In Theaters: **^The Hustle (2019)

The Hustle (2009)  This movie was intended to be a comedy but didn’t strike my funny bone, except throwing the bag in the water.  This is a con movie, where they are conning each other the whole time.  It featured Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson.

In Theaters: ***^Dumbo (2019)

This is a life character depiction of Dumbo.  In this case they add some, and take some of the original material out.  The big thing here is the purchase of the small Circus Dumbo is in, with the sole purpose of getting the Dumbo act.  However Dumbo is more interested in getting with his mother. 
Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell)  had a horse riding act before the war; but he returns form the war to his children (his wife passed while he was gone) and a struggling circus.  His horse has been sold to keep the Circus afloat.  Danny  DeVito plays the MC and owner of the circus.  Harrier children are portrayed by Nico Parker and Finley Hobbins.  Michael Keaton portrays the owner of the circus which buys the small circus, with hopes of putting on a very big act.
In the movies things are not always what they appear.  It looks like a fairy tale ending but that is all a facade.  The theme of this movie is the thought of keeping your focus on what is actually important--family and being kind.  Some of the characters loss sight.  Fortunately some recover, but others never do. 

Movie Review: ***^An Unfinished Life (2005)

Here is a very good character expose featuring Robert Redford as a grandfather, Morgan Freeman as his cow hand who was mauled by a bear and is now crippled.  Jennifer Lopez shows up, his daughter-in-law (played by Jennifer Lopez) and his grand daughter who he has never met.  Grandfather's son was killed in a motor vehicle accident and grandfather has never forgiven her.  However she is fleeing from an abusive man and lands on his doorstep.  She takes them in while her life gets back in order.  But boyfriend follows.   Not only that but the bear also shows up.  Both situations require some resolution. 

In Theater: ****Tolkien (2019)

Tolkien:  I thoroughly enjoyed this movie.  It presents the life of Tolkien, particularly with regards to the war and his love.  The love story is really great, as Tolkien met his love before the war.  He was an orphan, and the Father who had been given guardianship over him discouraged the relationship, and in fact sent the woman away; but love wins out.  The wars scenes were very well done, and explain some of the visualization used in the Hobbit and Lord of the Ring trilogy.  I think this movie deserves more audience than it is getting.  Lily Collins and Nicholas Hoult portray the love couple.  Colm Meaney portrays the Father.

In Theaters: Pokemon Detective Pikachu***

Pikachu Detective:  I must admit I was disappointed here.  I am not sure why.  I think mostly it is because I had Avenger expectations and this movie is more along the lines of Goosebumps.  Lots of cute Pokemon characters, and a twisty plot, but that isn’t enough for a good movie.  This movie is just mediocre. 

In Theaters: Avengers: *****End Game (2019)

Avengers: End Game:  This is the most anticipated movie in some time; and it more than lives up to all the hype.  From Thanos’ “I am inevitable” to “I am Iron Man” and all the ride along the way, this movie is great.  Of course the thing about this movie is having all the characters together.  There is too much here to give a plot summary, but suffice it to say this movie entertains and appeals to Avenger fans, as well as Guardians of the Galaxy and Dr. Strange.  It has all the characters taking part in their turn.  There is a part during the major battle where all the women are going to protect the glove and it just seemed to miss as tried to make a politically correct statement.  And then of course the fumbled the glove anyway as Thanos had said, :He is inevitable.”  However that is my only complaint.  A couple of our major Avenger friends will not be coming back it appears, but there are plenty others who are ready for the continued Avenger Universe, including Peter parker and Spider man later this year.  This is a must see.  In fact it warrants going back and seeing all the Avenger movies.

Robert Downey Jr.     Tony Stark/ Iron Man
Chris Evans                Steve Rogers/ Captain America
Mark Ruffalo               Bruce Banner / Hulk
Chris Hemsworth        Thor
Scarlett Johansson     Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow
Jeremy Renner            Clint Barton / Hawkeye
Paul Rudd                   Scott Lang / Ant-Man
Benedict Cumberbatch  Doctor Strange
Chadwick Boseman    T'Challa / Black Panther
Brie Larson                  Carol Danvers / Captain Marvel
Tom Holland                Peter Parker / Spider-Man
Karen Gillan                 Nebula
Zoe Saldana                Gamora
and many more
Marvel Universe

In Theaters: ***^Shazam

Her is a teenager turn superhero.  This movie also takes at crack at the importance of family, even if that family is a foster home.  It is only in family, that Shazam fulfills his true potential.  We have an evil villain who is pretty good in being the champion of the seven sins.  He turned out to be a pretty bad dude.  Asher Angel plays Billy as a youth, and Zachary Levi plays him as the superhero Shazam.  Mark Strong portrays the evil Dr. Sivana.
This is not the usual DC comic fair.  This movie is lighter and funnier than a traditional DC comic.  SUperman however does make a cameo towards the end of the movie.