Last Vegas

“Last Vegas” stars Michael Douglas, Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman and Kevin Kline in what can best be described as a senior citizen’s “Hangover” where, as in that film,  lifelong friends also experience a bachelor party in Vegas. That, however, is where the likeness ends for “lifelong” in this film means men who have been friends for over 60 years and have gone through many of life’s trials and tribulations together. This movie is geared for and will be enjoyed most by older movie goers who can identify with Cholesterol and PSA numbers versus baseball statistics and who can understand that phone calls from friends you haven’t heard from in many years don' always bring happy news. Well directed by Jon Turteltaub with a screenplay by Dan Fogelman, Messrs. Douglas, De Niro, Freeman and Kline get a chance to display their comedic and dramatic talents while ably abetted by a sparkling and charming Mary Steenburgen, all while in the venue of Las Vegas and, more specifically, Binion's Hotel and the Aria Resort complex. Though the jokes may be old, they are delivered well and make for a relaxed and nice viewing experience. This is not a great film nor will it win many awards but it does give the audience an opportunity to sit back and enjoy the exploits of these senior citizens as they seek new goals, heal old wounds and cement quality relationships. I give the film 2 and ½ stars and recommend it to all who believe that life doesn’t necessarily end but can, in fact, begin over 70.

Don Jon

“Don Jon” is an ambitious but unfortunately unsuccessful effort by actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt to expand his talents and capabilities by assuming the role of both writer and director in addition to playing the lead character. This is a film about an otherwise normal middle class guy who is addicted to watching porn on the internet and how it impacts and affects his other relationships. The film also stars Scarlett Johannson and Juliana Moore and a miscast Tony Danza as these  actors struggle to make sense of this thin script and average direction, What could have been an interesting and insightful excursion into the mind and attitude of a porn addict becomes nothing more than a light overview of this potentially thought provoking subject.  I give the film 2 stars and suggest that if something else is playing at the same time you are going to attend the movie, see the other film.