"Frozen 2"
- Who: Idina Menzel, Kristin Bell, Josh Gad, Jonathan Groff
- Rated: PG
- Grade: B+
It might be pointless to critique this hopelessly convoluted and nonsensical sequel. but here goes.
Princess Elsa (Idina Menzel) and Anna (Kristen Bell) go on a journey to save the kingdom of Arendelle which is under threat of impending doom from hostile spirits representing the earth’s four elements. They are in search of a river their deceased mother has told them about that contains the gift of memory.
It is a key to the problems of the past, the main problem being unfinished business with a neighboring tribe of native people who were wronged by the subjects of Arendelle long ago. Josh Gad is there to voice Olaf the talking snowman and provide comic relief such as it is.
The plot all seems stolen from the story of the first Thanksgiving. How this narrative ever made it out of writer’s room is a major mystery that is far more interesting than what appears on the screen.
But plot be damned. Middle-aged male movie critics are hardly the demographic for Frozen 2. The millions of little girls who loved the first movie and its songs will undoubtedly flock to this visually arresting follow-up. The original cast is back and singing more newly-penned catchy tunes. This franchise is, after all, first and foremost a musical.
"A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood"
- Who: Tom Hanks, Matthew Rhys, Susan Kelechi Watson, Chris Cooper
- Rated: PG-13
- Grade: B+
Many people have wondered what this movie has that wasn’t in the recent documentary on the late Fred Rogers. The answer is? Plenty.
This is an affecting, original drama with great performances by the entire cast. It's based on the real-life story of the friendship between Rogers and troubled journalist Tom Junod.
Mathew Rhys is great as the black-hearted and cynical Esquire magazine writer Lloyd Vogel, who is assigned to profile Rogers for their "Heroes" issue. Vogel doesn’t buy the legendary innate sweetness of Rogers, plus he has daddy issues of his own. Chris Cooper turns a terrific performance of his multidimensionally flawed father.
Can Rogers really be as beatific as he seems? This is the crux of the story. Tom Hanks disappears into the role of the beloved children’s television host without a hint of saccharine sentiment. This performance will undoubtedly earn him yet another Oscar nomination if not the little gold man itself.
"The Irishman"
- Who: Directed by Martin Scorcese; starring Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci, Harvey Keitel and Anna Pacquin
- Rated: R
- When: Opens Nov. 15 in theatres, Nov. 27 on Netflix
- Where: Area theaters
- Grade: B+
Yes, you read it right.
Martin Scorcese’s epic mob drama is indeed three and half hours long. Get the large popcorn. In some ways it’s a celebration of the 76-year-old filmmaker’s best work, especially Goodfellas.
Ironically, this meditation on ageing, mortality, morality and loss points to Scorcese’s own inability to reign in this ungainly and sprawling, three-decade cinematic journey. It’s hard to believe that this story of a Philadelphia hitman couldn’t have been a little tighter and more viewer-friendly.
But Scorcese fans won’t mind. This based-on-a-true-story extravaganza is a feast for those who enjoy the insider sacraments and history of organized crime.
This is nothing if not the crowning achievement of Robert DeNiro’s career. He is in virtually every scene. The movie is based on the 2004 book I Heard You Paint Houses, by Charles Brandt.
It details the life and crimes of Frank Sheeran, a hitman for the Philly mob who claimed to have murdered Teamster labor leader Jimmy Hoffa in 1975. His disappearance is still considered an unsolved crime.
As the story is told, Sheeran came to his life of crime all because the meat truck he was driving along a PA highway broke down in front a a restaurant frequented by mob boss Russell Bufalino, played Joe Pesci.
Over time, Sheeran is recruited for favors small, then larger and more larcenous. He begins a personal relationship with Bufalino, who eventually makes an introduction to one James Riddle Hoffa, head of the national Teamsters Union and played by Al Pacino.
This is an odd bit of casting to say the least. Pacino has the vocal and acting chops to pass for Hoffa. But diminutive stature and his Mediterranean looks bear nothing like those of the real Hoffa, who was a big and broad Pennsylvania-Dutch bruiser. Somebody like John Goodman would have been a much closer physical approximation. But there you have it.
Both DeNiro and the often explosive Pesci give subtle, nuanced performances while leaving the scenery-chewing to Pacino, which he embraces with his usual enthusiasm.
This the ninth collaboration between Scorcese and DeNiro. The last time DeNiro and Pesci were in a movie together was the 1995 Scorcese-directed Casino. Pacino is new to the Scorcese party, and he fits right in.
The reported $159 million budget for The Irishman paid for Scorcese to shoot 319 scenes in 117 locations. Some critics are calling it the last gangster movie as far as Scorcese is concerned. Let’s see what happens at the box office. These gritty, operatic crime dramas are in his DNA.
"Last Christmas"
- Who: Emilia Clarke, Henry Golding, Emma Thompson, Michelle Yeoh
- Rated: PG-13
- Grade: B-
Young Kate, played by Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones) is chronically unlucky at love. She works as an elf in a year-round Christmas shop in modern day London. A dreamy young man named Tom, played by Henry Golding, appears in her life and a Christmas Miracle suddenly seems possible. London has never looked better than in this holiday romance.
"Ford v Ferrari"
- Who: Christian Bale, Matt Damon
- Rated: PG-13
- Grade: B
Based on a true story, Matt Damon plays Carroll Shelby, who with his fearless British driver Ken Miles (played by Bale) takes on the charge by Henry Ford II to beat the iconic Italian sports car maker Ferrari. Great performances coupled with exciting racing scenes make this movie a checkered flag winner.
"The Warrior Queen of Jhansi"
- Who: Devika Bhise, Rupert Everett, Ben Lamb and Derek Jacobi
- Rated: PG-13
- Grade: B
This historical drama takes place in 1857 India. Queen Rani of Jhansi leads the women of her kingdom in a battle against their British overlords for political independence. Solid, historically accurate story. Devika Bhise in the title role gives a strong performance.
