"Red One"

Has there been any movie that has a bigger gap of opinions between professional film critics and the general public?  

I first saw “Red One” at a press screening nearly two weeks ago.  Coming off “Heretic” and “Here” reviews, and onto “Wicked,” I ended up sitting this one out earlier, even though I was tempted to write a review.  Then I've noticed that, while critics regard this as a lump of coal, the audience raved about it.  And I feel like I've had to say something anyway... I'm firmly on the fan camp.  

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“Red One” has never tried to be more than what is – a fun, brainless holiday movie.  Even the bonkers of a trailer shows it all.  What the trailer doesn't show is that the movie is packed with even more special effects, has a pretty cohesive story overall, and dare I say, a sweet message.  Yes, it's obviously a cash grab aiming for more than stocking stuffers - overstuffed with CGI creatures, loud and bloated, over-the-top wacky and sappy, but that's what makes it brainless fun.  

Callum Drift (Dwayne Johnson, “Jungle Cruise”) is commander of the ELF (Enforcement, Logistics and Fortification), a Secret Service-type of agency headquartered in the North Pole, where Santa Claus (St. Nick, J.K. Simmons) is based in.  After guarding Santa for hundreds of years, and seeing people's bad behavior, Callum has become really jaded.  It's too many people on the naughty list than the nice list.  He's told Nick that, after this Christmas, he's done and will be retiring.  

On Christmas Eve, Santa is suddenly missing.  Since Santa has been kidnapped, MORA (Mythological Oversight and Restoration Authority), the organization that monitors mythical creatures is now involved.  Zoe (Lucy Liu), the head of MORA, and Callum, are determined to find Santa in time.  

Not only for Santa's safety, the last thing Zoe wants to do is to have to explain to kings and queens, prime ministers and presidents, parents and children all of the world why their Christmas is ruined and there are no gifts under their collective trees.  There is no substitute for Nick; it's his wise and compassionate spirit that makes him the one and only Santa Claus.  

Imagine a sophisticated secret society like Wakanda (“Black Panther”).  With its super high tech secretive operations, Callum and his team, with the help of captured hacker Jack O'Malley (Chris Evans, “Captain America” series, “The Avengers” series), are eventually able to track down the kidnapping to the White Witch (Gryla, Kieran Shipka).  

A complete Christmas skeptic Jack's mouth-gaping reactions of the eye-popping E.L.F. and MORA, and the North Pole – all turn out to be real – are made for laughs.  Along with his ex-wife, Chris tries to co-parent his young son, Dylan (Wesley Kimmel), although he's more of an absentee parent.  Suffice to say, Chris is on Santa's naughty list.

The folklore here dives into Santa's background and his estranged relationship with Krampus (Kristofer Hivju), his devil-like, horned brother, as well as Gryla.  Krampus and the White Witch want to punish misbehaved adults and kids alike... permanently.  

Considering that the bar is very low for the definition of misbehaving, that would be the majority of the world's population.  To Callum's and Jack's chagrin, they must work together and beat the Christmas clock to prevent mass imprisonment.  

When Chris hopelessly finds himself and his son trapped at the hands of the White Witch, he realizes that he can still makes a choice to be good and breaks free, in more ways than one.  The morale of the story is, regardless of which situation you are in, you can still make conscious choices.  The nice impact is not lost on Callum, and in turn, he realizes his purpose again. 

For a movie that doesn't take itself seriously, Christmas is a serious business here.  The Marvel-ized action is laden with neat special effects.  It goes beyond murderous snowmen.  The chase scenes through enclosed glass slide, snowmobile, drone and jet in a wintry night are off the rail.  Most memorable goes to the sleigh ride pulled by flying reindeers with illuminated antlers speeding off a suspended runway into the night skies.  

With a twist on the mythology, "Red One's" action-and-gadget packed, comedic Mission Impossible-style Santa movie will put you in an early holiday cheer.  And if the child in you ever wonder how Santa can drop off gifts to billions of people around the world at precise places and moments in one night, you'll be in for a fantastical holiday treat!

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"Wicked"

From 11/17/2024 press screening:

“Are people born wicked or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?”

The movie opens with a musical celebration, but is not for the reason you may think.  Oz is awash in pastels and sweeping vistas of the yellow brick road, rainbow field of tulips, colorful village with wildflower-adorned thatch huts.  The villagers are mesmerized by the arrival of Glinda the Good Witch (Ariana Grande).  Holding a magic wand inside a floating bubble, Glinda tells them about the fate of the Wicked Witch of the West (Cynthia Erivo).  

Then Glinda's memory flashes back, revealing the untold story between her, formerly named Galinda, and the Wicked Witch, Elphaba, when they were students at the Schiz University.  The palatial school has elegant stone columns with cascading flowers and chic canals, bordered by sea cliffs, verdant forest and golden meadow.  

The eldest daughter of the governor, Elphaba was born with a green skin and extraordinary powers.  Rejected by her parents from birth, she grows up as an outcast.  While her parents end up having a normal-looking, younger daughter in a wheelchair, Nessarose (Marissa Bode), the familial relationship doesn't get better due to an even more tragic reason.  

While pretty, popular and pink-preoccupied Galinda instantly becomes the most popular among her peers on the first day of school, predictably, that day, and the days after, aren't going well for misunderstood Elphaba.  Growing up the way she did, Elphaba seems to be used to the unfavorable, unwanted attention though.  While there's simmering umbrage, surprisingly, she looks relatively comfortable and confident in her own green skin.  

When Elphaba causes an incident with her mysterious ability, she attracts the attention of Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh, “Crazy Rich Asians”), the magical arts professor.  Morrible is very impressed by Elphaba and takes her under her wing.  

While Elphaba thinks of her quirk as something to suppress or hide, Morrible recognizes her super talent and believes that if Elphaba could learn to harness her emotions the right way, she could channel her powers for good.  Coincidentally, Galinda, not only aspiring to be perennially popular, aims to learn sorcery and get tutored by Morrible.  

Due to a comedy of errors, Galinda and Elphaba become an accidental roommate.  Talk about opposite sides.  Frilly frocks and flamboyant versus utilitarian and substance.  The entrance of Prince Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) as a love interest complicates the relationships. A musical number in the library atop books and tables, and along rotating ladders inside a giant clock-like wall space, is a standout.  

Things come to a head when even Galinda realizes she went too far and witnesses the painful influence of her action, and everyone's whispering and laughing at Elphaba.  Elphaba is human and feels hurt.  Thankfully, this is a turning point of their relationship, which begins to shift toward friendship.  The vocal-and dance performance that follows is emotional and impactful.  

Grande adds dimensions into her bubbly role, fluctuating from shallow and self-absorbed to supportive, conflicted and tempted by power.  Erivo is a powerhouse, conveying a deep range of emotions both subtly and powerfully.  

When Elphaba receives a solo invite from the Wizard of Oz to meet him, she invites Galinda to hop onboard the retrofuturistic train to Emerald City with her.  

Ensconced in the gleaming green palace, the Wizard is worshipped by all citizens for his purported powers.  Even though he turns out to be a man (Jeff Goldblum, “Jurassic World Dominion”), it seems that he fulfills the prophecy as the all-mighty who enters the skies in a hot air balloon and falls into the land of Oz.  

When The Wizard wants to grant Elphaba's  her true desire, Elphaba discovers that something has... changed within her.  Something deeper inside of her and it's not for the chance to be normal.  She wants the Wizard to help her find what's going on with with animals losing their voices and ability to talk, and gone missing at school and in town.  

When the truth comes out, Elphaba and Galinda are faced with impossibly tough choices.  At perilous crossroad, their friendship is tested beyond limit, and the choices they make will change their lives and the people around them forever.  

Power-propelled propaganda corrupts and controls people.  It's scary to see how easily people can be manipulated en masse with a twist of the narrative.  

This is a story about an outsider trusting her instinct and coming into her own power, charting her path to do the right thing, even when the odds are not in her favor.  The penultimate scenes are visually spellbinding, with powerful poses and flying freely across the skies at sunset.  Defying gravity, it ends with a chillingly empowering ending.  

The movie has a lavish production, powerhouse acting, great musical numbers, feast of visuals, striking vocals and sound.  It's a regal Broadway show on a silver screen.  If part 2 is anything like part 1, it will be worth the wait.  

Evoking fantasy and wonder grander in scale than the "Oz: The Great and Powerful"), “Wicked” is wickedly wondrous.  

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Movie Reaction: "Red One"

Action-packed, gadget-filled, comedic "Mission Impossible" style Santa story with a twist on the mythology that will put you in early holiday cheers.  Over the top and overstuffed, but it's wacky fun.  It reminds you to make conscious choices and believes in the magic of Christmas.   

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"Here"

If walls could talk...

Director Robert Zemeckis (“The Walk,” “Polar Express”), known for his penchant for experimenting with technological advances, reunites Tom Hanks (“Saving Mr. Banks,” “Captain Phillips”) with Robin Wright, 30 years after they starred in “Forrest Gump.”  

In “Here,” they are de-aged down to more than 40 years with remarkable believability, although it's clearly not perfect and noticeable in some aspects.  The de-aging technology, combined with the fixed camera angle framing the spot, which eventually turns into a window-facing living room, as well as vignette storytelling style, results in a unique film.  It also appeals as a family movie or something to watch together during the holiday season.

“Here” begins all the way back in time, zooming in on the exact same spot where the eventual living room would exist – when dinosaurs roam free on Earth, meteor strikes, ice age, greening of the planet, and human civilization.  

The story is told in numerous vignettes non-linearly, going back and forth between pre-colonial, colonial, jazz era, war periods, early and mid 20th century, and the current 21st century.  The view seen from the same window turns from the lush forest into the house across, people, street, horse-drawn carriages, steam engine cars and modern vehicles.  

Multiple couples and families occupy the house, and the story flashes back and forth, although the Young families, starting in the 1940s and all the way through the present time, are the focus of the film.  Al (Paul Bettany, “Transcendence,” “The Avengers” series) and Rose (Kelly Reilly) first make the house their home.  Al is dealing with the aftermath as a soldier returning from war.  Rose, being a woman of that era, is the dutiful housewife and mother, with no other option.  

Richard (Tom Hanks) is the Young's son and Margaret (Robin Wright) is his girlfriend.  Richard has a passion for painting and Margaret aspires to be a lawyer.  Their dreams come crashing down when Margaret becomes pregnant at 18.  Richard has to earn a living and turns into sales and Margaret becomes a housewife. 

When Violet, their daughter, is born, the multi-generational families continue to live in the same house due to financial reasons, even as Margaret really wants to move out and have a place of their own.  Through time, they get older and realize that the lives they build together are no longer what they want.  They discover themselves, grow, drift apart, although they still love each other.  

The way the movie is filmed makes it like a stage play.  Contrivance is inevitable with the one-room setting, and sometimes scenes are cut and fade away before an emotional element truly makes an impact.  The sheer number of characters doesn't allow us to get to know most of them.  Understandably, the film has its critics.  It might have been better if the stories were told linearly, still, it's easy to follow the Young families and feel invested in their lives.  A throughline from the earliest native American couple makes a sentimental surprise.

The film touches on patriarchy, slavery, war, sexism, women's agency and independence, racism, and the pandemic.  Life events happen and evolve through multiple families over a 100-year period in the house.  House search, coupling up, domestic bliss, pregnancy, wedding, birth, kids, career, aging, illness, death, funeral service, reunion, celebrations and holidays.  Happiness, heartbreak, tears, struggles, success, fights, loss, grief, love, laughter and joy are seen or heard from the same vantage point.  Right here, these same walls witness so much history and significance.  

Through centuries and generations, “Here” is a full circle of life, filled with moments, milestones and memories.

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"Heretic"

From 10/30/2024 press screening:

“Question everything.”  

Why do you believe what you believe?  Have you ever considered that maybe it’s because of how you’re raised and told all your life?  

Two young missionaries, Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East), are doing what they are supposed to be doing, proselytizing, spreading the word about the teachings of their church in their community.  On one fateful day, they knock on an older gentleman’s door, Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant; “Wonka”).  

Mr. Reed has expressed interest in learning more about the religion and he invited the Sisters into his home.  The Sisters have taken precautions before entering the older man’s abode – they have provided the church a list of people they will be visiting, they walk in a pair, and also have asked for a woman’s presence in the home.  

Affable and warm, Mr. Reed says that his wife is inside making a blueberry pie, in which the homemade cooking could be smelled from outside.  The day turns blustery and the Sisters decide it’s safe enough to come in.  Never would have they predicted that it might be the last time they would be able to see the light of the day. 

After initial pleasantries, the Sisters learn that Mr. Reed is a voracious reader and highly educated in the history of religions.  While very impressed, they have noticed that it’s taking a while for his wife to come out with the promised blueberry pie.  Not only that, some of the lights flicker off.  Meanwhile, the blustery day outside turns into one blizzard of a night. 

The Sisters try to fake polite excuses to leave, but begin to panic inside when they find the entrance door knob is either stuck or locked.  They realize their predicament when they are told that the front door has a timer and cannot be opened until the next morning. 

Panic turns into fear and terror, in a suspenseful ambiance of dimmed lights, dark hallways, rickety doors, and layers of rooms in a labyrinth of a house with a play on darkness and shadow.  Each time a door is opened, you don’t know what’s behind it and what it may lead to, heightening the fear of the unknown.  The Sisters’ faith is tested to the limit and their survival may depend on whether they can outwit and outlast the twisted trap.  Plans and prayers may not save them from falling prey to predator Mr. Reed.    

It’s a game where each party knows what the other party means, while pretending and presenting a façade of innocence to get what they want most.  Continuous dialogue and debate on myth, history, faith, spirituality, religion, prayer, higher power, savior, resurrection and afterlife, with the Sisters trying to figure out how to escape the death trap set by a maniacal and diabolical evil.  Surprisingly, the Sisters are not as naïve as they appear to be.  Slight movements are noticed and words are interpreted in different ways, challenged and turned around.  Everything is articulately delivered and phenomenally acted all around.  

You don’t need to be spiritual or religious to be taken along for the sinister and scary ride, and believe it or not, humorous from time to time.  The film answers the question of what the one true religion is, considering there are numerous religions in the world and iterations over centuries.  It's refreshing to see a story with originality and creativity that not only makes you tense, squirm, uneasy and queasy, but also laugh at the same time.  

An argument about the human existence and way of life – why we believe the way we do and how our beliefs influence how we live our lives – unfolding with equal sense of dread, horror and humor.  As a psychological horror thriller, “Heretic” is a thought-provoking, bone-chilling, diverting and divisive duel of ideas.  

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FREE Movie Screening: "Memoir of a Snail" (San Diego, CA)

Courtesy of IFC Films and Letterboxd, FREE movie passes for "Memoir of a Snail," if you're in the greater San Diego area.

October 29, 2024 - 7:30 p.m.

Angelika Carmel Mountain

RSVP for your FREE movie passes here: (first-come, first-serve)

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScscjeIlBuPazwjkl5jHbw3G6SK2YI3yRhpIzH1YiVG4vc2Aw/viewform

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From Academy Award Winning Visionary Adam Elliot (Harvie Krumpet, Mary and Max) comes a new tale about Grace Pudel who is a book-loving, snail-collecting misfit that falls into a series of misfortunes after being separated from her twin brother Gilbert. Despite her hardships, inspiration and hope arise when Grace begins a friendship with an eccentric elderly woman named Pinky. Starring Sarah Snook as Grace and Jacki Weaver as Pinky and an ensemble cast featuring Kodi Smit-McPhee, Eric Bana and Nick Cave.

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FREE Movie Tickets "Goodrich" (Now Playing)

Courtesy of Legion M, FREE movie passes for "Goodrich," now playing at theaters near you, nationwide.

Get your FREE movie passes here: (up to 2 per person)

Redemption code: GOODRICHATOM 

https://www.atomtickets.com/movies/goodrich/356039?ref=goodrichpromo

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Starring: Michael Keaton, Mila Kunis, Andie McDowell

Andy Goodrich’s life is upended when his wife and mother of their nine-year-old twins enters a 90-day rehab program, leaving him on his own with their young kids. Thrust into the world of modern parenthood, Goodrich leans on his daughter from his first marriage, Grace, as he ultimately evolves into the father Grace never had.

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"Transformers One"

From 9/14/2024 press screening:

After Michael Bay left the "Transformers" series, the subsequent movies got more coherent and human. "Transformers One” goes back to the very beginning, to the origin of the wise protector and leader of the Autobots, Optimus Prime, and his archenemy, the vengeful and megalomaniac Megatron, leader of the Decepticons.

Planet Cybertron has been torn by war for centuries and the Primes died as heroes fighting the Quintessons, except one, Sentinel Prime (voiced by Jon Hamm, “Top Gun: Maverick”), who is admired and respected by all.  The Matrix of Leadership, the artifact of great power, is missing.  Sentinel Prime periodically goes on trips to the surface to look for it.  

Cybetron's population is divided into the two factions – droids who were born without cogs and couldn't transform shapes, the working class, and those born with cogs, enabling them to transform, the elite upper-class.  The working class work as miners, working hard in shifts to mine Energon, the energy source that fuels everything in Cybertron.  

Young Orion Pax (future Optimus Prime, voiced by Chris Hemsworth; “The Avengers” series, “Thor” series, “Rush”) and D-16 (future Megatron, voiced by Brian Tyree Henry) become best buddies.  Arlita (future Arcee, voiced by Scarlett Johansson; "Fly Me to the Moon," “Black Widow,” “Hail Caesar!,” “Her”) is a lead among the miners.  

Orion Pax is a rebel who goes into all kinds of mischiefs.  He refused to believe that being a miner is all there is to it and that there's something better out there.  D-16 is a rule follower and loyal soldier.  He works hard, believes in Sentinel Prime's leadership and is grateful for the relative safety and stability by working in the mines.  From time to time, he has to save Orion Pax from trouble.  In turn, Orion Pax has D-16's back. Orion Pax's tendency to find himself in trouble annoys Arlita and endangers her reputation since she's the lead.  

The Iaconrace, a high-speed and high-stake racing reserved for powerful transformers with cogs, is such an exhilarating sequence.  Spectacular computer-generated graphics, so vivid and alive, which put you in the race among these multidimensional robots. Orion Pax somehow gets him and D-16 accidentally into the race, as he wants to prove himself that, as miners, they are more than capable to compete with these elite transformers.  

The end of the race doesn't end exactly how the duo envisions and they end up in a hidden section of the mine, along with Arlita, and they run into a talkative miner, B-127 (future Bumblebee, voiced by Keegan Michael-Key).  The interactions among these young robots are hilarious.  They act like teenagers and are facially expressive.  B-127, in particular, is a riot.  

Through a series of mishaps, the quartet reach the glossy surface is bewildered by what they see and encounter.  Long story short, they find out that the lives they know all along are not what they've been told.  D-16 is particularly hit hard and shattered to his core, unleashing anger-fueled destructions.  

Since their characters are established well, it's easy to see why they react the way they do.  Even though you know how the future ends, that Optimus Prime and Megatron are forever-nemesis, you can't help but root for Megatron to stay good and for these brotherlike friends to keep their friendship. The robots have to pick sides.  The fights are chaotic, hard and fast.  

The story shows what a singular leadership can do and the power it holds.  How influential such power is in moving masses and how dangerous it is when corrupted by ego, greed, hatred, revenge or misguided sense of justice.  

“Transformers One” is a classic class warfare, friendships, trust, loyalty and betrayal.  More importantly, it's about the choice each individual makes, to find the strength and character within, to either succumb to darkness or rise above into the light for the greater good.  

Fully animated film, “Transformers One” is thrilling with high energy and heart, and may be the most human story of all. 

2024 Comic-Con "Transformers One" panel with Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Keegan-Michael Key. 

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"Slingshot"

What's scarier than monsters and aliens?  The human mind.  What happens when you're losing your mind in space?  

Spaceship Odyssey 1 is bound for Titan, Saturn's moon where methane is abundant and the substance can be used to help with the climate crisis on Earth.  Three astronauts are traveling billions of miles for nearly three years, where the ship will be slingshot from Jupiter to reach Titan.  

John (Casey Affleck; “Interstellar,” “The Finest Hours,” “Manchester by the Sea"), Captain Franks (Lawrence Fishburne, “John Wick: Chapter 4”), and astrophysicist Nash (Tomer Capone) go into hibernation in their individual sleep pod for 90 days.  They wake up every cycle to eat, shower, exercise, walk around and check on the ship.  

The drug-induced hibernation is heavy with side effects, causing exhaustion, anxiety and paranoia, to the point that it would lead into hallucination.  The total isolation and silence, especially after losing communication with Earth, amplifies the stake.

John begins to see Zoe (Emily Beecham) on the ship, the spaceship designer and former girlfriend,  even as he convinces himself it's not real.  When an object hits the ship and part of the ceiling pops out, but the computer diagnostics don't show anything's wrong, Nash begins to fear that staying the course would seriously jeopardize their safety.  Franks, as the captain, holds his ground and believes nothing is wrong, and instructs Nash and John to continue the journey to Titan, for the good of mankind.   

Mudslinging follows.  At the end of the day though, disobeying the captain's order is considered insubordination, and there's serious consequence, especially in space with no way out and no escape.  John has to pick a side, although it doesn't mean he doesn't doubt his choice or that he sticks to it.  

John's relationship with Zoe is shown in flashbacks, from their first chance encounter to  private moments, and differences that led to their separation.  Pay attention to the conversations, imageries, dreams and symbolisms, as they will come in handy later.  

The atmosphere contained within the sterile, greyish teal walls is claustrophobically tense, awash with extreme fear.  Soon each one of them doesn't know who to trust, as they can't even trust their own mind and begin to lose grip on reality.  Franks is very frank with his position and is forced take drastic measures.  

Who is right and who is wrong?  Which scenes are real and which ones are hallucinations?  What is reality when no one can say with certainty what they see, hear and experience is real?  The scenes are eerily executed and unnervingly acted by all three actors that you can't possibly be sure either. The scenarios and explanations are all plausible.  Everything looks and feels real; you would be hard pressed to tell who's who and what's what.

The penultimate scenes present a rationally plausible explanation about what's going on... until the final scene hits you in the head with mind-twisting veracity.  No ambiguity, “Slingshot” is bracingly gutsy and will make you question what you've believed to be true.  

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"Strange Darling"

One night stand gone wrong.  

If your mind is still reeling from recalling “Blink Twice," prepare to squirm with “Strange Darling.”  “Blink Twice” makes you challenge reality; “Strange Darling” will make you question assumptions.  These back-to-back, gendered horror thrillers will linger longer in your mind after you leave the theater.  

A man (Kyle Gallner) and a woman (Wilia Fitzgerald) meet at a bar and decide to hook up at a hotel.  The man is simply called the Demon, and the woman the Lady.  Alcohol, cigar and cocaine are involved.  What could go wrong mixing these things and being impaired with a stranger?  Especially if that stranger may be a serial killer.  Fitzgerald is a fierce force and Gallner goes for broke.

“Strange Darling” sounds straightforward... except it's not.  The story is unfurling in six chapters, told out of order.  The opening scenes start with chapter 3, right in the middle.  A bloodied Lady is out on the run and hiding in the woods, hunted by a gun-totting Demon. Scared and screaming, she's able to narrowly escape and runs into a farmhouse in a field, occupied by an elderly couple.  

The story lurches forward a couple chapters, showing the Demon closing in on the Lady in the house,  but then it rewinds to the very beginning before everything happens, and then skipping chapters ahead to show what happens in the house.  Then it regresses and progresses again.  While this non-linear, sectioned storytelling method may look like a gimmick, surprisingly, it's electrifyingly executed that it strangely works on all levels.  

The cinematography is a darling.  Bright pops of red for blood, hair, car, scrub and shoes.  Bathed in neon-lit blue for nighttime rendezvous in the car. 

Slashing and shooting are rapid and sharp.  Violent and vicious, even innocent people fall into victims in this predator-and-prey game.  To tell more would be a disservice; going in blind is best.  

Strangely shocking and deeply deranged, “Strange Darling” sublimely subverts expectations.  The story tantalizingly turns on its bloody head and continues to tensely twist itself, keeping you guessing until the last drop.

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"Blink Twice"

From 8/14/2024 press screening:

“Forgetting is a gift.”  

Would you rather forget or remember your trauma?  What if it tortures you with pain and suffering?  Would you rather live a fabulous life but it's fantasy or a life with struggles but is real?  

This thought-provoking theme has been explored before (“Don't Worry Darling,” “Shutter Island,” “Inception”), but Zoe Kravitz (“Insurgent”), in her daring directorial debut, proves that nothing is off limits.  And if you blink too often, you'll miss the clues in “Blink Twice.”  

Tech tycoon Slater King (Channing Tatum; “Fly Me to the Moon,” “Hail Caesar!”)  blitz the news with apologies for his abuse of power for non-specified wrongdoing.  He tells the word that he's sorry and in therapy, and will be taking a leave of absence, jetting off to his private island.  

Frida (Naomi Ackie), is a cocktail waitress with a crush toward Slater, despite of his transgressions.  She realizes how fortunate she is to run into and rub elbow with Slater at a glamorous gala for the King Tech Foundation.  They hit it off when Frida has a mishap at the gala.  Frida feels like floating in paradise when Slater invites her and her friend, Jess (Alia Shawkat) to join him in his private island, along with select guests.  Sarah (Adria Arjona, “Hit Man”) is one of the female guests, who later will befriend Frida.  

The tropical island is every bit of paradise.  Private and secluded, where sunny days and dark nights blend in endless vacations.  Immaculate all-white linens and flowing attires are provided, along with pleasant perfumes.  Picture-perfect pools, pretentious parties, boundless booze, copious cigars, dazzling drugs, marvelous meals, and decadent dinners with a sea of candlelights.  Frida doesn't want this to ever end – even with voluntarily confiscated cellphone and no connection to the outside world.  

Everyone's living the dream.  Or are they?  There's something off about the island.  Groundskeepers seem to be all mute, except for an elderly lady, who creepily keeps mouthing off a specific phrase to Frida, which may or may not have something do with slithering snakes.  There's also a secret cottage that is closed for guests, although Frida can't help but snoops in.  

Strange occurrences begin to happen, culminating in Jess' disappearance.  Even far stranger, no other guests remember Jess.  Frida couldn't remember how she got dirt under her fingernails. Sarah doesn't know a bruise appeared on her arm.  They seem to have memory gaps and couldn't remember events.

If the vibe felt off before, it's ominous now.  Underscored by a sinister score, spectacular turns into scary, particularly when they are cut off from the rest of the world.   As far as who, what, when, why and how, these are best left untold.  Ferocious fear and rampaging rage take over.  Plot holes aside, venomous revelations and vicious revenges are best served cold.  And the endmost vengeance is ghastly tied with a gold bow fit for a king.  

“Knives Out: Glass Onion” meets “The Menu” and “Ready or Not,” “Blink Twice” is not for the meek of heart.  Brutally disturbing; the macabre factor is off the charts.  

Devilishly twisted psychological thriller with malevolent machinations, mind-blowing mind games and merciless manipulations.  “Blink Twice” is savagely entertaining.   

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FREE Movie Screening: "City of Dreams" (San Diego, CA)

FREE movie screening of "City of Dreams," if you're in the greater San Diego area:

August 27, 2024 - 7:30 p.m.

AMC Mission Valley

Get your FREE movie passes here: (have your pass ready at the door, click below)

https://gofobo.com/screenings/movie_landing/NDVXVXd1b2R1Sg%3D%3D//

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Inspired by true events, City of Dreams follows Jesús, a young Mexican boy whose dreams of becoming a soccer star are shattered when he’s trafficked across the border and sold to a sweatshop making fast fashion in downtown Los Angeles. Thrust into a world of exploitation and despair; he’s forced to adhere to the grueling work schedule dictated by El Jefe, a boss who promises freedom for those who complete their quotas. Despite Jesus’s hellish existence, he finds solace in Elena, a girl who was similarly betrayed and sold into slavery. When she goes missing and another co-worker Carlito’s is severely beaten, Jesus realizes that his only hope for freedom is to make a daring escape.

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FREE Movie Screening: "It Ends with Us" (San Diego, CA)

In partnership with Sony Pictures Studios, FREE movie screening, if you're in the greater San Diego area:

August 6, 2024 - 7 p.m.

Regal Mira Mesa

Get your FREE movie passes here: (VERY limited availability; 1 pass = 2 people)

(have your pass ready at the door, click below)

Redemption code: MOVIEMAVENIEWU (case-sensitive)

https://events.sonypictures.com/screenings/unsecured/main/screeningInfo.jsf?code=MOVIEMAVENIEWU

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"It Ends with Us," the first Colleen Hoover novel adapted for the big screen, tells the compelling story of Lily Bloom (Blake Lively), a woman who overcomes a traumatic childhood to embark on a new life in Boston and chase a lifelong dream of opening her own business. A chance meeting with charming neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid (Justin Baldoni) sparks an intense connection, but as the two fall deeply in love, Lily begins to see sides of Ryle that remind her of her parents relationship. When Lilys first love, Atlas Corrigan (Brandon Sklenar), suddenly reenters her life, her relationship with Ryle is upended, and Lily realizes she must learn to rely on her own strength to make an impossible choice for her future.

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Free Movie Screening: "Didi" (San Diego, CA)

In partnership with Focus Features, FREE movie screening, if you're in the greater San Diego area:

August 5, 2024 - 7 p.m.

Regal Mira Mesa

Get your FREE movie passes here: (1 pass = 2 people)

(have your pass ready at the door, click below)

Redemption code: DIDIMovieMaven (case-sensitive)

https://focusfeaturesscreenings.com/movie_landing/RElESU1vdmllTWF2ZW4%3D

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During the last month of summer before high school begins, an impressionable 13-year-old Taiwanese American boy learns what his family can’t teach him: how to skate, how to flirt, and how to love your mom.

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"Twisters"

No warning.  No escape.  

There's no twist per se in "Twisters."  You know what you'll get before walking in, a good ol' natural disaster movie.  "Twisters" is a standalone movie and not a sequel to the 1996 blockbuster, "Twister."  

Kate Carter (Daisy Edgar-Jones) is a former storm chaser in college who experienced a tragic tornado encounter years ago.  These days, she monitors storm patterns safely on monitor screens in New York City.  

After being persuaded by her friend (Anthony Ramos) to test a cutting-edge tracking system, backed by a pedigreed corporate team, Kate is back in rural Oklahoma, crossing path with a social media star Tyler Owens (Glen Powell; "Hit Man," "Top Gun Maverick").  Tyler chases storms as spectacle with his ragtag crew, like shooting fireworks into a tornado, for popularity and dollars.  

Tyler’s instantly intrigued by the “city girl” chasing storms, not knowing her personal story or scientific background. As one spinning funnel after another gets closer to the area, Kate’s team and Tyler’s team tries to one up each other.  

Soon it’s clear to everyone that Kate’s not merely a city girl.  She’s storm expert, and a tornado whisperer, if you will, combining science with intuition in predicting its path.  Kate is not amused when she uncovers something about her crew’s motive behind in utilizing those tornado trackers. Surprisingly, Tyler and his team are more than meet the social media eye.  And with a meteorology background, Tyler himself is not merely a self-proclaimed “tornado wrangler."

Scientific jargons pepper conversations, dealing with wind shear, structure, moisture, temperature, cap and flow, but the gist is easily grasped. This storm season is no laughing matter, not that it ever was.  

Terrifying threats materialize and monstrous tornados are unleashed.  The convergence of multiple systems not only put the teams in a frightening run of their lives, it also destroys town after town into debris and swallows lives whole.  

It’s utterly scary to see how hopeless it is once those tornadoes are approaching the great plains and then touching down in an instant.  Hairs stood at the back of my neck.  Whipping wind, assailing hail, pelting rain, twirling fire, striking lightning turn into twisting tornadoes – wrecking grounds, destroying buildings, tearing into walls, shredding roofs, flying away vehicles, raining rubbles and crushing people.  Chaos abounds and lives are gone.  

The massive, maelstrom impact cannot be understated.  Devastated communities have to rise and rebuild their lives. Beyond the thrills of special effects, there’s a real human story about the caring spirit, resilience among the rubbles, and making a difference.

No matter how powerful we've become as humans, mother nature's tremendous power remains one to be reckoned with.  Ferocious and fearsome, the tornadoes storm with boisterous bluster and furiously batter anything and anyone on its destructive path.  

“Twisters” is visceral in power and grounded at heart.  Thrilling, yet terrifying twister of a ride.  

*I watched it at a press screening earlier in the week on a regular theater screen.  Just finally had the time to write the review.  If you can, see it on ScreenX, immersive wraparound screens.  Or 4DX, if you like lengthy simulation rides.  

**I went back and saw it in ScreenX!

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2024 Comic-Con: Those About to Die Chariot Race

Immerse yourself in the glory of Ancient Rome at the San Diego Comic-Con International with Peacock's "Those About To Die: The Chariot Race."   Step inside the betting tavern, join one of the coveted factions and experience the adrenaline thrill of the chariot race itself.  Inspired by the new Original series, Peacock’s in-world activation will bring the ancient “Circus Maximus” to life right in the Gaslamp District across from the convention center. Upon entry, guests will be divided into the 5 factions from the show and given the chance to whip a pair of reins to power their team’s chariot to victory.  

The activation will be open on July 25-28, 2024 (Thursday, 12:00-6:30 p.m.; Friday-Saturday; 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Sunday, 9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.), 170 Sixth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101

NO badge required!  While pre-registration is full, standby lines are available.  

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THOSE ABOUT TO DIE is an epic drama set in the corrupt world of the spectacle-driven gladiatorial competition, exploring a side of ancient Rome never before told — the dirty business of entertaining the masses, giving the mob what they want most…blood and sport. The series introduces an ensemble of characters from all corners of the Roman Empire who collide at the explosive intersection of sports, politics and dynasties.  You can stream all 10 episodes on Peacock right now.  

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2024 Comic-Con: The Planet of the Apes

ENTER THE FORBIDDEN ZONE!  THE PLANET OF THE APES EXPERIENCE

20th Century Studios’ summer epic action-adventure, "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes," will reign at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con International. Fans will have multiple opportunities to engage with filmmakers, artists and talent that created this masterpiece. 

NO badge and NO ticket required!  July 25-July 28, 2024; 10 am.-7 p.m. daily, except July 28,  10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the San Diego Wine & Culinary Center (across the street from the Convention Center, 200 West Harbor Drive, San Diego, 92101)

Dive into six decades of one of the world’s most popular and thought-provoking franchises with this immersive exhibition of costumes, comics, props, and so much more from the beloved the "Planet of the Apes" series. Go behind-the-scenes on the latest hit film "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes," and re-live some of the best moments and most compelling characters that have graced both page and screen since the dramatic cinematic debut of "Planet of the Apes" in 1968.  There is also a Dylan Cole steelbook autograph signing.

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2024 Comic-Con: FX Activations

Stop by "The Bear" Restaurant Pop-Up, Descend on the FX "Fearless Hellevator."  Pose for Photos at "Paddy’s Pub" and the "Vampire Residence."  July 25-28, 2024 at the Hilton Bayfront lawn at the San Diego Comic-Con International.  FREE Swag.  NO badge and NO ticket required!

FX will host a can’t-miss series of immersive experiences transporting fans into their favorite FX series with interactive experiences, exclusive merch and photo opportunities including:

THE BEAR Restaurant Pop-Up - Step into the interior of THE BEAR restaurant, where fans will be served up a daily chef’s special featuring exclusive merch, while supplies last.

FX Fearless Hellevator - Take a ride through twelve spine-chilling moments from THE AMERICAN HORROR HISTORY universe and get a glimpse into the world of Grotesquerie, the new Ryan Murphy horror series premiering this fall.

IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA - Paddy’s Pub: Pose for photos outside The Gang’s beloved Irish bar.

WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS - Vampire Residence: Visit the Vampire’s Staten Island mansion for a spooky photo op complete with props from the series.

Hours of Operations: July 25, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; July 26, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; July 27 - 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; July 28 - 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

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2024 Comic Con: Hulu Animayhem

Hulu is bringing Animayhem back to the San Diego Comic-Con International with a zany, 2D factory where its beloved animated series are made.  Plenty of mayhem and FREE swag to be had with NO badge and NO ticket required!

Hulu Animayhem Factory is located right next to the Convention Center on the Hilton Bayfront’s parking lot. Starting July 25 from 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m., July 26-27 from 9:30 a.m.–7 p.m. daily, and July 28 from 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m., Hulu Animayhem will transport mayhem-seeking fans into a zany 2D factory where fans of all ages can interact with their favorite shows and take home themed memorabilia from popular titles like "Solar Opposites," "Hit Monkey," "Futurama," "The Simpsons," and many more. The immersive activities include a theatrical Cutawayland that celebrates "Family Guy" 25th Anniversary, a singing booth from "Bob’s Burgers" that showcases beloved songs from the series, and a life-size replica of the Slurm Factory from "Futurama."

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Tour the Slurm Factory from FUTURAMA (Hulu Original/20th Television Animation)

FUTURAMA fans will get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to tour the Slurm Factory from the hit show. A larger-than-life Slurm Queen and thirsty Bender will welcome fans into the space, where they can see first-hand how Slurm is created. Bender even gets a taste of the infamous lime green beverage straight from the Queen’s anus! Audio excerpts of Futurama’s “Willy Wonka-inspired” Slurm Factory music will be playing to get fans in the spirit and large-scale 2D cutouts of the show’s beloved characters like Fry, Lela and the Grunka Lunkas will be stationed throughout the space for special photo ops. 

Cutawayland Storage with FAMILY GUY (FOX/20th Television Animation)

Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of FAMILY GUY, fans will be welcomed into Cutawayland where 25 years of the show’s best cutaways are stored for safekeeping. Guests will be prompted to select a 2D object that corresponds to a cutaway scene and take it to one of many viewing stations that line the walls. Once the object is placed onto the factory machine, retro TV screens are triggered to display their favorite scenes and jokes from the show’s impressive history. Life-size 2D cutouts of the entire Griffin clan, dressed in their finest yellow tuxedos, will be prominently placed throughout the space, giving fans a special keepsake photo op that celebrates 25 years of Family Guy.

Enjoy a Sweet Pick-Me-Up from THE SIMPSONS “LardLad Donut Factory” (FOX/Disney+/20th Television Animation)

To celebrate THE SIMPSONS, there will be Springfield’s LardLad Donut factory. Inside the factory, Mr. Burns is at it again — dumping toxic waste and passing it off as donut icing! In partnership with SoCal’s cult-favorite donut shop Randy’s Donuts, the LardLad Donut factory will invite guests to watch the sweet treats get hand-glazed with “toxic” icing, then grab one to enjoy! 

Put Roger the Alien from AMERICAN DAD Back Together at the CIA Lab (FOX/20th Television Animation)

Oh no! Roger the Alien has been captured by the CIA again. Visitors passing through will hear Roger calling out for help. Those who stop to help Roger will be transported into a CIA lab, where they’ll find his dissected organs scattered across the lab. Here, guests will team up to try and put Roger back together on the operating table in an “Operation-inspired” challenge! Win or lose, fans will get a chance to take a photo with Roger’s Golden Turd once they complete the game.

Sing Your Heart Out at “Bob’s Record-O-Matic” from BOB'S BURGERS (FOX/20th Television Animation)

BOB'S BURGERS is famously known for their huge catalog of end credit songs. ‘Bob’s Record-O-Matic,’ a recording studio where fans can dance and lip sync to a song of their choice with characters from the show, will be featured. Once their performance is complete, participants will receive a shareable video for social! 

Take a “Goobler Stress Test” with SOLAR OPPOSITES (Hulu Original/20th Television Animation)

THE SOLAR OPPOSITES “Goobler Stress Test” machine measures fans’ stress levels - from totally chill like Terry to super stressed like Korvo. Fans will place their hands on a ‘stress sensor’ that determines how stressed they are. Based on the results, participants will receive a corresponding Goobler stress ball to hash out their frustrations on — purple for sorta stressed and red for really stressed. 

Find the “Bonsai Master’s Sword” from HIT MONKEY (Hulu Original/Marvel)

In the all-new season of HIT MONKEY, fans learn that the titular assassin’s katana has an ancient sister sword. Guests will be challenged to find the “Bonsai Master’s Sword” in the Katana factory. Guests will approach a large-scale installation with several katanas stuck in a forge, then they’ll choose which sword they believe is the “Bonsai Master’s Sword.”  Only one will release and reveal itself to be the true sister sword. The guest who pulls the ancient sister sword will win an exclusive pack of HIT MONKEY pins.

Take a Break with THE GREAT NORTH, KRAPOLIS, GRIMSBURG

Every factory needs a break room. Guests will be invited to take some time to “R and R” after their long shifts at the Factory. 

THE GREAT NORTH (FOX/20th Television Animation)

Visitors in the break room will be able to cool off from the summer heat and enjoy some fresh Alaskan air in the fridge from THE GREAT NORTH. By opening the refrigerator door, fans will get blasted with a shot of cool air while looking out across the vast Alaskan landscape with a great view of Tobin's iconic house.

KRAPOLIS (FOX)

What’s a break room without a vending machine? The room will also feature a custom KRAPOLIS vending machine in the style of the show’s ancient Greek world. The vending machine is filled with memorable items and easter eggs from the show for guests to select. Each item triggers the machine to play the corresponding clip from the hilarious series.

GRIMSBURG (FOX)

Fans of GRIMSBURG will notice every true crime junkie’s obsession — a ‘Crime Board’ filled with suspect pictures, maps and clues from Detective Flute’s latest mysteries. Fans can pose with their favorite characters in front of the board for a shareable photo opp! 

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2024 Comic-Con: Paramount+ Lodge

Paramount+ is bringing *The Lodge to the San Diego Comic-Con International with great shows, iconic franchise celebrations and immersive activations! Located at the Gaslamp’s Happy Does (340 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101), this interactive fan experience will be available to the public starting July 24 from 6–10 p.m., July 25-27 from 12–10 p.m. daily, and July 28 from 10 a.m..–7 p.m. 

The Lodge will offer the ultimate fan experience featuring themed activations and FREE swag to take home for fans of all ages from popular titles and franchises like "Star Trek," "Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," If," "Spongebob Squarepants," and many more fun activities.  NO badge needed!

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Create a Custom T-Shirt on a STAR TREK Starship

Stepping onto a STAR TREK starship, fans can customize their very own “Starfleet swag.” Utilizing a replicator, visitors will be able to place an order via touch-screen tablet and customize their t-shirts with options from a curated list of STAR TREK franchise-inspired insignia. This experience is available exclusively at The Lodge, and gives fans the chance to take home completely unique customized merch.

Olfactory Atelier Inspired by GHOSTS

In the CBS Original GHOSTS, scents are one of the strongest connections ghosts have to the living world. The Lodge will feature Woodstone Manor’s Olfactory Atelier, where guests are invited to step into the enchanting ambiance of ‘The Livings’-own living room workshop (filled with easter eggs from the show). Essence Chemists will entice them to explore a collection of specialized perfumes—each perfume displays a unique homage to the ghosts in the series. Fans will leave with a scent of their choosing, allowing them to carry a piece of the Manor’s mystique with them throughout the living world at SDCC and beyond.

Solve a Case for CRIMINAL MINDS: EVOLUTION Behavioral Analysis Unit

For all the CRIMINAL MINDS: EVOLUTION lovers, The Lodge will have an in-world office inspired by the series’ Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU), filled with a chaotic spread of evidence, paperwork, unpredictable clues, and more. Guests can dive into their own investigative work to help BAU agents connect-the-dots to the ongoing case.

IF’s Cozy Ferris Wheel Photo Op

The Lodge is bringing the whimsical world of IF to SDCC. With the inviting Luna Park marquee complete with carnival lights galore, guests can line up to “ride” the ferris wheel. While in the queue, fans can play a game of hopscotch before they get onstage with a magical button that brings the Memory Lane Retirement Community Register to life and auto-pairs the guest with their very own IF companion for the photo op.

TALES OF THE TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES–Themed Pizza Parlor

The Lodge will bring the love story between pizza and TALES OF THE TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES to life with the tastiest slice in town: Turtle Power Pizza. The pizza parlor will be decked out with illustrated stylings to welcome guests into the world of the new series. SDCC-goers will be able to fuel up for their next adventure with a slice of ‘za accompanied by beverages inspired by the colors of the four Turtles, perfect for heroes in a half-shell of any age.

Jellyspotting in Bikini Bottom

Nickelodeon and Paramount+ are celebrating the 25th anniversary of SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS and guests are invited to join the fun and immerse themselves into a day-in-the-life at Bikini Bottom’s Jellyfish Fields. Partake in “jellyspotting” throughout the day and catch jellyfish using “Ol’ Reliable,” SpongeBob’s most trusted jellyfish net. Upon entry, special jellyspotting gear will be handed out so fans can see the world through a joyous sponge-colored lens.

INK MASTER Tattoo Parlor

Expanding from last year’s INK MASTER-themed space, The Lodge will include a tattoo parlor set where high-brow modern meets edgy. The activation will allow guests to step inside the series, with an opportunity to get a temporary airbrush tattoo done of their choice from the stencils inspired by Paramount+’s featured shows & films. 

BRED2BUCK Saloon from TULSA KING

TULSA KING will take over the Happy Does indoor bar with a themed ‘BRED2BUCK Saloon.’ Taking elements from the series with props, graphics, neon lights, as well as exciting Season 2 references for fans, guests will be able to enjoy in-world drinks that’ll knock their boots off. The saloon will also feature games that take guests into the world of CBS Sports including the hook and ring toss and UEFA Champions League themed soccer ball kicking challenge. 

*The Lodge Ski Pass sponsored by Walmart+  On the back of each Lodge Ski Pass this year, guests will receive an exclusive offer for a 3-month Walmart+ subscription as well as other surprise rewards while visiting The Lodge.

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While FREE tickets are quickly claimed, check out FeverUp and sign up to be notified if more spots open up and tickets become available: https://feverup.com/m/186648

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2024 Comic-Con

Comic-Con is in 2 weeks (July 24-28, 2024) and if you're looking for NO-badge activities/events and FREE swags offsite, check out the following list and details of activities/events:

https://www.kpbs.org/news/arts-culture/2024/07/08/comic-con-2024-top-offsite-events-that-dont-require-a-badge

For a blast from the past,  go here.

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"Fly Me to the Moon"

From 6/27/2024 press screening:

“The truth is the truth, even if nobody believes it.  A lie is a lie, even if everybody believes it.”

It's the 1960s.  Space race is the name of the game, yet crossing the outer frontier is not at the forefront of everyone's mind... yet.

Kelly Jones (Scarlett Johansson; “The Avengers” series, “Black Widow, “Hail Caesar!,” “Her," an intrepid marketing maven with a mysterious past, cuts her teeth in commercial advertising in the mean streets of Manhattan.  Her sassy stunt in one corporate boardroom attracts a bigwig, Moe Berkus (Woody Harrelson, “The Hunger Games” series), working for the highest office in the land.

Kelly and her plucky associate (Anna Garcia) are plucked out of obscurity and end up in the NASA public affairs office in coastal Cocoa Beach.  By public affairs office means the two ladies on their own, against camera-shy and reluctant administrators, astronauts and engineers. 

By chance Kelly had a meet cute with a NASA suit, Cole Davis (Channing Tatum; “Hail Caesar!") in a diner prior to arriving at her new office.  They end up working together and butting heads, as aerospace science and advertising don't exactly go together.  Cole is not an empty suit though; he used to be in the astronaut program and was also a former space launch director.  

The public affairs' mission, as relayed by Moe, is simple, garnering unwavering support for the launch of the Apollo 11 to the moon.  Not mission impossible for Kelly.  Brightly alluring and adroit in advertising, she boldly goes where no woman, or man, has gone before – sell the moon to the masses.

Americans are by nature explorers, adventurers and pioneers.  And it's not merely a matter of the prideful planting of the American flag on the moon.  It represents people's hopes and dreams for a better future.  Besides, for Americans, who wants to be beaten by the Russians?

With the moon to market, Kelly pulls all the stops to get the manned space flight.  She hires attractive actors to play NASA star staff and get them interviewed on live television.  Pushing the envelope further, Kelly creatively brings in corporations to partner with NASA, lending their famous brands and products, and sponsor media ads.  The unorthodox tactic works in generating public curiosity and interest.  

All the while, Kelly and Cole grow closer together.  While Cole may not always agree with Kelly's chutzpah, he's deer-in-the-headlight dumbfounded and can't argue that she gets results.  When it comes time for schmoozing with senators to vote for funding, they become partners.  They also learn a thing or two about each other, as well as life philosophy.  What lies can get you and what truth can.  

The story takes off with the impending launch of Apollo 11.  NASA is now over the moon.  Its popularity has shot into stratosphere, and the moon landing mission will be, well, too big to fail. The world is watching.  Anything short of moon landing would cost the world's its collective dreams and Americans' stance in the world's stage.

Kelly has always shot to the moon, as she’s under the impression that NASA would land among the stars, even if they miss.  But her promotional mission takes a drastic turn into staging a fake moon landing, just in case things go south in space.  For Kelly, this kind of deception doesn’t land, but she has no option at this point. 

To keep a secret this spectacular a top secret, she pulls off a miracle work, with the help of some trusted and creative friends.  The team goes into great detail in imagining and recreating the lunar surface, down to the dirt and dust, space atmosphere and source of light, lodging of the space capsule on the surface; choreographing fake astronauts touching the ground, descending flight stairs, having moon movement and moon walk without the earth gravity, and planting the American flag.

If discovered, to say that this would cost NASA its credibility and the American pride would be an utter understatement.  And for Kelly, she also has a personal stake; it would end the honeymoon phase of her budding relationship with Cole.  Kelly keeps her head down and does her job, until Moe takes flight.  He reveals the next level, classified make-believe, crossing all boundaries and erases all traces of truth.

What ensues is a race against the clock, between layers of lies and singular truth.  An even smaller circle of team is off to the races behind the scene to ensure that the truth is out there.  Kelly also learns to be a part of something real and for the greater good for once.  This behind-the-scenes frenzy are juxtaposed with the countdown to lift off in the firing room and tense moments in space and landing on the moon. There's an inside joke cleverly weaved into the story.   

In the firing room, all hands are on deck to ensure a successful blast off.  Apollo 11 launches into space with a fiery fire blast, cloud of smoke and water vapor, and micro particles flying off.  The rocket booster separates and the shuttle reaches space, landing on the moon.  A pair of astronauts step onto the lunar surface.  All broadcasted to the whole wide world to witness in real time… the real question is, is that one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind moment real or fake?  

The movie uses footage of the past, saturated colors, period-appropriate clothes and machines, lending nostalgic feelings.  The space launch scenes are indescribably visceral and victorious, uplifting to the point that over 50 years later, in the age of artificial intelligence, that moment in time in history remains awe-inspiring and lighting hopes for a better future. 

While this is a fictionalized story surrounding a historical fact, the story soars.  The movie has compelling storyline, cinematography, directing and acting.  Johansson goes for the jugular.  

One for the ages, “Fly Me to the Moon” is glossily retro, glorious and hilarious, dramatic and delightful, heartfelt and heart-pounding, inspiring and entertaining.

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In celebration of the moon landing, the above review is exactly 1,000 words, a clear round number, just like the moon.🌕

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