Based on the illustrated novel by Brian Selznick and directed by Todd Haynes (“Carol”) “Wonderstruck” defies demographic categorization; required enchantment, escapism for all audiences. It leaves viewers confirmed in film’s absolute, transformative power. Two children, a boy and a girl, at approximately the same age; generations apart, 1927, 1977; “Ben” (Okaes Fegley), (1977) after the loss of his mother “Elaine” ... Read More »
Rarely do you see a movie that restores complete faith in the transformative element of film, so profoundly imaginative, spiritual, elevating one’s soul and psyche to the realm of “the starry night”; watching this staggeringly beautiful film I experienced wonderment, awe and joy; greatness, love and genuine happiness, basking in its ingenuity. Sharing, with directors Dorota Kobiela and Hugh Welchman, ... Read More »
Because you have asked, at the halfway point, here are a few of my favorites: “THE SQUARE” (SWEDEN, GERMANY, FRANCE). A magnificent, controversial commentary on today’s art world. Will inspire conversations for lovers and detractors on what constitutes and legitimizes an artwork. “THE CAKEMAKER” (ISRAEL, GERMANY). There are not enough adjectives to describe this achingly poignant love story; ... Read More »
Thurgood Marshall (1908-1993) is the paradigm, an icon, encompassing the formative years of the civil rights movement; appointed to the Supreme Court by President Johnson in 1967 his influence has grown exponentially through the decades. Chadwick Boseman nails to the core the young NAACP lawyer, traversing the country, defending innocent black men accused of a crime, based solely on their ... Read More »
There is a compelling, electric magnetism, an aura emanating from Idris Elba, an uncontainable masculinity, captivating, informing his filmic presence; more mesmerizing because he is totally unaffected by its force. An English actor, unknown to me, until my recent exposure to “Luther”, an enthralling BBC crime series, starring Mr. Elba as a damaged but brilliant detective. In “The Mountain Between ... Read More »
Expectations almost instantly squashed, “Victoria & Abdul” is dimensionless, flat and eminently superficial. Dame Judi Dench can imbue the “queenly” into any character and Victoria (1819-1901) is no exception (her second go as the indomitable monarch); but the story of her infatuation and overwhelming attachment for Indian, Muslim “Abdul” (sophomoric Ali Fazal) as a servant, turned teacher “Munshi” is flimsily ... Read More »
Since 1983’s “Risky Business” I have been a major admirer of Tom Cruise; his fearlessness in role selection, never giving a half-hearted performance: “Rain Man”, “Top Gun”, “Jerry Maguire”, but one of the greatest filmic portrayals of all time is his depiction of Ron Kovic in 1989’s “Born on the Fourth of July”, gut-wrenching, metamorphic display of a paralyzed, crazed ... Read More »
This film could not have been made in 1973; 44 years hence directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris gift movie-goers, more than a historical, ground-breaking tennis match but a compelling, introspective study in self-discovery. Emma Stone and Steve Carell soar as the legendary Billy Jean King (1943-) and Bobby Riggs (1918-95), making it difficult to differentiate between the real and ... Read More »
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