Tropic Overview
You
Will Find Family Fare (Sorta) at Tropic Cinema
Reviewed
by Shirrel Rhoades
Film
Critic, Key West Citizen
Bad mothers, a hippie dad, a lost
child, and searching for missing parents – these are the family films that
headline Tropic Cinema this week.
“Bad Moms” is a comedy starring Mila
Kunis (Mrs. Ashton Kutcher) and other gal pals as a gaggle of mothers who just
want to have a little fun – to the consternation of a prim PTA mom (Christina
Applegate). BuzzFeed News sees it as “a movie with
a subversive skepticism about traditional white picket fence domesticity in
general.” And indieWIRE calls it, “A
female-driven story that doesn't shy away from bad behavior while also touting
the importance of familial bonds and solid parenting choices.”
“Captain Fantastic” still awes
audiences with the performance of Viggo Mortensen as a dad who choses an
off-the-grid lifestyle for his family – to the consternation of his
father-in-law (Frank Langella). Empire Magazine describes it as “A fiercely original, pleasantly unpredictable character
piece. This is a gang of outsiders with something valuable to say about the
world we live in.” And St. Louis Post Dispatch alerts us that “The film’s title, suggesting a comic-book flick, will likely
cause box-office confusion. But in a way, it’s appropriate. ‘Captain Fantastic’
is a truly heroic effort.
“The Light Between Oceans” tells of
lighthouse keepers (Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander) who find a child
adrift in a boat and decide to keep her – to the eventual consternation of a
woman they meet on the mainland (Rachel Weisz). Parade Magazine astutely
observes, “The movie suggests that, like the waters
of the great oceans that cover the Earth, all things are connected -- past,
present, and future; grief and happiness; war and peace; life and death.” And Tribune
News Service writes, “Fine performances and
exquisite cinematography, production, and sound and costume design are almost
enough to shake off the clingy soapy residue that comes with the romantic drama
territory.”
“Finding Dory” is the animated sequel
to “Finding Nemo.” In this one, a blue tang fish (voiced by Ellen DeGeneres)
goes searching for her missing family – to the delight of young moviegoers. New
Yorker says, “While not as visually dazzling as its
predecessor, the film is still colorful and immersive; the script, while
predictable, puts an engaging spin on the issues of home and identity.” And ChristyLemire.com adds, “It’s gorgeous. It’s lively. It’s got terrific performances
from a strong voice cast. It's emotionally affecting without being
heavy-handed.”
“Indignation” follows the challenges
of a young Jewish college student (Logan Lerman) dealing with sexual guilt and his
family’s expectations for his future. This drama is based on a recent Philip
Roth novel. Minneapolis Star Tribune proclaims, “With
its mature perspective on distant formative years, the film feels true to the
spirit of Roth; little from the deep wellsprings of the great novelist’s
fiction is lost in translation.” And Spirituality
and Practice chimes in, “A triumph of
elegant writing, exquisite acting, and a vibrant spiritual treatment of
righteous indignation.”
“Florence Foster Jenkins” gives us
the real-life story of a bad singer (Meryl Streep) who winds up at Carnegie Hall
– to the consternation of music critics. Network Film Desk observes, “Streep’s take on the character is so assured that we can’t
help but admire her determination and panache, even as it makes her a fool in
the eyes of others.” And Film Racket agrees, “Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant are
amazing both when they’re apart and together, their earnest portrayals really
lending gravitas to people who would otherwise be remembered as a joke.”
And “Star Trek Beyond” takes a step
backward in this retro tale about Captain James T. Kirk and Mr. Spock (Chris
Pine and Zachary Quinto) – to the delight of old TV fans. Chicago Reader notes,
“This third installment in the millennial Star Trek
reboot races along without an idea in its head, often recalling the silly,
monster-driven final season of the 60s TV show.” And Salon.com sees it
as “undoubtedly messy, like a Starfleet ship that’s
taken its fair share of beatings, but it is frequently a reminder of how good
the series can be when all its engines are in working order.”
With both consternation and delight –
these films will engage you during their engagement at the Tropic Cinema.
srhoades@aol.com
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