Movie Quick Reviews

Newer movies and some quick reviews

J. Edgar (2015) – A rather disjointed look at the life of one of the central figures in 20th Century American history.  Powerful, corrupt, respected and reviled, FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover was a focus of power for almost half the century.  Leonardo DiCaprio does a wonderful job as Hoover but the script is without a coherent story line.

Rating – ** Not Impressed

Burn After Reading (2008) – A CIA analyst’s memoir falls into the hands of two bumbling gym employees who think it’s their ticket to riches.  The Coen Brothers channel their inner Quentin Tarrantino.  They take on the spy thriller with predictably wonderful results.  As always a primo cast (Frances McDormand, Brad Pitt, George Clooney, John Malkovich, Tilda Swinton, J.K. Simmons and more), a witty, quotable script, and Joel and Ethan’s usual pitch perfect insanity.

Rating – **** Recommended

The Judge (2014) – The prodigal son (Robert Downey, Jr.) of a legendary local judge (Robert Duvall) returns for his mother’s funeral only to have to stay when his father is charged with murder.  Along the way he has to confront all the issues he left behind.  Duvall and Downey are worth watching.  Sadly the script doesn’t bother surrounding them with much of any depth or interest.  The family scenes are much better than the courtroom ones.

Rating – *** Worth A Look