It has become a mammoth box office smash, this final film of the Marvel comic book characters, and the sequel to last years AVENGERS: INFINITY WARS, so it was no surprise that I couldn't find an available screening on the first weekend it opened that was not in the front row, but that was OK because I was a bit busy anyway, and when I finally saw the morning matinee on Tuesday, the theater was still about 75% full. The film THE AVENGERS: ENDGAME does not disappoint, with each character (still alive) given a lot to do and the plot, even though as usual over the top cleverly wraps up most of the loose ends. I look forward to seeing what is next for the Marvel characters. GRADE------------B+
AMAZING GRACE--Here's a moving documentary by director Sidney Pollock made in the early 1970's that is finally seeing the light of day, and what revelation it is. Aretha Franklyn was at her peak, and the film captures in a casual way the recording of her classic album of religious-based songs. The sound is remarkable---probably improved over the decades--and her dramatics of each song are thrilling. It's a great uplifting experience. GRADE--------------B+
MUSTANG--This simple story tells of a hardened prisoner who is changed through his efforts with the wild horses program, and there is a moving ending. Well acted by Matthias Schoenaerts and Bruce Dern. Small in scope but effective. GRADE-------------B
BEST OF ENEMIES--Based on a true story of a black educator (Taraji P. Henson) and the local KKK leader (Sam Rockwell) who are assigned to bring the community together when a black school is burned and a new facility must be found, triggering the need for integration in the deep south in 1971. The filming is straight forward and the actors are good but come across as unpleasantly belligerent. GRADE-------------B-
PET SEMATARY (sic)--This new version of a Stephen KIng novel has some interesting ideas, but becomes violently predictable by the end. GRADE----------C
VIEWED ON DVD/CABLE/TV-----------
BOOK CLUB---2018---Long time friends read 50 SHADES OF GREY at their book club and it stimulates their interest in getting more sex in their personal lives. The cast is amusing and some of the lines are pretty funny in this lively sex comedy, which features Jane Fonda, Mary Steenbergen, Candice Bergen, and Diane Keaton. GRADE---------B
FINDING YOUR FEET --2017--When a wealthy woman finds her husband of many years has been unfaithful, she moves in with her poor sister, and start to change her life. This NETFLIX film has some charming moments, even though some of it is a bit predictable. With heartfelt preformances by Imelda Staunton, Celia Imrie and Timothy Spall. GRADE-------B
INVENTOR---2018--A NETFLIX documentary about fraud in a medical machinery business. Straightforward presentation and the inventor's refusal to see the facts dulls the impact of the film, but it is interesting to watch. GRADE---------------C+
THE UNICORN STORY --2017--Brie Larson and Samuel Jackson (before they costar in CAPTAIN MARVIL ) star in this lightweight, NETFLIX, dull, fantasy best suited for teenaged girls. GRADE----C
SIFF FILM FESTIVAL has BEGUN SCREENINGS this past week. Here's what to watch for....more details when the films open.
*MAIDEN----USA---The first all female sailing crew sails around the world in inspiring documentary............... GRADE-----A
*FALL OF THE AMERICAN EMPIRE----Canadian-----Director Denys Arcand creates a satire out of a criminal scam film---very funny, entertaining and engrossing as he juggles a dozen characters. GRADE----------A-
*AFTERLIFE--Netherlands----Moving fantasy in the vein of IT''S A WONDERFUL LIFE----- "Better to live in the field than to die in the the vase" says a dead woman to her daughter. GRADE------A-
VAN GOGHS--Russia---Very "Russian" angst and drama---much gravitas. GRADE------B+
*JIM ALLISON: BREAKTHROUGH--USA--Informative documentary about Nobel Prize winner scientist who develops immune therapy for cancer cure while drinking beer and playing the harmonica. Lots of Willie Nelson music help lighten the mood. GRADE----------B+
NON FICTION--France---Light drama about writers, relationships, changing ways of publication, blogging, and because they are all French, adultary. GRADE-------B
AMERICAN FACTORY--USA--A Chinese billionaire starts glass factory in closed car factory, hiring Americans to work along side workers he brought from China. Work habits clash. GRADE-------------B-
SOUND OF SILENCE--USA--An interesting idea--how sound affects our lives--is not fully explored, leaving the story of a tentative relationship between a "sound doctor" and his client blowing in the wind. Might have worked better as a short, or with a couple of rewrites. GRADE-----------------C+
MOUTHPIECE--Canada--Based on a play, a daughter tries to write an eulogy for her dead mother with whom she had a difficult relationship. Unfortunately, the mother, in flashback, didn't seem to be that difficult --and the girl herself comes across as willful and spoiled. But the main problem is that two different actress play the daughter from different points of view, and that seemed like an unnecessary gimmick. The effect is dull and pretentious. GRADE-----------C
*These films got a lot of applause after the screening from the press audience.
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