Movies

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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10-week Season Pass $10; Military/Seniors $8 • Open Daily–Rain or Shine–10-6 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-the-grid homes and even 2-story tiny houses. Attend the largest & best show in Arizona - this year featuring more than 1,100 vendor booths, family friendly activities, learn a new skill and take advantage of our experts at the free DIY & gardening stages plus so much more! All free with Home Show admission. This is THE show of the year, don’t miss it!

THE TEMPTATIONS & THE FOUR TOPS WHEN: January 12 at 8 p.m. WHERE: Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington St. in Phoenix WHAT: For more than fifty years, The Temptations have prospered, propelling popular music with a series of smash hits, and sold-out performances throughout the world. The Four Tops performed on the road and in nightclubs, singing pop, blues, Broadway, but mostly jazz—four-part harmony jazz.

TLC WHEN: January 18 at 8 p.m. WHERE: Gila River Hotels & Casinos (Wild Horse Pass), 5040 W. Wild Horse Pass Blvd in Chandler WHAT: Those characters merely hint at the talent of Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas, and the late Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, but they immediately evoke an unparalleled journey nonetheless. That journey encompasses immortal anthems such as “Waterfalls,” “Creep,” “No Scrubs,” and “Unpretty,” to name a few, as well as sales of 70 million records worldwide, four GRAMMY® Awards, two RIAA diamond-certified albums among a total of four multiplatinum albums, ten Top 10 singles, and four Number 1 singles.

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!

8TH ANNUAL ARIZONA BALLOON CLASSIC WHEN: January 25, 26 and 27 WHERE: Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way in Goodyear WHAT: On Saturday & Sunday morning, January 26 and 27, the sky will be filled with colorful hot-air Balloons participating in the thrilling “Hare & Hound” race from the grassy fields of the Goodyear Ballpark for a spectacular sight of mass and color. Spectators can walk on the field and experience the balloons inflation and lift off. Photo taking is invited! Desert Glows: On Friday and Saturday evenings, January 25 and 26, are our most popular attended activities. A field full of illuminated, tethered hot-air Balloons will glow in time to Music. Other attractions include: Fireworks, Food Fest with food trucks, live entertainment, family fun zone and more!

AWGA’S GRAND WINE FESTIVAL WHEN: January 26 & 27 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. WHERE: Heritage Square Park, 115 N. 6th St. in Phoenix WHAT: Arizona Wine Growers Association (AWGA) and the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance/AZBCA, host the Annual Grand Wine Festival & Marketplace on January 26 & 27, 2019 at Heritage Square Park in partnership with AZCentral.com. This two-day “Grand Wine Festival” to include wine tasting with more than 35 Arizona wineries pouring over 200 wines in downtown Phoenix. The two-day festival will feature over 35 wineries pouring over 200 wines along with live music, food trucks and other local vendors. All tickets include a commemorative wine glass, and access to all activities and events on your selected day of attendance.

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.

ARIZONA GOOD BUSINESS SUMMIT WHEN: January 30 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. WHERE: Phoenix Convention Center, 100 N. 3rd St. in Phoenix WHAT: The Arizona Good Business Summit, presented by Local First Arizona, is the premier event to build a lasting legacy in our community. For entrepreneurs, small businesses and long-lasting enterprises, this unique event will feature national and local leading experts presenting effective strategies to guide you to bolster your business as a force for good. As a business leader, your success is directly tied to the success of your business. And the success of your business is connected to the collective success of our community. Join us as we connect with like-minded business influencers and identify successful approaches to build great businesses through strong communities. Find event details here: localfirstaz.com/good-business

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Disclaimer: All information provided by the Arizona Regional MLS is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Data is from 1/1/18 – 8/15/2018