Dec 15 2017

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Having incited the First Order the rebels are on the run in order to re-group. Meanwhile, Rey (Daisy Ridley) is on a quest to learn the ways of the Jedi from Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill); at the same time, Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) is completing his lessons in the force from Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis). Secrets of the past and Mysteries of the force will be uncovered, but who will live to continue the battle between light and dark? Written and Directed by Rian Johnson this next installment in the beloved saga represents a clear departure from its predecessor, relying less on nostalgia and instead forging its own path in a galaxy far far away, a move that may in fact prove to be the hardest pill for long time die hard fans to swallow at first. Changing things up further, overt and thorough humor sets the tone as less Shakespearean and more comedic early on, clearly not your father’s Oldsmobile. Regardless, expected pulpy melodrama is still present, some DNA just can’t be exorcised. Ensemble wise, the diverse cast including Carrie Fisher, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, and Kelly Marie Tran continues to make strides expanding the universe showing more diversity than in the previous seven films. Overall, a well assembled addition to the Star Wars saga with plenty of cultural reflection on present day world news and politics. Worth your time, but you knew that already. Star Wars: The Last Jedi is rated PG-13.


Dec 15 2017

The Shape of Water

As the cold war is warming up janitors Elisa and Zelda (Sally Hawkins and Octavia Spencer) are two friends working inside a government research facility in the 1960’s, an unfulfilling and dead end job. But, when tough guy Richard Strickland (Michael Shannon) arrives with a strange amphibious creature (Doug Jones) for further study, an unlikely and fulfilling relationship is made. Directed by Guillermo del Toro this buffet of cinematic beauty combines the cinematography of Dan Laustsen, the music of Alexandre Desplat, and the creative writing brain of Guillermo del Toro and Vanessa Taylor. End result, the creation of a stunning film aimed at whimsy, entertainment, and relevant political discourse regarding race, sexuality, and military action. This twist on a classic fairy tale sits nicely with del Toro’s catalog of monsters and creatures supported by a well toned ensemble of talent performers. Worthy of your entertainment dollar, The Shape of Water is rated R.