"The Nice Guys"

"The Nice Guys" stars Russell Crowe, Ryan Gosling and Angourie Rice in this slapstick comedy directed by Shane Black ("Lethal Weapon") and co-written by Mr. Black and Anthony Bagarozzi. This is a poorly written film containing vulgarity and violence meshed into a plot that not only makes no sense it but is confusing and difficult to follow as well. Mr. Black, seeking to follow his past successes in the four Lethal Weapon films, pairs two unlikely detectives (Messrs. Crowe and Gosling) together with Mr. Gosling’s character’s 13 year old daughter (Ms. Rice) in order to solve a murder mystery set in Hollywood in the mid 70’s. Despite the efforts of the actors, they are too burdened with a weak script and manic direction to accomplish the intended result so that the viewer is left with only disappointment and regret, especially about the cost of the tickets and the time spent watching this cinematic catastrophe. In the spirit of generosity and because I did laugh twice during the entire film I give it 2 stars but warn the reader that,  on the list of must sees, to paraphrase and prove the old adage,  these "Nice Guys" finish last.

"The Nice Guys"

Dough

"Dough" is a British film written by Jez Freedman and Jonathan Benson. Directed by John Goldschmidt it stars Jonathan Pryce as a widowed owner of a Kosher bakery in the East Side of London and Jerome Holder as a young Muslim apprentice in this charming tale of two cultures trying to find common ground in spite of their different ethnic backgrounds. This is a feel good movie that will never make the top ten list but nevertheless offers the viewer a chance to simply sit back and enjoy how predictable plot endings find their way into the audience's comfort zone. I give the film 3 stars and suggest that whether the viewer has ever or has never eaten a challah, this film will  be a refreshing morsel for his or her movie palate.

"The Meddler"

"The Meddler" stars Susan Sarandon, Rose Byrne and J.K. Simmons in this almost autobiographical story of a girl and her mom written and directed by Lorelei Scafaria.
Light in its script, the film, nevertheless, is a wonderful vehicle for Ms. Sarandon who confirms what everyone who has seen her in prior films knows…..she is one terrific actress. Having the ability to communicate in silent expressions the deepest emotions and feelings, she is a delight to watch. Though touted as a "chick-flick" and with not too deep a tale, thanks to Ms. Sarandon, the film is easy to watch and enjoy. I give it 2 and ½ stars with the knowledge that every mother and daughter will find special joy and identification in viewing it and I also believe that the dads will too.