Category: Movies

Hi everyone!  As we write this it is 20 minutes before the Screen Actors Guild awards.  We will consider all the talking heads and awards results as we consider the upcoming Oscar awards and our annual predictions.  Just a little hype before our…drum role…annual predictions.

J&J

The Final Year

This film is a chronicle of the last 12 months of the Obama administration’s foreign policy team and the events that occurred.  Interestingly, it opened at Film Festivals in Canada, the UK and Netherlands in September, October and November respectively.  It opened 1/19/2018 in the USA.

The focus is on the inner workings of the White House and Obama’s foreign policy team and the State Department as President Obama prepares to leave after 8 years in office.

The behind the scenes perspective is riveting.  The focus on climate change, the war in Syria, the United Nations and other global events was stunning.  The live footage clips of Laos, Central Africa, Hiroshima and Vietnam were eye opening.

It is listed as a Documentary.  It is not rated and runs 89 minutes.  The most significant clips include John Kerry, Barack Obama, Samantha Power, Susan Rice and Ben Rhodes.  If you have any interest in politics, you must see this film.

Rating 

12 Strong

We just managed to squeeze this movie into our schedule.  The reviews overall were tepid.  The release was delayed more than once.  That said, we were attracted by the true events the film is based on.  It is set in post 9/11 in Afghanistan where the Taliban and Al Qaeda factions are fighting for Afghan territory.

U.S. Army Special Forces are tasked with aligning with the local war lords to stop the advancement of the Taliban and Al Qaeda forces from seizing more territory.

The cast includes Australian Chris Hemsworth as the Captian.  Michael Shannon and Michael Pena give strong performances as team leaders.  Also notable are Iranian actor Navid Negahban as the Afghan General, Trevante Rhodes and Geoff Stults of the Special Forces Team.

The film is rated R for war violence and language throughout.  The authenticity of the subject matter is not suitable for children.  The run time is 2 hours, 10 minutes.  We think it is worth a watch.

Rating  

Small Town Crime

Small town America and its alcoholic ex-cop challenge killer bad guys in an intense ‘could be anywhere’ America setting.

This story unfolds slowly and succinctly.  It is a skillfully told story about dark characters.  That said, there are these constant glimmers of hope and decency.  No doubt, this is a unique film on several levels.

Acting leads include John Hawkes, Robert Forster, Anthony Anderson, and (not enough of) Octavia Spencer.  There are a least another dozen actors making the plot come together.

This film is in limited theater release and extensive pay per view.  It’s rated R for strong violence, language and some sexual references.  It is NOT recommended for children.  The genre is registered as Drama, Mystery & Suspense running 91 minutes.

Rating 

 

Good morning to everyone!

We are at that time in the movie world where new releases are hit and miss.  Studio films are spare during this time of year as audiences shrink and the afterglow of the holidays fade.  Independent and foreign films seem to fall into some industry vacuum or appear for only a few days, a week at the most.

On the bright side, the award season is in full bloom.  The Golden Globes and the Critic’s Choice are now behind us.  The Screen Actors Guild and the British Academy Awards are next.  The 90th Academy Awards will be held March 4th, 2018 in Los Angeles, 5:00 p.m. Pacific time.

Other good news!  Academy Award nominated Live Action, Animated and Documentary Short Subject films will be released nationwide February 9th.  Do see these if they are showing in your area.  They are among our favorites every year.  These films typically are only released in a handful of major markets.  Enjoy!

J&J

In the Fade

This film just won the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film.  It’s another film that was released in LA and New York December 22, just in time to make the cut as an Oscar contender. It opened widely last Friday.  It is heartbreaking, riveting, revealing and enlightening.

Director Fatih Akin is a German of Turkish descent telling a story about a German family coming apart when the husband and father of a 6 year old son is killed by Neo-Nazis in Germany.

It is a fascinating look behind the cultural curtains of Germany, justice and revenge in today’s multicultural landscape.

American-German Diane Kruger deserves recognition with an exceptional performance in the leading roll.  German-Turkish actor Numan Acar delivers a powerful, if short, performance as husband/father.  Denis Moschitto, Samia Chancrin and Ulrich Brandhof all deliver superb performances.

It is rated R for disturbing images, drug use and language, including sexual references.  We do not encourage viewing by children.  The genre is posted as Art House & International, Drama.  Run time is 106 minutes.  German with English subtitles.

Rating 

Paddington 2

This sequel picks up where the last film left off.  Paddington is part of the Brown family.  One day he is shopping for the perfect gift for his Aunt’s 100th birthday.  He finds a pop up book only to have it stolen.

Somehow Paddington ends up in prison, befriends the inmates and organizes a jail break.  Not what one would expect but it all ends up warm and fuzzy in the end.

The theater was full of children and their adult escorts.  Kudos to all our audience for being well behaved.

The cast was equally talented for the occasion.  Hugh Grant plays Phoenix Buchanan, a sinister entertainer.  Ben Whishaw is the voice of Paddington.  Hugh Bonneville plays the family father and Sally Hawkins is the mom.  Brendan Gleeson is hilarious as “Knuckles” McGinty.  Jim Broadbent and Julie Walters share important but bit parts.

It is rated PG for some action and mild rude humor.  It is listed as Animation, Comedy, Kids & Family.  It is worthy of its franchise.  It runs 1 hour, 43 minutes.

Bonus!  Stick around after the first set of credits for a not-to-be-missed song and dance piece.

Rating 

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

This quasi sequel to the 1995 film follows the family friendly board game: Jumanji. The movie begins with the actors selecting who they want to play in the game before entering the game.  There is a gender bending twist, at first confusing, but soon becomes quite funny.

The cast really makes this film work.  Spencer, the gamer, becomes Dwayne Johnson.  Football Jock, Fridge, becomes Einstein, Kevin Hart.  Bethany becomes Professor Jack Black.  Wallflower Martha becomes warrior Karen Gillan.  Nick Jonas is Alex 20 years later.

It is rated PG-13 for adventure action, suggestive content and some language.  The genre is (pick one): Action & Adventure, Drama, Kids & Family, Science Fiction & Fantasy.  It runs 1 minute short of 2 hours.

Rating 

The Commuter

This is a conspiracy based film about a business man’s commute home that becomes a living nightmare when people start being killed one by one during the commute.  It is creepy, scary, implausible, yet realistic enough to keep us spooked for a while.

Liam Neeson, Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Sam Neill, Elizabeth McGovern and Jonathan Banks are the headliners along with another dozen actors.

It is rated PG-13 for intense action/violence and language.  We strongly do not suggest this movie for children.  The genre is noted as a Drama, Mystery, Suspense.  Run time is 1 hour, 45 minutes.

Rating 

Phantom Thread

This barely marketed movie about a post war 1950’s British dress designer to the rich and famous of the day, Reynolds Woodcock and his sister, is not an attractive picture of creativity and talent as much as a peek behind the curtain of elitism and social intolerance.

It was briefly released in Los Angeles and New York to be eligible for Oscar consideration and only yesterday released in broader distribution.

The film is both mesmerizing and cringe worthy at the same time.  It has a great musical score.  It is visually stunning, often intense.  That said, few of the characters are likable.  In fact, most are borderline annoying.

All that said, Daniel Day-Lewis plays the legendary  designer Charles James.  Lesley Manville is chilly as his sister Cyril Woodcock.  Vicky Krieps is the beguiling Alma Elson.  As noted, none of the lead characters are particularly likable.  Perhaps that is why we came away more annoyed than impressed.

It is rated R for strong language.  It is listed as a Drama with a running time of 2 hours, 10 minutes.

Special note:  Daniel Day-Lewis has announced his retirement from acting with this film.  It is not the first time he has said this so time will tell.

Rating 

Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool

Odd title, yes.  This film was just released yesterday (except for a few theaters in LA and New York on December 22, 2017 in order to qualify for Oscar consideration).

This film is based on the Peter Turner memoir about Academy Award winning actress Gloria Grahame in 1978.  The actress, diagnosed with breast cancer, has an affair with a much younger British man that grows into a deep relationship.

Annette Bening is extraordinary as Ms. Grahame.  Jamie Bell is equally perfect as the young Peter Turner.  Julie Walters is sweet as Peter’s mom Bella, along with Stephen Graham as Peter’s dad.  Vanessa Redgrave has a cameo role as Gloria’s mother.

This is a powerful true story about the lust for life and love.  It is rated R for language, some sexual content and brief nudity.  Given the content of adult topics, we do not recommend viewing by children.

The genre is noted as Art House & International, Drama, Romance.  It runs 1 hour, 46 minutes.

Rating 

Big HELLO to all.  We were hoping to squeeze in one more movie and review before tonight’s festivities at the Golden Globes.  Unfortunately, we simply ran out of time.

The 75th Golden Globe Awards will be on NBC tonight, Sunday, 5 PM Pacific time/8 PM Eastern time.

Seth Meyer’s will host the event.  Oprah Winfrey will receive the Cecil B. DeMille Award.  Expect both public and silent protests on a variety of topics.

We will be watching intently, sipping Champagne.  Our first toast will be to all of you!

J&J

The Post

Set in 1971.  Richard Nixon was President.  The Vietnam War still in its third decade.  Four Presidents had tried to suppress reports of the war to the press.  This film shows how the Washington Post defied the Executive Office and published the government’s cover up to the public known as the Pentagon Papers.

It was Directed by Steven Spielberg and stars Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks along with another 157 skilled actors.  It was not an accident this film was released this week.  Some see it as a parallel of current events and the political shenanigans about today’s press.

It is rated PG-13 for language and brief war violence.  Children may not find this to their liking, it’s really targeted for adult audiences.  The genre is listed as Drama, Mystery and Suspense.  It runs 1 hour, 55 minutes.  In our opinion one of the best films of the year.

Note:  This movie has been nominated for 6 Golden Globe nominations!

Rating 

Hostiles

Ah, the wild West.  It conjures up a nostalgic image of vast open land, an overwhelming sense of freedom, and of course, the near extermination of the indigenous peoples who occupied the lands for millennium.

Commentary aside, this is arguably the best Western movie out of the film industry in years.  It is visually stunning. It is not always easy to watch.  There are some pretty gritty scenes throughout.

It is set in 1892 as Native Americans settle into tribal lands and the wild West is beginning to evolve into vast expansion.

The cast is perfect.  Headliners include Christian Bale, Rosamund Pike, Ben Foster, Jesse Plemons, Wes Studi, Adam Beach and Timothee Chalamet (Call Me By My Name).  At least a dozen others round out the notable cast.

It is written and directed by Scott Cooper.  It is rated R for strong violence and language.  We do not recommend this for young children.  The genre is listed as Action, Adventure, Drama, Western.  It runs 135 minutes.

Rating 

We are back from Wisconsin and the holidays with family.  It was great fun except for the 2 weeks of sub-zero temperatures.  The 60+ temps at home seem balmy by comparison.

After falling behind on several new releases we are playing a bit of catch up.  Can you believe the Golden Globe awards are this Sunday?!  Enjoy.

J&J

Downsizing

The world is overpopulated.  Living costs are sky high.  Science has discovered a way to shrink humans to 5 inches tall and create a part of the world on the same scale with the cost of living on a comparable level.

Once you get your brain around it, it is a stimulating idea.  However, the parallel world is not all it would seem.  The underbelly of this new world is just as bad as the full size world.

The acting is good overall.  Matt Damon is superb as a workplace physical therapist.  Kristen Wiig has a bit part as his wife.  Christoph Waltz is off the charts as a Playboy/Con man.  Hong Chau as the housekeeper brings substance to the plot with her exceptional performance.

Critics and audiences are all over the board on this film.  Rightfully so, as the story morphs into too many Utopian corners.

It is rated R for language including sexual references, graphic nudity and drug use.  (Much of it unnecessary.)  The genre is noted as Comedy/Drama.  It runs a long two hours, 15 minutes.  It’s a near miss, just short of its grand concept.

Rating 

Molly’s Game

Just in time for Oscar consideration, this film is based on true events and the novel by Molly Bloom.  The story behind the story is one of the lead character gamblers, played by Michael Cera, was/is actually Tobey Maguire, hence the “real events”.

Screenplay and Directed by Aaron Sorkin.  The incredible Jessica Chastain plays a perfect Molly.  The equally skilled English actor Idris Elba the defense attorney.  Kevin Costner plays Molly’s father.  A dozen other actors contribute to a very fine cast.

It is rated R for language, drug content and some violence.  It is absolutely NOT appropriate for children.  The genre is noted as Drama/Crime with a whopping run time of two hours, 20 minutes.

This film has already been nominated for Golden Globes in the acting category and appears to be favored for Oscar consideration.  It is fast paced, intelligent, and often intense.

Rating 

I, Tonya

When this film was first announced, I thought ‘why on earth would they do a movie about Tonya Harding?’  Well, we finally saw it and were quite surprised with the production.

The film re-enacts the true events of U.S. figure skating scandals in the early 90s.  Ultimately, the story is sad, intense, clever and surprisingly captivating.  The acting makes the film jump off the screen.  Margot Robbie morphs into Tonya.  Allison Janney is stellar as her mother, LaVona Harding.  Romanian-American Sebastian Stan shines as Tonya’s husband.

The movie is rated R for pervasive language, violence and some sexual content/nudity.  It is not recommended for young children.  Its genre is noted as a Sport/Drama and runs 2 hours, 1 minute.

Rating  

Good Morning to all on this last day of 2017.  We are  enjoying the joy and laughter that comes from spending those special times with family.

We send our best wishes to you, our extended family, for the coming year.  It was so great to hear from so many of you this holiday season.  We send hopes for good health and happiness to you and all those important to you.

This will be our last movie post this year.  We racked up a new record 188 movies this year.  We will squeeze in as many more as possible to be ready for the Oscars.

Best wishes,

J&J

Ferdiand

This kid/family friendly animated film is sure to attract audiences.  It is unique, funny, charming and clever.  It is a story about a big Bull with a big heart and a big surprise ending. It was filmed in 3D (we saw it in 2D.) by Blue Sky Studios and 20th Century Fox.  It is based on the children’s book by Munro Leaf.

A cast of 18 actors make up the characters.  John Cena is the most notable character.  Kate McKinnon, Daveed Diggs, Peyton Manning, Miguel Angel Silvestre and Boris Kodjoe are the other memorable characters.

It is rated PG (there is some rude humor, action and thematic elements).  Nonetheless, it is quite suitable for children.  The genre is noted as a Fantasy/Adventure running 1 hour, 48 minutes.

Rating 

All the Money in the World

This film is based on true events and the book by Chris Clark about the kidnapping of John Paul Getty III, grandson of billionaire John Paul Getty, then the richest man in the world.

Directed by Ridley Scott, this story has intrigue and suspense.  It is fast paced with solid acting.

The cast is highlighted by Charlie Plummer as the kidnapped Getty Grandson (no relationship to Christopher Plummer).  An outstanding performance by Christopher Plummer (as a stand in for Kevin Spacey…see news articles for details).  Both Mark Wahlberg as body guard and Michelle Williams as the Mom deliver believable roles.  There are some great bad guys, Italian actors, notably Nicolas Vaporidis, Andrea Peidmonte and Gulielmo Favilla.

It is rated R for language, violence, drug content and disturbing images.  Parents should use caution before allowing children to see this movie.

The film is listed as a Drama/Mystery with a running time of 2 hours, 12 minutes.

Rating 

 

The Greatest Showman

Every once in a while a film leaps from good to instant classic.  This one, based on true events, takes some liberty with the history of P. T. Barnum who was considered one of the greatest showman of his era.

This is amazing, inspiring and inspirational all at the same time.  The cast is exceptional, led by the versatile Hugh Jackman.  Zac Efron delivers one of his best performances to date.  Disney protege Zendaya plays a love interest.  Michele Williams shines as the wife.  Swedish actress Rebecca Ferguson is exceptional as the opera diva.  Keala Settle is off the charts as the Bearded Lady.

The movie is already nominated for three major Golden Globe awards.  Audiences love this film but many critics were tepid.  It earns highest marks from us.

It is rated PG and is suitable for most children.  The genre is noted as Drama, Musical & Performing Arts.  Run time is 105 minutes.

Rating  

Call Me By Your Name

Set in 1983 Lombardy, Italy is the perfect backdrop for this sexual awakening themed film.  Seventeen year old Elio meets his father’s summer intern Oliver.  The story is based on the novel by Andre Guadagnino.

This film is emotional, romantic, heart wrenching and brilliantly crafted.  The cast is compact and perfectly selected.  Armie Hammer plays the summer intern.  Timothee Hal Chalamet is perfect as Elio Perlman.  Michael Stuhlbarg plays the wise loving father. Amira Casar who grew up in England, Ireland and France is the Mom.

The movie is rated R for sexual content, nudity and some language.  This may not be appropriate for young children.  The genre is listed as a Drama/Romance.  The run time is two hours, 12 minutes.

Note:  This film was nominated last week for three Golden Globes for Best Actor, Supporting Actor and Best Movie, Drama.

Rating  

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

It’s here!  It’s exciting.  It respects its history, surprises often, and is an excellent addition to the franchise.  That said, it is not perfect.  We were surprised to learn there was some fan consternation regarding some character changes.  How silly.

Luke Skywalker is back in an important role along with Rey, a new female character with strong abilities from the Force.  On the flip side, General Hux and Kylo Ren lead a massive assault to crush the Resistance and Leia Organa.

The cast was excellent as always.  Daisy Ridley is Rey.  Mark Hamill is Luke Skywalker.  The late Carrie Fisher is Leia.  John Boyega is back as Finn.  Adam Driver is Kylo Ren.  Oscar Issac is Poe.  Irish Actor Domhnall Gleeson is General Hux.  Other noteworthy characters are played by Kelly Marie Tran as Rose Tico, Benicio del Toro, Laura Dern, Lupita Nynog’o, Tom Hardy  and English Actor Andy Serkis as the Supreme Leader.

It is rated PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi action and violence.  It is suitable for children with an understanding of previous Star Wars episodes.  The genre is listed as Action & Adventure, Drama, Science Fiction & Fantasy.  It is written and directed by Rian Johnson.  The run time is 2 hours, 33 minutes.  We loved it!

Rating  

 Best Wishes and the Warmest Holiday greetings to all!! 

This Tuesday we will be traveling to be with family in Wisconsin for the holidays.  We’ll be back in San Francisco after the New Year.

Many of you already know the film industry releases some of the best movies of the year between December 22 and Christmas Day in order to qualify for the awards season.

We will try to see as many new releases as possible over the holidays and we WILL post our reviews within a day or two afterwards.

A big THANKS to all our friends and family for your friendship and love.

J&J

The Disaster Artist

Let’s see.  Where to begin?!  First the trailer for this film was off putting.  We had formulated an opinion before the film was released.  Given all the hype and then the recently announced nominees for the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild Awards, we acquiesced and went to see it.

By the end of the film, and a better understanding of what the film was about, we changed our minds about a rating.  Perhaps our learning will help you decide to see it, or not.

This is a remake of a film originally made 16 years ago by Tommy Wiseau that became a cult classic.  The original can be seen periodically at midnight showings in independent theaters.

The remake includes a who’s who of actors.  James Franco takes the lead as Tommy Wiseau.  His brother Dave Franco plays sidekick friend and actor Greg Sestero.  The cast includes roles by Seth Rogen, Zac Efron, Josh Hutcherson, Alison Brie, Sharon Stone, Jacki Weaver, Melanie Griffith, Bryan Cranston and several more.

It’s rated R for sex and nudity, some violence, profanity, alcohol, drugs and smoking and some intense scenes.  It is absolutely not appropriate for children.  The genre is noted as Drama/Biography running 1 hour 43 minutes.

It is likely to enjoy a lot of hype and probably more award nominations.  Classic and or cult, it was not our cup of tea.

Rating  

 

Aida’s Secrets

This is a unique documentary about a fractured family just after WWII making this story intriguing and insightful.  The first son is sent to Israel for adoption.  A lifetime later another son is found in Canada.

The cast is made up of the actual persons, brothers Shep Shell and Izak Sagi both in their 70’s and their mother Aida Zasadsinska, in a care facility and presumed in her 90’s.

This films audiences are growing as word spreads.  It is well crafted by Director’s Alon and Shaul Schwarz.  However, it was not always easy to follow who was who and what happened when.

As films like this are a reminder of the horrors of the holocaust, it is also an inspiring and heartwarming reminder of human resilience.

It is not rated and listed as a Documentary.  Run time is 95 minutes.  English and Hebrew with English subtitles.

Rating  

 

Rebels on Pointe

This charming documentary shares the history of Les Ballets de Trockadero de Monte Carlo, the all male drag ballet that began over 40 years ago after the Stonewall riots in New York.

It is a fascinating visit behind the scenes of this entertaining dance troop.  The talent, diversity, the obstacles and challenges it has overcome to attract a global audience.

It is concurrently funny, enchanting, inspiring and uplifting.  This film has heart, grit, determination and inspiration.  It is thoroughly entertaining, insightful and lovable.

The genre is documentary.  It is not rated.  It is suitable for children and runs 89 minutes.

Rating  

Happy Holidays to all!

Hollywood’s Foreign Press released their nominations for the upcoming Golden Globes this morning.

Hollywood’s final releases for this year’s Oscar consideration must be released on or before Christmas Day in both New York and Los Angeles.

In the meantime, we are doing our best to find and see the handful of films being released here and there.  To be honest, it is getting to be slim pickings.  Here are a few we found this week.

The Breadwinner

This animated film by Irish Director, Nora Twomey, tells the story of an 11 year old girl, Parvana, who lives in Afghanistan with her small family under Taliban rule.  Her elderly father is arrested and imprisoned leaving no one to tend to the family’s needs.  Pervana cuts her hair, poses as a boy and works for meager wages to earn enough money to bribe a prison guard for the release of her father.  Pretty serious stuff for an animated film.

This film is based on the 2000 novel by Deborah Ellis. The cast includes the voice of Canadian actress Saara Chaudry as Parvana.  Laara Sadiq as the voice of Fattema.  Shaista Latif as Soraya and Soma Chhaya as Shauzia.

It is an inspiring and touching story about life under the Taliban, women’s role in that society and the power of hope and female empowerment.

The movie is rated PG-13 for thematic material and some violent images.  The genre is listed as Animation, Drama, Kids and Family.  Run time is 93 minutes.

Rating 

Wonder Wheel

This latest film by Writer and Director Woody Allen is set in the Coney Island amusement park of the 1950’s.  It is a story about a lifeguard, a former actress, her husband, his estranged daughter and the young son who has more than a few character flaws.

The actors include (in the same order): Justin Timberlake, Kate Winslet, Jim Belushi, Juno Temple and the child actor Jack Gore.  The performances are quite good.  The problem is the characters aren’t very likable and the story line is far from comfortable or inspiring.

It is surprisingly rated PG-13 for thematic content including some sexuality, language and obsessive smoking.  The genre is noted as a drama with a run time of 1 hour, 41 minutes.  All in all… just ho hum.

Rating 

The Other Side of Hope

Here is a fascinating and unique look at immigration.  In this deadpan approach from Finnish Director Aki Kaurismaki who “peels the onion” with his  comedy/drama look at the refugee crisis facing many European countries, and in this film Finland.

The film delivers a deadpan tone that takes audiences a little getting used to.  Adaptable viewers will catch on to this theme;  i.e. skinheads that don’t know the difference between Arab and Jew.  The underlying commentary on bigotry is subtle yet effective.

This film is in limited release and is not rated.  The genre is reported as Art House & International, Comedy, Drama.  The cast is primarily from Kaurismaki’s pool of “reliable stock” of Finnish actors.

This is a unique and quirky film that requires a bit of patience and thought.  The more we thought about this movie, the more we recognized the nuances.  In English, Finnish, Arabic and Swedish with English subtitles.

Rating  

Marshall

Every once in a while a movie is made about real events, real people and history in the making.  This film is perhaps the best example of those characteristics this year.

It is the story about Thurgood Marshall in 1941.  He was the first African American lawyer for the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) and its leader of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.  He was the first black Supreme Court Justice appointed in 1964.

This film has a great screenplay and excellent actors, most notably Chadwick Boseman as Thurgood Marshall.  Kate Hudson plays the socialite Eleanor Hudson.  Josh Gad is superb as the Jewish Defense Attorney.  There is an impressive performance by Sterling K. Brown as the accused rapist.  Dan Stevens is the smug prosecuting attorney and James Cromwell is the grizzly Judge.

It is rated PG-13 with mature thematic content, sexuality, violence and strong language.  It is listed as a Drama/Biography running 1 hour, 58 minutes.  There is a lot of Oscar chatter about this movie and we think it deserves it.

Rating 

Darkest Hour

This true story is about Great Britain’s entry into World War II while Nazi Germany is sweeping across Western Europe.  The options boil down to negotiate for a peace treaty or hold the course and risk of massive casualties at Dunkirk.

The acting is superb.  Most notably are:  Gary Oldman morphs into Winston Churchill.  Ben Mendelsohn is King George VI.  Lily James is perfect as Churchill’s Secretary.  Kristin Scott Thomas transforms into Clementine Churchill.

This film was strategically released Friday, December 8 to qualify for potential Academy Awards and to benefit from the demand for holiday season films.  Gary Oldman may just have a lock for Best Actor.  Other likely nominations include Best Picture, Cinematography, Screenplay and Costume Design.

It is rated PG-13 for some thematic content.  The genre is Drama/History and runs 2 hours, 5 minutes.  Our favorite scene:  Churchill’s first “subway” ride meets everyday Brits and seeks their opinion about the war.  Genius!

Rating 

The Shape of Water

Oh my gosh!  What can you say about such a unique, quirky, artistic, sensual film about a mute cleaning lady, a merman from the Amazon (South America, not warehouse) and a cold war bureaucrat/scientist bully.  It is set in 1962 Baltimore.

The acting makes the film plausible.  Michael Shannon is the crazed government scientist.  Doug Jones is unrecognizable but fascinating as the creature.  Sally Hawkins is brilliant as the cleaning lady.  The always amazing Octavia Spencer shines as the friend Zelda.  Richard Jenkins is hilarious as the neighbor Giles.  There is another dozen actors rounding our the cast.

This incredibly creative story manages to weave seemingly conflicting themes together.  The cold war meets an unknown species, weaves in a love story, a cover up becomes a romance and an escape attempt.  Sometimes a bit creepy, occasionally unexpectedly shocking, often charming and totally surprising.

It is rated R for sexual content, graphic nudity, violence and language.  No surprise the genre is noted as Drama, Science Fiction, Fantasy and Romance.  It is absolutely not suitable for children.  It runs one minute short of two hours.

If you are looking for something different, this one is it.  There may be some Oscar material here including Cinematography, Costumes, Visual Effects and more.

Rating