The Founder

"The Founder" stars Michael Keaton and Laura Dern. Directed by John Lee Hancock (“The Blind Side”, “Saving Mr. Banks”) and written by Robert D. Siegel (“The Wrestler), the film tells the story of the beginning and evolution of the giant franchise operation known worldwide as “McDonalds”. More to the point, it tells the story of a down on his luck salesman named Ray Kroc who by chance comes upon the hamburger and shakes stand owned and operated by the McDonald brothers (the real founders) and how he ultimately took their small enterprise and made it into one of the most well known and successful international food serving entities in history (and which, by estimate, is now serving approximately 1% of the world’s population). Alas for poor Mr Keaton who always seems to be so much better than the movies in which he appears. This film falls into that category except for the fact that this is, after all,  the story of McDonalds and how one man was able to create this huge enterprise and make it the most powerful force in the franchise food industry. Add to that the always dependable quality performance of Mr. Keaton and the film’s historical significance and it becomes a vehicle well worth viewing. I give the film 3 stars with a reminder that if it wasn't telling the story of McDonalds, the film would  be more like a Big Mac with only the bun.

Hidden Figures

“Hidden Figures” stars Taraji P. Henson,  Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monde portraying three African American ladies  of unusual skills and talent who became indispensable computer-members of the team that helped bring our country into the space age and, in particular, the safe orbit and return of Astronaut John Glenn. Also starring Kevin Costner, the film is based on the book by Margo Lee Shetterly with a noteworthy screenplay co-written by director Theodore Melfi and Allison Schroeder. This movie describes the abuses and mental hardships that these ladies had to undergo, endure and ultimately overcome while tending to the task of aiding their country in its time of need. Set in the early 1960’s against the background of Reverend King and the others who were fighting for civil rights, the film brings home the plight of this victimized minority when even using a coffeemaker or restroom in the NASA compound became an issue. Yet, throughout all of these indignities and humiliations, these women persevered and performed above and beyond all expectations even surpassing at times the supposedly talented white engineers and the newly introduced IBM computer that NASA was so heavily relying upon. Perhaps the view of two elderly African American ladies with their young granddaughters sitting in the row in front of me in the theater made me realize how significant and important this film is because it showed us all, including those little girls seated in front of me, how tenacity, talent and dignity can conquer adversity and help those with such qualities achieve the accolades and acknowledgments properly due them.   When one sees a film about the Holocaust, the question often arises as to how many great minds were lost in this mass horror. This film, in its own way, likewise poses the question as to how many great minds were lost or forsaken in the name of prejudice and hate. I recommend this film to persons of every color and gender because it is inspiring and informative and well deserving of a 3 and 1/2 star rating.

Patriots Day

Patriots Day” is a docudrama depicting the events that occurred in Boston at the running of its world famous marathon on April 15, 2013. The film was directed by Peter Berg who co-wrote the screenplay with Matt Cook and Joshua Zimmer. Splendidly acted by Mark Wahlberg, Kevin Bacon, John Goodman and J.K. Simmons, the film tells in detail the efforts of law enforcement to track down and ultimately either capture or kill the two terrorist brothers responsible for the attack. One might wonder how a film can engender suspense and interest when its outcome is already known to most if not all of its viewers.  “Sully” is a perfect example that such a feat can be accomplished when there is enough material and good writing to make it happen. Also, like “Sully” the coda at the end of the film introduces us to the real life people who were portrayed in the film which gives glaring reality to the events depicted in it.  I truly enjoyed the film, not only for the good writing and acting , but for the information imparted to the audience as law enforcement worked tirelessly and with speed to end the nightmare that befell the City of Boston. I give the film 3 and ½ stars because, amidst the suffering and tragedy associated with the event, there is also an acknowledgment of the ability of the human spirit to survive and move forward proving once again that “’Boston Strong” was not just a phrase but a fact