Movies: Gotti, Incredibles 2, Let the Sunshine In

Gotti

We literally left the theater less than an hour ago.  We came home, turned on the computer where we discovered Rotten Tomatoes critics trashed Gotti with a 0% rating.  We felt that was completely wrong so a digging we did go.  Cross checking with numerous other sources, our unofficial sleuthing showed audiences, in general, liked the film.  What’s more, the folks distributing the movie called the critics “Trolls”.  We are certain there is a much bigger story behind all this and we will share what we learn with all of you.  On with our perspective!

Overall, we liked it.  It is very focused on John Gotti and his son and their families, the code they lived by as part of the Gambino crime family in New York during the 1970’s, 80’s and 90’s.  It felt authentic.

It has a pretty nice cast: John Travolta as John Gotti, Sr., Kelly Preston as wife Victoria Gotti, Stacy Keatch as a key member of the “family”, Canadian actor Spencer Rocco Lofranco plays John Gotti Jr.  The rest of the cast includes well over 100 actors.

It is rated R for strong violence and pervasive language.  It is listed as a Biography, Crime, Drama.  We do not recommend this movie for children.  The run time is 104 minutes.

Note: While researching, we discovered much of the movie was filmed in Cincinnati, not New York.

Rating 

Incredibles 2

It is hard to believe it has been 14 years since the first Incredibles came out of the Pixar Studios.  Now part of the Disney empire Incredibles 2 is close to breaking box office records barely a week after release.

Like the original, Incredibles 2 is a fun, clever, action packed epic.  Audiences of all ages are loving it.  Our favorite character is Jack Jack the baby who has 17 super powers.  We will say no more but we are confident you’ll be entertained.

The cast is perfect.  Holly Hunter is Elastigirl.  Craig T. Nelson is Mr. Incredible.  Catherine Keener is Evelyn Deavor, Bob Odenkirk is Winston Deavor.  Isabella Rossellini is the Ambassador.  John Ratzenberger is the Underminer.  Johnathan Banks is Rick Dicker.  Brad Bird plays a hilarious Edna Mode.  Samuel Jackson is Lucius Best/Frozone.

It is rated PG for action sequences and some brief mild language.  It is child friendly although very young children may be startled by some rapid actions.  It is listed as an Action & Adventure, Animation, Kids & Family.  The run time is 118 minutes.  Special Note:  Pixar has put out a disclaimer that a few scenes, using strobe light technology, may affect audience members who have epilepsy.

Note:  While showing in several theaters at the multiplex we went to, our show was sold out.  Customer Service offered us any other showing including IMAX.  It made a good movie even better.  The screen we had is the largest on the West Coast.  Talk about an upgrade!!

Rating 

Let the Sunshine In

This film features Juliette Binoche as a divorced Parisian artist, frequently having sex in one failed relationship after another.

Critics laud this movie as “real”, “relatable” while others call it a “shallow midlife crisis” and an “undiagnosed” Cinderella complex.

French Director Clare Denis crafts a story about a middle aged woman artist seeking happiness from her male lovers de jour.  The story does not judge, in fact, it gently recognizes her faults with sympathy and compassion.

The cast includes Juliette Binoche and Gerard Depardieu as the headliners.  Paul Blain, Nicolas Duvauchelle, Xavier Beauvois, Philippe Katerine and a dozen more French actors.

The film is not rated.  The genre is listed as Art House & International, Drama, Romance.  The run time is 96 minutes.

While we are big fans of International films and Ms. Binoche, this one was just a little too artsy for our liking.

Rating