JoJoRabbit

“JoJo Rabbit” has 3 things that initially made me exclude it from my bucket list of films to see. First, the title seemed more like a cartoon film, second, the same person was the writer, director and cast member and lastly, the topic of Nazis, persecution of Jews and World War II made it an ”I’ll pass” decision. All that being said, I finally saw the film and my reaction to my pre-viewing criticisms was that I was wrong on all 3 counts.

This is a film written, directed and performed in by Taika Waititi who handles all of these chores with a scalpel and skill that must be admired and acknowledged.

Mr. Waititi portrays the imaginary Adolph Hitler to a fanatical 10 year old would-be Nazi youth (Roman Griffin Davis) who is being raised by his single mother (Scarlet Johansson) as she, unknown to her son, hides a young Jewish girl (Thomasin McKenzie)  in the attic of their German home. To be able to mix and blend humor, humanity, political satire and great story telling is a feat few if any can easily accomplish yet Mr. Waititi and his cast accomplish this extraordinary task with skill and great aptitude. I give this film 3 and ½ stars with special mention to its star, young Master Davis, who captivates the audience with a noteworthy and engaging performance. I guess the lesson to be learned from this experience is, as with books, you can’t judge a film by its title.

Little Women

“Little Women” was written and directed by Greta Gerwig and stars Saoirse Ronan,  Laura Dern, Emma Watson and a very forgettable total of 5 minutes of Meryl Streep.

Based on Louisa Mae Alcott’s novel the film does an injustice to the audience to which it is being  exhibited. The large sums the producers spent on promoting the film would have been better utilized in the hiring of a strong editor and an additional writer for the movie is in dire need of a better script and better editing. The scenes depicting the characters and the years in which the events in their lives take place go back and forth so many times that the viewer has to rely upon the hairdos of the sisters in order to try to determine the proper chronology. Casting here is also subject to criticism since Bob Odenkirk (“Better Call Saul”) does not fit the image of the father of the girls nor does Chris Cooper (with enough makeup on to make a teenager look like Methusaleh)  make a credible elderly neighbor. Both roles would have been better played by lesser known actors with no prominent identification problems.

I give the film 2 stars, one of which should go to the Public Relations person since he or she did a better job of hyping the film than did its writer-director in making it.

The Two Popes

“The Two Popes” stars Jonathan Pryce (as reformist Pope Francis) and Anthony Hopkins (as traditionalist Pope Benedict) in this bio-drama written by Andrew McCarten and directed by Fernando Meirelles. The film tells the story of German born Pope Benedict as he contemplates renunciation of his papal title and the ultimate ascension of Argentinian born Pope Francis as the successor prince of the Catholic church. This is an interesting and inspiring movie and a tribute to the current Pope whose values and humanity are present in every stage of his career including, most importantly, the manner in which he governs and administers his religious followers as its leader.

If the film has one drawback, it is just too long and contains dialogue between these two theological giants that makes it difficult for the viewer to remain focused because of its length. On the positive side, the film gives an introspective look at the makeup of these two men, how they differ in perspective and how really human they both are. Add to that actual footage of real life events, glimpses as to the inner workings of the papacy and spectacular views of the Vatican, all of which are gifts to the viewer for having tolerated the long theatrical experience. I give the film 3 stars for its honest portrayal of life in the Vatican and those who reside in it.

The Irishman

“The Irishman” stars Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci and Al Pacino in this epic saga of mob life in post World War II America. Based on the book by Charles Brandt and screenplay by Steven Zaillian, and ably directed by Martin Scorcese, the film traces the life of Frank Sheehan (Mr. De Niro) as he rises from meat truck driver to a confidant of Jimmy Hoffa with ties to the “bosses” of the underworld. The film relies upon and uses “flashback” techniques which, if not done properly, might otherwise interfere with the viewer’s experience. In this instance, however, Mr. Scorcese masterfully utilizes the process to tell a story that, in spite of its 209 minutes of screen time, moves smoothly and rapidly from scene to scene. I give the film 3 and ½ stars for affording the audience a gratifying theatrical experience and, in addition, for giving it the opportunity to witness the extraordinary acting talents of its 3 main stars as they perform under the magical wand of its director.

Knives Out

“Knives Out” was written and directed by Rian Johnson and stars an ensemble cast including Daniel Craig, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon, Don Johnson, Toni Collette, Christopher Plummer and an amazing young actress, Ana de Armas. This is an old fashioned whodunit a la the style of Agatha Christie with hints of Hitchcock coupled with  a screenplay that compels attention and careful concentration by the viewer. Plot twists and sometimes tongue In cheek dialogue make the film worthy of attending. Handled in the direction of another less skilled writer and director, the film might well have crossed the line into silliness and absurdity. Fortunately, it does not.

Although the film itself is not momentous and could be criticized for being longer than it should  be, when all is said and done, the film  works. I give it 3 stars for affording the audience the opportunity to have a light and entertaining theatrical experience.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

“Marriage Story” was written and directed by Noah Baumbach (“The Squid and the

Whale”) and is, like his prior work, semi autobiographical, as he tells the story of a failed marriage and the lingering affection and feelings that remain throughout the issues and problems facing a divorcing couple with a child they both love.

Scarlett Johannson was never better as she interacts with her ex-husband- to- be exceptionally well played by Adam Driver. Remembering that Mr.Baumbach’s background as a child of two divorced parents and the ex-husband of Jennifer Jason Leigh, it is easy to understand where his allegiance lies amidst the two parents vying for the affection of their son. As is so often the case where the writer and director are one in the same, this film could easily have used the input of a third party to edit and minimize lengthy scenes and dialogue as well as a choice in casting (since some of the characters appear to be more like stereotypes than real life individuals). One might argue that these lengthy oratorical performances by the characters gives them an opportunity to exhibit their acting wares and, true as that may be, it adds to the length of the film which could be shorter than its 2 and ¼ hours. All that being said, I give the film 3 and ½ stars because it is a heartfelt and brilliant dissection of the divorce process, those who exploit it and those who are victims of it as written and directed

by one of its vital participants.

The Current War: Director's Cut

“The Current War: Director’s Cut” was originally made in 2017 for release that year by The Weinstein Company but when allegations against the company’s President surfaced, the release date was tabled and, in the course of the bankruptcy, the film was modified and sold to another distributor. The phrase “Director’s Cut” was added to the title of the later version to distinguish it from the original which was shown in 2017 at the Toronto Film Festival.

This is the story of how electrical power came into being in the country in the latter part of the 19^th Century and tells the competitive and almost cutthroat efforts of Thomas Edison (played by Benedict Cumberbach) and George Westinghouse (played by Michael Shannon) to fight for their respective Direct Current vs. Alternating Current means of supplying light and power to an anxious populace. The film also brings into play the role of Niklas Tesla, the visionary inventor who promoted his AC theory, as well as J.P. Morgan who served as the financial backer to the winning process. The acting of Michael Shannon is the only redeeming quality in the film for it, as written by Michael Mitnick and directed by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon, is, quite frankly, a complicated and boring film. With such a powerful story and historical importance, one would expect that those factors alone would  carry the film but the script is so confusing and uneven that it makes it hard to follow and understand and, in many instances, leaves the viewer“in the dark”. I give the film 2 stars with one of them going directly to Mr.Shannon for his fine performance.

The Laundromat

“The Laundromat” stars Meryl Streep, Gary Oldman, Antonio Banderas and a host of other “A List” actors in cameo roles that I’m sure all of them wish they had never filled.

This movie, written by Scott Burns and directed by Steven Soderbergh,  is simply not a good film and ranks among Ms. Streep’s lowest endeavors, almost equaling her disasterous participation  in Mamma Mia (except here at least she doesn’t sing).

In an unnecessary and very patronizing narrative, Messrs. Oldman and Banderas talk and walk us through the film as they explain to the audience the basics of economics and the skill of creating and maintaining off shore corporate entities. Mr. Oldman in particular, portraying a German born lawyer with a bad hairpiece, is an annoying distraction as he wanders in and out of the accent he has so much difficulty in trying to maintain.  Both Mr. Oldman's make-up person and dialect coach  should have been replaced since neither did their job well. This, coupled with so many other flaws, adds to the viewer’s general discomfort. To make matter worse, there are many inconsistencies and plot problems in the film all supporting the fact that it simply does not work. I give the film a generous 1 and ½ stars and suggest that the writer and director “clean up” their act (pun intended).

Since the film is concurrently being exhibited both on Netflix and theatrically, I suggest streaming it in order to save lots of time and expense.

Parasite

“Parasite” is a South Korean film co-written and directed by Joon-ho Bong. It tells the story of two families whose fates and directions intersect and become interwined in a series of plot twists and turns that sometimes boggle the ability of the viewer to enjoy the film. This is a movie that just can’t seem to make up its mind…is it a comedy…or is it a tragedy…or is it both. Also confusing and somewhat annoying are the English titles that seem to clash against and appear inconsistent with the words being spoken by the actors. At a minimum this recurring inconsistency between the titles and the spoken words became for this writer, at least,  a major distraction.

Rarely have I seen a film receive such unwarranted and undeserving praise and accolade by the critics who I can’t believe saw the same movie I did. I found the scenes in the film to be drawn out and the movie itself to be unnecessarily long, again the penalty for having the writer/director charged with editing (or failing to edit) his own work product. I give the film 2 stars and recommend it to anyone looking for a nice nap in a movie house..

“Pain and Glory” is Pedro Almodovar’s 21^st film and brings out the best in him, his writing and directorial talents as well as the acting performances of Antonio Banderas and Penelope Cruz. The film is difficult to summarize because it follows no traditional formula but, instead, takes us through the life of an aging film director victimized by depression, ill health and a feeling of failure despite the world bestowing upon him  the accolades his body of work so richly deserves. Start engraving the Oscar statuettes with Mr. Banderas’ name on it for he will certainly be a leading contender for the Best Actor Award and don’t misspell Mr. Almodovar’s name on his when the Best Director Award is handed out. I give the film 3 and ½ stars for it is truly a worthwhile theatrical experience.

Where's My Roy Cohn

“Where’s My Roy Cohn” is a documentary covering the life of this flamboyant and obviously intelligent lawyer who, in his early 20’s became counsel for the infamous Joseph McCarthy and his Committee investigating allegedly un-American activities in government.

Directed by Matt Tynauer, it is also the story of a self hating Jew and an equally self hating gay man who attacked homosexuals with the same vigor and vitality as he did in the pursuit of those same men to whom he was romantically attracted and sought. More than anything it is the study of evil and how it can harm innocent and principled entities and people and hopefully teaches us how to cope with it and, perhaps, even help us avoid its presence. I give the film 3 stars for it not only entertains but informs as well.

Downton Abbey

“Downton Abbey” is the long awaited feature film version of the six season television series that was previously shown on PBS and, like its creator, was also written by Julian Fellows,

The film was directed by Michael Engler and stars all of the usual suspects including Elizabeth Mc/Govern, Hugh Bonneville, Maggie Smith and Michelle Dockery.

 It is difficult to write a review of a film where this viewer, at least, has seen all prior television episodes. As a result, its  feature length counterpart  appears  to be more like another but longer episode of its parent television series.

For those few unfamiliar with the series and its characters, I would assume that for them there is a problem in not understanding the true nature and history of the characters that past viewers had a chance to learn, absorb and understand over 6 years of television watching. To that extent those “uneducated”  viewers will be seeing an interesting and well acted film presentation with extremely high production values in a well written format..

For those experienced veterans of the series, it will be like “old home week” seeing the beloved and respected group of noble persons and their staff as they encounter diverse and interesting plots and plot twists where the viewer is involved until the very end of the theatrical experience. The latter type of viewer, most of whom were in the audience in which I saw the film, acted much like a group of dedicated  groupies  at a music concert where the performers could do no wrong regardless of the performance.

Factoring all of the above I give the film 3 stars because, when all is said and done, it is an enjoyable film to watch and despite its 2 hour and 15 minute length, the only watch you will look at is the one held in the hand of Lord Crawley as he awaits the call for dinner.

 

Before You Know it

"Before You Know It" stars Hannah Pearl Utt, Jen Tullock, Judith Light and Mandy Patinkin in this quirky

 film which was directed by Ms. Utt who co-wrote the screen play with Ms. Tullock. In addition, these two ladies also star in the film and help to relate a simple story of life in the Village where, as two sisters, they work and live in and above their father's small and unsuccessful theater. There is very little substance to the film which, for some mysterious reason, never makes the viewer feel bored or deprived. However, even with support from a number of cameo appearances, such as the likes of Alec Baldwin, the film never succeeds to go beyond its built in plot limitations. I give the film 2 and 1/2 stars and suggest that if nothing else is playing that you want to see, then this might the choice in order to save an otherwise wasted trip to the cinema.

"The Peanut Butter Falcon"

"The Peanut Butter Falcon" was written and directed by both Mike Schwartz

and Tyler Nilson and stars Shia LaBoeuf, Bruce Dern, Dakota Johnson and

an amazing actor, Zack Gottsagen, who, in real life has, and who plays the role of,

a young man afflicted with Down syndrome. This is a tender and sweet story

of a disabled person with a dream and of those willing to assist him in

attaining it. Unfortunately, the powerful message is conveyed via a thin

vehicle that would better have been exhibited as a short film for there just

isn't enough substance to sustain and carry it as a full length feature.

I give the film 2 stars for, in attempting to be a modern day

Hucklebery Finn saga of life on or near

the Mississippi, the film goes nowhere and, like the current on the

river, continues downstream to its shallow end.

After the Wedding

"After the Wedding" is a remake of the 2006 acclaimed Danish film of the same name

written by Susanne Bier. This new version, with an adapted screenplay 

by Bart Freundlich, who also directed the film, stars Mr. Freundlich's wife,

Julianne Moore, and Michelle Williams, Billy Crudup and Abby Quinn.

Remembering the old adage, "if it ain't broken, don't fix it", I found the film

to be interesting and, in the case of Ms. Moore, extremely well acted, but

that's where the accolades end. Although only 110 minutes in length, it

seemed longer. Also, Ms. Williams' performance was under stated

and so low key that it looked like she "phoned it in" for it lacked the

emotional dedication that one would expect from someone playing

her character.

I give the film 2 and 1/2 stars with a suggestion to Mr. and

Mrs. Freundlich that it's sometimes better for an artist to create

an entirely new work of art than to try and touch-up an old

painting.

Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood

“Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood” stars Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio and was

written and directed by Quentin Tarentino. Imagine trying to rate a dinner cooked by

a chef when the oven fails and you have to wait until a later time to finish the meal.

This is the situation I found myself in when, a week ago and  2/3 into the film, the entire theater complex went dark due to a power failure and I had to catch the last 1/3 of the film 7 days later. So now, with that burden disclosed and acknowledging that I never was really a fan of Mr. DiCaprio, I must confess that I found the film not only entertaining but well written and well acted too. Mr. DiCaprio was thoroughly believable as a “Clint Eastwood type” who, like Clint, goes from Western TV actor (i.e. “Rawhide”) to spaghetti-western star, as his character's life ultimately interwines with his neighbors on Il Cielo Drive in the hills above Sunset Blvd.and, ultimately, the intruding members of the Manson family. Brad Pitt is absolutely superb in his role as the friend of and stunt man for the DiCaprio TV western star.

Having lived and been part of the early days of TV as well as the Tate-LaBianca killings, the film is really a trip along nostalgia lane as the viewer is once again reminded of the many landmarks in Los Angeles in the late 60’s and early 70’s. Perhaps this is why those who have no familiarity with the city or the time in which the film takes place found it  less enjoyable to watch. All that being said, this is a movie about Hollywood and those who earned their livelihood in it aided by excellent performances from its to two leading men and a host of major stars in cameo appearances. I give the film 3 and ½ stars for, despite its almost 3 hours in length, for me, at least, it was a worthwhile and positive theatrical experience.

The Farewell

“The Farewell” is a charming film written and directed by Lulu Wang with a Chinese cast who speak both Chinese and  English throughout (since a lot of the filming occurred in New York City with the remainder in a suburb of Beijing. I mention this because many viewers are turned off by English titles but this film’s intermingling of English and Chinese dialogue makes it an enjoyable experience in spite of anyone’s aversion to this process. This review contains no spoiler since the film’s trailers and advertising let the prospective viewer know that this movie involves a Chinese family coping with the news that the beloved grandmother has been given only weeks to live and, per cultural customs, has decided to keep the news from her so that she can “enjoy” her remaining time with them. The lead actress, Akwafina, plays the U.S based granddaughter who travels to China to join the rest of her family there. It is this interplay with all her relatives that affords the writer/director the opportunity to create and blend comedy and drama all in the same vehicle. The film captures the essence of what true family is all about regardless of the culture, race or location of the events that may befall them. It is the film’s universal appeal and fine acting that  earns this film a 3 and ½ star rating and, if nothing else, will, to quote Ms. Wang, "make those leaving theater feel the need to call their grandmother".

Reply Reply All Forward

Maiden

"Maiden" is a documentary  directed by Alex Holmes which tells the story

of Tracy Edwards, a 24 year old sailing vessel cook who, in 1989, together with

her female companions, skippered the first all female crew to compete in the

Whitbread Sail Around the World contest. More than the story of a sailing

contest, it is a testament to the tenacity and vision of this young girl who, despite

the chauvenism of the sailing community, achieved her goal and realized

her dream. This is  film that every young woman should see and appreciate

for it demonstrates that dreams can become reality in spite of the prejudices

of a male dominated society and the obstacles in general that every dreamer

must inevitably encounter. Although the film could just as well have been

exhibited in a much shorter version, the viewer nevertheless experiences and

understands what these adventurous ladies had to encounter and how meaningful

what they accomplished meant to all womanhood far and beyond

the contest they participated in. I give the film 3 stars for it is as inspirational

as it is entertaining.

Last Black Man in San Francisco

“Last Black Man in San Francisco” is a film  starring Jimmie Fails, Jonathan Majors and Danny Glover. Fails, who plays himself in the film, wrote the story which so resembles his own and Director Joe Talbot together with Rob Richert co-wrote the screenplay. This is a tender, warm, well written and well acted story of the city of San Francisco and its diversified and unique group of residents who struggle to survive, recapture and hold on to their past. But the real essence of the film and its story is family history and how difficult it is to remain close to it as the adult years overtake us. I give the film 3 stars and suggest that after seeing the film the viewer will leave more than his or her heart in the city by the Bay.