See it at the movies

NATE & GIGI
NATE & GIGI
Posted

WARWICK SHOWCASE

 

NATE & GIGI
* * *
(A Quadriplegic & a Monkey)

“Inspired by a true story,” this touching tale of a teenage quadriplegic and a capuchin monkey will bring happy tears to some eyes and may seem a bit corny to others.

Nate takes a high dive off a cliff and sets serious problems at work in his body, ending up in a wheelchair as a quadriplegic.

Charlie Rowe is very good as Nate, depressed by his situation to the point of being suicidal until a capuchin service monkey comes into his life.

The movie spends a long time on the pair bonding and the positive results as they connect.

Nate benefits from the family’s financial situation. His father (Jim Belushi) is a wealthy businessman who is able to provide him with the best possible equipment, a full time caregiver and a physical therapist, plus a home environment that takes care of his every need and desire.

Marcia Gay Harden plays his mother who has dedicated her life to caring for him. When Nate is challenged by an overzealous neighbor (Diane Ladd) for bringing Gigi to the supermarket, his mother, family and friends fight her in court, leading to a surprising solution.

The movie is inspirational, has some humor, conflict, sadness and hope.

It is based on a book and a non-profit in Boston that trains and supplies service animals.

HONK FOR JESUS. SAVE YOUR SOUL
* *
(Mockumentary)

I watched Christopher Guest’s “Best in Show” on TNT the other day and never laughed so much. The mockumentary on dog shows was hilarious.

Not so with Adamma Ebo’s mock on Southern Baptist megachurches.

Even two popular actors (“This Is Us” star Sterling K. Brown and Regina Hall) can’t save this one.

After a scandal hits the Wander to Great Paths Church and decimates the 25,000-member congregation, the pastor and his wife hire a documentary film crew to promote the church and bring people back.

The filming is inconsistent, with many negative scenes, a bedroom sex scene and the couple plotting their strategy all mixed.

The focus on the couple is not very complimentary, as we see closets filled with expensive suits, hats, dresses and shoes. When things get heavy, Pastor Childs takes a swim in his luxurious swimming pools, or drives one of his fancy cars.

There is little sympathy for the couple as they plan their strategy. Childs seems sincere as he practices his sermons, with his wife urging him to show more passion.

The movie drags as the days draw closer to their attempt to reopen the church. By that time, the outcome was obvious.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here