Truth

"Truth" is a film detailing the events that led up to and succeeded the September 8, 2004 episode of 60 Minutes II hosted by Dan Rather (played by Robert Redford) and which was produced by Mary Mapes (played by Kate Blanchett). The film was written and directed by James Vanderbilt and also stars Topher Grace, Elizabeth Moss, Bruce Greenwood and Dennis Quaid.
Based upon the book written by Ms. Mapes (i.e. "Truth and Duty…." ) it paints a picture of news journalism at one of the nations leading networks (CBS) and the inner conflicts that can arise when stories which may or may not be true are aired based on the best information available to the network, its newscaster and its staff. Although the movie takes no definitive position as to the veracity of the charges made in the infamous episode, it obviously gives a kind nod to those who produced the segment, especially since the screenplay relies for the most part on the memoirs of Ms. Mapes and her book. Regardless of the substance of the allegations, the airing of the episode led to the termination of Mr. Rather as CBS News  Anchor (after 24 years in that role), the firing of his producer, Ms. Mapes, and the forced resignations of her staff. The quest for determining the authenticity of the sources and documents relied on by Ms. Mapes and her staff give us not only an insight into the inner workings of the newsroom but, more than that, an intereesting detective mystery with many unanswered questions. Add to that the subdued but powerful performance of Mr. Redford and the extraordinary acting of Ms. Blanchett and you have a worthwhle and informative viewing experience. I give the film 3 and ½ stars with a recommendation that tt be seen by all who can remember the Dan Rather of old and, also, by anyone who is interested in the place broadcast news has in our society today.

Bridge of Spies

"Bridge of Spies" was directed by Steven Spielberg, written by Matt Charman and Ethan and Joel Coen and stars Tom Hanks in the role of a Brooklyn attorney called upon to seek the release of Francis Gary Powerr, the U-2 pilot whose surveillance plane was shot down by the Russians and who then became their prisoner. The film not only tells of the  personal mission of Mr. Hanks’ character  but, in addition, shows in great detail, the circumstances many of us can recall in the late 1050’s, the cold war that existed in those years and the tensions that could have easily accelerated and ignited a nuclear third world war.. I give the film 3 and 1//2 stars and urge all who enjoy a good bio history drama to see it as soon as possible

Steve Jobs

"Steve Jobs" was directed by Danny Boyle ("Slumdog Millionaire") and stars Michael Fassbender in the title role ably supported by Seth Rogen, Jeff Daniels,, Kate Winslet, Michael Stuhlberg and Katherine Waterston. Written by Aaron Sorkin, the film attempts to tell the story of this genius at helping people communicate with each other through the digital age while himself never quite coming to grips with his own personal demons. The vehicle for the film is the backstage goings on for the 3 launches of Jobs’ products, i.e. the Mac, the NEXT and the iMac. The same drama that precedes the hour or half hour before each launch allows Mr. Sorkin to elicit dialogue from the same five  protagonists  as the audience tries to follow and understand the complexities and inconsistencies of this self acclaimed icon. Similar to last year’s film, "Birdman" (though notably better), the viewer is brought backstage to the inner workings of the presentation process and, through it, the man himself. Based loosely on the Walter Isaacson biography, the film never quite captures the true essence of the man and unfortunately gives us a cleverly written but rather thin  two dimensional look at the lead character. We know as little or less about Mr. Jobs after the film as we did before except that he is or can be arrogrant and callous while himself searching for the humanity that seems to always elude him. Fleeting bits of dialogue thrown in by Mr. Sorkin are apparently intended to give us some insight into the Jobs’ psyche but, unfortunately, they fail to satisfy the viewer’s intellect and curiosity. Nevertheless, the film does give a behind the scenes glimpse at the PR involved in the launching of a new product and the kind of excitement it can generate. This, together with the superb acting by this terrific cast, allows me to give this film a 3 star rating. It’s a good film but one that, mindful of the skills and reputation of the writer and director and the subject matter they had to work with, never reaches the potential I would have hoped for and expected.

Meet the Patels

"<"Meet the Patels" is a US produced film which is basically a documentary starring Ravi Patel and his sister, Geeta, the children of Champa and Vasant Patel.  Having emigrated to America from India, the Patel parents are anxious for their two American born children to marry and want them to select their respective mates as the two parents did in India many years ago. Intermixed with cartoon characters and running commentary from the brother. as his sister ardently films the family’s interactions, this is, on the surface, a film about Indian parents seeking to preserve their cultural line and identity. However, the film goes beyond the Indian experience and one sees in these parents any first generation couple seeking to preserve their heritage via their offspring. Champa, the mother, could be the Italian or Jewish mother and Vasant, the father, could be any concerned father wanting his children to stay in their ethnic arena. In its own amateurish way, the film holds the viewer’s interest and  gives us a "fly on the wall " feeling as we watch caring parents and children respect each other while not necessarily accepting their generational differences. The universality of the film cannot be denied and the warmth and charm of each of the family members helps make this a really nice viewing experience. I give the film 3 stars and suggest that, if given the chance you meet the Patels, You will like them..

The Intern

"The Intern" stars Robert DiNero and Ann Hathaway in this charming film written and directed by Nancy Myers. As with so many of her prior films, Ms. Myers focuses upon the empowered woman of talent and achievement and the problems faced by those in her gender. :Baby Boom",
:It’s Complicated" and "Something's Got to Give" are just a few examples Although Ms. Hathaway does not yet equal the caliber or experience of a Diane Keaton or Meryl Streep, she gives a convincing performance as a successful woman in a man’s world. Mr. DiNero gives a warm and sensitive performance as an intern hired by Ms. Hathaway’s firm who, but for his age and retirement status, would be sought after as a vital addition to any enterprise. The film touches upon and engages in many issues including the value of senior citizens with experience versus their younger counterparts and, as so many employers have been finding out, offer a different and deeper dimension to the jobs they fill. I give the film 3 stars and suggest that recent and former members of the work force will appreciate the messages it sends,

Everest

"Everest"is the true story of the ill fated 1996 expedition by a group of amateur and professional climbers who sought to reach the top of this most difficult of all mountains to ascend. The film stars Jason Clark who portrays Rob Hall, the real life leader of the expedition. Mr. Clark is  ably abetted by Keira Knightley, John Hawkes, Jake Gyllenhaal, Robin Wright, Josh Brolin and Emily Watson. Written by William Nicholson and Simon Beaufoy, the movie was directed by Icelandic director Baltesar  Kormakur whose deft hand and skill help make this 121 minute film move at a very comfortable pace. Of course the real star of the film is Mt. Everest itself for it is the dominance of this natural edifice that controls and ultimately destroys so many who have challenged it. Chronicled in the best seller by Jon Krakauer  ("Into Thin Air")  the film plays more like a documentary and its realism is the essence as to why this film is so good. As stated by Mr. Clark's character in the film, these climbers are asked to exist at an altitude level equal to that which 747’s fly. A most amazing feat and one that tests the stamina and sensibilities of both the characters in the film and those in the audience watching it. I give the film 3 and ½ stars with a suggestion that it be seen in 3D for the cinematography and views of the mountain are alone well worth the extra price of admission.

The Gift

"The Gift" is the present the audience receives from writer-director-actor Joel Edgerton as he carefully and methodically tells us the story of married couple Jason Bateman and Rebecca Hall and the stranger from the past who enters their lives and, to a great extent, alters them. There is suspense, thrills and horror in this film but not in the traditional "Elm St." genre. Instead it is story telling at its best with characters that are real and totally believable as they struggle through the problems each encounters as each member of the audience sits on the edge of his or her seat.. More than that, the film examines who people really are and whether they ever change, mature or just become more of what made them so initially unappealing. I give the film 3 and 1/2 stars with a thank you to Mr. Edgerton  for the gift he has given us in his first feature film directing endeavor..