"A Wrinkle In Time"
Disney’s $100 million racially diverse movie based on the beloved 1962 novel, directed by the woman who helmed, “Selma”, Ava DuVernay. For those who haven’t read the book, it’s the story of a nerdy girl (a really great 12-year-old Storm Reid) in search of her genius physicist dad (Chris Pine) who disappeared 4 years ago. Problem is her dad is missing somewhere in the great Universe. Oprah Winfrey (who literally plays a building-sized version of her very wise self), Reese Witherspoon and Mindy Kaling are totally bedazzled celestial guides who could well spark new trends with their face glitter/jeweling and green, blue and white lipstick. The humor of Zach Galifianakis is kind of wasted. His scenes were the least fun of the film. Honestly, outside of the terrific Storm Reid, the visuals overall and the fashion show in particular are the real star. Really trippy stuff. And I have to say the message is spot on: recognizing and embracing your flaws. But the movie lacks suspense. And that’s a fatal flaw. I also have to warn parents this PG 2 hour movie is too scary for your littlest ones. The villain, It, who wants to take over the universe with its darkness, was dreamed up more than 20 years before Stephen King’s book!!! This is one to see on the big screen, not on Netflix. Rotten Tomatoes gives it 43%
2-and-a-half stars
"The Death of Stalin"
A wickedly funny satire on the power grab in the Soviet Union after the death of Stalin. This hilarious smart treat is one to see this weekend. An almost unrecognizable Steve Buscemi plays Krushchev, backstabbing Jeffrey Tambor and others. It’s co-written and directed by Armando Ianucci, who gave us “Veep” and “In The Loop”. It’s the funniest movie so far this year. If you can’t find it near you, Netflix it. Rotten Tomatoes gives it 97%
4 stars
"The Leisure Seekers"
Helen Mirren and Donald Sutherland together??!!! I’m there! They star as a health-challenged couple who run away from home in their beloved RV, which they named the Leisure Seeker. It’s bittersweet, not groundbreaking but totally enjoyable. The stars are both acting treasures!!! Again, you can wait for Netflix. Rotten Tomatoes gives it 34%
2-and-a-half stars
“Gringo”
I missed this one because only one screening was offered- the same time as “A Wrinkle In Time”!!! David Oyelowo (who played Martin Luther King Jr. in “Selma”) stars as a mild-mannered businessman tangling with Mexican with druglords, mercenaries and the DEA. Charlize Theron and Amanda Seyfried also star, along with Joel Edgarton and Thandie Newton. Rotten Tomatoes gives it 33%