Now Playing

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

Marriage Story
Starring: Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, and Laura Dern
Synopsis: Last year Netflix made history with "Roma," which worked its way into the Best Picture competition. This year, they've redoubled their efforts. So far, that's led to three Best Picture nominations at the Golden Globes and a host of other awards. And several of their films figure to be strong contenders with the Academy Awards, too. That includes "Marriage Story," the drama from writer/director Noah Baumbach that looks at the implosion of a marriage. It centers on a couple played by Driver and Johansson who are at the end of their romance. It begins with letters they've each written about what drew them to the other. But when it comes to counseling, those letters are never read. Instead, they begin the process of separating, a journey that becomes more difficult and painful through the two-plus hour run. It's emotional, gripping and engaging. And that's thanks to the writing and vision presented by Baumbach, but also because of the incredible lead performances from the two actors. Also quite good is the supporting cast, particularly Dern, who plays Johansson's attorney. There are a number of heart-breaking and emotional scenes, and I found myself profoundly moved by the end. This isn't an easy story to watch. Nor was another famous film about divorce, the 1979 film "Kramer vs. Kramer" which was a huge player at awards season thanks to a gripping story and powerful performances from Meryl Streep and Dustin Hoffman. If that broke ground at the time for the way it tackled the subject, than Baumbach has given us the modern equivalent with "Marriage Story." This is one of the best films I've seen this year and a worthy entry in the Best Picture race. Between this, "The Irishman" and "The Two Popes," Netflix is showing they're a player in the original film game that isn't likely to fade away.
Rating: R for language throughout and sexual references.
Verdict: Four stars out of four.

Upcoming Releases:
Friday, December 13: "Jumanji: The Next Level," "Richard Jewell," "Black Christmas," "6 Underground"
Friday, December 20: "Star Wars, Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker," "Cats," "Bombshell," "Superintelligence," "The Two Popes"
Wednesday, December 25: "Little Women," "A Hidden Life," "Spies in Disguise," "Just Mercy"