YESTERDAY: British director Danny Boyle ("Slumdog Millionaire") helms this musical fantasy/love story about a would-be singer/songwriter named Jack Malik who awakens after a freak accident with a bus (during a mysterious global blackout) to discover that no one on earth has ever heard of the Beatles. Himesh Patel plays Jack and soon capitalizes on this accident of fate by using the Beatles material to attain stardom. Lily James is Ellie, his long time friend and Kate McKinnon plays his agent (and steals every scene she's in). Ed Sheeran plays himself and there is a brief bit by James Corden. The movie is slick, even psychedelic at times and the Beatle tunes are joyous even thought it is Mr. Patel doing the vocals. While I found the whole thing rather wonderful, I must admit the ending left me a bit cold, in that no reason is ever given for why this phenomenon took place. So, my advise is don't worry about it, just enjoy a rather unique film, to say the least.
LATE NIGHT: Newcomer Mindy Kaling wrote and co-stars in this comedy-drama about a female talk show host (the wonderful Emma Thompson) who, because of falling ratings and the accusations that her show has no diversity in the writing ranks, decides to hire a female writer (Kaling) which leads to some witty and sometimes touching situations. The entire cast is first rate in this fast-paced film with John Lithgow as Thompson's husband who has supported her until...……(no spoiler, here)
Thompson has never been better and it is a delight to watch this pro at work but, evenly delightful is watching Ms. Kaling "holding her own." This really is a movie with heart that has many moments of mirth along the way. It's well worth seeing.
ALL IS TRUE: Directed by the multi-talented Kenneth Branagh who also portrays William Shakespeare in this outing, the film examines his declining years. Judi Dench is on board as Anne Hathaway, the long suffering wife of the bard and Ian McKellan (appearing in only one scene) portrays the Earl of Southampton to whom the bard dedicated many of his sonnets. When his renowned Globe Theater burns to the ground, the devastated Shakespeare returns to his home in Stratford where he must face his neglected family and some unresolved troubles of his two daughters while he still mourns the lost of his only son. Mr. Branagh seems to want us to believe that the Shakespeares were just ordinary people and the script does a lot to get that idea across but I had the feeling that it is based more on speculation than truth. But still, it's a worthwhile film, albeit slow going in the first hour. Just to see Branagh and Dench together is a joy.
ROCKETMAN: Let me begin by saying that this is one of the most inventive musicals I have ever seen. Part biography and part fantasy and incorporating most of his music, this look as the early life of Elton John is absolutely thrilling. The musical numbers are stand out and will blow you away as will the performance of Taron Egerton in the role of the legendary musical genius. Others in the cast include Jamie Bell as Barnie Taupin, Elton's long time collaborator, Richard Madden as John Reed, his manager and lover for a time and Bryce Dallas Howard as Sheila Eileen, Elton's mother. You couldn't ask for better casting. Going out on a limb, I think this will garner some Oscar nominations, perhaps for the dazzling costumes as well as Mr. Egerton. At least they deserve that nod. One note, however, it is rated R for drug use and sexual situations, so leave the kids at home and enjoy this mature look at an icon of the highest order. I loved it! I REALLY LOVE IT!
