Secret in Their Eyes
This was an interesting film about the homicide of the daughter of a policewomen played by Julia Roberts. Nicole Kidman gives a noteworthy performance as a District Attorney along with Chiwetel Ejiofor as an investigator. Interesting until it becomes confusing as it toggles back and forth in time to the point the viewer is lost as to what is happening or the context. I came away disappointed and frustrated.
Rating: 1 Globe
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Spotlight
An exceptional journalism drama about the 2001 Boston Globe’s investigation of the Catholic Church’s cover-up of systemic sexual abuse. Liev Shreiber, as editor-in-chief will likely garner Oscar chatter for his portrayal. Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo and Rachael McAdams all deliver powerful performances as investigative reporters. Stanley Tucci is also a standout as an attorney.
True stories about real events can be an enormously difficult undertaking, especially for difficult subject matter and powerful institutions. This movie gets it right.
Rating: 4 Globes
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By The Sea
I was intrigued by the trailer for this movie. It was interesting in style and tone. Was it a romance, tragedy, mystery?
When we finally saw the movie this last weekend, the Mediterranean scenery and cinematography were an appealing hook. They had me in the opening scene with the iconic ’70s French convertible rambling along a barren stark coast. But that was the highlight.
Angelina Jolie’s moody brooding character was intriguing but annoying. Brad Pitt’s character was a stalled writer seeking inspiration for his next book. Of course he would be, he was pickled most of the time. But it was the extensive peep show they shared together of the young sexually active neighbors that was just plain creepy. By the time we learned why, I didn’t really care.
Rating: 1 Globe