RICKI AND THE FLASH: Meryl Streep is at it again, this time as an
aging rocker who deserted her family to pursue her dream of becoming a star and
ended up playing in “dives” with her band.
Hearing from her husband, Pete (Kevin Kline), about family problems, she
returns home to daughter Julie (Meryl's real-life daughter, Mamie Gummer) and
her two grown sons in a bid for redemption for past mistakes. Directed by Jonathan Demme and written by
Diablo Cody (both Oscar winners) you'd think this film had a lot going for
it. Well, the performances are first
rate including those by Rick Springfield as Ricki’s boyfriend and bandmate and
the wonderful Audra MacDonald as Pete’s now wife. But the story is rather formulistic even
though it’s been reversed (The woman rather than the man leaves the family and
the boyfriend is the one who wants more in the relationship). Granted it is a kick to see Meryl singing and
rock and rolling, but ultimately, it turns out to be the same old song…the
dysfunctional family trying to cope. So,
all in all, It’s a nice enjoyable film but nothing special. Been there, done that. But, I hasten to add that Meryl and the boys
doing some timeless Rock and Roll covers will have you smiling from ear to ear.
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE- ROGUE NATION
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE- ROGUE NATION: This franchise is alive and kicking (butt,
that is). Tom Cruise appears one more
time as Ethan Hun, an elite member of the IMF.
With help from his team, they take on the daunting job of eradication a
group known as the Syndicate (themselves former IMF members) who are set on
creating a new world order using terrorist attacks. Filled with spectacular stunts and chases,
this is summer fare at its best, keeping you on the edge of your seat at
times. With a wonderful supporting cast
including Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, Alec Baldwin and a stunning
Rebecca Ferguson who holds her own in all of the action scenes (and steals most
of them), this film is nothing short of an adrenalin rush. Perhaps a bit long, it wasn’t a bit tired and
seemed as fresh as the first film was some 19 years ago. It has been reported that Cruise did all of
his own stunts. If he didn’t, you
certainly can’t tell and since he is one of the producers, I have a tendency to
believe it. So grab your popcorn and
enjoy the trip to London and Casablanca with the Opera in Vienna thrown in as
well showcasing a nifty “fight” during a production of “Turandot.” You want action? You won’t be disappointed with this one.
TRAINWRECK
TRAINWRECK: Amy Schumer stars as Amy (what else?) in this romantic, albeit raunchy, comedy from director Judd Apatow. Having had the thought that monogamy is a pipe dream drilled into her brain at an early age by her rascal of a father, the grownup Amy lives by that credo filling her life with a series of one-night stands . And then she meets Aaron (Bill Hader), a sports medicine doctor that she is assigned to write about in a profile piece for the magazine she works for. Soon enough, her promiscuity begins to nag at her and everything starts to change. Written by Ms. Schumer, the film has a nice balance between pop culture and meaningful insights into the human condition and the give and take in relationships. Oh, yes there are laughs. Raunchy, though they me be, they are in abundance. Tilda Swinton (as Amy’s boss) and LaBron James (as himself) add comedic touches to the supporting roles and at least a half-dozen cameos from the basketball world as well as show business, are thrown in for good measure. If you have trouble with foul language and some nudity, this may not be for you. But the audience I saw it with was having a rip-roaring good time. And so did I.
MR. HOLMES
MR. HOLMES: Ian McKellen gives an impecable performance as the aged Sherlock Holmes who, looking back on his life, grapples with one unsolved mystery that caused his retirement. With only his housekeeper and her young son Roger for company, he seems content to tend to his bees but the past gnaws at him and as forgetful as he is, he relies more and more on the other two. Laura Linney plays the housekeeper with warmth and a degree of hidden shame at her lack of education. Milo Parker as Roger, is quite the opposite, smart and aching to follow in the detective’s footsteps. A film of lyrical beauty, it is quite slow moving but never boring and the three leading characters are a joy to behold as are the actors who portray them. With references to the stories that Dr. Watson conceived about his famous friend, we soon learn that most of it was simply imaginative story telling. No deer-stalker hat. No pipe. What this particular story does is bring the Holmes legend to an end and end it beautifully with tenderly wrought drama. Case closed.
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Movie Description
MINIONS 3D
MINIONS 3D:
According to this scenario, they've been around since the dawn of time,
so why not examine their journey?
Always on the search for a despicable master to serve, they started out
with T-Rex, went through Napoleon and others finally ending up in the sixties with
super-villainess Scarlet Overkill and her inventor husband Herb (voiced by
Sandra Bullock and Joe Hamm). It seems
Ms. Overkill is lusting after the crown jewels of England and who better to get
them than her newly acquired minions: Kevin, Stuart and Bob. And that’s the plot in a nutshell. And nutty it is. Adding their voices to the animation are
Michael Keaton, Allison Janney, Geoffrey Rush, Steve Carell and Jennifer
Saunders as the Queen of England. While
3D is not a must on this one, I did think it added well to the craziness, part
of which is some easily recognized musical numbers sung in “Minionese.” And a
word to the wise, there is an entire number (i.e. curtain call) after the last
credit has rolled by. Be sure to stay
for it. “Oool lubbit!” That’s Minionese
for “You’ll love it!”
MAGIC MIKE XXL
MAGIC MIKE XXL:
Where to begin on this one? It has been three years since Mike quit the
male stripping business but he misses the old gang and soon they are on there
way to Myrtle Beach (He now lives in Tampa) for one last blow-out performance
as a “Strippers Convention” of all things.
Whereas the first film smacked a bit of explotation (this one has its
share), this sequel actually has a bit of heart and soul in it. Channing Tatum
returns as Mike and the other “male entertainers” are Joe Manganiello and Matt
Bomer among others with even Michael Strahan and Steven ‘Twitch’ Boss showing
off their moves. On the distaff side, we
have Jada Pinkett Smith and Andie MacDowell adding to the plot. But there really isn’t a plot. It’s almost a character study as we get to
know the dancers better. And about that
dancing! The choreography is over the
top and loaded with sexuality which I’m sure some will find offensive. But it is what it is. And what it is, is a blast. No prudity allowed. Check your scruples at the door.
ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL
ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL: The winner of the Grand Jury Prize and the
Audience Award at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival, this totally unique film
deserves most of the accolades that continue to pour in. As the title suggests, it is about the
friendship that evolves between Greg, Earl and Rachel, the latter struggling
with leukemia. While that may not sound
like grist for a comedy, it is one. The
three young leads (Thomas Mann, R. J. Cyler and Olivia Cooke) do their jobs
admirably but it is the inventiveness of the director and his cinematographer
that sets this one apart from similar films (i.e. “Juno” or “The Perks of Being
a Wallflower). With many references to
other films, (Our heroes make parodies of famous flicks. For example. “Midnight Cowboy” in their
version, becomes “9:34 P.M. Cowboy”) part of the fun is getting the joke. So all in all, I liked it even though I found
it a bit quirky and at times totally unrealistic. It’s a nice little indie film that deserves to
be seen. And what a wonderful surprise
or two at the end.
JURASSIC WORLD
JURASSIC WORLD:
They are back! Those larger than
life, meaner than all get-out, cute as a button dinosaurs. It must be summer or a reasonable
facsimile. Truth be told, this is bound
to be a blockbuster so whatever I say won’t matter much. However, I would like to say “I loved it.” Although it takes a good half-hour to kick
into gear, once it does the action is pretty much non-stop. Starring Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard,
the cast is filled out with B.D. Wong and Vincent D’Onofrio in supporting
roles. And a special nod to the younger cast members, Ty Simpkins and Nick
Robinson as the two brothers who get caught up in all the mayhem. But enough about the actors, what we have
here is a genetic experiment to create a new dinosaur that goes terribly and
terrifyingly wrong. What did you
expect? While the CGI is top rate and
breathtaking at times, there is also some humor thrown in as well and a couple
of tongue-in-cheek references or nods to executive producer Stephen Spielberg. (A gigantic “new attraction” devours a great
white shark in the blink of an eye.) So
welcome home Jurassic World. It’s nice
to have you back. And my, how you’ve
grown!
SPY
SPY: Melissa McCarthy plays Susan Cooper, basically a desk jockey for the CIA. Using high tech equipment, she helps her co-worker Bradley Fine (a dashing Jude Law in OO7 mode) avoid danger. You might call her a guardian angel. But the angel soon wrangles her way into an undercover assignment of her own. And then the fun begins. With a wonderful cast that includes Allison Janney as her superior, Miranda Hart as her best friend, Jason Statham as a rival agent with Bobby Cannavale and Rose Byrne filling the roles of the evil-doers, the movie still belongs to McCarthy. From the opening credits (ala The Bond films) it’s non-stop mayhem and mirth. The jokes are funny (albeit blue at times) and I found myself laughing out loud at the witty dialog. The scenery is no slouch either, taking us to Paris, Rome and Budapest with chases thrown in for good measure. Not your usual car chases, but McCarthy on a scooter in hot pursuit. While one could call it a spoof of the espionage genre, it’s more like someone threw a banana peel or two into the plot. It’s just plain old slapstick at times and that’s was fine by me. It fact the whole movie was fine. Fine and Dandy.
LOVE AND MERCY
LOVE AND MERCY:
In this true story of the Beach Boy's Brian Wilson, we have two superb
actors taking on the role. First, Paul Dano as the 1960's version when Wilson
struggled to write his pop masterpiece "Pet Sounds" and slowly lost
his sanity. And then, John Cusack
playing the broken man in the 80's seeking liberation from his overbearing
doctor (Paul Giamatti in another thrilling performance) while falling in love
with a woman who gives him hope (Elizabeth Banks). The two time frames switch back and forth
giving the audience an overview of how things became the way they were. This is not your "run-of-the-mill"
biopic with songs thrown in. Actually
the score is rather reserved with just bits and pieces of the Beach Boys songs
but enough to make you recognize them instantly. If I had to sum this movie up with one word,
that word would be "Brilliant."
And as a footnote, I might add it's unlike anything you've seen before. A minor, but heartfelt masterpiece.
SAN ANDREAS 3D
SAN ANDREAS 3D: First of all, I'm a sucker for "disaster" flicks and this one is a Doozy with a capital D as in Destruction. By films end there is hardly a building standing in Los Angeles, San Francisco and any number of towns in between. And what fun! No spoilers from me, although it is tempting. Wait till you see what they did to…. Shut up! Our hero is Dwayne Johnson a helicopter pilot who must navigate from Los Angeles (after rescuing his estranged wife) to San Francisco to try to rescue his grown daughter (and the boyfriend she has acquired along the way, not to mentions his little brother). In a secondary story line, we get the wonderful Paul Giamatti as a scientist who had predicted the big one and now is fighting to get the word out. Now the plot is not what matters here. It’s the effects, stupid! We opted to see it in 3D and certainly got our money’s worth. A lot of edge-of-your-seat stuff and some vistas that will just blow you away. Oops, there goes the Golden Gate Bridge! Did I say no spoilers? Sorry about that.
FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD
FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD: Remembering fondly the 1967 screen version of
this Thomas Hardy novel, I had some trepidation about another
"remake." How can you beat that
earlier cast of Julie Christie, Alan Bates, Terrance Stamp and Peter
Finch? And the answer is….you surpass
it. Carey Mulligan portrays Bathsheba
Everdene, the headstrong, independent woman living in Victorian times and being
courted by three different suitors: a sheep farmer, a dashing soldier and a
prosperous mature bachelor (played by Matthias Schoenaerts, Tom Sturridge and
Michael Sheen respectively). Perhaps because they are still virtually unknown
actors, they make this film shine.
Whereas in the earlier film, you were always aware you were watching
“movie stars,” in this version you are much more aware of character and the
nuances that the actors bring to their roles.
I saw this with four other people and we had mixed reactions….three of
us (myself included) loved it and two thought it too long and slow. I admit it is slow but also riveting with
beautifully photographed scenery and downright great performances. I thought the whole endeavor was superb. So, you will have to decide for yourself.
TOMORROWLAND
TOMORROWLAND: From the Disney Studios, this sci-fi excursion into the future is led by George Clooney with able assist from Britt Robertson and Raffer Cassidy. The plot is too intricate to go into here and I wouldn't give away anything anyway. Suffice it to say, this is a film with a message (if a bit preachy at the end) and the special effects are dazzling to behold. What happens to the Eiffel Tower alone is worth the price of admission. Along the way we, have some bad-guy robots, some spectacular CGI work and from the opening Disney castle credit, I was hooked. Hugh Laurie and Tim McGraw are among the fine supporting cast . This may not be for everyone but it sure worked for me. A bit long, I admit, but I was never bored. And Clooney is a standout as the disillusioned former boy-genius inventor who wants none of it but can't resist the appeal of uncharted terriorty. And his two teenage female sidekicks are superb. Good old-fashioned Disney story telling.
HOT PURSUIT
HOT PURSUIT: Reese WItherspoon is the uptight, straight-laced cop assigned with a male officer to transport a drug kingpin to Dallas for his testimony against the big boss. But as they arrive at their first destination, all hell breaks loose and instead, she ends up taking his wife (the delicious Sofia Vergara) into protective custody as they are pursued across Texas by all manner of bad guys. If you're looking for laughs, our two co-stars deliver and then some. You could call this a buddy movie or a road picture. I call if funny with a capital FUN. And you can tell they had fun making it (and you can witness that fun during the “out-takes’ during the final credits. One liners abound, and odd situations as well, so just sit back and take it all in. This is one hot pursuit of happiness!
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THE WATER DIVINER
THE WATER DIVINER: Directed by and starring Russell Crowe, this
film follows the journey of an Austrailian farmer who travels to war torn Turkey
to try and find his three missing sons (or their remains) after the ravages of
Gallipoli in WWI. Thrust into a culture
shock of sorts, he finds solace in a small hotel where he is helped by the
owner and her small son. Crowe does
himself proud in his directorial debut, making the movie part adventure, part
war film and always entertaining. A
slice of life you have most likely not seen before, I recommend this for the
attention to detail and the wonderful script, not to mention the excellent cast
of mostly Turkish actors. There is a
touch of mystery along the way as to what happened to the sons, and a climactic
scene that had me in tears. The movie is
quick-paced, never dull and made me anxious to see what Mr. Crowe will helm
next. I’ll be first in line.
THE AGE OF ADALINE
THE AGE OF ADALINE: Although this film falls into the realm of fantasy, it is nonetheless a love story starring Blake Lively as a young woman who is rendered ageless after an accident. She spends the next several decades hiding her secret and changing her name as the need arises. As her daughter (Ellen Burstyn) grows old, she is resigned to the life that fate has dealt her. Until she meets a young man on one New Year’s Eve. Ellis, played to perfection by Michiel Huisman, pursues her and in time convinces her to meet his parents (Harrison Ford and Kathy Baker). And then, everything changes. If you can buy the premise (and I did) you are in for a fascinating journey. And while the film is quite likable, I never really fell in love with it. But perhaps, I’m too jaded in my old age and should find my own personal Adaline within.
MONKEY KINGDOM
MONKEY KINGDOM: Between 1948 and 1960, The Walt Disney Company released a series of documentaries called "True Life Adventures" with titles including "The Living Desert" and "The Vanishing Prairie" and they picked up a total of eight Oscars in the process. Fade out....Fade in....Within the last few years Disney has chosen to re-visit the documentary format under the banner "Disney Nature" The latest addition is "Monkey Kingdom." And, yes, it has a plot. Narrated with great humor by Tina Fey, this is the story of Maya, a monkey of the lowest rank in the echelon of the kingdom and her attempt to achieve some status. While having a newborn, Kip, creates a myriad of problems, there are many other things to worry about as well… a monitor lizard, bears, the monsoon and a rival tribe. Yes, it’s a jungle out there. Specifically, the jungles of Sri Lanka in all their lush glory. And there is a monkey raid on a quest for food into civilization and a funny encounter with a domesticated dog. As you can surmise by now, this is a family film told with warmth, some sadness and the joy of existence. The Disney folks know their stuff and that famous mouse must have had a monkey for an uncle.
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EFFIE GRAY
EFFIE GRAY: Set in Victorian England, this film centers around a teenage
bride and her husband, John Ruskin, a famous art critic of the day who doesn't
seem to want to consummate the marriage.
Dakota Fanning (in her first grown-up role?) plays Effie who tries to
cope with the uncaring in-laws as well as the cold husband. Julie Walters and David Suchet are masterful
as Ruskin's parents and other supporting roles are filled by Derek Jacobi,
Robbie Coltrane, Claudia Cardinale, James Fox and the wonderful Emma Thompson who also wrote the
screenplay. Tom Sturridge as Ruskin and
Greg Wise as the young artist Effie is drawn to, play their roles to
perfection. With Vienna and Scotland also on view, it is another one of those
beautifully shot movies albeit a little slow-moving. Still, all in all, I rather liked it and it
certainly can't be faulted for the care that was taken to every detail. It may not be your cup of English tea, but
you will savor it if you give it half a chance.
WOMAN IN GOLD
WOMAN IN GOLD: Another jewel in the crown of Helen Mirren, this true story tells of an elderly Jewish woman who, along with a reluctant (at first) lawyer played superbly by Ryan Reynolds eventually sue the Austrian government for the return of a painting stolen by the Nazis in WWII. At times poignant, at times funny, this film is always brilliant. With a supporting cast including Daniel Bruhl, Katie Holmes and Charles Dance. Elizabeth McGovern and Jonathon Pryce also show up in cameo roles. While Mirren turns in another bravura performance, I was really impressed by Reynolds and his range as an actor. No comedy, this. In fact, the film which bounces back and forth between Los Angeles and Vienna in the 80's and Austria during the war is more of an adventure (Will they escape the Nazis? Will the painting be returned?) I'm sure you can figure out that we will have a happy ending. But, the ending (that last scene) is so well done, that I was reduced to tears. Directed by Simon Curtis, this one is pure gold!
MCFARLAND, USA
McFARLAND, USA: Based on a true
story, this film stars Kevin Costner, Maria Bello and an exceptional cast of
young Latino actors. It follows Jim
White (Costner) as he and his family try to adapt to the largely Hispanic
community they have moved to for his job.
As the PE coach, he soon tries to form a cross country track team,
having noticed the buried potential of several high school boys who must run
back and forth from their work in the fields to school and back. No cars for these kids. As he struggles
along, this becomes a story that will make you forget the stereotypes you have
seen before. And it is ultimately a
"feel good" movie. And there
ain't nothing wrong with that. I even
shed a few tears along the way so I recommend it for it's warm heart and
colorful slice of the Latino life.
Running never was more compelling.
CINDERELLA
CINDERELLA: That Disney Magic is in top form in this live-action retelling of the fairy tale directed with a touch of genius by Kenneth Branagh. Granted some of the magic belongs to the computer graphics but there is a great deal to be admired in the acting department as well. Lily James makes a winsome and beautiful Ella and Cate Blanchet is absolutely ravishing as the wicked stepmother. Throw in a dashing prince in the person of Richard Madden then add a scene stealing Helena Bonham Carter as the Fairy Godmother and you have a new Disney masterpiece and one that will last for generations to come. Go see for yourself. You won't be disappointed. And, although it's early in the year, Oscars for costumes and production design may be in the future. (As a side note, Disney has just signed Tim Burton to direct next years live-action DUMBO and that will make us believe an elephant can fly, I'm sure.)
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Movie Description
THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL
THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL: That wonderful cast from the first outing are back with new addition Richard Gere. And it’s a treat to behold. While the Dames (Maggie Smith and Judi Dench) are in top form, along with Bill Nighy and Penelope Wilton, this is Dev Patel’s movie. He is the one who started it all and gives a funny, charming performance as well as exhibits his terrific dance moves once he let’s go in the film’s final moments. Touching on deeper issues of aging now and then, it is all summed up with one brilliant closing line. So if you liked the first one, this one will be your cup of English tea as well. If you didn’t see the first one, no matter, you’re in for pure enjoyment. Second best, to none.
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STILL ALICE
STILL ALICE: The most heartbreaking film you will see this year, it is nonetheless powerful with an Oscar nominated performance (and most likely Oscar win) by Julianne Moore as a Columbia professor coming to terms with the onslaught of Alzheimer disease. It is also the story of the devastation that is inflicted on the entire family. Alec Baldwin as the husband with Kristen Stewart and Kate Bosworth as the two daughters give wonderful performances but the movie belongs to Ms. Moore. She is funny, wistful, sad, angry and frustrated, sometimes with only so much as a shrug or a look. A real Master class in acting. Don't miss it. And take lots of Kleenex.
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MR. TURNER
MR. TURNER: Timothy Spall won the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival for this portrayal of the famed British artist. Set in Victorian England, this is a beautifully shot biopic and nominated for Oscars is the Best Costume Design and Best Production Design categories. That being said it also makes "Downton Abbey" look like the lastest installment of "The Fast and the Furious" franchise. So be forewarned, it is gorgeous to look at and if you like watching paint dry, you'll love it.
MORDECAI
MORDECAI: First off, let me say, I am a huge fan of Johnny Depp and went into this film expecting a clone of the Inspector Clouseau series that starred the brilliant Peter Sellers. Well, this ain't it. Granted, there are some quite funny bits here and there but the humor is as dry as the desert sands. Very stiff—upper lip... British, you know. The supporting cast including Gwyneth Paltrow, Ewan McGregor and a wonderful Paul Bettany give their all but it still falls short of what it could have been. So, I guess the blame lies with the script. Too many villians, not enough laughs. but Depp adds another iconic role to his repertoire, so it was a treat, in that department. I'm still waiting for him to play Carol Channing (Yes, he once said he wanted to.) But as far as Mordecai is concemed, I'd say pass on it.
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Movie Description
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