Review – Moonfall

Moonfall  (2022)

Review by Silas Lindenstein


PG-13 ‧ Scifi ‧ 2 hours 4 Minutes

Written by Roland Emmerich & Harald Kloser & Spenser Cohen

Directed by ‎Roland Emmerich

THE CAST

Halle Berry, Patrick Wilson, John Bradley, Michael Peña,
Charlie Plummer, Kelly Yu, Eme Ikwuakor, Carolina Bartczak, and Donald
Sutherland

THE STORY

In Moonfall, a mysterious force knocks the Moon from its orbit around Earth and sends it hurtling on a collision course with life as we know it. With mere weeks before impact and the world on the brink of annihilation, NASA executive and former astronaut Jo Fowler (Academy Award® winner Halle Berry) is convinced she has the key to saving us all – but only one astronaut from her past, Brian Harper (Patrick Wilson, “Midway”) and a conspiracy theorist K.C. Houseman (John Bradley, “Game of Thrones”) believes her. These unlikely heroes will mount an impossible last-ditch mission into space, leaving behind everyone they love, only to find out that our Moon is not what we think it is.   

THE REVIEW

Wow.

The visuals are jaw dropping, the story is ridiculous, and the acting is shameful, yet somehow I left the theater smiling ear to ear from utter enjoyment of one of the most epic disaster movies I’ve ever seen. Is it a “good film”? No. Is it a fun film to watch? “Hell yeah!”

I’ve always had a love of disaster films, from the old Earthquake films to modern epic disasters like 2012. I want a ludicrous plot, played for with absolute conviction. There are many times in the film that what’s happening on screen makes absolutely no sense, but it’s enjoyable watching the actors try and get out of the contrived situation.

For all of the special effects and disasters happening as a result of the moon changing orbit, Moonfall does sneak in a message about trusting technology that is being built to help us.

Moonfall works well as a disaster film because it embraces the ridiculousness of it. If anything the first two acts of the film were too mild compared to the final act of the film.

Moonfall partially works because of all the surprises, so I don’t want to ruin anything here other than the main plot above. The makers have set up a potential huge world building. I fear audiences won’t appreciate this film enough for it to continue past one film, but I will hope.

If you’ve seen the trailer for Moonfall and said “That looks stupid,” you probably shouldn’t go, because you’re right and you won’t enjoy it. If you’ve seen the trailer and said “that looks ridiculous, I have to see it,” you will love the film.

You will get out of the film what you put into it.

THE BEST
Three BEST things about the film

  1. The special effects. Simply amazing effects that really helped tell the story. Though at one point, I swear I thought they were using models.
  2. The world building. Can’t say much on this….but man, the possibilities.
  3. The sheer volume of epic disasters. Disaster after disaster….Moonfall had a windfall of disasters to watch.

THE WORST

The three WORST things about the Film

  1. The acting. They said all the correct lines in the right order, but that’s the best I can say for it. I can’t be sure they did more than one take on most scenes. Actors were pretty flat.
  2. It does hit a level of ridiculousness that is hard to stay with. Do not try to understand an ounce of the physics laws of the film.
  3. Stock characters galore. At times I felt like I could have won a “Stock Character Bingo.”

THE LESSON

Despite the topsy-turvy, crazy rollercoaster of a movie that it is, Moonfall does have a message beneath it. Be careful of the tech we are creating. Little conveniences can become monstrous problems.

THE FINAL WORD

This film was everything that I could have hoped for from an epic disaster film. Leave your brains at home and grab some popcorn and go enjoy.

THE VERDICT
My 3L system gives me the choice to Love It, Like It, or Lose It. 

Moonfall gets a Like It.

Here is the trailer for Moonfall:

ABOUT SILAS

When he’s not reviewing films or interviewing people for the Black & A Half podcast, Silas Lindenstein can be found in the greater metro Seattle, WA working as a real estate agent helping people buy and sell homes, or performing stand up comedy to fellow nerds. He has a wife and three children and desperately wants to learn to make the perfect homemade pizza.

Review – The Fallout

The Fallout  (2021)
Review by Silas Lindenstein

Release date: January 27, 2022

By http://www.impawards.com/2022/fallout_ver3.html, Fair use


Rated R ‧ Drama ‧ 1 hour 32 minutes
Written by Megan Park

Directed by ‎Megan Park

THE CAST

Jenna Ortega, Maddie Ziegler, Shailene Woodley, Julie Bowen, John Ortiz, Niles Fitch, and Will Ropp

THE STORY

“High schooler Vada navigates the emotional fallout she experiences in the wake of a school tragedy. Relationships with her family, friends and view of the world are forever altered. ” IMBD

“The Fallout is a compelling exploration of the inexplicable resiliency of life and the hope that emerges out of loss. A raw and honest coming-of-age story for this generation, Jenna Ortega and Maddie Ziegler star in Megan Park’s directorial debut.”

THE REVIEW

To be honest, when I first saw the trailer for this film, I didn’t think I would watch it. The premise of the film, dealing with the aftermath of a school shooting, hits too close to my heart. I have three children and the idea of a school shooting is one of the most terrifying things I can think about.

But the film got some early praise from fellow reviewers and a lot of good buzz from its premiere at the South By Southwest festival last year. And I began to think about it more; if my teenager can handle going to school each day well aware of the dangers she now faces, if she can do active shooter drills since she was in Kindergarten, the least I could do was be uncomfortable during a movie to better relate to her. And isn’t that a goal of why we often watch a film? To better relate to people like the subjects.

I’m very glad that I chose to watch it. It is moving, powerful, and wonderfully well put together film.

The film doesn’t waste much time getting to the inciting incident. After a little brief series of scenes getting to know the main character Vada, played beautifully by Jenna Ortega, showing what she and her life is like before the shooting, she makes a trip to the bathroom after receiving a phone call from her little sister who just got her first period. While in there, she exchanges a couple awkward words with classmate and instagram star Mia {Maddie Ziegler). It’s then that shots start going off in the hallway and the girls run to a bathroom stall to hide. A few moments later they are joined by fellow classmate Quiton who runs in, covered in blood, after his brother was killed and died in his arms before he fled for safety. The three strangers huddle together until the all clear is given and they leave the bathroom and face the fallout in their lives from the event.

What follows is an examination of grief, shock, and second guessing of safety that no child should have to go through. We see how these teens and Vada’s best friend all cope with the tragedy in different ways. Ways that range from self-destructive to becoming an activist for change. We get to see how this event affects Vada’s relationship with her family. What we see if a very honest and believable portrayal of this kind of event. The movie delves into the depths of what it is to be human.

The directing of the film is very calculated and raw, allowing the actors time to feel the moments from the beginning. First time director Megan Park draws out very subtle, honest, and engaging performance from the actors. One of the most important jobs of the director is to make sure the tone of the film is right, which again, Park does a stellar job of making the film cohesive and consistent. Her first film shows the talents of a veteran director and I look forward to seeing what other works she creates.

The writing of the film is quite beautiful. The dialogue is natural and film flows so naturally, you can’t see the strings that carry the film from each beat to the next. Again, those are skills of a great writer and director.

THE BEST


Three BEST things about the film:

  1. The acting. Jenna Ortega will be an early contender for best youth performance.
  2. The writing. Very genuine and honest.
  3. The directing. Nearly perfectly crafted story. Engaging choices.

THE WORST

The WORST things about the film:

  1. The only bad thing about the film is how likely the events of the film are to happen.

THE LESSON

Grief is different for everyone. How someone copes with tragedy is an individual thing.

THE FINAL WORD

THE VERDICT
My 3L system gives me the choice to Love It, Like It, or Lose It.

The Fallout gets a Love It.

Where To Watch

An HBO MAX original film, see it streaming on HBO MAX.

Trailer for the film

Video – The Bookend #5 – Aftershow for The Book Of Boba Fett Episode 5 – “The Return of Mandalorian”

Here’s episode #5 of The Bookend, an unauthorized, unsanctioned, and un-asked for aftershow for the Book of Boba Fett, Episode #5, The Return of The Mandalorian.

ABOUT SILAS

When he’s not reviewing films or interviewing people for the Black & A Half podcast, Silas can be found in the greater metro Seattle, WA working as a real estate agent helping people buy and sell homes, or performing stand up comedy to fellow nerds. He has a wife and three children and desperately wants to learn to make the perfect homemade pizza.

Episode 193: Silas’ Top 11 Favorite Films of 2021

Silas breaks down his favorite 11 films from 2021.

ABOUT SILAS

When he’s not reviewing films or interviewing people for the Black & A Half podcast, Silas Lindenstein can be found in the greater metro Seattle, WA working as a real estate agent helping people buy and sell homes, or performing stand up comedy to fellow nerds. He has a wife and three children and desperately wants to learn to make the perfect homemade pizza.

News – Picard Season 2 Trailer Out!

Time to start getting psyched for Season 2 of Picard on Paramount+. I was a huge fan of season one and the additions to this season’s cast are really exciting.

Paramount+ just released the first trailer for Season 2 and I wanted to share it with you all.

Review: Four To Dinner

Four To Dinner (2022)

Directed by Alessio Maria Federici

Written by Martino Coli

Rated TV-MA | 1 hour 45 minutes

Review by Silas Lindenstein

THE CAST

Starring: Matilde Gioli, Giuseppe Maggio, Matteo Martari, and Ilenia Pastorelli

THE STORY

In this rom-com challenging the concept of soulmates, parallel storylines portray four single friends as they pair up in different couple combinations

THE REVIEW

An Italian rom-com exploring the concept of soulmates in a uniquely told tale. Two pairs of single men and women meet/are set up at a dinner party.  From there we follow the first steps of courtship between pairs, then suddenly we go back in time and see what would happen  if the couples had matched up differently.  From there on the film cuts back and forth between choice one and choice two. So two different storylines, or alternate worlds.

Do opposites attract or is more similar interests better? Would you be just as happy with Cindy or Sue if you didn’t know the otherwise? Would you make the same mistakes? Would you make the same choices that affect your love life?

Those are all questions this film makes you think about. Which is ultimately what I look for in a film; does it make me question life and choices I’ve made. 

Then I look at execution of the film.  Four to Dinner does a good job with the back and forth concept though there are a few transitions that are hard to tell which timeline they are in. Being a subtitled Film, it makes it even more challenging to keep track.  However, for as many times as you miss the transitions there are equally beautiful, well done, surprising transitions.  

The films strength are in the story and acting. The concept  of “what if” has been done before I’m films like Sliding Doors, but not focusing so much on the idea of soulmates.  The actors do well working as an ensemble and their comic timing crossing the language barrier.  Very grounded and three dimensions performances.

This film won’t change your life, but may cause some interesting discussions with your loved one.  It’s a worth a watch. 

THE BEST

  1. The premise
  2. The way they tell the story.
  3. The chemistry between the actors.

THE WORST

  1. At times, have trouble telling when we jumped between “timelines”.
  2. Film doesn’t answer the question it asked.
  3. There’s a degree of predictability within each timeline.


THE LESSON

A soulmate isn’t necessarily your sole mate.

THE FINAL WORD

An enjoyable film that will make you ask questions about love, soulmates, and the choices you make.

THE VERDICT

Based on my 3 L system; Love It, Like It, or Lose It……Four To Dinner gets a Like It.

ABOUT SILAS

When he’s not reviewing films or interviewing people for the Black & A Half podcast, Silas Lindenstein can be found in the greater metro Seattle, WA working as a real estate agent helping people buy and sell homes, or performing stand up comedy to fellow nerds. He has a wife and three children and desperately wants to learn to make the perfect homemade pizza.

Video – The Bookend #4: Aftershow for The Book of Boba Fett Episode

Episode #4 of The Bookend, an unofficial, unauthorized, unsanctioned, and unasked-for aftershow for The Book Of Boba Fett hosted by Silas Lindenstein and Brian Trendler. This episode discusses episode #4 The Gathering Storm.


ABOUT SILAS

When he’s not reviewing films or interviewing people for the Black & A Half podcast, Silas can be found in the greater metro Seattle, WA working as a real estate agent helping people buy and sell homes, or performing stand up comedy to fellow nerds. He has a wife and three children and desperately wants to learn to make the perfect homemade pizza.

Silas’ Top 11 Favorite Films Of 2021

We are now getting deep into the award season for the best films of 2021. And yes, most of the films being honored are very good films, but are they necessarily my favorite films of the year? Not necessarily. I can appreciate the artistry of most of these award winners and get why they won, however often they aren’t films I would care to watch multiple times. So, here is my personal list of my favorite films that came out in 2021.

11. Malcolm & Marie

A filmmaker on the brink of Hollywood glory and his girlfriend, whose story made his career, find themselves pushed towards a reckoning as a single tumultuous night decides the fate of their relationship.

Initial Release: January 29, 2021

Director: Sam Levinson

Starring: Zendaya; John David Washington

Rated R

Romance/Drama ‧ 1h 45m

Available on Netflix

Why I liked it? I loved that it was shot in black & white because it really puts the focus on the actors. And really, that’s what this film is about, the actors. It’s a two person film, which you don’t see a lot of, and it’s an amazing opportunity just to watch two actors bounce off of each other – action & reaction – pinch & ouch. I liked the film for the acting.

10. The Tender Bar

Set in 1970s Long Island, 9-year-old J. R. Maguire and his mother Dorothy move back in with his grandparents following her breakup with his father. There, he forms a bond with his Uncle Charlie, the owner of a local bar. Charlie acts as a surrogate father to J. R. and encourages him in his pursuit of becoming a successful writer. Charlie’s mother is determined that he will go to Yale or Harvard and become a lawyer.

Release date: December 17, 2021 (USA)

Director: George Clooney

Starring: Ben Affleck; Tye Sheridan; Lily Rabe; Christopher Lloyd; Daniel Ranieri

Drama/Coming-of-age Story ‧ 1h 46m

Rated R

Available on Amazon Prime

Why I liked it? Ben Affleck does a wonderful job in this film. I nominated him for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Uncle Charlie. I think the directing by George Clooney is wonderful in the moments he creates and the tone that he sets. There’s nothing new about this film, but it made me feel good.

9. Zola

Zola, a Detroit waitress, is seduced into a weekend of stripping in Florida for some quick cash — but the trip becomes a sleepless 48-hour odyssey involving a nefarious friend, her pimp and her idiot boyfriend.

Release date: June 30, 2021 (USA)

Director: Janicza Bravo

Starring: Taylour Paige; Riley Keough; Nicholas Braun; Ari’el Stachel; Colman Domingo

Crime/Dark Comedy ‧ 1h 27m

Rated R

Available on Video On Demand

Why I liked it? It’s a very original, crazy story. You really have no idea where the story is going to go. Riley Keough does a fantastic job as the stripper bringing Zola into this crazy world and Colman Domingo is a fantastic bad guy.

8. Spider-Man: No Way Home

With Spider-Man’s identity now revealed, our friendly neighborhood web-slinger is unmasked and no longer able to separate his normal life as Peter Parker from the high stakes of being a superhero. When Peter asks for help from Doctor Strange, the stakes become even more dangerous, forcing him to discover what it truly means to be Spider-Man.

Release date: December 17, 2021 (USA)

Director: Jon Watts

Writers: Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers, Stan Lee (based on the Marvel comic book by)

Stars: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Benedict Cumberbatch

Action/Adventure/Fantasy ‧ 2h 28m

Rated PG-13

Available in theaters and on Disney+ later this year

Why I liked It? The greatest Spider-Man film made to date. And one that couldn’t have happened without the over a decade building of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. And it was just incredibly fun, which is why we go to movies in the first place. It’s a film I could probably watch ten times without batting an eye.


7. The Map Of Tiny Perfect Things

The Map of Tiny Perfect Things tells the story of quick-witted teen Mark, contentedly living the same day in an endless loop whose world is turned upside-down when he meets mysterious Margaret also stuck in the time loop. Mark and Margaret form a magnetic partnership, setting out to find all the tiny things that make that one day perfect. What follows is a love story with a fantastical twist, as the two struggle to figure out how – and whether – to escape their never-ending day.

Release date: February 12, 2021 (USA)

Director: Ian Samuels

Writer: Lev Grossman

Actor: Kathryn Newton, Kyle Allen

Romance/Sci-fi ‧ 1h 39m

Rated PG-13

Available on Amazon Prime

Why I liked it? It’s a great twist on the “Groundhog Day” genre of time loop scifi. I absolutely love this genre. What really stands out about this film is the writing. The writing on this is really nice. It’s a sweet story and if you enjoy the genre you should really check it out.

6. Licorice Pizza

The story of Alana Kane and Gary Valentine growing up, running around and going through the treacherous navigation of first love in the San Fernando Valley, 1973.

Release date: November 26, 2021 (USA)

Director: Paul Thomas Anderson

Writer: Paul Thomas Anderson

Starring: Alana Haim, Cooper Hoffman, Sean Penn, Tom Waits, Bradley Cooper, Benny Safdie

Drama/Comedy-drama ‧ 2h 13m

Rated R

Playing In Theaters

Why I like it? Wonderful acting, wonderful writing, a compelling story. It’s really just full of everything that makes me love to watch movies. Alana Haim delivers an award deserving performance.

5. Don’t Look Up

Two low-level astronomers must go on a giant media tour to warn mankind of an approaching comet that will destroy planet Earth.

Initial release: December 5, 2021

Director: Adam McKay

Story by: Adam McKay; David Sirota

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Rob Morgan, Jonah Hill, Mark Rylance, Tyler Perry, Timothée Chalamet, Ron Perlman, Ariana Grande, Scott Mescudi, Cate Blanchett, Meryl Streep

Comedy/Disaster ‧ 2h 25m

Rated R

Available on Netflix

Why I like it? I think this is one of the sharpest and on the nose satires to come out in ages. I thought it was hilarious, smart, and unexpected. The acting and the cameos are all on point. Meryl Streep is especially wonderful playing the president.

4. Encanto

The Madrigals are an extraordinary family who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia in a charmed place called the Encanto. The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift — every child except Mirabel. However, she soon may be the Madrigals last hope when she discovers that the magic surrounding the Encanto is now in danger.

Release date: November 24, 2021 (USA)

Directors: Byron Howard, Jared Bush

Music by: Germaine Franco

Story by: Jared Bush; Byron Howard; Charise Castro Smith; Jason Hand; Nancy Kruse; Lin-Manuel Miranda

Starring: Stephanie Beatriz, María Cecilia Botero, John Leguizamo, Mauro Castillo, Jessica Darrow, Angie Cepeda, Carolina Gaitán, Diane Guerrero, Wilmer Valderrama

Musical/Comedy ‧ 1h 39m

Rated PG-13

Available on Disney+

Why I like it? It’s not just a great animated film, it’s a great film. My daughter was excited to see it because finally Disney had a movie where the character reminded her of herself; just a regular, quirky, and brown girl. The film is actually much deeper than it originally appears. Having two little kids, I have seen the film more than any other film since Frozen 2. And I actually like it more each time. To top it off, an amazing soundtrack by Lin Manuel Miranda.

3. In The Heights

In Washington Heights, N.Y., the scent of warm coffee hangs in the air just outside of the 181st St. subway stop, where a kaleidoscope of dreams rallies a vibrant and tight-knit community. At the intersection of it all is a likable and magnetic bodega owner who hopes, imagines and sings about a better life.

Initial release: June 4, 2021

Director: Jon M. Chu

Music by: Lin-Manuel Miranda; Alex Lacamoire; Bill Sherman

Starring: Anthony Ramos, Corey Hawkins, Leslie Grace, Melissa Barrera, Olga Merediz, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Gregory Diaz IV, Jimmy Smits

Musical/Drama ‧ 2h 23m

Available On Demand

Why I like it? This musical had me smiling from the first number. I thoroughly loved the music, the story, and the way they adapted the stage musical to screen. The actor’s pleasure in doing the film shows in the production. It really is a different kind of musical than you’ve ever seen.

2. Tick Tick Boom

Based on the autobiographical musical by playwright Jonathan Larson. It’s the story of an aspiring composer in New York City who is worried he made the wrong career choice, whilst navigating the pressures of love and friendship.

Release date: November 12, 2021 (USA)

Director: Lin-Manuel Miranda

Music by: Jonathan Larson

Adapted from: Tick, Tick… Boom!

Screenplay by: Steven Levenson

Starring: Andrew Garfield, Alexandra Shipp, Robin de Jesús, Joshua Henry, Judith Light, Vanessa Hudgens

Musical/Drama ‧ 1h 55m

Available on Netflix

Why I like it? This film is incredibly moving. The film connects to anyone who is afraid they don’t have enough time left to leave their mark on the world. Andrew Garfield is fabulous as Jonathan Larson, really the perfect choice for the role, and he’s surrounded by a wonderful supporting cast.

  1. CODA

Ruby is the only hearing member of a deaf family from Gloucester, Massachusetts. At 17, she works mornings before school to help her parents and brother keep their fishing business afloat. But in joining her high school’s choir club, Ruby finds herself drawn to both her duet partner and her latent passion for singing.

Release date: August 13, 2021 (USA)

Director: Sian Heder

Starring: Emilia Jones; Eugenio Derbez; Troy Kotsur; Ferdia Walsh-Peelo; Daniel Durant; Marlee Matlin

Screenplay by Sian Heder, Based on Famille Bélier by Victoria Bedos

Drama/Romance ‧ 1h 51m

Why I like it? This film has two of my favorite scenes from any movie in a long time. They say that great moments in acting and film are like a pearl, and the goal is to make so many pearls that you have the biggest pearl necklace possible. This film made more necklaces than any other film this year. It’s incredibly touching, funny when appropriate, and brings you into a real world that most of us would never think about.

ABOUT SILAS

When he’s not reviewing films or interviewing people for the Black & A Half podcast, Silas can be found in the greater metro Seattle, WA working as a real estate agent helping people buy and sell homes, or performing stand up comedy to fellow nerds. He has a wife and three children and desperately wants to learn to make the perfect homemade pizza.

Review: The Tender Bar

Tender Bar Review (2021)

R ‧ Coming of Age Drama ‧ 1 hour 46 minutes

Directed by George Clooney
Screenplay by William Monahan

Based on The Tender Bar by J. R. Moehringer

Review by Silas Lindenstein

THE CAST

Ben Affleck as Uncle Charlie
Tye Sheridan as J. R. Moehringer
Lily Rabe as Dorothy Moehringer
Christopher Lloyd as Grandpa
Daniel Ranieri as Young J. R. Moehringer
Rhenzy Feliz as Wesley
Briana Middleton as Sidney
Max Casella as Chief

THE STORY

Set in 1970s Long Island,[2] 9-year-old J. R. Maguire and his mother Dorothy move back in with his grandparents following her breakup with his father. There, he forms a bond with his Uncle Charlie, the owner of a local bar. Charlie acts as a surrogate father to J. R. and encourages him in his pursuit of becoming a successful writer. Charlie’s mother is determined that he will go to Yale or Harvard and become a lawyer.

THE REVIEW

Watching The Tender Bar is like getting a big hug from an Aunt you like. It’s a comforting hug. It feels nice because it’s familiar. It isn’t the best hug, you’ve had hugs like this before, and you’ll have them again. It’s nothing special, but it’s nice. 

The Tender Bar is ripe with the nostalgia you expect from a coming of age story.  A lot of it is familiar, even if you can’t place it exactly; the boy who wishes his Dad was around, and gets more love from his Uncle and his friends than he ever could from his Dad. Dreaming of a better life when they get older and getting to see the slow crawl toward that something better. 

So the story is okay. The premise is alright. The acting….that’s where this film really shines. Ben Affleck is really great as Uncle Charlie, the “smarter than everyone else in the room Uncle” who owns a bar called The Dickens. Affleck is so natural and speaks and matches the tone of film just perfectly. He’s charming, funny, kind, and empathetic. He’s the uncle we all want and he plays it with very little effort. 

Our main character is split into two actors, the young  J. R. Moehringer played by Daniel Ranieri  and the older JR played by Tye Sheridan. Both do an exceptionally well job portraying the lead character, their innocence while marching forward in life is very relatable, slightly awkward, and fun. 

The other well done aspect of the film is the direction. The tone of the film is hit just right by director George Clooney. He does an excellent job of directing really solid moments of the film that engage you with the characters and make you root for them. He also has impeccable comic timing and makes sure that the comedy in the film runs through without being over the top or out of tone with the rest of the film. 

What stops the film from being truly great is that there is nothing new or overwhelmingly moving about the film. There isn’t a stand out scene that blows you away. It’s a solid film, but one that doesn’t make you feel like you are

seeing something incredibly special. 

THE BEST

Three BEST things about the film

  1. Ben Affleck – Golden Globe Nomination and my pick
  2. Skillful Direction
  3. Story  Well adapted from the book

THE WORST

The three WORST things about the Film

  1. Can feel slow at times
  2. Story jumps from little kid to young man quickly. 
  3. Nothing New to the story. Coming of age story is now when I was coming of age. This makes me feel old

THE LESSON

Everyone needs an Uncle Charlie.

THE FINAL WORD

You don’t watch this kind of film because you want to learn more about humanity, you watch it because of the comfort that nostalgia allows. You watch it because you are finally seeing your generations growing up on the big screen. You watch it because it will give you warm feels and you don’t risk a lot.

Will you laugh?

Yes, at times. 

THE VERDICT

My 3L system gives me the choice to Love It, Like It, or Lose It. 

The Tender Bar gets a Like It

The Tender Bar is available to watch for free on Amazon Prime with membership.

ABOUT SILAS

When he’s not reviewing films or interviewing people for the Black & A Half podcast, Silas can be found in the greater metro Seattle, WA working as a real estate agent helping people buy and sell homes, or performing stand up comedy to fellow nerds. He has a wife and three children and desperately wants to learn to make the perfect homemade pizza.