Nutshell: Bring forth the bread and circus! Jackman shines as the great P.T. Barnum, and Michael Gracey shows his first-time director skills by laying out a lavish, lush spectacle that needs to be seen on the largest screen possible for full magnificent effect. I probably should grade this lower due to it’s emphasis on sparkle and lack of substance…but I’ve been hoodwinked. And I’m fine with that. Grade: B
“It’s everything you ever want,
And it’s here right in front of you…”
Story: Young Phineas Barnum seems straight out of a Charles Dickens story; poor, orphaned, and longing for “the good life”. So when he gets an idea on how to achieve that life, he goes all-in, creating The Greatest Show On Earth. Y’know, after all the bumps in the road, of course.
“This is Mommy’s very special work trip.”
“She’s our mom.”
Nutshell: While Shape is a fascinating story with absolutely incredible performances by Sally Hawkins, Michael Shannon and Octavia Spencer, it has neither the sense of wonder of Pan’s Labyrinth, nor the suspense of The Devil’s Backbone. But I can’t say I hated it. No, I wasn’t fully transported, but I was certainly fascinated. Grade: B
Mmm, giant Oreo cookies….what? I’ve got passes for the Baltimore area screening of Downsizing, and all I can think of is gigantic food. #priorities Synopsis!
Ready for some animated fun? I’ve got passes for Ferdinand, a cute story about a bull and…well…synopsis!
Get ready for a star-studded cast, Woody Allen at the helm, and a film that has Awards Season Onslaught written all over it (that’s a good thing, y’all.) I’ve got passes for Wonder Wheel, and I’m ready to share. Synopsis!
Atomic Fangirl 