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.

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.