Reviews

I really enjoyed this quaint little film about a widow opening a bookshop in a small East Anglian town against the wishes of the self appointed doyenne of the town.

Emily Mortimer, did an excellent job portraying Florence, the bookshop owner; playing the part with great, yet powerful understatement.

Patricia Clarkson, as the doyenne Violet, does here regular excellent portrayal as the uppity, wealthy and powerful woman trying to dash Florence's dreams.

Bill Nighy, as Edmund, plays the role of a recluse who, over time, befriends and tries to assist the shop owner in her travails with Violet. As usual, he can own a scene without a word, just a subtle eye movement can drive the plot forward and show the depth of his character.

Perhaps the best performance is by 15 year old Honor Kneafsey, as Christine, Florence's young shop assistant. Sharp tongued and wise beyond her years, she proves a perfect foil for all the other characters and is quite central to the entire plot.

I did have one slight quibble. I would have liked to have had the backgrounds of Edmond and Violet fleshed out a bit more; which I feel would have led to a better understanding as to their prior relationship and why they acted the way they did.

That said, if you enjoy British films, take the time to see this one. I would suggest in a theater as the cinematography is quite excellent.

Patriots Day is a well told story of the 2013 bombing at the Boston Marathon. I have seen many reviews that criticized the movie for various reasons - too soon after the event, too slow in the beginning, stony acting by Mark Wahlberg, etc. I disagree, respectfully, with all of them.

No, this movie is not great art, it's probably not award winning in any category; but, were it not for the subject matter, I'd say it was an enjoyable film and a great way to spend an couple of hours. Rather, it is a solidly built movie that tells a story that makes us remember and think about an important event in history.

I did not think this movie was made too soon. I felt it brought to the forefront that only a couple of years ago, we experienced an event of terrorism that is all too frequently still occurring in places both far and near.

I found the beginning of the movie well done, cutting back and forth, introducing characters, making us see the normalcy and, in the case of the bombers, their warped vision. As for Mark Wahlberg, Mark is Mark - this is the character he plays - stony and solid - whether it be in this movie or in Deep Water Horizon or Lone Survivor. One dimensional, perhaps, but made for this type character and he delivers a fine performance in the role.

I thought there were some directing and script lapses at times; but, they passed quickly.

As for the ending, I thought it was very well done - an excellent ending for this movie. Softly said, but quite powerful. As we exited, one of the people in the hallway of the theater, just outside the auditorium said that this movie had to be quite good because everyone exiting was very quiet. She was right, there was no talking between people. I imagine they may have been remembering, sadly, as was I.

Hidden Figures is the story of three little known women who played a crucial role in the early days of the US space program. Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe were all wonderful in their roles; each bringing specific personalities to their characters.

Taraji P. Henson is a mathematics wunderkind who is called upon to assist in calculating the math requires for launches and recoveries. A single mother of three daughters, she graciously and calmly works through the difficulties of being a lone black woman in a department full of white men in the racially segregated state of Virginia. Her calmness breaks in one scene and she wonderfully states, quite loudly, the obstacles she is forced to endure and overcome. This is quite a contrast from her normally calm dignity. As a side story, she is also involved in a burgeoning romantic relationship and she shows another totally side of herself - that of a shy, demure woman, which she carries off perfectly.

Octavia Spencer, a very strong actress, does a wonderful job as a black woman with the responsibilities of a supervisor that she is not allowed to have the title or compensation for. She deals with her supervisor, Kirsten Dunst, with patience and tolerance and delivers what I think was the finest line in the film in response to Dunst's comment that, "I have nothing against y'all." Spencer replies, "I know you probably believe that." Surrounding me in the auditorium was a subdued murmur of knowing assent and acknowledgment from the audience. Clearly, the black moviegoers all have had that thought, probably more often than one would like to think. As a white male, the sounds of the audience gave me pause and had great impact. That line, alone, made this movie worth seeing.

Janelle Monáe plays a woman with the talent to be a NASA engineer, who has to jump through hoops to get there. She provides the bit of lightness that keeps this film lighter than the topic may generally have dictated.

Without exception, the supporting cast excels - from Kevin Costner, the boss who just wants to get the job done and tolerates no impediments; to Jim Parsons, the engineer who always insists on following the rules - NASA's as well as his personal rules based on his biases; to Mahershala Ali, who plays Henson's love interest.

This movie is well worth viewing on many levels - as history, as a treatise on segregation and race relations, and as an example of how determination can overcome the most difficult of obstacles.

Not only was this an excellent film; it was also a film that I was glad I saw.

I initially really wanted to see this film on the big screen; but, as wide release got closer, all the rave reviews put me off a bit - was it all hype? Were the Hollywood powers-that-be pushing the reviewers extra hard?

Well, regardless of my doubts, I went anyway and I was glad I did. This film hearkened back to the song and dance musicals of days gone by. But, with the added twist of using real actors; not professional singers and dancers. I felt this added a great deal to the movie - the characters were real people - people that sang and danced well; but, not perfectly. The producers could well have dubbed professional voices ala Marni Nixon for Natalie Wood in West Side Story; but, not doing so made this film so much more real.

Ryan Gosling is a very good actor. After seeing his work in the film, I'd have to say he is better than good. Has he made it to the pantheon of great actors? I'm not sure; but, his performance in La La Land was outstanding - he ran the full gamut of emotions and he can do more with a sly glance than many actors with better pedigrees.

Gosling had the perfect partner in Emma Stone; who, at times, appeared to be channeling Audrey Hepburn. Her eyes can evoke more emotion than almost anyone. In my opinion, she was quite excellent.

The film is fun and quite emotional at times - not a full box of tissues; but, a good handful would be nice to have.

But wait - there's more... This is somewhat of a musical, after all and I found the score to be absolutely perfect. Unlike most films, where the music can be setting a background mood, the music in La La Land is integral to the plot and the quality of the score raises the film to another level.

My suggestion would be to see this film now, on the biggest screen you can find. This is not a film for the home TV, unless you happen to have a full size Hollywood screening room in the basement.

Well, I'll respectfully disagree with some of the reviewers out there that gave this movie a lackluster review. I found it to be thoughtful, well written, well directed, well acted and quite a nice story. If you go, and I hope you do, you may want to bring the tissues...

Will Smith does a good job; but, the film is really carried by the supporting cast; especially Helen Mirren, Edward Norton, Kate Winslet, Michael Pena, and Keira Knightly. They are all quite marvelous in their roles.

David Frankel directed and did an wonderful job looping the story together and tying up all the story lines together at the end.

Quite enjoyable and, remember, bring the tissues...

Forget some of the lackluster reviews - this is a very enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours and it worth the trip to the big screen.

Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt are enjoyable to watch and the story is not as far fetched as it may seem to some reviewers. Traveling through space, alone, figuring out how to live life in such a lonesome environment.

Early on, I had the impression that Jennifer Lawrence may not have been fully involved; but, after her first scene or two, that feeling disappeared and she delivered her usual excellence.

Head to the theater, get a big tub of popcorn, sit back, and enjoy a couple of hours of good escapism.

Why did it take almost 30 years to bring this play to the big screen?

A) They were waiting for Denzel Washington to be ready? B) They were waiting for Viola Davis to be ready? C) They were waiting for both of them to be ready?

I'm not sure of the actual answer; but, C would work for me. Denzel has dialog that runs forever and he carry it all off with great emotion and facial expression. Viola Davis' dialog tends to run shorter; but, her emotional intensity is truly amazing. I can't speak to whether this is a true example of representative black life in the late '40's and early 50's; but, the movie does a great job of making me think it does.

Award nods to both Washington and Davis and big kudos to the rest of the cast; especially Mykelti Williamson, Stephen Henderson, and Russell Hornsby. This film is both potent and poignant and should be seen.

Shailene Woodley is 2014's Jennifer Lawrence. The Fault In Our Stars is magnificent. Great writing, wonderful direction, marvelous editing and Shailene Woodley.

The only question is - will the Oscar nominators remember her performance in a mid year release film?

Who is Ansel Elgort? A young, new actor who, hopefully, will not be a one hit wonder - wonderful facial expressions added so much to the film and his smile is infectious.

I must ward you that this is a tear jerker - not just at the end; but, throughout the film. The emotion builds throughout the film and the soundtrack had competition from the sniffling and nose blowing pervasive throughout the theater from about the halfway point on.

Definitely a must see film for 2014 and years to come!

A true story, somewhat well told; but, could have been much more. Judi Dench was her usual excellent self, playing the title role with skill and nuance. Steve Coogan, however, was less so, when it came to fleshing out his character. Perhaps his also being one of the writers put him too close to the product to see the fault - curmudgeon? comic? finder of the truth? All, yet none too well - a bit of a jumble which, in my opinion detracted from the film.

The story was generally told well, but didn't have the impact that the 2002 film "The Magdalene Sisters" had. That said, it did, as this subject always does, make me question the value of the catholic church, especially in Ireland. No wonder the words Irish and guilt are so often used as one.

Barbara Jefford as Sister Hildegarde, was excellent in one of the films final scenes - truly believable; sad, but believable... She portrayed the true belief that she had properly done what was required, with no remorse.

Well worth seeing for all Judi Dench fans and anyone with an interest in a sad chapter of the history of the catholic church in Ireland.

Ryan Gosling does a wonderful job in this interesting take on the silent; yet not brooding, character who dabbles in both the criminal and honest world. He's not conflicted, just appears to be slightly less comfortable in the real world where he has to actually interact with others. He does a wonderful job portraying a character that, while not having great multiple depths, does have two distinctly different roles to play; which he does admirably with slight differences in each personality.

Some of the crooks are slightly lame; but one or two personify calm, deliberate, malice - as a business requirement almost; definitely not the personification of evil.

Carey Mulligan does a fine turn in her pivotal; yet not major role.

A good one for home viewing...

For a fan of Russian cinema, film noir or just the much more subtle European style of film - this will be moderately enjoyable. Wonderful cinematography, excellent direction and the leads perform admirably with a sparse verbal script; yet one packed with visual nuance.

The imagery of this film is magnificent, going full circle to opening scene to closing scene. Throughout the film, one is treated to visuals backing up and giving additional depth to the scenes being filmed.

The actors, especially the leads, perform well and, in some instances, exceptionally. The second tier players are mostly second tier actors as well; but, not to the detriment of the film.

All in all, well played and enjoyable; but, one for the home theater, not the art house.

Additional kudos for the physical resemblance and cloned personalities of the son and grand son - it really added to the understanding of the characters.

An interesting take on a potential "other side" to the well known story of the NY Governor and the call girl.

With one exception (a stand in for a hooker), all the people are real and the film is unscripted. It's a very good portrayal of NY politics. Most of the people are certainly putting a bit of their own spin on what they say (it is politics, after all); but, some, like Joe Bruno, tell it like it is with no punches pulled.

I am originally from upstate NY and can tell you that the Albany political scene is much the same as it is portrayed in the film. Lots of politicians, mostly followers; but, there are a few leaders who shake up the ship as Joe Bruno does in the film.

Well worth seeing, especially if you're a political junkie.

I really tried to like this one; really tried to get it to three stars; but, I just couldn't seem to like the entire film enough.

Both Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams did a good job with their roles - sometimes excellent jobs. The direction was, like the acting, really good at times, pedestrian at others.

Flipping back and forth through time was a key part of this film, but I found myself hoping for a clearer delineation of when I was in the past and/or the present - one should not have to discern this in a film - one should be brought there and know without wondering.

Also, I found that the physical similarity between the two characters involved with Michelle Williams was too close and tended to lead to confusion.

I certainly didn't feel that this film lived up to the hype. Shame on me for not picking up the telltale clue that generally points to a disappointing film - the majority of films that have a spurt of press just before opening that surrounds the film's rating always seem to disappoint.

Oh well, as usual, the popcorn was excellent!

Funny, enjoyable and a bit of a turn around of the standard guy doesn't want commitment flick. In this case, it's the woman, Natalie Portman, shying away from anything other than quick, no strings attached, casual sex.

Natalie Portman does a wonderful job with this character and she raises the quality level of those other actors in the film. Yes, even Ashton Kutcher actually acts in this film. Well, perhaps not all the way through - his performance improves throughout and he ends the film well. Olivier he's not, but he is better here than in all of his other films (combined).

Well written and very well directed. Even given the free wheeling sexual nature of the film, there is nary a skin shot, except for Kutcher's butt early in the film; yet, somehow the passion and sexual trysts are totally believable.

This is not an award winning piece for Portman (unlike Black Swan); still, she does bring a level of class to the film.

Well worth a trip to the theater for a couple of hours of fun and laughter.

This is a very enjoyable film for all - not a great one, but a fine way to spend a couple of hours on a cold afternoon.

Then again, for the horse lovers (or inveterate gamblers) who followed the nags back then, this is an epic! Well, maybe not an epic; but, certainly, a fond reminder of a wonderful horse and a wonderful period in the racing world.

Having seen the real Secretariat at Saratoga in '72 and having rooted for (and bet heavily on) Sham throughout '73, this film was a wonderful reminder of how much I loved the horses.

The film is a very good portrayal of the industry, populated as it is by a myriad of characters - all odd in their own way...

Diane Lane gives a fine performance as a strong woman in an era when women were just beginning to realize they could be strong.

John Malkovich is perfect as the trainer, Lucien Laurin - almost washed up; but drawn back to the life for one more chance. Of course, his French accent is terrible!

Dylan Walsh, as the husband, should have stayed on Nip Tuck and left well enough alone. His part was small, poorly written and poorly acted.

French accent and Dylan Walsh aside, the other 99.9% of the film was very well done. If you like the horses, then see this film. If you've never followed the horses, be careful - this could make you an aficionado and drag you (and your wallet) to the track...

This is a well done film that shows the impact of today's economy on a variety of individuals, mostly from the same company. Add in a bit of the corporate greed theme and there you have it - a somewhat depressing view of today's work world.

This is a bit different from other films of this ilk in that it also delves into the higher executive ranks and the impact decisions made for "shareholder value" has to all levels of an organization.

A thoroughly depressing film that takes on a very serious issue and generally succeeds.

Perhaps this should be mandatory viewing for all with the power over the careers of others.

Ben Affleck, Tommy Lee Jones, Chris Cooper and Craig T. Nelson all do extremely well in their roles as does Kevin Costner, although he strains a bit on his New England accent early in the film.

All in all, a very nice film of a very depressing subject.

Well, if they ever decide to give an Oscar for a comedy, they should use this film as a guide. Kunis and Timberkale are amazing - who would ever have thought!

Of course, they could not have been as successful without such a wonderful script.

Always cute, sometimes laugh-out-load hysterical.

Patricia Clarkson will take those old enough back to the 60s/70s and Woody Harrelson is outrageously fantastic as a gay sports editor - a tour de force for him!

Perhaps a bit slow once or twice (but not for long) and maybe a bit off script in one scene; but, altogether - a fantastic movie.

OK, OK, I know it's a rom-com guys; but, you will really get the humor. See this one with a friend!!!

What? You're still reading - get up and go see this movie! Enjoy a laugh or two...

But for a couple of scenes with Elle Fanning, this would be a one star effort. Much has been made of Sofia Coppola's effort here and the possible semi-autobiographical nature of the film and yes, it is a good portrayal of her directorial abilities. That said, I found her directorial thought process well thought out; but (and a very big but), when she tried to say something with a shot, she consistently dragged it out too far, causing me to continually say to myself, "OK, Sofia, you've made your point, please move on." How many times around a barren track does the star have to drive before you realize that his is an aimless, purposeless life? How long does he have to drift on a raft in a pool (and out of the shot at times) before you realize that his is an aimless, purposeless life? What? I already said that? Perhaps you get the picture...

OK, that's the direction. Now, on to the script. This may be one of the shortest scripts in the history of film. A long dialog for most of the stars would be less than a dozen words - sometimes, many less. And, this is not machine gun paced, rapid fire dialog - it's a few words, generally followed by a lingering shot; then, followed by a few more words.

Elle Fanning is the bright spot here. Even with her limited dialog, you can see and understand her feelings with just her facial expressions. You can see and understand her disappointment in her dad as the film evolves. Perhaps she was actually disappointed in the entire film - I was.

So much better than the original. Jeff Bridges starts out good and continues to get better throughout the film - the gravely voiced, cantankerous bastard of a marshal who does what is necessary, when it is necessary, because it is necessary. Certainly worthy of an Oscar nomination (but, most likely, not a win).

Matt Damon is the perfect foil/partner to the Marshal - a fop of the first order, yet magnificently duty bound.

Josh Brolin does a nice turn as the target of the manhunt - a bit dim witted; but, uncaringly evil.

Hailee Steinfeld as Mattie, performs as an equal to Bridges here. Her performance elicits the best out of whichever cast member she is playing against. Could be a long shot winner here, but probably not - too many other strong women this year.

The script adds volumes to the characters - truly, a work of art; without which, no amount of acting could have raised this film to this level.

Direction, scenery, pacing - all excellent.

A good film to see even if you don't like westerns.

Oh, well, a bit formulaic; but, Angelina Jolie looks wonderful, as always. Hmmm, well, almost always - a couple of scenes with overtly excessive make up.

Wait! Is this my commentary on a movie?

Oh, not too much of a movie? No. Not really. Good actors doing a passable (albeit slightly bored) job. Wonderful camera work, good direction, excellent attire...

Wait! A story? Yes, a bit tired and slowly told.

But, Angelina did look good most of the time (and, for the lady readers, so did Johnny Depp)...

A passable flick for a cold, snowy winter night if you are a Depp or Jolie fan.

I absolutely loved this movie! Natalie Portman is exquisitely wonderful in this role - playing it with equal parts of vigor and nuance.

Mila Kunis is magnificent! Barbara Hershey has her best role in years and more than does it justice.Winona Ryder has a small, yet pivotal, role and she really delivers.

A thriller? A drama? A fantasy? A ballet film? All of these and more - no really good niche label for this one other than - a really excellent film with Oscar worthy performances.

See this movie, enjoy immersing yourself in it and revel in wondering as you leave the theater - what did I just see? There are no pigeonholes as far as types of films for this one, other than that of excellent film.

For those ballet fans out there, this is not a fully choreographed movie. The dance scenes are realistic and well done; but, if you are looking to see Swan Lake, this is not it.

Breathtaking!

This is a fun movie! Cher is Cher - only a couple of singing numbers - one a bit pedestrian; the other a show stopper, a bit melancholy, but perfect - she can still sing!

Now, a singer? Perhaps Christina Aguilera? No perhaps! She takes over this film and makes it hers with her surprisingly good acting and powerful voice.

OK, so Cher can still sing a bit and Christina Aguilera can sing a lot. Is there to be no mention of great acting? Hold the presses! Can anyone spell Stanley Tucci??? He is no less than magnificent. An absolutely perfect role for him which he takes and runs with - certainly supporting Oscar nomination material.

The story is a bit worn - girl from small town America goes to the big city to make her name as a singer. Against all odds, everything falls into place for her and she succeeds. The club owner faces losing the club; yet, thanks to small town girl, saves it and makes it better.

Totally clichéd; yet, this movie is a lot of fun to watch. Toe tapping tunes (well, OK, a bit more than toe tapping), success against adversity, small town girl makes good - what else do you need?

What else? How about fantastic dance numbers? Pounding, vibrant music?

Oops! Almost forgot - this is a movie with Cher, right? Suffice it to say that the costuming was outrageously wonderful.

All in all, this is a wonderful film - light weight, low-key and totally enjoyable.