Shirley MacLaine and Jack Black in “Bernie.”
Jack Black gives a career-defining performance as the titular gay funeral director-turned-murderer in Richard Linklater’s low-key new flick “Bernie.” But Shirley MacLaine as Marjorie, the wealthy widow who’s the object of Bernie’s affection, gobbles enough scenery for both of them.
Claudette Colbert and Clark Gable
Fans of Claudette Colbert can relive the late screen star’s glory years starting in April thanks to the resources of Dale Kuntz. The Milwaukee film historian will draw on his personal collection of some 500 16mm films to present six of the French-born actress’s best works for 12 weeks this spring during the Movie Time series at Milwaukee’s Charles Allis Decorative Art Museum, 1801 N. Prospect Ave.
From ''The Iron Lady.'' – Photo: Courtesy
A patron at Morrison's Hotel refers to Albert Nobbs (Glenn Close) as "such a kind little man." If only he knew. Albert, a self-described "bastard" with a convent education, was born female. Underneath the spit-spot suit, tight-fitting corset and layers of bandaging, Albert is still a woman. But he's lived so long as a man and is so desperate to hold onto his job in 19th century Dublin that Nobbs can't even recall his birth name.
From ''The Artist.'' – Photo: Courtesy
Everything you've heard about Michel Hazanavicius' "The Artist" is true and then some. As innovative as a (mostly) silent, black-and-white film about silent movies can be in 2011, "The Artist" not only restores a lost art form to its former glory but also polishes it up for a contemporary audience. One of the benefits of such a movie – at least at the screening this critic attended – is that the audience sat in silent, rapt attention. No conversations (whispered or otherwise) or ringing mobile phones interrupted the experience.
Judi Dench, left, in “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.”
Based on Deborah Moggach’s novel “These Foolish Things,” John Madden’s film follows seven characters from dead-end lives in England to their unexpected renewals thousands of miles from home.
You don’t have to consult the mirror on the wall to know that “Mirror, Mirror,” Tarsem Singh’s revisionist retelling of Snow White, isn’t the fairest of them all. In a portrayal that some have described as out of character (or is it?), Julia Roberts plays the evil Queen who raised princess Snow White (Lily Collins) following the disappearance of her father the King (Sean Bean). During the Queen’s reign of terror, Snow White has been relegated to her bedroom tower. The villagers have been taxed to near-death and live in fear of a beast that patrols the woods. And a band of seven dwarves spend less time whistling while they work than they do pillaging and plundering.
From ''Pariah.'' – Photo: Courtesy
Dee Rees' feature film debut "Pariah" is a remarkable achievement. The story of queer African-American teenager Alike (pronounced uh-lee-kay) is sure to strike a chord with viewers from all walks of life. The film examines the double life Alike leads, both at home with her religiously conservative family and with her friends at school and in night clubs. The performances by Adepero Oduye as Alike and Kim Wayans as Alike's mother Audrey are especially riveting.
Daniel Craig in ''Casino Royale.'' – Photo: Courtesy
The time off from James Bond has been very good to Daniel Craig.
“Bully” documents how bullying affected the lives of five families.
MPAA ratings battle aside, Lee Hirsch’s emotionally raw and gut-wrenching documentary “Bully” must be seen. While some percentage of the audience will be members of the LGBT community, many of whom experienced bullying in one form or another, the important thing is to make sure that the rest of the world sees it, too.
Meryl Streep portrays former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in ''The Iron Lady.'' – Photo: Courtesy
With hairdo, handbag and hubris, she dominated – and divided – Britain for a decade. Now a film about Margaret Thatcher is doing it all over again.
Michelle Williams in ''My Week With Marilyn.'' – Photo: Courtesy
'My Week with Marilyn'
