Hostiles

Rated: R

135 minutes

Starring: Christian Bale, Rosamund Pike, Wes Studi, Ben Foster

I told my husband “no” when he wanted to go see this in the theatres but I begrudgingly watched it with him when it came out on DVD.  To my surprise, I was all in with this movie.  Set in 1892, Christian Bale plays a legendary Army captain who has been in many conflicts with the Indians.  He has been asked to give safe passage to a dying Cheyenne War Chief, played by Wes Studi, and his family, back to their tribal land.  This is no easy request for him because of the hatred that resides in his heart for all he has seen in the battles with the natives.  Along the journey, he runs across a young widow, played by Rosamund Pike, who saw her family slaughtered by the blood thirsty Comanches.  It’s a very harsh movie as they don’t pull any punches as to what the climate was like back in the 1800s.  The very first scene where we see the family getting slaughtered – was tough.  There’s a lot of tough scenes in this film and its heart wrenching to watch at times.  But the story is excellent!  The way Christian Bale plays his hardened character and how he interacts with Wes Studi is superb.  But then we are presented with moments of grace and forgiveness in this violent stretch of wilderness, too.  There’s a lot of chemistry between the characters and a lot of sadness as you watch the film play out.  The movie speaks volumes of man’s heart and the chains we place upon it. And how freeing it is when we free ourselves from the shackles.

Library Link: Hostiles (DVD)

12 Strong

Rated R

120 Minutes

Starring: Chris Hemsworth and Michael Shannon

*Excerpt taken from Amazon*

“12 Strong” is set in the harrowing days following 9/11 when a U.S. Special Forces team, led by their new Captain, Mitch Nelson (Hemsworth), is chosen to be the first U.S. troops sent into Afghanistan for an extremely dangerous mission. There, in the rugged mountains, they must convince Northern Alliance General Dostum (Navid Negahban) to join forces with them to fight their common adversary: the Taliban and their Al Qaeda allies. In addition to overcoming mutual distrust and a vast cultural divide, the Americans—accustomed to state-of-the-art warfare—must adopt the rudimentary tactics of the Afghan horse soldiers. But despite their uneasy bond, the new allies face overwhelming odds: outnumbered and outgunned by a ruthless enemy that does not take prisoners.”

I was awed by the events of this movie, which was based on a true story.  All the odds were stacked against them as they went into battle.  Men who have never been on a horse before must ride a horse and shoot at the same time.  Knowing that their Afghanistan counterpart, General Dostrum, could at any moment kill them or sell them out.  And to go up against men who are ready to do battle with tanks and rockets all on horses.  It’s been17years since 9/11, and we are still hearing stories of courageous men who went into battle.  The heroism of that day will never cease to amaze me and this is another movie that clearly shows the bravery of our men and women who strive to serve this country with their utmost.

Library Link: 12 Strong (DVD)

The Greatest Showman

Rated PG

105 Minutes

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson

I have never been as crazy for a movie as I am for this one.  I fell in love with this movie when I saw it in the theater, (3 times and 4 more times since then.)  It’s so much more than a musical – it’s a “feel good” movie that reaches out and grabs your soul and takes you on this wonderful journey.  I know I sound pretty “gushy” about it – but that’s how it makes me feel.  

The multi-talented and star of the film, Hugh Jackman, brings to life the story and inspiration that was P.T. Barnum. The story begins when we meet P.T. Barnum as an impoverished child.  His dream is to make something of himself.  He achieves his dream – only to lose it all.  But in the end he finds out what it means to care for others who look different from you, following your dream, and never taking for granted the love that sees you through all the times in your life.

The talent in this film is above awesome!  Each actor showcased their talents of singing, dancing, and making their characters come alive!  Zac Efron is stunning as a suave play writer.  Zendaya is beautiful as a trapeze artist (who did all her own stunts).  Michelle Williams plays his wife and has a beautiful singing voice as well as Rebecca Ferguson who falls for the dreamer. The rest of the cast also gave dazzling performances as characters in the circus. (I mean, who can resist the bearded lady, the fat man, and the Wolf Boy?)

For all you nay-sayers out there who don’t like musicals – let me say – try this one!  There’s so much here to see – hear – and feel.

Library Link: The Greatest Showman (DVD) 

The Last Movie Star

Rated R

1 hour 34 minutes

Starring: Burt Reynolds, Chevy Chase, Ariel Winter, Clark Duke

As a longtime fan of Burt Reynolds, I was very excited to watch this movie!  The character he plays is an aging former movie star trying to come to terms with his fame being in the past.  I kept finding myself feeling like it was more of a movie about Burt Reynold’s life and career than just a character in a movie.  When he’s invited to the "International Nashville Film Festival" to accept a Lifetime Achievement Award, he decides to attend.  But when he gets there, he finds out it’s a small (very small) festival put together by some young film buffs and held in an old rundown bar – NOT AT ALL what he was expecting!  Having stormed out, he and his “driver” they have supplied for him, go on an adventure where he is able to reminisce about his life.  He eventually makes peace with his age, his regrets and his fading stardom.  This wasn’t the best movie ever, but for me, it really did feel like a special tribute to Burt Reynolds – it even had clips from his own movies and TV appearances.  Things could have gone very bad in this film and been super cheesy, but I’d say it all hit me just right!

Library Link: The Last Movie Star (DVD)