Movie Review: Western Month
‘The Shootist’ gives John Wayne a proper send-off
Western Month gives me a chance to tap into a genre I’m still unfamiliar with. I got the chance to see John Wayne in a movie for the first time ever.
‘Heart Eyes’ delivers thrills in romantic slasher
I’m always game for a new slasher movie. This latest film surprised me in many ways with good lead performances. “Heart Eyes” came out Feb. 7 and features Olivia Holt, Mason Gooding, Gigi Zumbado, Michaela Watkins, Devon Sawa and Jordana Brewster.
Movie Review: ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ lacks emotional punch
I have no issue with the Walt Disney Studios’ live-action remakes, as long as there’s a good idea and story behind them. For “Mufasa: The Lion King,” it was a mixed bag.
Movie Review: ‘Wicked’ pops with emotion, energy
I’m a huge fan of musicals. The music and dancing puts a smile on my face. There was a lot to like about “Wicked.” “Wicked” or “Wicked: Part I” came to theaters Nov. 22, 2024 and features Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande-Butera, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum.
Movie Review: ‘Moana 2’ the perfect movie for the holidays
There’s been a buzz at movie theaters over the past few weeks with some big-time releases. I went to see “Moana 2” with my family over Thanksgiving weekend.
‘The Natural’ a top-notch baseball film
I played baseball when I was a kid. It was a summer tradition that I enjoyed very much. “The Natural” got me excited about baseball again. “The Natural” came out May 11, 1984 and featured Robert Redford, Robert Duvall, Glenn Close, Kim Basinger, Wilford Brimley, Barbara Hershey, Robert Prosky and Richard Farnsworth.
‘The Texas Chain Saw Massacre’ terrifyingly terrific
I usually don’t get freaked out when I see a horror film. I was absolutely horrified the first time I saw the 1974 film “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.” “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” came out Oct. 11, 1974 and features Marilyn Burns, Allen Danziger, Paul A. Partain, William Vail, Teri McMinn, Edwin Neal, Jim Siedow, John Dugan and Gunnar Hansen.
Movie Review: ‘Dead Poets Society’ inspirational 35 years later
Movies often make me feel alive. Not only did “Dead Poets Society” give me a buzz, but it also inspired me. “Dead Poets Society” came out June 2, 1989 and features Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke, Josh Charles, Gale Hansen, Dylan Kussman, Allelon Ruggiero, James Waterston, Norman Lloyd, Kurtwood Smith and Alexandra Powers.
Movie Review: ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ returns to its roots
It’s almost October and all things spooky. To get me hyped up, I saw a movie that got me in the spirit of the holiday. “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” came out Sept. 6 and features Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, Jenna Ortega, Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci, Arthur Conti and Willem Dafoe.
Movie Review: ‘Alien: Romulus’ a big disappointment
I was really excited to see the latest “Alien” movie. For whatever reason, I couldn’t connect with it. “Alien: Romulus” came to theaters Aug. 16 and features Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn and Aileen Wu.
Movie Review: Deadpool & Wolverine
Living up to the hype
I’ve seen a lot of movies this summer. Yet, none have quite combined humor and action effectively as “Deadpool & Wolverine.”
Movie Review: ‘Twisters’ blew me away
There’s nothing better than a summer blockbuster on the big screen. “Twisters” quickly became my favorite movie of 2024.
‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ a missed opportunity
The “Quiet Place” franchise has produced two surprisingly well-made horror films. I felt like the prequel was a missed opportunity.
‘Inside Out 2’ exactly what we need right now
Lately, I’ve been experiencing a lot of different emotions. I don’t think I’m alone in that category. That’s why I think “Inside Out 2” is the perfect movie at the perfect time.
‘The Garfield Movie’ brought the humor
Garfield and I both share a love for Olive Garden. As far as his movie, there were things I liked and times when I was bored.
‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ beautifully directed
I’m a big fan of the movie experience. I went and saw “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” in an IMAX theater. It was the best-looking movie I’ve seen this year.
‘Star Wars: Episode 1 — The Phantom Menace’ 25th anniversary worthy of celebrating
Despite its reputation, I’m a big fan of the “Star Wars” prequel movies. When I heard “The Phantom Menace” would return to theaters for its anniversary, I became really excited. It was worth the wait.
Movie Review: ‘Abigail’ has a bite to it
Every once in a while I get a perfect movie experience where I just have fun. “Abigail” proved to be one of the highlights of the year for me.
‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire’ a spectacle on the screen
I am a huge Godzilla fan. With high expectations, I went and saw “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.” The action left me exhilarated with other elements coming up flat.
A Western Month review: ‘Lonesome Dove’ a journey of life
I was hooked after one episode of the miniseries “Lonesome Dove.” (see my review in the March 29 edition of The Lakeland Times) After watching the final three episodes, I see why it is so highly regarded.
Movie Review: Western Month
First episode of ‘Lonesome Dove’ has me hooked
As Western Month rolls along, I was tasked with watching a mini series from the 1980s. I was completely hooked after one episode.
A Western Month review: ‘The Five Man Army’ surprises
Western Month is back. As I reflect on the recent Westerns I’ve watched, I must admit that not all of them have captured my imagination. However, there was one delightful exception — “The Five Man Army.”
Movie Review: The truth about ‘Madame Web’
I’ve heard a lot of things about the film “Madame Web.” I had to go see it myself and see what all the buzz was about.
Lakeland boys’ basketball loses two non-conference games
The Lakeland boys’ basketball team played two games in three days as they continued their busy schedule.
Movie Review: ‘Argylle’ entertaining, but forgettable
With a cast of big names, “Argylle” caught my interest as a potential fun, spy thriller in early February. I walked away with mixed reactions.
‘Night Swim’ a suspenseful, suburban horror film
Swimming in a pool is one of my favorite activities whenever I’m on vacation at a hotel or resort. A new horror movie showed just how scary the water can be, even in one’s backyard.
‘Mean Girls’ a fresh and energetic experience
I enjoyed my high school experience. I also like musicals. I had a lot of intrigue to see the new “Mean Girls” movie, a film I knew nothing about.
‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’ a satisfying end to 2023
The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) hasn’t had the same effect with moviegoers as the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has. I decided to check out DCEU’s final movie for some holiday fun.
‘The Marvels’ a breath of fresh air
Bright, action-packed, silly, funny — the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) latest movie had everything I wanted to have a good time.
Movie Review: ‘Taken’ still works as an effective thriller starring Liam Neeson
Liam Neeson has starred in a lot of movies over his career. One of my favorites is 15 years old that sees Neeson with a ‘particular set of skills.’
‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ delights 30 years later
On Friday the 13th in October, I wanted to review a Halloween movie. One movie that holds the spirit of the holiday takes place in Halloween Town.
‘Finding Nemo’ remains one of Pixar’s best films
I grew up in the era of Pixar Studios’ early films. I remember seeing “Finding Nemo” in theaters with my family. It’s hard to believe that it’s 20 years old already.
Movie Review: ‘The Nun II’ an effective horror sequel
There are certain types of horror films that I shy away from. But in the end, I am a fan of well directed movies, no matter the genre. That led to me seeing “The Nun II.”
Movie Review: “The Birds” still works 60 years later
Before Steven Spielberg made audiences afraid to go in the water, Alfred Hitchcock made people afraid of birds.
Movie Review: ‘Haunted Mansion’ enjoyable but inconsistent
October is one of my favorite months of the year. I got my first taste of spooky season when I saw “Haunted Mansion” earlier this month.
'Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One’ has me coming back for more
I am familiar with a lot of the franchises that are currently circulating throughout Hollywood. I tried something new last week that had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.
‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ a new, but underwhelming, beginning
Michael Bay’s “Transformer” movies made their money, but weren’t critically acclaimed. A fresh start came in the way of “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,” a movie that was hit and miss.
‘Fast X’ a familiar, but still fun, ride
Cool cars, racing and a sense of family have all made the original “Fast” movies fun and interesting to me. Though the latest installment strays away from some of that, it remained a worthwhile trip to the theater.
‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ says goodbye
Some of my favorite trilogies include the “How to Train Your Dragon” and original “Star Wars” trilogies. They wrap up the franchise in a satisfying way. James Gunn attempted to do this with his latest “Guardians of the Galaxy” movie.
Movie Review: ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ barely a movie
My brother and I played a lot of video games together growing up. A lot of those games were Nintendo that featured Mario. With that in mind, I was very curious to see how Mario would look on the big screen.
Movie Review (Western Month): ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly'
A Western that has stood the test of time
For Western Month, I was tasked with watching one of the most famous western movies. I can see why Clint Eastwood became a star. “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” came out Dec. 23, 1966 and features Eastwood, Eli Wallach and Lee Van Cleef.
Movie Review: ‘Scream VI’ shows the power of the franchise
A “Scream” movie that doesn’t feature Neve Campbell. A “Scream” movie that comes out just a year after its predecessor. I had my doubts about “Scream VI.” Instead, I got reminded of the power of the franchise.
‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’ delivers the laughs
Ever since “Avengers: Endgame” (2019), I’ve found it hard to get into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). I went into the new “Ant-Man” movie with low expectations, and I ended up having fun with it.
Movie Review: Peter Pan brings out childlike wonder
The 1950s is one of my favorite Disney animation decades. Walt Disney produced classic after classic films that have lived on for many years. One of those films is “Peter Pan."
Movie Review: ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’ brought back cartoons
Every once in a while, every single element of a movie comes together to make something extraordinary. That was the case for “Who Framed Roger Rabbit.” “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” came out June 22, 1988 and features Bob Hoskins, Stubby Kaye, Christoper Lloyd, Joanna Cassidy and the voices of Charles Fleischer, Kathleen Turner, Lou Hirsch, Mel Blanc, Wayne Allwine and Russi Taylor.