Four Quick Reviews!

In an effort to catch up I saw four films last week and only had popcorn once!  It was tough but I was tougher, well at least three out of four times.  Here are quick opinions on the four in descending order of likability.

“Doctor Strange”

Although I have seen my share of Marvel Comics movies they are not my preferred genre.  Having said that I thoroughly enjoyed this film.  Benedict Cumberbatch is terrific as the narcissistic neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Strange.  A superstar among superstars,  his surgery days are quickly ended after a horrific accident in his ultra luxury sports car.  Strange is despondent and on a tip and a whim ventures to Nepal in search of help to restore himself.  There he encounters all manner of interesting folk including the mystical “Mordo”  played by Chiwetel Ejofor and “The Ancient One” featuring a bald and wonderful Tilda Swinton.    Rachel McAdams is sharp as his fellow physician and love interest to the extent narcissists can have one.

The film is visually stunning with solid performances across the board.    I was thoroughly entertained throughout.

If you are looking for a two hour escape from the routine I recommend checking Strange out.  It is apparent from the ending that a sequel is likely already in the works.

“Trolls”

Grab your kids or grandkids and head out to see this delightful musical romp from Dreamworks.  Featuring the voices of Justin Timberlake, Anna Kendrick, Russell Branch, Christine Baranski and others,  this is a fun movie for all ages.  It’s the story of the good and the not so good and happiness and how to achieve it.

The music,  largely contributed by Timberlake is a highlight of the experience and it keeps you entertained throughout.  The Trolls are a happy clan in every way but their arch enemy the Bergens are only happy when feasting upon Trolls.

Wonderful music, wonderful message and a happy ending.  What more could you ask for?!

“Arrival”

This is a fascinating sci-fi film with a top notch cast.  Directed by Canadian Denis Villeneuve (“Sicario”) it will mesmerize you with its cinematography and music while challenging you to sort it all out.  “Who are these guys?”.

Twelve enormous obelisk shaped objects appear out of nowhere and hover mysteriously over twelve cities across the globe.  Panic ensues and governments around the world try to make sense of it all.  The military in the person of Army Colonel Weber (Forest Whitaker) calls in a linguistics expert, Dr. Louise Banks to try to uncover the aliens’ language.  Jeremy Renner plays Ian Donnelly a major U. S. scientist is summoned to work alongside Banks.  The two work hand in hand to get close to the beings and attempt to pin down  their motivation and purpose.

The film is not really the scary sci-fi type like “Aliens” but rather a thoughtful adventure into the unknown.  The final third takes some unanticipated turns which improves the overall storyline beautifully.

Unless you hate science fiction I think you will enjoy “Arrival”.

“Jack Reacher: Never Go Back”

I don’t think I’ve seen the previous Jack Reacher films so I can’t compare this release to its predecessors.  I am a Tom Cruise fan for the most part but the script and dialogue from this film really don’t give him much to work with.  I found myself wincing more than once during exchanges.

On the bright side newcomer Cobie Smulders shines.  She is beautiful and handles herself well opposite Cruise.  Youngster Danika Yarosh plays the troubled teenager and potential offspring of Reacher.  She is a dancer and performed on Broadway in “Billy Elliot”.  The dialogue didn’t do her any favors either.

Overall this is a watchable movie albeit an average one.  Don’t rush out to see it but rather catch it on Netflix someday when you have few other choices.