DETROIT
I didn't want to see this film for a number of reasons.I have grown weary of seeing African Americans oppressed in film's.I heard from a number of people that this would be a watered down version of the nightmarish event that took place at the Algiers Motel incident during Detroit's 1967 12th Street Riot.
After listening to the accounts of several people that were present at the hotel,and their cooperation with the film's writer Mark Boal and Director Kathryn Bigelow,i had a change of heart.
This film stirred my soul,making me angry and sad at the same time.
The film plays out in 3 acts.The riots,the horrible hotel event,the the procedural trial.
Each contained such raw emotion it was overwhelming at times for myself and the audience i watched the film with.
High praise to all of the actors:John Boyega as Melvin Dismukes,Will Poulter as Philip Krauss,Algee Smith as Larry Reed,Jacob Latimore as Fred Temple,Jason Mitchell as Carl Cooper,Hannah Murray as Julie Ann,Kaitlyn Dever as Karen,Jack Reynor as Demens,Ben O'Toole as Flynn
The cowardice,the hate,and stupidity that lead to torture and death,not only rocked me emotionally as Bigelow immersed me in the scenes but i kept saying to myself :if only someone had the guts to do what was right,had not failed to be human,if people had handed down tougher punishments to certain officers,no one at the Algiers would have been beaten,berated,or murdered.
The film gives us the aftermath through Larry Reed who was completely broken by the events,and i think his story was the most haunting
My only problems with the film was the opening sequence which i felt was just thrown together and in the third act i did start to feel the films 2 hour and 23 minute run time.
Detroit is a movie that deserves to be seen.It really is a story that has been lost and i suggest that people seek out several documentaries about Algiers Motel incident during Detroit's 1967 12th Street Riot.
The film will definitely remain in my heart and soul but it's also one that i dont think i can watch again,because it's truly that disturbing.
Scale of 1-10 a 9
ATOMIC BLONDE
The plot for AB is mainly old hat spy stuff and hey it does take place in 1989.The film rests upon Charlize Theron's capable strong shoulders as Lorraine Broughton, a top-level MI6 field agent.
James McAvoy also does well as David Percival, an eccentric Berlin station chief who becomes an ally of Broughton
The action sequences are great some standing out more than others.
Some predictable turns and the pacing of the film connected to to many endings made the film lose points with me
Still a cool romp.
Scale of 1-10 a 7
THE DARK TOWER
Stephen King's epic novel series The Dark Tower has basically been condensed into a patchwork quilt in the film version
The story played out in a jumbled and rushed way to me.I did become kind of immersed in Jake Chambers story as he has visions of The Dark Tower which hulds the multi verse together,Roland Deschain The lone last of the Gunslingers,and Walter o'Dim, the Man in Black.
Idris Elba did his best with what he was given as Deschain.Tom Taylor was the most effective as Chamber's
I did enjoy some of the SFX and action sequences
Matthew McConaughey lazily portrays Walter o'Dim, the Man in Black as one of those lame TV or B flick characters,that walks around saying a line or two of threats before he offs you quickly
If you are a fan of the books or graphic novels skip this flick because it's a very basic fantasy action film forr the most part.
Scale of 1-10 a 6
KIDNAP
There are great abduction movies (Ransom and Breakdown) and then you have Kidnap.
It has that generic,paint by numbers vibe to it.No real suspense IMO,though the kid in peril thing worked for me a few times.This type of movie may have worked 20 years ago,but it forced me to believe that people are just blind to or dont care about whats going on around them.
Since the trailer for this flick gave away to much I was eager to see how Halle Berry was going to track down the abductors.After viewing it
I believe the rumor that Kidnap has been sitting on a shelf for 4 years
Scale of 1-10 a 4
THE EMOJI MOVIE
Started off semi funny and i enjoyed some of the references to well known apps and websites,but after awhile it started to feel like an 80 minute advertisement for apps.The characters became grating and obnoxious so much so i was glad some of them vanished for 15 minutes.This flick feels like a quick cash grab with low grade animation
Scale of 1-10 a 3