American Made, Pirate Radio, Attack of the Lederhosen Zombies

Some newer films that have hit my screen:

American Made (2017) –  An attempt to make an American hero out of a drug smuggler.  Is Tom Cruise fun to watch in this highly fictionalized version of former TWA pilot Barry Seals’ life?  Yes, he is.  But the script takes even more liberties than usual with the facts.  Seals wasn’t a latter-day cowboy, riding free from the constraints of society.  He was a smuggler who turned informant against some of the most dangerous people of his time. Trying to attach the story to a historical person hinders the story rather than helps it here.  If you ignore the facts, it’s a fun ride. There’s nothing surprising or novel to be found, but it’ll squeak into its rating.

Rating – *** Worth A Look

Pirate Radio (2017) – Another movie that’s a little free with the historical facts, but isn’t pretending to be anything other than an “inspired by” movie.  Based loosely on the story of Radio Caroline in the UK during the 60s, this is more about the mythology of radio than the medium itself.  When you add in Philip Seymour Hoffman, Bill Nighy, Kenneth Branagh, Jack Davenport, and Emma Thompson (plus a cast filled with wonderful character actors), you get a mix that is flat out fun.  A bit of nostalgia for old radio guys like me, and a bit of stretched legend for everyone else.

Rating – *** Worth A Look

Attack of the Lederhosen Zombies (2016) – The first zombie movie from Austria!  It has a couple of amusing conceits but it is sloooooow.  It’s low budget all the way but does a decent job of it. In the end, there’s just not enough payoff here.  It’s not the worst movie I’ve ever seen, but it’s a long way from the best.  Got some free time on a lazy weekend?  Might be worth your time.

Rating – ** Not Impressed