Author: Laurie Coker

By Laurie Coker Rating: C+/B- Historical biopics hit and miss with audiences and sports films almost always lean toward the feel-good underdog narrative, but Jesse Owens’ story, as depicted in Race, plays on a balance of history and agreeable storytelling. More than just a snippet from the life of Owens’ himself, Race offers a tiny… Continue reading Review: RACE

By Laurie Coker Rating: B Countless films have been made about the American armed forces, even the Coast Guard, but rarely to our coastal guardians get the screen time afford the other services. The Finest Hours, starring Chris Pine and Casey Affleck in the most notable performances of their careers, is based on the true… Continue reading Review: THE FINEST HOURS

By Laurie Coker Rating: C- The title of veteran actor Robert De Niro’s latest film, Dirty Grandpa, makes me think of a tasteless Adam Sandler film – not good. Still, I love De Niro, in spite of his terrible choices in some roles like the Focker films and Anger Management. His main body of work speaks… Continue reading Review: DIRTY GRANDPA

By Laurie Coker Rating: A+ In director Michael Bay’s latest film, 13 Hours, Chuck Hogan’s screenplay, based on a book by Mitchell Zuckoff, makes for vivid telling of the events that transpired on that critical night, when one American Ambassador and three other Americans were mercilessly killed in an attack on two American facilities on… Continue reading Review: 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi,

By Laurie Coker Rating: A+ From 1977 until now, I have watched the Star Wars saga unfold in theatres, either on an official opening day or at a preopening event. I am a fan, except that is for the weird Jar Jar character and a few other annoyances in Episodes I-III, of everything Star Wars. With… Continue reading Review: STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS

By Laurie Coker Rating: D The new, prequel of sorts, to the tale of Peter Pan and Neverland, Pan, while visually stunning is fraught with blandness in storyline and in a one notable and annoying performance. Starring Hugh Jackman, Levi Miller, Rooney Mara and Garrett Hedlund, Pan may appeal to young children, by virtue of… Continue reading Review: PAN

By Laurie Coker Rating: A The Man From Uncle is my favorite film so far this year – not because its stars are so sexy and good looking, but because co-writer (with Lionel Wigram) and director Guy Ritchie offers a fresh, fun, retro reworking of a beloved 1960’s television show of the same name with… Continue reading Review: THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E.

By Laurie Coker Rating: B- Fifty something or not, Tom Cruise still has it and he flaunts it in the new Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation. While limited in plot Rogue Nation is an action packed thrill ride, director Christopher McQuarrie misses no opportunity to impress with high-speed chases, stunning stunts and witty dialogue.  Rounding out… Continue reading Review: MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – ROGUE NATION

By Laurie Coker Rating: D+ The kids liked it. That is worth something, even if Pixels, starring Adam Sandler and Kevin James, doesn’t appeal to adults.  Its throw back to 80s video gaming held some promise and hope for me, but after a few minutes, I was clock watching and relying on my guests reactions.… Continue reading Review: PIXELS