Conclave

You’d think I’d be put off by the sight of so many priests and nuns, but I guess miracles can still happen. In fact, this film is good enough to overcome any religious biases one might have. The story is fascinating, absorbing, entertaining, enlightening and and even somewhat inspiring in its faithful dimensions. The performances of the principal players are note-perfect all the way around, especially Ralph Fiennes as the dean in the titular gathering’s lynchpin role. And, last but not least, the presentation is a visual feast, with the spectacular scenery of the Sistine Chapel playing at least as prominent a role in the story as any of the actors. One might quibble that there’s a certain predictability in the plot's outcome—in the broad stroke, not so much the final twist—but that hardly spoils the full experience. Ultimately, this is as much a tale of ideas as it is a chronicle of any human actions, and it’s in those thoughts and concepts and beliefs where the work finds its fullest depth. The church may have gone astray, but there is, or once was, something that means a great deal to a great many, and this movie argues that a kernel of that core belief still has a place in this world. Must-watch stuff. 

The Devil Wears Prada

I guess you had to be her. I admit there's a decent story here, with plenty of elements of interest even for the unfashionable among us. But the film has issues, chief among them being its desire to have things both ways. The story is dismissive of fashion and its world, but also argues in its favor at certain key moments. When our heroine becomes more accepting of her new milieu--and even starts feeling sympathetic towards her antagonist--she is not celebrated for her growth but criticized as a sellout in run-of-the-mill dramatic conflict generation. All of which leaves the viewer...where? Who knows? Are the personal failings of those shown as antagonists worthy of condemnation, or justified by their positions in the the fashion world's hierarchy of prominence and importance? Again, who knows? That lack of a firm, determined perspective isn't fatal, but the film suffers because of it. With movies as with people: looking good matters, but the advantage can be undone by flaws in deeper concerns.

Beauty and the Beast (2017)

I must be getting soft in my old age. This is not the hit-it-out-of-the-park masterpiece that it should have been. There are a number of problems with the movie, in particular a tendency to make everything epic, even in moments that should have been more intimate. Also, as always, the usual message comes through loud and clear: if you want love, you'd better be pretty. Doesn't help a lot of us out here. So why is the Bad Cat purring? Mostly on the strength of the sweetness and charm of Emma Watson, who grounds the proceedings and makes its excesses forgivable. It's a movie worth your time, especially if you're really a sucker for the romantic stuff, but this was perilously close to a take-it-or-leave it proposition.

The Tale of Despereaux

A beautifully made movie, with plenty of visual and directorial artistry. It seems to diverge quite a bit from the book--it's been forever since I read the original--but in this case that may not be a bad thing. Like all animation today, this one suffers from "familiar voice syndrome," but not as much as other animated movies. (There's no Chris Rock doing a jive-turkey routine here.) And there's enough quirky, individualistic charm to overcome any flaws. All in all, a satisfying viewing experience.

A Midsummer Night's Dream (1999)

Shakespeare on the screen, so naturally I was ready to love it. The film isn't bad, but the performances and presentation are too uneven to draw a rave from me. Watch it if you're one of those cultured types who has to see every adaptation, but otherwise you may be better off going to a local staging of the show.

A Life Less Ordinary

Almost awful, and unnecessary.

Big Night

Very entertaining. And a must see if you like Italian cuisine.