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Gary Oldman in “Darkest Hour” (Universal Pictures photo)
“Darkest Hour” (PG-13) – Winston Churchill is front and center in this captivating retelling of the events surrounding his appointment to prime minister and England’s entrance into full-throttle war with Germany. Focusing on the short but explosive time frame between May 1940 and his “We shall fight on the beaches” address to Parliament weeks later, we follow Churchill as he wrestles with the viability of a political solution to the growing Nazi threat, while cementing the stone will of the people in defiance of German tyranny. Gary Oldman is electrifying as Churchill, going so far beyond believable that it’s no wonder he’s Oscar-nominated for his performance, while the film is nominated for both design and makeup (among other categories). It’s really everything you want in a historical biopic – tension, excitement and dramatics that keep you on the edge of your seat.
“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” (R) – Seven months after the rape and murder of her daughter, Mildred Hayes (Frances McDormand) needs an outlet for her frustration with local law enforcement. She finds it in three rented billboards; together they send a message to chief of police William Willoughby (Woody Harrelson): solve the case. The grief they cause and the grief that caused them are the fodder for some dark, disturbing and yet seriously comic undertakings. Sam Rockwell plays the lawman’s second in command, a devout understudy with an angry attitude problem. Director Martin McDonagh plucked his billboard inspiration from real life, then wrote these parts tailor-made to perfection for their inhabitants, who shine as bright as Oscar gold.
“Coco” (PG) – Miguel Rivera (Anthony Gonzalez) is 12-year-old musician in a family that has outlawed music for generations. On Dia de los Muertos, a twist of fate delivers him to the Land of the Dead, where he must find a family member to bless his return to the land of the living. Believing he may be related to legendary singer Ernesto de la Cruz (Benjamin Bratt), he sets out to find his musical roots before time runs out. Gael Garcia Bernal voices Hector Rivera, who offers to be Miguel’s savvy guide through the back alleys of the vibrant, colorful world if Miguel will put up his photo in the living world – even the deceased cannot live forever if there is no one to remember them.
“Murder on the Orient Express” (R) – A famous detective. That distinctive mustache. A dead body. A lushly appointed train filled with potentially guilty characters. The only mystery is why it took Kenneth Branagh so long to resurrect such unforgettable material. Yes, it’s a remake, but with the exquisite talent aboard – Branagh as Hercule Poirot, with Josh Gad, Leslie Odom Jr., Tom Bateman, Penelope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Judi Dench, Johnny Depp and Michelle Pfeiffer – we can live with that.
New TV Releases
“Diff’rent Strokes” The Complete 7th Season
“Green Acres” The Complete 5th Season
“MacGyver” Season 1
“Mayberry R.F.D.” The Complete 1st Season
(c) 2018 King Features Synd. Inc.
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