Armageddon Time

     Written and directed by James Gray, this new drama is a coming-of-age story, looking back at Mr. Gray's own past. The story takes place in Queens NY circa 1980 and revolves around Paul Graff and his family. 

      As the film begins, Paul starts sixth grade and quickly makes friends with Johnny, the only black boy in his class. The two are minor troublemakers for their teacher, Mr. Turkeltaub. Paul has trouble concentrating in class but excels at art. Johnny had been left back and starting sixth grade for the second time. He dreams of being an astronaut.

      Paul has a typical New York, Jewish family with his parents played by Ann Hathaway and Jeremy Strong. They are both excellent in atypical roles. His grandparents are played by Anthony Hopkins and Tovah Feldshuh. Ryan Sell plays Paul's older brother Ted. Paul's unusual outlook on life confound his parents but he has a strong bond with his grandfather. Mr. Hopkins is wonderful and his scenes with Paul are gems. Paul is played by Banks Repeta and he is a terrific new talent. I imagine he will have quite the acting career if he continues to pursue it. Paul's friend Johnny is played by Jaylin Webb, another fine young talent.  In a one scene cameo, John Diehl plays Fred Trump and Jessica Chastain plays Maryanne Trump, Donald's sister.

     Mr. Gray captures the period perfectly, with a nostalgic look at his past that can still appeal to a wide audience. It's a solid drama with outstanding performances.

The Banshees of Inisherin

      The newest film from writer/director Martin McDonagh reunites Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson in a tale of a friendship gone wrong. The year is 1923 and the story takes place on the tiny island of Inisherin, off the coast of Ireland (don't bother looking for it on a map).  Mr. Farrell plays Padraic and Mr. Gleeson plays Colm, two lifelong friends whose relationship takes a turn for the worse when Colm announces he no longer wants to be friends.

      As Padraic becomes more distraught at his friend's decision, Colm doubles down on his resolve to no longer speak to Padraic. The situation reaches unexpected consequences for both men in this darkly comic drama. And what would a Martin McDonagh script be without some blood being spilled?

      The film co-stars Kerry Condon as Siobhan, Padraic's sister, as well as Barry Keoghan as Dominic, the town's simple minded, oft put-upon lost soul. But it's the film's stars that carry the story and shine in their respective roles. Mr. Farrell, in particular, is simply outstanding playing against type, in one of the best roles of his career.

      Overflowing with authenticity, from the bullish island policeman, to the gossip desperate shopkeeper and the pub friendly barmen, everyone is affected by the unusual situation. Under Mr. McDonagh's minimal but efficient direction, the film is a small yet absorbing tale of a decision that changes lives for the two friends and the fascinating supporting cast of characters.

Amsterdam

 

       The latest from writer/director David O. Russell tells the fictious story of three friends who help expose a factual conspiracy in the years leading up to World War Two. It's a complex plot that only truly finds it's footing in the second half of the film.

       What does keep things interesting and fun are the performances of the three leads. The film stars Christian Bale as an unorthodox doctor, fighting the physical and mental effects of World War One. His best friend, whom he met in the war is played by John David Washington, who after the war becomes a lawyer. Rounding out the trio is Margot Robbie, a field nurse the two soldiers meet in a French hospital after they are both wounded. The three friends leave France for Amsterdam where they spend a few years cementing their friendship.

          Years later in New York, they become suspects in a murder and uncover a political conspiracy within our government. The film is a mix of whimsical comedy, political thriller and murder mystery. Co-starring in this mash up (which does eventually come together) is an all-star cast comprised of Chris Rock, Anya Taylor-Joy, Zoe Saldana, Mike Myers, Michael Shannon, Timothy Olyphant (under heavy makeup), Andrea Riseborough, Alessandro Nivola, Matthias Schoenaerts, Rami Malik, Taylor Swift and Robert De Niro.

            Characters come and go and some of the actors are wasted in small parts that don't really contribute much. It's still fun but the film is truly grounded by the three leads. Mr. Bale is simply fantastic, as usual, having a ball with a very unusual character. Mr. Washington is the most serious of the trio with an excellent performance, continuing his growth as an actor. Ms. Robbie is simply a perfect mix of beauty and talent.

             Mr. Russell's direction is unique. The actors speak in an odd cadence and the rhythm of the film follows an irregular path. It may not be the easiest film to follow but one thing becomes very clear. Mr. Russell is making very obvious parallels throughout our history right up to our current climate.

Don't Worry Darling

          Olivia Wilde directed and co-stars in this mash up of "The Stepford Wives and "The Truman Show". Everything looks perfect in the town of Victory, but there is something wrong below the surface...Sound familiar?

          The film stars Florence Pugh as Alice, Harry Styles as her husband Jack, the aforementioned Olivia Wilde as her best friend Bunny, Nick Kroll as Dean, Bunny's husband, Chris Pine as Frank, the founder of Victory, and Gemma Chan as Shelly, Frank's wife. Co-stars include Timothy Simons as a sinister doctor and Kiki Layne as Margaret, another friend of Alice's.

           The cast does very good work with standouts being the excellent Ms. Pugh and a surprisingly good Mr. Styles. Chris Pine is perfect against type as the "cult-like" founder of Victory and the mysterious Victory Project where all the men in town work. The women stay home, cooking, cleaning, shopping and drinking. Lots of drinking.

           Ms. Wilde's direction is self-assured, fun and clever with occasionally interesting camera choices. The cinematography in general is very good with bright color visuals (great sets and costumes) hiding the darkness below. What sinks the film is the plot. With little originality, it veers off into multiple genre directions without finding solid footing. 

           There is too much repetitive imagery (shades of "Moonage Daydream") in hallucinations and memories that find Alice certain she is going mad. But of course, we know she is not...or is she? And I personally found the ending disappointing but I suppose that will be debatable.