Adnerb the Movie Nerd

Movie reviews from a middle school teacher's perspective

Alice Through the Looking Glass

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I am a fan of Johnny Depp.  I loved him in Ed Wood, Chocolat, Edward Scissorhands, Sweeny Todd and Pirates of the Caribbean, just to name a few.  I liked his character in Alice in Wonderland.  So, why I didn’t I enjoy this movie?  First of all, it is visually quite stunning.   But CGI does not a whole movie make!  The story itself though, was very thin and preposterous.  Yes, I know this is a fantasy, but seeing grown up Alice as the commander of her own  ship was pretty silly.  Also, the Queen of Heart’s reason for having a big head and her hatred of The Mad Hatter strained credulity.  Why not go after The Hatter himself instead of his family?  I must admit here that the whole Queen of Hearts character creeps me out; kind of like a scarey clown.  As for  Johnny Depp, I am not sure if I enjoyed him in this movie as he really didn’t have that much to do except look miserable and sad.  The only reason to go see this in a theatre might be for the 3D version.  Otherwise, if you must see it, wait for the DVD; it might have a good gag reel!

The Lobster

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“The Lobster” is, hands down, one of the most bizarre movies I have seen in a long time.  This isn’t necessarily a bad thing.  I have been intrigued ever since I first saw the trailer. The premise is that in a not too distant future,  people are not allowed to live in cities or towns unless they have a partner.  Single people are doomed to be surgically changed into an animal if they do not fall in love in forty-five days.  Colin Farrell, with an intriguing deadpan performance, is the man who wants to be changed into a lobster if he is unsuccessful in finding a true match.  If you enjoy watching films where you will never guess in a million years what will happen next, this is the movie for you. One of my favorite unsung actresses, Olivia Colman, gives a great performance as the manger of The Hotel whose husband may not be as devoted as he seems.  I also like the ending which is reminiscent of the movie “Inception” or the story “The lady or the Tiger”.  If you like simple plots, car chases, explosions, and a happy ending, stay AWAY from this movie.

Money Monster

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Money Monster has a very interesting premise that has to do with the stock market.  Many people, including yours truly, do not understand where the money goes when you buy a stock.  I still don’t have a clue, but this movie entertained me while trying to explain it.  George Clooney plays Lee Gates, a  sleazy host of a program where  stock market investment advice is given.  Jack O’Connell is excellent as the young man who loses his life savings on a stock tip that Lee provides.  Julia Roberts plays the program director.  All three actors are absolutely believable in their partss.  This move is exciting and very well-paced.  Even though you know exactly what ia going to happen, there is enough suspense to keep you clutching your partner’s arm.  I do not usually buy into conspiracy theories, but I am convinced that this kind of money hank-panky probably happens quite often.  Think of Money Monster as  a good break from the high action super hero movies that seem to abound this time of year.  Oh, and Highlander fans will be delighted with Caitriona Balfe’s supporting role as a coorporate stooge with a conscience.

The Jungle Book

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What a delightful movie!  First of all, I have seen every movie version of The Jungle Book and I liked them all in their way.  This one, however, blows them all out of the jungle!  I especially enjoyed Bill Murray as Baloo the Bear.  You haven’t lived until you have heard Christopher Walken sing.  Sometimes animated movies appear to have actors doing voices just because they are celebrities.  In this case,however, the voices perfectly fit each animal.  Scarlett Johanson is marvelously slinky  as Kaa the python.  Even the late Gary Shandling had a part.  If this was his last movie, it is a fitting tribute.  With all of this star power, you would think the one actual  actor, a young boy named Neel Sethi as Mowgli, would bee overshadowed.  Not even close.  That boy is a natural for this part.  I truly believed he was raised by wolves and befriended by a whole Noah’s Ark of animal comrades.  This is definitely a movie everyone can and will enjoy. Oh, and stay for the credits for some really innovative animation.

Miles Ahead

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Miles Ahead is a compelling portrait of a troubled artist who retired from the music he loved for five years.  The movie is told in a unique way using flashbacks to help us understand how Miles got to this point in his life. Don Cheadle plays Miles with a sweet subversive flair. Ewen McGregor is the  trippy journalist who tries to help him.  The acting is first-rate, but it is the music that really hooked me.  Miles Davis was an innovative trumpeter and one of the most influential musicians of the twentieth century; this movie showcases his vast repertoire effectively.  If you do not like jazz (what?) you may not enjoy this movie.  If you do not like jazz,obviously you haven’t listened to Mile Davis!