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.