Disney+ TV Review: ****^Star Wars: Andor 2022

 Andor is incredibly good as it keeps building until we hit the climax in the last episode.  Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) is nothing more than a mercenary or thief.  He is recruited by a rebel organizer, Luthen Rael (Stellen Skarsgärd) He and Mon Mothma (Genevieve O'Reilly) work together in funding the rebellion.  Andor and some other reels carry out a successful heist of an imperial payroll, thus getting needed money for the rebellion.  Cassian hangs low, but in doing so is unjustly imprisoned.  He is set to work on some unknown device.  Escape is impossible as the floor is wired with electricity in it which is turned on at any hint of escape.  But when we realize that any sentence is a life sentence in this prison (a whole floor was killed when one was due to be released) escape becomes the goal.  

Andor's adoptive mother, Maarva (Fiona Shaw) passes away.  He must return to the funeral.  However the epire want him captured so they can torture him and learn secrets of the rebellion, particularly the identity of Luthen Rael.  Luthen Rael also wants to kill Andor so as to prevent being exposed.  It seems there is not much hope for him.  The highlight of the whole series is when Luthen's mother, through a droid, gives her own eulogy and calls for rebellion.  The tension just builds and builds to this point and finally pops.  In the chaos, Andor gives his life to Luthen.

The sage of Mon Mothma (Genevieve O'Reilly) is weaved into the other stories.  However this story did not reach its head yet.

Movie Review: *****Matilda the Musical (2022)

 This is an enjoyable new musical from Netflix.  It is a remake of the Roald Dahl book, which has made into a movie, then a musical, and now adapted for the big screen.  The high light of the film is Miss Trunchbull (Kate Thompson) playing a large, mean odious woman who abuses and bullies children.  She uses prosthetics to make herself look larger.  She leads the school song "The Hammer" which is very fun as she stays within the lines.  

Mathilda (Alisha Weir) is the motivation for a school rebellion.  This only happens after Matilda learns she has psychokinetic abilities.  This allows her to fight back against Trunchbull.  

Another sweet part of the movie is the students and their dancing and singing.  The approach it with such energy it really carries the movie.  

Of course this movie is high lighted by the sweetness of Miss Honey (Lashana Lynch).  She actually portrays a double role, also being part of the story Matilda is telling the the librarian (Sindhu Vee).  

I really love the song "Quiet" and find myself listening to different versions of the story.  However, this movie version with Matilda in a hot air balloon really captures the feel of quiet.  This is the song where Matilda finds her kinetic abilities.  

I hope everyone can find this movie version on their TVs through Netflix.Music by Tim Minchin.

Movie Review: ****^Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022)

 We return to the universe of Harry Potter but again before Harry Potter is born.  This movie takes place in the period leading up to WWII.  Grindelwald (Mads Mikkelsen) is on the rise.  He is absolved of wrong doing and is running for leader of the international magical world.  It is up to Dumbledore (Jude Law) and his cohorts to stop him.  This group includes Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne), his brother Theseus Scamander (Callum Turner), Lally Hicks (Jessica Williams), Bunty Broadacre (Victoria Yeates), Yusuf Kama (William Nadylam) and the muggle, Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler).  Each has his own reason for being involved.  Kama to avenge his sister's death, Bunty is Scamander's assistant, Kowalski hopes to rescue his girl, Queenie Goldstein (Alison Sudol) and Dumbledore to remove the pact he made with Grindelwald when he was a youth.  Hicks is a new character in this movie and is recruiting by Dumbledore to combat the rising evil.  

Also in the mix is the history of Credence Barebone (Ezra Miller) who is an Obscurus a powerful magical being who formed only under certain emotional conditions.  Turns out Credence is the son of Dumbledore's brother, Aberforth (Richard Coyle).  The plot revolves around the Qilin, a magical creature who can see the soul and suggest who is most worthy to lead.  Grindelwald captured one with the help of Credence, and has killed it and brought it back to life in a manipulated state.  However the Qilin has a twin, that Scamander protects.  How can the surviving twin arrive at the ceremony; and Gindelwald be exposed.  Credence calls him out, and Grindelwald attempts to kill him, while Dumbledore and Aberforth defend.  The crossing curses free Dumbledore from his previous pact.  Grindelwald escapes, but the world gets a better leader.  They all meet again at the Kowalski's bakery shop in New York for the wedding of Queenie and Kowalski, with Tina Goldstein (Katherine Waterston) in attendance who Scamander has missed.

Christmas Carol Movie Review: ****Spirited (2022)

 This version of Christmas Carol is available on Apple TV.  It is a musical version and some of the songs are very catch.  Here is a unique take on "A Christmas Carol" from the view point of the ghosts and what goes into making a good changing intervention; even for unredeemable persons.  Big twist towards the end in the version which I will not reveal.  The plot centers around converting an unredeemable, Clint Briggs (Ryan Reynolds) into a better person.  Christmas Present (Will Ferrell), Past (Sunita Mani), Yet-to-Come (Loren Woods) and Jacob Marley (Patrick Page) all embark on this endeavor.  Briggs' decisions and ruthless business nature are ruining his niece, Wren (Marlow Barkley) his administrative assistant, Kimberly (Octavia Spencer) and his brother Owen (Joe Tippet) with his ruthless win-at-all-cost nature.  He was very callous at his sister's death.  He is a very hard nut to crack.  

Movie Review: ****Philadelphia (1993)

 This is reportedly a fictional movie, but mirrors a couple different real life stories.  Andrew Beckett (Tom Hanks) sues his former boss after he is fired.  The firm contends his work was mediocre at best (even though they had just given him an important case.  Beckett's contention is that he was fired because they discovered he had AIDS.  He is represented in court by Joe Miller (Denzel Washington).  Miller does not like being around gay people.  But maybe that makes him better at representing Beckett.  The firm is headed by Charles Wheeler (Jason Robards) and is represented by Belinda Conine (Mary Steenburgen).  Antonio Banderas portrays Beckett's lover.  

This movie is one that makes you think about what may be your own prejudices.  We see the relationship that Beckett has with his partner.  Of course this is in the era before gay marriage.  

This movie won two Oscars, Hanks for best actor and Bruce Springsteen for best song, Streets of Philadelphia.  In today's environment Tom Hanks probably wouldn't be allowed to play this roll as a strait man playing a gay man.

Animated Movie Review: *****Toy Story 4 (2019)

 This movie is as good as any in the Toy Story franchise.  We are introduced to a new character, Forky (Tony Hale) who is Bonnie's best new friend because she made him from a plastic spork.  For Forky's side he thinks he is trash and is always trying to throw himself away.  Woody (Tom Hanks) takes it upon himself to keep Forky safe for Bonnie.  Buzz (Tim Allen) helps.  When Woody saves Forky, after Forky threw himself out of the R.V. window, he comes upon an antique store with a lamp that reminds him of Bo Peep (Annie Potts).   Forky is taken hostage by the toys in the antique store,  Gabby Gabby (Christina Hendricks) wants Woody's voice box so children will love her.  Woody recruits Bo Peep to help in the rescue.  Bo Peep recruits Duke Caboom (Keanu Reeves) and his motor cycle.

Many cute parts in this movie.  The toys take over the navigational system so the R.V. goes back to the carnivale where Woody needs to be picked up.  In the end Woody has a big decision, Bonnie or Bo Peep.  

UBOC Christmas 2017

Reed Hansen is at 18 minutes telling the story of the Littlest Angel.  Reed is a good friend.  He was the choral director at the high school.  He was often the music director for the musicals we presented in the Uintah Basin.  He was often an actor in the presentations along with his wife Julie.  

Movie Review: *****Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

 I think with regards to this franchise The Last Crusade puts everything right.  Again we have Jones (Harrison Ford) facing the Nazis and this time looking for the Holy Grail.  We are introduced to Jones' father, Dr. Henry Jones (Sean Connery).  We also see a young Indiana Jones (River Phoenix).  Returning characters include Sallah (John Rhys-Davies) and Marcus Brody (Denholm Elliott).  The Nazis have taken an interest in the Holy Grail, and have kidnapped Indiana's father who is an expert on the Holy Grail.  He has mailed his journal to his son trying to keep it from the Nazis.  However Indiana Jones has brought it with him when he is seeking his father.  They are both caught, and the journal taken, but a map has been removed.  

There are many adventures in getting away from the Nazis.  Indiana says he is use to people trying to kill him, while for his father it is a new experience.  I found this movie delightful many years ago and again today.  It is always important to choose wisely.  

Music Review: Donny Osmond: Live from Edinburgh Castle (2005)

Donny Osmond was quite a repertoire from over the years.  In this concert he sings old and new songs, and several of his songs didn't make the list.  He started writing his own songs in the 2000s and his newer songs are mostly self written, sometimes a collaboration.

Could it be I'm Falling in Love cover of the Spinners

Seasons of Love from the musical Rent is one of my favorite as the kids sang this song in high school choral concerts.

Puppy Love was written by Paul Anka and his version reached number 2 on the charts.  12 years later the Donny Osmond version reached #3

In it for Love is one of Donny Osmond's newer song from album What I meant to say.  This is a very good love song and includes all the things you should tell your lover.

Keep Her in Mind, ditto

Any Dream Will Do From Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat

Don't Dream It's Over first released by Crowded House on included in Osmond's Somewhere in Time Album.  

This Is the Moment is from the musical Jekyll and Hyde.  It is also the name of his Broadway review album.  

Soldier of Love is one of Osmond's harder songs.

Whenever You're in Trouble is a tribute to Osmond's mother when she was passing away.

You know someone believes in you
When they love you no matter what you do
You know you are home and you're not alone
When you hear me say

Whenever you're in trouble
Whenever you may need me
I will fight for you
I will help you through

Archive Interlude This showed Donny from five years old being introduced on the Andy Williams show to perform with his brothers.

Go Away Little Girl Donny's only #1 song on the charts and started his young group of songs.  This song previously reached #1 as recorded by Steve Lawrence.

Too Young from the Album of the same name was Osmond's fourth album.  

12th of Never--Thats a long long time.

Love Me for the Reason. I always thought this song had the catchiest melody.

What I Meant to Say explains what he wanted to say, another love song.

Would I Lie to You from the album Somewhere in Time picks up the tempo.

Shoulda Known Better from the What I Meant to Say album.

Breeze on By also from What I Meant to Say

Immortality was written by the Bee Gees but is almost autobiographical for Donny Osmond

Crazy Horses. This is the encore performance and is the hardest rock song in the group.  

This concert was actually very enjoyable.  I would recommend it to others.  I got it through Netflix DVD

TV Review: Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi

 Obi Wan Kenobi is available through Disney+.  It stars Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan and Hayden Christensen as Darth Vader.  Darth Vader has spent the last ten years brewing his hate for and searching for Obi-Wan Kenobi.  Obi-Wan has spent the same ten years feeling sorry for himself because of the way things turned out in Revenge of the Sith.  He says the Jedi are finished and he has buried his light saber in the sand and works as a meat packer.  He does keep an eye on Luke Skywalker.  However, when he is finally called back into service by Senator Bail Organa (Jimmy Smits) as Leia Organ (Vivien Lyra Blair) has been kidnapped.  We see Obi-Wan make a transition from hiding, to returning to be a Jedi.  At first he is overwhelmed by Darth Vader, but he grows and becomes more powerful in the force.  Leia is wise beyond her years (ten).  Another party involved in this scenario is is Inquisitor Reva, Third Sister (Moses Ingram). She is hoping to lure Darth Vader into a position where she can kill him.  She was a youngling at the Jedi temple when Darth Vader attacked.  She was able to run away.  

This mini series worked better when I watched it all the way through rather than a weekly episode.  I enjoyed the character of Leia, precocious and running into danger.  Obi-Wan has always been a favorite.  And Darth Vader, who says himself that he killed Anakin Skywalker. 

Lots of neat light saber battles in this show; and also the use of fire and rocks in the battles.  Great fun.

Movie Review: ****^Toy Story 2 (1995)

 Tom Hanks, Buzz Lightyear  and Tim Allen, Woody recreate the meaning of friendship in this sequel to Toy Story.  This is a fun story with a few quirks.  They end up in a toy store where there are many Buzz Lightyears.  At one point our Buzz gets replaced by a store Buzz.  Turns out Woody is a collector piece, and is set to be shipped to Japan with the other toys in the collection.  He completes the collection so there is lots of pressure on him as the collection is only valuable if it is complete.  On the other hand Buzz and the other toys come to rescue Woody.  The end up make a miraculous rescue at the airport, for all the pieces including Jessie (Joan Cusack), Woody's side kick from the old days.

Disney Movie Review: **Hot Lead and Cold Feet (1978)

 This is not Disney's best effort.  They had so much back fighting all the time it was hard to focus on the story.  In this movie Jim Dale portrays three rolls: the father who fakes his death to get his sons together, and smoke out a crocked mayor, and his sons, Wild Bill and gun fighter and Jasper a Salvation Army member from Philadelphia.  In Bloodshy Don Knotts portrays the sheriff, and Jack Elam who feuds with the sheriff throughout the store. I am not sure why they are feuding and by the end of the show it is obnoxious.  

Animated Movie Review: ***^Scrooge: A Christmas Carol (2022)

 A made for Netflix movie.  This is a new animated retelling of the beloved story "A Christmas Carol."  In this movie not only did Marley die at Christmas, but also Scrooge's sister, at the birth of his nephew.  He has for ever since hated Christmas, and his nephew.  However he had developed his miserly ways before this.  

The story hits on the theme that we cannot change the past, but we can improve the future by focusing on what we can do today.  Netflix did a good job with the animation.  However there are parts--especially Christmas yet-to-be that would be a bit too much for children.  Scrooge is voiced by Luke Evans,

Movie Review: ****You've Got Mail (1998)

 You've Got Mail is a Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan romance, which gets off to a horrible start, as Joe Fox (Hanks) is a large book store magnate and putting Kathleen Kennedy (Ryan) who owns an independent book store out of business.  Unbeknownst to each other, they are falling in love as on line pen pals, while hating each other in the real world.  Will Kathleen Kennedy ever be able to forgive Joe Fox?  I enjoy this movie.  Both Hanks and Fox make likable characters, albeit Joe Fox is misunderstood.

TV review: Star Wars: The Book of Bobba Fett

 I think this series might be a bit below the quality of some of the other Star Wars fare, but it does entertain and advance the Star Wars story.  My complaint center around the use of so much flash back to catch us up on the history of Bobba Fett (Temuera Morrison).  This is mostly through reminiscences while Bobba Fett is in the bacta tank.  This is a bit slow.  The Mandalorian Pedro Pascual) scenes are my favorite as well as the Grogu scenes.  Grogu has to deide if he will continue his Jedi training with Luke Skywalker (Mark Hammill) or go back with the Mandalorian.  In the end they set up the next Mandalorian series with Grogu and the Mandalorian traveling toether.  

In the end, Bobba Fett faces off against the Pykes and is terrible undermanned.  He is also betrayed by many of the other crime bosses on Tatooine.  However Fett's side kick, Fennec Shand (Ming-Na Wen) infiltrates the Pyke leadership and kills them.  Fett's rancor destroys a Scorpenek droid, but goes on a rampage.  However Grogu is able to calm the rancor.  

Movie Review: ****^Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)

The fun continues with the Temple of Doom.  This movie precedes the Lost Ark as it is before WWII. Dr. Jones is again seeking his fortune and glory with Short Round (Ke Huy Quan), A Chinese boy who drives and covers Dr. Jones' back side, and Willie (Kate Capshaw) an American singer who is performing in Shang Hai when she becomes part of the Dr. Jones entourage.  Fortune brings them to India, after they escape a crashing airplane on a raft boat.  There a shaman has been waiting for them, and they are sent on a quest to recover a stone from Pankot Palace.  When they arrive they are welcomed by the young Maharajah (Raj Singh).  Jones Willie and Short Round follow some tunnels under the temple and come upon some worshippers of Kali in the act of performing a human sacrifice.  The priest, Mola Ram (Amrish Puri) pulls out the victims heart with his hand and holds it until it burns up as he is fed to the lava.  They also discover they have captured children and enslaved them to look for more stones.  Our three heroes are captured by the cult,  Short Round is enslaved as well, Jones is given a serum which makes hime a zombie slave to the cult, and Willie is the next sacrificial victim.  

This movie has two intense chase scenes.  One with Short Round driving and the other on mining cars.  It also as an intense scene on a bridge with alligators below.  This is a fun movie, just not quite as fu as the original.

Movie Review: ***Pinocchio (2022)

 This is the 2002 version of Pinocchio which is a remake of the Disney 1940 version.  This movie is partly animated and partly live acting.  Tom Hanks portrays Gepetto.  This film is on Disney + and is in the pattern of making live versions of many Disney animated classics.  However in this case as noted it is mostly animated again with just a little live action.  The cat and wolf are animated, Of course Pinocchio is animated, and at one point does a kicking move like the boy in Incredibles. to motor a boat out of the clutches of a sea monster.  Pinocchio learns that it is best to tell the truth.  As the Blue Faerie this film gives us Cynthia Erivo who has a very beautiful voice.  Pinocchio is voiced by Benjamin Evan Ainsworth.  I am left wondering why this movie was made.  It doesn't really add anything to the story which has already been told.  Tom Hanks does an adequate job, but he has done much better in other films.

Movie Review: Shrek

 Shrek(Mike Myers) and Donkey(Eddie Murphy) made a good team as they travel to rescue Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) from the dragon for Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow).  However things are not exactly as they seem.  And Shrek and Princess Fiona have more in common than you would guess.  

The relationship between Donkey and Shrek make this movie work, even animated.  There are cameos by any number of fairy tale characters--the blind mice, three pigs, gingerbread man, Pinocchio, the wicked witch, the big bad wolf, Puss and Boots, and so many others.  

Movie Review: Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

 What a fun ride the Doctor Jones has been; and it all started with The Lost Ark.  The first Dr. Jones episode is in South America where Doctor Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) rescues a rare artifact, only to have it stolen by Belloq (Paul Freeman).  Then we get to the real story of the movie--the search for the lost ark and covenant, in which is kept the ten commandments.  This reportedly has great power and the Nazis want anything with power; so they too are searching.  Indy first visits a former girlfriend, Marion (Karen Allen) in Nepal, whose father was an archeologist and had collected a piece to help find the ark.  They both escape a murder attempts and head to Egypt, where they meet the third member of their crew, Sellah (John Rhys-Davies).  Belloq is working with the Nazis, but they are digging in the wrong lace.  One of the cute things of this show is the persistence of Indiana Jones.

This movie is terrific fun. It puts Harrison Ford in his second successful trilogy and indicates he is truly a star performer.  

Movie Review: ***^Enola Holmes 2 (2022)

 Enola Holmes (Millie Bobby Brown) returns for a different ploy in which the police and several politicians are complicit in covering up dangerous industrial conditions which are killing the women making matches.  We have most of the same characters from #1.  Tewkesbury (Louis Partridge) is still a boy of interest to Enola.  A  nice part of this movie is a larger role taken by Sherlock Holmes (Henry Cavill) and he and Enola are investigating separate cases which end up being different ends of the same case.  Sherlock is investigating money laundering while Enola investigates the disappearance of a young woman's sister.  The superintendent of police, Grail (David Thewlis) has turned bad and is involved in a conspiracy to defraud the government and prevent improved industrial conditions.  These cases include additional murders, and Enola is framed for one of them and goes to prison.  At this point her mother (Helena Bonham Carter) and her friend Edith (Susan Wokoma) blow up the prison wall and brake her out of jail.  Enola, Sherlock and Lord Tewkesbury eventually join hands are on on the chase.  

Christmas Movie Review: ****The Polar Express (2004)

 This movie features Tom Hanks taking on multiple roles, including Santa Clause, the conductor, the hobo, Scrooge, and the hero boy.  This movie is about a group of children who are on a train headed for the North Pole.  There, one of the children will be selected to receive the first present from Santa.  Three of the children, hero boy, hero girl (Nona Gaye) and lonely boy or Billy (Peter Scolari) seem to always be getting in trouble, or being away from the other children having their own adventure.  And so Billy gets his Christmas wish of friends, Hero girl comes out being a leader, and hero boy believes.  He believes long after his friends stop believing.

This movie is a fun animated show.  It is getting my Christmas season off on the right foot.  It is available on HBO.  It is based on the book by Chris Ban Allsburg

Movie Review: ****Enola Holmes

 Enola Holmes is a Netflix movie from 2020.  I had watched it before but am watching it again in preparation to watch Enola Holmes 2.  Enola (Millie Bobby Brown) is the younger sister of Sherlock (Henry Cavill) and Mycroft Holmes (Sam Claflin).  Enola has been raised in an eccentric manner by her mother (Helena Bonham Carter) after her father dies and her older brothers head to London.  When her mother disappears it creates a situation where Enola needs a ward--she is only sixteen.  Mycroft takes the turn and insists she be sent to finishing school.  Instead Enola sneaks away and heads to London to find her mother.  However she instead gets involved in a case of a disappearance of Lord Tewkesbury (Louis Partridge.). Turns out Lord Tewkesbury is under threat of being murdered after his father was previously murdered.  Sherlock suggests she dangle her feet in the water so as to draw out the sharks.  This she does to almost getting herself and Lord Tewkesbury murdered.  All over being able to influence the vote in the House of Lords.

This movie is loads of fun.  The thing that makes it go is the character Enola Holmes as portrayed by Brown.  The movie is based on the book series by Nancy Springer.

TV Review: ****Tales of the Jedi

 There are six animated stories available on Disney Plus, Tales of the Jedi.  Each story gives some further hint or story about different Jedi.  Episode 1 Life and Death: We start with Ahsoka as a baby, and discover how she first manifested her Jedi power.  Episode 2 Justice: Next we see Dooku and Qui Gon Jinn with Qui Gon as the Padawan.  They are sent to resolve a hostage situation; and find more than the bargained for.  It is Qui Gon's fast thinking that prevents them from a situation that would evolve to to something much worse.  Episode 3 Choices: Mace Windu and Dooku are dispatched to investigate the death of a Jedi.  Again we learn there is more going on than first meets the eye.  And again there is a situation where Dooku is justified in doubting the senate.  Windu becomes a grand master as a result of the death of the Jedi.  Episode 4 The Sith Lord: This episode takes place after the deaths of Qui Gon and Darth Maul.  Dooku is lead to the dark side and becomes Darth Sidious' next apprentice.  Yaddle, of the same race as Yoda, discovers the treachery and she and Dooku have a light saber battle.  Dooku lowers the door on her, but she is able to repel the door.  However the effort leaves her weakened and defenseless.  Dooku gives her peace.  Episode 5 Practice Makes Perfect: Anakin is overseeing the training of Ahsoka.  He uses Clone Troopers after seeing the practice droids do not give a worth challenge.  This results in Ahsoka practicing over and over.  This would save her life when Order 66 is issued.  Did Anakin have some premonition? Episode 6 Resolve deals with Ahsoka's decisions after Order 66.  In this episode she confronts an inquisitor.  It becomes apparent to Ahsoka she cannot be what she is not as it puts others in danger.  

I recommend this series for any one interesting in Star Wars.  It gives further detail as to the motivations of Count Dooku and Ahsoka Tano.   It provides reactions for deaths of Qui Gon Jinn and Queen Amidala.  

Marvel Movie Review: *****Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

 Went to the movie yesterday with Tony and we had a very good time.  Tony before the movie was wondering how T'Challa died (Chadwick Boseman).  I told him we didn't know yet and would have to see.  This was covered at the first of the movie, and I still don't really know other than a disease his sister could not cure.  

Then the movie gets going.  T'Challa's mother (Angela Bassett) is serving as queen.  Shuri (Letitia Wright) failed to redevelop the blossom necessary to create a new Black Panther.  This was destroyed by Kilmonger (Michael B. Jordon) when he took over the country.  However many people want to steal the vibranium which gives the people of Wakonda so much power.  An attempt to steal this is discovered and thwarted.  

In the mean time the U.S. has developed a vibranium detector.  This is used to discover another source, and another people benefitted by vibranium.  This leads to conflict between the two people.  Namor (Tenoch Huerta) the leader of this people is determined that the people of Wakanda help him to conquer the surface people or he will attack Wakanda.  He insists they find the scientist who developed the detector.  Okoye (Danai Gurira) and Shuri attempt to find her.  CIA agent Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) turn them on to Ririe Williams (Dominique Thorne), a student.  She made the machine on a challenge from her professor but did not even know it was being used.  She also has made an iron man type suit and becomes Ironheart.  The people of Namor overtake the group and kidnap Shuri and the scientist.  The queen strips Okoye of her title, and turns to T'Challa's girl, Nakia (Lupita Nyong'o) who served as a Wakondan spy, to rescue them.  She. does, but Namor retaliates by attacking the city of Wakonda and killing the queen.  Shuri is again grieving, but she also wants revenge and using a gift form Namor, she is able to replicate the substance that makes one the black Panther.  She takes this and becomes the Black Panther, but sees Kilmonger in her dream.  Then comes a great battle between the two people, as they have a plan as to how to weaken Namor, who gains strength from water and can fly.  

Lots of action and great fighting scenes.  Namor is spared but he relents and his people return home.  The Wakandans rescue Everett from his exwife CIA agent Valentina (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) who is behind a lot of mayhem in the Marvel Universe.  In the extra scene we meet T'Challa's son. 

John Wayne Movie Review: ***^Rooster Cogburn

Rooster Cogburn is a sequel to True Grit and based on the same character developed by Charles Portis in the novel True Grit.   This movie stars John Wayne and Katharine Hepburn as an unlikely pair Rooster Cogburn a U.S. Marshall and Eula, a religious zealot whose father is murdered by outlaws.  She recruits Cogburn to go after her father's killers while he is trying to recover nitroglycerin from some bank robbers; who are the same people.  Cogburn hopes to drop off the lady, and her young friend, Wolf, throughout the struggle, but never gets the chance.  Turns out they prove helpful.  Wolf scatters the outlaws horses and Eula is handy with a gun.  

Movie Review: ***^Greyhound 2020

 This is a Tom Hanks movie made for and available through Apple TV.  Iy has about three minutes of introduction and then jumps right into the convoy and the destroyer on which Captain Krause (Tom Hanks) is commanding.  It shows them tracking their first submarine, and the difficulty in facing the unknown.  They score their first kill; but the day has just begun as they are facing a wolf pack agains their convoy which is trying to get supplies from America to England.  In 1942 the U Boat was winning the war in the Atlantic.  The allies brought destroyers, destroyer escorts, and air support against them.  They used radar and sonar.  This show makes for a very intense 48 hours of vigilance and fighting with no let up.  They dodge torpedoes, and attack submarines on the surface and with depth charges.  At one point they ark a submarine with their fire for a plane which drops depth charges on it.  The movie explores the emotional stress and fatigue from such conditions.  

I found this movie as my father served on a destroyer escort in WWII, USS Garfield Thomas.  However he never faced a wolf pack.  He did escort a couple of convoys--to Brazil where they delivered an air craft carrier to Recife Brazil; and to Bizerte, North Africa.  May dad served below deck, in the radar room.  He at one time spotted an enemy plane, but the Captain chose not to engage.  That was his only contact with the enemy.

Musical Movie Review: ****Cyrano

 I watched this from Netflix DVD and was ready for some romantic fun.  I didn't suspect that it would be. musical.  Very good in fact with many love song based on Cyrano's poetry, although Roxanne is just as romantic.  The point of this movie is you should confess your love, which is better than hiding based on what you perceive may be the result of your love.  I guess is the other point is don't make your rulers mad as they may send you to war where you are likely to die.  The love triangle: Cyrano (Peter Dinklage) Christian (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) who both love Roxanne (Haley Bennett).  Cyrano worries that his being a small person would make Roxanne not love him; so instead he writes love notes for Christian.  When they are away at war he continues to write love letters, everyday.  It is only when it is too late, that he confesses his love.  This is a true romantic story.  I enjoyed it, the the music is haunting.  

Madly

Have your ever wanted something 

So badly you cannot breathe?

Have you ever loved someone Madly?

Whatever Comes

… I need someone to die for
Write poems and cry for
And I won't be ashamed
I'm nobody's pet
No one's wife, no one's woman
And I won't play that game

… I'd give anything
For someone to say
That they can't live without me
And they'll be there forever
I'd give anything
For someone to say to me
That no matter how bad it gets
They won't turn away from me

Tom Hanks Movies

I can't say I agree with Tom Hanks and some of his opinions, but I do admire him as an actor.  He has been in some of the best movies ever, and much of the success is based on his acting and ability to portray a character.  He himself has said he has gotten better over time, but his early work is very good as well.  I think he is one of two actors who have won the best actor Oscar two years in a row for Philadelphia and Forrest Gump. 

 Asteroid City. 2023

***Pinocchio (2022) This is a Disney+ remake of the animated classic from Disney.

A Man Called Otto 2022

****Elvis 2022

Finch 2021

****^News of the World. 2020. Relationship between Captain Kidd (Tom Hanks) and Johanna (Helena Zengel) makes this movie work.

***^ Greyhound 2020. Tom Hanks captains a destroyer through a wolf pack of submarines

***** Toy Story 4 2019

****A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood 2019. Excellent portrayal of Mr. Rogers

***^ The Circle. 2017 Also stars Emma Watson and Karen Gillan

The Post 2017

**** Sully 2016.  This movie tells the story of Captain Chelsey Sullenberg who landed a plain in the Hudson

****^ Bridge of Spies 2015. Very good spy movie

**** Saving Mr. Banks 2013. Hanks portrays Walt Disney and depicts the producing of Mary Poppins.

**** Toy Story 3 2010 The story continues with the toys being discarded to a day care.

Angels and Demons. 2009

The Da Vinci Code. 2006

**** The Polar Express 2004 Hanks voices multiple parts

The Terminal 2004

Catch Me if You Can 2002

Castaway 2000

****^Toy Story 2 1999

****You've Got Mail 1998 A Meg Ryan, Tom Hanks romance.  An unlikely pair

****Saving Private Ryan 1998 This is rated R and very intense as it portrays WWII violence

That Thing You Do 1996

****^Toy Story 1995. Hanks voices Woody in the beloved Toy Story series.

Apollo 13 1995

Forrest Gump 1994

Sleepless in Seattle 1993

****Philadelphia 1993

**** A League of their Own 1992. A movie about the women's playing baseball during WWII. 

Turner and Hooch 1989

The Burbs 1989

Big 1988

The Money Pit 1986

Splash 1983

Movie Review: ****^News of the World

 I very much enjoyed this movie.  The thing that makes this movie work is the relationship between Captain Kidd (Tom Hanks) and the young Kiowa woman (kidnapped five years ago by Kiowa), Johanna (Helena Zengel) (Zengel is a young German actress and this appears to be her first American film.). Hanks comes upon the young woman and decides to take her to her relatives.  Hanks works as a story teller, taking stories from the newspaper and reading them to people.  His wife passed while he served in the Civil War as a Captain.  The journey is more perilous than it should have been because some ner-do-wells would like to purchase the young woman and Kidd refuses.  They are determined to then use force to get their way. 

Kidd is struggling with his own inadequacies, and the loss of his wife.  The young woman is also dealing with loss.  Loss of her parents, and then loss of her Kiowa culture after living with them for five years.  Watching the relationship develop as they struggle with language and cultural issues makes this movie very enjoyable.  Both Hanks and Zengel make enjoyable and believable characters.

TV Review: Disney+ Hawkeye

 Hawkeye is available on Disney+.  It is a post End Game show, and Hawkeye/ Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner) is drawn into the action when a sort of self-proclaimed super hero, archer wantobe, Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld) comes across the Ronin suit, which Clint Barton used to work evil when his family had been blipped away.  This leads to their becoming the targets of a New York gang, as Ronin killed their leader and the leader's niece, Maya Lopez (Alaqua Cox) is now intent on revenge.  Turns out Bishop's mother is working for King Pin (Vincent D'Onofrio).  She has framed her fiánce for murder.  Also muddling the picture is Black Widow's sister, Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh).  She is a highly trained assassin after Clint Barton as she has been told he killed Black Widow.

This is six episodes of super fun.  In the final episode we have the gang of thugs, King Pin, Belova, Lopez, all converging on Rockefeller Plaza and the ice skate ring in New York.  I highly recommend this show if you haven't already watched.

Movie Review: *****The Black Widow

 This movie is delightful.  It is able to take a look at the Romanoff family from a different point of view, and gives us the back story for the Back Widow and for her sister, Yelena.  The family--which was put together to train the girls to be widow fighters includes Natasha (Scarlett Johansson), Yelena (Florence Pugh), mother Melina (Rachel Weisz) and father Alexei (David Harbour).  They were part of the enhanced network created by Dreykov (Ray Winstone).  In fact Dreykov has created an army of widows, and controls them through chemicals.  This movie is a struggle for the two sisters to get their lives back; and to deal with their past.  The movie is very well done how they combine family issues, from the pseudo family  and the humor is very good.  It takes a different view of the Marvel Universe.

Spider Man Movie Summaries

 I am putting Spider Men movies in their own spot as for the most part they do not fit into the Marvel Universe Phases.  Four actors have portrayed Spider Man in the movies: Tobey MaGuire, Andrew Garfield and Tom Holland as Peter Parker' And then Shameik Moore as Miles Morales.  The Tom Holland is also found in several Avenger movies playing Spider Man including Avenger Civil War, Avengers Infinity War and Avengers Endgame.  There are other animated carton versions available on t.v. as well.  The next version appears to be a sequel to the Spider Verse.  Should be fun.  

*****Spider Man

*****Spider Man II

****^Spider Man III

****^Amazing Spider Man

****^Amazing Spider Man II

****^Spider Man: Welcome Home

****^Spider Man: Far from Home

*****Spider Man: No Way Home

***^Spider Man: Into the Spider Verse won the Oscar for best animated feature 2019

***^Captain America: Civil War.   In this movie Spider Man is introduced to the Avenger Universe (as are several others.)

*****Avengers: Infinity War. In this movie Spider continues with the Avengers, and goes off world, and gets blipped away.

*****Avengers: End Game.  Spider gets blipped back, and helps in the final battle, carrying the gauntlet for a time.  

*****Spider Man: No Way Home: Movie Review

 In my mind the movie of the year 2021.  It is the movie that made the most money, and the movie I have enjoyed the most.  The three Spider Men is just cool and brings back so many fond memories.  This is the funnest movie of 2021 and the highest grossing.  You have Spider Man (Tom Holland) interaction with Dr. Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) and also interacting with MJ (Zendaya).  In addition to past Spider Man versions making an appearance; you also have the bad guys, Green Goblin, Electro, Octavius, Dr Connors/Lizard, and Sandman.  This movie is a good time.  It is no wonder it has made loads of money at the box office.  I wish the Oscars would wake up and reward the movies people like.  The only Oscar nomination is best visual effects.  The Oscars have become less relevant as they focus too much on someone's definition of woke (not mine).  But this movie has it all, nostalgia, love, heartache and action.

The King's Daughter: Movie Review

 I haven't done many movie reviews as of lat; but this movie hit me in a special way.  The major theme of the movie is science vs the clergy.  Should we let science be the controlling factor in our decisions.  He have heard Anthony Fauci say he is the science.  Somehow this puts him above everyone else; and I think he is saying that his ideas should trump all.  However this movie points out that science without ethics is doomed.  In Mr. Fauci we see evidence of this.  He has funding for the torturing of animals.  He may have funded the Chinese to take a virus and upgrade that virus.  The emails are pointing more and more towards this.  he emails also point to his using his influence to naysay those who proposed the virus came from a Chinese lab.  This now looks the most plausible cause.  Fauci's claiming he is science really irked me and it seems like a very slippery slope.

This movie is good.  Should science be allowed to kill a mermaid so as to grant immortality to the king and guarantee there will always be a strong leader.  There are lots of problem on that slope, especially when the King's daughter befriends the mermaid.