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.
Bohemian Rhapsody
Queen has always been my second favorite rock band, so when I saw that they were making a film about them I was excited, but nervous that it wouldn’t be any good. Well I am here to tell you that the film, “Bohemian Rhapsody”, is well quite good. Basically, it’s the story of Queen’s lead singer, Freddie Mercury, and how he transformed a band that played second rate clubs into a phenomenon. Besides his incredible voice, he had a vision that pushed the limits of rock and roll. Rami Malek plays Mercury and this is a performance that ranks with Jamie Foxx as Ray Charles and Marion Collitard as Edith Piaf. He is epic! Loved the music, loved the movie. It’s one of those films that I didn’t want to end and I want to see it again.
Green Book
“Green Book” is one of the best films of the year. Starring Viggo Mortensen and Marershala Ali as an odd couple touring the Deep South in the early 1960’s it is funny, interesting and very entertaining. Mortensen plays an Italian from Brooklyn who acts as driver for Ali, a professional pianist. The latter is very educated, while the former is from the streets. They teach each other about life. Directed by Peter Farrelly of “Something About Mary” fame, this is a different kind of film for him. Beautifully done, with a great soundtrack, this is one film not to miss.
Widows
Steve McQueen, the director not the actor, has come out with a new movie. The director of “12 Years a Slave” gives us “Widows”, a heist movie that has a lot of twists. A gang of thieves is killed by the police and their wives have to pay off a drug lord trying to break into politics. Led by Viola Davis these women are bad ass. Daniel Kayuula from “Get Out” is one of the villains and he is very scary. It takes a while to set up the plot, but once it gets going hang on! A good thriller.
The Grinch
In the 1960’s we had the classic television cartoon, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”, narrated by Boris Karloff. In 2000 Jim Carrey starred in a live action version of the story. Now we have a CG animation version. My opinion is that they should have left well enough alone after the original. The latest version adds some clever scenes, but by making the tale feature length the filmmakers are stretching it. Children will enjoy it, but adults who remember the original will be less than impressed.
Boy Erased
“Boy Erased” is the story of a young man who is sent to a facility to change his sexual orientation. The parents, who are religious, believe he can be converted. The film stars Lucas Hedges, as the conflicted boy, and Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe as the parents. Hedges gives a harrowing, realistic performance and Kidman once again exudes motherly love as she did in “Lion”. She transforms from an obedient wife and mother to a strong woman taking care of her child. Some of the scenes at the conversion facility are difficult to watch, but this is definitely a worthwhile film.
Mark's Movie Reviews 