​The Nice Guys is a nice surprise. Based on the trailer, I knew I’d enjoy the music but who knew I’d like the movie as much as I did. I’m giving it an A-.

​Ryan Gosling plays drunk PI Holland March, a single father, who still wears his wife’s wedding ring on a chain around his neck. His daughter is more mature than he is and seems to keep their family together including helping her father with his business. Hired to look into the death of a porn star, Holland gets caught up in something bigger than just a missing person’s case. Enter Russell Crowe, not so clean PI thug, Jackson Healey. First adversaries, then partners Crowe and Gosling bumble and push their way through a case that has more twists and turns than Commerce Road. 

​Have you ever seen a movie trailer and thought you knew what the movie was about? The Nice Guys’ trailer teases one thing but the movie has another! I loved that I was kept guessing! Although I have to warn you that the movie isn’t for the shy…nudity, swear words and violence fill the movie. It also has a strong message against Detroit and the Big 3. But it also has some of the best 1970’s wear and music and will have you laughing out loud at the antics!

​Crowe’s character has nuances that make you want to like him even though you know he’s not really a nice guy. While Gosling plays the bumbling drunk to a T, I would have liked to have seen a little more depth but his daughter steals the movie with her sass and comebacks. Angourie Rice is an actress to watch.

​While the movie was set in the late 70’s, many of the events are relevant today with government corruption and buy offs. It has the 70’s look but lacks the 70’s feel. There are many references to television shows and events of the era, from Nixon to the gas crisis, killer bees to The Waltons but feels more like the cartoon Archer with the snarky comments and muscle cars. 

​A fun movie to see and worth the money to see at the theater, if just for the chemistry between Crowe and Gosling. 

​Fans have been anxiously awaiting the return of the Avengers and Captain America: Civil War doesn’t disappoint. I’m giving it an A-.

​In Civil War, the government has decided that the Avengers need oversight after recent collateral damage to innocents when the Avengers were protecting the world. Tony Stark feels guilty after a parent calls him out on the death of her son. He’s also hoping to fix things with Pepper who is missing from this movie. Captain America believes he is doing what is right and that the damage was less than letting the bad guys win. As Tony and Captain go head to head, other members of the Avengers are forced to take sides.

​It’s sad to see these friends on opposite sides, fighting each other. Viewers are being asked to take sides, deciding who is in the right when the story is more complex than it appears. Clearly, these friends are being manipulated by a mystery man for his own end. However the movie has its lighter moments. Who knew that fighting could be filled with humor? Some of the best jokes come during the battles.

​Filled with action and mystery, viewers learn more about what Bucky (The Winter Soldier) was up to during the years he was under the influence of Hydra. The battle becomes about friendship and standing up for each other, as much as it is about the government. Old friends are back from Black Widow and Falcon to Hawkeye, Antman, and the Scarlet Witch. We also get a sneak peek at new, younger Spiderman and The Black Panther. Civil War sets up both the next movies for those characters as well as future Avenger movies. Make sure to stay for the TWO post credit scenes. 

​My only complaint is that we are left hanging once again with a year or more for resolution. Oh and maybe that we don’t get to see Thor and Loki in this one…or that Shield will let the guys fight it out without stepping in to keep them all safe, after all isn’t Shield all knowing??

​If you are looking for a movie that you can take mom to, Mother’s Day is a perfect fit. But don’t expect more than a trite movie about a variety of “Mother Stereotypes”. I’m giving it a C.

​Directed by Garry Marshall, Mother’s Day features an ensemble cast of big name actors and actresses showcasing a variety of stories about being a mother and dealing with the issues involving the relationship between mothers and daughters. With Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson, Julia Roberts, and Jason Sudeikis in the main roles, there’s a story that will connect with each viewer, from the widower trying to raise two daughters to the divorced mom dealing with her ex’s new, younger wife.

​While this is a cute movie that people will connect with, it falls flat. The story is predictable and feels more like a Hallmark movie or a Nicholas Sparks book. Yet, with the heartwarming moments, it’s a good movie for a date with mom. There’s nothing really in the movie to offend or shock.

​It’s funny how I love to watch the credits at the end. Mother’s Day features outtakes during the credits which will have you laughing and seeing just how human our favorite actors and actresses are. Like with other movies, Mr. Marshall utilizes his own family talents in this movie with children, grandchildren and sisters in roles. Penny Marshall, of Laverne and Shirley fame, is the opening narrator. I seriously have to apologize for my own lack of a connection to help my children with their careers. Or maybe the recent wave of relatives working in movies is on account of not needing to pay the family members. After all, movies are expensive to make and many don’t make back their initial investment.

​Looking for a fun time with mom for Mother’s Day, take her to see Mother’s Day…and don’t forget to spring for the big popcorn! She did give birth to you.