Tag: Lorraine Bracco

MONSTER SUMMER – Review

Yes, even though we’re a few weeks into Fall the box office is still ruled by kid-friendly flicks about CGI-animated robots (top two on the charts last weekend). And this new release hopes to follow, though it’s actually a “kid-flick” about a group of teens starring a pack of young thespians (and a couple of older vets too). Plus they’re embarking on an adventure just perfect for spooky October (and no they don’t have a big cowardly pooch). Now the Little Rascals (or Our gang) trekked through many haunted abodes, but that theme didn’t really invade features until the 1980s with THE GOONIES and those underdogs in THE MONSTER SQUAD (a cult fave). In the last couple of years, the Ghostbusters have included several youngsters, but there are no “proto-packs” around for the minors trying to survive a MONSTER SUMMER.

After a bone-chilling prologue, the title card sends us to a pleasant Summer day in 1997 on a bucolic island just off Martha’s Vineyard. Noah (Mason Thames) spends much of his school vacay time in the treehouse just in the back of the boarding house run by his widowed mother (Nora Zehetner). He submits his story to the local newspaper editor (Kevin James) who rejects his criminal conspiracy articles because they scare away the tourists. But he can take his mind off his dashed reporting dreams on the baseball diamond with his teammates and pals, Sammy (Abby James Witherspoon), Ben (Noah Cottrell), and home run hitter Eugene (Julian Lerner). After their latest victory, they decided to sneak into the barn of the local cranky recluse (who may have offed his family), Gene Carruthers (Mel Gibson). But that night things take a creepy turn when Eugene takes a moonlight swim with Noah’s crush Elle. After spotting someone in a hooded robe on the dock, he’s pulled down into the depths where a bright white light surrounds him. That next morning Eugene is acting like a zombie. Then Noah meets his mom’s new border, a gray-haired eccentric elder named Miss Halverson (Lorraine Bracco), who bikes around the village dressed in a black robe and slouch hat. Hmmmm. Luckily he makes a connection with Gene after several more strange events. Could Noah and his pals, and all the island kids, be the target of a witch-like monster? What a story that’ll make, if he can survive…

So despite the presence of an Oscar-winning actor, the main focus, with the most screen time, is the energetic Thames (so good in THE BLACK PHONE) as “junior Kolchak” (google it) Noah. He’s a good kid with big dreams though his zeal for the truth (and a great scoop) often overrides his common sense (hence the frequent “B & E”). Still Thames gives Noah a real vulnerability, especially when a plan backfires and affects his beloved mother. And he’s a pretty effective sidekick to the grizzled, world-weary Gene played by Gibson as a beaten-down version of his LETHAL WEAPON Riggs (minus loads of the “crazy”). Sure, this is a “step up” from his constant stream of “straight to Redbox” action potboilers, but it’s tough to see him regulated to being a teenager’s “muscle”. He’s much better utilized than the still engaging Bracco who mostly slinks around the crime scenes with a suspicious glare. The rest of the “kid crew” are also a great “backup” and “sounding board” for Noah, in addition to being the “voice of reason’ and sanity. The biggest mystery of the movie may be the odd Southern drawl and big Panama-style hats sported by James as “newshound” from Nantucket. huh?

In his sophomore feature film directing effort, actor Daniel Henrie has put a lot of passion into this “teen mystery”, though his affection for the aforementioned “kid gang classics” often zooms past sweet homage toward cinematic larceny. The main target may be Spielberg himself (talk about going for the “big gun”), as the references and unsubtle winks begin to pile up. With the setting near Martha’s Vineyard, we know that some nods to JAWS will happen (as much of the 75 thriller was shot there), but it’s jarring when the opening beach “campfire’ sequence is lifting nearly shot by shot. Of course, the skeevy editor is the Amity Island mayor who doesn’t want to risk the loss of cash from the “Summer guests”. Plus the main theatre on the island is running HOOK (perhaps nonstop for six years). And an easy laugh is achieved by the casting of an adult actor from an adored 90s “kid comedy”. Plus the setting of 1997 feels a bit off as tech was creeping in more than the story allows (no cell phones and a clacky manual typewriter). then there’s the air of making Gibson more “family-friendly” after DADDY’S HOME 2 (this won’t be the needed “career rehab”). Perhaps the script needed a few more passes as a botched reveal scene wouldn’t play in any straight-to-homevid Scooby-Doo feature. Still, it adheres to its PG-13 rating with some slight scares and a peril-packed finale that is stretched a bit thin. Taking the kiddos to this as a respite from shopping at Spirit Halloween may feel like a good plan, though the memory of this MONSTER SUMMER will vanish well before the big spooky holiday.

1.5 Out of 4

MONSTER SUMMER opens in theatres everywhere beginning on October 4, 2024

PINOCCHIO (2022) – Review

(L-R): Pinocchio (voiced by Benjamin Evan Ainsworth), Tom Hanks as Geppetto, and Figaro in Disney’s live-action PINOCCHIO, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Disney Enterprises, Inc. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

As the Summer box office slowly begins to cool off, it may be time for another entry in one of Hollywood’s most lucrative franchises. Now, we’ve got to wait a few more weeks for the latest Marvel Cinematic Universe installment, the much-anticipated BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER. Oh, but you’re very close as this new film is from another ‘branch” of this huge studio “Redwood”. Nope, not that “galaxy far, far away” either. This springs from the fountain that helped form the Disney dynasty. You see, when the MCU began its climb to multiplex majesty, other studios combed their libraries to cultivate their own “multiverse” (Universal hit with those Fast and Furious flicks along with Gru and his Minions, while their classic monsters, well, languish in their crypt). Around 2016, the “mouse house” realized they had another series “in the vault” as they began a string of live-action (though with lotsa’ CGI wizardry) remakes of their animated feature films. Sure, they’ve been hit-and-miss, but they’re now going way, way back to the second classic, as they “slap a new coat of digital paint” on the “toy who wants to be a boy”, PINOCCHIO.

Audiences may be startled (the first of many in this flick) as the company logo theme song, an instrumental snippet of “When You Wish Upon a Star”, is suddenly given lyrics by a bug. Jiminy Cricket (voice of Joseph Gordon-Levitt) actually, who begins his narration with a peak at his “past self”, clad in raggedy clothes and seeking food and warmth. . He spots just the sanctuary, a tiny little shop with its lights still on. Inside is the place’s grey-haired owner, Geppetto (Tom Hanks), who turns away a potential customer, insisting that his ornate hand-crafted clocks are not for sale. As his disgruntled wannabe’ patron leaves, Geppetto returns to his “passion project”, a wooden marionette fashioned after his late son, which he dubs Pinocchio. His pets, the cat Figaro and the “water baby” Cleo aren’t that impressed. As the old cobbler drifts off to sleep, he makes a wish that the puppet would be a “flesh n’ blood” boy, which is heard by Jiminy as he drifts off. Ah, but that wish is also heard by the Blue Fairy (Cynthia Erivo) who awakens Jiminy when she instills life (and a voice) in Pinocchio (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth). As the fairy departs in a showing of glowing blue specks of dust, Geppetto also opens his eyes to meet his new “son”. After several hours of questions from the lad, Geppetto decides that school will best give him knowledge (and let the old fellow rest). Jiminy (assuming his new duty as the boy’s “conscience”) is separated from him as “Honest John” the fox (Keegan Michael Key) and his mute feline sidekick, tell the naive boy that his future is “on the stage”. Pinocchio resists but is swayed when the school doesn’t accept him (“No puppets!!”) and he joins the traveling wagon of the cruel Stromboli (Guiseppe Battiston). With the help of a sympathetic performer, Fabiana (Kyanne Lamaya) Pinocchio escapes, only to be scooped up by the glowering Coachman (Luke Evans) on the way back to the shop. An adventure on Pleasure Island with new pal Lampwick (Lewin Lloyd) eventually leads to the sea where Geppetto is scouring the seas in a tiny boat, searching for his “son”. But will they all become victims of the savage sea beast, Monstro?!

The production is an interesting mix of vocal performances mixed with the latest high-tech motion capture and “un-digitally enhanced” actors. Most prominent in the latter category is the always compelling Mr. Hanks who deftly balances sentimentality with his often “snarky’ talk show persona, which we didn’t get in recent dramas like ELVIS and NEWS OF THE WORLD. Hanks forgoes a heavy middle-European accent and gives his line-readings the slightest “lilt” to give the clockmaker an endearing charm, much like a beloved grandpa’ who tells tales of coming “over on the big boat”.Best of all he conveys the longing of a parent who has somehow endured the worst loss of all. Erivo projects an ethereal beauty as the Blue Fairy and truly delivers goosebumps with her take on the classic’s most celebrated tune. Lamaya also displays her musical talents in an original song as the protective puppeteer who smiles despite her challenges. Another actor lending his pipes to another new tune is Evans, who intimidates and dominates as the growling sinister Coachman. Essaying another formidable menace is Battistorm who combines his threats toward the wooden boy with a half-sloshed sneer, his anger only adding to his no-doubt constant hangover. The other great sneer is provided by Lloyd as the aggressively friendly Lampwick, who seems to relish taking the smaller Pinocchio under his wing and leading him astray. As for the vocal talents, Gordon-Levitt makes the plucky cricket a truly charming rascal, more than up to the challenge of steering the lad down the right path. And that’s despite the energetic cajoling of Key as the flamboyant “Honest John”, who seems to be having a blast with “An Actor’s Life for Me”. Oh, and there’s a new character, Sofia the very helpful seagull, given a raspy tone by the great Lorraine Braco. Oops, almost forgot the lead, Ainsworth who makes us care about the innocent wooden kid. much like “real boys” is equally exasperating and sweet (with almost no “syrup”).

After thirteen years away from “mo-cap”, Robert Zemeckis returns to deftly balance the mix of techniques. He gets the best of the cast, no matter the method or form. I mentioned earlier about these “live make-overs” being hit and miss, Well, put this in the first division, closer to THE JUNGLE BOOK and MULAN than Burton’s depressing DUMBO or THE LION KING. Of course the original is “darned-near-perfection” (I’ll admit to it being my fave of Walt’s legacy), so the “blueprint” is impeccable. The film’s artists have skillfully given a nice gleam to the 1800s town from the cobblestone streets to the quaint shops (especially Geppetto’s), while also doing a nice “twist” on the familiar, particularly with the revamp of Pleasure Island, recalling a certain theme park. But the most pleasant surprise is the script’s wit and humor (by Zemeckis and Chris Weitz) as it takes a playful jab at the whole genre, and its main producer. I was astounded to find myself laughing out a lot at several clever gags and wordplay. I only have a few “qualms” with this “re-imagining”. Though it might not have meshed with the “overall look” I had wished that Key could have had a specialty prosthetic make-up as the Fox (much as Rick Baker’s work on THE GRINCH), so we could see his wonderful facial expressions fully. And the new songs don’t quite measure up to those unforgettable 1940 standards (one of those is sorely missed here). But my biggest “beef” is the fact that we won’t be able to see these amazing visuals projected on a big Imax screen. Or “up-converted to 3D, since a few scenes look like they may have been planned for it). Oh well, it’s a shame that this one’s getting punished for the last couple of “underperforming” redos. Still, it’s certainly worth your time since it’s a film that has something for the whole family, although the “left turn” taken in the story’s final moments may inspire lots of animated (sorry) discussions (I’m sure it’ll inspire a cable TV news channel debate or two). Sure, it won’t “wipe out” the memories of that 40s still-gorgeous gem, but it’s nice to see there’s lots of magic in PINOCCHIO. And that’s with “no strings attached”.

3.5 Out of 4

PINOCCHIO streams exclusively on Disney+

Watch Tom Hanks As Geppetto, Joseph Gordon-Levitt As Jiminy Cricket And Cynthia Erivo As The Blue Fairy In Teaser For PINOCCHIO – Debuts September 8 On Disney Plus Day On Disney +

Tom Hanks as Geppetto in PINOCCHIO, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Disney Enterprises, Inc. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

The global celebration of Disney+ Day will return on Thursday, September 8, 2022, leading into D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa in Anaheim, CA.

In celebration, the streaming service will host special experiences for fans and subscribers, and will premiere new content from its marquee brands, including the return of the beloved Disney franchise in the all-new live action “Pinocchio” on Disney+ Day, September 8.

Here’s your first look at the teaser trailer and poster for the film, starring Tom Hanks, Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, Cynthia Erivo, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Keegan-Michael Key, Lorraine Bracco and Luke Evans.

In addition to “Pinocchio,” Disney+ will announce more Disney+ Day premieres from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic in the coming months.

Academy Award® winner Robert Zemeckis directs this live action retelling of the beloved tale of a wooden puppet who embarks on a thrilling adventure to become a real boy. Tom Hanks stars as Geppetto, the wood carver who builds and treats Pinocchio (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) as if he were his own son. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is Jiminy Cricket, who serves as Pinocchio’s guide as well as his “conscience”; Academy Award® nominee Cynthia Erivo is the Blue Fairy; Keegan-Michael Key is “Honest” John; Academy Award® nominee Lorraine Bracco is Sofia the Seagull, a new character, and Luke Evans is The Coachman. Also in the cast are Kyanne Lamaya as Fabiana (and her marionette Sabina), Giuseppe Battiston as Señor Stromboli and Lewin Lloyd as Lampwick.

Robert Zemeckis, Derek Hogue, Andrew Miano, Chris Weitz and Paul Weitz are the film’s producers, with Jackie Levine, Jack Rapke, Alexandra Derbyshire and Jeremy Johns the executive producers.

GOODFELLAS at The Tivoli Midnights This Weekend


“One day some of the kids from the neighborhood carried my mother’s groceries all the way home. You know why? It was outta respect.”
GOODFELLAS plays midnights this weekend (September 22nd and 23rd) at the Tivoli as part of their Reel Late at the Tivoli Midnight series. Admission is $8. 


Martin Scorsese’s GOODFELLAS is 27 years old, but I don’t think there’s been a better mob movie since. This movie does a terrific job showing the flash and allure of being a successful mobster (the cash, the respect, the twisted sense of family) and then the dark and dirty side – the graft, lies and ferocity. Ray Liotta’s fall is as rough as his rise is seductively entertaining (think SCARFACE, only a whole lot better) and it’s punctuated by brutal acts of violence.


Overall, a great movie; features an immersive soundtrack, half the supporting cast of The Sopranos, and Lorraine Bracco, who just radiates sassy broad. And lest I forget: Joe Pesci, whose savage hothead character lends this movie its dark humor. He moves from butcher’s knife to gun (several) to ice pick and it’s always somehow funny (Whaddya mean I’m funny?“). He lights up the screen in this movie; it’s an amazing performance.

Tivoli midnights show coming up:

Sept. 29-30         SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD 

Oct. 6-7                POLTERGEIST (1980)

Oct. 13-14            RE-ANIMATOR 

Oct. 20-21 and Oct. 27-28              ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW  with live shadow cast, Samurai Electricians!
All tickets $10

Reel Late at the Tivoli takes place every Friday and Saturday night and We Are Movie Geeks own Tom Stockman (that’s me!) is there with custom trivia questions about the films and always has DVDs, posters, and other cool stuff to give away. Ticket prices are $8. We hope to see everyone late at night in the coming weeks.