Last updated:  April 13, 2016

Originally published:  April 12, 2016

(www.PlayTimeCares.com) - I received an invite to see the film called "Barbershop: The Next Cut," and my desire to complete a trilogy surfaced.  Just looking at the poster, I saw the familiar faces from the past cast to draw me in, and saw they added in a few fresh faces from shows I currently watch.  I definitely wanted to see this film.

I was given the following synopsis of the movie:

It's been more than 10 years since our last appointment at Calvin's Barbershop. Calvin and his longtime crew are still there, but the shop has undergone some major changes. Most noticeably, our once male-dominated sanctuary is now co-ed. The ladies bring their own flavor, drama and gossip to the shop challenging the fellas at every turn. Despite the good times and camaraderie within the shop, the surrounding community has taken a turn for the worse, forcing Calvin and our crew to come together to not only save the shop, but their neighborhood.

Let's take a look at the trailer:







I will spare the suspense: This movie is worth seeing in the theater. This is a nice mixture of comedy, social responsibility and some thought provoking elements.  Overall, I heard many people say that is was way better than they expected, and I did not hear one negative about the movie.  It just may surprise you how well everyone did in the film.  The blending of the old cast and characters with the new characters was well worth the viewing.

My full thoughts here:

Enough about me and my thoughts of the film, since the theater was full of people to see this.  What did others think of the film?  Well, here are their thoughts:

  This sitting patron gives her thoughts:

More thoughts on this film from this duo:

 

This flavorful patron share her thoughts:

Another duo shares:

More thoughts on this film:

Another movie goer willing to share:

Compilation of all the reviewers:

Last updated:  March 23, 2016

Originally published:  March 23, 2016

(www.PlayTimeCares.com) - I received an invite to see the film called "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice," and my inner nerd squealed!  Even though I am a WAY BIGGER Marvel Universe fan, I have always liked Batman.  Superman always irked me with his inconsistent power usage and the silly disguise, so I was looking forward to someone worthy fighting him.  I remember reading the comic book series when these two tangled, so I was also curious to know how much of that literature would be used in this film.

I was given the following synopsis of the movie:

Following his titanic struggle against General Zod, Metropolis has been razed to the ground and Superman is the most controversial figure in the world. While for many he is still an emblem of hope, a growing number of people consider him a threat to humanity, seeking justice for the chaos he has brought to Earth. As far as Bruce Wayne is concerned, Superman is clearly a danger to society. He fears for the future of the world with such a reckless power left ungoverned, and so he dons his mask and cape to right Superman's wrongs. The rivalry between them is furious, fueled by bitterness and vengeance, and nothing can dissuade them from waging this war. However, a dark new threat arises in the form of a third man: one who has a power greater than either of them to endanger the world and cause total destruction.

That briefing of the film is enough to ensnare me!  Is Superman possibly going to the dark side of the force?  Let's take a look at the trailer:

Last updated:  February 17, 2016

Originally published:  February 17, 2016

(www.PlayTimeCares.com) - I received an invite to see a film called "Zootopia," and being a person that like to view Disney films, I knew I wanted to see this.  Nothing from the movie poster gave anything away to me...simply, Disney is putting out a film that have various animals acting in the behalf of normal human activities for a film.  That's quite the normal plot now and days, so nothing to off the wall yet.

I was given the following synopsis of the movie:

In a city of anthropomorphic animals, a fugitive con artist fox and a rookie bunny cop must work together to uncover a conspiracy.

Well, besides liking to read the word "anthropomorphic," this odd couple conspiracy film has potential.  Let's take a look at the trailer:

Last updated:  February 17, 2016

Originally published:  February 16, 2016

(www.PlayTimeCares.com) - I received an invite to see a film called "Race," and being a person that like track and field, I knew I wanted to see this.  When I read on the movie poster that this film is based on the true story of Jesse Owens, then I had to know what it was about!

I was given the following synopsis of the movie:

Jesse Owens' quest to become the greatest track and field athlete in history thrusts him onto the world stage of the 1936 Olympics, where he faces off against Adolf Hitler's vision of Aryan supremacy.

This has the potential to be a powerful film, especially during Black History month.  Let's take a look at the trailer:

Last updated:  February 4, 2016

Originally published:  February 4, 2016

(www.PlayTimeCares.com) - I received an invite to see a film called "How To Be Single," and saw 4 ladies and the name "Rebel Wilson," and immediately thought of something the caliber of "Bridesmaids."

I was given the following synopsis of the movie:

There's a right way to be single, a wrong way to be single, and then...there's Alice. And Robin. Lucy. Meg. Tom. David. New York City is full of lonely hearts seeking the right match, be it a love connection, a hook-up, or something in the middle. And somewhere between the teasing texts and one-night stands, what these unmarrieds all have in common is the need to learn how to be single in a world filled with ever-evolving definitions of love. Sleeping around in the city that never sleeps was never so much fun.

Sound like a doable premise...time to take a look at the trailer:

Last updated:  January 22, 2016

Originally published:  January 21, 2016

(www.PlayTimeCares.com) - I received an invite to see a film called "The Finest Hours," and had no idea what to expect.  When I read on the movie poster that is it based on a true story, then I had to know what it was about!

I was given the following synopsis of the movie:

The Coast Guard makes a daring rescue attempt off the coast of Cape Cod after a pair of oil tankers are destroyed during a blizzard in 1952.

Sound like a doable premise...time to take a look at the trailer:

Last updated:  January 20, 2016

Originally published:  January 20, 2016

(www.PlayTimeCares.com) - I received an invite to see a film called "The 5th Wave," and the title had me puzzled.  Was this some voodoo type incantation?  What could the first 4 waves be about?  I needed answers, so I looked at the provided synopsis.

I was given the following synopsis of the movie:

Four waves of increasingly deadly alien attacks have left most of Earth decimated. Cassie is on the run, desperately trying to save her younger brother.

Sound like a movie I want to see...time to take a look at the trailer:

Last updated:  January 20, 2016

Originally published:  January 19, 2016

(www.PlayTimeCares.com) - I received an invite to see a film called "Dirty Grandpa," and immediately thought it was part two of the Jackass production of "Bad Grandpa."  Excited, then disappointed, then back excited when I saw that it was not by Jackass, but had Robert De Niro in it!  That is good enough for me to want to see, so I wondered what the story was about.

I was given the following synopsis of the movie:

Right before his wedding, an uptight guy is tricked into driving his grandfather, a perverted former Army general, to Florida for spring break.

Sound like a doable premise...time to take a look at the trailer:

Last updated:  January 15, 2016

Originally published:  January 14, 2016

(www.PlayTimeCares.com) - I received an invite to see a film called "Norm of the North," and I saw that not only is Ken Jeong of "Hangover" fame was in it, but an old favorite of mine, Rob Schneider, was in it as well.  All I could hear was "You can do it," so I was ready to take on this film.

I was given the following synopsis of the movie:

A polar bear of many words, Norm’s greatest gripe is simple: there is no room for tourists in the Arctic. But when a maniacal developer threatens to build luxury condos in his own backyard, Norm does what all normal polar bears would do...he heads to New York City to stop it. With a cast of ragtag lemmings at his side, Norm takes on the big apple, big business and a big identity crisis to save the day.

Sound like a decent enough premise...time to take a look at the trailer:

Last updated:  January 12, 2016

Originally published:  January 12, 2016

(www.PlayTimeCares.com) - I received an invite to see a film called "Ride Along 2," and I saw that it was a continuation of the movie that starred Ice Cube and Kevin Hart from a few year back.  I enjoyed the first installment, so I am all in for this one.

I was given the following synopsis of the movie:

As his wedding day approaches, Ben heads to Miami with his soon-to-be brother-in-law James to bring down a drug dealer who's supplying the dealers of Atlanta with product.

Sound like a decent enough premise...time to take a look at the trailer:

Last updated:  December 22, 2015

Originally published:  December 21, 2015

(www.PlayTimeCares.com) - I received an invite to see a film called "Concussion," and I saw that Will Smith was starring in a film that was based on a true story. The phrase "Based On A True Story" always intrigues me,so I am all in.

I was given the following synopsis of the movie:

Will Smith stars in Concussion, a dramatic thriller based on the incredible true David vs. Goliath story of American immigrant Dr. Bennet Omalu, the brilliant forensic neuropathologist who made the first discovery of CTE, a football-related brain trauma, in a pro player and fought for the truth to be known. Omalu's emotional quest puts him at dangerous odds with one of the most powerful institutions in the world.

Wait!  Didn''t the NFL agree to fund concussion related treatment and awareness just so long their data that they had for decades was not released?  Some really powerful people will not like this film being made.

Time to take a look at the trailer:

Last updated:  December 19, 2015

Originally published:  December 18, 2015

(www.PlayTimeCares.com) - 38 years.  That is how long I have been alive, and that is also how long it has been since a cultural phenomenon was released to the world.  1977 is when "Star Wars: Episode VI — Return of the Jedi" came into existence on the big screen. This series was made, then remade with extra scenery, then given 3 more episodes to officially get the prequel genre into full swing.  There was no way that I was not going to see this movie.

The trailer showed me this:

Last updated:  December 14, 2015

Originally published:  December 13, 2015

(www.PlayTimeCares.com) - I received an invite to see a film called "Daddy's Home," and I saw that Will Ferrell was in it...enough said!  I am watching any movie with Will Ferrell in it.  Then I saw that the tag line was "Dad VS Step-Dad," and being both a Dad and a Step-Dad, I definitely wanted to see it!

I was given the following synopsis of the movie:

A step dads life is turned upside down, when his step kids father comes back into their life.

Funny enough for me so time to take a look at the trailer:

Last updated:  December 13, 2015

Originally published:  December 12, 2015

(www.PlayTimeCares.com) - I received an invite to see a film called "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip," and as always,I thought back to the current generation not having any original ideas, so tapping back on past successes.  Well, I do like the Chipmunks overall, so I definitely wanted to see it, and take my daughters to see it as well.


I was given the following synopsis of the movie:

Through a series of misunderstandings, Alvin, Simon and Theodore come to believe that Dave is going to propose to his new girlfriend in Miami...and dump them. They have three days to get to him and stop the proposal, saving themselves not only from losing Dave but possibly from gaining a terrible stepbrother.

Seems like a solid plot, so time to take a look at the trailer:

Last updated:  December 10, 2015

Originally published:  December 10, 2015

(www.PlayTimeCares.com) - I received an invite to see a film called "Sisters," and I thought it would surely be a "chick flick" that would have a group of females helping each other out of situations that no good men put them in!


I was given the following synopsis of the movie:

Two sisters decide to throw one last house party before their parents sell their family home.

Well, my guess was completely wrong!  I saw that Tina Fey was in it, and I was sold.  I love the "Saturday Night Live" cast when they do movies, plus she was a character on "Megamind" so I was sold on seeing it.

I had to take a look at the trailer to see what type of laughs I was in store for:

Last updated: November 20, 2015

Originally published: November 20, 2015

(www.PlayTimeCares.com) - I received an invite to see a film called "Creed," and once again I immediately thought about Hollywood running out of ideas and having to mess with classic concepts in order to get people in theaters.  I started thinking, wait, Rocky came out before I was born...barely...but that is actually a fact!  They are still tinkering with this franchise.  Is this not Rocky number 22?

• Rocky                 1976
• Rocky II             1979
• Rocky III            1982
• Rocky IV            1985
• Rocky V             1990
• Rocky Balboa     2006
• Creed                  2015

You are literally speaking about a franchise holding on to a concept for 39 years!  This is the 7th film in the franchise.  What could they possibly do to make this concept fresh?

I was given the following synopsis of the movie:

The former World Heavyweight Champion Rocky Balboa serves as a trainer and mentor to Adonis Johnson, the son of his late friend and former rival Apollo Creed.

You still have Sylvester Stallone in the movie, so at least they are holding true to the story line a little bit...I'll give it a try.  First, time to look up the trailer and see what type of film I was getting myself into:

Last updated: November 10, 2015

Originally published: October 22, 2015

(www.PlayTimeCares.com) - I received an invite to see a film called "Jem and the Holograms," and once again, I immediately thought about another part of my childhood being remade.  Once again, the thoughts of them tinkering with my childhood made me happy and kind of queasy at the same time!  As aforementioned in other reviews, I am not a person that has a problem with change, but I have seen so many remakes of things from my past that did not justice to my memories.  Those unnecessary touchings of my past always make me weary when they remake anything for this generation to enjoy outside of bringing back the original entities. 

I was given the following synopsis of the movie:

As a small-town girl catapults from underground video sensation to global superstar, she and her three sisters begin on a one-in-a-million journey of discovering that some talents are too special to keep hidden.  In Universal Picture's Jem and the Holograms, four aspiring musicians will take the world by storm when they see the key to creating your own destiny lies in finding your own voice.

They synopsis is not sparking memories of yore!  Time to look up the trailer and see what type of film I was getting myself into:

(www.PlayTimeCares.com) - I received an invite to see a film called "Goosebumps," and I immediately thought about another part of my childhood being remade...this made me happy and kind of queasy at the same time!  Do not get me wrong; I am not a person that has a problem with change, but I have seen so many remakes of things from my past that did not justice to my memories.  Those unnecessary touching of my past always make me weary when they remake anything for this generation to enjoy outside of bringing back the original entities. 

I was given the following synopsis of the movie:

A young kid teams up with the niece of young adult horror author R.L. Stine after the writer's imaginary demons are set free on the town of Greendale, Maryland.

Well, R. L. Stine is the original writer of the "Goosebumps" series, so that story line could be intriguing.  Time to look up the trailer and see what type of film I was getting myself into:

(www.PlayTimeCares.com) - I received an invite to see a film called "The Intern," and I immediately thought of a comedy that would have a bumbling intern that screws up often, but eventually saves the day.  After reading synopsis of the movie, and seeing that Robert De Niro was going to be the intern, I was disappointed that I would not have a super silly comedy, then pleased that I would have a potentially good De Niro film to watch.

I was given the following synopsis of the movie:

70-year-old widower Ben Whittaker (Robert De Niro) has discovered that retirement isn't all it's cracked up to be. Seizing an opportunity to get back in the game, he becomes a senior intern at an online fashion site, founded and run by Jules Ostin (Anne Hathaway).

Time to look up the trailer and see what type of film I was getting myself into:

(www.PlayTimeCares.com) - I received an invite to see a film called "Vacation," and I immediately thought of a childhood favorite, "National Lampoon's Vacation" and was immediately upset!  I automatically KNEW they would remake another film from my childhood and screw it up.

I was given the following synopsis of the movie:

"The next generation of Griswolds is at it again. New Line Cinema's ''Vacation,'' starring Ed Helms (''The Hangover'' films) and Christina Applegate (the ''Anchorman'' films), takes the family on the road for another ill-fated adventure. The film marks Jonathan Goldstein & John Francis Daley’s directorial debut. Following in his father's footsteps and hoping for some much-needed family bonding, a grown-up Rusty Griswold (Helms) surprises his wife, Debbie (Applegate), and their two sons with a cross-country trip back to America's ''favorite family fun park,'' Walley World.

Since this was actually a continuation, and not a remake of a classic film, I was all aboard this movie train!