Bone Tomahawk

           If you like westerns and you're looking for something different, this is the film for you. Written and directed by S. Craig Zahler, on the surface it's a simple story of a rescue but Mr. Zahler takes that simple premise and throws convention out the window. Without any "A" feature credits to his name, Mr. Zahler has assembled a high caliber cast including Kurt Russell, Patrick Wilson, Lili Simmons, Richard Jenkins, and Matthew Fox and gives them a script that is destined to become a midnight cult classic.

           Mr. Russell is the sheriff of "Bright Hope", a town that harbors a terrifying danger just a few days ride away. David Arquette and horror film veteran Sid Haig set things in motion when they trespass across some kind of ancient ceremonial plot in the mountains. Mr. Arquette finds himself wounded in Mr. Russell's jail being attended to by Ms. Simmons. When they, along with a deputy disappear, Mr. Russell forms a four man posse to search for them. Mr. Wilson is Arthur O'Dywer, Ms. Simmons's  husband who, despite a bad leg wound is determined to find his wife. Richard Jenkins is "Chickory", the grizzled old deputy and Mr. Fox is a dandy ( his clothes match the color of his horse) who is also a skilled gunfighter. The four men ride off with no idea what they are about to encounter.

            The characters are familiar yet original and don't fit together in any way that makes sense. The dialog is very original and filled both with unexpected humor and deep thought. What the men find in the mountains turn the story incredibly violent and gory during the last part of the film. Be warned that one scene, in particular, is like nothing you've ever seen and quite gut retching.

             Everything about this film is unusual (even the song played over the credits deserves a close listen) but somehow it all works and is quite entertaining (except maybe that particular scene) in it's own weird way.

Steve Jobs

        Director Danny Boyle and screenwriter Aaron Sorkin team up to give us still another look at Steve Jobs, the iconic mastermind behind Apple. There are many documentaries and books about Mr. Jobs and Mr. Sorkin's screenplay takes a very different approach to peel back the curtain behind the man.

         Rather than try to be biographical, the screenplay focus is on three of the most important product launches in Mr. Jobs career, "The Macintosh", " Next" and the "iMac". The film is literally divided into three sections and the same characters appear each time to basically argue and fight with Mr. Jobs about his products and his approach. The one character that adds an emotional connection to the story is  Mr. Jobs's daughter, Lisa who we first see as a five year old, then nine, and finally nineteen. During the first arc, Mr. Jobs vehemently denies Lisa is his daughter but there is a growing connection between them as the story progresses and his seeming acknowledgement by the end is the core of the film. 

         What is most appealing is the terrific acting of Michael Fassbender as Steve Jobs and Kate Winslet as Joanna Hoffman, his long time head of marketing. While Mr. Fassbender is certainly no dead ringer for Mr. Jobs, he does an excellent job capturing the essence of the man and Ms. Winslet disappears completely into Ms. Hoffman. Jeff Daniels co-stars as John Scully, Apple's CEO and it's a typical role Mr. Daniels can do in his sleep. Also in smaller but significant roles are Seth Rogan as  Steve Wozniak and Michael Stuhlbarg as Andy Hertzfeld. 

          Mr. Boyle directs with his signature kinetic pace and Mr. Sorkin's screenplay is filled with his signature verbal barrages. Normally both would impress but the structure of the film doesn't serve them well. They strive more for entertainment than truth but end up with just a series of incredibly repetitive confrontations that don't really entertain and certainly play hard and fast with the facts.

The Martian

       Director Ridley Scott goes back to space in this film version of the bestselling book, "The Martian". He is very much in his element directing with precision, a faithful recreation of the novel. The film is so realistic, it's like watching a documentary in real time. Even if you have read the book, you will still find yourself holding your breath multiple times during the film.

      Mr. Scott brings the realism but star Matt Damon and the rest of the cast bring the entertainment value. Mr. Damon is Oscar caliber as Mark Watney, the astronaut left behind and thought dead during an aborted space mission to Mars. His fellow astronauts are played by Sebastian Stan, Aksel Hennie, Kate Mara, Michael Pena and as the mission commander, Jessica Chastain. They spend a great deal of the film off screen returning to Earth, believing Watney is dead. They do, however, play a integral part in the second half.

       Back on Earth, the head of NASA is played with much gravitas by Jeff Daniels and various other NASA staff are played by Chiwetel Ejiofor, Sean Bean, Mackenzie Davis  and Kristen Wiig. It's a strong cast that plays every scene with convincing realism.  The one exception is Ms. Wiig, who I realize is trying to widen her range as an actor, but seems out of place in the serious role of the NASA Media Director.

       Of course the film really belongs to Mr. Damon who spends the majority of the film alone and many times dialog free. It is a testament to a great script and his terrific acting that we are fully engaged with his character. The script is infused with much unexpected humor and it's a welcome relief to laugh occasionally during this suspenseful story. 

       The film is being offered in both 2D and 3D versions. I wouldn't recommend paying the extra fee for the 3-D as it didn't seem to add much to the visuals except make the film seem darker than necessary. I would recommend though, seeing the film on a large screen to appreciate the vastness of space and the replicated Martian landscape.

       "The Martian" is first rate entertainment and a great initial launch for the holiday movie season.

Black Mass

   Based on the true story of Boston criminal, James "Whitey" Bulger, this new drama aspires to be in the same league as "Goodfellas" but lacks the energy that director Martin Scorsese infused into that classic. It does, however, star Johnny Depp transformed to look like Bolger but actually looking more like Ray Liotta channeling James Bulger.

      Makeup aside, Mr. Depp does disappear into the role and it's one of the best things he's done in years. Unfortunately his co-star Joel Edgerton steals the movie right out from him as Bulger's childhood friend, John Connolly, now a rising star in the FBI. If we are to believe the script as factual, Connolly managed to make Bulger an FBI informant thereby keeping him safe from prosecution, even while he ran a criminal empire out of South Boston. Connelly uses Bulger for his own ambition but convinces himself it's a just and legitimate cause.

       Benedict Cumberbatch also co-stars  as Billy Bulger, Jimmy's  brother, a politician who became a Massachusetts senator. Mr. Cumberbatch, while a wonderful actor, seems out of place in the role. Other familiar faces in the film are Kevin Bacon, Peter Sarsgaard, Corey Stoll, Dakota Johnson (who disappears halfway through the film), Julianne Nicholson, Adam Scott and Rory Cockrane. Aside from Mr. Cumberbatch, the rest of the cast does an admirable job as the friends and enemies of Mr. Bulger.

          The story is compelling and even though there are many violent scenes, Mr. Depp is magnetic to watch. Director Scott Cooper keeps things moving in a slow and deliberate pace creating a constant state of dread and paranoia. It's a true American crime story of greed and corruption where everyone gets what they deserve.

Everest

    Based on the true story of an ill fated expedition to Mount Everest in 1996, this new film is best seen in IMAX 3D to be appreciated. The screen play is based on the Book "Left For Dead" by Beck Weathers but the story has been told before in the book  and the film "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer. 

     Mr. Krakauer's first hand account of the tragedy that left nine people dead was an absorbing read that gave the reader insight into many of the real life people on the mountain. This new film is focused more on a few characters in the drama, primarily Rob Hall, played by Jason Clarke, Doug Hansen, played by John Hawkes, and Beck Weathers, played by Josh Brolin. There are many other recognizable stars in the film including Jake Gyllenhaal, Sam Worthington, Michael Kelly (as Jon Krakauer), Keira Knightley, Emily Watson, and Robin Wright. 

     Most of the actors are just fodder for the mountain or the women left behind to anguish over their men.  The real star of this film is the cinematography and special effects that literally immerse the viewer into the film, especially in IMAX 3-D.  You literally feel like you are on the mountain with danger at every turn.
 
     There is not much thought given to character development and with the exception I made earlier, we don't know much about these people or what drives them. The story itself is simplistic.  People climb up to reach the summit and then climb down. What happens along the way makes for an harrowing adventure but an unfortunately tragic story as well.

Sicario

      Summer is over and the serious fall films are starting to emerge. This new crime thriller from director,  Denis Villeneuve, will satisfy fans of "Traffic" and the TV show, "The Bridge". The story centers on our government's involvement with the Mexican drug cartel.

      The film stars Emily Blunt as Kate, an idealistic FBI agent who is recruited into a mysterious unit led by Matt, played by Josh Brolin, working off the grid to find a Mexican crime boss. It's a bit confusing at first, especially when Alejandro, played by Benicio Del Toro makes his appearance. The confusion, however, is clearly deliberate as we see the story unfold through Kate's eyes and it's easy to understand how the lines blur and everything is not as it seems. Ms. Blunt is excellent but her character is underdeveloped, acting more as our window into this violent world, more than anything else. Far more interesting characters are Matt and Alejandro, especially as motives become clearer.

       There are some riveting sequences as well as quiet moments but the film propels itself towards a climax we don't expect, yet fully understand as the credits role. There are many violent scenes and yet, Mr. Villeneuve shakes us with violence that takes place off screen as well. The cinematography is by Roger Deakins, and he makes great use of the desert scenery and a particularly tense sequence shot through the lens of night goggles. The musical score is haunting and serves to keep the audience unnerved throughout the film.

        It lacks the scope of "Traffic" but it's an authentic and suspenseful drama that exposes the ambiguity and grey lines that sometimes have to be crossed for the greater good. There are no easy answers when the wolves at the door end up everywhere.

Irrational Man

      Woody Allen's latest ruminates on questions and ideas he has expressed far better in films like "Love & Death" and "Crimes & Misdemeanors".  His themes are the same old questions of meaning of life and what motivates us to action. His voice this time is  represented by Joaquin Phoenix  and Emma Stone.

      Mr. Phoenix plays an philosophy professor at a small college in Newport Rhode Island. Ms. Stone is one of his students who falls for him, even though he is an alcoholic, overweight and depressed. Parker Posey plays another professor, married but lonely who also becomes involved with Mr. Phoenix. The cast work very well together and do a good job expressing Mr. Allen's ideas.

       The first half of the film is dialog heavy as Mr. Allen sets up the plot twist that turns the story. Newport is a lovely setting and the score, mostly Ramsey Lewis, is infectious. Things pick up rapidly in the second half and  play out to a logical and what some would think, a surprising conclusion. It's entertaining enough but Mr. Allen doesn't have anything new to say.

No Escape

      Owen Wilson and Lake Bell star as a couple, along with their two young daughters, caught up in a coup in an unnamed Asian county. The film belongs to the genre "run for your life movies" as it's a variation on trying to survive in a very hostile environment. The problem here that there is no real justification for the trouble they are in and the film comes off racist and fairly ridiculous.

       The saving grace is that the film is pretty suspenseful with some truly intense moments as the family find themselves in danger just about right from the start.  As silly and irrational as it seems, you find yourself rooting for everyone to survive. The action sequences are pretty much non-stop with not much thought as to how or why. Ms. Bell and Mr. Wilson are credible as a scared mom and dad doing whatever it takes to protect their kids. Pierce Brosnan plays a mysterious figure in what amounts to a cameo, but he does get at least one big scene.

          The unnamed country is obviously Thailand and I suppose they were so upset at the end result they fought to have any reference removed. The trailer does a great job sucking you into the action but taken as a whole, if you must, wait for cable or Netflix to catch this one.

Rikki and The Flash

      Don't expect to see Meryl Steep winning any awards anytime soon for this lightweight family drama. The film should have been called "Rikki and her Dysfunctional Family", as it's certainly not about her band. And it's barely about her family.

        The thin bare plot is about a mother who abandoned her family years ago to pursue her musical dreams. After one album that went nowhere, Rikki is barely surviving a minimum wage job during the day and playing covers in a seedy bar at nights. One gimmick is that Rick Springfield is her guitarist and boyfriend. They are a mismatched pair and this would be a complete embarrassment for Ms. Streep except for the fact she can carry a tune and manages to get by on "American Girl" and "My Love Won't Let You Down".

         The other gimmick is to have her real life daughter, Mamie Gummer, play her troubled daughter in the film. This certainly lends credibility to the character's relationship. The family plot that drives the story, though, is so lightweight it's laughable (at least something is funny because the film isn't). The characters are stereotypes and cover all backgrounds. A gay son, check. An interracial couple, check. An understanding ex husband, check. There is no character development or back story for any of the characters other than Rikki herself. Audra McDonald and Kevin Kline also co-star but are restrained by the weak writing. 

           I can't resist the pun. "Rikki and The Flash" is a flash in the pan. If you love Rick Springfield or worship Ms. Streep, see it quick before it's gone.

The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

        Ah, Robert Vaughn, where are you when we need you? Guy Richie's big screen treatment of the '60's T.V. show is all style and very little substance.  It's an origin story of how U.N.C.L.E.'s top two spies, Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuriakin meet for the first time and it's clever enough but poor acting and not enough action do not make for top notch entertainment.

         The film does have it's tongue planted firmly in it's cheek and and is saved from being a complete dud by it's humor, soundtrack and visuals. The '60's Europe recreation is "fab" and the wardrobe department worked overtime to get everything right. Although how exciting can it be watching the two leads argue over women's fashions?

           Henry Cavill looks the part as Agent Solo but has no personality. Arnie Hammer works hard on his accent as Illya but plays him as a big Russian bear. Hugh Grant co-stars in a small but significant role, especially if you are a fan of the original T.V. show. The femme fatale is played by Alicia Vikander and she is an absolute delight to watch. The other female lead, Elizabeth Debicki, makes a fine icy, cool villain. What can it say about the film when  the two featured women are more interesting than the two main male characters?

            The set-up is there for a sequel  and if it's made, I hope to  see a certain little New York tailor shop featured somewhere.

Mr. Holmes

      A quiet film of dignity, intelligence, wit and surprise, "Mr. Holmes" is an oasis from the loud action popcorn movies of summer. Ian McKellen plays an elderly version of a retired Sherlock Holmes living by the sea and tending to his honey bees. And of course, he is absolutely terrific.

       As his memories start to fade with age, Holmes struggles to remember details of his last case, which we see develop in flashbacks.  He relates the facts of the case to young Roger (played by Milo Parker) who's mother is Holmes's housekeeper, Mrs. Munro. Laura Linney co-stars as Mrs. Munro and it's quite a successful departure for the talented actress.

        This is a period film jumping between two earlier periods in time and Mr. McKellen doesn't miss a step or trick as the older and elderly versions of Holmes. His scenes with Roger are tender and witty and in the flashbacks, even as an older version of Sherlock Holmes, he does the character justice.

         The film is directed by Bill Condon with a quiet elegance and yet a twinkle in his eye. The screenplay is by Jeffrey Hatcher, with a very different take on the famous detective, who ends up solving more than one mystery.

          "Mr. Holmes" is a breath of fresh air and filled with simple pleasures, anchored by a wonderful Ian McKellen.

Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation

         Tom Cruise returns in this 5th installment of the series. With each film, logic continues to dwindle and plot holes continue to grow larger but that's not really important in these films. 

          The franchise exists as the perfect summer popcorn film...big stars and bigger stunts and in that respect, the film delivers. For my money, the stunts have been better in the previous  films but there is no denying that Tom Cruise hanging off the side of a plane during taking off is pretty incredible. The problem though, is by now it's certainly no surprise (duh, look at the poster)  and it occurs right at the beginning of the film.

            Mr. Cruise is joined once again by the IMF team of Simon Pegg , Jeremy Renner, and Ving Rhames. Mr. Pegg is comic relief, Mr. Renner provides exposition and Mr. Rhames stands around looking tough.  The new faces this time include Alec Baldwin as the pompous CIA chief, Sean Harris as the creepy villain, and Rebecca Ferguson as the femme fatale double agent. Ms Ferguson holds her own very well in the stunt department going literally toe to toe with Mr. Cruise.

          Directed by Christopher McQuarrie (who also wrote the screenplay), the film jumps from stunt to stunt with a simplistic story to bridge the action. While the stunts are well staged, Mr. McQuarrie doesn't know when to stop and the film runs too long and with so many sequences, you begin to lose interest. Credit Mr. Cruise however, for doing his own stunts. He appears to be in great shape and goes out of his way to prove it.

            Films like this are becoming interchangeable with Jason Bourne, James Bond, even the Fast & Furious series. Yes Hollywood, all the stunts are fun but please give us a well written script that provides suspense and intelligence to go along with all the action.

Fantastic Four

       Fantastic Flop is more like it. I don't remember the last time a film actually offended me because it was so bad. Here, four good actors are trapped in a fantastic foul-up of a film. Miles Teller plays Reed Richards. Mr. Teller was exceptional in "Whiplash". Now he is so miscast, it's criminal.  Jamie Bell plays Ben Grimm, otherwise known as The Thing. Again, good actor ridiculously miscast and the same can be said for Michael B. Jordan as Johnny Storm or Kate Mara as Susan Storm. There is no chemistry between them or the film with it's audience.

        The film runs 100 minutes. The first hour is all origin story (and not even the correct origin) with no action sequences at all. If this part of the film was a superhero, it's power would be boredom and the ability to put the audience to sleep.  The last 40 minutes contains a big action sequence where the heroes square off against Dr. Doom on a barren planet. It is a poorly conceived battle with the cheesiest CGI, seemingly left over from a 1970's arcade game. When The Thing shouts his signature line, it is forced and comes out of nowhere, losing all it's verbose appeal.

         20th Century Fox has only had success with The X-Men films. They can't get Spiderman right or The Fantastic Four forcing reboot after reboot and failing miserably every time. They should wise up and sell their rights back to Marvel studios who have shown they know what to do with their heroes.

           Do not waste your time or money on this "Forgettable Four".

Southpaw

          Jake Gyllenhaal takes the hits but it's the audience that gets sucker-punched in this cliche-ridden fight film.  Mr. Gyllenhaal is the only reason to watch this boxing boredom. He is just terrific as Billy Hope, a boxer on top of the world, who falls quickly after a tragedy. Of course he ends up being trained by the wise, ex-boxer, mentor played here by Forest Whitaker, for one more shot at the title and redemption.

         Written by Kurt Sutter (known for the TV show "Sons of Anarchy"), its a lazy script with nothing new to bring to the genre (except the plot device that sets the story in motion). Director Antoine Fuqua tries to bring "street cred" to the story with gritty dark visuals and Eminem rapping the title song, but it all feels fake and a constant retread of a story told many times.

          Rachel McAdams plays "Mo", Billy's wife in what amounts to a cameo. Their daughter, played by newcomer, Oona Laurence is a 10 year old bore who, unfortunately, can't hold her own in her scenes with Mr. Gyllenhaal. Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson is the stereotypical manager who turns on his fighter the minute he smells a better deal. And Mr. Whitaker, an actor with a quality pedigree walks through his role as the trainer using "Mickey" from the "Rocky" movies as his role model.

           There are so many contradictions, I don't know where to begin and the climatic fight, while very realistic,  just doesn't produce the same excitement as so many other "fight" films. What holds the film together is the committed performance by Mr. Gyllenhaal. His physical and emotional performance rises above the material and he's a winner, even if the film isn't.

Trainwreck

    I first saw Amy Schumer on "Last Comic Standing" many years ago. She was pretty funny but she didn't win. That's how I feel about her new movie, pretty funny in spots but not a winner.

    In her first starring role, Ms. Schumer plays Amy, an alcoholic, promiscuous single girl in the city, not really looking for love. She is a writer for a tabloid magazine  run by the always wonderful, Tilda Swinton.  I don't think I've ever seen Ms. Swinton in such a loose, contemporary role and she is clearly having a blast as the crude head of the magazine.

    The film plays like an anti-romantic comedy with Ms. Schumer in a role reversal of the usual male part.  The first half of the film is a series of encounters that allow Ms. Schumer to sleep around and toss off great one-liners.  When she is assigned to write a story about a sports doctor played by Bill Hader, love hits her when she least expects it. Not knowing how to deal with this new emotion is the basis of the rest of the film.

     Mr. Hader is a terrific comedian but having him play the straight man is a complete bore. It may be right for the character but it's disappointing for the audience. The "actor" who steals the movie is LeBron James, playing himself as a close friend of Mr. Hader's. He is a natural and their scenes together are very funny.

      There is a subplot involving Amy's sick father, played by Colin Quinn and her sister, played by Brie Larson. Mr. Quinn basically plays himself, making Ms. Larson one of the few truly professional actors in the film and it shows. She has matured into a fine young actress who is always a pleasure to watch. Mike Birbiglia plays her husband and Evan Brinkman plays her stepson, Allister, in a role written for awkward laughs.

       There are some funny scenes throughout the overlong film but they are far and few between the awkward moments. Ms. Schumer's character is not likable. The "showstopper" at the finale made me what to scream "enough, make it stop". This is a film that will appeal to a very particular audience. Luckily for Ms, Schumer, she can always fall back on her very funny TV show.

Ant-Man

       Big things do come in small packages. Marvel Comics continues it's movie domination with it's latest and most unexpected hero, Ant-Man.

        The film stars Paul Rudd (an unlikely action hero but as it turns out, the right man for the job) as Scott Lang, Michael Douglas as Dr. Hank Pym, Evangeline Lilly as Hope Pym, Hank's daughter and Corey Stoll as Darren Cross. Co-starring are Michael Pena, Bobby Cannavale, Wood Harris and the rapper T. I. There are also some familiar cameos and some surprise stars from the Marvel Universe.

          Since this is an origin film, the first half is very dialogue heavy with just a few short action sequences to keep you interested in what's to come. Mr. Rudd is not quite his usual snarky self but he is never the less, charming and fun to watch. The real fun is the special effects. The small (no pun intended) visual taste in the beginning really pops in the second half of the film. Clearly the CGI artists had fun with their work as many scenes will have you laughing out loud.

          The CGI ants look a bit too metallic but they are quite detailed and fun to watch as Ant-Man leads them into battle. There are many clever action sequences making use of environments you wouldn't expect and one terrific fight with a surprise Marvel hero. Speaking of which, the film references the Marvel universe multiple times and keeps Ant-Man firmly rooted in the same reality. As to what added to the success of "Guardians of The Galaxy", the film doesn't take itself that seriously which is why Mr. Rudd is a perfect choice for the lead.  The self deprecating humor keeps the film lively and things never get too heavy.

          Make sure you stay through all the credits as there are two additional scenes once the film ends and they are both significant to the continuity of future Marvel films.

Me and Earl and The Dying Girl

     Yes, there is a dying girl but this clever new Indie film tries it's best to present an honest, unmelodramatic portrait of teen angst in a refreshing way. For the most part it succeeds although it does occasionally slip into said melodrama.

       Thomas Mann plays the "Me" in the title, a high School senior named Greg who is perfectly at home navigating his final school year staying invisible to the cliques around him. His "friend" is Earl (RJ Cyler), a black teen Greg has known since they were little kids. When Greg's mom learns of Rachel, a girl in Greg's school has been diagnosed with Leukemia, she tells Greg to befriend her, even though he barely knows her. Rachel is played by Olivia Cooke. The film also co-stars Connie Britton, Nick Offerman, Molly Shannon and Jon Bernthal as the various adults.

        Greg narrates the story with the plot separated into chapters (like the novel it is based on). The three soon become platonic friends and Greg and Earl entertain Rachel with videos of their home made movies, spoofs of Hollywood greats. These spoofs are some of the funniest scenes in the film. 

        The story remains upbeat, filled with odd ball humor and avoids, for the most part, the trappings of a typical teen comedy/drama. Greg is a quirky character that takes some time to warm up to but Earl is a likable character from the start. Their relationship with Rachel is interesting from a fresh perspective.

        "Me and Earl and The Dying Girl" deserved it's Audience Award at Sundance earlier this year. It is a funny, heartfelt film that will surprise you.

Inside Out

       Pixar films have an uncanny knack for entertaining with a strong emotional core, This new film continues that tradition with a story that is smart and deeply heartfelt.  Be warned however, this is not a film for small children. It attempts to deal with basic emotions in a kid friendly anthropomorphic way but the concepts introduced are complex and may not be easily understood.

         For older children and adults, it is a very rewarding experience with an excellent message that will tug at your heartstrings. The animation is, of course, brilliantly rendered and the colors and physical comedy will appeal to the little ones ( They just won't grasp what's actually happening and may be frightened during certain scenes).

         When eleven year old Riley and her parents move from the comfort of their home in Minnesota to a new home in San Francisco, it triggers a massive reaction of emotions, portrayed by Joy (Amy Poehler), Fear (Bill Hader), Disgust (Mindy Kaling), Sadness (Phyllis Smith), and Anger (Lewis Black).  When Joy and Sadness are separated by the others, Riley goes deeper into a tailspin and it's up to her emotions to all work together to save the day. It's a heady concept (pun intended) and it works brilliantly. An imaginary friend, Bing Bong, voiced by Richard Kind, almost steals the film and helps it reach it's emotional core. As always, the vocal casting is spot on.

          As with most Pixar films, "inside Out" can easily be enjoyed by adults with or without children. Writers and co-directors Pete Docter and Ronnie del Carmen get inside our heads and our hearts.

Terminator:Genisys

            Not a sequel and not quite a reboot, but rather a recharge of the whole series. If you are familiar with the mythology, "Genisys" will blow your mind. If you don't know the story, rent the original before you go or you may have a hard time keeping up.

              This is a perfect film for IMAX 3-D as the visual and sound effects will knock you right out of your seat. There are terrific action sequences throughout the film and plenty of surprises that I don't intend to spoil. Needless to say, this installment is a game changer.

               Arnold Schwarzenegger is terrific, reprising his role as the original Terminator. It's as if he never left. He can still handle the action and adds a great deal of humor throughout the film. Sarah Connor is played by Emilia Clarke and who better than "the Khaleesi" of "Game of Thrones" to tackle the role. Kyle Reese is played by Jai Courtney in his biggest part to date and he does an admirable job in this major role. John Connor, the other main character in the series is played this time by Jason Clarke, who is becoming the "go to" actor for sci-fi reboots ( see Dawn of the Planet of the Apes).

              Credit writers Patrick Lussier and Laeta Kalogridis for a script that is familiar and yet, turns the whole Terminator mythology on it's head. It is a very welcome addition to the series.

Infinitely Polar Bear

      Mark Ruffalo stars as Cameron, a manic depressive bi-polar father of two little girls. Zoe Saldana co-stars as his wife, Maggie. The title refers to how his youngest pronounces his condition.  And while Mr. Ruffalo's acting is as excellent as always, his portrayal is one dimensional. Whether it's the direction or his interpretation but his only clinical sign (after a initial breakdown) is just being totally manic.

       When Maggie decides to go back to school to get an MBA, she leaves the girls in Cameron's care. The story is both amusing and heartbreaking and is clearly a showcase for Mr. Ruffalo. Imogene Wolodarsky plays Amelia, the older daughter and  Ashley Aufderheide plays Faith, the younger sister.  They are both very good and play well against Mr. Ruffalo.  The three share most of the screen time together.  

        The film is written and directed by Maya Forbes, based on her own experiences growing up with a bi-polar father. Since it's her own story, I can only assume it's a fairly accurate portrait of her life. Mental illness is not easy to get right on screen and while the film seems to paint a bit too cheerful picture, it's still a worthy drama.    

Spy

    Writer/Director Paul Feig has another hit with his muse, Melissa McCarthy.  Ms. McCarthy continues to improve with each film. She absolutely shines here in her first fully developed leading role.

       The movie is a clever send up of James Bond films from the opening credits to very funny sight gags. Ms. McCarthy plays a desk bound agent for the CIA who finally gets into the field when a fellow agent, played by Jude Law, is killed chasing a stolen nuclear bomb.

       Her fellow agent in the field is played by tough guy Jason Statham, who hilariously makes fun of his own image. He almost steals the film but make no mistake, this is a star vehicle for Ms. McCarthy. She shows a wide range while maintaining her natural goofiness. Her verbal barrage of one-liners, whether scripted or ad-libbed are absolutely hysterical.

        The villains are played by Bobby Cannavale and Rose Byrne. Mr. Cannavale role is small but crucial to the plot. Ms. Byrne is clearly enjoying her role as the femme fatale who shares some great scenes with Ms.McCarthy. The CIA chief is played by Allison Janney, deserving of more screen time but good none the less.

       Mr. Feig makes good use of his globe hopping locations, moving briskly around Paris, Rome, and other major European cities. He and Ms. McCarthy have a natural connection that is evident on screen.

    "Spy" is funny, exciting, filled with actual intrigue and can easily be the start of a  franchise character.

Jurassic World

        New director Colin Trevorrow takes over the reins for this reboot of a huge franchise. The film is executive produced by Steven Spielberg and while he may not have been on set, you can feel his presence throughout the film. After an entire trilogy of dinosaurs running amok, Mr Trevorrow has big shoes to fill and guided by Mr. Spielberg, his reboot ultimately succeeds.

         It's a clever script that makes fun of itself right from the start. People are getting bored visiting Jurassic World. They've gotten used to seeing the dinosaurs now for years so of course, the mad scientists back in the lab must produce a bigger, meaner, scarier model. What could possibly go wrong?

          The film stars Chris Pratt as a raptor trainer (don't ask, just go with it) and Bryce Dallas Howard as the Director of the theme park. Co-starring is Vincent D'Onofrio representing the evil corporation with its own agenda and Irfan Khan as the billionaire who funds the park. Jake Johnson is comic relief and B.D. Wong is back as the mad scientist. The film also introduces the requisite kids (this time brothers) who, of course, are immediately in danger. They are played by Nick Robinson and Ty Simpkins.

           Mr. Pratt makes a dashing hero as he proved in "Guardians of the Galaxy" but his role here is not quite as freewheeling as Peter Quill. Ms. Howard does a good job of starting out as the Ice Queen and eventually melting into a caring human being, Being chased by  monster dinosaurs can have that kind of impact.

             The film starts slow with lots of sentimental backstory but picks up steam and holds a few good unexpected surprises for the audience. The CGI is better in some scenes than others but the raptors are just terrific. You really imagine them to be actually on screen interacting with the cast.

              I enjoyed it more as it went on and it ultimately does succeed as a perfect summer popcorn movie. You get what you expect...and then some.

love&mercy

    Director Bill Pohlad brings the story of Brian Wilson to life in this remarkable new film.  The screenplay cuts back and forth in time focusing on two seminal points in Mr. Wilson's life, the creation of "Pet Sounds" and dealing with his midlife mental issues.

      The film opens with the Beach Boys riding high on their success but Brian no longer interested in touring. While the group tours Japan without him, he stays behind to work on what would eventually become "Pet Sounds". The young Brian is played by Paul Dano and he is just terrific. Scenes in the studio, working with the musicians to create the album, you get chills watching him bring Mr. Wilson's genius to life. And you are chilled even further as the "voices in his head" get louder and he begins to totally breakdown.

       The older Brian is played by John Cusack and he is just as daunting, tacking mental health issues, and the domineering Dr. Eugene Landry, who was his doctor and legal guardian. Dr. Landry is played by the always reliable Paul Giamatti who overcomes a horrible hairpiece to create a vile human being who almost destroys Mr. Wilson. It is only when Brian meets Melinda Ledbetter (played beautifully by Elizabeth Banks), that, with her love and determination, he is able to get free from Dr. Landry and begin to really live again.

         Some of the dissolves between time periods are disruptive and choppy but for the most part the device works and combined with the heartbreaking true story, terrific acting, and the brilliance of Brian Wilson, this is a must see on so many levels.

Slow West

          A new Indie western that at once is iconic and yet at the same time turns the genre upside down. Brilliant in its simplicity with wonderful cinematography, this is a film to be savored slowly and appreciated for it's quirkiness. 

          Kodi Smit-McGee stars as Jay, a lanky naive young man, new to the American west in search of his true love, Rose. In flashbacks, we see them together in Scotland when circumstances force Rose and her father to leave for America. The film opens on Mr. Smit-McGee staring up at the stars, alone at his campfire. Soon enough, he gets into trouble and is rescued by the film's narrator and his co-star, Michael Fassbender. Mr. Fassbender is a drifter in the iconic mold of Clint Eastwood's "man with no name".  The two men come to an arrangement of sorts and ride off together. 

           The land is expansive (New Zealand fills in for the American west) but the film is small. There are few characters within the contained story. There is no town, just the land, our two riders and the small band of bounty hunters following them, led by Ben Mendelssohn.  No better choice here than Mr. Mendlesohn to play the villain. He is wonderful in these types of roles.

           Writer/director John McLean respects the western genre but stages ample scenes with a Wes Anderson playfulness. There is requisite gun play but staged in unusual and original ways. The ending is  refreshingly different than expected but yet, makes sense at the same time. There is so much to enjoy in this "little" film that I can't wait to see it again.

Tomorrowland

   A two hour PSA wrapped around a commercial for visiting Disney World. Writer/director Brad Bird clearly wants us to know we are slowly killing the earth and only the most creative, brightest young minds can save us.

    George Clooney stars but doesn't really show up until halfway through the film (not counting a short introduction at the start). His character, Frank Walker could have been played by almost any leading actor today. Mr. Clooney doesn't really bring anything special to the role. Hugh Laurie co-stars as the film's villain. The real star however, is Britt Robertson. Ms. Robertson looks like a young Julia Roberts and has many of the same attributes that show she is a star in the making. Her acting is natural, charming and very appealing. She easily holds her own in all her scenes with Mr. Clooney. The other standout role, Athena, is played by Raffey Cassidy. Ms Cassidy is a young British actress who also has a bright future as an actress.

     The special effects are well done and there are a few scenes that highlight Mr. Bird's kinetic energy but the film plods along at times and it's clear message is no revelation. It's hard to tell exactly who the right audience is for this film. It will go over the heads of small kids, teens may not care and adults will get the message right away and then find themselves bored. It's a perfect film for high school science kids. After all, we are counting on them to save us.

Poltergeist

       Curiosity got the better of me. I loved the original  so I certainly wondered why bother doing a remake in the first place? Easy answer...money, which unfortunately this new film won't make.

       The story follows the same trajectory as the original but embellishes it with new millennial flourishes like flat screen TV's, cell phones and drones. It may do a good job modernizing the story but it completely forgets how to scare you. The original was a roller coaster ride of adrenaline rushes. Now we get second rate acting and stereotypical scares even when they mimic the original. The big climax falls flat and doesn't come anywhere near the first film.

        Sam Rockwell as the dad is the only saving grace in the film. Nobody does snarky sarcasm like Mr. Rockwell and he brings a welcome touch of comic relief. Rosemary DeWitt, as the mom does a serviceable job but doesn't have the "mama lion" instincts of Jobeth Williams. Jared Harris camps it up as a reality show ghost hunter, replacing the diminutive medium, Zelda Rubenstein.

        For real thrills and chills, stick to the original. When will Hollywood realize you shouldn't mess with the true classics?

The Connection

        Fans of the 1971 film, "The French Connection" will not want to miss this French perspective of the same time period. Writer/director Cedric Jimenez faithfully recreates the drug traffic years during the 70's when most of the Heroin in the U.S. was being smuggled in from France. The film overlaps the same investigation that the American film portrayed so well. The disclaimer at the starts reads "loosely based on real events".

        Jean Dujardin stars as Magistrate Pierre Michel who led the charge against the drug lords and in particular, Gaetan "Tany" Zampa, played by Gilles Lellouche. Both Mr. Dujardin and Mr. Lellouche are terrific in their respective roles. They only have a few scenes together but they are filled with machismo tension. 

        The film is a gritty, old fashioned police procedural with an authentic feel. There is nothing like the amazing chase scene in the American film since events don't transpire exactly the same way but the story itself holds your attention. There are enough drugs, corruption, gun play and illegal activity that, if you are a fan, may remind you of "The Wire".

       It's a wonder that  French filmmakers didn't make this film sooner but thankfully Mr. Jimenez has brought the story to life and closed the circle on an infamous period in history.

The Clouds of Sils Maria

     An intense  character study of women, art, celebrity and aging. This drama was a hit at Cannes. It features strong performances from it's three leads, Juliette Binoche, Kristen Stewart and Chole Grace Moritz. Ms. Binoche, in particular, is mesmerizing as the aging star grappling with  her latest role.  Ms. Stewart gives her finest performance to date as Ms. Binoche's  harried personal assistant and confidant  (she won the French Oscar for supporting actress).

     The story borrows elements from "All About Eve" when Ms. Binoche's character is asked to  play the older woman against the younger role she played 20 years earlier. Ms. Grace Moritz is the actress cast as the younger woman in a battle of wills against her aging boss. 

       It's a play within a film. Art imitating life, imitating art and can be terribly confusing at times, especially in the many scenes when Ms. Binoche and Ms. Stewart run lines that blend into their reality. It's a dialog heavy film that ruminates about life on many levels. Don't expect a linear A to B story. Writer/director Oliver Assasyas has no interest in a straight line. He figuratively drops you into this world for a two hour voyeuristic journey and then it's over. The story meanders going nowhere. Even when a major character literally disappears late in the film, no explanation is given.

        The scenery of Sils Maria, Switzerland is breathtaking.  The clouds of the title form an unusual formation through the valley known as "the Snake" and it's the metaphor of the film.  It's beautiful to watch but eventually evaporates.

Mad Max:Fury Road

      Writer director George Miller continues the story of Mad Max, the character he created in 1979 with Mel Gibson. The new film stars Tom Hardy as Max and it is an over the top visual masterpiece. However, as good as it is visually, the story is paper thin and only co-star Charlize Theron does anything close to real acting.

         Less a reboot and more of a continuation, "Fury Road" takes place in the same desert landscape as "The Road Warrior"  and like that film is basically a two hour chase scene. Ms. Theron plays Furiosa, a warrior woman more than capable of handling herself in the male dominated world. When she "kidnaps" five women used for breeding purposes, the evil despot, Immortan Joe sets out with his army of albino maniacs to kill her and bring back the missing women. Reluctant at first, Max ends up helping her escape.

            That's the story in a nutshell. Aside from Furiosa and some other warrior women who show up later, all the women in the film are either used for breeding or for harvesting their milk. It's pretty misogynistic but I suppose Ms. Theron's character more than equalizes things.  The title character really plays co-star to Furiosa. Mr. Hardy doesn't even have much dialog. Max is just a device to keep the action moving. Ms. Theron easily steals the picture.

             The real star, however, is the non-stop action. Nicholas Hoult plays Nuxx, the albino that starts out with Max as his human blood bag. He starts things in motion from the very beginning and the action never lets up. The violence, mayhem and road rage are an assault on the senses but actually a lot of fun in a very cartoonish sense.  It is far removed from any reality and quite a blast to watch. Just when the redundancy starts to bother you, Mr. Miller throws up another ridiculous stunt that amps up the wow factor. 

               If you are a fan of the series, you certainly won't be disappointed but this is definitely not a film for everyone.

The Avengers: Age of Ultron

    If you enjoyed the first film, then by all means run to your closest theater and revel in all things Avengers. If you had no interest in the first one or you are completely in the dark when comes to Marvel mythology,  then you are walking into the wrong theater.

     Age of Ultron picks up just where the first film left off and even had a prologue on last week's "Agents of Shield" TV show. A very clever tie-in, indeed. The film starts loud, never lets up and is an absolute assault on the senses (especially in Imax 3D). Of course if you are a fan, it's just what you want as the characters come to life, perfectly sprung from their comic book pages.  The returning stars slip into their characters  easily and James Spader is the perfect choice as the voice of Ultron.

     Writer/director Joss Whedon is the most powerful Avenger of all, charged with overseeing the continuous growth of this mighty franchise.  While he does mess with true Marvel mythology to better serve the story (this purist was indeed bothered by Ultron's film origin), he still knows how to satisfy his audience with plenty of action, great one-liners, cameos galore, and evenly split screen time for all our heroes (even Hawkeye).  When your villain is a cold blooded robot, Mr. Whedon feels it's necessary to include warm-hearted subplots but they slow things down and don't really add anything to characters we already know so well.

      The big finale, while exciting enough, is a rehash of the first film substituting killer robots for an invading alien army but it's forgiven since this is ultimately just another chapter in a very long story. More familiar characters from the books are also introduced to broaden the Avengers universe and yes, further promise of Thanos awaits.

Ex Machina

      A  literate sci-fi thriller that's long on dialogue, short on action but  still compelling due in large part to it's terrific cast and stylized visuals.

       Oscar Isaac stars as a billionaire computer genius who designs an artificially intelligent robot in female form, he names Ava. He brings Domhnall Gleeson, one of his employees and a computer genius himself, to his home to test the self awareness of Ava. Breaking the film into "sessions" the story progresses into a game of cat and mouse between the two men with Ava as the catalyst.

        The script is filled with discussion and questions of humanity and self awareness but dissolves into a predictable final act that distracts from the literate mind games that precede it. The acting is first rate though and Mr. Isaac continues to raise the bar with each of his new films. Alicia Vikander co-stars as Ava and is an exciting new talent. As the two men square off, Ava raises the stakes, turning the increasingly intense sessions into a game of survival.

        The camera holds the viewer in the claustrophobic atmosphere of the film, heightening the building tension between the characters  but the dialogue heavy script eventually collapses under it's own weight until all that is left is "the twist" that most will see coming.

Wild Tales

   An Academy Award nominee from Argentina, this dark comedy is an outrageous look at revenge told through six unconnected short stories.

    The first story hits a little too close to reality after certain events in the news but the film makers could not have anticipated art imitating life in this particular instance. After that, things get nastier but filled with much dark humor.

     The film is in subtitles but visually rich. The cinematography is outstanding and a lot of the camerawork is  shot from unusual angles and beautifully framed.

      The film was written and directed by Damon Szifron and while there is some inconsistency in the story telling, overall the film is very entertaining and he definitely leaves the best story for last.

White God

            A remarkable Hungarian foreign film featuring a cast of real dogs (no CGI) that will tear at your heart and leave you speechless with an astonishing final frame. 

             Before I go any further, know that there is a disclaimer right at the start that all the dogs in the film came from animal shelters and after the film was done, they were all adopted out. Furthermore, at the end it states rather boldly that no animals were harmed during the making of the film. All violence is simulated and the local Humane Society monitored all filming very closely.

              Lili is a young teenage girl with divorced parents. At the start of the film, she goes to live with her father for three months and brings her dog Hagen with her.  After trying to cope with a dog he really doesn't want, her father leaves Hagen in the street and drives away with Lili crying in the back seat. From this point the film navigates back and forth between Lili  and Hagen, both trying to survive in their own way.

                Hagen is played by two brothers, Luke and Body and it's hard to tell them apart. They are beautiful animals, very expressive and incredibly trained.  After of series of heartbreaking adventures, Hagen ends up in an animal shelter with 250 other dogs and the last third of the film takes an unexpected twist unlike anything you have ever seen.

                  If you love dogs, be warned that even though it's all simulated, the on screen violence is hard to watch. This is not a Disney film. There is a 16 minute documentary on Youtube about the making of "White God". I recommend it first to prepare yourself for this amazing film.

Furious 7

      The franchise ups the ante with outrageous stunts, non-stop action and serves as an emotional tribute to star Paul Walker, who died ironically in a car crash before filming ended.

       Director James Wan pulls off impossible action sequences with the help of unsung hero stunt men and women and more than a little CGI work. The extended bus chase and rescue is a mini movie in itself. Fans know what to expect by the seventh film in this series and they will not be disappointed. The script piles on the non-stop action so much that by the final sequence, it's become mind numbing, completely over the top, and almost too much.

       The original cast is back, led by Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, and Michele Rodriguez. Tyrese Gibbons and Ludicris are also along for the ride providing comic relief. Actually most of the best one-liners belong to Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson who also co-stars but only has scenes book ending the film. Kurt Russell joins the franchise as a shadowy government official. The film is so loaded that one villain is not enough. Jason Statham is the main adversary but Djimon Hounsou also plays a key role as the secondary villain.

       Possibly the best CGI work in the film is keeping Mr. Walker's memory alive throughout the film. Utilizing his two brothers as stand-ins and movie magic, Mr. Walker truly appears to exist throughout the entire movie. A short video montage of scenes from his past films in the series complete a moving tribute at the end.

      Being the "comic book" action film that it is, despite all the fighting, shooting and explosions, people barely bleed or break a sweat, let alone bones but reality is not what this franchise is about. It's about entertainment in the action adventure genre and in that respect, it fully delivers.

While We're Young

         The newest film from writer/director Noah Baumbauch is a smart, biting comedy about the state of our culture today. It's a generational clash of Millennials and Generation X with a few Babyboomers thrown in for good measure.

          Ben Stiller (who defined a generation with "Reality Bites") and Naomi Watts are a married childless couple in their 40's who befriend a young "hipster" couple played by Amanda Seyfried and Adam Driver.  The new relationship invigorates the older couple and confuses friends of their own age including Mr. Stiller's best friend played by Adam Horovitz. Charles Grodin plays Ms. Watts father, a famous documentarian.

          The film is similar in style and structure to the best of Woody Allen's "Smart " comedies. A lot of the humor is observational and there are many stinging one-liners. Mr. Stiller is perfectly cast (he can do this type of character in his sleep) and here has good chemistry with Ms. Watts. Mr. Driver's character is not far off the mark from "Adam", the character he plays on "Girls". While I'm a fan of his work, I'm still waiting to see the full extent of his range. Mr. Grodin still has the wonderful dry sense of humor he's always been famous for.  Of all the leading characters, only Ms. Seyfried seems underwritten with little to do.

           As a Babyboomer, I found myself feeling old watching "Young" as it is a true reflection of our times. It's enjoyable enough but in a strange way, also a bit scary.

'71

             Belfast Ireland, 1971. British troops have been brought in to keep the peace during this violent time in Ireland's history between the Catholic and Protestant  Irish. This is the story of Gary Hook, a British soldier played by Jack O'Connell,  separated from his unit during a riot and trying to survive one long night in hostile surroundings.

              Mr. O'Donnell recently starred in "Unbroken" and here once again, he is a solider behind enemy lines battered, bruised and trying to stay alive. As an actor, Mr. O'Connell is a glutton for punishment but to his credit, he leaves it all out on the screen in a raw, visceral performance.

               Director Yann DeMange ratchets up the tension in every scene. The film plays like a horror movie except the danger is not some supernatural threat but rather working class people engaged in a  political, religious, and violent conflict. Not knowing who to trust, danger lurks around every corner for Hook and death can occur at anytime, often quickly without warning. His disorientation and fear is absorbed by the viewer, heightened by an intense score and terrific camera work.

               The film doesn't take sides or try to make a political statement. Even if you know nothing about the Irish "Troubles" of the period, this intense thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat.

It Follows

   What starts out as a conventional teen horror film soon swerves into new territory with the help of an unusual evil, atmospheric music, and a cast that sells the concept.

    Jay, a 19 year old girl has  sex with the wrong boy. She contracts, not a STD but rather an unstoppable creature bent on killing her. The creature can assume any human form and only be seen by the intended victim or earlier targets that have survived by passing the curse along through sexual contact. It sounds like an outrageous concept but the young cast acts with conviction and really sells the idea.

      The film has an eerie quality throughout heightened by a terrific horror score, the best since the original "Halloween".  Writer/director David Robert Mitchell  does an outstanding job with his actors, including Maika Monroe and Keir Gilchrist. 

      The creature, as seen in various human forms, simply walks slowly advancing on it's target. It enters a scene in unassuming ways making it all the more terrifying as it draws closer, it's intent very clear.

        Mr. Mitchell is not interested in blood and gore, of which there is very little, but rather scaring his audience in unconventional ways. Leaving the theater unnerved, I would say he succeeds.