Wake Up Dead Man

Word of warning: don’t watch this movie if you’re sleepy. I did, and wound up dozing off about 45 minutes in. Is that a commentary on the quality of the film, or just a product of circumstance? Maybe a bit of both. For sure, this story takes its time getting to the heart of the proceedings. That leisurely pace gives the movie a sense of being—somewhat appropriate for a murder mystery—rather lifeless. The film does eventually get going, and in doing so presents an interesting aspect of the script: some intriguing ruminations on faith and the church and their value and meaning. Plus you get to watch more of Daniel Craig inhabiting the character of Benoit Blanc, which is good entertainment. Still, I can’t help but think that this entry in Rian Johnson’s series is a touch below the previous outings. Whether that marks a death knell for the franchise or represents just a momentary dip remains at this point a question still to be answered. Not dead yet, perhaps, but in need of a little more energy—something you can say about your correspondent as well. 

Ray

A work about a genius is not necessarily a work of genius. This film is a case in point. The story of the music legend is presented here in an oddly old-fashioned style; many of the tropes seen here have been seen a thousand times before, and the notes played (so to speak) come through clearly, but are a bit obvious and render the story somewhat pedestrian--which hardly reflects the full breadth of the real-life tale. That’s the redeeming part of this movie: the extraordinary nature of Charles’ life arc helps the narrative overcome the film-making weaknesses. On top of that, Jamie Foxx’s dead-on take on the legend’s persona injects some appropriate excellence into the proceedings. And, it should go without saying, the music heard here is incredible. It’s certainly a film worth a look and listen, though it is perhaps not the amazing thing that its subject should have made it out to be.

Django Unchained

Is it wildly entertaining? Yes. Does it have all the layers you’d typically expect from a Tarantino movie? Sure. Will you think about it for quite some time after you’ve watched it? Of course. Is it a great movie? Well...Perhaps we’re grading on too steep a curve; maybe Q is the victim of overly lofty expectations. Hard to say, but while I did like this film, I wouldn’t say it’s quite up to snuff for such an audacious and ambitious director. There’s lots to like--the performances by Waltz and Jackson are marvels--but you can’t help but think that, in practical terms, most of the second half of the film doesn’t make much sense. Certainly you should see it; just don’t elevate it into the pantheon.