Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)

Director: Chris Columbus
Starring: Robin Williams, Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan
Running Time: 125 Minutes

"We're his god damn kids too!"

When loveable and perhaps neurotic Daniel (Robin Williams) decides to throw his son an extravagant 14th birthday party, it's the last straw for workaholic-mom Miranda (Sally Field). His kids mean the world to him, so following a custody battle that he knows up-front always sides with the mother, Daniel decides to do whatever it takes to stay close to them, even if that means dressing up like a sixty-year old woman. Putting together some headlines on the front page of the local newspaper to form the nanny's name: Doubt Fire, Mrs. Doubtfire.

This story of deception goes to show just how much Daniel loves his children. It all goes well for awhile, Mrs Doubtfire becomes a useful asset to the Hillard home, the kids start succeeding in school, the house becomes spotless, and Miranda actually seems unnaturally happy for once in her life. When she starts dating again, to the rich and witty Stu (Pierce Brosnan), the green eyes of jealousy starts popping up which should set off some alarms that something isn't right with her nanny-but it doesn't, she gets in too deep and becomes oblivious to what happens around her, until her birthday dinner that is. That's where everything comes to a screeching halt.

Although Daniel met every single condition the judge told him he had to meet, his recent behavior found him to be unfit  to take custody of his children. While this saddened the mood of the ending, the TV station director saw potential in the great Mrs. Doubtfire and offered Daniel the leading role-after all who else should play her except for the man who created her? At least now his kids can see him daily, and he can entertain the others like he was intended to do. A couple subliminal messages later, not necessarily directed towards her, Miranda finally gave in and let Daniel see his kids on a regular basis - although life as a couple was long over.

In my opinion, this movie was Robin Williams' best performance ever. Of the few films I've seen regarding custody battles, this one always stands out as one with the highest probability of being re-watched. Sometimes parents just don't belong together, they try piecing together a life for the best interest of their children. This can only go on for so long before they get tired of the same nonsense day after day. Would Daniel and Miranda be better suited if they didn't have children at all? It's quite possible that if this movie was rewritten or a prequel was written to before they had the kids, they wouldn't be married and would likely live a happier lifestyle. This is all speculation though since they were married and had three kids.

Consensus: If you haven't seen this movie yet (shame on you), run out to any store that sells movies and buy it immediately. You won't be disappointed with this story. If you liked Kramer vs Kramer (1979) and enjoy comedies based on a similar story, I guarantee you'll like this one too...and hey, if you don't, at least you can cross off another film from the late Robin Williams' filmography. He brought joy to his audience, it's unfortunate he couldn't have that joy in his own life. RIP, Mr Williams. July 21, 1951 - August 11, 2014

"I am not a crook!"

My Rating: 10/10 -- Buy it, own and cherish it forever!!

Good Will Hunting (1997)

Director: Gus Van Sant
Starring: Robin Williams, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck
Running Time: 126 Minutes

This is the story of a deeply troubled but extremely intelligent young man who works as a janitor at one of the prestigious technical schools in the world. Yup, meet Will Hunting (Matt Damon) an orphan living in south Boston and working as a part time janitor for MIT. One day, while he was mopping the floors he came across a equation on a chalkboard that to the surprise of the mathematics professor, Will solved before anyone else on campus.

Professor Gerald Lambeau (Stellan Skarsgård) sees how intelligent this kid is, and feels he should give him some direction. Using the help of many psychologists before resorting to a former college roommate Sean Maguire (Robin Williams), a psychologist with his own troubles.

The plot may seem repetitive and fairly predictable but the script was written just right to keep you entertained for the full two hours, never a dull lagging moment to be seen. The writers took a typical 21-year old's life and gave him a deeper inside story. Just because someone spends his free time hanging out with friends at bars and getting into fights, and has a rap sheet a mile long doesn't make them a bad person-does it? The performance by Matt Damon was extremely well done, he plays the emotionally damaged kid from a rough part of town, on the outside he looks like he's going nowhere in life but on the inside he's got what it takes to leave town and move anywhere he wants. Professor Lambeau saw this before anyone, Sean knew this but felt Will had to make his own life experiences. This is where I believe Robin Williams deserved the Oscar for best supporting actor. When he told off Lambeau, I swear I could hear every movie-goer applaud in joy.

I've seen many movies starring Robin Williams, mostly comedy pieces though, this being one of his few serious roles I think he did a fabulous job. As I just said, it was a well-deserved Oscar earned. Matt Damon and Ben Affleck were best friends, and they made sure everyone knew it. I'm generally not a fan of Affleck, he seems to steal the show more times than not, but the chemistry between the two of them were obviously portrayed greatly in this film. How much he cares for his friend's life, and not being afraid to tell him so was ingenious. Once Will met the gorgeous Skylar (Minnie Driver) it was apparent that even Will wanted more out of his life than working construction and mopping up floors. The bond formed between these two was believable.

Consensus: To some this movie was slow moving, but to me I thought it moved along at the right pace. The story is predictable but the performances given, especially by Robin Williams and Matt Damon were outstanding - well worth the five bucks I paid for it.

My Rating: 8/10 - Matinee !

Jumanji (1995)

Director: Joe Johnston
Starring: Robin Williams, Bonnie Hunt, Kirsten Dunst, Bradley Pierce
Running Time: 104 Minutes

Summary:
Starting in 1969, young Alan Parrish and young Sarah Whittle discover a mysterious board game that reluctantly changes their lives. Upon his surprise, Alan finds himself transported into the dark side of the jungles of Jumanji! Twenty-six years later, he is freed by two unexpecting children. Alan (Robin Williams) reunites with Sarah (Bonnie Hunt) and together with Judy (Kirsten Dunst) and her brother Peter (Bradley Pierce) to outwit the game's powerful forces and return to the lives they once had. A combination of breathtaking special effects with a sleuth of magic and thrills bring you the game that must be played to believe!
I was only eight years old when this movie premiered and I thought it was perfect. It's probably among the few childhood classics I can think of, unfortunately over ten years have gone by since I last watched it so with the recent news of the loss of a great Hollywood comic (R-I-P!) I knew I had to revisit this one. It's story still holds up very well as the most entertained I've ever watched, out of the thousands of movies I've seen in my lifetime.

"It's not my turn."

Once the movie begins much like you were playing the game personally you are hooked through to when a player reaches the end and calls out it's name. Some may say this is a children's adventure movie but it's much more, it's got everything: comedy, action, adventure, a time travel science fiction feeling, and even a love story all in one and is definitely not just targeted for children. Not that I'm saying it's not recommended, I only firmly believe children and adults a like will love this movie. It's story of two orphaned kids from the mid-90s playing a game with two kids from the late-60s portrays just how there were two universes set up, and that with every roll of the dice their lives changed each time.

"RUN! It's a stampede!"

The end of the movie marks the end of the virtual universe if you will, it was inevitable that Alan and Sarah would return to 1969 - twenty-some years before their teammates were even born. Flash forward a few years, we see Alan taking over his father's shoe business, alongside Sarah who we see is now an expectant mother, at a Christmas party they meet with the advertising agent who happens to be Judy and Peter's father who wasn't set to start his job until after a ski trip in the mountains that would inevitably turn Judy and Peter into orphans. Alan and Sarah rewrote their future by insisting they start sooner rather than later.

"A law of Jumanji having been broken. You will slip back even more than your token."

Consensus: This movie is a great 100 minute adventure ride for everyone of all ages!

Rating: 8/10 -- Run out and buy this movie, you won't regret it!

Heaven Is For Real (2014)

Director: Randall Wallace
Starring: Greg Kinnear, Thomas Haden Church, Kelly Reilly
Running Time: 99 Minutes (1 hour 39 minutes)

Summary:
Some would say this true story was about the son of a small town minister who had been to Heaven and returned to share his experience. Others would say the story is about the father, a confused minister from Nebraska who stopped believing what he preached every week and must find the courage to share his son's experience with the world. It is a story of a seriously ill boy who was diagnosed with a severely ruptured appendix, and had to undergo surgery with very little hope from the doctors that he would survive.


Following the surgery, we see the boy does live on, and quickly jump into how although he was on the operating table for so long he believes he saw his mother calling all her friends to say a prayer for him and his father yelling at God in the church, both oddly enough were in opposite wings of the hospital. This small town minister and his family are poverty stricken and it continues to get worse as the bills pile in while the church administrators (starring Thomas Haden Church and  Margo Martindale) are concerned that their church is going to become something of a circus with the recent attention brought by a 4 year old boy visiting heaven.

I'm not a religious person, contrary to my recent choices of movies, but I've always believed there is a final resting place. Like a child believing in Santa Claus, if you believe there's a heaven you don't need proof that it exists. Regardless, Todd Burpo (played by Greg Kinnear) felt obliged to share the story told by his son that Heaven truly does exist. To most the idea of a heaven i

The movie is predictable. Soon after agreeing to let a news reporter interview his four year son, which by the way sounds like an irresponsible father in my humble opinion, the criticism begins. Those who believe and those who don't. Without starting a debate on Christians vs. Atheists, I'm just going to say this -- Believe in what you want, you don't have to share everything with the world.

Closing comments:
Heaven Is For Real is none other than your typical emotional drama, you've got to take it with a grain of salt that it won't appeal to everyone. Whether you believe it or not, it's just a movie with a happy ending.

-- Rating: 6/10 -- Worth renting for a buck, but I wouldn't want to own it!

Have you watched this movie or read this NY Times best selling novel? Let's discuss below.

21 Jump Street (2012)

Directed by: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller
Starring: Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Ice Cube
Running Time: 109 Minutes

A pair of unlikely cops, Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Jenko (Channing Tatum) are taken off the streets and into a classroom after not following proper police procedure regarding a certain gang of drug dealers. The assignment given down by Captain Dickson, played by Ice Cube is a last chance undercover job to target and seize a new synthetic drug that is making it's way through a local high school.

Along the way, these two make a ton of mistakes, starting with getting their identities switched and it all goes down hill from there. High school has changed a lot since they were there. What once was considered cool is now not. Back when they were in school, Jenko was the popular kid-the jock, and Schmidt as you could guess was the nerd. Now Schmidt's hanging out with the cool crowd and Jenko's inviting the AP Chemistry nerds to a party they're throwing.

Jonah Hill has yet to disappoint, though I was a little worried about Channing Tatum after that train wreck that was Magic Mike. Buddy cop movies have been hit or miss lately, see my review of Ride Along. This movie was well directed and portrayed though, for a movie based on a television series set back in the late 1980s. I guess the only quirks I had with this movie was the gym teacher (Rob Riggle) and of course Ice Cube himself, who I've had a problem understanding why he's still making movies after that horrendous Are We Done Yet?  We get it Rob Riggle loves a good dick joke, this movie had plenty of them mostly all by him. It got old really quick for anyone with a taste for comedy. As for Ice Cube,  he was definitely not the worst thing to happen to this movie and some of his responses at the meeting with Schmidt and Jenko were surprisingly pretty funny.

Most of the humor, the chemistry that Tatum and Hill forms together in this are unbeatable in a movie. It'll make a perfect movie night with your friends and a bucket of popcorn. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing the boys in college, 22 Jump Street!

AP Chemistry, bitch!

= MATINEE!

Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

Director: Doug Liman
Starring: Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Bill Paxton
Running Time: 113 Minutes

Yeah, I get out to the theaters once in awhile, and with all the hype over Edge of Tomorrow  I knew I just had to see what everyone was talking about. Director Doug Liman brings us a Groundhog Day-style action movie starring the once exciting Tom Cruise. Let's face it, this guy's grown old, his style of acting has drastically dropped sub-par. Not to say he didn't do a good job here, but let's just say I was more excited to see Emily Blunt than him.

As the movie rolls on screen, we immediately meet Officer Cage (Tom Cruise) who wakes up on a dock with a drill sergeant type yelling over him to get up. Living the same day over and over again, sounds boring but Liman does a great job at keeping the audience entertained for the entire run time. Soon we meet Rita (Emily Blunt), the bad-ass with a temper for those who get in her way. She has no room for others in her life, until the charming and persistent Cruise. The script seemed to be well written, to include some comical and serious scenes.

For the first time in awhile, Tom Cruise doesn't play a smiling hero. He's the fumbling inexperienced soldier, and guess who's there to train him? "Full metal bitch," herself, Rita. In Edge of Tomorrow, we see a story that will not only enlighten science fiction fans but keep action fans begging for more.

This movie isn't for everybody, but it was indeed one of the most surprising summer blockbusters of 2014 and I gladly recommend it.



= RENTAL!

(movie images copyright by MovieStillsDb.com)

Lone Survivor (2013)

Directed by: Peter Berg
Stars: Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch, Emile Hirsch
Running Time: 121 Minutes

Politics aside, Lone Survivor was a war movie based on the Red Wings mission of 2005 which entailed going after the Taliban leader Shah who was responsible for killing many soldiers of the U.S. armed forces. One of the Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell (portrayed in this film by "Marky-Mark" Wahlberg) was the only survivor and this was his story.

I'm not sure why I was so anxious to see this movie. It surely wasn't the actors or even the direction of the film. I grew up in a military family, so the whole idea of glorifying war didn't impress me.

The mission was only to hunt down Shah and call in re-enforcements when the time comes. Everything changes when they take prisoner of three locals and must make the decision to let them go, leave them tied up, or kill them on the spot. What would you do? All this happens within thirty minutes of the title scene, and when the proverbial shit hits the fan. One would think a properly trained soldier would know not to let witnesses go until your back up has arrived. As you can by now guess, they let them go under the impression that they'd be safe because its 'only an old man and two kids.' Anyway, at least one of them weren't so innocent and as we could see coming, the group of American soldiers are soon surrounded by Taliban forces.

Exaggeration was also used profusely in this movie, to show the bravery of American soldiers most likely. Throughout the gun fights, we see our team taking bullets and shrapnel left and right without much difference to their later actions. What the heck were the Taliban soldiers shooting, rubber bullets? They also seemed immortal to jumping off cliffs, tumbling down a hundred feet or more, landing head first on sharp rocks below them. When their back up re-enforcements showed up, unprotected and apparently not ready for duty as they stand on the helicopter surrounded by the Taliban forces rather than quickly getting off and fighting upon arrival.

There's an abundance of slow-mode shots, clear close-ups of hits, all perfect to make you cringe at what the four soldiers are going through. As soon as Marcus finds himself alone, he finds his way to a friendly Afghanistan village filled with people who doesn't like the Taliban forces any more than the American soldiers. This gives him the opportunity to track down his re-enforcements, and by re-enforcements I mean Blackhawk and Apache helicopters both which were supposed to show up sooner.

All that aside, this was a story of honor, bravery, and courage for not only the Navy SEALs but also the Afghanistan allies alike. It is a movie I would recommend for at least one viewing.




= Rental!