Sorry To Bother You

Plot:

Telemarketer Cassius Green (Lakeith Stanfield) discovers a magical key to success, propelling him into a world of greed. 

I had planned on doing my usual review but now that I’ve seen it, Sorry To Bother You is definitely NOT your usual movie. It’s best to go into this knowing as little as possible. 

I give Boots Riley (I believe this is his directorial debut) a lot of credit. This is certainly one of the most bizarre movies I’ve seen in a long time. I mean that in a good way. We need more unique movies like this. I realize it’s not for everyone but I liked it overall. 

The performances were great, especially Lakieth Stanfield and Armie Hammer. 

The only thing I didn’t care for was the ending. I get what they were going for but I still kind of rolled my eyes. Still, it’s definitely worth watching. 

My Rating: 8/10

The Happytime Murders

Plot:

When the puppet cast of an 80s tv show begins to get murdered one by one, a disgraced former cop turned detective must solve the case. 

Pros:

•I really liked the design of the puppets. 

•Got several genuine laughs. 

•Melissa McCarthy was actually pretty good in this. Definitely more toned down from her usual shtick. 

•While I wouldn’t call this a great movie or one you should see in theaters, it’s worth a watch with friends when it comes to Netflix. 

•The credits were fun and interesting. They show some outtakes and behind the scenes stuff. 

Cons:

•A lot of wasted potential. I understand what they were trying to do but I felt like they could’ve done more. 

•Some of the jokes/scenes went on just a bit too long. 

•The story itself was pretty weak and predictable. 

My Rating: 6/10

Boundaries

Plot:

Laura (Vera Farmiga) and her son Henry (Lewis MacDougall) are forced to drive her father Jack (Christopher Plummer) across country after being kicked out of yet another nursing home. 

Pros:

•Strong performances by Christopher Plummer and Vera Farmiga. I totally bought them as father and daughter. Had it been lesser actors it wouldn’t have worked. 

•The directors heart was in the right place. 

•Lots of adorable dogs. 

Cons:

•The story itself is pretty weak and predictable. Nothing you haven’t seen before which is sad because it had potential. 

•Awkward humor that mostly falls flat. 

•Poor lighting in many scenes. There were times I couldn’t make out what was happening. 

•I can’t say I recommend this movie. I wouldn’t call it bad or anything. It’s just meh. If you’re a fan of any of these actors and you’re curious, wait until it comes to Netflix. 

My Rating: 6/10

Leave No Trace

Plot:

A father and his 13 year old daughter (Ben Foster & Thomasin McKenzie) are living off the grid. Suddenly, one small mistake changes things forever. 

Pros:

•Thomasin McKenzie gives an award worthy performance. Ben Foster as well. I absolutely loved their beautiful and convincing portrayal of the relationship between a father and his daughter. 

•The only real villain here is PTSD, which I thought they handled very realistically. 

•Great direction by Debra Granik. She really hasn’t directed a whole lot (the only thing I recognized on her resume was Winter’s Bone, which I haven’t seen but heard it’s really good) but after this, I’d love to see more. She does a good job of showing rather than telling. 

•Beautiful locations and cinematography. 

•I enjoyed the slow pace of it. 

Cons:

•The ending. I’m not saying it’s bad and I get what she was going for, I just didn’t particularly care for it. Still, this is definitely one of the better movies I’ve seen this year and I highly recommend it. 

My Rating: 9/10

The Catcher Was a Spy

Plot:

Moe Bert (Paul Rudd) lives a double life as a Major League Baseball player and working for the Office of Strategic Services during World War II.  Based on a true story. 

Pros:

•Very fascinating story. I’m surprised I haven’t heard it before. 

•Paul Rudd, while I feel he may have been slightly miscast, does a fine job. 

•Moves at a good pace. 

Cons:

•There’s a great story here, however, at times I felt like they director didn’t execute it very well. Also, while the dramatic scenes were find for the most part, the brief war/battle scenes we get were shot rather poorly. 

•Horrible use of green screen. I’m sure this was a low budget film but they could’ve at least tried to make it look convincing. 

•If you’re into period pieces and/or spy movies by all means check this out. It’s not great or anything but check it out if you come across it on Netflix. Not worth seeing it in theaters. 

My Rating: 6.5/10

BlacKkKlansman

Plot:

Based on the true story of Ron Stallworth (John David Washington) an African American cop from Colorado who successfully infiltrated the Klu Klux Klan. 

Pros: 

•WOW!!!! What an amazing movie. Thank you Spike Lee for bringing this incredible story to light. It’s crazy that, up until recently, I had never heard of it before. Very powerful and something I think everyone needs to see. 

•John David Washington’s performance. This is the first time I’ve seen him, but I think he’s a talented actor. Also, I know Washington is getting a lot of praise (and rightfully so), but I thought Adam Driver did just as good of a job. The two really played off each other well. 

•Powerful dialog. 

•A perfect blend of humor and drama. 

•Great supporting cast. It was weird seeing Topher Grace playing David Duke since the only things I’ve seen him in are comedies. But he pulls it off. 

•Very memorable ending. I won’t spoil it... all I’ll say is it’s sad and infuriating that this story took place back in the 70s and not much has changed at all. Things like this are still happening everyday :(

Cons:

•Just a few minor technical issues that aren’t worth mentioning. Had this been a lesser movie I would’ve taken a point or two off my rating. But this was so good I’m willing to let it slide. If this is playing anywhere near you I highly recommended you check it out. 

My Rating: 10/10

Mama Mia! Here We Go Again

Plot:

Five years after the events of the first movie, Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) learns about her mother’s (Meryl Streep, Lily James as a young Donna). 

Pros:

•I’ve never seen the first movie in its entirety, only bits and pieces whenever it was on tv. One time I tried to sit down and watch but I just couldn’t make it through it. I love musicals but that one was just a little too cheesy for me. That being said, I really enjoyed this one. It had me walking out of the theater feeling really good. 

•While Lily James doesn’t look much at all like Meryl Streep, I totally bought her as a young Donna. She’s not only a great actress but a great singer as well. 

•The story was surprisingly strong and heartfelt. It had me tearing up a lot, especially at the end. 

•Beautiful locations and cinematography. 

•Most of the songs were fun and catchy. 

•This is one of those movies where if you’re feeling down just put it on and you’ll instantly feel better. 

•Cher still has it. Her role is small but very memorable. 

Cons:

•Dominic Cooper couldn’t sing if his life depended on it. It also felt like he was phoning it in. 

•I enjoyed most of the songs but a few of them I just wasn’t feeling. 

My Rating: 8/10