Halloween (2018) Written by: David Gordon Green & Danny McBride Directed by: David Gordon Green

     I have to start by explaining that the original film by John Carpenter was a masterpiece. It was the first horror film I had ever seen, and it has given me more nightmares than any other fictional story. I've been a huge loyalist to the franchise for many years, but this installment takes the cake as far as any sequels or remakes are concerned.

     In this version, we are asked to dismiss all sequels since the first film. This film takes place 40 years after the original and finds two English pod casters (Rhian Rees and Jefferson Hall) searching for stories on the Haddonfield murders. They start by visiting the Smith's Grove Sanitarium, the home of Michael Myers for the past four decades. Michael's previous doctor, Dr. Loomis (Donald Pleasence), has died and Micheal is now being cared for by Dr. Sartain (Haluk Bilginer). Michael hasn't spoken a word in forty years, and this day would be no different.

     The pod casters then decide to visit Laurie Strode, Jamie Lee Curtis, who was the surviving sister of Michael back in 1978. Unfortunately, for them, Laurie isn't offering up much more than Micheal did. Laurie has been preparing for Michael's escape since that dreadful Halloween night, so long ago. She has become a survivalist, a marksman, and a mother.

     We find out fast that Laurie's daughter, Judy Greer, and grand-daughter, Andi Matichak, don't have much contact with Laurie. Laurie's daughter was taken by the state when she was 12, and never really recovered or forgave her mother for that. Up until that point, Laurie had taught her daughter how to fight, how to shoot, and how to survive. 

     I really loved how Danny McBride and director David Gordon Green crafted this story. John Carpenter served as a producer on the film and I think that really helped. Michael was back to his old form. No words, no sounds, no grunts (ie. Rob Zombie's remakes). Just plain evil.

     There were some liberties taken that I didn't agree with, at all though. The fact that Michael kills a kid. I definitely do not agree with that. He never killed kids! After his escape, Michael finds his way back to Haddonfield. Once there, he proceeds to kill a lonely housewife, just to steal her butcher knife. In the original, he just stole on from a woman's house. After he kills the housewife, he wanders into a random house and kills the woman inside, for no reason???? However, the brutality, and some humor, are definitely here.

     The extent to the preparation that Laurie has gone through are elaborate, extensive, and absolute genius! This is the second best chapter in the illustrious career of Jamie Lee Curtis. She, and the original film, still holds the Scream Queen crown, and gave birth to the slasher genre. Although that last statement is highly debatable.

     I absolutely loved this sequel! Definitely worth the time and money! Suitable for anyone over the age of 14.

Like Father (2018) Written by: Lauren Miller Rogen & Anders Bard Directed by: Lauren Miller Rogen

     I don't understand how Netflix is able to market movies like this so well, only to deliver crap like this. In my humble opinion, Netflix continuously misses the mark on their original films. I've watched quite a few and I'm just never really that impressed.

     Now, don't get me wrong, the performances from Kristen Bell and Kelsey Grammer were both excellent; as were most of the other roles. It's the script that was lacking. That, and I totally didn't like the role of Jeff, played by Seth Rogen. He seemed really uncomfortable with this role and it showed. I think this is the first time I didn't like one of his his characters, but it was nice to seen a Fanboy reunion with him and Bell.

     I think the gay couple on the cruise, Jim (Paul W. Downs) and Steve (Zach Appelman), really stole the show. These two were absolutely hilarious and very caring at the same time. Grammer and Bell have really good chemistry and I have nothing but good things to say about their performances, but I'm confused as to why either would agree to film this based on the script.

     The film follows Bell's character, Rachel, as she tries to navigate the corporate branding world. The issue is, she only lives that life. On the day of her wedding she is calling clients and ends up being left at the alter because of it. Grammer plays her absent father, Harry, who has been keeping track of Rachel for years via the Internet.

     After a long night of drinking, the two find themselves on the cruise that was meant to be a honeymoon cruise for Rachel and Owen (Jon Foster). Of course, everyone confuses the Rachel and Harry as newlyweds, until Harry announces to their cruise companions otherwise.

     Father and daughter reluctantly begin to reconnect and we discover that Harry, a once successful businessman, has gone bankrupt due to his partners illness and eventual death. The way Grammer delivers on he and his partner, leads you to think they had a romantic relation, but you discover they did not. This would definitely made the film more interesting though.

     Eventually, Rachel learns how to not be so dependent on her work life, and she and Harry begin to enjoy their trip. It's so basic that it ends up being boring and extremely lackluster. I really hate when you get excellent performances, the camera work and all of the production portions are well done, but then the movie just isn't good.

     This movie is appropriate for anyone over 12, as there is a bit of language, sexual innuendos, and drug use. Watch at your own risk. 

The Meg (2018) Written by: Dean Georgaris and Joe Hoeber Directed by: Jon Turteltaub

     This ended up being better than I thought it would be, but that's not really saying a lot. My son and I watched this in 3D last night, and the only reason we went was because we had free tickets. I believe we both had a good time, and it was obvious that there were a lot of other people having fun as well.

     A group of scientists, under the dollar of billionaire Jack Morris (Rainn Wilson), hypothesize that what we believe to be the ocean floor is actually a layer of sludge with warm water underneath. The scientists are stationed on a high-tech platform with several levels under sea level that is headed by Dr. Minway Zhang (Winston Chao) and his marine biologist daughter Suyin (Bingbing Li). In addition, Suyin has brought her eight year old daughter Meiying (Shuya Sophia Cai), who is the shining point in the film. She is absolutely adorable and plays her part very well.

     Dr. Zhang, decides to launch a deep sea submarine to penetrate into this undiscovered world. The sub is manned by pilot Celeste (Jessica McNamee), who is accompanied by The Wall (Ólafur Darri Ólafsson), and Toshi (Masi Oka aka Hiro from Heroes). When the sub is attacked and disabled, Morris and Dr. Zhang send Mac (Cliff Curtis) to bring back Jonah (Jason Statham), the only man known to have completed a rescue at that depth.

     To make matters more interesting, the sub pilot, Celeste, is Jonah's ex-wife. Having vowed never to take part in a deep sea rescue after loosing two good friends, Celeste is the catalyst that changes Jonah's mind. However, when Jonah reaches the platform, he instantly falls for Suyin. And although she seems cold to him, she quickly warms up.

     On the platform is also engineer Jaxx, played by the absolutely ravishing Ruby Rose, and rover pilot DJ, played by the hilarious Page Kennedy. Also on the rig is Dr. Heller (Robert Taylor), who was present the last time Jonah was on a rescue and lost his friends. There is some bad blood between them because Heller blamed Jonah for the deaths of their friends.

     Jonah, takes a second sub down and save most of the crew of the other sub, but while in these new depths, they come face-to-face with the prehistoric Megalodon, the largest shark in history. After a narrow escape, Jonah and the crew on the rig soon find that the Meg has risen from the depths to hunt them and feed on anything in sight. Now it's up to Jonah and the crew to stop this ultimate predator, on it's turf, before it can wreak too much havoc. 

     The main issue I had with this film were the missed opportunities. There were a lot of funny moments, and because of that, I wish they would have poked fun at Jaws. Something along the lines of a "bigger boat" reference, or beach goers on a bouncy banana boat. Also, if you're going into this film with hopes of massive amounts of gore, ie the new "Piranha" films, you're out of luck. There is a lot of blood and guts, unfortunately, it all belongs to marine life.

     There is a lot of action and this may be the most attractive group of people you'll ever see on an ocean rig, but it is still enjoyable. Suitable for anyone 12 or older. Wait for the Blu-Ray release and don't waist your money going to the theater.

Death Wish (2018) Written By:Joe Carnahan & Brian Garfield Directed By: Eli Roth

     I actually really like Bruce Willis in this Charles Bronson remake. Although, I am anxious to find out if they used CG on Willis' face during this film. Something just didn't look right and it was very distracting. It was little parts of the story that really brought me in and made me pay attention.

     After a brutal home invasion that took the life of his wife (Elisabeth Shue), and left his teenage daughter (Camila Morrone) in a serious coma, emergency room surgeon Paul Kersey (Bruce Willis) sets out to exact revenge. 

     After a few separate events trigger Kersey's mind, he decides to take matters into his own hands. After all, the Chicago P.D. isn't doing anything with his case. He first tries to purchase a firearm legally, but the tracking and endless paperwork causes him to look at other means. Luckily, a gang member is brought into his E.R. and drops a Glock onto the floor as he dies.

     Eventually, Kersey sets out in his hoody onto the rough streets of Chicago looking for trouble. It doesn't take long for him to find it either as he sees a couple being carjacked. As Kersey starts firing at the stolen SUV, the gun slide clips his hand and wounds him. This is one of those small scenes that I loved about this movie. Anyway, Kersey kills the bad guys all while keeping his identity shielded from a lady taking cell phone video.

     I think the best part was the killing of the second gang member that was in his home. He finds this guy, wrenching away under his car. Kersey uses his surgical expertise to cut into the guys sciatic nerve and then he proceeds to pour brake fluid into the wound. Then he cold cocks him with a giant wrench. When the baddy wakes up, Kersey crushes him under the weight of his own car. The head squish was superb.

     After hearing some bad news about his daughter, Kersey goes out to find the last guy. Meanwhile, his brother Frank, played brilliantly by the incomparable Vincent D'Onofrio, goes in search of his brother. Instead, he discovers that his brother is the hooded vigilante that has been roaming the streets, dispatching bad guys all over Chicago.

     After a shootout in a local club between Kersey and the leader of the gang who murdered his wife, the gang leader is taken to the hospital while Kersey escapes down an alley. While at the hospital, the bad guy tells the police who the hooded vigilante really is. With no proof, the police can't move forward.

     Suddenly, Kersey's daughter, Jordan, wakes up. Kersey promises his brother that he will stop, but as Jordan is discharged, her and her father are met in the elevator by the also discharged bad guy. He ends a venomous conversation by letting Dr. Kersey know that he will be seeing him soon.

     That night, Kersey prepares for the last confrontation with this gang. As they enter his home, he quickly dispatches them and saves the day! 

     This does seem like the typical Bruce Willis film, and it is, if it weren't such a Bronson film! For those of us old enough to remember the original, that's what this will always be, a remake. But that younger crowd can respect it for the movie it is. That movie isn't bad at all. I wouldn't let anyone under 14 watch this, but it is a good movie for everyone else.

A Quiet Place (2018) Written By:Bryan Woods & Scott Beck Directed By: John Krasinski

     WOW! This was really good. Usually, I wouldn't like stories like this, but this one was well crafted, and very well played. Very suspenseful, and sometimes down right frightening.

     The story jumps right in, 89 days into a world altering event where these fearsome creatures are hunting and attacking anything that makes a sound. The script gives us no idea where the creatures came from, or how devastated the world has become. I usually hate when the how and why isn't given, but it actually added to this movie.

     We first meet the Abbott family scavenging for food in a local grocery store. No words are spoken, but we see each family member has specific items they are looking for. We see Evelyn (Emily Blunt) search for medicine to aid her son Marcus (Noah Jupe) who is obviously sick. We also see Regan (Millicent Simmonds) who is deaf, young Beau (Cade Woodward), and father Lee (John Krasinski). Upon leaving, Beau grabs a rocket ship which is immediately taken, batteries removed, and the ship placed on the counter by his father. However, after the parents leave, Regan gives the ship back to Beau. 

     No words are spoken as the family travels away from the town. As they begin to cross the bridge a sounds rings out. It's the sirens from the space ship. Beau had grabbed the batteries and placed them in the toy. Lee, sensing the danger, runs after Beau, but doesn't make it in time. Beau is snatched and killed by one of the monsters.

     Jump forward about 400 days. The family is still trying to cope with their loss. Evelyn, for some strange reason, is pregnant. But the family is well stocked with food and supplies. They have settled into a routine and have even painted the floors and stairs to show them where to step. Lee has also discovered things about these creatures. For instance, they are blind and their bodies have some kind of protective armor that can withstand a shotgun blast.

     This family has worked out everything to protect themselves and the to insure the safe arrival of the new baby. But how much can you really prep for, when the enemy has the odds stacked in their favor? I don't want to give too much away, but lets just say, "there isn't anything a parent wouldn't do for their child"!

     I would label this more as a Suspense film over a Horror. I love that the movie is so open. You don't really discover where the monsters come from or why they hunt humans. I also like that you don't find out who wins.

    Husband and wife duo Krasinski and Blut play wonderfully off of each other. Krasinski shows a range that I didn't know he had. Bravo! Emily Blunt is always wonderful, and she doesn't let down here. I was very surprised with the children, Simmonds and Jupe. They were so believable and wonderful. They made the film what it was.

     Definitely worth the watch and appropriate for anyone over the age of 12. Really a great movie.

Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018) Written by: Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers, & Paul Rudd Directed by:Peyton Reed

     

     Will Marvel ever miss the target again? It's hard to imagine that they could. This is another film where Marvel proves they know how to play the long game. None of their movies seem to be set up for a stand alone entity, and this ties directly into the events that we saw in Avengers: Infinity War. Not to mention that this is probably the most funny franchise in the MCU.

     We last saw Scott Lang/Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) in a floating prison at the end of Captain America: Civil War. Since then, he has been on house arrest and forbidden to have contact with Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) or Hope Van Dyne/Wasp (Evangeline Lilly), or to use any form of technology. We, of course, know that this won't hold up. Otherwise, we wouldn't have a film.

     New theories emerge as we learn that there is a chance that Hank's wife, Janet Van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer) could possibly still be alive after being trapped in the Quantum Realm for the last thirty years. This sets Hank and Hope on a quest to build a transportation device that can be used to rescue her. Seeing that Hope and her father are both being hunted by the FBI for violating the Sacovian Accords, they must purchase their tech from a black market dealer played brilliantly by Walton Goggins. As he and Hope meet up for their final exchange, a new player enters the game. Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen) interrupts the exchange and makes off with the last piece to the Quantum machine, as well as the shrunken Pym lab.

     Scott (Rudd), having had a dream like premonition of Janet, calls Hank and Hope to offer his help. This, of course, leads to Scott breaking the terms of his house arrest and setting off in an attempt to find Ghost, retrieve the lab, and enter the Quantum Realm to save Janet, all while keeping the FBI from discovering he has left his home. Seems a monumental task, but not for our team.

     Rudd enlists his team of misfits from the first film; the scene stealing Luis (Michael Peña), Dave (T.I.), and Kurt (David Dastmalchian) to assist in the plan and simultaneously get their budding security company, X-Cons, up and running. Meanwhile, Hank and Hope decide to visit and old colleague of Hank's, Dr. Bill Foster/Goliath (Laurence Fishburne) who may also be able to help.

     We quickly discover that Foster has been aiding Ghost in her attempts to find a cure for her "phasing" power, which is quickly killing her. We also find out the Janet holds the key to Ghost's recovery. This fact leads ghost to want to kill Janet to absorb the Quantum energy that Janet has stored within herself over the last thirty years.

     I wrote the other day about the Incredibles 2. I mentioned that sequels rarely live up to the original, and in many ways, the same is true for this film. However, there are some great character strides that are made between the first film and this one. One example is Scott's daughter, Cassie (Abby Ryder Fortson). She steals every scene she is in and completely steals your heart with it. I loved the role of Paxton (Bobby Cannavale), who is Cassie's step dad. He adores Scott and frequently shows it, physically! Then there is the role of FBI Agent Jimmy Woo (Randall Park). He tries so hard to bust Scott violating his parole, of course, with no avail.

     This was just another in a long line of fantastic Marvel films, and needs to be seen to fully understand what will happen in the follow up to Avengers: Infinity War. So, anyone who has invested the time to keep up with the MCU thus far, definitely go see this movie! Loads of fun and very family friendly.
   

Incredibles 2 (2018) Written and Directed by: Brad Bird

     I've waited so long for this film. The original was the first movie I saw in the theaters with my daughter. My son was only about three years old, and my daughter was about a year old. Now my son is 18 and my daughter is almost 16. In the last 15 years we have re-watched and enjoyed the original many times, we were long overdue for a sequel!

     Continuing the events of the end of the first film, our cast of heroes are battling The Underminer (John Ratzenberger)! This, however, doesn't go well, and the Underminer escapes having robbed the cities bank. Due to the destruction and failure to stop the Underminer, the hero program is cancelled and the Parr family are essentially fired.

     Enter Winston and Evelyn Deavor; a brother and sister who have inherited a world wide telecommunication company with a goal of making it again legal to be a super hero. The Deavor's set their eyes on Mister Incredible (Craig T. Nelson), Elastigirl (Holly Hunter), and Fro-Zone (Samuel L. Jackson), to be their first heroes to wear body-cams in an effort to show the world what happens from the heroes point-of-view.

     The Deavor's elect to have Elastigirl be the first of the heroes to enter the field with the body cam, and she quickly encounters ScreenSlaver (Bill Wise). ScreenSlaver uses hypnosis to control the minds of anyone who looks into his controlled screens. After a few terrorist acts, Elastigirl tracks down ScreenSlaver and captures him.

     Meanwhile, Mr. Incredible, Bob, has been put in charge of the kids and the home. He also, inadvertently, had the mind of Violet's (Sarah Vowell) new beau wiped, and caused Tony (Michael Bird) to stand her up on their first date. Bob is also trying to help Dash (Huck Milner) decipher common core math. On top of everything else, Jack-Jack (Eli Fucile) has started displaying a wide range of uncontrollable powers. All Bob wants to do is join in the fight with his wife.

     Bob, and Fro-Zone, get their chance to do battle with a group of supers who have been hypnotized by the real ScreenSlaver after the kids set them and Elastigirl free from the mind control. The Incredibles and Fro-Zone save the day and in doing so, convince the world that Supers are good and should be legalized again.

     This sequel was a lot of fun, however, like most other sequels, falls short of the original. I wanted a super-villain on par with Syndrome (Jason Lee), and we just don't get that. Of course, there's only one Jason Lee! This was very funny and had great elements, it just didn't stand up to the original. The scenes with Edna (Brad Bird).     

     In closing, this film is definitely worth the price of admission. It's family friendly, and a ton of laughs. I just hope we don't have to wait another 15 years for episode 3!) were possibly the best in the film. Edna, who strongly reminds me of Linda Hunt from NCIS: Los Angeles fame, agrees to babysit Jack-Jack after he charms her heart with his cuteness and his abilities. Of course, she designs him a super-suit and invents a tablet to help Bob control Jack-Jack's powers.

Se7en (1995) Written by: Andrew Kevin Walker Directed by: David Fincher

     It's been a while since I watched this timeless masterpiece, but after viewing it last night with my daughter, it recaptured all the emotion as the first time I watched it. Such a great film, great story, and great performances, which all lead to this being one of my favorite films of all time.

     Detective David Mills (Brad Pitt) has been granted a requested reassigned to the big city to fill the vacancy that is about to be left by the retiring Detective William Somerset (Morgan Freeman). Shortly after Mills arrives, the two are thrust into a series of murders based on the biblical seven deadly sins.

     Gluttony (Bob Mack) is the first murder they find when the two are called to the scene where they find a horrifically obese man that appears to have drowned in spaghetti sauce. Upon further investigation, they discover that the man's hands and feet were bound just beneath the rim of the dining table. The coroner discovers that the man was force fed the spaghetti until his stomach started bleeding, at which time the killer kicked him causing his stomach to burst. Inside the man's stomach, they find pieces of linoleum that fit groves cut into the dead mans kitchen floor. That's where they find the word "Gluttony" along with a note leading them into the rabbit hole.

     In short succession, the sin of Greed (Gene Borkan) is discovered when the body of an uptown defense lawyer is discovered in his office. The lawyer was given a choice this time. He was given the option of where to sever his pound of flesh to atone for having fought to keep criminals on the streets. Our detectives discover that the killer took his time and made the lawyer really think about his crime and how to atone. After questioning the dead lawyer's wife, the detectives discover fingerprints behind a painting spelling out the words "Help Me".

     During the Greed murder investigation, we find that Detective Mills' wife, Tracy (Gwyneth Paltrow), has invited Detective Somerset to their home for dinner, as a chance to meet him. The three have a nice meal and become closer over several topics of conversation and a closer look into Mills' home life.

     The finger prints left behind the painting at the Greed scene belong to a pedophile who has been staying in a local hotel. Mills, Somerset, and a SWAT team lead by "Code-name California"(John C. McGinley) from their police force ascend on the hotel and come face to face with Sloth (Michael Reid MacKay). The person to whom the fingerprints belonged has been bound to a bed for exactly one year. The detectives find photos taken each day up until the day before the discovery of this latest victim. The killer has provided hair, skin, urine, and several other samples from this pedophile. And surprisingly, this victim is still ALIVE!!!

     The investigation uncovers that Sloth's mind had completely turned to mush, and he ate his own tongue. The killer had severed his hand in order to leave to fingerprints, and a doctor states that a simple flashlight to Sloth's eye could be enough trauma to kill him. 

     After Mills makes an off handed comment about the killer having a library card, Somerset contacts an informant from the CIA, to track local library cards for several key books that have been borrowed. This leads them to the apartment of "John Doe" (Kevin Spacey), whom they believe could be their killer. While Mills and Somerset arrive at the apartment listed for John, they are met with gunfire from a mysterious stranger in the hallway. Mills sets out quickly in an attempt to capture this stranger.

     The brilliant moment in this scene is when Mills descends onto the street via a wet fire escape. When the ladder hits the ground it bucks Mills off and he his a mark and then falls onto the sidewalk. When he falls, Brad Pitt actually severely injures his hand. He doesn't stop the scene and continues with blood pouring from his wound. Fincher left the actual injury in the film because Pitt's performance was real and showed complete dedication.

     Anyway, John Doe escapes. Mills breaks down the apartment door to Doe's home and he, Somerset, and a forensic squad begin their journey into the mind of a killer. Inside, they find over 2000 composition note books filled with a record of John Doe's daily life. They find photos of his victims, along with his stash of money. They also find a receipt from a leather fetish shop.

     Our pair of detectives find "Wild Bill's" and discover that Doe had commissioned a special piece of leather-wear complete with a very large blade in the area where a penis would fit. Of course, this leads into the crime of Lust.

     Mills and Somerset are called to a sex shop where they discover a man (Leland Orser), in total shock, wearing the fetish suit. On a bed across from him lies the mutilated body of a prostitute Cat Mueller). John Doe forced the man in the suit to have intercourse with the prostitute, which of course ripped her body to shreds. Of course, in this type of establishment, not even the doorman (Michael Massee) noticed anyone suspicious.

     Shortly after interviewing the doorman and the physical perpetrator of the Lust crime, Mills and Somerset are called to investigate the scene of Pride. The gruesome scene shows a woman (Heidi Schanz), with her face terrible mutilated, with her nose having been severed. In one have, a telephone has been glued; in the other, a bottle of sleeping pills. John gave this woman the choice, she could live being disfigured, or she could end her suffering and not have to live her life being ugly.

     On their way back to their office, in the precinct, a man calls out to them. It's John Doe. He spreads his arms and proclaims, "I think you're looking for me".  After being taken into custody, we learn that Doe have removed his own fingerprints, is independently wealthy, and well educated. He also claims that there are two more bodies that would complete his mission. Doe explains that he will lead only Mills and Somerset to these victims, and if they agree, he will plead guilty to all of the crimes and sign a full confession. If they do not agree, he plans to plead insanity.

     Obviously, both Mills and Somerset are anxious to end this charade and agree to escort Doe to this new crime scene. I won't delve into the ending, but I will say that all three actors, Pitt, Freeman, and Spacey all give some of the best performances I've ever seen in one scene. The powerful anguish, anger, manipulation, and revealing nature of the big picture are so well delivered that this scene is enough to make this film one of my all time favorites. Envy and Wrath are intertwined in a fantastic explosion with no one making it through unscarred.

     Before this film, I would let myself like Brad Pitt as an actor. It seemed like he was just a "pretty face" actor. That instantly changed with his portrayal of Detective David Mills. And I also understand the controversy of behind both Morgan Freeman and Kevin Spacey regarding allegations of sexual misconduct. I will say, that I do not condone or support anyone that commits these types of crimes. As of this writing, I am not aware of any indictments having been filed against either actor. That being said, I do believe that you can dislike a person for their actions, and still appreciate their body of work. That is how I feel about both Freeman and Spacey, at this point.

     Anyway, this is a GREAT film. Anyone over the age of 13 needs to see this. I know it's technically Rated-R, but I hate the rating system, and do not follow it in my home. I give my ratings as a father, and at what age I would let my children watch a film. Thanks for reading.

     

Coco (2017) Written by: Lee Unkrich & Jason Katz Directed by: Lee Unkrich & Adrian Molina

     I'm not sure how normal it is for a 40 year old man to really want to watch a new Disney/Pixar movie, but that's where I was from the first preview I saw of Coco. I wasn't sure what it was about the short clip that instantly captured my imagination, but it did, and last night, on Father's Day, I finally hit "Play". So glad that I did.

     Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez) is a young man growing up in a small town in Mexico to family of shoe makers that all despise music. Miguel, however, has music in his soul and desperately wants to let it out. Miguel's idol is the long dead Ernesto De la Cruz (Benjamin Bratt), his towns most famous mariachi. Miguel is very close to his great-grandmother, Coco (Ana Ofelia Murguía), and shares everything with her. 

     We soon find that his town celebrates the Day of the Dead where they display photos of their dead relatives in an effort to allow the deceased a day to be remembered and to temporarily cross over to the land of the living. After an argument with his family over his love of music, Miguel accidentally knocks over a photo of Coco with her mother and father, although the father's head has been removed from the photo. After unfolding the hidden section of the photo, we discover that Miguel's great-great-grandfather was also a mariachi and left his family in search of fame when Coco was still a toddler. This is what led to his families hatred of music. The wardrobe, and guitar belonging to mariachi in the photo are instantly recognized as Ernesto.

     With Miguel's own guitar having recently been destroyed by his grandmother, Miguel attempts to use the guitar of De la Cruz which is on display in this tom, to enter a contest to "Seize his day". The theft of the guitar has unforeseen consequences as Miguel finds himself transported to the land of the dead.

     After meeting his deceased family, Miguel is given the chance to return to the land of the living, under the restriction that he never pursue music again. Refusing, and with the knowledge that anyone in his deceased family can send him home, Miguel sets out to find Ernesto so that he will send Miguel home with the blessing to play music.

     As Miguel makes his escape, he meets Hector (Gael García Bernal); a bumbling spirit that claims to have once played with Ernesto, and in exchange for Miguel taking Hector's photo back to the land of the living, is willing to help Miguel in his quest.

     Hijinks's ensue as Miguel and Hector attempt to reach Ernesto while evading Miguel's dead clan and before sunrise when Miguel will become a permanent resident of the land of the dead.With a great twist in the story, and a tear jerking revelation, Miguel returns home and brings the gift of music back to his family.

     This film is beautifully colored and brought to life by the geniuses at Disney/Pixar. Visually, the most stunning aspect to me was the fluidity of the musicians fingers as they glided over the fret boards. So much attention to detail with every note was simply mind blowing! As usual, these companies also seem to find the most eloquent scripts to bring to life. Miguel's love of music is only trumped by the love of family.

     I will openly admit that I cried several times during this movie, as my wife sat close by laughing and mocking me. I was really touched by this story and it gave me a very special Father's Day memory. Definitely recommended for everyone with the means to watch a movie.

The Vault (2017) Written by: Dan Bush & Conal Byrne Directed by: Dan Bush

     Seems like an ordinary bank heist. Nothing could be farther from the truth. When sisters Leah (Francesca Eastwood) and Vee Dillion (Taryn Manning) decide to rob a bank to save their brother Michael (Scott Haze), they think they have everything figured out. That is until everything starts to go wrong.

     This movie gave me the same feeling as "From Dusk till Dawn". It starts as a heist movie, then takes a sharp left turn. Taryn Manning gives a fantastic performance as the more reckless Dillon sister. She is accompanied by Eastwood and Haze, whom I had not been introduced to until now, both giving excellent performances. The casting I wasn't sure of was that of James Franco as the bank vice president, Ed Maas. I love seeing actors like Franco in these different types of roles. It really shows their scope, and that definitely held true in this case.

     After taking their hostages, the merry band of bank robbers discover that the bank vault is nearly empty. That's when Maas steps in and informs the crooks that there is a basement vault holding $6 million dollars, and he holds the key to the vault.

     We soon finds that Michael isn't quite the bad guy is made out to be, as he begins to protect and care for the hostages while the others continue their heist. Accompanying the three siblings are various other robbers including a skinhead, a technician, and several others impersonating rescue personnel.

     The robbers soon agree to open the basement vault with the help of Maas and that's when the story pulls a 180. While attempting to open the vault, our felons encounter crazed, zombie like beings that go unseen on the monitors that surround the bank.

     Some truly gruesome death scenes, and an unraveling mystery fill the rest of the film. We discover that someone had robbed the bank once before, in 1982. The thief at the time was not as kind as the Dillon's, and had killed all of the hostages and bank employees at the time.

     Long story short, the zombie-like beings that our present day thieves are encountering, are actually the long dead apparitions of the murdered hostages and employees. They are also surprisingly being led by a masked figure, thought to be the dead leader of the past thieves. I'll admit that at this time I was guessing that Franco's character was actually the masked bandit leader. I'll also let you know that I was wrong.

     I've failed to mention, somehow, the always brilliant Clifton Collins Jr. as Detective Tom Iger. This was another character that I read completely wrong. I thought, at first that Iger was in on the heist, but I guess I was wrong? Collins is one of those actors that always put in stellar performances, but always goes unappreciated. He is essentially "that guy who played in that one movie". Which is completely unjustified.

     While we get to see a man run a drill through his own head, and another use a shotgun to decapitate himself, we also get to see Michael give everything to ensure the safety of his sisters. Not only is there some really cool gore, this film comes packed with two twists at the end. What is the final fate of the sisters Dillon? And what mysterious role does Maas play in this twisted tale?

     I didn't really have any interest in watching this movie. However, after watching a really disappointing film earlier this evening, I figured my choice in film couldn't get much worse. I decided to take a chance on this movie that I probably wouldn't have if the last movie would have been any good. I'm glad I did give it a shot though. I redeemed the night, and ended up enjoying myself. I'm sure fans of horror or the paranormal will have fun.