By Michael C. Woody | Lake Panorama Times

Since I reviewed 10 movies last month, I will take it easy on you this month with only a handful of new films opening,

“Midwinter Break” 

(most likely headed to streaming soon)

This is an interesting movie that will pull you in deeper and deeper as the movie methodically unspools. It is a small film with little to no promotion that I can recall. Leslie Manville and Ciarian Hinds play an old couple on a trip to Amsterdam for a weekend away from home. We find that she is not a happy woman but a very strong Catholic with a secret plan. This is a quiet and sad movie about a couple who have maybe fallen out of love. It is a film that is wonderfully acted with a unique story. Grade: A-

“Hoppers” 

(in theaters)

I see fewer kids movies these days, but “Hoppers” pulled me into the theaters with a great teaser trailer. A young girl who is a spunky environmentalist is inspired by a local pond and all of the creatures that live in it. When the community wants to get rid of the pond, she starts a crusade to save it. This is a well-made animated film with a strong and important message. Grade: A-

“The Bride” 

(in theaters)

In Warner Brothers’ latest update of their legendary horror film vault, we get this update of “The Bride of Frankenstein.” The film claims that Mary Shelley wrote “Frankenstein” on a bet, and we all know how much that decision probably repaid her handsomely. Here we see a woman who has also been brought back from the dead, several times. Jessie Buckley, Christian Bale, Annette Bening, Penelope Cruz, Perter Sarsgaard and Jake Gyllenhaal star for Gyllenhaal’s sister, Maggie, who wrote and directed the film. It is a dark, crazy and ultraviolent film that has little to offer most moviegoers. Grade: D

“Reminders of Him” 

(in theaters)  

Romance author Colleen Hoover gives us the story of a young woman who was just released from prison and is walking home. We quickly understand that something bad has happened and that she literally has no one to help her. Her attempts to find work are met with closed doors, but she finally finds an opportunity at a local coffee shop. From there, her tale of woe unspools. It’s an interesting story ,and the movie is actually better than it needed to be. Grade: B+

“Project Hail Mary” 

(in theaters)  

Based on the best-selling book by Andy Weir (“The Martian”), “Project Hail Mary” is the story of a high school science teacher who is pulled away from his day job by the government to help save our planet. Our planet and many others are at risk of dying, and the government needs someone with the skills and intellect to save us. The less I tell you, the better off you are, but what I can state is that the story is great, the filmmaking is breathtaking and Ryan Gosling is brilliant in this role. Sue and I saw it in a packed IMAX house, and it was a spectacle for sure.  See it and be amazed. Grade: A-

“The Pout Pout Fish” 

(in theaters)   

My old friend and retired school teacher Kathi Millin told me that this a wonderful story. I took a chance on the movie, and I enjoyed it, but it is definitely targeted to a younger audience than a lot of the recent animated hits. Nick Offerman lends his distinctive voice to the lead role. Grade: B+

I’ll be back next month with some early summer movies for you. 

Michael C. Woody has been reviewing movies on radio and television since 1986. He and his wife, Susan, are residents of Lake Panorama.

By Michael C. Woody | Lake Panorama Times

“Shelter”

While Jason Statham is not anywhere close to obtaining an Oscar nomination, most of his films are action heavy with less depth to the stories than most major releases. “Shelter” is an exception to that rule. In this movie, he plays a man in hiding, living off of the coast of some wonderful ocean. One day he witnesses a boat collapse, and he goes out and manages to save a young woman from a sure drowning. This rescue brings him to the attention of the bad guys who have been trying to find where he has been hiding. The rest of the movie is him going to great lengths to avoid these bad guys and make sure that they don’t get either him or this young woman killed. “Shelter” is an above-average Jason Statham film, and it is entertaining, which is, quite frankly, a little surprising. Grade: A

“The Testament of Ann Lee” 

This is one of the year’s strangest movies. The movie stars Amanda Seyfried, who has been in a lot of good movies this year, and it tells us a true story about a woman who became the leader of the Shaker Movement. This religious movement was a spin-off from the Quakers with each having some unique rules for their congregations. I believe the Shaker Movement to be long gone, but they are still known for unique, high-quality wooden furniture. This is an interesting look at an odd splinter religion. Seyfried gives a brave performance as one of its early leaders. Grade: B+

“Melania”

This week’s other oddity is “Melania,” which gives us a well-scrubbed look at our current first lady — a former model who may or may not have found her husband, and our current president, at a Jeffrey Epstein party. According to this film, she could be one of the best first ladies. I would much rather have seen a movie that gives us a less-than-sanitized look at the woman. Her full story has to be more interesting than this movie. Grade: C

“Solo Mio” 

One of the year’s biggest surprises for me is “Solo Mio,” a Kevin James vehicle about a man preparing to marry his fiancée in Rome. No secret here; she leaves him standing on the altar and devastated. Since the trip and honeymoon were both prepaid, he stays and goes it alone. That changes when he meets a new woman. This is not your typical, silly, slapstick, Kevin James film. This man is hurting, and this woman is filling a void for him, and we just go right along with it all. It turns into a charming film and a real crowd pleaser. Grade: B+

“Dracula”

How many Dracula movies have been made? Siri tells me it is more than 170. I am not sure if that incudes this new film, which goes deeper into the story and gives us a different angle — a love story. The angle is unique and has moments, but the movie runs out of gas about three quarters in, and that’s where the silly and misplaced special effects take over. It is also when I mentally checked out. Grade: C

“Send Help” 

Horror director Sam Raimi gives us an almost unrecognizable Rachel McAdams as a nerdy assistant to a new boss (Dylan O’Brien) in “Send Help.” After being reluctantly added to a team business (golf) trip, she and the team are all but wiped out in a mid-air collision. Her boss is incapacitated, so she works to keep him alive and nurses him back to health. Without giving anything away, at this point, the film flips the table on the audience. This plot device left me shaking my head and asking, “Why”? Grade: C

“Wuthering Heights”

I grew up looking at the spine of this book in our living room bookcase, never reading it or even asking what it was about. So, here’s what I discovered: It is about a beautiful young woman and her husband whose lives are interrupted by another man who takes a serious interest in the man’s wife. This threesome is played well by three beautiful people. IMDB shows at least 20 adaptations of this literary classic. Not sure how I missed those? This adaptation has a strong cast with Margot Robbie and her suitor played by Jacob Elordi. The sex is steamy and kinky at times as these two men continue to woo this possibly insatiable young woman. The movie is well-made, well-cast and well-acted but falls flat when everyone has their clothes on. Grade: B

“GOAT”

This is an animated movie about a team of animals playing in a championship basketball game, but they have added a new player. This one is a goat, playing off of the nickname “greatest of all-time” (the GOAT). The animation is wild and crazy, and the characters are all well drawn in an over-the-top animated style, but the story is soft. Most young audiences are not going to know or care, but the adults do. For the inevitable sequel, the writers should spend a little more time on the story. Grade: C

“Crime 101” 

Every once in a while, you see a movie that you know nothing about, and it blows you away. “Crime 101” is one of those. I knew nothing about the film, other than it had a strong cast. Chris Hemsworth plays a thief angling for his last big score. Halle Berry is an insurance exec slowly falling off the corporate ladder. Barry Keoghan is an assassin on the hunt for his next target. And the always reliable Mark Ruffalo is a cop growing more disillusioned by the day. This will be on my (next) year’s “Best Of” list. Grade: A

“EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert”

This is another of those films that will blow you away. I was between high school and college delivering high-end office furniture in Sioux City the summer Elvis died. His death was announced on the radio as we parked the truck for the day. We just sat there in silence. I thought about that day as I watched Bas Luhrmann’s new Elvis concert film. It is an amazing movie and shows us a performer at the top of his fame and the top of his game. This film provided one of the most fun experiences I have had this year. Grade: A

“Scream 7”

This movie that will NOT be on any “best of” list. I saw “Scream,” “Scream 2,” “Scream 6” and now the last in the series… “Scream 7.” I found “Scream 6” mildly entertaining, but I took one step too many in watching “Scream 7.” Sue tapped out quickly so I braved it alone, and the movie started out well. Sometimes, it is amazing how quickly a movie can take a dive, but this one was really quick. It has a dumb plot, too many jump scares and acting at the level of, well, any of the second through fifth “Scream” movies. Grade: D

Michael C. Woody has been reviewing movies on radio and television since 1986. He and his wife, Susan, are residents of Lake Panorama.

By Michael C. Woody | Lake Panorama Times

I had the opportunity to write this on a frigid mid-late January morning with the Oscar Nominations just being released (aka one of my favorite days of the year). Several of my reviews will be late-in-the-year releases that garnered nominations.

“Train Dreams”

This is not only one of the best movies of the year but also one that was nominated for a Best Picture Oscar. I wholeheartedly agree with that nomination. It’s a quiet film about a man working for the railroad back when they were building tracks to cross our country. It is a beautiful film, and it deserves the multiple Oscar nominations. Joel Edgerton and Felicity Jones are great, and director/co-writer Clint Bentley delivers a wonderful film. The film also garnered nominations for screenplay, original song and cinematography. Super easy to watch on Netflix. GRADE: A

“Marty Supreme”

Also grabbing multiple nominations (picture, director, actor, screenplay, casting (a new category this year), cinematography, costume design editing and production design!) Wow! So is the movie any good? Yes. It is a crazy film that might turn off some people, but it is a wild and crazy ride with Chalamet leading the fun in a movie that you will need to pay attention to or you will quickly get lost. GRADE: B+

“Avatar Fire and Ash”

I’m on the record for loving the visuals from James Cameron with this series of films that are dominated with crazy good special effects at the expense of the story and performances. It is just not my cup of tea, but it is deserving of the nod for technology and visuals. GRADE: B

“The Housemaid”

OK, it looked like a fun movie about a beautiful and wealthy housewife (Amanda Seyfried) who hires a young woman (Sydney Sweeney) to help her around a massive home. This could have been an entertaining movie with the two women fighting over the sleazy but handsome husband. Unfortunately, it turned into a nasty, violent and disturbing movie that I considered walking out of. In hindsight, I should have. GRADE: D

“Greenland 2: Migration”

Most of the country never knew about a movie titled “Greenland.” It opened during COVID, and, from what I can tell, it was largely forgotten. Regardless, I thought I would see the sequel (which is pretty much a stand-alone film), and I am glad I did. “Greenland 2” is the continuation of a story about the planet going crazy and the many people living underground and craving to get back above ground. We follow one group led by Gerard Butler’s character and his family. It is a harrowing journey, as they need to keep away from bad people and the planet, which is still in upheaval. I liked this movie a lot and might actually track down the first. GRADE B+

“Is This Thing On?”

Films about unhappy marriages are not high on my list of entertainment, and this one falls in that category. We see a family with young children who are not in a happy place with their marriage. They decide to separate to see if they can rediscover happiness in their lives. He decides to try standup comedy, and she returns to coaching women’s volleyball. Will Arnet and Laura Dern play the couple. Bradley Cooper and Arnet play friends, and Cooper directs the film. They both begin to casually date other people, and they come to find that honesty is not always the best policy. It’s heavy at times, and not as funny as I expected, but the film is well done either way. GRADE: B-

“28 Years Later: The Bone Temple”

If you have seen one of these “28 Years” films, tread lightly. This is the third in the series with a fourth already in production. The first film, “28 Days Later,” was about a virus that threatened to take over the planet, a virus changed people into crazily possessed zombies. The second film focused on a man and his family trying to isolate themselves from these creatures. This one, “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,” once again shows the zombies wreaking havoc on a small community. In a nutshell, the first film was really good, the second film borders brilliance, and the third film is not brilliant but still darn creepy. GRADE: C+

See you next month. Until then, pass me the popcorn.

Michael C. Woody has been reviewing movies on radio and television since 1986. He and his wife, Susan, are residents of Lake Panorama.

By Michael C. Woody | Lake Panorama Times

It’s the end of the year, so let’s clean out the film closet and throw everything that we have got against the wall and see what sticks. And, just to be different, let’s start with the worst movie in this batch and end with the best.

“Ella McCay”

With the talent behind and in front of the camera, this movie was set up like few others to be successful. It was written by James L .Brooks, who wrote “Broadcast News,” “As Good As It Gets” and co-wrote “Terms of Endearment,” which was nominated for just shy of a dozen Academy Awards. It stars Jamie Lee Curtis, Albert Brooks, Rebecca Hall, Julie Kavner and Woody Harrelson. That being said, this an absolutely horrible movie. Emma Mackey, whose last credit was the Barbie movie, is so miscast as a political power person in the middle of a scandal and chomping at the bit to make a name for herself. This movie should have never been made. I sat in on a screening, and it was all I could do to stay in my seat. GRADE: D- 

“David”

This is a look at the biblical King David as a young warrior trying to make a name for himself and help his people escape the cruelty of their enemies. “David” is an excellent animated film that is so much better than the other cartoon stuff that kids have been fed all year. I was not expecting a great animated film, but that is exactly what I got. And, as a life-long Catholic, I learned some things about my faith. GRADE: A

“Jay Kelly”

Here is one more movie with a character’s name in the title. The film is George Clooney’s long-awaited return to movie theaters. His last movie was “Wolfs” with Brad Pitt, and it was not great. Here, Clooney plays Clooney, a famous actor living with his beautiful family in France and preparing to be celebrated for his career of excellence. Adam Sandler, in a rare serious role, plays his manager. Great to see Clooney on screen again, but we need a better story next time.  GRADE: B+

“Wicked: For Good”

Unless you were hiding under a rock for the last six-plus months, you are certainly aware that the second half of the movie “Wicked” opened this past fall. This is the conclusion of the first movie, and expectations were way over the top. How could any movie expect to live up to that hype? Well, I’m happy to say that this one did, and it was a fantastic experience — even better than the first. The voices are great, the sets are crazy good, and the story seemed more focused. This was one of the better times I have had in a theater this year. GRADE: A

“Rental Family”

“Rental Family” is a curious but charming little film about a man (Brendan Frazier) who is hired by families overseas for certain jobs. This job is to write a story about an old man. The film is full of great joy and great sadness, but you walk out of the theater feeling better about yourself and the world we live in. I would expect to see Frazier’s name when the Oscar nominations come out. He is just that good. GRADE: B+

“Song Sung Blue” 

I’ve been a Neil Diamond fan for many years, and this new film, “Song Sung Blue” is based on a true story about a couple of Neil Diamond impersonators, played perfectly by Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman. I would do no justice to the film if I told you more than that. Just go see it and love every minute. My 92-year old mother-in-law told me there was nothing about that movie she didn’t love. I agree. GRADE: A

“Eternity”

Another wasted opportunity awaits you with this movie. At the beginning of the film, an old man dies (no secret there) and is sent to eternity, which is a weigh-station, if you will, as he awaits his wife. She does show up, but so does one of her old beaus, and then there is a decision to be made. It is an interesting movie with something important to say, but it could have been said better. GRADE: C+ 

“Hamnet” 

This film is based on the true story of William Shakespeare and his loss of a young son named Hamnet. It is a sad tale of loss and grief, but the performances were excellent, and it is most likely headed for at least a few Oscar nominations. Again, this is one of the year’s best films. GRADE: A-

“Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery”

This is at least the third in this murder mystery series starring Daniel Craig in a Sherlock Holmesian role. I was not a big fan of the first two, so maybe it was best that I went in with a low expectation. I really enjoyed this chapter and might even revisit the previous films on one of these bitter cold nights. It’s a mystery, so I can’t tell you much other than to check it out. GRADE: A

“Train Dreams”

This is another great movie I did not see coming, but, at the end of the day, it might be the best one I have seen all year. It is a quiet film about a solitary man, written by a writer in Iowa’s Writer’s Workshop. Playing on Netflix. Do not miss this one. GRADE: A

Have a great holiday season and a safe and fun New Year. Why not take a holiday trip into Waukee and see a movie in the IMAX? You will be so spoiled. See you next month. 

Michael C. Woody has been reviewing movies on radio and television since 1986. He and his wife, Susan, are residents of Lake Panorama.

By Michael C. Woody | Lake Panorama Times

“Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere”

I have never watched the FX series “The Bear,” but my wife, Sue, is a huge fan. So, off we trot to see her favorite actor from “The Bear,” Jeremy Allen White, take on the mega-star Bruce Springsteen. I am a huge Springsteen fan, especially his album “Nebraska,” so I went in with some hesitation. I was blown away by the film and by White’s performance as The Boss. His performance will get him at least an Oscar nomination, if not more, for this role. It is one of the year’s best films. Grade: A

“Frankenstein”

This is quite the transition from “Springsteen” to “Frankenstein,” but I’ll try my best. Guillermo Del Toro is a wonderful writer and director and has given us some truly special movies including his dark version of “Pinocchio” and his Oscar-winning film “The Shape of Water.” Here, he takes on one, if not the, greatest horror stories of all time — this time as the writer AND director. The film opens with a harrowing shipwreck in icy waters and the escape of something truly horrifying. I wish I had read the original Mary Shelley novel so I could compare the two. The film seems so over the top that I just wonder how many liberties were taken with the original text. I can also admit that Mel Brooke’s classic comedy, “Young Frankenstein,” ruined this movie for me. Still, it is superbly filmed and extremely well-acted. Grade: B+

“Die My Love”

It is possible that your brow has just furrowed as to what this film is. I’ve seen the movie, and mine is still furrowed. It is story of a young couple played by Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson. The cast also includes Sissy Spacek and Nick Nolte. That’s why the film is so puzzling. How do you take that great cast and make a movie that is so dark and depressing that the urge to leave was ever-present? Essentially, we watch this woman struggle with postpartum depression for nearly two hours. It is dark, it is depressing and it is well worth skipping. Grade: D

“Anniversary”

This hardly promoted film is full of talent not unlike the old Robert Altman films where everyone is recognizable but you are not sure from where. A large family with many secrets is gathered to celebrate an important anniversary, but trouble is brewing. This film is so reminiscent of the politics we see on television every day and is a truly damning look at those politics. It is very well made and acted but a little too close to reality for me. Still, it is worth finding. Grade: B+

“Predator: Badlands”

Yes, another sequel to the far superior Arnold Schwarzenegger film released in 1987. For the first time, a sequel tries something different, and it works — really well. A solo predator is on a planet and being tracked by evil things. When he happens upon a nearly destroyed sentient being (voiced beautifully by Elle Fanning) who is in need of rescue, he steps in to help. She adds a level of context that these films have lacked including, of all things, humor. Who knew that this series needed humor, but it is very entertaining and well worth seeing. Grade: B+

“Nuremberg”

Admittedly, I might have skipped a few history classes in high school, so this story was fresh to me and, quite frankly, super engaging. The trial to hold the German leadership responsible for the near annihilation of the Jewish people is indeed difficult to watch, but the story-telling and acting are at a level that you will be reminded of when Oscar nominations are announced. Obviously. the subject matter is intense and truly horrifying, but the story is so well told and acted that this will be an easy pick for my top 10 list this year. Grade: A

“Now You See Me: Now You Don’t”

I guess there was a previous sequel to the first film that I must have completely missed in this series, which started in 2013 about a group of magicians who get together to create mayhem and steal things — big things. While I obviously can’t speak about the first sequel, I can tell you this one is dead on arrival. They have managed to take the fun and charm of the first film and turn it into action and silly dialogue. It’s not a bad movie — just a boring one. Grade: C

“The Running Man”

In 1987, Richard Dawson and Arnold Schwarzenegger gave us a futuristic view of a game show where one man has a chance to escape his fate by competing in a deadly game of hide and seek. The action and the humor were wonderful, and I’m happy to tell you they are again in this sequel. Glen Power is excellent in the Schwarzenegger role, and Josh Brolin takes on the role as the baddie with Trumpian flair. The action is fun as Powell turns the tables on Brolin’s character, giving the audience both in the film and in the theater someone to cheer for. Director Edgar Wright delivers the goods as he did in his outstanding film “Baby Driver.” This is one to catch in the IMAX if you can. Grade: A

I wish you and yours the happiest of holiday seasons. See you at the movies.

Michael C. Woody has been reviewing movies on radio and television since 1986. He and his wife, Susan, are residents of Lake Panorama.

By Michael C. Woody | Lake Panorama Times

“The Smashing Machine” 

Dwayne Johnson is an engaging and increasingly talented actor. He is also an actor not afraid to take chances. “The Smashing Machine” is a big chance for sure. He plays the professional wrestler Mark Kerr, who was a force to be reckoned with on the pro tour in the 1990s. Back then, wrestling turned its collective backs to violence, drugs, steroids and, to a large extent, severe pain and serious injuries. A dolled-up Emily Blunt plays his wife, and both Blunt and Johnson are almost unrecognizable at times. Beware this is an ultra-violent and, at times, not pretty tale. That being said, there is no way Johnson’s name doesn’t come up during Oscar nomination season. Grade: B+

“Tron: Ares” 

Disney’s groundbreaking “Tron” films (“Tron,” “Tron: Legacy” and now “Tron: Ares”) are visually stunning and, many times, ground-breaking but also lack in comprehensive and engaging stories. “Tron: Ares” follows that same formula and once again pulls former great actor Jeff Bridges out of mothballs for no apparent reason other than to push the film way over budget. The film is visually stunning, but, from a story point, mind numbing. Grade: B

“A House of Dynamite” 

This is the second movie this year that came out of nowhere to land firmly on my Top 10 list for this year. The first movie was the Riz Ahmed thriller “Relay” and now Kathryn Bigelow’s (“The Hurt Locker” and “Zero Dark Thirty”) “A House of Dynamite.” Both films received little to no advance notice (or praise) but literally knocked it out of the ballpark with acting, story, action and suspense. I will tell you no more about either one of them other than to say they have both cemented a spot on my 2025 Top 10 list and are best seen on a big screen. It’s probably too late for that to happen with “Relay” but not for “A House of Dynamite.” If you love well-made thrillers, find these two films. Grade: A

“Black Phone 2”  

Most anyone who saw “Black Phone” would agree that there was no reason from a box office or storyline point to make a sequel. But, the almost complete lack of originality in Hollywood these days made this sequel almost a no-brainer for the studio system. I am fairly certain that Kevin Bacon came back for the paycheck and the guarantee that he would have a small and an almost inconsequential role. Both are true. Set in a bitter cold wilderness, we see three young people in a cabin who are haunted by late night calls on a phone that has not been connected to service for years. Creepy? Yes. Original? No. Worth the money to see? Most certainly not. Grade: D

“Good Fortune”

Keanu Reeves, Seth Rogan and Aziz Ansari star in a movie with great intentions but poor and sloppy execution. Ansari, who also wrote and directed, plays a man down on his luck who runs into an angel named Gabriel (Keanu). It feels a little like one of my all-time favorite movies, Kevin Smith’s classic, “Dogma,” but it can’t muster either the charm or flat-out fun of that movie. Reeves looks stoned throughout the entire film, and Rogan is in full manic mode. The film has lots of great pieces, but they don’t quite fit into the puzzle correctly. Too much talent to have so few laughs. Grade C- 

Michael C. Woody has been reviewing movies on radio and television since 1986. He and his wife, Susan, are residents of Lake Panorama.