Marty and I just returned from seeing Molly’s Game – starring the very attractive and talented Jessica Chastain and we really liked it! It was a little longer than some films but I was never bored or tempted to take a potty break.

Molly’s Game is a Human Interest Story! Question? Can a human interest story be a successful selling movie or does everything have to be either “Green Screen” computer generated special effects and or colorful computer animation with famous actors doing voice overs? The answer to that question can be seen in the wonderful work that Adam Sorkin did in creating a terrific screenplay out of the Book of the same name by Molly Bloom herself.

Another Question? Can the central character in a Human Interest Story have both drive and ambition yet flaws and failures that lead to what might be considered a less than happy ending? Once again Molly’s Game answers this question by showing you the ups and downs of an attractive, smart, driven woman who like us all makes some mis-steps along the way.

Final Question? Can a commercially successful film be centered on one woman and can a female actor carry the entire body of work? In my view absolutely! I can not remember a film that was so centered on the lead actress. Molly – AKA Jessica Chastain – was in virtually every scene and she brought home the bacon. Additionally from a man’s perspective she is very easy to look at.

When you are in the mood for a more or less real life story with excellent dialogue and interaction between the actors shot on real locations and sets we think you will really enjoy Molly’s Game.

Uncle Larry

When you go in a theater on a rainy and windy day in FL and there are only five – yes, make that 5 people total in the theater your instincts should tell you something – other than can I get my money back?

I describe American Made as an interesting and funny “semi documentary.” If you really like Tom Cruise you will like this film because I believe he is in every scene. He worked for his money on this one.

For me I’m not a fan of Scientology’s Poster Boy but I lived through all of the Central America and Iran Contra affairs and thought Marty and I should see it. Marty is a big fan of Tom and she liked the film buy agrees that it is not a “must see” on the big screen.

There were 10 or more times that I laughed out loud so I think I would enjoy this film at home. Note to self when someone laughs in a theater and no one is there does it make a sound? There were half as many times when I thought this is a really long film only to find out its only 115 minutes.

Towards the end of the film they tied President Reagan to the whole mess and I loved Reagan and still do. That said – watching the Vietnam Documentary on PBS I was also disappointed to hear that JFK said he would have pulled out of the War in Vietnam but if he did he would never get re-elected so he pressed on in a bad cause. I like to think that Reagan meant well and spent his time hating and fighting communism where ever he found it and allowed the establishment to take what ever means necessary.

Well enough political commentary. American Made was interesting and had some funny moments but I think you should wait for home viewing.

If you liked the first Kingsman back in 2014 you will love this one – as did Marty, Tony and I. For pure entertainment – realistic or not – we give Kingsman: The Golden Circle a SOLID A.

There will be no nominations for acting “Awards” but there were some really funny roles with actors playing against type. The “bad guy” in this film is in fact one of my favorite red headed women – Juliane Moore. She may not be convincing as the “world’s largest and only drug dealer making $250 Billion last year” who yearns for attention befitting her status as an entrepreneur. That said she has some clever and funny lines and a unique plan to legalize drugs world wide.

The best performance in a smaller role is given by Elton John – a complete spoof – but not so subtly very funny!

The Kingsman – a British Spy Agency – are joined in The Golden Circle by “The Statesman” – an All American Spy Agency from Louisville, KY. While the “front” for the Kingsman continues to be a Tailor Shop the Statesman base their agency out of “Statesman” Whiskey – which is a brand of Kentucky Whiskey that was in fact bottled prior to the movies release. I can’t say what it taste like but you can buy and let me know what you think!

The Action sequences – which come fast and furious are well done. The comedy and one liners – which are ever present and for the most part funny and well timed. I did feel personally that as the movie reached it’s natural ending point the director include one or two too many comedic scenes which for me seemed to drag out the last 20 minutes of the film. However, do no despair Elton saves the day! One note of caution this is a violent film – made easier to watch because of the comedy buy violent nonetheless.

American Assassins hits almost all my buttons: Action, Adventure, Suspense, Travel, Violence, Hand to Hand Fighting, a very well written and fast paced screen play. I never thought once about taking a potty break.

If Daniel Craig was the lead actor you would think it was the next James Bond Film. If Tom Cruise was the lead you would swear it was the latest Mission Impossible – and the good news is the cult of Scientology didn’t get a dime from this flick.

That said it stars someone I don’t know named Dylan O’Brian but my Research Director Tony tells me he has a long resume of film work. He was in great shape and very convincing as a young man whose “love of his life” was killed by terrorists and his passion is to kill as many of them as he can – be it with weapons or hand to hand or with his stolen Alpha Romeo – and kill them he does. Nothing cheers me up after going through Hurricane Irma like watching terrorists being killed left and right.

I suppose every aspiring American Assassin who wants to kill terrorists needs a mentor who is as tough as nails and of course used to be a Navy Seal and bleeds my way or the highway. This role was played perfectly by Michael Keaton. And what would a movie with two good guys be without a really bad guy appropriately named “The Ghost” who was trained by – yes you got it – Michael Keaton.

With this much testosterone you figure their “Boss” has to be a woman and the writer throws in an attractive young colleague for our “hero” who you are never sure if she is a “good-gal” or a “bad-gal.”

If you are opposed to Violence do not go see this film. With a name like American Assassin that’s what we do – we rain violence into terrorists lives. If you are looking for romance don’t go either. Our hero is a one woman man – even if she is dead. If you like action, adventure, suspense, travel and a fast paced film don’t miss American Assassin on the big screen.

PS Be in your seat for the opening and stay until the very good close!

Let’s divide this film into two parts: The first 98 minutes and the last 35 minutes.

The first 98 minutes could be fun for someone 12 to 17 years of age. For me I rate this 98 minutes as an F – Marty came in at D. It was slow and boring and immature. I took a long potty break and checked the time often. This was 98 minutes I will never get back.

The final 35 minutes was very good. When The Bad Guy (no plot spoilers here) recognized the good guy the pace of the film shifted into high gear and ended strong. Marty gave this portion an A and I came in at B+.

Still the strong close was not nearly enough for me to encourage you to go the theater to see this film. Wait for home viewing where you can get something to drink, read the paper or a magazine, go to the bathroom and be ready for the final 35 minutes which was excellent – due in large measure to Michael Keaton.

After this disappointment they will not get me to buy a ticket for the sequel.

Marty, Tony and I “felt” Baby Driver was very entertaining and we liked it a lot. The cautionary notes I remind you of again are: we like action – clever dialogue and hidden humor even if it involves bad words – are very comfortable with violence – interplay between the characters – and we particularly enjoy a well paced film with surprises along the way.

We thought the Director – Edward Wright put together what I will call “something out of the ordinary.” His approach was not totally new but he brought in directing elements from various films we have enjoyed and the result was excellent. We saw the Rotten Tomatoes rating was 97%. Don’t get too excited about that. I think this film and its direction really appeals to “Critics” – especially folks who watch a lot of movies for a living and appreciate something unique.

We characterize this film as having a good blend of action, adventure, violence, romance, morality and hope. If I were to remove bonus/rating points for originality I would give Baby Driver an 87.

The Budget for Baby Driver was only $35 Million. That’s peanuts by the standards of today’s big movies. That said, if you take a look at the cast you will see an ensemble of well known and successful actors, none of which played the lead. We like to think they caught the vision of Director Wright and signed up for a good time and it showed in their work. There was not a weak link in the chain.

We liked Baby Driver and recommend it to you with three notes of caution. The movie started slow and really did not get into “gear” until about the ten minute mark. This film is not rated R for no reason and is not suitable for children or people who are squeamish about violence.