Split (2016)

Directed by: M. Night Shyamalan

Written by: M. Night Shyamalan

Starring: James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy, Haley Lu Richardson, Jessica Sula, & Betty Buckley



Before watching this film, I had heard mixed reviews.  It was doing well in the media, meaning the news and other entertainment channels.  But via social media, everyone was saying it was okay.  I had high expectations, but I was trying to adjust them to not end up disappointed like The Last Airbender.

Three girls get abducted by Dennis (McAvoy), one of the 23 personalities living within one body.  The girls then, of course, try to escape while dealing with various people (personalities) that continuously confuse them.

The film was great, up until the end. There were instances where the film was comical due to McAvoy's performance of the personalities that didn't relate to his regular persona, such as the 9-year-old boy Hedwig.  But even though it was funny at times, I still felt it was believable.

The ending though messed it up.  They introduced an Unbreakable character, which felt out of place and one of the personalities was a stretch.  But they did give enough backstory as to why that personality emerged.

This film is more of a rent type movie rather than watch in theaters.  So try to get it at red-box.  3 popcorns.

A Dog's Purpose (2017)

Directed by: Lasse Hallström

Written by: W. Bruce Cameron, Cathryn Michon, Audrey Wells, Maya Forbes, & Wally Wolodarsky

Starring: Super cute amazing dogs!  Oh and Josh Gad



I was on the fence about this move after the footage came out about the "dog abuse," but it was just too cute and appealing to pass up.

Bailey goes through different lives as different dogs, but still the same dog spirit, trying to find his purpose in life.

The dogs are adorable and Gad, as the voice, fits well.  I like how the stories are intertwined and Bailey doesn't forget his past lives.

On another positive note, the film displays the different types of lives dogs can have from a great one to being ignored or a stray.

It is definitely a feel good movie and if you hate animals dying, bring some tissues rather than wiping your snot on your sleeve like I did.  4 popcorns.

Patriots Day (2016)

Directed by: Peter Berg

Written by: Peter Berg, Matt Cook, Joshua Zetumer, Paul Tamasy, & Eric Johnson

Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Monaghan, & J.K. Simmons



When I saw the trailer for this film, I was excited for two reasons.  The first reason was that I have worked extensively on the Boston Marathon footage for a project on the death penalty, and was eager to see how this film related to it.  Secondly, it was directed by Peter Berg who also directed Deepwater Horizon about the oil spill.  I loved that film and felt this one would be just as good.  I was right.

The story follows Tommy Saunders (Wahlberg), a cop who had just been assigned to secure the Boston Marathon.  Of course, like in real life, two explosions shake the marathon, killing several and injuring many.  Saunders, along with the rest of the police force start a man hunt looking for the two terrorists.  But the story doesn't keep on Saunders and follows the other people that were affected by these terrorists.  That's one of the best things about Berg movies.  He doesn't like to keep the spotlight on one person, but would rather share it across other cast members.

Another great thing about the film is the editing.  The film incorporates real footage from the marathon with their shots in which you can barely notice which is which.  I love when you can't notice.  Of course, there was some footage which you could tell was real, but it worked well into the film, where it didn't make a difference.

And lastly, the film kept asking the right questions.  A good film continuously has questions that keep the plot going.  It makes the audience eager for more.  Therefore, everyone should see the film.  5 popcorns.

Moonlight (2016)

Directed by: Barry Jenkins

Written by: Barry Jenkins & Tarell Alvin McCraney

Starring: Mahershala Ali, Janelle Monáe, Alex R. Hibbert, Ashton Sanders, Naomie Harris, & Trevante Rhodes



Moonlight portrays three stories of the same person throughout.  First, it begins with Little (Hibbert) and his struggles growing up and finding the proper role models.  The plot then evolves to Chiron (Sanders) and the problems he has in high school with his identity.  Lastly shown is Black (Rhodes) and how he has emerged as a man.

To start off with, I thought this film was slow and boring.  I didn't even watch it all the way through to the end.  I stopped at the third story so don't ask me what happens.

Despite the slow pace, the film was beautifully shot and edited extremely well.  The film felt more like a wonderful magnificent art piece.

The main problem of the film was the plot.  Not the acting, nor the music, etc...just the storyline.  There was nothing motivating me to keep watching the film.  I didn't feel a connection to the character because he kept changing to an older version.

I can see why though it is winning awards.  The film revolves around a controversial topic, which I don't wish to say because it gives important details away, just in case you decide to watch this film.

What do you think of this film?  Too slow for comfort or above and beyond?

2 popcorns.

Loving (2016)

Directed by: Jeff Nichols

Written by: Jeff Nichols

Starring: Joel Edgerton & Ruth Negga





Richard (Edgerton) and Mildred (Negga) Loving are deeply in love and marry in Washington, D.C. only to then return to their home state Virginia.  When word gets around to the police, Richard and Mildred are arrested since interracial marriage is not yet allowed.  In despair, they move to D.C. until Mildred comes across the opportunity to fight for their marriage.

Ruth Negga is a great actress who I hope to see more of in future films.  Her performance in Loving was mostly shown through her expression.  The same goes for Edgerton.  Their relationship was simple and quiet.  They showed their feelings through wide eyes, upturned mouths, and furrowed brows.  They did not talk much, but you were never in the dark about what they felt.

The cinematography was beautiful and was profound in showing the differences between the city life in D.C. versus the country life of Virginia, which coincides with the point of views as well; forward thinking versus staying the same.

Despite this inspiring story, the movie dragged in a few places.  As an audience member, I was mostly interested in the legal side of their story, but the script had various tidbits of their daily life from their friends, job, and racing (which seemed out of place).  I guess Nichols was trying to make us connect to the characters.  It succeeded with Mildred, but not so much with Richard.

4 popcorns.

Hidden Figures (2016)

Directed by: Theodore Melfi

Written by: Allison Schroeder, Theodore Melfi, & Margot Lee Shetterly (book)

Starring: Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, & Janelle Monae





Hidden Figures brings to light the true story of three African-American women who helped NASA send a man to space.

This film portrays the three women in a positive light in spite of the times back in the 60s during Kennedy's presidency and Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy.  It shows what, not just African-Americans, but African-American women had to go through, especially while working for NASA.

Despite its good performances and story, the plot did not exude much emotion from me, other than pride in how the women handled their situations and the ones that stood up for them.

The film is similar to The Help in terms of showing the inequality and what the characters do to make it right.  The only difference being that this one has science.

This film is good, but I do not think it will win any awards. 4 popcorns.

La La Land (2016)

Directed by: Damien Chazelle

Written by: Damien Chazelle

Starring: Emma Stone & Ryan Gosling





Emma Stone plays Mia, an aspiring actress, while Ryan Gosling plays Sebastian, an aspiring jazz musician.  Both characters are just trying to make it in modern day Hollywood, where dreams come true.  But will their love get in the way?

This film brings various time periods into modern day while executing a love story of a couple reaching for the stars.  In addition, this musical calls to Broadway with its choreography and singing as well as its continuous shots.

This film will definitely win for best picture for a comedy or musical because of its cinematography, plot line, and, of course, focus on Hollywood, which all those that vote for the Golden Globes and Oscars can relate to.

But a theme that keeps occurring this year in the movies, or maybe just my life, is this...as previously mentioned, collateral beauty in which you must give up something to get something else.  You can't have it all.

Nevertheless, I thought this movie was inspiring for audience members to focus on their dreams or the one they love.  Plus the music is very catchy; it makes you want to dance and sing along with the actors.

I do not think that Stone and Gosling will win though for best actress and actor considering the other nominees.  Although they were both great, especially for this film, their performances are not award winning in my opinion.

But this film is entertaining, pleasing to the eye and ear, and overall amazing.

5 popcorns.

Collateral Beauty (2016)

Directed by: David Frankel

Written by: Allan Loeb

Starring: Will Smith, Edward Norton, Kate Winslet, & Michael Peña



I love films that make you read between the lines...films that are more than a movie and are so impacting that they affect you to your core.  That's this film.

Howard (Smith) recently lost his six-year-old daughter.  Now, all he does is the domino effect at work and talk to no one, except Death, Love, and Time; his abstract enemies .  His coworkers are concerned about his job and Howard's company. Therefore, the create a plan in order to have Howard become his old self.

Despite Will Smith being the most prominent person on the poster, the film does not revolve around him.  It's a story describing how everything connects along with, of course, collateral beauty.

In this emotional film by Frankel, you are sure to find one character or another that you can relate to as an audience member.  Perhaps this is why it is so riveting and engaging.  Plus this film keeps you guessing about Helen Mirren's, Kiera Knightly's, and Jacob Latimore's characters of Death, Love, and Time respectively.

Films that make you feel, think, and leave you with a new found experience and/or knowledge are my favorites and therefore this is my new favorite film.  To me, it is the best film of 2016.  True, it doesn't have many special effects or flashy scenery nor amazing camera work, but the script and acting makes up for all of it.  It's a feel good, tear jerker, amazing film and if you had to see any film in theaters right now, I would strongly recommend this one to start off the new year.

I'm giving it 5 popcorns, but really it's more than that.

Lion (2016)

Directed by: Garth Davis

Written by: Saroo Brierley (book) & Luke Davis

Starring: Dev Patel, Rooney Mara, & Nicole Kidman





This nominated film revolves around Saroo as he wanders around India after losing track of his brother.  As he tries to find home, he ends up finding a new one and wondering about the one he lost.

Sunny Pawar, who plays young Saroo, is magnificent.  His performance of being lost, but still strong is inspirational.  His big eyes show much expression and bring the character to life.  I hope to see him in future films.

Dev Patel, older Saroo, has transformed since his "Skins" days.  In this new role, he takes on a further developed younger Saroo, but still the same lost boy trying to find his way.

Despite these profound performances, the film dragged towards the end, until the very very end. .  The beginning was interesting and engaging as the boy traveled across the country as well as gave a new perspective of India. But the portion that had Patel as the star was not as compelling, but crucial to complete the story.

I would love for Patel to win for his role as Saroo, but I doubt he will.  It's a great film, but not enough for either him nor Kidman to win.

4 popcorns.