A FANTASTIC WOMAN (Chile, English subtitles)

Marina, a transsexual woman who works as a waitress and moonlights as a nightclub singer, is bowled over by the death of her older boyfriend.
—
Nominated for Best Foreign Picture at the Oscars. A very interesting portrait of a transgender woman who experiences social challenges and prejudice as she navigates the events following the sudden death of her much older partner. Played by Daniela Vega, who is an actual transgender woman and is excellent in the role with a very engaging onscreen presence. The story provides insight into what transgendered people often have to experience from society’s responses. Unfortunately, the movie doesn’t spend enough time helping us to get to know the protagonist as a person — who she is, her history, her as an individual. It is mostly focused on people’s reactions to her. Directed with subtlety and tenderness, this is an important movie definitely worth seeing.

FIFTY SHADES FREED

Believing they have left behind shadowy figures from their past, newlyweds Christian and Ana fully embrace an inextricable connection and shared life of luxury. But just as she steps into her role as Mrs. Grey and he relaxes into an unfamiliar stability, new threats could jeopardise their happy ending before it even begins.
—
Oh dear… FIFTY SHADES FREED is the worst of the trilogy. It is cheesy, poorly scripted, and makes excessive use of nudity at times that have no relevance to the story. As far as acting goes, Dakota Johnson is eminently watchable and carries the movie, making the best of a completely uninteresting plot. And Jamie Dorman offers a lifeless, shallow performance. The threats to their happy life are not maximised for suspense — at least they are more thrilling than the rest of the movie — although using the word thrilling is an enormous exaggeration. The best actor in the movie is the Audi which is an obvious product placement. The climax of the series advertised on the posters never arrived. What a relief when it was over. The most exciting moment came when the credits rolled and the lights came on. Unless you really want to finish off seeing all three of the series, don’t bother.

BLACK PANTHER

T'Challa, after the death of his father, the King of Wakanda, returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation to succeed to the throne and take his rightful place as king.
—
It must be hard to make a superhero movie that stands out from the rest. BLACK PANTHER stands out in a number of ways. All of the cast, except one, are black actors. There are a number of references to race relations issues. And it is visually stunning. But BLACK PANTHER is ultimately just another superhero that follows the same narrative template as all the others.

LADY BIRD

A California high school student plans to escape from her family and small town by going to college in New York.
—
A fresh take on the coming age genre. Saoirse Ronan does an excellent job in the titular role. I’m not convinced this is as good a movie as some are saying. I found it enjoyable with moments of poignant humour. There’s witty dialogue and some interesting characters. But it isn’t a standout for me. I’m a bit surprised it has been nominated for best picture at the Oscars. It’s ok.

THE 15:17 TO PARIS

In August 2015, an ISIS terrorist boarded train #9364 from Brussels to Paris. Armed with an AK-47 and enough ammo to kill more than 500 people, the terrorist might have succeeded except for three American friends who refused to give in to fear. Stone was a martial arts enthusiast and airman first class in the U.S. Air Force, Skarlatos was a member of the Oregon National Guard, and all three pals proved fearless as they charged and ultimately overpowered the gunman after he emerged from a bathroom armed and ready to kill.
—
Coming from director Clint Eastwood, this movie is very disappointing. It’s probably the worst thing he has done. The story of the heroism of these three men is to be celebrated. But the movie is boring and superficial. It doesn’t honour what these men did. The three men play themselves, and they put in a reasonable job, but they are not actors, and it does show. This movie is one time we needed some real acting. The script is the real problem — it has zero depth. And there’s no suspense. It’s a relief when the short running time comes to an end. Give it a miss.