conflicts that could have been cool to watch play out unfortunately come off predictably or at the very least, expected. While Affleck’s low-key but steady intensity keeps him compelling, it would be nice for him to have more to work with than a very cool demeanor. 


Ejiofor’s character is the one that sadly suffers the most because of this, as his is by far the most interesting character in the mix. But instead his character – who IS the most well-developed of the three mentioned – is given a bit of a mixed presentation to the audience and becomes the most sympathetic one in the entire film. But instead of really going for it, director John Hillcoat seemingly instead chooses to boil it down to a rather bland power struggle between he and Winslet’s character. Sure, there is a payoff, but it’s not as great as it could have been potentially. 


Fortunately, these things are not enough to derail the film, which does deliver entertaining, traditional good guys and bad guys style action sequences with enough flavor to keep you interested even if you always seem to be one step ahead of its characters in terms of what’s happening. The performances of Affleck, Ejiofor and Harrelson are compelling enough you are able to stay engaged and the well executed heist and gun battles scenes deliver much needed shots of adrenaline when necessary. It’s not spectacular, it doesn’t have a Training Day style character or intensity that stands out, but it’s solid enough.


Whether or not you find it solid enough, however, remains to be seen – but chances are good if you choose to see it, you’ll be satisfied with your choice. 

 
OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

Tabari McCoy (http://mccoyonmovies.blogspot.com)
 

Oscar at the Neon: Red Carpet, Crystal Anniversary & POPCORN!

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2016_Oscar_Watch_Header_750X450_2-750x450It is that time of year again when the sound of tearing envelopes fills the air. The 88th Academy Awards will be presented on Sunday, February 28th, and one place you can catch the excitement is at the Neon Movies. The theater is hosting its Crystal Anniversary or 15th Annual Oscar Party beginning at 7:00pm. ‘We have lots of fun,’ says Jonathan McNeal, the Neon’s manager, ‘and some major prizes.’ Part of that fun is the chance to take home some goods for picking the winners. ‘We have ballots in our lobby now, stop by and make your predictions. If you are right, you can win anything from blu-ray copies of nominated films, to a grand prize basket filled with champagne, movie passes and gifts from Square One Salon!’

The broadcast is truly a treat on the big screen in high definition, and the theater is packed with around 100 movie lovers, some dressed to the 9’s, all anxious to hear the winners. The Neon is well known for its comfy chairs, and great refreshments, including beer, wine and delicious popcorn. The party is free and parking is easy with a lot across fifth street, and validation for the Convention Center garage. The Oscars start at 8:30pm, but McNeal warns, ‘Come early, make your picks, because ballots must be turned in before the first award is given.’

One of the most exciting facets of this year’s show, ‘Will be seeing Chris Rock handle the ceremony.’ says McNeal, ‘in light of the on-going nomination controversy.’ McNeal went on to say, ‘I would personally love to see Brooklyn win the Best Picture, but I feel Spotlight, the Revenant and The Big Short are the ones to watch!’

logoThe night will certainly have its share of surprises, but one thing you won’t be surprised by is the fun-filled Oscar Party at Dayton’s beloved Neon Movies, where the WINNER IS…..YOU!

The Neon Movies is located at 130 E 5th St, Dayton, OH 45402. For more information, call neonmovies.com

New Michael Moore Film Now Playing at THE NEON!

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Where_to_Invade_Next-727341632-largeHello Everyone,

We just opened a documentary that is insightful, optimistic and terribly funny – Michael Moore’s WHERE TO INVADE NEXT. Knowing Moore’s work, you might look at the title and feel as though you already know where this film is going…but it’s actually quite a different tone (more below). In addition, we’re holding ANOMALISA as well as the OSCAR NOMINATED SHORTS (we’ve even brought back the documentaries for a few screenings). On February 19, we will open the new highly-anticipated Maggie Smith film – THE LADY IN THE VAN.

Synopsis for WHERE TO INVADE NEXT: “WHERE TO INVADE NEXT is an expansive, rib-tickling, and subversive comedy in which Moore, playing the role of ‘invader,’ visits a host of nations to learn how the U.S. could improve its own prospects. The creator of FAHRENHEIT 9/11 and BOWLING FOR COLUMBINE is back with this hilarious and eye-opening call to arms. Turns out the solutions to America’s most entrenched problems already existed in the world – they’re just waiting to be co-opted.” (taken from Drafthouse Films) Entertainment Weekly wrote, “Where to Invade Next is so heartfelt and sincere, it’s tempting to say that Moore’s mellowed with age. But beneath its innocent-abroad optimism, the film has a stinging truth that’s hard to ignore.” Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

Our friends at ThinkTV are helping us once again to get a signal for our Annual FREE Oscar Party! This year’s telecast will happen on Sunday, February 28, and Ballots (where you can predict the winners for awesome prizes) are now available in our lobby. Our friends at Square One Salon & Spa are once again donating a fantastic prize that will part of our Grand Prize – “The Star Treatment.” Keep tuning in for more details!

“The Junior Leaguers Club of Dayton will sponsor a screening of OPPOSITE FIELD on March 5, 2016 at Noon. This is the club’s fifth annual fundraiser at THE NEON, and this movie is a classic underdog sports story about an Ugandan Little League team. This documentary is inspiring and will have the audience displaying a wide range of emotions as the team makes history as the first African team hosted by the Little League World Series. This is a great film for adults and our youth. The funds raised will go into the Junior Leaguers Club scholarship fund. The tickets are $30 for adults (which include movie, glass of wine, glass of soda, and popcorn) and $15 for students (which include soda and popcorn). Tickets can be purchased at THE NEON. Guest speakers for this screening will be Mr. Ron Johnson, president First Dayton Little League and Mr. Keith Byars, former NFL professional player and a little league player in his youth.” (taken from press notes)

Due to the upcoming holiday, we will have later hours on Sunday and earlier hours on Monday. Please see all of our upcoming showtimes below.

We hope to see you soon!
Thanks for your continued support!
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Saturday, Feb. 13 – Thursday, Feb. 18:

OSCAR NOMINATED SHORTS: ANIMATION (NR) 1 Hr 26 Min
Saturday, Sunday (Feb 13-14): 9:30
Monday (Feb 15): No Screening
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday (Feb 16-18): 3:15

OSCAR NOMINATED SHORTS: LIVE ACTION (NR) 1 Hr 47 Min
Friday – Thursday (Feb 12-18): 5:10

ANOMALISA (R) 1 Hr 30 Min
Saturday, Sunday, Monday (Feb 13-15): 12:00, 7:30
Tuesday (Feb 16): 7:30
Wednesday (Feb 17): No Screening
Thursday (Feb 18): 7:30

OSCAR NOMINATED SHORTS: DOCUMENTARY (NR) 2 Hr 44 Min
Saturday, Sunday, Monday (Feb 13-15): 1:50
Tuesday (Feb 16): No Screening
Wednesday (Feb 17): 7:30
Thursday (Feb 18): No Screening

WHERE TO INVADE NEXT (R) 1 Hr 59 Min
Saturday, Sunday (Feb 13 & 14): 11:50, 2:20, 4:50, 7:20, 9:50
Monday (Feb 15): 11:50, 2:20, 4:50, 7:20
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday (Feb 16-18): 2:50, 5:20, 7:45

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
Feb. 19 – LADY IN THE VAN (Maggie Smith – need we say more?)
Mar. 4 – JANIS: LITTLE GIRL BLUE
TBD – 45 YEARS (Oscar Nomination for Charlotte Rampling)
TBD – SON OF SAUL (Oscar Nominated “Best Foreign Film”)
March 25 – KNIGHT OF CUPS
April 1 – I SAW THE LIGHT
TBD – THE LOBSTER, DEMOLITION, THE BRONZE

McCoy on Movies: HOW TO BE SINGLE

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HOW TO BE SINGLE

 

“Man, if this movie isn’t good they’ll have to replace this prop with a real bottle!” Robin (Rebel Wilson) and Alice (Dakota Johnson) enjoy a night out on the town in a scene from director Christian Ditter’s romantic comedy HOW TO BE SINGLE. Credit: Barry Wetcher. © 2016 Warner Bros. Entertainment and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. and Ratpac-Dune Entertainment, LLC. 

 


WATCH THE TRAILER HERE:
 

 



KEY CAST MEMBERS: Dakota Johnson, Rebel Wilson, Leslie Mann, Alison Brie, Nicholas Braun, Damon Wayans, Jr., Jason Mantzoukas, Jake Lacy and Anders Holm

WRITER(S): Abby Kohn & Marc Silverstein (screenplay); Liz Tucillo (novel on which the movie is based)


DIRECTOR: Christian Ditter

WEB SITE: http://howtobesinglemovie.com/

60 SECOND PLOT SUMMARY (OR AS CLOSE TO THAT TIME AS ONE CAN MAKE IT): Alice (Dakota Johnson) is dating Josh (Nicholas Braun) and everything is fine. Then Alice, much to Josh’s dismay, decides that they should go on a break so that she can find herself. So naturally she moves to New York and gets a job as a paralegal at a law firm which her new loquacious, free-spirited co-worker Robin (Rebel Wilson) describes as “two guys and a Jewish guy – just kidding: they’re all Jewish.” And while Robin does her best to get Alice out into the city to go party, Alice’s sister Meg (Leslie Mann) is all about her job as a doctor delivering babies, even though she has no desire to have one of her own.


Meanwhile, Tom (Anders Holm) is busy running his bar … And Lucy (Brie Larson) is busy stealing his WiFi signal to run the dating algorithm she’s constructed to help her find the perfect mate … On one of the 10 online dating apps she is using. And poor Ken (Jake Lacy)? He just wants to date Meg, even if he is completely unaware of the decision she has already made by the time he meets her.


But no worries – they’re all about to get a valuable collective lesson in the title of this movie.

WHO WILL LIKE THIS FILM THE MOST? Rebel Wilson and Leslie Mann fans; older women trying to talk themselves into dating younger men; people to see a depiction of an interracial couple in a mainstream film where their race is not a focal point of their relationship; people looking for way to either start or end a friends with benefits relationship

WHO WON’T (OR SHOULDN’T) LIKE THIS MOVIE? Rebel Wilson fans who feel her character is one note; people who would like to see Dakota Johnson in something where she can show a better range of her acting talents; those who feel the film’s casual sex depictions are way too casual; people who dislike films where the characters make decisions that feel unnatural/forced for the sake of the story and not based in any real reality; people who like consistent storytelling and/or would prefer for the movie to be much closer to the story in the original novel.


SO, IS IT GOOD, BAD OR ABSOLUTELY AWFUL? How to Be Single is a lot like real dating in the modern world: There are times when it doesn’t make sense, it’s loaded with people that are a mix of self-loathing, psychopathic and, for the most part, self-destructive even when their behavior obviously is. 
In other words, it’s got some nice parts jumbled up with a whole lot of bad ones that – once again like a real relationship – the movie wants you to overlook even though they are killing your enjoyment of it. 
 
How to Be Single‘s characters aren’t really that likable. That’s kind of a problem because you never really care about what happens to most of them, especially by the time the film tries to come around to making them redeemable. Johnson’s put-on helpless romantic casually jumps from one relationship to the other with fool-hearted whimsy, only to watch it of course blow up in her face – but not because of anything she does, mind you. No, that’s up to the dudes to do whether immediately or later as they are pretty much as one note as can be (save for Jason Mantzoukas as one of the suitors for Brie’s character). 


Wilson’s character is there to serve as the comic relief … But other than a barrage of jokes about how promiscuous she is or feels Johnson’s character should be, there’s not much to her. Whereas sometimes you have the “she’s-fun-because-she’s-so-outrageous” vibe with a character, Wilson’s is more of the “I’d watch this person from a distance but never really wanna hang out them because she’s annoying and not a good person.” In short, her character is just a garden tool  – and no, I don’t mean a rake – that says inappropriate things and then is supposed to be “fun.” This is another main problem with the film as the characters come off either severely undeveloped or illogical thanks to weak storytelling (see the character portrayed by Damon Wayans, Jr.), the others come off as one-dimensional (see Johnson), fun but dumb and one dimensional (see Wilson) or way too good of a person to be in the situation they are in so you’ll root for them because they deserve better (see Jake Lacy). 


Now, will the film make you laugh? A bit – I can’t deny that there aren’t funny parts as Lacy and Mann have a good chemistry together and fans of Mantzoukas work of the FX show The League will be happy to see he can channel his inner Rafi in a calmer, nicer character without losing his comedic edge. However, since Johnson is neither the funny one or one you feel enough care for to get completely invested in her and her alone, she’s kind of just there to take the punches for the most part. 


The fault for that falls squarely on the shoulders of director Christian Ditter and the film’s screenwriting team. By trying to cram so many stories in at once, they fail to really make one of them standout before wrapping everything up at the end in a “see, it all makes sense now, see?!” fashion. (Maybe diverting from the source material wasn’t such a good idea, hmm?) 


In summary, How to Be Single is a movie that’s not bad enough to hate, but definitely not good enough to love or recommend or more than a silly diversion (at a matinee price). However, if you are currently dating someone and have a desire to be single, take them to this movie under the guise of thinking it’s a must-see romantic comedy.


You’ll likely be single by the time the credits roll.
 

OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

The most insane superhero antihero movie of all time hits the big screen … But should you see it?

By

DEADPOOL
The most insane superhero antihero movie of all time hits the big screen

“Oooh – this movie blogger thinks he can come up with a better snarky caption for my own photo as I break the fourth wall?! Good luck with that there, butter – I hope you and your four readers enjoy this!” The titular character (Ryan Reynolds, center) prepares to break the fourth wall before heading into battle with Negasonic Teenage Warhead (Brianna Hildebrand) and the aptly-named Colossus (voiced by Stefan Kapicic) in a scene from director Tim Miller’s debut feature DEADPOOL. ™ & © 2015 Marvel & Subs.  ™ & © Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved. 

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE:


 

 


KEY CAST MEMBERS: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, Ed Skrein, T.J. Miller, Gina Carano, Karan Soni, Leslie Uggams, Jed Rees, Brianna Hildebrand and the voice of Stefan Kapicic

WRITER(S): Rob Liefeld and Fabian Nicieza (character); Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick (screenplay)

WEB SITE: http://www.foxmovies.com/movies/deadpool


60 SECOND PLOT SUMMARY (OR AS CLOSE TO THAT TIME AS ONE CAN MAKE IT): A most unconventional movie that was a LONG time in the making,  Deadpool stars Hal Jor-, er, Ryan Reynolds as Wade Wilson. Who is Wade Wilson? He’s just your average former special forces mercenary turned man for hire. The notorious “merc with a mouth” is living a pretty low-key life, hanging out a bar run by a guy simply known as Weasel (T.J. Miller) that is unlike any other in town. 


Then he meets Vanessa (Morena Baccarin), a woman just as seemingly sick and twisted as he is with whom he of course falls madly in love with. 


However, as Wade is telling all this to his cab driver Dopinder (Karan Soni), he’s actually preparing for something more than just a leisurely ride: Getting revenge on Francis a.k.a. Ajax (Ed Skrein), the “doctor” the recruiter (Jed Rees) told him he would cure him of the cancer that was bound to kill him. And while it did cure of him of his cancer, the treatment had some serious side effects that no 30-second commercial could fit into that tiny disclaimer text at the bottom of the screen. Getting to Ajax won’t be easy, though, since his female enforcer Angel Dust (Gina Carano) is strong enough that she would make what Holly Holm did to Ronda Rousey look like a proverbial day in the park … And if that wasn’t bad enough, Colossus (voiced by Stefan Kapicic) and the girl with what Wade admits is the coolest name ever, Negasonic Teenage Warhead (Brianne Hildebrand) – two devotees of a certain bald professor you may have seen before – are determined to keep Wade and is rebellious ways in check. 


Yeah, you might wanna get ready for what follows as you’ve definitely never seen a superhero – make that anti-hero – movie like this before.

WHO WILL LIKE THIS FILM THE MOST? Ryan Reynolds fans; T.J. Miller fans; Pretty much anyone who likes the Deadpool comic books, the 2013 video game or saw the test footage short (that ended up in the movie) on YouTube and went “WHAT WAS THAT?”

WHO WON’T (OR SHOULDN’T) LIKE THIS MOVIE? Parents who want to drag their underage kids along and then are upset at how much they have to block their child’s eyes and/or ears during the hour and 40 minutes-plus run time; people who hate foul-language and/or extreme violence; those who want Deadpool’s origin story to stick 100% to the comic book’s canon; anyone who finds Ryan Reynolds annoying


SO, IS IT GOOD, BAD OR ABSOLUTELY AWFUL? Arguably the most anticipated Marvel movie debut* (yes, any dedicated Marvel movie fan knows that Wade Wilson has appeared in other X-Men movies but we mean solo movie centered around him) since Iron Man, Deadpool delivers the most insane, ridiculous super – or anti-hero, rather – movie you could possibly imagine. 


Fortunately, that is a very, very good thing: Because Deadpool is a can’t miss love story that is perfect for anyone looking for a Valentine’s Day treat … Provided they don’t mind the profanity, gun violence and sexual innuendo to make Amy Schumer blush.


Deadpool, much like Reynolds breakout eponymous character in Van Wilder, is the superhero equivalent of the 1980s high school cool kid who cracks wise and has no one who can tell him what to do yet underneath it all is actually a good dude. In this case, however, he’s just an extremely foul-mouthed, prone to fits of violence, heckler-who’s-funnier-and-much-more-self-aware-than-the-comic-on-stage-and-knows-it good dude who is going to get the last word by hook or crook. Reynolds plays the character with pretty much all the wiseass yet sensitive exuberance needed to bring him to life, nailing each bit of the action along the way. When Deadpool breaks the fourth wall, Reynolds makes sure to do it in the way that the character shows he knows you know what the joke is. Likewise, when he cracks wise or curses, Reynolds is sure to do so in a way that either goes right for the burn to whoever the target of his verbal slice is and in similar fashion when the film enters its serious territory he adeptly conveys why what’s going down is serious business.


Of course, the movie wouldn’t work without the expert level performances of the surrounding cast as Skrein’s banter with Reynolds’ character comes off in a spirited, almost seemingly serendipitous fashion. Likewise, whereas Soni does a phenomenal job in becoming caught up in Deadpool’s world and worldview, Miller does what he does best – being a calmer, thinner and more intellectual version of Seth Rogen in Judd Apatow movies – as Deadpool’s confidant who before and after his transformation. The same can be said for Kapicic as the voice of the CGI-created Colossus, who’s attempts to make a true hero out of Deadpool fail in vain in nature as much as they are fodder for comedic enjoyment, which is often.


Thankfully, the ladies are not left out in the Deadpool world as they are critical – and entertaining – parts of the story as well. Whereas Baccarin delivers on providing the former Wade Wilson a strong – and more importantly, 100 percent believable – love interest (these two characters are made for each other), Carano and Hildebrand provide two interesting characters who prove you can make a big impact on screen without having to say that much. Throw in screen veteran Leslie Uggams as Wade’s elderly blind roommate and the ladies of Deadpool add enough testosterone-friendly estrogen to the mix to make it appealing to men and women alike. 


For a man making his directorial debut, Tim Miller really shines in keeping all of the chaos of Deadpool to a high level of enjoyment. The action sequences snap with a dynamic mix of adrenaline and inappropriateness fitting of its subject, the visual effects never feel out of place and the actors deliver dedicated, inspired performances at every turn. The bullets, swords, fists and … Well, Negasonic Teenage Warheads fly with purposeful intent, the dialogue is full of “Wait, he/she said WHAT?!” moments and the story is told with a skill to make all of the insanity make as much sense as possible to have you develop both interest and empathy for its protagonist. Throw in a tight interweaving of the past and present to show the viewer how Deadpool went from a simple (alright, NOTHING about him is “simple”) mercenary to an enhanced superhuman and Miller’s debut piece is one future superhero movie directors would be wise to emulate. Make no mistake: Deadpool is not a movie for everyone. There is a ton of profanity, sexual situations (that means nudity!) and some liberties taken with a few of the characters, Deadpool included. (Spoiler alert: his signature vehicle is not seen in the movie unless it’s in a post-credit scene, I guess you’ll have to settle for this in the meantime.) Those minor issues notwithstanding, Deadpool is a movie that was largely made in part by the fans and in turn pays them back by giving them pretty much exactly what they want: A cool guy in a suit with superpowers who makes them laugh while kicking a lot of ass in the process, but still has a good heart underneath it all.Don’t believe me? Watch the movie – he’ll likely tell you that himself.

OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

 
Tabari McCoy (http://mccoyonmovies.blogspot.com)

McCoy On Movies: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES

By

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES
The audacious send-up of Jane Austen and the modern zombie phenomenon delivers a delectable bite of camp, comedy and cult classic entertainment

“This will teach you disrespect the good name of the house of Bennett!” Jane Bennett (Bella Heathcote), right, and her sister Elizabeth (Lily James, center) lead their sisters through a battle in a scene from screenwriter/director Burr Steers take on the Seth Grahame-Smith’s best-selling remix of Jane Austen’s best-known novel PRIDE AND PREJUDICE & ZOMBIES. Credit: Jay Maidment. © 2016 CTMG, Inc. All rights reserved.
WATCH THE TRAILER(S) HERE: 


KEY CAST MEMBERS: Lily James, Bella Heathcote, Sam Riley, Douglass Booth, Jack Huston, Matt Smith, Douglass Booth, Charles Dance, Sally Phillips, Suki Waterhouse, Ellie Bamber, Millie Brady and Lena Headey
 
WRITER(S): Burr Steers (screenplay); Jane Austen (novel) and Seth Grahame-Smith (novel based on the original novel on which the film is based 


DIRECTOR(S): Burr Steers


WEB SITE: http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/prideandprejudiceandzombies/
 
60 SECOND PLOT SUMMARY (OR AS CLOSE TO THAT TIME AS ONE CAN MAKE IT): The film adaptation of writer/director/actor/author Seth Grahame-Smith’s audacious re-envisioning of Jane Austen’s classic novel, Pride And Prejudice & Zombies stars Lily James as Elizabeth Bennett. Elizabeth is one of five sisters who’s mother (Sally Phillips) has one common goal for them all: Get them married to someone rich as soon as possible. So, when the handsome and rich Mr. Bingley (Douglas Booth) takes a fancy to Elizabeth’s sister Jane (Bella Heathcote), her family is delighted. Darcy (Sam Riley), Mr. Bingley’s best friend, however, is not … For he is the epitome of upper class prejudice, a fact not quickly lost upon Elizabeth at first glance. 


With a budding romance in the air, Jane and Mr. Bingley find the couple becoming closer and closer, which prompts Jane to go visit him at his sizable estate … Only to have an accident. Of course, an accident riding across town is bad enough, but there is one particular detail that makes the situation much worse than usual …


London, where they live, is in middle of a zombie outbreak with the dead walking the earth.


Sent to the Far East to train to defend their selves against such a problem, Jane, Elizabeth and the rest of the sisters are fully prepared to slay the undead, as is Darcy. And once zombies begin to pour out of every nook and cranny on their to potentially taking down the fortified walls of London, Elizabeth and Darcy must put aside their differences if they and the rest of mankind is to survive …

WHO WILL LIKE THIS FILM THE MOST? Zombie movie fans; people who found previousPride and Prejudice films in need of something more lively (no pun intended); people who will be happy the film stays true to the spirit of Austen and Grahame-Smith’s original works, Matt Smith fans; Lily James fans; people who will see it as a bit of modern feminist chic WHO WON’T (OR SHOULDN’T) LIKE THIS MOVIE? People suffering from zombie hangover; those wanting it to stray away from Austen’s original themes and dialogue; people who feel like Austen’s classic work should never have been abominated in this fashion; those who feel the incorporation of Asian martial arts into the piece is somehow offensive

SO, IS IT GOOD, BAD OR ABSOLUTELY AWFUL? A film that should never have worked based upon a book that should have never worked when considering the original novel on which it is based, Pride And Prejudice & Zombies (PP&Z for short from here on out) might arguably be the best adaptation of Austen’s work ever. If that’s not true, well, it’s at least the most entertaining one thanks to a mix of well-crafted characters, performances, dialogue and fight sequences that may finally bridge the gap between lovers of classic literature and comic books.

The cast of PP&Z could not have done a better job in infusing the right mix of humor, camp, seriousness and edge in the film as the dialogue and its delivery remains true to the spirit of Austen’s work while delivering the zest and energy of Grahame-Smith’s unique take. The zombies are not used as a crutch; instead, the cast plays things out while maintaining the traditions of the era, the quirks of each particular character – James, Smith and Riley standing out exceptionally well in this task – while at the same time making the story feel fresh. The conflicts of upper and lower society, what constitutes love … And of course, the necessities of what makes for a proper young woman (in this case, casting aside one’s martial arts training, sword and/or pistol to be a wife) are all present and expertly incorporated into the mix.

Whereas Heathcote and James present a great chemistry as sisters with different outlooks on life, Riley and James are downright dynamic in their juxtaposition as diametrically opposed zombie slayers and protectors of their family/friends. Likewise, Smith plays his role much like Elizabeth Banks’ Hunger Games approach to her Effie Trinket character, pompous, prim and proper all the way along that he is so perfectly campy his Doctor Who fans will beg for more screen time. Even Headey is great in her role as a legend akin to a zombie-slaying, all powerful Oz take on the role of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, especially when she is put to test to prove Elizabeth’s worth.

Screenwriter/director Burr Steers, however, is the one that serves to come out as the biggest winner from PP&Z as there is rarely a dull moment in his take on the insane-on-the-surface-but-intriguing-and-compelling-in-practice comedy/romance/drama/zombie movie. His cast performs top notch under his watch, he balances with a near perfect hand the mix of slasher camp and courtesan cinema and the fight sequences deliver true, enthralling action with just the right mix of tension and comedy. Had there been a few more threatening moments of zombie action, the film might just be perfect.

Or at least as perfect as any film with a premise this outrageous could ever hope to be, that is. Anyone thinking otherwise has too much pride and an unjust prejudice against a future cult classic that might arguably be the best film released so far in 2016.

 
OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

 

 

 

 

McCoy on Movies: The Finest Hours

By

THE FINEST HOURS
Disney’s latest is an adequate but not awe-inspiring telling of Coast Guard heroics

“OK, so if I pull this hard enough, I get to be the next Batman after my brother?” Ray Sybert (Casey Affleck) attempts to keep his ship, the SS Pendelton, from sinking in a scene from Disney’s THE FINEST HOURS. Credit: Claire Folger. © Disney Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved.



WATCH THE TRAILER(S) HERE: 


 




 
 
KEY CAST MEMBERS: Chris Pine, Holliday Grainger, Casey Affleck, Ben Foster, Graham McTavish, John Ortiz, Abraham Benrubi, Rachel Brosnahan, John Magaro, Michael Raymond-James and Eric Bana
 
WRITER(S): Scott Silver, Paul Tamasy and Eric Johnson (screenplay); Casey Sherman and Michael J. Tougias (book on which the movie is based).
DIRECTOR(S): Craig Gillespie
 
 
60 SECOND PLOT SUMMARY (OR AS CLOSE TO THAT TIME AS ONE CAN MAKE IT): Based on true events taking place on the evening of Feb. 18, 1952, The Finest Hours stars Chris Pine as Bernie Webber, a rather unassuming member of the U.S. Coast Guard’s station in Chatham, Mass. Despite his rather quiet nature, there’s something about Bernie that appeals to Miriam (Holliday Grainger), a woman who takes a quick liking him to enough to propose to him. Being a member of the Coast Guard, however, Bernie takes his job very seriously, which is why he will be sure to ask his commander, Cluff (Eric Bana), before he can actually tie the knot with Miriam.


He quickly discovers his request will have to wait, however, once a distress call comes in across the radio saying an oil tanker, the SS Mercer, has been split in two by a colossal storm just off the coast. Of course, that would be a problem in and of itself if it weren’t for the fact that a second oil tanker, the SS Pendleton, has suffered a similar fate – and taken its captain down to the bottom of the ocean’s depths in the process. Ray Sybert (Casey Affleck), has a plan to keep the ship from sinking – but he’s running out of time to do so. Going out to save the crew of the Pendleton in these conditions is seemingly nothing short of a suicide mission, yet Cluff – who has yet to win the hearts of his unit – sends Bernie out in the storm anyway. And being the company man determined to always do the right thing, Bernie goes, taking volunteers Richard Livesey (Ben Foster), Andy Fitzgerald (Kyle Gallner) and Ervin Maske (John Magaro) with him. 


What follows is what constitutes what is widely considered the greatest small boat mission in the history of the Coast Guard to this day …

WHO WILL LIKE THIS FILM THE MOST? People who like movies with strong female characters; people who enjoy endurance pictures; those who love a classic Disney ending; Casey Affleck fans; those who enjoy 3D films where the special effects are an enhancement, not a distraction
 
WHO WON’T (OR SHOULDN’T) LIKE THIS MOVIE? Chris Pine fans coming in expecting him as a young Captain Kirk on the high seas; people who hate hokey endings; those who would rather watch a documentary about a historical event than a Hollywood novelization; Eric Bana fans; anyone with a fear of boats or easily gets seasick; anyone not interested in another boat movie after In the Heart of the Sea 
 
SO, IS IT GOOD, BAD OR ABSOLUTELY AWFUL? Ever seen one of those movies where for the first 30 minutes or so, you’re not emotionally invested in the story at all even though you can tell the filmmakers are building towards something that might be decent? If your answer is “no” or it’s been a while since you have, The Finest Hours will serve as a quick study in this phenomenon as the cliché idea of a film being a mixed bag has rarely been so fitting.


For a film that wants you to be enthralled with the idea of perseverance and romance, The Finest Hours sure doesn’t seem to be concerned with actually delivering it on a compelling level until very late in the film. Chris Pine nails being a working schlub so much that he, well, feels like a working schlub you have a hard time investing in emotionally. Sure he’s a nice enough guy it seems, but there is nothing inherently compelling – either on a surface level or deep-seeded in his emotions – that really makes you go “I feel him.” This wouldn’t be such an issue if Holliday Grainger wasn’t so fully committed to her role that she becomes the most intriguing figure in the film – and her only time on the water comes early and uneventfully. She steals the film as its emotional center even though her character is essentially reduced to being a headstrong woman who pines for her guy’s safe return home, so it shouldn’t be surprising that it’s fairly disappointing, really, that Pine’s understated performance actually, well, drags. Throw in Bana’s rather banal, maybe-it’s-supposed-to-be-comic-relief? performance as the overmatched Cluff and the only thing compelling about the finest hours is watching how things play out versus caring about why.


Casey Affleck fortunately provides a compelling character with subtle nuances to make him a guy you want to root for, making sure Sybert doesn’t fall victim of the trope of “he’s forced into this, now let’s heavy-handedly show you how he responds.” He provides a much-needed dosage of testosterone-fueled gumption, which is sorely lacking. The visuals of the film also do a solid job of keeping your attention as you watch the events unfold, which in turn give Affleck the best scenes to move things along. 


Other than that, though, you have too many elements that feel a bit stale to make the film rise above (no pun intended) “average” filmmaking. There’s the happy ship guy, the near-mutiny guys who have to learn the hard way to let the level-headed guy (Affleck) take charge, there’s the aforementioned guy who’s in charge who shouldn’t be (Bana) and just a general sense of 50s camp that doesn’t feel like nostalgia, but just pure camp. Sure, your grandparents will likely love it, but unless you’re a hopeless romantic, it’s not exactly Titanic or The Poseidon Adventure that they’re crafting here. I don’t mean to make it sound like I’m knocking the movie as it is quite watchable … It’s just that once you’ve finished the voyage, you can’t help but feel like there was something more that could have been.


A pure Disney movie at its best and worst moments, The Finest Hours isn’t exactly the best two hour jaunt into the dangerous seas, but it’s got enough solid components to entertain the average moviegoer once the tide starts to come in. 


OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

 

McCoy on Movies: DIRTY GRANPDA

By

Robert De Niro and Zack Efron team up for raunchy, raucous buddy comedy

“Sorry about your jaw … But you gotta memorize your lines!” Jason Kelly (Zac Efron) shares – uncomfortably from the looks of things – a bed with his retired military officer grandfather Dick (Robert De Niro) in a scene from Dan Mazer’s comedy DIRTY GRANDPA. Credit: Bob Mahoney © 2015 Lionsgate Pictures. All rights reserved. 

WATCH THE TRAILER(S) HERE: 



 




KEY CAST MEMBERS: Zac Efron, Robert De Niro, Aubrey Plaza, Jason Mantzoukas, Danny Glover, Dermont Mulroney, Julianne Hough, Jeffrey Bower-Chapman, Zoey Deutch, Brandon Mychal Smith, Michael Hudson, Jake Picking, Henry Zebrowski and Adam Pally


WRITER(S): John Philips


DIRECTOR(S): Dan Mazer

WEB SITE: http://www.dirtygrandpa.movie/

60 SECOND PLOT SUMMARY (OR AS CLOSE TO THAT TIME AS ONE CAN MAKE IT): Jason Kelly (Zac Efron) seemingly is about to solidify his ticket to the good life. After all, he has a great job as a lawyer – specializing in SEC compliance – at the law firm his dad (Dermont Mulroney) works at and he’s set to be married to his fiancé Meredith (Julianne Hough) in a week.


Then his grandmother dies.


Re-united at the funeral with his cousin Nick (Adam Pally), Jason gets an unexpected request from the widow of the deceased/his estranged grandfather Dick (Robert De Niro) – drive him to Boca Raton, Florida per the trip he was supposed to take with his wife. After some poking and prodding, Jason reluctantly agrees and set out to hit the road from Atlanta to Florida. Then he makes an unexpected discovery, the less said about that, the better.


Stopping at a diner along the way, Jason finally learns of his grandfather’s true intentions of going to Florida: Going to spring break to party. And once he and Dick meet up with Bradley (Jeffrey Bower-Chapman), the easy – to put it nicely – Lenore (Aubrey Plaza) and Jason’s former classmate Shadia (Zoey Deutch) outside the diner, Jason quickly realizes he’s in for a lot more than he bargained for.


Grandfather-son bonding may never be the same again.

WHO WILL LIKE THIS FILM THE MOST? People who enjoy raunchy, bawdy, politically incorrect comedies that have a surprising amount of heart and modern ones like Sisters, Trainwreck, Project X, Revenge of the Nerds and The 40 Year-Old Virgin; Aubrey Plaza fans who loved her work in The To Do List; Robert De Niro and Jason Mantzoukas fans

WHO WON’T (OR SHOULDN’T) LIKE THIS MOVIE? People who hate  enjoy raunchy, bawdy, politically incorrect comedies like the one mentioned above; possibly the LGBT community and the NAACP; Robert De Niro and Zac Efron fans who feel they should be above films like this; any parent who takes their child to this film and then feels compelled to need to cover their child’s eyes and/or have an uncomfortable ride home 

SO, IS IT GOOD, BAD OR ABSOLUTELY AWFUL? A movie that lives up to its “R” rating in just about every sense imaginable, Dirty Grandpa is raunchy, rowdy, politically incorrect … And if that doesn’t bother you, you will also likely find it to be something its TV commercials likely might make it seem hard to believe: Funny – jaw-droppingly funny.


I’ll admit it: When I saw the trailer for Dirty Grandpa, my first thought was “Why in the world is Robert De Niro in this?” Watching the movie, the answer becomes pretty clear: He must have known it would be a lot of fun to play Dick, a dirty (both in language and tone) old man who is still full of life and underneath it all has a pretty decent heart. De Niro shines from start to finish as the bawdy senior citizen who says exactly what is on his mind regardless of who is around but eventually proves himself to be cool because he actually gets people and takes them as they are. Efron is there to play the straight man and does so well, furthering distancing himself from his Disney days, much like Hough who plays the pretentious … princess effectively to spur his actions. Jason Mantzoukas plays his character, which if you are familiar with his work on The League won’t come as a surprise, effectively crazy to the point his lunacy – while ludicrous in terms of believability in a real world sense – works well. Mantzoukas makes his beach shop owner a lovable lunatic, acting as a nice bridge between De Niro and Efron to allow them to keep their characters (somewhat) grounded in reality. Then again, Aubrey Plaza shows that her work in the under-appreciated The To Do List was not a one-time thing as she and De Niro pull of the most insane, filthy – and hilarious – series of exchanges since Steve Carell and Seth Rogen and Paul Rudd were all sitting around together playing video games in The 40 Year-Old Virgin. Plaza commits 100% to the role fully just like De Niro and Mantzoukas, which makes for a cavalcade of crazy comedy.

Of course, like almost every road trip/buddy comedy, Dirty Grandpa tries to insert a bit of a moral/life lesson at the end that Dick teaches his grandson, which is a nice touch … But let’s be realistic. NO ONE is going to leave Dirty Grandpa talking about the wisdom Dick passes along to his grandson. What they will be talking about, however, is the copious amounts of “did they just say that?!” moments found within the film. De Niro and company hold nothing back – vocally OR anatomically – in going for the most inappropriate (and in turn, hilarious) laugh possible. Race, sexual orientation, ageism … None of these things is off limits for Dirty Grandpa; the key is that as the film eventually goes on to prove is that there is no malice behind the jokes. Laughs are not made at the expense of others’ feelings in saying that any group is inferior to another, they are simply “here’s something about you ripe for comedic fodder” – and therein lies all the difference.

Then again, if you are offended/prefer not to see a 70-plus year-old man hitting on college age girls, are uncomfortable with anyone using racially-charged words in any capacity if they are not members of the ethnic group deemed “allowed” to use them and/or an admittedly graphic amount of graphic language, avoid Dirty Grandpa at all costs. Likewise, if you find the premise too outlandish, fear the sexual content will be too intense/perverse, you likely will be best served by staying away from the film.

Should those happen to not be issues, however, Dirty Grandpa will make you laugh possibly till your sides hurt … Or at least long enough to make you feel like you need to go to church to make up for watching and enjoying it.

OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):