THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7
Writer-director Aaron Sorkin’s rousing and topical second directorial effort doesn’t disappoint when it comes to his unmatched blistering dialogue and mordant wit. His quality know-how is on grand display and works well in this compelling court case drama about the protests at the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago that serves as an amazing acting showcase. Mark Rylance, Sacha Baron Cohen, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Frank Langella are most involving within an elite ensemble depicting a moment in history that can undoubtedly be applied to the here and now. They all share stirring scenes where there’s no backing down in having their voice heard for purpose and change. As the world watches, it’s a rallying cry that should be put on repeat for the sake of humanity.
DICK JOHNSON IS DEAD
In this wildly unorthodox and clever documentary, writer-director Kirsten Johnson and her dad Dick laugh in the face of death. With the memories of her mother’s dementia, Kirsten painfully understands he will suffer the same fate as he slowly loses who he is. But rather than running from the inevitable, they embrace it, and with plenty of chocolate cake, have fun while they’re at it. Honest and hilarious, the personal, extraordinary exploration of family, life, memories and mortality is done in a beautiful and moving manner that helps cope and heal. Of course there’s crying, but it’s not all tears as this loving father/daughter duo celebrate life in incredibly imaginative fashion, refusing to fear the forgone conclusion that every life has an expiration date.
THE FORTY-YEAR-OLD VERSION
This satirical, remarkable tale of reinvention is not without its groaners, but when told by a fresh and funny voice – writer/director/producer/star Radha Blank makes addressing age, artistry and race feel vital and variant. Filmed in beautiful black and white in NYC, her feature debut is about a flamed-out playwright who wants to turn to hip-hop for a career resurrection, but fears it’s too late to begin chasing a new dream. With that said, she knows deep down there’s no attaining happiness if she succumbs to selling out to feel successful. Showcasing an artist’s ambition and the inner face/off of following your passion down a new path, Blank is the real deal, delivering a bold breakout performance in a brilliant, authentic, and absorbing film that’s clearly close to her heart.
Brandon Vick is a member of The Music City Film Critics’ Association, the resident film critic of the SoBros Network, and the star of The Vick’s Flicks Podcast. Follow him on Twitter @SirBrandonV and be sure to search #VicksFlicks for all of his latest movie reviews.
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