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.