Film Review: “The Penguin Lessons”

A charming tale with a heartwarming duo at its center

Tom (Steve Coogan) and Juan (penguin) teach Masefield.

The Penguin Lessons has all the recognizable tropes of an inspirational true-story Disney adaptation of the early 2000s; the film effectively utilizes a serious real-world backdrop but doesn’t deeply explore it, the protagonist (a teacher) recites literary passages that closely (albeit metaphorically) parallel the plot, and there’s a really cute beacon of innocence at the heart of the story – typically an animal or child, and in this case, a penguin. Based on Tom Michell’s memoir, The Penguin Lessons has enough heart and humor to elevate it above its predictive outline, and the chemistry between Steve Coogan and his absolutely adorable penguin costar(s) is worth the watch. Continue reading “Film Review: “The Penguin Lessons””

Film Review: “All the Old Knives”

Old knives sharp enough for satisfying spy thriller

Former colleagues and lovers Celia (Thandiwe Newton) and Henry (Chris Pine) catch up over dinner in Carmel.

Danish director Janus Metz brings a chilly Scandinavian sensibility to his adaptation of Olen Steinhauer’s 2015 spy novel All the Old Knives. The serviceable picture keeps the viewer at some remove from the characters, but presents a story just entertaining enough to absorb us.

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Film Review: The Wife

Close’s powerhouse performance elevates marital melodrama 

Joan (Glenn Close) reacts as her husband Joe (Jonathan Pryce) receives some good news.

What sacrifices are acceptable for the sake of art? For marriage? Swedish director Björn Runge explores these questions in his new film The Wife, which, if nothing else, may become the film most remembered for netting six-time Academy Award nominee Glenn Close her first Oscar. Close’s performance is the best reason to see the picture, which manages to thoughtfully present serious themes while teetering on the edge of melodrama.

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