The Music of Strangers:Z YoYoMa and the Silk Road Ensemble

"The Music of Strangers: Yo Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble" is a documentary covering over 16 years of Yo Yo Ma and a group of musicians from many countries of the world coming together to share in the one language they all understand…..music. This is a feature length documentary directed by Morgan Neville which should have been better exhibited as a short film of not more than 1/3 its length instead of the current 96 minute version.
What is also disturbing is that the music played is primarily eastern and middle eastern (in order to highlight the ancient instruments the musicians use) giving no heed to the ears and taste of its western audience.
What comes through loud and clear is the warmth and caring of musician/humanistYo Yo Ma but a shorter version of the documentary would have more than given us this insight.
I give the film 2 stars and suggest that anyone who goes to see it can leave after the first 30 minutes knowing they will have avoided  60 minutes more of the same.

"The Nice Guys"

"The Nice Guys" stars Russell Crowe, Ryan Gosling and Angourie Rice in this slapstick comedy directed by Shane Black ("Lethal Weapon") and co-written by Mr. Black and Anthony Bagarozzi. This is a poorly written film containing vulgarity and violence meshed into a plot that not only makes no sense it but is confusing and difficult to follow as well. Mr. Black, seeking to follow his past successes in the four Lethal Weapon films, pairs two unlikely detectives (Messrs. Crowe and Gosling) together with Mr. Gosling’s character’s 13 year old daughter (Ms. Rice) in order to solve a murder mystery set in Hollywood in the mid 70’s. Despite the efforts of the actors, they are too burdened with a weak script and manic direction to accomplish the intended result so that the viewer is left with only disappointment and regret, especially about the cost of the tickets and the time spent watching this cinematic catastrophe. In the spirit of generosity and because I did laugh twice during the entire film I give it 2 stars but warn the reader that,  on the list of must sees, to paraphrase and prove the old adage,  these "Nice Guys" finish last.

"The Nice Guys"

Dough

"Dough" is a British film written by Jez Freedman and Jonathan Benson. Directed by John Goldschmidt it stars Jonathan Pryce as a widowed owner of a Kosher bakery in the East Side of London and Jerome Holder as a young Muslim apprentice in this charming tale of two cultures trying to find common ground in spite of their different ethnic backgrounds. This is a feel good movie that will never make the top ten list but nevertheless offers the viewer a chance to simply sit back and enjoy how predictable plot endings find their way into the audience's comfort zone. I give the film 3 stars and suggest that whether the viewer has ever or has never eaten a challah, this film will  be a refreshing morsel for his or her movie palate.

"The Meddler"

"The Meddler" stars Susan Sarandon, Rose Byrne and J.K. Simmons in this almost autobiographical story of a girl and her mom written and directed by Lorelei Scafaria.
Light in its script, the film, nevertheless, is a wonderful vehicle for Ms. Sarandon who confirms what everyone who has seen her in prior films knows…..she is one terrific actress. Having the ability to communicate in silent expressions the deepest emotions and feelings, she is a delight to watch. Though touted as a "chick-flick" and with not too deep a tale, thanks to Ms. Sarandon, the film is easy to watch and enjoy. I give it 2 and ½ stars with the knowledge that every mother and daughter will find special joy and identification in viewing it and I also believe that the dads will too.

Streit's: Matzo and the American Dream

"Streit’s: Matzo and the American Dream" is a documentary film written, directed and photographed by Michael Levine. As its title indicates, the film is the story of the Streit family and their baking of this traditional Passover food for almost 100 years. Starting in a tenement building on Rivington Street in downtown Manhattan, it is also the story of enterprising Jewish immigrants and their realization of the American dream. Still using equipment and processes dating back since the beginning of the company’s existence, the film tells the story through the eyes and ears of the now 5th generation owners and their dedicated employees. The film, as is the case where the director and writer are one and the same, is badly in need of editing and could easily have been made into a shorter presentation rather than the 75 minutes it took to tell the tale. Nevertheless, the film documents the plight and perseverance of the new immigrants and their attempt to succeed in what for them was truly the land of opportunity. I give the film 2 stars because., as entertainment per se, it has no depth nor is it able to hold the audience's interest for too long but, as a piece of history, it must be highly regarded for it imparts information to all of us who have either eaten or heard about this cardboard-like bread substitute that observant Jews eat each Passover holiday.

Born to be Blue

"Born to be Blue" stars Ethan Hawke and Carmen Ejogo in this film written and produced by Robert Budreau. This is the story of Chet Baker, the famous jazz trumpeter who in the mid 20th Century captivated jazz audiences and fellow musicians until his consumption with heroin destroyed him. Although the film moves at a rather slow pace and is unevenly edited, it nevertheless serves as a vehicle for Mr. Hawke who gives an extraordinary performance as the ill fated musician. It also gives an insight into the music business and the lives of those who lived and played in midtown Manhattan where this music genre found its life and audience. I give the film 2 and ½ stars and recommend it especially for those who were aware of and listened to this great talent.