Irrational Man

Writer/Director Woody Allen’s Irrational Man is a morality tale in which a philosophy professor (Joaquin Phoenix), who has given up on life finds renewal with the plot to kill a crooked judge.

With Darius Khondji Cinematography, Santo Loquasto’s Production Design plus Allen’s Dialogue and Direction, this is a well-made movie.  The problem is the story.

 It’s not very entertaining to see a depressive mope around for half the film.  Too much angst is boring.  If it weren’t for the watchability of co-stars Emma Stone and Parker Posey whose characters were throwing themselves at Mr. Mope, this film really would have been disastrous.  Then, when the main character “finds” himself, you have no interest in him getting away with murder.

 It is a dilemma even the great Woody Allen could not solve.

So, I can only give Irrational Man a 3 out of 5.

Mr. Holmes

Director Bill Condon’s Mr. Holmes is a beautiful and intelligent film about Sherlock Holmes in his early 90s, slipping into dementia while trying to piece together the memories of his last case…one which has sent him into nearly 30 years of retirement, not only from his cases, but from the world as a whole.

 

It’s a story about the fault of being too analytical and the fear of opening one’s heart.

Ian McKellan gives a superb performance of Holmes both in his early 60s and his 90s.  Laura Linney is excellent as his housekeeper and young Milo Parker is a true find by Casting Director Lucy Bevan as the housekeeper’s son.

Writer Jeffrey Hatcher’s script, based on Mitch Cullin’s book, hits the mark in revealing the inner workings of Holmes’ aging mind and Carter Burwell’s music provides a perfect background to the story.  Kudos also go to Cinematographer Tobias A. Schliessler and Production Designer Martin Childs.

I give Mr. Holmes a 4+ out of 5.

Minions

 I have to admit that Minions was, probably, my most anticipated movie of the year, so far.  I just love those little creatures.

The good news is that Directors Kyle Balda and Pierre Coffin have created an entertainment that is a lot of fun and, most of the time, puts a smile on our faces. 

It’s the little things that count…the funny voices, looks and movement of the Minions that are so charming. The only problem, here, is the fact Writer Bran Lynch’s story is just average. 

Despite Sandra Bullock, her character Scarlett Overkill is more hysterical than scary and is not interestingly drawn. Her cohort husband Herb is, basically, a non-entity.  Their on-screen time takes away from what we really came to see.

 

Bottom line, "cute" is the operative word for the film and it will have great appeal to children. 

I give the Minions a 5, but Minions only gets a 3+ out of 5.

Amy

Director Asif Kapadia’s heart-rending documentary Amy on the life of the amazing singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse should be compulsory viewing for anyone, female or male, who is on the road for stardom in the performing arts.

Using archival footage, Kapadia and Editor Chris King have created a wonderful biography of Amy Winehouse that is replete with performances of her fabulous work.

 

Headstrong and feisty, adolescent Amy chides her mother for not reining her in enough.  Her only anchor was her grandmother. Once she died, Amy was surrounded by those who were only using her, including her husband, who got her on crack and, then, heroin.

The only worthy father-figure in her life was Tony Bennett, with whom she sang a duet on his album with contemporary singers.  He knew how great she really was.

Be prepared to cry.  It’s a sad story, but one from which anyone can learn.

I give Amy a 4+ out of 5.

Terminator Genisys

Though it has some great action and effects, Director Alan Taylor’s Terminator Genisys is ruined by the ridiculous script “written” by Laeta Kalogridis and Patrick Lussier.

Whatever you may have heard elsewhere, Arnold Schwarzenegger is at his best, trying to make a semblance of sense out the nonsensical story.  As his character says, “I may be old, but not obsolete.” 

 In one scene where he melts the T-1000 liquid metal Terminator with acid, his arm has the skin melted off and he says it may take years to grow back.  But, by the next scene, his arm is back to normal.

Though Skynet is destroyed before it ever comes into being, Arnold is somehow still in existence.  We never know who created him or how.

Because he’s metal he can’t go into the time machine with Sarah Connor (admirably played by Emilia Clarke) and Kyle Reese (Jai Courtney) as they are projected into the future, but manages to show up shortly after their arrival.  ???  And the craziness goes on.

Ultimately, if you’re a fan, you just have to sit back with your popcorn and enjoy the action.

For the fan-base, I give Terminator Genisys a 3 out of 5.