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Child's Play (2019)
THIS "Chucky" may be all too true.
When I heard about this, I wondered how they would pull off this idea.
Andy is around 13yo in this. Why would a 13yo boy want a doll. The answer is TECHNOLOGY. People of all ages have become addicted to technology. They cant seem to do the simplest thing without it. So here lies the premise which is FAR more compelling than some "voodoo" idea of a soul of a convicted killer transferring itself into a doll. Its impossible by any standard.
THIS movie however is much too "on target" with the possibilities of technology gone wrong. While many of the elements are still not possible (yet) there is far too much truth here and THAT is scary.
The premise is believable. A doll who learns about you and your surroundings, Your likes and dislikes. A doll who can interface with other devices and alter and control the environment through these devices. Sounds exciting. We already have this. ALEXA & SIRI and other such devices are already doing this.
But how much should we trust and depend on this? How easy is it to hack or exploit these devices? How easy is it to sabotage these devices? THAT is what this movie deals with. Those who want to see this as just a dumb horror or slasher movie are missing the point. Our lives ARE becoming at the mercy of our technology. Young people and older ones for that matter have no real concept of just how vulnerable we are. Worse yet we crave these things and invite this technology into our homes and lives without understanding that there are consequences both literal as well as possible ones. Nothing is totally fail safe. In this case a disgruntled employee disabled the fail safe features in the doll.
While we may be some years away from having a small robotic companion that we can have in our homes, we move closer each day to the possibilities. Even without one, we are vulnerable to hacked and exploited technology.
The movie contains some of the typical gore. blood and guts we expect. Some of that is pretty absurd in its presentation as well as how it is dealt with.
The setting and situations of this movie are unfortunately all too typical of today. A single mother raising a kid in unfortunate situations involving poverty, bad neighborhoods, impoverished living conditions. A far less than ideal situation. This coupled wit a mother who brings her "boyfriend" into the home where he is there to satisfy his own needs and just finds her son a bothersome distraction and the sons attitude is likewise. The boy makes friends with kids who are more street wise and a less than desirable influence. He is pretty much on his own at times and he is drawn into a false friendship with "Chucky" who promises to be his friend no matter what. The issue here is that Chucky has no boundaries of right or wrong. and simply draws from things it has learned from watching a horror movie as well as observing bad human behavior. This coupled with its instinct to couple with any technology available to him, he is able to manipulate the world around him to accomplish the unthinkable. He can draw knowledge from the internet and interface with blu tooth WiFi and all compatible internet technologies; and he uses these to the Max.
We should look at this movie not just as a horror movie, but as a WARNING as to how our technology can and does go wrong. How we are advancing too much and how we are relying on it too much. Most of all, how it can be used against us? We can laugh this off or dismiss it as just another dumb horror movie, or we can look carefully and see how much of this is already in our lives. Its just there waiting to "go wrong". That is what this is. Technology gone bad.
A VERY honorable mention goes to Gabriel Bateman who plays Andy.
I remember him for another classy horror movie called Lights Out in 2016. He has been in some other movies that I havnt seen. He clearly handles this genre well. He is a very likable young man who gives us a likable character we can connect to and relate with. He is celebrating a (undisclosed age) birthday in the movie but one would guess its his 13th since it would match up to his chronological age at filming. He seems to dismiss the idea of getting a "Buddi" doll but is drawn in by the cool technology he potentially has. The key to a Chucky movie is connect with a kid who is in over his head with a doll with a mind of its own and out of control. HOW can you convince the adults around you what is happening?. That is why the original concept "worked" even in its absurd premise. This is little different except the age of Andy. Bateman gives us a character we can identify with and like.
The movie has its rough spots but overall I feel it gives us a solid basis for the plot and it delivers well.
The Book of Henry (2017)
Movies are made for the public, not critics.
Movies are written for the public, not to impress critics. How the average critic thinks of a movie is rather predictable. They don't like things that tend to manipulate or play on your emotions for sympathy. They don't seem to like precocious kids or child prodigies. They don't like plots that stray too much into "overdone" or less than believable If this is how YOU judge your movies, you probably should stay away. I am not a typical critic, or even a critic at all if such an official capacity exists. OTOH, TODAY, ANYONE who has an opinion is a self proclaimed critic and some unfortunately, actually get paid to trash movies for the rest of the people who cant seem to come up with their OWN thoughts. THIS IS MY OPINION! Nothing more, nothing less. I have seen the movie twice (so far); both paid admissions. I don't see things a second time if I don't enjoy them or at least feel that I may have misjudged them the first time. I enjoyed it BOTH times. What I can speak to is that the acting is "solid". GREAT performances from the main actors in the movie. Naomi Watts is a versatile actress who can handle a variety of rolls and do it very well. This one is no exception. The 2 main child actors are equally excellent in their rolls. I would say that Jaeden Lieberher (as Henry) is the best child performance I have seen so far this year. Jacob Tremblay (as peter) is "spot on" with his performance. There seems to be a chemistry between the 2 boys when it comes to playing brothers. Interestingly enough both boys have previously worked with Naomi Watts; so the Chemistry seems genuine as mother and sons. The plot deals with how we deal with abuse and how we deal with loss. Some parts of the plot which stretch believably, are exaggerated to show how one deals with a moral dilemma. What seems to be going astray, ends up with characters "doing the right thing". I will admit that I felt a bit uncomfortable about the direction the plot was going, but in the end, I see how something conceived in a child's mind ended being carried out in a better way. As with many movies, the plot worked itself out, but it did so in a way that stuck to good moral ( and more lawful) decisions.
I was curious. I asked a theater employee what the general feeling was from those who saw the movie. For the most part it was favorable. Judging from sites like Metacritic, it shows a serious gap from how critics feel and how the public feels. CRITICS today GIVE US an opinion based on some notions that THEY have, then try to shove down our throats. They tell us how we are supposed to feel about it and react to it. I PREFER TO THINK FOR MYSELF, not let others think for me. Again what I share is MY OPINION, I feel it is well acted and overall it is well intention-ed. YES it will invoke tears. It may come off as unbelievable at times. IT's A MOVIE. I liked it and that is that.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul (2017)
DON'T take all of the bad comments so seriously.
This movie is taking a lot of harsh criticism for no real reason. Some are upset with the new cast, particularly "Rodrick". I will admit that the actual "character" of Rodrick has changed. I cant say why, but this did not spoil the movie for me. I personally feel that Jason Drucker was a good choice for Greg Heffley. How can anyone think that Zachary Gordon could continue to reprise a role that he outgrew long ago. I think it was best to bring in a whole new cast rather than try to salvage and mix old and new cast members. As for the movie. I LIKED IT!. I actually thought it was funny enough to see a second time. As for the criticisms regarding "potty humor". Again I think it has been exaggerated. Kids will find it funny. Its not really done in bad taste. Actually the "shower scene" which mimics Psycho was quite funny in the way it was done. Nothing really distasteful. Its just a spoof. I'm not saying that everything here is logical. Comedy certainly doesn't always follow rules of logic. That is one reason its funny. Its not something to over analyze. One thing I looked for was Jeff Kinney's (writer of the books)involvement in this movie. I see he was involved in the screen play. I really don't think he would allow things that go against his principals or core beliefs of what the movie should be. I don't think he wants an exact carbon copy or attempt to translate things that wont play out well on screen, The real idea is to generate interest in his books and to give readers something a bit new and different on screen. I hope that the negative reviews wont discourage them from making more movies based on Kinney's books. I hope it doesn't discourage the current cast from doing future movies based on the books. What should hopefully happen is to look at some of the actual constructive comments and use them to plan the future movies. Destructive criticism really does nothing but destroy the spirit of the movies and actors. Worst of all it destroys the spirit of many of the people who look to reviews for guidance in what to see or take kids to see. I honestly think most younger kids will enjoy this and there are reviews from several adult viewers that feel as I do. DON'T try to take all of this so seriously. Its comedy, its entertainment, its for younger viewers. My friend and I who are both adults, liked the comedic look at things that reminded us of some of our own experiences and poking fun at things as well. Lighten up and enjoy the movie!
The Deep End of the Ocean (1999)
An unusual and inspirational drama.
I actually found this movie by accident. I purchased a bag full of VHS tapes at a church rummage sale and this was one of the selections.
I understand that this movie is based on a book. I have not read the book and will not speak of the movies ability to convey the original material from the book. To me, a movie should stand on its own merits.
This is NOT the usual "kid goes missing" drama which is quite common. Its not based on any particular "true" story that I know of. It presents a somewhat unique situation of "what if a missing child is found, living a very well adjusted lifestyle where nobody is aware of the missing boys past;" except for the biological parents of course.
What I found amazing was the total strength of character that was given to the boy who had been kidnapped when he was only 3. It is hard to find a more loving and caring child than the one we have in 12 year old "SAM" who's birth name was Ben. You would have to believe that such a child could only be a product of a very loving and caring family. However, One of these "family" members had a deep dark secret that she struggled with until her untimely death. Nevertheless Sam, was left with a wisdom love and understanding that most adults don't have. He never knew of the deep dark secret of his abduction or had long forgotten it at least.
In contrast, his biological family struggled with their own "secrets" and feelings of guilt and blame. Each had their moments of seeming to get their lives together, but never really coming to terms with the "loss" of a young child. Each seemed dysfunctional in a different way, and the dysfunctional aspects clashed with each other much of the time. Suddenly the nearly "unimaginable" event happens. Their son is found and right in their own neighborhood.
The question here is how do you integrate an amazingly well adjusted child, into a family who is still torn up with feelings of blame and guilt and loss etc. What happens to this miraculous child AND what happens to the person who he loves and regards as his father.
Ryan Merriman plays Sam, the lost boy who is truly not "lost" as far as having his life together. He is nearly a picture perfect child. a parents "dream come true". I marveled at the strength of character he has and the maturity well beyond his years. "Sam" is like the glue that binds everyone else together. Merriman's performance is amazing.
I became very emotionally involved in the characters and the plot. I especially felt involved with Sam and his "father", George, who raised him. The movie was well acted and in my opinion it was well presented as to the storyline. I guess it may be a bit different from the book, but without reading the book, I had no preconceived ideas or expectations. In that respect, the storyline seemed fine as it was presented. I would like to have seen "George" incorporated a bit more into the ending. All in all, it was a very great movie and I plan to buy a DVD copy for my movie library.
Son of Rambow (2007)
A Charming Comedy About Friendship
I must admit that my first viewing of Son Of Rambow, left me a bit uncertain. I really LOVED the ending and the overall plot line of the movie. What I DID know, is that I definitely wanted to see it a second time before forming an opinion. I am VERY glad that I did see it again and went on to see it several more times. I have purchased the DVD as well.
People who may not be familiar with certain aspects of British culture and slang, Plymouth Brethren religion and 1980's influence, may feel a bit lost in some of the aspects of the movie. I think that caused a bit of my original "uncertainty".
This is an adult film about our lives and childhood friendships and THAT is what matters here. This is a film about boys being boys, and limitless childhood imagination. Kids from different backgrounds finding common ground. This deals with "broken" homes and kids finding their own way and finding strength in friendship despite their backgrounds. This is an exaggerated comedic look at goofy and sometimes dangerous things we things we did as kids and probably the last thing we would want to see our own kids doing. It's about 2 young boys trying to make a homemade movie after seeing Rambo First Blood. Their effort ends up serving a higher purpose, as a testament of their friendship, at a time when it is needed most.
The two lead roles played by Bill Milner and Will Poulter are EXCELLENT particularly from two boys who have no prior acting experience. I think that fact that the two of them are "genuine" makes their performance genuine as well. What is especially nice here is that a movie about childhood friends and adventures, ended up bringing these boys together and forming a lasting friendship of their own while having the "adventure" of making their first film together. The movie serves its purpose well in this case and the friendship makes the on screen performance even more genuine and meaningful.
This movie has been compared to the 1980's film, "Stand By Me". It is a different time and culture and story but the basic theme and idea is very much the same. I think the two films compliment each other very well.
The movie soundtrack is also excellent, with popular 80's songs as well as a superb musical score by Joby Talbot. I also own the soundtrack CD, which also contains the Joby Talbot score as well. It's a great CD.
Give this movie a chance. Be sure to watch the extra bonus features on the DVD. It gives a lot of insight into the writer/director and his own childhood dreams and experiences and how they influenced this film. It added a lot to my overall appreciation of the movie, the director and the cast.
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