Working Girl (1988), 2.5 Stars

Joan Cusack

Another movie found on Netflix. A slow-moving story that took a while to build and resolve about a woman trying to move ahead in the (male-dominated) work force of the financial sector.

You should check out the all-star cast of current (in 1988) and future stars including (but not limited to): Melanie Griffith, who received an Oscar nomination for her work; Harrison Ford, shot after the Star Wars trilogy but in the midst of the Indiana Jones series - it is quite a different character for him and sometimes he doesn't appear comfortable in his role; Sigourney Weaver, in between her Ghostbusters roles; and, Joan Cusack, who was recognized for her comedic work in this off-the-wall role as well as a couple of other films shot around the same time.

Working Girl is also worth a look to see some of the sites and styles of New York City (including the Twin Towers). You might like it.

Field of Dreams (1989), 3.5 Stars

Burt Lancaster in 1947

This is one of my favourite films but I had never seen it on the big screen. That changed when my wife and I were the only ones in a theatre for a recent screening. It was great. The main difference was that background sounds (birds chirping, wind blowing, etc) were more noticeable.

A recent article compared it to It's a Wonderful Life. I'm not sure it's a classic, but it's pretty good. The casting is great: Kevin Costner (For Love of the Game) and baseball are a good fit; Burt Lancaster (Birdman of Alcatraz); James Earl Jones (Hunt for Red October); Ray Liotta (Charlie St Cloud); Timothy Busfield (West Wing); and, Amy Madigan (Uncle Buck) are all strong.

If you haven't seen it, I strongly recommend it. And on the big screen if you can find it.

Always (1989), 2.5 Stars

John Goodman

Found this recently on Netflix. I remember enjoying it many years ago and seeing it again confirmed all that.

The story is pretty basic about fire-fighting and relationships, and moves along well. The acting is also fairly basic but I'm not sure more is needed: Richard Dreyfuss (The Goodbye Girl) is his usual wise-cracking self with some emotion tossed in; Holly Hunter (whom I think I've only seen in The Firm) is very believable and shows a wide range; and, John Goodman (King Ralph) also plays a familiar, blustery role. The surprise is Audrey Hepburn (Breakfast at Tiffany's) in what must be one of her last roles - she's interesting to watch but I'm not sure she fits the part.

I'm glad I saw it again and recommend it if you have a quiet afternoon or evening.

Pete's Dragon, 4 Stars

Bryce Dallas Howard

Well, it has been a long time since a movie surprised me in such a simple and positive way. Pete's Dragon is a remake (also by Disney) of an animated version from the 1970's.

It is a simple premise about the discovery of a dragon (no surprise) and the individuals of all ages who react to and interact with it. And along the way it effortlessly captures your heart and imagination.

The Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) is excellent and portrays a very believable character. The acting is strong with Robert Redford (Sneakers) playing his (now usual) senior role, while (newcomers) Oona Laurence and Oakes Fegley are very credible and effective young actors. I like Bryce Dallas Howard (The Help) and admired her restraint in what could have been an overly sentimental part.

I really want to see this again and, if possible, while it's still in the theatres. Go see it!

Zootopia, 3 Stars

There are times we postpone seeing some movies (especially animated), in case our grandchildren want to see them in the theatre. But in this instance, it was a strong recommendation from our daughter that encouraged us.

Zootopia is a delightful movie. It tells an important and inclusive story through many interesting, and well-developed, characters and I recommend it to you.

The story moves fluidly and uses humour well. The only recognizable voices for me were Bonnie Hunt (Return to Me) and a funny cameo by Peter Mansbridge (CBC TV) portraying TV newscaster Peter Moosebridge.

I enjoyed this and would see it again.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2, 2.5 Stars

Philip Seymour Hoffman

Well, it took me long enough to see the final instalment. It wasn't worth the wait.

If memory serves, this was the darkest of the four Hunger Games movies. The story drags, some scenes were definitely creepy and I really only felt I was seeing it 'out of duty'. Also, as it was one of the final films of Philip Seymour Hoffman (Twister) (for which I gave it an extra 1/2 star).

Jennifer Lawrence (Silver Linings Playbook) and Donald Sutherland (MASH) are very intense, as is Julianne Moore (The Fugitive), who is superb.

I'm not sure I'd see it, or any of the other three, again.