20th Century Women

“20^th Century Women” was written and directed by Mike Mills, It boasts a fine ensemble cast led by Annette Benning with Billy Crudup, Greta Gerwig, Elle Fanning and Lucas Jede Zumann who each give gifted and meaningful performances. Unfortunately, the star value and the once good idea behind the screenplay fail to save this film from being slow and discombobulated as it strives to reach its unattainable goal. This, once again, is the classic case of the writer and director being one in the same  person with no 3^rd party filter to help cut, edit and alter the film into something cohesive and easy to watch. Mr. Mills, like most who assume these dual roles, becomes married to his own material, is afraid to alter it and never really allows the audience  to properly see, forgive the pun, the “big picture”.  I give the film 2 stars because yawning 3 times during the film and checking my watch 4 is testament enough to why it deserves such a low rating.

Elle

“Elle” is a French film based on the novel “Oh…” written by Philippe Dijan (“Betty Blue”) with a screenplay by David Birke. Directed by Paul Verhoeven the movie stars Isabelle Huppert, Charles Berling and Laurent Lafitte in this tale of a woman who is raped and how she copes with the incident. The rape scenes are brutal in their violence and makes the viewing of the film an uneasy experience. What is more uneasy is the mind of the viewer as he or she recalls and tries to understand the theatrical presentation they have just seen for the story is complicated and made even more so by the subtitles. I am sure a French viewer would find the film easier to understand than his or her English-speaking counterpart. All that being said, this film is filled with suspense and mystery and, more than anything else, is a tribute and testament to the talents of Ms. Huppert. Her unbelievable ability to communicate and exude various degrees of emotions and sex appeal without ever uttering a word speaks volumes to her amazing acting ability.  I give the film 3 stars with a warning for the squeamish viewer to beware.

Julieta

“Julieta” is a beautifully directed film by the world acclaimed Pedro Almodovar who with Alice Munro co-wrote the film as well. This is a story of guilt, relationships and the many ways in which those who suffer loss react to it. Ably acted by Adriana Ugarte, Emma Suarez and Danie Grao, the audience is transported into the world its main character, Julieta, as she attempts to  cope with the realities of life and death. I give the film 3 stars for although it may not equal the other great films of Mr. Almodovar, it reaches an extremely high level of accomplishment and gives the audience over 2 hours of extraordinary entertainment. I give the film 3 and ½ stars and recommend that it be seen while it is still in general distribution.

Manchester by the Sea

“Manchester by the Sea” was written and directed by Kenneth Lonergan and stars Casey Affleck, Michelle Williams, Kyle Chandler and newcomer Lucas Hedges. This is a story of sadness and a series of ill-fated events that befall Mr.Affleck’s character, Lee Chandler, who is asked to become the guardian of his young nephew upon the sudden death of Lee’s brother Joe. ‘The performances in this film are noteworthy because they are understated yet immensely powerful as each actor communicates great degrees of emotion without overburdening the scenes with wordy laments. Kudos to the young Mr. Hedges who plays Lee’s nephew as he and his uncle Lee attempt to develop a relationship despite different lifestyles and aspirations. I give the film 3 and ½ stars with a special spotlight on Mr. Affleck whose Oscar nomination seems virtually guaranteed.

Jackie

“Jackie” stars Natalie Portman in this bio drama capturing the days and weeks following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and how his widow coped with this tragic event. Directed by Pablo Larrain (the Chilean born producer who also directed the acclaimed ‘Neruda”) and ably supported by Billy Crudup, John Hurt and Peter Sarsgaard, this is the story of a widow’s quest for dignity amidst heartbreak and great personal loss. Written by Noah Oppenheim, the film has credibility and insight as it reveals the frailties, weaknesses and strengths of those in public life and especially those who are dealing with the most intimate and private of happenings.  I give this film 3 and ½ tars with a special nod to Ms. Portman who, like the lady she portrays, communicates a regal elegance throughout the most trying of times her character is forced to experience and endure.

La La Land

“La La Land” is a charming drama, romantic comedy and musicall tied together nicely by writer/director Damien Chazelle. Ably performed by Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, the film tells the story of an aspiring actress and a dedicated jazz musician as they search to find and realize each of their respective dreams. Ms. Stone and Mr.Gosling have never been seen or known as singers or dancers so the viewer is at first suspect and in doubt that either of these two can properly fulfill the roles the parts demand. To the surprise and satisfaction of all involved, they are a delight to watch and listen to as they seque from drama to musical numbers all in a subtle and lovely transition. This also lends to the credibility of the film and its story under the able direction of Mr. Chazelle. The film also provides the viewer with a delightful series of songs and jazz sessions which add to the positive experience. I give this film 3 and ½ stars for it is not only a sweet, simple and charming story of hope and ambition in the City of Los Angeles but a reminder that good films can still be made using the once forgotten formulae of mid-20^th‘century moviemaking.