Before the summer action movies start, here are some tips on movies currently in theaters.
It’s not too late to see Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War.” This action-filled flick may be the best comics-driven film of the season, as both critics and movie-goers are delighted by it. In the movie, the public is concerned about the casualties caused when superheroes do their good deeds. As a result, Captain America and Iron Man battle it out, both verbally and physically. The director does well in pacing the humor, dialog and action. (I have fallen asleep in action movies before, but not this one.) Don’t miss the cameo of Stan Lee, the 93-year-old co-creator of many top Marvel comics. Grade: A-
The Nice Guys
This is an R-rated drama with both humor and action. Two detectives end up working a missing person case amid bumbling, dark humor and occasional sleaze. I enjoyed the setting in 1970s Los Angeles, along with the music of the era. The story is OK, but the two highly acclaimed actors make the movie work. Both Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling seem to be having fun in this buddy movie. Grade: B
Sing Street
This is in the art houses for now, but keep an eye out for this film either in theaters or on DVD. In Dublin, Ireland, in the 1980s, a teen falls in love. To impress a girl, he says he’s in a band, and must immediately start forming one. He and his mates try on various music styles and clothing that are reminiscent of the popular bands of the period. The movie also has its serious moments relating to the boy’s struggles and relationships. The young lead actor, Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, is outstanding. The soundtrack includes both popular songs from the 1980s and original songs. The director, John Carney, directed the Irish film “Once” — one of my favorite films of the last decade. Grade: A-
The Man Who Knew Infinity
This is another film available in art houses. The film is based on the true-life story of a self-taught Indian mathematics genius and his British mentor in Trinity College. Srinivasa Ramanujan’s life is amazing to watch as he journeys from an unknown clerk in India to an acclaimed mathematician. The young man fights against the prejudice shown to him by the English professors in the early 1900s. Dev Patel and Jeremy Irons bring these two historical figures to life. Grade: B
Lots of intriguing films are coming up this summer, from the romantic story “Me Before You” to the zany remaking of “Ghostbusters,” not to mention scads of action flicks. I plan to have plenty of popcorn-eating opportunities over the next couple of months.
