Hell or High Water

“Hell or High Water” was directed by David Mackenzie and written by Taylor Sheridan. Disguised as a western this is really a contemporary chase film whose underlying subject and message could have been written by a Bernie Sanders speech writer. The film stars Chris Pine and Ben Foster who portray two brothers seeking revenge and retribution from the Texas bank that has foreclosed on their family home while Jeff Bridges (playing the same character as he did in “True Grit” and “Crazy Love”) is the Texas Ranger on the trail of these angry young men. The director and cinema photographer more than adequately capture and depict the mood and lifestyle of Western Texas and of those who reside there. The film does, however, raise serious questions as to the morality of the times and how far a person or group, believing he or they have been wronged,  can or should go in order to seek his or their perception of  “justice”. Although most critics have literally raved about this film, it falls short of that kind of an accolade but it is nevertheless a movie to see and enjoy and, for that reason, I give it 3 stars.

Hunt for the Wilderpeople

“Hunt for the Wilderpeople” is a New Zealand film directed by Taika Waittiti who also wrote the screenplay based on the novel by Barry Crump. The film stars Julian Dennison and Sam Neill and tells the story of an unwanted ward of the country’s foster care system who, as an unloved teenager, finds his way into the lives and hearts of one family. Enhanced by the beautiful scenery of the bush country and the tremendous acting of both young master Dennison and Mr. Neill, the film is an adventure, a comedy and a drama perhaps better suited for a movie of the week on television. That notwithstanding, I give the film 3 stars because, when all is said and done, I look back and consider that, by viewing it, I had a satisfying theatrical experience.

Florence Foster Jenkins

Florence Foster Jenkins" is a movie that stars Meryl Streep in the title role ably supported by Hugh Grant as the husband of this socialite and supporter of the arts who, although dedicated to music and to singing, was more mocked than appreciated by those who heard her.
Enough cannot be said of Ms. Streep who portrays her character with grace and dignity amidst the jeers of her audiences and, through it all, evokes a compassion and sympathy to the viewer. A lesser actor could have made a comedic buffoon of her performance but this is, after all, Meryl Streep, and she strides the delicate balance between a comical and serious performance with the scalpel that only great artists can achieve. The film is based on the life of the real Florence Foster Jenkins.  Hugh Grant, as her dedicated and loyal husband joins. Ms. Streep in receiving accolades for his sensitive portrayal as her enabling spouse and companion. Unfortunately, as with most films based on real events, the writer and director are tied to the facts, whether they be interesting or not. In this case, its hard to give this film too high a rating in spite of the fine acting performances because the plot is thin and much too simple. However, and because it represents an interesting and little known part of the world of music in the late 19th and mid 20th centuries, the film deserves to be seen and, for that reason, I give it 2 and ½ stars