New Release
Set in an upscale home for the aging in England, this whodunit showcases four residents, who, every Thursday, put their formidable skills together to solve cold crime cases. But when a co-owner of the retirement community is murdered, they apply their wits to the fresh case.
Despite the four spectacular co-leads (Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, and Celia Imrie), the storyline is generic. Yet it’s likely to please fans of gentle mysteries or of the book series by Richard Osman that it’s based on.
Family Pick
‘Stuart Little 2’
When city-savvy bird Margalo (Melanie Griffith) crashes into Stuart’s life, he sees the spark of a new friendship. But after she disappears, Stuart (Michael J. Fox) hits the streets with the family cat, Snowbell (Nathan Lane), on a rescue mission across roads and rooftops.It’s got the same charm as the first, maybe a bit sweeter than needed, but nothing too overboard. Yeah, you can see the ending coming a mile away, but at least it doesn’t try to outsmart itself. Not bad for a flick where the hero is the size of a chicken nugget.
Cranky Meets Choir
‘Unfinished Song’
Crusty old-timer Arthur (Terence Stamp) ends up tangled in his ailing wife’s (Vanessa Redgrave) final wish: to join an offbeat senior choir. The group belts out tunes that would make most retirement homes blush, led by a spirited young teacher (Gemma Arterton) who sees potential in the grouch.Stamp and Redgrave are excellent in their roles, and bolster this engaging tale about death, regret, and trying to make things right before the end comes. More real than most of the overproduced stuff out there.
Coal Dust and Conviction
‘The Stars Look Down’
Davey Fenwick (Michael Redgrave) leaves his mining village for university, determined to fight for miners. But local girl Jenny (Margaret Lockwood) wants him to marry and settle down before finishing school.This is a no-frills look at the everyday guy grinding through tough times with grit and gumption. The actors deliver fine performances that keep the narrative moving.
