Movies

MOVIE REVIEWS

Reviewed by A.D. Beal

EIGHTH GRADE A 13-year-old girl deals with issues of relationships, self-confidence and love during the last week of eighth grade.

There is so much about Eighth Grade that just works. Writer and director Bo Burnham really ‘gets’ this generation, writing their actions and dialogue in a realistic, non-stereotypical way. It also manages to avoid the pitfalls similar films have, with the main character Kayla (Elsie Fisher) being a character with flaws, but who still manages to feel like a genuine human. The balance of comedy and drama also works, with each scene having the right tone and feelings. Despite some mature content, it is a film that both teenagers and adults will be able to relate to.

AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR Nearly every one of Marvel’s heroes join together to stop the mad titan Thanos from collecting all of the Infinity Stones and prevent an extinction-like event.

Infinity War is really more Thanos’ film than it is the Avengers’ film, and the filmmakers take full advantage of that. He is possibly the best villain Marvel has ever had, managing to be both intimidating and emotional at the same time. Emotional is probably the best word to describe this film. Each character, who we’ve spent so much time getting to know, go through some really harsh situations, and the film almost always plays it serious. The entire cast owns their roles, and each probably feel the most ‘real’ they ever have. Alan Silvestri’s score is also amazing, with each bit coming at the right moment. Marvel has a very bright future ahead if films like this are an example of what’s to come. BLOCKERS Three parents set out to stop their teenage daughters from losing their virginity in a pact on prom night.

Blockers seems like a regular teen sex comedy on the surface, and that probably works to its advantage. The film avoids many of the tropes commonly found in these types of films and has more character than usual. The three leads are very funny (with John Cena probably being the breakout), and the actors that play their daughters are also likable. Some of the romances do feel underdeveloped, and while you can see where they’re coming from, you don’t buy them necessarily. It also doesn’t get past the stigma of studio comedies that seem to require that they have bland cinematography and editing. But on the whole, Blockers is an entertaining film.

I FEEL PRETTY A woman who lacks self-confidence believes she is the most beautiful woman on Earth after she gets in an accident.

There is a good message in I Feel Pretty, but a good film is more than just it’s message. The lead character Renee (Amy Schumer) is just plain annoying in both her personalities in the film, coming off unlikable and even creepy with some of her actions. There is also no style to this film at all, giving us very boring looking cinematography, generic editing and music choices. The only thing that stuck out about the ‘look’ was the outlandish designs in the office of the corporation Renee works for, because it was something different to look at. Michelle Williams also had funny moments as the boss of Renee. Overall, I Feel Pretty is very forgettable.

NEW RELEASES

JUNE 1

Adrift Action Point Upgrade American Animals (Limited)

JUNE 8

Hotel Artemis Hereditary Ocean’s 8 Won’t You Be My Neighbor (Limited)

JUNE 15

The Incredibles 2 Tag Superfly

JUNE 22

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom Under The Silver Lake (Limited)

JUNE 29

Sicario: Day Of The Soldado The Hustle Uncle Drew Sanju Leave No Trace (Limited) Three Identical Strangers (Limited)

WHEN: Ongoing WHERE: OdySea in the Desert, 9500 E. Via de Ventura WHAT: This limited time exhibition offers an intimate and informative view into the human body. Using an innovative preservation process, the Exhibition allows visitors to see the human body’s inner beauty in educational and awe-inspiring ways. Our Exhibitions have over 200 actual human bodies and specimens meticulously dissected and respectfully displayed, offering an unprecedented and wholly unique view into the amazing body. BALLET ARIZONA’S EROICA WHEN: June 1-2, 8:00 PM WHERE: Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway WHAT: Ballet Arizona is proud to announce the world premiere of Ib Andersen’s Eroica. Join us as we experience the beauty of the Arizona desert, Ib Andersen’s Ballet Arizona, and Beethoven’s Third Symphony in a production that speaks directly to the soul. Beethoven transcends tradition with his Third Symphony, which ushered in a new era of music and changed perspectives with its technical and emotional complexity. And world renowned Artistic Director Ib Andersen challenges conventional expectations and reawakens the human spirit in this immersive tribute to the past,

BODIES REVEALED

present, and future. NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE: PETER PAN WHEN: June 3, 2:00 PM WHERE: Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 850041685 WHAT: Captured live at the National Theatre, a recorded performance of JM Barrie’s much-loved tale screens in cinemas. When Peter Pan, leader of the Lost Boys, loses his shadow, headstrong Wendy helps him to reattach it. In return, she is invited to Neverland, where Tinker Bell the fairy, Tiger Lily and the vengeful Captain Hook await. A riot of magic, music and make-believe ensues.

FATHER’S DAY MUG WORKSHOP WHEN: June 9, 10:00 am - 8:00 pm WHERE: As You Wish Pottery, Desert Ridge Marketplace, 21001 N. Tatum Blvd. WHAT: Paint a special gift, handmade with love, for Dad this Father’s Day. Come in anytime between 10am-8pm and save over 20 percent when you paint a simple mug. Items will be ready to pick up Tuesday, June 12th. Cost: $15 (all inclusive) Ages: All ages!

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PROWL & PLAY WHEN: June 9, 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm WHERE: Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway WHAT: It’s a bird… it’s a plane… it’s Superhero Prowl & Play! Get ready to unleash your superpowers for an epic night of character meet & greets, live music, games, crafts and wild water slides. June 9, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Members – $8 / Guests – $10 Children 2 and under are free ENTERTAINMENT & ACTIVITIES Bridge/Plaza

BLUSH INTERNATIONAL ROSE FESTIVAL WHEN: June 9 WHERE: Clayton House, 3719 N. 75th Street, Scottsdale, AZ WHAT: The 1st Annual BLUSH International Rosé Festival comes to Old Town Scottsdale on National Rosé Day, and features 100 Rosé wines from around the world, unlimited tastings, live music, a Pink Boutique and delectable tastes created by local award-winning chefs, Jennifer Russo of the THE MARKET RESTAURANT + BAR and Jennifer’s Catering & Events and Chef David Duarte of Finestre Modern Gastronomy. There will be three sessions for guests to choose from - Brunch + Bubbles (11am - 2pm), Tapas Experience (3 - 6pm) and Eat, Drink & Rosé (7 - 10pm). BLUSH will take place at The Clayton House, a refined industrial event venue in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale.

FATHER’S DAY MEMBER BREAKFAST WHEN: June 17 WHERE: Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkwyy WHAT: Phoenix Zoo Members – Celebrate Dad at the Zoo! Phoenix Zoo Members – Celebrate Father’s Day at the Zoo! Treat dad to a hearty breakfast buffet inside the Zoo’s scenic Stonehouse Pavilion. Breakfast will include exclusive meet and greets with some of the Zoo’s animal ambassadors and a cider toast to dad!

DESERT NIGHT CINEMA WHEN: June 14 WHERE: Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway WHAT: Roll-out your picnic blanket and enjoy silver screen hits under the desert night sky. Before the movie starts, watch live entertainment and participate in fun movie related activities. Purchase a bite to eat and a yummy drink while you sit back and watch your favorite stars in an unbeatable outdoor Garden setting. June’s movie is “Grease”

ANNIE THE MUSICAL WHEN: June 15-July 1 WHERE: Herberger Theater, 222 East Monroe Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004 WHAT: Presented by Valley Youth Theater - Little orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. She is determined to find the parents who abandoned her on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage that is run by the cruel, Miss Hannigan. With the help of the other girls in the orphanage, Annie escapes to the wondrous world of NYC. In adventure after funfilled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan’s evil conspiracies, adopts a lovable mutt named Sandy, befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and finds a new home and family with billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. The winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Annie features some of the greatest musical theatre hits ever written, including “Tomorrow.”

SMOCA FAMILY DAY WHEN: June 16 WHERE: Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, 7374 East Second Street, Scottsdale, AZ WHAT: Bring the family to the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art to explore and appreciate creativity, craftsmanship and critical minds. Family tours and activities in the galleries will generate laughs, doodles, thoughts and opinions to share across generations.

2ND ANNUAL OPERA AND GELATO FILM FESTIVAL WHEN: June 17, 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm WHERE: Arizona Opera, 1636 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ WHAT: The Arizona Opera is proud to present the 2nd annual summer Opera and Gelato Film Festival. Join them for a screening of Die Walküre, the second installment of Wagner’s monumental Ring Cycle. Enjoy FROST Gelato and refreshments for purchase.

MORTIMER FARMS BERRY FESTIVAL WHEN: June 23-24, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm WHERE: Mortimer Farms, 12907 E. State Route 169, Dewey, AZ 86327 WHAT: Mortimer Farms Strawberry Patch and Blackberry patch are ready for picking (June - September)!! To celebrate this we are holding a summer Berry Festival!! Admission will include entrance to both berry patches, the Farm Park, and a special lunch! Join us for a festival full of fresh picked berries!

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