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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now“Father of the Bride”
The original “Bride” film was released in 1950. Spencer Tracy, who plays the father, was probably delighted that he wasn’t forced to do any sequels. His daughter, played by 18-year-old Elizabeth Taylor, later married seven men in real life — he would have been a busy man.
Yet keep in mind that this movie is far better than the one released in 1991 starring Steve Martin and Diane Keaton. Here, Andy Garcia and Gloria Estefan are a troubled married couple ready to announce their divorce decision to their two daughters at dinner.
The trouble is that one of them, Sofia (Adria Arjona), is a lawyer who is coming home with her fiance (Diego Boneta) to spring news of their engagement. Trouble ensues.
Garcia’s dad is a Cuban-American architect who went from poverty to financial success. In the process, he has become arrogant and dictatorial to family and friends alike.
The movie’s strength flows from the performances of Garcia and Estefan. They overcome disaster and everyone benefits. That includes the movie audience.
The movie is in both English and Spanish. However, you are likely to enjoy it as it flows to a wonderful conclusion.
“The Black Phone”
With “The Black Phone,” Blumhouse Productions has again cooked up a nasty-yet-captivating horror film. Think of “Get Out” (2017) and “The Purge” (2013) and you will know what I mean.
Taking place out West in the 1970s, teenage boys are being kidnapped off the streets and killed. Some sick soul in a van filled with black balloons is responsible, but he has escaped detection.
The movie centers on Finney Blake (Mason Thames), a 13-year-old boy who is the latest victim, finding himself held in a soundproof basement. The sadistic masked killer torments him with occasional visits down a dark staircase.
What brings magic to the film is a disconnected black phone hanging on the wall. After it suddenly rings, Finney discovers that the killer’s previous victims are calling him to help him avoid their fate.
The movie is helped with a magnificent script. Known as “The Grabber,” Ethan Hawke leaves you hating his deranged character while you are forced to peak at him through your fingers.
However, the most creative character is Madeleine McGraw, who plays Gwen, Finney’s younger sister. She has dreams that connect her to The Grabber and her brother, and she proves to be a female fountain of youth. In particular, watch her use a cross and religious artifacts to seek guidance from Jesus.
So follow my lead and find the nerve to see this film. Just make sure you see it at a matinee … when it is still light out while you are walking to your car.•
Robert Hammerle practices criminal law in Indianapolis. When he is not in the courtroom or the office, Bob can likely be found at one of his favorite movie theaters preparing to review the latest films. To read more of his reviews, visit www.bigmouthbobs.com. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
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