The Old Man & The Gun

                 A lighthearted comedy/drama based on the true story of bank robber, Forrest Tucker. The film stars Robert Redford (in what is reportedly his last film role) as Tucker and he couldn't be more perfectly cast. Mr. Redford still has that twinkle in his eye and is utterly charming in the role. You can't help but smile throughout the film as he and his "Over The Hill" gang (Tom Waits and Danny Glover) rob banks throughout Texas and Missouri. 

          The film also co-stars Sissy Spacek who has incredible chemistry with Mr. Redford. They are a complete pleasure to watch together. Casey Affleck also co-stars as Detective John Hunt who becomes obsessed with capturing Tucker. Tika Sumpter plays his wife. There are also cameos from Isiah Whitlock Jr., Elizabeth Moss, Keith Carradine, and John David Washington.

          Writer/director David Lowery knows how much the camera loves his star and makes use of many closeups.  His screenplay is based on a magazine article about Mr. Tucker and he lets the audience know from the start that "most" of the film is true. He directs in a laid back, leisurely fashion and the film is entertaining throughout. If this is truly Mr. Redford's last film, he is going out in style.

Lizzie

       This is a beautifully made film about a famous, true life, grizzly murder. Chloe Sevigny stars as "Lizzie" (as in Borden), who was accused and acquitted of the murders of her father and stepmother in 1892.

       Ms. Sevigny is absolute perfection in a complicated role and her co-star, Kristen Stewart as Bridget Sullivan, is wonderful in a strong understated performance as the family's young housekeeper.  The film also stars Kim Dickens as Emma Borden, Lizzie's older sister and as her father and stepmother, Jamey Sheridan and Fiona Shaw. Co-starring is Denis O'Hare as Uncle John.

        The script, by Bryce Kass, sticks to the facts of the case (as history has recorded them) but makes one assumption that turns the entire story. Mr Kass assumes an intimate relationship between Lizzie and Bridget. Ms. Sevigny and Ms. Stewart have excellent chemistry and their scenes together are sensual and honest leading to a fascinating twist. Not only does Mr. Kass put an interesting spin on the story but he infuses it with dialog that stings with relevance today.

           The direction by Craig William Mcneill is subtle and sublime.  The music, sound effects as well as the cinematography all contribute beautifully to the overall look and feel of the film. The attention to detail in the scenery and costumes as well, should not be overlooked.

           "Lizzie" may not be a mainstream film but for a discriminating audience, it delivers in every way. 

Operation:Finale

       A fascinating, historical drama based on the true story of how Israeli agents captured SS Officer Adolf Eichmann, who had escaped to Argentina after World War Two. The film stars Sir Ben Kingsley as Eichmann and Oscar Isaac as Peter Malkin, the agent whose memoir, "Eichmann in my Hands" served as a leading piece of source material.

        The film has a few genuine moments of suspense as the plot unfolds and late in the capture, with authorities closing in before the Israelis can get Eichmann out of Argentina. Most of the film centers on the days right after Eichmann is grabbed and brought to a safe house, where his captors must wait longer than expected for their extraction. While not action packed, a psychological game of cat and mouse is played between Eichmann and Malkin and Sir Kingsley and Mr. Isaac are both excellent in their roles.

         The film co-stars Lior Raz (of the terrific Netflix show, "Fauda"), Melanie Laurent, Nick Kroll and Joe Alwyn. It's a fine cast in a strong period drama of historical importance. Eichmann eventually did end up in Israel where he stood trial for his war crimes. The film doesn't focus on the trial but rather the capture, however, for those who don't know the history, there is no doubt as to the outcome. Be warned that there is recreated and actual footage of war atrocities throughout the film that many will find hard to watch.

             Films like these serve as a reminder to never forget what racism and hatred can lead to and to also remind us that atrocities like the holocaust continue today in countries all over the world.

The Wife

     Glenn Close and Jonathan Pryce star in this serious domestic drama. They play Joe and Joan Castleman, he, a successful writer traveling to Stockholm to receive the Nobel prize in Literature and she, his wife of many years, who has lived in the shadow of his success. The film is a master class in acting from both leads but it is truly a tour de force from Ms. Close. It is a crowning achievement in an illustrious career.  

      Flashbacks reveal how the couple met and eventually married. The young Joan is played by Annie Starke (Ms. Close real life daughter) and Joe is played by Harry Lloyd. They capture the nuances of their older selves perfectly. The film also co-stars Christian Slater as an ambitious writer mildly obsessed with the Castleman's and Max Irons and Alix Wilton Regan as their adult children.

      It is a powerful story of a marriage gone asunder when the cracks of Joan's repressed feelings rise to the surface and things begin to unravel during their time in Stockholm. Ms. Close and Mr. Pryce verbally spar on the order of a delicate fencing match and it is a pleasure to watch them as they disappear into these fascinating characters. I would think Ms. Close is a lock for an Oscar nomination, very possibly Mr. Pryce as well. 

Crazy Rich Asians

     Wonderful production values can't save this bland, generic romantic comedy. If "Rom-Coms" are your thing, you will probably enjoy the film but only its Asian cast and amazing Singapore location set it apart from every other film in the genre.

      NYU Economics professor, Rachel Chu travels to Singapore with her boyfriend, Nick Young to attend his friend's wedding. Only then does she discovers Nick is actually incredibly wealthy and comes from a world she knows nothing about and has never experienced. Comedic chaos ensues as Rachel learns to navigate the waters of Nick's rich family and friends. 

      What does keep things interesting are the beautiful locations and colorful visuals. The cast is appealing enough, attractive as well but hampered by insipid dialog and either over the top or lifeless acting. Constance Wu plays Rachel, the economics professor who apparently leaves her brain behind in New York when she travels to Singapore. Nick is played by Henry Golding, a handsome actor who tries hard but seems to do his best work when his shirt is off. Co-starring is Michelle Yeoh, who brings some class to the role of Nick's disapproving mother. Other notable co-stars include Ken Jeong, Gemma Chan, Jimmy O. Yang, and Akwafina as Goh Peik Lin, Rachel's college friend and the film's "comic relief".

Praised for its Asian casting, the script is unfortunately filled with stereotypes but probably does represent an accurate picture of how the wealthy, of any ethnic background, might exist in their own exclusive universe. I'll pass on the inevitable sequel and save my money instead, to one day buy a ticket to Singapore.