End Year, New Year Fantasies

MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM
HISTORICAL/DRAMA

PLOT: Based on his autobiography Nelson Mandela.

First of all when Hollywood makes a biopic they add things that don’t happen but for dramatic effect. Read about the late, great South African president before you see it. As a movie it is fantastic!! Idris Elba (Pacific Rim) is wonderful and Mandela and so is Naomie Harris (Skyfall) as Winnie Mandela. I hope Oscar nominations are in their future. The entire cast is very good.

A MADEA CHRISTMAS
COMEDY

PLOT: Madea spreads on her joy for the holidays.

Madea (Tyler Perry) helps a friend Eileen (Anna Maria Horsford) surprise her daughter Lacey (Tika Sumpter The Haves and Haves Not) for Christmas but she has surprises of her own. This film is for Madea fans only. It is not high-brow comedy. Larry The Cable Guy shows up and shamelessly plugs his product Prilosec OTC! How funny or weird is that?

HOMEFRONT
ACTION/DRAMA

PLOT: Former drug enforcement agent Phil Broker wants to leave with his daughter and start over.

Phil Broker (Jason Statham) leaves the city to the bayou but problems still follow him and Morgan “Gator” Bodine (James Franco) is a meth maker and dealer to cause more trouble. Story not important but kick butt is which Statham provides. Why it came out around Thanksgiving is a shock and why talented Franco is it this. It should be on video and I am sure it will do much better!!

THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG
ACTION/FANTASY

PLOT: The further adventures of Bilbo Baggins.

Bilbo ( Martin Freeman), Gandalf the Grey (Ian McKellen) the dwarves lead by Thorin (Richard Armitage) continue their quest to reclaim their home from the evil dragon Smaug. I enjoyed this film very much because of all things Smaug (Benedict Cumberbatch Star Trek Into Darkness)!! I loved how massive the dragon was!! The story is good and the special effects are a wonder to behold. There is one more movie to this trilogy and it is most welcome!!

FROZEN
ANIMATED/FANTASY

PLOT: Disney retelling of The Snow Queen.

Two sisters, Anna and Elsa are very close but her sister Elsa has the power to freeze everything. She keeps it hidden after an almost tragic accident with Elsa and keeps her sister away. She runs away and it is Elsa with the help of friends to save the kingdom from being cold forever. Disney is famous for their wonderful supporting characters and this is no different. The one that stand out is the goofy looking but loveable snowman Olaf which reminds me of Jerry Lewis for those who knows who he is. It is well made and every animated Disney feels like it could be easily made into a musical with all the songs. It is a great movie for ALL ages!!!