ALADDIN 3D

ALADDIN 3D:   Continuing the live action reboot of some of their best animated features, Disney serves up a winner with this wonderful film.  Expanding, but remaining true to the original story ("Dumbo" went a little far field), the movie is a joy from beginning to end.  Starring Mena Massoud as Aladdin and Naomi Scott as Jasmine, the cast also features Marwan Kenzari as Jafar and (filling some very big Robin Williams shoes in the animated version) Will Smith as the Genie.  And he nails it!  While the movie starts out reminiscent of other "Arabian Nights" type films, it really takes hold once Mr. Smith's Genie is on board, bringing his own brand of humor (and a little hip-hop) to the proceedings especially during his first number, the dazzling "Friend Like Me."  Robin Williams would be proud.  Directed by Guy Richie with breathtaking cinematography by Alan Stewart, all the familiar songs by Alan Menken are here with a fresh bunch of new ones that fit like a glove. While I'm sure this film will be fine in the 2D format, this 3D version really soars on that magic carpet in "A Whole New World."  Therefore, I recommend it.  Either way, it will be a treat for you.  Go see it.

THE WHITE CROW

THE WHITE CROW:  Ralph Fiennes directed this film about the defection in Paris of Rudolph Nureyev at his shining moment as the star with the Kirov Ballet.  Oleg Ivenko (a ballet star in his own right) portrays the young Nureyev in this engrossing biopic with Fiennes portraying Nureyev's teacher and mentor Alexander Pushkin in his early days in Leningrad.   The film darts back and forth with flashbacks to his youth in the Soviet Union as a guide to how he reached this pinnacle in his life.  But, the big plus here is when Ivenko takes the stage and dances...…Shear magic albeit too few scenes but he is and certainly channeling Mr. Nureyev in his performance.  And the turning point (no pun intended) of the deflection in the Paris Airport is intriguing and suspenseful.  This film may not be for everyone but if you know bits and pieces of the story, this film will fill in all the blanks.  I found it mesmerizing!

POMS

POMS:  Nobody does comedy better than Diane Keaton and she is in top form as usual.  However, this film has an underlying sadness.  Leaving her New York apartment of many years, she calls her doctor and says she is not going through Chemo.  (And that's in the first few minutes)   Then she heads for Georgia and a retirement community and prepares to die.   But fate steps in thanks to her feisty neighbor (A splendid Jackie Weaver) who takes her in hand to show her retirement life.  Soon, they have bonded and decide to start a cheerleading club much to the chagrin of the community board.  Among their recruits are Rhea Perlman and Pam Grier adding fun and fire to the mix.   This film absolutely sparkles with warmth and wit and an ending that will touch your heart.   A  real feel-good movie of the highest order!

RED JOAN

RED JOAN: Inspired by the true story of the "Granny Spy," this slow moving but well paced film tells of an elderly woman (the remarkable Judi Dench) who is arrested for giving secrets to the KGB during WWII enabling them to have nuclear capability.  As the story unfolds in flashback to her years at Cambridge in the 1930's with Sophie Cookson as the young Joan, we learn what drove and molded her commitment.   A fascinating film that is more of an anti-war piece than a spy thriller, it held my interest with fine performance throughout.  Trevor Nunn directed this food for thought cinematic foray that some will find boring, I'm sure.  I, for one, was enthralled.

LONG SHOT

LONG SHOT:  Charlize Theron and Seth Rogan are the unlikely couple in this adult  comedy that takes a few hits at politics and the Media (a Fox stand-in) along the way.  She is about to run for President and he is hired to "punch up" her speeches.  And I must say their chemistry on screen is flawless and soon the pair have found love and the rough road that can rise up before them.  I call this an adult comedy because of some rough language, drug usage, and even a bit of masterbation.  That being said, it's funny!  And the two stars shine in this raunchy romp.