My View: The Boss
Baby (2017) PG Tim (Miles Christopher Bakshi) was happy in
his home with his mom (Lisa Kudrow) and dad (Jimmy Kimmel). Then, one day, a
suit-wearing briefcase-carrying baby (Alec Baldwin) arrives at Tim’s home via
taxi. Tim knows something is up with this new baby, but his parents can only
see that the baby needs all the attention. This is one of those films that
after you see it, you say, “Well, it wasn’t as bad as I was expecting.” There
are some funny bits in the film (loved Alec Baldwin making a Glengarry Glen
Ross joke), and kids will enjoy all the action. The film is brought down by its
many sub-plots and a somewhat confusing conclusion. Older kids and adults will
be bored at times, but little kids may enjoy it. My Rating:
Cable The Boss Baby Website
My View: Ghost in the Shell
(2017) PG-13 A cyborg
counter-cyberterrorist field commander, called Major (Scarlett Johansson) and
her task force thwarts cyber criminals and hackers. Now a new enemy has emerged
that will stop at nothing to sabotage the artificial intelligence technology
that the world runs on. I love Scarlett Johansson, and I hope that someday
there will be a Black Widow standalone movie. Unfortunately, this film wastes
her talents in a slow moving, confusing tale that has some of the dullest
villains I have ever seen on screen. The action scenes are well done, and you
can see the video game influence throughout the film. Much has been made about
the whitewashing of this movie, and it is disturbing that the film is set in
Japan but it seems like three-quarters of the cast isn’t Japanese. I understand
that Johansson, someone who has proven she can open a film by herself (Lucy),
getting cast in the lead, but to have almost all the other major parts portrayed
by non-Japanese actors just made the film seem silly. My Rating:
Cable Ghost in the Shell Website
My View: The Zoo
Keeper’s Wife (2017) PG-13 Based on a true story, this film tells the
story of Antonina (Jessica Chastain) and her husband Jan (Johan Heldenbergh),
who owned a small zoo in downtown Warsaw. When the Nazis took over, Antonina
and Jan saved hundreds of Jews in their zoo, right under the German’s
noses. Jessica Chastain makes this film
worth watching as she gives a compelling and moving performance of a brave and
loving woman who risks everything to save the lives of over 300 strangers.
Being a big fan of the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival (a co-sponsor of the
screening I went to), I have seen a lot of films about the Holocaust. Where
this film is lacking is in its depiction of the Warsaw ghetto and the horrors
that went on there. The husband travels
into the ghetto numerous times (to transport Jews out under the ruse of
collecting garbage for his pigs), but its depiction feels frail and sanitized.
The Zoo Keeper’s Wife is a fascinating tale about two people who had the
courage to step up and help their fellow man.
I just wish this film was as powerful as Chastain’s acting is in
it. My Rating: Full Price The Zookeeper's Wife Website
In Case You Missed It (A Film Just Released on
DVD/Blu-ray): Fantastic Beasts and Where
to Find Them (2016) PG-13
Seventy years into the future, Harry Potter will read writer Newt
Scamander’s (Eddie Redmayne) book. First, Newt has to have the adventures in
New York’s secret community of witches and wizards. If you are a fan of the Harry Potter film and
book series, then you will want to see this movie. The film uses the Harry
Potter world as its basis but makes this its own world. The action is fun and
fast paced with special effects that bring the many, and I do mean many, beasts
alive. Redmayne is obviously having fun with the role, and it shows in his
performance. His boyish charm makes his character come alive on the
screen. Alison Sudol is dazzling as the
headstrong love interest for Newt, Queenie, and I adored Katherine Waterston as
the sweet and mind reading-sister. Dan
Fogler steals the movie as the hilarious human who becomes Newt’s sidekick. You
will enjoy this fantastic ride full of beasts and wizards. My Rating:
Full Price Fantastic Beasts Website
Forgotten Film: Times
Square (1980) R Two troubled young women (Trini Alvarado,
Robin Johnson) meet in a psychiatric
hospital. They call themselves the Sleaze Sisters, and they run away to New
York City. The two friends get help from
a rock DJ (Tim Curry) and embrace the punk scene of NYC. While not a great
film, there are two reasons you should check it out: the two actresses are a blast to watch, and
the soundtrack really represents what the Punk/New Wave music scene in the late
70s, early 80s sounded like with music performed by The Cars, The Cure, Joe
Jackson, David Johansen, Gary Numan, Lou Reed, The Pretenders, Roxy Music and
XTC. My Rating: Bargain Matinee Times Square Info
Weird Credits: From
the credits of The Zookeeper’s Wife:
Animal Prosthetics
Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) The continuing adventures of the band of
misfits as they travel the outer reaches of the cosmos. If it’s just half as good as the trailer, we
are in for a fun ride. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Info
Until Next Time!
