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

A Most Wanted Man

A Most Wanted Man

Rated R and Released in Grand Rapids 7/25/14

Reviewed 8/1/14 at Celebration North Theatre

3 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

This is the late Phillip Seymour Hoffman's (Gunther Bachman) last movie and what an amazing actor he was! His films were always a little offbeat or not mainstream, but he always stood out in them and this is no different. This modern day spy film takes place in Germany but it has an older film feel to it. This makes for a bit slowish movie. This is no Mission Impossible with all the stunts and super spy excitement, but it is worth seeing at some point.

A tortured Russian man, and possibly terrorist, is seeking asylum in Germany. No one wants to give it to him except human rights lawyer Annabel Richter (Rachel McAdams). There are deals to be struck with alliances that have to be trusted, to accomplish what all the vested parties want. Gunther, the German police, and Americans all want different outcomes, so either everyone gets what they want or no one gets anything! It is not anywhere in between.

QUIET Rating system: 3  Js

Quality: JJJj

Understood story:  JJj

Interest: JJJj

Entertainment:  JJj

Time:  JJj

Hercules - Mini Review

Hercules

Rated R and Released in Grand Rapids 7/25/14

Reviewed 7/29/14 at Celebration North Theatre

with Gary

2 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

This movie is meant for The Rock who plays the demi-god Hercules. This has a made-for-TV quality but still we enjoyed the action packed drama to the end. This story has the usual tyranny, kings and double crosses that lead the Samson-like Hercules battling his way out of situations with a sword or whatever weapon is closest. Knowing that this is not extremely original, you will not be let down watching the hero that we expect.

QUIET Rating system: 2  Js

Quality: Jj

Understood story:  JJ

Interest: JJ

Entertainment:  JJ

Time:  JJJj

And So it Goes - Mini Review

And So it Goes

Rated Pg-13 and Released in Grand Rapids 7/18/14

Reviewed 7/28/14 at Celebration North Theatre

with Cindy

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

Michael Douglas plays aging Oren Little, a self-centered realtor that is a SOB to everyone. Kind of sounds like Michael is playing himself. His neighbor is nicey nice Leah (Diane Keaton) and she tries over and over again to soften him up. But it takes his granddaughter that he has never met to do the trick. 94 minutes was about right for this film and it actually reminded me and Cindy of the Jack Nicholson/Diane Keaton Something's Gotta Give. We liked And So it Goes, but felt it was cute yet predictable to the end.

QUIET Rating system: 2  1/2 Js

Quality: JJ

Understood story:  JJJ

Interest: JJ

Entertainment:  JJ

Time:  JJJJ

Lucy - Mini Review

Lucy

Rated R and Released in Grand Rapids 7/25/14

Reviewed 7/28/14 at Celebration North Theatre

with Gary and Bran

3 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

Scarlet Johansson kicks butt as Lucy. A woman caught up in the dark world of drug dealing, it seems there is no way out for Lucy. But then there is the brain capacity factor of Lucy that she uses better than the other poor souls. This flick was very entertaining, especially for the first half. Although it got a little weird towards the end, it's well worth the weirdness.

QUIET Rating system: 3  Js

Quality: JJj

Understood story:  JJj

Interest: JJj

Entertainment:  JJJ

Time:  JJJJ

Persecuted

Persecuted

Rated PG-13 and Released in Grand Rapids 7/18/14

Reviewed 7/19/14 at Celebration North Theatre

with Brandon

2 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

With a 2 J rating, it may seem that I am not a fan of this film, which is not quite the case. I liked it enough; it just seemed to be very made-for-TV quality. The faith based films of late - Heaven is for Real, God's not Dead and Son of God - have raised the bar so the expectation has been elevated.

John Luther (James Remar) is a big name sincere TV evangelist and while he reaches millions of viewers, his following has piqued the interest of some powerful people. When Luther doesn't play ball with devious Senator Harrison (Bruce Davison) to help get a religious bill passed, he is duly warned of the consequences. Never imagining the extent some crooked leaders will go to, John is the target of some very grave allegations that cause him to go on the lamb and dig for the truth himself. On the run with authorities at every turn looking for him, he seeks out his father who is also a Catholic priest, Dr. Charles Luther. Dr. Luther is superbly played by Fred Thompson so he really adds some quality to the cast.

Very disturbing is the persecution by the government, media and even those close to him that leave John Luther in some pretty dire circumstances. The final showdown unfortunately reminds me of a bad soap opera with the silly acting and outcome. With that being said, it is worthy of a cheapie theatre visit or for home viewing when it's released. Let's hope the attributes of faith based or Christian films picks back up a bit as we want more of these movies made.

QUIET Rating system: 2  Js

Quality: Jj

Understood story:  JJ

Interest: JJj

Entertainment:  JJ

Time:  JJJj

The Purge: Anarchy

The Purge: Anarchy

Rated R and Released in Grand Rapids 7/18/14

Reviewed 7/19/14 at Celebration North Theatre

with Brandon

3 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

Not normally my kind of movie, this was a big surprise - a big surprise! This is an upgrade sequel to the first, although it is just as disturbing. Bran and I both liked this so much better! I only had two pop ups, with one being worthy of a good popcorn loss all over the aisle. I really felt like this was what the audience wanted, although not necessarily me or the clean up crew!

Once a year anything goes for 12 hours. No police, no hospitals or ANY sort of help at all. This weeds out all the "dead weight" so to speak on the system. The government strongly endorses this new way of purging - very legally. This is troubling from any angle, but doesn't take away from the go-to factor. Go see The Purge: Anarchy if you are in for an over-the-top intense film but just HANG on to your popcorn please!

QUIET Rating system: 3  Js

Quality: JJj

Understood story:  JJJ

Interest: JJJ

Entertainment:  JJJ

Time:  JJJJ