Reviews

Blair Witch (2016): Dir: Adam Wingard / Cast: James Allen McCune, Callie Hernandez, Brandon Scott Corbin Reid, Wes Robinson: An even bigger chunk of sh*t than Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2 and that takes a special low level of talent to achieve. At least the camera isn't as shaky this time out, however the characters have achieved a new level of stupid. We all remember poor Heather Donahue from the original film. She screamed while one of her friends stood in a dark corner, leaving viewers scratching their heads. Well, her brother leads a small group of airheads on a search for her. Against better judgement they pack up their sh*t and enter the jagged woods and never come out again because their combined IQ couldn't find their way out of a phone booth let alone a forest. As in the first film they awaken to the sight of stick figures displayed in trees like some sort of warped off season Christmas drunk fest. Director Adam Wingard overuses the whole mock shock scare where a face suddenly appears in front of the point of view camera like an ongoing jack- in-the-box. These films all present an issue of not showing the Blair Bitch. Another issue is the horrible endings where everyone is wiped out by an unseen force. Watch The Conjuring, Lights Out or Don't Breath for superior terror with better writing, and find a remote place to bury this piece of trash so that nothing can dig it up again. Score: 1 / Writing: 0% / Themes: 33% / Acting: 0% / Directing: 0% / Visual: 0%

The Beatles: Eight Days a Week (2016): Dir: Ron Howard / Featuring: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, George Harrison, Larry Kane: Ron Howard directs this impressive documentary about the chaotic rise of the phenomenon that became one of the biggest musical sensations. They emerged in the early 1960's and became enormously popular with hits such as "I Wanna Hold Your Hand", "A Hard Days Night", and "Help" among others. Howard also features their famous visit to the Ed Sullivan Show where they perform in front of hundreds of screaming fans, most particularly females. The frenzy is the heart of the film as the fab four find it difficult to obtain privacy. Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney, the two surviving members discuss the ups and downs of fame. Singer John Lennon lands in trouble when suggesting that the Beatles are more popular than Jesus. This leads to a massive backlash where records are burned and radio bans are put in full effect. Featuring footage of many live performances where police are summon to blockade fans from jumping the stage. Much of this footage is in black and white with the occasional balance of color footage. Informative documentary should appeal to hardcore Beatles fans while lending a piece of musical history to the casual observer who cannot get past the soup bowl haircuts. Score: 10 / Writing: 100% / Themes: 100% / Acting: 100% / Directing: 100% / Visual: 100%

Bridget Jones's Baby (2016): Dir: Sharon Maguire / Cast: Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth, Patrick Dempsey, Sarah Solemani, Emma Thompson: Bridget Jones takes the next step forward and becomes pregnant but unfortunately there is two potential fathers and she is clueless as to what to do. She is divorced from Mark Darcy but he arrives for the apparent funeral of Daniel Cleaver where she learns that he is re-married. This relationship is also on the outs and Mark and Bridget have a late night fling to reconnect. Prior to this she had a sexual fling with a romantic TV guru named Jack Qwant. She finally spills the beans to both potential fathers and a competition for superior father emerges. Thankfully we are not met with another clumsy fist fight that was funny in the first film but overkill in the second. While the relationships are shamefully careless, the cast is engaging. Zellweger as Jones meets this new situation with honest awkwardness. Colin Firth as Mark attempts to rekindle what was lost and accept the new venture of fatherhood. Patrick Dempsey as Jack is a free spirit but has honest intentions. In colorful supporting roles is Sarah Solemani as Miranda, a flirtatious talk show anchor who leads Bridget into her new fond condition. Emma Thompson brings charm and wit as the doctor overseeing the pregnancy. Sharon Maguire returns as director presenting the value of motherhood as the diary's next entry. Score: 9 / Writing: 100% / Themes: 66% / Acting: 100% / Directing: 100% / Visual: 100%

Snowden (2016): Dir: Oliver Stone / Cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Shailene Woodley, Melissa Leo, Zachary Quinto, Tom Wilkinson: What happens when the seemingly right thing to do will isolate oneself from family, career, country, etc. Based on a true story, Edward Snowden resides in Moscow after leaking leaking security information that he deemed fit for public viewing. After an army discharge due to a leg injury, he decided to serve his country by using his computer skills at the C.I.A. What he did not expect was the level of voyeurism that is used in order to prevent potential terrorist suspects but unfortunate lends unwanted views into the privacy of innocent civilians. As Snowden, Joseph Gordon-Levitt is smart but paranoid. He meets three journalist in a hotel room in Hong Kong to disclose what he knows yet realizes that his actions will be scrutinized by authorities. Shailene Woodley plays Lindsay Mills, a photographer and political activist who struggles to understand her boyfriend's level of secrecy while unaware of her own potential danger. Melissa Leo, Zachary Quinto and Tom Wilkinson are all cast as journalists faced with information that can upset the emotional sense of safety within society. Sometimes doing what feels right can bring grave consequences yet standing up for truth and honor is a stand that is not as present as it should be. Instead we are left to voyeur or be watched. Score: 10 / Writing: 100% / Themes: 100% / Acting: 100% / Directing: 100% / Visual: 100%

The Lobster (2015): Dir: Yorgos Lanthimos / Cast: Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, John C. Reilly, Jessica Barden, Lea Seydoux: Strange science fiction comedy with a dark side. Colin Farrell stars as David who arrives at a strange hotel that deals with relationships in such a method that transforms guests into animals if they fail to find a partner within a set time. This is an amusing concept with images of exotic animals wandering about. He forms acquaintances with an insecure lisping man, played by John C. Reilly whose punishment for masturbating is having his hand burned in a toaster. David eventually attempts to cheat the system by pairing up with a heartless woman who ends up killing his dog. Jessica Barden plays a woman who has multiple nosebleeds and whose partner fakes nosebleeds to avoid animal transformation. David flees the hotel and encounters a group of loners in the forest whose rules forbid romantic relationship. Lea Seydoux plays the cold stare leader who demands that everyone dig their own graves. Rachel Weisz plays a short sighted woman whose relationship with David becomes hidden under gestures and signals. This leads to extreme consequences that involve her losing her sight. The ending is complicating and somewhat squeamish given the possible resolution to matching conditions. Nevertheless its theme of forceful relationships and social status is given a bizarre examination. Score: 8 / Writing: 66% / Themes: 66% / Acting: 100% / Directing: 100% / Visual: 100%

Sully (2016): Dir: Clint Eastwood / Cast: Tom Hanks, Aaron Eckhart, Laura Linney, Anna Gunn, Ann Cusack: Chesler "Sully" Sullenberger is now famous for landing a plane in the Hudson after a flock of geese collided the engines. He is seen as a hero to the 100 percent surviving passengers yet placed under scrutiny by the powers that be who question whether he made the proper choice of action. He was a family man who was devoted to flying but is not prepared for the media frenzy that follows. This brings the first time collaboration of director Clint Eastwood and star Tom Hanks. Eastwood focuses on the frenzy and the reactions of both sides. One major drawback is the over the top reactions of those who view Sully as a hero. He is hugged, kissed, worshipped, and it is all pathetically corny. Hanks effectively brings out the exhausted state of Sully's being as he becomes more unsure of himself. Aaron Eckhart plays his supportive co-pilot Jeff Skiles who feels victimized by the whole investigation. Laura Linney plays Sully's wife whose daily routine wait for her husband becomes an event on the local news. Other characters are cardboard with some performances going into overacting. Eastwood has tackled true accounts before and here presents an impressive vision of a plane landing in the Hudson through flashbacks. Sully's integrity is questioned but those who was there view him as a heroic man of action. Score: 8 ½ / 10 / Writing: 100% / Themes: 66% / Acting: 60% / Directing: 100% / Visual: 100%

Field of Dreams (1989): Dir: Phil Alden Robinson / Cast: Kevin Costner, Amy Madigan, James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta, Timothy Busfield: Inspiring film about the wide scope our dreams are capable of reaching. Kevin Costner plays Ray Kinella, a corn farmer whose passion is baseball. He hears a voice urging him to build a baseball diamond. With that comes players appearing who have been long since deceased. Ray Liotta plays "Shoeless" Joe Jackson who first appears much to the awe of Ray and his family. Jackson is bewildered but welcomes the opportunity to play again and invites other players that were affected by a scandal in 1919. Amy Madigan plays Ray's supportive wife who is not sure about it all but provides encouragement. His daughter believes in him and can also see the ball players. James Earl Jones plays controversial author Terence Mann whom Ray seeks out as a piece to the puzzle. He is bitter and prefers to be left alone but Ray's banter strikes his curiosity. Timothy Busfield as Ray's brother-in-law is a weak element with his struggle to convince Ray to sell the farm. It contains an underground theme of faith and believing in something. These players are given a ghostly opportunity to enjoy their passion while Ray discovers a new direction in life. He makes one final connection before thousands of headlines loom over the horizon to witness what seeing is believing is all about. Score: 9 ½ / Writing: 100% / Themes: 100% / Acting: 80% / Directing: 100% / Visual: 100%

Don't Breathe (2016): Dir: Fede Alvarez / Cast: Stephen Lang, Jane Levy, Dylan Minnette, Daniel Zovatto, Jane Graves: Shocking horror film with a title that brings light to the nearness of evil. Jane Levy, Dylan Minnette and Daniel Zovatto play Rocky, Alex and Money respectably. They are aiming to blow town for California and rob houses for priceless items to pond off. They target a house in an abandoned neighborhood that is owned by Norman Nordstrom, a blind army veteran. The three thieves aim to steal a fortune he has stashed but get more than they bargained for. After putting his attack dog to sleep they search for the money only to awaken Norman. After killing Money, Alex and Rocky struggle to survive a brutal set of events that lead them into the basement where further dire discoveries are made that address the vengeful nature of Norman. He is played by Stephen Lang whose lack of sight allows for keen hearing and a decent aim. His daughter was killed by a drunk driver and the guilty was set free due to wealth. The result of this brings frightening insight into his mental stability and his raging desire to restore what is lost. Director Fede Alvarez previously made the gruesome remake to Evil Dead. Here the violence is also extreme but not nearly as graphic. It contains a strong theme presenting one's desire for riches and the consequences for coveting. Lang is menacing as Norman whose skill has limitations. Levy discovers her mistakes way to late and their impact upon others resulting in her being dragged by the hair down the vacant street reflecting how she got there in the first place. Score: 9 / 10

Once Upon A Time in the West (1968): Dir: Sergio Leone / Cast: Charles Bronson, Henry Fonda, Jason Robards, Claudia Cardinale, Gabriele Ferzetti: Epic western that refers to the passing of events that shape our future despite forgotten souls. Charles Bronson plays a nameless gunslinger who is identified by the harmonica that pierces the night. He seeks vengeance upon the ruthless Frank, played with calm cruel delivery by Henry Fonda. The setting is Flagstone and the place is Sweetwater, land where water exists for the steam locomotives. Gabriele Ferzetti plays a crippled tycoon who wants this land and sends Frank to scare off those living there. Instead Frank kills the owner and his children and pins the blame on bandit Cheyenne, played by Jason Robards. Claudia Cardinale plays the new owner. She is a prostitute and new wife of the deceased owner. Cardinale brings out her grit teeth anger and her willingness to face intimidation. At three hours director Sergio Leone, a veteran in the genre presents standoffs and numerous gun fights including one aboard a moving train. Bronson is silent and determined to right the past. Fonda dominates with careful progressive evil. Robards is the sinner seeking redemption. Ferzetti is disabled but deceitful and ruthless. Cardinale is the pretty flower growing in poisonous soil and she faces the west living within the tragedy left by greed. Score: 10 / Writing: 100% / Themes: 100% / Acting: 100% / Directing: 100% / Visual: 100%

Morgan (2016): Dir: Luke Scott / Cast: Kate Mara, Anya Taylor-Joy, Toby Jones, Rose Leslie, Paul Giamatti: Underrated science fiction thriller that mat remind viewers of Ex Machina. Kate Mara stars as Lee Weathers, a risk assessment specialist sent to evaluate a human hybrid named Morgan at a remote location. The subject, Morgan had stabbed one of the staff in the eye and doesn't seem overly clear on right or wrong. In flashbacks we are given insight into her close friendship with Dr. Amy Menser whom use to accompany Morgan on brief outdoor retreats until an incident occurred where Morgan killed a wounded deer. This will veer into a rousing action climax that is graphically brutal but satisfying in its clever twist ending. Mara as Lee is sufficient, stern and knows her job, and acts when Morgan breaks free. Anya Taylor-Joy plays the double sided Morgan who is presented as innocent but demonstrates a violent side. The staff are a mixed bag of Morgan defenders who view Lee as an intruder. Toby Jones heads the operation and immediately declares his stand on Lee's presence. Rose Leslie as Amy feels empathy for Morgan yet senses the control beginning to dwindle. Paul Giamatti plays a psychiatrist who shows up to review Morgan and ends up the victim of Morgan's latest assault. Directed by Luke Scott who shows promising footsteps behind his father. This is simple yet demonstrates a promise for greater things for him. It demonstrates our total lack of control and understanding of what eventually counters any grip that authority and society hopes to obtain. Score: 9 / 10

War Dogs (2016): Dir: Todd Phillips / Cast: Jonah Hill, Miles Teller, Ana de Armas, J.B. Blanc, Bradley Cooper: Tense action comedy about the lowest level of humanity. Jonah Hill plays a charming yet manipulative illegal arms dealer named Efraim Diveroli. Miles Teller plays a childhood friend named David Packouz whose past with Efraim landed him in trouble in the past. He is married and his wife is expecting their first child. He struggles in a business that sells bed sheets while dreading his job as a massage therapist. A chance encounter at a funeral reconnects the two and he is sucked into Efraim's dangerous world. Easily Todd Phillip's best film since The Hangover. Hill brings out the charisma of someone who does not care who he steps on to get rich. Teller as David sees opportunity until trust is broken and a trip to dangerous territory has him on his knees with a gun to his head. Ana de Armas plays David's frustrated wife who fears for their life and the safety of their child. She calls out David on his ongoing lies and his questionable loyalty to Efraim. Bradley Cooper plays a shady character named Henry Girard whom they deal with until merchandise turns up to be wrong and problematic. This is at times funny but often tension makes way for suspense as trouble closes in. Action scenes are fast paced with narrow escapes. Theme regards trust and those whom manipulate our lives into disaster. It also reveals the reality of cutting corners to prevail thus leading to severe consequences. The dogs bite savage in this chaotic and numbing action farce. Score: 10 / 10

Suicide Squad (2016): Dir: David Ayer / Cast: Will Smith, Jared Leto, Margot Robbie, Jay Hernandez, Cara Delevingne: High anticipated disappointment that centres around a group of super villains whose lifestyle summon various powers without thought of consequence. They are assembled together to prevent what is perceived as a terrorist attack until common sense sets in. Jared Leto is given the near impossible task of playing the Joker whose boots were filled twice successfully, but not so here. Leto's manic laugh is off and he seems only placed for back story involving Harley Quinn, his former psychiatrist turned criminal. She is played by Margot Robbie who steals the entire film with her wicked comedic demeanor that laughs in the face of consequence. Will Smith plays Deadshot whose aim is perfect but lifestyle conflicts with the love of his daughter. Jay Hernandez plays the remorseful El Diablo, former gang member who can summon fire. His face is tattooed but his soul is pained with memories of family tragedy. Carla Delevingne plays Dr. June Moone who becomes Enchantress. She is under romantic watch of Colonel Rick Flag who is conflicted between his love for June and the distain for the monster she becomes. Should be special but instead the screenplay is a jumbled mess throwing in one fight scene after another. Director David Ayer previously made End of Watch and Fury. Here the special effects rule his screen and the visual payoff is impressive. It follows Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice bringing these villains together for the greater good and a not so great screenplay. Score: 5 ½ / 10

Pete's Dragon (2016): Dir: David Lowery / Cast: Oakes Fegley, Bryce Dallas Howard, Robert Redford, Wes Bentley, Karl Urban: Wonderful family film update of the 1977 Disney classic about control and the overuse of imagination. Director David Lowery manages to avoid remaking the previous film and settles for a great retelling. It begins with a family drive that ends in tragedy with only young Pete as a survivor. He is found by an invisible dragon named Elliott who visualizes himself to Pete and they remain isolated in the forest for six years. Bryce Dallas Howard plays a ranger who discovers Pete and seeks to civilize him. She is impressed with his survival abilities although adapting to civilian lifestyle is an issue. Robert Redford plays her father who tells stories of the dragon he once encountered and believes to be still at large. Wes Bentley plays a lumber mill owner whose daughter quickly befriends Pete. He is the boyfriend to the Dallas Howard character although the role isn't very broad. His brother is played by Karl Urban. He works at the mill but also leads the hunt for Elliott when space is invaded and Elliott feels threatened. Like the previous film the violence is toned down and focuses more on the relationship at hand. Elliott was a mere cartoon in the original film. Here he is a computer generated effect that will appeal to children while also being visually appealing to adults. While the original film focused on the imagination, this update focuses on what the imagination creates within this digital age and how some reboots can improve or match ever so slightly. Score: 9 ½ / 10

Mutiny On the Bounty (1935): Dir: Frank Lloyd / Cast: Charles Laughton, Clark Gable, Franchot Tone, Mamo Clark, William Bambridge: Entertaining and provocative adventure film set in the late 1700's. It involves a ship, crew, and a rebellion that takes place when cruelty becomes the norm. Charles Laughton plays the menacing Captain William Bligh who administers extreme punishment on members of the crew. Clark Gable plays Lieutenant Fletcher Christian who takes offence to Bligh's methods of discipline and eventually leads a rebellion to take over the ship. Franchot Tone plays Roger Byam, a midshipman who finds himself divided between his loyalty to Bligh and his friendship to Fletcher. Once they dock on an island they encounter a large tribe including Mamo Clark as a female whom Christian romances and eventually has a child with. William Bambridge plays the tribal chief who welcomes the fleet onto the island. Director Frank Lloyd leads a tense story that involves survival amongst those whom we are associated with. There are scenes of whippings and drownings as well as crew members placed in shackles as Bligh instructs strict action over the slightest wrong. The production is rewarding and action explosive with great island scenery. All this accompanies a strong theme of harsh treatment to those assisting in prevailing this voyage to conclusion. Score: A+ / Writing: 100% / Themes: 100% / Acting: 100% / Directing: 100% / Visual: 100%

Sausage Party (2016): Dir: Greg Tieman, Conrad Vernon / Voices: Seth Rogen, Kristen Wiig, Michael Cera, Bill Hader, Nick Kroll: Explicit escapade in naughty deeds accompany a theme of freedom, or the illusion of since it addresses the numerous beliefs in the world and the struggle to unite in peace. Seth Rogen voices Frank, a sexually charged sausage awaiting purchase for the fourth of July alongside his fellow sausage buddies. They include a short deformed sausage named Barry, voiced by Michael Cera. Kristen Wiig voices Brenda the Bun who is set to unite with Frank until a tragic set of events have them separated from their packages and on the run. Barry escapes the fate of what awaits food as he witnesses his fellow food companions sliced, diced, shredded, scorched, and torn to bits all to the delight of humans. Frank is joined by Brenda as well as a Bagel named Sammy Bagel Jr, and Kareem Abdul Lavash to find answers. After venturing through the liquor party section they approach the non- perishables, led by the wise and totally stoned Firewater, voiced by Bill Hader for answers all the while being pursued by a Douche out for revenge. Creative and original with drug references, profanity and a massive food orgy that places this film way outside the viewership of children. Like the South Park film or Ted, it takes the seemingly innocent and spins a crass presentation. Besides food we are given amusing images of doomed and defeated condoms, toilet paper, and a wad of gum operating an electric wheelchair complete with electronic voice. It challenges a theme of tolerance, which this party may require before viewing. Score: 9 / 10

Nine Lives (2016): Dir: Barry Sonnenfeld / Cast: Kevin Spacey, Jennifer Garner, Christopher Walken, Cheryl Hines, Robbie Amell: This film doesn't deserve any lives, let alone nine. Easily Barry Sonnenfeld's most embarrassing film since Wild Wild West this contains a horribly over the top computer generated cat. Kevin Spacey plays a wealthy industrialist who is set to construct the tallest building in America. He hasn't time for his family. Christopher Walken plays a cat whisperer who apparently turns him into a cat when he stubbornly arrives to buy his daughter a cat. This is the same idea as The Shaggy Dog only it manages to be even worse. Seeing Spacey go from winning Academy Awards to shitting in hand bags as a cat is hideous at best. Jennifer Garner is a complete waste as his wife who is exhausted with his being late and basically disappointing everyone. Walken as the cat whisperer seems to appear at will at the screenwriter's urge. Walken is a talented actor but this is not the first time he signed on to crap like this. The whole magic element is poorly elevated as well. I was waiting for Walken to pull rabbits out of hats. Cheryl Hines is another over the top presence. She plays Spacey's ex-wife who spends way too much time with his current wife. Her daughter is another snit who pretends to care about Garner's daughter. The work subplot takeover attempt while Spacey is in a coma is another lazy plot element. Theme of spending time with family is clear but being in a coma has a bright side when it comes to avoiding this cat litter piece of trash. Score: 2 / 10

Bad Moms (2016): Dir: Jon Lucas, Scott Moore / Cast: Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, Kathryn Hahn, Christina Applegate, Jada Pinkett Smith: Bad movie plainly with a gripe about the tiresome schedule of motherhood. Mila Kunis as Amy Mitchell is the one passable character in this garbage. She caught her husband engaging in Internet sex so she kicks him out and discovers her schedule getting tighter. She makes friends with Kiki, played by Kristen Bell who is meant to be quirky and funny but just comes off as plain annoying. Kathryn Hahn as Carla advocate the need for sex within nearly every word that emerges from her mouth and it grows old quick. Christina Applegate and Jada Pinkett Smith are a total waste as antagonist school board bullies intent on pushing their agenda to the point of even stashing marijuana in the locker of Amy's daughter. The premise is rushed and the structure is predictable and boring. This is bad in more ways than one with two directors committing to a choppy and uninspiring job with production values straight out of the worst of direct-to- video bargain bid deals. Sure, it has a worthwhile message of the stress of motherhood, especially those balancing a job as well but the results here are embarrassing. The film concludes with the actresses sitting with their mothers discussing their upbringings. That is better than anything that appears in the film. This is clearly a film aimed at mothers and for them I say, good luck. This film is lackluster with no sign of an existing screenwriter. Perhaps the mothers could have gathered and wrote something that wasn't this bad. Score: 2 ½ / 10

Nerve (2016): Dir: Henry Joost, Ariel Schulman / Cast: Emma Roberts, Dave Franco, Miles Heizer, Emily Meade, Juliette Lewis: The title not just references one's emotional heights, but it is the name of a sickening online game where people can either watch or participate in dares for which cash is deposited into their bank accounts if they succeed. This becomes dangerous as dares aim to riskier heights. Emma Roberts plays Venus, or Vee as her nickname says. She accepts based on the taunting of one of her friends who is popular as a result. Based on a kissing a stranger dare she ends up hooking up with Dave Franco. Together they end up running near nude through a department store. Franco drives blindfolded on a motorcycle while Vee plays his eyes and directions. They are appealing leads but much of their antics boarder on being corny and extreme. In supporting roles are Miles Heizer as Vee's male friend who is not impressed with her new daring relationship. He is a computer nerd concerned for the safety of his friend. Emily Meade plays her popular friend who feels her popularity fading when Vee's dare takes attention. This forces her into an extreme situation. Juliette Lewis is unfortunately underused as Vee's mother who works at the hospital. We learn that her brother died two years prior and that Lewis wants her to accepts a college near by. Two directors manage to sift through the lame stunts by presenting style and location work that carries a personality of its own. It takes aim at social media and everyone's obsession with everything wrong with society. Score: 8 ½ / 10

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971): Dir: Mel Stuart / Cast: Gene Wilder, Peter Ostrum, Jack Albertson, Julie Dawn Cole, Paris Themmen: Magical musical comedy about children, candy and what draws them together. Gene Wilder portrays the mysterious Willy Wonka whose chocolate factory concealed five gold tickets within billions of candy bars. Those lucky winners receive a tour of the factory. Peter Ostrum plays young and ambitious Charlie Bucket who has a great family life, particularly with Grandpa Joe, played by Jack Albertson. When all seems lost and hopeless Charlie ends up with the final ticket and offers Grandpa Joe to be his escort. The factory is an imaginary sight to one's mind. Rivers of chocolate, bubbles floating about, gummie bears hanging from trees. It is delicious until the rules are broken and that is where the lesson stems. Director Mel Stuart excites the imagination with this colorful presentation but perhaps it could be interpreted as a tad harsh. The four other children are naughty and are met with consequences when they disobey. One kid falls into the chocolate river. One girl chews forbidden gum and balloons up and turns blue. Julie Dawn Cole plays a demanding spoiled girl whose pursuit of a golden egg renders her a bad egg. Theme regards truth, heart and the sweet tooth of family and the generations to come. Score: 9 / 10

Star Trek Beyond (2016): Dir: Justin Lin / Cast: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Simon Pegg, Sofia Boutella: Another impressive entry to the newer films of the franchise. This time the USS Enterprise heads to a rescue mission only to be met with an ambush that shredded the ship to pieces. The crew escape into pods and land on a barren planet while others became prisoners by an army led by a creature by the name of Krall. We learn in the third act who Krall is and his anger is warranted but it affects innocent civilians. Chris Pine returns as Captain James T. Kirk who is contemplating leaving the fleet but this new mission has him rethinking his position. Zachary Quinto as Spock is injured upon landing on a planet. He also is contemplating leaving the fleet to redirect his focus on his Vulcan heritage. Karl Urban returns as Leonard McCoy the medical officer who is given many comic moments as he escapes in a pod with Spock. He helps medicate Spock while trying to understand his logic. Simon Pegg as Scotty is another comedic scene stealer whose engineering comes into play when he encounters another victim of Krall on the planet they landed on. Her name is Jaylah and she is the lone surviving warrior of a fleet destroyed by Krall. She is played by Sofia Boutella and her makeup with bleach ponytail and facial markings completes the picture of a character who steals her scenes. She is a fighter who is convinced to assist Star Fleet when a rescue mission is planned. Director Justin Lin is backed with explosive special effects resulting in another entertaining entry in a franchise that moves beyond. Score: 9 / 10

Lights Out (2016): Dir: David F. Sandberg / Cast: Teresa Palmer, Gabriel Bateman, Alexander DiPersia, Maria Bello, Billy Burke: Like The Conjuring and its sequel we are given another triumphant horror film where good vanquishes evil. This one regards facing fears and stars Gabriel Bateman as a young boy startled at night by demonic images as well as his mother talking to her unseen friend Diana. Teresa Palmer plays his grown half sister who arrives to pick him up when another episode occurs. Before long she to is faced with blackened images of Diana who seems to haunt wherever and whomever comes between her and their mother. Palmer believes Bateman because she saw the images when she was young and it resulted in the death of her father. The film opens effectively with Billy Burke playing step-dad who is mangled by Diana at work. Diana's secret is that she needs the dark and fears the light and can apparently make lights turn off. Maria Bello plays their mother who has a past of mental illness and depression. She is affected by Diana after they initially hooked up at a hospital. She is estrange from her daughter but wants desperately to connect with her son but Diana does not like to share. Alexander DiPersia as Palmer's boyfriend is a surprise in the sense that he is written totally opposite then what our first impressions might be. Director David F. Sandberg makes creepy use of lighting while the bizarre image of Diana add to the tone. In the end it is silly but fun leaving viewers with their lights on and eyes open before that dark shadow looms any closer. Score: 9 / 10

Ghostbusters (2016): Dir: Paul Feig / Cast: Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, Chris Hemsworth: All female update of the classic monster comedy, Ghostbusters. This is a stand alone film that never succeeds the original but is a far cry from the mess that Ghostbusters 2 was. Kristen Wiig plays Erin Gilbert who wrote a book on ghosts with Abby Yates, played by Melissa McCarthy. Erin prefers to shade that experience in event of a possible promotion while Abby is shacked away with Jillian Holtzmann inventing weapons to fight the paranormal. Jillian is played by Kate McKinnon who steals scenes with sarcasm and bewilderment. Leslie Jones plays Patty Tolan who works at the subway where she has a paranormal encounter. Upon meeting Erin, Abby and Jillian she decides to join them and rigs up her uncles hearse with the Ghostbusters logo. Chris Hemsworth is hilarious as the newly hired secretary who hasn't two clues in his head. Director Paul Feig tries to bring together what worked originally combined with a screenplay that contains tense moments as well as a lot of humour. Many of the original cast appear in cameos while many of the original ghosts including Slimer and Mr. Stay Puff make appearances. The special effects lack the originality of the first film but they still manage to dazzle even when the Ghostbusters logo produces a giant problem. Wiig is dosed in slime twice and we cannot help but enjoy the memories. Some are opposed to its female approach but this reboot still produces lots of proton beams, ghastly images and green slime. Score: 8 / 10

A Place in the Sun (1951): Dir: George Stevens / Cast: Montgomery Clift, Elizabeth Taylor, Shelley Winters, Raymond Burr, Herbert Heyes: Compelling yet depressing classic with a title that symbolizes the need for grace after an attempt to conceal sin. Montgomery Clift plays George Eastman who arrives in town to work for his wealthy uncle. Central plot regards his forbidden relationship with a female working there played by Shelley Winters whom he gets pregnant. Elizabeth Taylor plays Angela Vickers, a society girl who Eastman also gets involved with. When Winters pushes for marriage thus threatening his job he plots her death. This happens by accident but with his path uncovered he is sought after as a murderer. Raymond Burr makes an effective appearance as a prosecutor out to see Eastman go to the electric chair. Herbert Heyes plays the wealthy uncle disturbed at the news, which began when Eastman and Vickers began courting each other. Director George Stevens weaves a fine line between what begins as an innocent romantic flick to becoming a dark conquest full of consequences. The locations are flaring with life as the upper class that Eastman has become accustom to attend dances in mansions and relax at resorts while Winters is positioned outside depressed and trying to figure out how to reel Eastman in. We reap what we sow and Eastman with his place in the sun exposing his sin. Score: 8 / 10

The Addams Family (1991): Dir: Barry Sonnenfeld / Cast: Raul Julia, Anjelica Huston, Christopher Lloyd, Elizabeth Wilson, Dan Hedaya: Big screen adaptation of the classic TV show about the monstrous family that are totally outside traditional values. Raul Julia and Anjelica Huston look the parts of Gomez and Morticia, the head couple with Pugsley and Wednesday as their two demented children who have the disturbing past time of finding methods of execution. Christopher Lloyd plays Uncle Fester who went missing twenty-five years ago. He turns up with a couple of the most forgettable villains the screenwriter can conjure up. Elizabeth Wilson poises as a psychiatrist claiming that Fester was lost in the Bermuda Triangle and lost his memory. He is told that he is Gordon who she brought him in. Lloyd as Fester is sent to possess the Addams fortune but predictable elements occurs such as his growing close to the family. Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld who presents the film's look and the special effects and art direction hold appeal with a black and white mostly presentation. While the Addams cast play their roles with appeal but the villains played by Wilson and Dan Hedaya have less personality than the severed life hand, Thing. This is not a great film but for those who loved the TV show, they will enjoy the recreation and bizarre nature of this odd family. Score: 7 ½ / 10

Mr. and Mrs. Smith (1941): Dir: Alfred Hitchcock / Cast: Robert Montgomery, Carole Lombard, Gene Raymond, Jack Carson, Philip Merivale: Director Alfred Hitchcock tackles marriage issues in this romantic comedy break from his usual thrillers. Robert Montgomery and Carole Lombard play Mr. and Mrs. Smith who learn that their three year marriage is not valid. This news reaches them in the aftermath of an argument. She await for him to re-marry her but soon he is kicked out of the apartment and they play juvenile mind games throughout that arrive at a rather bleak conclusion. As Mr. Smith Robert Montgomery realizes his mistakes and attempts to win her back. As Mrs. Smith Carole Lombard uses counter tactics to get a jealousy reaction. In comical supporting roles is Gene Raymond as Mr. Smith's law partner who offers to talk to Mrs. Smith but ends up representing her and even dating her. There is another colleague whom he confides in while in a steam room, which leads to a very awkward double date. Not typical Hitchcock especially after the acclaim Rebecca the previous year but it does contain the director's signature humour. Theme regards the conflicts of marriage and the process of healing that is required. The results are not as funny as advertizements seem to indicate but it does present the possibility of solution when the bickering ceases. Score: 8 / 10