An Italian mer-boy swims away from his boring undersea life to the 1950s surface, where he meets an exciting new friend. Sunny but slight animated adventure revisiting ideas done much better by Pixar elsewhere. Still, it looks great, there’s a lovely Sacha Baron Cohen voice cameo, and there’s openness to a gay reading of the central relationship, which is an interesting element.
Here’s the trailer.
Edward Kennedy’s presidential ambitions are destroyed because of his involvement in the death of Mary Jo Kopechne. Sober political drama focusing on ambition, hubris, legacy, and arrogance. Decent performances and production values help, though there’s awkwardness in the focus on the politician over the deceased.
Here’s the trailer.
An Appalachian pastor’s daughter hides her secret from her father. Excellent, unsentimental slow-burn drama with thriller elements. Slightly starry casting is initially distracting, but this is structured impressively, looks great, and works hard to not judge. Recommended.
A deluded preacher is set up by the FBI as an active terrorist. While there are some solid performances and a few great moments, this is a bit of a mess, lacking the focus and heart of the superficially-similar Four Lions. A shame, as there’s talent on display, and Morris is a dark genius.
The rise and fall of 1970s heavyweight contender and Rocky analogue Chuck Wepner. Well-judged biopic that despite featuring every one of the usual story and character beats, hits every one of them with unassuming skill.
![The Senator [AKA Chappaquiddick] (2017, dir. John Curran)](https://255review.files.wordpress.com/2020/11/the-senator-film-poster.jpg?w=683)
![The Bleeder [AKA Chuck] (2016, dir. Philippe Falardeau)](https://255review.files.wordpress.com/2019/04/chuck-bleeder.jpg?w=180)
255 Review 