Elvis (4.5*) In a dazzling production full of sights and sounds, Baz Luhrmann paints the tragic story of a man who struggled to get back to his cultural roots.
(2*) House of Gucci is an overly long mess that fails to establish a consistent tone.
An overview of this year’s six biography movies. I especially liked Tick, tick…Boom, Being the Ricardos, and Spencer (the others, not so much!)
(4*) Spencer is not your typical biopic, but Stewart’s outstanding performance makes this a must-see film
(3.5 Stars) Great acting from Chastain, and overwhelming makeup, but kind of a mess of a movie.
(4 stars) A little difficult to follow but a great story and some terrific music.
(4 Stars) A wonderful synthesis of the pair – not a documentary!
(3.5 *) Another good take on family. Terrific setup in the first 10 minutes.
(3 *) A fun movie until you understand that it isn’t completely truthful.
Billie Holiday, Fred Hampton, and Herman Mankiewicz are this year’s subjects in three excellent biopics.
(4 Stars) A mixed movie, but a stunning performance from Andra Day, both musically and as sensitive actress.
A powerful drama with terrific acting from Kaluuya, but needs some work on the story. (4 Stars)
(3.5 Stars) A somewhat troubling film about the unjust impact of long sentences on Black families.
A Summary of the Biography movies of the year.
(4.5 Stars) In addition to what you expect, it shows that old folks still have huge creative talent. Still one of the best pictures of 2019.
(2 Stars) Be aware of what you are getting yourself into – this isn’t for everyone!
(3.5 Stars) An exceptional performance by Zellweger in an otherwise mediocre movie.
(3.5 Stars) Elton John’s life presented as a musical – great entertainment.
(4 Stars) A surprisingly good tear-jerker providing a positive view of humanity.
(4 Stars) Rousing entertainment placing the viewer right behind the wheel at 200 mph.
(3.5 Stars). A pleasant diversion with exceptional actresses, but a less than stellar writer and director.
(3 Stars) Good music, camera work, and Erivo’s performance. But stumbles on story-telling.
(3 Stars) Willem DaFoe plays Van Gogh in a movie built much like an expressionistic painting.
(3.5 Stars) Liberals will find humor and lots to support disliking Cheney. Conservatives, well, maybe you should avoid this one.
(2 Stars) Interesting, and fairly standard documentary, but a bit overly sympathetic to the subject. Everyone has a few flaws.
(2.5 Stars) A visually beautiful period piece, but perhaps a bit more story than the director and writer could handle.
(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.
(3 Stars) Although laced with fun and titillating moments throughout, the movie doesn’t deliver a totally coherent message.
(4 Stars) This surprising little gem will leave a mark on your heart.
(3 Stars) Another tale of Neil Armstrong’s life and walk on the moon. Won the Visual Effects Oscar.
Questa del Rio News: Questa, New Mexico.
Gringo Gazette: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Sierra County Sun: Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.