FILMS/SERIES WORTH THE INVESTMENT

“THE ORIGIN OF EVIL”  FRENCH: ENGLISH SUBTITLES   (IN THEATRES & SOON NETFLIX)

There is nothing as satisfying as a supreme whodunit, and the French excel at titillation and obfuscation. Actor Laure Calamy, “Stephanie”, in a transformative performance seeks to reunite with her estranged, wealthy father “Serge” (virtuoso role by Jacques Weber); from the onset surprises await at every turn; director Sebastien Marnier with sophisticated elan and quirky ingenuity offers a delicious, gluttonous scenario that viewers cannot help but overdose on its temptations.

FOUR & ½ STARS!!!!

“THE CREATOR”   (IN THEATRES)

Daily, bombardment of the pros and cons of Artificial Intelligence cannot be shunned or avoided; it is here to stay, and acceptance is key: “A.I.’s Limitations Can Be Many Things, like Absurd, Unexpected, or Downright Impressive”; “A.I. Is an Expert at Making Bad Art”; “How to Invest in A.I.”; three articles in today’s New York Times (10/1/2023). “The Creator” directed by Gareth Edwards is a futuristic film depicting a war between humans and those manifestations of Artificial Intelligence; it is technologically fantastic, musically magical with a profound premise that viewers either accept or reject. “Joshua”, a special forces agent (John David Washington) is sent to destroy the creator of the of a “peace” weapon, designed to end war and eliminate mankind. Joshua finds love with elusive “Maya” (Gemma Chan) and their partnership is pivotal to the film’s progression and ultimate outcome. Riveting action, confounding confusion leave viewers thirsting for answers that have yet to be unveiled.

THREE & ½ STARS!!!

“BAND OF BROTHERS” (2001)  (NETFLIX)

Revisiting this historically accurate mini-series was just as emotionally shattering (even more effective) than the first viewing.  “Easy Company”, especially reminiscences from the survivors, is archivally ardent, sweepingly intelligent and fervently forceful in its telling of the brutality, “banality of evil” suffered by innocents in WWII. Battle scenes orchestrated with realism, horrors of fox holes, fickleness of fate stun with verisimilitude. Adroit acting and prescient directing increase the deserved longevity of the series.

FIVE STARS!!!!!