Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

     Picking up right after the first "Jurassic World", Chris Pratt and Bryce Howard reprise their roles and try to save the remaining dinosaurs on Isla Nublar. This new film follows the "Jurassic formula" pretty closely but moves the action in the second half to a new location. Menacing dinos, heroic dinos, children in danger and evil greedy humans give us plenty of what we've all seen before. 

         By switching the action in the second half, the writers and director, J. A. Bayona try their best to infuse something new into the series but despite their best efforts (and there quite a few good moments), ultimately the film just rehashes it's formula. You can almost feel Steven Spielberg (who's an executive producer) sitting on Mr. Bayona's shoulder whispering "cool idea but let's not stray to far from what works".

         What really doesn't work is the music. Michael Giacchino's bombastic orchestral score envelopes and overpowers every scene. I found it extremely distracting and a typical "Spielberg" move. While I admire Mr. Spielberg very much, I have always found his music overpowering and manipulative and here, Mr. Bayona makes the same mistake.

          Visually the film is terrific. The dinosaurs, through CGI and puppetry, look amazing and truly appear real in every scene. Mr. Pratt and Ms. Howard act and react accordingly, although Mr. Pratt is less snarky here than the previous film. It's good to see Jeff Goldblum in a too brief cameo. Isabella Sermon is the requisite youngster who screams very well. Rafe Spall is appropriately oily and Ted Levine makes sadistic soldier of fortune look easy. 

           The first half of the film is exciting with it's own terrific climax. I found the second half silly and disappointing (save for those few good moments I alluded to earlier). The pace is fast and despite its faults, the film gives it's fan base what it wants, dinosaurs behaving badly. And of course, the ending lends itself to the inevitable third film in this planned trilogy. 

Hereditary

          Writer/director Ari Aster evokes classic psychological horror films (like Rosemary's Baby or The Sixth Sense) with this tale of a haunted family slowly unraveling from the opening moments. Toni Collette and Gabriel Bryne are Annie and Steve Graham. They live in a beautiful home isolated in the Utah woods with their children, teenager Peter (Alex Wolff) and 13 year old Charlie (Milly Shapiro).

           The film begins with the obituary of Annie's mother Ellen and quickly moves to the funeral and its aftermath. Mr. Aster creates a sense of growing dread from those opening scenes and never lets up.

            Unexpected further tragedy occurs, in an absolutely horrific scene, and the family's descent into madness truly begins with Annie and Peter affected the most. Ms. Shapiro plays Charlie as a very creepy little girl but as things progress, it's Annie and Peter that really start to go off the deep end. There are flashes of genuine terror that Mr. Aster reveals slowly in subtle but terrifying ways. The score and camerawork brilliantly help raise audience goosebumps throughout culminating in an insane final act that you will either accept or find completely ridiculous.

            Ms. Collette is just fantastic as her character realistically unravels under the weight of her circumstances. Mr. Wolff is also terrific for the same reason. Only Mr. Byrne, a wonderful actor, is wasted as the character of Steve is so underwritten, it could have been played by a tree.  Co-star Anne Dowd is effectively creepy as Joan, a woman Annie meets at a grief support group.

               Mr. Aster shows great promise with this effective first effort. He keeps the violence and gore to a minimum using using the effects very strategically. Instead, he relies on atmosphere, music and strong acting to grab his audience and never let go. 

The Incredibles 2

             If you are a fan of "The Incredibles", then a 14 year wait was worth the time for the next chapter. Written and directed by Brad Bird, this sequel is that rare breed that surpasses the original. The script is stronger as well as the character development.

             Featuring all the returning vocal talents including Holly Hunter, Craig T. Nelson, Samuel L. Jackson, Sarah Vowell, and Huck Milner, the film also introduces new characters played vocally by Bob Odenkirk and Catherine Keener. Jonathan Banks takes over the role of Rick Dicker. Everyone is perfectly matched to their animated character.

             The film turns the animation up quite a notch from 14 years ago. The colors pop and all the visuals are outstanding. It's a fun film with many adult themes that may go right past the kids but won't be lost on the adults in the audience. Of course there is plenty of action to keep everyone stimulated and baby "Jack Jack", discovering his powers, steals the film. His fight with a racoon would border on animal cruelty if this wasn't an animated film.

                 There is a lovely animated short before the film which has become a Pixar signature and also a quick nod from the lead actors thanking the fans for being so patient.

                 Score another big hit for Pixar.

Ocean's 8

        Capitalizing on a successful franchise and adding an all female cast, this heist comedy is high gloss,  superficial summer fun.

        Co-written and directed by Gary Ross, this is high concept at its most glamorous. It lacks the edge of it's male predecessors but the winning heist movie formula and cast chemistry will keep you entertained. The film stars Sandra Bullock as Debbie Ocean, who sets things in motion the second she is released from prison. The team she puts together include Cate Blanchett, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson, Rhianna, Awkwafina, and Helena Bonham Carter (yes, I realize that's seven total but the eighth is a surprise I won't spoil). The film also co-stars Anne Hathaway, James Corden, and Richard Armitage.

          Robbing a valuable diamond necklace at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's annual Gala is the plan and that gives the film plenty of opportunities for celebrity cameos and fabulous clothing. Watching the film is like taking a visual tour through Glamour or Vogue magazine. It's very pretty to look at but easy to remember it's not the "real" world. Pulling off this heist so many improbable things come together that you need no reminder this is purely escapist entertainment, light and enjoyable like a colorful, summer cocktail. 

Won't You Be My Neighbor?

             Morgan Neville directs this new documentary about Fred Rogers, the pioneer of children's television in the '60s. On and off camera, Fred Rogers was a remarkable man who could relate to children like no other adult. The film does a great job capturing the life and philosophy of Mr. Rogers.

              Using archival footage, on and off camera, interviews with family, friends, and coworkers we get an intimate look at the television personality, who as one person says, was truly radical for his time. The one missing element was an earlier look at Fred Rogers and how he grew into a one of a kind human being. We learn little of his childhood, except that his parents were wealthy and that he was a fat child. Beyond that, the film focuses on his early years in television and how he came to reshape children's programming.

               There are candid moments, rare footage, including a wonderful segment with Koko the gorilla, and even outtakes. It's the feel good movie of the year. You can't help but leave the theater with a smile on your face and Mr. Roger's universal message ringing in your ears. Love is the answer.

First Reformed

     Writer/director Paul Schrader returns with a powerful new drama fueled by a magnificent performance by Ethan Hawke. It is a heavy drama that questions faith and purpose. It's far from a "mainstream" film and is not for everyone.

      Mr. Hawke stars as Reverend Toller. His small church known as "the Souvenir shop", has historical relevance but a tiny congregation. Already dealing with emotional and physical issues, the Reverend's faith is waning and becomes even more of a struggle once he agrees to counsel Michael and Mary, two of his parishioners. 

        The film co-stars Amanda Seyfried as Mary, Philip Ettinger as Michael, and Cedric (The Entertainer) Kyles as Pastor Jeffers. Mr. Kyles  is quite good, in what I believe, is his first serious role. Ms. Seyfried brings depth to what appears to be an ordinary role. The whole film is well cast but really belongs to Mr. Hawke. He is mesmerizing as Toller and it's his performance that carries the film. Without him, the film would collapse under its own weighty issues. It's a role worth a serious Academy Award consideration.  

                  In some ways, this film could be considered a distant cousin to Mr. Schrader's masterpiece, "Taxi Driver". Toller is a loner, who's internal monologue narrates much of the film. There is no soundtrack with the exception of minimally used ominous, electronic beats. The film is bleak and heads down a dark path to a surprising and what some may think, a confusing ending. But if you are a fan of excellent acting and Mr. Hawke's work, you will be rewarded.