December 13, 2017 “I Love You Daddy” (** out of four) was an affectionate but uneven throwback to Hollywood’s Golden Age about a television producer (Louis CK who also wrote and directed) whose precocious daughter (Chloe Grace-Moretz) falls in love with a much older power player (John Malkovich) with a concerning past involving young girls. Queasy subject matter is played for sincere laughs and done in the style of a 1950’s screwball comedy. Good cast carries this as far as it can go but result is scattershot and tiresome. Gorgeously shot in b & w by Paul Koestner Continue reading →
December 8, 2017December 8, 2017 “Darkest Hour” (*** out of four) was a powerfully done historical melodrama set in the early days of World War II in which the fate of Western Europe rested upon the newly appointed Prime Minister Winston Churchill (Gary Oldman unrecognizable under mounds of latex and padding) who had to decide whether to negotiate with Hitler or fight on against incredible odds at risk of losing the war and the gradual fate of the whole world. Not a great film but Oldman’s commanding and compelling performance takes center stage and a strong history lesson for those unfamiliar with this time in world history. Brian Cox did a similarly impressive job in the same role in “Churchill” earlier on this year. Continue reading →
December 5, 2017 “Wonder” (** out of four) was a trite adaptation of R.J. Palacio’s best-selling novel about a child (Jacob Tremblay) born with facial abnormalities from Treacher Collins syndrome who has been nurtured and home-schooled by his loving parents (Owen Wilson and Julia Roberts) and goes to middle-school for the first time. Never all that moving or involving, despite the best efforts of a good cast and earnest subject matter. Film is overshadowed by “Mask” which it often resembles. Many people loved this film so obviously it’s a matter of taste. Wilson is more tolerable than usual in a change-of-pace role. Continue reading →
December 5, 2017 “Roman J. Israel, Esquire” (*** out of four) was an imperfect but engrossing story about an idealistic lawyer (Denzel Washington) whose principles and ethics are tested to the breaking point when he goes to work for a large law firm (headed by Colin Farrell) and becomes embroiled in a murder case. Washington’s usual superb performance and effortless charisma help keep this legal drama on track even as the story wanders and never really shifts into high gear. Farrell is also terrific as his cunning and tough-minded boss and they play off each other well. Continue reading →
December 5, 2017 “Slumber” (*1/2 out of four) was a lumbering horror thriller virtually guaranteed to put viewers into a slumber about a sleep doctor (Maggie Q) who tries to protect a family from a vindictive demon that preys on people through their nightmares. Since originality is a challenge for horror movies nowadays, this manages to rip-off “Nightmare On Elm Street” but also “Poltergeist” and “The Shining” as well. Q’s sincere performance is wasted. Continue reading →
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