Wind River

“Wind River” was written and directed by Taylor Sheridan and stars Jeremy Renner, a miscast Elizabeth Olsen and the ever reliable Graham Greene. This is basically a murder/rape mystery played out in the wintry climate of an Indian reservation in Wyoming. The film is shallow in terms of the depth of its characters and relies much upon careful and intense following of the dialogue to try to piece together what has previously occurred in the lives of its main characters and the events that led up to the criminal investigation. Since the credits on the film appear at its end, I guessed correctly that it had been written and directed by the same person who, unfortunately, didn’t satisfactorily fulfill either role.  Even though it cites 1 hour and 47 minutes of playing time, the film seemed much longer so I suggest lots of coffee before viewing it. I give the film 2 stars and, on second thought, suggest that the coffee should be imbibed without ever going to see the movie.

Good Time

“Good Time" was written by Ronald Bronstein and Joshua Safdie and was directed by Mr Safdie and his brother, Ben. Ben Safdie also stars in the film with Robert Pattinson and, in a much lesser role, Jennifer Jason Leigh. This an amateurish, poorly written and frankly quite boring film about one brother’s attempt to get the other out of jail after a botched bank robbery. ‘The film, like the robbery, is poorly executed, coordinated and directed. Never has a film’s title more inaccurately described the theatrical experience  tor the last thing the viewer will have is a ‘good time”. I give the film 1 star because the creators had good intentions but ended up with a terrible result. What is most surprising, and, in fact, scary, is that so many well thought of professional critics really loved this film. It was based on their reviews that I went to see the movie which once again proves that getting paid for what you do or write doesn't mean you are good at it or deserve the sums you are paid.

Columbus

“Columbus” is a film written and directed by its one named creator,  Ogonada.  This is his directorial debut and unfortunately for him and his audience, is a totally non-auspicious entry into the theatrical genre. Aided and abetted in this visual felony are actors John Cho and Haley Lu Richardson, with minimal participation by Parker Posey and Rory Culkin. The film takes place in Columbus, Indiana where many architectural feats have been accomplished and this serves as the basis for the common interest and attempted chemistry between its two co-stars. Although what well may have started out to be an effort to intellectualize and compare the world of architecture and life, the film fails miserably in that regard and becomes one of the most boring and tedious “entertainment” experiences this viewer can remember. As one member of the audience correctly put it: “It was like watching grass grow”. Mr. Cho manifests almost no emotion or credibility in the role he portrays in stark contrast to the performance of Ms. Richardson who is a delight to watch. Unfortunately, seeing her in the film is like listening to a fine singer performing a bad song. This is not a good film and one that I sincerely urge the potential viewer to avoid unless, of course, insomnia compels one to go to the theater for his or her much needed sleep. I give the film  one star and that goes solely to Ms. Richardson who hopefully will find better vehicles to expose her obvious talent.