A Most Wanted Man

"A Most Wanted Man" stars Philip Seymour Hoffman, Rachel McAdams, Robin Wright and Willem Dafoe in this intense spy thriller based on the novel by John LeCarre. The screenplay was written by Andrew Bovell, directed by Anton Corbijn and remains true to Mr. LeCarre’s literary work. Knowing that this was Mr. Hoffman’s last film makes the viewing bitter sweet for one watches this great actor perform as only he can and yet with the knowledge that we will never see him in anything new again.
The length of the film, over 2 hours, should not be a deterrent for every scene is valuable and necessary as good editing helps the viewer watch and understand this otherwise complicated plot. The film geta and deserves 3 stars. 

Magic in the Moonlight

"Magic in the Moonlight" stars Colin Firth and Emma Stone in this film written and directed by Woody Allen. There are those who will avoid a film by the writer-director because of circumstances which occurred in his private life and there are others who will go to any film bearing his credits as dutiful and loyal fans regardless of his personal choices or the quality of the work.. This film transcends the nay sayers and the hoorayers and can be judged on its own merits for by so doing, the viewer will experience a beautifully written and well directed work of theatrical art. Mr. Firth is fine in the role of the arch magician out to prove or disprove the abilities of Ms. Stone’s character as alleged seer and psychic. The movie sails along at an easy pace as it relates the story in a well edited and interesting manner. Add to this a soundtrack of great songs of the early 20th Century and you end up with a positive audio and visual theatrical experience. Kudos to Mr. Allen who has once more brought his "magic" into the theater. I give the film a well deserved 3 and ½ stars. Bottom line: this is a good film to see and one that I think most people will enjoy..

Begin Again

"Begin Again: stars Keira Knightley, Mark Ruffalo, Adam Levine, Katherine Keener and Hailey Steinfeld in this film written and directed by John Carney ("Once").
Ms. Knightley comes alive in this film after our having viewed her in so many mid 19th Century films as she helps illuminate the streets of Manhattan (where the film takes place) with her stellar performance. . Although her role requires singing, this is obviously not her professional forte. Nevertheless she handles the role nicely. Alas, that’s where the accolades for the film end for the performances of Mark Ruffalo (who always seems to play the same part) and the other performers are hampered by an average script and music that two generations after mine probably love but this writer could do without. Writing and directing the same film is an art and a task not easily carried off. Mr. Carney is no exception here and a somewhat confusing screenplay coupled with less than average musucal performances earn this film 2 and ½ stars with the half star attributed solely to Ms. Knightley.