PHANTOM THREAD

 


This movie paints an illuminating portrait of both an artist and his inspiration, set in the glamour of 1950's post-war London.  Dressmaker Reynolds Woodcock and his sister Cyril are at the center of British fashion at The House of Woodcock.  Women come and go through Woodcock's life, providing him with inspiration and companionship, until he comes across the young strong-willed Alma, who soon becomes a fixture in his life as his muse and lover.  Once controlled and planned, he finds his carefully tailored life disrupted by love.  Not the most thrilling movie of the year.  It does drag and is a bit melodramatic.  I give it a 6.  Stars Daniel Day-Lewis, Lesley Manville, Vicky Krieps .

THE POST

When the Washington Post agrees to publish the leaked Pentagon Papers--which  point to a secret escalation of the Viet Nam War--the Nixon administration tries to block publication,  setting up an epic legal and political battle.  A true story of the dupping of the American public.  A movie that every American should see.  I give it a nine.  Stars Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep.

STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI

After her heroics in THE FORCE AWAKENS, space wanderer Rey carries on her quest to discover her origins.  When she learns the possible location of the long-missing Luke Skywalker, Rey and her allies begin a journey rife with perils.  Definitely action packed with unbelievable special effects.  Hold on to your seats.  I give it an eight.  Stars Mark Hamil, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Riley.

THE GREATEST SHOWMAN

Behind the "Greatest Show on Earth", was one of history's greatest showman, P. T. Barnum.  This musical biopic centers on Barnum's creation of the three ring circus and his infatuation with Swedish songbird Jenny Lind.  This is just a plain fun movie.  You will leave the theater with a smile.  I give it a six.  Stars:  Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Michelle Williams.