 Things I learned from San Andreas #1 Use the Triangle of Life or you will be a part of the circle of life. #2 Bridges are bad in any disaster #3 Only go to the top floor of a building if your ex-husband is The Rock and he's coming in a helicopter. #4 Karma is a *itch... don't leave your gf's daughter in a car to save yourself- Can you say Shipping Container! #5 There's better things in the firetruck than in any other place to loot! #6 Make friends with funny British guy and his cute but smart younger brother who has an extensive map of the city!  I'm not sure I'd huddle under a regular desk while the walls and floor collapse. RUN!!! Disaster movies are either a disaster at the box office or a huge hit! Earthquakes seem to be happening more and more frequently. We’ve even felt one recently in Michigan. But nothing will prepare you for the devastation of the big one in California. I’m giving San Andreas an A- because at times, I had to suspend my reality a bit!  Why does the end of the world always happen on MY shift? The Rock has already lost a daughter and his marriage. When his other daughter asks for a ride to college, he’s happy to oblige until he’s called into work due to a big quake near Vegas. San Andreas focuses on the Rock’s family- his almost ex-wife and daughter as he’s forced to save their lives when a big quake hits the San Andreas fault line.
 And my brother laughed about buying this book which will save everyone's lives!! The Rock never goes shirtless in this movie but does handle a chopper with ease, forcing it to hover while he does some death-defying rescues. I certainly could see him as the closed off military man who doesn’t share his feelings. There’s a great deal of survival knowledge to be gained from this movie. However, it’s the young man who plays Ollie that steals the movie and makes it more than just another disaster epic. He’s the annoying younger brother forced to tag along on his older brother’s job interview. Ollie’s not afraid to say inappropriate things and brings a quick wit to the movie.  Don't worry... my dad is THE ROCK... he won't let anything happen to me! The special effects are mind blowing and the constant action will leave you breathless (this is where you have to suspend reality a bit) but at the heart... San Andreas is about a family who will do anything to save each other. So bring the family and after you leave... go home and put together your bug out bag!
  Looking for a feel good movie that will have you laughing out loud? Pitch Perfect 2 is just that movie! It seldom takes itself seriously. I give it an A.  The Bella's are back, and they are better than ever. After a leotard mishap at the President’s birthday celebration, the team needs to get their act in gear and win the International Competition. But the girls have a lot on their minds and their singing suffers for it! In order to win, they need to regroup and recharge and learn to harmonize again.   Rebel Wilson is the new Lucille Ball or Carol Burnett. Her comedic skills showcase physical comedy as well as amazing wisecracks. Then there’s the Acapella hosts, John and Gail! They have no filters or tact. Some of the most outrageous lines are theirs! In fact, Elizabeth Banks who played Gail is actually the director of the movie! And without spoiling anything, there are some wonderful guest appearances! Keep your eyes peeled!   Having not seen the first movie, I didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything. This movie stood on its own. The message of girl power and working together is one that everyone needs these days. While the movie does feature some raunchy adult humor, most children won’t understand it. So don’t be afraid to bring your whole family.
  When does intelligence occur? Can a robot think for him or herself? The premise behind Ex Machina is a study in when does sentient life begin? I give it a B+.  Caleb is an upcoming hot programmer who wins a week retreat with the CEO only to find out that the trip isn’t what it seems. When there, he’s asked to determine if a sexy robot is really sentient or just running her programming. Ava becomes more than just a robot to Caleb. She worms her way into his mind.  This movie is twisted, with mystery and surprises. Viewers won’t see them coming. It keeps you guessing and on the edge of your seat because you learn to not trust anyone at face value. It’s a very intellectual movie, and does have a large amount of drinking and nudity (I felt bad for the young child who’s family brought him).  I found the movie to be intriguing but I hated the CEO. He wasn’t a nice person and each time he came on the screen, I wanted to see him hit with a club. There wasn’t anything redeeming about him. He’s supposed to be the CEO of a Google like search site but comes off as a bully with a God complex. Without spoilers, I also was disappointed with the ending, too contrite and quick to wrap it up, leaving the main character at a loss.    We’ve waited over a year to see the latest Avenger’s movie, but they don’t give us all the answers. Only more questions. I give Avengers: Age of Ultron an A. From the very first scene, Joss Whedon keeps you on the edge of your seat with amazing action. There are whole towns demolished in this Marvel movie.  Tony Stark is afraid that another alien race will come to Earth again putting everyone in danger. So he creates an artificial intelligent program to protect the world, but of course something goes wrong. Trust breaks among the Avengers team. Too many alpha males.  Ultron sees the human race as flawed and that only through elimination, will life be better. He believes machines and himself to be better than humans. And it will take the whole team-along with some old favorites to defeat him.  Age of Ultron gives moviegoers a glimpse at the past of the Black Widow and a look at Hawkeye’s secret life. It also introduces us to two new characters: Quicksilver and his sister The Scarlet Witch. Of course Stan Lee has a cameo and many hints of future events in upcoming movies are implied. Snarky comments abound and this movie has as many laughs as action moments. Those were some of my favorite moments.  I loved the movie but it didn’t live up to the hype or maybe my own expectations. I felt let down at the ending, maybe it’s because we don’t really have a happy ending or that it doesn’t feel like they triumphed. But I am anxious to see what the future Marvel Universe movies hold.
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Melissa KeirIt's all about the movies... Archives
January 2020
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