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".

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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.

Late Night

"Late Night" stars Emma Thompson, John Lithgow, Mindy Kaling and a

host of other supporting actors in this film whose screenplay was written by

Ms. Kaling ("The Office", "The Mindy Project") and directed by a very

talented Nisha Ganatra. Well paced and equally well written Ms.

Thompson brings to the role a broad spectrum of drama and comedy as

she portrays a late night talk show host facing personal and professional

issues as she is aided and abetted by Ms. Kaling's character. I give the film 3 stars

and recommend it for a rare and enjoyable movie experience not

available to the viewing audiences during these past few months.

Long Shot

“Long Shot” stars Seth Rogen and Charlize Theron in this rom-com film written by Dan Sterling and Elizabeth Hanna and directed by Jonathan Levine. Although not a noteworthy effort on the part of any of the creative talent, and, despite some raunchy scenes, the film succeeds in holding the interest of the audience as it  enjoys s

some funny lines and scenes. An unlikely pairing of Mr. Rogen and Ms.Theron fortunately does not stand in the way of this being a movie one can simply lean back and enjoy as it moves to its predictable and satisfying conclusion. I give the film 2 and ½ stars for its simple aim is to please the viewer and, indeed, it does.