Zack Snyder's Justice League

Note to readers: I currently am not willing to risk my health (I’m 63 and an asthmatic) by visiting a theatre. All films that I have seen for review have been screened in my home. I am not going to tell you whether or not to attend a theatre. Just be aware of the risks, do your research, and follow the instructions to the letter.

My View: Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2017) PG-13   Batman (Ben Affleck) is inspired by Superman’s (Henry Cavill) selfless act in Batman vs. Superman and decides to enlist Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) to form a team of superheroes to face an enemy that threatens humanity. Having once, when in film school, thought about making a career as an editor, I have always held the editor’s job in the filmmaking process a key role. I have usually do not like ‘Director’s Cuts’ of films because usually the film gets added footage that can make the film feel bloated or drag the film down. Well, not this time. Zack Snyder’s cut of Justice League is a far better film than the one that Josh Wheadon took over control of five years ago. Yes, the film is a little over four hours old, but it doesn’t feel like it (and by the way, it is made up of sections, so you can pause it if you like to take a break or two). Now in no way, shape or form is it a great film but is it an improvement? Yes, yes, it is. I think the difference is the time we get with each superhero, getting to understand why they do what they do and also, more importantly, why they are willing to become a team when each hero is used to being their own one-man or woman army. I’m still not convinced that Snyder fully understands the Superman character and what he stands for, but I came away enjoying this film, and it’s been enough time since the first version came out that the film felt almost new to me.   My Rating: Full Price (up from the Bargain Matinee that I gave the first version on Nov. 17th, 2017).   Zack Snyder's Justice League Website    Now playing on the HBO Max platform.

Indiefest: Last Call (2021) R    Mick (Jeremy Piven) comes back to his old Philly neighborhood and must decide to help raze the area for a new casino or kiss the big opportunity good-bye and resurrect his family’s bar. This is obviously a passion project for director/co-writer Paolo Pilladi. You can see that he cares about this neighborhood and the characters that inhabit it. Unfortunately, there isn’t much of a story in the plot. The film follows Mick as he goes from one drinking session to another with a bunch of pals from his neighborhood that he left behind to make it good. Mick works for a real estate boss who wants Mick’s help in bringing a casino to the neighborhood. Mick has come back to bury his mother and possibly put his father (Jack McGee) in a home. While back in the neighborhood, Mick rekindles an old romance with the girl next door, Ali (Taryn Manning). There is absolutely no chemistry between Piven and Manning, with their scenes feeling like the two actors who didn’t really want to be in the same scene with each other. The plot is razor-thin, and the ending is so quick and sloppy that you almost get whiplash from it. If you want to watch a film about a bunch of guys ripping on each other and drinking a lot, this is your film; otherwise, you will have a better time going down to the corner bar yourself and having a drink or two.     My Rating: Cable     Last Call Website     The film is currently playing in select theatres and is available to rent on participating on-demand services

Indiefest: Quo Vadis, Adia? (2020)   Aida (Jasna Djuricic) is a translator for the UN in a small town in Bosnia. When the Serbian army takes over the town, Aida and her two sons take shelter in a UN refugee camp. Soon Aida must decide to use her inside information to stay or try an escape with her two sons before it is too late. It is just a heartbreaking story about the love of a mother and wife who tries as hard as she can to save her family against the odds and the bureaucracy of war. Jasna Djuricic is a force on the screen, and her performance is why this film has an Academy Award nomination. The film is filled with sadness and a feeling of lost hope, but Aida never gives up, never stops pleading for the lives of her loved ones to be saved as the clock ticks down to a precious few. Quo Vadis, Adia? is one of the best films of the year and deserves to be seen by everyone.   My Rating: I Would Pay to See it Again  The film is available to rent on participating on-demand services.

My View: Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal (2021) R   This is a documentary that uses reenactments to investigate the mastermind behind the scam to sneak kids of the rich and famous into top U.S. universities. Interesting concept on how to do a documentary, with Mathew Modine playing Rick Singer, the man who set up the scam, using the actual wiretaps to provide Rick’s dialogue. I enjoyed this documentary because it shows how Singer started up this idea to beat the system and just how far the privileged were willing to go, to make sure that their kids could get into the most prestigious schools. This is a strange but fascinating film, giving us a look at an almost fatally flawed system. What is sad is like their parents at a fancy restaurant, the kids in this film could have sat at a table and been just fine; they had to sit at the best table money could buy.   My Rating: Full Price   Now playing on the Netflix platform.

In Memory of Ed Wood (A Movie I’ve Only Seen in Trailers But Just Looks Like a Bad Idea): Hot Water (2021)   A young kid thinks he has what it takes to compete on the pro jet ski tour. With a cast straight out of Baywatch comes a movie with a horrible tag line: ‘The Funniest Ride of the Summer.’ I’ve watched the trailer, and the only thing funny about this film is that it got made.    Hot Water Website

Forgotten Film: Love Jones (1997) R Darius (Larenz Tate) is a young poet in Chicago that meets the love of his life, Nina (Nia Long), a talented photographer, and they have to figure out if their relationships is real and just how deep. What I love about this film is that the couple have real conversations about what they want in life and in other people. They have ups and downs, but you have to trust that someday, someway, they will end up together. Anchored by a great cast, a very cool city, and incredible chemistry between the two leads, and you have one of the better romantic films of the 90s.   My Rating: Full Price    Love Jones Info

Weird Credits: From the credits of Zack Snyder’s Justice League: Drapes Master

Coming Soon to a Screen Near You: Shoplifters of the World (2021)   In the summer of 1987, four friends get together to party and mourn the break-up of the iconic British band The Smiths. Simultaneously, a Smiths fan takes a radio DJ hostage and makes him play nothing but Smiths songs all night. Hey, The Smiths were a great band, and the casting of Joe Manganiello, Nick Krause, Elena Kampouris, James Bloor, and Helena Howard is pretty cool, so I have hope for this one.     Shoplifters of the World Website

Until Next Time!

The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

My View:  The Man from U.N.C.L.E.  (2015)  PG-13   Napoleon Solo (Henry Cavill) and Illya Kuryakin (Armie Hammer) team up with the help of a beautiful woman (Alicia Vikander) to stop a mysterious international criminal organization led by Victoria Vinciguerrra (Elizabeth Debicki).  This is a Guy Ritchie film, and it looks it. It’s very stylish (in a good way) with lots of creative action sequences and witty dialog. There are also some great running gags, including Solo and Kuryakin having such a fashion war that they could be contestants on Project Runway. I liked Alicia Vikander in the role of the German mechanic who can hold her own with the boys, though I wish she had done more action scenes. Both Cavill and Hammer play their roles with perfection. I especially liked Hammer’s tough, Russian vibe that he gave his character.  The film is a little long but has an enjoyable ending that sets the team up for more adventures.  My Rating:  Full Price   The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Website

My View:  Straight Outta Compton  (2015)  R  The film revolves around the rise and fall of the Compton, California hip hop group N.W.A., led by Eazy-E (Jason Mitchell), Dr. Dre (Corey Hawkins), and Ice Cube (O’Shea Jackson Jr.).  The first part of this film, showing the origins of the three principal rappers, is a blast to watch. I especially enjoyed Ice Cube’s story, and O’Shea Jackson Jr. (Ice Cube’s real life son) stands out in his picture perfect portrayal. The movie's concert scenes are fun, powerful and make you feel like you are in the live audience.  The film slows down considerably once (spoiler alert, sort of) when the group breaks up. And, it just seems that the film is just introducing characters like Snoop Dogg and Tupac for the wow factor instead of propelling the storyline. I also would have liked to have seen more of how songs were written and recorded. Fans of hip hop and N.W.A. will enjoy this film as music is used perfectly to set the scenes.  Overall, it’s an interesting film that has some stunning and awesome concert scenes.  My Review:  Full Price   Straight Outta Compton Website

Indiefest:  The End of the Tour  (2015)  R  In 1996, immediately after the publication of his second book, David Foster Wallace (Jason Segal) goes on a five-day book tour with Rolling Stone writer, David Lipsky (Jesse Eisenberg).  I think that if I had read either of David Foster Wallace’s books I would have enjoyed this more. It’s a movie mostly about two men, both writers, discussing life, writing and being famous. Segal gives a great performance as the rather withdrawn and quite strange Wallace. The film shows that Segal has quite the range, as his performance is brilliant and moving.  I felt that Eisenberg didn’t have to work too hard in his performance, and the film bogs down a little when they guys are traveling by themselves in the car. I wanted to like/love this picture, but like a few of the conversations, it’s a little long-winded and boring. The End of the Tour is a road picture that just doesn’t seem to go anywhere.   My Rating:  Full Price   The End of the Tour Website

Indiefest:  Cop Car  (2015)  R   A small town sheriff (Kevin Bacon) sets out to find the two youths who have taken his police car on a joyride. Director Jon Watts, who co-wrote the screenplay with Christopher D. Ford, brings out the best in his cast. The two boys, Welftford and Freedson-Jackson, play well off each other, and Watts lets the boys be boys, as they have a blast driving around in a police car. Bacon is perfect as the menacing sheriff, and we know the instant that we meet him, he is not to be annoyed. This sheriff is certainly someone who will do anything to survive. The film's second half just isn’t as compelling or fascinating as the first. The film becomes a cat and mouse game with a very ambiguous ending that is downright frustrating.  Overall, the cast and the excellent pace make up for that ending and make the film an engaging and sometimes amusing film with an acute style that slowly creates tension. “Cop Car” is an interesting take on the modern western.   My Take:  Full Price   Cop Car Website

Indiefest:  Fort Tilden  (2014)  R  Allie (Claire McNulty) and Harper (Bridey Elliot) are best friends, and all they want to do is spend a day at the beach, but life has other plans for their day.  Sarah-Violet Bliss and Charles Rogers, who co-directed and wrote the film, have created two lead characters to whom you would hate to be seated beside at Starbucks. Allie and Harper are two young women who are spoiled, egotistical and clueless about how the world works.  Harper is a mixed-media artist who spends most of her days coming up with ideas that will never be realized. Allie, who sometimes is the more level-headed of the two, is solely consumed with her upcoming Peace Corps trip. Harper is convinced that, like many other endeavors that Allie has taken up, that Allie will not go on her trip, afterall. Neither woman has faith in each other; and it's as if they are in an endless cycle of letting each other down, only to forget about the transgression in a short amount of time. This is one of those films that some critics will find endearing and even possibly enchanting. I found the film a little tedious, rarely funny, and I was very often frustrated with the characters and their cluelessness.  My Rating:  Cable   Fort Tilden Website

Forgotten Film:  Newsfront  (1978)  PG  A group of cameramen and reporters struggle in post-war Australia to create newsreels for the movie going public. For a long time, most of Australia got a lot of their news from newsreels shown before the featured movie. The film, while a little low-key, is a poignant look at a proud cameraman (Bill Hunter) who takes all sorts of risks to get the best shot. Hunter is brilliant in the role and makes the film work as well as it does. The movie shows a lot of actual newsreels which gives it a bit of authenticity. It’s an intriguing film about our quick changing world and how it affects people.   My Rating: Full Price   Newsfront Info

Weird Credits: From the credits of The Man From U.N.C.L.E.:  Costume Cutter

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You:  A Walk in the Woods  (2015) R   After spending 20 years in England, Bill (Robert Redford) decides to travel the Appalachian Trail to reconnect with his homeland. This film has a brilliant cast including Nick Offerman, Nick Nolte, Kristen Schaal, Mary Steenburgen, and Emma Thompson.   A Walk in the Woods Website

Until Next Time!

   

Man of Steel

My View:  Man of Steel (2013)  PG-13   Clark Kent (Henry Cavill) has always known he was different and could do what other boys his age could only dream about. In time, Clark discovers that he is from another planet and has been sent by his parents to protect mankind on Earth with his superhuman powers. His adopted world is suddenly threatened by an invasion of men - men who happen to come from his home planet and are bent on destruction.  First, pack a lunch when you see this film.  It's 147 minutes long, and it seems to take that long for any sort of action to happen. This film is almost a total reboot of the legend of Superman, and, much like Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight series, this is a different take on the origin of Superman.  Cavill is impressive in the superhero suit, but he dons the cape with almost no humor to the role as if his real Kryptonite is a smile or a laugh.  As always, Amy Adams is cute as Lois Lane, but there doesn't seem to be a lot of chemistry between Miss Lane and the Man of Steel.  The last 45 minutes is one big punch 'em out fight that goes on so long at one point I thought some of the Transformers were going to get into the action.  The special effects are impressive, but the 3-D wasn't worth the extra price.  Man of Steel isn't a bad movie, and I think action fans will enjoy the last part, but man, it takes it's sweet time getting there.     My Rating: Bargain Matinee    Man of Steel Website

My View:  This Is The End  (2013)  R  Seth Rogen and Jay Baruchel are the best of friends who hangout when Jay comes into L.A.from Canada on a visit. Seth and Jay go to a party at James Franco’s house, but while they are there, it looks as if the world just might be coming to an end. Will anyone at Franco’s party know the difference?  This comedy is not for everybody as it is incredibly raunchy with curse words being thrown about like rice at a wedding, and every scene seems to push the boundaries of the censors.  That being said, it’s also one of the funniest films of recent years.  It’s a film where the actors, who are playing themselves, don’t mind looking like complete jerks or in some cases, complete idiots.  Rogen and Baruchel play off each other extremely well and James Franco steals every scene that he's in.  The film is filled with cameos, some of which are really surprising due to how the cameo stars let the film portray them.  But, be warned.  If the idea of pushing around a gigantic penis sculpture for comic relief isn’t your idea of fun, then this film isn’t for you.   My Rating:  Full Price        This Is The End Website

The 50  (A Movie from My Best/Worst Films of All Time)
#6 Best Film:
The Best Years of Our Lives  (1946)  Three servicemen return to small town America right after the end of World War II.  There is the sergeant (Fredric March), who now must return to his wife (Myrna Low), his kids and his job at the bank after serving on the front lines.  There is the dashing Lieutenant (Dana Andrews), who returns from being an airman and an officer, to a wife (Virginia Mayo), he barely knows, and no job.  And, there is the seaman (Harold Russell) who returns to his family and his girlfriend (Cathy O’Donnell) with hooks where his hands used to be.  This is an incredibly moving film that shows just how hard it was to return to civilian life after serving in the war and also how hard it was on the families to adjust to their men being away and who have to fit the pieces of their lives back together.  Beautifully directed by William Wyler, this film won seven Academy Awards, including an honorary Oscar for Harold Russell, who did lose his hands while serving in the Navy.  The film is filled with moving scenes that are tender and treat its characters as real people.  This is one of the greatest films of all time and a true treasure to watch.    The Best Years of Our Lives Info

Forgotten Film:   7 Faces of Dr. Lao  (1964)  Dr. Lao (Tony Randall) rides into town, at the turn of the century, to change the lives of the people of Abalone with his magical circus.  Dr. Lao’s circus just doesn’t entertain, it teaches valuable life lessons to the town folk, as Dr. Lao says, "The whole world is a circus , if you look at it the right way…”.  Throughout this inventive and funny film, Tony Randall takes the shape of Merlin, the magician, Pan, the God of Love, Medusa, a serpent, a Yeti and a blind fortune teller, interacting with the townspeople with stories and situations that mirror their lives.  This is a George Pal production, and Pal was known for marvelous special effects, especially stop motion animation.  This film has the legendary producer's handy work all over it, including the snakes for hair Medusa.    My Rating:  Bargain Matinee    7 Faces of Dr. Lao Info

In Case You Missed It (A Film Just Released on DVD):  Warm Bodies (2013)  PG-13  A teen romance with a twist - she’s (Teresa Palmer) a beautiful human girl, and he (Nicholas Hoult) is a zombie but with feelings and a heart.  I loved this funny, warm film that guys will like just as much as the girls.  I mean, there are zombies and guns.  My Rating:  Full Price    Warm Bodies Website

In Memory of Ed Wood (A Movie I’ve Only Seen in Trailers But Just Looks Like a Bad Idea): The Smurfs 2 (2013)    Does Neil Patrick Harris really need the money that bad or is he just doing this for his kid?  Either way, just stop it Neil!  You more talented than this!   The Smurfs 2 Website

 Weird Credits:  From the credits of This Is The End:  Photo Double

 Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You:  Blue Jasmine  (2013)  Woody Allen directing Peter Sarsgaard, Cate Blanchett, Louis C.K., Andrew Dice Clay, Sally Hawkins and Alec Baldwin.  His movies aren’t always interesting, but his casts sure are.    Blue Jasmine Website

Until Next Time!

Immortals

My View:  Immortals (2011)  Stop me if you've heard this before:  A charismatic warrior leads a small group of soldiers against an overpowering army and defies fate and the odds.  This film originates from the producers of 300, and it can best be described as 300 light.  An evil king (Mickey Rourke) is determined to destroy man by releasing the Titans (a class of deities, rivals of the Olympic Gods) who have been put in mountain prison by Zeus.  To take on the mad king, Zeus picks a human, Theseus (Henry Cavill), to save humanity.  This is a confusing, badly-acted movie with lots of slow motion battle sequences where we see lots of blood spurting about.  Mickey Rourke overacts in every scene, and Henry Cavill seems to have marbles in his mouth, as I couldn't understand about half the speeches that he gives...and he gives an infinite number of speeches.  Stay at home and rent Gladiator or 300 - you will be much happier.  And, by the way, the film was not shot in 3-D, so don't bother paying extra money for the glasses.  My Rating:  Cable   Immortals Website

Indyfest (A Look at a Small, Indie or Foreign Film):  Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey (2011)  This is a delightful film about puppeteer Kevin Clash, the man behind one of the most beloved Sesame Street characters of all time, Elmo.  It's a fascinating story of a man, who, at a very early age, decides he wants to work for Him Henson, the creator of The Muppets.  Not only was Clash able to work with Henson while he was a teen, but Clash is now one of the driving forces behind Sesame Street.Here is a man who can walk the streets of New York, unnoticed, until he puts that red, fuzzy puppet on his hand, and then he becomes a rock star. If you aren't already in love with Elmo, you will be by the end of this film. My Rating:  Full Price     Being Elmo Website

The 50 (A Movie From My Best/Worst Films of All Time):

#29 Best Film

City Lights (1931)  Charlie Chaplin wrote, directed and starred in this silent romantic comedy about Chaplin's most famous character, "The Little Tramp."  This is Chaplin at his absolute best in a film that, one moment is full of slapstick falls and chases, and in another moment is so bittersweet, it just about breaks your heart.  The Tramp encounters a blind girl selling flowers on a street corner, and by sheer luck and coincidence, she thinks that Chaplin is rich.  He falls in love with the girl, and though he is extremely poor, he makes it his mission to find a way to restore the girl's sight.  Every frame of this film is perfect, and it probably has the greatest ending ever.  It's an incredible feat of classic filmmaking...one to be savored.   City Lights Info

Forgotten Film:  Christmas in Connecticut  (1945)  Barbara Stanwyck plays  Elizabeth Lane, a lifestyle magazine writer, who, unbeknownst to her boss or her readers, is living a lie.  She claims to be a happy homemaker and loving wife with a husband and a baby, living in a beautiful home in Connecticut (think Martha Stewart).  In reality, she is a single gal, living in a small apartment in New York, making up scenes for her readers on her typewriter.  When a war hero is brought back to the states, his one wish is to experience a traditional family Christmas, "Elizabeth Lane style."  Her boss thinks it's a great idea, and Stanwyck is forced to quickly put together a plan to deceive the soldier.  In typical screwball comedy style, Lane is forced to lie about everything, and she just gets in way over her head, and, eventually falls in love with the soldier.  Stanwyck is a firecracker, and she makes this film so much fun to watch.  An enjoyablel film to break out for the holidays.  My Rating:  I Would Pay to See It Again   Christmas in Connecticut Info

In Case You Missed It (A Film Just Released on DVD):  Cowboys & Aliens (2011)  While I didn't hate this film, I also didn't like it.  Jon Favreau (Iron Man) directed this film about a man (played by Daniel Craig) in the 1870s who wakes up with no memory and who has a big, metal bracelet on his wrist. Then, aliens appear and try to destroy the town. While I had fun watching Craig and Harrison Ford play off each other, the story just is kind of boring, and I really didn't care for the performance of Olivia Wilde who plays a mysterious woman who is possibly the key in defeating the aliens.  My Rating:  Bargain Matinee   Cowboys & Aliens Website

In Memory of Ed Wood (A Movie I've Seen Only in Trailers but Just Looks Like a Bad Idea): Carnage (2011)  Roman Polanski directs this comedy about two sets of parents who get together to discuss how to handle their sons fighting on the school playground.  While this film has a great cast that includes Jodie Foster, Kate Winslet and John C. Reily, it feels like a stage play.  The script, coincidentally, is based on just that...a one act stage play.   Carnage Website

Weird Credits:  From the credits of Immortals:  Personal Makeup Artist to Mr. Rourke

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You:  Albert Nobbs  Glenn Close plays a woman, who, to be hired for a job, poses as a man in 19th century Ireland.  Word is that this is an incredible, Oscar-worthy performance by Close.   Albert Nobbs Website

Until Next Time!