Queen of Katwe

“Queen of Katwe” is biodrama based on the true story of Phiona, a Ugandan girl with an uncanny and innate gift for playing and winning in the game of chess. The film is based on an article and book written by Tim Crothers,a screenplay by William Wheeler and stars David Oyelowo and Madina Naiwanga (who plays the young chess prodigy). This could easily have turned out to be one of those formula feel good films with their predictable story book endings but, In the capable hands of director Mara Nair (“Amelia”), she brings warmth, emotion and an understanding of the Ugandan culture into this lovely and heart warming film. It Is an enriching movie experience and well deserves the 3 and ½ stars I rate it. Like a winning chess player, Ms. Nair made all the right moves.

Sully

“Sully” is a film depicting the events that occurred on January 15, 2009 when a US Airways pilot, “Sully” Sullenberger, miraculously landed an Airbus 320 airliner in the Hudson River in lower Manhattan and saved the lives of all 155 persons aboard. The film stars Tom Hanks, Laura Linney and Aaron Eckhart and was directed by Clint Eastwood who, like rare wine, seems to get better with each passing year. Told via flashbacks and background events, the audience is made an integral part of the fateful events that the passengers on the New York to Charleston flight experienced that cold winter morning as their plane departed from Laguardia Airport and ended up in the icy waters of the Hudson. The film is indeed a testament to the expertise of the pilot whose split second performance is later evaluated and scrutinized by the investigating agencies using the benefit of hindsight with their self-serving 20/20 vision. It’s always impressive to see a film where everyone knows the outcome yet a feeling of tension and anxiety can be so effectively created in spite of that. Kudos to Mr. Eastwood whose directorial skills show themselves in each frame and scene and make this a truly positive movie to see. A Washington Post article jokingly said that one should never travel with Mr. Hanks for as "Captain Phillips", the Federal Express employee in "Cast Away" and the commander of "Apollo 13", his trips almost always seem to encounter problems. That being said, I urge all to travel this time with Mr. Hanks as Captain Sullenberger on his 280 second flight from land to water, It is a quality venture that the movie traveler most certainly will enjoy.  I give the film 3 and 1/2 stars for no matter what seat you are in, it will truly be a "first class"  experience.

Hell or High Water

“Hell or High Water” was directed by David Mackenzie and written by Taylor Sheridan. Disguised as a western this is really a contemporary chase film whose underlying subject and message could have been written by a Bernie Sanders speech writer. The film stars Chris Pine and Ben Foster who portray two brothers seeking revenge and retribution from the Texas bank that has foreclosed on their family home while Jeff Bridges (playing the same character as he did in “True Grit” and “Crazy Love”) is the Texas Ranger on the trail of these angry young men. The director and cinema photographer more than adequately capture and depict the mood and lifestyle of Western Texas and of those who reside there. The film does, however, raise serious questions as to the morality of the times and how far a person or group, believing he or they have been wronged,  can or should go in order to seek his or their perception of  “justice”. Although most critics have literally raved about this film, it falls short of that kind of an accolade but it is nevertheless a movie to see and enjoy and, for that reason, I give it 3 stars.

Hunt for the Wilderpeople

“Hunt for the Wilderpeople” is a New Zealand film directed by Taika Waittiti who also wrote the screenplay based on the novel by Barry Crump. The film stars Julian Dennison and Sam Neill and tells the story of an unwanted ward of the country’s foster care system who, as an unloved teenager, finds his way into the lives and hearts of one family. Enhanced by the beautiful scenery of the bush country and the tremendous acting of both young master Dennison and Mr. Neill, the film is an adventure, a comedy and a drama perhaps better suited for a movie of the week on television. That notwithstanding, I give the film 3 stars because, when all is said and done, I look back and consider that, by viewing it, I had a satisfying theatrical experience.

Florence Foster Jenkins

Florence Foster Jenkins" is a movie that stars Meryl Streep in the title role ably supported by Hugh Grant as the husband of this socialite and supporter of the arts who, although dedicated to music and to singing, was more mocked than appreciated by those who heard her.
Enough cannot be said of Ms. Streep who portrays her character with grace and dignity amidst the jeers of her audiences and, through it all, evokes a compassion and sympathy to the viewer. A lesser actor could have made a comedic buffoon of her performance but this is, after all, Meryl Streep, and she strides the delicate balance between a comical and serious performance with the scalpel that only great artists can achieve. The film is based on the life of the real Florence Foster Jenkins.  Hugh Grant, as her dedicated and loyal husband joins. Ms. Streep in receiving accolades for his sensitive portrayal as her enabling spouse and companion. Unfortunately, as with most films based on real events, the writer and director are tied to the facts, whether they be interesting or not. In this case, its hard to give this film too high a rating in spite of the fine acting performances because the plot is thin and much too simple. However, and because it represents an interesting and little known part of the world of music in the late 19th and mid 20th centuries, the film deserves to be seen and, for that reason, I give it 2 and ½ stars

Indignation

"Indignation" is adapted from the novel by Philip Roth and was written for the screen and directed by James Schamus, former head of focus Pictures and long time assistant to director Ang Lee. Mr. Schamus’ multi talented skills result in a wonderful adaptation of Mr. Roth’s coming of age novel involving the story of a young Jewish boy from New Jersey who meets life’s challenges in the mid western college to which his parents send him in the hope that it will put him on the path to economic and professional success. The film stars Logan Lerman ("Perks of Being a Wallflower", "Fury" and "310 to Yuma"), Canadian actress Sarah Gadon and a dynamic Tracy Letts as the Dean of the Christian college in which Mr. Lerman’s character enrolls. Enough cannot be said of the performance of Mr. Lerman who, himself, as an actor, has indeed also come of age from the roles he played in the films mentioned above. His casting as young Marcus Messner was perfect and as was that of his costars in this tightly knit and well written and directed story of youth and mores in the early and mid 1950’s. I give the film 3 and ½ stars and suggest that it be seen by all who are seeking to have a quality film experience.

Cafe Society

"Café Society" represents 80 year old Woody Allen’s 47th film and, after a couple of recent merely "OK" submissions, his latest is a real winner. Written and directed by this talented octogenarian, Mr. Allen, as the film's narrator, tells a tender and warm love story which stars Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart and Steve Carell in this effort by a young kid from the Bronx (Mr. Eisenberg) who comes to a 1930’s Los Angeles in search of a new career. Mr. Allen’s familiar jabs at Los Angeles and his obvious love of Manhattan all take prominence in this beautifully written, acted and photographed film. Mention must also be made of the wonderful soundtrack that supports each well directed scene so that the audience is captured by and brought into the genre and lifestyle appearing on the screen. This is a film that the viewer can just sit back, relax and enjoy with a story that is well told in words and pictures and, in no understatement, restores Mr. Allen to his rightful place as one of the great filmmakers of our time.. I give the film 3 ½  stars with a strong recommendation that it be seen by all who can find a way to get to any theater in which it may be playing.