American Sniper

"American Sniper" is, as most people know, the story of Chris Kyle, the Navy SEAL whose feats in his four Tours of Duty served as the basis for his book and upon which the movie is based. Directed by Clint Eastwood with a screenplay by Jason Hall, the film stars Bradley Cooper and Sienna Miller. This is the story of a true patriot whose love of country knows no bounds and is inspiring to the most callous of disbelievers. Much like the movie "Selma", the subject of the film is greater than the film itself. This is an action packed war picture with lots of action and, true to Mr. Eastwood’s love of the military and the battles they face, shows us the true nature of the conflict and trials and tribulations of the brave men who fight in them and the mental and physical healing that is so critical to their survival. I viewed the film under the best of circumstances in an IMAX theater and still came away feeling that I had seen "another war film" rather than the great piece of film making that is receiving so much revenue, drawing so many crowds and receiving so many craft nominations. The film is much too long and at times the audience feels it is taking these extra tours of duty along with the
characters in the film. I give the film 3 stars because it did hold my interest even though it failed the "I never looked at my watch" test..

Selma

The movie "Selma" takes its title, from the infamous city in Alabama where, on March 7, 1965, the Reverend Martin Luther King and his followers chose to march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge en route to the state capitol of Montgomery in order to peacefully protest Alabama’s consistent exclusion of its Black citizens from voting in all local, state and federal elections. This is an important event in the history and struggle for equality and justice for all citizens, and especially the Black minority. Unfortunately, it deserved a better vehicle to display it. Superbly acted by David Oyelowe (as Dr. King) the film was directed by Ava Dwerney who co-wrote the film with Paul Webb. The film, although only 2 hours in length, feels more like 3, for it is burdened with long speeches where normally everyday dialogue would have been the case.  Actors don’t speak, they pontificate, and scenes that should be shorter are too long. Poor writing, editing and directing appear to be the culprit causing this film with such a worthy purpose and lofty goal to be less effectual in its execution. Also, what would otherwise have been a great history lesson, especially for those too young at the time to realize the importance of the civil rights struggle in the mid-60’s, is the less than accurate portrayal of key characters, notably President Lyndon. Johnson, whose major claim to fame was his ability to put through the Voting Rights Bill (an effort, history shows, was started weeks before the Selma march). True, sometimes poetic license adds drama to a film but a 180 degree turn from the facts can destroy a venture’s credibility. I give the film 3 stars because of its important role and significance in portraying a most difficult time in our nation’s history and in showing the courage and tenacity of a great leader who brought about much needed change. It’s a story deserved to be told  but one wishes it had been done by a different team of writers and director.

Still Alice

"Still Alice" stars Julianna Moore, Kristen Stewart, Alec Baldwin, Kate Bosworth and Hunter Parrish. The film  was directed by Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmoreland and is based on the book by Lisa Genova who together with Messrs. Glatzer and Westomoreland wrote the screenplay. This is a difficult movie to watch yet a necessary part of the education the general public needs to get in order to understand Alzheimer’s Disease and the effect it can have the victim as well as those around him or her. Ms. Moore is outstanding in this most difficult role as she and the creative cinema photographer take the viewer through the early and then almost full blown stages of the disease. It is certainly not comfortable to watch the deterioration of any individual, let alone a vibrant and once sparkling character played so admirably by Ms. Moore but intellect and curiosity compel us to stay with it.. This is more of a scholastic exercise rather than an entertainment vehicle and could well be mistaken for a promotional film displayed at a fund raiser for the Alzheimer Association. Although the film will probably not do well commercially because of the subject matter and the scenes portrayed in it, it nevertheless is a "must see" for anyone interested in understanding the illness and the fact that statistically so many of us will face its impact, either directly or indirectly. I give the film 3 stars, not only for the performances of the actors, but for the information contained in it and the sensitive manner in which it is conveyed.

Big Eyes

"Big Eyes" is a biopic starring Amy Adams (as kitsch artist Margaret Keane) and Christoph Waltz (as her husband Walter Keane) and the story of his attempt to pass off his wife's artwork as his own. The film was written by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski  and directed by Tim Burton.

 Much like any film attempting to tell the true story of its subjects, life is not always as dramatic and interesting as a fiction writer and/or viewer would prefer and this movie is no exception. More like a short story made into a feature length film, the movie holds our interest primarily because it relates events that actually happened and with which most viewers will either identify or remember. Beyond that, the film is light and certainly not worthy of the accolades heaped upon it by so many critics. Mr. Waltz tends to overact and Ms. Adams, although trying very hard, appears uncomfortable in playing this heavy dramatic role. I give the film 2 and 1/2 stars reminding the viewer that although fact may be stranger than fiction, it isn't always more entertaining.

Into the Woods

"Into the Woods" is the musical adaptation of the Brothers' Grimm fairy tales interwoven by writers James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim in this film directed by Rob Marshall. The film stars Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, Chris Pine and Anna Kendrick with music and lyrics by Mr. Sondheim. I saw the Broadway production of this property and felt then, as I do now, that Mr. Sondheim wears a crown a little too big for his 'music and lyrics" title and talent. He is a wonderful lyricist but unlike Messrs.Cole Porter, Irving Berlin and Frank Loesser, he fails to succeed as a composer of memorable or even hummable tunes. Take away "Send in the Clowns" and "You Are Not Alone" (from the subject film) and you are left with a one dimensional writer. Just as Richard Rodgers needed Messrs. Hart and Hammerstein, so, on the other end of the spectrum, does Mr. Sondheim need  Leonard Bernstein, Jules Styne or some other fine musical composer. As far as the film is concerned, and as clever and witty as the lyrics are, the numbers are too long and, as a result, create a movie experience that causes the viewer to wish it would end at least 30 or 40 minutes before it actually does. One must also recognize the obvious intention of the producers to "get their money's worth" from Ms. Streep who is over utilized and, as in her role in Mamma Mia, is at her best in a non-musical setting. This is a film where the exceptionally gifted cast is placed in a vehicle not really worthy of their respective talents. I give the film 2 stars and cannot, in good conscience recommend it.

A Most Violent Year

"A Most Violent Year" stars Oscar Isaac ("Llewelyn Davis")  and Jessica Chastain ("Zero Dark Thirty") in this story of NYC in 1981, statistically one of the most crime ridden years in the City’s history and of a self-made entrepreneur as he attempts to cope with it and the environment in which he works and lives. Skillfully written and ably directed by J.C. Chandor ("All is Lost", "Margin Call") with extraordinary photography by Bradford Young ("Selma"), and aided by the supporting talents of Albert Brooks and David Oyelowo, the film captures the true essence and the very heart of the City. Having been born near and totally familiar with the area where the story takes place, I can attest to how well the film captures the mood and feel of the Metropolis  and the life New Yorkers experienced at that time. It is always exciting to view a film where the writer/director, although one and the same, is able to succeed so well in both capacities. I give the film 3 and ½ stars with special kudos to Mr. Isaac who, reminding the viewer of a younger Al Pacino, gives a most effective performance in this most enjoyable film.

The Interview

"The Interview", as most everyone with a television set or newspaper knows, is the story of a plot to kill the leader of North Korea under the guise of a televison interview conducted by a US talk show host. The movie stars Seth Rogen and James Franco with support from Diana Bang, Lizzy Caplan and Randall Park. Co-directed by Mr. Rogen and Evan Goldberg and written by Dan Sterling, the movie, despite its hype and international notoriety, is simply stated, not a good film. No matter how risque or far out a plot or film may be, if it is funny it can be tolerated. This film is neither funny nor clever. It is amateurish, its humor is immature and insulting and some of its scenes contain tasteless conduct that is best characterized as just plain repulsive. More like a home movie made by people with money to pay for good sets, the film is awkward and not worth the $5.99 I paid for it on VOD. If one didn’t know better, it could be thought that the entire "threat" regarding the showing of the film was prompted by the producers in order to invite controversy and interest in an otherwise unworthy and poorly made film. I give it a reluctant one star rating. The low quality of the movie "wreaks for itself".