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.

Green Book

"Green Book" is the true story of Dr. Don Shirley, the great classical/jazz pianist and his famous 1960's tour of the deep south accompanied by his driver, Tony Lip Villelonga, as they travel together using the infamous Green Book which served as a guide for African American travelers as to where they could and could not find accommodations in the southern part of our nation. As the book so brutally states in its logo "avoid aggravation on your vacation".

The film stars Mahershala Ali as Dr. Shirley and Viggo Mortensen as Tony Lip Villelonga. Directed by Peter Farrelly who co-wrote the screenplay with Bruce Currie and Nick Villelonga, this is a warm and deeply moving story of the plight of a talented world class musician who, like most black entertainers in that era, could perform and entertain in the "white only" establishments but could neither sleep nor eat there. The film serves as a great reminder of how demeaning and wrong the culture was in all too many parts of our country and how so many of its citizens were robbed of the dignity and rights they were otherwise entitled to have and enjoy. Although Mr. Ali's performance was noteworthy, the true star of the film is Mr. Mortensen who, deviating from his normal "leading man" role, portrays the Bronx born and raised Tony Lip Villelonga with sensitivity and caring in spite of, and perhaps maybe because of, his Italian American heritage and upbringing.

I give this film 3 and 1/2 stars and suggest that it be seen by all who wish to understand where we were as a nation 56 years ago, where we are now and how far we still have to go.

At Eternity's Gate"

"At Eternity's Gate" is the beautifully told story of the life of Vincent Van Gogh brilliantly portrayed by Willem Dafoe. Supported in the film by Rupert Friend and Oscar Isaacs, the film was written by Jean-Claude Carriere, Louise Kugelberg and Julian Schnabel, the latter of the three who was also the director. This biographical drama of the life of this great artist puts Mr. Dafoe's portrayal of him onto the short list of Oscar nominees for best actor. Admittedly those not interested in Mr. Van Gogh or the art movement he helped create will not be as interested in seeing the film as those of us who are. The film takes us through the artist's life from his own perspective and presents facts based on common folklore as it explores his struggles with imagination and reality and, ultimately, untimely death. I give the film 3 stars for it presents to the viewer an interesting theatrical experience as well as a view of the artist not present in the two prior films made about him.

Boy Erased

"Boy Erased" is a film dealing with gay conversion therapy and stars Lucas Hedge, Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe. Based on the real life memoir of writer Garred Conley the film was written and directed by Joel Edgerton who also plays one of the "counselors" in the controversial facility. This is not simply a message film but rather a deep and emotional exploration into the workings of an Arkansas family and the life style choices its members are forced to make. Kudos to Ms. Kidman and Mr. Crowe for their fine performances but the film really belongs to Lucas Hedge who, although subjugated to supporting roles in "Manchester by the Sea", "Lady Bird" and "3  Billboads in Montana", brings an honest and moving portrayal of a troubled teen seeking asylum and peace in a world not of his making. I give the film 3 and 1/2  stars with a reminder that of our 50 states, 34 of them still have not banned this archaic and medieval attempt to change an individual's sexual preference.

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A Star is Born

"A Star is Born" stars Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga, Sam Elliott and Andrew Dice Clay in a film directed by Mr. Cooper and co-written by him, Eric Roth and Will Fetters. Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga give superb performances with special kudos to Ms. Gaga who was a pleasant surprise both as to her acting and vocal talent.

Unfortunately, for this viewer at least, I was, throughout the film, extremely conscious of the Janet Gaynor/Frederick March, James Mason/Judy Garland and Kris Kristofferson/Barbara Streisand versions of the film and because of that, they got in the way of my ability to just sit back and watch the scenes in the latest remake  unfold. Although set in the genre of contemporary rock music, the film differs little from its predecessors with the viewer knowing exactly how each predictable circumstance would play out and curious only as to how the newest version might modify the old. There should be a statute of limitations on how many times you can remake a film and this latest one is a good argument for it. I give the film 2 and 1/2 stars and suggest that it be seen by only two types of audiences, one looking to see Lady Gaga in a totally new dimension and the other for that rare individual who never saw any of other three films.