Janet's TAKE on movies

Janet's TAKE: In #GreenlandMovie there's enough action and suspense to hold interest. While predictable, Gerard Butler and Morena Baccarin carry the plot well. This film is scary in that it could really happen. Grade/B The involving drama is augmented by some impressive special effects. It's nice to have a fictional disaster to take our minds off today's problems for a couple of hours. Directed by Ric Roman Waugh Starring Gerard Butler, Morena Baccarin, Roger Dale Floyd, Theodore Scott Glenn, David Denman, Hope Davis, Andrew Bachelor, Joshua Mikel Synopsis:  A family fights for survival as a planet-killing comet races to Earth. John Garrity (Gerard Butler), his estranged wife Allison (Morena Baccarin), and young son Nathan make a perilous journey to their only hope for sanctuary. Amid terrifying news accounts of cities around the world being leveled by the comet's fragments, the Garritys experience the best and worst in humanity while they battle the increasing pani

Janet's TAKE: #WildMountainThyme is a charming romance with a high-powered  cast that makes it all believable. Based on the play "Outside Mullingar" by John Patrick Shanley, this story moves along at a leisurely pace that lets you enjoy the gorgeous countryside scenery and lilting Irish music. Grade/B+ The character-driven plot is elevated by the lead performances.  Emily Blunt and Jamie Dornan are so good that they will have you rooting for the couple to get together. Written for the Screen and Directed by John Patrick Shanley (MOONSTRUCK) Starring Emily Blunt, Jamie Dornan, Jon Hamm, Dearbhla Molloy and Christopher Walken  Synopsis:  The headstrong farmer Rosemary Muldoon (Emily Blunt) has her heart set on winning her neighbor Anthony Reilly’s love. The problem is Anthony (Jamie Dornan) seems to have inherited a family curse, and remains oblivious to his beautiful admirer. Stung by his father Tony's (Christopher Walken) plans to sell the family farm to his American

Janet's TAKE: #2heartsthefilm depicts a based-on-a-true story in an unimaginative and formulaic way. While the effort is commendable in its message of sacrifice and service, it is entirely predictable. The main character (narrator) tries too hard to be charming and this feels forced. There wasn't any chemistry between either of the two romances. If you are looking for a slightly above-average Lifetime style film, this should fit the bill. Grade/C  Directed by Lance Hool Starring Jacob Elordi, Tiera Skovbye, Adan Canto and Radha Mitchell Synopsis:  For two couples the future unfolds in different decades and different places, but a hidden connection will bring them together in a way no one could have predicted. Based on an inspirational true story, 2 Hearts is a romantic journey that celebrates life, love and generosity of spirit, and challenges audiences to believe miracles are possible.  Charismatic young Australian actor Jacob Elordi (“Euphoria,” “The Kissing Booth“) plays Chr

Janet's TAKE: #Antebellum tries hard to be a thriller, but gets lost in the strong message about the horrors of slavery and racism. Janelle Monáe is magnetic as the main character and the rest of the cast is good.  The problem is that the filmmakers create confusion with transitions designed to give this film a twist. The result is less than perfect. Pedro Luque Briozzo's cinematography and Mary Zophres' costumes give this film a stylish look that is impressive. Grade/C+ Written and Directed by Gerard Bush & Christopher Renz Starring Janelle Monáe, Marque Richardson II, Eric Lange, Jack Huston, Kiersey Clemons, Tongayi Chirisa, Gabourey Sidibe, Rob Aramayo, Lily Cowles, and Jena Malone Synopsis:  Successful author Veronica Henley (Janelle Monáe) finds herself trapped in a horrifying reality that forces her to confront the past, present and future - before it's too late. Visionary filmmakers Gerard Bush + Christopher Renz (Bush + Renz) - best known for their pioneeri

Janet's TAKE: #BrokenHeartsGallery is a sweet and mostly engaging twenty-something romantic comedy.  You know exactly where it's going, but getting there with talented star Geraldine Viswanathan is the best part of this journey.  An optimistic date movie that is just what's needed today. The supporting cast is perfect for this genre and it's nice to see Bernadette Peters back on the screen. Grade/B- Screenplay Written and Directed by  Natalie Krinsky Starring Geraldine Viswanathan, Dacre Montgomery, Utkarsh Ambudkar and Bernadette Peters Synopsis: What if you saved a souvenir from every relationship you’ve ever been in? THE BROKEN HEARTS GALLERY follows the always unique Lucy (Geraldine Viswanathan), a 20-something art gallery assistant living in New York City, who also happens to be an emotional hoarder. After she gets dumped by her latest boyfriend, Lucy is inspired to create The Broken Heart Gallery, a pop-up space for the items love has left behind. Word of the gall

Janet's TAKE: While the cast is clearly enjoying themselves during the making of this mashup comedy/action/social-satire movie, #GetDuked! wanders off into drug-induced silliness that is at times chaotic but still slightly entertaining. Grade/C The action and story come together in the second half, yet the crazy situations and tired clichés tend to get in the way throughout.   Directed by Ninian Doff  Starring Eddie Izzard, Kate Dickey, Georgie Glen, James Cosmo, Samuel Bottomley, Viraj Juneja, Rian Gordon, and Lewis Gribben Synopsis:  Dean, Duncan and DJ Beatroot are teenage pals from Glasgow who embark on the character-building camping trip — based on a real-life program — known as the Duke of Edinburgh Award, where foraging, teamwork and orienteering are the order of the day. Eager to cut loose and smoke weed in the Scottish Highlands, the trio finds themselves paired with straight-laced Ian, a fellow camper determined to play by the rules. After veering off-path into remote far

Janet's TAKE: In #RadioactiveMovie, Rosamund Pike's brilliant portrayal of Marie Curie is hindered by a slow, meandering screenplay that confusingly jumps between past and present. Grade/C Madame Curie's interesting personal life takes a backseat to her struggles for

Janet's TAKE: #IrresistibleFilm is a biting political satire that starts slow but is redeemed by a surprising twist ending. Grade/B Stewart's commentary on

Janet's TAKE: #7500movie is a taut airplane hijacking drama taking place mostly in the cockpit. Convincing performances by

Janet's TAKE: #TheBanker is an interesting racially-motivated con game with twists and turns along the way. Grade/B Stellar performances by the main cast make this drama

  Janet's TAKE: #BurdenMovie is a slow-paced tale of unlikely friendship and faith in overcoming hatred.  Grade/C+ Garrett Hedlund and a strong supporting cast rise above the