By Michael C. Woody | Lake Panorama Times
The summer movie season is in full swing as we go from big box office movie to big box office movie every week. As I write this, we are preparing to see an early screening of the new Brad Pitt movie “F1.” Expectations are high, and my inside source who has already seen it praised it highly. Here’s a quick catch-up for those who have not made it to the theaters recently.
“From the World of John Wick: Ballerina”
With this pompous title, we are expected to enjoy a film so dark in its tone and so violent in its action that is not only not good but is literally boring. Keanu Reeves stumbles through scenes just occasionally to remind us of how good the first two John Wick movies were. Grade: C-
“Stick”
(on Apple TV)
Owen Wilson plays a former golf pro who had a meltdown and lost his career (and, presumably, his fortune). The first episode was brilliant comedy, but the subsequent episodes have been hit and miss, at best. Grade: B-
“Dept. Q”
(on Netflix)
This show may remind you of the old TV series on FOX titled “House.” Instead of a brilliant surgeon, though, this main character is a brilliant detective who never fails to speak his mind or irritate his supervisors. This one is rough, as we find out who did what, why and how. The ending is a wild ride, for sure. Grade: B+ (with strong violence caution)
“How To Train Your Dragon”
This is a fun, live version of the charming, animated movie about a boy and his friendship with a real dragon. The story doesn’t change much. The relationship with the boy and his dragon is still special, but the action is wild and maybe a little too much for younger kids. It’s still a fun story, and the movie is raucous and very, very well made. Grade: A-
“The Life of Chuck”
This does not happen often, but I sometimes walk into a movie that I have no idea what it’s about, who made it or who stars in it. This movie is a perfect example. I actually believe that is the way this movie should be seen. The less you know, the more you will like it. The main character’s name is Chuck, and he is played by Tom Hiddleston, who plays Loki in the Avengers movies. The story is by Stephen King, but it is not a horror movie. Just remember the word magical. Grade: B+
“Materialists”
This movie takes a look at today’s dating, and it doesn’t have much good to say about it.
Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal star in this look at modern relationships. According to the film, women are looking for tall men (even if that means surgical enhancement) with a steady and sizable income and deadly handsome good looks. (I almost left the movie early, feeling very unworthy!) The actors do a nice job in their roles, and the director shows us a beautiful big city full of vain and shallow people whose hopes of finding true love are little more than a pipe dream. It’s not a relationship; it’s a negotiated affiliation based on a wonky set of principles. Well-made, well-acted and way off base. Grade: B
“28 Years Later”
My taste for horror films has soured over the years, but I do remember seeing the original film “28 Days Later.” I am less sure if I saw “28 Weeks Later,” but I definitely saw “28 Years Later.” These are all well-produced and well-acted films about infections raging through a population that cause people to turn into horrifying zombies. Danny Boyle directed all three movies, as well as “Slumdog Millionaire” (Best Picture Winner in 2009) and “127 Hours with James Franco.” He is an excellent director and a really good storyteller. This time out, we see a society overrun with zombies and families fighting to stay alive. I am not going to give you a lot of info, but I can tell you that it ends so well. It is the first time I have ever teared up at a zombie movie! Grade: B+
See you next month. Until then, pass 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.