Midway

Like many of the bombs in the naval battle of Midway, this movie had a lot of misses for me. So many story lines but only scratching the surface. I would have rather it focused on one or two people and gone deeper. However, I wasn’t super familiar with the battle of Midway and I like a movie that gives me a history lesson, especially with cool big screen effects. So for that reason, it’s better to see on the big screen. I had 3 watch checks. Ryan would stay awake for this one but with all the good movies out, I’d skip it. Go see Harriet instead.

Motherless Brooklyn

A little long but a good movie, good story. I think this was actually a love story but had drama/suspense as well. Edward Norton is amazing in it. I really enjoyed the throwback to the 50s and was impressed with all the little things (like phrases) that felt true to the time period. There were a lot of moving parts to the story but it kept me engaged throughout. I think it was too long for Ryan, he would have nodded off. I had 2 watch checks. I think you can rent it but part of it’s beauty is the set design and feel of 50s Brooklyn that may not be as impressive on the smaller screens.

Harriet

Awesome movie. I always knew Harriet Tubman was an all around incredible person but I didn’t really know what a bad ass she was. She was fierce. Moms, take your kids to see this movie! To see history come to life is one of the best things about movies. You can read in history books about the struggles of southern slaves in the 1860s but it’s very powerful to watch the stories unfold on a big screen. Cynthia Erivo- wow. She’s one to watch for sure (and she sings an amazing song at the end!). ZERO watch checks, it’s worth it to see on the big screen and I think Ryan would have stayed awake. Go see it.

Judy

I’m a huge Judy Garland fan, grew up singing her songs. This movie was a little hard to watch. Much like Judy herself- it was beautiful…but tragic. It’s sometimes hard to see behind the curtain of someone you’ve idolized. That said, it’s a good reminder that there’s not always gold at the end of someone’s else’s rainbow. Everyone has struggles, those born to entertain perhaps most of all. Renee Zellweger, hats off to you- you did an amazing job. 3 watch checks for me, Ryan would be snoozing away and you can rent it for sure. It’s not a happy story, but still a good one. Might inspire you to watch some of her iconic films- Meet Me in St. Louis is my favorite.

Black and Blue

A good movie with an interesting twist on an important conversation about race, class and our men & women in blue during these trying times. A beautiful story to showcase that yes, “all lives matter”. It felt kind of like an episode of law & order in movie format. Doesn’t need to be seen on the big screen, I had 2 watch checks and Ryan would stay awake for this one.

Joker

Whew. It’s a doozy. This is a fascinating look at someone going crazy. At some points you almost root for him to lash out…but then you’re horrified, when he does. This isn’t a movie for teens, it is a multi-layered story for adults. DC fans will really like it. Not a feel-good movie by any means but worth seeing. If anything, to remind you to always be nice…to everyone. 2 watch checks. It’s rentable and Ryan would stay awake for sure on this one.

Ad Astra

Kind of out there…literally. So this one is cool on the big screen because…well, space. Seems designed to keep you on edge but the movie can’t make up its mind: adventure story? Thriller? Sci-Fi? Drama? It’s slow to get started but I think Ryan would stay awake for this one. 3 watch checks. If you’re going to see it, go to the theater.

Brittany Runs A Marathon

I love the message(s) of this movie. Anyone can change, it’s ok to fall and get back up but mainly: choose people who cheer you on (not put you down) to be around. Shades of Trainwreck, you will laugh out loud. Totally rentable though, skip the theater. 2 watch checks. I think Ryan would stay awake for this one…mostly cuz he loves to cheer on an underdog.

Downton Abbey

Sigh. Beautiful scenery, costumes and heartwarming plot lines. Fans of the tv series will love this movie, it’s a visit with old friends. It’s basically season 7 in an hour & a half. 1 watch check, Ryan would for sure be asleep in 5 minutes. I’d recommend the big screen, this Abbey deserves to be seen in a more gigantic format. If you haven’t seen the series, it will still be enjoyable- go for Maggie Smith…she’s a blast to watch.

Once Upon A Time In Hollywood

Going into a Tarantino film, you know it’s going to be weird…but this one was also boring and that was surprising for one of his films. The best part was Brad Pitt, his character was fun to watch. Some people may enjoy the violent fantasy twist of historical events. It’s a long one and it feels even longer. 4 watch checks. Skip it. Ryan would sleep for sure, way to long.