IT'S A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

IT'S A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD:  Tom Hanks embodies Mr. Rogers in this nostalgic look at the iconic television pioneer, and he does it brilliantly. Based on a true story, Matthew Rhys plays Lloyd Vogel, an Esquire magazine journalist sent to interview Mr. Roger for an upcoming article.   The friendship that develops between them is the crux of the film.   While Vogel is trying to dig up dirt on the TV personality, he can't help but fall under the spell of this remarkably kind man.  Chris Cooper, in the role of Jerry Vogel, Lloyd's estranged father, adds still another dimension to this intriguing tale as we (and Mr. Rogers) learn of the reason for the animosity between the father and son.   At times light-hearted, the film still has enough grit to be most satisfying.   And Hanks has never been better.  Truly one of our finest actors.

THE GOOD LIAR

THE GOOD LIAR: The brilliant performances of Helen Mirren as Betty McLeish, a wealthy widow and Ian McKellan as Roy Cortnay, a con-artist, make this thriller a must-see.  When the two meet on line, Roy starts to devise a plan on how to steal her millions.  What follows are a series of twists and turns that will keep you thinking "What next."   I won't go into the plot because half the fun is watching it unfold.   I admit it is a bit slow going at first, but as the pieces fall into place, the pace picks up.  And by the end...……...well, no spoilers here.

PLAYING WITH FIRE

PLAYING WITH FIRE: In this light-hearted family flick, John Cena plays Jake (a.k.a "Supe") the head of a team of Smoke Jumper Firefighters that include Keegan-Michael Key (Mark) and John Leguizamo (Roderigo).  When the team rescues a trio of children from their burning cabin with no parents in sight, they soon become baby-sitters for the clan and very quickly learn that children can be like fires--wild and unpredictable.  What starts out as quirky comedy (and there are some lovely laughs), by films end is quite touching and will bring a tear to your eye.  Key and Leguizamo are perfect foils for each other with Leguizamo always "quoting" sayings and Key always rolling his eyes and explaining "not even close."  (Example:  Leguizamo - "People who need people are the luckiest people in the world.  Barbra Bush")  All in all, it's just plain fun.  And sometimes that's all you need in a film.  

JOJO RABBIT

JOJO RABBIT:   Part comedy, part drama, with a healthy dash of pathos, this is a most unusual film and quite enjoyable. Roman Griffin Davis, in a nuanced performance that belies his young age, plays Jojo Betzer, a lonely German boy in the midst of WWII.  When he discovers that his single mother, Rosie (a superb Scarlett Johansson) is hiding a young Jewish girl (Thomasin McKenzie) in the attic, he must confront his fierce Nationalism and turns to his imaginary friend, Adolph Hitler.   Yes, that Adolph Hitler!  And this Adolph Hitler is played by Taika Waititi who also wrote and directed this one-of-a-kind creation with twist and turns and cinema tricks abounding.  Others in the cast include Oscar winner Sam Rockwell and Rebel Wilson as brutish instructors in the Hitler Youth Movement.  I won't divulge too much plot, but it will keep you on your toes and the outcome is most satisfying.  If you're in the mood for a movie that's a bit different, this is the one to see.

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THE CURRENT WAR

THE CURRENT WAR: While some may call it a historical picture, this film portraying the "fued/war" between Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse over who would bring electricity to America is still engrossing with Edison touting Direct current and Westinghouse pushing for Alternating Current.  The marvelous Benedict Cumberbatch as Edison and the equally adroit Michael Shannon as Westinghouse along with Nicholas Hoult as Nickola Tesla give a master class in acting. These three guys (speaking of electricity) ignite the screen in this display of cutthroat competition.  Also on board is Tom Holland (the latest Spiderman) playing Edison' secretary and helper.   In this battle of wits the ultimate prize is who will bring electricity to the 1893 Chicago World's Fair.  But there is also the battle over the Electric chair!   A fascinating look as a bygone era and two dynamic gentlemen.

MALEFICENT, MISTRESS OF EVIL

MALEFICENT, MISTRESS OF EVIL:   Angelina Jolie returns in this Disney sequel that takes place 15 years later than the previous film.   When Prince Philip (Harrison Dickinson) proposed to Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning) and she accepts, Philip's  mother, Queen Ingrith (Michelle Pfeiffer) plots to use the wedding to divide the humans and fairies forever, causing Maleficent and Aurora to find themselves on opposite sides of an impending war.  The film may be a bit confusing to those who don't know the backstory, so be forewarned.  But it you are in the loop, it's a wonderful look at where Maleficent came from and a real fairy tale from the Disney folk.   (With some of the most imaginative fairies you'll ever see (including Imelda Staunton).  Others in the cast are Robert Lindsay as the King John and Chiwetel Ejifor as Conall. The CGI is first rate with an all-out war in the last half hour that still makes me question "How did they do that?"  It you're still a kid at heart, here is a fairy tale for you.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY

 THE ADDAMS FAMILY:  I've always been a fan of this Charles Addams creation from its early days as a single panel cartoon in New Yorker magazine, through the TV show with Carolyn Jones and John Astin, as well as the live action movie with Angelica Houston and Raul Julia, so, coming full circle we are basically back to the beginning.  In this delightful animated romp, we begin with the wedding of Morticia and Gomez,  their move to New Jersey and in a quick fast forward, become parents to two frightful children.  All of the characters are here...Lurch, Uncle Fester, Grandma, Pugsly and Wednesday (Spoiler alert. Wednesday pigtails are nooses in this version)  And the real actors voicing these beloved characters are Charlize Theron (Morticia), Oscar Isaac (Gomez), Bette Midler (Grandma) along with Martin Short and Allison Janney in other roles and Snoop Dog as Cousin Itt.  All in all, it is a pleasant enough film, although I was a bit disappointed that it didn't live up to my fond memories of the earlier versions.  So, if it's your cup of tea...……...go for it.