Movie Reviews For October 9, 2020

THE WAR WITH GRANDPA

Rated: PG

Release Date: October 9, 2020

Director: Tim Hill

Stars: Robert De Niro, Oakes Fegley, Uma Thurman, Rob Riggle

Plot: When grandpa moves in with his family and takes over his grandson’s room was is declared

Trailer

Clint Says: See this in theaters when you can

Robert De Niro is the human equivalent of the Energizer Bunny. He’s pushing 80 years old, but he works as much, if not more, than most Hollywood A-listers. In fact, he still has two films, other than this one, still to be released this year, and five other films in some stage of production. And the best thing about his acting is that he makes every film he is in better.

There is no way this film will ever be mistaken for cinematic brilliance, but it is one that the whole family can enjoy together. It’s filled with funny one-liners, an entertaining story, and a ton of slapstick. You and your kids will be laughing all the way through.

The only thing I didn’t like about this movie is that it got a little too preachy with the anti-war message. It’s not that the message was wrong, it just felt like they were trying to force a moral lesson into the movie that didn’t really need to be there. If it had been just one moment between grandfather and grandson after their feud ended that would have been okay, but it comes up several times making it too much.

Aside from that, this is the first new-release film that the whole family can enjoy in a theater in the last six months. If you are looking for a fun outing with the kids, give this one a shot.

It’s not a fantastic film, but it is good enough to make it worth your time and money.

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YELLOW ROSE

Rated: PG-13

Release Date: October 9, 2020

Director: Diane Paragas

Stars: Eva Noblezada, Dale Watson, Liam Booth

Plot: A young, undocumented girl tries to make her dream of being a country music star become a reality

Trailer

Clint Says: See this in theaters when you can

We all know that if you are going to chase after your dreams you are going to have to overcome a lot of obstacles. This film is all about doing just that.

And it does it with beautiful music.

Eva Noblezada gives a fantastic performance in a moving film that draws you in and gives light to the struggles faced by many people. She also sings several of the songs herself, which will come as no surprise when you realize she has played the lead in MISS SAIGON on Broadway and and London.

While this isn’t a film that you would classify as exciting or entertaining, it is one that is well-told and compelling. It is heartwarming and will bring out a lot of emotions as you watch it.

If you are a fan of underdog stories you should give this one a chance. If you like the sound of classic country music, this is a must-see movie.

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Trailer

Clint Says: It’s worth streaming once

NOTE: This film is part of a unique collaboration between Amazon and Blumhouse Television. The two studios are releasing four films over the next two weeks and doing several virtual party screenings called “Welcome to the Blumhouse” through Fantastic Fest and Fangoria.

If you know anything about Blumhouse Studios you know that they have quickly become the kings of horror. Now they are trying something a little different. BLACK BOX is much more along the lines of classic horror than the jump-scare or slasher flicks that we see all over the place today. It is a thriller that has a few startling moments, but the story is filled with horror.

What is strange is that this film is very similar to one of the most popular Blumhouse films of all time, GET OUT. I’m somewhat baffled as to why they decided to make a film with a concept so close to GET OUT and release it only three years later.
That said, this isn’t a bad film, it’s actually quite good. It’s just, in comparison to GET OUT, it doesn’t stand as tall.

If you are looking to be frightened enough to have to hide behind your couch, this is not the movie you are wanting. If you want a thriller with twists and turns and a good, if not entirely unique, story, then you will enjoy an evening streaming this movie.

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THE LIE

Rated: R

Release Date: October 6, 2020

Director: Veena Sud

Stars: Joey King, Peter Sarsgaard, Mirielle Enos, Cas Anvar

Plot: A family tries to keep a terrible secret, but there is more to the story than anyone knows

Trailer

Clint Says: It’s worth streaming once

NOTE: This film is part of a unique collaboration between Amazon and Blumhouse Television. The two studios are releasing four films over the next two weeks and doing several virtual party screenings called “Welcome to the Blumhouse” through Fantastic Fest and Fangoria.

Joey King has come a long way since her days as a bit player on THE SUITE LIFE OF ZACK AND CODY and as Beezus’s little sister, Ramona. She has proven time and again that she has incredible range as an actor, deftly moving between genres like horror and romantic comedy. She has always been a scene stealer, and this film shows that she can play a serious lead giving a powerful and emotional performance.

That’s the great news about this film.

The good news is that THE LIE is a suspenseful thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat and trying to guess what is going to happen next. It’s a compelling story filled with wild twists and issues that escalate quickly and wildly.

The bad news is all of the good news rests on top of a very fragile house of cards. This film has one of the biggest, and worst plot holes I have ever seen in a movie. The whole film revolves around a specific event that happens in the first few minutes of the film. Unfortunately, the actions taken immediately after the event, which determine the following actions throughout the film, are totally ridiculous given the circumstances.

It’s not easy to do, but if you can put that one moment aside and just pretend that the obvious and easy solution doesn’t exist, the rest of the movie is a lot of fun to watch. It’s a solid thriller and even if you do figure it out, the reveal will leave your jaw on the floor.