A Most Wanted Man

"A Most Wanted Man" stars Philip Seymour Hoffman, Rachel McAdams, Robin Wright and Willem Dafoe in this intense spy thriller based on the novel by John LeCarre. The screenplay was written by Andrew Bovell, directed by Anton Corbijn and remains true to Mr. LeCarre’s literary work. Knowing that this was Mr. Hoffman’s last film makes the viewing bitter sweet for one watches this great actor perform as only he can and yet with the knowledge that we will never see him in anything new again.
The length of the film, over 2 hours, should not be a deterrent for every scene is valuable and necessary as good editing helps the viewer watch and understand this otherwise complicated plot. The film geta and deserves 3 stars. 

Magic in the Moonlight

"Magic in the Moonlight" stars Colin Firth and Emma Stone in this film written and directed by Woody Allen. There are those who will avoid a film by the writer-director because of circumstances which occurred in his private life and there are others who will go to any film bearing his credits as dutiful and loyal fans regardless of his personal choices or the quality of the work.. This film transcends the nay sayers and the hoorayers and can be judged on its own merits for by so doing, the viewer will experience a beautifully written and well directed work of theatrical art. Mr. Firth is fine in the role of the arch magician out to prove or disprove the abilities of Ms. Stone’s character as alleged seer and psychic. The movie sails along at an easy pace as it relates the story in a well edited and interesting manner. Add to this a soundtrack of great songs of the early 20th Century and you end up with a positive audio and visual theatrical experience. Kudos to Mr. Allen who has once more brought his "magic" into the theater. I give the film a well deserved 3 and ½ stars. Bottom line: this is a good film to see and one that I think most people will enjoy..

Begin Again

"Begin Again: stars Keira Knightley, Mark Ruffalo, Adam Levine, Katherine Keener and Hailey Steinfeld in this film written and directed by John Carney ("Once").
Ms. Knightley comes alive in this film after our having viewed her in so many mid 19th Century films as she helps illuminate the streets of Manhattan (where the film takes place) with her stellar performance. . Although her role requires singing, this is obviously not her professional forte. Nevertheless she handles the role nicely. Alas, that’s where the accolades for the film end for the performances of Mark Ruffalo (who always seems to play the same part) and the other performers are hampered by an average script and music that two generations after mine probably love but this writer could do without. Writing and directing the same film is an art and a task not easily carried off. Mr. Carney is no exception here and a somewhat confusing screenplay coupled with less than average musucal performances earn this film 2 and ½ stars with the half star attributed solely to Ms. Knightley.

Chef

“Chef” is the brainchild and creation of the very talented Jon Favreau who produced, directed, wrote and stars in this film about a chef, his relationship with his son, his ex-wife and the food he loves to cook. In addition to Mr. Favreau, the film also stars Sofia Vergara, Scarlett Johansson, Bobby Cannavale, Dustin Hoffman, John Leguizamo, Robert Downey Jr., and a soundtrack that will make the viewer truly enjoy the intensity of this salsa musical journey. Almost 2 hours in length the film speeds along on its merry way through the spirited and improvisational style of its director who quickly shows us that simple uncomplicated themes well written and performed can make for more than adequate entertainment. This is a film where you simply sit back in your chair, relax and watch this feel good story turn out as predicted but with humor, pathos and culinary delights filling the screen in between. I give the film 3 stars and urge that it be seen by vegans and meat lovers alike for food, comedy and music make this film truly an enjoyable experience.

The Lunchbox

“The Lunchbox” is an Indian film starring Irrfran Khan and Mimrat Kaur. Directed by Ritash Batra. The film got rave reviews from the major papers and periodicals as well as some word of mouth recommendations from people we know. The question I must ask is “why?” This is one of those films where a great idea is executed poorly, mostly because of the poor writing and the illogical circumstances that take place and the difficulty in trying to follow exactly what the characters are and will be doing. In spite of a few dozes during the film, I was sorry to see the credits come on so rapidly because it left me in the cloud of  not knowing how the characters resolve or don’t resolve their issues. I give the film 2 stars and hope that those who do see it will get more out of it than I did.

Fading Gigolo

“Fading Gigolo” was written and directed by John Torturro who also stars in the film with Woody Allen, Sharon Stone, Sofia Vergara and Vanessa Paradis. As is always the case with one who takes on the triple role of actor, writer and director, the objectivity needed to make certain scenes work or not work is lost or seriously diminished. Mr. Torturro, the writer, has written a thin improbable script and, as an actor, relies more on his facial expressions than the dialogue the viewer is begging to hear. Mr. Allen, easily cast as the  elder mentor and friend to Mr. Torturro’s character tries very hard to be the Allen of 20 years earlier but fails in this attempt. He is, after all, an older version of the character we loved to watch and now, sadly, we are conscious of this old man trying to  entertain us. The real value to this film is the performance of Ms. Paradis, a well known French singer, who steals and dominates every scene she is in. This is a movie about Williamsburg, a section of Brooklyn where Hasidic Jews have their own community and how this culture ultimately impacts upon the lives of the characters played by Mr. Allen and Mr. Torturro. As one who lived and worked in that community, I enjoyed the scenes of the lifestyles and people who resided there.  Unfortunately, nostalgia and interesting photography alone are not enough to make a really good movie. I give the film 2 ½ stars.

Bethlehem

“Bethlehem” is a German/Belgium/Israeli film which tells the story of an Israeli agent and his Palestinian “asset” and the intense, complicated and involved relationship the two experience. Well directed by Yuval Adler who also co-wrote the film with Ali Wakad, the film stars Tsahi Halevi as the Israeli agent and Shadi Mar’l as his teenage informant.

More than just an interesting view of this relationship, the film attempts to help the viewer understand the clashing cultures among those in the Israeli government, Hamas and the Palestine Authority as the 3 jockey for control and jurisdiction in this troubled part of the world. I give the film 3 stars and suggest that it be seen by all who are seeking a better understanding of the almost impossible situation in the middle East and why, in the land of miracles, it will take one to bring peace to that part of the world.