Despicable Me 3

Third in the animated movie franchise - Despicable Me 3, has Steve Carell back as Gru! Consider it a safe First Date Movie given its cartoon origins. That said, it's a funny movie that entertains but starting to lose its appeal. Cannot lock down a reason why other than... maintaining the franchise and appealing to new viewers may be hard. See more on IMDB.

John Wick 2

Action packed movie with Keanu Reeves returning in his role as John Wick aka the "Bogey Man". Retired hit man being forced out of retirement to kill and kill and kill in the classic John Wick style - multiple shots to the head and body at close range!

Even better, there is another movie in the making for 2018!

The Great Wall

Matt Damon in a change of pace... big wall, mercenary, wild beasts! Was a pleasant surprise of a good vs bad genre!

Guardians of the Galaxy 2

Saw this one at the movies. Liked it! Safe first date movie; do check it out when you get a chance. If you liked the first one, you should be good with this one. Plus... anticipate more in the franchise per the movie's ending.

Arrival

Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner in a Sci-Fi movie that pits aliens and humans in a frenzy to learn each others languages. Fail and its war and destruction; succeed and then "it's all good"! Interesting twists and turns. Do check out more on IMDB. Safe first date movie, even with the twist at the end.

The Infiltrator

Breaking Bad's Bryan Cranston and John Leguizamo team up The Infiltrator playing undercover agents who are tasked with infiltrating the drug cartel's money laundering schemes. True story that has lots of action and was surprisingly good. Was not aware of this one; do check it out on DVD some time! For more, see IMDB.

La La Land at the Cinemark at Legacy Last Night

Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone together again in a vintage Cinemascope movie! This round Ryan plays Sebastian - a talented but broke jazz pianist working to save enough to open his own Jazz Club. And, Emma plays Mia - a struggling actress trying to start her career in Hollywood.

They meet briefly while in a traffic jam. Later, they bump into each other at a restaurant that Sebastian is playing piano for tips, and then again while at a party!

"Boy meets Girl, Girl meet Boy genre" continues with the two eventually becoming an
"Item" as expected.  Add the lucky breaks and eventual success, and the movie becomes storybook happiness for the two! But, it's the 21st Century; no fairy tale ending for this movie....

Had to see it at the movie theater to get the full effect.  Glad I did... this one is easily a "Safe First Date Movie".

Really liked this one even with the corny breakouts of song and dance the entire movie... it's vintage baby! Do enjoy being entertained by two great actors and check it out when you get a chance! For more on the movie, see IMDB.

Magnificent Seven (2016)

Remake of the classig 60's western Magnificent Seven. Was wary of this one at first but was pleasantly surprised. Did a good job in making this one happen!

Denzel Washington and a host of sidekicks played well together in this movie. Moreover, Peter Sarsgaard bad guy role created the right feel for the "bad guy needs to be put in his place" genre.

Even better, Haley Bennett aka Cora Corman from Music and Lyrics played the damsel in distress role but with a twist - this one is pretty and can shoot, too!

For more on the movie, see it on IMDB.

Star Wars Rogue One

Another in the Star Wars franchise. Not a big fan of the franchise but after a slow start did like the movie and its tie in to the next movie... think this one was a prequel given the ending. Safe first date movie; thrown in the hot apple pie a la mode that the Cinema Diner was offering and all was good! For more on the movie, see it on IMDB.

Hacksaw Ridge

War movie that focuses on acts of valor to save lives rather than take them. Lots of blood and guts but worth the premium to see it at the theater! Directed by Mel Gibson, Hacksaw Ridge is a true story about Medal of Honor recipient Desmond Doss - an Army Medic and conscientious objector, who saves 75 men during the battle for Okinawa - see more on IMDB!

13 Hours

Movie that provides a shooter's point of view of the crisis in Libya. Good movie with lots of shooting. Does not place blame on Hillary; does bring to light the delays in assistance both to the Ambassador and to the CIA "Annex". See more on IMDB!

Independence Day: Resurgence

Sequel to the original released in 1996. Now twenty years later, they - alien bad guys, are back! So, are a few characters from 1996. Was an entertaining movie that tied in well with the original. This one is a safe first date movie - see more on IMDB!

War Dogs

Based on a true story about two youngs arms dealers who are caught defrauding the government. Jonah Hill and Miles Teller play the arms dealers. There is a supporting role played by Bradley Cooper. Surprisingly entertaining movie despite the subject matter!

Doctor Strange

Another in the Marvel Comics franchise. This one shows the origin of how Doctor Strange came to be. Went with the significant other as company. Was not expecting much. Luckily, it was a pleasant surprise... good movie!

Mike and Dave

Funny movie with familiar actors. A little crude jokes and slapstick but who minds since it was expected for this genre. Good rental for a rainy night!

Bad Moms

Comedy with Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, and others about Moms gone wild. Entertaining storyline that has us laughing! Nice foil with Christina Applegate!

Rewrite

Hugh Grant, Marisa Tomei, and JK Simmons in a pleasant surprise of a movie. Hugh is a one hit wonder screen writer who takes a job teaching at a small university. Marisa is a single mom, student, and part time worker who has a liking to Hugh. JK is the nice but by the rules university president.

Was flipping through the channels and landed on this movie. Entertaining movie!

The Accountant

Ben Affleck plays an accountant but with a twist. It looks like he can balance the books as well as fight bad guys in a blink of eye! Lasted just over two hours. Did not feel long... great movie! Would see it over the new Jack Reached movie.

Jack Reacher - Never Go Back

Tom Cruise's sequel to the first movie in the Jack Reacher franchise. This round Jack deals with a conspiracy that has a potential love interest's life in danger... add an illegitimate daughter and lots of fist fights, and the sequel is okay.

Something that the first movie captured is missing this round. Still enjoyed watching it, but would likely have waited for the DVD instead of seeing it at the Movie House.

Me Before You

Good movie with Game of Thrones' Emelia Clarke playing a Caregiver to a quadriplegic. Funny and sad with a little romance mixed in... bummer ending squashes it as a first date movie. Still liked the movie. Do check it out!

The Phenom

Watched the DVD. Not a first date movie. No true ending. Consider it half a movie. Ouch!

Jason Bourne

Matt Damon returns as Jason Bourne! This one has cyber things but still lots of fighting and clandestine operations. Glad to have seen this one at the movies instead of waiting for the dvd!

Finest Hour

Great movie about the greatest small boat rescue in Coast Guard history. Chris Pine and Casey Affleck do a great job on their roles! This one makes thw First Date recommendation!

How To Be Single

How to Be Single is a 2016 American romantic comedy film and is based on the novel of the same name by Liz Tuccill. Was not certain on this one, but rented it. Liked the movie; funny moments to keep this going. Would hold as a first date movie given the movie's title... "How To Be Single". But, do check it out after a few more dates later with your significant other!

Exposed

Movie with Keanu Reeves as a detective investigating his partner's murder.

Slow start and very confusing. Had to finish watching it, else should have picked a different movie.

Hold on this one and skip it as a first date movie!

Nice Guys

Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling in a comedy as Private Investigators looking for a Department of Justice Director's daughter. The Director is played bt Kim Basinger.

Good movie, saw it at a theater that had reclining seats!

The Book Thief

Good movie with Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson, and Sophie Nelisse set in Workd War II Germany. Sophie play Liesel - a young girl adopted by a Geoffrey and Emily who play an elderly German couple. Liesel cannot read and is quickly taunted by schoolmates for being dumb.

However, after her adopted parent's take in Max - a Jew hiding from the Nazis, Liesel befriends him, and they soon form a lasting friendship. Learning of her illiteracy, Max teaches her to read and write which will eventually play a key role in Liesel's adult life.

Good movie, starts slow but does pick up - especially like Liesel and her schoolmate/friend Rudy and their interaction with each other as kids! Do see this one when you get the chance!

Dead Pool

Ryan Reynolds as a comic book character that cannot be killed. Funny  quips and references to the X-men franchise. Suggestions of a sequel were noted as well.

Good movie but not on the first date rating. Do give it a watch when yo u get a chance!

Lucky Slevin

Watched this while working out on a treadmill. Has Josh Harnett, Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, and Ben Kingsley. Interesting story line that has a twist that is not so good for the bad guys.

Good movie but save for a rainy day.

Revenant

Just came back from the Movies... saw Revenant starring Leondardo DiCaprio as Mountain Man and Scout Hugh Glass. After being mauled by a bear, left for dead, Hugh comes back from near death and takes revenge on the man that killed his son.

Glad to have seen this one at the Theater, did not mind paying the premium on tickets (Friday Night opener in Dallas). May be a little queasy for a first date movie with all the blood and guts but we do say don't miss this one!

For more, see details at IMDB.

Saint Vincent

Bill Murray as an old man living his life as he sees fit, New neighbors move next door - a divorced Mother with a young Son. Soon enough they become part of his life due to circumstances no one planned for... Bill becomes the Son's babysitter.

Good movie; glad to have rented this one on a whim! For more details, see IMDB.

Spectre with Daniel Craig

Daniel Craig making it happen again with the latest in the James Bond Franchise. Great movie... not going to say much more other than go see it at the theater!

San Andreas

Been meaning to watch this one for a while. Finally got around to it. Was pleasantly surprised... Liked it!

Bridge of Spies

Tom Hanks in a Steven Spielberg movie about the Cold War and some of the unofficial deals made to exchange prisoners. Liked the movie; even better that it was inspired by true events!

Do check it out! Saw this one at the movie theater instead of waiting for the DVD!

Pitch Perfect 2

Sequel to Pitch Perfect with many of the same actors and actresses from it. Liked the movie, not as good as the first but still liked it.Glad to have rented instead of paid the premium at the theater.

Mad Max - Fury Road

Not sure how it ties in to the original Mad Max but this one turned out to be a good one to rent. May not make the First Date rating but still do check it out when you get a chance.

This one has Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron and has a story line that has Max helping out Charlize in a ploy to save some women.

For more, see IMDB.

Two Night Stand

Miles Teller and Analeigh Tipton in a safe first date movie about two people who meet online for the sole purpose of a one night stand. Each has their reason for doing so; regardless, both endup having to spend another night - actually an entire day together, due to a snow storm.

Safe first date movie; was a pleasant surprise to have rented this one on a whim. Mainly rented it because I liked Miles Teller in another movie - Whiplash. Also, I like Analeigh in her role as the infatuated teen in Crazy, Stupid, Love.

For more, check it out at IMDB.

Cuban Fury

Funny movie that set in England. Has Nick Frost, Rashida Jones, Chris O'Dowd, and Ian McShane as main characters.

Add Salsa dancing, funny moments of co-workers bantering about, and a light-hearted story line of one mans struggle to impress a pretty woman who turns out to his boss, too.

As luck would have it, they both like to Salsa! Safe first date movie. Do rent it when you get the chance! See more on IMDB.

Identical

Here is one I rented on a whim. Came out in 2014... two twins separated at birth during the hard times of the Great Depression. A poor family gives one of the twins to a Preacher and his wife who cannot have their own baby.

One becomes a Rock Star; the other struggles through life in a search for his calling. Eventually, things come together in the end.

Movie has a "hokie" feel to it; songs are okay, but in the end, did enjoy the movie. Save it for a rainy day and rent it then.

Hold as a first date movie. For more details, see it at IMDB!

Jersey Boys

Here is one that I have been meaning to see but never got around to it. Directed by Clint Eastwood; based on the Broadway Play of the same name... it's a look at Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons from their beginnings in New Jersey to fame and fortune as well as misfortune.

Good movie; okay for a first date. Just be aware that Frankie gets divorced.... also, did not know that Joe Pesci was involved in the Four Seasons briefly at their start. Sorta like a Talent Scout for them.

For more do see details at IMDB.

Whiplash

Movie with Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons that casts them as music student and music teacher, respectively. Was not expecting much but was soon hooked in the first 15 minutes. Glad to have watched this one; hit or miss as a first date movie since the guy does not get the girl. Regardless, liked the ending! See more on IMDB!

Aloha

Bradley Cooper and Emma Stone in a movie that shows the potential pitfalls of the privatization of the space race. Liked both actors; the movie started slow but does pick up in the end. Safe first date movie!  See more on IMDB.

DUFF

Here is one that was a sleeper that was entertaining. Was not expecting much but it turned out to be pretty good; would give this one a safe first date movie rating...!

Avengers - Age of Ultron

Another in the Avengers franchise. Good movie, safe first date movies that brings back key characters, a little romance mixed in, as well as new characters! Still in theaters, do give it a shot when you get a chance!

Imitation Game

Good movie about Alan Turing and his work to break the German Enigma Code back in World War II. Liked the story line but did pick up on the underlying message abut Alan's sexual preference. Do check it out when you get a chance.

Dracula Untold

Movie that shows how Dracula came to be... the untold story of how it all began. Won't go into more detail about the movie but for viewers who are tired of the old Vampire, Dracula,... story line, this one was a pleasant surprise, Do rent it when you get a chance. Although it's not a first date movie, it is worth a rental!

John Wick

Here is one with Keanu Reeves... ex-assassin turns nasty when a Russian Mafia Boss' son steals Keanu's car and kills his puppy - a gift from his deceased wife!

Lots of action and killing and mayhem. Would hold as a first date movie because of that but would definitely rent this one when you get a chance!

Lucy

Scarlett Johansson and Morgan Freeman in a movie about a woman who increases here brain power when a drug bag breaks in her body. By some twist of fate, Lucy (played by Scarljo) is pulled in to a drug deal where she serves as the Dealer's "mule" to smuggle a drug from Taiwan to the United States.

Interesting movie... could have used less "National Geographic" scenes, else the story line was good. Ending could use some extra oomph but still liked the movie. Of course, I am a big Scarlett Johansson fan!

A Walk Among the Tombstones

Movie with Liam Neeson as an ex-cop practicing as an unlicensed private investigator. He gets hired on to investigate the death of a drug dealer's wife, and soon uncovers corruption in the Police.

Good movie but not as good as his Taken franchise. Would wait to rent it on a rainy day.

American Sniper

Movie about the deadliest sniper Chris Kyle of the Iraq War. Directed by Clint Eastwood and produced by Bradley Cooper.

Good movie, there are differences from the book but still liked the movie. Would hold as a first date movie as there are kill shots, blood spattering about, and graphic violence.

No DVD yet as it came out in theaters recently!

The Equalizer

Denzel Washington in a movie where he has a past that no one knows about. He stays anonymous until someone pushes him... Great movie. Even going on a limb and saying it is a first date movie. There are some killing scenes but all done in the context of the storyline.

Fury

Brad Pitt and others in a World War II movie. Tank warfare, lots of fighting and killing. Better hold as a first date movie but still a good one to watch for those who like war movies., especially liked the tank battle against the Tiger Tank. The ending had lots of fighting but World War II buffs may see lots of holes in it.

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

Last in series of the Hobbit franchise. Good movie; easy transition from the previous movie to this one. Safe first date movie. Now time to watch the other ones in the series to get caught up.

Guardians of the Galaxy

Here is one that was that made the First Date Movie list. Was not too excited about it but it came strongly recommended from others.  Good story line, liked the characters, even has it linked to other Marvel Comic movies.  Do rent one this one when you get a chance.

The Giver

Jeff Bridges, Meryl Streep, Brendon Thwaites... and others in a movie about a community that forces its people to follow rules and lead a life dictated by "higher ups". With no memory of the past, people have no idea of any other way of living save for one person whose only purpose is to retain the memories of the past. As this person grows old, he must pass along the memories to a successor.,,.

Slow start, story line did not grab you right away. Best hold as a first date movie!

Sex Tape

Let's keep it simple... given the movie's title, add in lots of buttocks shots and sexually suggestive scenes (not explicit since it is not a porn movie), and then throw in a little blackmail and cocaine... the end result... don't see this one for a first date.

Transformers Age of Extinction

Guess its sequel time for Jerry; here is the latest movie from the Transformers' Franchise. This one has Mark Wahlberg in it. In this movie, the Transformers take a turn for the worse and are being hunted down and destroyed by a "black ops style" group. Their intent is to save the world from Transformers for whatever reason they came up with....

Another movie that if you like the Franchise, then you will like it. Also, consider it a safe first date movie.

X-Men Days of Future Past

Another installment in the X-Men Franchise. This one includes some time travel to throw a twist in the story line. If you like the Franchise, you will like the movie. Even better, would call this one a safe first date movie.

Chef

Jon Favreau, John Guizamo, Scarlett Johansson, Sofia Vergara... and others in a "IFC" style movie about a chef who has a YouTube Breakdown when a food critic slams. Forced to find other means to practice his profession, he starts serving his favorite dishes from a Food Truck.

Safe first date movie; entertaining and funny! Do check it out!

Captain America - The Winter Soldier

Another in the Marvel Comics franchise that brings Captain America together with the Black Widow (aka Scarlett Johannson). Liked the comic banter between the two; liked the story line. Going to say this one is a safe first date movie. Of course, I have a weakness for Scarljo!

Blended

Lighthearted comedy with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. Two single parents meet on a blind date that ends in failure.

Somehow they come together by chance on a vacation... They meaning the two single parents and their kids.

Funny moments, overall liked the movie. Fun to see all the different actors from other Adam Sandler movies.

Check it out when you can... Safe enough first date movie.

Divergent

Action-adventure movie of the future where war has destroyed the world. Survivors are forced to live in a society of rules and grouped into five factions. Each faction maintains its place in society, and order and peace are the result... Except, they forget about some who do not fit in only one faction.

Good movie, possible first date movie... Just be sure action-adventure and future worlds are to the other's liking.

Draft Day

Draft Day with Kevin Costner, Jennifer Garner, and Dennis Leary recently came out in DVD. Checked it out, liked the movie. Play it by ear as a first date movie as it is football movie. If your date is not a fan, hold on this one. If they are, then do check it out!

The Hunter

Wilhelm Dafoe plays a mercenary for hire. But, this time he is on the hunt for the "thought to be extinct" Tasmanian Tiger.  A company hires him to find the animal, take blood samples, and bring them back to be cloned.

Good movie, watched it by accident while channel surfing. Like the surprise twist at the end. Okay to rent for a possible second date. Since it has that Indie Film feel, would hold as a first date movie.

Begin Again

Checked out a Indie Film that just came out Friday. It has Kiera Knightley, Mark Ruffalo, and Adam Levine. Adam and Kiera are a singer-song writer couple. They break up soon after Adam is signed to a record label. Kiera bounces back though when Mark, who plays a Producer, discovers her!

 

Good movie, but would hold as a first date movie since it revolves around a breakup due to a cheating boyfriend. Do check it out!

 

The Art of the Steal

Kurt Russell, Matt Dillon, and others in a movie centered around stealing art, a job gone wrong, and pay back for those who had it coming.  Good movie, safe first date movie and first rate rental. Do check it out; the twist in the plot at the end is good!

 

Jack Ryan Shadow Recruit

Here is a "prequel" to the Tom Clancy movies that Harrison Ford and Alec Baldwin starred as Jack Ryan(?). Since it's set in recent times, hardcore Clancy Fans will be thrown a curve since Jack Ryan in this movie would have been a child and/or yet to be born yet.

No worries, still a good movie and consider it a safe first date movie.  Liked Chris Pine's, Keira Knightly's, and Kevin Costner's performance in the movie!

Maleficent

Here is a remake of Disney's Sleeping Beauty but from the Wicked Witch's view.  Angelina Jolie plays the Wicked Witch Maleficent. Good movie. Safe first date movie... glad to have seen it at the theater!

Inside Llewyn Davis

Movie with lots of good folk song tunes.  It's a week in the life of a struggling musician.  Trying to make it in the 60's folk music scene.  It has singing, a cat, and interesting twist and turns... Liked the movie!  Would hold as a first date movie because of the "IFC" feel it has but still would rent it later when you get a chance.

Legend of Hercules

Rented the "Legend of Hercules" yesterday.  The scenes reminded me of the "300" movie but other than that it did not have the same action or interesting story line as "300".  Hold on this one as a safe first date movie; even having second thoughts on why I rented it.

About Time

From the same director that brought us Love Actually, comes About Time! This one easily makes the first date movie recommendation! Do check it out — a love story that allows traveling back in time to "fix" things for the future! Rachel McAdams is her normal "sexy" self; her true love Tim, played by Domhnall Gleeson, make a romantic pairing. Even better is Tim's father, played by Bill Nighy! Check it out some time!

Rush

Ron Howard movie about Formula 1 race car drivers James Hunt and Niki Luada.  Good movie. Even better is that it is a true story.  Safe first date movie.  Liked the end where they flash to real life pictures of the drivers!

Bad Grandpa

Johnny Knoxville's latest movie about a Grandpa tasked with delivering his Grandson to his Dad because his Mother is going to jail.  Not a first date movie.  Would not rent it.... Even if you liked his Jackass movies.

Non-Stop

Checked this one out at the movie theater.  Has Liam Neeson and Julianne Moore as a US Air Marshall and a passenger on a flight to London, respectively.  Liam has personal issues; Julianne is a friendly passenger seated next to him.  While in the air, Liam gets text to transfer $150M or someone dies every 20".

 

Good movie, liked it.  Not high on the list of first date movies but would say it's okay given the "whodunit" feel!

300 Rise of an Empire

Sequel to the 300 movie that pitted 300 Spartan soldiers against a million Persians.  Lots of blood and violence.  Would hold as a first date movie.  But, if you liked 300 you will like this movie.

It flashes back and then ties into the first movie, then takes you to a naval battle that ends with a clear winner and loser. However, the ending leaves an opening for another movie!

Lifted

Took off guard by this one; starts out with a after-school made for TV movie feel.  But, it's story line is great; singing is great,... worse it has a tear or two at the ending.  Check this out when you get a chance.  Do risk it for a first date movie, may convince your possible significant other that you have a "softer" side to you!  Like the cameos of Trace Adkins and Reuben Studdard (sp?) of American Idol!

Man In the Moon

More late night insomnia, more late night channel surfing.  Found this one that had an "Introducing Reese Witherspoon" in the credits.  Liked this one though it's a tear jerker.  Two sisters, one handsome boy, somehow they both fall for him, but....  Risk this one as a first date movie despite the tear or two that may come later!

Crazy

Movie about the ups and downs of Hank Garland – famous guitar slinger, country music writer, and Opry Legend!

 

Late night insomnia had me channel surfing; found this one and was pleasantly surprised.  Good movie, hold as a first date rental as the "downs" could impact a budding relationship.  But, do recommend it for a later date!

Don Jon

Movie with Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Scarlett Johansson.  I am a Scarljo fan and do like Joseph Gordon-Levitt, but need to hold off on this one as a first date movie.  New Jersey Guy works as a bartender, scores with women, and then has an addiction to porn.  He meets hottie Scarlett who is a New Jersey Gal working in the corporate world (possibly).  Things spark but then fizzle when he is caught watching porn... but, he does finally find a way to kick his porn addiction.  Not a first date movie, story line was okay, mainly watched because...I am a Scarljo fan and do like Joseph Gordon-Levitt.