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

Bad Times at the El Royale
Starring: Jeff Bridges, Jon Hamm, Chris Hemsworth, Dakota Johnson, Cynthia Erivo, and Lewis Pullman
Synopsis: We've reached that season where we start getting interesting movies of substance. "Bad Times at the El Royale" isn't obvious Oscar bait, but it has the kind of craft and performances that might get it in the conversation. Writer/director Drew Goddard has done some interesting work in the past, but what he does with "El Royale" feels special. It has a vibe that reminds me of Quentin Tarantino's film style, though with a little more measured violence. But there's plenty of style and interesting characters, cool dialogue and fun twists. It's about an unlikely group that ends up at the El Royale, a once popular hotel in Lake Tahoe that sits on the California/Nevada border. But after losing its gaming license, it became a forgotten and secluded property. And a place to get a cheap room for a night without a lot of questions. That's a boon to all the night's guests, who end up bringing their hidden backstories into the light and clashing in unique and interesting ways. I particularly liked the work of Bridges, Hemsworth and Erivo, who was possible the brightest part of the film. I liked the setting, the style and the dialogue work done by Goddard. The film felt a touch long at times, but the style and the intrigue of the storytelling mostly made up for it. I still have some mixed feelings on the end of the third act, but the character played by Hemsworth is so fascinating, and he gives his all to the role in a way that makes it compelling. It was a cool idea executed well.
Rating: R for strong violence, language, some drug content and brief nudity.
Verdict: Three stars out of four.

A Star is Born
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga, and Sam Elliott
Synopsis: "A Star is Born" is a tale as old as the movies, practically. The original was released in 1937, and was itself based in part on the 1932 film "What Price Hollywood?" In 1954, Judy Garland starred in a version of the film. In 1976 it was Barbara Striesand's turn. And now, Cooper and Gaga take the leads in the 2018 update. Cooper, along with Eric Roth and Will Fetters, worked on the script, and Cooper served as the male lead and the director. He stars as Jackson Maine, a rocker who is battling addiction to alcohol and drugs, at the twilight of his career, and is losing his hearing. That's among other issues, including an up-and-down relationship with his brother and manager (Elliott). After a concert one night, he stumbles across Ally (Gaga) performing at a local bar. He's taken with her beauty and personality, but he's moved by her talent. And soon, he makes her a part of his performances and a part of his world, and the world in turn becomes as taken with Ally's talent as he was. Theirs is a love story that has a lot of bumps along the way. But the film is blessed with wonderful performances, a beautifully crafted cinematic journey, and some memorable music. Whether you enjoy her brand or not, it's impossible to deny that Gaga has a beautiful voice that can be employed in a number of different styles, as it is in this film. She's also a gifted actor, something on display in this film, too. She and Cooper work beautifully together, and I enjoyed the performances from Cooper and Elliott as well. This is a film that tells a well known story in its own way, and keeps you hooked as it unfolds. It's one of the best films of the year so far, and one that's sure to be a part of the Oscar conversation.
Rating: R for language throughout, some sexuality/nudity and substance abuse.
Verdict: Four stars out of four.

Upcoming Releases:
Friday, October 19: "Halloween"
Friday, October 26: "Hunter Killer," "Johnny English Reborn," "Indivisible," "Susperia"