Exodus: Gods and Kings

Exodus: Gods and Kings

Rated PG-13 and Released 12/17/14

Reviewed 12/17/14 at Celebration North Theatre

with Gary

3 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

If you are looking for the biblical account of Moses then you will be disappointed with this film. Christian Bale is a great actor and does a fine job playing Moses. He even reminded Gary of Charlton Heston at times from the 1950s TV movie, Ten Commandments.

Moses is raised as Egyptian royalty by Pharaoh's sister. He and Ramses (Joel Edgerton) grow up together as brothers and despite Ramses being Pharaoh's son, it is Moses who finds favor. Meanwhile the Hebrew people have been brutally enslaved by the Egyptians for 400 years laboring endlessly. After the beloved Pharaoh dies, the arrogant Ramses begins his regime. The new Pharaoh is soon confronted with the discovery on his "brother" after the truth about his birth is revealed. Moses is banished and he ends up wandering the desert, finds a wife, and starts a family. God seeks Moses out, although very strangely in this movie. He converses with Moses about leading the Hebrew people. Plagues have been disposed on Egypt in such a way to to convince Pharaoh to let "His" people go.

The crossing of the Red Sea by the Hebrews, with the Egyptians in hot pursuit, is my favorite scene. That being said, there are some bizarre ways the film's creators explain away some aspects of the story. Exodus doesn't follow its namesake per se but neither does the TV epic Ten Commandments that we know and love. Plan on an entertaining film and know that it is all Hollywood through and through!

QUIET Rating system: 3 Js

Quality: JJJ

Understood story:  JJJ

Interest: JJJj

Entertainment:  JJJ

Time:  Jj

Hobbit 3: The Battle of Five Armies

Hobbit 3: The Battle of Five Armies

Rated PG-13 and Released 12/17/14

Reviewed 12/17/14 at Celebration North Theatre

with Gary

2 1/2 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System 

It isn't so much that I didn't like this film, I think part of the problem I have with this one is the lapses in the three different parts of the movie trilogy. Looking to Gary during the film only got me shrugs, so no help there. It would have been better for us to see this with someone that could help fill in the gaps. Though we enjoyed this one, we thought #2 was more exciting. That was our favorite of the three.

Thorin and his team of dwarves have created a safe haven in the cave of treasure after the dragon Smaug leaves from guarding it to get his revenge on the town below. Bilbo the Hobbit and the rest of the heroes (mix of elves, wizards, and villagers) must abandon their desire to battle each other to team up to fight off the legions of Orcs sent by the evil Sauron. This 3rd installment concludes the story that is based on the book The Hobbit. Long at 2 1/2 hours, as were the other two, they really stretched this one out and it somewhat diminishes the story. They could have kept it to one or two parts, but it certainly wouldn't be much of a money maker, would it?

QUIET Rating system: 2 1/2 Js

Quality: JJJj

Understood story:  JJ

Interest: JJJ

Entertainment:  JJJ

Time:  Jj

The Good Lie

The Good Lie

Rated PG-13 and Limited Release in Grand Rapids 12/5/14

Reviewed 12/7/14 at Celebration Woodland Theatre
with Gary

3 1/2 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

Gary admits he wasn't overly excited about going to see this film. It just didn't appeal to him right off the bat. But being the trooper that he is, he settled in. Afterwards, as I am drying my wet face, he said "powerful"! I was planning on being inspired and getting into it and I was not disappointed by the tug-at-your-heartstrings story based on the "Lost Boys of Sudan". Reese Witherspoon was adorable playing strumpet Carrie Davis, the not-so-welcoming committee for the endearing refugees.

The Sudanese "siblings" are amongst the civil war having their home ravaged while their family is gunned down and killed before their eyes. The young group is now on their own along with thousands, if not millions, of other children. For the thousand plus mile trek across Africa to get to somewhere that will have them, they must eat and drink the unthinkable for life preservation. It is really unfathomable the circumstances they find themselves in. Eventually the tight group makes their way to Kenya but with high costs to get there. Endless children refugees are pouring into these camps near the Kenya borders, not for days or weeks, but for years!

There is a window of opportunity in our history, when our country had programs in place that allows placement of a very select few of the Sudanese to journey to America. Naivety kicks in, as I can't help but feel that if they can overcome such personal tragedy with life-threatening physical and mental roadblocks then the modernization transformation should be a breeze, right? Not so - as you will see in their very inspiring story. The transformation everyone encounters by the influence of these young men is moving and compelling. Believe in The Good Lie and see this with a pocket full of Kleenex and you will make it through!

QUIET Rating system: 3 1/2 Js

Quality: JJJ

Understood story:  JJJ

Interest: JJJJ

Entertainment:  JJJj

Time:  JJJj

The Theory of Everything

The Theory of Everything 

Rated PG-13 and Released in Grand Rapids 11/28/14

Reviewed 12/1/14 at Celebration North Theatre

with Gary

3 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

Just because I liked this movie doesn't mean I agree with subject Steven Hawking and his views. This is an interesting story of an extremely intelligent man. In the early 60s while in college, Hawking had devastating news when he was told he had Lou Gehrig's disease. The doctor conveyed he had two years to live, which is not much different than a diagnosis today. Defying the odds, Hawking is still living in 2014 at the age of 73. Amazing story! Eddie Redmayne gave an Oscar winning performance playing Hawking. Felicity Jones is impressive portraying patient girlfriend and wife Jane.

Steven Hawking had a lot going for him with his intelligence and attending the esteemed Cambridge University. Then slammed with the diagnosis of his terminal illness, he - with the help of a great support system - kept living. Using his mind without the use of his body, he went on to become one of the most famous physicists of our time. The Theory of Everything is a well done movie that is inspiring to the max. While I don't agree with his views on God and evolution, I can't help but think what someone like this could do if he did believe in God as the Creator!

QUIET Rating system: 3 Js

Quality: JJJj

Understood story:  JJJ

Interest: JJJ

Entertainment:  JJj

Time:  JJj

Horrible Bosses 2 - Mini Review

Horrible Bosses 2

Rated R and Released in Grand Rapids 11/25/14

Reviewed 11/25/14 at Celebration North Theatre

with Gary

2 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

The people that thought this film was the funniest were the cast themselves. Stay for the outtakes and you will see what I mean. They cracked themselves up. Relying on raunchy humor to carry them through, the trio is back to put up a fight in this sequel. They - Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis and Charlie Day - are all very funny actors; they just need the right movie. When Jennifer Aniston talks, plug your ears. We were amused at some ridiculousness but it was the put-a-bag-over-your-head-while-you-laugh kind. This one is not meant to see with the family.

QUIET Rating system: 2 Js

Quality: J

Understood story:  JJ

Interest: JJj

Entertainment:  JJj

Time:  JJJj

Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1

Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1

Rated PG-13 and Released in Grand Rapids 11/21/14

Reviewed 11/21/14 at Celebration North Theatre

with Gary and Denny

2 1/2 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

I loved the originality of the first Hunger Games; Number 2, Catching Fire had improved greatly in the quality. The first of this 3-part series of the 3rd installment was somewhat of a disappointment. I felt like it was just the big setup for the second part. I think the next one will have all the action because the first part of the book was kind of a snoozer. The verdict...they should have made ONE movie out of this third part.

Toughest teen ever Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) awakes after her rescue from the powerful Capital. Her home District 12 has been leveled by the Capital and now District 13 is her new mundane underground home. She is being pressured at every turn to decide if she really wants to be the Mockingjay, a symbol which represents the liberator of the world. Plutarch (Philip Seymour Hoffman) is trying to convince District 13 leader President Colin (Julianne Moore) that she is not the "one", she is definitely the ONLY one!

Meanwhile back at the Capital, her love Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) whom she has grown to love from her time being teamed up with in the Hunger Games, has been left behind and according to the broadcast airing, he is brainwashed by the leader of the dominating Capital, President Snow (Donald Sutherland). He is a tool to promote the ill propaganda that the Capital wants to use to squelch the rising anarchists of the Districts. There just isn't much progress in the story to make it a must-see-now. While that being said, you have to see it eventually before moving on to Part 2.

QUIET Rating system: 2 1/2 Js

Quality: JJj

Understood story:  JJJ

Interest: JJj

Entertainment:  JJ

Time:  JJJ

Whiplash

Whiplash

Rated R and Released 11/14/14

Reviewed 11/17/14 at Celebration North Theatre

with Gary

3 1/2 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

I never heard of Whiplash until perusing the movie list trying to decide what to see. We saw everything but this one and we almost didn't go (not because of the unknown movie, but the looming blizzard that no one should've been out in). I'm glad the weather didn't hold us back, or we could have missed this gem. Gary and I were both genially surprised. Who would believe a story about a young guy aspiring to be a drummer could be riveting? It's off-beat and low budget, though it didn't come across cheesy as these types of films often do. The acting led by Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons (from the infamous Farmers Insurance commercials) is superb!

Awkward Andrew (Teller) is a first-year music student at a fiercely competitive NYC music school. He has his sights on being chosen for the most prestigious jazz band at school led by the fearsome maestro Terrence Fletcher (Simmons). There are a few descriptives that come to mind when describing Terrence and they are not pleasant.

Meanwhile Andrew's strength pushes him to practice all night and sacrifice relationships, enough to get him into the right spot. Or does it? How far will a teacher push his students? How far will one student in particular LET a teacher push him? This resonates with me and probably many others on different levels on what is right, and the crossroad decisions made to get the desired end result. There are some aggressive editing jumps through a few scenes, but this can easily be overlooked. Go see this quality film and don't be caught off guard by the edgy suspense these two characters put you through.

QUIET Rating system: 3 1/2 Js

Quality: JJJ

Understood story:  JJJ

Interest: JJJJ

Entertainment:  JJJj

Time:  JJJJ

Dumb and Dumber To

Dumb and Dumber To

Rated PG-13 and Released 11/14/14

Reviewed 11/14/14 at Celebration North Theatre

with Gary

2 1/2 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

We don't usually see movies on Friday nights, especially around 7:00 during prime movie time. Consequently we had to share our theatre with hundreds of other movie goers and most heading to see this flick. The name Dumb and Dumber still sticks with this senseless follow-up to the original some 20 years later. But I have to say, in spite of our low expectation, we actually laughed quite a bit. I don't know what this says about the audience, but they applauded when the movie ended.

The ridiculous storyline is trivial, but it basically picks up where the two characters left off. Utter goofy lunacy. After springing Lloyd (Jim Carrey) from his 20 year hospitalization, Harry (Jeff Daniels) divulges that he is in need of a kidney transplant. This jumpstarts their cross-country quest to find Harry's long-lost daughter to see if she would be a suitable donor. The gags and gross-out humor start spewing. A few times it felt embarrassing to be laughing, but luckily all chuckles were drowned out in the jammed theatre. Well I can't say Dumb and Dumber To was the "dumbest" movie ever, because there has been a lot worse. Slapstick haters beware - this one is not for you!

QUIET Rating system: 2 1/2 Js

Quality: J

Understood story:  JJJ

Interest: JJJ

Entertainment:  JJJj

Time:  JJj

Interstellar

Interstellar

Rated PG-13 and Released 11/7/14

Reviewed 11/8/14 at Celebration North Theatre

with Gary

2 1/2 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

After taking a few months off (still seeing movies, just not reviewing), I am back at it! I chose to start with big buzz sci-fi Interstellar and it's a long one at 169 minutes. In spite of the length, Gary and I still thought it kept our interest to the end. It's no Gravity though, as that was jammed with excitement in an hour and a half. This story is much more than a typical science fiction with lots of attention to detail and the focus on the bond between father and daughter. With the sometimes slowish plot, they could have cut out a good half hour and it would have been an improvement. Matthew McConaughey does a fine job playing Cooper but he is really more convincing as the farmer than the astronaut.

The widower Cooper is raising two children (daughter Murph and older brother Tom) in a post-apocalyptic Earth. For some reason the planet is being consumed by dust. The crops are dying out and instead of finding a solution to save the population from starving, scientists believe the answer is not only in outer space but a different solar system altogether.

This sets up some outlandish space travel for Cooper and a couple of other astronauts including Dr. Brand (Anne Hathaway). Cooper's crew decides to "beat" space travel by journeying through a galactic wormhole. One improper decision can cause dire consequences for the voyagers, and everyone back at home, which does make for some excitement.

While they are out exploring the planet options for the survival of mankind, Dr. Brand's father (Michael Caine) remains on Earth at a top secret NASA location mysteriously trying to solve gravity with some heavy duty physics. Yes the improbability is expected over and over, but this is science fiction after all. However without spoiling too much, I wish they would have gone in a different direction with the conclusion. See it for yourself and decide. IMAX is recommended, but realizing you have to carve out about 3+ hours out of your day you might decide it's worth waiting this one out.

QUIET Rating system: 2 1/2 Js

Quality: JJJJ

Understood story:  JJj

Interest: JJJj

Entertainment:  JJj

Time:  J

A Little Break...

I know lots of you have missed my reviews, and I wanted to let you know that I will be back to reviewing movies consistently by the end of November.

In the meantime, I'm enjoying Brandon's last season of soccer

and getting lots of quality time in with Danelle and Aaron's little guy - my first grand baby!

See you all very soon!

The Giver

The Giver

Rated PG-13 and Released in Grand Rapids 8/8/14

Reviewed 8/18/14 at Celebration North Theatre

with Gary

3 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

The Giver reminds me of another book-based movie Divergent, which I really loved. In this film everyone is living in a futuristic near-perfect world, where freedom and choices are removed. Your career is chosen for you based on what the elders choose and no one questions any of this. No crime, no lying, no feelings - everything is manufactured for the good of the people. Meryl Streep does a fine job playing Chief Elder. Her role is not quite Oscar contention, but still worthy of her.

Chief Elder wants to keep life and existence status quo. The Giver (Jeff Bridges) who is given the task of passing down the memories to one person, is secretly very radical. Twelve-year-old Jonas (Brenton Thwaites) has been chose to receive the memories. He, like The Giver, feels there is more out there and oppressing the vital information from the rest of society is a big misfortune. But breaking free is more difficult than either can handle on their own. This is an interesting but somewhat odd movie that is not as exciting as Divergent, but it has a haunting edge to it that certainly makes you think about what is taking place.

QUIET Rating system: 3 Js

Quality: JJj

Understood story:  JJj

Interest: JJJ

Entertainment:  JJj

Time:  JJJj

Expendables 3

Expendables 3

Rated PG-13 and Released in Grand Rapids 8/15/14

Reviewed 8/18/14 at Celebration North Theatre

with Gary

1 1/2 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

Sylvester Stallone is back as Barney Ross in Expendables 3. This is just a newer version of the same predictable story. But the story doesn't really matter in this action-packed guys movie. Stallone, who I deem as the worst actor ever, is in a tight race with Arnold Schwarzenegger for the title. Thank goodness for Arnold's small role. Although I wouldn't go so far as to say "don't see this ever" because we weren't bored. While Harrison Ford and Mel Gibson add the much-needed quality to the credentials it is not necessarily enough to save this flick. Antonio Banderas as Gaglo is a pleasant surprise in his very comedic role.

Barney (Stallone) and Christmas (Jason Statham) are the leaders of this secret crew of government hired operatives. They, with their small force, are always outnumbered 100 to 1 but that doesn't slow them down. Recruiting younger savvy individuals brings the tech world and recklessness teaming up with old school brute force to fight against the very personal enemy Stonebanks (Gibson). The "usual" is sometimes comforting, so if you are in the mood for silly and ridiculous, plus against all odds shoot 'em up non-stop action...this one is for you.

QUIET Rating system: 1 1/2 Js

Quality: J

Understood story:  JJ

Interest: JJ

Entertainment:  JJ

Time:  Jj

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - Mini Review

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Rated PG-13 and Released in Grand Rapids 8/15/14

Reviewed 8/17/14 at Celebration North Theatre

with Gary and Leigh

1 1/2 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

This action fantasy is an adequate remake of the 90s series. Megan Fox as TV reporter April O'Neil sure looks good,

but a big thumbs down on the acting. Sorry! I am guessing most that will actually like this movie are under the age of 10 and they probably won't care what April looks like. The city of New York is not necessarily looking for vigilantes, but they have them with the turtle mutant foursome that look like puffed up dolls with creepy faces. They karate chop their way around Manhattan foiling plans of the evil Shredder. Maybe I am being a bit harsh (as it's not the worst film of the year), but if you are really desperate go see it now. Instead this could be saved for a Sunday afternoon where you catch parts of it in between flipping TV stations. So in 10 years you piecemeal all your viewings, finally completing the whole movie and that's just fine.

QUIET Rating system: 1 1/2 Js

Quality: J

Understood story:  JJ

Interest: Jj

Entertainment:  Jj

Time:  JJ

The Hundred Foot Journey - Mini Review

The Hundred Foot Journey

Rated PG and Released in Grand Rapids 8/8/14

Reviewed 8/14/14 at Celebration North Theatre

with Gary

3 1/2 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

The Hundred Foot Journey stars Helen Mirren who superbly portrays a snooty restauranteur Madame Mallory. In a quaint village in the South of France a renowned Michelin star restaurant is the only "show" in town. That is until the Hassan family, straight from India,  erupts into the village. They were just passing through but patriarch of the family Papa has a brilliant idea of staying put and starting an eatery across the street from Madame Mallory's famed establishment. He has every intention, with the help of his talented cooking family, of competing with their specialty cooking and distinctive Indian spices. The relationship between the neighbors is initially explosive but slowly evolves into something unique. The exchanges with the village mayor with both sides trying to win him over are silly and witty. Mirren is her usual poised quality self but she has some competition in the scene stealers from the many unknown actors. This is a sweet combination of humor, romance and drama that make this adorable film a favorite of ours - especially of late.

QUIET Rating system: 3 1/2 Js

Quality: JJJj

Understood story:  JJJJ

Interest: JJJj

Entertainment:  JJJj

Time:  JJJ

Into the Storm - Mini Review

Into the Storm

Rated PG-13 and Released in Grand Rapids 8/8/14

Reviewed 8/13/14 at Celebration North Theatre

with Gary

2 1/2 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

Twister with a documentary "twist" best describes this action film. We thought it was entertaining with great special effects, but the acting and storyline could use a little help. A couple of high school students along a group of storm chasers documenting the aftermath of disastrous tornados are not deterred by the mayhem. Worsening conditions don't slow down the chasers from pursuing the big one. It only fuels their fire. This is worth seeing now, or a perfect one for OnDemand.

QUIET Rating system: 2  1/2 Js

Quality: JJ

Understood story:  JJj

Interest: JJj

Entertainment:  JJj

Time:  JJJ

Guardians of the Galaxy

Guardians of the Galaxy

Rated PG-13 and Released in Grand Rapids 7/31/14

Reviewed 8/1/14 at Celebration North Theatre - 3D IMAX

with Gary and Brandon

3 1/2 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

Seeing the trailer for this sci-fi comedy, I expected this to be kind of juvenile. It was, but we were all genuinely surprised at how much we liked it. Even though Gary and Brandon thought it was closer to a 4, this is my favorite movie of the summer. Chris Pratt (Star-Lord) was super funny and he was simply meant for this part. Sure the plot was jumpy and wasn't clear at times, but it doesn't matter as it is filled with laughs throughout. This is probably worth seeing in the IMAX, but I'm not sure if 3D made that much of a difference.

Junkyard robber Peter Quill, aka Star-Lord, finds himself the object of a manhunt after stealing a mysterious orb. What is somewhat befuddled are the reasons behind small child Peter being stolen away from Earth. This leaves some gaps in the story. Maybe that will all be explained away in the next one, and rest assured there will be another. The now immature adult Star-Lord teams up with a hilarious band of misfits, most notably Groot (Vin Diesel) a talking tree, and Rocket (Bradley Cooper) the sassy raccoon. This group has a race around the galaxy fighting off the villains to get the precious orb into the right hands. A little Star Wars flare mixed with some Raiders of the Lost Ark, and you get Guardians of the Galaxy - a delightful, senseless movie. We loved every minute of it!

QUIET Rating system: 3 1/2 Js

Quality: JJJ

Understood story:  JJJj

Interest: JJJj

Entertainment:  JJJJ

Time:  JJJ

Get On Up - Mini Review

Get On Up

Rated PG-13 and Released in Grand Rapids 8/1/14

Reviewed 8/2/14 at Celebration North Theatre

2 1/2 out of 5 Js in QUIET R

Get On Up does a fine job capturing the journey and story of The Godfather of Soul, singer James Brown (Chadwick Boseman). Although at 2 hours and 18 minutes, it's about a half hour too long. You get the sense from Brown's very turbulent violent upbringing that he was the product of his environment. He was easy to despise at times. He didn't treat those around him with much respect, even those very loyal. He had three to four wives (fourth was controversial and wasn't legitimized) which produced many children, but boy could he pump out the songs. I feel like the film just skimmed the surface of his turbulent life beginning in the 1930s, but I already thought it was lengthy so Im not complaining. Quality acting through and through, this biopic is not going to appeal to everyone. But this movie has a lot of toe tapping songs everyone knows, so it's good enough to see.

QUIET Rating system: 2  1/2 Js

Quality: JJJ

Understood story:  JJj

Interest: JJj

Entertainment:  JJ

Time:  J

Wish I Was Here - Mini Review

Wish I Was Here

Rated R and Released in Grand Rapids 8/1/14

Reviewed 8/1/14 at Celebration North Theatre

2 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

Billed as a comedy, like many flicks we find out it's really drama with some comedy. Dramedy should be a legit category and this would fall into that. Aidan Bloom (Zach Braff) is examining his life after pursuing his lifelong dream of an acting career. His wife Sarah Bloom (Kate Hudson) carries the family financially in the job she hates. Because of fiscal reasons, they have to pull their two kids from Jewish private school. Instead of public school, Aidan is going to give a shot at homeschooling. Why not? Humorous exchanges with his trailer living gamer brother and his dying Jewish father lend for some laugh out loud moments. With that being said, this is most assuredly a renter when it hits OnDemand which will probably be sooner than later.

QUIET Rating system: 2 Js

Quality: JJ

Understood story:  JJJ

Interest: JJj

Entertainment:  JJ

Time:  JJ