The Monthly Reel
This past month dealt the entertainment world a staggering blow; the tragic passing of actor, comedian and all round good guy, Robin Williams.
Not a day later actress Lauren Bacall passed at the age of 89. We, at Reel Takes, like to think that Bogey and Bacall are together again, as they were always meant to be. While sad that another member of Hollywood’s golden era has left this world, Bacall’s passing was easier to bear, becoming eclipsed by the ongoing revelations regarding Williams’s death. We pay tribute to both this month. See “Robin Williams: Tears of a Clown” on page 15 and our DVD picks on page 14.
This month’s reviews include a little something for everyone. If you’re up for super heroes and action heroes, there’s Guardians of the Galaxy and Expendables 3. The popular 1990’s sci-fi novel The Giver has been adapted for the screen and while die-hard fans of the book may have been disappointed, our Chip Kaufmann was not.
If you’re in the mood for a delightful summer dalliance, then you must see Magic in the Moonlight. Hungry for another foodie movie? Move over John Favreau, Helen Mirren’s got a Michelin star and she’s not afraid to use it in The Hundred-Foot Journey. And last, but certainly not least, Brendan Gleeson stars in John McDonough’s Calvary, an emotionally shattering story that’s well worth the time, albeit not for the faint of heart.
If Robin Williams hadn’t passed, Brendan Gleeson would have been the man of the month as far as Reel Takes goes. Once again some great little titles came and went quickly. One of particular note was The Grand Seduction. It’s not even remotely as sexy as it sounds, but it is a delightful little distraction. Gleeson plays an out of work fisherman in a little harbor town in New Foundland. He leads the sparsely populated town in an elaborate lie in order to attract a town doctor and secure a profitable contract with a petrol chemical recycling plant. Folks who enjoy fun little films like Waking Ned Divine are sure to like The Grand Seduction. It will be on DVD in the not too distant future, so be sure to keep an eye out for it.
We also hope you’ll peruse the listings for the Asheville Film Society and the Hendersonville Film Society. AFS Director, Ken Hanke has some rare gems lined up for the month. And HFS Director, Chip Kaufmann has some special treats in store as well.
At press time we’re looking forward to The November Man, The Trip to Italy, What If, Land Ho, Love is Strange and Skeleton Twins. We’ll be sure to tell you what we think about them next time. Until then, enjoy.