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.

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.