Aladdin

This isn't the "Aladdin" from our childhood. There is more of a backstory of the characters, and Genie is actually human in this. Jafar is megahot (Marwan Kenzari). But the chemistry between Jasmine and Aladdin is amazing (Naomi Scott and Mena Massoud). Will Smith's version of Genie actually works too. 

I was surprised by how much I liked this movie because from the trailers I didn't. I will give this 4 stars out of 5. Worth seeing even though it's a little dark. BUT one thing I love that was different....Jasmine isn't just a princess. Because the sultan only had ONE child and that child was a girl, Jasmine is DETERMINED to become sultan. Jasmine is SO much stronger of a character in this version. And also Genie is Aladdin's human servant during 50% of the movie so he's not always blue.

Typically I love John August's writing. But instead of honoring the source material, he tried to go bigger than it. Not cool, John! I do love the celebration of Indian culture and female empowerment, but it's not perfect.

The Hustle

Female remake of "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels," "The Hustle" starring Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson sees them as competing con artists the British Josephine Chesterfield and Australian Penny Rust respectively in Europe looking to score their next big mark...when they both arrive in the same town a bet ensues: whomever lands tech millionaire Thomas Westerburg (Alex Sharp) has to leave town forever.

I thought it was hilarious and giving it 4 out of 5 stars...there's one part that I felt was a little overplayed. But I loved it. 

John Wick Chapter 3 - Parabellum

Keanu Reeves is back as John Wick. 

In the first movie "John Wick" he has been retired and taking care of his cancer-stricken wife (Bridget Moynahan). She leaves him a puppy and a 1969 Ford Mustang. At a gas station the punk son of a mob boss demands his car, when John refuses the punk stalks John, kills his puppy, and steals his car. John spends the rest of the movie intent on revenge. To get revenge John must officially come out of retirement. With the help of his friend The Continental Hotel (safehouses in every city where assassins cannot kill) owner Winston (Ian MacShane) he comes back and gets his revenge.

In the 2nd movie "John Wick: Chapter 2" John is hired by Santino d'Antonio (the ridiciously sexy Riccardo Scarmarcio) to kill Santino's sister. When John refuses Santino puts a contract with the house forcing John to kill his sister, but not before blowing up John's house. Tracking Santino to The Continental John kills him; unfortunately Winston is forced to put a contract on John who violated house rules.

In the 3rd movie "John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum" John spends the movie trying to get the contract lifted with the help of old coworker Sofia (Halle Berry).

All three are great, but the third is bloody and particularly brutal. All worth seeing though especially the guest stars in each movie. Keanu is back. And I love that he's actually evolved as an actor...all are 5 out of 5 stars good.

Long Shot

"Long Shot" tells the story of VP and Presidential Candidate Charlotte Field (Charlize Theron) reconnecting with her childhood friend turned current speechwriter Fred Flarsky (Seth Rogen). Their chemistry is actually amazing. But June Diane Raphael as Maggie, Charlotte's key advisor stole the show. Easily 5 stars. 

The Intruder

Dennis Quaid is Charlie, the owner of an older home he can no longer "care" for since his wife's death and his daughter's move to NYC. He sells it to city slickers Scott & Annie Howard (Michael Ealy & Meagan Good). But Charlie can't let go. He comes over uninvited, mows, the lawn, and gets angry when security cameras are put on property.

I will give this 3 stars out of 5 because OF COURSE Scott sees Charlie for the crazy he is but Annie doesn't. It angers me that this loving, trusting couple would be at odds over a total stranger. 

Can someone fix this bs?!

The Best of Enemies

In this true life story Oscar Nominee Taraji P. Henson plays Ann Atwater, a civil rights activist in Durham, NC whose daughter's school gets severely damaged by a fire in 1971. She along with the other people of color decide to fight segregation so their kids can go to the white school. Oscar Winner Sam Rockwell's CP Ellis, head of the KKK in town, is resistant and fights her all the way. In comes Bill Riddick (Babou Ceesay) who puts together a team to resolve the issue...of course CP and Ann are co-heads. At first they are fighting on opposite sides of the same coin, until they aren't.

The screenplay, directing, and acting are top notch. Taraji BETTA get an Oscar nomination. 5 stars out of 5. So amazing how not only this story is true BUT they were friends until both died.

Poms

Diane Keaton is a retired cancer patient Martha looking to move to a retirement home preparing to die. Through the help of her Blanche Dubois-esque neighbor Sheryl played by Jackie Weaver, Martha decides to start her own cheerleading squad at the retirement home to finally fulfill her dreams she gave up as a kid.

Diane is awesome in anything. I love seeing movies featuring strong women especially "over a certain age." Rhea Pearlman, Pam Grier, and Celia Weston are awesome in supporting roles. If you want a nice giggle and feel good movie see this 5 star movie.

Late Night

Writer Mindy Kaling is Molly, an aspiring comic working at a chemical factory in Pennsylvania. Molly gets a chance to interview for "Tonight with Katherine Newbury" when Katherine (Emma Thompson) tells her producer Brad (Denis O'Hare) to hire "a woman" to help punch up the show as the network boss Caroline Morton (Amy Ryan) is intent on cancelling Katherine and replacing her with upcoming comic Daniel Tenant (Ike Barinholtz).  Molly's presence turns out the shot in the arm both the show and Katherine needs. But the real question becomes is this really what Molly wants.

Typically I don't like Mindy's humor, but I ate my words with this film. Mindy's script is funny, real, and flawless. Easily 5 stars out of 5. It's not just about empowering women, but it's a funny movie about flawed characters. The acting is great. I love that Hugh Dancy, usually the leading man, plays a cad and Reid Scott plays a good guy. Nice switch! Go see this.