Movie Matchmaker: Detroit

First, a brief synopsis:

Set during the summer of 1967 amidst riots, curfews and civil unrest in the Motor City, Detroit chronicles the tragic events that occurred after reports of gunfire near the famed Algiers Motel.  The Detroit Police, Michigan State Police and the National Guard launch an [unofficial] "investigation" and "interrogation" of guests of the hotel in hopes of acquiring a confession about the reported gunshots. Monstrous attacks and atrocious beatings follow for all the guests, ultimately leading to the deaths of three unarmed men, all at the hands the few unhinged policemen.  *SPOILER* The police are acquitted of ALL of the shootings. 

With the current civil unrest, the ever expanding racial tensions and the far too abundant killings between unarmed civilians and [some] law enforcement in this country, I can not list reasons to watch this film.  It's well directed and well acted, but hard to watch.  VERY HARD to watch. That's all I have to say. 

Movie Matchmaker: "The Dark Tower"

First, a brief synopsis:

The Dark Tower is a fantasy hailing from the mind of Stephen King and his profound book series of the same name.  The Dark Tower is an actual tower that serves to keep the whole of the universe safe from the evil forces that run rampant beyond its borders. The story focuses on "The Last Gunslinger," his eternal battle with "The Man in Black" and their mutual fight over the Dark Tower.  Meanwhile, back on Earth, a young boy who ultimately possess the ability to help the Gunslinger protect the Dark Tower, has visions of what's going on in the battle beyond his own planet.  The boy unites with the Gunslinger and together they battle evil in hopes of saving both their worlds.

If you enjoy...

• Stories from the mind of Stephen King
• The acting chops of Idris Elba
• A villain with 'Jedi-mind-trick' like powers
• Impressive visual effects

...then perhaps you'll find a match in The Dark Tower!

Movie Matchmaker: "Atomic Blonde"

First, a brief synopsis:

Atomic Blonde is an action film set during the Cold War just before the fall of the Berlin Wall, where MI6 spy Lorraine Broughton recounts the events that led to the capture of a known fugitive. After the murder of a fellow spy,  Lorraine is sent on a mission to collect his remains. Ultimately the trip turns into a hunt of an important "list" containing information on spies worldwide, as well an infamous double spy that has, as of yet, eluded capture.  While in Berlin, Lorraine links up with a myriad of individuals in various stations of espionage in an attempt to save the list and her life. 

If you enjoy...

• Action films laced with LOTS of action with a backdrop of artful and dramatic visuals
• Deftly crafted fight scene choreography 
• A bad-ass woman lead who can hold her own
• Twisty, complicated plot lines
• 80's inspired soundtracks and scores
• Charlize Theron

...then perhaps you'll find a match in Atomic Blonde!

Movie Matchmaker: "Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets"

First, a brief synopsis:

Valerian, an adaptation of the French sci-fi graphic novel, is set some seven centuries in the future, and focuses on the assignments of Valerian and Laureline. The two special operatives, who are generally tasked with keeping order throughout, find themselves on a special mission from the minister of defense to Alpha, a planet where the knowledge of diverse species and cultures is shared.  Dark forces threaten to ruin the utopian metropolis if the duo fail in thwarting their plans.  With the clock winding down for Valerian and Laureline, they must destroy the sinister threat before it annihilates the universe all while navigating their love for each other, and the complications that inherently follow. 

If you enjoy...

• Luc Besson's unique and creative directing sensibilities
• Amazingly vivid visuals and imagery
• Space operas that span the galaxy
• An opening sequence that really hooks you
• Moderately fun banter
• Creature features( as there are many, many different types of creatures)

...the perhaps you'll find a match in Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets!

Movie Matchmaker: "Dunkirk"

First, a brief synopsis:

Dunkirk is a war drama based on the true story of the of Allied troops trapped on the beaches of Dunkirk and the heroic mission to save them.  In May of 1940, German forces advanced into France, leaving British, French, Belgian and Dutch soldiers cornered on the beaches of Dunkirk. The British and French provided as much air and ground cover as they could but with little other protection, the troops were easily attacked and picked off by enemy air forces. Ultimately, however, the naval vessels, with the help of civilian sailers and boat owners, safely evacuated nearly 330,000 soldiers. 

If you enjoy...

• Harrowing stories of war, specifically those stemmed from World War II
• Experiencing intense and poignant situations from soldiers' points of view
• Sprawling and visceral landscape shots
• Realistic and piercing soundscapes 
• Seeing the heroic deeds of ordinary people, that helped to change history

...then perhaps you'll find a match in Dunkirk!

Movie Matchmaker: "Girl's Trip"

First, a brief synopsis:

Girl's Trip is a comedy produced by (fellow Rattler) Will Packer about a quartet of college girlfriends reuniting for a lady's getaway in New Orleans.  In their college days, the "Flossy Posse," (as they call themselves), partied hard.  During this weekend, they return to their partying ways, letting go and having fun while also navigating their individual and collective catastrophes.

If you enjoy...

• Stories about sisterhood and unity
• Raunchy, unfiltered comedy laced with very colorful language
• A nice variety of very handsome men
• A backdrop of wonderful music (and the very lively Essence Music Festival)
• All things The Big Easy!
• Laughing...a lot!

...then perhaps you'll find a match in Girl's Trip!

Movie Matchmaker: "War for the Planet of the Apes"

**This is the first of my "Movie Matchmaker" series.  As such, it is reasonable to expect that the format of these posts may evolve as I continue on.**

First, a brief synopsis:

The War for the Planet of the Apes is the third installment of the overhauled franchise that was retooled in 2011.  In this chapter, Ceasar and his tribe of apes fundamentally want to live a life of peace and quiet away from the humans that created them.  The humans desire an identical outcome, save for one exception; they pursue their peace by attempting genocide and ultimately enslaving the apes.  Lines are crossed, many are killed, and everyone suffers under the horrors of war in the battle for the survival of both species.

If you enjoy...

• Allegorical tales that reflect both the historical landscape and current state of our country
• Subtle and engaging character acting punctuated by nuanced facial expressions
• A wonderfully conflicted main character
• A villain who is a human Patriot and will protect the human race by any means necessary
• Battles of mass proportions
• Beautifully designed CGI (take a look at the transformation and creation of Ceasar HERE)

...then perhaps you'll find a match in The War for the Planet of the Apes!