By Robin E. Simmons
This time of year is wonderful for movies lovers. We get some of the very best of cinema’s potent magic to explore issues and stories both intimate and universal. Whether comic, tragic or fantastical, the quality and craftsmanship in all areas is often of the highest caliber. Consider these recommended December treats.
FOXCATCHER
Steve Carrell is unrecognizable as unbalanced, obsessed, insecure but wealthy madman John Du Pont who seeks acceptance from his mom by attempting to coach a vulnerable wrestler (Channing Tatum) into a world champ. A true, psychological crime thriller of the highest order. Now playing at Cinemas Palme d’Or.
THE IMITATION GAME
Benedict Cumberbatch is WWII hero Alan Turning in this “fact-based” account of the homosexual genius who cracked the so-called unbreakable codes of Germany’s Enigma Machine but was arrested in 1952 for “gross indecency.” Although the film is kind of loose with the actual historical facts, the story of this complex man’s private drama makes it Cumberbatch’s game all the way. And that alone makes it worth seeing.
WILD
Reese Witherspoon further sheds her exhausted romcom image in director Jean-Marc Vallée’s emotional adaptation of Cheryl Strayed’s powerful autobiography. After years of reckless behavior, Cheryl (Witherspoon) comes to terms with the loss of her marriage and death of her mom by trekking the thousand plus mile Pacific Crest Trail. Alone. It’s a crazy, sometimes terrifying but ultimately healing journey.
INHERENT VICE
A great cast enlivens Paul Thomas Anderson’s seventh feature that’s also the first film adaptation of a Thomas Pynchon novel. Set in late 60’s and early 70’s LA, it’s about drug addled detective “Doc” Sportello’s twisty investigation of an ex-girlfriend and her billionaire boyfriend. It’s can also be accurately described as a psychedelic surf noir time trip to an era that is mostly remembered in a haze. Can’t wait for this one.
MR. TURNER
Mike Leigh’s already acclaimed biopic of British artist J.M.W. Turner (1775-1851) and his times has earned actor Timothy Spall a Best Actor award in Cannes. The film covers the last 25 years of the renowned eccentric’s creative life and difficult loves. Turner once had himself strapped to the mast of a ship so he could better paint a snowstorm. He was loved and hated by the public for his magnificent paintings and his bawdy, anarchic life. Leigh is widely assumed to be on the Oscar road.
AMERICAN SNIPER
Bradley Cooper bulks up with almost 50 pounds of muscle to portray U.S. Navy Seal Chris Kyle, the most lethal sniper in American history. Director Clint Eastwood let’s us see the personal price paid for being a superbly skilled messenger of death, who believed he was fighting evil in what we now widely consider an unnecessary war. Cooper is astonishing as Kyle in this heart-breaking, non-political film that hints at the deep ambiguity of American valor. Eastwood and Cooper will likely be nominated for Oscars.
UNBROKEN
Angelina Jolie directs and produces this incredible drama about Olympian and war hero Louie Zamperini (Jack O’Connell) who survives a horrific WWII plane crash in the Pacific for 47 days in a raft only to be caught by the Japanese who imprison and torture him. A different kind of American war than Chris Kyle, Zamperpini’s story is about survival, forgiveness and ultimately redemption. Oscar buzz abounds.
EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS
The extraordinary visual wizardry infuses director Ridley Scott’s reboot of the Biblical epic that just won’t go away. An at times unsettling contemporary sensibility informs the characters, especially Christian Bale’s Moses. But it’s the undeniably jaw-dropping grand design that is the biggest draw for this highly anticipated film.
NEW FOR THE HOME THEATER:
THE HOBBIT: DESOLATION OF SMAUG (EXTENDED)
Peter Jackson’s massive adaptation of Tolkien’s beloved mythic fantasy adventure always gets a bigger home theater version just prior to the next theatrical release of the series. With the final chapter of THE HOBBIT looming, the extended edit is already a huge hit for home viewers everywhere. Running at least 25 minutes longer — for a total of nearly three hours — the fun of dwelling in the richly realized fantasy world is the real attraction here.
Bilbo Baggins continues his journey with wizard Gandalf and thirteen dwarves, led by Thorin Oakenshield, on the grueling quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain and the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor. The little company travels East, encountering skin-changer Beorn and a swarm of giant spiders in the deadly forest of Mirkwood. After escaping capture by the deadly Wood-elves, the Dwarves trek to Lake-town, and to the Lonely Mountain where they face the greatest danger of all that will test their courage, friendship and wisdom. And the Dragon Smaug.
At least nine hours of terrific extras and a fulsome director/writer commentary, further flesh out this state-of-the-art home video. A 3D version adds an almost too uncanny verisimilitude to the flow of already astonishing images. Submitting to this longer version only primes the pump for the December 17 release of THE HOBBIT: BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES, which is expected to conquer the world with its almost unimaginable scale. Jackson is a cinemagician of the highest order and this title is one for the digital library. Lionsgate. Blu-ray/3D.
robinesimmons@aol.com
