I'm looking for a good movie - good as in well-acted, written & filmed - that's currently playing in theaters. What can you recommend?
What style or genre of movie do you have in mind.
Historical fiction or biography. Drama that examines life/quality of life.
Okay. Let's start with biography. Currently playing is the film, It's A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, based on the true story of Fred Rogers ("Mr. Rogers").
Have to admit I loved his TV show as a little kid. Who plays the title role?
The film stars Tom Hanks as Mister Rogers. Matthew Rhys plays a young journalist Rogers befriended. Chris Cooper plays a supporting role.
I like this film so far. Tom Hanks is my favorite male actor. What's the movie about?
The story: the journalist takes on the job of profiling the TV star. In the process, a lasting friendship is formed and the journalist's life is enriched. In a larger sense, the movie is about the theme of "kindness triumphing over cynicism" (Rotten Tomatoes; 96% positive rating).
Right now this is my top pick. What else is playing?
You listed historical fiction as another favorite. The film "Harriet" might interest you. It is based on the life of Harriet Tubman.
Sounds interesting. Who's in this film?
Cynthia Erivo plays Tubman. Janelle Monae and Leslie Odom, Jr. (Tony-award winning actor for the musical, "Hamilton") also star.
Has the film been positively reviewed?\n
Roger Ebert gave it a thumbs up & three stars. He wrote, "Erivo captures Tubman's shining spirit and courage with compassion..." Ebert also praised the director for finally bringing a true American female freedom fighter's story to the big screen. Rotten Tomatoes gave the film a 72% rating.
I love historic drama. This decision just got harder...but...is there a 3rd and final film you could recommend? I admire the amazing portrayals by Royal Shakespeare Company-trained actors like Ian McKellen and Judi Dench.
There is a drama/thriller currently playing starring Ian McKellen and Helen Mirren. It's called "The Good Liar".
What's it about?
It's about a career con artist (played by McKellen) who meets a well-to-do widow (played by Mirren) online. She's worth millions. He wants to get his hands on her money, but the the game of cat & mouse turns into "a labyrinth", which includes flashbacks to 1940's Germany.
Sounds a bit predictable. What did reviewers say?
Roger Ebert gave it a thumbs up, but only a 2.5 out of 4 stars. In his review, he said, "...it quickly becomes apparent that this is one of those stories where nothing is quite as it seems...leading to a shocking revelation that most will see coming. That sounds predictable, doesn't it?
Yup. Good work. I'll skip "The Good Liar". Instead, I'll go for truth, the truth of Mr. Rogers' story brought to film. Thanks very much.
Enjoy the movie. Thanks.