The ABBA Music Alone is Worth Going to See "Mamma Mia 2"

by John Zenoni

Ok, I am sorry but I have to admit - and do so with no shame - that I am an ABBA fan! Yes, ok, I've said it. You cannot tell me that they do not create fun, lighthearted, ‘easy on the ears’ music. In my opinion, it is without a doubt some of the best pop music ever written. You don’t get to being the number 2 export of Sweden at some point (only behind Volvo) without doing something right. Or, being offered 1 billion dollars to reunite as a group and go on tour (which they turned down due to the animosity amongst the former members). 

With that being said, the newest film, ‘Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again’, will please those fans of the band and their famous songs. The movie is a continuation of the previous film released 10 years ago (that is hard to believe), ‘Mamma Mia’, which was based on the Broadway play. This story picks up where the last left off with Sophie, Meryl Streep’s daughter from the first film, rebuilding her mom’s Greek hotel, which was a dream of her mother’s. I am not going to say too much more so as to not spoil anything for anyone who has not yet but plans on seeing the film. 

From what I could see, all the original cast members from the first one returned, although Meryl Streep only made a cameo, but it was a definite highlight of the film. The storyline is good and while this is a sequel that does not quite live up to the original, it is still a fun, ‘feel good’ film that music lovers will enjoy. The cast was strong and music was plenty with some actual new music by ABBA. It has been said the the members did reunite long enough to go into the studio and record the music but they won't be touring. The highlight -- and most notable member of the cast -- is Cher, who portrays Sophie’s grandmother (Meryl Streep’s mother?). The scene between her and Andy Garcia in this film singing one of the best known ABBA songs was a treat I must say and I know that my family loved it. The theater was packed with people that could be heard humming or singing along to songs. And the crowd applauded at the end of the movie. I haven't heard that in a long time. Was it a great film? No, but it took you away from your troubles for 2 hours and that was ok by me.

"The Equalizer 2" Movie Review

by John Zenoni

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It goes without saying, at least the majority of people I know would agree, that Denzel Washington rarely has a miss with respect to his movies. I am glad to say that this stays true with his latest, and first sequel, “The Equalizer 2.” From the opening scene you know you are in for a ride - an exciting one at that - and are hooked from the get go. This film has the things that catch your attention - action, suspense, drama and in some cases, comedy. It has it all and for most of the film it all works well. 

The acting is good, of course, although what do you expect from Denzel Washington, no less? The supporting cast is good as well and are all believable. The storyline is a good follow up to the first film and does not disappoint, with the exception of one point in the film that I have to say I could see coming from a mile away. However, regardless of what was supposed to be a big surprise twist but to me was obvious, it really is a good film. Denzel just captures you with his presence as an actor so it is hard to not like anything he is in. Very good sequel...

The Best Movies of 2018 (So Far) According to Christi C.

by Christi C.

I saw four movies this year that I absolutely loved!

4. Blockers

3. Book Club

I just thought it was really funny and I LOVE Candice Bergen. Plus, I've read all of the books that are discussed in the movie. A cute twist is that cast-member Don Johnson's daughter, Dakota Johnson, stars in the 50 Shades of Grey movie trilogy -- and the "50 Shades" book trilogy is what motivates the members of the club to embrace their wild sides! This is a great flick even if you hate Jane Fonda (Like I do!). 

2. Black Panther

1. Infinity War

As a Marvel newbie, I loved seeing all of the connections between the characters from earlier movies. Also, I'm a huge Thor fan -- he's a part of my cultural heritage (being half-Icelandic and all). So I always love seeing him. My only complaint is that the frustration of having to wait nearly a year to see the next Avengers movie is killing me!

The Best Movies of 2018 (So Far) According to John

by John Z.

The best movies of the year?!? Wow, no pressure! I haven't seen as many movies this year as I did last year by this time so I'm sure I'm overlooking some. But only two stand out to me. And they're both game-changers.





2. A Quiet Place

I cannot imagine there being a more suspenseful film this year than “A Quiet Place.” While it is being promoted as a scary film it is more of an edge-of-your-seat thriller in my opinion. The story, acting, scares, moments of suspense and more all combine for a great, original film. Kudos to John Krasinski for coming up with a great story and doing a fantastic job of directing it. 

What I love about this film is that from the beginning you are set right in the midst of the conditions of the time and do not have to sit through a ‘setup’ or long explanation of why the earth is like it is. You are immediately drawn into the family’s living situation and you adjust to it as if you are living it with them. The opening sequence is excruciating as you expect what happens to happen but then again you hope with all your might that it won’t. It is also ironic that the real hero of the film ends up being the deaf daughter, considering she is in a world where people who can hear have to be quiet on purpose. 

All of the actors did a great job in this film and deserve accolades. Needless to say I jumped quite a few times during this film and it made for a fun movie going experience.

1. Black Panther

Where do I begin???? The characters were amazing to start with. Unfortunately, I came in a few minutes late so I missed the beginning. The first thing I remember seeing was Forest Whitaker's character Zuri and Angela Bassett as Ramonda and thought: "Ok, this is going to be good!" 
I can't help but praise the characters -- even the villain -- because I really felt like I was a part of the movie!

I don't know...it's hard to explain but as you know I'm not big on superhero movies, however, this one was something special. The action, the way that the characters related to each other, the dialogue -- it all just meshed so well together. Chadwick Boseman is such a good actor and seems to be relatable to everyone. Anyway, I loved it. Definitely a great film.

"Ant-Man and the Wasp" Micro-Review

2015's Ant-Man was an actual superhero movie that fit nicely into the MCU. The follow-up, Ant-Man and the Wasp, seems more like a Honey, I Shrunk the Kids sequel. The story mostly centers on a father and daughter with miniaturizing technology at their disposal on a desperate hunt for a way to restore Ma Dukes to normal size. They might as well have named this shit Honey, Mom Shrunk Herself. The only thing missing was an end-credits scene featuring Rick Moranis. You're better off watching an old episode of "The Littles".

"Soldado" Movie Review

by John Z.

“Sicario: Day of the Soldado” can be summed up in two names: Josh Brolin and the amazing Benicio Del Toro! They ARE the sequel to one of the most amazing, in my opinion, films of the past decade, “Sicario.” I will say that it does not quite live up to the original but it still has plenty of action, intelligent storytelling and a great ending. The story is one you have to pay close attention to and the other actors in the film are all very good as well. So you have a solid cast. 

I did not know until just recently that this film has a different director from the original film and that could explain why the same elements that made “Sicario” such a great film are just not there. But that is not to say that this sequel is not a worthy one. It is good and I don’t think many people will be disappointed. The thing is just go in to enjoy the ride and watch great performances by two of today’s excellent actors and you will be glad you did.

August 2018 Movie Trailers

August 3

Christopher Robin

The Darkest Minds

Billionaire Boys Club

August 10

The Meg

BlacKkKlansman

Animal Crackers

August 17

Alpha

The Happytime Murders

Mile 22

August 24


Papillon

Destination Wedding

A.X.L.

August 31


Kin