This is the biopic of the rock band Queen. My brother had an 8-track of theirs. Their music has been fascinating. They were one of the first groups to sing a Capella, although many have followed. The music of Queen is fantastic. The lifestyle of Freddie Mercury (Rami Malek) leaves something to be desired. Mercury (birth name Farrokh Bulsara) was born with extra incisors, which pushed his teeth out. He went through his childhood being teased. His family had to flee Zanzibar due to a revolution and moved to England. Freddie was already a British citizen.
The movie portrays Mercury as shy and backward. However, he finds friendship and a fiancé with Mary Austin (Lucy Boynton). He also find family in the band. Brian May (Gwilym Lee) lead guitar, Roger Taylor (Ben Hardy) drums and John Deacon (Joe Mazzello) bass. Freddie often gets bored with himself and throws parties, and goes with men. He eventually announces to his fiancé that he is bisexual and their relationship after that is always platonic although they remain life long friends. Mercury calls her the love of his life. This film shows the making of "Bohemian Rhapsody" which is very entertaining. It also shows several other song writing experiences.
However Mercury allows himself to manipulated by a manager and gay partner. He embarks on a solo career, but is always seeking something more. He finally comes to his senses and returns to queen of "LiveAid" a large concert to aid people in Africa. This allows himself to also amend with his family, as his father accepts his doing things for charity.
The movie portrays Mercury as finally settling down and finding happiness with a new partner.
This movie really hits ate lifestyle, and how decisions can effect happiness. But the big thing going for it is the music. I don't know if they use Mercury singing, or the actual actors. Mercury had one of the greatest voices of all time, and he credited his extra incisors to giving him more vibrato. He did have a four octave range, which means he could sing lower than most of us as well as higher. He was also a prolific song writer and innovator.
Monday, November 12, 2018
Movie Review: **^The Hate U GIve (2018)
Starr Carter (Amandla Stenberg) is in the car when her friend, Khalil is stopped by a police officer. Khalil (Algee Smith) is giving her a ride home, and wondering if he might rekindle an old flame from their childhood. However Starr now attends a private school and has a boyfriend, Chris (K.J. Apa). Starr's father (Russell Hornsby) has taught her how to avoid problems with the police. Put your hands on the dash board so they can be seen. She admonishes Khalil, but he is flippant, and reaches for a brush after the officer told him not to move. The next thing if Khalil is shot and killed, the officer mistaking the brush for a gun.
Starr is caught in the middle. After investigation, at which Starr testifies, the officer is let off. This leads to racial tension and rioting. Starr speaks up, and becomes a target of the local drug dealers. She concludes that it is not the "hate that you give, but the hate that we give" because hate is a revolving door. However the title of the movie does not reflect this insight.
This movie says some thing that need to be said. However, the tension might go over the top for me. It reminds me of a movie in my youth, "Billy Jack." The story is fiction. However it is meant to reflect current events. The movie also points out how someone can be racist, even if they think they are making the right choices.
Starr is caught in the middle. After investigation, at which Starr testifies, the officer is let off. This leads to racial tension and rioting. Starr speaks up, and becomes a target of the local drug dealers. She concludes that it is not the "hate that you give, but the hate that we give" because hate is a revolving door. However the title of the movie does not reflect this insight.
This movie says some thing that need to be said. However, the tension might go over the top for me. It reminds me of a movie in my youth, "Billy Jack." The story is fiction. However it is meant to reflect current events. The movie also points out how someone can be racist, even if they think they are making the right choices.
Monday, November 5, 2018
Book Review: Charlie Bone and the Red Knight
Charlie Bone and the Red Knight: Children of the Red King
Book 8 by Jenny Nimmo, Orchard Books, New York, 2009.
This is the concluding book to this series, and positively the most exciting. Everything that happens during the first seven book culminates in this book. First there is the business of rescuing Billy who is in the Kingdom of "The Shadow." Charlie actually accomplishes this, but at the same time brings back the shadow, who disguises himself as a fly, and returns with Charlie and Billy.
The dark forces have been mustering. This includes Charlie's aunts and grandmother. However it also includes a boy who can animate statues, a girl who can put magic into clothing--and does this to capture the loyalty of Olivia, a man who controls the seas, and Charlie's parents are supposedly on a sea voyage, and many others. There are also many unsavory characters gathering, some with powers and some without, as a result of their ancestor having joined them.
However, some of the children who have fought for evil change their loyalty. This includes the son of the sea controller, who in a previous book almost killed Tancred. However, the individual who is a mystery until the end is a Red Knight, who darts in to defend the people fighting with Charlie Bone. He wears the Red King's robe with its magical powers, and wields a magical sword. Count Harken fancies himself a swordsmen, and the two meet on the battlefield. Charlie Bone distracts the count just enough so the Red Knight is able to gain the victory. The Red Knight turns out to be his father. Someone else has been on the boat garnering the attention of those who would kill them. The son bests the father, and all looks to be right. The last confrontation is over a will, the Boors hoped would not come to light. This shows the academy to actually belong to the Bones and not the Bloors. The still resist, but the dog has had enough and pushes the master off the balcony, who lands on his grandson expiring them both.
This is the concluding book to this series, and positively the most exciting. Everything that happens during the first seven book culminates in this book. First there is the business of rescuing Billy who is in the Kingdom of "The Shadow." Charlie actually accomplishes this, but at the same time brings back the shadow, who disguises himself as a fly, and returns with Charlie and Billy.
The dark forces have been mustering. This includes Charlie's aunts and grandmother. However it also includes a boy who can animate statues, a girl who can put magic into clothing--and does this to capture the loyalty of Olivia, a man who controls the seas, and Charlie's parents are supposedly on a sea voyage, and many others. There are also many unsavory characters gathering, some with powers and some without, as a result of their ancestor having joined them.
However, some of the children who have fought for evil change their loyalty. This includes the son of the sea controller, who in a previous book almost killed Tancred. However, the individual who is a mystery until the end is a Red Knight, who darts in to defend the people fighting with Charlie Bone. He wears the Red King's robe with its magical powers, and wields a magical sword. Count Harken fancies himself a swordsmen, and the two meet on the battlefield. Charlie Bone distracts the count just enough so the Red Knight is able to gain the victory. The Red Knight turns out to be his father. Someone else has been on the boat garnering the attention of those who would kill them. The son bests the father, and all looks to be right. The last confrontation is over a will, the Boors hoped would not come to light. This shows the academy to actually belong to the Bones and not the Bloors. The still resist, but the dog has had enough and pushes the master off the balcony, who lands on his grandson expiring them both.
Movie Review: ***A Wrinkle in Time (2018)
Here is a movie I prefer to the book. I read the book first, and the black nebula stuff which is not really defined just left me wanting more. In the movie it is shown and I am able to grasp it a bit better. However even the movie gets lost in the antics of the black master. Meg (Storm Reid) is sent on a mission to rescue her father who has been taken prisoner. by three mages (Reece Witherspoon, Oprah Winfrey and Mindy Kaling). Meg is told that her weaknesses will save her. What that means she is not really sure. Initially she does not rescue her father, and her brother is captured and helps the dark side. However she returns, armed with her love.
Book Review: The House With a Clock in Its Walls
The House With a Clock in Its Walls by John Bellairs, 1973,
This is one time I must admit I prefer the movie to the book. The movie adds many things which add breadth to the characters and excitement. The stuff with visions of his mother are not in the book, nor are the pumpkins in front of the house, nor all the creatures in the house. What there is; is a boy with knowledge and problem solving skills; after he almost ruins everything to begin with because he wants to keep his friend. That is sort of the same. There is way more motivation in the movie for the mistake because it adds the visions of his mother. The evil man does not actually return in the book.
This is one time I must admit I prefer the movie to the book. The movie adds many things which add breadth to the characters and excitement. The stuff with visions of his mother are not in the book, nor are the pumpkins in front of the house, nor all the creatures in the house. What there is; is a boy with knowledge and problem solving skills; after he almost ruins everything to begin with because he wants to keep his friend. That is sort of the same. There is way more motivation in the movie for the mistake because it adds the visions of his mother. The evil man does not actually return in the book.
Movie Review: ****Carrie (1976)
I avoid writing about "R" rated movies. This is an exception because there are TV versions available which have been toned down. Carrie (Sissie Spacek) is a girl with a special power, she can move things with her mind. Her mother (Piper Laurie) has something wrong with her mentally, and she is a religious fanatic, and repressive of her daughter, even her new power. Carrie is a loner at school, but very beautiful. She is discovered by a boy at school, Tommy (William Katt) and he invites her to the prom. Of course Tommy's old girlfriend is upset. She and a few girls plan their revenge. First they make sure Carrie is voted prom queen, and then the prank, a bucket of blood from the butcher is spilled over her. You don't want to mess with someone with kinetic powers.
I like Sissy Spacek as an actress. I always have. Although the blood is a bit much, and then aided with lighting, the TV movies tell this story well without going overboard.
I like Sissy Spacek as an actress. I always have. Although the blood is a bit much, and then aided with lighting, the TV movies tell this story well without going overboard.
Movie Review: ***^The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018)
The Christmas Season has begun, and this is my first Christmas movie. It was entertaining. Sort of a combination of Nutcracker (with less dancing) and Babes in Toyland. Clara's (Mackenzie Foy)mother has passed away, and this is their first Christmas without here. Clara has been especially set back and is hard on her father (Matthew Macfadyen). Drosselmeyer is played by Morgan Freeman, who as Godfather introduces Clara to a kingdom discovered by her mother. There she meets the Nutcracker (Jayden Fowara-Knight), who is a guard of a bridge to the kingdom. This kingdom is torn with four realms. Clara first visits what appears to be an evil realm, ruled by Mother Ginger (Helen Mirren). She appears at war with the other kingdoms, especially Sugar Plum (Keira Knightly). A key is needed to save the kingdom, which fits an expanding machine, and Clara's small ornament. She is disappointed when she discovers only a music box in her ornamental ball. However the key also opens the machinery, and Sugar Plum is not who she seems to be. With the key she begins manufacturing tin soldiers to control the kingdom. And Clara found the key for her and has only made things worse.
Keira Knightly as Sugar Plum is so sugary it is disgusting. The music of Tchaikovsky is played in bits through out.
Keira Knightly as Sugar Plum is so sugary it is disgusting. The music of Tchaikovsky is played in bits through out.
Book Review: Charlie Bone and the Shadow
Charlie Bone and the Shadow: Children of the Red King Book 7
by Jenny Nimmo, Orchard Books, New York, 2008.
The adventure continues, but now with a sinister note. Charlie's aunts put a picture in the house to entice Charlie, and he is sucked to the Kingdom of the Shadow (Count Harken) with his neighbor's dog. There he discovers his ancestor who has been imprisoned. He is able to rescue the ancestor, and eventually the dog. However, the real target for the picture is Billy. Charlie is unable to rescue him, and he becomes a play mate to the children of the Shadow.
The adventure continues, but now with a sinister note. Charlie's aunts put a picture in the house to entice Charlie, and he is sucked to the Kingdom of the Shadow (Count Harken) with his neighbor's dog. There he discovers his ancestor who has been imprisoned. He is able to rescue the ancestor, and eventually the dog. However, the real target for the picture is Billy. Charlie is unable to rescue him, and he becomes a play mate to the children of the Shadow.
Thursday, November 1, 2018
Movie Review: ***Gnome Alone (2017)
Now available through Instant Netflix
This again is a story about true friendship. Chloë (Becky G.) moves to her a new neighborhood with her mother. They move frequently. Chloë's new neighbor introduces himself, Liam (Josh Peck) but he is a bit nerdy. Instead she wants to become friends with the popular crowd, and actually loans a sparkly gem she found in her attic. Turns out this is important to the gnome inhabitants who are defending the home against aliens from another realm. The stone keeps them away. In this case the gnomes are the good guys, defending earth against the every hungry aliens. Chloë's friend goes ahead a loses the gem, and Chloë can't get it back. Liam is sucked into the other world, and Chloë goes to bring him back. Sometimes friendship is more important than popularity.
This really has a strange plot, but the friendship stuff is nice and well presented. I watched this with the grandkids.
This again is a story about true friendship. Chloë (Becky G.) moves to her a new neighborhood with her mother. They move frequently. Chloë's new neighbor introduces himself, Liam (Josh Peck) but he is a bit nerdy. Instead she wants to become friends with the popular crowd, and actually loans a sparkly gem she found in her attic. Turns out this is important to the gnome inhabitants who are defending the home against aliens from another realm. The stone keeps them away. In this case the gnomes are the good guys, defending earth against the every hungry aliens. Chloë's friend goes ahead a loses the gem, and Chloë can't get it back. Liam is sucked into the other world, and Chloë goes to bring him back. Sometimes friendship is more important than popularity.
This really has a strange plot, but the friendship stuff is nice and well presented. I watched this with the grandkids.
Movie Review: **^Goosebumps II, Haunted Halloween (2018)
This is the sequel which is appropriately named "Haunted Halloween" because everything Halloween is haunted and comes to life. But before we get there, Sarah (Madison Iseman) is in charge of her brother for the weekend. Her brother, Sonny (Jeremy Ray Taylor) and his friend, Sam (Caleel Harris) have started a rummage company. The get their first job and inadvertently open an R.L. Stine (Jack Black) book releasing the mannequin, Slappy. Slappy insists on being part of a family with a Mommy (Wendi McClendon-Covey) a and siblings, all of the Halloween characters. The unleashing of the monsters is terrible. This movie gets distorted by too many monsters going every which way. In the end it is credited to a weather anomaly, but pretty gruesome until they can get them all back in the book, and finish the story of one of Stine's first manuscripts.
Movie Review: ***Goosebumps (2015)
This is a classic retellng of R. L. Stines's (Jack Black) Goodebumps stories with the monsters coming to life and preying on a town. This is after Slappy, a mannequin is set loose and he then lets all the other monsters lose. Zach (Dylan Minnette) a neighbor and Hannah (Odeya Rush) Stine's daughter, help in recapturing all the monsters. They can only do this by typing a new story, on the original typewriter, which happens to be at a school where there is a prom dance taking place. Lots of monsters, maybe even too many.
Movie Review: ****^Monsters, Inc. (2001)
When two monsters befriend a child, who is suppose to be toxic to monsters but in fact is not; things get all turned around. The monsters use doors to visit children, and harvest their screams as the monster world is powered by human emotion. This movie deals with the power of friendship, and that sometimes there are better ways to get what you need. Voice talents include John Goodman as Sulllivan and Billy Crystal as Mike. The little girl, Boo is portrayed by Mary Gibbs.
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