JoJoRabbit

“JoJo Rabbit” has 3 things that initially made me exclude it from my bucket list of films to see. First, the title seemed more like a cartoon film, second, the same person was the writer, director and cast member and lastly, the topic of Nazis, persecution of Jews and World War II made it an ”I’ll pass” decision. All that being said, I finally saw the film and my reaction to my pre-viewing criticisms was that I was wrong on all 3 counts.

This is a film written, directed and performed in by Taika Waititi who handles all of these chores with a scalpel and skill that must be admired and acknowledged.

Mr. Waititi portrays the imaginary Adolph Hitler to a fanatical 10 year old would-be Nazi youth (Roman Griffin Davis) who is being raised by his single mother (Scarlet Johansson) as she, unknown to her son, hides a young Jewish girl (Thomasin McKenzie)  in the attic of their German home. To be able to mix and blend humor, humanity, political satire and great story telling is a feat few if any can easily accomplish yet Mr. Waititi and his cast accomplish this extraordinary task with skill and great aptitude. I give this film 3 and ½ stars with special mention to its star, young Master Davis, who captivates the audience with a noteworthy and engaging performance. I guess the lesson to be learned from this experience is, as with books, you can’t judge a film by its title.

Little Women

“Little Women” was written and directed by Greta Gerwig and stars Saoirse Ronan,  Laura Dern, Emma Watson and a very forgettable total of 5 minutes of Meryl Streep.

Based on Louisa Mae Alcott’s novel the film does an injustice to the audience to which it is being  exhibited. The large sums the producers spent on promoting the film would have been better utilized in the hiring of a strong editor and an additional writer for the movie is in dire need of a better script and better editing. The scenes depicting the characters and the years in which the events in their lives take place go back and forth so many times that the viewer has to rely upon the hairdos of the sisters in order to try to determine the proper chronology. Casting here is also subject to criticism since Bob Odenkirk (“Better Call Saul”) does not fit the image of the father of the girls nor does Chris Cooper (with enough makeup on to make a teenager look like Methusaleh)  make a credible elderly neighbor. Both roles would have been better played by lesser known actors with no prominent identification problems.

I give the film 2 stars, one of which should go to the Public Relations person since he or she did a better job of hyping the film than did its writer-director in making it.

The Two Popes

“The Two Popes” stars Jonathan Pryce (as reformist Pope Francis) and Anthony Hopkins (as traditionalist Pope Benedict) in this bio-drama written by Andrew McCarten and directed by Fernando Meirelles. The film tells the story of German born Pope Benedict as he contemplates renunciation of his papal title and the ultimate ascension of Argentinian born Pope Francis as the successor prince of the Catholic church. This is an interesting and inspiring movie and a tribute to the current Pope whose values and humanity are present in every stage of his career including, most importantly, the manner in which he governs and administers his religious followers as its leader.

If the film has one drawback, it is just too long and contains dialogue between these two theological giants that makes it difficult for the viewer to remain focused because of its length. On the positive side, the film gives an introspective look at the makeup of these two men, how they differ in perspective and how really human they both are. Add to that actual footage of real life events, glimpses as to the inner workings of the papacy and spectacular views of the Vatican, all of which are gifts to the viewer for having tolerated the long theatrical experience. I give the film 3 stars for its honest portrayal of life in the Vatican and those who reside in it.

The Irishman

“The Irishman” stars Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci and Al Pacino in this epic saga of mob life in post World War II America. Based on the book by Charles Brandt and screenplay by Steven Zaillian, and ably directed by Martin Scorcese, the film traces the life of Frank Sheehan (Mr. De Niro) as he rises from meat truck driver to a confidant of Jimmy Hoffa with ties to the “bosses” of the underworld. The film relies upon and uses “flashback” techniques which, if not done properly, might otherwise interfere with the viewer’s experience. In this instance, however, Mr. Scorcese masterfully utilizes the process to tell a story that, in spite of its 209 minutes of screen time, moves smoothly and rapidly from scene to scene. I give the film 3 and ½ stars for affording the audience a gratifying theatrical experience and, in addition, for giving it the opportunity to witness the extraordinary acting talents of its 3 main stars as they perform under the magical wand of its director.

Knives Out

“Knives Out” was written and directed by Rian Johnson and stars an ensemble cast including Daniel Craig, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon, Don Johnson, Toni Collette, Christopher Plummer and an amazing young actress, Ana de Armas. This is an old fashioned whodunit a la the style of Agatha Christie with hints of Hitchcock coupled with  a screenplay that compels attention and careful concentration by the viewer. Plot twists and sometimes tongue In cheek dialogue make the film worthy of attending. Handled in the direction of another less skilled writer and director, the film might well have crossed the line into silliness and absurdity. Fortunately, it does not.

Although the film itself is not momentous and could be criticized for being longer than it should  be, when all is said and done, the film  works. I give it 3 stars for affording the audience the opportunity to have a light and entertaining theatrical experience.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

“Marriage Story” was written and directed by Noah Baumbach (“The Squid and the

Whale”) and is, like his prior work, semi autobiographical, as he tells the story of a failed marriage and the lingering affection and feelings that remain throughout the issues and problems facing a divorcing couple with a child they both love.

Scarlett Johannson was never better as she interacts with her ex-husband- to- be exceptionally well played by Adam Driver. Remembering that Mr.Baumbach’s background as a child of two divorced parents and the ex-husband of Jennifer Jason Leigh, it is easy to understand where his allegiance lies amidst the two parents vying for the affection of their son. As is so often the case where the writer and director are one in the same, this film could easily have used the input of a third party to edit and minimize lengthy scenes and dialogue as well as a choice in casting (since some of the characters appear to be more like stereotypes than real life individuals). One might argue that these lengthy oratorical performances by the characters gives them an opportunity to exhibit their acting wares and, true as that may be, it adds to the length of the film which could be shorter than its 2 and ¼ hours. All that being said, I give the film 3 and ½ stars because it is a heartfelt and brilliant dissection of the divorce process, those who exploit it and those who are victims of it as written and directed

by one of its vital participants.