Monday, December 29, 2014

Holiday Movie Rental Reviews-Hot or Not?

Holiday times brings family members together. It might be a good idea to put on a movie to get people to shut up.  Some of the movies that you missed in the theaters (for good reason) now is the season to watch at home on TV.  Some are worth seeing, some are not.

THE MAZE RUNNER - NOT  Skip It!
This horrible mess rips off "Lord of the Flies," "Transformers" & The Lost Boys (one of which played Peter Pan from Once Upon a Time.) This is a wonder-less, star-less sci-fi flick except for Patricia Clarkson.  Clarkson, an always bankable actress has little on screen time, She must have dreamt of royalties for movies made for pimple face fans; dream on.  This movie gives Ms. Clarkson a blemish on her career.  I'd rather put up with family squabbles than sit through this shit.

THIS IS WHERE I LEAVE YOU - WHY NOT, It's Fun!
Ironically, this film is about a family forced to be together for a week.  Jane Fonda plays the matriarch.  Her husband has just died and she insists her dysfunctional family, 3 sons (one played by the irresistible Justin Bateman) and one daughter (the irrepressible Tina Fey) sit shivah, mourn their father for a week under her roof.  The scene where the family goes to temple & the brothers get high in the synagogue is hilarious. The rabbi of their synagogue, their childhood friend, they still call Boner much to his chagrin.  Rose Byrne (the beautiful comedic actress) plays Bateman's zany, likable old flame.  Sparks fly after his marriage shatters when Bateman finds his wife in bed with his boss.  "That'll do it," says Bryne.  This movie is worth watching, especially if you're stuck inside with your mishuganah  family.        

LOCKE - See It!
LOCKE refers to Ivan Locke, the only actor we see in this well crafted British Drama.  The entire film is filmed inside Locke's car while driving to the hospital where a woman he had a 1 night stand with is about to give birth. This is an intense drama, heightened by the confined space & continuous calls. Locke's multiple conversations are with his family, work & the woman about to give birth to his child.  His life is unraveling at the seams.  He's fired for not being present at the site for a crucial cement pour. He confesses to his wife his affair & intent to do right by this child.  She hangs up without a good-bye.  Watching this film while locked in with your family makes claustrophobia more bearable.  

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