Reviews

This movie is not about a hero. J. Robert Oppenheimer was a theoretical physicist who raised Einstein's theory about quantum physics to the point where it could be used to produce an atomic bomb. Cillian Murphy as Dr. Oppenheimer is absolutely perfect in this title role. I enjoyed watching his brilliant talent while acting the various complexities about this historical character who is a flawed human being but, with his intuitive intelligence, became responsible for leading the World War II secret Manhattan Project and launching the world into the atomic age. I learned a lot of history by watching this film, although some scenes were surprisingly adult and unanticipated in the roll out of the plot. Robert Downey Jr., was exceptionally well cast as the difficult character Lewis Strauss who was a political man who, in my opinion, would have been lost to history without Downey's superb portrayal. Oppenheimer is a movie that will generate a renewed historical interest, and ethical discussions about how the atomic age transformed world politics and impacted the earth's environment.

Excellent performances by Oprah Winfey and Rose Byrne! This film is a realistic portrayal of how the African Americans in Baltimore were subjects in medical research without their permission. I grew up in Baltimore, familiar with the Turner Station neighborhood in Dundalk where I lived. Turner Station, where Henrietta Lacks lived, was referenced but no scenes that I recognized were in the film. However, the scene in the front entrance to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the rotunda was very real as was the statue of Jesus Christ in the center of the entrance. This is an excellent film. Highly recommended viewing for people who are interested in how race impacts on health care.

I loved the people featured in this wonderful documentary produced by Lucie Tremblay. Each of the beautifully photographed educational segments are entertaining, largely because of the colorful people who are featured in this artistic description about the biological responses to and the science about scents. As a nurse, I recommend this film for the entertaining cinema artistry but, also, as a syllabus reference for anatomy and physiology courses.

This made for television movie should be re-released with top billing! It's hard for me to believe, but I am writing about this star studded movie in 2021, when the heroic true events happened in 1944, and the film was released on February 2,, 1983, for TV viewing. Full disclosure, I am a Roman Catholic and my mother is a first generation Tuscan, Italian immigrant. Therefore, this plot is somewhat personal to me, but the true story transcends culture and religion. This has to be a movie for all time viewing. Gregory Peck is just fabulous playing Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty (1898-1963) and the contrast he develops with the Nazi SS officer Colonel Herbert Kappler (1907-1978) played by Christopher Plummer, are extraordinary dual performances. Sir Arthur Gielgud rounds out the trio of excellent performances, playing the conflicted Pope Pius XII. Scenery in this production is beautiful! Filmed on location in Italy,, Rome and Vatican City.

Exceptional actors Anthony Hopkins, Jonathan Pryce and Juan Minujin (as the young Cardinal Jorge) create their characters with extraordinary realism. Their performaces provide an opportunity to explore the dilemmas faced by two dedicated men who believe in the same theology despite divergent cultural experiences. My husband and I are Roman Catholics. We recomend "Two Popes" because the social justice, and theology themes are relevent to modern challenges faced by people of faith and progressive policy leaders.

Spotlight is as much about "spotlighting" the realistic drama involved in investigating reporting, as it is a documentary about The Boston Globe.

Talented acting throughout the documentary keeps the story's facts moving along with the excellent performances. In my opinion, more movies should highlight the value of investigative reporting. It helps to explain the professional risks journalists take when covering controversial subjects, written with the intention of revealing truths, based on facts. "Spotlight" supports freedom of the press and portrays why this right matters.

This excellent movie will finally put an overdue spotlight on Alan Turing, OBE, and his historic work during World War II. The Imitation Game is an interesting story, especially relevant because it's based on intelligence information kept secret for decades post World War II. Adding to the intrigue, the history and the superb performances by Benedict Cumberbatch, who portrays the British mathematician Alan Turing and a brilliant cast, the movie also confronts the controversial issue of the cruel, archaic and now illegal practice of treating homosexuality. This movie will be studied and discussed for many years because of the social themes entwined in the plot. Highly recommended viewing.

This story never grows old and the actors in this portrayal of the Agatha Christie plot will forever carry this story into movie "whodunit" history.

Agatha Christie seemed to create this Hercule Poirot detective plot especially to memorialize the performances of an impressive line up of a talented list of actors and actresses. Leading the exceptional cast is Albert Finney's portrayal of Msr. Poirot. Ingrid Bergman is certainly a surprise in her role as a Swedish missionary; somehow, her phony accent won her an Oscar for her performance.

A terrific family movie, an opportunity to see quality acting from a talented cast who played out a timeless plot.

This modern day pirate thriller is a nail biting hit movie, even though the true events of the 2009 abduction are familiar to most viewers and the outcome is known from the beginning of the historic story. Tom Hanks playing Captain Phillips, the commanding officer of the Maersk Alabama, gives the best performance of his career, in my opinion. Hanks demonstrates the strategic thinking, compassion and intelligence of Captain Phillips as he deals with a Somali pirate take over of his ship. A trio of Somali pirates portrayed by Somali men brings a startling realism to this movie. Especially noteworthy is the performance of Oscar nominated Barkhad Abdi,who was one among a tribe of Somalians who were involved in the piracy. This movie is memorable because the people who were involved are alive to testify to it's authenticity, the scenes were action packed and the story itself is so well told as to become even more compelling over time. Captain Phillips will definitely be popular for many more years beyond 2009, when the high seas adventurous events occurred, while other movies made in 2013, awards notwithstanding, will be easily forgotten.

Those who lived through the peak of the 1950s and 60s Civil Rights Movement will connect with The Butler, but the movie is an essential history lesson for those who can't possibly know what it was like to be on the inside of this tumultuous time in America's race relations. Forest Whitaker and Opra Winfrey certainly contribute to the successful telling of this story, based on a real character who was a White House butler. Their personal charisma and believable characterizations of the married couple Cecil (Whitaker) and Gloria Gaines (Winfrey) create the matrix for a Black family living an American Negro middle class experience while their children are conflicted by the Civil Rights movement and the Vietnam War. Substantial cameo performances by Robin Williams as President Eisenhower and Jane Fonda as Nancy Reagan are value added to a long line of exceptional performances. Cuba Gooding Jr., as a colleague White House Butler and mentor to the Gaines' oldest of two sons, gives one of his best performances since his Oscar winning "Jerry McGuire". James Marsden provides a surprisingly bright portrayal of President John F. Kennedy. This is an important movie that will absolutely transcend time and become a lasting contribution to the interpretation of the Civil Rights movement. Future generations must learn what really happened during the Civil Rights Movement and how this difficult history has impacted America.

"Iron Lady", Britian Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, is brilliantly portrayed by Merrill Streep, whose legacy as a world renown actress is immortalized in this 2012 Oscar winning performance. This story is a study in leadership, challenged by personal ambitions, sacrifices, and the ruthlessness needed to act on one's convictions in the face of extraordinary adversity. Ms. Streep presents Ms. Thatcher as charming, beautiful, fragile, forceful, uncompromising and aging. Her life is portrayed as a series of laced together memories while her own mind becomes chaotic and disintegrates. Her extraordinary professional challenges transcend the newsreels when they are personally shared with a touching hallucination of her deceased husband, Denis, brilliantly portrayed by Jim Broadbent. Ms. Thatcher was never a popular personality but she was an effectively uncompromising leader. Ms. Thatcher's legacy remains controversial because she ruled rather than governed. On the other hand, Ms. Streep has created a lasting legacy to her continually exquisite acting career by providing a character analysis for analysts to examine, critique and build upon for creating future world leaders. Ms. Streep, as Ms. Thatcher, has created the final word on who the Iron Lady really was and the person behind the power was human, after all.

This story is bigger than the movie. An analysis of the movie Argo must reflect on the history.

Giving Ben Affleck's hit movie a 10 star rating has more to do with my prediction about the endurance of the now classic film than with the historic quality of the movie. This is more than a popular movie with a suspenseful and historic plot. It's a multiple layered history lesson describing how Americans became so reviled by many Middle East clerics; it's also a moral story about how international diplomacy should work during humanitarian crises.

Of course, we know the heroic ending of Argo, but the suspense builds, even knowing the outcome. Almost miraculously, 6 Americans (very accurately portrayed by the cast) were safely removed from Iran, led by CIA operative Tony Mendez (played by Affleck), while 52 other American Embassy personnel were held captive for 444 days during the crises. History will eventually look benevolently on President Jimmy Carter for the diplomacy he endured while trying to protect the safety of all the American hostages. Unfortunately, Carter lost his 1980 re-election campaign as a result. Yet, this hot Iranian political issue transcended the change of administration leading to the Reagan presidency. In spite of the crisis, President Carter has endured, while subsequent administrations have yet to experience the full magnifier of history. I love Argo because it entertains while it teaches multi-generations about current history, as well as the importance of international diplomacy. Most important, Argo brings President Jimmy Carter's administration into the limelight. Argo is a classic film. It gets ten stars from me because it will endure beyond the Hollywood spotlights. Affleck has created a wonderful movie and a history classic.

It's fair to say, most Americans have practically forgotten the Afghanistan-Soviet War. It was a one sided invasion during the 1980's, during President Reagan's administration, when heavily armed Soviets were destroying primitive tribal Afghan defenders.

Except, in "Charlie Wilson's War Based on the Outrageous True Story" we learned the inside story about how the 9 year Afghanistan-Soviet War was eventually brought to an end.

We watch the true and often humorously outrageous deal making of 2nd District Texas Congressman Charlie Wilson (1933-2010), played brilliantly by Tom Hanks, while he turned from a womanizing boozer into a diplomat. This movie is a history lesson about how one person, with a terrific sense of timing and a network of wealthy supporters, changed the world.

In fact, Congressman Charlie Wilson fended off a drug scandal while, at the same time, obtained US foreign aid money to arm badly defended Afghanistan tribal warriors fighting America's enemy, the Soviets.

Wilson's public image with the inquiring press was defended by a team of Congressional staffers led by administrative assistant Bonnie Bach, played by Amy Adams.

Wilson surprised his colleagues with political maneuvering that eventually contributed significantly to the 1988 Afghan defeat of the Soviets, during the Cold War. It was humiliating for the Soviets, analogous to the American defeat in the Viet Nam War.

Nonetheless, Wilson's political triumph on behalf of the Afghans was not without serious consequences. His support of the Afghan fighters created a new breed of warriors, i.e., the Taliban.

Charlie Wilson is well portrayed by Tom Hanks. In my opinion, this role seemed natural for Hanks, as he relished playing the naughty hero. Actress Julia Roberts was exceptional as Joanne Herring, the wealthy right wing Christian zealot who bought and paid for any influence she needed to defeat the evil Soviets. Indeed, it was a little hard to believe that right wing Texas Christians were vested in defeating the Soviets, but this was a true story and Ms. Herring was a major influence in Wilson's efforts.

An exceptional performance was given by Philip Seymour Hoffman as the second tier CIA operative named Gust Avrakotos. He was a marginalized CIA operative who began his relationship with Wilson as a facilitator, to smooth the edges with an over reaching Congressman. Soon, however, Avrakotos is swept up in Wilson's risky plan to find enough money to help the Afghans. He supported Wilson within the CIA as US foreign aid money was found and used to buy heat seeking weapons to shoot down Soviet helicopters.

In the end, Avrakotos taught Wilson the ultimate lesson "In Zen". Although Wilson was celebrated for his efforts to bring down the Soviets, Avrakotos says "We'll see", as a warning about the unintended consequences of the victory.

Charlie Wilson's War is an excellent story, with historic accuracy that makes it a classic.

The convincing portrayals, by all characters, against the background of a real US Congressman's deal making lifestyle, will improve this film over time. It was nominated for many awards but deserved to win more. I'd give this film a 10 star rating but the end seemed too choppy, like the editors were eager to finish it off. Otherwise, I loved the movie.

It's rare for a re-make of an American classic like True Grit to mirror the impact of the original movie based on the novel by Charles Portis. In fact, I'm surprised more is not made about the Portis novel as the basis for the two movies, because I enjoyed reading it when it was a best seller many years ago.

Since the 2010 remake, I've become a groupie of the True Grit themes of redemption and the brutality of justice.

As a truly American story, its special features are acted in the crudeness of the characters and the harshness of the old Arkansas County criminal justice systems which, no doubt, were closer to fact than fiction in the movie, during 1880 when the story took place.

Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) is a County Marshal, but a man in need of redemption. He knows it, but doesn't know what to do about it.

Cogburn's redemptive moment shows up in a person he least expects to extend him hope, when he meets 14 year old Mattie Ross (Hailee Stienfeld). She is looking for the meanest person she can hire to help find her father's killer, a criminal named Tom Cheney (Josh Brolin).

Complicating Mattie's plan to find her Daddy's killer is the character LeBoeuf (Matt Damon). LeBoeuf shows up as a needing-to-be-redeemed Texas Ranger, who is out to get the same man Haddie is looking for, but for the purpose of claiming a considerable amount of bounty money.

LeBoeuf and Cogburn decide to rudely pass on Mattie's intentions for justice. Rather, they join forces to split the bounty. They don't count on Mattie's stubborn determination to find her Daddy's killer. She bargains for a horse and goes off after Cogburn and LeBoeuf.

Haddie is the innocent surrounded by men who lack any sense of justice. They kill because they can. A ringleader of the murderous gang that Cogburn, LeBoeuf and Haddie pursue is Lucky Red Pepper (played by Barry Pepper), whose luck eventually runs out in a brutal scene when he enters into an intense dual with Cogburn.

On the redemptive side, Cogburn quickly sees something in Haddie that he cannot ignore in himself - a driving need to find justice. Soon, the story is not about the handsome bounty on the killer Cheney's head but, instead, it's to help Haddie fulfill her mission.

True Grit is an American story with some stereotypical characters we can expect to find riding through a 1950s Wild West movie. Yet, with Haddie as the central anchor, it tells a timeless story about justice prevailing over evil challenges encountered along the way.

Bridges is entertaining and believable as the wasted Cogburn. But, the surprise performance, for me, was Matt Damon's portrayal of LeBoeuf. This role was originally played with no pizazz whatsoever by singer Glenn Campbell in the original movie with Oscar winner John Wayne as Cogburn. I appreciated the sensitivity Damon brought to the role, the sense of uncertainty he showed when trying to outsmart and out shoot the drunken Cogburn brings a hint of humanity to both of the heartless men.

I give True Grit an 8 rating because it is well directed and acted. Perhaps it would have been a higher rated movie if we could have understood more about how Hattie became such a hard driving stubborn young lady. One scene I found totally unbelievable was when she drove her horse Blackie through the river to catch Cogburn and LeBoeuf but she wound up dry in spite of the drenching ride.

Otherwise, the background scenes of the Arkansas prairie, especially depicting the lonely terrain, was a realistic setting for the story. Bleak surroundings seemed to drive some men looney, like the characters Bear Man and one of Lucky Pepper's sidekicks.

I'm now a True Grit groupie. Loved the book, which I will now re-read, enjoyed John Wayne as the originator of the Cogburn role and now Bridges for bringing the story back to life. Right or wrong, True Grit is a story about morality, of American justice done the old fashioned way, and redemption. A classic.

Although it's often called the most feared human task, public speaking is, nevertheless, a talent we expect of all modern leaders.

In "The King's Speech", the British Duke of York, Albert (Colin Firth), is about to become the King of England (King George VI) at a time when the people who shared his destiny were the eloquent Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt and, yes, Adolf Hitler.

But, Albert (also called Bertie by his family) is paralyzed to speak publicly at a time in media history when radio broadcasts were mobilizing people to hear inspiring messages from their leaders. Tragically, Albert is terrified of public speaking because of a serious speech stutter preventing him from expressing himself.

Albert became an unwilling monarch when he inherited the British throne after his brother King Edward VIII abdicated to marry a twice divorced American woman from Baltimore named Wallis Simpson (Eve Best).

Albert needed help. In desperation, he followed his wife, Queen Elizabeth (Helena Bonham-Carter) to visit an unorthodox speech therapist named Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush). The two developed a relationship in spite of court critics who saw Logue's therapy as unqualified for a King.

With great difficulty, Albert was slowly able to meet the challenges history presented him and his family. His personal bravery was well developed in the brilliant portrayal by actor Firth.

What makes "The King's Speech" a great movie is the magnificent acting and casting, supported by a superb story about the salient qualities of leadership. Bertie learned to become the King of England because his country desperately needed him, and he rose to the occasion.

English history buffs will relish the subtle comparison of King George VI to the life of Richard III, who was also afflicted, as portrayed by Shakespeare. Cinematography includes period alluring stage sets, complimented by impressive landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abby and 10 Downing Street, each essential to the historic plot.

What's missing from The King's Speech is a PG-13 rating, because the R is unjustified given the accuracy of the history revealed. Profanity in this film does not rise to an R rating level.

How will young people learn about the flawed human condition of some of the world's great leaders if they are prevented from seeing such exquisite films, like "The King's Speech", due to the use of harsh language? Rather, The King's Speech should be required viewing for modern history classes with teacher supervision and guidance.

Performances by Firth, Rush and Bonham-Carter are believable and superb. I especially enjoyed the scene when Albert's wife (Bonham-Carter) snubs Wallis Simpson (Eve Best) when she is greeted by the divorcée at a party.

Today, speech therapy is a medical specialty that requires strict credentials by therapists and physicians. In 1939, however, Logue was the best therapist the terrified king could rely on. Thankfully, the two men's relationship therapeutically worked to help galvanize the British people around the world. In fact, the King's Speech on the radio inspired at a time when darkness and war prevailed.

"The King's Speech" is definitely a 10 star film.

Although I'm several years late watching The Departed, I was impressed by how real the film holds up, despite time travel. Brutal language, violence, Boston accents, and culture, and the evil conflicts between the Boston and Providence RI mob gangs, creates an unforgettable Scorsese film. Particularly interesting is the birds eye view of the Massachusetts Police Academy, with anecdotes of how people inside law enforcement live seemingly ordinary lives while dealing with the worst evil crime syndicates in the US. DiCaprio is absolutely at his best playing the conflicted undercover PD agent Billy Costigan, who tries to win the confidence of his mob boss (Jack Nicholson) while keeping his undercover identity secret. At cross purposes is Matt Damon, who is doing the complete opposite, as PD officer Colin Sullivan, who tries to keep the confidence of his precinct boss Captain Queenan played by Martin Sheehan. In fact, Sullivan is double crossing his public trust by keeping the mob led by Jack Nicholson's character Frank Costello, in the business of murder and extortion. The Departed is an adult film, period. Nonetheless, performances by the main cast are extraordinary - note Alec Baldwin who holds the viewers attention as a PD facilitator and instructor for the plot to uncover the undercover agents. There isn't another actor I know of who could execute this minor but bridge building role other than Baldwin. Nicholson's evil intentions carry this film's graphic plot, because his performance as a crime boss is totally convincing. Otherwise, Vera Farmiga is a somewhat ambiguous character who is not exactly likable, but she brings the cruel pieces together in the end, so to speak. I would give The Departed a rating of 10, except I did not like the counseling scenes with DiCaprio and Farmiga - they were not realistic. Yet, I believe, The Departed will stand the test of time as one of Scorsese's best films and a great cultural description of America's syndicated crime culture.