Good Boys

       Remove the R-rated language and you have a very sweet film about that time in life between being a kid and hitting your teens. However tweens cursing and buying drugs puts a whole different spin on it. The cursing is funny for a while and does wear thin after a while but the situations these three 12 year old boys find themselves get more and more outrageous.

        Jacob Trembley, Keith L. Williams and Brady Noon are the three "Beanbag Boys". Friends for life that are about to go to their first "kissing party". First they have to learn how to kiss. Things get pretty crazy from that point. Even though their adventures get wilder, there remains something very sweet and nostalgic ( especially if you were ever a 12 year old boy) about their relationship.

       The three leads are terrific, basically doing what boys do, and have great chemistry. I can picture them grown up as Ben Stiller, Craig Robinson, and Danny McBride respectively. The film co-stars Molly Gordon, Lil Rel Howery, Midori Francis and Will Forte.

           Co-written and directed by Gene Stupnitsky, the spirit of male tween years is captured perfectly. The major plot point of trying to recover "Molly" for two older girls was a bit uncomfortable for me but it does manage to put the boys in some crazy situations. Most of the visuals gags are seen in the preview but some pretty funny dialog is saved for the film. There are many laugh out loud lines, most of which are unrepeatable here as the film definitely earns its "R" rating.

Brittney Runs a Marathon

             Based on a true story, writer/director Paul Downs Colaizzo has fashioned a biting new comedy that actually bites back. Brittney is an overweight, late night party girl who, after a visit to a doctor to procure Adderall, finds that her health is a lot worse than she thought and decides to do something about it.

             Played by Jillian Bell (who finally gets the lead role she deserves), Brittney is an overweight, self obsessed, nasty, selfish character who is hard to root for. Only after she decides to start running (since she can't afford a gym) does she become someone you can start to care about. Ms. Bell is in every scene and brings to life a real flesh and blood character. There is not a false note in her performance.

             The supporting cast, as written by Mr. Colaizzo, are also very honest characters. The film co-stars Alice Lee, Michaela Watkins, Lil Rel Howery, Micah Stock, and Utkarsh Ambudkar. Brittney's various relationships with each character are completely believable and the entire film never falters. Even the end, by Hollywood standards, works in the context of the story.

             The film is both funny and heartbreaking. On the surface, you may think you have it figured out but it will definitely surprise you. It's a smart script brought to life by a terrific Ms. Bell, who is not afraid to immerse herself in an unflattering role. And for all the "Brittneys" out there, it is an inspiration.

Blinded by the Light

        Based on a true story, this is a film about the trans-formative power of music. The music of Bruce Springsteen plays a major role in the film but don't be put off if you're not a fan. In fact, the film will give you insight into Mr. Springsteen's songs that you may have never realized and you may find yourself a fan by the end.

         Co-written and directed by Gurinder Chadha,  this is the story of Javed Khan, a Pakistani teen alienated in his working class British town by local bigotry, and by his father, Malik, who insists he stop trying to be "British" and stick to his roots. It's the late '80's in England and unemployment is at an all time high. The National Front are marching in the streets against immigrants and Javed's future looks bleak. He longs to be a writer but his father rules his family and has other plans for Javed. When another immigrant classmate named "Roops" gives him two Springsteen cassettes, Javed's life is changed forever.

         Springsteen's lyrics speak directly to him and Javed finds solidarity, strength and self confidence in the songs. The film follows a familar arc but is presented in such a fresh and unusual way, you can forgive the cliches. Javed is played by Viveik Kalra and he is a natural. Full of expression and honesty, you can't help but root for him. His father is played by Kulvinder Ghir and other co-stars include Hayley Atwell as Javed's English Literature teacher, Nell Williams as Eliza, and Aaron Phagura as Roops.

         Ms. Chadha highlights Springsteen's lyrics visually into the background while Javed's cassettes play in his head. Emphasizing specific lyrics makes you think about them in a new way, even as Javed makes his connection. There are joyful dance numbers that actually make sense as well as moments that will have you reaching for tissues. For Javed, it's the music of Bruce Springsteen that makes a difference but the film also makes the point, it could just as easily be another singer or songwriter. If anyone's music touches you in a very real way, it can help change your life. 

           This is a terrific film on many levels and should not be missed. And stay for the credits to see pictures of Sarfraz Manzoor, the real Javed, who's book inspired the film, with Mr. Springsteen at various times through his career.

The Nightingale

                  Writer/director Jennifer Kent, who's last film, "The Babbadook" still gives me nightmares, returns with a completely different kind of horror film. 

                    In 1825 Tasmania, we meet Claire, played by Aisling Franciosi, a married convict who works servicing the British soldiers who oversee the penal colony. The film contains multiple scenes of rape and murder (even of children) and is not an easy film to watch. While many viewers have left the theater in disgust,  Ms. Kent defends her decision to depict such violence, claiming "the film contains historically accurate depictions of the colonial violence and racism that took place against the Australian Indigenous people of that time".

                     Claire, as a convict and a woman, is treated no differently from the Aborigines, called "Blacks" by the British,  and is subjected to unbelievable violence and cruelty. The film is produced in collaboration with the Tasmanian Aboriginal Elders who feel "this is an honest and necessary depiction of their history and a story that needs to be told". Ms. Kent remains proud of the film despite much negative response and stresses "the film is about a need for love, compassion and kindness in dark times".

                      While a story of revenge, it is clear that Ms. Kent's message comes through and needs to be heard.  Gripping, powerful and never easy, Claire's growing relationship with the Aboriginal tracker, Billy, played by Baykali Ganambarr, and the surprising direction of the story is raw, honest and heartbreaking. The three lead actors have very difficult roles but they are just brilliant, including Sam Claflin as the despicable Lieutenant Hawkins (one of the all time horrendous screen villains).

                       The cinematography of the Tasmanian landscape is a rich and beautiful contrast to the transpiring story. Ms. Kent's direction is impeccable, holding back nothing to the audience and driving home her point. She is a talented filmmaker with a unique style. While certainly not for everyone, this is a remarkable film.

The Peanut Butter Falcon

                This comedic drama is a terrific comeback for actor Shia LaBeouf.  Bad behavior and the resulting bad press have kept him out of the spotlight for the past few years but this charming Indie story has Mr. LeBeouf in top form as a down on his luck drifter, traumatized by his brother's death, who befriends a young man with Down's Syndrome ( a terrific Zack Gottsagen) who dreams of being a pro wrestler.

                When "Zak", who is on the run from where he has been living, is discovered hiding under a tarp on Mr. LeBeouf's boat, they form an unlikely friendship. On the run himself, Tyler (Mr. LaBeouf), decides to help Zak get to a wrestling school to fulfill his dream. 

                  The film co-stars Dakota Johnson as Eleanor, the aide from the center where Zak had been living, tasked with finding him since she figures out where he is heading. Also featured are Bruce Dern, John Hawkes, Thomas Hayden Church, and Jon Bernthal.

                   Beautiful locations in the Outer Banks and a great score help tell this simple but unusual story.  It is a charmer that is both heartwarming and very entertaining.

Luce

      Co-written (with J.C. Lee) and directed by Julius Onah, this is a domestic drama that is smart, well acted and very unsettling. It stars Naomi Watts and Tim Roth as the adoptive parents of Luce (played by Kelvin Harrison Jr.), a black teenager, they have raised since the age of seven when they rescued him from a war torn African nation.

       Luce is a star senior at his high school, excelling at track and on his way to be class valedictorian at his graduation. He is well liked by his teachers and classmates with the exception of Ms. Wilson (played by Octavia Spencer), his history teacher. When accusations begin and tension grows, the film veers into a very uncomfortable space. Credit Mr. Onah for creating an atmosphere that keeps the audience off balance and never quite sure who to believe as things escalate.

      Norbert Leo Butz co-stars as the school principal, torn between his obligations for his teacher and student alike. Andrea Bang and Brian Bradley also co-stars as significant classmates of Luce. The entire cast is excellent. Mr. Harrison Jr. in particular, as Luce, is a star in the making. 

       The film raises troubling questions and quickly escalates into a psychological war of words that teeters on the edge of potential violence. It's an intelligent drama that will have you thinking about it even after the credits roll.

Hobbs & Shaw

       Spinning off from the "Fast & Furious" franchise, Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham team up as "Hobbs & Shaw" to take on a global threat of a missing super virus. The villain, an enhanced rogue agent is played by Idris Elba and the twist is that the virus is dormant inside Shaw's sister, Hattie, played by a very capable Vanessa Kirby.

         The charisma and chemistry between Mr. Johnson and Mr. Statham carry the film as they trade insults and one-liners, pretending to hate one another, while engaging in a serious "bromance" to save the world. Ms. Kirby more than holds her own against these two action stars, as an MI-6 operative that injects herself with the virus to keep it out of the hands of Mr. Elba.

          The silly plot is secondary to the action and fans of the "Fast & Furious" franchise will not be disappointed by the chase scenes including an amazing sequence involving multiple trucks and a helicopter that needs to be seen to be believed, as well as plenty of fast cars and one incredible motorcycle. 

           This is the ideal summer "popcorn" flick. It doesn't ask you to put much thought into the film, just to sit back and enjoy the action and visual flair of it's director, David Leitch. Helen Mirren and Eddie Marsan have bit parts and there are two surprise cameos that add to the fun.  Mid and post credit scenes set up the inevitable sequel and probably the start of another franchise.

Once Upon A Time...in Hollywood

           Quentin Tarantino is a genius. A self indulgent egotistical genius but a genius none the less. His ninth film runs two hours and forty minutes and he crams every cinematic trick in the book into every frame. He practically screams look how cool I am and the neat things I can do behind the camera. But despite what you may think of his style, he makes it all work and it is incredibly entertaining.

           The film is written as well as directed by Mr. Tarantino and while it's basically the story of a friendship, it is also a story of a specific time and he captures the period of 1969 Los Angeles perfectly with attention to every conceivable detail. He mixes reality and fiction into the film, much the way he has done in the past. He blends suspense, comedy, and outrageous violence together but it all makes sense if you remember the title. 

       His stars, Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt are simply terrific leads tearing up the screen as a fading TV star and his long time stuntman respectively. Their scenes together as well as independently are pure magic. The detail Mr. Tarantino puts into Rick Dalton's (Mr. DiCaprio) backstory is incredible. The research into TV commercials, billboards, radio spots and other advertising of the time is meticulous.

       Margot Robbie co-stars as real life actress, Sharon Tate. Her role may be small but her intended fate casts a large shadow over the entire film. Also in small but significant roles are Al Pacino, Emile Hirsch, Timothy Olyphant, Margaret Qualley, Damian Lewis (as a dead on Steve McQueen), Bruce Dern (the perfect crotchety old man), Kurt Russell, Mike Moh (As Bruce Lee), Dakota Fanning as "Squeaky" Fromme and Lena Dunham as "Gypsy". Tarantino regulars Michael Madsen and Zoe Bell also have cameos. It's a great cast but most of the screen time belongs to Mr. DiCaprio and Mr. Pitt and they don't waste a second of it.

         You also can't discuss a Tarantino film without mentioning the soundtrack. It is a cavalcade of late '60's songs crossing different genres but all woven perfectly into the film. One could argue the film needs editing and could have been shorter but Mr. Tarantino doesn't want you to miss a thing and you are better off for it.

Midsommar

      Written and directed by Ari Aster, this is his follow up to last year's terrific horror film, "Hereditary". This film too is being billed as a horror film but don't be fooled, it's not. Yes, there are some horrific elements and graphic scenes but the film is just a silly mess.

       The film stars Florence Pugh, Jack Reynor, William Jackson Harper, and Will Poulter as students who follow their Swedish friend Pelle (played by Vilhelm Blomgren) back to Sweden to experience a once every ninety year summer festival. Ms. Pugh's character Dani is getting over a horrible personal tragedy and her boyfriend Christian (Mr. Reynor) ends up reluctantly inviting her on the trip. Once they arrive at the remote makeshift village, you just know things are not going to end well.

       Mr. Aster builds his suspense very slowly and as the film progresses, graphic violent moments inter-cut the idyllic setting. The film runs almost two and a half hours and is in serious need of editing. It is a tedious slow build to a ridiculous payoff. The population of the village appear to be ad libbing the silly songs, dances and rituals built around their "festival". It's pretty clear from the start, these people are part of a crazed cult who's intentions are far from friendly.

         Save your money and your time by watching  "The Wicker Man" instead. This is an obvious variation on the same theme and "Wicker" is a far superior film. Mr. Aster is definitely a filmmaker to watch but this is a step backwards.

The Art of Self Defense

         Jesse Eisenberg, Alessandro Nivola, and Imogen Poots star in this very black comedy. Black to the point it stops being funny and descends into very dark territory.

        Mr. Eisenberg is Casey, a meek account who lives alone with his dachshund. One night while going out for dog food, he is brutally mugged. While recovering, he passes a Karate Dojo and  decides to sign up for classes. Mr. Nivola plays the Sensei who attempts to "make a man" out of Casey through Karate and his own warped life lessons. Ms. Poots plays another student, already advanced to Brown Belt and teaching a children's class.

         The film is written and directed by Riley Steams, who certainly has an original vision. It's deliberately set in an unnamed city during an unnamed time period (probably the '80s)  and contains only three principle locations. The focus is completely on Casey and his "transformation". The viewing experience is like watching a bad accident. You know you should turn away but you can't help yourself. To his credit, Mr. Steams finds a way to keep you engaged even while the story makes you squirm and keeps you off kilter.

         What comedy exists in the film is uncomfortable and cringe worthy. The film gets darker as it goes and offers  little in the way of redemption, except for a glimmer of hope at the end.

Stuber

       There have been many great mismatched partner comedies. "Stuber" is not one of them. It's got a good premise with truly opposite stars in Kumail Nanjiani and Dave Bautista but it fails to live up to it's potential. It's an uneven action-comedy that is at once too cute or too violent. The genre mix here is awkward despite a few funny moments.

       Most of the humor is supplied by Mr. Nanjiani's very funny one liners or physical responses to the mayhem happening around him. He plays an Uber driver, named Stu, forced to help Mr. Bautista's rogue cop, Vic, catch a murderous drug dealer. Unable to see due to Laser eye surgery, Vic needs Stu to drive him seemingly through every neighborhood in the Los Angels area to find the dealer. Along the way, there are fights, shootouts, explosions and a cute dog wasted in just two scenes. The poster for the film gives the false impression the dog has a bigger role.

         The film co-stars Natalie Morales as Vic's daughter, Betty Gilpin as Stu's friend and romantic crush, and Mira Sorvino as Vic's police Captain. Iko Uwais plays the drug dealer and Jimmy Tatro plays Stu's boss at his daytime job.Karen Gillan, who co-starred with Mr. Bautista in the "Guardians of the Galaxy" and "Avengers" movies, has an early cameo.

         It's a new setting for a very old concept and while the two leads have good chemistry, the story around them unfortunately, doesn't. 

Toy Story 4

 









   A perfectly happy ending to “Toy Story 3” closed the book but if there is money to be made, Hollywood will keep going. The latest installment in the beloved franchise could be subtitled “Woody finds his Mojo”.

          The latest version finds our favorite group of toys now the property of little Bonnie who is about to start kindergarten. Woody has been basically ignored and is feeling lost. He stows away in Bonnie’s backpack when she goes to school and basically is responsible for creating the newest character, “Forky” voiced perfectly by Tony Hale.

            Woody, voiced beautifully by Tom Hanks, feels responsible for Forky and the story concentrates on their relationship reducing Buzz Lightyear, voiced again by Tim Allen, to a lesser role. All the other familiar toys are back but basically background with the exception of Bo Peep, voiced by Annie Potts, who is Woody’s love interest.

             It’s a sentimental story with a strange interlude in an antiques store where our heroes encounter a sad and a bit crazy doll named “Gabby Gabby”, voiced by Christina Hendricks. The magic of the first film has been lost through the sequels but it’s still a treat to reconnect with the beloved characters. The animation is terrific and there are some other guest toy voices that work perfectly. Keanu Reeves is a perfect surprise.

              Kids will definitely enjoy the story (although there are some scary moments for the little ones) but adults may not be as charmed as they once were.

Spider-man: Far From Home

            The latest Spider-Man adventure continues with characters from the last film "Homecoming"  in an atmosphere of teenage playfulness and angst. Tom Holland returns as the best actor to capture  Spider-Man's comic book roots. He embodies the teenage Peter Parker/Spider-Man perfectly.

             Joining Mr. Holland once again is Marisa Tomei as Aunt May, Jon Favreau as Happy Hogan, Zendaya as MJ, and Jacob Batalon as Ned Leeds.  And in keeping within the continuity of the Marvel Universe, of course Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury and Cobie Smulders as Maria Hill. Playing the comic relief as the teacher/chaperones are Martin Starr and J.B. Smoove. Robert Downey Jr. is there in spirit as well, since he was Peter's mentor ever since "Captain America: Civil War" and is a significant part of the story that you will understand if you have seen "Avengers:Endgame". 

              Writers Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers move the story to Europe and a class trip for Peter and his friends. They do a terrific job of changing things up and yet keep the Marvel continuity intact, frequently referencing other films and plot points in the series. The first half of the film has plenty of action, which includes adding Jake Gyllenhaal to the cast as "Mysterio" but the mood is still playful and rather light. True gravitas kicks in during the second half, on the turn of a plot point, and the stakes get more serious. The action ramps up culminating in a terrific battle sequence in London. 

              As with almost all the Marvel films, there are extra scenes during the end credits. In this instance, rather than throwaways, the two scenes are very significant, paving the way for the next stage of the Marvel universe.

Maiden

       Remember these names...Tracy Edwards, Sally Creaser, Angela Farrell, Jo Gooding, Nancy Hill, Jeni Mundy, Michelle Paret, Claire Russell, Dawn Riley, Tanja Visser, Mikaela von Koskull, Mandi Swan, Marie-Claude Heys. They are the all female crew of the sailboat "Maiden" and this is their story.

       A documentary of the first all female racing crew to enter the fabled Whitbread "Round the World" sailboat race, this film is an inspiration to all and to young women in particular. Tracy Edwards is the skipper and driving force behind the voyage. The film traces her start as a happy child, troubled teen and eventually 24 year old skipper of "Maiden". As a young woman she talks her way onto one of the racing boats as the cook and this taste of the high seas makes her determined to enter the race herself. Turned away by the male dominated sport, she puts together her all girl crew and through archival footage, we watch spellbound as they race around the world.

       Directed by Alex Holmes, the film is well structured and well paced. While I'm sure there are missing elements to the entire story, the film does it's best to provide background and then get to the race itself. Luckily, the crew shot plenty of video to provide great footage for the documentary. Mr. Holmes mixes the old footage in with contemporary interviews and it's wonderful to hear and see many of the crew tell their story.

        It took almost 30 years to get this film made and you don't have to be a sailing enthusiast to appreciate the story and  what these women accomplished.

Yesterday

             A new romantic comedy framed in an unusual fantasy. Written by Richard Curtis and directed by Danny Boyle, this is the story of Jack Malik, a failing musician who, after a mysterious worldwide blackout wakes up to be the only one who remembers The Beatles. Claiming all their songs as his own, he soon becomes the worlds most popular singer/songwriter but loses his soul in the process.

              Himesh Patel plays Jack. Mr. Patel is a very engaging young actor, who is terrific in the role. Even after he achieves fame, you can see the guilty struggle behind his eyes as he wrestles with his conscience. Lily James plays his friend and early manager who hides her love for him since he is too self absorbed to see it. Of course being a romantic comedy, love will find a way but it is a long and winding road to get there.

              Jack's rise to the top is helped along the way by Ed Sheeran, who plays himself and Kate McKinnon, who plays an overzealous shark of a record executive, openly out to capitalize on Jack's new fame. Of all the cast members, Ms. McKinnon seems to be acting in a completely different movie. Her character is so harsh and annoying, she disrupts the flow of the film every time she's on screen which I suppose is the point, but it's too over the top. Joel Fry plays the comic relief as Jack's friend and roadie. There is also a clever cameo by James Corden.

               It is great fun to hear so much wonderful Beatles music in one place and used in many clever ways. Besides the disappearance of The Beatles, there are a few other surprise things missing which adds to the fun of the concept. There is also a very strange turn late in the film which comes as even more of a magical moment. 

                Don't try to hard to analyze the repercussions of the concept. Just go with it and enjoy the cast and the music. It's a very enjoyable film. 

The Dead Don’t Die

     Famed “Indie” writer/director Jim Jarmusch has made many classic films over the years...this is not one of them.

      The very definition of deadpan humor, the film lumbers along at a snails pace never changing its tone. The film stars Bill Murray (no one does deadpan better), Adam Driver, and Chloe Sevigny as local cops in a small town, dealing with a zombie outbreak. Between the three of them, the energy level of the acting never rises above that of a sloth.

       Mr. Jarmusch blames the rise of the undead on polar fracking that shifts the earth off its axis. His zombies rise and appear to seek out whatever they enjoyed prior to their death. His point appears to be, we are all zombies lumbering through life obsessed with commercialism. Iggy Pop and Carol Kane have cameos as  flesh eating zombies seeking out coffee and Chardonnay, respectively. That’s the level of humor you can expect.
  
        Also co-starring are Steve Buscemi, Danny Glover, Tom Waits, RZA and Tilda Swilton. Ms. Swilton’s character is the most bizarre and her story line wanders off in a completely different direction with no explanation. Selena Gomez also shows up in a nod to the original Zombiemaster, George Romero, but has nothing to do except become another victim. It’s a fun visual gag but it just reminds you that Mr. Romero did a better job with the same idea in “Dawn of the Dead”.

         The cast seem to be having a great time among themselves. The audience, with the exception of a very few solid laughs, not so much.

Late Night

                                                              


    Mindy Kaling is a triple threat, writing, producing, and starring in this smart new dramady. Also starring Emma Thompson, the two women have wonderful chemistry and are just terrific together.

     Ms. Thompson stars as an aging late night TV host, Katherine Newbury, who’s ratings are falling and is on the verge of being replaced. Mindy Kaling is a new writer hired as a diversity employee. Her first job in TV, she is thrilled to be involved in any capacity but ruffles the feathers of the all male, all white, writing staff led by Reid Scott.

       Costarring are John Lithgow as Katherine’s Husband, Walter, Denis O’Hare as Brad, Katherine’s put upon producer, Amy Ryan as the head of the Network and Hugh Dancy and Max Casella as two of the show’s writers.

     The film is whip smart, topical, funny and yet has its serious and poignant side as well. Ms. Thompson is acting royalty and has a blast with her role as the over the top Katherine. Ms. Kaling, as the writer, saves the best bits for Ms. Thompson but leaves plenty of good scenes for herself.

       There is plenty of appeal to both an older and younger audience as the story wisely balances generational plot points and covers common ground as well. There is a passing resemblance to “The Devil Wears Prada” but “Late Night” holds its own as an original winner.

American Woman

         

      This excellent new drama from director Jake Scott, stars Sienna Miller in an amazing performance. Ms. Miller stars as Deb, a single mom raising her teen daughter and baby grandson. Unforeseen circumstances force her to make difficult decisions as her life takes an unexpected turn.

       Ms. Miller’s performance makes the ordinary rather extraordinary and it’s easily the best acting of her career. She is joined by Christina Hendricks as her sister, Aaron Paul as a love interest, Amy Madigan as her mother and Will Sasso as her brother-in-law, Terry. Ms. Hendricks and Mr. Sasso are just wonderful and the family dynamic is so authentic, you feel like you’re watching a documentary, rather than a scripted drama.

        Mr. Scott uses interesting transitions, fades and edits to show the passage of time as the film plays out over eleven years. The emotional work he brings out from his cast is easily felt by the audience.

          This is a strong domestic drama that would probably play better in the fall rather the start of the summer movie season. If you are a fan of superb acting and a smart script, seek out the film before it gets lost in all the gunfire, explosions and spandex of the summer “popcorn” films.

John Wick- Chapter Three: Parabellum

   

 If the name John Wick means nothing to you, skip this review. Otherwise, know that Keanu Reeves is back in the third chapter of what will surely continue for some time. If a ballet of ultra violence featuring guns, knives, swords and incredible martial arts is your thing, you will be right in your wheelhouse for two hours of mayhem.

     Wick is becoming a defining role for Mr. Reeves. A man of few words, he lets his fighting skills speak for him. The film picks up right from the end of “chapter two” and the action barely stops. John Wick has a $14 million bounty on his head for breaking the rules of the mysterious organization he works for and every criminal world wide is after him.

      There are incredible set pieces of action that are just amazing. I can’t even begin to describe the knife fight, the motorcycle chase with Wick on horseback, the library fight...the second motorcycle chase, the gun battle in Morocco...the list just goes on and on until a terrific climatic fight sequence.

       Along for the ride as friends and foes are Laurence Fishburne, Ian McShane, Lance Reddick, Halle Berry, Asia Kate Dillon, Anjelica Houston and Marc Dacascos. Add a long list of stunt people that deserve to be acknowledged in the credits.

       And for those who worry about the three dogs in the film, I must include this spoiler alert, they all survive unlike most of the humans.

Rocketman

           Elton John's life story comes to the screen billed as a rock and roll fantasy. What sets it apart from other musical biographies is the fantasy element that adds another layer to what is otherwise a straight forward narrative. Credit goes to Mr. Lee Hall for a very creative script.

            Most of Mr. John's hit songs are represented in wonderful musical numbers throughout the drama, elevating (literally at one point) the story to another level. Directing the story with  great flair is Dexter Fletcher who also handles the emotional core with a deft touch.

              Portraying a musical icon like Elton John is not an easy task but actor Taron Egerton is more than up to the task. He is simply brilliant, doing his own singing and dancing as well. It is truly a great performance that I hope will be remembered during award season. The film also stars Jamie Bell as Mr. John's lifelong friend and writing partner, Bernie Taupin. Mr. Taupin has written all the words to Mr. John's music and the lyrics are never more honest and true than the way the songs are used in the film.

             Co-starring are Richard Madden as John Reid, Elton's long time manager, Bryce Dallas Howard as his mother, Sheila, Stephen Graham as Dick James, his first manager, and Tate Donovan as Doug Weston, owner of "The Troubadour", the famous L.A. rock club where Elton John first performed in America. Kit Conner and Matthew Illesley play younger versions of Elton in his early years.

              The acting is wonderful, the music is fantastic, the story is emotional and, at times, outrageous, and it all makes for a thoroughly enjoyable film. "Rocketman" soars...