Movie Review Madness - Legend of Tarzan

We all think we know the Tarzan story, but this new movie Legend of Tarzan is an excellent version. We meet Lord Greystoke (Alexander Skarsgard) and his wife (lovely Margot Robbie) in London. He’s been called by a council and asked to return to The Congo to see what King Leopold is up to in regards to trade and money. In theory this is as an ambassador but in reality, as Tarzan, he is being lured in as part of a barter – a nefarious scheme by a crooked captain (played by the always evil Christoph Waltz).  Fortunately an American (Samuel L. Jackson) is along for the ride, and quickly becomes an ally in a deadly battle against slavery, diamond dealing, and revenge (a tribal king played by Djimon Hounsou is not pleased).

The early scenes in the Congo are one of welcome. Tarzan’s old tribe greet him warmly and life is grand. Alas, the captain has his minions capture tribesman, the wife, and set fire to the village. Mayhem ensues.  Enraged, Tarzan and Jackson head out to save the wife, free the slaves, and get to the bottom of the Congo’s secrets. Fortunately, Lord Greystoke sheds his shirt (wow!), swings from vines, communes with the gorillas and other jungle creatures, and fulfills the legend.

This movie is lush and well done. The acting is above par, the Tarzan aspects are not cheesy, and the film is action packed. Alexander with his gray green eyes, chiseled face and body, and brooding demeanor is a worthy Tarzan. Do your best jungle yell and swing in to see Legend of Tarzan.

Book Review - The City of Mirrors

The City of Mirrors by Justin Cronin gives a thrilling finale to a trilogy.  It has been awhile since The Passage and The Twelve, but the story rushes quickly into action and Cronin is kind enough to throw in breadcrumbs to remind us of people, places, and things (like virals).  Civilization fell after a great blood disease swept the land thanks to the bite of virals. But some humans survived and slowly built The Colony. Now from the cover blurb:

The Twelve have been destroyed and the terrifying hundred-year reign of darkness that descended upon the world has ended. The survivors are stepping outside their walls – daring to dream of a new future.  But far from then, in a dead metropolis, he waits: Zero. The First. The anguish that shattered his human life haunts him, and the hatred spawned by his transformation burns bright. His fury will be quenched only when he destroys Amy – humanity’s only hope, the Girl From Nowhere who grew up to rise against him. One last time light and dark will clash…

Oh this is quite a saga. Past and present. Strong characters with sons and daughters carrying on – eager to farm the re-birthed land, eager to welcome children, and willing to mourn their dead. But something was coming, Lucius could feel it. He knew it the same as he knew his own heartbeat, the wind of breath in his chest, the carriage of his bones. The long arc of human history was headed toward a final test…..it would be a time for warriors. (p.18)

Excellent writing pulled me forward in this journey, reading quickly, holding my breath, rooting for our heroes. History is more than data, more than facts, more than science and scholarship. History is a story – the story of ourselves. Who are we? (p. 568).  You will find out, dear reader, and you will question your role in the history of mankind. Will you see yourself in the mirror, eager to remain strong, and to fight for what is good – family, friends, and life?

Superb trilogy and The City of Mirrors by Justin Cronin is a tour de force finale. 

Movie Review Madness - Star Trek Beyond

Star date 2016 – another successful mission logged for The Enterprise. Go see Star Trek Beyond.  This franchise stays a winner thanks to director Justin Lin’s filmmaking style. Captain Kirk (Chris Pine – slowly maturing into a worthy leader), Dr. Spock (Zachary Quinto – worthy sidekick), Bones (Karl Urban – grouchy in a good way), Ulurhu (Zoe Saldana), Checkov (sadly, the late Anton Yelchin), Sulu (John Cho), and trusty engineer of anything Scotty ( Simon Pegg) round out a cast we care about. Especially when Irdris Elba as Krall is lurking beyond……..beyond the nebula into vaster, deeper space.

Before they leave on their mission, we see Kirk chat with his boss – is he contemplating a desk job? Spock chats with fellow Vulcans and learns of a loss (all hail the late Leonard Nimoy – this is a good tribute). Thus, is he contemplating another life? Well, leave that behind as The Enterprise heads back on a mission beyond the nebula to find another space crew and help a lost commander. But is she good or evil with an ulterior motive? Oh no!!!

Star Trek and the Federation talk of unity, peace, and goodwill, but like today’s Earth the ideas are good but tough to implement. Tough to comprehend when your ship is being attacked and all the warp speeds and shields don’t seem to matter.  Crashing and trying to save his captured crew, Kirk joins forces with a woman who seems darn resourceful. She’s managed to resurrect an old ship – the USS Franklin, and she has many reasons to seek revenge against Krall.  So, as the Star Trek cast slowly work their magic – communicate, reinvent, and reinforce friendships, we’re along for the ride.

Strap in and turn on your phasers for a fun journey. Star Trek Beyond is a solid summer movie adventure into space – the final frontier.  Live long and prosper

Sprinkler Dash

Sprinkler Dash

walked the neighborhood the other day

said hello to a young man

he moved a hand sprinkler around his yard

as I watched the water flow

back and forth

                                back and forth

                                                                back and forth

I yearned to put on my swim suit and dash through the spray

oh such a treat when mom conceded to our pleas

my brother and I had such a splendid time

leaps, bounds, cartwheels, and silly dances

giggles rippled as the water cooled

our bare feet, arms, and legs

now I stand and watch a young man move a hand sprinkler

around a front yard, no kids in sight

except this big kid who took off her sandal

stuck her foot into the spray

and giggled

 by Joanne Faries

Movie Review Madness - 10 Cloverfield Lane

10 Cloverfield Lane is part suspense/thriller, part fantasy/science fiction. It’s not normally my type of movie, but the previews were intriguing and the movie proved to be good. It starts with a girl (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) packing a bag and leaving her home in distress. Driving down a dark road (never good), there are blinding lights, a swerve, and a blackout. (Uh-oh). She awakens in a room with a broken leg and she’s chained. (More dread).  What happened? Where is she?

Thump. Door opens. Here comes John Goodman (such a good solid actor who’s really excellent here). The girl begs for her life and asks to be set free. He says he can’t . He claims he saved her life, that’s it not safe outside. The world is under attack and he had the foresight to prepare. She has flashbacks to her crash. Some things just don’t add up. And there’s another guy in this bunker (John Gallgher, Jr). He seems a tad dim, but loyal. He vouches for the man – claims he knew to come here to live. Had done work for the preparation and wanted to survive.

The first part of 10 Cloverfield Lane will have you jumping and on edge. You are with the girl as she keeps trying to escape, and yet some things keep her there. Parts of the story make sense, and then something happens to send your heart reeling to panic.  It is very suspenseful and well done.  The final third of the film went over the top for me. I won’t say what happens, but to me it lost its edge. Nonetheless, this is a well-made tight film and worthy of rental. Turn off the lights and hold your breath. You’ll be nervous the next time you drive down a dark lane. 

Movie Review Madness - Jason Bourne

Bottom line – Jason Bourne, the new film), is a boring retread. I had high expectations and they were crushed by a yawn inducing tale of a network of terror and technology with unchecked power.  

Once again Jason (the always decent Matt Damon) is having flashbacks and remembering stuff. It’s been ten years since he went off the grid, but he’s back in sight thanks to Nicky Parsons (Julia Stiles), his former contact. Well, the agency is tracking her hacking and it’s a vicious circle of exposure. A weary director Dewey (Tommy Lee Jones) wants Bourne erased. A newby agent Lee (Alicia Vikander) sees her chance for a power grab and she tries to lure him in. Oh so innocent, she’s not aware of Dewey’s orders and the evil Vincent Cassel who wants revenge on Bourne for past problems.  Plus, now there’s a super internet mogul who’s partnered with the devil Dewey and has no idea of the ramifications of getting in bed with the government.

Chase after chase after chase after chase. Been there, done that.  It’s a shame that nothing new is brought to the excellent Bourne series.  With furrowed brow and curled fists, Damon does his best to fight evil and he’s always one step ahead.  That’s the good part. Unfortunately I needed Dramamine for the film’s shaky camera – have you feel like you are in the middle of things – perspective. Whew. My head was spinning by the end, and not in a good way.

Save your money and stream Jason Bourne someday.  I regret saying this is not worth popcorn and a soda. 

Happy Birthday Ray

 A salute to Ray as he turns 60 today  - August 1st.

Sixty looks good on Ray

cowlick sticks up like a little boy

hair a tad tinged with gray

knees creak a lot

step’s a bit slower

not eager to sleep on a cot

he leaps up to hunt

maybe ooze is a better term

many activities deserve a grunt

but Ray is game for fun

a chuckle, a laugh

text a pun

oh he counts down to retire

so many projects in his brain

he’s ready to perspire

I wish him birthday joy

Ray’s much loved

he’s still Joyce and  LD’s little boy

sixty notches in the belt of life

what’s in a number

as long as there’s no strife

happy birthday Ray we loudly sing

eat cake, drink a toast (or two)

Be Sixty, You are our King

Love

Joanne