Popcorn Perspectives with Danny Minton
Week of February 24, 2020
Knives Out
Rated PG-13 for thematic elements including brief violence, some strong language, sexual references, and drug material
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
Available on Disc and Streaming
Writer/director Rian Johnson (Looper, Star Wars: The Last Jedi) continues his Hollywood hot streak with this A-lister mystery pic about a Southern detective (Daniel Craig) who is hired to investigate the possible murder of a famous author (Christopher Plummer), where every member of his family are suspects. Also starring Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon, Don Johnson, Toni Colette, as well as a star-making performance from newcomer Ana de Armas, the movie meanders through a web of deceit, lies and greed, making you feel comfortable in your whodunnit guesses until the very end where you realize how wrong you are. It is a fun, well-crafted comedic thriller with exceptional acting, all stemming from one of the biggest creative talents in the industry. A
Frozen II
Rated PG for action/peril and some thematic elements
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 77%
Available on Disc and Streaming
In Disney’s latest princess musical, Elsa and Anna are happy and content in Arendale, when Elsa hears a mysterious call that leads her and her sister on a journey to discover the real truth about their parents and their past. As expected, the animation is gorgeous and much of the movie is fun and enjoyable. The music isn’t nearly as good as the first, but there are some decent songs, including a terrific 80’s style ballad ‘Lost in the Woods’ which could have only been better had Peter Cetera been the crooner. My biggest problem with the film is that I think I’m still a little Frozened out and I need to defrost. The first one was such a massive success which Disney has more than capitalized on, and this sequel feels like too much, too soon. It’s a quality show, but I wonder if it would have been more successful, both critically and financially, if they had waited a few more years. That being said, the kids don’t seem to mind too much so I’m sure it will be remembered fondly from the audience that matters the most here. B-