The Last Duel

One is tempted to suggest that this movie gets hoisted on its own petard. It presents one story told from three different perspectives, with the heavy hint that only one version is the "truth." But...by presenting the notion of unreliable perspectives, the filmmakers suggest--perhaps unintentionally--that ALL the versions of the tale contain untruths. An intelligent analysis must recognize that the woman’s story isn’t automatically true just because she’s a woman. Only by way of a an uncritical acceptance can those watching take at face value the notion that only one of these accounts is factually accurate and honest. That conundrum diminishes the impact of the work as a whole, despite its fine performances and meticulous presentation of the period. (Director Ridley Scott is an old hand at putting spare-no-expense visuals on the screen.) This is hardly a bad film, for sure, but one can’t help but think that, perhaps, this could have been a more forceful work without indulging in the narrative puzzle-making.

Star Wars: Episode IX -- The Rise of Skywalker

It's hard to say whether this is a good movie or not. It's hard to say much of anything about it. Partially, that's because, at this point, what is there to say about any of these movies? Partially, it's because this entry caps a series of films that some of us have been watching practically our entire lives; it is virtually impossible to filter out one's personal associations with the franchise versus its actual accomplishment (or not) as a piece of filmmaking. This episode has taken a big chunk of critical bashing; I doubt those complaints are sincere reflections on the nature of this work, rather than the verbal posings of those who want to burnish their intellectual bona fides by not throwing their lot in with the hoi polloi. I'll try to avoid that trap. Simply put, this movie works as a descendant of the early, Saturday matinee serial action adventure shorts, to which the series owes so much. If one recognizes it as such, then the viewer can appreciate the offering to a substantial degree. Anyone expecting Oscar-bait will not only be disappointed, but will be walking into the theater (or, at a future date, sitting down in front of a home screen) as a fool. Best to be wise and enjoy the simple pleasures--they're there in this piece, despite the critical carping--one last time, at least along this storyline.

BlacKKKlansman

You know how you know this is a good movie? Because in the midst of its very heavy stuff, there's also a lot of fun moments, too. Director Spike Lee covers a broad swath of ground, his cast turns in a bevy of spot-on performances, and the story resonates powerfully from yesterday to today. Highly recommended.

Star Wars: Episode VII--The Force Awakens

Those of a cynical mind might view the derivative nature of this outing--it is an almost blow by blow remake of the original 1977 story--as purposeful exploitation of a) an older, captive fanbase audience, and b) a new, younger generation of potential audience members who don't know from the original anyway, and won't be able to recognize the recycling. It is very likely that that cynical view is 100% true, but that does not necessarily toss this film onto the trash heap. The characters old and new are engaging (the newcomers acquit themselves very well), the movie looks beautiful, and at no point did I find my attention wavering during its relatively long running time. Ultimately, one should probably take this installment for what it is: a decent "soft" reboot of the franchise that, perhaps, raises a new hope for better things to come.