Flight

"Flight" was directed by Robert Zemeckis and stars Denzel Washington, Bruce Greenwood, Don Cheadle and John Goodman. This is a film worth seeing if for no other reason than the first 20 minutes where action and drama take us into the stratosphere of emotion and fear. Written by John Gatins this is the story of an ill fated flight and the alcoholic pilot who, despite his addiction, attempts to perform a miracle of aeronautical maneuvering. Not to be understated, Denzel Washington once again proves his wide range as an actor and gives us a performance worthy of his reputation and past accomplishments. Though thin in story line and weak in some other areas (i.e. depth of the  characters etc.) I give the film 3 stars because, above all else, it was entertaining and certainly gets the viewer involved.

The Sessions

The Sessions" is not an easy film to either watch or review. If education and insight into the plight of the severely disabled is a worthy and constructive endeavor, then this film certainly meets that goal. If, however, the aim of a film is to afford the viewer the opportunity to relax and simply enjoy or experience the life or lives of others without feeling uncomfortable, then, of course, this movie will not be to the viewer's liking. Although in the same genre as "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" (about a quadrapalegic who cannot speak but only blink to communicate), this film is much more than that since its character can, through his wit and intelligence, speak and communicate his thoughts and, as one of the actors in the film tells her "healthy" mate, "He (the disabled subject) is more of a man than you". Based on the true story of poet and journalist Mark O'Brien and his desire, at age 38, to experience sex for the first time in his life,  John Hawkes ((in the leading role) ably assisted by therapist Helen Hunt and priest William H. Macy, conveys to the audience the efforts by this prisoner in an iron lung to move forward despite his incarceration. Difficult at times to experience the film's message, for me at least, is that the power of the mind can meet and, yes, even overcome. the physical burdens, obstacles and pitfalls that the fates place in life's path. Mr. Hawkes' character plays the hand that life dealt him with charm, humor and intelligence and, to that end, he and the real life person he portrays is to be admired and respected. I give the film 3 and 1/2 stars for not only its message but for the skilled and sensitive manner in which this most difficult subject is treated.

Amour

“Amour” is a French film written and directed by Michael Haneke. The film stars  Emmanuelle Riva (who 53 years ago appeared in “Hiroshima, My Love”), Jean-Louis Trintignant (a well known actor in the 50’s and 60;s who will best be  remembered for his roles in  “And God Created Woman” and “A Man and a Woman”) and the ever favorite French staple, Ms. Isabelle Huppert. This is a difficult film to watch but yet it is beautiful in its tribute to the love a spouse can have for his mate who becomes disabled and on a predictable road to the disintegration of her body. Monsieur Trintignant is superb as the dedicated husband who refuses to surrender his relationship with his wife despite the urging and insistence of others who seek to bestow arm’s length advice and instruction. Why, with all that I have written, did I find the film troubling. Perhaps the best way to express my reaction is to quote someone who said “I know the film was in color but I remember it being in black and white”. It is a slow moving and unexciting film whose director takes too much time and delves into too much detail so that you want to go into the editing room and snip away these unnecessary reels that add running time but detract from the viewing experience. All of that being said, the performances of these two megastars in the twilight of their respective careers is worth the cost of watching this tedious endeavor. Although not as enthusiastic as most of the major critics who can’t write and say enough good things about Mr. Haneke and his film, I can understand what they saw but my eyes were not in the same focus as theirs. I give the film 3 stars because, when all is said and done, it is still a worthwhile film to see and appreciate.

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.