Here Comes the Boom (2012): Mormon Movie Review

   It's Mormon Movie Guy Monday! He writes a great blog similar to ours reviewing movies from a Latter-day Saint Perspective. The review was written by him, but the star ratings were applied based on my interpretation of his review. We got invited to a screening of Here Comes the Boom, but we couldn't get there in time and missed it. Now I am not as bummed about it. I didn't love Paul Blart: Mall Cop, but I respected that it was PG. Here Comes the Boom seems to follow that same vein. It is in Theatres now, but you might want to wait for the DVD or Dollar Theatre. 

Quality:

Here Comes the Boom, the just-released inspirational romantic sports dramedy (got that?) asks audiences to believe two preposterous notions. The first is that Kevin James, the portly fellow who amused us in Hitchand TV's King of Queens, could be competitive in mixed martial arts. The second is that Kevin James could have a chance with Salma Hayek. Does it succeed? Not quite, though it comes surprisingly close on both counts. 

First of all, James shed a lot of fat and put on a good deal of muscle, training for 14 months to play a biology teacher who takes up UFC fighting to save his friend's job (a music teacher played by Henry Winkler). Despite James' physical transformation, it's still tough to believe that he could compete against seasoned fighters, no matter what his determination level. The far-superior Warrior (one of 2011's very best movies) had a similar storyline; that film barely got away with it, and actor Joel Edgerton was in phenomenal shape. I must admit, however, that James surprised me with his athleticism here, both as a "fighter" and as a physical comedian. As for the romance, James and Hayek have far more sparks between them comedically than chemically. Their scenes together provide some of the film's funniest dialogue.

Speaking of humor, Here Comes the Boom never quite decides whether it wants to be a comedy or an inspirational sports drama. It veers unevenly, back and forth, between the two. As a drama, it pales in comparison to the superior films it imitates (the aforementioned Warrior and the Rocky series, most obviously). Nearly every plot point is wholly predictable, as sports film cliches are trotted out one after the other. A school principal comes across as a one-note villain whose inevitable change of heart feels inauthentic and unearned.

As a comedy, however, it fares much better. There are quite a few belly laughs here, including one moment that had me chuckling until my sides hurt and tears streamed down my cheeks. There's quite a few great one-liners, as well as some expertly-played physical comedy. The supporting characters are mostly solid; retired UFC Heavyweight Champion Bas Rutten is particularly likable in a warm and funny role. On top of that, it's PG and clean (see content overview below). Despite its flaws, Here Comes the Boom is a worthwhile excursion for those looking for inoffensive fun. It also portrays Christianity positively, which is always a nice bonus. 

Content:

 Here Comes the Boom is rated PG. It has plentiful mixed martial arts fighting and a pair of mild obscenities. A woman reveals some cleavage in a tank top and men fight shirtless.

Messages to Discuss: The story of Jacob wrestling a messenger of the Lord and earning a blessing, as referenced in the film, is found in Genesis 32: 24-30. With  hard work, faith, and unity we can restore atrophied things, people, communities, and systems to their former lustre and beyond (Words of Mormon 1:16-18). 

Brave (2012): Mormon Movie Review

  Guest Post from the Mormon Movie Guy.  He writes a great blog similar to ours reviewing movies from a Latter-day Saint Perspective. The review was written by him, but the star ratings were applied based on my interpretation of his review.


Quality: 
 There is only one thing that keeps Brave, the new film from Disney-Pixar, from being a "grade-A" movie: it copies its main narrative device wholesale from another recent Disney movie (click here only if you want to know). This lack of originality distracts from Brave's quality and bogs down its second act a bit, but the film is ultimately redeemed by taking its cue from that other film and doing it better, with stunning animation, a gorgeous musical score, excellent characters, rough-and-tumble Scottish humor, and an undeniably powerful emotional core (I'm not ashamed to say that I teared up towards the end). 


With Merida, the strong-willed tomboy princess, Pixar has finally given us a female lead character (as I displayed in my master's thesis, they've portrayed women well, but females have never been front and center), and she was worth the wait. As voiced by actress Kelly Macdonald, she's a fiesty firecracker with a very satisfying character arch. All of the vocal work is superb, in fact, especially by Billy Connoly and Emma Thompson as Merida's royal parents. Though this is essentially a mother-daughter story (a surprising rarity in animated films), there are plenty of amusing male characters for boys and fathers to relate to.Brave's got fun and heart for the whole family, more than enough to make up for its overly-familiar story.

Content:

 Disney-Pixar's Brave is rated PG. It contains some fairly intense scenes of peril that could frighten children, comedic brawling and fisticuffs, and humorous animated rear nudity of adult males and toddlers. A heavyset female character is portrayed with ample cleavage, again for comedic effect.

MESSAGES TO DISCUSS: "Mothers, take time to be a real friend to your children. Listen to your children, really listen. Talk with them, laugh and joke with them, sing with them, play with them, cry with them, hug them, honestly praise them" (President Ezra Taft Benson). "Arguments, fights...generation gaps...all fall into this category of pride. Contention in our families drives the Spirit of the Lord away. It also drives many of our family members away...Pride adversely affects all our relationships...God will have a humble people. We can either choose to be humble or we can be compelled to be humble...Let us choose to be humble. We can choose to humble ourselves by conquering emnity between ourselves and our brothers and sisters, esteeming them as ourselves, and lifting them as high or higher than we are. We can choose to humble ourselves by receiving counsel and chastisement. We can choose to humble ourselves by forgiving those who have offended us" (President Ezra Taft Benson, "Beware of Pride"). 

Must-See Family-Friendly Movies on Netflix Streaming

Like many families we cut the cord on cable TV.  It seemed like it was a lot of money for sub par content.  Now, there are some shows that I love on Cable, but I just couldn't rationalize the expense.

Luckily there are some other options to get some entertainment into the home.  The Mormon Movie Guy recently wrote an article for Median Magazine about some great family friendly flicks streaming on Netflix that you can watch right now!

"Though their stock has fallen in recent months, Netflix Streaming is still arguably the best place to watch movies online. At only $7.99 per month for unlimited viewing of thousands of films and television shows, for many families it's the main source of entertainment (especially now that you can connect your TV to Netflix). But how does one sort the trash from the gems?"

Below are a few of his selections and a few of my own.

The Office (TV-14, 2005-2010)

One of Netflix Streaming's best benefits is television programming. Easily one of the best shows on television, and better than the English version, The Office is a mockumentary about office life that just about every drone can relate to.  We all have known a Dwight or a Ryan.  If you haven't seen it yet, now if your chance.  The box set of seasons 1-5 will set you back about $100, but Netflix is streaming 1-7 right now.

Annie (PG, 1982)

"The classic musical about the spunky little orphan and her billionaire adopter is as fun and lively today as it ever was."

The Conspirator (PG-13, 2010)

"Gripping true story about the trial of the Lincoln assassination conspirators, with brilliant performances by James McAvoy (Chronicles of Narnia) as an unwilling defense attorney and Robin Wright (The Princess Bride) as the mother of an accused rebel who may be punished in his stead. Robert Redford directs. Has some language and intense moments." (For the longest time I thought this movie was "The Lincoln Lawyer."  Turns out that is a different movie.)

The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes (TV-Y7, 2010)
I guess I just haven't gotten enough Avengers after seeing the film.  I started watching this with the boys, and found myself watching episodes on my own to see what happens next.  It is done very well and has Stan Lee on board.  


Emma (PG, 1996)

"Delightful adaptation of the Jane Austen novel stars Gwyneth Paltrow (Iron Man) as a Victorian young lady who delights in matchmaking but struggles with her own love life. Squeaky clean and totally charming."

End of the Spear (PG-13, 2005)

"Well-made, well-acted, and incredibly powerful Christian drama about a group of missionaries who travel to the jungles of Ecuador to teach a bloodthirsty native tribe about the Prince of Peace before the government wipes them out. Beautifully shot with lovely music. Though in my opinion it contains nothing offensive the film is PG-13 for a reason, with male rear nudity of the natives and fairly graphic depictions of tribal warfare. Highly recommended for teenagers and up, as it beautifully contrasts the viciousness of the world with the love and forgiveness offered through Jesus Christ. Based on a true story (a worthwhile documentary about the same events, Beyond the Gates of Splendor, is also available on Netflix Streaming)."

Forever Strong (PG-13, 2008)

I caught this one the other night based on his recommendation.  I was very pleased. "Inspiring true story about the Highland Rugby Team, led by Latter-Day Saint coach Larry Gelwix. Directed by Ryan Little (Saints and Soldiers), this is a solid sports film with wonderfully redeeming messages about wayward youth finding their way. Has some teen drinking and partying (portrayed with tragic consequences and contrasted with better choices later on) and one comedic vulgar gesture."

Hunt For Red October, The (PG, 1990)

"Brilliant and intense Cold War thriller pairs Sean Connery with a very young Alec Baldwin, both attempting to avert disaster aboard nuclear submarines. Has some PG-level gunplay and language. Based on the Tom Clancy novel."

Karate Kid (PG, 1984)

"The original classic about a young man who learns courage and integrity from a karate master."

The Rocky Series (PG, 1976-1990)

From the Best-Picture-winning Rocky and its underrated, character-driven sequel Rocky II to the Reagan-era machismo of Rocky III (versus Mr.T) and Rocky IV (dumb-fun patriotism as the Italian Stallion takes on a giant Russian), and the pathetic/depressing Rocky V, most of the classic series is here. Sadly, the surprisingly excellent 2006 finale Rocky Balboa, which redeems the franchise and sends it off on a high note, is not. Seek it out, it's worth the watch.

Saints and Soldiers (PG-13, 2003)

"Ryan Little's stunning WWII drama remains one of the finest films to ever come out of Mormon Cinema, with a terrific ensemble cast and a powerful spiritual core to go with its gripping combat scenes.  Rated PG-13 for war violence and mild language."

Sense and Sensibility (PG, 1995)

"Wonderful Jane Austen adaptation starring Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, Kate Winslet, and, in a rare romantic lead role, Alan Rickman (Snape from Harry Potter).  Terrific viewing for die-hard romantics." (My wife convinced me to watch this with her on a Sunday afternoon, then she fell asleep 20 minutes in.  I always finish a movie and this one was pretty good.  If anything you will score points with your lady if you watch it with her.)

Veggie Tales (Not rated, 1997-2010)

These are a Sunday Morning staple in our home.  It can be a struggle some weeks to keep the kids focused on Sabbath oriented things, yet not go crazy.  We usually try to stick to the episodes that mirror a Bible story.  Once of my favorites is when they tell the story of King David who has a lot of Rubber Ducks, but covets someone else's Rubber Duck.  "A total of 19 titles from the clever and charming Christian children's series are currently available on Netflix Streaming."

Whale Rider (PG-13, 2003)

"As far as girl-power films go, you'd be hard-pressed to find one more profoundly moving and culturally sensitive as this tale of a young Maori girl in New Zealand who longs both for the approval of her grandfather and the opportunity to prove herself worthy to be the tribe's first female chief. Rated PG-13 for a few profanities (no f-words) and the implication that a man is having a child out of wedlock (portrayed with appropriate sensitivity to such a situation). A moving tale of familial bonds.Great for teens and up."


So what are some Netflix gems that we might have missed.  I only have two episodes left in The Avengers so I will be looking for something new.

Batman's Mormon Connections

   Guest Post from the Mormon Movie Guy.  He writes a great blog similar to ours reviewing movies from a Latter-day Saint Perspective. 

I've got Batman on the brain and will until the release of The Dark Knight Rises in July. Ergo, I thought it'd be fun to explore the Caped Crusader's notable connections to our faith, specifically in director Christopher Nolan's take on the legend. I've already elaborated elsewhere on the Gospel parallels of the first two films, Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, so here we'll take a quick look at key actors from the series. Among them we find the star of a film especially beloved by Latter-Day Saints, supporting actors from two very different films about Mormon missionaries, and two Brigham Young University alums. While this may not seem very impressive, it becomes noteworthy when one considers that I could come up with only one "Mormon connection" among the combined films of the Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Spiderman, X-men, and Harry Potter franchises: actor Sean Astin (AKA Samwise Gamgee) co-starred in Forever Strong, which was about a real-life Latter-Day Saint rugby coach and was directed by Saints and Soldiers' Ryan Little. So, without further adieu, in the words of Heath Ledger's Joker: "And here...we...go!"

CHRISTIAN BALE (BRUCE WAYNE, BATMAN)

 

Though Bale's take on the Dark Knight, especially his layered portrayal of Bruce Wayne, has rocketed him to stardom (raspy Bat-voice and all), to many Latter-Day Saints he will always be roguish paperboy Jack "Cowboy" Kelly in Disney's 1992 musical Newsies. Though the film was a critical and commercial bomb, it has since become a cult classic in many circles. The Latter-Day Saint community took to it immediately, however, embracing it as family-friendly entertainment with catchy tunes. I have it on good authority that the show-stopping dance numbers by strapping young males made this movie a staple of many Beehive and Mia Maid sleepovers. Though Bale now looks upon the film with a kind of fond embarrassment, Mormon culture owes him a debt of gratitude for feeding our insatiable hunger for cheese.

MATTHEW MODINE (DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOLEY)

In the third film, Matthew Modine plays a role audiences know little about, except for his inquiring about Jim Gordon's job in the first trailer (see below). A little-known fact is that Modine was raised in a Mormon family, spending part of his childhood in Salt Lake City. Though not a baptized member, he briefly attended Brigham Young University before deciding it wasn't for him. As a knock on Mitt Romney, Modine recently tweeted against Latter-Day Saint racism (something I address in my articles "Race in Mormon History" and "Racism in the Book of Mormon?" Part One and Part Two). Apparently he doesn't realize that the Church condemns racism, teaching that all are alike unto God. Still, Modine seems like a good guy. Actor Eric Stolz describes him as "a virtuous man- kind, honest, steadfast and true." Liam Neeson (Batman Begins) says of Modine that "there's something old-worldly about Matthew. He's gracious and warm, and it's very comforting." It'll be interesting to see what Nolan has in store for him.

ANNE HATHAWAY (SELINA KYLE, CATWOMAN)

Before she suited up as Gotham City's preeminent femme fatale, Anne Hathaway popped up on our radars as Jean, a swing-dancing, fun-loving Mormon girl who captures the heart of young John Groberg (Christopher Gorham, TV's Covert Affairs) at Brigham Young University. Her love ultimately keeps him alive while they're apart. Based on the incredible true story of Elder Groberg's perilous LDS mission to Tonga in the 1950's, The Other Side of Heaven is a handsomely-produced tale of faith, compassion, and cultural appreciation. Above all, it is a timeless romance that Box-Office Magazine described as an "undeniably uplifting story, made all the more inspirational by the fact that it's true." 

JOSEPH GORDON-LEVITT (OFFICER JOHN BLAKE)

 

How Joseph Gordon-Levitt's police officer fits into the plot of The Dark Knight Rises is unknown, but judging by the most recent trailer his role is substantial. Before wearing a cop's badge, however, he wore the name-tag of a Mormon missionary in the gay-cinema drama Latter-Days. Gordon-Levitt plays the judgmental companion of a secretly homosexual elder who falls for their neighbor. Though I've not seen this decidedly R-rated approach to our faith, I understand that it doesn't portray us in a kind light. That said, Gordon-Levitt is a terrific actor (I loved his work in Inception) and I'm sure he'll impress us again come July. For now, enjoy this awesome clip from 500 Days of Summer, where his joy at finally getting the girl overwhelms him.

AARON ECKHART (HARVEY DENT, TWO-FACE)

The sad downfall of Harvey Dent, Gotham City's virtuous, "white knight" District Attorney, provided The Dark Knight (2008) with the emotional core of an epic tragedy. Brigham Young University graduate Aaron Eckhart gives a dynamic performance, more than holding his own onscreen with Heath Ledger's Oscar-winning Joker. The fact that Eckhart was raised a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is well-known. That he served a two-year LDS mission to France and Switzerland is also common knowledge. What many forget is that one of his first acting roles was in a New Testament video produced by the Church, the classic Godly Sorrow. He plays the square-jawed fiance of a young woman who has been unchaste with a previous boyfriend (see Eckhart's scenes below or the full video here). Of his religion, Eckhart told Entertainment Weekly "I'm sure people think I'm a Mormon, but I don't know that I'm a Mormon anymore, you know? To be honest, to be perfectly clear, I'd be a hypocrite if I did say that I was, just because I haven't lived that lifestyle for so many years.'' That said, Eckhart remains a friend to the faith, often praising the virtues of its people, even though his life has taken a different path.

Feel free to let me know if there are any connections between Batman and the Latter-Day Saint faith that I've missed. I personally cannot wait for July 20, when our local multiplex is screening all three of Nolan's Batman films on the opening night of The Dark Knight Rises. I wouldn't miss it (and I won't).

Captain America (2011): Mormon Movie Review

   Guest Post from the Mormon Movie Guy.  He writes a great blog similar to ours reviewing movies from a Latter-day Saint Perspective. The review was written by him, but the star ratings were applied based on my interpretation of his review.

Quality:  

   As a superhero-origin movie, Captain America lays out cliche after cliche, following the template of numerous films that have come before it. As a patriotic crowd pleaser, however, it offers plenty of old-fashioned delights. I have to borrow what another reviewer said here, because he summed it up perfectly: "If you’ve got a problem with any of the plot points in Captain America, he will kick you in the chest and make you love your country." Director Joe Johnston (The Rocketeer) delivers a delightfully nostaligic look at the World War II era, complete with a terrific sense of patriotism. This is a character, and a film, that believes in the goodness of America and what it stands for. From the wardrobe to the vernacular, the music, and even the propoganda posters, Johnston lovingly stirs up nostalgia for a bygone time when the country believed in itself and the world seemed painted in black and white (America, England, and their allies were good, the Nazis and their allies were evil) instead of modern shades of grey.


   The eye for period detail is terrific, but contrasts poorly with the cartoonish nature of the villain, Red Skull, and the futuristic design of his weaponry. Though this is a superhero film, the villain lacks the sophisticated crusade of Magneto or the fascinating philosophy of the Joker; instead he's just another one-dimensional, power-hungry magalomaniac bent on world destruction and domination, as found in dozens of other superhero/fantasy/spy films. The lack of a compelling antagonist drags what could have been a great movie down to just being a good one. What's more, though true to the comics, Red Skull looks like he'd be more at home fighting He-Man than a WWII patriot and his faceless minions look like carryovers from that terrible G.I. Joe movie. Though he's harnessed the power of the gods (a nice nod to Thor), Red Skull's technology looks futuristic even by today's standards and seems jarringly out of place in a story set 70 years ago. Don't blame Hugo Weaving (The Matrix, The Lord of the Rings); the fact that the villain holds any interest and displays any menace at all is due to the performance of this excellent actor doing the best he can with an underwritten character.


   That said, there is plenty to enjoy here, both in the hard-hitting action scenes and in the performances. Chris Evans, in the title role, switches off his usual wisecracking routine and delivers an earnest and virtuous performance. The transition of a 90 pound weakling into a hulking behemoth is truly incredible. Captain America, refreshingly, eschews the imperfections that plague other superheroes. These imperfections, granted, make the others interesting as they grow and develop, but they're not always the best role models. Instead of the rock-star vanity of Iron Man, the conflicted torment of Hulk, or the bravado of Thor, Captain America represents a return to the good-natured wholesomeness of classic all-American heroes who represent humility and conscience. Perhaps our nation is more jaded now and we relate better to flawed characters; that said, it was nice for once to be treated to a character who's simply a good person. I've no doubt that it'll be great fun to see how his old-fashioned values interact with those of the just-mentioned superheroes in next summer's Avengers movie.


   Evans' romance will a British officer (Haylee Atwell, in a strong, intelligent, and sweet performance) is nicely handled, taking the less-is-more approach. It was a wise move to show how, even before she was attracted to the him, she admired his courage and meekness. Though the ad campaign takes a "you're going to get so many girls" line out of context and the clueless hero briefly allows a female stranger to give him a kiss of gratitude, Captain America is ultimately a one-gal guy and the film is refreshingly chaste. Stanley Tucci (The Devil Wears Prada, Julie and Julia) continues to impress, giving a warm and funny depiction of a good-hearted German scientist. Rounding up the cast is Tommy Lee Jones, who gets the film's funniest lines. Jones hasn't been this enjoyable since The Fugitive and the first Men in Black, and it's good to have him back in form. Make sure you stick around until the end of the credits for a nice little surprise. All in all, Captain America is yet another solid entry in the Marvel film canon, and it sets audiences up nicely for what's sure to be a great time in next year's The Avengers.


Content: 

Captain America: The First Avenger is rated PG-13. It has plenty of bloodless war violence and fighting and one incident of quick blood spray. Language is minimal, with only 2 mild and 1 moderate uses of profanity that I recall. Some characters drink alcohol. A villain kills unarmed persons. There is no nudity or sexuality apart from two kisses.

MESSAGES TO DISCUSS: True heroes do not enjoy violence or killing, but will forcefully defend liberty and innocent lives if necessary, even to the point of giving up their own lives. Parents may want to draw the attention of youth to the example of another patriot, Captain Moroni, who is described in the Book of Mormon: "And Moroni was a strong and a mighty man; he was a man of a perfect understanding, yea, a man that did not delight in bloodshed; a man whose soul did joy in the liberty and the freedom of his country, and his brethren from bondage and slavery. Yea, a man whose heart did swell with thanksgiving to his God, for the many privileges and blessings which he bestowed upon his people; a man who did labor exceedingly for the welfare and safety of his people.Yea, and he was a man who was firm in the faith of Christ, and he had sworn with an oath to defend his people, his rights, and his country, and his religion, even to the loss of his blood. Now the Nephites were taught to defend themselves against their enemies, even to the shedding of blood if it were necessary; yea, and they were also taught never to give an offense, yea, and never to raise the sword except it were against an enemy, except it were to preserve their lives." (Alma 48: 11-14)

The Pirates- Band of Misfits (2012): Mormon Movie Review-

   Guest Post from the Mormon Movie Guy.  He writes a great blog similar to ours reviewing movies from a Latter-day Saint Perspective. The review was written by him, but the star ratings were applied based on my interpretation of his review.



Quality:  

There's a moment in Peter Pan, Disney's classic 1953 animated feature, in which Captain Hook shoots a fellow pirate whose singing annoys him. Though the actual death occurs off-screen, it's moment of dark humor of the kind that pops up occasionally in The Pirates- Band of Misfits, the delightfully rowdy new offering from Aardman Studios, the animation team that brought us Wallace and Gromit, Chicken Run, and Flushed Away. That type of dark humor, along with the glamorization of a plundering lifestyle, may be a concern to some parents while others will find it all to be harmless fun. After all, children have dressed as pirates for Halloween and enjoyed the Disneyland ride for decades without losing their sense of right and wrong. Whether this movie is appropriate for your kids is a choice I leave with you. As for the film's entertainment value, in approaching pirates as if they were the rock stars of the seas it displays a delightful wit and an infectious silliness. 

The impressive vocal cast of Hugh Grant, Salma Hayek, Jeremy Piven, David Tennant, Martin Freeman, and Imelda Staunton bring real personality to their characters (including a Charles Darwin plagued with romantic insecurity and Queen Victoria portrayed here with an explosive temper). Most impressive is the stop-motion animation. Taking years to realize, shot one-frame at a time, there is a texture to the sets and models that pops out nicely in 3D. The story isn't especially strong, but that matters little when there's so much fun to be had. Well-paced, frequently hilarious, and supported by a toe-tapping rock soundtrack, this Pirates film is far more enjoyable than any in the Johnny Depp series (except the first one [Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest], which remains the gold standard of pirate movies). 

Content:

   The Pirates- Band of Misfits is rated PG. There is one comical use of the "a-word" as well as some swordplay, punching, and gunfire. A pirate captain is shown drunk. A female pirate with an exposed abdomen swivels her hips seductively while walking, with male pirates ogling her. The only other concern parents may have is that the heroes are thieving pirates, and thus not very good role models. 

MESSAGES TO DISCUSS: We ought not to put the love of riches (Jacob 2:12-13) or the vain seeking of praise (Helaman 7:21) above loyalty to our friends.