Aug 4 2017

Detroit

Fifty years since the Detroit Rebellions the details behind the murders of three young African American men at the Algiers Motel remains largely unknown. Recounting the events in brutal detail based on the testimonies of those who were there, this is their story. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow and written by Mark Boal this racially charged history piece shines the light of examination on what is clearly a dark and disappointing moment for Detroit, but also calls to question even more recent events in U.S. history. With a powerhouse ensemble including John Boyega, Algee Smith, Jason Mitchell, Will Poulter, and Anthony Mackie to name a few, Bigelow creates an unforgettable piece that squarely places her combat boot on the throat of the viewer, driving her points of racial inequality and abuse of power only letting up after over two hours and twenty minutes, a welcome that does feel overstayed in the last act. Regardless, the pedigree remains high. Detroit is rated R.


Aug 4 2017

Kidnap

Single mom Karla (Halle Berry) is in a custody battle for her young son, Frankie (Sage Correa); meanwhile, a mysterious duo of kidnappers has plans of their own for Frankie. Pushed to her limits Karla will stop at nothing to retrieve her son; but, will her best be good enough?Directed by Luis Preto and Written by Knate Lee this 94 minute minivan car chase aims for high speed thrills and cheap suspenseful spills in what appears to be one of the flattest and most boneheaded stories of 2017. Heavily deploying the editing monsters to create tension out of nothing and cranking the score louder, faster, and with more intensity to drive the film off a proverbial cliff. Merciful in its brevity, pass. Kidnap is rated R.


Aug 4 2017

An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power

A decade since the release of An Inconvenient Truth the topic of climate change and global warming continues to be a politicized hot button issue. Meanwhile, self described “recovering politician” Al Gore is continuing to crusade for protecting the environment, what’s new and is there still hope for us here on earth?Directed by Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk this information rich follow-up continues to deliver hard hitting facts and important information for the world to see and acknowledge, unfortunately for us, the man bringing the people the gospel has the charisma of a stick of broccoli– but, get past the often droll tone and the answers start to become clear, hope can be found, and, the issue doesn’t have to be a partisan matter. Additionally, a bit of grandstanding around the Paris climate agreement of 2016 does come across as self important, regardless, the point remains the same, evasive action needs to be taken and the evidence continues to mount. An important and healthy watch, just have a cup of coffee before the film starts. An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power is rated PG.