Silver Linings Playbookk

“Silver Linings Playbook’ stars Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert DiNiro, Jackie Weaver, Chris Tucker and Julia Stiles in this story of love, family, mental illness and football fever all ably sewn together in the capable hands of director David O. Russell.

Based on the novel by Mathew Quick, there are scenes and periods in the film where the manic and zany actions of its hero and heroine make the viewer somewhat uncomfortable which is a testament to their ability to capture the emotional upheaval the characters are experiencing as well as their parents and friends who are compelled to witness such conduct. The film could easily have gone in a negative direction but with the sharp and sensitive screenplay co-written by Messrs.Quick and Russell it all works and, more than that, it works really well. This is an up movie starting from a down place and its progression to that result is one of the reasons it is so worth seeing. This is a career maker for Ms. Lawrence (“Winter Bone”,“The Hunger Games”), a career changer for Mr. Cooper (“The Hangover”) and a really good theatrical experience for the viewer. I give this film a well deserved 3 and ½ stars for a fine effort and result.

Finding Barb

We had occasion the other evening to attend a delightful  show starring Barbara Heller, a multi-talented actress and writer, who in approximately 2 hours, took her audience from her childhood to the present attempting to find herself and perhaps, Mr Right as well.
Ms. Heller plays herself, her mother and other characters in her life ably assisted by her co-star, David Scales who, like Ms. Heller, becomes the relevant male characters in these cameos and circumstances from the author's experiences. Directed by Eva Minemar with music composed by Avi Avliav, book and lyrics by Ms. Heller and two original songs by Katie Thompson, the musical runs to January 10, 2013 playing only on Thursday evenings at The Working Stage theater in West Hollywood.
People in Barbara's generation and those old enough to be parents to those who have  had similar experiences (which means practically everyone over 18) will identify and appreciate the sensitivity and charm of this theatrical musical presentation.

Lincoln

“Lincoln” stars Daniel Day-Lewis in the title role in a film directed by Steven Spielberg based on the book by noted presidential biographer Doris Kearns Goodwin.with a screenplay by Paul Webb and Tony Kushner. This outstanding group of professionals helps produce a truly interesting movie based on a four month period in the late president’s life. For me,  as a young boy, Raymond Massey was the unparalled Lincoln portrayer but Day-Lewis does a great job in dispelling that image and creating one which is entirely his own. Playing Lincoln as a sensitive, brooding, caring and moral individual gives this 2012 version of Mr. Lincoln a vulnerability and humanity that few if any other films about him have accomplished. Extraordinarily played by Mr. Day-Lewis with fine supporting performances by Sally Field as Lincoln’s wife, Mary, and David. Straitharn, as William Seward, this is a film well worth seeing for not only its story telling value but its political and historical importance as well. With superb photography and  high production values, I give the film 3 and ½  stars. Yes, it is a long film, i.e. 2 hours and 20 minutes, but the viewer is never really conscious nor bothered by its length.and, more importantly, the viewer is given a history lesson that will long be remembered.. 

Argi

“Argo” stars Ben Affleck, Alan Arkin and John Goodman in this story of the CIA and its attempt to rescue 6 hostages who escaped the Iran Revolutionary Guard when they took over the US Embassy in Tehran. Playing the lead CIA operative is Ben Affleck who also directed this film which was co-written by Messrs. Chris Terrio and Joshua Bearman. Apparently seeking to avoid being accused of monopolizing the film’s footage, , Mr. Affleck does the opposite and keeps his character so subdued and bland that you wonder why an above the line star was needed to play him. The appeal of the film is not the acting or writing quality of any of its participants but, instead, the story itself and, to that end, Mr. Affleck succeeds quite nicely in relating it.. This is a nail biter and “sit on the edge of your seat” type movie where the audience really does get involved in the plight of the main characters. The information imparted to the viewing audience is equally priceless and those of us who can remember the hostage episode will appreciate the details of the event and those who lived it. I give the film 3 strars because it is a part of history we should remember and experience and Mr. Affleck helps us do it in style.