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

21 Bridges
Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Sienna Miller, Stephan James, Taylor Kitsch, and J.K. Simmons
Synopsis: This latest film is about a grizzled NYPD Detective (Boseman) who specializes in finding cop killers. He's called to the scene of a robbery gone wrong, where a pair of well-trained thieves (James and Kitsch) find more than they bargained for in terms of drugs, and eight cops responding, all of whom are dispatched. But Boseman's lead detective senses there is more to the story, and become weary of the narcotics detective (Miller) who's assigned to work with him and the Captain (Simmons) whose precinct was hit. But the manhunt leads to locking down Manhattan for the night, and a trail of bodies all over New York. This is a well conceived and tightly executed action thriller. It's just 99 minutes, so it moves along at a good clip. There are plenty of solid actors here, led by Boseman who is great in the lead role. The action sequences are solid and though the plot is pretty easy to figure, it keeps you entertained. This isn't a deep or complicated film, but it's executed well and features a strong cast.
Rating:  R for violence and language throughout.
Verdict: Three stars out of four.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
Starring: Tom Hanks, Matthew Rhys, Chris Cooper, and Susan Kelechi Watson
Synopsis: It's been years since Fred Rogers' TV series went off the air and years since he passed away. But his story continues to be an inspiration, especially in fractured times like these. The 2018 documentary on his life, "Won't You Be My Neighbor," was my favorite film of last year, and a beautiful tribute to the man. "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood" is a scripted journey that sees no less than Tom Hanks in the role as Rogers. But while he's a big part of this story, he's not the focus of this story, which is based on the real life interview and events that led to a book from journalist Tom Junod. Here the name's been changed to Lloyd Vogel (Rhys), and he's a man in crisis. He's got a fractured relationship with his father (Cooper), and he's recently become a father himself. His wife (Watson) is trying to get him to heal his wounds, and yet Lloyd just can't get past his hurt and anger. And it's with that frame that he's sent to profile Rogers for an issue on heroes, something he tries to resist. And he is skeptical of Rogers, too, unwilling to believe he's as kind and open as he appears. But slowly, Lloyd is won over. And Rogers' influence on his life helps him set right his relationship with his father and finally forgive. Hanks is an incredible actor, perhaps the best in the last 30 years. And he handles this role beautifully. But he's the supporting character in this story. Rhys, who was wonderful on "The Americans," is great in the lead role here, too. And there are many touches to this movie I really enjoyed. While this is a good film, it doesn't rise to the level of great, nor does it match last year's phenomenal documentary. But this is a feel good film, and one that feels like it comes at a good time to salve the wounds of an increasingly jaded and bitter society.
Rating: PG for some strong thematic material, a brief fight, and some mild language.
Verdict: Three stars out of four.

Jojo Rabbit
Starring: Taika Waititi, Roman Griffin Davis, Thomasin McKenzie, Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell, Alfie Allen, and Rebell Wilson
Synopsis: You don't normally think of Nazis, or Adolf Hitler as material for comedy and a moving story of overcoming prejudice and friendship. And yet, that's what you get with "Jojo Rabbit," one of the finest and most fun films of the year so far. Waititi, who directed "Thor: Ragnarok" and has a gift for off-beat stories, directs this film, based on the novel from Christine Leunens. He also plays Hitler—or at least a version of the Fuhrer from the mind of a 10-year-old acolyte. Jojo (Davis) is a small kid that doesn't have many friends. Hitler is his imaginary friend, and life guide. He's striving to be a good little Nazi when we meet him, though a camp experience doesn't go too well. And even as he's trying to rise up the ranks, the Germans are losing World War II, and many of his countrymen—including his own mother (Johansson)—are turning away from what their country has become. He takes direction from the local military leader (Rockwell), while his mother tries to instill a different sensibility in him. When he discovers a Jewish girl (McKenzie) living in the wall at their home, Jojo is at first angry. He tries to bully her, but soon comes to realize everything he thought he believed in was a lie, but the girl in the wall is a true friend, perhaps his only friend. This is heady stuff, and it's handled with a deft hand. There is some beautiful humor in this. I really enjoyed the work of the cast. Waititi is incredible in his role, as is Rockwell. But perhaps the best performance comes from Johansson, who is so effortless in her work yet elevates every scene she's in. I wasn't sure what to make of this film, which has to ride a tight line given its subject matter. But I thought it turned out to be engaging and beautiful in rich, unexpected ways.
Rating: PG-13 for mature thematic content, some disturbing images, violence, and language.
Verdict: Four stars out of four.

Klaus
Starring: Jason Schwartzman, J.K. Simmons, Rasida Jones, Norm MacDonald, and Joan Cusack
Synopsis: Netflix is really churning out the original films this year, especially Christmas films. This new animated film, which became available for stream on November 15, is part of that onslaught, and seeks to tell a story of how the legend of Santa Claus was born. And it starts on a remote, freezing island full of people holding grudges. And the selfish postman (Schwartzman) who is sent there to learn to be a man. He finds a partner in a widowed toy-maker Klaus (Simmons), who just wants to bring joy to children. And soon a new venture begins, one that will change both their lives, the lives of all that live on the island, and the lives of children all over the world. This animated tale starts a little slow, and it's a bit dark at times, but it really develops into something wonderful and beautiful by the end. And I thought the voice cast was strong and the story ends in a really fun place. This is definitely a holiday tale worth checking out.
Rating: PG for rude humor and mild action.
Verdict: Three stars out of four.

The Knight Before Christmas
Starring: Josh Whitehouse, Vanessa Hudgens, and Emmanuelle Chriqui
Synopsis: Another Netflix original Christmas film, this one began streaming on November 21. This one is about a knight (Whitehouse) in 1334 England who is thrust forward to 2019 on a quest where he engages with a lonely school teacher (Hudgens) just before the holidays. He's a fish-out-of-water, and yet they form a connection. He completes his quest, but the question is whether his true home is in 1334 or in 2019 with the woman who has captured his heart. This is a pretty straightforward holiday romance, or at least it is if you get past the cultural and time-travel issues that help frame the plot. It goes where you'd expect, and the performances are decent. This isn't an incredible or incredibly compelling film, but it makes sense for Netflix in its appeal to consumer.
Rating: TV-PG
Verdict: Two stars out of four.

Upcoming Release:
Wednesday, November 27: "Knives Out," "Queen & Slim"
Friday, November 29: "Dark Waters"