HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON: THE HIDDEN WORLD

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON: THE HIDDEN WORLD.  Part three in this franchise and the best! The continuing saga of Toothless, the dragon and his master Hiccup, we have an all-star cast of voices including Jay Baruchel as Hiccup with other roles filled by America Ferrera, Cate Blanchett, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, F. Murray Abraham, Kristen Wiig and Johan Hill. While very young children may not "get it," the younger crowd of pre-teens I saw it with where gung-ho and give it a round of applause at the film's end.  The animation is wonderful, thrilling at times as the noble band of Vikings set out to find the Hidden world where all dragons are same and thrive.   Villainy is in the mix however and the task is not easy.  Along the way and particularly at the end, some life lessons are explained without being obvious of preachy.   All in all, it's a lovely film with a happy ending.  Just what we need.

A DOG'S WAY HOME

A DOG'S WAY HOME:  This is one of those film's that Disney used to make when I was growing up and I loved it!  It is scary, heartwarming, sad, funny and all totally believable.  Dallas Bryce Howard supplies the voice-over of the dog Bella's thoughts throughout this canine saga in which she travels 400 miles and crosses paths with an orphaned mountain lion, a pack of wolves and various nice and not-so-nice humans along the way just to be reunited with her "family."  With supporting work from Ashley Judd, Edward James Olmos and Jonah Hauer-King as Lucas, Bella's owner.  Filmed beautifully along the trek from Arizona to Denver, there is even an avalanche to contend with.  But Bella is one spirited dog!  And worth a visit for a feel-good film.

STAN AND OLLIE

STAN AND OLLIE: Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly are nothing short of brilliant in their portrayals of the comedy duo, Laurel and Hardy.  Together, they capture all the warmth, humor and  mannerisms of the comic legends.

In 1953, with their golden age of Hollywood long behind them, the two try for a comeback by going on tour to various variety halls in the British Isles while waiting for the financing to come through on a proposed picture. Small houses are a bit discouraging at first, but soon they have regained their old prominence until long buried tensions arise once more and Ollie falls ill.

This wistful, nostalgic look at the talents they possessed will bring tears of joy to your eyes and a tug at your heartstrings.  It is magical movie-making and a fond farewell to two of the best.  Go see it!!!

SERENITY

SERENITY: Matthew McConaughey plays Baker Dill, a fishing boat captain who leads tours off of a tranquil Plymouth Island.  That peaceful life is soon shattered when his ex-wife, Karen (Ann Hathaway) tracks him down with a plea for help.  It seems she and the son they share are being abused by her new husband and she wants Dill to take him out to sea and "feed him to the sharks."   With stunning photography (and Diane Lane in a supporting role) this "thriller" had a lot going for it. Too much in fact, while trying desperately to be a film noir, it ultimately fails on any number of fronts.  Plot twists seem to arise out of thin air and the big "reveal" is just plain silly.  Too bad, it should have been better.   Skip "Serenity" and keep your sanity.

GLASS

GLASS:  This latest film from M. Night Shyamalan is the third in a trilogy of films (the first two I did not see, so I may have been at a disadvantage going in.)  But, it holds up on its own merits and is engulfing. It's all about Super Heroes (at least in their own minds or are they real?)  The movie belongs to James McAvoy who plays a total of 20 different characters (can you say split personality?) and is absolutely magnificent in the part(S).  Co-starring are Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson who have there own sets of problems. (no spoilers here)  Sarah Paulson plays a doctor who seems to be in charge (or is she?).  While the film is a trifle hard to follow, it holds your interest, big time.  But I wish I'd seen the first two ("Unbreakable" and "Split") And I must say I admire Mr. Shylamalan (who does a cameo himself) for keeping the gore to a minimum (it's rated PG-13) and still supplies the needed thrill and chills.

ON THE BASIS OF SEX

ON THE BASIS OF SEX: This is the true story of the early career and court cases of Ruth Bader Ginsburg played with much insight and panache by Felicity Jones (with not even a hint of her British accent).  Armie Hammer portrays her husband, Martin with Justin Theroux, Kathy Bates and Sam Waterston in supporting roles. At first I was afraid there would be too much "legalese" in the screenplay (written by Ms. Ginsburg real-life nephew) but it is quite easy to follow and becomes fascinating to watch the unfolding of the major case involved.  It's hard to believe out far we're come (due in part to both of the Ginsburgs) and I gained a new respect for the woman as well as the jurist.  This bio pic should be required viewing for anyone interested in law and how it has shaped our country.   A splendid movie that I highly recommend.

THE FAVOURITE

THE FAVOURITE:  A Golden Globe nominee for Best Picture (Musical or Comedy) as well as Best Actress (Musical or Comedy) for Olivia Colman and two Best Supporting Actress nods to Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone, this cynical farce is a film to see, not only for the acting but for the stunning sets and costumes. In the early 18th Century, a frail Queen Anne (Colman) is cared for by her loyal servant, Sarah (Weisz) who also aids in running the Empire.  When a new servant, Abigal (Stone) arrives, her charm wins everyone over.  But soon, things begin to change. And that change is such fun to watch with all its lustiness, intrigue and deceit (not to mention some razor-sharp dialogue).   I must add that the Cinematography is outstanding and Oscar worthy (no category exists in the Golden Globes) but be forewarned much of the film seems to be shot with "available light" and some of the nighttime candle-lit scenes will most likely be too dark for TV viewing.  So, if you plan on seeing this superb offering, get thee to the cinema!  And revel in some brilliant acting by three of the screen's finest actresses.