Movies: Wonder Women, My Cousin Rachel, Churchill

Wonder Women

Critics and audiences are liking this film…a lot!  And so did we.  Finally a female superhero dominates in a leading role.  It is a great story with a great cast, and beautifully produced.  It is brilliantly directed by Patty Jenkins and will likely upgrade the power of love and faith universally.

The film is set in World War I just before the Germans are about to use early chemical weapons against the forces in continental Europe.  But it is the blending of history and the fantasy of super powers that mix so nicely with Hollywood film making that makes this film so good.

The acting chemistry between Gal Gadot and Chris Pine are off the charts, as characters Diana Prince and Steve Trevor.  There are least 17 other actor that also contribute to this film.

It is listed as a Fantasy/Science Fiction with a PG-13 rating.  It runs a hefty 2 hours and 21 minutes.

Rating

My Cousin Rachel

On one hand, this was a very good film.  The acting was overall impressive.  Rachel Weisz and Sam Claflin both deliver solid performances.  The production creates a genuine sense of time and place.  It is well done as a period piece.

That said, the chemistry between the leading actors is chilly and confusing.  The story line is equally illusive.  Trying to figure out who did what to whom and when was tiring.   Ultimately the chemistry with the leading characters just doesn’t come together.

It is rate PG-13 but we do not think it would be suitable for children.  The Genre is listed as Mystery/Drama.  It runs 1 hour, 46 minutes.

Rating 

Churchill

Hmm…We were a bit surprised to see the low marks from both the critics and audiences after seeing Churchill yesterday.  Perhaps seeing it in the vintage Downers Theater in Milwaukee built in 1916 and beautifully restored had something to do with our viewing experience.

Brian Cox is extraordinary as Winston Churchill.  So is Miranda Richardson as the wife Clementine Churchill.  Other strong performances are credited to John Slattery as Dwight Eisenhower, James Purefoy as King Richard VI, and Ella Purnell as British Intelligence Staffer.

Granted the Churchill character was relentless and overbearing against the timing and scale of the attack.  But that was an accurate recreation of history.  The film is rated PG and is listed as a Drama/Thriller.  It runs 1 hour, 50 minutes.

Rating