Jungle Cruise

JUNGLE CRUISE

I really do not have to explain the plot. If you do not know by now you probably dont care about my review anyway.

I can tell you this film delivers exactly what you sign up to see. A fun adventure film, with humor and action.

Perfectly cast with the three leads Dwayne Johnson as Frank the boat captain. Emily Blunt as Lily the woman in pants lol. Jack Whitehall as McGregor Emily's brother and very eccentric. I love all three.

If I had a problem, it was the final 30 minutes. The script was messy and sloppy and throwing everything out there to see if it sticks including a twist with a main charachter which did not really connect with his actions in the beginning of the film. It is a shame the script could not just stay true and just have it be a adventure film searching for treasure.

Still, 3 1/2 stars out of 5 for Jungle Cruise. I hope there is a part 2!!! I want to revisit the characters.

From the shadows as always thanks for your time.

Joe Bell

JOE BELL

Joe Bell tells the story of a father who is walking across the country telling the story of how his son was bullied before his death.

I really liked this film. I thought Wahlberg was wonderful and believable as Joe. His son Jaden, played by Reid Miller was perfect, as a viewer we love him. Connie Britton as Jaden's mom in a small thankless role as the worried mom shines as always.

Critics did not like this film, they did not like Wahlberg in this. Me, I personally thought he was pretty good in the role. I think people did not like a strong catholic in this part lol.

Anyway, it has a good message, it was short and did not overstay its welcome. I give Joe Bell 3 1/2 stars out of 5.

From the shadows as always thanks for your time.

Roadrunner

ROADRUNNER

This documentary follows the extraordinary life of Anthony Bourdaine. His lows and his highs. His mistakes in his personal life and his successes in life and business.

This film was criticized for dubbing in Anthony's voice as a naration for the film. Also critiicized for blaming his partner for pushing away all that could help him in the end.

I personally loved this film. I dont care if they dubbed in his voice, it was his words from a audio book. I dont care. I dont care if they made his partner look bad, maybe she should. I just know I never watched any of his shows, I did not know much about him, and I walked out facinated. What a life.

4 1/2 stars out of 5. I loved this documentary. One of the best films of the year.

Pig

PIG

Critics loved this. Me? It was better than okay. It has such a tinge of sadness, it made me want to walk out. 

Well acted by Nicholas Cage, deserving of an Oscar Nod.

It follows a man who just wants his truffle pig back. Yes the truffle pig made him a lot of money but it was his pet. So he wants his pet back. He is like a hermit..so he has to leave his property to search for his pig. There lies the problems. 

The film also has appearances by Adam Arkin and Nina Belforte..again good performances.

3 out of 5 stars for Pig...better than average. Still it just was not for me.

From the shadows as always, thanks for your time.

Black Widow

Black Widow

This film has a lot going for it. Nice story, almost out of a spy book. Great cast with Pugh; Johannson; Weiz; and Harbour. It works really well with just enough humor to release tension.

My problem with this is the timing. This should have been released in the Marvel Universe years ago. Sadly it was put off and put off because Studio Execs did not feel a female could carry a Marvel film. Then came 

Captain Marvel and the game changed. 

So there lies the problem with Black Widow. Knowing the death of Natasha in Endgame, you kinda think, yes she is in jeopardy here but...she is dead in the last film I saw. Sadly, and it sounds mean, but it is hard to care. The problem is in the timing.

3 1/2 stars out of 5 for this well acted, exciting story.

From the shadows as always thanks for your time.

Summer Of Soul

This The Harlem Cultural Festival was called the inner city Woodstock.

I can see that. 

I was entertained..for sure. Great performances. B B King...Stevie Wonder just to name a couple.

Was it as good the Woodstock Doc.? Unfortunatley this film is a victim of it timing. Questlove worked hard at putting this moment together, which he should get credit for. What it unfortunatley he did not have are many interviews of people who were there like Woodstock had, which made Woodstock interesting. People looking back with pride and with aww. At this point in 2020 (When this was put together) sadly most of the people at The Harlem Cultural Festival has passed on. So it lacks ...something.

Still I give it 3 out of 5 stars for the entertainment and storys from band members who are still living who played there.

From the shadows as always thanks for your time.

The Hitman's Wife Bodyguard

Yes I have been gone for a long while. But I am back!!! Settle down. I have a lot to cover in a short time..I will try to make all review a paragraph or 2.

I had trouble caring about the charachters. There were way too many jokes( I am fine with laughing), so many jokes I could not take the plot and action seriously. 

Well acted... with a surprise cameo in the middle.

2 1/2 stars out of 5 for this sequal of The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard,. A sequal no one asked for. Still servicable as a movie.