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

Bohemian Rhapsody
Starring: Rami Malek, Lucy Boynton, Gwilym Lee, Ben Hardy, Joe Mazello, Allen Leech, and Aiden Gillen
Synopsis: Biopics are a classic form of cinema, and biopics on famous musicians are one of the surest ways to draw an audience and get in the Oscar conversation. "Walk the Line," "Ray," even "Straight Outta Compton" have earned accolades and award recognition. So it seems like a good set up for "Bohemian Rhapsody," which tells the story of Queen, and specifically Freddie Mercury, and is directed by Bryan Singer. And the film does indeed feature songs we love and an origin story for the band, led by a stand out performance from Malek. HOWEVER, this isn't the solid film that one might expect. There are moments that were fascinating, like Mercury's background, how the band came together and a great sequence showcasing how they created "Bohemian Rhapsody" itself. (Though I'd have liked to heard the whole song or seen some performance of it.) But much of the film is focused on Mercury, his personal life and struggles. That almost relegates the band and the music to a subplot. It would have been interesting to get more of a window into the creative process, and for the other three members of Queen to have been more than two-dimensional plot devices that arrive as needed. In fact, I had to laugh near the end when Malek's Mercury says all the band members are legends, because this biopic doesn't treat them that way. In addition, there was a sameness to much of the musical performances, and the way the music is used isn't always consistent. A lot of time was spent to re-create the Live Aid performance, and that was somewhat a high point of the film, but it felt as if there was a better way to tell the story of this band that celebrated their artistry more. It's a nice looking film, and one that is bolstered by a great lead performance, but as an overall film it's just OK.
Rating: PG-13 for thematic elements, suggestive material, drug content and language.
Verdict: Two stars out of four.

Instant Family
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Rose Byrne, Isabela Moner, Octavia Spencer, and Tig Notaro
Synopsis: Pete (Wahlberg) and Ellie (Byrne) had a nice life. They were happily married, flipping houses and cruising along. Until they stopped to consider what it would mean to have a bigger family, specifically to be foster parents. That started them down a path that led to taking in three siblings that would change all their lives forever. "Instant Family" isn't complex or deep, but it's based on a true story and it's a beautiful exploration of love and family. Being a foster parent and adopting is a special calling, one we don't think about or celebrate much as a culture. And yet, that's the heart of this movie. It's a warts and all look at what it means. It isn't perfect or easy, but it's beautiful, as is this film. There are some good performances here and some funny moments. There are also some tender moments. But the film isn't really about the plot and execution, so much as the idea and celebration it offers. This is a strong film well timed for the family holiday season.
Rating: PG-13 for thematic elements, sexual material, language and some drug references.
Verdict: Three stars out of four.

My Dinner with Herve
Starring: Peter Dinkledge and Jamie Dornan
Synopsis: This is an original HBO film, and one that's been out for a bit. It chronicles a journalist and his interview with Herve Villechaize (Dinkledge), the actor made famous through his role on "Fantasy Island." This biopic is really about Herve's life and story, and I thought Dinkledge did a really nice job in the role. I was also impressed with Dornan, who plays a journalist battling demons of his own who forms a bond with Herve over his story. I'm not old enough to have experienced "Fantasy Island," so this was largely a story I didn't know much about. But it was one that I enjoyed seeing and learning about, and that was largely thanks to the craft and the performances. This might sound like a bit of a dry subject for a film, and there isn't a lot of action, per se, but the drama and the storytelling is strong and it works. Director Sacha Gervasi, who came up with the story, had a personal connection to Herve, and that is certainly felt in this production. This was an interesting film that I enjoyed more than I thought I would when I started it.
Rating: TV-MA
Verdict: Three stars out of four.