Legend

Ever-present Tom Hardy acts up a storm as the twin, British gangsters. His technique is fascinating, the differences and similarities between the two brothers. The post-production effects and editing team deserve some credit for this, melding the two performances together. But the device of the story, that it’s narrated by Frances, Reggie’s (spoiler alert) dead wife, feels confusing and gimmicky. That is not to say that Emily Browning doesn’t turn in an interesting performance either, especially since she’s up against the scenery-chomping Hardy. Worthwhile as a little slice of mafia history, but not remarkable.

Trumbo

Finally a movie about this ugly period of American history. It took long enough, but I can see why filmmakers might be reluctant to expose Ronald Reagan and John Wayne for the myopic hatemongers that they were. The movie itself is very conventional, almost intentionally so, as though it were made in the 50’s. Performances are all solid, especially Cranston, who embodies his noble screenwriter with technique and aplomb. I like the movies when the screenwriter is the hero.

Once Upon a Crime: The Borrelli Davis Conspiracy

A very powerful doc surrounding the frame-up of a restaurant owner and former NYPD cop, Mike Borelli, by the Denver Police. Not only did Denver police frame Borelli, mainly because he was Italian, but they framed his old friend Bob Davis, too, also a cop. It’s infuriating and an absolute travesty of injustice what happened to these men. The film is very well-made and highly emotional. Confusing at first, because of the barrage of names the audience is hit with early in the film. But the story becomes clear as Borelli and Davis emerge, both incredible models for patience and forgiveness. A highly admirable work of art, as it sets out to change minds and right wrongs. It will make you sad and it will make you angry, and that’s the point.

The Peanuts Movie

Many clever ideas went into this reboot/update of the beloved comic. Filmmakers understand the essence of Charlie Brown and Snoopy and give them each subplots capturing the innocence of Schulz's original strip but with modernized visuals. As much as people say they love the old cartoons, visually speaking, let's face it: they were a bit 2D and boring. Animators give this incarnation some dimension, some zip, and it works without robbing the world and characters of their timelessness. In fact, there are several very cool sequences incorporating the old comic strip look as a new device, which I won’t give away, but it’s very cool. Bottom line, this is a great kids movie. But by kids movie, I mean kids. 3-6. They’ll be moving on to superheroes after age 6. For nostalgic purposes, adults will see this, but studios won’t always be able to bank on that.