By Michael C. Woody | Lake Panorama Times
“The Conjuring: Last Rites”
As I was walking into the theater to see, of all things, “The Conjuring: Last Rites,” a faith/based group was setting up in the lobby for an event — most likely not an exorcism! “The Conjuring” series has been head and shoulders above most horror series, and this movie is no exception. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga play a real life couple who are known worldwide as the ones to call if you are struggling with ghosts and other nastiness. Here, they are asked to help a family that unknowingly has a haunted full-size mirror in their attic. This movie has more blood than I expected — about a half of a basement full, if you want to know the truth. In the end, it is an effective and scary horror film. Grade: B+
“Him”
“Him” tells the story of the son of an NFL legend who is a superior athlete himself. When the NFL comes calling for him, he is faced with serious questions and situations. Tyriq Withers stars as this young talent and gives a strong performance in a challenging role. The movie starts as a sports film but spins on its head into a horror film. I would hate to guess the budget on this film for fake blood, as it had to be astronomical. As the blood flows freely, the violence races to catch up. By the end of the movie, I was exhausted, disgusted and, quite frankly, ready to walk out. I did make it to the last 15 minutes before I stood up and took an early exit. I only wish I had done so sooner. Grade: F
“A Big Bold Beautiful Journey”
“A Big Bold Beautiful Journey” stars two of the most beautiful and talented people working in movies today, Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell. They play single people who really do agree to take a big journey, and it is a wild one. This movie is a bit of a comedy, a bit of a tragedy and pretty much everything in between. The cute and clever title failed the film, as people couldn’t figure it out. Sue and I both liked the movie, me maybe a bit more. I was charmed by the quirkiness, and I spent nearly two hours grinning at the creative work behind this wonderful film. Grade: A-
“Spinal Tap II: The End Continues”
With the original “Spinal Tap,” you didn’t know what you were seeing but you knew it was funny in a crazy kind of way. Directed by Rob Reiner as if this group actually existed, it was challenging to figure out. In “Spinal Tap II: The End Continues,” Reiner takes us on another trip with these burned-out rock and rollers only 40 years later! It is still funny to watch these guys slip into the characters and let loose. There are, as expected, some shocking and hilarious cameos. I was worried that Reiner couldn’t pull this off, but he does, and it is great fun. Grade: B+
“The Long Walk”
Based on Stephen King’s first novel, “The Long Walk” is a terrorizing tale set in future America where authorities oversee a large group of young men on a long walk. Each young man represents his state, and the one who finishes first gets gobs of money and prizes. There are guards to keep them walking, and if they start to slow down, they are shot to death in the street. It is gruesome at times, but the young actors do a tremendous job, and the story holds your attention well. Only Stephen King could come up with this kind of tale, and I’m glad he did. Grade: B-
Michael C. Woody has been reviewing movies on radio and television since 1986. He and his wife, Susan, are residents of Lake Panorama.