Q’s Reviews – December 4, 2017

The Man Who Invented Christmas. It is 1843 and Charles Dickens is looking for a successful novel to help him with his prodigious family expenses. His most recent works were not bestsellers and he decides to write a Christmas story and self-publish it in record time for the lucrative Christmas season. As Dickens develops the characters he is haunted by his own youth. The characters themselves come alive for Dickens and they drive him to create a great story. He overcomes writer’s block and his personal demons to create the classic – A Christmas Carol. The film at times is magical as the origin of these iconic characters comes alive with humor and reality. But other parts are heavy handed and worse, boring. The film rates a good PBS Special, but not enough for a major theatrical release. Rated PG for thematic elements and some mild language.

Last Flag Flying. Writer/Director Richard Linklater creates a profound film on the meaning of life, honor, dedication and friendship. It is also quite hilarious with some of the best writing in years. The film opens in 2003. It has been over 30 years since Richard “Doc” Shepherd (Steve Carell), Sal Nealon (Bryan Cranston) and Richard Mueller (Laurence Fishburne) served together as Marines in Viet Nam. Doc has sought them out to help him bury his son, a young Marine killed in the Iraq War.  Doc decides to forgo a military burial at Arlington Cemetery and instead with the help of his old buddies takes his son home to New Hampshire for burial. The three old guys have a lot of baggage and opinions that they unload on one another in this bittersweet journey to bury a fellow Marine. Their interaction is amazing as they rail at one another but never lose sight of their bond. Look for Cranston at Oscar time as his performance is a standout – and in this company that is quite an accomplishment. Rated R for language. It is a Peggy’s Pick.

The Florida Project. It is summer in Orlando, Florida and a gang of young kids ranges free and have some wild adventures. Halley (Bria Vinaite) is a single mom with a six year-old daughter Moonee (Brooklyn Prince). They live in a seedy motel near Disney World. Halley is a foul-mouthed hustler who does what it takes to meet expenses and protect her daughter. Bobby (Willem Dafoe) is the motel manager who has a gruff exterior but a soft heart as he protects Halley, Moonee and the other kids and families who have nowhere else to live.  Moonee and her gang of friends roam around and get to see the world as it is as they hustle for food and ice cream and experience life on the edge. The film has a strong sense of realism as life is explored through the eyes of children and the adults. The film provides no answers, but is a cautionary tale about the importance of children. The performances are amazing, especially 8 year old Brooklyn Prince, who will make you laugh and cry. Rated R for language throughout, disturbing behavior, sexual references, endless smoking and some drug material.