The Meg

      Jason Statham vs a 75 foot CGI shark...how can you pass this up? One of film's best action heroes saves the day in this mindless, silly, summer romp. Bigger and badder than the great white in "Jaws" but lacking any of the suspense,  this is still fun and a perfect diversion on a hot and steamy summer day.

     Mr. Statham is a natural in the water where he must utilize his less than usual skills to take on this monster shark. He is joined by Rainn Wilson as a snarky billionaire with his own agenda and research scientists played by Cliff Curtis, Li Bingbing, Ruby Rose, Winston Chao, Page Kennedy, and a cameo by Masi Oka. Of course, there is also the requisite cute child played by Shuya Sophia. 

      I can't really complain about the script as it delivers what it promises but I did find the character of DJ to be a borderline offensive, stereotype played for comic relief. The dialog is silly and the premise ridiculous but director Jon Turtleltaub still finds a way to make it entertaining and keeps things moving at a reasonable clip. The script even throws in a few surprises. 

       Check your brain at the door, grab your popcorn and settle in for the ride...

BLACKkKLANSMAN

         A spectacular return to form for director Spike Lee, this is his most powerful and entertaining film in years. The film is based on the incredible true story of Ron Stallworth, an undercover black policeman in Colorado, who actually joins the Klu Klux Klan in the early '70's. Mr. Lee co-wrote the screenplay and directed the film which thinly veils contemporary America in a story taking place over 40 years ago. 

         The film stars John David Washington as Ron Stallworth, and Adam Driver as his partner "Flip" Zimmerman. How a black policeman and his white Jewish partner infiltrate the KKK is just an incredible story and while the film takes some liberties for dramatic purposes, it's still amazing and it will shake you to the core. While there are many humorous moments, this is far from a comedy and it's underlying message just reinforces how little has changed in this country when it comes to bigotry and hateful racism.

                    In his first starring role, Mr. Washington is simply great. Maybe it's his acting genes as his father is Denzel Washington (close your eyes and you might think it's Denzel in the film) or just his natural talent but this is his breakthrough role. Mr. Driver, as his partner Flip also does remarkable work in what is probably his best role to date. Mr. Lee has brought out the best in both actors. The film co-stars Topher Grace, Laura Harrier, Cory Hawkins, Robert John Burke, Frederick Weller, Michael Buscemi, and Isiah Whitlock Jr. There are also devastating (for different reasons) cameos by Alec Baldwin and Harry Belafonte.

                     The cast is fantastic, the story is remarkable and the message is clearly powerful. The ending will leave you stunned. It's easily one of the best films of the year, if not the best, and demands multiple Oscar nominations. It's a film everyone in America needs to see.

Three Identical Strangers

      One of the most interesting and remarkable documentaries you'll ever see. Directed by Tim Wardle, this new film tells the story of three brothers separated as infants, who were unaware of each other until fate brought them together at age 19.

      What starts out as a feel good movie, "Strangers" turns dark when we learn their separation was no accident but rather a planned experiment of "nature vs nurture" done without anyone's permission. What was done to these three boys was insidious and the film will anger you as well as amaze you due to it's unbelievable, yet true, story.

      Told in flashbacks with original photos and videos, a bit of recreation, and contemporary interviews, it really is an incredible story that is very emotional and should stimulate much discussion once it ends.