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!