Murder on The Orient Express

A bit before (1974) our heads were turned to outer space and the reign of the Force and the Arthurian culture of the Jedi, there was the first film version of Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot mysteries. It starred greats of the silver screen taking a trip through the Swiss Alps to get back to Paris. It was so luxurious I don’t think anyone who hadn’t read the book beforehand would have doubted this was the absolute ultimate in traveling through Europe. Certainly not the quickest way to get from Istanbul to Paris, like say, taking a dirigible, but then again, that would have been a whole different story.  This version had its good points and not so good.

Agatha Christie mysteries are like Chinese puzzle boxes that you have to take apart in just the right manner to get to the “who done it” answer hidden deep inside. This story is no exception, but for the fact that some of the characters have been, how shall I put it, modified to satisfy a “political correctness” that didn’t really exist during this time period.  Knowing that and trying to get past it, so it wasn't a distraction, was a bit difficult for me. 

Kenneth Branagh both directed and starred as the world’s greatest detective and I applaud his efforts in trying to fill the shoes of Albert Finney and Peter Ustinov, who both lent their own uniqueness to previous portrayals of Monsieur Poirot and the use of his “little gray cells”. Kenneth is sufficiently OCD,almost a bit more so than as written, but nicely done. The cast is comparable to the ’74 cast and the basics are and have to be identical to the book otherwise you’re messing with perfection and that’s a sure-fire recipe for failure. Overall, I feel it will be a front-runner for hair and makeup and set-design awards.

I’m going to be nitpicky about one thing that I truly missed from the first film, and that was the music that you hear when the train is on its way. It’s iconic and identifies this film just as John Williams or Hans Zimmer, or any of the great composers have done in countless other classic films. It adds a dimension of opulence that’s lacking here. The closing credits, however, are nicely wrapped up by an original song delivered by Michelle Pfeiffer and a glimmer of what’s to come. Rating: 3 stars (Professor Plum in the Observatory with a Candlestick, or was that Miss Scarlett in the Library with a Wrench?, so difficult to decide nowadays).

Star Wars Episode VIII - The Last Jedi

Sometimes it takes me a while to warm up to a movie, if at all, but not in this instance. I’ve been following the Star Wars story since its inception and I can truly say that this was one of the best in the series. No Ewoks, Jar-Jar Binks, Clones…just a girl named Rey, a boy named Finn, another girl named Rose, a pair of cosmically Force-driven twins, and another boy with a gi-frickin’normous chip on his shoulders out to take over the galaxy. Oh boo-hoo, my daddy and mommy didn’t save me from evil in time so I’ll just pick-up my marbles and pledge my loyalty to some freaky power mad bald dude who does nothing all day except sit in a huge, very uncomfortable looking chair and plays mind tricks with people who could possibly turn on him like a rabid dog. Be careful what you wish for. Anyhow, we’re back at the end of The Force Awakens and finally, after waiting decades, the answer to what, where, why, and who is finally revealed. The Force lives in all of us, it’s just a matter of how we use and promote it. I don’t like it when somebody gives me spoilers, so I won’t divulge anything except to say, if you’re worried about hearing dialogue, watch the unenhanced version of the film, i.e., no 3D/4D/IMAX with super surround sens-o-vision , I’ve been told it’s too distracting and loud. I was as happy as a clam at my first viewing (oh yes, I will be watching it again) and felt the same thrill the second Star Wars Episode VIII started rolling on the screen, as I did in 1977 with a New Hope. God-speed Carrie Fisher. You ruled in that galaxy long ago and far away. Rating: You need to ask? 4 stars, of course.

Gary the Dog ... Space Gary (uncredited)

Wonder Woman

This is a special treat for me, as I have a bit of a personal link to the original Wonder Woman, Lynda Carter.  Ms. Carter was filming a movie in Seattle in the now defunct Public Safety Building.  My father was a bailiff in municipal court and took the elevator with her during the filming.  She was very kind to my dad and he was given a personally signed photo from his encounter with her.  I have that photo and to tell the truth, she hasn’t changed a whole lot from when it was taken. 

Being that Wonder Woman is pretty much immortal, it was no wonder to me that the character transitions from WWI to present day with little effort and absolutely no change in physical attributes.  She tests her limits, is fearless, a powerhouse on the battlefield, empathetic, compassionate, logical, and curious.  I would vote for “Stronger” (see Kelly Clarkson hits) as a theme song for this Amazon Warrior Princess.  It certainly fits.  That being said, the film is spectacular. 

Gal Gadot is amazing as Diana.  It’s almost as if the role was custom written for her.  She looks comfortable in the red/gold/blue ensemble and carries off evening wear like a runway super model.  (I think I have a great idea from this for next year’s Oscar party.  It involves gold cardboard.)  It could be the training for Miss Israel and the two years of mandatory military service that secured her place in the spotlight.  She shines alongside Chris Pine aka Captain Kirk in the Star Trek reboot) and was, amazingly, pregnant for most of the filming, but you’d never know it.  Oh the wonders of trick photography, green screens, and really top notch hair, make-up and costuming.  The other Amazons are nothing to sneeze at either.  Most notably, Robin Wright and Connie Neilsen, who are “aunt” and “mother”, respectively, to little Diana; they do more to shape her both physically and mentally to meet her fate than any boot camp on earth could.  This is epic because we finally get to know where Amazons come from, since there are no men on the island. 

Far-fetched as this story may seem, it’s no more fantastic than other films that have been pulled from the pages of DC and Marvel Comics.  I’m looking forward to more adventures with Wonder Woman in the lead.  I bestow the rating of the highest order on this Princess of Power…4 stars!

Beauty and The Beast - 2017

No one spits like Gaston…he’s especially good at expec---torating and there’s no Fou, like Le Fou as portrayed by Josh Gad.  This is, in one word, delightful.  I’m a Disney fan from the word “go” and I’m excited that I don’t have to wait very much longer for a copy of this tale as olde as tyme.  The talent taking this from animated to live action is perfect.  Even if Emma Watson and all of the others lip synched or were auto-tuned to perfection, I don’t think I would have cared.  I was just glad to see a Disney “princess” portrayed as a strong person of character.  I’ve never seen any films with actor Dan Stevens, however, I do know him from the Downton Abbey Series and was quiet surprised that he was chosen to be The Beast.  It was a good choice.  The animated version was heavily computer-driven and, as you may expect, this version relies heavily on special effects, seamless CGI, and the ability of the voice actors to convincingly portray inanimate objects being decidedly animated.  I’d like to compare the two, side-by-side, scene-by-scene as both are Disney driven, just like The Jungle Book of last year and its counterpart back in the 70’s.  The production numbers are spectacular.    I was particularly pleased to see Kevin Kline as Maurice. Belle’s father, and I think it’s safe to say that not all, but most of the productions he’s associated with, are top-notch.  So, put the kettle on and be our guest for an experience you won’t forget….Rating:  4 stars

Moana

Here’s a great example of Disney using mythology (this time Polynesian), to tell the story of how the islands were formed and how the people settled in the exotic locations of Tahiti, Fiji, Hawaii, Guam and the like.  The tone is that of Hercules and Mulan with another demi-god taking the reins this time (Maui) to guide and assist the hero in making the long journey to restore the “heart” he stole from Mother Earth, also known as Te’fiti.  The hero is a heroine, Moana, a feisty headstrong chief’s daughter, who we see age from toddler to teenager on a mission, and the sidekick, HeiHei, is a pop-eyed chicken.  There’s action and adventure, heart-string pulling with sage advice from Grandma, a couple of nasty demons who would do anything to stop the heart from going home, some under the sea action and a bit of the parting of the waves and magic that makes this whole story, in a weird way, believable from a mythological point of view.  The songs are catchy, most notably “You’re Welcome” and “How Far I’ll Go”, now that you have “Let It Go” out of your head, I guess it’s time to put a new catch phrase back in there.  Could be worse, it could be a terrible song and sung by a not so great singer.  Fortunately, the voice and singer of Moana is a newcomer,  16 year-old Auli'i Cravalho, and Maui, as portrayed by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.  What’s sort of surprising is the chicken, Hei Hei, is voiced by actor Alan Tuydek (Serenity, Firefly, A Knight's Tale), although he has no dialogue, just squawking.  There are credits at the end of the film that you’ll want to see and a classic line from Jemaine Clement (Tamatoa) that refers to another Disney crustacean.  Priceless.  Rating:  (4 stars) A lovely bunch of coconuts, a nautilus shell, some breadfruit, and red sails in the sunset.         

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

I’ve been listening to the Awesome Mixtape Vol. 2 for this much anticipated sequel to Guardians of the Galaxy.  Last night, the long wait was over and I attended the film with old friends.  Star-Lord (Peter Quill), Gamora, Drax, Rocket, and this time, Baby Groot, are on a mission to protect the batteries needed to produce golden humanoids from a particularly nasty predator who could wipe out their genetically engineered population prospects. Diverting disaster is one thing, but you have to remember, the members of this odd family have a penchant for not always doing the right thing and the consequences aren’t necessarily taken into account by mutated forest creatures or creatures that mutate from the forest.  We get to see how this bunch is very much centered around the concept of “family”.  It’s funny, enlightening, colorful, explosive, brash, violent, and seriously addictive.  The music is integral to the story, as much as, if not more than, the first Awesome Mixtape.  We’ve met most of the players that have become Peter’s pals, but now we’re going to answer a couple of key questions such as, “who’s your daddy?” and why does Peter relate to music from the 70’s and 80’s so strongly?  Both answers will surprise you and I’m delighted to report that the series will continue.  So, sit back, strap-in, grab your favorite treat, and prepare to be amazed. Rating:  3.89 infinity stones  (sorry, but not for the little ones – it’s PG-13 for a reason)   

 

La La Land

I know it doesn’t seem like a big thing, but here we have a musical film that harkens back to a time in one’s life when all of your decisions seem to focus on what you’re going to be when you grow-up and start making your mark in the world.  For Mia (Emma Stone), it’s acting and making it big in the business.  For Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), it’s owning a “pure” jazz club where he’s in charge.  Having dreams and being able to fulfill them, doing what you love so it’s not work, that’s the ultimate goal in everybody’s life.  This isn’t the 850-thousanth remake of “A Star Is Born” (I’ve been told that’s probably coming), so you don’t need to pack a handkerchief.  It’s an original story, but also familiar with a twist.  The dancing and singing is borderline silly, but it’s really a translation of the heart more than anything.  What does your heart tell you, what do you feel in your gut?  Do you have the courage and the determination to really go for that brass ring or do you just give up and turn in all of your chips and become something you really don’t want to be just to keep a roof over your head, clothes on your back, and fed?  The chemistry between Ms. Stone and Mr. Gosling is undeniable and seeing them dance and sing is a lovely change from the usual relationship films that have so much emotional baggage, you can’t understand why these two people ever got involved in the first place.  I liked the sets, the feel of the film, the costumes and the spontaneity of the characters.  The songs seem destined to become classics.  The writing and direction are spot on for this freshman effort.  I’ve always wondered when I see something from a first time director/screenwriter, is it a fluke or is this the start of a crazy successful career.  We’ll have to wait and see, but for now, here’s to the lovers, the dreamers, and those who take the leap of faith to make it against incredible odds.  Rating:  3.7 stars.

Doctor Strange

As my ex would say, you have to believe we are mačke (that’s a pun son in Croatian and it translates to “cats” not “magic”)—enter Stephen Strange, an uptown arrogant neurosurgeon, Benedict Cumberbatch, who has finally portrayed a character that I like.  Not as the bullying, self-absorbed doctor, but as the human being who has a come-to-Tilda Swinton meeting of the minds, so to speak, in this latest Marvel stunning live action comic book.  I found myself watching it over and over again in amazement.  It has all the elements of a top-notch fantasy science fiction martial arts superhero film (say that fast five times).  I’m used to the velvet voice and I’ve seen that he’ll be doing the voice of Shere Khan in yet another version of The Jungle Book (excellent choice).  He has the same tone that reminds me of Jeremy Irons (I could listen to Jeremy read a phonebook and never tire of it).  Since I’m not a comic book reader, I wasn’t aware of the backstory of the good doctor, nor that this is a part of the ever growing Avengers series.  I’m a convert for more and I want it now.  A little bit “Inception” with a bit of The Avengers, Thor, Captain America, and the Karate Kid (on steroids) thrown in for good measure.  The supporting cast is tight, the effects are spectacular, the costumes, make-up and stunts are amazing, and the dialogue ain’t bad either.  Time means nothing and never will again, at least not in this multi-Marvel-universe.  Rating:  thumbs X ∞