"Love, Gilda

“Love, Gilda” is a documentary directed by Amy Dapolito which gives the

audience a rare and introspective view of the life of the late Gilda Radner.

Utilizing audio tapes, taped interviews, letters, home movies and her own diary,the film tells Ms. Radner’s story via the voices of Amy Poehler, Melissa McCarthy, Lorraine Newman and other friends and acquaintances of the of the late comedienne. From an endearing and overweight child to a talented and fun-loving performer, we learn of her ups and down throughout a life that ended much too soon. I give the documentary 2 and ½ stars and suggest that the film be seen by those who care about and/or are interested in this interesting and courageous lady.

Blackkklansman

“Blackkklansman” is the true story of a black detective who infiltrates the local

chapter of the Klu Klu Klan. Based on the book written by Ron Stallworth,  directed by Spike Lee and co-written by Mr. Lee with  David Rabinowitz, Charles Wachtel and Kevin Wilmott, the film stars John David Washington and Adam Driver. Perhaps staying too true to Mr. Stallworth’s book,the film gives really no insight or depth to any of the characters as they portray the real people they represent. Mr. Lee does make his point, however, but seems to bring it home more with a hammer than a scalpel. I did enjoy the film mainly because of the unique premise that a black detective (Mr. Washington) could infiltrate this body of hate via the physical persona of his fellow detective (Mr. Driver). I give the film 2 and ½ stars because of the worthiness of its message and the incredible story it tells.

Crazy Rich Asians

“Crazy Rich Asians” is a delightful film directed by Jon M. Chu with a screenplay co-written by Adele Kim and Pete Chiarelli based on the novel by Kevin Kwan. This is the first all Asian film since ‘The Joy Luck Club” which was shown some 25 years ago. Hopefully, it will not be the last. This a universally appealing piece of film making where, by chance, the participants are of Asian descent but all of us, Asian and non –Asian alike, can identify with the problems, circumstances and situations that befall the main characters in the film. True, it has a formula-style boy/girl/family plot but, because of the fine acting, editing and directing, the audience is able to just sit back with ease and enjoy how the story unfolds. Also, for those who have never been to or seen Singapore, the film offers an opportunity to view this exotic place that, in some instances, makes Dubai look like a shanty town. I give the film 3 stars and offer it as a very pleasant way to spend 2 hours watching characters engaged in a fun-filled romantic tale. 

The Wife

“The Wife” stars Glenn Close and Jonathan Pryce in a film directed by Bjorn Runge, based on the novel by Meg Wolitazer and a screenplay written by Jane Anderson. The film examines the life and history of a couple married for almost 40 years and how a prestigious literary award impacts upon and affects their lives and those in their family. Ms. Close is at her finest and gives the audience the gift of portraying feelings and emotions more from her deep and expressive eyes than paragraphs of spoken dialogue she could ever physically utter. I give the film 3 and 1/2 stars and recommend it to all who enjoy a well directed movie, a quality script and acting performances that do it all justice.

“Juliet, Naked” stars Ethan Hawke, Rose Byrne and Chris Dowd in this film directed by Jesse Perez and written by his sister, Evgenia, Tamara Jenkins and Jim Taylor. With 3 co-writers you would expect that the end product would be more than a simple film with a simple plot but, unfortunately, it is not. I was never too great a fan of Ms. Byrne, but she shows a side of her ability in the role she plays that makes her endearing and enjoyable to watch. Mr. Dowd and Mr. Hawke also add to the film but all of them cannot overcome the basic shallowness of the script and lack of the depth of the characters they portray. I give the film 2 stars notwithstanding the fine efforts of the 3 stars in it.

The Cakemaker

“The Cakemaker” is an Israeli film starring Sarah Adler and Tim Kalkhof. Written and directed by Ofir Raul Grazier the film’s locations are in Berlin and Jerusalem. This a story of love, religion and clashing cultures. Although the film is interesting, it is, in this viewer’s opinion, too slow. On the positive side, it details daily life in Israel and how important it is for those living there to adhere to certain orthodox rituals.  Unfortunately, the writer/director asks the audience to take certain leaps of faith and logic that I found hard to easily accept. I give the film 2 and ½ stars since its premise and the problems it poses are more universal in scope than limited simply to those living in Germany and/or Israel.

Won't You Be My Neighbor?

“Won’t You Be My Neighbor” is a film documentary chronicling the life and career of one of the most beloved television personalities who ever appeared on the screen, Fred Rogers (aka “Mr. Rogers”). Morgan Neville, the documentarian and director of this film has captured the essence and purity of this beautiful man whose sole aim in life was to enhance and better the lives of the small children he was able to come in contact with via the medium of television.  His almost 2000 tv episodes sought not only to entertain but to help those in his young audience to understand the evils of bigotry, the heartbreak of divorce, the challenges of illness and the sadness of death, all topics previously unknown and untouched on children’s television shows. Ordained as a Presbyterian minister Mr. Rogers never preached to his flock but, instead, chose to communicate with them and, by doing so, achieved their love, affection and respect. More than that, Fred Rogers was off the screen the same person he was on it. He lived his every day life believing and espousing that we are all special and that what all of us really want in life is to love, be loved and to be worthy of that affection. I give this film 4 stars and answer the question in the film’s title in this manner: “Yes, Mr. Rogers, I would have loved to be your neighbor and, even more so, your friend.”