Justice League

Writer/Director Zack Snyder’s Justice League is a fun and exciting revival of the franchise, especially after his awful Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, last year.

In large part, this is due to the charm of Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), the humor of The Flash (Ezra Miller) and Aquaman (Jason Mamoa) and the inclusion of Joss Whedon on the writing team.

The story revolves around the decline of society after the death of Superman (Henry Cavill) and the arrival of the demon god Steppenwolf (voice of Ciarán Hinds), who wants to destroy the Earth.  Batman (Ben Affleck) rallies members of the Justice League to make a stand against the demon and his minions.

Fans of the franchise will enjoy the action and even those not, usually, into action will be drawn into the story by the inclusion of Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Diane Lane as Superman’s Earth mother, Jeremy Irons as Batman’s butler Alfred and Connie Nelson as Wonder Woman’s mother Queen Hippolyta.  I won’t be a spoiler on the main inclusion to the story, but everyone should be as thrilled as I was.

                                                 I give Justice League a 4 out of 5.

Wonder

Writer/Director Stephen Chbosky’s Wonder is a welcome all-family delight for the Holidays.

The story is about Auggie, a 10-year-old boy (Jacob Tremblay), who has been born with a genetic deformity that has required many operations that have left him with a severely scarred face.  Having been home-schooled by his mother (Julia Roberts) until now, he is entering traditional schooling for the first time.

 

In addition to Auggie’s reaction to others and how they react to him, however, we become involved with his entire family, especially his sister Via (Izabela Vidovic).

This is a story of acceptance of who one is, not how one looks.

Chbosky uses a gentle touch with all the characters and tells the story with humor and tenderness that will, no doubt, bring happy tears to your eyes. (Alert: Bring a few facial tissues.)

I give Wonder a 4.4 out of 5.

Murder on the Orient Express

Having been fan of Sidney Lumet’s 1974 version of Murder on the Orient Express, I was a bit leery of seeing Producer/Director/Actor Kenneth Branagh’s remake.  But finding that Writer Michael Green (Blade Runner 2049) was involved, I decided to take a chance.

That turned out to be a good decision as I was happily rewarded with the innovations and humor Branagh has brought to this Agatha Christie tale, especially his opening and closing scenes, plus the fact Michelle Pfeiffer sings over the end credits.

Pfieffer also brings spirit to the amazing cast that includes Johnny Depp, Daisy Ridley, Penélope Cruz, Derek Jacobi, Judi Dench, Willem Dafoe and Miranda Raison.

This is a film that needs to be seen on a big screen, which is interesting given the fact most of the action takes place in the narrow confines of a train.   

But that is the magic of Cinematographer Haris Zambarloukos, who uses the space that Production Designer Jim Clay has richly appointed. It also helps that the train is stalled by an avalanche on an enormously high trestle bridge. 

If you’re tired of or just need a break from all the modern day or future super heroes, Murder on the Orient Express is a good bet.  I give it a 4.2 out of 5.