In the spirit of the season (defined as: “cramming more activity than humanly possible into a tiny span of time”), here’s a potpourri of capsule reviews and previews of the biggest holiday movie releases!
Saving Mr. Banks
I encourage everyone who has the inclination to see “Saving Mr. Banks.” It’s a wonderfully made film, and probably the best movie about the making of a movie I’ve seen. Although a Disney film, it’s not for kids, as it goes to dark places as it explores the mindset of P.L. Travers, author of Mary Poppins. That said, it’s also quite funny in places, and Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson are terrific in their roles as Disney and Travers. The movie whitewashes the harsher aspects of their tense relationship, but I still got a sense of things. For those who are concerned about language, there’s not a bad word to be heard. Three-and-a-half-stars out of four.
American Hustle
There are a lot of bad words to be heard in “American Hustle,” but it’s still worth seeing – if you have the inclination. The movie opens with the words, “Some of this actually happened,” setting the tone for two hours of tongue-in-cheek hilarity. Writer and director David Russell took what little is known about Abscam, an FBI sting operation in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s in which several politicians were convicted of corruption, and added a fiction involving a handful of characters involved in the operation.
You have to pay close attention while watching “American Hustle,” as the dialogue and the story come hard and fast, but it’s worth it. Christian Bale is phenomenal as a balding, overweight, and brilliant con man with a bad comb-over, as is Amy Adams, who plays his girlfriend. Just as memorable are Bradley Cooper, who does a hilarious turn as a cheesy FBI agent, Jeremy Renner, whose goofy hair I will never forget, and Jennifer Lawrence, who plays Bale’s manipulative wife.
“American Hustle” isn’t just an actor’s movie, though. The movie is awash in 70s-style music, debauchery, and atmosphere, all attributable to Russell’s kinetic direction. It also has a tremendously satisfying ending. The one thing I remember more than anything else, though, is how much I laughed. Three-and-a-half-stars out of four.
The Wolf of Wall Street
If advance word is to be believed, director Martin Scorsese has delivered a masterpiece on par with “Good Fellas” and “Raging Bull.” Also based on a true story, “The Wolf of Wall Street” follows a New York stock broker (Leonardo DiCaprio) who refuses to cooperate in a securities fraud case that includes mob infiltration into Wall Street and the corporate banking world. A choice quote from among the many critics who saw the movie ahead of time and are raving about it is: “’Wolf of Wall Street’ is a powerful reminder that at 71, Martin Scorsese is as vital and as ferocious a voice as ever” (Drew McWeeny, HitFix). Color me excited. In theaters Christmas Day!
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Color me less than excited about this remake from director Ben Stiller. When I saw the first preview, I thought this film about a day-dreamer who escapes his hum-drum life by disappearing into elaborate fantasies filled with action, romance, and heroism looked phenomenal. But reviews of advance screenings have dampened my enthusiasm. Most discouraging was, “This meaningless excuse for special-effects spending is like watching a wheezing arthritic horse dragging a tractor-trailer full of big-budget digital equipment” (Kyle Smith, New York Post). A few mildly positive reviews have surfaced, including one by David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter, who wrote, “Audiences willing to tune in to its blend of surreal fantasy, droll comedy and poignancy will be rewarded,” so I remain hopeful. Also in theaters Christmas Day.
Ronin 47
This 3D fantasy adventure starring Keanu Reeves doesn’t even have the benefit of a few mildly positive reviews. Rather, the nicest thing anyone has written about it so far is, “You can’t polish a turd, but you can sprinkle plenty of CGI and countless close-ups of Keanu Reeves looking morose onto it” (Ben Rawson-Jones, Digital Spy). Ouch. In theaters Christmas Day.
Grudge Match
Advance word on “Grudge Match” is 50-50. The comedy stars Sylvester Stallone and Robert DeNiro as two retired boxers who settle a long-standing beef by stepping back into the ring. One critic sorta liked it, writing, “Thanks to a stellar cast and some great one-liners, Grudge Match is a funny, albeit completely disposable, time at the movies” (Bill Clark, From the Balcony). Another really didn’t, writing, “It’s all pretty depressing, to be truthful” (Marc Savlov, Austin Chronicle). Double ouch. In theaters Christmas Day.
Whatever you see, and whether you brave the lines on the busiest day at the movies of the year, or stay home and rent something, merry Christmas from the Critic’s Corner!