By Michael C. Woody | Lake Panorama Times
“Toy Story 5”
When you take a classic movie that is universally loved and make a fourth sequel, you are taking a calculated risk that you can recapture the magic one more time. My concerns for that quickly disappeared as “Toy Story 5” brought back the whole gang, and they united in their concern about an electronic device being introduced to their family. The series continues to be a crowd pleaser with equal shares of fun, humor and heart. It doesn’t hurt that it also has a character named Woody! Grade: B+
“The Death of Robin Hood”
Starring Hugh Jackman and Jodie Comer, this film is a story about Robin Hood that I’m not sure is true or just made up. Regardless, it’s an excellent film about an aging man on the run and the woman who helps him. It is way more violent than I expected, but it is a strong movie that I would like to see again. By the way, is there anything that Jackman can’t do? Grade: B+
“Young Washington”
The folks at Angel Studios rarely miss the target –– and they are back at it with this biopic about our first president of the United States. We see George Washington as a young man and a military officer who takes chances and wins big. Like most Angel Studios films, it is well made and entertaining in its depiction of the young Washington and how he made his name. Grade: A-
“Moana”
The animated version of “Moana” was an excellent film and a huge hit for the folks at Disney Pictures in 2016. Now we get the live action version, which is equally excellent and entertaining. The actress playing Moana is tremendous, but it is Dwayne Johnson who steals the film. Great action, great humor, the songs are excellent and the story held the attention of a huge IMAX audience. Grade: A-
“The Invite”
There are two couples living in an apartment building at odds over loud noises coming from the bedroom upstairs. They are played very, very well by Ed Norton and Penelope Cruz. Their downstairs neighbors (Seth Rogen and Olivia Wilde) invite them for dinner so they can confront them about their nocturnal habits and the volume of those activities. Tread carefully with this movie. The subject matter is handled well, but the movie goes further than you might expect. It is really well done but is not for the faint of heart. An interesting premise that is very well handled. Grade: B+
“Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass”
On that previous topic, we get another movie with a similar plot. This time, a young couple is confronted with the opportunity to engage with their dream celebrity, bringing up the conversation about which celebrity you would choose. The premise is fun, but the movie goes off the rails about halfway through and ends with a thud. Grade: C
“The Odyssey”
As an English major from the University of Iowa, I find it strange that I never read this epic poem. Now, I don’t have to, with this excellent version that covers most of the tale. This film gives you everything you wanted and much more. Director Christopher Nolan brings this epic film to theaters across the country, especially IMAX theaters as Nolan shot the entire film with IMAX cameras. It is long, a true epic, but so well done with such a fantastic cast — Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Tom Holland, John Leguizamo, Zendaya and Charlize Theron to name a bunch. I can’t imagine another film that stands a chance at winning Best Picture this year. What a film. But please, please see it in the IMAX in Waukee. Grade: A
“Motor City”
On the other end of the spectrum was a mystery movie at The Palms Theatres in Waukee. “Motor City” is a head-shaker for sure. Uber violent, crazy loud and literally without dialogue, the film tells the story (set in 1977 Detroit) about some seedy characters and their seedy lives. The film, for the most part, has no dialogue, but it does have a great 1970s soundtrack. It’s dark. It’s violent. It’s dirty. And it’s best not to see. Grade: F
Michael C. Woody has been reviewing movies on radio and television since 1986. He and his wife, Susan, are residents of Lake Panorama.