Nuclear Angst in A HOUSE OF DYNAMITE

Kathryn Bigelow (Zero Dark Thirty) returns from a long absence with A House of Dynamite, a detailed reenactment of a nuclear ‘what-if’ scenario that is both a high-powered thriller and cautionary tale that rings true.

An intercontinental ballistic missile launch in the Pacific by an unknown power triggers alarms in the United States at early warning military stations that begin tracking its ominous trajectory toward the Midwest.  As various federal agencies spring into action, 19 precious minutes remain before a critical decision must be made by The President (Idris Elba).  When an intercept missile is fired to stop the invading missile, it is compared to “a bullet hitting a bullet”.  As frantic communications among key sources desperately attempt to make sense of their information, The President must make a fateful, agonizing choice amid a worst case scenario.

Told from several points of view in repeat succession (like Weapons), those at the highest level of government are shown responding to an extraordinary, impossible situation which has ramifications on a personal level.  Aside from Elba, standouts in the cast include Rebecca Ferguson and Jared Harris among the huge cast.      

This tense story has a highly authentic feel in the minute details and location work, and what Bigelow does to heighten the realism and immediacy involves rapid editing and hand held camerawork.  It is noteworthy that the film works as well as it does by being an updated, state-of-the-art thriller in the mode of numerous Cold War-themed TV shows (Special Bulletin) and films like Fail Safe, Dr. Strangelove, The Bedford Incident, and Wargames. 

It isn’t a perfect film especially at the ending (which may disappoint some), but it’s an effective, plausible dramatization and reminder of the constant, ever present risk of nuclear proliferation.  There are no easy answers here.

**** of *****  on Netflix

 

A TV Mom of Moms

 

Actress June Lockhart has passed at 100. Her long career covered eight decades in stage, film and television and included Emmy nominations and a Tony Award as a newcomer.  Her first film role was daughter to her father Gene Lockhart in 1938 for A Christmas Carol. She had countless film and television guest roles, but she will always be remembered as the TV moms in Lassie and Lost in Space, two shows that are near and dear to my heart.  Though I met several stars of Lost in Space, I never got to meet her, but she lives on forever on video.

Past Imperfect in REGRETTING YOU

Past meets present with emotional trauma in the touching film adaptation of the best-seller, Regretting You, a drama that is highlighted by sensitive direction from Josh Boone (The Fault in Our Stars) and a good cast.

Morgan (Allison Williams) and Jenny are sisters who, 17 years later, are now moms. Morgan is married to Chris and has a teenager, Clara (Mckenna Grace), while Jenny, a new mother herself, is planning to marry Jonah. Clara yearns to be an actress and finds a soulmate in Miller, another high schooler with dreams of being a filmmaker.  Life seems blissful until tragedy strikes, and Morgan’s life is not only shaken, but devastated when a dark secret emerges thst threatens to unravel her relationship with Clara.  Mother and daughter struggle with the truth and an uncertain future.

The story establishes the quartet of high school friends whose relationships grow over the years, and though the narrative does give hints of something hidden, when it is revealed, these characters’ intertwined worlds are forever changed.  The film achieves the difficult task of balancing multiple sets of relationships including Morgan and Jonah, Clara and Miller, and especially Morgan and Clara. Not only is it about rediscovering one’s true passion but, in the case of Morgan, reinvention and letting go of a painful past.  The appealing cast performs admirably especially Williams in an emotionally challenging role. 

This is a straightforward drama not without moments of humor and irony. Though parts may seem a bit clichéd and predictable, it is played convincingly and realistically as during Clara’s birthday dinner where all the principal characters collide.   Above all, what comes through in the end is the love each person has to give. How’s that for a parting message?

***1/2 of ***** (add ½* for fans of the book)

 

And Unconventional Star

Actress/Director Diane Keaton has passed at 79. This unique star had a lengthy film career that had her costar in some of Woody Allen's greatest, early films including Sleeper, Love and Death, Manhattan, Interiors, and Annie Hall which immortalized the quote, "la-de-da", garnering her an Oscar for Best Actress, and influencing audiences as a fashion icon. She was a big part of the Godfather films where came into her own as a dramatic actress. Her other major films included Reds, Looking for Mr Goodbar, Father of the Bride, The First Wives Club, and Something's Gotta Give which resulted in another Oscar nomination. In addition to directing projects like the music video, Heaven Is a Place on Earth, and an episode of Twin Peaks, she was awarded The American Film Institute life achievement award.

Tatum Shines as ROOFMAN

Based on a true story, Roofman is the fascinating depiction of a criminal with a heart of gold who is winningly portrayed by Channing Tatum in a thoroughly entertaining comedy/drama.

In the early 2000’s military veteran Jeffrey Manchester (Tatum) is struggling to make a better life for his fractured family.  He turns to robbing McDonald’s restaurants by entering the roofs until the police close in, and he goes to prison.  Ever observant and resourceful, he manages to escape and stumbles upon a Toys “R” Us store where he sneaks in and makes it his makeshift home unbeknownst to the staff including Leigh (Kirsten Dunst), a divorced mother.  His generous heart leads to a toy donation at a church and a chance meeting with Leigh, and the two begin an improbable relationship.  But Jeffrey’s new life cannot last forever, and when given a choice of freedom or staying with his true love, he is at a crossroads.

There is a sort of Cinderella vibe where Jeffrey leaves his unhappiness for moments of love and joy and displaying his facade. What makes this a delight is watching how he lives a solitary, idyllic existence with all the amenities a toy store has to offer including monitors, candy, and merchandise he exchanges for cash. He is clever, yet fallible at times, making goofy mistakes and barely evading detection.

Tatum is quite charming and endearing as the robber with a conscience.  He and Dunst, who has become a strong, mature actress (Civil War), make a terrific couple, and they are ably supported by Peter Dinklage and LaKeith Stanfield.  Brimming with sentiment and good will, the film builds empathy, and you can’t help but root for Jeffrey and Leigh.  It is nothing more than a sweet, earnest film

**** of ***** stars (A must for Tatum fans)