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.