Manda's MovieWatch

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sweet movie. Heartwarming. About choosing your family and trusting the adventure even if it’s not what you are supposed to do. My only complaint is the story felt a little unfinished. Did we skip a few chapters? I’m lazy. I don’t want to use my imagination! 2 watch checks, great date movie but you can rent this one. Ryan would be snoozing.

How do they keep doing it? Each chapter gets more touching than the next. If you are a Toy Story fan, bring tissue. I laughed and cried, I think 3 is still my favorite but this chapter is a close second. 1 watch check, you can rent it and I think Ryan would stay awake for this one, it’s very entertaining.