Now Playing

Here's a look at the new movies I saw this week.

Inside Llewyn Davis
Starring: Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, Justin Timberlake, Garrett Hedlund, John Goodman, and F. Murray Abraham
Synopsis: We've come to know what to expect from Coen Brothers films. They basically fall into two categories — dramas around crimes gone wrong or wild comedies that have quirky characters and dramatic moments. I have come to love both, but what makes "Inside Llewyn Davis" so interesting is it doesn't fit the typical Coen Brothers mold, while at the same time feeling very familiar to those who are fans of their work. The film earned a Golden Globe nomination in the Musical/Comedy category and that's fitting. While there are some comedic moments, what's special about "Llewyn Davis" is the music. This is arguably the first Coen Brothers musical. The songs — performed by the actors themselves as part of the film — are the best part of the whole production. Some have complained that the film doesn't have a clear narrative arc, and even the Coen Brothers have made passing references to the lack of story, but this is a character study, a celebration of a certain era of America, and a gripping musical tribute. And in those ways, it works. It's easy to watch the film and wish we'd seem more growth from Llewyn Davis, that he'd learned something and become a better person. That's what we expect from narrative films, but that's often not what we get in real life. This film takes place over a single week in the lives of these people. Is it reasonable to expect an Ah-Ha moment and great growth? Maybe in movies, but certainly not in real life. Llewyn struggles with grief, mourning the loss of his friend and partner in his own way as well as grieving the life he thought he could have that is slipping out of his fingers. He suffers regret — in the way his career has gone, in the way he's treated people, and in the stamp he's left on earth. All those are powerful ideas and they are conveyed beautifully through the performances in this film. Isaac is incredible in the lead role, and there are many wonderful and quirky supporting performances as well. That combined with this powerful and beautiful music makes "Inside Llewyn Davis" a unique and powerful cinematic experience, and something unlike what the Coen Brothers have done before.
Rating: R for language including some sexual references.
Verdict: Four stars out of four.

The Wolf of Wall Street
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Matthew McConaughey, Kyle Chandler, and Margot Robbie
Synopsis: In 1987, in his famous film “Wall Street,” director Oliver Stone looked at the excess of a certain type of crooked businessman. In that film Michael Douglas, as chief crook Gordon Gekko, uttered the classic mantra that greed is good. In his latest film, “The Wolf of Wall Street,” Martin Scorsese’s central character — Jordan Belfort — seems to have taken that idea to heart. The film is based on Belfort’s memoirs, and it chronicles his meteoric rise on Wall Street, his life of excess and his inevitable fall. Some have been critical of the film, saying it celebrates this lifestyle, these crimes and the people who lived fast and loose with other people’s money. But I don’t agree. This is a film that chronicles a certain period in our history and the men that lived it. Many have been critical of the approach of this film to its subject. The same was said of another film last year, “Zero Dark Thirty,” which many felt was pro torture. I saw that movie as documenting what it felt to be facts, not taking an opinion one way or they other. I think the same is true of “The Wolf of Wall Street,” which is based on Belfort’s own account of his life and shady dealings. The film does depict a life of excess. It does depict Belfort, his partners and friends engaging in gross excess and celebrating their illegal and shady dealings. But by the time you get to the end, it’s hard to say the film is reveling in it. Belfort’s life spirals out of control. He goes against the advice of his friends, lawyers and even his father. He pays a price for his decisions and the way he lives his life — not just a legal price but also a personal price. He is alone, having traded on his friends to improve his situation and lost his family in the process. You could say that Belfort might take that lightly, but as a viewer it’s up to you to consider what he did, how he lived, what it cost him and what you think of it. I think the way “The Wolf of Wall Street” is constructed allows you the opportunity to do that without trying to push you in one direction or another. In addition, it’s a fascinating film with fascinating performances. The Golden Globes have classified it as a comedy, likely a black comedy. And there are some amusing, wild and unbelievable moments. But there are also some dark and dramatic moments. This is an exploration of a dark story, and I think it definitely feels like more of a dramatic piece than a comedy. That is thanks, largely, to the work of DiCaprio and Hill in the lead roles. Hill began his career in a certain type of comedic role, but in the last few years he has branched out and shown his range. He earned an Academy Award nomination for his work in “Moneyball,” and here he shows more of his talent and range in a completely different kind of part. But this film really works because of DiCaprio, who turns in one of the most fascinating performances of his career. He’s wild and on the edge at times, but in some sequences he shows the heart and passion of Belfort. What he did and the way he lived his life might be repugnant, but there were times when I could see how much he cared about his close circle of friends. In fact, there is a sequence when he’s pouring his heart out to the staff at Stratton Oakmont that is among the most moving of any film I’ve seen this year. “Wolf of Wall Street” isn’t an easy film to watch. A lot of the way Belfort lived his life was ugly, and a lot of sequences in the film are ugly. But it is fascinating and well made. It’s not for the faint of heart, but I think it achieves its aims — even if it could have been edited a little tighter.
Rating: R for sequences of strong sexual content, graphic nudity, drug use and language throughout, and for some violence. Enter with caution.
Verdict: Four stars out of four.

Upcoming Releases:

Friday, January 10 — "August: Osage County," "Her," "Lone Survivor," "The Legend of Hercules"

Friday, January 17 — "Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit," "The Nut Job," "Ride Along," "The Devil's Due"

Friday, January 24 — "I, Frankenstein"

Friday, January 31 — "Labor Day," "That Awkward Moment"