Aug 9 2019

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

When Stella, Chuck, Augie, and Ramón (Zoe Margaret Colletti, Austin Zajur, Gabriel Rush, and Michael Garza) break into the old Bellows mansion on Halloween night the gang get more than they bargained for when they accidentally raise the malevolent spirit of Sarah Bellows (Kathleen Pollard). Now unleashing stories untold and written in blood, tempering these flames of rage will take teamwork and fast thinking….before it’s too late. Directed by André Øvredal, Produced by Guillermo del Toro and based around the stories and artwork of Alvin Schwartz’s now classic compendium of horror titled Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, this faithful and heartfelt interpretation and incorporation of the source material delivers the chills and thrills with the perfect balance of creepshow and comedy all told in semi-vingnette style. With top notch art direction, dizzying cinematography, polished acting, and a loving score all based around the traditional arrangement of the Hearse Song, this is a perfect release to herald Halloween’s early arrival currently haunting grocery stores everywhere, it’s just around the corner but who’s counting? Of note for the parents, the gore factor here is low, but the scares are real, and some language pushes the PG-13 envelope, keep the young ones at home. For the rest, you’re about to fall in love with horror all over again, here’s your gateway, don’t mind the pitchforks on the way in…..Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark is rated PG-13.


Aug 9 2019

Brian Banks

The dreams of Brian Banks (Aldis Hodge), a high school student slated to play football for USC on a full ride scholarship and already showing strong NFL potential are shattered when he’s wrongfully accused and convicted of rape. Now, struggling for employment and hounded by his parole officer, it will take his intelligence, eternal optimism, and tenacity to overturn his conviction and reach for the stars. Directed by Tom Shadyac and Written by Doug Atchison, this story based on true events is a mixed bag of critical remark. For Director Shadyac, the film’s appeal is quite apparent in light of his own mission to use his super powers for good making the world a better place, work similar to the pro-bono efforts of real life lawyer Justin Brooks working to exonerate the wrongfully convicted. And, positive notes to the film’s lead, Hodge, who’s herculean efforts to portray a decade of Banks’ life are earnest and real. However, despite the film’s best intentions, the story’s one note tonality and on the nose messaging makes for a bit too much schmaltz and plays out more like a made for TV movie, more depth please. Waiting for this on the small screen is in the best interest of your wallet this go round. Brian Banks is rated PG-13.


Aug 9 2019

The Art of Racing in the Rain

A personified and senior golden retriever named Enzo (voiced by Kevin Costner) reflects on his life with his owner, Denny (Milo Ventimiglia), an aspiring Formula One race car driver. Using racing as a metaphor for life Enzo and Denny must both learn how to manifest their own destiny and react to life on their own terms, after all, none of us are here for a long time, hopefully just a good time. Directed by Simon Curtis with Screenplay by Mark Bomback based on Garth Stein’s novel this Hallmark-esque nod to dog lovers everywhere is sure to pluck at least one heart string; but lacks the emotional depth in character development and the narrative richness to tell a compelling story with an ending that’s already telegraphed its punch far in advance. Still, positive marks to Ventimiglia for his efforts and abilities to sell the drama, despite the story’s downfalls. Ultimately the film sits comfortably in the rental category, or in line for a Saturday matinee on the Lifetime channel. The Art of Racing in the Rain is rated PG.