Office Christmas Party Review

There's always good chemistry for comedy when you put Jennifer Anniston and Jason Bateman together in a comedy. However they were playing quite opposite each other this time.  While the story centers around a brother and sister's styles of management, it ultimately comes down to the importance of the party. T.J. Miller plays the childlike and very caring Clay Vanstone trying to be reminiscent of his father's leisurely, yet employee-friendly  style of management but his sister Caroll (Anniston) trying to take her brother down who had a more favorable relationship with their deceased father.  Meanwhile the real management is Bateman and Olivia Munn, making their division strong. Because of the sibling animosity, CEO Carol Vanstone threaten to close the division.  So the antics ensue.

In the background of this movie are strong comedic performances from Kate McKinnon, Randall Park, "Ballers" star. Rob Corddry, Randall Park, Sam Richardson and Karan Soni. Surprisingly Courtney Vance gives us a few laughs as well.

This one is not for the kids, politically correct or conservative, it does invoke a sense of dysfunctional work family.  There is a lot of sexual content and bad behavior, but the to me it is a few laughs but not enough for a second viewing.

Fences is AWESOME

What can be said of the combination of the genius of playwright August Wilson and Denzel Washington as actor and director?   The perfect blend for the-play -brought-to-screen FENCES. Viola Davis and Denzel Washington pair up for an Oscar formidable performance. The words of August Wilson are painted thoughtfully on the big screen. The original play's fluid wording create its own score. The city of Philadelphia's beauty shines against the cinematography.  Newcomer Jovan Adepo, stands his acting ground with the rest of the veteran actors. Along with Davis and Washington, Mykelti Williamson's portrayal of Troy Maxson's (Washington's character) brain injured brother Gabriel, is absolutely amazing, touching. 
Go, go, and go again to see this awesome movie. 

Straight Outta Compton shoots straight

If you haven't seen one of the most talked about movies of the summer,  you are missing the conversation.  You are missing the stories within the stories of the hit group N.W.A. Easy E, DJ Yella M.C.Ren Ice Cube and Dr. Dre started out in Compton, Ca and confounded, confused and convicted a nation.

This biopic film stars newcomers to the screen who duplicate and dominate. Most  talk about Oshea Jackson Jr. , son of Ice Cube (who did have to audition for his part by the way) however Corey Hawkins does an awesome job playing a young ambitious Dr. Dre. I believe we will see much more of him.

The story is raw.  A coming of age story of 5 young men in front of the world. Their ups downs, split and reconciliation are layed out.
The mirroring of the troubled LA area and today's police brutality brought tears to my eyes.  I am not a violent person but understand how the birthing of anger persistent antagonizing and profiling can cause a few kids from Compton to write a song called "F--- the police"

If this was your generation like it was mine, it will be a rap-a-long.  If you decide to go please do NOT take your children.  This movie is gritty and uncompromisingly true to the live of N.W.A.   They did not live a PG life.

Remember
YOU ARE NOW EXPERIENCING THE STRENGTH OF STREET KNOWLEDGE

Melissa McCarthy does it again

Tammy is one of the summer's funniest films. Melissa McCArthy and Susan Sarandon take a small journey that becomes life changing for a small town girl with big problems.  McCarthy's physicality always adds to the laughs

Sandler ans Barrymore Blend well in BLENDED

It's been some time but Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore come together again.  The plot line begins with well meaning friends trying to set them up on a date turned disaster.  Sandler plays a single father with three daughters trying to do his best to raise them as a widower . While Barrymoore also plays a single parent trying to raise 2 sons with a self-centered ex-husband. Both of them get the opportunity of a lifetime to take their children to Africa. There they embark on a forced blended family adventure as they go to resort and spend the week with other blended families.

 

Although Sandler and Barrymore are great comedic actors, Terry Crews steals the show with his singing and performing. Kevin Nealon, also in the movie, plays a tablemate with the couple. He says things you want to but can't in some of the awkward situations. 

 

Sandler has blended the right cast and crew to create a great movie!

I loved it!  I may see it again!

regulargirl review: Captain America: Cap is back

regulargirl review: Captain America: Cap is back: Chris Evans returns in this highly anticipated sequel.  His friends do come along, Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury), Scarlett Johansson (Black ...

Captain America: Cap is back

Chris Evans returns in this highly anticipated sequel.  His friends do come along, Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury), Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow) and new found friend Anthony Mackie (Falcon).  Captain Steve Rogers comes face to face with his past creating an uncertain future. He must travel back to New Jersey where it all began.  At the same time, there are some wonky things going on with S.H.I.E.L.D.  and Nick Fury tries his best to figure it all out. In the midst of this all Captain America becomes a fugitive. 

This film has great special effects and awesome fast moving fight scenes.  This film also shows the film connecting to the new upcoming Avengers movie sequel!  Although critics gave this low rated reviews. I believe it is a great sequel full of action and background knowledge about S.H.I.E.L.D.  I just may see it again!

Warnings:
Loud noise, explosions, continued potshots at the Captain America's age
Lack Anthony Mackie on the Film's trailer and posters