Hyde Park on Hudson Movie Review

Hyde Park on Hudson: Bill Murray playing president FDR in 1939 during King George VI visit to America is enough to peak anyone’s interest. We are not use to seeing Murray portray any nonfictional characters much less a president of the United States.  He did a wonderful job, but at times I still wanted him to be “Bill Murray” on screen more than I wanted to see him try to be FDR. The story is based on true events concerning the 1^st ever visit to America by a King and Queen of England. The stammering King George VI was here to gain U.S. support for World War II. FDR decided to have them out at his summer home in Hyde Park for a casual gathering. Having cocktails before dinner and serving hot dogs at a picnic was just a couple of controversial choices made by the president during their visit.  It might be looked at as trying to belittle the King and Queen or seen as a way to bring the countries together. This side of the story worked, however it was overshadowed by a storyline that did not. Laura Linney plays Daisy a distant cousin of FDR that actually goes on to have a love affair with him. She spends many days at the Hyde Park house while FDR is there. She is crushed to find out that she is not the only woman he is seeing. The film more or less celebrates the fact that FDR had affairs with multiple women.  That just felt wrong to me. Not to mention I thought Laura Linney’s character came off like a bump on a log. They should have focused much more on the King’s visit and less on the love affair.

Rythemovieguy’s Grade: 2 Jaws / C+  

If this movie had parents they would be The King's Speech & An Affair to Remember      

Silver Linings Playbook Review

Silver Linings Playbook: This is the best Dramedy of the Year! Bradley Cooper plays Pat, a guy who moves back in with his parents after finishing up a stint in a mental hospital. He needed help after going through a traumatic event with his wife, which more a less ended their marriage. He soon meets Tiffany, played by Jennifer Lawrence who recently lost her husband in a car accident. Her Mental state is far from perfect as well. The two begin to gel as they work on a dance project together. Meanwhile his dad (Robert De Niro) is a die hard Philadelphia Eagles fan who works as a bookie throughout the football season; he also shows sign of OCD which complicates Pat’s home life. The film’s unique characters and brilliant writing supply some hilarious moments, such as a fight that breaks out at an Eagles' tailgate. The movie also has a soft side as we root for Pat and Tiffany to overcome their mental obstacles and find happiness in life. I cannot say enough good things about the cast – Best Ensemble of the year! Chris Tucker even pops up as Pat’s friend from the mental institution and gives a mellow yet amusing performance. David O. Russell who wrote & directed the movie did a wonderful job balancing the drama with the comedy. This one of the best movies of the year –

Rythemovieguy’s Grade: 4 Jaws / A-

If this movie had parents they would be: Rain Man & Strictly Ballroom         

Lincoln Movie Review

Lincoln: Sitting through Spielberg’s latest film brought me back to my days at Nazareth Academy – sitting in Mr. Jaglin’s History class, shooting spit balls over at Tim Allison. While this film is an amazing accomplishment from a historical point of view, I did not find it all that entertaining. Daniel Day Lewis does a phenomenal job as old Abe, he will no doubt receive his 5^th Oscar nomination for this performance.  He is not the only star in this film either. In fact every role seemed to have a big name behind it. Sally Fields shined as his wife Mary Todd.  Tommy Lee Jones meanwhile knocks it out of the park as Representative Thaddeus Stevens.  I felt his performance was on par with that of DDLs and his character is just as important to the story.  David Strathairn, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, James Spader, and John Hawkes are all wonderful in their small roles as well. The story is not that of Lincoln’s life, but of the 3 weeks leading up to the passing of the 13^th amendment to abolish slavery. Much of the drama takes place inside the House of Representatives as they argue over the amendment.  The film’s biggest fault is that is does not take us out of the Washington gridlock to show us the current state of the Union and the impact the amendment will have. While I enjoyed the history refresher I cannot say this is one of the best movies of the year.  I would actually say skip it in the theater and see it on DVD some lazy Sunday.

Rythemovieguy's Grade: 2.75 Jaws / B-

If this movie had parents they would be: Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter & Mr. Smith Goes to Washington    

Flight Movie Review

 Flight: Denzel Washington gives a very emotional performance in the first live action film in 12 years from director Robert Zemeckis.  Denzel Plays Whip Whitaker, an airline pilot with a drinking problem. When his plane malfunctions during flight he miraculously saves the plane and most everyone on board with a rough crash landing. However before he can be proclaimed a hero an investigation on the crash is conducted. This could turn the spotlight from heroism to his drug and drinking problems. The story is really about substance abuse and the challenges a person must overcome to deal with it. How many lies can the conscious take? Washington’s performance as the troubled soul is extremely strong. The ending of the film is emotionally powerful mainly because of Denzel’s acting. And Speaking of acting – Don Cheadle is great here as the lawyer defending Denzel during the investigation. Also John Goodman pops up as his drug buddy.  He only has 2 scenes in the film, but both had the audience rolling with laughter. Meanwhile Zemeckis gives us another memorable movie plane crash (who could forget the scary scene with Tom Hanks in Cast Away). I appreciated the fresh take on substance abuse, the idea of a man under the influence still being heroic at times made for an interesting plot. Don’t wait to see this one on a plane...

Rythemovieguy's  Grade: 3.5 Jaws / B+ 

If this movie had parents they would be: Leaving Las Vegas & Airplane