Author: James Hathaway

Victoria and Abdul

This fascinating film is based on true events about the friendship between Queen Victoria and Abdul Karim, her Indian attendant of more than a decade.  For context, this was several years after the death of her husband Prince Albert and the death of her confidante, John Brown.

This story is fast tracked through history that effectively demonstrates the Queens deep friendship with Abdul, the clear disfavor of her family, and the backlash of the Royal peers and members of her Royal Court.

The acting is excellent.  Judi Dench plays a perfect Queen Victoria.  Ali Fazel, an Indian actor, is perfect as Abdul.  Eddie Izzard plays Bertie, the Prince of Wales and Victoria’s successor.  There are a total of 54 actors in the cast.

The film is rated PG-13 for some thematic elements and language.  The genre is noted as Drama/Biography.  It runs just under 2 hours.  We enjoyed the film and hope you will too.

It’t too early to tell, but Ms. Dench may be considered for another acting Oscar for her role.  Costume Design might get consideration as well.

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Flatliners

I resisted seeing this movie because I did not like the premise.  Maybe it reminded me of my years working in hospitals putting myself through college.  In any case, today I acquiesced.

The good news is it wasn’t terrible.  In fact it was somewhat thought provoking.  Alternatively, it wasn’t great either.  That said, it was intriguing, unique, dark, more than a bit creepy and sometimes intense.

The acting was generally believable.  The cast was surprisingly good.  Nina Dobrev, Ellen Page, Kiersey Clemons are the most important female characters.  Diego Luna, James Norton and Kiefer Sutherland round out the key male actors.

We were a bit surprised at the PG-13 rating given the violence and terror factor, sexual content, thematic material and drug references.  We would not consider it appropriate for children.

The genre is listed as Drama, Horror, Science Fiction and Fantasy.  We would agree with that list completely.  The run time is 1 hour, 50 minutes.  If you see this, please share your thoughts!

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American Made

We literally just got home from seeing this film.  I will admit it was another movie not high on the hit list.  The truth is I am less and less a Tom Cruise fan as his career hobbles along…

It appears to be based on true events during the Reagan Administration when the CIA jumped into the “communist” threat in Central America with covert operations involving several parties, including drug cartels and the Iran Contra scandal.

The cast is headlined by Tom Cruise as a TWA Pilot.  Sarah Wright play his wife.  Domhnall Gleeson plays a great operative for the covert operations.  There are a dozen more characters playing government officials and such.

Unfortunately, the story is filled with so many scenes reflective of real historical events, deplorable behavior and criminal mentality, it was hard to view the movie as entertainment.  It is rated R for language and some sexuality/nudity.  We strongly do not recommend this film for children.  The genre is noted as Drama, Mystery and Suspense running 1 hour, 55 minutes.

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Year By The Sea

This is a delightful film about a New York wife and mother with 30 years under her marriage belt who is faced with a move to Kansas when her husband’s job is relocated.  She chooses a year “time out” with hope of rediscovering herself.

After much self doubt and new friends she slowly learns the value of acceptance of “life’s flow”.

The expertly talented Alexander Janko is the Director, Composer, Playwright (with Joan Anderson), and Producer.  The prolific Karen Allen is Joan, the wife.  Michael Cristofer is the cranky husband.  The ever talented Celia Imrie is fabulous as the new best friend Erikson.  Several more actors round out the atmosphere of the Cape Cod setting.

This is another unrated film.  The genre is noted as a Comedy, Drama, Romance and runs just under 2 hours.

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The Force

The force is a timely documentary about the Oakland, CA Police Department which has been under Federal Oversight for several years.  The film is focused on the popular street uprisings following the Ferguson, MO events.

The story reveals a series of failures by the Police Department including several officers being indicted on sexual charges.  The film is powerful, insightful, frustrating and captures another fresh perspective on bias racial relations.

The film is not rated and is in limited release.  We thank our movie friend Meredith for her suggesting this film to us.  “Right on target, Meredith.  Thanks.”

We encourage those interested to seek this film out.  It will no doubt be available on pay per view some time soon.

As we write this, the Oakland Police Department is still under Federal Oversight, now with the assistance of a Public Oversight Committee.

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The King’s Choice

This movie is based of true events spanning three days in April 1940.  Germany was already at war with England and most of Europe.  Sweden and Norway had declared neutrality when the war began but Sweden had just capitulated to Hitler’s demand of surrender.  Norway was next, surrender or die.

Norway’s government was controlled by the National Cabinet in conjunction with the Royal Family (much like the UK today).  King Haakon along with the Crown Prince Olav, the Crown Princess Martha and their children flee the capital along with the Cabinet to seek a negotiated solution.

There are over 18 actors in the core cast.  Most notable is Jesper Christensen, a Danish actor, is excellent as the King.  Anders Christensen from Norway plays the Crown Prince.  Tuva Novotny, a Swedish actress is brilliant as the Crown Princess.  Karl Markovics, an Austrian actor gives a great performance as the German Ambassador.  Also noteworthy is Arthur Hakalahti, a young Norwegian actor in the role of a young bewildered soldier.

This film is not rated and has been released in limited distribution.  Although somewhat slow and confusing in the beginning, it quickly evolves into a powerful peek into a rare part of WWII history.

It is listed as a Drama/Action genre running 2 hours, 13 minutes.  Norwegian and German with English subtitles.

Note:  We are already hearing talk of Oscar consideration for this film.  As always, we will stay abreast of this aspect of the film industry.  On another note, we just realized for the second year in a row we will be traveling during the Academy Awards.  Not to worry, we will have our Oscar picks posted in plenty of time.

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Stronger

This is the story of Jeff Bauman who lost both legs in the Boston Marathon bombing of 2013.  His long recovery, emotionally and physically, came with the support of his family and long time girlfriend.

While inspirational, the film looks behind the curtains just enough to expose the family struggling with serious dysfunction and alcohol abuse.  Nonetheless, this film triumphs in showing how ordinary people can successfully overcome extraordinary circumstances.

Another stellar performance by Jake Gyllenhaal who plays Jeff’s character with Tatiana Maslany delivering a great performance as the girlfriend.  Miranda Richardson is superb as the mother. There will likely be plenty of Oscar chatter as the award season nears.

The genre is listed as a Drama/Biography.  It is rated R for language throughout, some graphic injury images, and brief sexuality and nudity.  We encourage parents to carefully consider younger children viewers.  The run time is 1 hour, 59 minutes.

Note:  Last week the real Jeff Bauman appeared on the Ellen Show.  We were impressed by the real person who appeared humble and at peace with himself.

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Battle of the Sexes

It is hard to believe this event actually took place in 1973.  Then one of women’s top ranked Tennis Champions, Billie Jean King, 29, accepts a challenge by self promoter tennis player Bobby Riggs, 55, to a tennis match and a $100,000 prize. At the time, men’s tennis paid eight times what professional women’s tennis players were paid.

That said, this movie is a docudrama that has been fictionalized for marketing purposes but it generally captures the social and political climate of the time.  It also takes a deeper dive into the private lives of both lead characters.

Emma Stone is excellent as Billy Jean King.  Steve Carell transforms himself into Bobby Riggs.  The rest of the cast is filled with serious talent:  Elisabeth Shue is Mrs. Riggs, Andrea Riseborough plays the hair dresser and more…  Sarah Silverman plays the Women’s Tennis promoter, Alan Cummings is a hoot in a bit part as the clothing designer.  Austin Stowell is perfect as Billie Jean’s husband.  There are at least another dozen actors in other roles.

The film is rated PG-13 for some sexual content and partial nudity.  The genre is noted as a Comedy/Drama/ Sports & Fitness.  The run time is a full 2 hour and 1 minute.  Early chatter for Acting, maybe Screenplay and Best Picture Oscar nominations.

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Manolo: The Boy who Made Shoes for Lizards

This film is a documentary about the life of the famed shoe designer Manola Blahnik.  He is considered a 20th and 21st century fashion icon by his followers.  Born of Spanish parents and raised in the Canary Islands.  He calls himself a cobbler.  He seems most content when he is designing and hand crafting his footwear,  most are more works of art than mere shoes.

The film chronicles his life and career, parties and escapades spanning decades.  The rare clips of early celebrity gatherings alone are worth the price of admission.  Still based in London, he now has stores in Chicago, Miami, San Francisco, Berkeley, Denver, Dallas, and Fort Lauderdale.

Ultimately, this film is a chronicle of one designers passion for his creations.  It is charming, interesting, fascinating, often funny and occasionally down right goofy.  We found it enjoyable and feel it well worth the watch.

The film is not rated.  The genre is noted as a Drama/Biography and runs 1 hour 30 minutes.

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First They Killed My Father

Shortly after the end of the war in Vietnam and the U. S. withdrawal from the region, next door in Cambodia gave rise to the brutal regime called the Khmer Rouge.

That was 1975.  As Vietnamese troops invaded Cambodia in retribution for “hosting” American forces the Khmer Rouge swept through the country seeking anyone (and their families) who worked, supported or benefited the U.S. during the war.  This included anyone working for the Cambodian government before it collapsed after the US withdrawal.

This film focuses on one family.  The parents and their six children who survived the terror, “re-education” (brainwashing, labor camps and torture) where over 2 million others died.

Be warned, it is heartbreaking, intense and emotional to watch.  The film is not rated but we would caution parents with young children.  The story is told by the now adult Loung Ung as a horrific drama when she was a young child.

The film is Written and Directed by Angelina Jolie.  It is also available on Netflix. The genre is Drama/Thriller with a run time of 2 hours, 16 minutes.  Cambodian, Vietnamese and French with English subtitles.

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Kingsmen: The Golden Circle

This rendition is as good as the first with just a little bit more of everything.  It is the second edition of the famed comic book series.  It has fresh twists and turns, unique characters, a good pace, funny in the right places and surprises right up to the end.  Visually the movie is impressive and some parts are stunning.

The A list cast includes the return of Taron Egerton, the always good Colin Firth, Channing Tatum, Holly Berry, Julianne Moore is a great villian, and  there’s a hilarious scene with Elton John as himself.

It is rated R for strong violence, drug content, language and sexual material.  We caution parents with younger viewers.  It is listed as an Action/Adventure and runs a whopping 2 hours, 20 minutes.

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Brad’s Status

Brad is a middle aged dad with a good job, a comfortable life and a college aged son seeking placement at a good college like Harvard.  Nonetheless, Brad has angst about a lot of things, his career, money, life style, his wealthier college buddies and so on.

The story is well written and acted.  Ben Stiller is excellent as the dad, Jenna Fisher plays the level headed wife.  Highly successful college buddies are played by Michael Sheen, Luke Wilson and Jemaine Clement.  Austin Abrams plays the mostly calm level headed son.

It is listed as a Drama/Comedy/Music genre (with the music only playing in one scene).  It is rated R for some strong language (quite tame actually).  The run time is 1 hour 41 minutes.

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Mother!

Unbelievable!  We cannot believe the studio actually promoted this film as a comedy!  Be warned!  Think one part Rosemary’s Baby meets Carrie, and then invites The Exorcist.  That is actually being kind, if not generous!

The genre is listed as a Mystery/Drama.  It should have been listed as a Psycho/Horror film.  It runs a painful 2 hours and 1 minute.

The only highlight was the acting.  Jennifer Lawrence and Javier Bardem were excellent in their messed up character’s roles.  Michelle Pheiffer and Ed Harris were particularly creepy as their characters, too.

Critics and audiences are all over the board.  Some liked this film, seems most hated it and not much in between.  Parents be aware as well.  It is rated R for strong disturbing violent content, some sexuality, nudity and language.  We’ll end by simply saying: bizarre.

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Polina

A young Russian girl struggles to become a Bolshoi ballerina and decides to move to Western Europe and become a contemporary dancer.  Again she struggles as her classical training interferes with the free form of modern dance.

Suddenly, there is no work, no home and mounting troubles .  Then a love affair, a job at a bar, and lots of angst about choreographing a new dance.  All-in-all a story that can be sometimes confusing.

The acting was pretty impressive. Juliette Binoche was superb as the Contemporary Dance instructor.  Anastasia Shevtsova plays the Russian dancer and Neils Schneider is her love interest and dance partner.

All that said, the ending dance sequence is arguably some of the more exquisite dance we have ever seen on the screen and reason enough to see this film.

It is listed as a Drama running 1 hour, 52 minutes.  It is not yet rated.  Russian and French with English subtitles.

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Rebel in the Rye

Maybe because this movie is about J D Salinger’s classic book Catcher in the Rye, explains why the script was so good.  Salinger is played by the talented Nicholas Hoult along with Kevin Spacey as his professor who becomes a lifelong advocate. Other key actors include Zoey Deutch, Victor Garber and Sarah Paulson.

The film is rated PG-13 for language including sexual references, some violence and smoking throughout.  The genre is a Drama/Biography.  It runs 1 hour 46 minutes.

Overall it is an impressive biopic about an extraordinary writer and his fascinating life.  It is well worth a watch.

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Patti Cake$

It should come as no surprise, we are not big rap fans.  While often impressed with the success of the genre and the socio-economic impact rap has made on society, its underbelly can be disturbing.

Putting that soapbox away, we found this film both interesting and intriguing, fresh and realistic.  It brings a fresh perspective on its underdog foundation.  It makes an impressive first film by Writer and Director Geremy Jasper.

The cast is extensive.  Headliners include Danielle Macdonald as Patti, Bridget Everett as her Mom, Siddharth Dhananjay as the best friend, Mamoudou Athie as the counterculture muse and Cathy Moriarty as Nana.  At least two dozen more actors round out the cast.

This film is rated R for language throughout, crude sexual references, drug use and a brief nude image.  In our opinion it is not suitable for youngsters.

The genre is Drama and runs 108 minutes.  It is in limited release but worth seeking out if you are in the mood for something new and different.

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American Assassin

This Triller/Action film is a gripping but violent look at special forces operatives trying to stop bad guys from starting a nuclear war.  It is a challenge for the audience to keep up as it takes place in Malta, Ibiza, Istanbul, Tripoli, Romania, Roanoke and Rome.

The cast includes Michael Keaton in his best role in many years, Dylan O’Brian (The Maze Runner) as the new super soldier, Taylor Kitsch (X-Men), Sanaa Lathan (The Best Man) and Scott Adkins (Doctor Strange).  There are another dozen actors rounding out the cast.

The story is based on the novel Assassin by Vince Flynn.  The film is less than perfect and the critics were not particularly keen on it.  We found it just different enough to keep our interest.  It is fast paced with lots of unexpected twists.

It is rated R for strong violence, some torture, language and brief nudity.  It runs 1 hour, 51 minutes.

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Home Again

The premise is a bit shaky.  Recently separated, Reese Witherspoon’s character moves back to Los Angeles with her two daughters when she meets three young film makers at a party.  The young wannabees need a place to live and Reese has a guest house…

That said, the acting overcomes some of the obvious story line flaws until the Ex shows up to seek reconciliation…  Ultimately, it is a charming, fun film that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Michael Sheen plays the Ex.  Pico Alexander plays the young love interest, Jon Rudnitsky plays the rising playwright and Nat Wolff plays the aspiring actor. Candice Bergen is a nice surprise as Reese’s Mom.

It is rated PG-13 for some thematic and sexual material.  The genre is listed as a Drama/Comedy/Romance.  It runs exactly 2 hours.

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Beach Rats

This is stunning examination of a young man’s coming of age experience.  It has been called profoundly sad and a refreshing portrait.  It was a huge hit at 2017 Sundance.  It has been described as raw, powerful, haunting and honest.

The exceptional cast keeps a low public profile but we identified some of the actors. Harris Dickinson plays Frankie as a young teen.  Madeline Weinstein is the want to be girlfriend.  Kate Hodge plays the teen’s Mom.  Erik Potempa plays an online character of interest.

The film is rated R for strong sexual content, graphic nudity, drug use and language.  The genre is listed as a Drama running 1 hour, 35 minutes.

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Special note:  The following is rare reprint of a review posted in March of 2017 after a movie screening in London.  This movie has only now been released in the US.  It is for that reason we are posting our March review again.

Viceroy’s House

This is the complex story of the final months of British rule in 1947 India, the haggling for a new government and the ultimate partitioning of India and Pakistan.  It also speaks to the social divisions between the Hindu, Muslim and Sikh communities, 500 of whom were servants to the British rulers in India at the time.

There is also a fascinating peek at the then political elite including Lord Mountbatton, his remarkable wife, and power brokers, Nehru, Gandhi and Jinnah.

It is well made, directed by Gurinder Chadha and written by Paul Mayeda Berges and Moira Buddin.  There is a huge cast featuring Hugh Bonneville as Lord Mountbatten, Gillian Anderson as Edwina Mountbatton, Manish Dayal as Jeet, and Huma Qureshi as the love interest.

Some critics felt the film tried to tell too many stories in the same film.  We agree to some extent but there is also a lot to tell.  It is well worth a look at an extraordinary time in history.

The Genre is noted as Drama/History running 1 hour, 46 minutes.

Note:  It was fun watching a British film, with a British audience, regarding a topic that was not necessarily Britain’s finest hour.

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Dolores

Maybe you have heard of Dolores Huerta.  I had forgotten until reminded about Cesar Chavez and the origin of the farm workers union in the 1950’s.  Dolores, mother to 11 children, was co-founder, with intense lifelong contributions towards worker’s rights.

Today Dolores is 87, still working for causes like ethnic curriculum in schools. This is an intense and touching documentary about her life efforts, her family and the challenges of ethnic diversity that still confront the country.

A large part of this film is made with original footage from the 1950’s through today.  The result is a story that is engaging, turbulent, inspiring and frustrating.

The film is not rated and runs 98 minutes.  There is already chatter about an Oscar nomination.  It seems worthy of contention.

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Crown Heights

We didn’t hear much talk about this film, and with the many late summer movies in theaters, this limited release is likely to miss its audience.  That would be a shame because this story is based on true events dating back to Brooklyn, NY in 1980.  It is a gut wrenching story spanning over 20 years.

It was written and directed by Matt Ruskin and features a cast of over 50 actors. LaKeith Stanfield, Nnamdi Asomugha, Gbenga Akinnagbe and Marsha Stephanie Blake are in the leading roles.

Tags associated with the production include: uplifting, thought provoking, intense and powerful.  It is listed as a Drama, running 1 hour 39 minutes.  It is rated R for language, some sexuality/nudity and violence.

This film is not perfect.  The flow is sometimes disconnected.  It can be a little confusing, and the overarching message could have been more powerful.  All that said, this film should be seen.  It is about real people and real conditions in our justice system.  Note:  John and I were the only two in the theater…again.

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