Save the Home Team

BY BONNIE L. HARRIS

Our last Transformers movie was 2018’s very successful Bumblebee, so there’s a lot to catch up on in the sci-fi action world. But as this sequel-prequel demonstrates, the Transformers franchise has been re-energized and rebooted for a new generation with much the same defeat-evil

TRANSFORMERS: RISE OF THE BEASTS

Paramount Pictures

Rated: PG-13

Streaming on Amazon and save-the-world narrative. It’s fast paced, rock ‘em sock ‘em, battlebot excitement with a humorous streak and just enough story to explain the past and set up a new adventure. Earth is unknowingly up against Unicron, the planet destroying evil force who searches for the sacred Transwarp Key that opens portals in the universe. The Autobots disguise themselves as vehicles and hide in plain site in everyday NY, but one named Mirage, is accidentally discovered by Noah, an inexperienced thief and brilliant tech wiz. Noah is

Girl Meets World

BARBIE

Warner Bros Pictures, Rated: PG-13

In theatres and streaming on Amazon drawn into safeguarding the Key after meeting Elena who discovers it in an ancient statue. Together with the Autobots, Noah and Elena stumble upon the Maximals who have been guarding the Key’s secret in the jungles of Peru. Maximals, part animal and part machine, reveal that Elena’s discovery is only half the Transwarp Key, and Unicron’s henchman, Scourge, is on his way to Earth to open the portal for his master. Humans and machines must find a way to bridge their misunderstandings and work together to save both

FOR the PARENTS

IT’S HARD TO believe that a film about a plastic doll could be so intriguing, inventive, thought-provoking, original, and just plain fun. Barbie enjoyed an extended time in theatres, quite a feat with our limited attention spans, and will likely be just as popular on streaming platforms. If you haven’t seen it yet because it seems like a movie for teens & kids, put aside your assumptions and hop into Barbie’s pink convertible for a very enjoyable cinematic ride. From the female perfection of Barbieland to the real world, Barbie discovers that all’s not well with her human counterpart. She sets out to fix the torn space/time continuum with Ken as an ardent stowaway. You’d think a movie called Barbie would only be about her, but like life, that’s just half the story. The other half is about Ken’s struggles after he discovers masculinity and patriarchy. Powerful concepts he imports back to Barbieland to the dismay of all the their worlds. Hair-raising car chases, giant destructive battles, plenty of laser blasting, and super cool digital effects blend with the 1994-esque soundtrack for a terrific thrill ride. But be warned, some of the evil robots resembling spiders are pretty vicious & scary for younger viewers as is the final battle scene where Scourge is destroyed. Paramount definitely plans on continuing the Transformer franchise as the final scenes and credits attest. But count me in for the fun and pass the popcorn! ✦

Barbies. Humans struggle with disobedient dolls in their world, and the Barbies battle to restore authentic femininity in theirs. Set to a fantastic soundtrack, Barbie crackles with energy, humor, nostalgia and some great life lessons. Appreciate the cameos and enjoy the credits because wonderful surprises are everywhere.