A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

          Yes, Tom Hanks plays Mr. Rogers but no, he is not the focal point of this new drama. The film is based on an Esquire Magazine article by Tom Junod, who in the film is fictionalized as Lloyd Vogel, and played by Matthew Rhys. The film is really about Lloyd and how meeting and interviewing Mr. Rogers changed his own life.

            The film recreates the world of Mr. Rogers immaculately and Mr. Hanks is absolute perfection as Fred Rogers but it's Matthew Rhys who is the emotional center of the film as Lloyd, a husband and new father with serious father issues of his own. Lloyd's father Jerry is played by Chris Cooper and there is a deep chasm of resentment and anger inside Lloyd for actions his father took years earlier. 

            Susan Kelichi Watson (Beth on "This is Us") co-stars as Lloyd's wife Andrea who is a very capable actress but basically plays "Beth", the supportive and wise wife who takes a temporary backseat to the friendship that develops between Lloyd and Mr. Rogers. 

                  Mr. Rhys is terrific as Lloyd. He carries the weight of years of emotional baggage and his world is turned upside down by the love, support, and philosophy of Mr. Rogers. Mr. Hanks is just amazing, capturing every nuance of Fred Rogers. The emotions that surface throughout the film are very powerful. There is one scene in particular, when Mr. Rogers asks Lloyd to do a one minute exercise and then looks directly at the camera as if asking the film audience to do the same. I truly believe the entire theater responded in kind.  This is a film about forgiveness, acceptance, and understanding. It is not a profile.

                   Fred Rogers was a force of nature. His ability to relate to children and even adults was uncanny. If you want to learn more about him, I recommend the excellent documentary, "Will You Be  My Neighbor".

Ford v Ferrari

          Based on the true story of the battle for racing supremacy at the 1966 Le Mans, this new drama may not be perfect but its definitely a fun ride.

          The film stars Matt Damon as Carroll Shelby, the only American to win Le Mans, now sidelined by a bad heart and staying in the game by designing high performance cars and Christian Bale as legendary race car driver Ken Miles.

         When Henry Ford II is rebuffed by a merger between Ford and Ferrari, Ford, played by Tracy Letts, hires Shelby and tells him to "go to war" in an effort to beat Ferrari at Le Mans. Shelby know his best chance to win is with Ken Miles driving and recruits him to join the team that will build the Ford GT 40, the car with the best chance to defeat Ferrari.

          Directed by James Mangold, this is a testosterone fueled ride with little room left for women in this male dominated sport. To give the film it's emotional heart, we find Miles connecting with his wife Mollie (played by Caitriona Balfe) and son Peter (played by Noah Jupe) every chance he can get, on or off the track. We learn very little of Carroll Shelby's life beyond a bad heart and the determination to design and build the dream car for Ford. What is clear is the great chemistry between Mr. Damon and Mr. Bale, playing these two real friends teaming up with one goal in mind. The film also co-stars Jon Bernthal as Lee Iacocca, Josh Lucas as Leo Bebee, Ford's executive VP and Ray McKinnon as Phil Remington, Shelby's right hand man.

             The driving sequences are spectacular and deserve to be seen on the biggest screen possible. The cinematography is outstanding as well as the sound effects, especially during Le Mans. The music, however, was a big distraction and didn't add anything except constant droning in the background.

             Any racing enthusiast will already know the film's outcome but will still enjoy the the ride as will any racing novice, if nothing else, just based on the star quality of the film's leading men and some incredible race cars.

Honey Boy

     Actor Shia LaBeouf  stars in this intense new drama.  It is a cathartic screenplay written by Mr. LaBeouf based on his own life as a twelve year old actor (named Otis in the film) living with an abusive, alcoholic father. He frames the story between 1995 and 2005 when his older self is an out of control alcoholic actor, played by Lucas Hedges. Mr. LaBeouf takes a daring leap of faith and plays his own father in the film. 

    The actor who plays his younger self is Noah Jupe. He is remarkable in a difficult role. The same can be said for the more established Mr. Hedges, who enters rehab where he writes the screenplay that eventually becomes this film. It is life imitating art, imitating life.

     FKA Twigs, in her film debut, costars as a young woman living at the same motel who eventually befriends Otis. Also in minor roles are Martin Starr, Laura San Giacomo, and Clifton Collins Jr.  I can't say enough for all the actors, performing under the assured direction of Alma Har'el in her feature film debut. In particular, I can't imagine how it felt for Mr. LaBeouf to inhabit his father in body and mind. It's a heartbreaking performance that I'm sure exorcised many demons for him.

      This is a difficult but powerful film played out as therapy for it's star. A story of a father and son that can't help but move you. And for comic relief, keep your eye on the chicken.

Zombieland: Double Tap

"Zombieland: Double Tap"

        If you never saw the original "Zombieland", skip this completely. However, if you were a fan of the original, don't miss this sequel. It is more of the same self deprecating humor, inside jokes, blood and bullets, visual gags, and general mayhem. 

        The original cast is back and still trying to survive after the zombie apocalypse. As the film begins,  Woody Harrison, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone and Abigail Breslin have found refuge at the abandoned White House.  Feeling safe at last, they settle into a domestic routine but soon, relationships begin to splinter and the group splits up. What follows is mindlessly silly entertainment and sometimes that's all you need from a movie.

         Joining the fun this time around are Rosario Dawson, Luke Wilson, Thomas Middleditch, and Zoey Deutch.

The film sets up a great gag when Mr. Wilson and Mr. Middleditch appear and Ms. Deutch is very funny as an adorable but not too bright Zombieland survivor.

                Stay for some surprise cameos in two scenes during the credits.

The Good Liar

       Helen Mirren and Ian McKellen are at their charming best as Betty, a rich widow who meets Roy, a lonely widower on line. Unbeknownst to her, Roy is actually a con man out to steal her money. Even if you think you know where the story is going, it's a such a pleasure to watch these actors at the top of their game.

        The film costars Jim Carter as Vincent, Roy's accomplice and Russell Tovey as Betty's suspicious grandson, Steven. Directed by Bill Condon, the film moves at a lively pace setting up twists and turns along the way.  The music, by Carter Burwell, heightens the tension and suspense as the game between Roy and his mark draws closer to it's conclusion. 

         As the lies mount up and things become more dangerous, the final truth is revealed. It's a bit of a stretch but necessary to be different and convincing. For this film, the fun lies in the journey, not necessarily the destination.

Doctor Sleep

      Strictly for fans of  "The Shining", this new supernatural  thriller stars Ewan McGregor as the adult version of Danny Torrance. If you aren't familiar with the book "Doctor Sleep" or the original "Shining", you probably will want to skip this new film altogether. If you read the book, you may be disappointed by the changes that occur about three quarters into the film although the ending, while different, is exciting and actually better than the book, in my opinion.

      The film is written and directed by Mike Flanagan, who combines elements of the book and the film version of "The Shining" to continue the story of Dan Torrance.  On screen, it's difficult to visualize "the shining" that takes place between Dan and the new protagonist, Abra Stone, a thirteen year old (played by Kyliegh Curran) who's "shine" is even more powerful than Dan's. Elements of the book are fragmented to save running time and things do not always flow as easily as they do in the book. Some plot points have been completely changed or removed. Characters are not fully realized and the fate of some have been changed to suit the screenplay. What is fun, however, are the recreated scenes from "The Shining" integrated into the new story.

         Mr. McGregor does his best as the tortured hero but the script doesn't really capture the depths of his despair. The villain of the story remains "Rose the Hat", the leader of a vampire like cult called "the True Knot", who feed off the "shines" of psychic children. Rebecca Ferguson plays Rose and she is very well cast, evenly projecting charm and pure evil. Zhan McClaron, also perfectly cast is "Crow", her right hand man and lover. The film also co-stars Cliff Curtis as Billy Freeman, a character who is considerably older in the book, Bruce Greenwood, as Dr. John Dalton, a major character in the book who is reduced to practically a cameo in the film, and Carl Lumbly as Dick Halloran, in a part played originally by Scatman Crothers in "The Shining". Mr. Flanagan also found other actors for small roles originally played by Shelly Duvall, Danny Lloyd, and Jack Nicholas in "The Shining".

         The book, as written by Stephen King,  is well paced and everything makes sense (even if it is supernatural). Trying to film this book is not an easy task and while Mr. Flanagan tries admirably, I found the film's structure to be disappointing with two many important pieces missing to hold it altogether.

Motherless Brooklyn

      Actor Edward Norton optioned this book back in 1999 and has spent years developing it for the screen. His persistence has paid off in a beautiful film noir. Writing the screenplay, directing and starring has been a labor of love for Mr. Norton and while he has changed much of the story and moved the contemporary  timeline from the novel back to the 1950's, he has kept the frame work and the film now plays like an New York cousin to the film "Chinatown".

      Mr. Norton is Lionel Essrog, a junior grade detective who, along with Bobby Cannavale, Ethan Suplee, and Dallas Roberts work for the Frank Minna Detective Agency. Lionel has Tourette Syndrome although setting the film in the '50's, it's simply referred to as his condition/affliction. His Tourettes adds an extra layer to an already interesting character. When his boss, Frank (played by Bruce Willis) is killed very early in the film, Lionel sets out to find his killer and sets the rest of the plot in motion.

      Besides the aforementioned actors, the film also costars Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Alec Baldwin, Willim Dafoe, Cherry Jones, Leslie Mann, Michael K. Williams and Fisher Stevens. It's a great cast that transports us back to an earlier New York City filled with corrupt politicians, the seeds of racial change, fedora hats and good old fashioned detective work. In many ways it mirrors contemporary society where back door deals and racial injustice continue to flourish.

      A great score, costumes, and cinematography bring the story to life and while the running time is a bit challenging (almost two hours and thirty minutes), it's a precision nod to the film noir Mr. Norton had in mind when he wrote the screenplay. I would have loved to have seen it filmed in black and white.

The Irishman

        Director Martin Scorsese and renowned screenwriter Steven Zaillian are at the top of their game with this exceptional new crime drama, based on the life of mobster Frank "The Irishman" Sheeran. Stuck in development hell for years, Mr. Scorsese was finally able to get it made with his dream cast of Robert DeNiro (in the title role), Joe Pesci (as mob boss Russell Bufalino) and Al Pacino (as Jimmy Hoffa).

         While it is absolutely a great American crime drama, there is a side to this film unlike any other crime story. It speaks to loss and and a haunting looking back on an unforgiving life devoid of the glamorous side we've seen so many times before. The film runs three and a half hours. Could it have been trimmed? There were definitely scenes that could have been shorter or cut altogether but they don't really hurt the narrative as the film holds your attention throughout it's running time.

          The supporting cast is a cross section of great talent in a completely male dominated film. Bobby Cannavale, Harvey Keitel, Stephen Graham, Jesse Plemons, Ray Romano, Domenick Lombardozzi and Jack Huston are all featured. Anna Paquin plays Frank's eldest daughter as an adult, Katherine Narducci plays Carrie Bufalino, Russell's wife and Stephanie Kurtzuba plays Irene Sheeran, Frank's wife.

           Saving the best for last, are the three stars. Mr. Scorsese has brought the best out of his leads with the finest work they have done in years. Mr. DeNiro had to beg Joe Pesci to come out of retirement for the film and he appears to have never lost a beat. His performance is zen-like in his control and masterful understatement. He is an icy cold mobster with a restraint and calmness that is just chilling. Mr. Pacino steals the film as Jimmy Hoffa, playing Mr. Hoffa with a comic bluster that threatens to go over the top but never quite does. Two particular scenes with Stephen Graham are, alone, worth the price of admission. And of course there is Mr. DeNiro as Frank Sheeran, who effortlessly carries the film on his back . At first, it was hard to accept Mr. DeNiro as an "Irishman" but for the first time in many films, he completely disappears into the role and you find yourself sympathizing with a stone cold killer.

         The film spans decades and in an amazing CGI process, the actors are seen as their younger selves. For the most part, it's really incredible but if you stare long enough, facial elements do look a little off. Luckily, you will be so caught up in the story that you won't find yourself nitpicking the de-aging process.

          In a very public feud between Netflix (who financed the film) and the biggest theater chains, it will be hard to say who lost the most, but for now, it's the public who will have a hard time seeing this in a theater before it comes to Netflix. Try your best to see it on the big screen now and if not, find a friend or neighbor with a big screen TV or watch it on your own TV. It comes to Netflix November 27th.

Terminator:Dark Fate

        He's baaaack! And he's brought Sarah Conner along with him for the ride. Director Tim Miller and his screenwriters David Goyer, Justin Rhodes, and Billy Ray reboot the entire franchise as if anything after "Terminator 2" never existed.

         The film starts with quite a surprise allowing for a fresh start and then basically goes back to the original plot with some new twists. MacKenzie Davis is now the "augmented" human named Grace, sent back to protect a young Mexican woman named Dani from a unstoppable new Terminator (model Rev-9), played by Gabriel Luna. Linda Hamilton reprises her role as Sarah Conner who helps the pair elude the Rev-9. Ms. Hamilton still has the fight in her and is still quite the bad ass. And of course, what would a Terminator film be without Arnold Schwarzenegger who reprises his role as the original killing machine in a very unexpected way.

         Much of the film takes place in Mexico (although shot in Spain) and along the U.S. border in Texas. This gives the filmmakers a chance for a subtle shot at our current immigration issue. As with the original, the film is basically one long chase sequence with plenty of physics defying action scenes, some of which are just incredible. Fans of the franchise will not be disappointed.

The Current War

      Strictly for history buffs, this new drama is based on the competition between Thomas Edison and his Direct Current versus George Westinghouse and his Alternate Current for the future of electricity. The film was originally to be distributed by The Weinstein Company in 2017 but became a victim of Mr. Weinstein's legal issues and sat on the shelf until this year. It has finally been released after some re-shoots and edits as "the directors cut".

       Executive produced by Martin Scorsese and directed by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon, the film is a lavish production with beautiful costumes and incredible sets reflecting the late 1800's. It stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Edison and Michael Shannon as Westinghouse. The film also stars Nicholas Hoult as Nikola Tesla and Matthew MacFadyen as J.P. Morgan. Co-stars also include Katherine Waterston, Tuppence Middleton and Tom Holland.

       While Mr. Cumberbatch and Mr. Shannon try their best, a first rate cast unfortunately can't provide the spark the film needs to really light up the screen. The film is historically interesting but it relies on it's strong score to generate the power of the story.

Jo Jo Rabbit

       Not since "The Producers" have Hitler and the Nazis been satirized to this extent. This totally original and off the wall black comedy skewers the racism of Hitler's Germany and the absurdity of war. Written for the screen (based on the novel, "Caging Skies") and directed by Taika Waititi, it is the story of Jo Jo, a ten year old boy who's extreme nationalism leads him to join one of Hitler's youth camps hoping to one day be part of Hitler's private guard. 

        Jo Jo has an imaginary friend, a  clownish version of Adolph Hitler, played for laughs by Mr. Waititi. Jo Jo is played brilliantly by Roman Griffin Davis, in his film debut. If this young man continues an acting career, he will quickly become a star. He is just incredible to watch in a complicated role. The film also stars Scarlett Johansson as his mother, Rosie and Tomasin McKenzie as Elsa. Representing the Nazis are Sam Rockwell as the commander of the Hitler youth camp, Rebel Wilson and Alfie Allen as his subordinates, and Stephen Merchant as a very creepy Gestapo agent.

       Most of the film is played for laughs but there is always a serious undertone due to the subject matter. There is one scene in particular, that may bring tears to your eyes. But the message of anti-hate is clear and good does triumph over evil in the end. Credit Mr. Waititi to deftly balance the sensitive and serious subject matter with a comedic touch. 

Parasite

      The latest film from acclaimed Korean writer/director, Bong Joon-ho will surprise and shock you. A highly unusual take on class warfare, it's both a satirical black comedy as well as a thriller. It is the story of the Kim family, living at the poverty line and what happens when an opportunity presents itself, in the form of the wealthy Park family. It's full of fun and shocking twists you will never see coming.

       Bong Joon-ho's direction is impeccable and while most of the story takes place in one location, the cinematography is brilliant.  Song Kang-ho leads a terrific Korean cast as the destitute father, Kim Ki-taek. A veteran of many Bong Joon-ho films, he is always dependable to give a great performance. Other standouts are Choi Woo-Shik as his son, Kim Ki-woo and Cho Yeo-jeong as the wealthy Mrs. Park.

        Revealing any more of the plot will spoil the fun. Suffice to say, it's a wild ride. The film is in Korean, with English sub-titles.

         

Joker

          Director Todd Phillips, most known for comedy, turns his attention to the serious origin story of Batman's most famous nemesis, The Joker. Make no mistake this film, while it's roots are in the Batman universe, is not about superheroes or their villains and it is definitely not for kids. Think "Taxi Driver" meets "Death Wish".

          Born from the comics, The Joker has been played by many actors but his origins have never been fully explored. There are multiple versions but Mr. Phillips and his co-screenwriter Scott Silver, focus on a dark, grim story of mental instability and a failing health care system. Dropping the pronoun since the character is not quite fully formed until the end, "Joker" starts dark and only gets darker as it goes. While shot mostly in New York, it takes place in  fictitious Gotham City and while Bruce Wayne makes an appearance, Batman does not (although we do get a glimpse of his own origin). The city is dark, crime is high, a garbage strikes turns things even more foul and dank. The atmosphere is ripe for protest and all it takes is one lunatic to ignite the fuse for civil upheaval.  

          While the grim tone of the film almost makes it unbearable to watch, it is the performance of Joaquin Phoenix that make it all worthwhile. He is simply phenomenal. Depressed, angry, and stabilized only by medication,  Mr. Phoenix's character, Arthur Fleck, is a walking time bomb. Mr. Phoenix's maniacal laugh, body language, demeanor and eventual descent into complete homicidal madness, is a wonder to behold. At first he creates a very sympathetic character (part time clown and wannabe stand up comic) but by film's end, he is a character to be feared, the unhinged murderous lunatic Batman fans have come to know.

         The film co-stars Francis Conroy as Arthur's mother and Robert DeNiro as a talk show host (an homage of sorts to the role Jerry Lewis played with Mr. DeNiro in "King of Comedy"). In a deliberate fitting twist, Mr. DeNiro in that film,once the stalker, now becomes Arthur's obsession. Also co-starring are Zazie Beetz as Arthur's neighbor and possible love interest, and Glen Fleshler as a fellow clown.

          The film's cinematography and score capture the dark mood perfectly. The city hasn't looked this slimy and grim since the '70's. If you live in New York, you may find the terrible location continuity bothersome ( for example, Washington Heights is not magically connected to Bay Ridge Brooklyn) but it can be forgiven as it serves the story well.

      The film's message is pretty clear. When the system fails the mentally ill, the potential for a violent outcome is that much greater. We have seen this over and over again in real life, especially in recent years and there are genuine fears that "Joker" can incite real violence.  While Mr. Phoenix gives a tremendous performance, there is little entertainment value in watching him sink into madness and bring society down along with him.

Judy

         Renee Zellweger is Judy Garland in this biographical drama of Ms. Garland towards the end of her career. The film focuses on the five weeks of live shows at the "Talk of The Town" club in London 1969. There are flashbacks to her childhood on the set while filming "The Wizard of Oz" but the majority of the film finds Ms. Garland near the end of her tragic showbiz life.

         Ms. Zellweger owns the film. She is in almost every frame (except for the flashbacks) and her performance is quite simply astonishing. She captures Mr.s Garland's vocal style and mannerisms perfectly. You can't keep your eyes off her, even while her performance breaks your heart. Without a doubt, this film puts her at the head of the Oscar class for this year's best actress.

         The film co-stars Finn Wittrock, as Mickey Deans (Judy's last husband), Rufus Sewell as Sidney Luft, (her third husband and father of Lorna and Joey),  Gemma Leigh-Devereux as Liza Minnelli, Michael Gambon as Bernard Delfont, Jessie Buckley as Rosealyn Wilder and Richard Cordery as Louis B. Mayer. Dari Shaw plays the young Judy in the flashbacks.

         Despite what may really be known about Ms. Garland, the film certainly paints her as a sympathetic character, used and abused by the Hollywood system from which she never recovered.  Despite the concerts, Oscar nominations, TV show and years of accolades, Ms. Garland's life was a terrible tragedy and the film pulls no punches in it's depiction of her alcoholism, drug addiction, and depression, even while she gathers the strength to still wow an audience. And Ms. Zellweger's performance will wow you just the same. 

Ad Astra

            Co-written and directed by James Gray, this new space drama is technically and visually fantastic but the pace and score may actually put you to sleep. The title is Latin for "to the stars". Titled in a dead language is actually appropriate as Brad Pitt stars and his performance is so controlled and nuanced to the point of numbing blandness, you wish for Leonardo DiCaprio to show up in a cameo and bring him back to life.

             Alas, that doesn't happen but credit Mr. Pitt who actually performs perfectly suited to his character, Roy McBride.  Roy is an astronaut on a mission to find out what happened to his astronaut father, played by Tommy Lee Jones, who may be responsible for powerful surges from space threatening Earth. 

             The film also co-stars Donald Sutherland as a fellow astronaut, Ruth Negga, as a Mars station director and Liv Tyler as Roy's wife, back on earth. Natasha Lyonne also makes a quick cameo in an odd bit of casting. It's a strange film when all of the co-stars have relatively very small parts compared to Mr. Pitt, who commands the screen in almost every scene.

              The film is visually stunning. You actually believe these people are in space. Mr. Gray and his team should be congratulated for the technical aspects of the film. However, while the visuals hold your attention, the story moves so slowly (not helped by Mr. Pitt's monotonous voice-over) that you can find yourself drifting off into space too. There are a few action sequences that are exciting but they are too short and far between.

               Mr. Gray and writing partner Ethan Gross have a lot to say about family (fathers and sons, in particular), loss, and self sacrifice. The film is a moving but dour experience  filled with such promise, especially after a great opening sequence, but ultimately drags itself to a disappointing end.

It: Chapter Two

                Just as the book was divided in two parts, the inevitable sequel has arrived to cover the second half of the story.  The kids only thought they had killed "It" but now its 27 years later and as adults, they reunite to return to Derry and face "It" once again.

                It is the rare sequel that outdoes the original but that is definitely the case here. While Pennywise the Clown may not seem as frightening as he did in the first film, only because we are familiar with him now, there are still plenty of thrills and chills in this new chapter.  The actual terror may be the same but the psychological terror has been escalated as the adults now have to face their greatest fears to destroy the one thing that threatens them all. The characters are well defined and there is a full bodied richness to the story that didn't exist in the first film. 

                The film balances the many flashback sequences well. The adults are all interesting but it's fun to see them as the kids from the first film again too. The adults are very well cast to match their younger selves. They are played by James McAvoy, Jessica Chastain, Bill Hader, Isaiah Mustafa, Jay Ryan, James Ransone, and Andy Bean

                Standouts among the adults are Mr. Hader, Mr. Ransone and Ms. Chastain. Playing a comedian, it is easy for Mr. Hader's "Richie" to act as the comic relief and he has great chemistry with Mr Ransone as "Eddie". As the only woman in the group, Ms. Chastain does an excellent job balancing both strength and vulnerability.  Bill Skarsgard returns as "Pennywise the Clown" and as I mentioned, while not quite as terrifying in the first film, he's still got some creepy good scares left in him.

                Directed by Andy Muschietti, the film is almost three hours long but moves at a brisk pace. It allows for each actor to have a pivotal sequence in the story. The special effects are well done but turn silly in the final climax of the film, which ultimately is a bit of a bore. It relies on many similar horror ending cliches (steals one scene right out of "Poltergeist").

                Everything up until that moment is extreme fun and exciting to watch. As one character in the film is told repeatedly, "your books are great but your endings stink".  While the climax was a bit disappointing, I will say it is still a satisfying ending.  Of course, the film will probably make gazillions of dollars and we have most likely not seen the last of "It".

                I give it four out of five red balloons.

Aquarela

         Not quite a documentary but rather more like a long form music video, this new film is all about the power and beauty of water. Directed by Viktor Kossakovsky, the film contains no narration and no context but is rather just a visual spectacle of water in nature.

          From cleaving glaciers in Greenland to the magnificent Angel Falls in Venezuela, the film spans the globe to show us water in it's purest form. The accompanying soundtrack is by Apocalyptica. The music blends beautifully for most of the film but can be overwhelming at times. There are just a few scenes including people or animals and how they are affected by water in it's various destructive power, and literally life and death in one particular scene. 

        It's a hypnotic ninety minutes that moves randomly from place to place with water, not the subject, but literally the protagonist. It's probably not for everyone but it is visually breathtaking.

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.