Week of November 8 to November 14 (Rhoades)

Tropic Overview

Tropic’s Films Deliver Documentary to Drama, Action to Comedy

Reviewed by Shirrel Rhoades

New to Tropic Cinema this week is a documentary about another concern to reach our dinner plate -- genetically engineered foods. Known as GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms), these altered seeds, fruits, and vegetables are rarely labeled as such. What’s more, these so-called Frankenseeds are starting to contaminate non-GMO crops. Director Jeremy Seifert’s “GMO OMG” shows that he is worried about his children’s future. “With the cinematography and its family-centric approach, it takes what could have been a dry subject and broadens its appeal,” says The Playlist. “Eye-opening, compelling and accessible to the laymen,” decides NYC Movie Guru.

Also new to Tropic screens is “Captain Phillips,” a high-seas thriller based on the true story of the MV Maersk Alabama. Tom Hanks in the title role faces off against Somalia-born newcomer Barkhad Abdi as Somali pirates take over the ship. Rolling Stone says, “This is acting of the highest order in a movie that raises the bar on what a true-life action thriller can do.” And Detroit News opines, “This is one of the year's best movies.”

You can also catch “The Counselor,” a stylish Ridley Scott thriller based on an original Cormac McCarthy screenplay (he gave us “No Country for Old Men”). Michael Fassbender plays the unnamed attorney who gets mixed up in a Colombian drug deal; Javier Bardem is his manic business associate; and Brad Pitt is a sleazy go-between. None of them fare too well in this bad bargain. Art Fuse says, “This is one fine neo-noir, expertly directed by Ridley Scott with a host of superlative star turns.” And Urban Cinefile adds, “Intriguing from the get-go, Ridley Scott's superbly directed thriller distinguishes itself by its complex, colorful and mostly bad characters.”

Still playing is “Last Vegas,” a geriatric romp for Michael Douglas, Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman, and Kevin Kline as they enjoy a bachelor party in Glitter Gulch. Toronto Star says, “De Niro and Douglas weirdly play versions of their real selves, while Freeman and Kline ham it up as if they're auditioning for a reality show called Gramps Gone Wild,” while Richard Roeper observes, “This is the like "The Hangover Part 43.”

And on Thursday, the 2013 Key West Film Festival opens for its long weekend run!

Pick your mood. Tropic Cinema can satisfy it.

srhoades@aol.com