Biography Movies of 2019
At Eternity’s Gate
(3 Stars) Willem DaFoe plays Van Gogh in a movie built much like an expressionistic painting.
BlacKkKlansman
(5 Stars) One of my favorite movies of the year, a black man joins the KKK. Although it sounds like a comedy, this is a Spike Lee movie full of important messages.
Bohemian Rhapsody
(4.5 Stars) Rami Malek delivers a terrific performance as Freddie Mercury in an excellent film I liked better than the professional critics.
Can You Ever Forgive Me?
(4 Stars) This surprising little gem will leave a mark on your heart.
First Man
(3 Stars) Another tale of Neil Armstrong’s life and walk on the moon. Won the Visual Effects Oscar.
Green Book
(4.5 Stars) Best Picture Winner and a compelling tale of two men, unlikely partners in a road-trip through the Deep South. One of the better movies of the year.
Mary Queen of Scots
(2.5 Stars) A visually beautiful period piece, but perhaps a bit more story than the director and writer could handle.
RBG
(2 Stars) Interesting, and fairly standard documentary, but a bit overly sympathetic to the subject. Everyone has a few flaws.
The Favourite
(3 Stars) Although laced with fun and titillating moments throughout, the movie doesn’t deliver a totally coherent message.
Vice
(3.5 Stars) Liberals will find humor and lots to support disliking Cheney. Conservatives, well, maybe you should avoid this one.