Sarah's Key - 3 smiles

The Holocaust story is wrenching; the past-meets-present, full of melodrama and coincidence, is less so. Nonetheless, “Sarah’s Key,” a gripping tale of survival, is wonderfully acted and an engrossing narrative. In Paris in 1942 the French police round up 10-year-old Sarah (Mélusine Mayance) and her family. To save her little brother, Sarah locks him in a closet and carefully guards the key. Her journey starts at the stifling Vélodrome d’Hiver, where Jews were packed and made to wait for transport to German camps. Sixty or so years later, Julia (an excellent Kristin Scott Thomas), an American journalist married to a Frenchman, researches an article about that roundup. Because of the article and a coincidence of property, Julia starts to obsess about Sarah and her fate, even as her own life begins to fall apart.

Sarah’s story is horrific. She tries desperately to return home to free her brother, but obstacles arise at every attempt. As you wait with baited breath to find out what happens to her and as the tension builds, the film cuts away to Julia’s story. Julia is pregnant and wants to keep her baby, but her husband doesn’t. And what does his family know about the previous residents of the apartment that’s been in the family for years? It’s obvious that Julia’s problems don’t compare to Sarah’s, but Julia’s quest is a vehicle to teach about the Holocaust in France and to demonstrate how dredging up the past has ripple effects on the present. While Sarah is the heartbreak in “Sarah’s Key,” Julia represents the belief that the truth must always come first. Director Gilles Paquet-Brenner has done an exemplary job of turning Tatiana de Rosnay’s best selling novel into a riveting movie. Some subtitles. 7/24/11

Friends with Benefits - 3 smiles

“Friends with Benefits” is a predictable romantic comedy that offers little in the way of surprises. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Stars Justin Timberlake as Dylan and Mila Kunis as Jamie are likeable and have enough chemistry to keep you interested in their inevitable paring. We’re rooting for them to end up together, which is a good thing. Timberlake is charming and funny and Kunis is mischievous and sexy. And their dialogue is often smart and funny. Especially amusing is the contrasts between the East and West Coasts. And the supporting cast is terrific with Patricia Clarkson as Jamie’s Mom who’s also looking for romance and Richard Jenkins as Dylan’s Alzheimer’s afflicted father. They do a lot with minimal screen time. Woody Harrelson is the macho gay GQ sports editor with his own mode of transportation to and from work. There are also interesting cameos from Emma Stone and Jason Segel.

Dylan (Timberlake) is a Los Angeles-based editor of a blog that gets 6 million readers per day. Headhunter Jamie (Kunis) recruits him for a top job at New York-based GQ magazine and flies him to the East Coast for an interview and to show him around the city. Seduced by New York and the job, Dylan relocates. Then he re-connects with Jamie, who becomes first his best friend and, later, his partner in emotion-free sex. The works for a while until, of course, complications ensue. Both are afraid of admitting their feelings because they think it will ruin their friendship. Director Will Gluck, who also directed Easy A, has an ability to make a rather over-used formula seem fresh and original. “Friends with Benefits” maybe frothy and light, but it’s also easy to like. 7/23/11

Captain America: The First Avenger - 3 smiles

“Captain America: The First Avenger,” based on a character that first appeared in comics in the early 1940s, has a winning spirit because its star, Chris Evans, brings humor, heart and virtue to its hero and our interest holds even when the action becomes predictable. With its muted color scheme that evokes an earlier time, the movie is nostalgic although there are plenty of CGI and over-the-top action. Steve Rogers (Evans), a skinny Brooklyn kid, tries desperately to pass a World War II army physical that will put him in the middle of the action. After several failed attempts, Steve meets Abraham Erskine (Stanley Tucci), a doctor who thinks this earnest but scrawny kid is a perfect fit for his super soldier experiment. Injected with a blue serum and then bombarded with a ‘Vita-Ray,’ Steve emerges, muscular and fit and ready to serve. Unfortunately, Col. Phillips (Tommy Lee Jones), the grumpy officer in command of the top-secret project, doesn’t know what to do with just one super soldier. So Steve is put to work as a stage performer, selling war bonds. Meanwhile, the Nazis and their science division, known as HYDRA, have their own secret weapon, a series of nuclear-style bombs designed to be dropped on American cities. Its project mastermind is a rogue officer named Red Skull (an effective Hugo Weaving) and if Steve’s transformation is into a godlike hero, Red Skull is his polar opposite.

Weaving is not the only member of this strong supporting cast. Toby Jones is creepy as HYDRA’s second in command, Dr. Arnim Zola; British actress Hayley Atwell is both feisty and sensuous as potential love interest Peggy Carter; and Tommy Lee Jones has a lot of fun with Col. Chester Phillips. Joe Johnson demonstrates a firm directorial hand with the fantastical elements, the staging the 1942’s World’s Exposition, the War Bond road shows and the requisite special effects. And, depending how you look at it, “Captain America,” along with Hulk, Thor and both Iron Man movies, is a teaser for a movie coming out in May 2012 called “The Avengers.’ (It’s a movie I’m looking forward to seeing.) “Captain America: The First Avenger” is often corny and preposterous, but it’s also touching and satisfying. 7/22/11

Project Nim - 3 1/2 smiles

I’m not sure what I expected when I went to see the documentary “Project Nim,” but after watching this heartbreaking story, I can only marvel at the arrogance of man. Director James Marsh, who won the documentary-feature Oscar for 2008’s Man on Wire, takes on this story by presenting interviews of the key players, letting their own words speak for themselves and letting us, his audience, draw our own conclusions. In addition, he also uses video footage and photos to enhance the present-day recollections. If there’s a villain in “Project Nim,” it’s Columbia University psychology professor Herbert Terrace, who, in 1973, wanted to see what would happen if a chimpanzee were raised among people and taught sign language. He comes off as detached and indifferent to the damage he’s done yet you sense that he, along with the others involved, had honorable intentions. But it’s also clear that none of them knew what they were doing.

Terrace had help from various ‘mothers’ – friends, assistants and teachers who took care of Nim and worked with him from his earliest days. They changed his diapers and dressed him in human baby clothes and later, in children’s clothes. Interestingly enough, Nim’s story turns out to be as much about human nature as it is about the capabilities of chimpanzees. Everyone wants to be involved, but for his/her own purposes and none are prepared for Nim’s animal nature. Consequently, for Nim, there are significant adjustments in caregivers, multiple changes in venue and even Terrace’s radical revision about whether chimps can be taught to learn language in a meaningful way. Nim is trapped between species, victim to the whims of his human handlers. Hence, “Project Nim” morphs from something inspiring to a disturbing portrait of arrogance run amok. Greed and glory end up trumping decency and humanity and it’s heartbreaking to watch. Says one of Nim’s signing teachers with tears in her eyes: ‘We did a huge disservice to him and his soul, and shame on us.’ 7/17/11

A Better Life - 3 1/2 smiles

“A Better Life” is a snapshot of what it’s like living in the shadows of contemporary society. It’s a about the lengths a parent will go to provide the best opportunity for his child set within the context of an illegal immigrant. It’s also about what a father and son learn about each other, how they repair their relationship, as they search for a missing truck. It’s not overly political, but it is a realistic portrayal of what exists today that remains invisible to many and watching this profound film could help everyone reach a better understanding of a controversial issue. Carlos (Demian Bichir) is a hard-working Mexican-born gardener who does his best to fly under the radar of the authorities, living in fear of being stopped for a minor offense and facing deportation. In every other sense, he is law-abiding. Carlos, whose wife left when their son was very young, has single-handedly raised 14-year-old Luis (Jose Julian). Because Carlos must work long hours, Luis has begun to drift away, drawn to a local gang. He looks down on his father and is contemptuous of the work he does. Spurred by the desire to protect Luis from gang influences, Carlos takes a financial risk, borrowing money from his sister to buy a truck and start his own gardening business. When this truck is stolen, Carlos and Luis team up to find it and, in the process, come to better understand each other.

The various LA settings and performances raise this movie above the average ‘art house’ film. There are 69 location shots, all in and around Los Angeles. And seeing the various scenes gives you an appreciation for the richness and variety of Southern California life. Who knew there was an authentic Mexican-looking rodeo in Pico Rivera? And Demian Bichir, a big star in Mexico, is perfect as the humble but determined Carlos. He brings a subtle grace and dignity to the role. Newcomer Jose Julian, 16 when the movie was made, is natural as Luis. And director Chris Weitz demonstrates his versatility as he moves comfortably from big-budget movies like The Twilight Saga: New Moon and The Golden Compass to this smaller, character-driven story. “A Better Life” is a compassionate story about people living precarious lives. And like The Visitor, it’s a movie about heartache and hope. Some subtitles. 7/23/11

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 (2D) - 4 smiles

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2” provides a fitting finale to a series that has captured the imagination of fans all over the world. And high praise goes to producer David Heyman, who has worked to align J. K. Rowling’s literary vision of Harry Potter and his world with the movie version, from the initial casting of Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint as Harry, Hermione and Ron along with other first-rate British actors in supporting roles to the selection of the various directors and Steve Kloves to helm six of the seven screenplays. “Part 2” picks up where “Part I” ended with Harry still hunting Horcruxes, which contain portions of Voldemort’s soul. Meanwhile, Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) has found the Elder Wand, the most powerful wand, and is seeking Harry while using his army of death-eaters and other creatures to strike out at Hogwarts, where his minion Snape (Alan Rickman) is headmaster. Snape’s elusive connection to Harry’s fate and the grim battle between Harry and Voldemort remains one of the film’s real strengths. So is Alan Richman, whose Snape has been Harry’s tormentor and protector. His final scenes are truly touching in their sadness, regret and loss.

“Part 2” unfolds with top notch production values that have come to characterize the series, creating a movie of adventure, drama and spectacle (although I’m not sure why the decision was made to convert this to 3D in post production. Perhaps Heyman’s only mistake?) Klove’s script allows us to say goodbye to many of the series’ beloved supporting characters, including the surprising heroics of Neville Longbottom (Matthew Lewis); the bravery of Minerva McGonagall (Maggie Smith), Sybil Trelawny (Emma Thompson) and Horace Slughorn (Jim Broadbent); the unexpected confrontation between Molly Weasley (Julie Walters), Ron’s mother, and Bellatrix Lestrange (Helena Bonham Carter); the wise and loving advice from Harry’s parents, James (Adrian Rawlins) and Lily (Geraldine Somerville) Potter, Sirius Black (Gary Oldman), and, of course, Professor Dumbledore (Michael Gambon). Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2” ends with an epilogue that puts everything to rights and makes you want to watch all of the movies again from the beginning. “Harry Potter” has been about growing up, discovering yourself, and ultimately, the battle between good and evil. I can’t imagine anyone not wanting to see this final chapter. 7/15/11

Green Lantern (2D) - 2 smiles

You have to wonder how many more superhero movies we’re going to have to endure. For every enjoyable Dark Knight and Ironman, you get Green Hornet, Jonah Hex and, unfortunately (because I like Ryan Reynolds), “Green Lantern.” And you know you’re in trouble when the script lists four writers, which results in a story that seems assembled from bits and pieces of other superhero yarns. Hal Jordan (Reynolds) is a hotshot pilot who doesn’t play by the rules. After being fired for destroying an expensive fighter plane during a war game, Hal discovers a dying purple alien (Temeura Morrison) who gives him a ring and a green lantern imbued with cosmic powers. After putting on the ring and pledging allegiance to the lantern, Hall finds himself transported to another world where he learns that he is now a member of the Green Lantern Corps, a band of intergalactic warriors who fight against the forces of evil. There’s just enough time for Hal to get a crash course on how to use his ring to channel his will before he learns that an ancient enemy, the Parallax, has escaped from its prison and is rampaging through the galaxy, heading (of course) for Earth. Wearing a cool green costume, Hal returns home to confront Parallax’s agent, Dr. Hector Hammond (Peter Sarsgaard), prove his worth to his ex-girlfriend, Carol Ferris (Blake Lively) and defeat the bad guy.

Ryan Reynolds does the best he can with the material he has. You pretty much believe his transformation from self-absorbed hotshot to self-sacrificing champion although it’s not as good as the change Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark undergoes. Peter Sarsgaard is very effective as Hector Hammond although the script dumps him as the climax nears. Hector is angry, jealous and has monumental daddy issues, but the screenplay doesn’t allow him to interact much with Hal so a lot of Sarsgaard’s value is lost. And Blake Lively is supposed to be eye candy so she doesn’t get to do much although she’s a better actor than Transformers 3’s Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Visually, go for the 2D version. It’s brighter and clearer than the 3D version. And there’s nothing about the CGI that demands 3D is better. If you like superhero stories, you’ll enjoy “Green Lantern,” but it’s not likely to win over the general movie-going populace. June 17, 2011

Transformers: Dark of the Moon - 1 smile

“Transformers: Dark of the Moon” is a prime example of a lousy movie yet it’s going to make beaucoup bucks. Summer audiences obviously like lots of CGI and brainless mayhem. No thinking involved. You can’t accuse director Michael Bay of being subtle as the good Autobots battle the evil Decepticons. In fact, the climatic battle goes on forever. And don’t get me started about the acting. Shia LaBeouf, again as Sam Witwicky, sleepwalks though most of the movie or shrieks like a girl when he’s in danger and his new girlfriend, British model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, can’t act at all, but that’s supposed to be okay because she’s not there for her acting ability. There’s a lot of hype going around about how good the 3D is, but after seeing this movie in 3D, I feel cheated. “Transformers 3” falls way short of the bar set by James Cameron in Avatar. At 2 hours and 34 minutes, this movie goes on forever; I was grateful when it ended. 7/1/11

Larry Crowne - 3 smiles

I don’t care if the critics don’t like “Larry Crowne,” starring Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts. It’s a light, fluffy romantic comedy with two genuinely likable leads, a solid story and no car crashes and special effects. And although the story is pretty predictable, it still works because we care about the people in this movie. The story opens with perennial Employee of the Month, Larry Crowne (Hanks), being laid off because he lacks a post-high school education. Now, unable to make the monthly payments for a house that’s worth less than the mortgage, Larry walks away from the house and decides to enroll in the local community college. One course he takes is a public speaking class, taught by Mercedes Tainot (Roberts), who is disillusioned about her profession and her marriage. It’s obvious that Larry and Mercedes will become attracted to each other and their interaction in each other’s lives will have beneficial effects. For Larry, there’s another source of inspiration. A student in his Economics 1 class (taught by George Takei), Talia (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), introduces him to her scooter friends (a group of student who commute to college on motor scooters). The openness and friendship of this group enriches Larry’s life and allows him to excel in Mrs. Tainot’s class.

The relationship that develops between Larry and Mercedes is gradual and tentative, adding a bit of realism to this rom-com. Thankfully, the script, co-written by Hanks and Nia Vardalos, doesn’t insert an artificial conflict, such as Larry’s wife returning or Mercedes’ good-for-nothing husband getting a personality transplant. The secondary characters are interesting, but, with the exception of Talia, aren’t given enough time to develop. Cedric the Entertainer has little to do other than play the supportive neighbor because his character has little to do with the main narrative. Same with Wilmer Valderrama, who plays Talia’s boyfriend. He gets in a few glowering looks at Larry, but not much screen time. You can’t call “Larry Crowne” an edgy comedy, but it has a heart. Clearly, there can be brighter days after losing a wife, a job, and a house. It’s a gratifying story that leaves you feeling good as the credits roll. And, to top it off, you don’t have to pay for and wear those yucky 3D glasses to enjoy “Larry Crowne.” 7/3/11