THE DARKEST HOUR

THE DARKEST HOUR:  Gary Oldman IS Winston Churchill in this Golden Globe nominated performance.  A performance that will undoubtedly lead to an Oscar nomination as well.  He is remarkable! While the film feels more like a history lesson at times, it is certainly noteworthy for Oldman's performance.  Kristin Scott Thomas as his wife and Lily James as his loyal secretary, along with Ben Mendelsohn as King Edward VI add to the proceedings.  A bit slow in spots, it is nonetheless a film you will enjoy (even more so, if your saw the GG nominated "Dunkirk" earlier this year). This is Oldman's finest hour (or two).

FERDINAND

FERDINAND:   Remembering fondly the Disney short from my youth and seeing this was a Golden Globe nominee for Best Animated Film, I decided to check out this full length version about the bull who would rather smell the flowers than fight.   Well, it was a wise choice.  Of course, many new characters have been added (A trio of hedgehogs, some dancing snobbish horses, and a wonderful goat.) and it is all most entertaining.  With the voices of John Cena, Bobby Canavalle, Anthony Anderson and Kate McKinnon as that loveable goat.  It's a family film and while I don't think it will win the GG ("Coco" is my pick) it is worth your time if your have a love of good animated films like I do.  This one is a winner.

THE SHAPE OF WATER

THE SHAPE OF WATER:  Nominated for seven Golden Globes, including Best Picture and Best Director (Guillermo del Toro) this is undoubtedly the most unusual film you will see this year.  And it may be the most brilliant concept ever.   Without giving too much away, I will tell you this is simply a love story.   But a love story between a mute girl and a creature  (think "Black Lagoon") who has been brought to Baltimore during the cold war of the early 1960's for scientific study by our government.  (And treated quite cruelly, I might add) Sally Hawkins (GG nominee) plays the girl, Elisa who works as a night janitor in the government facility. When she discovers the creature, she is not frightened but fascinated by the strange being (played admirably by Doug Jones in fabulous make-up). Octavia Spencer is Elisa's friend, Zelda and a GG nominee for supporting actress. Also on board is Richard Jenkins as her gay neighbor and Michael Shannon as the villain in the piece.  I was absolutely mesmerized by this film and its subtle message about the misfits that live among us.   But are they the misfits or are we?  Sure to be an Oscar contender as well, this should be one on your list. Unusual?  Yes.  Superb movie making?  Most assuredly!

 

THE GREATEST SHOWMAN

THE GREATEST SHOWMAN:  This original musical based loosely on the inventor of  "show business," P. T. Barnum is a wonderful role for the multi-talented Hugh Jackman.  And he wears it well. No, make that exquisitely! This rags to riches story is so full of heart that it practically bursts from the screen.  The score is a treasure with some of the most exuberant dancing you will ever see this side of "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers."  The supporting cast led by Michelle Williams and Zac Efron are all first rate.  The entire film is a wonder to behold and the perfect way to spend some time during the holidays.   It will make you smile from ear to ear for hours on end.   Go see it on the big screen!   You won't regret it.  It is pure joy!

JUST GETTING STARTED

JUST GETTING STARTED: This action comedy stars Morgan Freeman as Duke Diver, the manager of a Palm Springs resort (A man with a past) and Tommy Lee Jones as Leo, an ex-marine who checks into the resort (for a reason that will be revealed.)  In the meantime they both stumble upon Suzie (Rene Russo) and it seems that both men have eyes for her. Along the way we meet the supporting cast....Elizabeth Ashley, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Glenne Hedley, George Wallace, Jane Seymore and even Johnny Mathis....And what a cast...And what a bomb!   Not much action, not much comedy (although the highlight of the film is Freeman doing the Limbo)  But it never quite wins you over and ends abruptly with no-comeuppance for some of the characters.....So, skip this one.

COCO

COCO:  The latest Pixar/Disney animated release is a hymn to the culture of Mexico. (A little love letter to counterpunch the Wall that Trump wants?) Politics aside, it is a charming film about a boy names Miguel who wants to become a musician despite his family's generations-old ban on music. Determined to find out what prompted this hatred for music, he sets out on an adventure which ultimately brings him to the "Land of the Dead."  While I won't go into the plot. suffice it to say that this is one of the most beautiful animated films in my memory and sure to be a contender in the Oscar race in that category.   The actors who voice the various characters include Anthony Gonzalez as Miguel with supporting roles filled by Benjamin Bratt, Gael Garcia Bernal, Edward James Olmos and Cheech Marin.  I hope this film finds an audience beyond the Latino community because it is a tender story of a boy's rite of passage and a universal theme of  "family comes first."  And beautiful!

THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI

THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI:   Yes, that's the title.  When a mother is frustrated at the lack of progress in the investigation of her daughter's brutal mother, she rents space on three billboards in an attempt to spur the police into action.  Frances McDormand  delivers a tour de force performance as the mother, Mildred.  Equally adept in his performance as the town sheriff is Woody Harrelson who seems to get better and better as he ages.  Sam Rockwell as the racist deputy in the case doesn't mask any of his inner demons and is as brilliant as the aforementioned two. I  would expect Oscar nominations for Dormand as well as a best supporting actor nod to Rockwell who goes through the biggest change. The movie careens between comedy and drama with plenty of blood spilled along the way.   But, if there was a theme to this film, I would not cite the violence and blood shed which is in no way gratuitous, but rather the pain that the mother goes through until she realizes she is not alone.  The sheriff  has his own private pain to deal with.  And the moral of the story, is that hate begets hate.  It is a remarkable movie on many levels and will mesmerize you.

WONDER

WONDER:   And indeed it is, as in wonderful.  Based upon a true story and starring the incomparable Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson, this one will tug at your heartstrings and inspire you with its warmth and humanity.  This is the story of a young boy, August Pullman (Auggie) played to perfection by Jacob Tremblay, who happens to have facial differences and is entering the fifth grade at a main stream school with much trepidation and doubt about his fitting in to unknown terrority. Mandy Patinkin is in the supporting cast as well as a bunch of terrific young actors, most notably Noah Jupe as Auggie's best friend and Izabela Vidovic as his sister. I won't give away any of the plot here but only say it is the perfect film to kick off the holiday season.  It is just brimming with love and good will which is sorely needed this year.  It will bring you to tears but they are tears of sheer joy!

MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS

MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS:  A remake of a classic?   Really?  I approached this movie with a bit of trepidation having loved the 1974 Sidney Lumet version. Was I disappointed?  Yes and no.  Featuring an all-star cast headed by Kenneth Branagh (who also directed) with Judi Dench, Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, Michelle Pfeiffer, Williem Dafoe, Derek Jacobi and Josh Gad, how could you miss?  Well, to each his own.  A new generation will find it intriguing, no doubt. However, Branagh, for some reason, has chosen to give his Hercule Poirot this enormous mustache that is almost scene stealing.  Perhaps I am too used to that wonderful David Suchet BBC version (not to mention the Albert Finney one in the aforementioned Lumet film.) At any rate, I found it a little bit of too much gilt on the lily. On the plus side, Mr. Branagh chose to film in the 65-millimeter format which leads to an opulent look for the proceedings (in the genre of "Doctor Zhivago" and "Lawrence of Arabia")  It also made it necessary to "open" the film up and shoot a number of scenes off of the train and in the snowy countryside. And, I must say, the cinematography to first rate.  Although the film does bog down a bit toward the end, all in all, it was entertaining and we are told in the final frames that there may be a sequel.  Seems someone arrives and wants Mr.Poirot to head for the Nile.  We shall see.

GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN

GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN:  A fascinating film about the life of A. A. Milne and how he came to write of  Winnie the Pooh. Staring a cast of mostly unknowns (at least to me), the movie show us the joys and woes of obtaining celebrity status and how it affected the young Christopher Robin.   There is joy throughout the film but also a good deal of sadness as Christopher grows up and becomes unable to handle his "stardom."  Introducing Will Tilston as the young Christopher with Domhnall Gleeson aa Alan Milne and Margot Robbie as his wife, Daphne. And Kelly Macdonald plays the nanny to perfection caring for the young boy when his parents are too busy.....Be forewarned, bring your Kleenex. But. it's a good cry.

ONLY THE BRAVE

ONLY THE BRAVE: Based on the true story of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, an elite group of firefighters who battled the Yarnhill Hill fire in Arizona in 2013, this film has a lot going for it.  It is visually splendid but emotionally shattering as we examine true heroism...Josh Brolin and Miles Teller give the standout performance in this cast that also includes Jeff Bridges, Taylor Kitch, Jennifer Connelly and Andie MacDowell with an ensemble cast of actors worthy of a SAG award for Best Ensemble Acting.  This is a beautifully made film told with matchless drama and also great humor about a group of men and their way of life that you will long remember. I can't say enough about how impressed I was.  I only hope it finds a wide audience that it so deserves.

BATTLE OF THE SEXES

BATTLE OF THE SEXES:   Using the historic 1973 tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs as a jumping off point, the film is more about King's journey in coming to terms with her sexuality.   Played brilliantly by last years Oscar winner, Emma Stone, King's story is both tough and inspiring.  Equally wonderful is Steve Carell as Riggs, with all his bravura and bombastic ego in tact. Others in the cast include Sarah Silverman, Bill Pullman and Alan Cummings.  I suppose that some will think the film is a little preachy about equal pay for women, LGBT rights and a myriad of issues, but it was a different time and it feels absolutely real. Well done, by one and all.

VICTORIA AND ABDUL

VICTORIA AND ABDUL:  When Abdul Karim (Ali Fazal)s lowly clerk is sent from India to England to participate is Queen Victoria's golden jubilee, the two form an unlikely alliance that  has the royal household in an uproar. Judy Dench gives another stellar performance as the Queen and although the movie is slow going at times, she continues to amaze with her thrilling talent. Eddie Izzard plays "Bertie" the heir apparent to the thrown who is determined to undermine the relationship.  What starts out  as a comedy, the film soon takes on darker tones.  Billed as "based on true events....mostly" who knows how much is actually true. But no matter, it is a fascinating look as when England ruled under Victoria in her later years.

TULIP FEVER

TULIP FEVER:  Set in 17th century Amsterdam, an orphaned girl Sophia (Alicia Vikaner) is forced to marry a rich and powerful merchant Cornelis Sandvoort (ChristophWaltz).  While the marriage saves her from poverty, it is a not the perfect arrangement.  When her husband commissions a portrait, she begins an affair with the young painter Jan Van Loos (Dane DeHaan). Intrigue, mistaken identiy and the like follow.   This film is very reminiscent of the wonderful movies from the Ivory/Merchant team of some years back.   It is slow and methodical at times but sumptuous to look at and always intriguing .   In the supporting cast we have the wonderful  Judi Dench who seems to be everywhere right now ("Murder on the Orient Express" and "Victoria and Abdul" are on the horizon.) and the delightful Zach Galiflanakis, along with Matthew Morrison, Tom Hollander and Holliday Grainger.  All in all, a stellar cast and a fascinating look at how the tulip industry first began with a brilliant script by Tom Stoppard.

WIND RIVER

WIND RIVER:  Jeremy Renner plays Cory, a US Fish and Wildlife Service tracker whose job to dispatch the wolves and mountain lions that kill livestock on the Wind River Indian reservation in  Wyoming. When he discovers the frozen body of a young Indian girl the FBI is called in.  A rookie agent from Las Vegas named Jane (Elizabeth Olsen) soon discovers that she is out of her depth in this particular land where government is not a thing to be trusted. The talented Graham Greene gives a wonderful low-key depiction of the reservation police force head.  Filmed beautifully in a bleak, snow-covered landscape, this land of snowmobiles is breathtaking at times, as is the performance by Mr. Renner (his best work to date).  A bit slow, now and then, but ultimately very satisfying.  A near perfect movie.

THE HITMAN'S BODYGUARD

THE HITMAN'S BODYGUARD:   If you want action.... if you want comedy... this is the film for you.   And while most of the action is what we've come to expect, the real fun is in the constant bickering between the two lead actors.  Samuel L. Jackson is the hitman who must testify against a dictator (Gary Oldman) before the International Court of Justice in the Hague.   Ryan Reynolds is the bodyguard assigned (coerced) to make sure he gets there.  On opposing sides of the law previously (Jackson has tried to kill him on numerous occasions, they try to bury their differences and stay alive as the dictators  thugs are in hot pursuit.   Along the way, Salma Hayek gives a funny, trash talking performance as Jackson girlfriend and there is a wonderfully choreographed chase of two....particularly one involving cars, a speed boat, a motorcycle and a Netherlands canal....it took my breath away.   (Spoiler alert....Best line in the film....Reynolds asks about Jackson and Hayek ....."How did you meet? Christian Mingle?")   A funny, preposterous at times, throwback to those good guy/bad guy buddy movies we all loved.  And still do, as it turns out.

THE GLASS CASTLE

THE GLASS CASTLE:  Based on a memoir by Jeannette Walls, this film examines the coming-of-age of a young girl in a dysfunctional family. Brie Larson is the girl (as an adult) with Woody Harrelson as the alcoholic, dreamer father and Naomi Watts as the artistic mother. Slow moving, but always interesting, it still lacked some punch here and there.  It felt as if the story was, indeed, a view of this family but tainted by the authors remembrances of how she thought it was (or should have been) In other words, it didn't ring true all of the time.  Still, it has it's moments (and a wonderful performance by Ella Anderson as the younger Jeannette) This is the best Harrelson performance to date and he might get a nomination for the Oscar. So, although it was not my favorite film out there, it's worth a viewing.

DUNKIRK

DUNKIRK:  Director Christopher Nolan has created a masterpiece, an intimate epic that will most likely be an Oscar nomination as Best Picture of the year, even though that ceremony is a good eight months away. I can't imagine that many films to come will live up to this standard of riveting storytelling. By May, 1940, Germany had advanced into France leaving Allied forces stranded on the beaches of Dunkirk praying for a miracle.   This is the heroic story of how they were rescued against all odds. With a stellar cast including Mark Rylance, Kennerh Branagh, Cillian Murphy, Tom Hardy and the British rock star Harry Styles (from the boy band 'One Direction'). Without exception, the performances are first rate.  If I had to categorize this movie, I would not list it as a war film but a thriller....edge of your seat stuff which is aided and abetted by a great Hans Ziimmer score (also Oscar worthy)  The music increases the tension throughout but still has sweeping beauty in certain moments.  It is grand scale and a grand film.

WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES

WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES:  This newest offering in the "Apes" franchise is one of the best, if not THE best.  Andy Serkis stars as the lead chimpanzee Caesar. With special effects being what they are, sometimes the actor is lost in the transformation.  Not so with Mr. Serkis. His facial expressions shine through the effects and the performance is a marvel to behold. As the villainous Colonel, Woody Harrelson does admirably playing the role like a ticking time bomb. The plot, as you can well imaging, is about the war between the humans and the apes......Guess what?   You'll be rooting for the apes.  I daresay, this is one of the best movies out there right now.  It has lots of action, wonderful bits of comedy and a giant helping of tenderness. See it on the big screen for the ultimate thrill.  (There are also sub-titles at time for the apes and they can be difficult to read on a TV unless, of course, you have one of those giant screens.)  This final film wraps up the trilogy nicely and I was duly impressed.  Think you will be too.

SPIDERMAN: HOMECOMING

SPIDERMAN: HOMECOMING:   Evidently Peter Parker had a thrilling time with the Avengers in "Captain America: Civil War" (a film I did not see) and in this story he returns home to NYC to continue his life as a teenage nerd/superhero.  Mentored by Iron Man (Robert Downey, Jr.) he tries to find a balance in his life until a new villain, the evil Vulture (Michael Keaton) emerges to create havoc and throw his life into chaos.  Along for the ride in this outing are Marisa Tomei (Aunt May), Tyne Daly and Gwyneth Paltrow(in little more than a walk-on).  Newcomer Tom Holland is the new hero and he handles the job admirably bringing a boyish charm to the character.  As is to be expected the CGI effects are first rate and I was particularly impressed with the goings-on at the Washington Monument and the Staten Island Ferry.  Great fun.  Here's hoping Mr.Holland will be on board for the next installment.  (Can there be any doubt one is in the planning stages?)

THE BEGUILED

THE BEGUILED:   A remake of the Clint Eastwood and Geraldine Page film from 1971, this retelling by director and screenwriter Sofia Coppola takes an almost Jane Austin approach to the proceedings.   Colin Farrell stars as an injured Union soldier and deserter during the Civil War who takes refuge in a Southern girls boarding school run by Nicole Kidman.   Soon one of the teachers, (Kirsten Dunst) as well as a student (Elle Fanning) fall under the spell of the handsome stranger and sexual tensions begin to arise. With a minimal score, Ms. Coppola has decided on atmosphere with a capital A.  It is a moody piece replete with fog and Spanish moss.   While I liked this version, I somehow felt more satisfied with the earlier one. Perhaps Ms. Page had a better lock on the "spinster" side of the character.   However, Kidman and Farrell give outstanding performances and I recommend it.   But be forewarned, it may not be your cup of bourbon.

THE MUMMY 3D

THE MUMMY 3D:  Yes, it's another reboot (or re-imagining) of this classic monster pic.  This time we have Tom Cruise as the star and the mummy is a woman.  While most of the earlier genre tended toward chills and scares, this fits firmly into the action/adventure slot, perhaps because Mr. Cruise was on board. (Can you say "Mission Impossible: The Mummy"?) At any rate, it does have that going for it along with a few jolts and the supporting cast is talented and easy on the eyes.  Unfortunately, the narrative is so farfetched that it borders on the ridiculous. (We have Russell Crowe playing a character called Jekyll who ultimately turns into Hyde.)  It all becomes just a bit too much.
This is the first in a series of planned reboots of monster flicks under the "Dark Universe" banner from Universal Pictures.  (The Creature From the Black Lagoon, Bride of Frankenstein, The Wolf Man and The Invisible Man are in store) Let's hope they do better next time around. Where is Boris Karloff when you need him!

WONDER WOMAN

WONDER WOMAN:  Part Greek mythology, part "Raiders of the Lost Ark," Gal Gadot plays the title role in this telling of how it all began.  She started out as Diana, Princess of the Amazons, trained to be a warrior.  Upon rescuing a crashed American pilot, Steve Trevor (Chris Pine), she learns of the conflict (WWI) in the outside world far from her island paradise. Determined that it is the work of one of the Gods, she convinced Steve to take her with him and we soon find them in London and then the trenches of Belgium.  And the story unfolds. The two stars have a likeable chemistry and at times the film almost seems like a "screw-ball" comedy of the 30's (which is not a bad thing.)  The banter between them is fresh and new but too far and few between. One of the faults of this outing is the length (2 hrs, 21 mins) It could have use a merciless editor to pick up the pace.
The performances are fine (a nice ensemble of character actors fills out the cast) and there is the requisite orgy of CGI effects in the last battle scene but, all in all, it turns out to be just another in the long line of super-hero flicks.  Hey,  Summer is coming and there will be more.  I will also say that young viewers will have a little trouble following the plot so best take them to something else.   For fans of the genre, this will do, for now.   And Wonder Woman will be back in "The Justice League" this November.

PIRATES OF THE CARRIBEAN: DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES 3D

PIRATES OF THE CARRIBEAN: DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES 3D: The fifth and perhaps final installment in this franchise, (although there is a hint of another, if you stay through the credits) finds our "hero" in hot water once again (although the water is decidedly cold and salty).   Johnny Depp continues to amaze and amuse in this outing as Captain Jack Sparrow, this time pitted against the ghost of an old nemesis, the evil Captain Salazar played with relish and gusto by the wonderful Javier Bardem.  And of course, Geoffrey Rush is along for the ride, still being cantankerous.  That being said, the film has none of the brio of some previous installments although it tries not to sink.  Along the way there are a couple of brilliant bits...(a rotating guillotine is fun) and there is a subplot about the son of the Orland Bloom character from the first film, trying to remove the curse on his father that has doomed him to the "flying Dutchman."  If all of this seems rather convoluted, it is and it is rather long as well. Fans will love it but at times, it seemed that Mr. Depp was relying too much on earlier sthitck.  I will give you one spoiler alert......Paul McCartney makes a brief appearance as Uncle Jack.  (I tell you this because I think it's more fun to know it is him than to see his name go by in the crawl at the end.)   I chose the 3D format to enhance the ride...and I must say good old CGI didn't let me down.... I fact, some  of the film would be banal were it not for that extra dimension.  So see it, if you wish....but the first one is still the best!  Rent it instead.

SNATCHED

SNATCHED:  Touted as a film for the Mother's Day weekend, this bit of froth stars Amy Schumer and Goldie Hawn as mother and daughter.  When she is dumped by her boyfriend on the eve of their planned vacation, Emily (Schumer) persuades her mother Linda (Hawn) to accompany her on a South American jaunt.  The two, being polar opposites, soon find themselves at odds and knee-deep in adventure.  Yes, kidnapping is involved (thus, the title.) In lesser roles, but memorable, we have the wonderful Wanda Sykes, along with Joan Cusack (with not a word spoken) and Christopher Meloni both filling their own funny shoes.  While the dialog is crude at times and may offend some, you will still laugh. There is also a bit of comic bloodshed.  I did think it tried a little too hard to pull at your heart strings toward the end.....but hey, it's meant for Mother's day.  So there had to be a happy ending.

THE DINNER

THE DINNER:  Billed as a psychological drama, it is certainly that and then some.  Richard Gere plays Stan Lohman, a popular congressman running for governor.  He and his wife Katelyn (Rebecca Hall) invite his estranged younger brother, Paul (Steve Coogan) and his wife Claire (Laura Linney) to join them for dinner at a fashionable restaurant and so the stage is set for a tense evening.  While the two brothers are virtually strangers to each other, their 16 year old sons are friends and throughout the evening (in a series of flashbacks) we learn that the teens have committed a horrible crime, a crime only known to some of the parents.  While this film is a bit hard to follow at times (as well as hard to take), it is worth the visit only for the master class in acting given by this cast.  This may not suit every taste in cinema, but I found it fascination although I will say, I though the ending was rather abrupt and equally unsatisfying.  Still, all in all, I'm glad I saw it (the food served at this dinner is beautiful to behold) and the film offers a king-size portion of food for thought .

THE CIRCLE

THE CIRCLE:  This modern day "thriller" stars Emma Watson as a young woman who seems headed for success when she lands a job at a high tech company called 'The Circle.'  With encouragement from her boss (Tom Hanks) she rises in the ranks but soon (well, not too soon) discovers  a nefarious agenda afoot.  In retrospect, this film has "Big Brother is Watching you" written all over it...And that's okay, BUT, it is tedious at times i.e. downright boring. Ms Watson continues to grow as a young leading lady with a bright future and Hanks plays with (and against) type in a small but pivotal role. If I had to sum this film up in one word.... Upsetting.  It makes you think about the future of cyberspace and how it can be used...Or is it already being used?  I'll have to ponder this one for a while.  It was a real love/hate experience.

BORN IN CHINA

BORN IN CHINA:  First of all, I am a sucker for a good nature documentary and when it's done by Disney, I'm in heaven.  This latest offering (they always come out on Earth Day) doesn't disappoint in the least. This is a visually stunning look at three animal family in the China that you and I may never see. From the frigid mountains of the snow leopard to the bamboo forest of the panda and the golden monkey, this is mesmerizing. It is funny.  It is sad.  It is thrilling. And we follow them through all of the seasons and see what hardships and joys these animals experience.  Along the way we meet all sorts of other creatures...elk, cranes, villainous wolves and birds and even a butterfly or two. While it is not the best of this Disney series (Next year..."Dolphins") it will hold your interest for the beauty of the landscape, not to mention a baby panda who  keeps falling down.... And  Kudos to John Krasinski for his wonderful narrative skills.  He helps to make the film what it is.....A joy!

THE ZOOKEEPER'S WIFE

THE ZOOKEEPER'S WIFE:  Jessica Chastain is the title character in this story of a woman who, with the help of her husband (Johan Heldenbergh) rescued hundreds of Jews from the Warsaw ghetto.  In a supporting role, Daniel Bruhl plays a Nazi zoologist with ulterior motives and he is excellent.  And while I have mixed feelings, since there have been numerous similar tales (most notably Spielberg's "Schindler's List), this film does has some flaws.   First off, we seem to care more about the animals than the Jews in the first part of the movie so we get a gloss that feels almost like Disney meets the holocaust.  On the plus side, it is filmed beautifully, but it never quite achieves the horror of what ungodly acts were committed at the time. (There are a few jolts along the way but they pale in comparison.)  Perhaps the film makers knew that we knew the back story and didn't want to dwell on it.  Summing it up, at the end,  it is still very uplifting and a testament to the human spirit but based upon real life, I'd hoped for better.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST 3D:

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST 3D:  A tale as old as time... but well worth the re-telling in this highly anticipated, splendid live action version of the 1991 Disney animated classic (and Oscar nominee for Best Picture) with a perfect cast headed by Emma Watson as Belle and Dan Stevens as the beast.  Other stand-out performances come from Luke Evans (Gaston), Josh Gad (LeFou), Emma Thompson (Mrs. Potts), Kevin Kline (Maurice), Ewan McGregor (Lumiere), Audra McDonald (Madame Gardarobe), Ian McKellan (Cogsworth) and Stanley Tucci (Maestro Cadenza). The score by Alan Menken with  lyrics by Howard Ashman continues to enthrall  with the addition of new songs (lyrics by Tim Rice)  The choreography by Anthony Van Laast is a marvel to behold.  The "Be Our Guest" number took eighteen months to perfect and it is nothing short of remarkable!  How do you choreograph for a teapot and a candelabra?   Remarkable!!!!  Lovingly held together under the direction of  Bill Condon, this "Beauty" will become another Disney classic and be loved by generations to come.  I opted to see it in 3D and I'm thrilled that I did.  There are some wonderful moments that will be lost in flat screen.  So, as if you hadn't guessed, I'm saying see it!  It is pure enchantment from beginning to end.  You will leave the theater is a state of  pure joy!

KONG: SKULL ISLAND 3D:

KONG: SKULL ISLAND 3D:  Well, it's early but I'm thinking this is the first of the typical  Summertime escapist flicks and not a bad reboot of the original.  This time a team of scientist with help from the military, explore an uncharted island and stumble upon the mighty Kong,   With a cast that includes John Goodman, Samuel L. Jackson, John C.Reilly, Tim Hiddleston, and Brie Larson as the new beauty for the beast, this film is part homage and part Apocalypse.  And this Kong is not as approachable as in past tellings. He's one bad-ass ape and not opposed to a little blood-letting.  Along the way we meet an undiscovered tribe of natives who believe Kong to be a god and a bunch of new,  very imaginative creatures who are just mean to the bone.   And there are plenty of bones along the way,  a skull here, a skull there.  As a side note,I am more and more amazed at today's actors who must "act" with only their imagination.  (No spoiler alert, but Kong and his cronies are not real.)   But they seem real enough and the CGI effects are tops.  This is probably the best the beast has ever looked.  I'd go 3D on this one.  It's staggering.

MOONLIGHT

MOONLIGHT:   The winner of this year's Academy Award, this is a groundbreaking film to be treasured for it's extraordinary ensemble cast and the Best Supporting Actor Oscar winner, Mahershala Ali.  A look at what shaped and molded a young black gay man growing up in a poor suburb of Miami, I suppose this falls into the "coming of age" category.  Divided into three parts with our hero as a child, a teenager and an adult. it certainly holds your attention.  That being said, I am not sure I agree with the Academy on this one. "La La Land" and "Hacksaw Ridge" would have been better choices in my book.  Don't get me wrong, this is a fine film and was certainly worthy of the nomination and your attention.  But, after all the hype I was a bit disappointed.

THE COMEDIAN

THE COMEDIAN: No doubt intended as a tour de force for one of our most brilliant actors, Robert De Niro plays Jackie Burke, an aging iconic insult comic who has seen better days and sets about to reinvent himself although, sadly the film never quite lives up to its potential.  However, if you enjoy someone of De Niro's stature cracking fart jokes, this is the one for you. And he is surrounded by top notch supporting players including Danny DeVito, Patti LuPone, Eddie Falco, Harvey Keitel, Charles Grodin and Cloris Leachman, not to mention a host of cameos by real comics playing themselves (Billy Chrystal, for example.)  The problem here is the material and the script never quite sets fire.  Skewering this group and that, I found the whole thing rather distasteful, not to mention the abundance of expletives.  When I got home I had some mouthwash but the taste still lingers.  Better luck next time, Mr. D.

A DOG'S PURPOSE

A DOG'S PURPOSE: This rather sugary look at the bond between animals and their owners does garner tears and memories of American as it once was.  Dennis Quaid is the name actor attached to this project (he's only in the last half hour) that relates the re-incarnation of a dog over five decades and how it's owners were affected.  While there was a bit of controversy about animal cruelty regarding one of the dogs in roaring waters, the producers eventually pointed out that the dog in question was computer generated.  Hopefully, that is true.  That being said, this is truly a family film and I'm afraid a little tame.  Plus, some of the best moments were give away in the trailer (I hate that). So if you want to shed a tear,  I suggest you go see "Lion" and leave this one to the dogs.

LION

LION:  When a five year old Indian boy named Saroo is lost on a train and ends up miles from home and family, he must learn to survive.  And that is the plot of this tear-inducing film about his journey and ultimate adoption by an Australian couple (Nichol Kidman and David Wenham).  As the years pass, the adult Saroo (Dev Patel) falls in love (Rooney Mara) but begins to long to find out about his past and his real mother.  This film based on a true story grips you from the very beginning. The young Saroo (non-English speaking actor) Sunny Pawar will melt your heart.  And Dev Patel ("Slumdog Millionaire" and the "Exotic Marigold Hotel" franchise) gives his best performance to date.  Ms. Kidman in a lesser role shines, as usual, with great understanding of her character.  But this film belongs to the author (the real Saroo) who has brought life to a world most of us have never seen that is both sad and mesmerizing.  And there is a wonderful coda, seeing the real people that the film is based upon and learning the reason is it called "Lion"  It's on my ten-best list.est list.

MANCHESTER BY THE SEA

MANCHESTER BY THE SEA:  Golden Globe winner Casey Affleck stars in this drama about a tortured and angry man.   At the outset, it seems to be an idyllic life in a seaside community with two brothers on a fishing boat with a young man who is a nephew and son.   Then we switch to a janitor fixing faucet leaks, shoveling snow and hiding anger.  The brilliance of this film is the bonce between reality and the past, catching us up with how the Affleck character came to be who he is.  I will not give you any plot twists and turns.... but, be forewarned, this is not a pleasant film, although it has moments of sheer beauty filming the Manchester seaside.  And there are a few smiles and chuckles along the way. The major supporting characters are Michelle Williams as the wife,  Kyle Chandler as the brother, and Lucas Hedges as the son/nephew with a cameo by Matthew Broderick (which I found a bit jarring)   I usually write these "reviews" right after I see the movie, but this one gave me pause...I had to think about it....I guess it falls under the category of a "character study."  There is no real ending to the film except the one that will keep you thinking about it for days to come. It will get some Oscar nods.

HIDDEN FIGURES

HIDDEN FIGURES: The year is 1961 when racial segregation and sexism in the workplace were a common occurance.  At NASA, three African-American women help to launch John Glenn into space. This film chronicles their struggle to gain acceptance in a predominately white man's world.
With stellar performances by Taraji P. Henson, Janelle Monae, and Octavia Spenser (A Golden Globe nominee for Best Supporting Actor), you are witness to the hardships and ignorance that they endured without ever losing sight of their dreams and goals.  Kevin Costner plays the head of NASA with dignity and aplomb (and dare I say, a heart of gold?)  Kirsten Dunst and Jim Parsons round out the supporting cast, playing against type and rather prejudiced in their thinking..   If this sounds too depressing, be assured there are many funny moments and even a love story thrown into the mix.    All in all, it's a feel good movie, particularly so because we know longer live in that time...or do we?