Category: Movies

Instant Family

This film sheds light on the complex topic of foster parenting and adoption.  It’s less than perfect but it also shares some insight into a system that both works and fails at the same time.

The cast includes Mark Wahlberg as the adopting dad, Rose Byrne as the adopting mom.  Isabela Moner as Lizzy the oldest adopted.  Gustavo Quiroz as the younger brother.  Julianna Gamiz as the little sister.  Rounding out the key characters are Octavia Spencer and Tig Notaro playing adoption/foster children advocates.

It is sometimes funny, other times a bit shocking, often chaotic, occasionally annoying but ultimately worth a watch.

It is rated PG-13 for thematic elements, sexual material, language, and some drug references.  It is listed as Comedy/Drama with a run time of 117 minutes.

Rating:  

The Possession of Hannah Grace

This movie takes us back to our college days when we both worked for hospitals and saw plenty of gruesome stuff.  This film, however, takes those memories to a different level.

First, it is set almost entirely in a dark, seemingly empty Boston hospital when a cadaver is delivered to the hospital’s morgue.  Strange and weird things slowly begin to occur overnight…

The cast is quite small, a couple of nurses, a couple of cops, one doctor, a zombie or two, the cast is about 14 in all.  That said, as scary movies go, this was pretty effective.  Creepy, unique, occasionally terrifying, you get the idea.

The truth is…this was the only new film playing anywhere in the greater Milwaukee area we had not already seen.

It is rated R for gruesome images and terror throughout.  It is listed as a Horror, Mystery & Suspense with a run time of 1 hour, 25 minutes.  It is NOT appropriate for children.  It would not surprise us if it becomes a cult classic sometime in the future.

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Tuesday we return home to San Francisco.

Robin Hood

This interesting film was recently released to broad audiences.  Interesting because it blends centuries of history, a lot of British folklore, and even more creative liberty in the telling of a classic tale.

That said, there is really very little historical authenticity at all in the production.  There is, however, a playful approach filled with lots of tongue in cheek humor, excessive liberty of the period in time and history.

The acting was designed to draw a more youthful audience.  Good looking young men and women interacting, laughing and partying much like current times.  Just the right amount of slapstick humor, just enough period sets to suggest another place and time.

The cast includes the Welsh actor Targon Egerton as Robin.  Irish actor Eve Hewson plays Lady Marian.  Jamie Foxx plays a great Petit Jean.  Australian Ben Mendelsohn plays the Sheriff.  There are several other bit part roles including a cameo by F. Murray Abraham.

All that said, it was a fun film.  It did not take itself seriously.  It had just the right mix of humor, irony, action and romance.

It is rated as PG-13 for extended sequences of violence, action and some suggestive references.  About half the audience in our viewing were children.  The genre is Action & Adventure, Drama.  The run time is 116 minutes.

Rating 

Green Book

This film was just awarded the ‘Best Film’ award by the National Board of Review.  We heartily agree.   It is based on true events, quite timely too.

Set in the Fall of 1962 it is about a road trip through the deep south by an African American concert pianist played by the exceptional Mahershala Ali.  His Bronx driver and protector is played by the equally talented Vigo Mortensen.  Also noteworthy is Linda Cardellini as the wife.

The film’s title is also significant.  Between 1936 and 1966 there was a publication titled The Negro Motorist Green Book.  It was a travel guide for the emerging African-American middle class about the dangers on the road from refusal of food and lodging to arbitrary arrest.

The movie is rated PG-13 for thematic content, language including racial epithets, smoking, some violence and suggestive material. That said, we feel it is suitable for older children.  It is listed as a Drama and runs 130 minutes.  Add this one to your ‘must see’ list.  We predict more awards to come.

Rating 

The Front Runner

Here is another film based on true events.  It is based on then former Colorado Senator Gary Hart in 1987 who became the leading Democratic presidential candidate.  Hugely popular at the time until a scandal torpedoed his plans.

Hugh Jackman is excellent as Mr. Hart.  Vera Farmiga is riveting as the wife.  Mamoudou Athie is outstanding as the Washington Post reporter.  J. K. Simmons shines as the campaign manager.  Another dozen actors fill in the rest of the cast.

Overall, it was well crafted and acted but it just missed the target for us.  Perhaps it is a bit too close to current events to be satisfying.  It is rated R for language and some sexual references.  It is listed as a Drama and runs 112 minutes.

Rating 

The beginning of the Holidays is a sure sign the studios will be releasing films to their targeted audiences for the annual box office haul.  This week was no exception.  Let us know your thoughts on any of the films below.

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

This Warner Brothers production is second in the five by J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World.  As a refresher, the Dark Wizard, Johnny Depp, was captured at the end of book 1 with the help of Newt Scamander, played by Eddie Redmayne.  They are back in the second film with the goal of creating a wizard world of only pure-blood wizards.

The cast is talented.  In addition to Depp and Redmayne, the film boasts performances by Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Allison Sudol, Erza Miller, Zoe Kravitz, Jude Law and many more.

Bottom line:  we wanted to like this film.  We like the franchise and the genre but this time we found the plot confusing with too many subplots and unappealing visuals.  By the end of the story, one cannot determine the good guys from the bad.

It’s rated PG-13 for sequences of fantasy action.  It’s listed as an Action & Adventure, Kids & Family, Science Fiction & Fantasy.  It’s pretty dark so we caution parents it may not be appropriate for younger children.  The run time is 134 minutes.

Rating 

Creed II

There is an interesting backdrop to this “breakout sequel” that is enjoying a healthy reception by audiences.  It’s the story of a Russian boxer Ivan Drago who killed US champion Apollo Creed in 1985.

Today’s film pairs Ivan Drago’s son with Apollo Creed’s son for the Heavyweight Championship.  The surprise is a reluctant Rocky Balboa is now the trainer for Apollo Creed’s son.

The cast is quite small.  Sylvester Stallone is basically himself.  Michael B. Jordan delivers a great performance as  Adonis Creed’s son.  Dolph Lundgren is surprisingly good as Ivan Drago and Romanian actor Florian Munteanu is superb as Drago’s son.  Phylicia Rashad is noteworthy as the matriarch.

All said, we should note we are not fans of this genre but decided to see this film because of its acting and production value.

This film is rated PG-13 for sports action violence, language and a scene of sensuality.  It’s genre is noted as Action & Adventure, Drama, Sports & Fitness.  Parents should carefully consider this film for children.  The run time is 130 minutes.

Rating 

Ralph Breaks the Internet

It’s a very complex plot…Ralph, the video game bad guy and his partner in crime, Vanellope von Schweetz seek a way to revive her failing video game.  Neither understand what is needed to revive their game.  Yawn!!  Lots of story line which amounts to much ado about nothing…

That said, the high point for the film is its cast of characters.  It’s an A list cast: Sarah Silverman is Vanellope, John C. Reilly is Ralph.  Jack McBrayer is Fix-it-Felix, Taraji Henson is Yesss and Jane Lynch is Sergeant.  Other characters are played by Kristen Bell, Mandy Moore, Kelly MacDonald and a dozen more.

Most of all, Walt Disney Animation Studios deserve kudos for excellent visual animation.

No doubt, this film was created for kids.  It has a PG rating for some action and some rude humor.  It is listed as an Animation, Comedy, Kids & Family, Science Fiction & Fantasy.  Run time is 114 minutes.

Rating  

Hello to all!

No sooner are we over jet lag and off we go to spend the Thanksgiving Holidays with family in Wisconsin.

We also take this opportunity to send each of you our most heartfelt wishes for good health, much love and a Happy Thanksgiving!

We managed to squeeze in a couple more films just before our flight that might be of interest.  It’s that goofy crazy time of year when the studios are making their best bets on what to release just prior to the awards season.  For us, it’s a bit of “the good, the bad and the ugly” as the stakes at studios, and more importantly, the box office are key factors in the short term with regards to nominations and awards.  Every year it is a mixed bag to be sure!

Burning

This film is intriguing on several levels.  It is a haunting psychological thriller set in modern day South Korea.  It’s also a love story although you wouldn’t know it at first glance.   It is beautifully filmed with a gentle insight and pace.

The cast is quite small with only three primary characters followed by a parade of bit parts to help fill in the numerous blanks.  Jeon Jong-seo plays the love interest.  Yoo Ah-in plays the young single country boy, living alone and craving a companion…  And Steven Yeun is a Korean-American actor as the affluent son with his Porshe and privilege.  There are another dozen multicultural actors filling in bit parts.

Burning is a slow boil story with unique ins and outs for all the characters.  The social and political commentary are ever so subtle, yet valuable insights of the culture and society.

This film is not rated.  It is listed as Art House & International, Drama, Mystery & Suspense.  We characterize it as a unique peek into a country and its people as told through eyes of someone seeking emotional fulfillment.  The ending is quite powerful.  This is a unique film that will appeal more to a global audience.

Rating 

Widows

OK, to be honest, the pickings were slim this weekend for new releases.  Either the films we wanted to see haven’t been released yet or the fragments of what was available were just not worth the time or timing.

Well, SURPRISE!!  Widows from Academy Award-winning Director Steve McQueen was just released.  It’s a story about four women with little in common except their dead husbands.  The plot includes a backdrop of crime, passion and corruption set in today’s Chicago.

The cast is amazing:  Viola Davis, Liam Neeson, Elizabeth Debicki, Michele Rodriguez, Colin Ferrell, Cynthia Erivo, Robert Duvall and Jackie Weaver.  Another dozen fill in the cast.

We were quite impressed how this film unfolded and came together.  It’s a perfect example when a stellar cast and heist thriller meld into something more than expected.

This film is rated R for violence, language, and sexual content/nudity.  We do not recommend this film for children.  It is listed as a Drama with a run time of 128 minutes.

Rating  

Outlaw King

This film debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2018.  The story dates back to 1304 AD.  It is the story about Robert the Bruce, the 14th century Scottish king who declared war with the English army.

The acting is quite good.  It stars Chris Pine in the leading role.  Other noteworthy performances include Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Lord of Douglas, Florence Pugh as Elizabeth de Burgh, and Billy Howle as Edward, Prince of Wales.

To be fair, the production is a brutal, bloody portrayal of medieval war.  It was often quite difficult to watch. We came away from the theater stunned.

The film is rated R for sequences of brutal war violence, some sexuality, language and brief nudity.  The genre is Action & Adventure, Drama.  It is not appropriate for children.  The run time is 117 minutes.  This film is in limited release in the theaters and also available on Netflix.

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Love Gilda

This is another Documentary film on our not to be missed list.  It’s based on the life and career of the much famed Gilda Radner from Saturday Night Live.

The film weaves footage from a wide variety of sources from childhood friends, home movies, diaries and a lengthy list of co-workers.  She has been recognized as a unique tour-de-force and an entertainment icon.

The film is both heartbreaking and inspiring.  Contributors include Amy Poehler, Andrew Alexander, Chevy Chase, Melissa McCarthy and many more.

The film is not rated and runs 86 minutes.  Gilda Radner died at the age of 43 from Ovarian cancer.

Note: A Big THANKS to Julie and John for a copy of this film upon returning from our travels.  This film was no longer playing in the theaters by the time we got home.

Rating 

Maria by Callas: In Her Own Words

Having missed several newly released films by the time we got home from Italy, we were delighted to see this film in one of our neighborhood independent theaters.

We were surprised to discover there are quite a few documentaries about famous musicians in distribution.  This fascinating and intriguing documentary was created by Director Tom Volf entirely from archival newsreel footage, performance recordings, and rare interview excerpts.  The result is an exceptional insight to the much famed opera singer Maria Callas.

The film, released by Sony Pictures Classics, was created entirely by recorded TV interviews, home movies, family photos, private letters and unpublished memoirs.  Maria’s life was a reflection of her rise from humble beginnings in New York to a global international superstar of the stage, screen and opera.

It’s also a peak behind the curtain that includes rarely seen footage of Aristotle Onassis, Brigitte Bardot, Jacqueline Kennedy, Omar Sharif and several more internationally known performers and personalities.

The film is rated PG for mild thematic elements, some smoking, and brief language.  It is suitable for youngsters (with a lot of explanation).  It’s a unique film worthy of film buffs and opera lovers.  The run time is 95 minutes.

Rating  

A Private War

This is arguably the most powerful film about the wars around the world in recent periods spanning Sri Lanka, Iraq, the Arab Spring in Libya, and especially the devastation in Homs, Syria where in reality the entire country has been destroyed.

It’s told from the Press perspective of War Corespondent Marie Colvin of the London Times, played brilliantly by Rosamund Pike.  Also pivotal is Jamie Dornan as the war photographer Paul Conroy.  What was especially of note was the number of nonprofessional actors and actual Syrian refugees and how some of the scenes prompted latent reactions to scenes of mass burials and such.

Other significant actors include Stanley Tucci, Jeremie Laheurte, Tom Hollander, Fady Elsayed and at least another 30+ actors.

It is rated R for disturbing images of violence, language and brief sexual nudity.  We caution parents, this is not a film for children.  It is very authentic and often heartbreaking.  It is listed as a Drama and runs 106 minutes.

Rating 

Beautiful Boy

This film wastes no time getting to the core topic of teenage drug addiction.  In this case specifically crystal meth.  The frustrating part was watching the rapid fall from normality the lead character makes from excellent student, well respected and engaged in all things High School to the brink of death itself.

It’s based on a true story and two books, Beautiful Boy authored by the father David Sheff, and the second book authored by the son Nic Sheff titled Tweak.

The cast is excellent.  Steve Carell plays the father David.  Timothee Chalamet delivers an exceptional performance as Nic.  Amy Ryan plays the step Mom, Maura Tierney plays the birth Mom.  The rest of the cast includes another 60 actors in various roles.

This film is rated R for drug content throughout, language and brief sexual material.  It is not appropriate for children.  It is listed as a drama with a run time of two hours.

Rating  

Overlord

Oh my…where to start?!  One comment caught our attention:  “Overload is the Wolfenstein film we always wanted – but never knew we needed.”  That said, it’s mostly an action spy film where American paratroopers are trying to destroy a Nazi base during World War II.

To be sure, it is also a horror film where the Nazis operate a secret lab where they have created a zombie army.  This twist makes the film completely whacky.

Apparently the movie is partially based on a 1981 software program.  It was perfect for a $5 Tuesday showing at our local theater.  That said, we were surprised to see the same film was released on IMAX.  We cannot even imagine that experience.

The film is rated R for strong bloody violence, disturbing images, language and brief sexual content.  It is listed as Action & Adventure, Horror, Mystery & Suspense.  No children should be allowed to see this film.  The run time is 109 minutes.  By the way…J.J. Abrams is the Producer! (That should explain a lot…)

Rating 

 

Wildlife

This film debuted at this years Sundance Film Festival.  It was actor Paul Dano’s directorial debut.  It’s based on the 1960 Richard Ford novel that takes place in Great Falls, Montana.

It is ultimately about a small family in crisis, falling apart bit by bit.  The acting that binds this story together is especially noteworthy.  Ed Oxenbould plays the 14 year old son.  Carey Mulligan plays the wife and mom.  Jerry, the husband and father, is played by Jake Gyllenhaal.  Bill Camp plays Warren Miller the wealthy widower.

The quality of the acting and screenplay is pivotal to this production.  It is sometimes difficult to watch.  Nonetheless each scene is essential and relevant to the body of work.

We were delighted it was still in the theaters.  It was released while we were traveling but not internationally (yet).  It is listed as a Drama.  It is rated PG-13 and runs 1 hour, 44 minutes.

Rating  

The Grinch

This production of the Dr. Seuss classic with a twist has some conflicting press swirling about in the background.  This surprised us since we just saw it yesterday and came away with smiles and liked the pleasant twist to the ending.

That said, we will comment directly on the ratings.  It is rated PG for “brief rude humor”, “some slapstick violence and mildly scary moments.”  We can only chuckle at the negative comments as excessive hyperbole.

The production has an A-team cast.  Benedict Cumberbatch is perfect as the Grinch.  Cameron Seely is Cindy-Lou Who.  Rashida Jones is Donna Who, Pharrell Williams is the Narrator, Angela Lansbury is the Mayor and Kenan Thompson is the voice of Mr. Bricklebaum.  An additional 35+ cast members round out the cast.

Our audience ranged from infants to Great Grandparents.  The theater was filled with laughter and smiles.  The genre is noted as Animation, Kids & Family, Science Fiction and Fantasy.  The run time is 86 minutes.

Rating 

The Girl in the Spider’s Web

The backdrop for this latest production is based on the fourth novel in the Millennium series.  The book was authored by David Lagercrantz and released worldwide August 2015.  The movie was released this week.

The story is complex with numerous twists and turns.  The main characters include Frans Balder, played by Stephen Merchant, who is fired from the National Security Agency.  He recruits Lisbeth Salander, played by Claire Foy, a computer hacker and Mikael Blomkvist, a journalist, played by Sverrir Gudnason.

The story focuses on a stolen computer program that can access codes for nuclear weapons worldwide.  The NSA tracks the activity to Stockholm.  Soon, Russia discovers the program and agents race to acquire control.

It’s not easy to follow.  It’s also challenging to watch.  But it is an exciting guilty pleasure to be sure.  It’s rated R for violence, language, some sexual content and nudity.  It is absolutely not suitable for children.  It’s genre is listed as a Drama/Thriller with a run time of 1 hour, 57 minutes.

Rating 

What an interesting mix of films this week…  If you have seen these films, please let us know what you think!  J&J

Venom

OK now…We saw movie bill boards all over Italy last month, Venom was playing widely.  We tired more than once to find a showing either in English or dubbed in English.  Not one theater we explored showed any of their films in English.  It came as a surprise considering our success viewing films in many other countries.

Imagine our surprise to discover Venom was still in the local San Francisco theaters.

All that said, for those of you who have not seen the film, let’s just say it is unique.  After all, aliens eating other species should not be funny, right?  Well in this romp both the alien and the Tom Hardy character become buds, the action scenes are often funny and vulgar at the same time.  Stunning and slapstick concurrently.  Once you get comfortable with the tone and direction you might find yourself feeling just a bit guilty for liking it.  Quite rare actually.

All that said the cast is pretty good.  Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, Riz Ahmed, Woody Harrelson, Jenny Slate, Scott Haze, Reid Scott, Michele Lee and several more fill the various characters.

It is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and for language.  Young children should not see this until a few years older.  Take your pick on genre: Action & Adventure, Drama, Science Fiction or Fantasy.  The run time is 112 minutes.

Rating 

The Guilty

This unique film from Denmark is almost stark yet an engaging story about a police office in a demoted capacity as an emergency call in dispatcher who engages gripping settings filled with angst and tension.

It’s often difficult to listen to (since the entire story is filmed mostly on the phone and not the actual situations occurring in real time).

The cast is compact.  Ten actors fill the screen mostly with voices.  Their performances reflect the characters they represent.  It sounds complicated but the viewers imagination naturally adapts to the telephone engagements.

This film is rated R for language.  It will not be suitable for younger viewers.  It is listed as a Drama, Mystery and Suspense running 85 minutes.  It is too early to consider the award season but this is innovative film making…just saying.

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The Nutcracker and the Four Realms

This Disney production has been in promotion for months.  It’s a family film, child friendly, inventive, enchanting, with impressive visual effects.

It has a great cast.  Mackenzie Foy, Keira Knightley, Eugenio Derbez, ballerina Misty Copeland.  Especially notable are Morgan Freeman and Helen Mirren in unique roles with a dozen more actors that round out the cast.

This film is rated PG for some mild peril.  We caution parents with young children, some scenes are pretty intense with complex visual dynamics.  The genre is noted as Action& Adventure, Kids & Family, (new to us?!), Science Fiction & Fantasy.  The run time is 99 minutes.

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FIRST:  TODAY is ELECTION DAY!  If you have not already done so, PLEASE VOTE!

As you vote, please remember these words:

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.  Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”  Martin Luther King, Jr.

Can You Ever Forgive Me

There is so much “background” to this story about a celebrity biographer, Lee Isreal, that never makes it to the screen we are not sure where to begin.  So we will skip the real story and focus on the film we actually viewed.

Melissa McCarthy delivers a stunning portrayal of a down and out biographer struggling to find work in New York when she slips into a pattern of embellishing letters and soon creating her own letters she then sells as original documents.

It is also a heartbreaking story of loneliness and despair.  There are also lots of surprises for the viewers.  There are solid performances by Christian Navarro, Dolly Wells, Ben Falcone, Jane Curtain and Tim Cummings.  The pivotal character Jack is given life by Richard E. Grant.

The film is rated R for language including some sexual references and brief drug use.  It is listed as a Comedy, Drama.  We say light on Comedy and heavy on Drama.  The run time is 107 minutes.

Rating  

Tea With the Dames

What can you say about four British icons gathered at the estate of Joan Plowright (and her late husband Lawrence Olivier).  Life long friends and peers Eileen Atkins, Judi Dench, Joan Plowright and Maggie Smith spend an afternoon reflecting on lifetimes of performances and friendships.  Collectively these close friends add up to 342 years old!

No surprise the banter and reflections are warm, spontaneous recollections of four stunning careers spanning decades.  They are pretty candid, often transparent about what was good, bad, their tears and fears, including love lives.

The list of archival footage is a virtual who’s who of stage, film and television.  Audience response has been exceptional with approval ratings ranging from 60 to 100%.

The film is not rated.  It is listed as a Comedy/Documentary with a run time of 1 hour, 34 minutes.

Rating  

Colette

While this was an interesting story of the author Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette who wrote a provocative novel under her husbands name and later struggled for years to regain ownership of her work, it is also a reminder of the legal and social limitations imposed on women of the late 19th and early 20th century.

The acting is quite good featuring Keira Knightley as the wife and author, Dominic West as the wheeling, dealing husband, Fiona Shaw as the mother along with dozens more in lesser roles.

While the acting and production are highly entertaining, there is an undertone that is pervasive and annoying.  We did come away from the viewing with a warm fuzzy feeling.

It’s rated R for some sexuality and nudity.  There is a fair amount of conflict and discontent.  Nonetheless it is a good period piece about a tumultuous time in history.

Rating  

Good day to all!  WE ARE BACK!  We felt like we dropped off the movie planet entirely and now are scrambling to catch up on so many that are quickly dropping out of the theaters.  Life can be so complicated for globe trekkers you know…

Nonetheless, we managed to squeeze in a few films this weekend.  Enjoy!!  J&J

A Star is Born

This is the fourth remake of A Star is Born.  The original from 1937 starred Janet Gaynor and Fredric March.  It was groundbreaking for its time.  Next came Judy Garland and James Mason in 1954.  And most recently Barbra Streisand and Chris Kristofferson in 1976.  All were excellent.

The current version closely follows the original story line.  That said, everything else feels fresh, honest, plausible resulting in a contemporary update that was exciting and heartbreaking at the same time.

Bradley Cooper is the seasoned rock star struggling with alcohol, drugs and interpersonal family issues.  Lady Gaga headlines as the up and coming superstar.

The rest of the cast is a who’s who of the entertainment industry.  Sam Elliott, Andrew Dice Clay, Rafi Gavon, Anthony Ramos, Dave Chappelle and Alec Baldwin all deliver great performances.

That said, the chemistry between Lady Gaga and Mr. Cooper is amazing. The story is not always easy to watch.  There is a fair amount of conflict and heartbreak.

This film is rated R for language, sexuality, nudity and substance abuse.  We are on the fence regarding viewers.  The film is not suitable for young children.  The film is listed as a drama with a run time of 135 minutes.

There is little doubt in our minds this film is headed for a great awards season.  See it on a premium screen with a good sound system if you haven’t seen it already.

Rating  

Boy Erased

This is a true story about a 19 year old man in Arkansas whose parents plan to banish him from their lives unless he agrees to a ‘conversion therapy program’ designed to “fix” young gay/lesbian/transgender men and women into “normal” people.

It’s not a perfect film on the topic but it is absolutely relevant given that 39 states continue to allow such practices and estimates of 700,000 young men and women have been subjected to such programs.

Lucas Hedges delivers an outstanding lead performance as the 19 year old Jared.  Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe are also excellent as the religious parents.  Other stand out performances include Joel Edgerton (the Writer, Director and star), Cherry Jones and Flea (yes, the Bass Player for the Red Hot Chili Peppers) as the “policy enforcer”.)

The film is rated R for sexual content including an assault, some language, and brief drug use.  It is arguably suitable for youngsters 14 and above.  The run time is 111 minutes.

Rating 

Bohemian Rhapsody

It’s finally in the theaters as of yesterday, the much touted release of the Freddie Mercury biopic titled as the rock group’s trademark recording Bohemian Rhapsody. 

We will be the first to say the story line drifts way off the factual history course right from the get go.  The production was plagued by casting issues that stretched over three years.  Fortunately Rami Malek was hired for the Freddie Mercury role.  His performance is exceptional and inspired.  Soon after the production changes sprouted new energy and a clearer focus.  These changes in place make the story flow smoother and script feel more natural.

There is a fair amount of time spent on Freddie’s sex life, straight, gay, bisexual…  This didn’t really add to the story but in fairness it didn’t detract either.  While we learn a lot about the leading character in this film, it is obvious there is still a whole lot more to the story.

This film is rated PG-13 for thematic elements, suggestive material, drug content  and language.  The run time is 134 minutes.  The music and the characters are extraordinary.  We see Oscar written all over this film!

Rating