Rocketman

After his successful production of Bohemian Rhapsody, the life of rock star Freddie Mercury, Director Dexter Fletcher was the right man to handle Rocketman, the story of Elton John.

The production takes the audience on a rollercoaster ride with the downs of John’s life being recalled during a rehab session and the ups of his incredible music as his career evolves.  Just when the story gets too dark, the songs of this musical production lift the mood thanks to Screenwriter Lee Hall’s artful script.

Taron Egerton is masterful as Elton and Jamie Bell is superb as John’s writing partner Bernie Taupin.  Also magnificent are Gemma Jones as Elton’s grandmother and Bryce Dallas Howard as his mother.

If you liked Bohemian Rhapsody, you should definitely enjoy the struggles of Rocketman.  I give it a 4 out of 5.

Godzilla: King of the Monsters

 

 

I’ve never before been embarrassed to say I saw a particular movie.  But, I guess there’s a first time for everything…

Think of the worst movie you’ve ever seen and then put it into a blender and you’ll have Writer/Director Michael Dougherty’s Godzilla: King of the “Schlock.”

This film went from cringingly bad to laughingly bad with writing not up to a first-grader’s standards and putrid music by Bear McCreary…then, there’s the ridiculous story of “titan” monsters, emerging to restore the balance of nature because of humankind’s destroying Earth.

It’s a shame that the talent of Stranger Things’ Billie Bobby Brown was bastardized by participation in this dreadful piece of tripe.

If you go, you are permitted to throw tomatoes.  This is real crap.

Sorry Big G, but this will be a contender for Worst Film of the Year.  I give it a 1 out of 5. 

Booksmart

Director Olivia Wilde’s Booksmart is a thoroughly enjoyable look at today’s young women.

It strikes me as a female version of Animal House (1978), although here we have seniors in high school as opposed to college students.  But, since women mature faster than men and students in general are more advanced than those 40 years ago, I think the comparison is apt.

To give you the flavor of the film, in the closing credits the actors have water-filled condoms exploded over their faces.  And, instead of gross, it is hilarious!

The entire film is, in fact, hilarious, as well as educational to males of any age. Annapurna Productions succeeds again in bringing unique product to the screen, especially in this year when, so far, there have been few films, outside of the blockbusters, worth seeing.

Great writing by the team of Susanna Fogel, Emily Halpern, Sarah Haskins and Katie Silberman and great casting by Allison Jones.

If you want to have a fun and interesting time at the movies, I suggest you check out Booksmart.

I give it a 4.2 out of 5.