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.