By Michael C. Woody | Lake Panorama Times
It’s the end of the year, so let’s clean out the film closet and throw everything that we have got against the wall and see what sticks. And, just to be different, let’s start with the worst movie in this batch and end with the best.
“Ella McCay”
With the talent behind and in front of the camera, this movie was set up like few others to be successful. It was written by James L .Brooks, who wrote “Broadcast News,” “As Good As It Gets” and co-wrote “Terms of Endearment,” which was nominated for just shy of a dozen Academy Awards. It stars Jamie Lee Curtis, Albert Brooks, Rebecca Hall, Julie Kavner and Woody Harrelson. That being said, this an absolutely horrible movie. Emma Mackey, whose last credit was the Barbie movie, is so miscast as a political power person in the middle of a scandal and chomping at the bit to make a name for herself. This movie should have never been made. I sat in on a screening, and it was all I could do to stay in my seat. GRADE: D-
“David”
This is a look at the biblical King David as a young warrior trying to make a name for himself and help his people escape the cruelty of their enemies. “David” is an excellent animated film that is so much better than the other cartoon stuff that kids have been fed all year. I was not expecting a great animated film, but that is exactly what I got. And, as a life-long Catholic, I learned some things about my faith. GRADE: A
“Jay Kelly”
Here is one more movie with a character’s name in the title. The film is George Clooney’s long-awaited return to movie theaters. His last movie was “Wolfs” with Brad Pitt, and it was not great. Here, Clooney plays Clooney, a famous actor living with his beautiful family in France and preparing to be celebrated for his career of excellence. Adam Sandler, in a rare serious role, plays his manager. Great to see Clooney on screen again, but we need a better story next time. GRADE: B+
“Wicked: For Good”
Unless you were hiding under a rock for the last six-plus months, you are certainly aware that the second half of the movie “Wicked” opened this past fall. This is the conclusion of the first movie, and expectations were way over the top. How could any movie expect to live up to that hype? Well, I’m happy to say that this one did, and it was a fantastic experience — even better than the first. The voices are great, the sets are crazy good, and the story seemed more focused. This was one of the better times I have had in a theater this year. GRADE: A
“Rental Family”
“Rental Family” is a curious but charming little film about a man (Brendan Frazier) who is hired by families overseas for certain jobs. This job is to write a story about an old man. The film is full of great joy and great sadness, but you walk out of the theater feeling better about yourself and the world we live in. I would expect to see Frazier’s name when the Oscar nominations come out. He is just that good. GRADE: B+
“Song Sung Blue”
I’ve been a Neil Diamond fan for many years, and this new film, “Song Sung Blue” is based on a true story about a couple of Neil Diamond impersonators, played perfectly by Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman. I would do no justice to the film if I told you more than that. Just go see it and love every minute. My 92-year old mother-in-law told me there was nothing about that movie she didn’t love. I agree. GRADE: A
“Eternity”
Another wasted opportunity awaits you with this movie. At the beginning of the film, an old man dies (no secret there) and is sent to eternity, which is a weigh-station, if you will, as he awaits his wife. She does show up, but so does one of her old beaus, and then there is a decision to be made. It is an interesting movie with something important to say, but it could have been said better. GRADE: C+
“Hamnet”
This film is based on the true story of William Shakespeare and his loss of a young son named Hamnet. It is a sad tale of loss and grief, but the performances were excellent, and it is most likely headed for at least a few Oscar nominations. Again, this is one of the year’s best films. GRADE: A-
“Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery”
This is at least the third in this murder mystery series starring Daniel Craig in a Sherlock Holmesian role. I was not a big fan of the first two, so maybe it was best that I went in with a low expectation. I really enjoyed this chapter and might even revisit the previous films on one of these bitter cold nights. It’s a mystery, so I can’t tell you much other than to check it out. GRADE: A
“Train Dreams”
This is another great movie I did not see coming, but, at the end of the day, it might be the best one I have seen all year. It is a quiet film about a solitary man, written by a writer in Iowa’s Writer’s Workshop. Playing on Netflix. Do not miss this one. GRADE: A
Have a great holiday season and a safe and fun New Year. Why not take a holiday trip into Waukee and see a movie in the IMAX? You will be so spoiled. See you next month.
Michael C. Woody has been reviewing movies on radio and television since 1986. He and his wife, Susan, are residents of Lake Panorama.