Movies

from North Tatum Times, January 2019

Kids’ Corner

MOVIE REVIEWS

By A.D. Beal

CREED II Adonis Creed’s relationships with his wife Bianca and mentor Rocky are tested when the latter’s former rival, Ivan Drago, comes back to the spotlight with his son, who challenges Creed.

Creed II is like a combo of Rocky 2 and 4, and like those films, it ups the clichés and traditions. However, here Steven Caple Jr. (who manages to keep within the world that Ryan Coogler created while having his own style) still gets you to take it seriously, and the cast are all great again. Dolph Lundgren also gets to humanize Ivan Drago some more, though I would have liked to see more insight into how his training routine and steroid use affected his character. More quick edits and handheld cam this time around, but it’s not distracting compared to other films that use both. Lastly, the ending still leaves you with the triumphant feel you want from a Rocky film.

THE FAVOURITE Queen Anne, slowly losing her mind, becomes the center of a fight for power between cousins Sarah Churchill and Abigail Hill for control over who will be her “favourite”.

You would think a historical drama starring real people would mean Yorgos Lanthimos would dial back on the weirdness/disturbing nature of some of his prior films (The Killing Of A Sacred Deer, The Lobster, Dogtooth), but instead, it’s arguably the most strange and horrifying of his filmography, and I love it. Each of the three main leads are fantastic and show all sorts of range in their performances, from Olivia Colman doing needy and dominant, to Emma Stone going from desperate to vicious. Nicholas Hoult was absolutely hilarious here, and this was probably my favorite performance from him. Also, the camera angles and lenses used here sometimes gives off a warped image, as if reality is breaking for our three leads. In the hands of a more boring filmmaker, this could have been an average drama film. But thankfully, Deborah Davis and Tony McNamara’s fantastic screenplay gets a great filmmaker.

ONCE UPON A DEADPOOL Fred Savage is kidnapped by Deadpool, where he retells the story of Deadpool 2 in a family friendly way.

Okay look, this is basically DP 2 but with less swearing and no violence. If you don’t remember my review of that film, I didn’t like it, and I still don’t here. The only difference is the editing is a bit more clunky, and some of the gore removal is strange (including a scene involving a gun shooting through a hand). But Fred Savage makes it more tolerable, as he’s genuinely funny, and his chemistry with Deadpool works (plus it resists making too many Princess Bride jokes). And hey, some of the cash from each ticket ($1) is donated to charity, so there is a good cause behind this film.

RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET Ralph and Vanellope go into the internet to search for a replacement for the latter’s game after it’s broken.

This is a simple film and follows a lot of the traits you’ve seen from previous Disney films. However, it’s the themes of neediness and letting go that really make it work. Not everything goes back to normal by the end, giving a more real feel to a film with such a strange plot. The animation, as per usual, is an improvement over previous films. I also love how the internet is incorporated with things like spam and the ‘dark net’ used as plot points or characters. And yeah…even the princess scenes are funny.

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PARK PLAYDATES WHEN: January 7 and January 15 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm WHERE: Aviano Community Park, 3975 E Lockwood Dr, Phoenix, 85050 WHAT: How many times have you met friendly people at the park but most conversations never got past “How old is your little one?” and “How many times does he/she nap each day?”? If you’re looking for a core tribe of families that you can turn to for playdates, advice and adult conversation then stop by one of North Phoenix Parents’ Group’s regularly scheduled park playdates. Our playdates are geared towards newborns through early elementary aged children but older siblings are always welcome. NPPG meets regularly at Aviano Park on the first Monday and third Tuesday of every month from 3:30-5pm. www.facebook.com/NorthPhoenixParentsGroup

GAM-ANON MEETING WHEN: January 7, 14, 21 and 28 at 7:30 p.m. WHERE: Cross in the Desert Church, 12835 N. 32nd St. in Phoenix WHAT: If your life is affected by someone else’s gambling problem, Gamanon can help. For more information please call 602-303-7876. No dues or fees required. There is help with Gam-anon.

CELEBRITY WAITERS GALA WHEN: Monday, January 7 from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. WHERE: Dominick’s Steakhouse, 15169 N. Scottsdale Rd. in Scottsdale WHAT: Coyotes players trade in their hockey sticks for serving trays at the Arizona Coyotes Foundation’s biggest fundraiser of the year! This annual fundraiser features the whole team in addition local celebrities as special guests. Reserve your table today! Visit www.arizonacoyotes.com/foundation for more information.

DIVORCE CHANGES EVERYTHING: FIND YOUR INDEPENDENCE WHEN: January 8 from 5:30 – 7 p.m., and January 9 from 10 -11:30 a.m. WHERE: Affinity Wealth Advisory Group, 7010 E. Chauncey Ln. Ste 200 in Phoenix WHAT: Are you a woman who is considering or experiencing a divorce? Ameriprise Financial invites you to join us for a special seminar hosted and presented by Renee A. Hanson, private wealth advisor with Affinity Wealth Advisory Group. Get the help, support and information you need to: • Understand what financial issues you can expect as you move forward with the process • Take control over the situation for your emotional and financial health • Focus on your children’s needs • Look ahead to the next chapters of your life Space is limited. Please make a reservation by calling (602) 923-9800 or by e-mailing kim.hoppens@ampf.com. This is an informational seminar. There is no cost or obligation.

HOME & GARDEN SHOW: TINY HOMES STREET OF DREAMS WHEN: January 11 – 13 WHERE: Arizona State Fairgrounds, 1826 W. McDowell Rd. Phoenix, 85007 WHAT: Don’t miss your chance to tour these cozy “little” homes - this year featuring container homes, custom and luxury mini-mansions, off-thegrid homes and even 2-story tiny houses. Attend the largest

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DISNEY ON ICE: DARE TO DREAM WHEN: Saturday, January 19 at 6:30 p.m. WHERE: Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson St. in Phoenix WHAT: Celebrate what is possible as five Disney heroines spark the courage inside us all at Disney On Ice presents Dare To Dream! In her Disney On Ice debut, see how far Moana goes on a quest with demigod Maui to save her island and find her own identity. Anna has devotion to her sister Elsa sets her on a journey to stop an eternal winter. Rapunzel goes to great lengths to realize her dream. Fearless Belle befriends the enchanted castle staff and uncover Beast gentleness. With help from her friends, Cinderella is determined to make her wish come true. Along with Mickey and friends, discover your inner hero at Disney On Ice presents Dare To Dream!

KOMBUCHA BREWING 101 WHEN: January 27, 1 p.m. -2:30 p.m. WHERE: Craft Nights, 10832 N 32nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85028 WHAT: Join All About The ‘Booch, Maricopa County’s first kombucha microbrewery, for Kombucha Brewing 101. In this class, you will learn how to make your own kombucha at home and you will get to try a sampling of different kombucha flavors brewed locally by All About The ‘Booch. Class fees include: * An introduction to kombucha * A walkthrough of the brewing process, including the do’s and don’ts for new brewers (note: this is a walkthrough, you will not be brewing a batch of kombucha during the class) * A sampling of various flavor combinations * A private Facebook group to share brewing experiences with fellow beginners and to receive support when questions arise * A kombucha starter kit (SCOBY, starter tea, 1-gallon glass jar, cloth cover, adhesive temperature strip, and a recipe) to take home and start your very own home brew To register, go to allaboutthebooch.com/upcoming-events/

DOGS’ DAY IN THE GARDEN WHEN: Saturday, January 29, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. WHERE: Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway in Phoenix WHAT: The Garden has gone to the dogs! Take advantage of this special opportunity to bring the whole family, dogs included, to the Garden. Go for a walk on Garden trails, meet other dog lovers, heel for family photo opportunities, learn about local dog-related nonprofits, shop and enjoy samples with your pup, and experience a hands-on, canine-themed activity. Don’t miss this tail-wagging good time! What’s included with the ticket? Admission to the Garden, all ages craft activity, doga (dog yoga) (limited spaces available), a complimentary dog portrait by We Take Nice Pictures, access to the merchandise-filled BARKetplace.