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Furious 7:
The defining thing about this seventh in a great franchise is the loss of Paul Walker, who was killed in a single-car accident prior to the movie’s completion. About 1/3 of his scenes were not yet completed, and they are done using a combination of CGI and body-doubles, one of those being his own brother. All the old gang is back as Dom (Vin Diesel) has to get them together again because the brother of the last guy they put away, Owen Shaw, shows up looking for revenge. His name is Deckard (Jason Statham) and he’s even tougher and smarter than his brother. Car chases? Check. Cool interpersonal relationships? Check. A proper tribute to Paul Walker? Check. The final scene will bring a tear to your eye! Rated 14A.
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Monkey Kingdom:
From Disney Nature, yet another marvellous look at life on our planet, this time through the eyes of a mother South Asian monkey and her offspring as they try to find their place in the complex hierarchy that represents a society as complex as anything that humans could create. Watch the search for food when it moves into the realm of a more urban environment, and get a major laugh. In many ways, these little simians are very much like us. Tina Fey narrates with a sense of wonder and wit that makes for an intriguing documentary. Yes, there are a few teary scenes because it’s Disney, but overall, a very nice project submitted by the studio for Earth Day 2015. Rated PG.
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Love & Mercy:
An exceptional biopic focusing on the challenges faced by Brian Wilson, the arguable leader and founder of The Beach Boys. Wilson is played as a young teen by Paul Dano, and as an advanced adult by John Cusak. Despite the differences in the style and look of these two actors, the casting works very well. We learn of the genius that is Brian Wilson, we see the tyranny of his domineering, perfectionist father, and the kindness of his first wife, Melinda Ledbetter (Elizabeth Banks). There is exceptional insight into the creative process as we watch Brian first deal with the exquisite harmonies that marked the band’s early music, and later, Pet Sounds, a failure at every level, today viewed as one of the most incredible feats of album making in history. When the real Brian Wilson saw the movie, he had a psychotic break because Dr. Eugene Landy (Paul Giamatti) seemed so real that he slipped back in time. Rated 14A.
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Mr. Turner (2014):
A very interesting film that got lost in the big November and December theatrical releases profiles the turbulent and exhaustive life of genius landscape painter JMW Turner (Timothy Spall) who lived from 1775 to 1851. Turner was, to say the least, and eccentric person, and the film explores his relationship with his housekeeper, whom he exploited, a woman with whom he lives covertly in another community, his short temper, and his boundless creativity that had him, at one time, lashed to the mast of a ship during a storm so that he could realistically paint the storm-tossed sea. A strong British cast and a lively interpretation of a life lived full made this well-received by critics, but some movie-goers were put off by the sheer audacity of the Turner portrayal. Rated 18A.
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EASY RIDER (1969):
The late Dennis Hopper co-wrote (along with Peter Fonda) and starred in what is surely the classic road picture as two guys hit the roads of American on their choppers. Watch for a supporting role by music producer Phil Spector.
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