The Skeleton Twins

"The Skeleton Twins" was directed by Craig Johnson who co-wrote the screenplay with Mark Heyman. It stars Kristen Wilg, Bill Hader, Luke Wilson and Ty Burrell in this surprisingly serious and well-written film notable because of the extraordinary performances of Mr. Hader and Ms. Wilg. It is said that a comic talent will easily adapt to a dramatic role whereas a dramatic actor will find it extremely difficult to do comedy. Mr. Hader and Ms. Wilg, comic partners from Saturday Night Live, prove the point. This is a film that tells the story of two siblings and the effect their childhood upbringing has on their adulthood. It is not an easy film to watch for it paints a picture of 2 troubled human beings and how each, in his and her own way, attempts to cope with the demons that continue to haunt them from their unhappy past to the present. I give the film 3 stars with special kudos to the acting talents of the two main participants.

The Drop

"The Drop" stars the late James Gandolfini, Naomi Rapace and British actor Tom Hardy in this film written by Dennis LeHane (based on his short story "Animal Rescue") and directed by Michael R. Roskam. At first glance, and certainly from the trailers, this appears to be a stereotyped gangster film toned down from New Jersey to Brooklyn with Mr.Gandolfini suitably cast as the main character. Unfortunately, actually quite fortunately for the viewer, this is not the case. The main character is, in fact, played by Tom Hardy (with a Brooklyn accent so genuine it would make my neighbors in Bensonhurst proud). Mr. Hardy is indeed a unique and exeptionally gifted performer.. Like the movie trailers, what you see initially is not what you get for Mr. Hardy’s character, Bob, is deep and caring and, although Bob himself may not realize it, a kind of knight in shining armor-type who lives in a black/white world of right and wrong.  He gives an extraordinary performance that, for no other reason, should compel the would-be viewer to go to see the movie.
Of course one must acknowledge the "elephant in the room" as the late Mr. Gandolfini graces the screen in his last film appearance and reminds us once again of that which the entertainment community lost as a result of his untimely passing. That being said, Mr. Hardy, in the vernacular of his Brooklyn film brethren, steals the film and each scene he is in. I feel confident that if Mr. Gandolfini were with us today, he, the true professional that he was, would be the first to appreciate and acknowledge that performance as much as any of us. I give the film 3 stars noting that the one star shining above all the rest belongs to Tom Hardy.

Life of Crime

"Life of Crime" stars Jennifer Aniston and an ensemble cast consisting of Isla Fisher, Tim Robbins, John Hawkes, Yasiim Bey (formerly Mos Def) and Will Forte in this film written and directed by Daniel Schechter based on the book "The Switch" by the late Elmore Leonard. This a crime thriller, sort of a poor man's Fargo, that really doesn’t take itself too seriously although it could because the action is there but somehow, in the 1978 environment in which it all takes place, the film remains uncomplicated and easy to watch. It is light yet serious and made all the better due to the fine performances of  Ms. Aniston and her fellow thespians. I give the film 2 and ½ stars and suggest that it is a nice way to spend 100 minutes in an air conditioned venue.to view a movie that may not be great but it certainly is good.