"Real Steel"

 2011 * PG-13 * 2h 7m  I vaguely remember when this movie came out. I didn't know anything about it except that some of it was fixed in Detroit (my hometown), and I was pretty excited about that. Well, I finally got around to seeing it, and what a fun movie it turned out to be. 

The story takes place in the near future where people are fascinated with robot boxing. Charlie (Hugh Jackman) is a retired boxing champion who has taken up robot boxing. He's just barely scraping by when he finds out his ex and the mother of his chile Max (Dakota Goyo) has died. His sister-in-law wants to adopt him but before the deal is sealed, Charlie negotiates to get his son for the summer and a bunch of cash. He uses the money to buy a new robot which is quickly destroyed. Then Max discovers an old, previous generation robot in a junkyard, which he rehabs and starts using to win bout after bout. 

I thought the movie was great fun. It's wonderful to see the two learn about each other and bond. And the fight scenes are extremely engaging. Of course, the film is fairly predictable, but that's what you want in a family movie. If you've never seen "Real Steel" I encourage you to check it out. 

3 1/2 out of 5 stars

Currently streaming on Netflix and to rent on Prime Video.

"Towelhead"

 2007 * R * 2h 4m  Director Alan Ball has mainly worked in tv and has "Six Feet Under"to his credit. He's also made interesting films and controversial movies like "American Beauty," and "Uncle Frank."  His 2007 film "Towelhead" isn't for everyone, that's for sure. It tackles several difficult topics like teen sex, racism, and pedophilia. It's hard to watch at times, but ultimately, I thought it was excellent. 

The story revolves around a young girl Jesira (Summer Bashir), who after her parents divorce, goes to live with her super-strict Lebanese-American father Rifat (Peter Macdissi) in Texas. The movie takes place during the onset of the first Gulf War and as a result, she has to deal with overt racism, both in school and her neighborhood. She just starting to awaken sexually, and is preyed upon by her neighbor's father, played by Aaron Ekhart. He's really creepy and you just want to smack him in the face. You keep your fingers crossed that something terrible will happen to him. 

She starts hanging out with a young black schoolmate, and feels the backlash when her father forbids her from seeing him, due to his own racism. Just when things look terrible, she's taken under the wing of a kindly neighbor Molina (Toni Collette), who knows what she's going through. Without giving away the anding, let's just say things get resolved. 

I thought the acting in this was terrific. Ms. Bashir really shined as did Toni Collette (as you've come to expect). If you're looking for something pretty powerful, check this one out. 

3 1/2 out of 5 stars

Note to parents: This is definitely not for kids. 

Streaming for free with your library card on Kanopy.com. And to rent on Amazon Prime. 

"The Change-Up"

 2011 * R * 1h 52m  If you're in the mood for some raunchy, guys humor, I thought this one was pretty funny. It's one of those switched identity movies that, while pretty predictable, is good for lots of laughs. 

Dave (Jason Bateman) and Mitch (Ryan Reynolds) have been friends since college. They haven't seen each other win ages and arrange an evening out for some drinks. The two of them are polar opposites, Mitch is pot-smoking, lazy bum, who acts like he's still in college. Dave is a successful, corporate laywer who's married with three kids. After talking about their lives, they each wish they were in the other's shoes. As luck would have it, they make this wish while peeing in a magical fountain. And PRESTO! They switch bodies. 

It's great fun watching them try to fake their lives. Dave in Mitch's body somewhat hesitantly starts going after women--chiefly a younger protégée at his law firm. And Mitch in Dave's body learns what it means to be a dad with two babies. And when they discover the magic fountain has been moved, they scramble to find its new location so they can switch back. 

I really enjoyed "The Change-Up" and honestly laughed out loud several times. I think you will too! 

3 1/2 out of 5 stars

Streaming on Netflix and Prime Video. 

"Cold Pursuit"

2019 * R * 1h 59m  Who doesn't love a good revenge movie? Ive noticed that there are two types of movies that fall into this category. The ones featuring a total badass and includes a lot of explosions and over the top violence. Then there are the ones where an average Joe takes his revenge methodically. "Cold Pursuit" falls into the latter category. And with an actor like Liam Neeson, it's great fun.

The movie starts out when Nels' (Neeson) son is inexplicably killed by some drug dealers. Slowly, Neeson starts discovering everyone involved in the death. One at a time he starts picking them off. The head dealer is "The Viking" ((Tom Bateman), who's a total sleezebag. Through a mix up, the local Native American drug dealers get involved in the turf war. But Neeson bides his time as he works towards extracting his revenge. 

It's one amusing ride where you root for the good guys the whole time. Adding to the adventure is the beautiful location. The film takes place in the Rockies and the scenery is just gorgeous. Laura Dern is also great in a supporting role. She's married to Nels, however she leaves him when he won't talk about the loss of their son. If you're looking for a fun action flick, don't miss this one.  

3 1/2 out of 5 stars

Currently streaming on Netflix and to rent on Prime Video.