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.