Sheep Movie Review: Dark Phoenix (2019) No Spoilers

Dark Phoenix (2019)

Jun 7, 2019
Directed By: Simon Kinberg
Written By: Simon Kinberg
Cast: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult, Sophie Turner, Tye Sheridan
Rating: PG-13 (for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action including some gunplay, disturbing images, and brief strong language)
Genre: Action & Adventure, Drama, Science Fiction & Fantasy
Studio: 20th Century Fox
In DARK PHOENIX, the X-MEN face their most formidable and powerful foe: one of their own, Jean Grey. During a rescue mission in space, Jean is nearly killed when she is hit by a mysterious cosmic force. Once she returns home, this force not only makes her infinitely more powerful, but far more unstable. Wrestling with this entity inside her, Jean unleashes her powers in ways she can neither comprehend nor contain. With Jean spiraling out of control, and hurting the ones she loves most, she begins to unravel the very fabric that holds the X-Men together. Now, with this family falling apart, they must find a way to unite -- not only to save Jean's soul, but to save our very planet from aliens who wish to weaponize this force and rule the galaxy.

Maybe all the bad press about Dark Phoenix had me going into the movie with low expectations, but I enjoyed it.  I went with my husband and 18-year-old daughter. My husband agreed with me. My daughter, who isn't a big X-Men fan, wasn't as impressed with it. She said there wasn't a cohesive plot. I must have been so caught up in the awesome X-Men fighting scenes that I didn't notice the lack of plot. I thought this had the best action/fight scenes of all the X-Men movies.

The X-Men were more bada$$ compared to the other films. Beast was a flocking BEAST! Rawr! I love me some Michael Fassbender but Magneto is a fickle character. He flips loyalties way to quick. I really like the Jean Grey character...kind of got a girl-crush on Dark Phoenix. All those Cherik fans (if you don't know what that is then you aren't one and forget I said it) are gonna have fuel for that fire.

My husband and I thought it was worth seeing. It looked good in IMAX. Our daughter didn't. I haven't gotten a rating from her but I would guess she'd give it 3 or 3 1/2.

*There was no post-credit scene.

I give it 4 "X-women" Sheep

SharonS

Movie Review: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2
Director: Francis Lawrence
Film series: The Hunger Games
Adapted from: Mockingjay
Story by: Suzanne Collins
November 16, 2015 (USA)

PG-13, 2h 17m

Fantasy/Science fiction

Lionsgate Films

official website

Realizing the stakes are no longer just for survival, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) teams up with her closest friends, including Peeta (Josh Hutcherson), Gale (Liam Hemsworth) and Finnick for the ultimate mission. Together, they leave District 13 to liberate the citizens of war-torn Panem and assassinate President Snow, who's obsessed with destroying Katniss. What lies ahead are mortal traps, dangerous enemies and moral choices that will ultimately determine the future of millions.

This is the movie we all hoped Mockingjay Part 1 would have been. If you haven't read the books then prepare for a very dark and emotionally heavy movie. There were a few parts that dragged, but there were lots of big action fight scenes.

This is a movie that is appreciated on the big screen. So if you've seen the first two (let's forget part 1) then it is worth a matinee price.

3.75 "arrow to the heart" sheep

SharonS

Double Sheep Movie Review: The Hunger Games: MockingJay - Part 1

The Hunger Games: MockingJay - Part 1

Directed by: Francis Lawrence, Francis Lawrence II

Rated: PG-13

Runtime: 2hr 5min

Staring: Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson, Julianne Moore, Donald Sutherland, Sam Claflin, Woody Harrelson, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Elizabeth Banks, 

Plot: 

The worldwide phenomenon of The Hunger Games continues to set the world on fire with The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1, which finds Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) in District 13 after she literally shatters the games forever. Under the leadership of President Coin (Julianne Moore) and the advice of her trusted friends, Katniss spreads her wings as she fights to save Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) and a nation moved by her courage. The novel on which the film is based is the third in a trilogy written by Suzanne Collins that has over 65 million copies in print in the U.S. alone. 

*Katie's review, who did not read the books* 

Maybe I should have watched the previous Hunger Games movie right before heading to the theater to see this one. I say this, because I could not remember who certain characters were. Or why and how they got out of the main city to district 13. Like who was Sara again? And how did Finnick play into all this? Plus, Effie is now magically in district 13…but why? It's not really explained. So maybe she got out and went there, but her of all people I could not believe would abandon the luxury of the main city. Just to live underground and on the run. 

Anyway, all that being said I did enjoy this film overall. But I say that with reservations. I mean, how much can you "enjoy" a film that's about millions of oppressed people who are hunted and killed like animals. Where kids have to fight each other to the death no less, it's hard to be all "hell yeah that was a good film!" then fist pump the air. Just seems kinda out of place for the occasion. 

But I digress. As we get into the latest ongoings of Katniss and crew, we find that a major rebellion has now started. The working people don't want to be held down any longer. They are fighting. Most are making the ultimate sacrifice, but better to die fighting for something righteous then die for nothing. 

The film felt very dark for most of the story, but that's pretty much Hunger Games edict. Tedious is a word that comes to mind. Long spots of lulling, then some action and then back to more lull. This is one of those cases where the trailer shows you pretty much all the most exciting parts. The epic "If we burn, you burn with us!" (see video below) That's a big moment in the film. But I saw the trailer 10 times already! 

There's a ton of uneventful moments. I can't even say there was great dialog to fill those voids. No, most was self reflection moments. Looking out into the distance. Waiting. Picking over cafeteria food. Playing a game of chase the light across the floor you silly cat. You get the idea. More action! More development in the plot! More something! 

Sure, the end gets epic. But that's the end of the film! This was a 2 hour movie that wasted time and delivered little. See it if you like this world and want to keep up with what's doing. But really, you can wait around for the DVD. 

Getting 3 1/2 Sheep

KD 

*Sharon's review, who read the books* 

I'll make this quick. I was disappointed. It was nothing but Katniss looking horrified and then distraught. Mockingjay is the last book, and some pretty big things happen, but it seems they are saving it all for the fourth movie. There is one important event reveal in part one, the Peta story line. The rest is filler. Skipping this movie and reading some spoilers online instead will do you. Save your money for part two.

2 Sheep (one star because I like Jennifer Lawrence and another because Thor's brother is nice to look at.)

SharonS

Sheep Movie Review: American Hustle

American Hustle 

Directed by: David O. Russell 

Staring: Jennifer Lawrence, Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner

Rated R

Plot:

A fictional film set in the alluring world of one of the most stunning scandals to rock our nation, American Hustle tells the story of brilliant con man Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale), who along with his equally cunning and seductive British partner Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams) is forced to work for a wild FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper). DiMaso pushes them into a world of Jersey powerbrokers and mafia that's as dangerous as it is enchanting. Jeremy Renner is Carmine Polito, thepassionate, volatile, New Jersey political operator caught between the con-artists and Feds. Irving's unpredictable wife Rosalyn (Jennifer Lawrence) could be the one to pull the thread that brings the entire world crashing down. Like David O. Russell's previous films, American Hustle defies genre, hinging on raw emotion, and life and death stakes. 

This film was amazingly clever, witty and engaging from beginning to end. I LOVED every disco second of it. It's the American dream, minus the whole con-artist scheming thing. From the cloths, acting, set design, music, there were just so many awesome aspects to this movie! 

How could you not love all this awesome hair? 

And these low cut dresses? Yeow!

This is one to see! So much comedy, intermixed with a crime drama that will have you strapped in for the ride! Go see this one and watch for it, and all the cast, to be a big winner in the upcoming Golden Globes. 

Getting 4 and 1/2 "London calling" Sheep 

KD

Movie Review: Catching Fire

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)
146 min - Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi - 22 November 2013 (USA)
Director: Francis Lawrence
Writers: Simon Beaufoy (screenplay), Michael Arndt(screenplay)
Stars: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth
Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark become targets of the Capitol after their victory in the 74th Hunger Games sparks a rebellion in the Districts of Panem.
official website

Holy flaming Mocking jay! What a fabulous movie. I took my 12 year old daughter (she has read all three books) and two of her school friends to see it at the IMAX. It is on the edge of your seat action once they hit the arena. But be warned, it is  intense with a capital "I". I spent 45 minutes of the movie sitting in the lobby with a one of Holly's friends because it was to violent. Once her mom picked her up I went back in. I missed the announcement of the Quarter Quell and the reaping, but I will be going back this weekend to see what I missed.

Jennifer Lawrence was awesome in her role as Katniss. Gale was looking good as usual, but it was Peeta's time to shine and with the addition of Finnick, your tween daughters will be in heaven.

Catching Fire is emotionally powerful and brutally violent. It is definitely the upper end of PG-13, but excellent entertainment. The theater broke into applause as the credits rolled. Worth the money to see it at the theater.

5 "tick-tock" Sheep

Sharon Stogner

Sheep Movie Reviews: Silver Linings Playbook

Silver Linings Playbook, directed by David Russell, stars Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver, and Chris Tucker. Nominated for eight Oscars, I was eager to get out and see this film straight away! A meaningful and beautiful story that takes a hard look at people who suffer from mental illness and the the effect it has on not only themselves, but the families and friends who love them. 

Plot:

Life doesn't always go according to plan. Pat Solatano (Bradley Cooper) has lost everything -- his house, his job, and his wife. He now finds himself living back with his mother (Jacki Weaver) and father (Robert DeNiro) after spending eight months is a state institution on a plea bargain. Pat is determined to rebuild his life, remain positive and reunite with his wife, despite the challenging circumstances of their separation. All Pat's parents want is for him to get back on his feet-and to share their family's obsession with the Philadelphia Eagles football team. When Pat meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), a mysterious girl with problems of her own, things get complicated. Tiffany offers to help Pat reconnect with his wife, but only if he'll do something very important for her in return. As their deal plays out, an unexpected bond begins to form between them, and silver linings appear in both of their lives.

I am not a big fan of Bradley Cooper, at all, so when I read that he was going to be leading man in this one I was not gushing with happy-happy, joy-joy. But after I watched him and felt the raw emotion that he offered up on a silver platter, I was absolutely blown away. His ability to show true and real emotion for a role that must have been harder then hell to play, had me laughing and crying at the same time. With pure believability and utter venerability this man is now on my list of actors I will watch. Forget the Hangover films dude, and stick with this, because you're darn good at it! 

With Robert De Niro playing a Dad who's just trying to do the best he can in the face of a mental illness he has no control over, you're blown away yet again by the emotion of the characters. Robert is a veteran in the acting world, but once more the amount of raw passion and stupefied fatherly love that comes through was pure gold. Married to the love of his life, the Philadelphia Eagles, you've got a family obsessed with football and a son who's trying to make the madness in his head a little more bearable. 

Jennifer Lawrence is now a two time Oscar nominated actress and rightly so. She yet again takes command of her character and absorbs it like a second skin, the ability to adapt and play a range of characters is going to give this gal a very long and fruitful career in the acting community. The humanity of a world that can be cruel to outsiders and the strength it takes to overcome the odds was the pure heart and soul of Silver Linings Playbook. 

Every leading actor in this film was nominated for an Oscar. That, in and of itself, says something for the story. This isn't an action film or an epic adventure, but a human movie about real life issues that millions of folks face every day. It's raw and real and will slap you across the face a few times before it's done with you. 

This is a story that's both warm and tender yet laced with comedy and emotion. A love story of life and cooping. It's one you must see and absolutely going to be a big hitter in this years Oscars! 

I do not give out full ratings lightly, I proudly pay this film homage with 5 Sheep. 

KD

Sheep Movie Review: The Hunger Games

***Warning this review is filled with spoilers***

The Hunger Games, directed by Gary Ross, stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth (Yup, Thor's brother!), Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson and Lenny Kravitz. This is definitely not a feel good movie you watch on a lazy weekend; no, this is an emotionally wrecking film where children hunt down and slaughter each other on live TV. Yet from this brutality rises our heroine Katniss, the gal who won't go down for the thrills of a society littered with corruption.

Plot:

Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the evil Capitol of the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. A twisted punishment for a past uprising and an ongoing government intimidation tactic, The Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which "Tributes" must fight with one another until one survivor remains. Pitted against highly-trained Tributes who have prepared for these Games their entire lives, Katniss is forced to rely upon her sharp instincts as well as the mentorship of drunken former victor Haymitch Abernathy. If she's ever to return home to District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

First and foremost let me say that I did not read these books so this review is coming from a strictly movie-only perspective. That being said here's some of the things I liked: Liam Hemsworth, need I say more? The costumes throughout this film are outrageous and over the top, yet at the same time they are somehow incredible and completely consuming. The hair, mustaches and yellow eyeliner were amazing. The story itself is one that is absolutely emotion-packed from the top, down to the tiniest parts of its core and for that alone I have to give this one a major bow for taking me on one heck of a ride! Jennifer Lawrence knocked this one out the park with her stellar performance! Truly an amazing actress whose performance alone had me buying into the movie's story.

On the downside, shaky camera syndrome is a plague on modern films and should be banned from most in my opinion! It's extremely frustrating to be deeply involved in a story and suddenly have the whole perspective thrashing about so forcefully that you have no idea who just killed who. At least give us barf bags under the seat! Our lead male, "Peeta bread" as I'm calling him, was a total pansy. He turns on the woman he confesses to loving for a long time right after the game gets going. I get that it's a savage game to the death and maybe he was playing nice with the other kids just to get by, but there are always choices other than teaming up with the nasties. Aside from his traitorous heart, he comes across as such a total wimp that Katniss has to keep safe all the time. Yet another reason why Thor's brother was clearly the better choice here.

With a PG-13 rating I was blown away with the amount of savagery and knife-oriented gore. A movie like this and have to wonder just how far we've come in the film industry that an action blood bath extravaganza can pass with a lower rating just to get more butts in the seats. It boggles the mind!

The overall storyline is given to the audience in gradual doses, but by the end I was still lost, so the rest I had to call and ask Sharon about. (Since she read the books) Maybe it's assumed that just about everyone has read these books, but more info on the past of characters' and the overall plot would have done a lot of good here. It wasn't very clear how the games came to be or why so many districts are so poor. There also were some major mother-daughter issues going on between Katniss and her mother, but no real dialog between the two explaining why. The biggest flaw for me was why on earth would anyone let their kids be put into this game in the first place?! I mean come on, you all outnumber the guys with the guns! Yeah some might die, but think of the greater good here people!

So for the folks that want to watch a heart-wrenching story that's filled with corruption, nail biting action, kids killing kids, murder and hallucinating bees then check out the punch-in-the-gut The Hunger Games. It will leave you both loving and hating it at the same time.

Getting 3 and 1/2 tree climbing Sheep

KD

X-Men: First Class, top of MY class.

X-Men: First Class, directed by Matthew Vaughn, stars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, January Jones and Kevin Bacon. Director Vaughn, as some of you may know, is also the guy who brought us Kick-Ass. Although Kick-Ass was hit or miss with most folks, it was a BIG hit with me. I was eagerly awaiting the release date of the latest installment of X-Men, and while I try not to look at any reviews before I go to a movie it was a little hard not to hear a few things from other reviewers. I was so afraid the other reviews were going to taint my overall movie experience but I am happy to say it did not! If you don't come away from this movie loving X-Men even more (as if that's possible) then you may want to see a shrink right away. This movie was a boat load of entertainment!

First off let me just give a big tops off (yeah you read that right) to Michael Fassbender who plays the young Erik aka Magneto, this man can act and hot diggity dog does he look slap-my-ass-and-call-me-sexy good on screen. (Yeah I'm a crotch slobber, I read romance books like you all breath air. Deal with it.) I enjoyed him in Inglorious Bastards and more recently the revamp of Jane Eyre, he packs an acting punch that held so true to the story of Magneto I came out loving it. James McAvoy and Jennifer Lawrence (Winters Bone) should not be overlooked either; both are also incredible actors who came ready to do the work it would take to make this movie believable. The young charismatic pub partying Xavier and vulnerable Raven, who later becomes Mystique, have a sordid history and I was so very pleased the film took the time to establish that foundation. I would have liked to see this film come out before all the others since it's first of the films chronologically, but prequels seem to be the fad nowadays and so it shall be.

The main plot of the film revolves around the Cuba missile crisis that took place back in the 60's. X-Men does a great job of tying in historical events and depicting them as possible mutant maneuvering. A bunch of seasoned secondary cast members had me spotting actors I love throughout the film. Dealing with discrimination and emotionally complex issues, First Class deals with some tough ideas while mixing in mutant myth. If you're looking for an action packed non-stop blow up fest you won't find any of that until about half way into the movie. The main point here was to show the origins of the mutants for people familiar but also unfamiliar with the X-men mythos. For those that need the action it comes at ya, but the main point of this film is grounded in storytelling rather than fight scenes.

Kevin Bacon's (Everybody cut Footloose!) character is basically held accountable for being the guiding force behind Erik's transformation into Magneto. While he forms a few bonds of friendship it's ultimately not enough, as well all know, to stop the change that leads him to a very different conclusion than Charles Xavier and his X-Men. Layers and layers of story take place in both the X-Men comics and movies but this would be a great starting point for those late comers that may not know much about what the whole world is about. A certain cameo scene had me laughing in my seat, you won't see it coming but you will enjoy it. The only character who felt the blandest to me was Emma Frost played by January Jones, I really wanted to get more out of Emma's character but felt her portrayal missed the mark. That being said, it's not awful just a little to distant for me.

The whole film has a Bond-esque feel to it, beautifully shot and well directed. Some amazing CGI is also thrown in to wow the audience. Overall this Marvel fangirl got her fix and walked away pretty darn happy. Getting a strong recommendation from me to go see it, and ladies do NOT be afraid the film is chock full of eye candy AND a great story. It's a win-win! :)

Getting 4 Wolverine Sheep

KD

Winter's Bone, dark powerful drama.

Winter's Bone directed by Debra Granik staring Jennifer Lawrence as Ree Dolly. An unflinching Ozark Mountain girl hacking through dangerous social terrain as she hunts down her drug-dealing father while trying to keep her family intact. John Hawkes plays Teardrop, her drug dealing scary as all hell Uncle.

Synopsis:

Seventeen-year-old Ree Dolly (Jennifer Lawrence) sets out to track down her father, who put their house up for his bail bond and then disappeared. If she fails, Ree and her family will be turned out into the Ozark woods. Challenging her outlaw kin's code of silence and risking her life, Ree hacks through the lies, evasions and threats offered up by her relatives and begins to piece together the truth.

Based on the novel by Daniel Woodrell.

This movie won Best Picture at the Sundance Film Festival to boot!

I knew this movie was going to be a dark drama going into it but I think nothing can prepare you for what you watch. It was heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. Squirrels anyone?Awesome performances from the main characters made the movie feel all the more authentic.

Makes you appreciate what you have in life and feel moved to reach out to others in need. Great film with a powerful message if you can stomach the grit of the story.

Playing in select cites. Please lets hope your city was selected! :)

KD