ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD

ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLWOOD: Quinton Tarantino's ninth film visits 1969 Los Angeles in a tribute to the end of Hollywood's Golden Age.   Featuring a large ensemble cast headed by Leonardo DiCaprio (TV star Rick Dalton) and Brad Pitt (Dalton's stunt double, Cliff Booth) as they navigate around an industry they hardly recognize anymore. With multiple storylines converging and fictional as well as real life characters in the plot, the film is fascinating as well as quite nostalgic as it unfolds. Supporting players along the way are Margot Robbie, Dakota Fanning, Luke Perry, Al Pacino, Kurt Russell and Bruce Dern.  I will not go into detail about the plot lest I ruin it for you.  Suffice it to say, the title says it all.   This is a fairy tale even though the Manson Family is involved.

THE LION KING, IMAX

THE LION KING, IMAX: With a new IMAX screen in town (Regal Theater), I thought it was time to check it out.  And this reboot of Disney's animation classic into "reality" was my choice.  Well, it turned out to be a bit of a mistake.  The IMAX was out of whack so the top and the bottom (about 2 feet on each side were black)  I complained to the management and got a refund.   But on to the film........Since I am sure you are familiar with the plot, I won't go into that.  But rather, relate some of the brilliance in this new version.  First of all, the cast of voices couldn't be better, with Danny Glover as the adult Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter at the adult Nala, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as the villainous Scar, and the comedy relief (scene stealing) of Seth Rogen as Pumba, the warthog and Billy Richner as Timon, the meerkat.  John Kani as Rafiki, the baboon and John Oliver as Zasu, the up-tight, red billed hornbill are also stellar in their roles.  The CGI animals are flawless and recapture many iconic scenes from the earlier version (in particular, the fun-filled trio "Hakuna Matata").  Another bonus are some new songs (with Elton John doing the honors during the closing credits).  The movie feels almost like a Disney Nature Film with incredible close-ups and spectacular scenery.  However, while watching "real" as opposed to "animated" animals sing can be a bit disconcerting at first, who am I to nit pick?  If you just believe, it's a wonderful film, full of warmth and (dare, I say it) humanity!   I loved it!

SPIDER-MAN FAR FROM HOME 4DX 3D

SPIDER-MAN FAR FROM HOME 4DX 3D:  Tom Holland returns to the role of the high-flying hero who (following the events of "Avengers Endgame") must step up to face new threats in a world that has changed forever. While on a class trip to Europe, Peter Parker is contacted by Nick Fury (Samuel L Jackson) who seeks his help in thwarting a new threat, namely mythical destructive "Elements"  (Fire, Water, Etc.)  Adding to the mix is a new superhero, "Mysterio" (played with gusto by Jake Gyllenhaal) who also joins forces with Spidey.   Some familiar characters return...Aunt May (Marisa Tomei) and Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau) along with Zandaya as M.J. (Parker's love interest.)
The movie is fast paced and a bit over-the-top at times.  Which brings me to the subject of 4DX. This is the latest gimmick to come out of Hollywood and available at limited theaters (we have it at our local Regal)  It can best be described as a virtual ride like you would find at a Universal or Disney theme parks.  Your theater seat shakes, throbs and depending on the scene, you may be pelted with bursts of  air, sprays of water, strobe lights and the like.  While I was not offended by the "ride", I doubt I would do it again......It really bordered on overkill.  That being said, the younger folks in the audience were lapping it up. So, a word to the wise...………..Oh, one more thing, during the closing credits, you will be treated to a final clip that had "Sequel" written all over it.   And I can't wait to see it.....in a "normal" screening.