Everybody Knows

        Written and directed by  Asghar Farhadi ("A Separation", "The Salesman"), this new drama stars Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem, and Ricardo Darin. It takes place in a small town outside Madrid. Working for the first time outside his native Iran and with a Spanish speaking cast, Mr. Farhadi explores his  familar themes in a new setting.

          Ms. Cruz stars as Laura, a woman living in Argentina, who travels back to her home town with her two children to attend the wedding of her younger sister. Unexpected events reveal old secrets that impact Laura, her family and friends.

            I wouldn't call the film suspenseful but more of a tense mystery. Mr. Farhadi is more interested in using the turn of the plot as a device to explore his themes of class and family dynamic rather than turn the film in a different direction to create a typical thriller.

            The acting is first rate and the film is beautifully shot in a lovely Spanish setting. The story itself gets overly complicated involving too many characters but eventually does come to a resolution that leaves broken lives in it's wake. 

Cold Pursuit

   It's February and traditionally time for a Liam Neeson "action" film. But before you roll your eyes and say "again", this one sneaks up on you and is not what you usually have come to expect.

    Based on a 2014 Norwegian film, "In Order of Disappearance", the original director, Hans Petter Moland, directs this American version with the same action and dark humor that made that film so much fun.

    While Mr. Neeson does set out for revenge once again, this time, he unknowingly sets off a drug turf war and the high body count isn't all his fault. The film is set in the winter in a small ski town outside Denver. Mr. Neeson is a snowplow driver and model citizen. Of course things begin to go off the rails and it isn't long before bodies start piling up. To give away more would ruin the fun.

            The film co-stars Laura Dern, who is wasted in a small "blink and you miss it" role as Mr. Neeson's wife. Also co-starring are Emmy Rossum, Tom Bateman, William Forsythe, Domenick Lombardozzi and John Doman. And I must also credit Mr. Neeson's snowplow, which is a character unto itself.

            The film moves at a leisurely pace but has enough dark humor between killings to keep you involved. The action sequences are plentiful and spread evenly throughout the film. The snowy mountain locations make for a beautiful backdrop for a film with its share of bloody violence.

Hush

"Hush"

       A short film, you can find on Vimeo, written and directed by Joseph McGovern.

       "Hush" tells the story of an obsession taken to it's extreme, done without dialogue. The acting is a bit exaggerated to make up for the lack of dialog but the story flows well.

        The music really helps create the mood and propel the story forward. The cuts between reality and fantasy are important and work very well to convey the obsession.

        While the climax of the film is deliberately shocking but necessary, the aftermath should have had a stronger response by the actors. There is a nice little twist though that I thought added a new element to familar themes.

          The short film is not hardcore but definitely for mature audiences only.

         

Starting Over Again

    You can find this short film on Vimeo. It's written and directed by Joseph McGovern.

     It tells the story of Greg, a guitarist in his younger days who has lost his passion for playing. He goes to a cafe night after night listening to amateur performers on open mike night and eventually finds his mojo to play again.

      As a short film, the concept works well. The various cast members do a good job with the material and I enjoyed the spoken word pieces and the song at the end.

       The camera work is well done but some of the editing is cut too quick and the flashbacks  don't quite convey why Greg lost his passion in the first place. But as a short, the story works and Greg is an engaging personality and musician. 

They Shall Not Grow Old

      Peter Jackson produced and directed this amazing documentary about World War One.  Combing through a hundred hours of original film footage stored in the Imperial War Museum in London, Mr. Jackson and his team narrowed it down to two hours, restored visuals, added sound and colorization.

       It is truly a riveting experience that brings the war to life in a completely new way. The film is narrated by the actual voices of surviving veterans from the war that was recorded in the 1960's. Using the stories of these men, Mr. Jackson is able to create a flowing narrative that is just fascinating to watch and hear. Be warned, however, that the film does contain some horrific images.

      Mr. Jackson introduces the film at the start and tells us that should we be interested, at the conclusion,  there is a thirty minute "behind the scenes" of how the documentary was put together. It is definitely worth the extra time to watch true movie magic being made.

Cold War

             Co-written and directed by Pawel Pawlikoski, this is a story of obsessive and destructive love set in Poland and France during the years of 1949 to 1964. It is the period known today as the Cold War and musicians Wiktor and Zula , who meet and fall madly in love, struggle for a life together, in a world torn by political unrest between Eastern and Western Europe.

             As the years pass and always unable to really be together, Wiktor and Zula's lives continually cross and their obsessive love for each other always remains. Joanna Kulig plays Zula and Tomasz Kot plays Wiktor. They are excellent together with great chemistry but I found their characters lacking and I couldn't form an emotional attachment to them.

             There is a great deal of music in the film and the songs and score are wonderful. The film is also shot in black and white which really brings great depth to the cinematography. Mr. Pawlikoski has a great eye for the period and the historical details. 

             The film is nominated in the foreign film category at this year's Oscars and there are many good things about it. I just didn't find it as wonderful as many other critics.

Glass

     Strictly for fans of M. Night Shyamalan and his previous films, "Unbreakable" and "Split". Anyone else should stay far, far away. And even the few fans Mr. Shyamalan has left will be disappointed by this weak attempt to create a trilogy out of two films that really had nothing to do with each other.

     By tacking on an ending to "Split", featuring Bruce Willis as the David Dunn character from "Unbreakable", Mr. Shyamalan builds a shaky bridge to "Glass", giving a reason for his three main characters to come together for a big finale. Besides, Mr. Willis recreating his role, James McAvoy returns as Kevin Wendell Crumb, the man with multiple personalities, and Samuel L. Jackson returns as Mr. Glass, the brittle boned villain from "Unbreakable". Also returning from the previous films are Anya Taylor-Joy, Spencer Treat Clark, and Charlayne Woodard. Sarah Paulson joins the cast as a psychologist who ends up treating all three major characters.

           Mr. Shyamalan weakly links his characters together with a highly ambitious storyline that collapses in the final act with a disappointing finale. He does however, create an opportunity for another film to further explore the concepts he introduces here.

            The only real value is Mr. McAvoy, who is amazing to watch as he slips in and out of his multiple personalities. Mr. Jackson spends most of the film seemingly tranquilized and he plays it well. Mr. Willis is restrained to the point you imagine he prefer to be anywhere else besides back in his character. 

             Now that Mr. Shyamalan has gotten this "trilogy" out of his system, maybe can concentrate on returning to the form of his earlier work but for now, his "glass" is empty.

the upside

         Based on the French film, "The Untouchables", which itself is based on a true story, this American remake is an unlikely "buddy" story. It tells the story of Phillip LaCasse, a Quadriplegic billionaire, played by Bryan Cranston and his caretaker, Dell Scott, an ex-convict, played by Kevin Hart.

         Phillip's administrative assistant, Yvonne,  is played by Nicole Kidman ( who was probably looking for something lighter after her amazing drama, "Destroyer"). When he rejects all the applicants Yvonne brings him, Dell wins the job when he accidently interviews and Phillip finds him funny and intriguing. 

        The film is a drama but with many comedic moments provided by Mr. Hart. He also does a capable job with the dramatic scenes involving his ex-wife and son. The chemistry between Mr. Cranston and Mr. Hart is terrific and I can only imagine the hilarious outtakes that must exist somewhere. Ms. Kidman is a strange choice for Yvonne but she is a good comedic foil for Mr. Hart.

       While there has been some criticism of Mr. Cranston taking the part of a quadriplegic, his expressive ability with just his head and voice remind you of his excellent acting and how he makes the role his own. The film is predictable but still enjoyable to watch as an unlikely friendship develops between these two opposites. It's a nice "feel good" movie to start the year.

Destroyer

      Nicole Kidman is mesmerizing as a troubled L.A. detective investigating a murder that opens up wounds from an old undercover assignment. Directed by Karyn Kusama, the film is uncompromising in it's grim portrayal of Ms. Kidman's journey through the underbelly of Los Angeles. 

      Ms. Kidman, herself, dives deep into the role of Erin Bell in a level of work that we've never seen before from the talented actress. She loses herself in a character so flawed and unlikable that it makes watching her almost unbearable but at the same time, you can't take your eyes off her. The film jumps back and forth in time to her earlier undercover work and the present, slowly revealing to the audience the events that lead to the changes in Ms. Kidman's character. 

      The film co-stars Sebastian Stan as Erin's undercover partner, Chris, as well as Toby Kebbell, Bradley Whitford, Tatiana Maslany, and Scoot McNairy. Very well cast, it is Ms. Kidman, on screen in almost every scene, that drives the narrative. This is a dark and surprising film on many levels. It is certainly not light entertainment but it is a chance to watch an actress doing her best work, spiraling out of control in this nasty (in a good way) crime drama. 

My complete 2018 film list

Movies 2018

January

The Square- an avant garde dark comedy that will make you uncomfortable in absurdist situations.

In the Fade- terrific performance by Diane Kruger anchors this sad tale of the aftermath of a bombing that kills the husband and son of a German woman.

Darkest Hour- Gary Oldman is sensational as Winston Churchill. Terrific historical film.

Call Me by Your Name- beautifully filmed drama of first love and sexual awakening.

12 Strong- Very exciting military drama based on a true story of our first response against the Taliban after 9/11.

February

A Fantastic Woman- a remarkable and brave performance by transgender star Daniela Vega anchors this powerful new drama from Chile.

Black Panther- The latest Marvel superhero story is culturally significant for it’s African American cast and strong roles for women. It’s a mash up of Lion King, Star Wars and a little James Bond thrown in for good measure.

The Insult- terrific Lebanese about how a war of words can easily escalate especially in a country torn apart by religion and politics.

March

Game Night- mindless escapist fun comedy with some really good laughs.

Foxtrot- Mesmerizing Israeli drama about war, family, love and grief.

Annihilation- A trippy sci-fi adventure notable for its all female lead cast.

Isle of Dogs- Charming and utterly enjoyable stop motion film from director Wes Anderson featuring an all star vocal cast and amazing animated dogs.

April

A Quiet Place- nice twist on the classic monster movie. Well acted with lots of suspense.

Ready Player One- A frenetic sci-fi romp thru a virtual reality of pop culture.

Beirut- A tense political thriller set in the volatile city of Beirut starring a solid Jon Hamm.

Avengers: Infinity War- Well balanced with equal time for everyone, it’s a true blockbuster.

May

The Rider- life meets art in this haunting and poetic contemporary western.

Tully- Charlize Theron is excellent as an overworked mom with a fairy tale nanny.

Deadpool 2- Still funny and still violent but lost its edge.

Life of the Party- Melissa McCarthy acting keeps improving but too many jokes fall flat and the film takes no chances.

Solo: A Star Wars Story- The early adventures of Han Solo make for a perfect “popcorn” movie. Fun and exciting.

Disobedience- Unusual love story set inside the Orthodox Jewish community of London. Beautifully acted.

June

First Reformed- A bleak drama from Paul Schrader with an incredible performance by Ethan Hawke.

Won’t You Be My Neighbor?-Wonderful documentary about Fred Rogers, the pioneering children’s TV Host.

Ocean’s 8- High gloss and glamorous, this is a fun heist flick that goes down easy like the summer cocktail it is.

The Incredibles 2- A terrific sequel that surpasses the original. Great visuals, fun story with a positive message.

Hereditary- Interesting take on the haunted house/possession formula with a few really creepy moments.

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom- Same formula, different scenery but who doesn’t love dinosaurs?

July

The Catcher Was a Spy- Paul Rudd and a great cast are wasted in this rushed little know true story of WWII.

Leave No Trace- excellent chemistry between Ben Foster and Thomasin McKenzie drive this film about a father & daughter living on the outer fringes of society.

Woman Walks Ahead- Another great performance from Jessica Chastain in this fact based story of the last days of Sitting Bull.

Ant-Man and the Wasp- action pack and very funny. Another hit for Marvel.

Sorry To Bother You- a scathing social satire that is very funny and very surreal.

Mission Impossible: Fallout- Action packed and very exciting. Cruise does it again.

August

Three Identical Strangers- a remarkable true story of three brothers separated at birth that will ultimately anger and sadden you.

BLACKkKLANSMAN- Easily the best movie of the year. Spike Lee’s best film in years is powerful, entertaining and clearly a wake up call to America.

The Meg- Jason Statham vs. a 75 foot CGI shark…how can you not pass this up?

September

Crazy Rich Asians- bland generic “Rom-Com” saved only by excellent production values and its Singapore location.

The Wife- a tour de force performance from Glenn Close in this power domestic drama.

Operation: Finale- a fine historical drama based on the true story of the capture of Adolf Eichmann with excellent performances by Sir Ben Kingsley and Oscar Isaac.

Lizzie- Excellent reimagining of the true story of Lizzie Borden. It works on every level.

Old Man & the Gun- Robert Redford’s still got the twinkle in his eye and is utterly charming in this true story of an senior bank robber.

October

Venom- Tom Hardy is a good choice to play the lead but the movie can’t decide on its tone and is a bit of a mess.

A Simple Favor- A fun sexy mystery starring perfectly cast Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively.

A Star is Born- Bradley Cooper is terrific as star and director and Lady Gaga emerges as a real actress in this remake.

First Man- A remarkable account of Neil Armstrong and the race to the moon. Ryan Gosling is outstanding.

The Sisters Brothers- An unconventional western featuring great chemistry between Joaquin Phoenix and John C. Reilly.

Wildlife- Interesting domestic drama from actor Paul Dano starring an excellent Carey Mulligan and Ed Oxenbould.

November

Bohemian Rhapsody-terrific bio of Freddy Mercury and Queen starring a perfect Rami Malek.

Outlaw King- Chris Pine stars in this blood and mud historical adventure based on the life of Robert the Bruce.

The Girl in the Spiders’ Web- Lisbeth Salander as played by Claire Foy, returns in a weak sequel.

Fantastic Beast: The Crimes of Grindelwald- the second in the series build nicely from the first but is much darker in character and tone.

A Private War- Excellent drama about war correspondent Marie Colvin, as portrayed by Rosamund Pike.

Boy Erased- Strong drama based on the true store of one boy’s conversion therapy. Great acting by Lucas Hedges.

Widows- A “heist” film with surprising depth.

Green Book- based on a true story, this is a remarkable film and one of the year’s best.

The Favourite- historical comedy/drama with wonderful performances from Olivia Coleman, Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz.

December

Creed II- The inevitable and fairly predictable sequel still has some thrilling boxing sequences.

The Ballad of Buster Scruggs- Authentic and original, these six western tales from the Coen Brothers are uneven. Boring at times and entertaining at other times. Tom Waits story was the best and the only one that was written from another source.

Shoplifters- A Japanese import about a “family” of shoplifters living on the poverty line in Tokyo. Well done but slow pace.

The Mule- interesting plot but too slow

Bird Box- another post apocalyptic thriller but with a new twist.

If Beale Street Could Talk- An aural and visual poem of a sad story redeemed by love.

Roma- a beautifully shot and acted story of love, family and class struggle.

Mary, Queen of Scots- Excellent performance by Saoirse Ronan but otherwise a disappointment. Expected fireworks and got none.

Stan & Ollie- Tremendous tribute to the comedy legends with drop dead perfect performances from Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse- Fun animated version of Spider-Man freed from the constraints of live action.

Vice- Neither a comedy or a drama but almost a documentary, this is the story of Dick Cheney’s rise to power. Christian Bale is excellent.

My Best of 2018

Best Films of 2018

1) BlackkKlansman - Spike Lee’s best film in years is powerful, entertaining and clearly a wake-up call to America.

2) Green Book - based on a true story, this is a remarkable film of an unlikely friendship.

3) The Rider - life meets art in this haunting and poetic contemporary western.

4) Three Identical Strangers- a remarkable true story of three brothers separated at birth that will ultimately anger and sadden you.

5) Stan & Ollie- Tremendous tribute to the comedy legends with drop dead perfect performances from Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly.

6) Roma - a beautifully shot and acted story of love, family and class struggle.

7) Isle of Dogs - Charming and utterly enjoyable stop motion film from director Wes Anderson featuring an all star vocal cast and amazing animated dogs.

8) Mission Impossible: Fallout - Action packed and very exciting. Tom Cruise does it again and keeps the franchise fresh and vibrant.

9) Foxtrot - Mesmerizing Israeli drama about war, family, love and grief

10) Bohemian Rhapsody- terrific entertainment. A bio of Freddy Mercury and Queen starring a perfect Rami Malek.

Honorable Mention

A Private War - Excellent drama about war correspondent Marie Colvin, as portrayed by Rosamund Pike.

Sorry to Bother You - a scathing social satire that is very funny and very surreal.

The Favourite - historical comedy/drama with wonderful performances from Olivia Coleman, Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz.

The Insult- terrific Lebanese film about how a war of words can easily escalate especially in a country torn apart by religion and politics.

First Man- A remarkable account of Neil Armstrong and the race to the moon. Ryan Gosling is outstanding.

Hereditary – Bringing the horror back to the haunted house/possession formula with some really creepy moments. Toni Colette was chilling.

Won’t You Be My Neighbor - Wonderful documentary about Fred Rogers, the pioneering children’s TV Host.

Vice

      Written and directed by Adam McKay, this is the true story (or as close to the truth as they could get) of Dick Cheney and his rise to Vice- President under George W. Bush. The film has some satirical moments but plays mostly as a liberal viewed "documentary" of Mr. Cheney's rise to power. It is really neither comedy or drama and will probably only serve to make you mad one way or another.

       As you strive to forget about that administration, what you will remember from the film is the remarkable makeup and acting of Christian Bale as Dick Cheney. Mr. Bale actually doesn't have that much dialog throughout the film but his commanding presence is felt in every scene. I couldn't help but be reminded of Mr. Bale's Batman when he did speak though. Amy Adams co-stars as Lynne Cheney and as usual, she is just terrific.  Also co-starring are Steve Carell as Donald Rumsfeld, Sam Rockwell as George W. Bush, Alison Pill as Mary Cheney, Lily Rabe as Liz Cheney, Tyler Perry as Colin Powell, and Jesse Plemons as the narrator. And there are a litany of star cameos as well, used in a similar fashion by Mr. McKay in "The Big Short".

      How you view the film depends completely on your political point of view but either way, the abuse of power, clearly documented, should serve as a cautionary warning.

Spider-Man:Into the Spider-Verse

                 Freed from the constraints of live action, an army of animators have created the ultimate Spider-Man adventure. Marvel comics has printed many variations of Spider-Man over the years and in this terrific animated adventure unite six different versions to defeat The Kingpin and other familar Spider-Man villains. 

                  In this version Miles Morales, voice by Shameik Moore, becomes Spiderman after being bitten by a radioactive spider. When the Kingpin, with the help of a female Doctor Octopus, create the multiverse to bring back his wife and son, they accidentally bring the variations in this universe. Spider-Man Noir, voice by Nicholas Cage, Spider-Ham, voice by John Mulaney, Anime Spider-Girl, voice by Kimiko Glenn, Alternate Peter Parker/Spider-Man, voice by Jake Johnson, and Spider-Woman/Gwen Stacy, voice by Hailee Steinfeld.

                   Other voices playing various characters include Lily Tomlin, Mahershala Ali, Luna Lauren Velez, Zoe Kravitz, Kathryn Hahn, Chris Pine, Brian Tyree Henry and Liev Schreiber. Even an animated Stan Lee makes an appearance.

                    The animation is spectacular, combining comic book elements and many different styles to create, at times, a psychedelic effect. Clearly the animation team had a blast putting everything together and the story is pure comic book Spider-Man. It's a fun time for older kids (there are some scary moments) and adults who want to entertain their inner child.

Stan & Ollie

      One of the best films of the year sneaks in just under the wire. This is the wonderful backstory of one of the greatest comedy duos in history, Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy.

       They were at the peak of their careers in the late 1930's and that's where this film starts but then jumps ahead 16 years, slowly filling in the backstory and following the comedy legends as the embark on a theatrical comeback tour.

        Steve Coogan plays Stan Laurel and John C. Reilly plays Oliver Hardy. They are both absolutely remarkable. With incredible makeup, especially for Mr. Reilly, you would swear you are watching the real Laurel and Hardy. Their performances are that good.

         The film recreates some of their best bits but make no mistake, this is not a comedy. The real story here is what went on behind the scenes, with all the show business drama you can imagine. This is a loving tribute to the genius of these comedy legends but pulls no punches to the failures, resentments, and many other problems that faced the duo when the cameras stopped rolling.

               Co-stars Nina Arianda as Ida Laurel and Shirley Henderson as Lucille Hardy are both wonderful as the wives behind the men with some terrific scenes of their own. Also co-starring is Danny Huston as Hal Roach, the director who introduced the pair and made their greatest films and as the most subtly manipulative tour promoter you've ever seen, Rufus Jones as Bernard Delfont.  Mr. Jones steals every scene he's in which is not easy since Mr. Coogan and Mr. Reilly are both at the top of their game.

                The names Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy may not be recognizable to a younger generation but they were a vital piece of entertainment history and this film could not be a better tribute. It is simply terrific.

Mary, Queen of Scots

           With a script by Beau Willimon, this period drama plays like a medieval "House of Cards", with all the palace intrigue and backstabbing one might expect. It is based on the biography of Mary Stuart, Queen of Scotland and cousin to Queen Elizabeth of England. 

            Saoirse Ronan stars as Mary and she is absolutely wonderful. Luminous, strong willed, and determined to rule both Scotland and England. Also starring as Elizabeth is Margot Robbie who gives a fine performance under some hideous makeup. Unfortunately, her performance is overshadowed by Ms. Ronan in the title role. The film also co-stars Guy Pearce, David Tennant, Martin Compston, and Jack Lowden.

            Based on the trailers and marketing for the film, one would expect fireworks between the two women but the biggest disappointment is they only have one actual scene together, which comes towards the end of the film. Without the expected interplay, the film tries hard to create tension and suspense but even with all the double crossing and backstabbing, it gets mired down in the Scottish mud.

           The cinematography and locations are breathtaking and the costumes are wonderful. Everything is very authentic and it's a worthy historical drama but it just misses an opportunity to be great by not having more interplay between the leads. And while it's probably more historically accurate this way, a little poetic license would have gone a long way.

Roma

           Written and directed by Alfonso Cuaron, this semi autobiographical drama is based on his childhood in Mexico City. It is set in the early 1970's and is the story of a live-in housekeeper and her upper class family.

             The film stars Yalitza Aparicio as Cleo, the housekeeper that works for Sofia, her husband Antonio, a doctor, and their four children and their grandmother. Ms. Aparicio is a natural and gives a wonderful performance. The film explores class struggle and family. It also asks the question,  can the bond between employer and employee become family or remained a blurred grey area?

              The story begins innocently with daily life in the home but soon cracks appear beneath the surface and circumstances change for Cleo and the family. There is a sadness that sets in and hovers over the film like a dark cloud but the bond of love is strong throughout.

              Mr. Cuaron's direction is perfection. Many scenes are like individual poems that connect to the whole film. He chooses to shoot the film in stark black & white, which somehow conveys a more intimate portrait of  Cleo's microcosmic life. The cinematography is gorgeous. 

                This is a Netflix film that is streaming on the service but also in limited theatrical run. It is best seen on the big screen but even at home, it can still convey a powerful viewing experience.

If Beale Street Could Talk

         Based on the 1974 novel by James Baldwin, this new drama is written and produced by Barry Jenkins. Mr. Jenkins also wrote the screenplay which, unfortunately is as relevant today as it was in 1974. Its themes of racism and injustice continue to plague America even now. 

         What rises above this sad tale is the pure love of it's protagonists, Tish and Fonny. Under Mr. Jenkins's direction, his lead actors, Kiki Layne as Tish and Stephan James as Fonny are remarkable in the love they show for each, other despite finding themselves in horrific circumstances. With a wonderful jazz score underlying the story, Mr. Jenkins wraps his camera around his actors and draws such an honesty and purity out of their performance that can only describe the film as an aural and visual poem.

          The film tells its story leisurely but the characters are so rich that the pace only gives us more time to appreciate them. Beyond the two leads, the film also co-stars Regina King as Tish's mother, Coleman Domingo as her father, and Teyonah Parris as her sister. Dave Franco, Finn Wittrock, Diego Luna, Emily Rios and Brian Tyree Henry also have small but key roles. It is a wonderful cast that brings real life to these characters. Only Mr. Wittrock's character seems wasted and only exists to make a point.

           Mr. Jenkins made his mark with "Moonlight". "Beale Street" only solidifies his importance as a new voice in film.

Bird Box

          This new post-apocalyptic thriller is out now in a few theaters but also streaming on Netflix. It stars Sandra Bullock as a woman on the run with two small children trying to avoid some unseen supernatural creature that, when viewed, brings out a person's worst fears and nightmares causing them to become suicidal. It's sort of a distant cousin to " A Quiet Place" but instead of staying quiet, now everyone must keep their eyes closed or wear blindfolds to avoid the creatures. The premise sounds sillier than how it actually plays out, as the film is fairly suspenseful and exciting.

           The story begins with Ms. Bullock on the run with the two children but quickly flashes back to five years earlier when the creatures suddenly start to appear all over the world. There is no explanation and the world is quickly thrown into chaos as people everywhere begin to kill themselves and in doing so, inadvertently others as well. Alternating between flashbacks and the present, we meet Ms. Bullock's sister, played by Sarah Paulson and a small group of survivors that Ms. Bullock initially joins to hide from the creatures. The group includes John Malkovich, Trevante Rhodes, Jackie Weaver, B.D. Wong, Danielle MacDonald, and Tom Hollander. We also follow Ms. Bullock and the children in the present, as they navigate blindfolded through a forest and on a river, in an attempt to find safe haven.

           There are many illogical moments and "leap of faith" plot points but the film moves at a swift pace and with danger lurking everywhere, you can overlook the logic and just go with the action, enjoying Ms. Bullock in "full tilt" survival mode.

The Mule

       Produced, directed and starring Clint Eastwood, this crime drama is based on the true story of a 90 year old man who became a drug mule for the Mexican Cartel. As an Actor, Mr. Eastwood still has a spark running through him but it's time to let another director handle the workload.

        The story itself is an interesting one but as directed by Mr. Eastwood, the film moves at a snail's pace. We are treated to far too many shots of Mr. Eastwood singing along to the oldies, while driving down the highway with a stash of cocaine in the back of his pickup. To keep us from being lulled to sleep by the open road and his crooning, we get frequent cuts to the DEA agents trying to identify and catch the mule.

         Laurence Fishburne plays the DEA agent in charge and his two field agents are played by Bradley Cooper and Michael Pena. Both excellent actors, Mr. Cooper and Mr. Pena sleep walk through their roles, just collecting a paycheck this time out. Andy Garcia also co-stars as the Mexican drug lord, who I'm sure in real life would never want to meet any of his "mules" but here, insists on bringing Mr. Eastwood to his home in Mexico.    

         The subplot involves the family he left behind because he was too caught up in his work. Dianne Wiest plays his ex-wife Mary, Mr. Eastwood's real life daughter Allison plays his estranged daughter Iris, and Taissa Farmiga plays his granddaughter. Mr. Eastwood's heavy handed message is "family should be everything" and he spends most of the film seeking redemption for past sins, when he's not driving, driving, driving.....

Shoplifters

                This Japanese import was written and directed by famed Japanese filmmaker, Hirokasu Kore-eda. It is a soul stirring drama about a makeshift family of shoplifters living on the poverty line in Tokyo. While the "father and mother" have menial day jobs, they really get by shoplifting food and other necessities. They live with their young "son" Shota, another young woman, Aki and their "grandmother", Hatsue. 

                As the film begins Shota and his "father" discover a 5 year old girl, Yuri hiding near their building. A victim of abuse, they take her in, rename her and teach her the "family" business. The young actors who play Shota and Yuri are terrific considering it's their first time acting.

               Mr. Kore-eda juxtaposes the hard life of poverty with the warmth of this close knit makeshift family. The film can be heartbreaking and harsh at times but is also bittersweet, filled with a sense of humanity that bonds the "family" together. 

                The film moves slowly and deliberately through the mundane day to day lives of these people. Too slow maybe for some, but once you find the rhythm of the story, the pace should no longer be a concern.  The humanistic nature of the film will shine through.