New in Theaters for December 15, 2017 "Star Wars: The Last Jedi," "The Shape of Water" and "Ferdinand"

Ferdinand
Starring the vocal talents of: John Cena and Kate McKinnon
Rated PG 

After Ferdinand, a bull with a big heart, is mistaken for a dangerous beast, he is captured and torn from his home. Determined to return to his family, he rallies a misfit team on the ultimate adventure.

The moral of “Ferdinand” is all about staying true to who you are inside.

Unfortunately, the film's execution and underlying agenda about animal rights sours the audience's enjoyment. What could have been a delightfully understated breezy film, becomes it's own worst enemy.

Added to the mix are several annoying characters, not least of which is Ferdinand's sidekick goat, “Lupe,” played by Saturday Night Live's Kate McKinnon.

In the end, the film is like pleasant hors d'oeuvre, it tastes ok, but you cannot make a meal out of it.

“Ferdinand” gets a C and is rated PG.

The Shape of Water
Starring: Sally Hawkins and Richard Jenkins
Rated R 

In the hidden high-security government laboratory where she works, lonely cleaning woman trapped in a life of isolation discovers a secret classified experiment.

“The Shape of Water” is a beautifully acted, although brutal and graphic, fairy tale about finding love and connection despite almost insurmountable differences.

Inspiringly written and gorgeously filmed, “The Shape of Water” is well worth the time to see.

It gets a B and is rated R.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Starring: Daisy Ridley, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher
Rated PG-13 

Having taken her first steps into the Jedi world, Rey joins Luke Skywalker on an adventure with Leia, Finn and Poe unlocking the mysteries of the Force and secrets of the past.

Well it finally happened. “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” is a totally 'Disneyfied' film which many fans, including this one, are really upset about.

The film simply is a mess from beginning to end with nothing new added to move the saga forward.


And the promises that were made in the “Force Awakens” are poorly kept, as characters who were promoted to be pivotal become unimportant plot devices, important histories are swept under rugs and characters added as 'product placement' just to sell merchandise.

“Star Wars: The Last Jedi” misses every mark. The film can not shake off its listlessness and lack of continuity to the other films, making it the worst film in the Star Wars saga.

In the end, this is not the “Star Wars” you are looking for. Move along, move along.

It gets a D and is rated PG-13.