Nostalgia reigned in films released in the July and August. To fully appreciate most of the following shows, catch up on the originals before viewing the new models/sequels.
Jason Bourne
To gain insight into Bourne’s personal history, watch an early Bourne movie (or at least review the plot on Wikipedia.) Although the hands-on fighting and the car scenes are intense, unfortunately the story line is minimal. (A good story is always, always, key to great movies.) But the film is worth seeing in order to watch Matt Damon appear again in his iconic role. Review rating: B-
Star Trek Beyond
This movie does well in combining story, character development and action. This second show in the “Star Trek” reboot explores the journey of the young Star Trekkers. For those who are familiar with the original television Star Trek episodes, there are plenty of references to the show’s early style. Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, and Idris Elba (the villain) all are perfect in portraying their well-known roles. Review rating: B+
Ghostbusters
This s a female take on the original movie from 1984. I’ve always had a fondness for the 80s film (my brother was the jogging ghost in the original’s sequel). if you’re familiar with the first “Ghostbusters,” you’ll recognize those early actors in cameos in the new production. The hilarious women stars — Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Leslie Jones and Kate McKinnon— are among the top comediennes in the business. This is a movie that may do better as a DVD than in the theater. Review rating: B
Café Society
The Woody Allen character is portrayed by Jesse Eisenberg, who does well in portraying the physical and verbal image of the movie’s writer and director. The most intriguing part of the movie for me was the look and feel of Hollywood in the 1930s as shown through setting and costumes. A Bronx young man goes to Hollywood to make big, but later returns to New York to be the manager of a dazzling night club. Both humorous and bittersweet. Review rating: B-
A newly-released movie with lots of buzz is “Kubo and the Two Strings.” The show is an animated action-adventure tale set in Japan.
