The Way Back

    Cliche heavy but still surprising, this new drama stars a brave and truly heartfelt performance from Ben Affleck. While High School basketball plays a big part of the story, it's really about an alcoholic battling his demons and finding the strength to change his life.

     The film co-stars Al Madrigal, Michaela Watkins, and Janina Gavankar, as well as some terrific high school basketball players. Mr. Affleck is front and center as the alcoholic construction worker given a chance to coach his former High School's basketball team after their coach has a heart attack. The team consists of many stereotypical characters but they are a charming bunch of kids and fun to watch as they come together as a team.

      A big reveal late in the film brings out the tissues and while sincere to the story, still manipulates the audience to root even more for Mr. Affleck. The basketball sequences are exciting and are a welcome counterpoint to watching the depths of Mr. Affleck's despair.

       Considering the real demons in Mr. Affleck's life, making this film had to be very personal and probably not easy  but it's an art imitating life performance that never wavers.

First Cow

        From director and co-writer, Kelly Reichardt, comes this gentle and beautifully crafted tale of the old west.

        After a clever nod to one of her previous films, we are transported back to Oregon in the 1800's where fur trappers are hunting the abundance of beaver and settlements are starting to grow throughout the territory.

       We meet "Cookie" played by John Magaro, a young man finding his way, working as a cook for a group of trappers. Once day, out looking for ingredients,  he meets "King Lu", played by Orion Lee. A friendship grows between the two men and they hatch a plan to secretly milk the only cow in the region to make "cakes" they can sell in the settlement. Toby Jones co-stars as "Chief Factor", the rich owner of the cow.

       Ms. Reichardt allows her story to grow slowly and organically. The camera lingers on little details as the two men go about their business. There is very little more to the plot than their friendship, life in the settlement and ultimately what happens when their secret is revealed. The authentic look and feel of the film is remarkable. Ms. Reichardt and her team truly transport us back in time, where we can linger and appreciate her quality storytelling.

The Invisible Man

              Written and directed by Leigh Whannell, this is a timely feminist spin on a classic story. Elisabeth Moss stars as Cecilia, a woman trapped in an abusive relationship. The film begins with her escaping her controlling and abusive lover, Adrian, only to find out shortly thereafter, he has committed suicide. 

               When strange things start happening to Cecilia and the people around her, she suspects Adrian has somehow faked his death or is haunting her in some way. Of course everyone else thinks she is just becoming unhinged as a result of her traumatic relationship.

                Ms. Moss is the emotional center of the film and she is terrific conveying fear, anxiety, and eventually strength to face her adversary. The film, while not providing any real scares, is still suspenseful enough as Cecilia grapples with escalating torment. 

                 The film co-stars Aldis Hodge (turning up everywhere these days), Storm Reid, Harriet Dyer, Michael Dorman and Oliver Jackson-Cohen. The entire cast sells the concept but it's Ms. Moss's performance that keeps the audience fully engaged.

                  The special effects are effective (especially in one particular jarring scene) and the music, by Benjamin Wallfisch, really makes a difference contributing to the suspense throughout the film. 

                  Why the film was released in the Imax format is a mystery. There is nothing special about it to warrant that format so if you are planning to see it in a theater, save some money and avoid the Imax version.