The Intouchables

“The Intouchables” is a French film written and directed by Eric Toledano and Olivier Nakache. It stars Francois Cluzet and Omar Sy and tells the true story of a disabled and paralyzed man who hires a native of Senegal as a care provider. For some reason or another I had not seen the film in its initial release period but heard others constantly rave about it. Finally, realizing that its run was coming to an end, I went to see it in one of the 4 or 5 local independent movie houses still showing tt. It’s always difficult to view a film with a history of so many accolades and such positive reactions from friends and acquaintances. My exceedingly high expectations, although not totally met, were indeed catered to and, to a great extent, realized. The subject matter, as difficult as it would appear to be, is handled so well by the writer/director team and never becomes awkward or difficult to experience. In fact, the humor exhibited by both actors helps the film keep its humanity and, in the end, surprised and relieved, I  left the film with my spirits uplifted. I give the film 3 and ½ stars. One interesting note. One of the members in my group who saw the film thought it  was in English. It wasn’t but it does speak well of the film and its ability to cross sub-title lines so that one viewer, at least, couldn’t tell the difference..

Robot and Frank

“Robot and Frank” is a film from first time director Jake Schreier. Written by Christopher Ford the film stars Frank Langella, Susan Sarandon and Liv Tyler and takes place “sometime in the near future” where robotic technology is used to aid those with Alzheimer’s Disease and other memory disabilities. Although well intentioned and sensitive to an ailment that unfortunately befalls too many in our society, the movie never quite reaches its potential and trivializes a subject that deserves more meaningful attention. Well acted but not well written, the film offers a perspective to those who are either unaware or insensitivet to the problems of aging and the diseases that too often accompany it. I give the film 2 and ½ stars because, if you forgive the use of the word, it is really quite “forgettable.”

Hope Springs

“Hope Springs” stars Meryl Streep, Tommy Lee Jones and Steve Carell. Directed by David Frankel and written by Vanessa Taylor this is a film that had a great idea (facing the problems of marital boredom) and wonderful potential, both of which unfortunately are never realized. The film plays more like a slow moving exercise in three way conversations between the main characters and the unrealistic almost stereotyped roles each plays. Real life just isn’t like that and for that reason the movie completely misses the mark. Overplayed by Mr. Jones as the guy who takes his wife of 31 years for granted, he becomes almost a cartoon image of the person he is asked to portray. Ms. Streep, on the other hand, in an attempt to be the dutiful wife seeking to reinsert the verve and spunk in the marriage it once had, jumps from anger, hurt and adoration in such fast mood changes that most married couples will acknowledge that things never occur that way. This is clearly a low budget film with almost minimal production values unless you consider nice furniture in a therapist’s office as an example of big spending. That aside, the film does a terrible disservice to 3 fine actors who, like the film’s marriage, are trapped in a bland and slow moving vehicle. Poor editing, writing and directing compel that this film receive only 2 stars.

Take This Waltz

“Take This Waltz” stars Michelle Williams, Seth Rogen, Sarah Silverman and Luke Riley. Michelle Williams is a very talented actress who seems to be much better than the films in which she appears (e.g. “Marilyn” etc.). This film written and directed by Sarah Polley is no exception as Ms. Williams struggles as the bored and unhappy housewife who meets and immediately connects with another man and it is her journey through this complex set of circumstances that we watch for 116 minutes. The movie is too long and experiences the same frustrating theme over and over again. Perhaps a 3d party editing the film would have seen what Ms. Polley could not. It is indeed difficult to delete your own creative endeavors but good films demand that this be done. I give this effort by Ms. Polley 2 and ½ stars.. The possibilities and ideas are there but they just don’t seem to reach their potential.

Ted

“Ted” is the creation of Seth MacFarlane who not only co-wrote the film with Alec Sulkin and Wellesley Wild but directed it as well. It is all MacFarlane’s project and like his “Family Guy” property, it is irreverent, bold and over the top in its disregard for political correctness and the like.. The film stars Mark Wahlberg and Mila Kunis together with Ted, the teddy bear whose voice is that of the multi-talented Mr. MacFarlane. Though sometimes trite and formula in its story line, this film works. The writing is sharp, witty and equally insults all who come in its path. Such dialogue and tacky jokes can only work if they are funny and, indeed, these are. Some have unfairly compared this film to “Knocked Up” and “The Hangover” but that does it a great disservice.. It is better than the films of that genre. We get engrossed in so many serious and artsy types of movies that we forget the absolute pleasure in being able to sit back, relax, laugh and have a genuinely good time viewing a good theatrical exhibition. For me, “Ted” fulfilled that need and I gladly give it 3 stars with a strong recommendation that it be seen as soon as possible.

“Beasts of the Southern Wild” is a drama/fantasy as seen through the eyes of a 6 year old who lives with her father and others in this Southern Louisiana community amidst and after the fury of Hurricane Katrina. First director Benh Zeitlin who co-wrote the film with Lucy Alibar seeks to capture life in this G-d forsaken life style in which Hush Puppy, the name of the 6 year old’s character in the film, attempts to cope with life in the swamp and Delta. Extraordinary is the performance of  Quvenzhane Wallis, who plays Hush Puppy, and that is probably the only reason to view the film. Intermittent drama, fantasy, prehistoric animals and melting ice packs make this a very uncomfortable movie to watch and for this reviewer, earns it 1 and ½ stars, most of which go to Ms. Wallis. I went to this film anticipating really great artistry and good craft (the reviews were so good). Unfortunately the film was not good and, as I squirmed in my seat and watched it, I thought I would endure it since it was only 91 minutes in length. I was wrong. I looked at my watch almost as many times as I looked at the screen. Whether it was something I ate previous to attending the theater, the handheld camera jumping up and down,  or both, I got ‘”see-sick” as the flood waters filled the screen. One Pepto Bismol and three Tums tablets later, I still couldn’t lay the blame to either so I’ll blame both causes for my visual and stomach upset and my mistake in following the recommendations of the so-called “film gurus”.

The Matchmaker

“The Matchmaker” is an Israeli film written and directed by Avi Nesher who tells this story of Holocaust survivors living in Haifa and how they cope and adapt to the life they found in Israel. Deceptive as it is, the title of the film tells the story of a very serious and professional matchmaker who influences and plays a part in the lives of so many people in his city and, especially, one 16 year old boy.. It is a “coming of age” film where the son of a survivor learns so much about the things that happened over “there” (as the film’s characters refer to the camps and terror of Europe under the Nazi regime). The cloud over the entire film or the “elephant in the room”, if you will, is the Holocaust yet this novel and unique way of relating how these survivors cope with their past and its horrors makes for an interesting and informative movie experience. It is also, without a doubt, a clear view of life as it existed in Haifa, Israel in 1968. Notwithstanding a running time of 112 minutes and English titles translating the Hebrew dialogue, this is a film well worth seeing. I give it 3 and ½ stars with special accolades to Adir Miller (who plays the title role). Mr. Miller is a noted Israeli screenwriter and comedian who once again confirms that although serious actors may not be able to play comic roles well,  comic actors can usually excel in serious parts... He, together with Maya Dagan and Tuval Shafir  help make the viewing of this film so meaningful and rewarding and explain its many nominations for Israeli film awards.