VICE

VICE: Nominated for six Golden Globes, it is bound to pick up a few Oscar nominations as well when the time comes.  The globe nominations are for Best Picture (Musical or Comedy), Best Actor (Musical or Comedy) for Christian Bale as Dick Cheney, Best Supporting Actor (Musical or Comedy) for Sam Rockwell as George W. Bush, Best Supporting Actress (Musical or Comedy) for Amy Adams as Lynne Cheney) Best Director for Adam McKay and Best Screenplay for Adam McKay.  Others in the note worthy cast include Steve Carell as Donald Rumsfeld and Tyler Perry as Colin Powell and as an added treat there is a good deal of archival footage featuring Hillary Clinton, Richard Nixon, Tony Blair, Barbara Walters, Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter, Barak Obama and even Benito Mussolini and Osama bin Laden.   This unique screenplay is at times maddening and at times hard to follow, but It all makes for a fascinating film which leans a good deal to the left (I will admit).
With shades of "Macbeth" thrown in (they even recite some of the dialog), this is bound to incite many discussions.   And about Mr. Bale..... (He is nothing short of  genius in his portrayal.)  While it won't be for everyone, it is worth seeing for the craft involved in bringing it to the screen.  And there is a vignette midway through the closing credits that sort of sums it all up.  

WELCOME TO MARWEN

WELCOME TO MARWEN:  This most unusual film is directed by the "Forrest Gump" director, Robert Zemeckis, and it has his whimsical stamp all over it.  And while it is tempting to call is a dark "Toy Story," it is much more than that. The absolutely brilliant Steve Carell stars as Mark Hogancamp, a bewildered man who was attacked in a hate crime that wiped out all his memories.   And with imagination as his only weapon,  he fights for recovery by building a miniature town where he can heal, survive and be a hero.  While the film bounces back and forth between reality and the imaginary world that Hogancamp has created, it is fascinating to watch but strangely unsatisfying by the end.   I'm glad I saw it because it is wonderfully done, but I left the theater feeling there was a void in the storytelling.  It simply needed more of a "kick" in the final courtroom scene when Hogancamp shares his thoughts on the assailants sentencing.  It's first-rate, technically superb movie making, but...………...

AQUAMAN

AQUAMAN: Jason Momoa plays the title character in this epic about the proverbial battle between good and evil but this time underwater.   Which may explain why it is a bit waterlogged at times in spite of the opening sequence when the wonderful Nicole Kidman is discovered washed ashore at a lighthouse and taken in by its keeper (Tom Curry) who shortly learns that she is Atlanna, the Queen of Atlantis and on the run from an arranged marriage.  Needless to say, they fall in love and she gives birth to a son they name Arthur. And thus Aquaman is  born.  When thugs try to kidnap her and return her to Atlantis, she valiantly fends them off, but realized she must go back to prevent further mayhem.   And we are off and running (or swimming as the case may be) Among the supporting cast is Willam Defoe, Dolph Lundgren, and Owen Wilson, playing the bad guy for a change.   The plot is all about undersea wars and who will be king and other such nonsense all aided and abetted by spectacular CGI, which brings me to my only complaint about the film.  It is almost overkill and you feel like you may have stumbled upon a new "Star Wars, Under the Sea." All in all, it is diverting and grandiose in scope.  (And stay through the beginning credits at the end, to get an added plus...…..which is to let you know there will be a sequel.)  I hope they cut back a bit on all the noise and dry out a little.

MARY POPPINS RETURNS

MARY POPPINS RETURNS:  Already nominated for a Golden Globe as Best Picture (Comedy or Musical), I was afraid this sequel wouldn't quite live up to the original. but under the direction of Rob Marshall and with leads like Emily Blunt and Lin-Manuel Miranda, it takes flight and soars! And in a word, it is delightfulcalafragilisticexpialidocious and the perfect movie for the holiday season. I won't go into the plot, suffice it to say that  Ms. Poppins saves the day and teaches some life lessons along the way.   And what a supporting cast!  We are treated to performances (some little more than a cameo) by Dick Van Dyke, Angela Lansbury, Colin Firth, Meryl Streep  and Julie Walters with Ben Whishaw and Emily Mortimer as the now-grown Banks children from the original film. Did I mention, it's a musical with some show-stopping numbers, most notably "The Light Fantastic."  There are also some wonderful animated sequences  (A side note, Julie Andrews was offered the Lansbury role of the Balloon Lady but turned it down because she thought it would be too distracting and the film should belong to Ms. Blunt.)  And indeed, it does, channeling Ms. Andrews but making it her own.   And Mr. Miranda is a perfect lamplighter who warms you with just a smile.  This it first rate movie making that will keep you smiling all day. And the three juvenile actors practically steal the picture.  I can't wait to see it again.

THE GRINCH

THE GRINCH:  Benedict Cumberbatch voices this Dr. Seuss character in this new animated version of the oft-told tale "How the Grinch Stole Christmas."  The plot is infinitesimal.  Unhappy Grinch vs. the overly joyous citizens of Whoville.  It's got a few nice chuckles here and there, but if you are over the age of preteen, you may be a bit Grinchy yourself.   It's nice but doesn't like any fireworks or more appropriately any new Christmas lights.   Kids will love it...…..and though I like to think of myself as a "kid at heart," old age must be creeping up like a Grinch in the night.   A nice Christmas movie but it won't become a classic.

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INSTANT FAMILY

INSTANT FAMILY:  Every now and then you just need a nice comedy in your life.  So this Mark Wahlberg film seemed like a perfect choice.  Only one problem, it isn't a comedy.  Oh, there are enough amusing moments along the way, but they are outweighed by this tender portrait of a couple (Rose Byrne plays the wife) on a quest to foster and perhaps eventually adopt a child. Octavia Spencer is one of the mentors in this process and she is her wonderful usual self.  When a child is finally chosen, it turns out to be a teenager with two other siblings and so they opt for the package deal.  Hilarity does not ensue but it doesn't matter. Mr. Wahlberg produced the film and he made a wonderful choice.  Perhaps not the "feel-good" movie of the year, but certainly right up there.  And the three "children" are remarkable.

GREEN BOOK

GREEN BOOK: Already the winner of several Film Festival awards, can the Oscars be far behind?The plot concerns an African-American pianist named Don Shirley (played brilliantly by Mahershala Ali who won the Best Supporting Oscar for "Moonlight" in 2016) who is planning a tour of the deep south in the Jim Crow era.  He needs a driver (and a bodyguard?) and the job falls to an ex-bouncer called Tony Lip (played with equal brilliance by Viggo Mortensen) How the two eventually bond after a rocky start is the plot and the fun in this film.  At times funny, but making some serious points along the way, this is one to savor. I won't give anything away but this is the feel good movie we need as we enter the holiday season.   In fact, I'll go out on a limb and say "This is the best movie I've seen all year!"  It will make you laugh, make you cry and make you believe in the integrity of man.  And to top it all off,  it's a true story!

THE FRONT RUNNER

THE FRONT RUNNER:  Hugh Jackman portrays Senator Gary Hart in this film which examines his rise and fall when he was considered to be the probable Democratic presidential nominee in 1987 until a scandal befell him. A splendid support cast including J.K. Simmons, Alfred Molina and Vera Farmiga raise this film to a high standard.  While those of a certain age will remember this scandal, it is told with intense honesty and one comes away feeling a certain sympathy for Hart and his unwavering belief in privacy.   He had nothing if not integrity.  A fascinating look at an earlier time and perhaps the beginning of why such things don't faze us today. Good movie-making.

WIDOWS

WIDOWS: Viola Davis heads up a stellar cast in this "wanna-be" thriller about a heist. And while it tries its best to be a crowd pleaser (some violence, some explosions and some blood letting), it is simply too tedious at the on-set and although tough as nails, at times, it simply falls short when all  is said and done.  I won't go into the plot for fear of giving too much away.  Suffice it to say that the entire cast is first-rate, the more notable names being Liam Neeson, Robert Duval, Colin Farrell and Lucas Haas with Elizabeth Debicki, Michelle Rodriquez and Cynthia Erivo filling out the four "wanna-be" heisters.  With lots of political overtones and some wonderful twists along the way, I still left feeling a bit "used" and confused.  The ending was too abrupt with too many questions left unanswered.  So proceed at your own risk. I can't wholeheartedly recommend it.

FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE CRIMES OF GRINDELWALD

FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE CRIMES OF GRINDELWALD:   Eddie Redmayne returns as Newt Scamander in this sequel to the original outing.  We also get Jude Law as a much younger Albus Dumbledore (this is all pre-Harry Potter) who enlists Newt's help in trying to take down the dark wizard, Gellert Grindelwald who is set on raising pure-bred wizards and witches to rule over all non-magical beings.  And filling the shoes of Grindelwald (who appeared briefly in the last incarnation of this franchise) is the always amazing Johnny Depp.  If you didn't see the first outing, you will be totally confused.  Actually, even if you saw the first  one, you will still be totally confused!  With a screenplay by J. K. Rowling that is so hard to follow, one keeps hoping the mists will clear and  by the end they do, somewhat.  But not before we are assured that there will be another film down the pike.  CGI effects are at there best and it is a wonder to behold but oh, that plot!  Every now and then, I found myself saying "Who are these people?

CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME?

CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME?:  Based on the memoir by Lee Israel, this film stars Melissa McCarthy as Israel who for much of the 1970's and 80's earned her living by writing bios of well known people.  Then, in the 90's she has trouble getting anything published because she seems out of step with the times.  Finally (through a fluke accident) she discovers a letter written by Fanny Brice steals it and sells it.  Realizing that there is money to be made she starts forging other letters (from the likes of Noel Coward and Dorothy Parker.  Let me say at the outset, Ms. McCarthy is absolutely wonderful in this role of the lonely, slightly depressed writer and could rack up a nomination.  Equally good is Richard E. Grant as her friend and ultimately, her partner in crime.  Also a nod must go to Jane Curtain who  plays her agent with the proper amount of pity and disgust.  This is what I would call a "New York" movie, capturing that booksellers mecca of a town.   I simply loved it and you will too!  And that's a promise!

BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY

BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY: Rumor has it that Johnny Depp was the first choice for the role of Freddie Mercury in this biopic of the iconic rock band, Queen, but there, were scheduling problems and so the role went for a brief time to Sacha Baron Cohan who ultimately had artistic "differences" with the director and was let go.  Finally Rami Malek took the role and, believe me, it was well worth the wait.  He is nothing short of brilliant in this bravura performance.  This "stand up and cheer/foot stomping" film will have you in awe.  There is not a wrong note in the entire movie (except perhaps for the shortness of some of the musical numbers).  While maybe some of it is fictionalized,  it all holds up and is quite believable.  If you are anything like me, makes sure you have plenty of Kleenex with you.  I was literally crying my eyes out for the last half hour.  I don't remember any movie in the last decade or so that has moved me like this one..  Is there an Oscar nomination in the future (for Mr. Malek)?  I wouldn't be at all surprised.  It is one helluva picture!

THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS

THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS:  From the Disney Studios, the holiday season is off to an early start with a stellar cast including Mackenzie Foy as Clara, Keira Knightley as the Sugar Plum Fairy, Helen Mirren as Mother Ginger, Morgan Freeman as Drosselmeyer and  the wonderful Misty Copeland as the Ballerina.   While it is visually stunning with wonderful special effects, it is also filled with dark moments that may not be suitable for younger viewers.  In fact, it is so hard to follow at times that the kids and the adults will both get lost in the narrative.  I also longed for more of the Tchaikovsky music on the sound track.  So, in spite of the sumptuous surroundings, the film doesn't quite work, at least, not for me.  But it almost redeems itself with some grand ballet work by Ms Copeland during the closing credits.  I wished for more.

TEA WITH THE DAMES

TEA WITH THE DAMES:  What do you do if four legends of the British stage and screen get together?  If they are Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, Eileen Atkins and Joan Plowright, you put on the kettle and make a documentary!  And what a splendid doc it is!  Loaded with reminiscences, it uses all the adverbs......funny, sarcastic, poignant, clever, smart, caustic, irreverent, savage, iconic, old and unbelievably fresh.  The film also has wonderful clips from their early careers working with the likes of Olivier and Gielgud  (and a particularly funny story about Dame Edith Evans)You will leave the theater wishing the film had been longer so you could savor these wonderful women and their incredible careers.  If you love the theater and/or the Brits, this is a must see.  I'm still smiling.!

THE OLD MAN AND THE GUN

THE OLD MAN AND THE GUN:   Robert Redford has announced his retirement and ordained this to be his last film...….and he goes out with a bang!  What a wonderful career culminating in this slow moving but splendid outing.  Based on the true story of Forrest Tucker who escaped from San Quentin at age 70 and precede to carry out a string of heists that confounded the authorities and enchanted the public at large.  In his pursuit is Detective John Hunt (Casey Afflek) And a woman named Jewel (Sissy Spacek) that he meets along the way and loves him in spite of (but also doubting the truth of) his profession.  Other supporting roles are filled by Tom Waits and Danny Glover as accomplices to the robberies.  Part "make you smile" Comedy with a touch of suspense, and all good, the film is easily paced to let you relish the acting of it's star.  He is underplaying almost every scene but with a tenderness and charm that are winning.  And, if is his last performance on the silver screen, it is a remarkable lovely swan song.

COLETTE

COLETTE:  Keira Knightley portrays the French authoress as if she was born for the role and it is a lovely performance in this rather slow moving but nonetheless enthralling film. It traces her life from her rural upbringing through the marriage to an older man who convinces her to write and publishes her work under his name (Women were frowned upon as writers in the 1900's France.) And ultimately coming into her own amid some debauchery with both sexes.  This may not be for everyone's taste but it is clearly an accurate accounting of the life and times of this extraordinary woman.

A STAR IS BORN

A STAR IS BORN:  I had a bit of trepidation going in to this newest version of this well-known  story.  We had the first telling with Janet Gaynor and Frederic March, another (my favorite) with Judy Garland and James Mason and a third with Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson.  So why not a version for today's audience?   First time director (and co-star) Bradley Cooper took the project on and he's made it shine!  Lady Gaga (in her film debut) quite possibly will be Oscar nominated for this breakout performance and quite possibly Cooper as well.  Sam Elliot leads the supporting cast of first rate performers.   But this film works because of the "chemistry" between the two stars.  They are simply wonderful together.   Another plus for me was the way Cooper chose to end the film and it brought me to tears.  Put this on your list of must-sees and revel in the outstanding performances.  It is as good as the previous versions and in some ways, better.

THE HOUSE WITH A CLOCK IN ITS WALLS

THE HOUSE WITH A CLOCK IN ITS WALLS:   Part fantasy, part comedy, part horror, but all entertaining, this film starring Cate Blanchett and Jack Black is a delight with a wonderful performance by child actor, Owen Vaccaro portraying  a young man sent to live with his uncle (Black) in a creaky old house with a strange tick-tock sound emanating from deep within the structure. It's all about witches (Blanchett at her best) and warlocks and although it is sort of a rip-off of the Harry Potter genre, it works.  Designed for a young audience (i.e. the whole family) it has some delightfully creepy moments and a jolt of two along the way plus some great CGI effects. ( I loved the "griffin" topiary that comes to life and has to be reminded constantly to use the litter box.)
In other words, it's fun, funny, and fun-tastic.

A SIMPLE FAVOR

A SIMPLE FAVOR:   Directed by Paul Feig, this black comedy mystery stars Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively along with Henry Golding (the new guy who was in "Crazy Rich Asians") and centers around a mommy, nerdish blogger (Kendrick) who is out to solve the sudden disappearance of her rich new best friend (Lively.)  Lots of plot twists and flashbacks along the way keep this movie engaging.   And I am not about to give anything away here.  Just go and enjoy it.  It's one of those movies that you think you have figured it all out and then it takes off in another direction.  And it will keep you guessing up to the end.  And there is even an amusing coda after that.   No big stars, no car crashes (well, one or two) but a thoroughly enjoyable outing.  I recommend it.

THE WIFE

THE WIFE:   It's still early, but I think our first Oscar nominee is upon us in the personage of Glenn Close in this nuanced and brilliant performance as the title character.  She portrays Joan Castleman, wife to a celebrated author Joe (Jonathon Price). They are compliments and therefore opposites to each other; Joe is vain and Joan is self-effacing and so on. As the film opens Joe is notified that he has won the Nobel Prize for Literature.  Then, through a series of flashbacks, we see how the couple have arrived at this point.  Christian Slater portrays a rather pushy writer, eager to do a biography on John but in the process discovers some unknown details about him.   Also in the cast is Max Irons (son of Jeremy) as the couples close to estranged son, David. It's a quiet film with moments of joy and humor that leads ultimately to a somewhat predictable ending. None the less, Ms. Close is at the top of her game (as is Mr. Price) and it is a fascinating portrait of a couple in love and on the brink.of destruction.

OPERATION FINALE

OPERATION FINALE: Oscar Isaac (who also produced) plays the lead in this suspense thriller about a group of Israeli agents and their journey to Argentina to track down the notorious Adolph Eichmann (played brilliantly by Ben Kingsley).  It is a bit slow at times, but worth the view and down-right nail-biting toward the end.   Catching the elusive Eichmann was nothing compared to what the group had to battle to get him out of Argentina and on a plane to Israel.   Riveting stuff even if it feels at times that we've been down this path before. But this time the humanity of the villain shows up in several scenes, but not for long and not believable, I feel.  It's just a different take on an old story but some food for thought.

THE HAPPYTIME MURDERS

THE HAPPYTIME MURDERS:   In a world where humans and puppets co-exist, two detectives must join forces to find out who is killing off retired puppet sitcom stars.  Mellisa McCarthy as Detective Connie Edwards and her former partner, Puppet Investigator Phil Phillips (voiced by Bill Barretta) set out to solve the case.  Decidedly, not for children, this film received mostly negative reviews and a couple of nice ones.  So be forewarned, it is raunchy, and in questionable taste at times as it shows the underbelly of the puppet life in Los Angeles ( It's really somewhere between a film noir of a Muppet movie and a Raymond Chandler take on Sesame Street, which is no real surprise since is was directed by Brian Henson, the son of the Muppet creator Jim Henson) So, in conclusion, if you can get past the hard-boiled, dirty, but funny dialogue and have an open mind, you might enjoy it.    I did!  And a special nod to Maya Rudolph as Investigator Phillips long-time receptionist, Bubbles. Too funny!  

CRAZY RICH ASIANS

CRAZY RICH ASIANS: The first movie since "The Joy Luck Club" to have an all-Asian cast, this is a winner all across the boards. Filmed mainly in Singapore, it is a look at the wealthy Asian society that most of us will never know.   And some of them are crazy!   It's funny, touching and a sumptuous film.  Beautiful to look at (it's almost a travelogue) with a wonderful "pop" score.   It concerns the scion of a wealthy family bringing his Chinese-American girlfriend home for a wedding and to meet his family.  And what a wedding it is, unlike any you've ever seen, it's simply magnificent.  But mamma is not happy and that is the basis of the plot for this outing.  A splendid cast and a wonderful script make this one to remember.   I recommend it, whole-heartedly.  You won't be disappointed.

ALPHA

ALPHA:  This movie has no big name stars but it is a big movie, none-the-less.  In some part of Europe 20,000 year ago there was a boy named Keda on his first hunt with his Cro-Magnun tribe.  When a group of bison, they were stalking, turns on them, the boy is thrown over a cliff and his tribe must abandon him, leaving him for dead on an unreachable ledge below.    He survives and eventually is attacked by a pack of wolves.   Injuring one of them, he takes pity on the creature and nurses it back to health. Thus begins this tale of survival in a cruel wilderness as the boy tries to make his way home.  It is a tale of friendship and the ultimate discovery of "mans best friend."    The visuals in this movie are beyond description... breathtaking, inspiring and beautiful don't even come close.   The lead actor (Kodi Smit-McPhee) is a revelation and someone to watch.  Subtitles are used throughout since they speak a language that was created for the film, but it is easy to follow and you soon don't even notice they are there.   This is a totally unique movie that everyone should see for it's humanity and beauty.   And the ending will leave you in awe and enraptured. It really is a must!

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THE MEG

THE MEG:  When a "thought to be extinct" 75-foot-long prehistoric shark known as the Megalodon attacks a deep sea submersible leaving its crew trapped at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, you call in the best deep sea diver you can find and send him on a rescue mission.  In this case, it's Jonas Taylor played with much gusto and grit by Jason Statham.  Only problem is, he doesn't want to go.....seems he had a run-in with the same shark sometime earlier and no one believed him.  So he's now in "retirement."   Well, in true Hollywood tradition, they get it all ironed out and he's on the move.  Let me say the mechanical Spielberg shark pales in comparison to this CGI mega-shark.and some of the underwater scenes near the end of the film will take your breath away.  This is thrilling cinema with a dose of humor along the way and the hint of a love story to be.  Perfect Summer escapism! And worth your view.

THE EQUALIZER 2

THE EQUALIZER 2:  Denzel Washington returns as Robert McCall, the vigilante with a mission in this sequel.  And while I did not see the original, it didn't make much difference.  This time after some introductory character "what's he all about" scenes, justice strikes closer to home when thugs kill his best friend and former colleague, Susan Plummer.  Out for revenge, he must face an "army" of thugs who are out to kill him.   With out the usually CGI, in these type of action/thrillers, this is a breath of fresh air, in that department.  And who can resist Mr. Washington as an action figure?   The acting is first rate across the boards and there are subplots along the way (Orson Bean doing a wonderful role) which ultimately pay off in the end.  And what an ending...in the middle of a hurricane in an evacuated town with only Denzel and the thugs who want to kill him.  Oh, yes and there is a living, breathing body in the trunk......Great fun!  Good film.

CHRISTOPHER ROBIN

CHRISTOPHER ROBIN:  From the Disney Studios, the film opens in the Hundred Acre Wood with Pooh and the gang saying good-by to Christopher who must grow up.   And indeed, he does, Ewan McGregor plays the grown-up title character who has married, had a child and is lost in his work.   One day, Pooh on his own turf, awakens to realize all his old friends are nowhere to be found so he sets out for London to enlist the aid of  Christopher.  And the adventure begins.   McGregor gives a tour de force performance as the adult Robin and the "live action" characters create by A. A Milne are a wonder to behold......all of them are here, Pooh, Tigger Piglet, Eeyore (brilliant voiced by Brad Garrett), Roo, Kanga, and owl.   What a treat to see them all.   I loved this movie.  It will take you back to your childhood.  Relish in it!  Smiles abounding!

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE - FALLOUT

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE - FALLOUT:  I'll go out on a limb and state for the record that this is the best film yet in this franchise.  The writing is clever, the stunts are downright amazing as well as really executed by the star.  Tom Cruise returns to the role of Ethan Hunt and it fits him like a glove.  He is an actor on fire.  Filling out the IMF team this time is Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, and Alec Baldwin (in charge).  From the CIA we get Angela Bassett and Henry Cavill.  I won't got into the plot, but it's about a terrorist group and nuclear bombs and nobody is safe.  There are lots of twists along the way and once the film really gets going about half-way through, it is non-stop adventure.  Motorcycles chases, car chases, helicopter chases and they even chase on foot! If you are a fan of action movies, this is it!   The best action film of the Summer.  Mission Incredible!

MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN

MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN:  A prequel?  A flashback?  I'm not really sure.  With the ads touting that everyone from the original cast is back on board (Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Colin Firth, Pierce Brosnan, Stellan Skarsgard, Julie Walters, Christine Baranski and Dominic Cooper), I bought it and hoped for the best.   Then I'm told that adding to the mirth would be Cher and Lily James as the young Streep with Andy Garcia also (Are you with me so far?) Well, we got one big problem.   Most of the originals are now played by young actors doing imitations of what the originals would have been like in the past.  (Are you still with me?)  Meryl is only in the movie for about two minutes (unless you count the obligatory "Curtain Call" when all the characters sing and dance with each other to let your know which young actor played which old actor.)  It is all rather confusing to say the least.  Some of the musical numbers are quite rousing but the majority of the best ABBA songs were used in the original film so we get a lot of second rate tunes here...…….(They do revive the biggies and give Cher a golden moment near the end of the film.)  So....It is entertaining BUT not what I'd hoped for even though it's not a bad travelogue.  And the "Curtain Call" works so you leave thinking you got your money's worth.

SKYSCRAPER

SKYSCRAPER:   This latest outing for "The Rock" (doesn't he do a movie every other week?) is just what you'd expect:  thrills, explosions, deeds of derring do, and a few jokes thrown in for good measure.   And it all works, in spades!  Along with the aforementioned "Rock," Dwayne Johnson has the company of Neve Campbell playing his wife and I must say I was very impressed with her performance.  Real kick-ass.  He's an ex-F.B.I agent who now assesses security for skyscrapers.  On the job in China he finds the worlds tallest skyscraper on fire and he is being blamed.  As if that wasn't bad enough, it seems his family is in the building  above the fire which is spreading.   So that is the plot (in a fortune cookie) and the jolts never stop. (If you have a thing about heights, this may not be the film for you.)  CGI continually amazes me and this is one of the best so far this year.  You will marvel at how some of this footage was attained.  Breathtaking, to say the least.   It's all pure unadulterated escapism and I loved it.

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ANT-MAN AND THE WASP

ANT-MAN AND THE WASP:    What fun!  What a perfect summertime romp!  Super heroes with laughs.  It doesn't get much better than this.  Paul Rudd is the Ant-man who's been in trouble with the law and is now under house arrest when the film opens.   But help is needed.  What to do?  Make a fun-filled film with Evangeline Lilly, Michael Pena, Michael Douglas, Laurence Fishburne and Michelle Pfeiffer and stand back.  The plot is too big to go into with alternate universes and villains at every turn  but it's a blast and the CGI is flawless. San Francisco get's torn up in the process, but that goes with the territory.   You'll laugh out loud and smile from ear to ear as you leave the theater. 

INCREDIBLES 2

INCREDIBLES 2:  The animated family of superheroes makes a return to the big screen and while I didn't see the first one, I thought I'd check this one out.  Well, it was a bit of a disappointment to me because I expected more laughs. (The baby is the best thing in the flick.) However the whole film screams superhero and I ended up wishing it was a live action movie with real people instead of overblown cartoon characters (Was the mother really designed after a Kardashian with that butt?).  With the voices of Holly Hunter, Craig T. Nelson and Samuel L. Jackson among others who did their respective assignments well, it still fell short of what I expected.  If you saw the first one, or if you are young enough to accept this cartoon take on superheroes you may enjoy it, but it just wasn't for me.  Hey you can't win them all even if they claim to be incredible.

JURASSIC WORLD - FALLEN KINGDOM

JURASSIC WORLD -FALLEN KINGDOM:  Three years after the destruction of the Jurassic World theme Park, Owen Grady (Chris Pratt) and Claire Dearing (Dallas Bryce Howard) return to the island to save the remaining dinosaurs from a volcano that is about to erupt.  That's the premise and all you need to know to enjoy this thrill ride. The CGI effects have never been better or more flawless. The supporting cast is a boatload of talent and includes, Jeff Goldblum, James Cameron, Geraldine Chaplin, B. D. Wong, Tobey Jones and Rafe Spall. Needless to say, the eruption takes place and in getting the dinosaurs off the island and returning them to the mainland, a conspiracy begins to unfold.  This is one of those edge of your seat kind of movies that are such fun and almost wear you out.   But I loved it!  Will there be more?   Could be, if the ending is any indication.

TAG

TAG:  With Ed Helms, Jeremy Renner and Joe Hamm on hand to lead this testosterone laden foray into comedy, you would think it would work.  But it doesn't.  Well, maybe a little bit.  Too many others of this ilk have shown far brighter and far funnier ("The Hangover" comes to mind.) And while the premise is based on a true story of a gang of friends who meet every year to play tag, I really didn't care much for them or this script. It does have some gags along the way (a great many involving male genitalia and even some tasteless banter involving a miscarriage ).  The supporting cast (Jake Johnson and Hannibal Buress among others) tries to help as best it can.  But the fault is not in the stars but in the script.  I'd skip this one if I had it all to do over.

OCEAN'S 8

OCEAN'S 8:   Hey we can keep this franchise alive if we reboot the whole thing with women doing the heist.   That must have been the thinking behind this film.  Does it work?  Yes, a resounding yes! Sandra Bullock plays the sister of Danny Ocean (never mentioned in any of the other films) and we first meet her at her parole hearing.   (Don't despair, she ain't going "straight.")  She envisions a heist to take place at the renowned Met Gala and a good part of the film involves her recruitment of her fellow thieves.  They include Cate Blanchett, Rihanna, Helena Bonham Carter and Sarah Paulson among others.  Also along for the ride is James Corden as an insurance adjuster assigned to the case and  a passel of notable cameos (I won't spoil it by telling you who).   Far and away the real scene stealer in all this merriment is Anne Hathaway as a spoiled, rich actress.  What a joy!  While the film has wonderful moments of banter between Bullock, Blanchett  their team of thieves, it never quite attains that magic that Clooney and his cohorts achieved (The Sinatra film is another matter.) But, all in all, it was great fun and the last thirty minutes is so loaded with twists and turns you may as well be on a Disneyworld ride.   Perfect Summer fare!horts achieved (The Sinatra film is another matter.)

BOOK CLUB

BOOK CLUB: A near perfect comedy with four fabulous women, Jane Fonda, Diane Keaton, Candice Bergan and Mary Steenburgen.  And the men aren't bad either.   We get support from Andy Garcia, Craig T. Nelson, Don Johnson and Richard Dreyfuss.   In case you didn't know, this particular book club will be reading "Fifty Shades of Gray" and nothing will ever be the same.  It's raucous, racy and laugh-out-loud hilarious.  And there's a bit of a message as well.  Namely, you're never to old to love!   Good words of advice in this crazy world of ours.  Trust me, this one will make you leave the theater smiling.   And it's a treat to watch these pros at work.

OVERBOARD

OVERBOARD:  In this reboot of the Kurt Russell / Goldie Hawn 1987 comedy, this time the roles are reversed with Eugenio Derbez as the spoiled rich man and Anna Faris as his nemesis.   With this reversal, the whole thing has a fresh feel and hilarity ensues (as they say). Well, it's not that funny.  The word I would choose is sweet.   So sweet that the original seems edgy by comparison.   Be that as it may, it's enjoyable and has Eva Longoria in a supporting role as Faris's friend. It sags a bit mid-way through but Derbez brings an abundance of charm to his role and he is a joy to watch.  And while it won't win any awards, it is a fun outing even though it is predictable.  Happy ending?  One you won't see coming.

TULLY

TULLY: Oscar winner Charlize Theron gives another outstanding performance in this "Dramady" about a mother (third child on the way) and how she copes with overwhelming motherhood.
Her brother offers to give her the gift of a "night-time" nanny to help her through the initial days after the third child's birth.  She refuses at first and after a meltdown of sorts, agrees and calls the nanny, a wise young girl named Tully.  I will stop here to say that this movie is at times confusing until the very end and I won't spoil that for you.  I liked it, all in all, but it will leave your wondering "was this all real" or a journey into mental illness.  You decide.

RAMPAGE

RAMPAGE:  When you have a plot this preposterous, your better get Dwayne 'The Rock" Johnson to star in it and make it a lot of fun.   And that is exactly what this film is....preposterous but a lot fun.  (Well, in truth, it could have used a bit more fun, joke-wise.)   But it is basically what you'd expect.  Our hero trying to save our cities earth (mainly Chicago) from destruction by three (count'em, three) overgrown (via a sky-lab accident) beasts, a once friendly albino gorilla, a wolf-like creature and ultimately a reptilian (gatorish) lizard, Talk about having your work cut out for you. Great CGI along the way and a talented supporting cast including, most notably, Naomie Harris and Jeffrey Dean Morgan as cohorts of the hero.   Don't expect any great lesson from this...........just enjoy the ride...........Summer is coming.

CHAPPAQUIDDICK

CHAPPAQUIDDICK: The tragic event that befell Ted Kennedy and Mary Jo Kopechne is the basis for this fascinating film that is neither a white-wash nor a hatchet job but rather an attempt to get to the facts.   With Jason Clarke skillfully hiding his Australian accent, as Kennedy and Kate Mara as Mary Jo, the acting is flawless, especially Bruce Dern who appears in only a few scenes as the Kennedy patriarch, Joe, but takes command of the screen with his presence. This is really about the sense of helplessness everyone felt as they try to salvage the Kennedy name and Ted's career by attempting all means of cover-up.  It is riveting at times and you almost want to cry out,  "Don't do that."  (i.e. wearing a neck brace to Mary Jo's funeral).   A thoroughly enjoyable look at the politics of the day and the mystic that was Kennedy.  

ISLE OF DOGS

ISLE OF DOGS:  Featuring an all-star voice-cast including Scarlett Johansson, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Tilda Swenton, Bryan Cranston, Jeff Goldblum, Yoko Ono, Liev Schreiber, Frances McDormand, F. Murray Abraham and Harvey Keitel, this Wes Anderson film utilizing some stop-motion animation is unlike anything I've ever seen.   In the city of Megasaki, Japan, an illness breaks out among the canine population and they are all exiled to a vast garbage-dump called Trash Island  by the corrupt Mayor.  But in the exiled group is also a beloved dog that belonged to the mayor's ward, Atari.  When he decides to try and find him, the adventure begins.  Filled with cinematic brilliance, this film is a wonder to behold.  But be forewarned, this is not for youngsters and contains many political references and humor that will go right over their heads.   So leave the kids at home but go and enjoy this one of a kind experience.  (Have you ever seen an animated kidney transplant?)  What a trip for the avid moviegoer.

FINDING YOUR FEET

FINDING YOUR FEET:  Imelda Staunton shines as a snobbish middle-class matron who discovers that her husband is having an affair with her best friend, forcing her to take up residence with her older estranged bohemian sister (Celia Emrie). And we are off and running with a wonderful mix of humor and pathos.   This is a feel-good movie that will also bring you to tears.   And the last line accompanied by the last shot in the film will absolutely blow you away.   The supporting cast contains many stalwarts of the British cinema including Timothy Spall, Joanna Lumley and David Hayman, all turning in lovely performances.   I won't divulge any plot twists but the title refers to dancing and there is some wonderful steps to behold.  The script will be a bit predictable to some but just go along for the ride and enjoy it.  It's a beaut!   I left the theater smiling!

LOVE, SIMON

LOVE, SIMON:   The genre has been around for ever....the "coming of age" movie.  Well, this one has a twist, our "ager" is also coming out of the closet.   Nick Robinson plays Simon and never strikes a false chord  while Jennifer Garner and Josh Duhamel portray his parents, Emily and Jack.  And the supporting cast of unknown teenagers is superb.  This is a lovely, heartfelt film with great moments of truth.  It's about friendship, loyalty and most of all love it it's many forms.   And while this film was a long time coming it was well worth the wait as it examines the feelings of a young man finding his way.  It will move you to tears of  joy and should be required viewing for every young  person who has doubts about who they are.  It will become a classic in its own way.   Five stars in my book.  You'll be glad you saw it.

THE LEISURE SEEKER

Helen Mirren and Donald Sutherland are Ella and John Spencer, a couple determined  to live out their last days as they see fit.  And why not in the old RV known as the leisure seeker?   On a trip from Boston to the Hemingway house in Key west, these two play their parts with relish, but unfortunately this meal requires more than that.  These are two adults playing adults but saddled with a rather childish script.  It has it's moments but you get a lot of  predictability i.e."been there, done that" along the way.  That being said, it is a joy to watch two pros who happen to have great chemistry with each other try to add the needed humor to this rather stilted script.   And they succeed in a great many scenes.   But alas, the ending is rather off-putting and slightly unbelievable.   There were too many other options.  But hey, it could have been worse in less capable hands. Cheer to the Mirren/Sutherland team!

A WRINKLE IN TIME

A WRINKLE IN TIME: While the juvenile stars (Storm Reid, Levi Miller and Deric McCabe are quite fetching and deliver very real performances, the supporting cast (Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine, Mindy Kaling and Zach Galifianakis) shines equally as bright.  But, the film is ultimately one big bore with too much technical mumbo-jumbo and two many messages to try to decipher.  Is this about family?  About bullying?  About self-worth?  It all becomes overwhelming and tiresome.   My biggest hate was Oprah's make-up.  Two much razzle dazzle for a character named Mrs.Which unless they were referring to what wig and what eyebrows she would wear next.
I will grant you that some of the special effects are unique (particularly the "flower" sequence)   But,  it was all a waste of time in my book.   The best thing.....The Christmas coming attraction for Disney's "Mary Poppins Returns."

RED SPARROW

RED SPARROW:  A thriller in every sense of the word, this Jennifer Lawrence starring film will keep you guessing. With a splendid supporting cast including Joel Edgerton, Jeremy Irons and Charlotte Rampling, the movie is a bit hard to follow at times but all is explained in the twist ending.
The plot involves a ballerina who is injured and must give up dancing, opting to enroll is "Sparrow School," a Russian intelligence service where she is taught to use her body as a weapon.   Her first assignment to bring down a C.I.A. officer ends up having repercussions that spreads to both countries.  The film is long and tedious at times with some gratuitous gore and nudity thrown in, but once the ball gets rolling, the last hour was edge of your seat stuff, with more twist and turns that a Coney Island Roller Coaster.   If this is your genre, you won't be disappointed.  And Lawrence pulls all the stops!

PETER RABBIT

PETER RABBIT:   James Corden voices the title roll and has himself a ball in the process.  This update of the familiar Beatrix Potter story of Peter Rabbit, his triplet sisters, Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cotton-tail, their cousin Benjamin and their nemesis Mr. McGregor (The wonderful Sam Neill) veers into modern territory but is enjoyable all the same. With Rose Byrne as the neighbor and Donhnall Gleeson as the nephew of Mr. McGregor supplying the romantic interest, this is a family film at it's finest.  And we all need one of those now and then.   The CGI is first rate with all manner of critters occupying the screen.   I loved the deer that keeps staring at the standing car and saying (eyes wide) "Headlights!" and the rooster that awakes every morning totally amazed that the sun came up again  And the porcupine and the fishing frog and on and on.   Treat yourself and any youngsters you know to this totally charming and wonderful film.  You'll feel like a kid again!

BLACK PANTHER

BLACK PANTHER:  This latest film superhero from the folks at Marvel comics takes the genre to a new level, not because the hero is black, but because it recaptures the essence of superheroes, who for the most part are mythical.  Starring Chadwick Boseman in the title roll with a wonderful supporting cast that includes Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, Forest Whitaker and Angela Bassett, this movie is thrilling in it's beauty as well as the expected action sequences.  I will  admit it was a bit hard to follow at times because of flashbacks and not knowing who was who.  And the plot is full of teleportation, a metal that has mysterious  properties (like restoring life), some robotic rhinos who appear out of nowhere and a conflict between warring factions.   All in all, I enjoyed it and (after the credits as the end) we get set up for a sequel.  So, if this type of film is a must for you, you won't be disappointed.  And it's nice to have a predominately black cast is a genuine epic film.

THE 15:17 TO PARIS

THE 15:17 TO PARIS:   Clint Eastwood's take on the heroic event of August 21, 2015 in which three young American's thwarted a terrorist attack aboard a speeding train.  Starring the real life heroes as themselves does remove a bit of the suspense I suppose, (They obviously weren't killed...they're in the film) but Mr. Eastwood still manages to put a good deal of tension in at the end.  Told in a series of flashback, including their childhood, the film starts out with a good deal of promise.  But, unfortunately, mid-way through it gets bogged down and becomes a travelogue of sorts.  Will the ending ever get here, I found myself thinking.   Also, it was a bit too pro-gun for my taste, with the three playing "war" in the early scenes as they were growing up.   And I confess, I actually longed for "real" actors instead of "real" people in the leading roles.  Maybe, Mr. Eastwood had a smaller budget than usual and the choice of casting was out of necessity.  In summary, it's not a bad film, but not a great one either.  I wanted more.

CALL ME BY YOUR NAME

CALL ME BY YOUR NAME:   There has been quite a lot of hype about this Oscar nominee for Best Picture and it is a lovely thought-provoking film, but I was a tad disappointed.. Starring Armie Hammer and Oscar nominee Timothee Chalamet, this could be called a "coming-of-age" film and it certainly is that. But it also has a third "star".....the exquisite town of  northern Italy, Crema.   I will not delve into the plot lest I ruin the film for you.   Suffice it to say, it is  look at first love told with beautiful cinematography and great care and understanding.  But the bittersweet ending was not my cup of tea.  Maybe, I need more happy endings these days.  Still, all in all, it is a small and important film (in its own way.)   And I'm glad I saw it.

PHANTOM THREAD

PHANTOM THREAD: Every year or so, the Academy feels they must nominate an "intellectual" film and this is it (Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress and Best Director among others) Purported to be Daniel Day-Lewis's last film role (he has announced his retirement) I wish he has made a better choice for a swan song.  While the film is beautiful to look at and loaded with atmosphere, it is nonetheless, rather tedious through out,  In a nutshell, it is the story of an obsessed dress designer and his muse and lover and their love/hate relationship.  The score (also nominated) is one of the best things about this film along with the costumes (another nominee) That being said, if you have the time and want to see a brilliant actor at work, this is the chance.  But I seriously doubt it will take home any awards.

PADDINGTON 2:

PADDINGTON 2:   Another adventure with the loveable bear.   Enjoying his life with the Brown family, Paddington is quite popular in the community, spreading joy and marmalade wherever he goes.   While searching for a present for his aunt Lucy's 100th birthday, he finds a pop-up book, he thinks would be perfect.  Alas, the book is stolen and the bear sets out to find the culprit before the big day but gets himself arrested instead.   Ben Whishaw is the voice of Paddington with Hugh Grant, Sally Hawkins, Joanna Lumley, Michael Gambon, Julie Walters, Hugh Bonneville and Jim Broadbent lending their talents to the live action.  If I had to sum this film up in one word....charming!   Lots of smiles along the way.  And, if you stay through the closing credits, you will be treated to  a musical production number as a bonus!    I  love it.

THE POST

THE POST:  Meryl Streep is Kay Graham and Tom Hanks is Ben Bradlee in this Stephen Speilberg film about the nation's first female newspaper publisher (The Washington Post)  and her intrepid editor taking on the government and a cover-up that spanned four presidencies.  Historical drama? Yes.  But also a  thriller of sorts with splendid performances that are Oscar worthy. Hell, it may even win Best Picture.  The cover-up?  The Pentagon Papers.  This is one of the best of the year and the ending is absolutely glorious (and perfect for this piece).   The audience broke into applause which tells you how great it is.   Did I mention it is timely, as well, what with the constant attacks on the press from you-know-who.   Go see it.  You'll cheer!  I promise.

I, TONYA

I, TONYA:  Margot Robbie produced and portrays Tonya Harding in this film that attempts to examine her career and how she came up the through the ranks in the ice skating world.  Ms. Robbie does much of her own skating and is quite good and she is due additional praise for losing her Australian accent and bring this "white trash" character to the fore.  However, the scene stealer in all the proceedings is Allison Janney as Tonya's abusive mother LaVona.  Having won the Golden Globe as Best Supporting Actress, I'm guessing she's a shoe-in for an Oscar nomination.   And she well may get it. Also, in the cast is a splendid Sebastian Stan as Tonya's husband, Jeff Gillooly and the two share what can only be called a love/hate relationship.  How much of this is true is anyone's guess, but it does make for an interesting look into that strange incident that literally cost Hardin her career, a career that could have been stellar being the first woman to execute a triple axel.

JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE

JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE:  I'm a little late in viewing this one but it was worth the wait as pure escapist fare. It's stars, Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart and Karen Gillan have such fun playing teenagers trapped in adult bodies that all the performances are infectious with charm  and wit, as in "laugh-out-loud" moments.   Supporting roles are handled by Nick Jonas (his film debut?) and Bobby Cannavale who is as mean as they come in this outing (a far cry from the boyfriend/cop of Will on "Will and Grace.") So, in brief, if you're looking for a real popcorn movie, this is the one.....And in January instead of summer.   Great fun!

ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD

ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD: Directed by Ridley Scott (Golden Globe Nominee) and starring Michelle Williams (GG Nominee) and Mark Wahlberg, this film is based upon the real life kidnapping of the teenaged John Paul Getty III and his mother's attempt to persuade the "richest man in the world," his grandfather, to pay the ransom.  Christopher Plummer plays the elder Getty (replacing Kevin Spacey) and is flawless in the role. The role of the young Getty falls to Charlie Plummer (no relationship to Christopher) and he fits it like a second skin. Part thriller, part biopic, this film delivers on many levels and it is never boring in the least.  Wahlberg as a Getty employee who sides with the mother in her attempt to free her son, strikes all the right cords, self interested but sympathetic. Timothy Hutton shows up in a thankless role as another Getty minion.  All in all, a fascinating look behind the rich façade of wealth and the way it can be maneuvered to one's own desires.