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!

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!