-Muggle Film Reviews-

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American Outlaws - My rating: ★★★★ (4/5 stars)

This rollicking romp consists of the entirely-fictitious adventures of the legendary Jesse James and his band of outlaws. (Yes, this story bears little to no resemblance to the actual historical facts. Which is probably why it's so much fun.)

Following the Civil War, Jesse James and his friends come home to find their town under the sway of a corrupt railroad tycoon, who is driving folks off their farms to clear the way for his railroad to be built. When the James house is attacked, Jesse, his brother, and a gang of their friends turn to robbery to get back at the railroad, pulling off a series of increasingly outrageous heists. The railroad company employs a detective, Pinkerton, to hunt down the James-Younger gang, and an impressive game of cat-and-mouse ensues.

There are gunfights, explosions, terribly corny jokes, a robbery montage, and a final showdown atop a moving train. What more could you ask for in a movie?

I've seen this movie many, many times, and it always makes me laugh a lot. It's cheesy as all get out, but somehow that just makes it even more enjoyable. Also, you can play spot-that-actor all day, because nearly every single character is played by someone you'll likely recognize from other movies or television. So if you're looking for some light-hearted fun, go ahead and give American Outlaws a shot - it just might hit the mark.

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Dear Frankie - My rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5 stars)

Frankie’s only connection with his father is through the letters they exchange, as his father travels the globe aboard a merchant ship. But the truth is, those letters aren’t really from his father at all - his father was abusive, and his mother took Frankie and ran. The letters are actually from Frankie’s mother, who doesn’t want her son to learn the truth about his dad. This deception works well for years, until Frankie finds out that the ship his father is supposedly on is coming into port. Desperate, Frankie’s mother hires a stranger to play the role of Frankie’s dad. What seems initially like a terrible idea turns into something wonderful, as their lives are touched by the kindness of this stranger.

Yes, it’s a sappy movie. But the ending isn’t your typical “happily-ever-after,” and the story itself is very sweet without overdoing it. I love all the moments that capture the essence of family and of friendship, and this a movie I come back to over and over when I’m looking for something to remind me that there’s good in the world. So if that’s something you’re looking for too, I’d highly recommend this lovely movie.

It’s even available on Netflix right now (at least in the US), so it’s easily accessible for your viewing pleasure.

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- Reviewed by Kris Shah