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Showing posts from July, 2025

Museum of Wisconsin Art (West Bend, WI)

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My oldest daughter turned 21 today and since she had no interest in celebrating at a bar, I decided to take her to the Museum of Wisconsin Art in West Bend since she's both a talented artist and is working toward an art history degree. It was our first time there and turned out to be a great choice. First of all, when it came to price, you will have a hard time finding a better deal. It was just $50 for a "crew" of up to four adults. This in itself is considerably less than we can usually expect to pay on family outings ( House on the Rock , for example, cost us more than $100). Adding to that value, however, is it is a membership fee that lets us re-visit as many times as we want for up to a year without paying anything more. It doesn't even need to be the same group. We can bring grandmas, uncles, friends, etc. The museum isn't overly large; it took us between an hour and 90 minutes to walk through it. It does, however, have quite a collection with some rooms al...

Movie Review: The Outlaws is Coming (1965)

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Synopsis: Three bumbling employees working for a conservation magazine travel west with their editor to investigate why the buffalo are being slaughtered. When they arrive, they discover a local outlaw's plot to cause a Native American uprising as part of a scheme to eventually claim the entire western territory for himself and his outlaw buddies. Who's in it?  The movie stars Moe Howard , Larry Fine , Joe DeRita, Adam West , Nancy Kovack, Mort Mills and Don Lamond. You can read my review here:  Movie Review: The Outlaws is Coming (1965) ________________________________________________________________ Here are some reviews of other movies from the 1960s: Movie Review: Midnight Lace (1960) Movie Review: Five Minutes to Live (1961) Movie Review: The Day Mars Invaded Earth (1962) Movie Review: Space Probe Taurus (1965)

Movie Review: Until Dawn (2025)

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Synopsis: A year after her sister, Melanie, went missing, Clover and four of her friends visit the last place she knew Melanie was alive to pay their respects. After getting a clue from a local convenience store clerk, the group heads to Glore Valley, a deserted town that was destroyed by a mining disaster with only the visitor center remaining. Soon after arriving, the friends discover they are in a time loop, terrorized by monsters and other deadly traps on a repeating cycle until they can survive until dawn. Who's in it? The movie stars Ella Rubin, Michael Cimino , Odessa A'zion, Ji-Young Yoo, Peter Stormare and Belmont Cameli. Review: I came across Until Dawn while scrolling through movies on Netflix as I waited for my wife to get done at her sewing studio. I had never heard of the video game that inspired this film but thought it looked intriguing. We ended up watching it yesterday evening and it more than exceeded our expectations. I tend to be a bit critical about m...

Movie Review: Stir Crazy (1980)

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Synopsis: New Yorkers Skip Donahue and Harry Monroe are wrongfully accused and convicted of a bank robbery in Arizona. When the warden discovers Skip has a natural talent for riding bulls, the two friends and some of their fellow inmates come up with a plan to escape during the prison's upcoming rodeo. Who's in it?  The movie stars Gene Wilder , Richard Pryor , JoBeth Williams , Craig T. Nelson , Barry Corbin and Erland van Lidth. You can read my review here:  Movie Review: Stir Crazy (1980) ___________________________________________________________ Here are some reviews of other 1980s comedies: Movie Review: Airplane II: The Sequel (1982) Movie Review: Teen Wolf (1985) Movie Review: Clue (1985) Movie Review: Back to School (1986)

Movie Review: Heads of State (2025)

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Synopsis: After an embarrassing joint press conference, recently elected United States President Will Derringer, a former popular action movie star, and UK Prime Minister Sam Clarke attempt to show unity by flying to a NATO conference together onboard Air Force One. The plane is shot down over Belarus by a group of terrorists controlled by arms dealer Viktor Gradov. While Derringer and Clarke survive by parachuting prior to the plane crashing, they are presumed dead and must get to safety on their own.  Meanwhile, the world is on the brink of chaos after Gradov gains access to a global surveillance program and releases evidence of NATO allies spying on and sabotaging each other. Who's in it? The movie stars John Cena , Idris Elba , Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Paddy Considine and Carla Gugino. Review: I came across Heads of State on Amazon Prime a few days ago and, since I do seem to enjoy most John Cena movies, decided to add it to my list. My wife and I ended up watching it la...

Movie Review: Death Ship (1980)

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Synopsis: A passenger cruise ship under the command of soon-to-be-retired Captain Ashland is on the final leg of its journey when it is rammed by a mystery ship and sinks, leaving only an unconscious Ashland and eight others alive. They believe they are rescued when they come across a freighter but soon learn the ship, German and dating back to World War II, is deserted. Not long after, their lives are put in danger as the ship seems to be actively trying to kill them. To make matters worse, Ashland regains consciousness and seems to be under the ship's control. Who's in it? The movie stars George Kennedy, Richard Crenna , Kate Reid, Nick Mancuso and Victoria Burgoyne. Review: My wife looked for a movie to watch yesterday evening while I cooked dinner on the grill. She was still trying to make up her mind by the time I was done and, since Death Ship looked somewhat interesting, we decided to just give it a try. While not the worst horror movie I've watched, it did kind ...

Movie Review: Flight (2012)

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Synopsis: While piloting a commercial airliner from Orlando to Atlanta, Captain Whip Whitaker experiences severe mechanical issues that force him to fly the plane inverted until he is able to crash land in a field. His heroic piloting results in only six of the 102 passengers and crew losing their lives. However, Whitaker has a problem. He had been flying with both alcohol and cocaine in his system, including vodka he was drinking in the cockpit. As a result, even though the crash was clearly caused by a mechanical issue, he faces possible prison time. Who's in it? The movie stars Denzel Washington , Kelly Reilly, John Goodman , Don Cheadle and Tamara Tunie. Review: My wife and I saved Flight to our library a couple weeks ago but held off watching it to take a break from Denzel Washington. We finally gave it a try this weekend and it ended up being not what we expected but also still a good choice. The plot of the movie is intriguing. Whitaker (Washington) performs some near-im...

Movie Review: Night Monster (1942)

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Synopsis: A rich and reclusive amputee invites the doctors who left him crippled to his mansion. One-by-one, they, along with the home's other guests, are murdered by a mysterious figure. Sensing his new love interest might also be in danger, a mystery writer must figure out who is behind the murders before it is too late. Who's in it?  The movie stars Bela Lugosi , Lionel Atwill , Irene Hervey, Nils Asther and Ralph Morgan . You can read my review here:  Movie Review: Night Monster (1942) _____________________________________________________________ Here are some reviews of other movies starring Bela Lugosi: Movie Review: The Thirteenth Chair (1929) Movie Review: Spooks Run Wild (1941) Movie Review: Murder by Television (1935)

Movie Review: Wives Under Suspicion (1938)

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Synopsis: Work-obsessed District Attorney Jim Stowell nearly forgets his wife, Lucy's, birthday and is then shot by someone related to one of the people he prosecuted. Realizing he needs to change his ways, Jim promises to take Lucy on a much-needed vacation but then cancels that plan when given the opportunity to prosecute a wealthy professor who shot his wife after finding her in the arms of another man. As the case progresses, Jim sees similarities between the professor's marriage and his own and begins to suspect Lucy is having an affair. Who's in it? The movie stars Warren William , Gail Patrick , Ralph Morgan , William Lundigan and Constance Moore . Review: I came across Wives Under Suspicion last night and, since I am both a fan of actor Warren William and director James Whale, I decided to add it to my library. I watched it this morning and it turned out to be an intriguing film. There are a couple things I found I really liked about this movie. One of them was...

Movie Review: Below (2002)

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Synopsis: A World-War-II American submarine is on patrol in the Atlantic Ocean when it is ordered to rescue three survivors from a British medical ship believed to have been sunk by the Germans. Shortly after bringing the survivors on board, the ship begins experiencing a variety of strange malfunctions which, upon further investigation, appear to be caused by the sub's former captain, who died under mysterious circumstances and now wants to go down with his ship. The movie stars Matthew Davis , Bruce Greenwood , Olivia Williams , Holt McCallany , Scott Foley and Dexter Fletcher . You can read my review here:  Movie Review: Below (2002) _________________________________________________________________ Here are some reviews of other movies that take place at sea: Movie Review: The Ghost Ship (1943) Movie Review: Ghost Voyage (2008) Movie Review: Ghost Ship (2002)

Movie Review: Terminal (2018)

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Synopsis: Two hitmen working for a mysterious crime boss and a schoolteacher dying from cancer cross paths with a waitress/stripper, Annie, in a train terminal cafe. Only, Annie isn't quite as she seems. Who's in it? The movie stars Margot Robbie , Simon Pegg , Dexter Fletcher , Mike Myers and Max Irons. Synopsis: My wife and I ended up watching Terminal last night because we found it just as it was coming on and figured the bird in hand would be better than spending an hour trying to find another film we both wanted to see. I didn't know much about the movie, other than recognizing the people who starred in it. After watching it, I think the best way to describe my feelings would be to say I was a bit overwhelmed. I'll start out by saying Margot Robbie was an excellent choice as Annie. It was an intriguing role that essentially had her playing multiple characters - the understanding waitress, the sensual stripper, the cold-hearted assassin and even a surprise chara...

Movie Review: Chicago (2002)

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Synopsis: In 1924, housewife Roxie Hart begins an affair with a furniture salesman believing he can help her achieve her dream of being in show business. When she finds out he has been lying to her, she shoots him with her husband's gun and faces the death penalty for murder. Her only hope is the fast-talking lawyer her still-loyal husband hires to defend her. Who's in it?  The movie stars Renee Zellweger , Catherine Zeta-Jones , Lucy Liu , Richard Gere , Queen Latifah and John C. Reilly . You can read my review here:  Movie Review: Chicago (2002) ________________________________________________________________ Here are some reviews of other musicals: Movie Review: Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile (2022) Movie Review: The 5000 Fingers of Dr. T (1953) Movie Review: The Greatest Showman (2017)

Movie Review: The Son of Robin Hood (1958)

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Synopsis: Ten years after Robin Hood's death, Little John and the rest of the Merry Men continue to live as outlaws in the woods, fighting against Duke Des Roches, who looks to usurp the throne of England. Lacking leadership and with a traitor within their ranks, the only hope for the Merry Men is Deering, Robin Hood's son. Only Deering isn't a son, she's a daughter. So, knowing the men won't follow a woman, Little John convinces the mysterious Jamie, recently returned from the Crusades, to pose as Deering instead. Who's in it? The movie stars June Laverick , David Hedison , David Farrar , Marius Goring , and Delphi Lawrence. Review: I've had The Son of Robin Hood in my movie library for a couple weeks and finally got around to watching it this morning. I wasn't really sure what to expect from the film because every description I read seemed to be written by someone who hadn't bothered to watch it first. Overall, I think it turned out to be bette...

Movie Review: Red Eye (2005)

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Synopsis: After attending her grandmother's funeral in Dallas, hotel manager Lisa Reisert takes a red-eye flight back to her home in Miami. While standing in line to check in, she meets Jackson Rippner, who charms her into having a drink while waiting for their weather-delayed flight. She is then later pleasantly surprised to find he is seated next to her on the plane. However, not long after the plane is in the air, Lisa learns Jackson isn't the nice guy he seems to be. Instead, he's part of a domestic terrorist group plotting to assassinate the director of Homeland Security in her hotel and, if she doesn't help them, her father will die. Who's in it? The movie stars Rachel McAdams , Cillian Murphy , Brian Cox , Jayma Mays and Jack Scalia. Review: After scrolling through movies for more than thirty minutes yesterday evening and finding myself unsure if any of the newer ones were worth watching, I decided to instead go with a film I remember being good but hadn...

Movie Review: Drop (2025)

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Synopsis: After surviving abuse from her now-deceased husband, Chicago therapist Violet Gates has been reluctant to start dating again, especially since she has a 5-year-old son, Toby. However, after a 3-month-long courtship on a dating app, Violet decides to finally take a chance with photographer Henry Campbell and meets him at a luxury restaurant. Soon after arriving, Violet begins receiving texts from a mystery sender who appears to be watching her every move. According to the sender, if she doesn't kill Henry, Toby and her babysitting sister, Jen, will die. Who's in it? The movie stars Meghann Fahy ,  Brandon Sklenar ,  Violett Beane , Reed Diamond and  Gabrielle Ryan . Review: After spending most of my day doing yard work, I was finally able to sit down yesterday evening and relax. I had come across Drop earlier in the day (while taking a break) and thought it looked interesting. My wife and I watched it and, for the most part, the film did prove to be enjoyabl...

Movie Review: The Equalizer 3 (2023)

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Synopsis: After wiping out a criminal operation at a winery in Sicily, Robert McCall is shot in the back. He manages to make it back to the Italian mainland before passing out and, after being found by a police officer, wakes up under the care of a doctor in the small town of Altamonte. As he recovers from his injury, Robert grows to love the community and begins to finally find peace. However, when he learns members of the Italian mafia are terrorizing the residents, he decides to once again take matters into his own hands. Who's in it? The movie stars Denzel Washington , Dakota Fanning ,  Eugenio Mastrandrea , David Denman and  Remo Girone . Review: After deciding not to go out for karaoke last night, my wife and I instead decided to watch The Equalizer 3 and finish up the trilogy. After watching it, I can honestly say I liked it better than the second one but am not convinced this needed to be more than one movie. I did like the fact the movie didn't attempt to do too mu...

Book Review: Death of a Smuggler by M. C. Beaton and R. W. Green (2025)

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Synopsis: Sergeant Hamish Macbeth is both pleased and puzzled when Constable David "Davey" Forbes is re-assigned to work with him in Lochdubh. However, before he has a chance to convince Davey to tell him about the disciplinary issue that resulted in his demotion, Macbeth is once again investigating a murder, this time it's the mistress of a wife-abusing fisherman who has gone missing. Adding to the mystery are two young women who have been spotted in the area and may be victims of human trafficking. Review: I didn't have anything particular in mind when I went to the library a few days ago and figured I'd pick out something new. However, as I was walking to the checkout counter with my original choice, I noticed Death of a Smuggler in the new book section and decided to give the newest Hamish Macbeth book a try instead. I wasn't overly sure what to expect from this book since they haven't been quite the same since Beaton's death and Green's att...

Movie Review: The Equalizer 2 (2018)

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Synopsis: After successfully taking down the Russian mafia's operations in Boston, Robert McCall works as a Lyft driver while secretly using his fighting skills and government connections to help people in need. Things turn personal for Bob when his long-time friend, Susan Plummer, is murdered in Belgium and he realizes someone is targeting former employees of the agency he used to work for. Who's in it? The movie stars Denzel Washington , Pedro Pascal , Ashton Sanders , Orson Bean and Bill Pullman. Review: After being pleasantly surprised by The Equalizer a couple nights ago, my wife and I decided to watch The Equalizer 2 last night. While it turned out to be an OK movie it was, like many sequels, a big step down from the original. I'll start out with the good. The action scenes are pretty intense and fun to watch while, at times, also being filmed in a way that adds a little extra anxiety (I mean that last part in a good way). There are also plenty of times when Bob...

Movie Review: The Equalizer (2014)

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Synopsis: Boston hardware store employee Robert "Bob" McCall is beloved by his coworkers but never discusses his violent past. Due to insomnia, Bob frequents an all-night diner, where he drinks tea and reads books. While there, he befriends Alina, a 17-year-old who is being sex trafficked by members of the Russian mafia. When Alina is severely beaten and hospitalized, Bob attempts to buy her freedom. When his peaceful offer is rejected, he sets aside a vow he made to his late wife and returns to his violent ways to both assist Alina and the mafia's other local victims. Who's in it? The movie stars Denzel Washington , Chloƫ Grace Moretz , Martin Csokas , David Harbour and Haley Bennett . Review: Since I've never been a fan of the 1980s television series it was based on, I had never taken the time to watch The Equalizer in the more than a decade it has been out. However, after scrolling through several movies last night and being unable to settle on one with my...

Movie Review: The Man (2005)

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Synopsis: Wisconsin dental supply salesman Andy Fiddler is in Detroit for a convention. When he sits down at a diner with a copy of the USA Today, he is mistaken for ATF Agent Derrick Vann, who is trying to set up a sting, catch a gang of gun dealers who killed his partner and prove he isn't a dirty cop. Since the gun dealers now believe Fiddler is the wannabe buyer, Vann forces him to help with the operation. However, between Fiddler's resistance and his inability to stay quiet, it doesn't take long for Vann to realize it might be a mistake. Who's in it? The movie stars Samuel L. Jackson , Eugene Levy , Miguel Ferrer , Susie Essman and Luke Goss. Review: I ended up deciding to watch The Man with my wife yesterday evening mostly out of curiosity. The Jackson/Levy pairing seemed just unusual enough to at least give it a try. However, at the same time, I had lowered expectations because while Jackson can carry a film, I've found Levy's comedy tends to be bette...

Movie Review: Untamed (1929)

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Synopsis: Alice "Bingo" Dowling has been raised in the South American jungle by her oil tycoon father and is free spirited as a result. When her father is murdered by one of his workers, she becomes his sole heir and travels back to New York with her "uncles," Ben and Howard. While on the ship back to the United States, she meets Andy McAllister and falls in love. However, Bingo's inexperience with men leads Ben and Howard to believe Andy is only after her money. Who's in it? The movie stars Joan Crawford , Robert Montgomery , Ernest Torrence , Holmes Herbert and Gwen Lee . Review: I picked Untamed for this morning's movie because the description made it sound a bit like Tarzan, but with a female lead. As it turns out, that description of the movie wasn't even remotely accurate and I ultimately had a mixed opinion about the film. As far as the plot goes, I thought it was OK. You have a woman, Bingo (Crawford), who is a bit unrefined because of h...

Movie Review: The Watch (2012)

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Synopsis: After his security guard is brutally murdered, Costco manager Evan Trautwig decides to form a neighborhood watch group. Much to his chagrin, only three people, Bob, Franklin and Jamarcus, volunteer to join and they are more interested in goofing off. That changes, however, when the men discover their hometown is ground zero for an alien invasion and since the authorities won't believe them, they are mankind's only hope. Who's in it? The movie stars Ben Stiller , Vince Vaughn , Jonah Hill ,  Richard Ayoade and Rosemarie DeWitt. Review: I came across The Watch on one of our movie channels some time ago but remained undecided about whether to watch it. While it seemed interesting, I was also concerned it would end up being too goofy or too raunchy for me to take it seriously. However, my wife and I finally gave it a try today and it turned out to be surprisingly good. First of all, the movie does fall on the raunchy side, both in terms of language and some of th...

Movie Review: Death Race (2008)

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Synopsis: In a dystopian future caused by an economic collapse, people can find entertainment watching convicted felons compete in a violent automobile race in exchange for a shot at their freedom. When a popular racing star, Frankenstein, is killed, the prison warden, Claire Hennesey, frames ex-con Jensen Ames for the murder of his wife and convinces him to pose as Frankenstein in exchange for his freedom if he wins. It doesn't take Ames long, however, to realize Hennesey has no intention of letting him win. Who's in it? The movie stars Jason Statham , Joan Allen , Tyrese Gibson , Ian McShane and Natalie Martinez. Review: After mowing the lawn in hot/humid weather yesterday, I ready to just crash on the couch and watch a movie with my wife. We ended up picking Death Race because it was readily available. Unfortunately, it didn't prove to be a favorite. There were a number of reasons why I just couldn't get into this movie as much as I thought I would. One of the m...

Movie Review: Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016)

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Synopsis: In 1967, Alice, a widowed mother of two daughters, tries to make ends meet by holding fake spiritual "readings" in her living room. Hoping to add a little extra to her act, Alice purchases a Ouija board only to discover her youngest daughter, Doris, is seemingly able to use the board to really talk to the deceased. She decides to take advantage of this without realizing the evil she is unleashing in the process. Who's in it?  The movie stars Elizabeth Reaser , Annalise Basso , Lulu Wilson , Henry Thomas and Parker Mack. You can read my review here:  Movie Review: Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016)

Movie Review: Bye Bye Birdie (1963)

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Synopsis: American teenage girls are devastated when singing sensation Conrad Birdie is drafted. However, the national "tragedy" turns into an opportunity for a struggling songwriter when his fiancĆ©e makes arrangements for him to write a song that Birdie will perform during a farewell appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. The concert also turns into an opportunity for teenager Kim McAfee, who is selected to give Birdie a goodbye kiss on stage, assuming her protective father and jealous boyfriend will let her. Who's in it?  The movie stars Dick Van Dyke , Janet Leigh , Ann-Margret , Jesse Pearson and Maureen Stapleton. You can read my review here:  Movie Review: Bye Bye Birdie (1963)

Movie Review: Deja Vu (2006)

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Synopsis: When a terrorist blows up a ferry in New Orleans, ATF Agent Doug Collins is called in to help with the investigation. He discovers a link between the bombing and a murdered woman, Claire Kuchever, and his detective skills earn him an invite to join a team using a new technology that lets them see 4 days and 6 hours into the past. At first, the use of the technology is about finding clues to help them find the killer. However, Collins soon realizes the technology might allow them to change the past and save lives. Who's in it? The movie stars Denzel Washington , Paula Patton , Val Kilmer ,  Jim Caviezel and Adam Goldberg. Review: My wife and I finished watching another movie last night and, when Deja Vu came on right after, decided to just leave it on. At first, the film seemed like it had an intriguing plot but after watching it, I came away feeling like it just wasn't as good as it could have been. As I told my wife, I think this would have worked better as a tel...