“Vice” is a biodrama and history of the life and career of Dick Cheney, Congressman from Wyoming, and more notably the Vice-President under President George W. Bush.

The film was written and directed by Adam McKay and stars Christian Bale in the title role with Amy Adams as his wife, Lynne Vincent Cheney. Also appearing in the film

is Steve Carell (as Donald Rumsfeld) and Sam Rockwell (as George W). This is the story of a partnership between an iron willed wife and an ambitious husband who, together, forged their way from average beginnings to the inner workings of their nation’s decision making process. Those interested more in our country’s recent history than pure film making will get more from this experience than the average viewer. That being said, one must acknowledge the “Meryl Streep” ability of Mr. Bale to transform himself, both physically and professionally,into the essence of the character he portrays. He succeeds so well that in what are obvious recreations of real events, the moviegoer could well believe that the real Mr. Cheney was actually in the scene. There is no question that the writer/director has a definite point of view but, in spite of that, he is able to portray his lead subject with a mixed sense of loyalty to his country and a fierce dedication to his wife and family, indeed the complex traits of a very complicated public servant. I give the film 3 and ½ stars for, despite its 2 hour and 25 minute running time, the audience is never bored or without interest with what it is appearing on the screen and, after all, isn’t that what filmmaking is all about.

Roma

“Roma” is a film written and directed by Alfonso Cuaron and is his attempt to pay homage and acknowledge his childhood in the Roma section of Mexico City as well as the housekeepers that cared for him and his siblings. Filmed in black and white this film has become the choice of so many critics and award entities so I find myself again at odds with the so called pros for this film, as good as it is, is not great, nor in my opinion is it worthy of the accolades being heaped upon it. This is the story of a family, a marriage and those who kept house for them…..and that is where it all really begins and ends.

So, like a fly on a wall, we watch the residents and servants interact in a really not too exciting series of mundane events as they go about their assigned chores and fulfill their designated roles. I give the film 2 and ½ stars as I continue to wonder what the excitement regarding it is all about..Perhaps the highest award should go to the distributor’s PR firm for being able to generate such unwarranted hype and activity..

The Mule

“”The Mule” is a film written by Nick Schenk inspired by Sam Dolnick’s piece in the New York Times Magazine entitled “The Sinola Cartel’s 90 Year Old Drug Mule”. The film stars Clint Eastwood, Bradley Cooper, Michael Pena, Laurence Fishburne, Andy Garcia and Diane Wiest so, one would think with a stellar cast like that, the film just had to be good. It is not.

Mr. Eastwood plays the 90 year old subject  too well for he’s lost the core of his image and one feels more sadness than respect for this aging icon who looks more like the grandfather of the star we once knew than the presence we were hoping to experience. Perhaps it’s the penalty of being too dynamic and great in the who we once were than the person we are now.

The script and story lack depth and, although never bored, the viewer is mindful that nothing significant is going on as the picture, like the mule’s truck, just travels forward without meaning or destination. I give the film 2 and ½ stars proving that an aging star with support from many cameo players cannot necessarily guarantee a positive theatrical experience.

Mary, Queen of Scots

“Mary, Queen of Scots” stars Saoirse Ronan in the title role together with Margot Robbie as Elizabeth I in this epic biodrama of 16^th Century politics, religious prejudice and royal intrigue. Directed by Josie Rourke and based on the novel by John Guy who co-wrote the screenplay with Beau Willamon (the writer and producer of “House of Cards”), this is basically the story of two cousins forced by their male advisors and counsel to be at war with each other and the kingdoms claimed to by each. For history buffs, this is a film that will put a new perspective on the life and reign of Mary who, until now, was thought of as an immature monarch placed in a role for which she was ill prepared. Instead Messrs. Guy and Willamon show Mary to be a spirited, wise and dedicated ruler who was, according to all records, the rightful heir to the kingdom and thrones of both England and Scotland. Interesting to note that today’s British monarch, Elizabeth II, is a direct descendant (11 times removed) of Mary. I give this film 3 stars for its historical value and the quality performances of the ladies who portray the two queens.

Shoplifters

"Shoplifters" is a Japanese language film written and directed by Hirokazu Koreeda. This is a difficult film to watch for a number of reasons, the most prominent being that the script and the story it tells is confusing and almost impossible to follow. The last third of the film tries to explain who the characters really are and the motivations each has in relation to the other but this places too much of a burden on the audience who, for 2/3 of the film had to sit adrift and at sea in trying to find out exactly what is going on. Much like the critics of the artsy Ingmar Bergman movies, so many of the critics who loved this film saw more in it than I believe the writer/director ever intended. The editing room needed someone in it in addition to Mr. Koreeda in order to give objective cuts, segues and scene placement changes so that the story sought to be told would be more easily understood. In its present form, however, and bearing in mind the kindness of the season, I generously give it 2 stars with the responsibility for this low rating falling squarely on the shoulders (and probably the ego) of Mr. Koreeda.