By Michael C. Woody | Lake Panorama Times
With summer blockbusters hitting the theaters every weekend, there aren’t a lot of other movies being released right now. I managed to get out and see a handful, but, on many weekends, it has been slim pickings.
“Touch”
(should be heading to the streaming services)
I love getting surprised by movies I have never heard of. “Touch” tells the story of a young man who drops out of college and takes a job washing dishes in an Asian restaurant. He needs the money, but he is also very much smitten with the owner’s daughter. This story is entwined with the current day situation of this boy, now an old man, searching for his now long-lost love. This is a charming story of this man, near the end of his life, wanting to reconnect with this woman who disappeared so many years ago. It is a sweet story, told (and acted) very well. Grade: A
“Longlegs”
(in theaters)
I am not a fan of serial killer films, but this one is so over-the-top creepy and very well produced that it sucked me in. “Longlegs” is well made, well-acted and so frightening. Nicolas Cage stars, but good luck recognizing him in the film. This one will haunt you long after leaving the theater. Grade: A-
“Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot”
(in theaters)
This faith-based story from the people who last year gave us “Sound of Freedom” is based on a true story about a small town that single-handedly tries to solve the issue of homeless kids in the system. An amazing true story, this movie is better than you might expect. Grade: B+
“Fly Me to the Moon”
(in theaters)
This cute movie tells the story of a fake U.S. moon mission. Rumors have floated that one of our moon missions was faked, but here we get a romantic comedy taking on that story. Channing Tatum and Scarlett Johansson play two people trying to pull off this hoax that has been deemed too dangerous and too important to fail. Woody Harrelson is excellent as the bad guy. Not a great movie but definitely a fun one. Grade: B
“Twisters”
(in theaters)
“Twisters” is not a sequel to the 1996 movie (maybe best described as a companion piece?) that was partially shot in Iowa. “Twisters” takes the tornadic action to Oklahoma and doubles the fun with not one but two tornados. Glen Powell (who seems to be in every other movie these days) and Daisy Edgar-Jones star. I saw this at the IMAX Theater in Waukee, and it was like a carnival ride — fun while you are there but not entirely memorable. Still, I recommend it for the super-crazy action scenes. Grade: B
I’ve been posting recent movie reviews on my Facebook page “Mr. Movie Reviews” if you wonder what I do with my spare time. Comments, good or bad, are welcome.
Michael C. Woody has been reviewing movies on radio and television since 1986. He and his wife, Susan, are residents of Lake Panorama.
Touch
Longlegs
“Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot”
“Twisters”
“Fly Me to the Moon”