Learning to Drive

"Learning to Drive" stars Patricia Clarkson and Ben Kingsley in this simple film about an about to be divorcee and her struggles with this new role life has cast her in. Despite the fine acting and radiance of Ms. Clarkson, the film is shallow and two dimensional. Based on an article which appeared in a magazine, this is a story that is more suited to a short Hallmark TV film rather than a feature length motion picture theatrical presentation. Please note my disclaimer since I am no fan of Mr. Kingsley who generally tries to portray characters inconsistent with his film image (e.g. "Sexy Beast"). Here, however, playing the part of a Sikh cab driver/driving instructor, Mr. Kingsley resorts back to his Ghandi style mode and, although suitable to what he does best, his character pontificates and remains so aloof that, as a result, it robs the film of the warmth and depth it so vitally needs. This is a film that can best be described as …"A woman gets divorced and takes driving lessons:" Anything beyond  that is icing and fluff on a cake that itself isn’t that palatable. I venture to say that the gender of the viewer may well affect the reaction to the film since I noted that most if not all of the female members of the audience I was in really liked the film while, afterward waiting in the lobby, their male counterparts could be observed voicing their apparent displeasure as to what they had just seen. Although only an hour and a  half in length, the film seemed much longer and, for me at least, earned only 2 and ½ stars.

Mission Impossible: Rogue Naton

"Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation" is the 5th installment of this Tom Cruise franchise which has catapulted Paramount, the property and its star into great fortune. With a fresh script from writer and director Chirstopher Mcquarrie and fine acting by Simon Pegg, Jeremy Renner, Rebecca Ferguson and Alec Baldwin, Mr. Cruise performs admirably in his role as leader of the IMF. The film is fast paced with breathtaking action scenes and a plot that keeps unraveling at the same speed as the action on the screen. Rumored to have performed many of the action scenes himself, Mr. Cruse is the definitive action hero. Although slightly over 2 hours in length, the viewer is never concerned about that because he or she is too busy following what is taking place on the screen. I give the film 3 stars and trust that most who watch it will be as pleasantly surprised as I was to find that it is a mission possible for some sequels to be as good or better than the original.. 

Trainwreck

"Trainwreck" stars Amy Schumer in this comedy drama about a single lady acting  more like a single man in today’s dating game with able assists from Bill Hader, Brie Larson and John Cena. Written by Ms. Schumer and directed by Judd Apatow, this film amply displays the acting talents of Ms Schumer as well as her extraordinary writing talents. Deeply moving in the relations Ms. Schumer’s character has with her sister and divorced father, the film is able to generate great pathos and sentiment while at the same time causing us to laugh and appreciate each moment. LeBron James, playing himself, has a significant role in the move and together with other notable NBA figures, gives a degree of authenticity and honesty to the story. Most of all it is Ms. Schumer’s film for she proves once again that the transition from comedy to drama is easier to achieve for a comic than it is for a dramatic star to do comedy.. This is a thoroughly enjoyable film to watch and to experience great writing as well. I give the film 3 and ½ stars and recommend it to audiences and viewers of all ages.

Iris

"Iris"is a documentary chronicling the life of Iris Apfel, one of the most flamboyant and creative figures in the New York fashion scene. The film is more than just the history of this 93 year old icon, it is the story of the relationship with Ms. Apfel and Albert Maysles, her  Director/Photographer,  and with her and her 100 year old husband Carl. Iris, as a film and as a person, is an inspiration to all for this dynamic lady's originality and spontaneity knows no bounds. Although she  affectionately refers to herself as an old starlet, she is really a star without equal. I thought the film would be a "ladies"flick" since it dealt with costumes, fabrics, accessories and the like but it is much much more. It is a life lesson on how to maximize one’s assets and innate talents and take them to whatever height you desire. More than anything, Ms. Apfel’s ad lib comments and philosophical utterances are priceless and give food to those needing the strength to follow the untraveled road and to seek to attain the difficult goals. I give the film 3 and ½ stars and urge that it be viewed by all who wish to see that age is only a number and, in Ms. Apfel's case, not even close to a liability.

The Film Critic

"The Film Critic" is an Argentinian film written and directed by Herman
Guerschuny. It stars Rafael Spregelburd and Dolores Fonzi and tells the story of a depressed and unhappy middle aged film critic who dislikes most of the films he spends his work days viewing until he encounters a love interest that he hopes will change his life. To complicate this rather dull film is the fact that there are double subtitles, i.e. English and French, in addition to the Spanish actually spoken by the cast. Following the relationship of each of the characters to the other is not easy and, though the second half of the film gains some momentum and interest, the movie as a whole does not offer a good viewing experience. I give the film 2 stars and suggest that it be put at the bottom of your bucket list, especially if it has a leak.

I'll See You In My Dreams

"I’ll See You In My Dreams" was directed by Brett Haley who, together with Marc Basch, co-wrote the film. The movie stars Blythe Danner in her role as a widow in her 70’s facing life with her similarly situated friends and additional and varied male encounters. Ably supported by Rhea Perlman, May Kay Place and Sam Elliott, this is a charming film played beautifully by Ms. Danner who, at 72, portrays the widow with the sensitivity and intensity that only someone who has experienced in her real life that which  the script has dictated for her. The widow of the late Bruce Paltrow and the mother of Gwyneth, Ms. Danner evokes in the viewer the honesty of her character so that the audience is seeing more than an actress simply performing a role. Ms. Danner has lived the reality of the film character in her personal life and one cannot feel that she is bringing much of that to the screen. This is a film worth seeing if, for no other reason, the fine performance of this wonderful actress who dominates every scene she is in and keeps the audience in the palm of her hand. I give the film 3 and 1/2 stars and urge that it be seen by young and old alike for its message is universal and true.

About Elly

"About Elly" is an Iranian film from master director Asghar Farhadi who with Azad Jafarian  co-wrote it. Farhadi, the director of the Academy Award Best foreign film of 2011, The Separation, takes us into the world of young professionals in a country we know very little about and are, of course, surprised as these 30 somethings rent a villa for a weekend in a sea resort far from their homes in Teheran. There is a really good film somewhere in these reels but the viewer will be hard pressed to find it amidst women who look alike and couples where one cannot easily identify who goes with whom. In addition to this, the subtitles and the grating manner of the members of the cast,  the film is just too long and could easily have told its story in half of the actual 2 hours it took. I give the film 2 and ½ stars although with the right editing and writing, it could easily have earned many more.