Popcorn Perspectives – Week of October 29, 2018

Popcorn Perspectives with Danny Minton

Week of October 29, 2018

Sorry to Bother You
Rated R for pervasive language, some strong sexual content, graphic nudity, and drug use
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
Available on Disc and Streaming
This Sundance favorite follows an ambitious but undereducated poor young black man who discovers the secret to success by using an overly white voice during his telemarketing job. But as his success starts to mount, the lifestyle he works his way into becomes a giant rabbit hole with little dream of a way out. What starts out as an hysterical social comedy evolves into a strange and perverse fantasy that works mostly because you don’t see it coming. To say more would take away the surprise, and this film works best off of surprise. It is refreshing to see such a bold vision from a relatively unknown writer/director in Boots Riley and such a talented up-and-coming cast. The creativity here is off the charts and the cast just goes along with it likes its a normal script, making the unbelievable tale work that much better. Sure it’s obscure and surreal, and not for everyone, and I’m not really certain what the overall message is that is trying to be conveyed, but I sure did enjoy the fantasy. A-

Teen Titans Go!  To the Movies
Rated PG for action and rude humor
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%
Available on Disc and Streaming
This movie version of the Cartoon Network hit follows the less-respected DC superheroes Robin, Starfire, Cyborg, Raven and Beast Boy as they desperately attempt to become A-list heroes rather than sidekicks. When a maniacal supervillain uses his vain ambition in an attempt to take over the world, they must step up to the plate and prove their worth. The story here isn’t going to impress many folks, but what has won over the relatively small audience who saw this in theaters is the super-strong writing full of jokes that hit over and over again. The filmmakers were able to tap into a wealth of comedy success, almost making it look easy. This creates an environment which is enjoyable for both kids and adults. But mostly kids. I took my eight-year-old and while I did have fun, he had an absolute blast. B