NOW PLAYING:
MISS SLOANE
This is a dense political drama set in the high stakes world of power-brokers and lobbyists. Under John Madden’s tight direction, Jessica Chastain plays Elizabeth Sloane, a crafty and determined gun lobbyist who is committed to win no matter the cost.
This drama kicks into high gear when Sloane, who is known equally for her cunning and her track record of success, finds that winning may come at too high a price.
Although I had little sympathy for the title character as she relentlessly follows her own, well-defined path, I was impressed by the power of Chastain’s performance, make-up and wardrobe! She exudes power and confidence and is a formidable presence and a defiant opponent.
When asked to help oppose a bill that imposes regulations on firearms, she instead joins a scrappy little boutique firm that represents the backers of the newly proposed law. Her defiance and determination makes her a target and puts her self, career and the people she cares about in the cross hairs.
The movie rests fully on Jessica Chastain’s performance — and she delivers an awards-worthy performance that engages and elevates the film into a satisfying diversion. Walking out of the theater I wondered if the movie had a message. Is it pro or anti gun? I’m not, sure but it does have a lot to say about how we are manipulated by greedy bureaucrats, self-serving politicians and the media. Recommended. Now playing.
NEW FOR THE HOME THEATER:
THE TWILIGHT ZONE (COMPLETE SERIES on Blu-ray)
Travel to another dimension of sight and sound this holiday season with this pristine high-definition Blu-ray box set that includes all 156 episodes of Rod Serling’s classic, groundbreaking series.
Voted #3 on the Writers Guild of America’s list of “101 Best Written TV Series” and included on TV Guide’s list of “Top 50 Shows. This set includes unforgettable guest appearances from Art Carney, Burgess Meredith, Cliff Roberston, Dennis Hopper, Bill Bixby, Leonard Nimoy, Burt Reynolds, Don Rickles, Jack Klugman, Robert Redford, Lee Marvin, Martin Landau,, Telly Savalas, William Shatner, and many more.
This great set also includes hours of new and exclusive bonus features including the rare, unaired pilot version of “Where is Everybody?” with Rod Serling’s network pitch; numerous audio commentaries and interviews; Rod Serlings’s audio lectures, radio dramas, sponsor billboards, isolated music scores and more. This great set has a run time of approximately 74 hours, 34 minutes !), all in full-screen format as originally broadcast. Blu-ray. Paramount CBS.
FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS
Meryl Streep gives yet another Oscar©-caliber performance in this hilarious and poignant true story about a New York socialite who dreams of becoming a great opera singer. While the voice she hears in her head is beautiful, to everyone else it is a hideous screech and hilariously awful. Her husband and biggest fan, St. Clair Bayfield (Hugh Grant) is determined to protect his beloved Florence from the truth. But when Florence stages a gargantuan concert in Carnegie Hall, he faces his greatest challenge to make sure her performance hits all the right notes. Stephen Frears directs with a light, bemused touch . As Florence’s pianist, Simon Helberg steals his scenes with a look of barely controlled astonishment. Rebecca Ferguson co-stars as St. Clair’s girlfriend. Blu ray. Paramount.
Comments, questions? RobinESimmons@aol.com
