Mid-Summer 2013 Scraps and Smurfs

SMURFS 2
ANIMATED/COMEDY

PLOT: The evil but comical Gargamel kidnaps Smurfette to make the formula to make his brand of Smurfs-The Naughties into real Smurfs.

                The story is really not important as the cute, whimsical tale of Poppa Smurf and group and human friends trying to save Smurfette.  It is funny, sweet and it’s a moral tale how important family is.  Not as good as the first but still entertaining.  It didn’t make much money as the first but it is not bad.

FRUITVALE STATION

DRAMA

PLOT:   New Year’s Eve 2008, Oscar Grant III, a 22 year old black man was killed by a white officer.

                The tragic event is told from the morning until the end of his life of Oscar Grant played by Michael B. Jordan (Chronicle).  He is a young man who served time now trying to find work to support his girlfriend Sophia (Melonie Diaz) and his daughter.  He loves his mom too played by Octavia Spencer (The Help) and she loves his son but doesn’t want him in jail.  The film is very sad so beware what you’re getting into.  All the actors are amazing.  What also is amazing is that the film is color-blind to the romance. Oscar is black and Sophia is Latina not emphasized at all which is very good.  Director Ryan Coogler did a good job on his first movie.  I hope he does more films.

           

DESPICABLE ME 2

ANIMATED/COMEDY

PLOT:  Gru an ex-villain is hired to help a secret organization to stop a new super villain.

                This animated film is just hilarious!!!  Gru is trying hard not to be a bad guy and raise his adopted three daughters when he is needed to stop a new super criminal.  The film is funny and his minions are even funnier!!  The only bad thing is the stereotyping of Latinos.  It has made millions and when you see the movie you can see why.