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| The Magnificent Seven helped make 2016 palatable. |
Now that they are
more accessible, here are some dope flicks to help you say last year was not all bad.
Happy 2017!
With Old Man Winter having a serious attitude nationwide,
this is the perfect time to avoid the unforgiving inclement weather and watch a
movie either online, on demand, DVD, in the theater, or whatever source you can
utilize.
Yes, besides beer, cars, and hotels, and gift guides, I cover
movies too, but I also have a few skilled writers who fill in for me when I am
on the go which is pretty much 80 percent of the time. Therefore, lifestyle
writer Andrea Janise (@ATLFoodwriter)
and film buff Lamont Byron aka L.B. Reel
(and my brother) are letting you know what is worth your valuable time to
relax, wrap up in a blanket, kick back and see what the cinema world blessed us
with in 2016. Of course, I will add my two cents here or there if I saw the
movie as well, but for 2017, it’s all about showing love to other dedicated
scribes when I can.
Enjoy and have a gangster brew alongside the popcorn!
10 Cloverfield Lane
(PG-13)
Running Time: 103 minutes
This sci-fi thriller was right on point. After fleeing from a tense situation, Michelle (played by Elizabeth Winstead), finds herself in a modern underground bunker after being lead to believe she’d been rescued from a car accident and in the process saved from an alien invasion. The bunker and Michell’s rescue effort belongs to Howard Stambler, played flawlessly by John Goodman. Howard is jovial, likable, and seems believable, but looks can sometimes be deceiving. You are kept guessing throughout the film on Howard’s true intentions and in desperate need of being brought to light. From start to conclusion, Cloverfield delivers suspense, humor, and on-point acting performances that will keep you glued to your seat and pleasantly entertained.
- L.B.
I say: This is a fun thriller fused with some horror and a believable theme. A lil’ sci-fi and a great performance by especially John Goodman complete this solid film. I dig it.
Fences
(PG-13)
Running Time: 136 minutes
Fences, adapted from the 1983 play by August Wilson,
highlights a significant part of American culture that is rarely portrayed in
cinema. Showcasing the life-long tale of a family living in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania during the 1950’s, Fences
weaves a thread throughout the storyline that tells of the resilience that was
endured during this time period by silenced women and children. The movie
surrounds patriarch Troy Maxon, an ex-negro league baseball player (Denzel
Washington), who depicts the hard work ethic and personal missteps of an
under-educated black man living in post WWII America. His wife, Rose, embodied
by Viola Davis, provided a stable, openhearted relationship that eventually got
tarnished with bumps and bruises along the way. Jovan Adepo stands out on
screen as son Cory, who helped shed light on the uniquely shared tensions
between many African American boys and their fathers during this time in
history. The 2016 version is directed by Denzel Washington and is sure to
receive several Oscar nominations.
-
A.J.
Sing Street
(PG-13)
Running Time:
105 minutes
This drama might be what you’re looking for. Sing Street takes place in 1980’s
Dublin, Ireland. Title character Conor (Ferdia-Walsh Peelo) is an artsy
high-schooler, going through tough times. His family life is rocky, and amidst
financial and marital issues which continue to revolve around his parents. In a
cost-cutting move, Conor’s father has pulled him from his privileged private
school education and pushed him into public school. Now he’s suddenly the
outcast. Bullying becomes the norm as his pop-band eighties looks and creative
individuality are preyed upon by classmates and the school’s headmaster. As
Conor tries to navigate through life’s rough waters, he suddenly comes up with
an idea to form a band. At this point, the film gets its wings. The eighties
hits begin to roll as the humorous formation of the band and addition of
Conor’s new love interest and band model Raphina
come into play. From start to finish, Sing Street aims to please and hits a
bullseye.
-
L.B.
Passengers
(PG-13)
Running Time: 116 minutes
Get a glimpse into the future with Colombia Pictures’
release of Passengers, a romantic
comedy and sci-fi collaboration that envisions a love story that could happen
in our not so distant future. The entire movie takes place on an American made
spaceship that becomes the setting for great chemistry between Jim Preston
(Chris Pratt) and Aurora Lane (Jennifer Lawrence) as they find themselves awake
too soon during a 120-year voyage to inhabit a new planet. Viewers are taken
through exciting twists of story lines to an unexpected ending that is sure to
give you all the feels. This is one you won’t want to miss!
-
A.J.
I say:
Usually waiting for Tom Cruise flicks when I want to see what the future holds,
Passengers provides a wonderful
option by showing us how technologically advanced, idealistic, and downright scary
it could possibly be regarding planet-to-planet travel. Oh, besides the solid
roleplays by Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence, the bartender was a joy to
watch.
Sully
(PG-13)
Running Time:
96 minutes
Clint Eastwood directed this well put-together docu-drama
based on actual events of US Airways flight 1549 in 2009. Sully—named after the hero pilot Chesley Sullenberger—portrays the
unbelievable story of the icy water landing of flight 1549 into the icy waters
of New York’s Hudson river. This against all odds courageous and ingenious
landing was made when the Airbus A320, lost engine power after striking a flock
of birds. After managing to miraculously save the lives of all souls on board,
the crew garnered worthy praise. Ironically, Sully (played phenomenally by Tom
Hanks) would receive an unfair dose of criticism for possible alternative
landing decisions that might have made more sense in those critical moments.
This is one to watch for the drama angle, cinematography, and the opportunity
to be informed on parts of this amazing story that might have flown under the
radar.
-
L.B.
The Magnificent
Seven
(R)
Running Time: 133
minutes
The remake Magnificent
Seven brings an all-star cast to light. The group of seven are lead and
formed by Sam Chisholm (Denzel Washington) are on the path for revenge for
local who desperately summoned their talents to avenge the loss of loved ones
at the hands of a viscous group of bandits. The outlaws could care less about
human life, common decency, and the townspeople’s prior comfortable way of
life. After some coaxing, the Seven finally accept the role to protect and
fight the helpless. The bullets begin to fly and the action soon heats up to a
feverish pace, leading to a western loaded with action, humorous dialogue, and
a well-appointed cast.
-
L.B.
Manchester By the
Sea
(R)
Running Time:
137 minutes
Manchester By the
Sea is the story in the life of Lee
Chandler (played by Casey Affleck). Resulting from a series of misfortunes,
Lee has become a bit detached from society and prefers to live life inside of
his own shell away from his hometown. His body language suggests defeat, the
speaking tone is low, he is consistently unenthusiastic, and ultimately absent
of any indication of happiness. The outside world is true to its very meaning
for Lee, who struggles to hold on to a job by a withered thread. Suddenly, his
life is further turned upside down when he receives word that his brother has
passed away. Now Lee is faced with another hardship being thrust into the role
of handling his brother’s affairs which include the possibility of sole
guardianship of his late brother’s son, Patrick. Now forced to revisit the town
he once abandoned, Lee must unearth strength, stability, and the ability to
handle life way outside of his comfort zone by being a dedicated uncle. The
question remains, will he step up and conquer his demons, or will he continue
to shield himself from the possibility of a better life?
-
L.B.
Don’t Breathe
(R)
Running Time:
88 minutes
The thriller Don’t
Breathe proved to live up to its title. Throughout this flick, you will be
trying to catch your breath as suspense, thrills, and chills reign supreme. On
a fateful evening in Detroit, three hooligans decide to rob the house of a
blind man titled Norman Nordstram played
by the well-casted Steven Lang. Norman is targeted after being known to
possibly be in the possession of $300,000 because of a settlement—evidently a
poor kept secret. After a few attempts, the break-in seems successful for the
three as they finally find a way inside Norman’s home, but they horribly
underestimated his handicap; Norman is instead more than capable of defending his
home. The twists and turns ensue throughout at a torrid pace. The events inside
Norman’s house will keep you on the edge of your seat with no ways to predict
the outcome. There never seems to be a dull moment in this one and that’s why
it made this year’s list.
-
L.B.
I say: This was a wonderful movie cocktail of past horror flicks including Saw, Blairwitch Project and Cujo. Take a sip!
Cheers!
Ale
