Double Features
Overlord
JoJo Rabbit
Blitz
As an American citizen who is obsessed with World War II lore yet completely against war in general, my best medicine, as always, is distraction with a lesson. There are many fantastic films depicting the ugliness of, but I did my best to pick three that focus on three different views of the subject: Horror, Humor, and Heart. Make no mistake, there is no humor included in this subject, but as one incredible comic had to remind us sometimes "laughing at/with the pain" makes things a little more digestible (no offense, Kevin). "Overlord" puts war in a horror scene that zombie fans, such as myself, will absolutely adore. There are excellent performances all across the board and some top-notch Grade A zombies in this one (Oh, did I also mention one of the best horror directors/producers in the game? Thanks for this one, J.J. Abrams). "Jojo Rabbit" brings an adorable pre-teen to the battlefront (yes, you read that correctly), who's a Hitler superfan and needs a major wake-up call from a Jewish bad-ass. Taika Waititi brings us a hilarious yet touching look at what it took to be a Nazi soldier in training and what it took to bring that f**ker down! (Something a lot of world leaders could learn from). Lastly, "Blitz," featuring last month's highlighted actress Saoirse Ronan, gives a view from the mother's side. Having to send her little boy away during World War II for safety, this mother's quest for her missing son is a tale of perseverance and great survival skills on her son's behalf.
John Q
The Lovely Bones
Seriously, guys, you're going to cry just watching the John Q trailer. Just as Tom Hanks (from last month's pick) is everyone's favorite actor, the same can be said for Denzel Washington. He is one of those actors who can't make a bad film, and this one is just as intense as the trailer portrays it to be. This particular story hits home for me because I went through a similar situation; however, I had a much different outcome thanks to divine intervention from the moment of medical diagnosis. There's families right now going through the nightmares that John and his wife had to endure, especially in America, where we lack the basic human right of free healthcare like many other countries. Prepare your heart and mind for this one because it is quite literally the fight of a man's life. Now transitioning to The Lovely Bones, you will feel a slightly different emotion when you watch Stanley Tucci's hauntingly exceptional performance in this film. This was my favorite book when I was younger, and I thought they did a great job with the film adaptation, although some critics and viewers disagreed at the time. Honestly, I can't see this film coming out any other way than it did, and Saoirse Ronan is also a master of her craft at such a young age. Both of the films chosen this month are a homage to Mother's and Father's Day, highlighting the never-ending fight for love and justice when it comes to parents and their children. Both films do a remarkably good job of showcasing the determination and will of what parents face every single day in keeping their children safe and sound.
Stigmata
The DaVinci Code
As we enter 1 of the most sacred months of the year (outside of Christmas), Easter is a time of resurrection, reflection and revelation. Stigmata use to frighten me as a teenager when I first saw it in theaters and like the Exorcist I cried in the theater and questioned if I wanted to continue watching. I think what gets stuck in my mind with movies like this is that such deeply evil or holy things can happen to anyone at any time and that sentiment use to frighten me so bad (even the holy/healing side). God, the holy spirit and the holy mother never ever do things to hurt or frighten us but always to teach us, guide us and help us but to the human brain it can look exactly the same as when the devil tries to confuse us, deceive us and hurt us. I don't want to give anything away but this film is important for anyone who needs clarity and restoration in their life, even if they feel they aren't the right vessel or deserving. The DaVinci Code is a religious film for the mind with one of our favorite actors Tom Hanks leading the pack. I always like to think of this film as a beautiful work of art that takes a few viewings to decode/decipher. It always presents the question of 'What more should we know about the Last Supper' and 'What is history trying to tell us about the life and lineage of Christ?'
Hidden Figures
Fly Me to the Moon
The closer and closer we get to colonizing on another planet (if the aliens will allow us) the more important it is to show love and appreciation to the people who help get us there. Hidden Figures highlights 3 exceptional black women (and actresses) who have to fight all the odds and circumstances against them to get NASA into orbit and home safely. Proper calculations and staff management work incredibly well to their advantage because they are more than qualified to walk those halls! Fly me to the Moon also highlights our determination to get into orbit but in a slightly different light. This one yet again shows the tenacity of a woman who is the best in her field (ad exec) that must do her best to SELL NASA. Not only does she have to sell Nasa as a brand but she gets recruited to sell the landing as an event. Channing and Scarlett make a charming match made in the cosmos who will not only get the job done but put on a good show while doing it.
Mr & Mrs. Smith
This Means War
It's almost time for us to sit around the dinner table and enjoy a lovely meal with our family but before we get there, we need to make sure we know who they really are. I absolutely love both of these films as they start off with a traditional view and spiral into spy vs spy thrillers. Mr & Mrs Smith has two of my favorite actors (Angelina & Brad) as married International spies who do not disappoint in drawing you into their crazy love/death chase. Meanwhile Reese Witherspoon is back this month on my list but not as the infamous Elle Woods but as Lauren the delightfully charming catch. 2 top International spies fight to the death and deception to win this girls heart and it is insanely wild and fun to watch who's going to win this war.
Mean Girls
Legally Blonde
As our little ones, teens and adult children head to school this September, let's be sure to raise a pen to all the students who keep us on our toes/heels. These movies are dedicated to the boys and girls who think they make the world go round for about 12 years, only to find out as adults what the true meaning of life is. Enjoy those years with Cady and Elle as they show these temporary rulers of the halls who's really boss with all the brains and beauty to back them up.