​One of the greatest advancements that was ever made in medical history was when we discovered how to clone a sheep. I remember when this was broadcast all over the world and while it raised some questions about if it should have been done, it led to advancements in reproducing organs for sick people. While this is well worth the price of admission, there are still people that believe that this practice should be banned, and the natural order should not be trifled with. But what is to say that this practice cannot be taken further, on a human level and what would that lead to if and when it gets up off the ground.

Getting back from a successful adventures drop off, Adam and Hank are ready to call it a day, but they have one more charter that needs to get done before they can leave. With it being Adam’s birthday and knowing that he has a surprise party waiting for him, Hank is willing to take the job. With some free time, Adam heads off to the mall and visits the RePet shop since his daughters’ dog had been put down while he was at work. Not trusting the cloning technology and fully understanding how things can go back the way they were when a clone is released, he decides against it and picks up a doll that she wanted instead and heads home for the night.

Arriving at his front porch, Adam hears that the party is already in full swing and when he looks through the window he sees someone that looks just like him with his family and friends. Before being able to open the door, Adam is approached by Vincent and Talia who want to have a talk with him. Using a stun gun to subdue him, Adam knows that they are not who they claim to be and needs to get away before they can get another shot off at him. Watching as Talia is killed in front of his eyes, Adam knows that this team is not messing around and when he is able to escape with minimal damage, he decides that the police will have to be his safest bet. But that only lasts for a moment as the team shows up to take him out once again and not knowing why he is being hunted, Adam has to find some answers.

Being able to reach his friend Hank, Adam is shocked to find out that there is an ex-customer with an itchy trigger finger looking for Hank as well. Being able to talk to the crazed man, Adam finds out that his friend was a clone and the charter flight that he passed on was executed by him. With an illegal practice of human cloning taking place, there is only one man that will have answers for him, his last charter customer Drucker who is behind all of the cloning in the nation. With all of the power at his fingertips, Drucker is able to do anything that he wants and with a killing force being revived whenever they fail, he is able to keep his nose clean for the most part. With the promise of a better life for anyone that is suffering, Drucker has the ability to save lives by taking a snapshot of the brain and a drop of blood, but could that be too much for people to bear when the natural order is being messed with.

Do we find out if cloning is right or wrong when the movie ends? Nope, you will have to decide for yourself.  I liked the twist that was played upon in this movie and especially the mind behind the cloning, Dr. Weir who finds out a little secret when his wife falls ill. But let’s not get ahead of the action that was featured in this movie, with some futuristic weapons, I am surprised that everyone did not get shot at least forty times before the movie ended, I guess the future cannot make people better shots. I am a sucker for Arnold Sci-Fi movies, since that is where I first found him in film. This is actually a decent movie if you are looking for action and if want to ask yourself some deep burning questions that you may have been hiding from yourself.

The late 1980s and early 1990s were quite the wild time for film franchises. Because if a particular motion picture performed decently at the box office and/or had any measure of positive critical reception, it was ripe for becoming a franchise, the kind that could potentially spawn a boatload of sequels. So, with dollar signs in their eyes, producers greenlit sequel after sequel during this era, and the box office and home video markets were flooded with follow-ups that hoped to capture the spirit of the original film and well… this particular push to make money and keep audiences happy, ended with mixed results.
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Because while the idea was noble and while sequels are always a popular thing, the quality of these follow ups left a lot to be desired. For some of these sequels went direct to video and their lack of budgets led to some seriously laughable production values. Or an attempt to rush them to market quickly, led to follow ups that didn’t have a fully thought out story or any returning cast members since scheduling conflicts came into play. But perhaps the weirdest part of this particular era in cinematic history, was the sheer fact that sometimes we would get a sequel that didn’t need to be made. Because the prior story wrapped everything up in neat and lovely fashion and recently, I took the time to revisit a sequel that features all of the cinematic sins we just discussed, and more, in Mannequin: On the Move.

So, the funny thing about this film, is that we really don’t need to take the time to discuss that much of the plot; because it is almost identical to its predecessor. After all, this movie features a young man working at Prince and Company as a window dresser and he just so happens to encounter a mannequin that can come to life and they fall madly in love and have to fight to keep their relationship going. In fact, the only real changes to this plot, revolve around how the mannequin (named Jessie) can now come to life the instant her cursed necklace is removed. Along with how she’s being lusted after by a far older and grosser man named Count Spretzle, who firmly believes he is destined to marry her because of some old-time legend from their homeland of Hauptmann-Koenig. Otherwise, that’s it, that’s the ‘plot’ and well, that’s the bare beginning when it comes to this movie’s problems. 

Because this is a rough motion picture when all is said and done, one filled with over the top and silly and oddly creepy moments, and speaking of that, let’s take a moment and talk about Count Spretzle. For he is the heavy in this tale and well, it’s a little strange and uncomfortable that his evil plot involves getting with a one-thousand-year-old peasant girl. No joke, that’s it. His entire motivation in this film is getting laid and that’s just ridiculous and it doesn’t allow for our lead characters to grow in the slightest since they are constantly going the extra mile to keep this greasy guy away from the woman he so ‘loves’. And I suppose this awkward plot thread is really the finest representation of what’s truly wrong with this motion picture.
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For in essence, this movie is missing all the charm of its predecessor. The characters are one dimensional and you don’t relate to them in the slightest, and there’s nothing compelling about the plot either, since it’s the same plot from the last movie, with a heavy dose of what we just discussed and a whole lot of stereotypes tossed in for good measure as well. Yet, what’s truly incredible about this movie, is that it somehow manages to suck you in. Because it is so off kilter and so awkward, that you are instantly curious to see what crazy plot point and/or moment is going to come next and that is a marvel in its own right since this is the kind of story that most of us will turn off once the strange stuff starts. If anything, all of this begs an important question when all is said and done, in that, is this flick worth your while?

The answer surprisingly, is yes. Because this one is just so bad that it is good. Okay maybe good is too strong of a word, and a better comparison is that this movie is akin to a train wreck. The kind you slow down on the side of the road to see. Because so little in this film works and watching this kind of chaos unfold is just fascinating to say the least. Plus, in its own weird way, this movie serves as an interesting history lesson. For it truly harkens back to how women were viewed as objects back in that era since that’s really all that Jessie is. Since men decide her fate and the winner is the one who gets her, and it’s quite wild to revisit a movie that wouldn’t fly in this day and age and also know that once upon a time, they really made them this badly. 

There are certain things that all kids do when they are growing up, and one fine example of this, involved our imaginations. Because there’s not a kid out there who didn’t take the time to wonder if various inanimate objects came to life when no one else was around. Which meant that in the middle of the night, or while the house was empty while we were at school, we firmly believed that our toys would get up and do their own thing. Or, perhaps to a lesser extent, that the mannequins that stood in the window of every department store we ever walked by, went about their own lives once the store had closed.
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Of course, as we grew older, such silly notions left our minds, but the wonder and the possibility of what that might look like stayed with quite a few people. For over the years, filmmakers and writers have truly worked to explore the possibility of a world where inanimate objects come to life and that’s led to some incredible stories over the years. In fact, Pixar’s attempt to tell an earnest story about this has led to an incredibly loved franchise that people revisit often. But while that series has earned a special place in all of our hearts, there are plenty of other stories in this vein that quite frankly, slip into some strange territory and recently I took the time to revisit one of the weirder ones in this bunch by way of the 1987 cult classic, Mannequin.

Now for those unfamiliar with this film, in it we are introduced to an everyday guy named Jonathan Switcher and dear Jonathan is simply looking for purpose in his life. For he is currently coasting from job to job, looking for something that energizes his imagination and might give him the chance to do something creative. And it just so happens that a chance encounter, wherein Jonathan saves the owner of a glitzy department store named Prince and Company from a falling sign; gives him that all-important opportunity. Because he lands a job at P and C and is able now to create incredible advertising alongside his new friend Hollywood. But a strange mannequin also helps Jonathan create, simply because something about the fake human entrances him, and there’s good reason for that. Because this mannequin, is a living and breathing human being named Emmy, and she can only come to life when she is alone with Jonathan and their kindling love affair will change their lives in ways, they never thought possible. 

So, if that seems like a pretty damn ridiculous plot line, you’re absolutely right. Because this is a ridiculous movie through and through. For the notion that a mannequin can come to life only for one man makes this motion picture seem more like a parable that is going to focus on mental illness over anything else, yet somehow, this strange plot line works. Because once you start to watch Mannequin, you quickly find yourself sucked into its slick direction and earnest performances and just like that… you’re rooting for Jonathan and Emmy to find their happily ever after and that’s really what makes this motion picture watchable, it’s humanity, since so much of what happens here is relatable in its own special way. Okay, actually, let me backtrack a bit.
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Because let’s be honest. The whole mannequin coming to life thing isn’t relatable in the slightest, but what is… is Jonathan’s struggle to find purpose in the world. For he really is that young person we all were at some point, searching for something more and it is quite lovely to see him find his true north. But make no mistake about it, this is a weird film and the fact that it features a ton of competing storylines only adds to the wackiness. For not only do you have a love story injected into a tale about chasing your dreams, you also have a story involving corporate espionage present within this one, and somehow this movie miraculously manages to combine and resolve all of these plot threads in the third act.

If anything, this is one of those motion pictures that truly exemplifies the zeitgeist of the 1980s. Because everything about it feels big and excessive, and its manic plot speaks to the energy of the era. Plus, it does feature a solid cast, and colorful characters and some genuinely quirky and funny moments. Just don’t think too hard about the plot and its overall cohesion. In the end however, you simply cannot go wrong with a film that features a dreamer, and his dream mannequin/girl, and… oh, who am I kidding? It’s 80s cheese. Plus, it features ‘Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now’ from Starship, which is nice, and really, see this one if you haven’t yet. Because it is just downright fun and a great way to lose yourself in silliness for an hour and a half.

When you go out looking for a fight, you need to know what you are going up against. Most people just look at the exterior of another person, but that does not give you the information that you need to know when it comes to how to beat them. There is usually something within that person you want to take down that can weaken them from the inside, making the exterior much easier to handle. I am not one for wanting to go after anyone, but in the past when a disagreement has happened, well, I never lost a fight because I was not prepared.
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Heading to the bank to add something to his safety deposit box, Bernard is shocked to see that it is going out of business. After talking to Daniel about what would happen if his items are not retrieved soon, Bernard wants to clean out his box as soon as possible. With people waiting in line in front of him, he is able to convince them that his withdraw is more important and is able to gain access to the vault. With Daniel watching over him, Bernard does not want the bank employee to see what he is about to remove and thankfully shots are fired upstairs causing Daniel to leave him alone for a couple minutes.

Paul and his team of bank robbers have their sights set on the bank and its safety deposit boxes as well and have made their move. Not wanting anyone harmed in the robbery, Paul orders all of the crew to go in with no ammo, but Tracey does not agree with the tactics. Shooting to get everyone’s attention, she wants to take over the heist, but when she sees that Paul is distracted, there might be more going on than any of the crew could imagine. Seeing Daniel enter the office, Paul is shocked that his brother is working today and was not prepared for a family reunion. Removing his mask, nobody in the bank will be safe as they have seen his face and that means that death will quickly follow, but what Paul does not know is that the customer in the vault is not who he seems to be.

While being held upstairs, Daniel is able to get a quick 911 text out before being caught. Detective Pascal is given a call on her radio and responds to the scene with a pair of rookie cops. Seeing that the man who says he is the bank manager is lying about what is happening inside, Pascal finds the getaway driver and tries to talk to him instead. With shots being fired, more police officers are called to the scene to take care of the robbery, but they have some help on the inside as well, The Windows Killer. Picking off anyone that gets in his way, Bernard has the skill set to kill and leave his mark while he moves around the bank unabated. With the situation on the outside of the bank heating up and grabbing everyone's attention, nobody knows what The Windows Killer is capable of until it is too late.

I really liked watching this movie, especially with all the twists and turns the story took, but the brother storyline was the best part of it. When I saw that the description online said 'serial killer', I was hoping to see nothing but blood but I got more than I bargained for and it blew my mind away. I never expected a serial killer to be so calculated in his actions, especially when having a gun pointed at his head, but The Windows Killer never lost his cool and made for a great bad guy that you want to cheer for. The interactions between Paul and his crew were great as well, even when it seemed like he was going to lose out on his payday, he never lost faith that it could be done without too much bloodshed. Daniel was the surprise however and when he got to meet with Pascal, you knew how far he was willing to go to protect his employer’s investment. With blood, oh so much blood, gun fights, an estranged family reunion and a serial killer, this is a pretty entertaining movie that I look forward to watching again.

There was a time in cinema, where the detective ruled the day. Where audiences would flock en masse to a matinee showing of a mystery, just to see how a particular sleuth would solve a fascinating case. Simply because there was something quite magical about seeing a special kind of plainclothes police officer, or private investigator, show off their mental prowess and see what no one else could see and bring a clever criminal to justice. But while detective themed mystery films and shows are still popular in their own right in this day and age, these stories have outright evolved on both the silver and small screen in the most fascinating ways imaginable.
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After all, audiences expect different things from their detective themed stories these days. They want a little more action and adventure present within the framework of that story, and they definitely want to see a little more humanity from their gumshoes, plus they want to see modern technology be used to solve the crime in question. Which then begs the question, is there still room for the old school gumshoe in cinematic storytelling? Because that aforementioned criteria would make those old hard-boiled detectives look silly in the modern era, and potentially bore audiences with a story that seems outdated. But believe it or not, the answer to that question is a resounding yes and for proof, well then look no further than Rian Johnson’s latest film, Knives Out.

Now in this particular motion picture we are plunged into a tough moment for the Thrombey family. For the father of this clan, Harlan, recently passed away due to an apparent suicide, and while he has been laid to rest there are some important matters that his family has to deal with. Because Walter was one of the biggest mystery writers on the planet, and his estate needs to be settled and oddly enough, the true cause of his death needs to be handled as well. For Benoit Blanc, a renowned private investigator has been hired by an anonymous and concerned party to dive deep into Harlan’s passing, and it just so happens that this supposed suicide is indeed surrounded by mystery and intrigue and it will take Blanc’s keen mind and the help of the only person that Harlan ever trusted to uncover the true cause of his death. 

So, you’ll probably notice that everything about that plot summary sounds like an old school murder mystery released ages ago, and you’d be right in thinking that. For the setting, the look and the feel of this particular tale indeed harken back to that golden era of films that feature smart sleuths that can solve any case put before them. But rather than rehash old formulas and offer homages at every turn, this motion picture injects new life into the genre by offering up a different kind of detective tale. Because this movie offers up some incredible surprises early on in the story, plus it also does a phenomenal job of throwing you off guard with stunning changes to the overall structure of the traditional mystery and these modifications and twists and turns outright suck you in because you’ve never seen anything like this before.
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But that’s really all we need to discuss when it comes to the plot and structure of the film, because if we go any deeper, spoilers will appear in this review and I’d really like to avoid that for you today. Because this really is a delightful mystery, one that you need to experience in organic fashion, so it is best we just pivot to other elements that make this movie such a treat; such as the cast. For this flick boasts some huge names and every last one of them use their vast skill set to bring some supremely unique and dynamic characters to life, the kind that are fleshed out the instant you meet them on screen, and their quirks and potential ties to Harlan’s death only add to the mystery in question and the wonder of the story doesn’t end there.

Because this is also a supremely fun film, one that knows how to make you laugh and laugh hard at just the right moment and really all of the elements we’ve just discussed make this motion picture a must see in my book. In large part due to the fun factor, but also because, its modern-day spin on the mystery genre is just a breath of fresh air. And the changes present to the genre here are so unique and so special that it leaves you hopeful that perhaps Hollywood will try and revitalize this genre, perhaps with a new series revolving around Benoit Blanc, if we’re lucky. But I digress, because what matters more is that this movie is just a rare treat, one that features a great story, wonderful performances and a mystery that will keep you guessing and it is just wonderful to know that this age old genre still has a little life left in it and that there are filmmakers out there, who are ready to tap into the best parts of what it has to offer.

The American Dream is a beautiful concept that is hammered into our heads at quite the young age, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing by any means. After all, who doesn’t love waking up with the thought that someday, when we are adults and ready to take on the world, that we can in fact do it because we live in a place where the possibilities for our future are endless. And all we need to find success is hold on tight to our dreams and work our butts off to obtain them, and enjoy the benefits when we achieve all of our goals. If anything, it is a message that genuinely inspires us to be more and do more in this world and while it is noble in nature, there is a dark side to the American Dream that we tend to ignore more often than not.
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For some people simply don’t understand the uplifting nature of the dream and how it is meant to inspire the citizens of America and the people who come here hoping for a better life. Instead, all they see is the glamour and glitz that comes with being filthy rich, and they ignore the inclusive nature of the Dream, and do whatever it takes to achieve fortune and glory without a care in the world as to whom they hurt in the process. And these are the folks we see eventually fall from grace since their destructive behavior eventually infects their very soul and recently I took the time to revisit a motion picture that does a phenomenal job of looking at this uglier side to the American Dream in raw and angry fashion in Scarface.

Now for those unfamiliar with this particular film, in it we are introduced to a Cuban born immigrant named Tony Montana and Tony sees quite the opportunity in front of him once he immerses himself in the wonder of America. Because now he can leave his past behind and be somebody special in the city of Miami, he just needs an opportunity to make that happen and well… when he gets his chance, he turns into something that no one expected. For as the years roll on, Tony Montana quickly becomes the biggest drug kingpin in the city, and while he enjoys the good life with his beautiful wife, the damage he’s done to his family and his soul will eventually come back to haunt him when he makes the call to do something noble for a change.  

Perhaps the best way to describe this film, is to call it a grand American tragedy simply because this story really does feature a powerful rise and fall, one that involves the twisting of the American Dream for personal gain and it also serves as a powerful character study as well, but it takes a little while to understand that latter element is present with the framework of the story. Because at first glance, Scarface really does appear to be the kind of violent epic designed to glorify everything negative it features over its incredible two and a half-hour runtime and that really is the trick of this film. For in essence we are witnessing these wild moments through Tony’s eyes, and that cowboy atmosphere is how he views our country and these elements matter, because the audience should eventually become numb to the violence and the excess, allowing for us to finally examine Tony in great detail.
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Which is fascinating twist to say the least, and this is where the tragedy aspect comes into play. For in essence, we eventually come to learn that Tony is just a broken man, one that is clearly intelligent and business savvy. But rather than reinvent himself in America, he embraces his anger at every turn and uses it to not only fuel his drive for success, but to take revenge upon a world that has been cruel to him and it is incredible and powerful to watch this man lose his soul to the fury within and drag others down with him in the process. But truly the most powerful part of Tony’s journey, is the sheer fact that his downward spiral does remind us that there is a point of no return when it comes to the evil we do. Since the only redeeming act, he attempts within the story costs him everything, simply because he’s surrendered himself to people that simply don’t give a damn about human life.

If anything, this is a sobering film when all is said and done, and its dark explorations of the human soul and how we twist good things to benefit ourselves and nothing more, stay with you long after this tragedy has come to its end and that makes this movie one that I highly recommend to others. Because this one is bold and devastating and it features some incredible performances from its cast, with special attention to Al Pacino, who plays Tony. For his portrayal of this character is sublime, since Pacino covers everything we’ve discussed in this review in both direct and subtle fashion and it really is quite incredible to see Tony’s rage on display, even after he’s achieved his dreams and perhaps finding genuine peace within ourselves is the true lesson of this film. For if we cannot, it’s only a matter of time before our demons come back to haunt us, regardless of our achievements.      

Friends are an important part of our lives. Because the good ones, are more or less extended family to us and because of that, we experience some incredible moments with them at our side. We laugh with them, we cry with them, and we lift one another up when there are tragedies and hardships in our lives. Truly, friends are an incredible gift but sadly, some of them don’t always stick around in our lives. Because people grow and people change and when they pull in different directions, we see pals we once valued drift away in either quiet or heartbreaking fashion. Which means that the ones we keep around, are the real deal and truly special in their own right. But what’s truly incredible about friendship in general, is that not everyone in this world, gets to experience its outright wonder.
 
Because unfortunately, some people grow up differently than a lot of us, and their contrasting journey in life takes them down a path where friendship isn’t something that is commonplace for them. And while the details of how and why they’re alone vary more often than not, that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t have friends but sadly… good and solid friendships tend to elude them. If anything, that should engender a greater discussion on kindness and understanding, and how people shouldn’t shun those who need a little more care and patience when it comes to making friends, but it also takes understanding to get that point. Which is why I was so supremely shocked to see a motion picture try and help us comprehend how and why some people end up in a more isolated place in life, in lighthearted and digestible fashion in, The Cable Guy.
 
Now, for those unfamiliar with this particular film, in it we are introduced to a man named Steven Kovacs and well, ol’ Steven is in a bit of a quagmire at the moment. For the woman he loves said ‘no’ when it comes to his marriage proposal and that devastating answer has prompted him to start over in a new apartment and well, he’s definitely down in the dumps right now. But his buddy knows what should help him heal just a little bit, some mindless entertainment, and he offers him some tips as to how he can get free cable, tips that actually work when the cable guy swings by for setup. But there is a price that comes with this particular deal. For Chip, Steven’s new cable concierge, wants this arrangement to result in the most incredible friendship in the history of friendships, whether Steven likes it or not. 

​So, it’s really just best to declare this motion picture as downright brilliant, simply because it accomplishes so much over its hour and a half runtime. For it is indeed a quality black comedy, one rife with some seriously funny moments. I mean come on, Jim Carrey and Matthew Broderick having their own ‘Amok Time’ moment in the middle of Medieval Times? That’s fantastic and its hilarious and the wonder of this film doesn’t end there. Because it really is a whip smart satire on modern American and how we consume entertainment and how it can be quite the unhealthy obsession for us from time to time, especially when we live vicariously through it, a point hammered home by the all-too-familiar celebrity trial subplot that hangs in the background of the overall story. But truly, the centerpiece of this story is Chip, since his journey is powerful and fascinating for certain.
 
Because once you get past the overtly twisted and oft dangerous behavior he exhibits in this film, you are able to see the fact that he is an outright broken man. One who has suffered so much trauma and heartache in his life that escaping into a fantasy world is the only thing that has brought him some measure of joy and peace. But at the same time, his push to escape into the comforting confines of television and film have indeed done him a disservice, since he doesn’t have the social skills or acumen to properly interact with people and truly, there is a measure of pity that the audience feels for Chip as the story rolls along simply because it is downright heartbreaking to see a human in this shattered state. Granted, it doesn’t absolve his behavior in the movie, but it does make one ponder what Chip would have been like, had someone taken the time to see him as a person and not as a weirdo, the way that Steven views him.
 
If anything, the toxic nature of Steven and Chip’s relationship also provides us with another layer of commentary since it speaks volumes to how we sometimes let bad relationships in any capacity persist in our lives rather than be honest with one another, or ourselves, and the fact that this movie has so much to say about the human condition is what makes it so unique and so magnificent and every time I watch it, I feel as though I come away with something new. Plus, you simply cannot go wrong with the performances in this motion picture since Matthew Broderick and Jim Carrey are perfect on screen together and know how to play off one another and truly, Carrey does steal the show here with his powerful performance as Chip and really, when all is said and done, this is an underrated film that deserves more attention. So, if you haven’t seen this one and you’re looking for something that’s unique and intelligent and twisted, then give this one a shot. Because it really is something special.   

I think we can all agree upon the fact that crime related stories, tend to stick to two overall concepts; they’re either super serious and dark, or they’re designed to be a parody of the genre and that makes perfect sense. Because when an audience wants to be wowed by a powerful story involving clever criminals and their struggle to strike it rich or get back at the world, they want that story to have serious weight and keep the joking to a minimum. However, sometimes folks just need a good laugh, and that’s why crime stories that feature some solid comedy still find their way to the theaters now and again.
 
But while these two types of stories often find their own path in popular media, their existence does beg the question, is it possible to combine both of these notions and still offer up a successful motion picture? Because fusing two styles of storytelling is always a risky gambit and I’m struggling to put together a long list of successful crime comedies, simply because audiences tend to stick to one or the another. But once in a great while, someone figures out how to pull off that perfect balance of humor and crime, and the end result of this experiment is nothing short of brilliant and recently, I had the opportunity to revisit a film that meets that particular criteria in magnificent fashion in Snatch.
 
Now for those unfamiliar with this motion picture, in it we are treated to quite the sweeping tale, one that introduces us to a bevy of colorful characters who operate in less than noble territory and really that’s the first thing that catches your eye and draws you into this film; the fact that everyone here is in essence a criminal. Because most crime stories feature some kind of hero that’s involved in law enforcement. But here, it’s every man for itself and that alone makes it worth your while, but the movie still has a few more surprises in store for the audience. For you’re also treated to a pair of competing storylines, ones that manage to tie into one another in seamless fashion as they take you deep into the fascinating criminal underbelly that lurks in the United Kingdom. 

​But what makes this film really work, since multiple storylines are a powerful challenge in their own right, are two key elements. First and foremost, the characters are a big part of this movie’s success since they are dynamic and fascinating and that’s an incredible feat in its own right, in part because this movie features a massive ensemble cast. But what truly makes this a feat, is the sheer the fact that every single character in this motion picture are fleshed out. Which means there’s no need to go off on a side tangent to learn more about them and what they stand for, you know all that within a couple of minutes of meeting them and to enhance that further, every last one of them goes on a complete arc as the story progresses, which is quite incredible to see in a story such as this and it speaks volumes to the wonder of the script.
 
Yet while all of that is fascinating to watch in its own right, what truly makes this motion picture worth the audience’s time, is that perfect blending together of comedy and crime elements and it is quite fascinating to see it come together on the screen. For example, this is that rare story that can instantly switch gears during an action sequence and drop the trilling visuals to give the audience a chuckle and that’s quite incredible for certain. Because some of the action sequences are intense and powerful and it takes some bravery to break that up for the sake of a laugh, but the story wouldn’t be the same without it and it really does work within the framework of the film. As do the sequences where some of the more seriously evil characters in this story do their thing, only to once again make us hold our sides with some of the hilarious things that come out of their mouth and really, all of these elements make this movie an absolute delight.
 
Because everything just works in this motion picture and it grabs hold of you and never lets go, and it also gets serious props for taking the time to reward the audience in unique ways and honestly, this is a movie that I genuinely love and watch whenever possible. Because not only it is that perfect blend of crime and comedy, it’s just an outright good movie, one filled with performances from some big stars, since Brad Pitt delivers a unique performance for the ages, and it also features Jason Statham playing it straight for a change. Well, straight-nosed compared to some of the other roles he’s taken on over the years and really, if you haven’t seen this one yet, please do. For it really is a unique treat, one that knows to satisfy an audience with a powerhouse story that puts a big smile on your face. 

Living off world seems like a dream, but it may become reality within our lifetime. With approval for a moon base to be built and a planned trip to Mars in the future, we are going to start seeing science fiction become reality. I don’t know if I would ever want to be part of this since I like to keep my feet on the ground, literally and figuratively, but there are plenty of people that would jump at the chance to move on to brave new worlds. Not knowing what the universe has in store for us is one of the greatest and scariest things that I can think of, but one thing we do know is that eventually there will be human life on another planet in our solar system.

Getting out of prison, Pluto Nash is looking for his next adventure and has it fallen into his lap in the form of a nightclub.  Being able to make it one of the most popular spots on all of the moon, Pluto is approached with an offer to sell it to the biggest tycoon on the moon, Rex Crater. Although the money is tempting, Pluto wants nothing to do with the deal and hopes that everyone else is saying the same thing, but what he does not know is that Rex Crater and his men will stop at nothing to acquire what they want. Having his club and wooden barstools blown sky high, Pluto is forced to leave his home, and he decides the time has come to meet the mogul face to face.

But in order to do that, Pluto must learn more about Rex since he keeps quite the low profile, so Pluto sets out on his quest for knowledge. Pluto is not alone on his new adventure however since his body guard Bruno and former waitress Dina are at his side. Calling in favors from his old friends, Pluto is able to get some of the information that he needs, but Crater’s men are quickly on his tail at every junction. Knowing that he will need to get to the far side of the moon as quickly as possible, with his friends help, he may be able to do just that. Moon jacking a car, Pluto and his team make it to an old storage facility that they held up in during his life of crime, but Crater’s men are able to find him sooner than they expected. 

Thinking that they have found the whereabouts of Crater, along with his true identity, Pluto and Dina are able to make it to the far side of the moon with the help of another brill hopper who is star struck by who he found. Going after a man on the inside, Pluto works to pull some strings with a man named Tony Francis to arrange a meeting with the enigmatic Crater. But when all that falls through, Pluto learns the hard way that Rex Crater will only meet with people on his own terms and when the moment finally arrives to meet the man that has been trying to kill him, Pluto Nash is left stunned, because the man he is face to face with at last... is an unexpected blast from the past...

You know that there are movies well ahead of their time, and this is definitely one of them. One of the things that I love about Eddie Murphy movies is the fact that he gets to play multiple characters in them and they are never the same. This one is no different and with an all-star cast surrounding him, it is just a fun ride into the future with plenty of action, adventure and you guessed it, comedy. I think I like this movie more than I should when all is said and done and while it may not deliver a message for the ages, it is sure as heck entertaining. You might want to pop this one in again and give it a second chance since you will see all of your favorite stars making fools of themselves, along with becoming action icons for the ages. 

I think we can all agree upon the fact that sometimes, life can get incredibly overwhelming. It could be due to the fact that we are having money troubles, or a relationship that matters to us is on the rocks, or… someone we deeply care for is ill and we have to process the possibility of a life without them. But one way or another, the universe throws us a curve ball now and again, the kind that leave us stressed and worried and on the verge of a seeming collapse, and when these unfortunate moments arrive, we are presented with quite the choice in how we deal with them.  
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Because in essence, we can stand tall and handle these challenges head on, or, we can run and hide and try and wait for the mess to blow over, and while we often choose the first option since it is the right thing to do, option number two always has a strong pull. For it would be nice to simply escape our problems and get lost in the world for a change, but everyone knows you simply cannot outrun those parts of life, but that doesn’t stop some people from outright trying. And recently, I had the opportunity to revisit a brilliant motion picture revolving around a young man who stopped at nothing to escape his problems by way of constant reinvention in Catch Me If You Can.

Now for those unfamiliar with this particular motion picture, in it we are introduced to a teenager named Frank Abagnale, Jr. and dear Frank is facing some incredible hardships when we meet him. For his family unit is falling to pieces and he simply cannot handle the prospect of his mother and father splitting up and when given the chance to run away and escape this pain, he does so without giving it a second thought. But now that he is on his own, Frank has to figure out how to put food on the table and he does that by learning how to grift and scam, and well… it turns out that Frank is quite good at this trade. In fact, he’s so talented with people and selling a lie, that he is able to reinvent himself at every turn and he enjoys the life of an airline pilot, a doctor and a lawyer and anything else that catches his fancy simply because he can. But the good life won’t last forever, for the FBI is hot on his tale and it is only a matter of time before reality catches up with Frank and shatters his fantasy life. 

So, I have to admit, that this is one of those motion pictures that I straight up regret not seeing on the big screen because this really is a special story. For not only is it loosely based on the biography of Frank Abagnale, Jr., since he pulled off this kind of fraud, it really is a fascinating character study on what happens to us when we run from life’s problems and work hard to keep them at bay. But while one would expect for that lesson to be heavy handed in nature, Steven Spielberg’s masterful direction takes us on quite the ride since we learn up front that getting away from it all really does have some merit. For Frank does enjoy quite the incredible, jet-set lifestyle while living on the road as a grifter. But it doesn’t take long for him to begin to learn that the lies and the isolation will eventually catch up with you.
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Which is where the film dives into some supremely fascinating territory. Because eventually Frank comes to realize that every lie has consequences and that we can genuinely harm people on a fundamental level with deception since we are trusting creatures when all is said and done. But despite learning these lessons, he presses on, desperate to enjoy that sense of freedom while only getting a taste of real life. That is, until his father dies. Because then and only then does he realize that the lies have pushed him away from what matters and that immersing himself in a fantasy cost him precious moments that will never come again. If anything, what I truly loved about this exploration was the sheer fact that it presents Frank in a human light. He’s not some super evil con man who wants to stick it to the world because he sees it as flawed. He’s just a broken human being who needed better guidance from his pop and he used lies to cope with the pain and that’s oddly relatable since we’ve known guys like Frank, or we’ve been him in some capacity.

Yet while all of this is incredible to watch, it takes great actors to sell this kind of story and thankfully this movie features that as well. For Tom Hanks does an amazing job as FBI Agent Carl Hanratty, the man who hunts Frank and he serves as the anchor for this film since he just wants Frank to be a good man and do the right thing. And of course, this movie wouldn’t work in the slightest without Leonardo DiCaprio in the lead role since his incredible acting skills bring gravity and emotional weight to Frank’s plight and I really am glad I got the chance to revisit this magnificent film. For it really is fun and moving and thoughtful and it is one filled with so many subtle layers that I may need to watch it again because it has a beautiful message about life and its hardships, since it reminds us that we can always come back from the darkness, when we choose to put in the work and face the problems that the world throws our way.