Promised Land

“Promised Land” stars Matt Damon, John Krasinski and Frances McDormand in this drama about corporate natural gas salespersons seeking to drill under the ground of a small Midwestern town and the conflicts and circumstances that result. Directed by Gus Van Sant based on a story by Dave Eggers and a screenplay written by Messrs. Krasinski and Damon, the film, though well intentioned, misses the mark. It is two dimensional in its presentation of the characters and somewhat confusing in its attempt to be slick and clever. To use the word “amateurish” seems a bit harsh but it’’s the only one that properly describes my reaction to it. The weakness, I fear, is in the screenplay which of course hampers how much creative input and result Mr. Van Sant can achieve. I give the film 2 stars as it comfortably falls Into the category which in my generation would have been known as “B” movie.

Hyde Park on Hudson

“Hyde Park on Hudson” stars Bill Murray, Laura Linney and Samuel West in this story of our 32^nd President, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, events that took place in Hyde Park in 1939 and the pending visit of Britain’s King George. Well played by Mr. Murray as FDR, Samuel West as the King and Ms. Linney as distant (maybe not so distant) cousin Daisy, the film plays upon the relationships that FDR had with those around him during that time including, not only the women who adored and vied for his affection, but his mother and “wife” Eleanor. Unlike the motion picture “Lincoln” which also depicted a small chronological period in a great man’s life, this film is limited not only in its chronological scope but in its issues as well. This giant figure of a man with the burdens of the entire free world is trivialized by the Richard Nelson screenplay and you somehow feel that there is too much information being given about a man those in my generation placed on the pedestal of public acclaim and respect. While character flaws may be relevant, there should be a balance with the important and significant accomplishments of the same individual being noted as well. I guess none of us like to see our heroes brought down to size and that may be one of the reasons for my reaction to the movie. Directed by Roger Michell, this is more like a short story with almost no depth being  stretched into 95 minutes of feature film exhibition. I give the film 2 and ½ stars noting that in addition to fine acting performances, the film also offers an insight into its main character and furnishes interesting historical information, Whether such insight and data is relevant or necessary is for each of us to decide. However as a docudrama about such an awesome and important historical figure, both FDR and the viewing audience deserve better..

Hyde Park on Hudson

“Hyde Park on Hudson” stars Bill Murray, Laura Linney and Samuel West in this story of our 32^nd President, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, events that took place in Hyde Park in 1939 and the pending visit of Britain’s King George. Well played by Mr. Murray as FDR, Samuel West as the King and Ms. Linney as distant (maybe not so distant) cousin Daisy, the film plays upon the relationships that FDR had with those around him during that time including, not only the women who adored and vied for his affection, but his mother and “wife” Eleanor. Unlike the motion picture “Lincoln” which also depicted a small chronological period in a great man’s life, this film is limited not only in its chronological scope but in its issues as well. This giant figure of a man with the burdens of the entire free world is trivialized by the Richard Nelson screenplay and you somehow feel that there is too much information being given about a man those in my generation placed on the pedestal of public acclaim and respect. While character flaws may be relevant, there should be a balance with the important and significant accomplishments of the same individual being noted as well. I guess none of us like to see our heroes brought down to size and that may be one of the reasons for my reaction to the movie. Directed by Roger Michell, this is more like a short story with almost no depth being  stretched into 95 minutes of feature film exhibition. I give the film 2 and ½ stars noting that in addition to fine acting performances, the film also offers an insight into its main character and furnishes interesting historical information, Whether such insight and data is relevant or necessary is for each of us to decide. However as a docudrama about such an awesome and important historical figure, both FDR and the viewing audience deserve better..

The Fitzgerald Family Christmas

“The Fitzgerald Family Christmas” stars Edward Burns, Connie Britton, Anita Gillette and an ensemble of fine cast members in this story of a family facing a difficult decision at Christmas. One of the truly underrated persons in the industry, Mr. Burns not only gives a superb and beautiful performance as the son who is the glue of the family but also can boast sole writing and director credit. A feat few can accomplish with ease and quality, Mr. Burns does all 3 extremely well.  As with most of his films, this Tribeca Films production takes place in a typical Irish American New York suburb community but the problems the family faces are universal in nature and could befall any group in any location. This is a quality film which draws you into the many scenarios and struggles of its participants and holds your interest. I give it 3 stars. Watch for it to open in theaters on December 7.

Silver Linings Playbookk

“Silver Linings Playbook’ stars Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert DiNiro, Jackie Weaver, Chris Tucker and Julia Stiles in this story of love, family, mental illness and football fever all ably sewn together in the capable hands of director David O. Russell.

Based on the novel by Mathew Quick, there are scenes and periods in the film where the manic and zany actions of its hero and heroine make the viewer somewhat uncomfortable which is a testament to their ability to capture the emotional upheaval the characters are experiencing as well as their parents and friends who are compelled to witness such conduct. The film could easily have gone in a negative direction but with the sharp and sensitive screenplay co-written by Messrs.Quick and Russell it all works and, more than that, it works really well. This is an up movie starting from a down place and its progression to that result is one of the reasons it is so worth seeing. This is a career maker for Ms. Lawrence (“Winter Bone”,“The Hunger Games”), a career changer for Mr. Cooper (“The Hangover”) and a really good theatrical experience for the viewer. I give this film a well deserved 3 and ½ stars for a fine effort and result.

Finding Barb

We had occasion the other evening to attend a delightful  show starring Barbara Heller, a multi-talented actress and writer, who in approximately 2 hours, took her audience from her childhood to the present attempting to find herself and perhaps, Mr Right as well.
Ms. Heller plays herself, her mother and other characters in her life ably assisted by her co-star, David Scales who, like Ms. Heller, becomes the relevant male characters in these cameos and circumstances from the author's experiences. Directed by Eva Minemar with music composed by Avi Avliav, book and lyrics by Ms. Heller and two original songs by Katie Thompson, the musical runs to January 10, 2013 playing only on Thursday evenings at The Working Stage theater in West Hollywood.
People in Barbara's generation and those old enough to be parents to those who have  had similar experiences (which means practically everyone over 18) will identify and appreciate the sensitivity and charm of this theatrical musical presentation.

Lincoln

“Lincoln” stars Daniel Day-Lewis in the title role in a film directed by Steven Spielberg based on the book by noted presidential biographer Doris Kearns Goodwin.with a screenplay by Paul Webb and Tony Kushner. This outstanding group of professionals helps produce a truly interesting movie based on a four month period in the late president’s life. For me,  as a young boy, Raymond Massey was the unparalled Lincoln portrayer but Day-Lewis does a great job in dispelling that image and creating one which is entirely his own. Playing Lincoln as a sensitive, brooding, caring and moral individual gives this 2012 version of Mr. Lincoln a vulnerability and humanity that few if any other films about him have accomplished. Extraordinarily played by Mr. Day-Lewis with fine supporting performances by Sally Field as Lincoln’s wife, Mary, and David. Straitharn, as William Seward, this is a film well worth seeing for not only its story telling value but its political and historical importance as well. With superb photography and  high production values, I give the film 3 and ½  stars. Yes, it is a long film, i.e. 2 hours and 20 minutes, but the viewer is never really conscious nor bothered by its length.and, more importantly, the viewer is given a history lesson that will long be remembered.. 

Argi

“Argo” stars Ben Affleck, Alan Arkin and John Goodman in this story of the CIA and its attempt to rescue 6 hostages who escaped the Iran Revolutionary Guard when they took over the US Embassy in Tehran. Playing the lead CIA operative is Ben Affleck who also directed this film which was co-written by Messrs. Chris Terrio and Joshua Bearman. Apparently seeking to avoid being accused of monopolizing the film’s footage, , Mr. Affleck does the opposite and keeps his character so subdued and bland that you wonder why an above the line star was needed to play him. The appeal of the film is not the acting or writing quality of any of its participants but, instead, the story itself and, to that end, Mr. Affleck succeeds quite nicely in relating it.. This is a nail biter and “sit on the edge of your seat” type movie where the audience really does get involved in the plight of the main characters. The information imparted to the viewing audience is equally priceless and those of us who can remember the hostage episode will appreciate the details of the event and those who lived it. I give the film 3 strars because it is a part of history we should remember and experience and Mr. Affleck helps us do it in style.

The Master

“The Master” stars Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Joaquin Phoenix with wasted appearances by Amy Adams and, Laura Dern,  A quality cast is working with virtually nothing of substance in this film  written and directed by Paul  Thomas Anderson.  Mr. Anderson should have had someone help him edit and delete many superfluous scenes, unnecessary dialogue and perhaps even give the film a beginning, a middle and an end, none of which can be found in its 2 hours and 15 plus minutes of footage.

Notwithstanding the surprising number of praises and accolades from the mucky mucks and professional nabobs, this is not a good film. The actors can use their performances as terrific vehicles for demonstrating their obvious individual skills but they don’t assimilate well in the movie in which they are performing

Spotty scene changes and meaningless and confusing plot lines make me wonder how any of these self-acclaimed professional movie critics can keep their jobs. They didn’t just like the film, they loved it. I kept waiting for the film to develop and become meaningful but it never happened. With kindness I give the film a 2 star rating, mainly because of Messrs. Hoffman and Phoenix’ performances. The writing and directing, however, in my opinion, leave much to be desired.

 

Arbitrage

“Arbitrage” is a film written and directed by Nicholas Jarecki and stars Richard Gere, Susan Sarandon and Tim Roth.. The word “arbitrage” is defined as “the simultaneous purchase and sale of an asset in order to profit from a difference in the price”. As a result the title of the film doesn’t really coincide with the story it tells. In fact, the only thing the word and the story have in common is that they both take place in the financial world…and that’s where the similarity ends. This is a tale of high level finance and personal drama that will hold your interest regardless of the sometimes concocted plot variances. A superb performance by Tim Roth, a predictable performance by Mr. Gere and a somewhat miscast Susan Sarandon neither add nor detract from the ability of the film to hold your interest since the writing, but for a few flaws, is quite good. The test of any movie is “Did I enjoy the experience” and to this I answer “yes”. Of special note is the fact that, instead of going to the local AMC theater, I watched it on the television set in my den as a result of an arrangement the distributor, Lionsgate, apparently made with Time Warner Cable so that with “On Demand” capability, I watched the film in the relaxed atmosphere of my den even though it was concurrently in its initial theatrical release in local movie houses. This speaks well of the film for certainly the movie house  experience tends to enhance one’s viewing pleasure. This film’s 100 minutes of footage was easy to watch even in my own personal venue. I give the film 3 stars and recommend it regardless where you may end up seeing it.

The Intouchables

“The Intouchables” is a French film written and directed by Eric Toledano and Olivier Nakache. It stars Francois Cluzet and Omar Sy and tells the true story of a disabled and paralyzed man who hires a native of Senegal as a care provider. For some reason or another I had not seen the film in its initial release period but heard others constantly rave about it. Finally, realizing that its run was coming to an end, I went to see it in one of the 4 or 5 local independent movie houses still showing tt. It’s always difficult to view a film with a history of so many accolades and such positive reactions from friends and acquaintances. My exceedingly high expectations, although not totally met, were indeed catered to and, to a great extent, realized. The subject matter, as difficult as it would appear to be, is handled so well by the writer/director team and never becomes awkward or difficult to experience. In fact, the humor exhibited by both actors helps the film keep its humanity and, in the end, surprised and relieved, I  left the film with my spirits uplifted. I give the film 3 and ½ stars. One interesting note. One of the members in my group who saw the film thought it  was in English. It wasn’t but it does speak well of the film and its ability to cross sub-title lines so that one viewer, at least, couldn’t tell the difference..