Indignation

"Indignation" is adapted from the novel by Philip Roth and was written for the screen and directed by James Schamus, former head of focus Pictures and long time assistant to director Ang Lee. Mr. Schamus’ multi talented skills result in a wonderful adaptation of Mr. Roth’s coming of age novel involving the story of a young Jewish boy from New Jersey who meets life’s challenges in the mid western college to which his parents send him in the hope that it will put him on the path to economic and professional success. The film stars Logan Lerman ("Perks of Being a Wallflower", "Fury" and "310 to Yuma"), Canadian actress Sarah Gadon and a dynamic Tracy Letts as the Dean of the Christian college in which Mr. Lerman’s character enrolls. Enough cannot be said of the performance of Mr. Lerman who, himself, as an actor, has indeed also come of age from the roles he played in the films mentioned above. His casting as young Marcus Messner was perfect and as was that of his costars in this tightly knit and well written and directed story of youth and mores in the early and mid 1950’s. I give the film 3 and ½ stars and suggest that it be seen by all who are seeking to have a quality film experience.

Cafe Society

"Café Society" represents 80 year old Woody Allen’s 47th film and, after a couple of recent merely "OK" submissions, his latest is a real winner. Written and directed by this talented octogenarian, Mr. Allen, as the film's narrator, tells a tender and warm love story which stars Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart and Steve Carell in this effort by a young kid from the Bronx (Mr. Eisenberg) who comes to a 1930’s Los Angeles in search of a new career. Mr. Allen’s familiar jabs at Los Angeles and his obvious love of Manhattan all take prominence in this beautifully written, acted and photographed film. Mention must also be made of the wonderful soundtrack that supports each well directed scene so that the audience is captured by and brought into the genre and lifestyle appearing on the screen. This is a film that the viewer can just sit back, relax and enjoy with a story that is well told in words and pictures and, in no understatement, restores Mr. Allen to his rightful place as one of the great filmmakers of our time.. I give the film 3 ½  stars with a strong recommendation that it be seen by all who can find a way to get to any theater in which it may be playing.