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.

YESTERDAY

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

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

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

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!