Gone Baby Gone (2007) Written by: Ben Affleck and Arron Stochard Directed by: Ben Affleck

   

     Gone Baby Gone is one of those movies that I love, but because of the subject matter, it's hard to watch. Director, Ben Affleck, does a great job bringing this Boston neighborhood to life in a truthful, compelling, and dangerous way. He draws you in by having actors actually engaging with local extras and really bring the folklore of a seedy Boston town to the screen.

     The story follows private eyes Patrick Kenzie (Casey Affleck) and Angie Gennaro (Michelle Monaghan) as they are hired to find a missing four year old girl. The little girl is the product of drug using/dealing parents, and her mother, Helene (Amy Ryan), leaves her alone frequently. Helene live in a duplex shared with her brother Lionel, played absolutely brilliantly by Titus Welliver, and his wife Bea (Amy Madigan). Bea and Lionel are the primary caregivers of little Amanda (Madeline O'Brien). They are also the pair that hire Patrick and Angie, because they know the neighborhood and will work in ways the police can't.

     Through seedy connections with drug dealers and neighborhood rats, Patrick and Angie are running down leads and quickly are on the radar of detectives Remy Bressant (Ed Harris) and Nick Poole (John Ashton), as well as Captain Jack Doyle, played superbly by Morgan Freeman, who heads a division that seeks out missing children. Through their cooperation with the detectives, Patrick learns of a lead, three scumbags living together. Two are drug users and the third is a known pedophile. Unfortunately, this guy is more attracted to boys between 7 and 10 years of age. Another dead end.

    Eventually, our P.I.'s and detectives run down a lead after the mother confesses that she, and her now dead boyfriend, ripped off a local drug lord for $130,000. Patrick makes a visit to said drug lord who claims to have no idea of the location of the missing girl, but expresses that he expects his money back. A ransom letter, accompanied by little Amanda's blanket, are left in Patrick's mailbox laying out a deal to exchange Amanda for the cash. At the exchange, something goes array and Amanda falls into a quarry and is presumed dead.

     A couple of weeks pass and the news of another child that has gone missing from the neighborhood attracts the attention of Patrick, who after losing Amanda, is looking for redemption. This time, the missing child is a 7 year old boy. Patrick is approached by his drug dealing friend Bubba (Slain), who reminds Patrick of the three scumbags mentioned earlier. The two confirm that the pedophile, played by Matthew Maher, is also in the home and seems to have the missing boys medallion on his wrist.

     Patrick decides it's best to bring in the detectives, but the three are ambushed as they attempt to enter the home. Sadly, Patrick finds the young boy dead due to the action of the pedophile. Acting on impulse, Patrick kills the murder with a gun shot to the back of his head. In the course of the attempted arresting, detective Poole is killed.

     After a slip of the tongue by detective Bressant, Patrick pieces together that there is something else behind the missing Amanda. As the puzzle starts top come together, Patrick and Angie go back to question Lionel and Bea.  Lionel admits that he helped the detectives kidnap Amanda in an attempt to save her life from her destructive mother. Lionel wanted Amanda to have a good life. This confession leads Patrick to little Amanda and to a moral conundrum; leave Amanda where she is and allow her to have a good life eventually forgetting the traumas she has already survived, or return her to her mother who has the right to raise her daughter. Dire consequence loom over either choice, but only Patrick can make the decision.

     I watched this film with my 15 year old daughter yesterday after having seen it myself about three times previous. She loved it, and so did I, again. I think it would be appropriate for anyone over 14. I really liked this movie and my only real argument is against the thick Boston slang. Sometimes it's hard to pick up on the actual dialog.

   

Dark City (1998) Written and Directed by: Alex Proyas

   

     Dark City was one of those strange films that really caught my attention from the opening scene to the end credits. The dark, grainy world created by writer/director Alex Proyas is fascinating. The grays and blues that are supposed to portray a depressing world come off so beautifully on film. And I loved the way the shadows danced between the worlds of reality and perception. This film really had a lot to offer.

     John Murdoch (Rufus Sewell) awakens in a motel room with no memory and accompanied by a recently deceased woman's body (Melissa George). As he is pursued by the police, Murdoch stumbles into a world controlled by a group of pale skinned "people" with the ability to construct and reconstruct the world any way they wish. This includes manipulating the memories of every person alive.

     Murdoch's memories start to return as he discovers his wife played by the gorgeous and incredibly talented Jennifer Connelly is singing in a lounge and has no recollection of him. This only serves to thicken the plot as Murdoch is being sought by not only these strange figures, but also by police Inspector Frank Bumstead (William Hurt). Twists and turns a plenty as Murdoch tries to uncover the mystery in his lost memories, who is murdering these women, and who are these men who hold all of the power in this Dark City.

     The most compelling character, in my opinion, is Dr. Daniel P. Schreber, played absolutely wonderfully by Kiefer Sutherland. This is a role I never thought I'd see Kiefer in, but he played it so strangely that it was one of his most memorable roles to me. It seems that Dr. Schreber is the only one who knows the secrets of the mystery men, Murdoch's lost memories, and everything else. Dr. Schreber has served as a kind of liaison between the people living in the city and the strange figures controlling them. But can he help Murdoch unravel his past before the strangers discover his plan?

     Every night at midnight, the city falls asleep and this gives the strange men the opportunity to manipulate everyone the way they see fit. Dr. Schreber concocts a serum that is able to erase and implant new memories into anyone. This serum has the ability to change a millionaire into a school janitor, or a homeless woman into a housewife. Which makes it hard for Murdock to distinguish between real memories and implanted ones as he starts to see his own story in a series of flashback.

     I love this film, although it is a bit strange. I know that it's definitely not every one's cup of tea. It is, however, worth the watch just for the beauty and stellar performances. Not recommended for those under 16 as there is a bit of nudity and some violence.

   

Lady Bird (2017) Written and Directed by: Greta Gerwig

   

     Well, wasn't what I expected. Think I expected a lot more because of all of the hype that surrounded the film during the Oscar season. The performances were on point, but I just think the movie was a bit boring. It wasn't horrible, just not as good as I expected.

     The film follows Christine "Lady Bird" McPherson, played brilliantly by Saoirse Ronan, a high school senior trying desperately to escape Sacramento, "the Midwest of California". Lady Bird is a very passionate and somewhat combative girl who seems to lack a social filter at times. She also has a strange, argumentative relationship with her mother, played superbly, as usual, by Laurie Metcalf.

      Lady Bird goes to a Catholic school because her brother (Jordan Rodrigues) has seen someone "knifed" outside of his public school. She seems to have only one true friend, Julie (Beanie Feldstein). Julie is overweight and very shy, but she and Lady Bird really understand each other. They both decide to try out for the school play and both are cast. That's when Lady Bird meets Danny (Lucas Hedges). It's instant puppy love in it's most innocent form.

     As their relationship builds, Lady Bird finds that she is preparing herself for sex with Danny. However, after a betrayal, their budding romance is ended and Lady Bird almost instantly becomes involved with Kyle (Timothee Chalamet). Kyle plays guitar in a high school band and has a very mysterious persona. After an encounter at a party, Lady Bird and Kyle become an item. Following that, they have sex. Lady Bird, being a virgin, had believed that Kyle was also inexperienced, and is shocked to find out otherwise as soon as the short event ends.

     With all of this happening, Lady Bird is fighting with her mother over college applications. Lady Bird has a passion to attend school on the east coast, while her mother longs for her to stay closer to home. Fortunately, Lady Bird's dad (Tracy Letts), agrees to help her complete some application forms for the schools she really wants to attend.

     Also, with the company of Kyle, comes a new group of popular friends including the much more experienced Jenna (Odeya Rush). As Julie is pushed from the picture, Lady Bird becomes more combative both at school and at home. Luckily, it doesn't take long for Lady Bird to realize that these new friends are preventing her from doing things that make her happy, and on the night of the prom, Lady Bird leaves these morons and runs into the arms of Julie. The two friends attend prom together and start to talk about being apart.

     Eventually, Lady Bird gets her acceptances and leaves for college. Once she's away, she realizes how much she really loved Sacramento. She knows that her path isn't in Sacramento, but that her heart always will be.

     This film is a modernized coming of age story that just missed the mark. It focuses more on the relationship between mother and daughter, but that too feels a little flat. I honestly do not understand the hype behind the film, but each performance was delivered quite well. This film is acceptable for anyone 12 or older.

 

Fanboys (2009) Written by: Ernest Cline and Adam F. Goldberg Directed by: Kyle Newman

   

      I know that I just reviewed "Ready Player One",  but there is another film written by Ernie Cline, "Fan Boys". This movie has it all, and is hilarious! Cline continuously knocks it out of the park with anything he writes. I'm already looking forward to an "Armada" film! Come on Ernie!

     Fan Boys follows a group of friends as they travel from Ohio to the Lucas Skywalker Ranch in California in an attempt to steal and watch a copy of Star Wars:Episode 1. Planning this caper are Eric (Sam Huntington), Linus (Chris Marquette), Hutch (Dan Folger), and Windows (Jay Baruchel).   
     Eric, having reluctantly had distanced himself from his friends and has turned his attention to becoming a car salesmen at his fathers, Big Chuck's (Christopher McDonald) dealership. When his high school friends come beckoning, Eric refuses to accompany them, until he learns that his best friend, Linus, is losing a battle with cancer.

     You discover that Eric and Linus were best friends who created a comic book together in their younger years and had just naturally drifted as Eric attempted to "grow up" and leave his fellow nerd friends behind. However, this heist has come at a horrible time for Eric as his father is preparing to leave the dealership to Eric. Big Chuck is a very overbearing figure that is very much against Eric hanging out with his old friends.

     Although the trip is fueled by the need to infiltrate Skywalker Ranch, at least one of our friends has an alternative reason to go on this trip. Windows has a online "girlfriend" that may just be as big of a nerd as he is. Weird because he is also being pursued by long time friend Zoe (Kristen Bell), who is not only beautiful, but is also real and present. However, Windows has no clue that Zoe even is a woman, as she is seen as just "one of the guys".

     Of course, no raid on Skywalker Ranch could be easily achieved, so our band of merry pirates seek out help along the way. The help comes from a very unexpected source as blue prints of the ranch itself, and information on how to breech the security is provided by none other than Captain James Tiberius Kirk himself, William Shatner!

     But what kind of story would this be if everything went so smoothly? On their way to meet Shatner, Windows meets his online love, who turns out to be tweenager Rogue Leader/Kimmy (Allie Grant). After refusing her advances, Windows and the gang are beaten and tested by Kimmy's BIG brother Harry Knowles (Ethan Suplee). They pass Harry's geek test and are set free, only to have Hutch's custom van breakdown.

     Luckily, after stripping for cash, the guys find the Chief (Danny Trejo) who is able and willing to fix their van. After a very stimulating peyote trip, the guys wake to find the van fixed and the Chief giving them a large amount of marijuana. Chief tells Linus that he needs it more than the Chief does, having sensed his illness. Shortly after leaving, they are pulled over and arrested for having the pot. Fortunately, Zoe comes to the rescue; and of course, now Zoe is included in the heist.

     In my opinion, one of the most hilarious parts of the film are the multiple roles played by Seth Rogen. You first meet him in the home town of Captain Kirk, and he plays the role of Admiral Seasholtz. He is a very annoying Star Trek fan who is easily mocked by our troupe. Dressed in complete uniform, Seasholtz is giving a tour when all hell breaks loose and our friends destroy a horribly made statue of Kirk fighting Khan.

     Later we see Rogen as a pimp named Roach. Seems that the always horny Hutch, and Windows decide that these two beautiful women at a casino are really into them, so they naturally invite them to their room where they both proceed to just talk to these girls for a while. To Hutch and Windows' surprise, and an hour passes, Roach enters the room looking for his money. Luckily, Roach is tattooed with Star Wars characters, including Jarjar, which gives these unlucky in love guys an oportunity to escape.

     Finally, once our group makes it to the Skywalker Ranch, they are able to get inside using the plans from Shatner. As they stumble around and geek out over Star Wars memorabilia, security catches up with them and manages to capture them. After some time and mild interrogation by Danny McBride and Craig Robinson, the voice of George Lucas deems that our groups is free to go. He also states that just one of them can see the film that has brought them across the country. Obviously, it's left to Linus.

     After the viewing, we seen Linus exit, alone, in tears. He expresses how wonderful the film was and the gang heads home.

     This film is really fun. The editing and directing are done well and the story flows nicely. We get a very healthy dose of cameo performances by the likes of Kevin Smith, Jason Mewes, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams as Judge Reinhold, Ray Park, and Will Forte, among others. I also recall seeing the preview for this film about two or three years before it actually hit theaters. Not sure what happened there, but it was worth the wait. Suitable for anyone 12 and up. Very great movie!

Ready Player One (2018) Written by: Ernest Cline Directed by: Steven Spielberg

   

     I've been waiting to write this review since I read the book. I never thought I'd be able to, basically because I never thought anyone would be able to secure the rights to so many properties. But leave it to Steven Spielberg to prove me wrong! He even was able to mix properties like the Delorean from Back to the Future, with the grill from K.I.T. from Knight Rider. I hated the reclining seats at the theater because it almost prevented me from being on the edge of my seat the whole time!

     The year is 2045 and in Columbus, Ohio teenager Wade Watts spends most of his time in the OASIS. The OASIS is a computer generated world where everything happens. Kids go to school there, vendors set up shop, and people can be whoever and whatever they dream of. Wade goes by the tag of Parzival, who was the last seeker of the Holy Grail and is played brilliantly by Tye Sheridan. In the OASIS, Parzival is joined by long time friend Aech (Lena Waithe), Sho (Phillip Zhao), and Daito (Win Morisaki). The four, having never met in the real world, dream of finding the three keys left by OASIS creator James Halliday.

     Halliday (Mark Rylance) grew up in the 1980's, loving all things "pop-culture" wise about the era. When the very eccentric Halliday, and partner Ogden Morrow (Simon Pegg) created the OASIS they could have never imagined how important it would become to the world. Upon Halliday's death, a message went out, from him, informing the world that there would be a contest. The winner of which would gain control of the OASIS as well as Halliday's shares in the company.

     It has been years since Halliday's passing and the frenzy over the keys have died down due to no one having even found the first key. Wade, however, has never given up. He frequents a library of Halliday's memories. Wade knows everything there is to know about Halliday's life. Wade hopes that someday this knowledge will lead him to the three keys and finally the "Easter Egg" which, once claimed, determines the overall winner.

     The film follows Wade/Parzival and his merry clan in their search for the three keys. It's during a race for the first key that Parzival meets Art3mis (Olivia Cooke), a beautiful avatar that Parzival has never seen. He is instantly smitten and saves her from being killed during the race. A friendship blooms and Art3mis is introduced to the rest of the clan. After the race Wade discovers the secret to winning the first key, and after doing so, the world sees the name PARZIVAL light up on the world board that tracks the game. Winning the first key allots Parzival a large amount of coin and instant recognition. It also draws the attention of the head of the corporation I0I. I0I is intent on winning the game and taking control of the OASIS in order to profit greatly from the users.

     The head of I0I is Sorrento, played by Ben Mendlesohn. Like any corporate head, he doesn't like to get his hands dirty, so he employees a henchmen named I-ROk (TJ Miller). I-ROk is tapped to eliminate Parzival within the game while the I0I security searches for Wade and company in the real world. The race for the keys is on as the drama unfolds in a fast paced scavenger hunt for the ultimate prize!

     Really loved how this movie took me back to my own childhood. It blended everything that was good about being a kid in the 80's with everything I love about video games and science fiction today. Still think that I-ROk's avatar should have been Skelator though!

     Based on the book by Ernest Cline, the film turned out to be pretty great. The books are always going to be better than a film, but this one was pretty close and I understand the things they left out. The editor did a pretty good job, but I am hoping for and extended cut on Blu-Ray. The mix between animation and live action was distributed well, and the action scenes were very intense. I found myself searching for characters from long past television shows and movies, which was very fun! I would definitely recommend this for anyone 10 and older. Thanks again to Ernie Cline for writing such a great, and positive universe for us all to enjoy so much.

A Clockwork Orange (1971) Written by: Anthony Burgess Directed by: Stanley Kubrick

   

     One of my all time favorite films! Director Stanley Kubrick really nails this film, based on the book by Anthony Burgess. Filled with iconic sets, fantastic wardrobes, crazy camera action shots, a bit of the ol' ultra-violence, this film has stood the test of time and is definitely a true cult classic!

     Malcolm McDowell plays Alex, your main character, lover of Beethoven, and humble narrator. Alex is a fine young chap living in London where he and his merry band of drooges like to take part in many entertaining activities, like rape, beatings, drinking at the Korvo Milk Bar, and even murder.

     This is a story about karma at its finest. You have this gang of four young teens, lead by Alex, who enjoy terrorizing all who come into their path. Eventually, Alex and company invade the home of an older couple where they rape and kill the wife and leave the husband paralyzed. Alex is left, betrayed, by his droog brothers, and promptly arrested.

      While in custody, Alex is sentenced to a type of re-wiring. He is strapped to a chair, his eyes forced to remain open while he is subjected to continuous visions of differing types of violence. He is given some type of medication, via eye drops, as he is subjected to this. Eventually, just the sight of violence makes him physically ill to the point of vomiting.

     Soon, thereafter, Alex is deemed rehabilitated and released to his parents. As Alex reasserts himself into the world, he finds that many things have changed. Two of his former friends have gone from gang members to corrupt policemen, who use their positions to beat Alex. He is also accosted by those he has wronged in the past. Finally, Alex finds himself seeking shelter after his beating, and he wanders to the home that he had invaded earlier. While the man living inside doesn't immediately recognize Alex, he invites him in to care for him. While in the bath, Alex begins signing, "Singing in the Rain", which happened to be the same song he song while beating and raping the hosts wife.

     Alex's fate lies in the hands of the man who's wife Alex had killed. Will your humble narrator survive this "chance" encounter? What are the lengths that karma will extend? Not recommended for anyone under 16. Great film!!!!

Fences (2016) Written by: August Wilson Directed by: Denzel Washington

   

     I'll just start by saying that if Denzel Washington deserved an Oscar for anything in his career, it's this! Not that I think he shouldn't have won for other films too, but this is his masterpiece!

     Adapted from the play of the same name, "Fences" is the story of a family that has had a rough time. The father Troy (Denzel Washington) is a trash collector in Pittsburgh during the 1950's. Troy is a bitter man because he had missed his opportunity to play professional baseball once the MLB started to allow black players into the league. Still, he works everyday to provide for his wife (Viola Davis) and his son (Jovan Adepo).

     Tensions in the family rise as Cory (Adepo) is set to visit a college recruiter for football. Troy's personal feelings cause him to create turmoil and prevents Cory from meeting the recruiter. Troy also bares the burden of caring for his brother Gabe, played by the talented Mykelti Williamson of "Forest Gump" fame. Gabe suffered a traumatic head injury while fighting against the Japanese during the war. In addition to Gabe, Troy finds himself funding an older son's gambling addiction. All the while being supported by Rose (Davis), his wife of 18 years.

     You see the build up of disappointment, jealousy, tension, and a kind of deep seeded depression within Troy as he starts to crumble. Of course, Rose is there to pick up the pieces and try to glue the family together. This is a truly great story of family and devotion.

     The movie is filmed in a style much like you would view the play. Denzel Washington, pulling double duty as an actor and director gives you very specific sets, and not much camera movement, to mimic the feeling of watching from the private boxes at a playhouse. With every performance being absolutely stellar, this is a film not just to watch, but to experience.  I would suggest this for anyone 12 and over.

Teenage Bonnie and Klepto Clyde (1993) Written by:Steve Jankowski and John Shepphird Directed by: John Shepphird

   

     Oh my God! This movie is off the wall! I'm pretty sure that I saw this around the time it came out, and I fell in love with it instantly. It's one of those films that are so horrible that it's great! You get "serious" actors like Scott Wolf (Clyde) and Maureen Flannigan (Bonnie) to play a new-age version of these classic outlaws but in a sex fueled, comedic form. Not sure I should have been laughing, but I was!

     In this version, Bonnie and Clyde are high school students that normally would never have been seen together, but after noticing that the both shared a pension for theft, they fall together in a very dangerous way. Bonnie is the daughter of the local commissioner, and Clyde flips burgers. When Clyde notices that Bonnie has been busted stealing, he manages to get her off of the charges and whisks her away in his stolen car. This is what causes Bonnie to fall for Clyde.

     The two set off on an adventure funded through bank robberies and small thefts across the country. After every heist, their young hormones are thrusts into overdrive and the two succumb to their sexual desires. However, after awhile, that becomes the only way that Bonnie is attracted to Clyde. Of course, this spells disaster for the two, especially after Bonnie's boyfriend, Kirk, shows up. Three's a crowd as the heists begin to go bad with Kirk around. Soon the trio is on the FBI radar, and after Kirk is taken out by the cops, Bonnie and Clyde are on the run for it. Everyone knows how the story ends, two star crossed lovers lying dead, holding hands.

     I actually really enjoy this film, although it is very difficult to find. The writing is horrible, but the delivery is good because of the on screen chemistry between the leads. Prior to this, I had only seen Scott Wolf in "Party of Five" and had zero exposure to Maureen Flannigan. So I was surprised that they were able to perform so well under such horrible circumstances. The camera work was off and out of focus at times, the film was grainy, and the sound was inconsistent. It was the actors themselves that made the movie fun and bearable. Not suited for those under 16.

Love, Simon (2018) Written by:Becky Albertalli Directed by:Greg Berlanti

   

     The only reason I saw this movie was that my wife had free tickets. She and my daughter had seen this a week ago, again with free tickets, and raved about it. My daughter promised me that it was good, and she usually trusts me when I proclaim the same to her, so I decided to go. I was pleasantly surprised.

     I'm really glad that no one told me that Jennifer Garner was in this, because that would have stopped me from going. I usually can not stand her, with the exception of "Catch and Release". However, she wasn't bad in this. Garner and Josh Duhamel play the parents of Simon (Nick Robinson) and Nora (Talitha Eliana Bateman).

     Simon is your typical high school senior. He has a loving family. His dad (Duhamel) was the quarterback and is overly sensitive. His mom was the valedictorian/liberal psychologist.  His sister, Nora is an aspiring culinary chef who uses the family as guinea pigs. He has his core group of friends, Nick (Jorge Lendeborg Jr.) Abby (Alexandra Shipp), and Leah (Katherine Langford). Simon is also in the drama club, and seems well liked by most of his school. But Simon has a secret! Simon is gay.

     Simon finds, on his schools blog, that there is another, anonymous guy at his school, "Blue", that is also gay. This mysterious post sets Simon's mind fluttering. He isn't alone with his secret. There is another person, at his school, going through the same thing. Simon responds, anonymously, setting in motion a chain of emails between the two. Neither boy having come out to anyone, they keep their true identities secret, even from each other.

     Along the way, Simon imagines several different people from his school as the mysterious "Blue". He daydreams about what it will finally be like to have a romantic encounter, and to finally be free to be who he really is with someone else. As Simon tries to unravel the clues to "Blue's" identity, he carelessly leaves their correspondences open on a school computer.They are quickly discovered by fellow drama nerd Martin (Logan Miller). Martin proceeds to blackmail Simon with threats of revealing his sexuality to the school in exchange for Simon's help winning the heart of Abby.

     Abby is relatively new to the school, but still way out of Martin's nerdy league. There is, in fact, an unspoken attraction between Abby and Nick. And further, Leah has been madly in love with Simon for years, but has been too shy to actually make her move. Instead she leaves very visible hints and innuendo. However, Simon begins to bow to Martin's demands, which sets in motion horrible ramifications amongst his friends.

     After a few weeks of trying to get Abby to fall for Martin, Simon suggests to Martin to make a grand gesture to her. Martin decides that the best to do this would be during the singing of the National Anthem at the Homecoming game. Of course, Abby rejects his proposal, and Martin leaves in complete embarrassment. Martin, after days of ridicule, outs Simon on the same school blog page that led to Simon finding Blue's original post.

     As Simon begins to endure his own ridicule and harassment, he decides to come out to his family. He finds his family tremendously supportive, however, his friends feel betrayed by his helping Martin and his distrust of them.

     Eventually Simon sets out to make things right and to finally find Blue. Starting with Leah, he explains to her, Nick, and Abby that what he did was in efforts to keep his secret and for the love of Blue. He posts a blog inviting Blue to meet him at the school carnival. And with most of the school looking on.....

     Anyway, this did turn out to be a pretty good movie. It was much funnier than I anticipated. Performances from the likes of Tony Hale as Vice Principle Worth, and Natasha Rothwell as Ms. Albright really set this film over the top. They were simply fantastic. The young, most gay cast, really came off as authentic and performed really well. I think that anyone would enjoy this film.

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017) Written and Directed by:Martin McDonagh

 

     I don't know why I went into this movie thinking it was a comedy. I was so very, and happily surprised with what I experienced in this film. I now understand all of the praise this movie received, and it deserved it!

     I knew going in that I would like this movie. With Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson, and Sam Rockwell, you really can't go wrong. Then you add in great performances by Caleb Landry Jones, Lucas Hedges, and fantastic character actor, Zeljko Ivanek.  This film has such a riveting story, and it is really so well acted. I haven't seen the Shape of Water as of yet, but I can't think that I will be as moved as I was during this film.

     Thankfully, this film starts fast with Mildred (McDormand) driving past the titled three billboards. Next you see her entering the company that owns the billboards and renting them, with cash. Shortly thereafter you discover why she is doing this. The horrifying loss of a child has torn her family and she feels that the local police have given up.

      The Ebbing Police force is led by Chief Willoughby (Harrelson) who is backed up by Officer Dixon (Rockwell). You find Willoughby explaining to Mildred that they simply had zero evidence. There was no DNA left, and there were no witnesses to the crime. Mildred of course can not accept this. She is determined to get answers and justice for her child.

     The entire town of Ebbing seems to mourn the loss of Mildred's child, but they are also firmly opposed to her display on the billboards. Dixon, who is sort of a challenged loose cannon, blames the owner of the publishing company, for allowing these signs to be erected on the billboards and confesses to always disliking him. The tension between these two builds throughout the film.

     Along the way we discover that Willoughby is dying from cancer. Once Mildred discovers this, the intensity of their personal battle calms. She still wants answers, but she empathizes with Willoughby's situation. After Willoughby's untimely death, Dixon goes on a slight rampage. He goes straight over the the publishing company, breaks through the door, assaults Red (the owner) and proceeds to throw him out of the window. This, of course, costs Dixon his job.

     As the frustration builds in the town, and in Mildred, she decides to burn down the police station. You see Mildred using molotov cocktails to burn the station, not knowing that Dixon was inside. Dixon escapes with severe burns, but lives and ends up in the same hospital room as Red. After Red continues to show him kindness, Dixon sets out to find the person who killed Mildred's child.

     Everything about this film is just superb; down to the lighting and camera angles. This film made me laugh, and it made me cry. There is a lot of pain on display, a lot of loss. I would recommend this for anyone 12 and over. Really worth the time, more than once!