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.