Mainstream Chick’s Quick Takes: The Boss; Demolition; Mr. Right
The Boss – Sadly, The Boss kinda sucks. Or, to put it more gently, it’s really weak. The R-rated comedy starts out with huge promise and some very funny moments,…
A Walk in the Woods
Here’s what I liked about the adventure-comedy-drama A Walk in the Woods: Robert Redford and Nick Nolte; some really funny and smart one-liners; the notion that you’re never too old…
American Ultra
I’m not sure what this movie was trying to be but it’s a hot mess. Here’s how it was pitched: "American Ultra is a fast-paced action comedy about Mike [Jesse…
Magic Mike XXL
In brief… so to speak… Magic Mike XXL is pure guy candy – a sort of Hangover with male strippers. Unlike the 2012 surprise hit, the sequel doesn’t take a…
Gone Girl
Gone Girl is very good. And, I suspect, it’s probably even better if you haven’t read the best-selling book by Gillian Flynn (which I did, about two years ago). It’s…
Draft Day
Draft Day is perfectly likable, but it wouldn’t really make the cut for anyone’s fantasy team of sports movies. It’s superficial entertainment geared toward the ESPN Sports Center crowd, with…
New Year’s Eve
I just re-read my review of Garry Marshall’s easy breezy chick flick of last year, Valentine’s Day, and guess what? I could easily just change out the holiday - and…
Like Crazy
I wasn’t crazy for Like Crazy like a lot of people seem to be. Don’t get me wrong. I liked it. I just didn’t love it. Maybe it’s because I’m…
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1
Yes, I was indeed among the masses who helped Twilight: Breaking Dawn - Part One reap nearly $140 Million at the box office in its opening weekend. And I make…
J. Edgar
What a strange man, that J. Edgar Hoover! And yet – for nearly 50 years – he managed to wield tremendous power and influence as the controversial head of the…
In Time
The “Occupiers” of Wall Street and throughout the world should take a massive field trip to see this movie. I have a feeling they'd like it - a lot. It…
The Mighty Macs
Weak as it may be dramatically, it’s hard not to appreciate and support The Mighty Macs – mostly because it’s all-too rare that we see a sports movie featuring women…
The Ides of March
The Ides of March is a decent adult drama, but it’s also a depressing commentary on the state of our political system. It doesn’t really matter if you’re a republican,…
50/50
Odds are much better than 50/50 that you’ll really like 50/50. It is, hands down, one of my favorite movies of the year. You’ll cry a little and laugh a…
Moneyball
Moneyball is a slam dunk - oh wait, make that a grand slam – for baseball buffs. For those who don’t particularly care for the business of baseball, the movie…