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

Behind the Candelabra
Starring: Michael Douglas, Matt Damon, Dan Aykroyd, Scott Bacula, and Rob Lowe
Synopsis: While the movie theaters opened manly action movies and comedies, HBO appealed to a different demographic with its latest original film — a biopic of Liberace. The film is based on the memoir from Scott Thorson (Matt Damon), Liberace's companion, assistant, and one-time lover. Though the famous piano player denied he was gay his whole life — even going so far as to sue publications, and win, when they suggested otherwise — it was fairly well known by those in his inner circle that he preferred the company of men. Thorson was one of those who was with the flamboyant star for many years, and one whose parting was a bit ugly. After five years together Thorson was thrown over for a younger man, and he lashed out by suing Liberace. After a modest settlement, the two reconciled shortly before the performer died of complications related to the Aids virus in 1987. This film — directed by Steven Soderbergh and starring Michael Douglas as Liberace — chronicled the relationship between Liberace and Thorson from 1977 to his death in 1987. It captured the highs, the lows, and everything in between. The costumes and sets were wildly over-the-top, but so was Liberace. The performances were strong — with Douglas doing fine work in a part that feels a million miles away from his typical roles and Damon doing likewise. It wasn't an easy movie to watch. It felt a bit creepy and strange, but that might also sum up spending time with Liberace. It felt like a non-judgemental depiction of the time Thorson spent with Liberace, told from his perspective. I'm not sure what the purpose of the film was, exactly, but it was well done. It feels like the kind of odd slice of life that Soderbergh loves to serve up.
Rating: TV MA
Verdict: Two stars out of four

Fast & Furious 6
Starring: Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster, Michelle Rodriguez, Chris "Ludicris" Bridges, Tyrese Gibson, Gina Carano, Gal Gadot, and Sun Kang
Synopsis: The theory for Sylvester Stallone in making "The Expendables" was that aging action stars needed to come together to make an epic action film because they aren't being made anymore. With apologies to Sly, I think he's mistaken. There is still one big, epic, action franchise that's a bankable commodity — it just relies on fast cars. When "The Fast and The Furious" debuted in the summer of 2001, it seemed like a fun action film. Who would have guessed that 12 years later it would be one of the most durable, and bankable, franchises of the summer. But that's the enduring power of this series — which really bloomed beginning with "Fast & Furious," the fourth installment in the franchise, in 2009. Director Justin Lin — who has directed all the films since the maligned "Tokyo Drift" in 2006 —  is just as responsible as the stars for creating this bankable brand. And with the tag at the end of "Fast & Furious 6," and the green lighting of a seventh film, this franchise isn't going away any time soon. By now most people can figure out the plot for these films. It's not deep or complicated, but that's never been the appeal of the franchise. Diesel and Walker are the ideal leads for the franchise, and it's done a great job of creating continuity and keeping everything connected. This latest film even accomplished the neat trick of tying "Tokyo Drift" into the world created by the last three films, wrapping up this arc, and creating a neat way to build what Diesel says will be the next trilogy. And these films continue to be a hit with audiences — with this last film bringing in $117 million over the Memorial Day weekend. The "Fast & Furious" franchise does it with a little humor, great casting, some exciting action sequences, and little reliance on CGI, 3D, and other fads in big budget movie making. This feels like a throwback series for our times, and it works. While most series are fading out by the time they hit their sixth installment, this one feels like it still has wheels — and miles of highway to cover. Bring on the seventh addition!
Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action and mayhem throughout, some sexuality and language.
Verdict: Three stars out of four.

The Hangover, Part III
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Ed Helms, Justin Bartha, Ken Jeong, and John Goodman
Synopsis: In 2009, few probably could have predicted the success that would be enjoyed by “The Hangover,” a summer comedy from Todd Phillips that featured a trio of familiar faces — Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis — a wild plot and a night in Las Vegas gone wrong. It bloomed into a mega hit, and the comedy of the summer. The success of that film, inevitably, led to a sequel. In 2011, “The Hangover, Part II” felt a bit like a darker, grosser replay of the first film — this time set in Thailand. Built partly on the recognition of the brand, the film soared at the Box Office, spawning another sequel. But a lot has changed in the four years since the first “Hangover” film. Cooper is an Academy Award nominee, Helms is a movie and TV star and Galifianakis has brought his brand of humor to a continually widening audience. In what is purported to be the final installment of this trilogy, Phillips and his trio of stars wisely decided to mix things up. Much of the criticism of “The Hangover, Part II” stemmed from the fact that the film was essentially a copy of the first movie, only set in Bangkok. The beats were the same, the plot was the same and many of the jokes were the same. It felt like a tired sequel and something of a money grab. With this third and — hopefully — final film, the group wisely changed it up. There are still outrageous situations, the characters are the same and some of the locations are the same — but the plot that gets them there is different. That’s a needed tweak. After all, how many times can the same group of people get black out drunk before you stop watching? Cooper, Helms and Galifianakis are still very talented performers that do well in these roles. While Cooper has established himself as a strong dramatic actor in films like “The Place Beyond The Pines” and “Silver Linings Playbook,” he still has a knack with this type of comedic role. Galifianakis and Helms have tended to play variations on these characters in other recent films, but these are the roles they do best. And this film is a welcome change from the middle installment, going back to more of the heart of what made the original film a hit. Jeong is great with his antics, Bartha assumes his familiar role and Goodman brings a fun dimension to the film. So, too, does Melissa McCarthy, who joins the franchise as a love interest for Alan. Perhaps one of the funniest sequences is the tag at the end of the film. It’s a perfect way to wrap up this trilogy and bid farewell to these characters. There is a natural ending point for these film franchises, and this feels like a good stopping point for “The Hangover.” It’s a somewhat fitting end to the story of three guys who can’t seem to stay away from each other or out of trouble. But then again, that’s just the way the audience wants it.
Rating: R for pervasive language including sexual references, some violence and drug content, and brief graphic nudity. Enter with caution.
Verdict: Three stars out of four.

Upcoming Releases:

Friday, May 31 — "After Earth," "Now You See Me"