INFINITELY POLAR BEAR

Mark Ruffalo     Zoe Saldana     Imogene Wolodarsky

Funny and tenderly sad, Infinitely Polar Bear gives us a taste of what it’s like living with bipolar disorder as a person and as a family member.  Writer/director Maya Forbes apparently knows of what she speaks because every bit of the film rings true, from the mental disorder, to the kids’ behavior, to the challenges one parent takes on in pursuing an education and the other taking on household responsibilities with little prior experience.  It’s also remarkable in showing the amount of patience, love, and commitment it takes for each person to muddle through.  Finally, it’s refreshing to see a film about a family in which the communication is out front, including allowing the children to speak their minds freely.

           The story begins on a rather pessimistic note with Cam (Ruffalo) getting fired from his job and entering a manic episode.  He is admitted to the hospital where he looks like a zombie at first, but gradually becomes well enough to go to a halfway house.  His wife Maggie (Saldana) plugs away at a job far beneath her qualifications, and their girls Amelia (Wolodarsky) and Faith (Ashley Aufderheide) have to transfer to a substandard school. 

           Then good problem solving gets them on a better—although not ideal—track.  Maggie is accepted by Columbia University to work on an MBA, the downside of which is that she must be away from home during the week for 18 months.  At first, Cam is taken aback and overwhelmed, but Maggie expresses her confidence in him to take care of the girls.  As expected, it’s rocky along the way, what with lapses on Cam’s part, car breakdowns, and the endless demands of keeping up with the dishes and the laundry.  But the young girls admirably step up to the plate and take on more responsibility, which is good for them.  It’s also rewarding to see how handy Cam is in fixing whatever is broken and creatively constructing all kinds of solutions to meet their needs.

           The story ends on a hopeful note, although not with everything tied up neatly with a bow.  But I can say that in the end, we are confident that “the kids will be all right.”

           My hat is off to Mark Ruffalo for being willing to take on a househusband role and be impaired to boot!  And he does a magnificent job!  I hope he receives nominations for such a challenging project.  He and Zoe Saldana work together beautifully and convincingly in portraying heroic parents in reality-based troubling situations.  It is gratifying to hear that young Wolodarsky—without any prior acting experience—nails her role.  It’s in her blood literally, I suppose, in that she is the daughter of Forbes and one of the producers, Wallace Solodarsky. 

           Ah, the music in this film!  Whenever a scene needs it, award-winning Theodore Shapiro  (Hope Springs, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Marley and Me, The Devil Wears Prada) comes up with exactly the right songs and orchestral interludes to enhance the effects of the drama.

An infinitely rewarding film.

Grade:  A                                    By Donna R. Copeland

MAGIC MIKE XXL

Channing Tatum   Joe Manganiello   Matt Bomer   Adam Rodriguez   Gabriel Iglesias 

 

“We’re male entertainers now; not strippers” say the boys in Kings of Tampa, getting ready for their last blow-out performance at the Strippers Convention on Myrtle Beach in South Carolina.  Magic Mike (Tatum) had left the group to fulfill his dream of making furniture, but when he gets a message out of the blue that causes him great concern, he hooks up with them and is easily persuaded to rejoin them on this last excursion.  It takes them a while to get there with some mishaps along the way, but various women from their past—Rome (Jada Pinkett-Smith), Zoe (Amber Heard), and Paris (Elizabeth Banks)—give them a generous hand, and they make it to their destination with a new show and emcee.

           The aims of this sexy romp of a movie are clearly to entertain—as is claimed.  The men in the Kings of Tampa, as well as those in Rome’s establishment where they stopped along the way, deliver amazing performances in song and dance that even women in the theater screening audience could squeal for heartily.  But the writer (Reid Carolin) and director (Gregory Jacobs) add a little more substance to the brew in empathic looks at male bonding and women’s need for a listening ear and romance. 

           In males, there seems to be a bottom line of trust—although it is repeatedly tested—along with the competition and territorial struggles.  In this group, there is a bit of difficulty reintegrating Mike into the group after three years and a certain amount of resentment about his finding his niche, while most of the others are in some kind of limbo.  But no matter what the conflict, how much hurt is dished out, or how much they argue, the bottom line of love and respect always brings them back together.

           I must confess I have never been in a male strip club and did not see the original Magic Mike; but I was impressed in seeing the performances in Magic Mike XXL show understanding for the things many women are missing in their relationships with men.  Obviously, the focus is on the men and their prowess, but the women they are attending to, however briefly, are not just passive props.  First of all, they ask the women directly what they want.  Then they include them in their act in such a way the two become a unit; it’s not always easy to tell—if you didn’t already know—who is doing what.  (We’ll ignore for the moment that these performances are primarily to show off the men’s acrobatics and gymnastics.)  But there is the illusion of shared control.

           Steven Soderbergh, the director of the previous Magic Mike film, takes the role of cinematographer this time, which is an interesting transition, and he is very good.  He and the director of XXL, Gregory Jacobs, have collaborated on many productions, so the change is seamless.  Reid Carolin, the writer for both productions inserted new plot turns and the choreography was turned up for XXL.  In an interview, Joe Manganiello credits two of the actors, Alison Faulk and Teresa Espinosa, who were in both productions, with dance move assistance.  

           It’s expected that Magic Mike XXL will be just as popular as its predecessor, so there is lots of excitement around the opening of this film.

Woo woo!

Grade:  C+                        By Donna R. Copeland

TERMINATOR GENISYS

Arnold Schwarzenegger     Jason Clarke     Jai Courtney     Emilia Clarke     J. K. Simmons

Thrills, spills, guns, fistfights, explosions, crashes—Terminator Ginisys has it all—but in addition, it has mind games where the identities of the main characters move back and forth in time and even morph into someone else.  Although of the latter, we’re not always sure; maybe their true identity was disguised all along.  And then there is The Terminator (Schwarzenegger) who is challenged by a younger version of himself.

The plot is relatively straightforward; an evil force named Skynet has almost been successful in doing away with humans altogether and replacing them with machines.  And amazing contraptions these are in their abilities to reconstitute themselves after injuries or at will—sometimes into moving metal beings, sometimes into humans, and they can even make their hands grow into very long swords that are able to cut through steel doors.  But there is a small group of humans and one Terminator who will risk their lives to save humankind.

           The story begins with a rebel group of humans led by John Connor (J. Clarke) whose plan is to destroy the heart of Skynet, a machine built to go back in time and kill Connor’s mother so that he will not be born.  So Connor has a brilliant plan to turn their scheme against them; that is, to send his most loyal follower, Kyle Reese (Courtney), back through time to his mother Sarah (E. Clarke), who could foresee the future and told John all about it.  Kyle is to rescue her and destroy the death machine so that Skynet and “Judgment Day” (i.e., doomsday) will never come to pass. 

           Kyle successfully goes back in time, but the situation he encounters is completely different from what he has expected.  But as expected, it is very dangerous, and Kyle will be lucky to escape with his life.

           The conception of this film by screenwriters Laeta Kalogridis (Shutter Island) and Patrick Lussier (three Dracula movies) is complex, and they use comic relief from time to time to counter the tension and constant battles and explosions.  For instance, J. K. Simmons has a cameo role as a somewhat bumbling police detective who knows exactly what Kyle and his cohorts are up to; however, no one listens to him.  And The Terminator makes comments about being old but not obsolete, which always brought up a chuckle in the screening.

           Director Alan Taylor, probably best known and awarded for co-directing prime-time television series such as “Mad Men” and “Game of Thrones”, seems well up to the task here in a major feature.  Excitement abounds, and the production design (Neil Spisak) and special effects are noteworthy, especially the morphing actions on all the terminators—unless, of course, you’ve seen earlier versions.

           Schwarzenegger is in his usual fine form, and he, Emilia Clarke, and Courtney fit together mostly, although I would have liked to see less bickering, which was probably supposed to be funny, but I found it grating.  I’ve been a fan of Jason Clarke for a number of years, especially his work in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.  His performance here is just as good.

           This is a film primarily for those who have not seen the previous Terminator versions (1984, 1991, 2003, 2009) or love them so much they never tire of repeat viewings.  This is the fifth film in the series, and whereas the first two were hits, the last three seem to be stuck in time—which is highly ironic.

The Terminator returns…again!

Grade:  C                                    By Donna R. Copeland

MR. HOLMES

Ian McKellen     Laura Linney     Milo Parker

What a wonderful portrayal Mr. Holmes is of a life in its senescence, with all its joys, delights, regrets, and longing.  All this without being depressing in the least.  My hats off to the writers (Jeffrey Hatcher, Mitch Cullin) and director Bill Condon in being able to so creatively build on the Sherlock Holmes stories and visualize what his life might have been when the stories ended.  With the inimitable McKellen in the role of Holmes, talented Linney as his frumpy housekeeper Mrs. Munro, and bright-eyed Parker as Roger, we’re completely sold on this version of Mr. Hatcher’s vision in his novel.

           Holmes has become an apiary while he desperately tries to remember details of his last case, which he does recall as the reason he left the profession.  But he is having trouble remembering the details.  He is becoming senile, and his doctor insists that he get a housekeeper to look after him.  She has a son who looks like he is about 10 or 11, and Holmes is grumpy with him until he finds the boy is bright, interested in Holmes’ stories, and above all a budding detective who ends up helping Holmes with some of his memories, as well as with the bees. 

           This not-quite-happy household may be about to break up because Mrs. Munro is considering taking a job at a hotel in another city where she will earn more.  Moreover, she has concerns about the growing closeness that is developing between the old man and the boy; she knows Holmes is not long for this world and she wants to protect Roger from grief.  A part of it, though, is that she is becoming the third wheel and is having problems sharing control and her son’s affection.

           This is an intelligent film in so many ways.  First of all, it is difficult to go so much in depth into old age, senility, and loss without the story becoming depressing.  But here is a chance to see the “one door closes and another opens” phenomenon.  Secondly, Mr. Holmes and Roger get such delight in their work together and have so much fun it offsets the more heavy considerations.  Thirdly, in addition to the writing, the directing, cinematography (Tobias Schliesser) and music (Carter Burwell) all work together so well it’s a bit like a perfect match.  And finally the story is reminiscent of the other Sherlock Holmes works in that we’re party again to the thrill of the sleuth, trying to solve a puzzle.

If you’re a Sherlock Holmes fan at all, this is a must-see.

Grade:  A                                    By Donna R. Copeland

MAX

Thomas Hayden Church     Josh Wiggins     Luke Kleintank     Robbie Amell

The dog Max is truly the main star in this film meant to honor the more than 3,000 dogs that have served in Iraq and Afghanistan since 9/11.  They are amazing in their ability to search for and detect weapons and explosives.  Incidentally, about as many handlers as dogs (just under 30) have been killed during service in this time period.  The filmmakers used five different dogs for the movie, according to animal coordinator Mark Forbes, but one named Carlos stood out in his personality, charisma, and acting abilities, so he was used most of the time.

           The story involves Max and his handler Kyle (Amell) searching for weapons and explosives in Afghanistan, when a bomb explodes killing Kyle, and although Max survived, he was left with PTSD.  Kyle’s family is devastated, and when the opportunity arises for them to bring Max into to their home, they do.  Max is very skittish and obviously disturbed, but he recognizes familiarity in Justin (Wiggins), Kyle’s younger brother.  One of Justin’s friends knows quite a bit about dogs, so she gives Justin pointers, and soon Max is literally eating out of Justin’s hand.  His mother recognizes that this will be good for Justin, a sometimes sullen and self-preoccupied teen who plays videogames every chance he gets, and has a little business going on the side illegally downloading and selling them.

           But Max will have to prove himself, especially to Justin’s cantankerous father Ray (Church).  Soon, the whole situation becomes much more complicated when Kyle’s friend from childhood and buddy in the war, Tyler (Kleintank) comes back to his hometown and asks to work for Ray.  At that point, the story becomes more of a thriller with guns and criminals involved. 

           Max the film, written (with Sheldon Lettich) and directed by Boaz Yakin ends up being rather macho, with the males—most of whom are rather obnoxious—jockeying for dominance and thinking nothing about drawing their guns at the slightest provocation.  Even the teenage girl who is good with dogs is quick with the retorts and shoving her cousin down, much like many boys that age do.  Although I prefer this to a pink and lace effect, I would rather her other skills—knowledge, logic, empathy—had been more prominent in the film and the insults dispensed with.  None of the characters are very appealing, at least in the beginning.  The Justin character is the most sympathetic—although he is entirely obnoxious in the beginning—and the film is good at showing the dawning of what is really going on occurs to him.  Perhaps the point is to show that he is capable of learning and changing as a result of his experience.

           This film is good at whipping up passions—for the dog, for justice to be served and the truth to come out—(also, the harrowing bike rides at break-neck speeds through the forest are especially thrilling)—but there are missed opportunities, for instance, to address Justin’s illegal game activity, and the film becomes completely implausible in the last scenes.

The dog Max’s acting chops and heroics are the best parts of Max.

Grade:  C                                    By Donna R. Copeland

ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL

Thomas Mann     RJ Cyler     Olivia Cooke     Nick Offerman     Connie Britton     Molly Shannon

Put teenagers in a cancer setting, and their adapting to a changed life will be interesting, instructive, and even entertaining, just as we see in Me and Earl and the Dying Girl.  The author of the book and screenplay, Jesse Andrews, must have had personal experience of that situation, since the characterization of it in this film is uncannily realistic.  (I worked in the pediatric unit of a cancer center for 24 years, and found the adolescents and their friends to be as fascinating and admirable as the young people in this film.)

           We meet Greg (Mann) first as a disengaged high school student who is self-deprecating to a fault, actively shuns every opportunity for attachment, and has a tendency to blurt out wrong and hurtful observations, after which he is mortified.  The only one he lets in at all is Earl (Cyler), and still regards him as a “coworker” instead of a friend.  Their “work” is making short movies that are playful, cynical, artsy, and clever.  But of course, Greg disparages them to others.

           Greg’s parents (Offerman and Britton) confront him after school one day and tell him about his classmate Rachel (Cooke) who has been diagnosed with a kind of leukemia that is difficult to treat.  His mother then insists that he call Rachel and visit her.  He is horrified, even writhing on the floor in horror.  But his mother insists, and although Rachel does not really want him to come see her either, he pleads for her to agree; otherwise his mother will make his life a living hell.

           Thus begins their reluctant attachment, but sure enough before long he is making her smile, then laugh at his kooky sense of humor.  He brings Earl along with him sometimes, and he and Rachel hit it off as well.   After hearing about the amateur movies, one of Rachel’s friends proposes to Greg that they make a film especially for Rachel, and that project becomes a central point for the rest of the story.  Of course, Greg is terrified that the film won’t be perfect, so it’s a long time in the making.

           Greg is devoted to Rachel throughout her treatment, and they become fast friends.  She is mature for her age and a keen observer who is able to give Greg encouragement and helpful feedback about himself.  Chemotherapy makes her tired and causes her hair to fall out but Greg and her other friends stick by her, something so essential in coping with the arduous treatments.  Also to be expected in times of stress, there are disagreements and quarrels that are eventually resolved.

           There is so much to like in the film in addition to the above.  Entertaining artwork, cartoons, and videos are sprinkled throughout, but also demonstrate the value of creative projects in coping with the stresses of severe illness and high school.  Some of the adults make significant contributions to the success of the film, such as Greg’s dad who is home a lot and always eating some kind of strange food.  The history teacher allows Greg and Earl to eat lunch in his office and imparts wise counsel to them from time to time.

           Alfonso Gomez-Rejon, the director has really done a remarkable job in making a film that mixes tragedy, comedy, and artistic creations in a tender and loving way.  I’m sure Jesse Andrews’ writing deserves the praise in some measure as well, along with the three young actors who enliven the story and make it seem like we’re right alongside them in navigating the shoals of cancer.  A planned encounter at the end is left unresolved, but nevertheless, the film well deserves the prizes (Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award) it received during the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year.

You will laugh; you will cry; but you will be entertained throughout.

Grade:  A-                                                          By Donna R. Copeland

ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST

Josh Hutcherson     Benecio Del Toro     Claudia Traisac     Brady Corbet

The “Paradise Lost” in Escobar:  Paradise Lost is paradise lost times two.  Pablo Escobar was living in a mansion surrounded by family (which he adored), and with enough power to make or destroy anyone in the vicinity.   When this story takes place, he is head of the Medellin Cartel in Colombia and incredibly wealthy; but eventually, he is forced to make a deal for his life and be incarcerated.  So his paradise is lost to him (some religions might say for his sin of selling an addictive substance all over the world). 

           This story centers as much around young Nick (Hutcherson) meeting a native woman named Maria (Traisac) as it does Escobar.  Maria is standoffish at first, complaining about northerners coming to Colombia and thinking it is paradise where they simply want to come and have fun without investing in the people or the culture.  Nick and his brother Dylan (Corbet) are Canadians who have come to set up a shack on the beach to sell snacks and for Nick to give surfing lessons.  Maria soon gives in to Nick’s charm, and they become a couple.  It turns out she is Escobar’s niece, and before he knows it Nick is employed at their hacienda and welcomed like a member of the family.  Pablo is thrilled and tells Nick he is like a son to him. 

           Well, one of the morals of this story is never to get involved with criminals, and Dylan strongly advises his younger brother not to get drawn in.  But Nick is naïve and Pablo and the family so warm and welcoming, he doesn’t heed the advice.  Little does he know that his own paradise may be snatched away.

           Andrea Di Stefano, the director making his debut with this film, has been an actor for years, and clearly shows he has directorial talent.  With co-writer Francesca Marciano, he has brought an absorbing, riveting drama to the screen, based at least partly on the real story of Pablo Escobar’s life.  (I presume the part about Nick and Dylan was created for the film.)  The film is greatly enhanced by Max Richter’s music.  He is well known for the music in The Lunchbox, Wadjda, and the recent Testament of Youth. 

           The gifted Del Toro, with a long string of credits to his name, is in his element playing Escobar, showing his devotion to family, his status as hero of the common people (donating everything from soccer stadia to hospitals and clinics for the poor), contrasting with his cold ruthlessness when he orders a death.  Josh Hutcherson of Hunger Games fame, gives one of his best performances, especially when his life is endangered and he is on the run.  He and Claudia Traisac (Maria), who is optimally expressive, have good chemistry and look like a “real” couple together. 

           In my opinion the insertion of a romantic/thriller drama within a dramatized version of the Pablo Escobar story is remarkably successful.

A riveting dramatization within a brief look at the real Pablo Escobar’s life.

Grade:  B                                                                       By Donna R. Copeland