#Middlebury
Jason Momoa in “Aquaman” (Warner Bros./DC Comics photo)
“Aquaman” (PG-13) – Jason Momoa helms the fourth highest-grossing solo superhero film to date, the origin story of Arthur Curry, the half-breed son of the queen of Atlantis and a lighthouse keeper. Raised as a warrior by an Atlantean mentor (Willem Dafoe) but rejecting his tidal roots, Arthur comes to terms with his legacy by battling alongside warrior and fellow underwater royal Mera (Amber Heard) for the soul of the ocean while fending off a sworn enemy – and, of course, getting the girl. It follows in the less-serious, more spirited fun of, say, “Wonder Woman” or “Thor” with a killer cast and CGI segments that keep underwater scenes exciting and alive. Plus, Jason Momoa.
“If Beale Street Could Talk” (R) – Based on James Baldwin’s 1974 novel, a young couple – Tish (Kiki Layne) and Fonny (Stephan James) – face racism and adversity while maintaining faith in their unshakeable love. Fonny is wrongly jailed for a terrible crime, just as Tish finds out she is pregnant with their child. Their families share in the trials of these young lovers ripped apart and the joy of an impending new generation. Regina King’s performance as Tish’s mother is outstanding – indeed Oscar-worthy, as she took home the statue for best supporting actress – with loving direction from Barry Jenkins and a beautiful score.
“Stan and Ollie” (PG) – Recounting the sunset days of one of the greatest duo acts to grace a stage, Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly play Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. A string of Hollywood Golden Age hits in the rearview, the pair embark on a tour of Britain in 1953 to revive interest in a new film. Hardy’s health is failing, while Laurel is wistfully grasping at a last chance for success. But the show must go on, and it does. I wasn’t sure at first about slapstick comedy routines by a dolled-up Coogan and a fat-suited-up Reilly, but it’s so good. They really give it everything they have, and on behalf of a whole generation that might have missed out on this brand of comedy, I thank the cast and crew for delivering.
“Second Act” (PG-13) – Are street smarts as good as book smarts? Well, this movie pits Jenny from the Block against elegantly coiffed Madame Lopez to see which is the better JLo. She stars as Maya, a 40-something management material who missed her window. But then she is given a social media/Photoshop makeover that gets her an interview for a prestigious Madison Avenue job – which she lands, of course. Will the money and prestige turn Maya into someone she is not, or the person she is meant to be? It’s standard girl power rom-com fare that will satisfy the middle ground when your book club fizzles out and you need something to fill the time.
New TV Releases
“Dragons: Race to the Edge” Seasons 5-6
“Legion: Season 2”
“Midnight: Texas” Season 2
© 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.
You must be logged in to post a comment.