Mary Queen of Scots

I have to admit that I like English history. I am especially interested in Elizabethan England, Elizabeth I that is. The story of her rivalry with her cousin, Mary is compelling. In the past Katherine Hepburn and Vanessa Redgrave are just two of the actresses who have played Mary. Now, Saoirse Ronan has taken on the role in the latest version, “Mary Queen of Scots”. It tells the story of Mary from the time she goes back to Scotland until her death. There is intrigue, power struggles, rivalries, bad marriages, and jealousy. Beautifully mounted, the costumes, make up, and sets are realistic and beautiful. Ronan, once again shows her versatility as an actress by totally submerging herself in the role of Mary. Margot Robbie plays Elizabeth as stubborn, proud, scared and vulnerable. If you like historical dramas, do not miss this one. If you don’t, stay away.

Second Act

I wasn’t looking forward to see Jennifer Lopez’s new film, “Second Act”, but I was pleasantly surprised. Lopez plays a woman who keeps getting passed over for promotions and ends up getting hired by a company because of a false resume. Leah Ramani plays her best friend and steals every scene she is in. This is a romantic comedy that isn’t just for women. An enjoyable couple of hours.

Holmes and Watson

“Holmes and Watson” is the latest Will Ferrell/John C. Reilly comedy. It is their version of Sherlock Holmes in Victorian England. It has a few funny moments, but overall it is mediocre. If you really want to see a movie starring these two, I suggest streaming “Talladega Nights” or “Step Brothers”. Don’t waste your time on this one.

Vice

I was disappointed in Adam McKay’s latest film, “Vice”, which tells the story of Dick Cheney. The acting is very good, especially Christian Bale as Cheney, Amy Adams as Lynne Cheney, and Sam Rockwell as George W. Bush. However the way that the story is told is choppy. Whether you admire the man or not, it just isn’t compelling. The narration is done with an interesting twist and is quite clever. The film is an interesting piece of recent history.

Mary Poppins Returns

When I was eight years old, like everyone else my age, I was obsessed with the movie “Mary Poppins”. My brother and I played the record until it wore out. So when they announced that they were going to make a sequel I was less than enthused. The original was one of those magical, one-of-a-kind event movies. Obviously anything following it could not live up to it. How could anyone but Julie Andrews play the title role? Well I am here to tell you that “Mary Poppins Returns” is an excellent follow up, even if it comes fifty-four years after the original. Emily Blunt is perfect in the title role. From the minute she appears on screen, she owns the role. Lin-Manuel Miranda plays a street lamp lighter, much like Bert the chimney sweep, except his accent is actually pretty good. Speaking of Bert, Dick Van Dyke makes a cameo appearance as the old banker. Besides Blunt nailing the character, the musical numbers and choreography are outstanding. The highest praise I can give this film is that it made me feel like a kid. I loved it! This is not a kid’s movie; it’s for everyone who wants to be entertained for two hours.

The Favourite

If you are looking for something different, “The Favorite” should be right up your alley. Set in the 18th century, it is the story of Queen Anne of England, who is frail and a bit daffy and two of her closest ladies in waiting.. This is not a mainstream movie. It is different, interesting, and a bit strange. Olivia Coleman steals the show as Anne, but Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone keep up with her. It is hard to say which one is bitchier. Funny, sad, and unique, this film may not be for everyone’s tastes. It is winning all kinds of awards, especially for the actresses.

The Mule

“The Mule” is the latest Clint Eastwood directed movie. He also stars in it, acting for the first time since “Gran Torino”. The film is better than his films lately. This time he plays a horticulturalist who is so into his flowers that he neglects his family. Late in life he earns money as a driver for the drug cartel The pace of the film is better than most of his movies and it keeps moving. Not his best, but not bad.

The Front Runner

I have a new definition for disappointed: “The Front Runner”. How could a film starring Hugh Jackman, Vera Farmiga, J.K. Simmons and written and directed by Jason Reitman be boring? And its subject was a piece of modern history that many of us lived through! Well, it was hard to sit through; I couldn’t wait for it to be over. Telling the story of Gary Hart, while he was running for president, and his affair with Donna Rice, it had the makings of a juicy, compelling film, especially in these tabloid times. First, Jackman did not have the charisma of a politician who was very popular. Second, the film is very episodic. In the end it was told with no oomph. Very disappointing.

Creed II

If you count all of the Rocky movies, “Creed” from two years ago and this entry, there are now eight films in the series. “Creed” reinvented the series and put new life into Sylvester Stallone’s character. “Creed II” continues the story of Adonis Creed, who still has a chip on his shoulder. He’s the World Heavyweight Champion and is challenged by the son of the man who killed his father in the ring. Lots of family angst, including marriage and children. While not as innovative or compelling as the first “Creed’, it is still a worthy successor. It keeps your interest, but only picks up steam during the final fight scene. Michael B. Jordan is a talent to watch. He was so good in “Black Panther” and does a great job in this film. Worth seeing.

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

“Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” is the second in a proposed series of films that sort of serve as a prequel to the Harry Potter films. Eddie Redmayne is a warlock who has a talent with interesting creatures from their world. He is enlisted by a young Albus Dumbledore to help bring down a dark lord. The first movie was more magical, especially with the creatures it introduced. This one is more chasing and standard fare. The special effects are good as is the acting. Not a bad entry, just not great.