As many of you
know, Sy and I just returned from a wonderful trip to Eastern Europe.
As usual, I was able to watch four films in total on my flights to and
from the US. Here are my reviews of them:
On Planes and probably
on Netflix or about to be released:
August: Osage County - I have to say I agree with the
reviewers, the acting was superb, but the story tedious and depressing. A
death brings a dysfunctional family of daughters together. The
interaction between them and the secret that unfolds is disturbing. I did
see the play and did "enjoy" it then, but somehow in film form, it
was not satisfying. Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts head an all
star cast who are all amazing. Not a film I would put at the head of my queue.
Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit - The second movie I saw was this one and
it was quite good. Not only did it hold my attention throughout, it was
fun and exciting. Chris Pine has taken over the role of Jack Ryan a CIA
analyst and does a fine job with it. I loved both Kevin Cosner and Keira Knightley in
it as well. The story has been told time and again - Ryan saves the US
economy from disaster, but for pure escapism, it is worth of watch.
Her - This film is categorized as
a sci fi romantic comedy and that it is, but it is quite
bizarre. Joaquin Phoenix stars as a lonely writer who has all the tech
bells and whistles in his life and falls in love with his operating system
voiced by Scarlett Johansson. A bit of a stretch, yes, but I
could see it happening especially to the young people who are so attached to
their devices and have little social skills. A film that makes you think,
but not quite my cup of tea.
Grudge Match - Before you all say is she kidding, this
movie was a hoot. Starring Sylvester Stallone and Robert Di Nero
it tells the story of two washed up fighters who never had their final grudge
match. One does it for the money and the other for the glory. There
is a nice side story about relationships with Kim Bassinger. Alan Arkin plays Styllone's manager
and he is always good in the roles he plays. Kevin Hart plays the
promoter and he is very funny. For a mindless film, but one that will
make you laugh, see this one. 
In Theaters:
Draft Day - This was a sleeper. The entire
film takes place on one day - draft day for the NFL.
Kevin Costner plays the GM of the Cleveland Browns who has to
make deals to secure a team he would be proud to call his own. A side
story with Jennifer Garner as the team's money person/lawyer is OK, but
when they talk football it is even better. A shot clock counts down the
hours before the actual draft which makes the movie very suspenseful. I couldn't leave my seat while waiting
to see what would transpire. Although I thought it would be a Moneyball rip-off,
it was not. They also used a split screen technique which was very interesting
and moved the story along. Denis Leary as the coach,
Frank Langella as the owner and
Ellen Burstyn as Costner's mother add to the ensemble.
Two actors from Veep - Timothy Simons (Jonah) and Kevin Dunn
(Ben Caffrey) are featured as well. Chadwick Boseman, a
newcomer plays a draftee with heart. For a great movie, even if you are
not a sports fan, see this one.
DWTS:
It down to the finals
and I must say the dancers are quite good. I was disappointed That
Charlie White, the ice skater, was voted off this past week. I
think Candace Cameron Bure is on only because she appeals
to Middle America and the religious right (some of her comments about obeying
her husband makes me gag!) I have never liked Peta Murgatroyd, the
professional dancer, so cannot root for her partner James Maslow who
if I am being honest quite good. I believe that the final will come down to
Derrick and his partner Amy Purdy and Maks and Meryl Davis,
the ice skater. They both are wonderful in their own ways. Watching Amy,
a double amputee, is awe inspiring, but watching Meryl is beauty in
motion. Just because he has never won, I'd like to see Maks win.
Time will tell if I am right!
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