Movie Review Madness - Widows

A police shootout leaves four thieves dead during an explosive armed robbery attempt in Chicago. Their widows – Veronica (powerful Viola Davis), Linda (Michelle Rodriguez), Alice(Elizabeth Debicki) and Belle (Cynthia Erivo) -- have nothing in common except a debt left behind by their spouses' criminal activities. Hoping to forge a future on their own terms, Veronica joins forces with the other three women to pull off a heist that her husband (Liam Neeson) was planning.

That’s the blurb for Widows, but oh, there is so much more. Chicago politics (Colin Farell, Robert DuVall), double crossing, money and lots of it, guns, theft, and did I mention a lot of money?

I really enjoyed this film. Just go with the plot. There’s a lot of bad people looking to do harm and work deals, and survive.  The director, Steve McQueen, just let it rip. And when you think you have it figured out…think again. Twists, turns, and the greatness that is Viola Davis. She’s just so good. Just one look can say volumes.

I was happy with the outcome, not necessarily sad at the funerals, and oh yeah – ladies can work a heist plot (and get babysitters for the kids). Widows – no tears, no tissues required.

Movie Review Madness: A Million Ways to Die in the West

A Million Ways to Die in the West is irreverently funny. If you like Seth McFarlane’s Family Guy, Book of Mormon, and the movie Ted, then this flick is golden. I would have deleted a few gross over-the-top bits, but I am not his target audience. Otherwise, he was writing my thoughts completely about life in 1882 in the west. Totally freakin’ miserable. You could die at any moment, and frankly the most dangerous place to be is at the doctor. But rattlesnake bite, mountain lion, bar brawl, duels, any disease – especially cholera, stampede, getting photographed at the fair, killed by the big block ice shipment. The list goes on and on.  

And there’s Seth’s Albert, a baby faced nerd who hates his life. But he loves his girl (Amanda Seyfried) a vapid climber who dumps him for Neil Patrick Harris – the successful owner of the Moustachery.  Fortunately, Anna (the gorgeous Charlize Theron) rolls into town. Unfortunately she’s the wife of the most notorious outlaw in the west – Clinch (Liam Neeson). But she befriends Albert, teaches him to shoot, and wisely points out that the girl isn’t worthy of him. Yes, they fall for each other, but one fateful kiss is seen by one of Clinch’s fellows. Now Albert is on death’s door awaiting a duel with the best in the West.

Aaah – but nerdy Albert has his ways. I won’t give any more away. Let’s add that Sarah Silverman as the town whore is hilarious. Even funnier is her deeply Christian boyfriend (Giovanni Ribisi). Their scenes are priceless. A Million Ways to Die in the West is filmed like a John Ford flick and the music background is perfect Sergio Leone worthy.  It has cheap laughs and has not been greeted with great reviews by the critics. My husband and I had low expectations and the movie rose above them. We were entertained and there’s nothing wrong with that. Go to a matinee, then grab a burger afterward. Truly a worthy date. Sometimes you have to go for silly, and sly Seth, the sheep boy, is too clever by far.