August 1, 2017August 1, 2017 “Strange Weather” (** out of four) was a hazy, aloof melodrama about a single mother (Holly Hunter) grieving over the death of her son who travels the backroads of the deep South to confront someone who betrayed him and obtain spiritual peace and understanding within herself. Director Katherine Dieckman shows a flair for atmosphere and detail in capturing the South and Hunter is strong as usual but story meanders and doesn’t build to a satisfying conclusion. Story fails to grip and move as it should and by the end- it seems pointless. One of Glenne Headly’s final films as one of Hunter’s drinking buddies. Continue reading →
August 1, 2017 “Girls Trip” (**1/2 out of four) was a lively and uneven comedy about four lifelong friends (Jada Pinkett Smith, Queen Latifah, Regina Hall, Tiffany Haddish) who reunite and travel to New Orleans for the annual Essex Festival and havoc (i.e. plenty of sex and booze jokes) ensue. Raucous female version of “The Hangover” ranges from extremely funny to extremely dumb; either way, it goes on too long at more than two hours but should definitely satisfy its target audience of girls who may want to improve my rating by 1/2 or 1 star. Continue reading →
August 1, 2017 “Atomic Blonde” (**1/2 out of four) was a diverting action thriller set in 1989 during the waning days of the Cold War as an undercover MI6 agent (Charlize Theron) goes to Berlin to find out the murder of an agent and recover a missing list of double agents but finds treachery at every turn. Story is slight and often makes no sense but movie is so full of style, over-the-top action, and electric ’80’s music (New Order, Depeche Mode, etc) that it’s fun to watch just the same. Obviously inspired by the “Bourne” series (and also “John Wick”) but still sleek and entertaining. Propulsive ’80’s synth score by Tyler Bates. Continue reading →
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