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The Boys in the Boat (and a note from The Blogger)

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Courtesy of Wikipedia  "The Boys in the Boat" is a cinematic journey that plunges viewers into the heart of resilience, camaraderie, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Directed by George Clooney and adapted from Daniel James Brown's best-selling book of the same name, the film brings to life the remarkable true story of the University of Washington's rowing team and their quest for gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. The film opens against the backdrop of the Great Depression, painting a vivid picture of the harsh realities faced by young protagonist Joe Rantz, brilliantly portrayed by a rising star in the making. Strapped for cash, Rantz tries out for crew, scrounging funds for college.  The audience is immediately drawn into Joe's world—a world of economic hardship, personal loss, and unwavering determination. But, it's a common plot Hollywood has produced since the evolution of "Rocky." To that point, the film can't escape that whirlpool

Ferrrari The Godfather of Motorsports

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Courtesy of Wikipedia   The 2023 biopic Ferrari movie is a highly anticipated film that tells the captivating story of Enzo Ferrari and the iconic Ferrari brand. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Micheal Mnn, this biopic offers an immersive and authentic portrayal of Enzo Ferrari's life, from his early struggles to the establishment of the legendary car company. With stunning cinematography, powerful performances, and a compelling narrative, the Ferrari movie is a must-see for car enthusiasts, history buffs, and film lovers alike.  The film begins with Enzo Ferrari's humble origins in Modena, Italy, and showcases his passion for racing which eventually led to the creation of the iconic Ferrari brand. As the story unfolds, we witness Enzo's relentless pursuit of excellence and his dedication to pushing the boundaries of automotive innovation. Alongside the main narrative, the film also delves into Enzo's personal life, exploring the relationships that shaped him as a perso

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation: A Hilarious Holiday Classic or a Comedy That Falls Flat?

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Courtesy of rottentomates.com National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, released in 1989, has become a holiday staple for many people around the world. Led by the comedic genius of Chevy Chase, the film follows the misadventures of the Griswold family as they attempt to create the perfect Christmas.  Adapted from a John Hughes short story called "Christmas 59", while beloved by some, the film has its fair share of critics. The story was published in the December issue of National Lampoon magazine in 1959. According to an article not verified by Kev's Reviews, Hughes said, "The studio came to me begging for another one, and I only agreed to it because I had a good story based on it." Undeniably, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation has its comedic moments. Chevy Chase delivers an iconic performance as Clark Griswold, a well-intentioned but bumbling father figure. Chase's physical comedy and talent for slapstick humor bring some laugh-out-loud moments to

The Magic of Holiday Movies: Capturing the Joy and Warmth of the Season

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Courtesy of IMDB.COM  As the year winds down and the holiday spirit fills the air, there is nothing quite like cozying up on the couch with a warm cup of cocoa and immersing oneself in the enchanting world of holiday movies. These films have become an integral part of our seasonal traditions, bringing comfort, joy, and a touch of magic to our homes. In this blog, we will explore why holiday movies hold a special place in our hearts and recommend some must-watch classics and contemporary favorites.  What is it about holiday movies that makes them so beloved? Perhaps it's the nostalgia they evoke, taking us back to the excitement of childhood festivities. Or maybe it's the timeless themes of love, family, and hope that resonate deeply with us during this season of giving. Whatever the reason, holiday movies provide a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of reality, bolstering our spirits and reminding us of the joy and warmth that the holidays represent. Courtesy of Movie

M:i 2 - A Cheesy, Action-packed Thriller

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Movies are art - paintings in motion. And, as with all art, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. In my opinion, you only need a few simple ingredients to make a good action flick: Good acting, a decent plot, and the cinematography to match. "Casino Royale" is a spectacular example and exceeds expectations by redefining 007, basically stripping him of all the gadgets and portraying him as a man with a license to kill launching into a world of deception. The tension builds and builds and builds as he is simply sitting at a poker game across from his target - who secretly, calculatingly turns the tables on him.  "Mission: Impossible" is relatively similar as Ethan Hunt sets off to find the mole in the IMF, ending in exposing the mole, of course hitting his emotional breaking point when he discovers it's the team leader.  When both movies came out, they were new, exciting, and satisfying. Unfortunately, someone hacked into the M:I and reconciled the DNA of the fil

Mission: Impossible - A Riveting Espionage Thriller

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As a fan of action-packed films, I recently had the pleasure of re-watching "Mission: Impossible," and I must say that it truly lived up to its reputation as a pulse-pounding espionage thriller. Directed by Brian De Palma and starring Tom Cruise as the charismatic IMF agent Ethan Hunt, the film keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The plot revolves around a covert mission gone awry, leaving Ethan Hunt and his team in a high-stakes race against time to uncover a traitor within their own ranks and prevent the theft of classified information that could have catastrophic global consequences. The intricate web of espionage, double-crosses, and unexpected alliances keep the audience engaged as they try to piece together the puzzle alongside Hunt and his team. Tom Cruise's performance is undeniably a highlight of the film. His dedication to performing his own stunts brings authenticity and intensity to the action sequences that are hard to match. From the ico

Throwback Thursday (On A Saturday): Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

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 "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" is a film directed by Quentin Tarantino and was released in 2019. It's a comedy-drama that blends historical events with fictional elements. The film features an ensemble cast and is set in 1969 Los Angeles, against the backdrop of the Manson Family murders and the changing landscape of Hollywood. The 1960s were a rather tumultuous time for America. The Civil Rights Movement, which aimed to end racial segregation and discrimination, had already made substantial progress by 1969. Important legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 had been enacted, but challenges and struggles for equal rights persisted. The Vietnam War was a major focal point of national attention. Opposition to the war grew significantly, leading to protests and demonstrations across the country. The anti-war sentiment reached its peak during this time, with events like the Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam drawing massive crowds.