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.