Keanu (2016) Movie Review

This is a comedy so I'll cut to the chase: Keanu is flat-out funny. From beginning to end, you'll find yourself in stitches, whether it's from a brand new joke or a continuous reference throughout the film. Not only that, but you'll laugh for different reasons. There were times where I laughed at the sheer absurdity of it all. Other times I cracked up during moments that were just plain uncomfortable. There are so many moments of randomness, I don't even know where to start. In fact, I won't even try in fear of ruining what you have in store. This is one ride you will be glad you went on.

Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele, stars of the hit show "Key and Peele", have taken their show to the big screen and are wildy successful. Their chemistry is undeniable and their timing is flawless. Throw a baby kitten in the mix and now you have an entirely new set of reasons to laugh. Two words: Kitten Calendar. Just thinking about that December month still puts a smile on my face.

The thing I love most about Key and Peele is their effectiveness at redefining what it means to be black versus what it means to be white. In a society where you're told that "this way" or "that way" is how you need to be, this movie manages to take those stereotypes, turn them on their head, and make you laugh about it. Instead of saying "be this way or that way", this film appreciates the idea that everyone has a little bit of "this AND that" inside of them. Can't help but respect that, comedy or not.

I appreciate the fact that Key and Peele both put it all in the line when they're acting. It almost seems like they don't care whether or not we think it's funny as long as they know they dedicated their full selves. Unfortunately, it serves as a minor drawback in the film as it does in their tv show at times. There are a handful of lines/scenes that you might not find as funny that were left in the film for whatever reason. It's comedy. It is what it is. The upside is those few...let's call them blips...don't ruin the overall enjoyment of what is otherwise a great movie.

Keanu isn't going to change the world, but it manages to find a way to hit your funny bone multiple times in two hours. It's the story of a man who has lost his kitten and the friend who helps him get it back. It's about as random as the cat's name, but in a very good way. I give it a 92.

Midnight Special (2016) Movie Review

They're building something here. That's what I kept repeatedly telling myself as I watched Midnight Special. Jeff Nichols had me on the edge of my seat at times waiting to see the next piece of the puzzle drop. Curiouser and curiouser, I became Alice strolling through this wonderland of a film. All the while, my gut was telling me that I wasn't going to like where this wonderland took me.

And just like arguments with the wife, sometimes I hate being right.

I've seen decent movies saved by their ending, but never the other way around. Call it a case of "What have you done for me lately?" The same bad taste left in the mouths of audiences that witness a bad ending to their favorite tv series is identical to the one left in mine when I walked out of Midnight Special. I'm not a fan of ambiguity or open loops, especially when it comes to the grand finale. Without giving anything away, I'll leave it at that. The ending is really my only gripe of the movie. That and what in the world was the significance of that one calendar date?

Pacing is darn near perfect throughout the course of the film. There's a build up of intensity that starts at a slow burn then stacks tremendously as things speed towards the climax. You're never allowed to see too much too soon, rather exactly what Jeff Nichols wants you to see. This might sound agitating but it's more intriguing than anything. Just enough. That's the best way to put it. There's just enough mystery to keep you rooted to your chair. Just enough special effects to make the movie sci-fi without saturating the same.

The cast was a mixture of recognizable faces (Kirsten Dunst, Adam Driver) and some names that I, myself, didn't know quite as well (Paul Sparks, Jaeden Lieberher). It's easy to find weak roles in a movie like this, but top to bottom the cast was superb. Michael Shannon was my personal favorite playing the role of Roy, Alton's father. I loved him as General Zod in Man of Steel, but that role pales in comparison to that of a father going to the ends of the earth to save his son. Towards the end of the movie, he has a line where he says, "I'll always worry about, Alton. That's the deal." You don't have to be a father to feel the power and significane in that line at that point in time.

The story, while not completely original, gets credit for its unique elements. A father is trying to save his son, who has special powers, from both the government and a quaker-type community. While the boy's abilities are what keep him at risk, no one seems to realize the impact of how special he really is. Each side seeks to use him for their own gain, but there is a time or two where you question who is really the bad guy. Save for a bad ending, this was a thought-provoking film that's good for a watch at home. I give it a 71.