Lady in the Van, 3 Stars

Alex Jennings, courtesy of Standpointmag

Well, this is one strange, delightful movie. Based on a book, it is both weird and wonderful.

Maggie Smith (Ladies in Lavender) gives an Oscar worthy, superb, and haunting performance as the lady who lives in her van. Alex Jennings (The Queen) is also very effective as her 'landlord'. The supporting cast has a wide range of characters who add a lot to the story.

This one will stay with me for some time I think. Perhaps surprisingly, I'm not sure if I'd see it again. But I do recommend it highly.

Trumbo, 3 Stars

Elle Fanning

This is a very good movie. More like a cross between a biopic and a documentary, it is a good story about the anti-American committee in the late 1940's and supposed activities that they tried to suppress.

Bryan Cranston (Argo) gives a superb, heartfelt performance. Diane Lane (whom I didn't realize was in The Full Monty) is her usual luminous self and Louis C.K. (American Hustle) plays a very credible character. It is the underrated Elle Fanning (We Bought a Zoo) who is a delightful surprise as Trumbo's daughter. She holds her own in scenes with him and shows a wide range of ability.

I liked this film very much and recommend it to you. I would see it again.

Take Me Home (2012), 2.5 Stars

Sam Jaeger

This is an independent film that we found on Netflix. It is a romantic-comedy that does not follow the 'usual' formulae.

The story is about a supposed cab driver who drives a woman across the continent to see her family.Written and directed by Sam Jaeger (TV's Parenthood), it features Jaeger and his wife Amber (who does not appear to have much of a filmography).

There are some good scenes with realistic dialogue, some beautiful vistas and a different ending. I'm not sure I'd watch it again, but if you're looking for something to pass the time it should suffice.

Kung Fu Panda 3, 2 Stars

This is an okay film for kids (but not too young). It was a little too violent for both me and my granddaughter.

It is a basic story but the actual philosophy expressed and portrayed at the end of the film I found quite intriguing (and was probably lost on young audience members).

I like Jack Black (School of Rock, 2003) - his voice is distinctive as are his mannerisms (which the animators try to portray). The other voices were not aurally recognizable.

I wouldn't go out of my way to see this again.

The Bucket List (2007), 2.5 Stars

Jack in 1976

I really like this film. It's very basic and straightforward but is a joy just to watch two all-time greats work together.

The repartee and dialogue is natural and fun. Jack Nicholson (Easy Rider, 1969) seems to put more into his outlandish character and Morgan Freeman (Driving Miss Daisy, 1989) is calmer as befits the part. Sean Hayes (Will & Grace, TV) is very good in a supporting role as is Beverly Todd who was also in Lean on Me (1989) with Freeman. I also liked Rowena King who looked familiar but her 'filmography' didn't ring any bells.

Having a 'bucket list' is an intriguing concept which I like (but don't personally hold to) and it is interesting to watch this one. I can and will watch this often.

Bridge of Spies, 3 Stars

I liked this movie. It is long (2 hrs & 15 min) and deliberate. It is somewhat like Cast Away which Tom Hanks was also in - long and ponderous and it could have been shorter.

But it is a good and interesting story. Hanks is, of course, his usual competent self and dominates the film. Mark Rylance, with whom I'm not familiar, is excellent playing a calm, unflappable character. The rest of the cast is solid but no one else stood out.

We rented this and so we could take breaks along the way. I'm glad I saw it but I'm not sure I'd see it again.