Pokemon: Detective Pikachu Rated PG for action/peril, some rude and suggestive humor, and thematic elements Rotten Tomatoes Score: 68% Available on Disc and Streaming We’ve seen a lot Pokemon in television and movies, but until now, quality was never seemed to be even a slight concern and the majority of the audience didn’t care. But this time out Warner Brothers turned to Goosebumps director Rob Letterman and superstar Ryan Reynolds, along with an accomplished production team, to bring a live-action Pokemon that would please the kids and hopefully not annoy the adults too much. The story follows a young kid who wants to investigate his father’s disappearance and fortunately gets help from his father’s Pokemon, Pikachu. There’s a lot that more than likely won’t make a lick of sense to most, included me, but they try to keep the plot to a minimum and honestly, it does’t really matter if you understand it by the end, because you can still manage to squeak out an entertaining experience. I was hoping for a bit more than I got, and I still have no plans of watching the original television shows, but I walked away with a smile and better appreciation of the weird world of Pokemon. B-
Long Shot Rated R for strong sexual content, language throughout and some drug use Rotten Tomatoes Score: 81% Available on DVD and Streaming From 50/50 director Jonathan Levine comes this hilarious comedy about a passionate journalist who refuses to back down to injustice (Seth Rogan) who somehow finds himself in a relationship with a potential presidential candidate (Charlize Theron) after she hires him as a speech writer. It’s a movie that understands full well that the scenario is highly unlikely, if not impossible, but goes with the narrative anyway, down a sometimes raunchy yet always creative rabbit hole. And while it is very much a political comedy also, it allows for exploration of multiple points of view due to some very smart character writing. Overall, this is a wildly successful comedy that should leave your gut exhausted from laughter by the end. A
Alita: Battle Angel Rated PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and for some language Rotten Tomatoes Score: 61% Available on Disc and Streaming Originally, this sci-fi action pic, based on the graphic novel, was to be directed by James Cameron as his follow-up to Avatar. But as the comic Avatar franchise became more important to him, the reigns were given to Robert Rodriguez, with much of the original production team still on board. The story follows a young robotic girl with innate fighting ability yet no memory of her past, who is rescued by a doctor who tries to keep her away from her potentially dangerous history. I can see why this was a tempting story for James Cameron, especially from a special effects point of view. The visuals here are eye-popping and the world created offers up a chance for a big franchise. There is much to like about the story and the use of some of Hollywood’s best, including Christoph Waltz, Jennifer Connelly and Mahershala Ali, give the film both credibility and a richer palette. The only thing that I could have done without is the use of basically roller derby to drive the story along. To me it adds an element of weirdness that takes the film down a notch. Still, I’m excited to see where the story goes as I’m sure we are going to see more of Alita, and hopefully when we do, the roller derby will have just been merely a short-lived vehicle to get us to the larger narrative. B
Breakthrough Rated PG for thematic content including peril Rotten Tomatoes Score: 59% Available on Disc and Streaming This faith-based film tells the true story of a teenager who submerged into an icy pond for 15 minutes and due to what can only be seen as a miracle, was able to walk out of the hospital in a relatively short period of time. Lionsgate pulled out the big guns with this one by assembling a great cast, way bigger than what is normally seen for this genre. Chrissy Metz (This is Us), Josh Lucas (Sweet Home Alabama), Topher Grace (BlacKkKlansman), Mike Colter (Luke Cage), and Sam Trammell (True Blood) gather here not to pander to the material, but rather to elevate it. But while the film comes off with just about the right amount of preachiness, it still has an expected cheese factor. There is one unfortunate scene in particular involving an out of place candlelight vigil which almost manages to take the film down, but if you are able to easily forgive a little excess of indulgent filmmaking, then you should be able to find yourself happy and inspired by the end. B-
Shazam! Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action, language, and suggestive material Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91% Available on Disc and Streaming This unexpected but very welcome hit tells the story of a young orphan who finds himself on the receiving end of a gift of super powers and an adult ripped body which he is to use to save the universe from a maniacal super villain. Even though Shazam will eventually be part of the larger DC universe, this origin story is far more comical than you would expect, while also tugging on the heart strings due to the back ground of the hero. But even with its tongue-in-cheek levity, it is also much darker than most superhero films, with some pretty scary moments that might be a little too much for some of the younger viewers out there. But overall, it turns out to be just a big ball of fun that will have you laughing, crying and cheering for two hours. A-
Dogman Not Rated, but equivalent to an R Rotten Tomatoes Score: 82% Available on Disc and Streaming Italian with English Subtitles This highly-praised Italian film from Matteo Garrone (Gomorrah) tells the story of a simple dog groomer who must deal with the day to day ordeal of being bullied by a local mobster who is constantly abusing their “friendship.” Just like the main character, you feel like you are getting a beat down over and over again, praying that justice will somehow prevail by the end. It’s a simple and fantastic little tale which draws empathy and fear, both in an equally heavy way. And while it is at times a disturbing film to watch, it is also quite rewarding and thought provoking. A-
Pet Sematary Rated R for horror violence, bloody images, and some language Rotten Tomatoes Score: 57% Available on Disc and Streaming Based on Stephen King’s frightening 1983 novel, this updated retelling follows a family who moves into a small New England town only to find out that there is a pet cemetery on their property which has the ability to raise animals from the dead. After a horrible tragedy in the family, the cemetery’s powers are put to the test on a young child. While the basic elements of the book are here, this new imagining has the same issues as the 1989 version. The book might just be too complex to be represented in a feature length film. Or maybe the words on the page just don’t work theatrically. Either way, while the book was and is still amazing, the movies based on the book have both been mediocre. Bringing in Jason Clarke as the father and John Lithgow as Jud give the movie strong acting credibility, but the script and direction just can’t deliver the goods here. The basic terrifying moments are captured, but the rich storytelling just doesn’t stand up. C
High Life Rated R for disturbing sexual and violent content including sexual assault, graphic nudity, and for language Rotten Tomatoes Score: 83% Available on Disc and Streaming Robert Pattinson and Juliette Binoche star in this crazy weird sci-fi drama about a man who finds himself stranded and alone at the edge of the universe with his young daughter after a series of events has killed everyone else on their ship. While the film takes place in deep space, don’t expect eye-popping special effects or extreme action here. This is a slow burner that comes off as more of a psychological drama than the genre advertised. But that’s okay. This unique and creative story comes from a warped perspective, but it keeps you on your toes, especially if you have a love for twisted narratives from odd filmmakers. This certainly falls into the category of “not for everyone” but for the right audience, it is a bizarre adventure worth checking out. B-
The Professor Rated R for language, sexual content and some drug use Rotten Tomatoes Score: 10% Available on Disc and Streaming This straight to video release stars former superstar Johnny Depp as an Ivy League professor who discovers he has six months to live and decides to take a new direction in his life. Honestly, Depp puts on a good performance here and there are some interesting and funny moments throughout. These kinds of films are excellent at drawing empathy as many people can put themselves into a “what would I do if I knew I was going to die” mode pretty easily. While some of the film is not exactly pleasant, I’m not sure the movie is deserving of its super-low Rotten Tomatoes score. It’s not great but it’s not horrible and I’m not upset that I spent time on it. This certainly does put Depp’s career into a challenging space as the film’s lack of a theatrical run is more likely due to his waning popularity from backlash on his personal life, but I would bet he’ll figure out how to revive himself soon enough. C+
Yesterday Rated PG-13 for suggestive content and language Rotten Tomatoes Score: 64% at the time of writing In Theaters When I found out that one of my favorite directors, Danny Boyle (Trainspotting, Millions, Slumdog Millionaire) and one of my favorite screenwriters, Richard Curtis (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill, Love Actually) were making a film about my favorite band, The Beatles, I was more excited than you can imagine. The story follows a young failing singer/songwriter in England (the immensely talented newcomer Himesh Patel) who wakes up from after being hit by a bus to discover that The Beatles never existed. With dozens of the best songs ever written floating around his head, he chooses to introduce the world to the tunes, forced to claim that he wrote them. But when fame and fortune come knocking, he must decide what is most important in life. So did the movie live up to my very high expectation? Absolutely. I was able to very easily look past a bit of cheese, especially at the ending Ed Sheeran concert, to see the beautiful tribute to the music and musicians that have inspired millions of people worldwide, and in the most imaginative way to boot. It’s a lovely film where you will want to have a hand to hold while taking it in. While the film is not perfect, it is a true joy to watch and sure to be a huge crowd-pleaser once audiences start falling in love with it. A-
Dumbo Rated PG for peril/action, some thematic elements, and brief mild language Rotten Tomatoes Score: 47% Available on Disc and Streaming Disney hasn’t been missing often lately, but one of its biggest losers this year was this live-action version of the 1941 classic, Dumbo, about a baby circus elephant with gigantic ears who is ridiculed until folks learn that he can fly. But rather than the expected visionary reimagining that everyone expected from the legendary director Tim Burton, we instead got a mediocre film with the basic elements of the first, but none of the magic. Part of the problem is the story went from one about an elephant, with talking and singing animals, to one about humans working with an elephant and other animals, none of who can talk or sing. Which brings me to the music – all of the great songs are basically gone. The soundtrack from Danny Elfman has some of the basic elements of those great tunes we all know, but why Burton chose to do it this way eludes me. The final nail in the coffin is the writing and acting. The characters were weak and the actors who are typically great (Danny DeVito, Colin Farrell, Eva Green and Michael Keaton) phoned in their roles while the children, who should have held things together, had zero charisma and seemed very miscast, like they were maybe children of the producers and not future movie stars. Overall, the movie was a huge disappointment that didn’t have to be. C-
Toy Story 4 Rated G Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98% at time of writing In Theaters Many have thought of Toy Story as an unforgettable trilogy with the third one serving as its crowning achievement, leaving zero need for any more films. But Pixar saw a fourth adventure for Woody (Tom Hanks) and Buzz (Tim Allen) and their new human Bonnie, and now a new group of friends. As little Bonnie goes off to her first year in kindergarten, Woody plays protector-in-chief and helps her “make a friend” when she has trouble making friends. Her creation, using trash found in her class bin, is a spork named “Forky,” and seeing her love for her new toy, Woody makes it his mission to keep Forky safe from harm and by Bonnie’s side, even if by force. But the journey is ultimately Woody’s as he must make decisions and sacrifices he has never considered before. While Buzz is definitely left to be a supporting character, and the rest of the gang is only there for a few bits, the new characters Forky (Tony Hale), Duke Kaboom (Keanu Reeves), and Ducky and Bunny (played hysterically by Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele), all prove to be great additions to the Toy Story universe. And then there’s a wonderful turn for Bo Peep (Annie Potts) who takes on a much larger part in this new adventure. The story is every bit as good as you’d expect from the brilliant story artists at Pixar and while I didn’t see anything extraordinarily new from the animation, the attention to detail in the world they created is staggering. So while I’m sure people will be overall pleased, they will also want to see this door finally closed. But I say if they can keep giving us heartwarming adventures that are this well-told, I’ll keep giving them a chance to impress me like they did here. A
US Rated R for violence/terror, and language Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94% Available on Disc and Streaming Writer/director Jordan Peele (Get Out) is back with another Hitchcockesque pic that from the outside looks like a straight out horror movie, but in reality is an arthouse intellectual thriller. The story follows Lupita Nyong’o and her family as they visit her childhood home, and namely a place of severe historical trauma for her. Once there, a family that looks exactly like them, begins to torment them. I was actually a little frightened going into this one, as the trailers are simply terrifying. But once I discovered that this was a social and political commentary, my brain quickly energized and I started to have a great time trying to figure out the deeper meaning behind each beat. If you can disengage your brain, you might find this to be just a weird scary movie, but I would highly advise taking the other path. Peele is proving himself to be a brilliant filmmaker with a much deeper thought process and vision than we could have possibly given him credit for from his comedic work. A-
Wonder Park Rated PG for some mild thematic elements and action Rotten Tomatoes Score: 34% On Disc and Streaming This animated box office flop follows a young girl who, along with her mother, dream up a magnificent amusement park, which her friends and her try to recreate in real life. But when her mom gets sick and goes to the hospital, she lets their creation die until one day she accidentally wanders into the park and must face the degradation the park has been through with her absence. Using her creativity she must try to bring the park back to vibrant life. Now don’t get me wrong – I love creativity. But there’s a point when things just get stupid and this film crossed that line. The characters aren’t well-thought out and the plot is moronic. And then there’s the whole mom dying thing, which could have gone in the direction of Guardians of the Galaxy or A Monster Calls, and instead forgets about the very premise of the mom being sick in the first place, leaving us a giggly girl who never really shows any emotion aside from excitement and so-called creativity. The whole thing turns out to be a lousy kids film hoping to fill a gap left by a vacancy of family films in theaters. D
Hotel Mumbai Rated R for disturbing violence throughout, bloody images, and language Rotten Tomatoes Score: 76% Available on Disc and Streaming Based on a horrific true story, Hotel Mumbai recounts the 2008 siege of the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai, India, where a group of Pakistani terrorists killed dozens of innocent people while holding the hotel in lock down for several days with little support from the Indian government. The movie looks at the sacrifices made by the hotel personnel and the guests in order to save as many lives as possible. While I had seen a blurb or two about this, I had no idea how horrible the event was, to the point that I spent a large chunk of time after going online just to find out how much really was true. It shocked me how relatively little information about it aired stateside. I was truly terrified watching the events unfold on screen and sickened by the senseless loss. While the characters were largely fictionalized, much of the drama was based on real stories and real people. My main problem was that while I’m sure this was a fairly faithful recreation, there was so much bloody violence that it almost seemed like a snuff film rather than a social and historical thriller. That being said, it’s a powerful piece of filmmaking that will bring you through a range of emotions including a great deal of empathy for the victims and a much larger amount of anger towards the terrorists. B+
Men In Black International Rated PG-13 for sci-fi action, some language and suggestive material In Theaters Gone are the days of Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones as the men wearing black suits, putting themselves in harm’s way to save the universe from deadly aliens. This time out respected MIB hero Chris Hemsworth takes on new recruit Tessa Thompson in order to thwart a deadly team of baddies from finding a hidden weapon that could deal devastation to Earth, or any planet it comes in contact with. Hemsworth, channeling his comedic side we saw in 2016’s Ghostbusters, isn’t quite as charismatic as Will Smith, but still manages to charm his way through the clunky action, making us smile along the journey. And while not a superstar, Thompson turns in yet another good performance as she continues to earn her Hollywood stripes by succeeding in bigger and bigger roles. This team certainly ultimately proves that there are multiple stories in the franchise worth telling and only the box office will reveal to us if a fifth one is to happen. The good news is that while I had very little hope of pulling out any enjoyment from this pic going in, I found myself mildly entertained by the end. B-
Captain Marvel Rated PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and for brief suggestive language Rotten Tomatoes Score: 78% Available on Disc and Streaming Marvel decided to throw in a last minute but pivotal piece to the Avengers saga this year by adding a new super hero to the End Game equation with mere weeks before the final chapter. To set up that piece though, Marvel needed an origin story for the most powerful superhero in their universe, and thus we get Captain Marvel. With a clever retro 80s spin, we find out where Captain Marvel came from and what her place is in the greater universe. Playing the part is Oscar-winner Brie Larson, along with supporting cast mates Samuel L Jackson, Ben Mendelsohn and Jude Law. There’s no doubt that the action and special effects are top notch, all of which steal the show at various times. While Larson is typically amazing, I can’t help but think they she overplays her confidence with a cockiness that does not become her. I also think that she has been made a bit too powerful. Still, I like what they did with the story and the setup for the big dance in End Game and I can’t wait to see what comes next for her. B
Captive State Rated PG-13 for sci-fi violence and action, some sexual content, brief language and drug material Rotten Tomatoes Score: 45% Available on Disc and Streaming Captive State takes place in a future world where hostile Alien forces have taken over the planet, using the government to control its citizens into submission. But when a small band of rebels attempts to fight back, their strategies are met with violent resolve. I have mixed feelings on this one. While I loved the horrifying world they created, I was completely confused by their character choices. They try to tie it all together in a neat little package at the end, but for the majority of the movie I couldn’t even tell who the main protagonist was or what the overall goal could be. And to make matters worse – I didn’t really care. My wish is that they could have provided a much stronger narrative in the exact same setting. C
Aladdin Rated PG for some action/peril Rotten Tomatoes Score: 58% In Theaters The newest addition to Disney’s live-action remakes is this take on Aladdin from Sherlock Holmes director Guy Ritchie. So far the remakes have been close to the originals (aside from the disappointing Dumbo), but still different enough to stand on their own. This time the similarities are the most noticeable with all of the classic songs present and only one big addition (sung in two parts). Where this one is different is Disney made the very wise decision to cast two relatively-unknown actors as Aladdin and Jasmine, with their casting based on talent rather than Hollywood status. After all, they were able to get Will Smith as the Genie, so landing two A-listers with less-than-stellar voices would have proved to be an unnecessary mistake that I’m glad they didn’t take. Ritchie’s action style is a bit much for some folks, but here I thought it to be a great attribute, adding a ton of visual flair to an already exciting musical. And Will Smith proves to be the perfect replacement for Robin Williams’s iconic genie, bringing to the character the same fun spirit, only with a different quirky personality. I was honestly a bit worried about this movie before seeing it, especially with how little buzz was out there. But I quickly fell in love, and while I know it’s only May, this is the most fun I’ve had at the movies in 2019 so far. A
Greta Rated R for some violence and disturbing images Rotten Tomatoes Score: 59% Available on Disc and Streaming A sweet young woman (Chloe Grace Moretz) trying to make it on her own in New York City finds a purse one night on the subway and decides to track down the owner. Upon returning the purse to an older piano teacher (recent Oscar-winner Isabelle Huppert), the two become friends until the older woman’s secrets start to unfold. The story plays out like a strange little psychological thriller but never really gets scary enough as the turns are due more to the stupid decisions of the characters rather than an organic twist driven by a smart script. Both of the leading actresses do well with the material, but when the material isn’t great, that doesn’t help much. By the end, we are left with merely a forgettable Hitchcock wannabe. C
South Park: The Complete Twenty-Second Season Rotten Tomatoes Score: 75% Available on Disc Yes it’s been 22 seasons now. This season Matt and Trey again went out of their way to offend as they covered school shootings and other acts of conveniently ignore violence, as well as Amazon and a not-so-subtle take on global warming featuring Al Gore and Man Bear Pig. The show is still funny, more than two decades later, and while still pushing buttons, the buttons are more and more socially conscious than ever before. Not every episode is a hit this season, but the writing and subject matter is more relevant than ever. B+
How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World Rated PG for adventure action and some mild rude humor Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91% Available on Disc and Streaming This final picture in the How to Train Your Dragon trilogy follows Hiccup and the village of Berk as they attempt to find a secret and safe world for their dragon friends when a new and ominous force threatens their very existence. Writer/director Dean DeBlois has been consistent with this franchise since its beginning nearly a decade ago. The characters have remained lovable and well-crafted and the stories have remained interesting and enjoyable, for both kids and adults. This new creation is no different. As Hiccup and his friends enter adult-hood, we have gotten to watch them grow and mature as we fully empathize with their plight. If I have one major criticism it is in their choice of Grimmel as the new villain. While I love that he came with a female Light Fury, I thought he was no more menacing than some of their other adversaries from the movies and Netflix animated series. But at the end of the day, the film proves to be a worthy addition and finale to what has been a terrific set of films from Dreamworks. A-
The Upside Rated PG-13 for suggestive content and drug use Rotten Tomatoes Score: 40% Available on Disc and Streaming Based on the much-beloved French film The Intouchables (currently ranked #40 on the list of IMDB’s Top Rated Movies), Kevin Hart plays a recently paroled ex-convict who becomes the live-in assistant to Bryan Cranston’s paralyzed billionaire. Since it is such a remarkable true story, there is a lot to appreciate here. Cranston and Hart are both completely believable in their roles and their overall chemistry is solid. Where the film goes south is in the screenplay and directing, where both seem to struggle with story and pacing. The film falls apart, then comes together, then falls apart again over and over. It relies on some great little moments between the two characters, but those moments can’t hold the movie together. Ultimately, the film proves to be a pale comparison to its 2012 French counterpart. C
Les Miserables Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96% Available on Disc and Streaming While many movies and even a mega-hit Broadway musical have tackled the subject matter of Victor Hugo’s story of criminal-turned-hero Jean Valjean, none until now have been able to capture the spirit of the 1862 novel in such a complete manner. The main problem is there is only so much you can put into a two to three-hour movie when there is so much content to cover. While this new PBS/BBC Masterpiece production still misses some key elements, it beautifully covers the original material over six lushly-produced one-hour episodes. In the leading roles are Dominic West as Jean Valjean, Lily Collins as Fantine, recent Oscar-winner Olivia Colman as Madame Thenardier and David Oyelowo as Inspector Javert. Each does a magnificent job bringing their characters to life and adding to their part of one of the greatest stories ever written. Of exceptional note is Adeel Akhtar as Monsieur Thenardier, whose evil presence looms menacingly over the production. While it has been 30 years since I first read the book, it still remains my favorite, and this new television series truly does it justice. A+
Fighting with My Family Rated PG-13 for crude and sexual material, language throughout, some violence and drug content Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92% Available on Disc and Streaming Based on the real-life story of WWE female wrestling Superstar Paige, this tale follows a young girl in England whose family life revolves around professional wrestling, and when she is given a chance to join the WWE, she must leave her family behind to chase her dream. It is practically unimaginable that a film about pro wrestling could be this good, but due to a fantastic cast including Vince Vaughn, Lena Headey, Nick Frost and Dwayne Johnson, as well as a fantastic turn from the relatively unknown Florence Pugh in the starring role, the film is elevated to a different level of quality than would be expected. It also helps to have the brilliant Stephen Merchant writing and directing this script that is crammed with inspiration and heart rather than the expected mindless ring action. It didn’t do much to make me want to turn to wrestling for my regular enjoyment, but it did help me better appreciate their world and I finished the movie having been thoroughly entertained. B+
Apollo 11 Rated G Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98% Available on Disc and Streaming Apollo 11 is a documentary recently released into IMAX theaters as an event film that follows the events of the Apollo 11 moon landing from the moments just before the astronauts left Earth to the moments after their return. Using never-before-seen color footage, the film floats along without narration, making you feel like you are a first-hand observer of the momentous events taking place. Unfortunately, the film isn’t nearly as good at home as it was on a giant screen. While the content is the same, the experience is night and day. But it still a film worth watching, if not for the remarkable documentary style, then for its historical value. A-
Cold Pursuit Rated R for strong violence, drug material, and some language including sexual references Rotten Tomatoes Score: 69% Available on Disc and Streaming In this remake of the much better Norwegian film In Order of Disappearance (both directed by Hans Petter Moland), Liam Neeson goes after a drug cartel after his son’s death leads him down a successive path of violence to find and kill the man ultimately responsible. While quirky and at times slightly humorous, the movie ends up being just a long string of creative revenge killings and ultimately lacks the heart to make you apply much empathy to Neeson’s character. Also, the cast of Lauren Dern as his wife and Emmy Rossum as an investigating cop are both subjected here to minor and unimpressive roles not worthy of their names and talents. I’m pretty sure that the filmmakers really thought they had a Fargo on their hands here, or at least a film as good as its Scandinavian predecessor, but the project doesn’t even come close and instead we get a mediocre, unnecessary and forgettable crime pic. C-
Pokemon Detective Pikachu Rated PG for action/peril, some rude and suggestive humor, and thematic elements Rotten Tomatoes Score: 73% at time of writing In Theaters While I kind of like the Pokemon Go app, especially the bonding time it gives me with my family, I have always abhorred the animated Pokemon cartoons. The frenetic energy and nonsensical repetitive plots have always made me leave the room when someone is watching them. So I was apprehensive at best about this new Pokemon movie. But this one is truly different. The story follows a young man (talented newcomer Justice Smith) who goes on a search for what might have happened to his father when he mysteriously goes missing and is presumed dead. But when he discovers his father’s Pokemon partner Pikachu, voiced here by the amazing Ryan Reynolds, the two go on a journey to figure out what might have happened. There is a lot of silliness everywhere you look here, but the plot is strong enough to satisfy most film lovers while still creating an eye candy environment that will be adored by any child watching it. Will you understand the Pokemon universe after watching it? No – and trust me – you don’t want to. But you should have an appreciation of it when all is said and done, and also a greater tolerance to their strange little world. B-
The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part Rated PG for mild action and rude humor Rotten Tomatoes Score: 86% Available on Disc and Streaming Five years after the events of the box office smash that was the first Lego Movie, all is well in Bricksburg when LEGO DUPLO invaders from outer space wreak havoc on their world, forcing Emmett (Chris Pratt), Lucy (Elizabeth Banks), Batman (Will Arnett) and friends to go on a new adventure to try to save their homeland. Once again, the story is clever (although not as much as the first) and the tie-in to the toys’ human owners is surprisingly heartwarming. Much of the plot is a bit random (which probably makes sense due to who in the story is in control of what will happen) and at times you just have to go along with it, much like you would if you were watching your own kids play. But thankfully the movie is overall enjoyable, while at the same time providing good clean entertainment for the kids. B
What Men Want Rated R language and sexual content throughout, and some drug material Rotten Tomatoes Score: 45% Available on Disc and Streaming In 2003, Comedy Central’s Chappelle’s Show had a raunchy but hilarious bit about what would happen if the 2000 Mel Gibson film What Women Want flipped and had a woman who could hear the thoughts of men. The sketch is a short elevator ride with a beautiful woman hearing the dirty thoughts of every man surrounding her and the point is well-taken: men can be pigs with one-track minds. This film expands that as Taraji P. Henson gains the ability to hear men’s thoughts and while disgusted at first, she learns to use it to her advantage in her job as a sports agent. Unfortunately, the project turns out to be a predictable and sloppy comedy with very few laughs as you watch Henson move through her arc, one misstep at a time. I’m sure there’s a better film to be made here, but this one is mediocre at best, and far less funny than the 46 second Chappelle’s Show segment. C-
