Search for Sugar Man, 3.5 Stars

This is an unusual documentary about Sixto Rodriguez, 'a rock icon who never was' (Rotten Tomatoes). It is an uplifting, sad, frustrating and fascinating story.

Rodriguez has a haunting voice, somewhat reminiscent of Bob Dylan. Somehow, his albums became underground hits in apartheid South Africa.

This was recently on the CBC network but can also be currently found on (Canadian) Netflix. I recommend it.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens, 4 Stars

Picture by Gage Skidmore **

If you like Star Wars IV, V & VI, you'll love VII. I've seen this twice already, once in a smaller, non-3D theatre and once in IMAX 3D. 3D works well, not sure I noted a difference with IMAX.

The action is non-stop and has a similar structure to number IV. Only a few quibbles about performances, but enough to deny an extra 1/2 Star rating. Daisy Ridley is an excellent, unknown, strong and likeable lead actor - gritty, with some humour and very determined. It is a pleasure to see Harrison Ford (The Fugitive) reprise his role as Han Solo. Oscar Isaac (Robin Hood) is charming and easy to like, while another unknown, John Boyega, plays his role well.

I plan to see this at least once more in the theatre and recommend it to you. Some questions arise from this production but many will be answered in future movies.  Enjoy!

(** I will do my best to give picture credits in future.)

Spotlight - 4 Stars

This is a great movie - it is somewhat reminiscent of All the President's Men (1976) and Erin Brockovitch (2000). It's a riveting story about the Catholic Church, abuse and the (journalistic) investigation that uncovers it all.

The cast is very strong: Mark Ruffalo (Just Like Heaven) gives a superb performance - driven and heartfelt; Michael Keaton (Batman 1989) has apparently resurrected his career (I didn't know it was 'dead'), playing with understated intensity; Stanley Tucci (Devil Wears Prada) just keeps getting better and better with each role he takes; Liev Schreiber (Kate and Leopold) plays his part in a similar manner to Keaton; and, Rachel McAdams (Midnight in Paris) also delivers a very solid performance.

The dialogue is sometimes difficult to hear due to accents, but I highly recommend this movie and plan on seeing it at least once more.

Spectre - 2.5 Stars

I like James Bond movies - I'm pretty sure I've seen them all, not including the first Casino Royale (1967 spoof). Yes, they're violent (which for some rare reason doesn't bother me), and they are misogynistic.

Daniel Craig (Cowboys & Aliens, which was a mistake...) is solid but, with rumours swirling that this might be his last Bond movie, seems detached and somewhat 'mailed in' his performance. I like Lea Seydoux (Robin Hood) very much and also Andrew Scott (Moriarity in BBC's Sherlock), who was suitably 'oily'. I'm also a fan of Ralph Fiennes (Maid in Manhattan). Monica Belucci (The Sorceror's Apprentice) has a brief, restrained and effective role.

If you like Bond, it's worth seeing, especially on the big screen. I'll see it again at some point.

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington 1939, 4 Stars

You probably need to like politics to see this - it is one of my all-time favourite movies. We had the opportunity to see it on the big screen recently, which was fun.

Directed by Frank Capra and featuring a great performance by James Stewart (How the West was Won 1962), they also worked together on another classic It's a Wonderful Life 1946. Many of the cast are recognizable in both films.

Jean Arthur is also superb in this (I don't believe I've seen any other films featuring her).

If you haven't seen this but like some of what I've referred to above, I think you'll enjoy it. I try to watch it regularly.

The Martian 3 Stars

I liked this movie and would see it again. It's Matt Damon (Good Will Hunting), who is hard not to like and, I'm told, not hard to look at. The supporting cast does well, led by Jeff Daniels  (Pleasantville) and Jessica Chastain (The Help).

The story is as described in the trailer. It takes a different point of view on being stranded than the story in Cast Away. In both movies it takes time to set up the isolation and the feelings that go with it. And accordingly, the movie is long and does drag in places. While the feelings of loneliness, depression, and occasional spurts of joy (amongst other feelings) are well-conveyed, I expect that those emotions are developed in more detail in the book.

And that is the challenge of these types of stories - that it may be hard to create a setting that is so isolated that communications and travel take hours and days and months. And equally challenging for many of us to imagine it.

The Age of Adaline 2 Stars

This is an intriguing movie - somewhat reminiscent of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) in both subject matter and flashbacks to various eras.

Blake Lively (The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants) and Harrison Ford (American Graffiti) dominate the screen and are electric when featured together. Their performances drive the story and thus the film.

And yet there is choppiness about both the script and thus the overall movie. I'd like to see it again in order to get a better handle on those.

The Intern 2 Stars

This is a lovely little film. It has good performances by Anne Hathaway (Les Miserables) and Robert De Niro (Stardust) - their chemistry on screen is quite nice. There is also a quirky role by Rene Russo (The Thomas Crown Affair) that adds delightful levity to an already light movie.

Older workers still in, or returning to, the workforce is a timely idea, especially while the baby boomers are aging (and think they're still in charge??) However, the writers felt they had to put in a few supposedly 'classic' scenes that were more than one-too-many. As a result, the movie drags while we wait to return to the main story.

Still, I'd see it again. And recommend it as a rental.

A Walk in the Woods, 2.5 Stars

I liked this movie. It is basically a travelogue with some gourgeous shots of the Appalachian Trail and the story(?) moves fairly well.

I always like Robert Redford and he plays his usual understated character with some excellent quips. I'm not sure I've ever seen Nick Nolte and he was okay. Emma Thompson's role is too small but she does well.

Not much else to say. Maybe a future rental that I might watch again.

The Rewrite, 2 Stars

Not a lot to say about this. Apparently it was released earlier this year, but if it came to my city I missed it (perhaps just as well).

If you liked Hugh Grant in Music & Lyrics, then you'll like this, as the story is almost the same but interchange music for screenwriter. Marisa Tomei does a good job with her character and J.K. Simmons plays 'crusty' well. (I'm not enjoying the roles Alison Janney has in recent movies, though her acting is great! Probably just me...)

Free on (Canadian) Netflix, the price was right, okay for Hugh Grant fans (which I am) when nothing else is on.

On Golden Pond (1981) 3.5 Stars

This is a great movie that captures cottage life on a lake, aging, and father-daughter interactions very well.

Henry Fonda and Katherine Hepburn are always worth watching and this is no exception. A much younger Jane Fonda, if memory serves, wanted to do this movie with her father with whom she had a difficult relationship. When the key scene of the two of them was being filmed, reportedly there were no dry eyes amongst the crew on the set.

Lovely to revisit on a regular basis, I highly recommend it.

Seymour: An Introduction, 3 Stars

This is a documentary written and directed by Ethan Hawke. While Hawke is on screen on brief occasions, he is the catalyst for the story by asking 'Why make art?'

This is about 85 year old Seymour Bernstein and his career as a pianist and teacher. While 'only' 84 minutes, it does drag in spots.

There are many fascinating and moving scenes as Seymour recounts his past and continues to demonstrate his talent. His philosophical assertions about art, life, and self-identity - and the elements that make those important, will be worth seeing more than once.

This may not be an easy movie to find and may have just a short run in theatres. I recommend it to you.

The Man from U.N.C.L.E., 2 Stars

I loved this TV series in the 1960's and the movie is not a bad 're-boot'. The casting is good, the plot works and it's fun to see the 60's settings and styles.

I really like Henry Cavill - I thought his portrayal of Superman in Man of Steel was great. And I think he does a good, sardonic version of Napoleon Solo. I don't recall Armie Hammer but he also does well as Ilya. Alicia Vikander seems to be surprised and unsure of her role - her performance is only memorable for that.

Long (almost 2 hours) but I'd see it again to catch some of the quips. I foresee a sequel if the revenue gods agree.

Ricki and the Flash, 2.5 Stars

It's hard to think of a Meryl Streep movie being only 2.5 Stars, but it's really at 2 star movie and she adds 0.5. But it's a movie with an okay story that plods a bit and feels long.

Kevin Kline is his usual self. Mamie Gummer (Meryl's real life daughter) does very well and looks & acts like her sister Grace (Gummer). Rick Springfield also shows good range in various scenes.

Predictable story, always nice to watch Meryl. Would be okay as a rental - not sure I'd see it again.

Mr. Holmes, 3.5 Stars

This is a very good movie with a unbelievably strong performance by Ian McKellen - he dominates every scene.

The story is good and, to my knowledge, follows the Sherlock Holmes legend very well. As with any of the other recent Holmes versions (Cumberbatch, Robert Downey Jr, and TV's Jonny Lee Miller), it needs to be viewed again to catch all the clues presented. The movie is based on the book: A Slight Trick of the Mind. 

Milo Parker, who is new, is impressive. And it is hard to imagine Laura Linney in a minor and somewhat subservient role, but she does it well.

But McKellen is the reason to see this film.

12 Angry Men (1957), 4.5 Stars

This is a great movie, based on an equally great play.

The all-star cast is superb - there is not a weak performance amongst them.  The character development of each of the twelve jurors is a pleasure to watch.  Henry Fonda, E.G. Marshall, & Lee J. Cobb are all fabulous and Jack Klugman & Jack Warden are also very strong.

I see this movie every 5+ years or so and it doesn't wear out. I have not seen the 1997 re-make.

Ant-Man, 3 Stars

I like this movie - I think it's suitable for most ages. I also like the Marvel series of movies and, while not a major contributor, Ant-Man will add to the repertoire.

The plot is basic and straightforward and moves along well. Paul Rudd, of whom I've not been particularly impressed, does a very decent job; Michael Douglas is his usual dry self; and, Canadian Evangeline Lilly plays her role in a sardonic manner.

I'd see it again to pick up some of the nuances.

Inside Out, 3.5 Stars

This is a very good movie and has received superb reviews. Some critics have described it as an 'instant Classic' (I have difficulty with that oxymoron and, to me, only time will tell...).

The conceptual and writing staff of Disney / Pixar are to be commended for the development of this film. We took our granddaughters to this, and while it is an animated feature and held a child's attention, the story really is for adults.

This is about the inner workings of the mind. I would be interested in the thought processes that conceived this and put the script all together. A worthwhile debate could be conducted (and perhaps was) about which emotions to feature, which core memories should be significant, and which 'islands' of personality are important, etc.

I find that actor's voices are often hard to identify in animation and so I won't, with one exception - the voice of 'Sadness' (by Phyllis Smith) and the accompanying drawings are very touching.

I'm sure I will see this movie several more times and I recommend it to you highly.

Spy, 2.5 Stars

I like James Bond movies - I grew up with them. Paradoxically they're in favour of most things that I'm against such as violence and guns. But (I can be fairly shallow and) I do like strong-willed and/or attractive people, formal clothing and beautiful scenery, all of which the Bond series usually delivers .

For some reason I take a while to warm to 'take-offs' of this genre such as Kingsman: The Secret Service (see my review, 2 Stars) and Spy. This story is good and moves along well. The visuals are great (it was lovely to recognize places that I've been in). The acting is good including Melissa McCarthy, Allison Janney and Miranda Hart (all of whom I like) as well as Jason Statham and Rose Byrne (neither of whom I'm familiar with).

My daughter and my wife both liked it more than I did. I would see it again, if only to propel my rating up or down by 1/2 a star.

Far from the Madding Crowd, 3 Stars

This is a lovely film. It's like sitting back and taking the time to read an enjoyable book, savouring the phrases and their structure and flow. Reminds me somewhat of Barry Lyndon (1975).

Carey Mulligan shows a wide range of talent and dominates the screen. Matthias Schoenaerts plays his part in an understated manner and is a positive, delightful surprise. Michael Sheen does well in what is a different role than I've seen him in.

The scenery is gorgeous and is worth seeing on the large screen. The pace is slow but doesn't drag. I'd see it again and recommend it to you.

Pitch Perfect 2, 2 Stars

This movie is very similar to the first one. A little long at just under 2 hours and it drags when it's left to the dialogue (such as there is). The music and choreography is worth going for but sometimes it felt like a long episode of Glee.

Anna Kendrick is strong once again, as is Brittany Snow whom I like. Rebel Wilson plays herself (which is not my preference) and Elizabeth Banks, who directed the film and continues to expand her repertoire, is strong in the brief scenes she's in. Some of the other supporting actors are interesting to watch.

Enjoyable but I'm not sure I'd see again.

Mr. Turner, 1.5 Stars

This is a weird, ponderously long movie. While it is an interesting story and interpretation, you could easily and quickly read it in a biography.

The subject is J.M.W. Turner, one of Britain's greatest artists. The scenes that show his art are quite interesting. The rest is not.

Timothy Spall, known for his role in the Harry Potter series, is excellent. Supporting performances by Dorothy Atkinson and Marion Bailey, depicting the two most important women in Turner's life, are very well done.

But at 150 minutes, it drags and could be shortened by at least 30-45 minutes. It feels like (and is) a slow-moving documentary. I doubt that I will see it again and do not recommend it.

Woman in Gold, 3 Stars

This is a very nice film about a lovely story. It deals with Nazis, the Jewish people, art ownership and the intertwining stories that go with all of those topics, and more.

I don't think I've seen a Helen Mirren performance that was a disappointment and this one continues her screen dominance. In watching it again, I checked to see if she was superior in each of her scenes, and she was. Ryan Reynolds plays his usual earnest self. Daniel Bruhl, who first came to my attention in Joyeux Noel, also turns in a solid performance.

At one hour and 50 minutes it felt too long both times I saw it. But it is lovely to watch, my rating of 3 Stars holds up, and I recommend it.

Boyhood, 2 Stars

I was looking forward to the movie which was nominated for various awards. I confess I was disappointed.

First, it's long. Second, it doesn't move quickly. And while the technique (shot over 12 years with the same cast) is unusual, the story didn't grab me nor my imagination. (And it could easily have been called 'Girlhood'.)

Patricia Arquette was excellent and deserving of the awards she garnered. Ethan Hawke and supporting cast were good, but Hawke basically plays himself.

We saw this at home (no charge on Canadian Netflix) and decided to spread out our viewing over three nights. Perhaps this contributed to the 'slowness' - but I doubt it.

Boychoir, 3 Stars

This is an enjoyable film. Totally formulaic, but it still works.

It's a nice cast, led by the incomparable Dustin Hoffman and with a not-very-recognizable Debra Winger, who does a good job in the brief scenes that's she's in. I can attest that the choir boys are pretty accurately portrayed (although I was never at that skill level).

The highlight for me was the lead up and start of Zadoc the Priest composed by Handel (and also known as the Coronation Anthems). The work always sends chills down my spine and this version did not disappoint. I will see the movie again (several times) for that one part alone.

And the rest will also be worth seeing again. Boychoir didn't last too long in our local theatres but should also be a good rental.

Cinderella, 3 Stars

This is a lovely, sumptuous, slow-moving film. Ever After (which I recommend) successfully took a few liberties with the story. This movie is closer to the original story, while making the female characters stronger than Disney's animated version.

Cate Blanchett (Robin Hood [the one with Russell Crowe]) is mesmerizing and dominates each of her scenes. Lily James (TV's Downton Abbey) works hard, is lovely, and does an adequate job but might be miscast? Helena Bonham Carter (Les Miserables), as the fairy godmother, is wonderful once again - her roles and delivery seem to be getting stronger each time out. And I liked Sophie McShera (also Downton Abbey) - I think we should see more of her in future.

The gold coach deserves a mention on its own - it is beautifully done.

There is delightful humour throughout. I'd see it again (and likely will, often, with my grandchildren).

The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, 3 Stars

This picture is aptly named and it is 'second best' to the first one (which I also rated at 3 Stars in June 2012). The First was superior, but in spite of Richard Gere (An Officer and a Gentleman) who drags this movie down, I couldn't go as low at 2.5 stars - overall it is quite delightful.

Most of the same cast is back: Dame Judi Dench (the definitive 'M' in the Bond series); Dame Maggie Smith (Quartet); Bill Nighy (About Time, which I liked); Dev Patel (Newsroom TV series) and Tena Desae (who has not done any other major movies).

I recommend you see the First movie and then this one is like visiting with old friends. The story moves fairly well, except when Gere is on screen - he seems like a 'fish out of water' and never feels comfortable in the role.

I'd see it again.

McFarland, USA, 2.5 Stars

This is a nice Kevin Costner (For Love of the Game) sports movie that is totally predictable. It is based on a true story and has some beautifully shot scenes. While it moves along fairly well, at 129 minutes they could have cut some.

Costner is good, as is his 'wife' Maria Bello (who was also in The Company Men that he was in). The rest of the cast I was unfamiliar with, but there is good character development and they too give good performances.

It's Costner, it's sports, and it's predictable - you can't go too far wrong. I'd see it again.

Fried Green Tomatoes (1991), 3.5 Stars

This is a very good film. I have been meaning to see it for decades. The plot is good but moves a little slowly (at 130 minutes they could have cut 15 from it).

Kathy Bates (Midnight in Paris) is her usual excellent self - I like her in just about everything I've seen. Jessica Tandy (Driving Miss Daisy) and Mary Louise Parker (Red 1 & 2), who is also a 'fave', are also very strong. But the pleasant surprise was Mary Stuart Masterson. I was not familiar with her work (but have heard of Benny & Joon) and she is very very good in this.

We rented this and would see again. I highly recommend it.

Kingsman: The Secret Service, 2 Stars

So, I thought to myself, this has Colin Firth (The King's Speech) and Sir Michael Caine (Batman series), it must be good or cannot be too bad, can it? Yup, it can.

There's a good idea in here somewhere and it starts okay. And then the writers either ran out of material or lost their minds and got really silly. It moves pretty well in the beginning but then it starts to drag, gets pseudo-violent and takes too long to resolve. Firth and Caine are okay.

One redeeming aspect is Samuel L. Jackson (Captain America) with a lisp - he's great. And I just discovered that Mark Hamill (Star Wars in the 1970's) was in this (surprise, surprise!).

A 2 Star rating may be too high. Don't rush out but when you've got nothing else to rent, put it on in the background.

Paddington, 3 Stars

This is a wonderful movie, suitable for almost all ages (likely 5 and up). I wrestled with the rating but decided to go a little on the high side because:

• the bear is great;
• Sally Hawkins (whom I must have seen but don't recognize any of her other roles) and Hugh Bonneville (Notting Hill) are also delightful;
• Nicole Kidman (Moulin Rouge) is deliciously evil; and,
• I'll likely see it a gazillion more times with grandchildren.

The story moves well, my granddaughter wants to know how they got the bear to move (which I haven't researched), and it's a fun time.

Still Alice, 3.5 Stars

I like Julianne Moore (The Fugitive). I haven't seen a lot of her movies but this one is very good. And I wanted to see her in the role before the Oscars this week because they say she'll win for Best Actress and I can see why. There are a few draggy spots but, overall, it has a good pace.

The story is about early onset Alzheimer's, and, if you've been affected or impacted by the disease, there are scenes that ring true and are sad to watch. Moore's range, from an active, intelligent university professor to a person who is having difficulty looking after herself, is masterful.

The story is fairly straightforward and plays out well.  Alec Baldwin  (whom I'm not a huge fan of) (Hunt for Red October), turns in a strong and surprisingly wide-ranging performance. Kristen Stewart (Twilight saga) is also impressive as the snarky daughter who is not following the route her uber successful parents want. Kate Bosworth (Remember the Titans) plays her role well as the elder sister.

I commented, as we left the theatre: "I have seen the future and it sucks". In spite of that and the roller coaster of emotions experienced, I highly recommend it and I'd see it again (but not right away...).

My Super Ex-Girlfriend, 1.5 Stars

This is a zany little film that I've wanted to see but now I'm not sure why... It's a takeoff on the other super hero/ heroine movies and it's predictable.

Uma Thurman (I think I've only seen her in the disastrous The Avengers in 1998) camps it up, but otherwise mails in her performance, as does Anna Faris (Brokeback Mountain). But I do like Luke Wilson (The Family Stone) and he didn't disappoint with his wide range of facial expressions.

Not much else to say about it. Don't think I'd watch it again and watch it only if you're desperate...

Selma, 3 Stars

I liked this movie very much. It does drag in places but the action of the film, most of which is historically accurate, make it interesting to watch.

The portrayal of Martin Luther King, as a man with flaws, is done well. David Oyelowo (The Help) is good and measured, and he has King's speaking cadence perfected. Carmen Ejogo, whom I was not familiar with, does a very credible job as his wife. Tom Wilkinson (The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel), who consistently gives strong performances in film after film, does not disappoint as President Johnson. My understanding of Johnson's political moves, at that time, are that he pulled all sorts of strings and IOU's to get the Civil Rights legislation passed, and this film distorts both that effort and that support by him.

Still, the result is a well-done presentation of an important time in history. I'm not sure I'd rush to see it again but I do recommend it.

The Imitation Game, 4 Stars

This is a superb film and gets one of my highest ratings. It's a great story, somewhat known, that is intriguing in itself. But the moral and philosophical parts of the story are equally intriguing, especially when viewed from an era 70+ years later.

There are not many better male actors alive (and currently performing) today than Benedict Cumberbatch (Star Trek: Into Darkness). He is known for immersing himself in the parts he plays and this is once again true here. He is brilliant and should pick up a few 'Best Male Actor' awards for 2014.

Two of his many capable counterparts are Keira Knightley (Pride & Prejudice) and Matthew Goode (Belle), who are also very effective in their roles.

I will definitely see this again, perhaps often and I recommend it to you highly.

The Good Lie, 2.5 Stars

This is an okay film. The trailer is not totally accurately portrayed in that it starts with what feels like a 20 minute documentary about Sudan and its war and strife.

The rest of the film is based in the U.S. and is about three Sudanese refugees immigrating, none of whom were (actor's) names that I recognized. Reese Witherspoon (Walk the Line) plays one of the workers helping them get settled. The other actors are equally unknown.

Generally, a good film with a good story that moves slowly. It's compelling but not enough to see it again.