I was on a trip to visit my granddaughter for a week, and there weren't a lot of movie choices that motivated me to attend the theatre, so October films were slim pickings, but here's what I managed to see at theatres.
HARRIET---Here's a straight forward, engrossing telling of Harriet Tubman who managed to escape slavery by traveling over 100 miles to Philadelphia , then a short time later she returned to her plantation to help eight more travel north, and was ultimately responsible for freeing well over 150 slaves and bringing them to the north. She also helped organize the Underground Railroad, and worked for the army, became a spy and was active as an abolitionist and suffragette. This film doesn't cover all the actions that are attributed to Tubman, but the film is propelled by a committed, stirring performance by British actor Cynthia Erivo, and stimulates ones desire for more information, and should help propel the plan for putting her image on the face of the $20 dollar bill, which should help disgrace the obstructionist stooge Trump flunky Steve Munuchin. GRADE-----------A-
THE TERMINATOR: DARK FATE---This is the sixth sequel or prequel to the original TERMINATOR film, and it is a welcome return to suspense and chaotic chasing. Arnold Schwarzenegger is back, but this time a fierce Linda Hamilton is the lead, trying to protect the teenage Natalioa Reyes and another creature from the future played by a muscular Mackensie Dawes from the deadly creatures trying to change the future. It's often hard to wrap your mind around the past/present/future scenes, but watching this mayhem was certainly a lot of fun for me and is a satisfying return to form. Plus, it's a strong female empowerment tale. GRADE---------B+
JUDY---Renee Zellwegger gives it her all portraying the later in life Judy Garland--at times her character was so fascinating that I felt I was watching a documentary of the real Garland. Set in the last few months of her life, Zellwegger captures the frustrations, insecurities, and moving song styling that makes Garland the legend--it's a career defining performance for Renee.
GRADE--------B+
JOKER---Another top notch characterization comes from Joaquin Phoenix as the start of the neminis of the future Batman, although there are no "superheroes" in the film. Rather, the tone is murky and deadly serious as it explores the mental illness and loneliness of the murderous main character, trying to fit into life while taking care of a dying mother, a thankless career as a street clown, and pursuing a mysterious paternal past. I may want never to see this depressing film again, but I admire the skill and tenacity that go into the stylish telling. Also featuring Robert deNiro and Frances Conroy. GRADE-------------B+
GEMINI MAN---Will Smith plays an assassin who finds himself tracked by a younger assassin who is also played by a younger Will Smith--in a new technique that allows the camera to seemingly take 20 years of aging off Smith in a realistic manner. Director Ang Lee also uses a camera that is clearer and sharper and features many more frames per second to give the film a startlingly vivid image. This 3-D film was so much more effective to watch that I didn't have the headache or eye strain I usually get. Now, if only the plotting was a little more sophisticated. Still I had a great deal of fun watching this film. GRADE------------B
WESTERN STAR---This extended music video features all the new songs from the new Bruce Springsteen album, filmed and recorded in a classic old barn and introduced by Bruce in narration trying to tie in his reasons for the song and some history. If you love Bruce, you'll love this film. If you are curious, you will find yourself enjoying the music. Either way, it's a win win situation for fans. GRADE----------B
THE LIGHTHOUSE---William Dafoe and Robert Pattinson play mismatched lighthouse keepers who try to stay sane during an extended stay on a remote island as weather and fantasies and alcohol turn their minds to madness and murder. This film is like nothing you'll ever see at a suburban cineplex--the passions run wild and weird and sexual (mermaid sex, anyone?), and if you don't go running from the theater, then you'll find yourself aghast as if watching a train wreck in slow motion.
GRADE-------------------------B
THE CURRENT WAR---At the turn of the last century, a struggle between Westinghouse, General Electric and Tesla was waged for the privilege of lighting homes across America. Micheal Shannon, Benedict Cumberbatch and Tom Holland are featured in this fictionalized history lesson, fascinating to watch and learn. GRADE------------B-
MS PURPLE---Set in Los Angeles Korea town, two adult siblings--one a "model" in a sex club, the other a depressed drop dead do nothing--come together to care for their dying father, and manage to find some good in each other. GRADE---------B-
THE CLIMBERS---Based on a true story, this Chinese film has some great photography, but the story of the first Chinese team to climb Mount Everest was unintentionally very funny due to the cornball dialogue and the overly enthusiastic acting of several characters. GRADE---------C
ZOMBIE LAND: DOUBLE TAP---I guess I'm really over zombie movies, because this one felt stale, and for a comedy has precious few laughs --just a lot of familiar heads and limbs
being loped off. GRADE------------D
DVD ON TV
EDGE OF SEVENTEEN 2016--Hailee Steinfeld plays an awkward teen whose only best friend starts to date her annoying older brother, driving her to confide in her hip, beleaguered teacher, played by Woody Harrelson. The film is touching and hilarious. GRADE-------B
MY SISTER EILEEN 1955--This colorful musical comedy drama of two sisters who move to New York City to make it, is mildly amusing, mostly thanks to the cast, Janet Leigh, Jack Lemmon, Betty Garnett and a very young Bob Fosse (it's good he dropped acting and took up choreography and directing, because he isn't very good as a love interest......). GRADE------B-
UNDER THE YUM YUM TREE 1963--This silly, sexist sex comedy seems very out of date, but there was some interest in some moments from the cast---Jack Lemmon tries to seduce all his tenants, without much success, Paul Lynde and Imogene Coco play married gardener and maid in a broad fashion, Dean Jones and Carol Lynley are the young lovers trying to live together but without sex, and Edie Adams is the ex of Lemmon. GRADE---------C
