Stan & Ollie

As I have reviewed in past write-ups, Hollywood is fascinated with films based on true stories. I'm not sure if the audiences really like them or has Hollywood produced so many that the public has simply gotten used to seeing them? In any rate, "Stan & Ollie" is an indie film that is a gem that is as heartwarming as it is entertaining. Question: why hasn't a theatrical film been produced about these two comedians before now?

 

The true story of Hollywood's greatest comedy double act, Laurel and Hardy, is brought to the big screen for the first time. Starring Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly as the inimitable movie icons, Stan and Ollie is the heartwarming story of what would become the pair's triumphant farewell tour in 1953. With their golden era long behind them--back in the 1930's, the pair embark on a variety hall tour of Britain and Ireland. Despite the pressures of a hectic schedule, and with the support of their wives, Lucille Hardy (Shirley Henderson) and Ida Kitaeva Laurel (Nina Arianda)--a formidable double act in their own right--the pair's love of performing, as well as for each other, endures as they secure their place in the hearts of their adoring public.

 

Others to round out the cast are Danny Huston as Hal Roach, a 1930's producer, Rufus Jones as Bernard Delfont, the pair's manager in Britain, Susy Kane as Cynthia Clark, Richard Cant as Harry Langdon and John Henshaw as Nobby Cook.

 

This was directed with heart and pathos by Jon S. Baird ("Cass" '08, "Filth" '13) plus TV and a short. The nuances of the emotions and movements of these actors were subtle and epitomized the very look of these comic geniuses. It was almost like looking at the legends themselves. This filmmaker does have plenty of TV experience and some feature film experience, so I'm curious to see what he'll do next. It was equally well written by Jeff Pope ("The Magician" (TV movie) '93, "The Place of the Dead" (TV movie) '97, "Essex Boys" 2000, "Dirty Filthy Love" (TV movie) '04, "Christmas Lights" (TV movie) '04, "Pierrepoint: The Last Hangman" '05, "Clash of the Santas" (TV movie) '08, "The Fattest Man in Britain"  (TV movie) '09, "Come Rain Come Shine" (TV movie) '10, "Philomena" '13) plus a plethora of TV. Even though the majority of this writer's experience lies in the TV movie realm, this still was a tremendous help to this artist in how well this script was crafted. I've always mentioned that the more experience--whether it be feature or TV, that an artist has, the better equipped he or she has to create a tight, cohesive screenplay. And in the case of this film, this not only was it tight, cohesive and written with fluidity, it was melancholy--in the good way ,and entertaining all at the same time. Both Coogan and Reilly were superb in their respective roles whereas one of them should've been nominated for an Oscar.

 

If you are a fan of the comics back in the early days of motion pictures: Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin, Abbott and Costello, W.C. Fields and the like, then you will revel with this film. Otherwise the writing, directing and acting will be captivating enough to warrant the price of admission. Enjoy this gem! I know I did!

 

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                      Rated: PG                                        108mins.

 

Serenity

Films that center around a plot to kill a spouse due to violence, infidelity or for money reasons is certainly something Hollywood has delved into before, but when things go totally awry due to a series of twists and turns, this gives that film an onion effect where when one peels a layer, there is more than meets the eye. With "Serenity", this is the epitome of the old adage, "oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive".

 

Baker Dill (Matthew McConaughey) is a fishing boat captain leading tours off a tranquil enclave called Plymouth Island with his fishing business partner, Duke (Djimon Hounsou). His quiet life is shattered, however, when his ex-wife, Karen Zariakas (Anne Hathaway) tracks him down with a desperate plea for help. She begs Dill to save her--and their young son--from her new, violent husband, Frank Zariakas (Jason Clarke) by taking him out to sea on a fishing excursion, getting him drunk, only to throw him to the sharks and leave him for dead. Karen's appearance thrusts Dill back into a life he'd try to forget, and as he struggles between right and wrong, his world is plunged into a new reality that may not be all that it seems.

 

Others to round out the cast are Diane Lane as Constance, Jeremy Strong as Reid Miller, Charlotte Butler as Lois, David Butler as Jack, Rafael Sayegh as Patrick, Karen's and Dill's son, Michael Richard as Ron, Robert Hobbs as Ape, Kenneth Fok as Lionel and Garion Dowds as Samson.

 

This was directed by seasoned writer, Steven Knight ("Locke" '13) plus TV. As  this filmmaker is a consummate writer, he truly excels in the director's chair. His other film "Locke" was not only directed well, but exquisitely written by him as well. He definitely brought out those interesting emotions from his actors to convince the audience that these characters were not only cunning, but, in their own ways, were amazingly unstable. It was also well written by Knight ("Gypsy Woman" '01, "Dirty Pretty Things" '02, "Amazing Grace" '06, "Eastern Promises" '07, "Redemption" '13, "Closed Circuit" '13, "Locke" '13, "The Hundred-Foot Journey" '14, "Pawn Sacrifice" '14, "Seventh Son" '14, "Burnt" '15, "Allied" '16, "Woman Walks Ahead" '17, "November Criminals" '17, "The Girl in the Spider's Web" '18) plus TV. By his very resume, this writer is a seasoned veteran, with most of his work written originally for the screen, and this film is no exception. Not that films based on a novel, musicals, memoirs, articles or other films are easy films to write, but when a writer has to create something out of nothing, this has got to be challenging. Even though the premise of this seems unoriginal--Hollywood has produced a number of films with a similar premise, as this films envelopes, the twists and turns start rearing and catches the audience by surprise. Other than a bit amount of choppiness, this was a rock solid storyline and kept me riveted for the hour and three quarters running time.

 

This film demands the audiences' attention and will capture your curiosity from scene to scene. And trust me, other than Duke, it is truly difficult to feel sorry for just about anyone in this film. The cast is quality with both McConaughey and Hathaway giving their usual solid performances. The quirkiness of the different twists will keep you wondering what is waiting for the actors around the next bend. If this film teaches people anything, it is don't deceive, or it will come back and bite you in the tush.

 

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                              Rated: R                                       106mins.

 

On the Basis of Sex

Back in the day, movies were predominantly created so an audience could simply go into a theater and for an hour and a half - two hours, could escape into something make-believe and fantastical. Although there are the aforementioned types of films, so many films now are those based on an actual person, people, event or situation in order to send a message or so the public could learn something. While I can appreciate this motive for producing films, rarely do I find a well written and produced fictional film in order to escape. Not to negate the importance of the likes of "On the Basis of Sex"--it preaches something we all need to be reminded of, it sure would be nice to see more fictional work out there.

 

The year is 1956. This film tells an inspiring and spirited true story that follows young Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Felicity Jones) as she teams with her attorney husband Marty (Armie Hammer) to bring a groundbreaking case before the U.S. Court of Appeals and overturn a century of gender discrimination in which she was forced to endure through the dean at her prestigious Harvard Law School, Erwin Griswold (Sam Waterston) where she was first in her class. Mind you, this was in the day where not only women couldn't be lawyers, but they couldn't even obtain a credit card unless it was in their husband's name. This film chronicles her incredibly tough climb to where she is today. And if it wasn't for her support from her husband, a fellow attorney, Mel Wulf (Justin Theroux), her daughter, Jane (Cailee Spaeny) and Dorothy Kenyon (Kathy Bates), it would've been that much tougher. The feature actually premiered in December of 2018 in line of Justice Ginsburg's 25th anniversary on the Supreme Court which she was sworn in in the year 1993.

 

Others to round out the cast are Wendy Crewson as Harriet Griswold, Jack Reynor as Jim Bozarth, Stephen Root as Professor Brown, Chris Mulkey as Charles Moritz, Gary Werntz as Judge Doyle, Francis Xavier McCarthy as Judge Daugherty and Ben Carlson as Judge Holloway.

 

This was directed with grit and passion by Mimi Leder ("Sisters" (TV movie) '90, "Woman with a Past" (TV movie) '92, "House of Secrets" (TV movie) '93, "The Peacemaker" '97, "Deep Impact" '98, "Pay It Forward" 2000, "Thick as Thieves" '09, "U.S. Attorney" (TV movie) '09, "Heavenly" (TV movie) '11) plus other TV movies and series TV. This film centers around gender equality, however it's ironic how Hollywood, who purports to be diverse and tolerant has zero female nominees for best direction at the Academy Awards. This film was directed with finesse, wit, passion and the literacy that is missing in many films today, Leder should've been nominated, however this is the kind of community Hollywood apparently is. The staid emotions at just the right timing from these actors was conveyed through Leder with perfection. There are many female directors out there that have soared in the director's chair: Penny Marshall, Kathryn Bigelow, Penelope Spheeris, Sofia Coppola and Ava DuVernay to mention a handful. So why is it that only one of these talented women have won an Oscar for her work--Bigelow for "The Hurt Locker"? Coppola won an Oscar but it was for writing. So much for a tolerant community. It was surprisingly written well by virtual newcomer, Daniel Stiepleman. Where did he come from!? Although, this wasn't a perfect screenplay, it was amazing in that he has no other work in the biz but art direction and working in an art department. I viewed the trailer not really expecting the film I saw. It was cohesive--spanning approximately one and a half decades. This would be a feat for any seasoned writer, but this writer pulled it off. Other than a couple of small slow areas in script, this storyline simply soared. Wow, this guy is either a natural or just stumbled into a good screenplay. But assuming that this writer is a natural--which I believe, I can't wait to see what he will be writing next, and there will be a next. 

 

As aforementioned, I didn't see how well this film would be by watching the trailer. It's passionate, soul-searching, with wit and allowing us to see that Ginsburg, however a talented attorney, was still a wife and mother with frailties that we, the public never knew, and this alone is worth the price of admission. Also Jones gave a stunning portrayal of this formidable woman and she also should've received an Oscar nomination.

 

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                  Rated: PG-13                                    120mins.

 

Replicas

Hollywood has had a fascination with the 'mad scientist' format in films as has audiences out there as well. It probably all started with "Frankenstein" 1931 with Boris Karloff and has been a recurring storyline since. "Replicas", whether it was intentional or not, plays into that premise--at least to a certain percentage.

 

William Foster (Keanu Reeves) is a brilliant neuroscientist who loses his wife Mona (Alice Eve), son Matt (Emjay Anthony) and two daughters Sophie (Emily Alynlind) and Zoe (Aria Lyric Leabu) in a tragic car accident. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, William comes up with a daring and unprecedented plan to download their memories and clone their bodies. As the experiment begins to spiral out of control, Foster soon finds himself at odds with his dubious boss Jones (John Ortiz), a reluctant accomplice Ed (Thomas Middleditch), who is a colleague and friend, a police task force and the physical laws of science. Can William actually succeed at this incredible feat, or will the walls increasingly fall around him?

 

Others to round out the cast are Amber Townsend as Lab Tech, Amber Rivera as Margaret, Nyasha Hatendi as Scott and Jeffrey Holsman as Blue Eyes.

 

This was directed with intensity and grit by Jeffrey Nachmanoff ("Hollywood Palms" '01, "Traitor" '08, "Masterwork" (TV movie) '09, "Meet Jane" (TV movie) '11) plus TV. This filmmaker doesn't have a plethora of experience, but with what he has under his belt, he was able to excel with keeping this thriller riveting with high-adrenaline and incredibly talented pacing and timing. He will go even farther in this field. It was executed well by writer Chad St. John ("London Has Fallen" '16, "Peppermint" '18) plus a short, based on a story by Stephen Hamel. Again, this writer doesn't have a ton of experience, but what he has produced has been nail-biters. Was this script without issues? Absolutely not, but where the storyline had problems with a bit of cohesiveness and where it left the audience with too many questions that weren't addressed, it made up with the element of intensity, adrenaline, grit and moral and ethical issues. Does this film script have any chance of an Academy Award? No, however it does give its audience that one two punch that will keep us all riveted to our respective theater seats.

 

This is the quintessential popcorn film replete with grit, fear, lying and survival. It definitely addresses the whole thing about delving into an area that we probably shouldn't be exploring: cloning and the ramifications of it. Even though the intentions are admirable, one must still question whether or not the outcome will be beneficial for all involved to be worth it.

 

Out of 4 Stars: 3                                       Rated: PG-13                                     107mins.

 

Glass

When it comes to psychological thriller's, other than Alfred Hitchcock, M. Night Shyamalan is probably one of the better directors of that particular genre. He has given us some interesting ones which delve into the human psyche in the most original of ways. Certainly "Glass" isn't original only for it's a culmination of two other films by this director.

 

From "Unbreakable" 2000, Bruce Willis returns as David Dunn as does Samuel L. Jackson as Elijah Price, known also by his pseudonym Mr. Glass. Joining from "Split" '16 are James McAvoy, reprising his role as Kevin Wendell Crumb and the 24 multiple identities who reside within, and Anya Taylor-Joy as Casey Cooke, the only captive to survive an encounter with The Beast. Following the conclusion of "Split", "Glass" finds Dunn pursuing Crumb's superhuman figure of The Beast in a series of escalating encounters, while the shadowy presence of Price emerges as an orchestrator who holds secrets critical to both men.

 

Others to round out the cast are Sarah Paulson as Dr. Ellie Staple, Spencer Treat Clark as Joseph Dunn, David's son, Charlayne Woodard as Mrs. Price, Elijah's mother, Luke Kirby as Pierce, Adam David Thompson as Daryl and M. Night Shyamalan as Jai, security guard.

 

As aforementioned, this was directed with intense action by M. Night Shyamalan ("Praying with Anger" '92, "Wide Awake" '98, "The Sixth Sense" '99, "Unbreakable" 2000, "Signs" '02, "The Village" '04, "Lady in the Water" '06, "The Happening" '08, "The Last Airbender" '10, "After Earth" '13, "The Visit" '15, "Split" '16) plus TV. This filmmaker brings out the immediacy of these characters through his actors to truly convey the intensity to the audience of the plight of the different characters. With this, he definitely doesn't let his audience down. If you like his brand of directing, his "Labor of Love" has been announced. It was also quirkily written by Shyamalan (the above resume plus "Stuart Little" '99), based on characters created by Shyamalan. Out of the trilogy, "Split was the far better film (writing, directing and acting), whereas "Unbreakable" was a yawner, unless I was just in a bad place at that time, and this culmination film was decent--an admirable attempt to tie up or connect the other two films, but it definitely became choppy and sloppy in the continuity. And it was a bit long-in-the-tooth--it could've easily been housed within a 2-hour running time, but after a while, it did pick up and suddenly became the film I was hoping for. The acting by Willis, Jackson, and especially McAvoy was solid. McAvoy, as in "Split" was simply mesmerizing in his role as Kevin. The way he could go from personality to personality within the same breath was stunning. He should've received an Oscar nod back in '16 for his role. And Shyamalan's directing his spot on--this is his true calling, but the writing, albeit a tough story to effectively connect, just needed polish.

 

If you're a Shyamalan fan, you will revel whether the writing is consummate or not, but even if one isn't, there's something for all here: action, suspense, eeriness and obscurity which are the trademark adjectives of Shyamalan's work. Definitely see this on the large which is also in a nifty IMAX format as well.

 

Out of 4 Stars: 3                                         Rated: PG-13                                129mins.

 

 

 

A Dog's Way Home

In this world we all seem to live on the stressful tightrope called life, and when we go to the multiplex, we have a tendency to choose films that seem to match out busy, hectic world. But what if we, occasionally, went to go see a film that was more heartfelt and endearing? Well, you can get that in the form of "A Dog's Way Home".

 

As a puppy, Bella (voiced by Bryce Dallas Howard) finds her way into the arms of Lucas (Jonah Hauer-King), a young man who gives her a good home with he and Lucas' mom, Terri (Ashley Judd). When Bella becomes inadvertently separated from Lucas, she soon finds herself on an epic 400-mile journey to reunite with her beloved owner. Along the way, the lost but spirited dog touches the lives of an orphaned mountain lion, a down-on-his-luck veteran, Axel (Edward James Olmos) and some friendly strangers, Gavin (Barry Watson) and Taylor (Motell Foster) who happen to cross her path. Through Bella's trek and all she goes through, she still is able to bring a little bit of comfort and joy to many people's lives.

 

Others to round out the cast are Alexandra Shipp as Olivia, Christopher Bauer as Kurch, Wes Studi as Captain Mica, Farrah Aviva as Nurse Matthews, Benjamin Ratner as Dr. Gann and Tammy Gillis as Officer Leon.

 

This was directed with heart by Charles Martin Smith ("Trick or Treat" '86, "Boris and Natasha (TV movie) '92, "Fifty/Fifty '92, "Airbud" '97, "Roughing It" (TV movie) '02, "The Snow Walker" '03, "Icon" (TV movie) '05, "Stone of Destiny" '08, "Dolphin Tale" '11, "Dolphin Tale 2" '14) plus TV. By shear longevity, Smith is a veteran director, however he doesn't helm just any project. And so when I realized he was the director of this, I felt it would be a solid film and it was. This film was heartfelt and entertaining with characters the audience could definitely trust. It was solidly written by W. Bruce Cameron ("Cook Off!" '07, "Muffin Top: A Love Story" '14, "A Dog's Purpose" '17) and Cathryn Michon ("Teen Queens" (TV movie) '01, "Cook Off!" '07, "Muffin Top: A Love Story" '14, "A Dog's Purpose" '17) based on the book by W. Bruce Cameron. As with other films like this one, this was written with a sense of realness to it. Surely, you will need a half a box of Kleenex while watching this, but it is written in a way that gives its audience a feeling of hope and assuredness for Bella. Other than a couple of small places of cohesiveness issues, this story rings true and eventually has you on your feet cheering for this amazing canine. The fact that other than Ashley Judd and a couple of other actors, this film used a plethora of lessor known working actors to give that sense of reality. And, of course, Shelby who played Bella actually stole the show here. Between the actual dog and that of Howard's voice for her lent an effective element to this storyline.

 

Certainly if you are a 'dog person', this will definitely fit the bill, but even if you're not, this is a compelling film nonetheless. It's a story about family and what we will do to save our family members, whether they have two feet or four. And with that, isn't that enough to pay the price of admission?

 

Out of 4 Stars: 3                                     Rated: PG                                   97mins.

 

                                                               

The Upside

This is now considered one of the two 'dead zones' of the calendar year (the other being during the months of September and October), and even though most of the films aren't truly caliber films, once in a while there will be a heartfelt, entertaining one that will capture one's attention--case in point with "The Upside". It wasn't a perfect film, but it certainly was the quintessential 'odd couple' movie.

 

Based on a true story, this is about a wealthy billionaire quadriplegic, Philip Lacasse (Brian Cranston) who needs a caretaker to help him with his day-to-day routine in his New York penthouse. Through his personal assistant, Yvonne Pendleton (Nicole Kidman), he interviews many applicants. He decides to hire Dell Scott (Kevin Hart), a struggling parolee who's trying to reconnect with his ex-wife Latrice (Aja Naomi King) and his son Anthony (Jahi Di'Allo Winston). Despite coming from two entirely different worlds, an unlikely friendship starts to blossom as Dell and Philip rediscover the joy of living life to the fullest. Both of them need to grow on many levels, so after they met, through many trials between the two, they realize their respective positions in life aren't quite as hopeless as they originally concluded.

 

Others to round out the cast are Genevieve Angelson as Jenny, Golshifteh Farahani as Maggie, Philip's physical therapist, Tate Donovan as Carter, Julianna Margulies as Lily, Suzanne Savoy as Charlotte, Philip's cook, and Michael Quinlan as Jack.

 

This was delineated effortlessly by director Neil Burger ("Interview with the Assassin" '02, "The Illusionist" '06, "The Lucky Ones" '08, "Limitless" '11, "The Asset" (TV movie) '12, "Divergent" '14, "The Jury" (TV movie) '16) plus TV. This filmmaker really had the ability to connect these characters through his actors with clarity and it gave that realistic factor, especially with the two lead stars. I couldn't think of two actors that are so different, but at the end of the day, connected as well as they did and this is effortless directing. It was solidly written by Jon Hartmere (TV and a short), based on the motion picture "Le Intouchables" by Eric Toledano and Olivier Nakache. While Hartmere has no feature film experience, his ability to write a tight, cohesive script was amazing. Even his TV experience isn't substantial, but this storyline was honed well. There were a couple of places of slowness where the running time might've been able to be cut 5-7 minutes, but otherwise, this script soared. This writer will undoubtedly receive more work. As the film dictates, Philip and Dell were actually friends until Philip's death in 2015 which says something for their tenacity to stay the course with each other.

 

There have been other films that address this topic, but this is the first I've seen that is as funny as it is without it not being insensitive, which is difficult to convey without sounding crass. And with actors like Cranston and Kidman, how could one go wrong. Even Hart shined in this, and I'm not particularly fond of the films that he does. This certainly proves that Hart can act, and with that, I would love to see him in more films like this.

 

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                  Rated: PG-13                                   126mins.

 

The Favourite

Typically it is quite common to see period films, or more to the point, ones that are based on a 16th or 18th century piece, during the end of the year film season. Even though "The Favourite" was released the end of 2018, it was only in select cities. The one thing that makes this a bit different than its counterparts is that it is a drama/comedy as opposed to a straight out drama, however that didn't, on its own, help this story.

 

Early 18th century. England is at war with the French. Nevertheless, duck racing and pineapple eating are thriving. A frail, problematic Queen Anne (Olivia Colman) occupies the throne and her close friend Lady Sarah (Rachel Weisz) governs the country in her stead while tending to Anne's ill health and mercurial temper. When a new servant Abigail (Emma Stone) arrives, her charm endears her to Sarah. Sarah takes Abigail under her wing and Abigail sees a chance at a return to her aristocratic roots. As the politics of war become quite time consuming for Sarah, Abigail steps into the breach to fill in as the Queen's companion. Their burgeoning friendship gives her a chance to fulfill her ambitions and she will not let woman, man, politics or rabbit stand in her way.

 

Others to round out the cast are Nicholas Hoult as Harley, Joe Alwyn as Masham, James Smith as Godolphin, Mark Gatiss as Lord Marlborough, Edward Aczel as Earl of Stratford and Carolyn Saint-Pe as Madame Tournee.

 

This was quirkily directed by Yorgos Lanthimos ("My Best Friend" '01, "Kinetta" '05, "Dogtooth" '09, "Alps" '11, "Venice 70: Future Reloaded" (documentary) '13, "The Lobster" '15, "The Killing of a Sacred Deer" '17) plus shorts. One may not agree with the quirky storylines this director ventures into, however he brings a freshness and reality to the characters his actors end up portraying. This isn't based on any one particular person in history, but probably could. His films are bizarre, but delineated well in its direction. He will continue to produce more work. It was bizarrely written by Deborah Davis and Tony McNamara ("The Rage in Placid Lake" '03, "Ashby" '15) plus tons of TV and a short. Sometimes I feel that writers are bent on writing a screenplay that is as bizarre as they can make it in lieu of creating a truly original and fresh storyline. At least I feel that's what I got when I saw this film. Notably, Davis has top billing over McNamara even though she has no other experience. And although McNamara has a ton of TV experience, he only has two films under his belt. Their writing skill is correct, however their style is obscure as they come. One thinks they are getting an ensemble cast of characters that have a certain persona and viola!, the script smacks the audience across the face catching them off guard. While the scrip is bizarre as the come, the storyline still had moments of choppiness and some lack of cohesiveness. I've said before and I'll say it again, Hollywood needs to pay a little more and get some seasoned writers that have an impressive track record. Now, as far as the acting, it is no surprise that Olivia Colman won the Golden Globe Award. She was brilliant in her role, but even her performance and that of Weisz and Stone could not save the storyline.

 

Assuming that you're attracted to small, original, quirky, bizarre independent films, this is one you will revel in, however this was not made for the mass audience appeal--this was rated R for a reason. So if you are more into mainstream, formulaic commercial films, you might want to flag this one. I guess it comes down to, just how gutsy are you? You be the judge.

 

Out of 4 Stars: 2                                     Rated: R                                    119mins.

 

Mary Queen of Scots

We.ve all seen biopics about global world leaders throughout the years, especially since there are surely enough political figureheads that are interesting enough to see, but what about a film that basically centers on two figureheads? Well, when viewing "Mary Queen of Scots" you'll feel you're getting two films for the price of one.

 

This film explores the turbulent life of the charismatic Mary Stuart (Saoirse Ronan), Queen of France at 16 and widowed at 18, Mary defies pressure to remarry. Instead, she returns to her native Scotland to reclaim her rightful throne. But Scotland and England fall under the rule of the compelling Elizabeth I (Margot Robbie). Each young queen beholds her "sister" in fear and fascination. Rivals in power and in love, and female regents in a masculine world, the two must decide how to play the game of marriage, versus independence. Determined to rule as much more than a figurehead, Mary asserts her claim to the English throne, threatening Elizabeth's sovereignty. Betrayal, rebellion and conspiracies with each court imperil both thrones--and change the course of history.

 

Others to round out the cast are Jack Lowden as Henry Darnley, Mary's husband, David Tennant as John Knox, Guy Pearce as William Cecil, Joe Alwyn as Robert Dudley, Gemma Chan as Bess of Hardwick, Martin Compston as Lord Rothwell, Ismael Cruz Cordova as David Rizzio, Brendan Coyle as Earl of Lennox, James McArdle as James, Earl of Moray, Ian Hart as Lord Mailand and Adrian Lester as Lord Randolph.

 

This was surprisingly well directed by virtual newcomer Josie Rourke. Usually producers commission a veteran director to helm most biopics of world leaders considering the complexities of character and historical content, but this filmmaker was actually able to pull this off. Possibly this director knew some of the individuals involved in this production to have the privilege to helm this lavish production, but whatever the case, this filmmaker was able to extract the right amount of emotion from these actors to pull this off. Rourke will definitely receive more work. It was written by Beau Willimon ("The Ides of March" '11) plus TV, based on the book, "Queen of Scots: The True Life of Mary Stuart" by John Guy. The main problem with this was that it took some time to gain any momentum. It started out interesting and quickly got lost in slowness. But once the rivalry between the two queens ensued, the momentum ignited and it, all of a sudden, captured one's interest. Written in the same vein as "The Last King of Scotland" '06, "Invictus" '09 and "Hyde Park on the Hudson" '12, this delineates the origins of their importance of their reign or leadership. Again, Willimon doesn't have a plethora of experience--one feature film and a fair amount of TV, but given more projects, this writer will excel. The main reson for seeing this would that of the two lead actors--Ronan and especially Robbie. Both excelled in their respective roles, but Robbie really shined as Elizabeth I. She could easily be recognized come Oscar time with a nomination.

 

As aforementioned, the acting in this including the ensemble cast is why you'll want to see this film. It shows us how colorful people were back in the 1580's and what they truly had to endure, whether they be common folk or royalty. The production values shined specifically the makeup and hair design by the incomparable Jenny Shircore, the costumes and photography.

 

Out of 4 Stars: 3                                   Rated: R                                        123mins.