Arrival (2016) ****

Arrival begins on an emotional note that quickly turns into a thriller. It holds our attention with anticipation and sympathy to the main character, Dr. Louise Banks, a linguist, played by Amy Adams. Yet, once we, the audience, through the eyes of Louise are exposed to the aliens, the film changes some of its pace. It becomes more of a scientific riddle than a thriller. And while the tension is kept through other means (not disclosed here as to avoid plot-spoilers,) the audience is expected to shift gear and play along. That only partially works.

Doctor Strange (****) 2016

Based on the Strange Tales comics from the 1960’s, Doctor Strange, the film, can be described as House, the character from the TV series; your brilliant yet arrogant doctor, meeting Master Shifu of Kung Fu Panda. The plot is thin and consists of our bright surgeon i.e. Dr. Stephen Strange, experiencing a car accidents that ends up his career. The mishap sets him up on a quest that leads him to meet the Ancient One; a master who would instruct him in the mystic arts of the East, so that he could ultimately save the world. And if this sounds a little like Star Wars, it is because the story elements, though much simplified, are the same. Only that the evil that Doctor Strange must face is quite corny and disappointing in lack of originality.

Hacksaw Ridge (2016) ****

A realistic anti-violence war film, Hacksaw Ridge is both appealing and appalling. Directed by Mel Gibson to a screenplay by Andrew Knight and Robert Schenkkan, Hacksaw Ridge tells the true story of Desmond Doss; a Seventh-day Adventist believer, who swore off violence due to his faith as well as early childhood traumas. Yet, despite Doss’ position as a conscientious objector, when his brother and others in community enlist to fight in WWII, Doss follows suit. What ensues is a fascinating tale of persistence, resilience and courage.

Weiner (2016) ****

In a well-balance documentary, Weiner’s filmmakers do a good job highlighting the layers of an onion called Anthony Weiner.
Weiner, the film, covers three main perspectives: Weiner the politician, his marriage, and the media blitz. Each aspect can likely be made into a full-lenght film as there is much to explore. Yet packed into one documentary, we, the audience, can watch these three panels interconnect, ultimately leading to Weiner’s demise.
Another interesting aspect of this film is how it is both amusing and sad; much like the troubled humor of laughing at a man slipping on a banana peel. We like, and may even feel for Weiner, yet his actions, interactions and what ensues are, well, funny.
As disturbing as it is, Weiner, the documentary is well worth seeing.

Sand Storm (“Sufat Chol‎‎”, Israel 2016) ****

The story focuses on traditions versus modernization at the world of the Bedouin; once fierce nomads of the desert, now permanently settled throughout the Southern desert region of Israel. Providing an insight into a culture foreign to most of us, Zexer’s tale follows a young woman on the verge of adulthood, whose forbidden love puts her at odds with her family and tribe. Sand Strom is about people trapped in circumstances larger than what they feel they can handle; namely placing emotions against ancient traditions. Simple yet haunting, Sand Storm is a film to watch and meditate on. Like all good stories, the subject matter is very specific, yet one can find in it a universal theme.

The Sting (1973) *****

The Sting is among the best, if not the best, con-artists’ films ever made. It was directed by George Roy Hill to a screenplay written by David S. Ward. The story itself, though fictional, was inspired by David Maurer’s book The Big Con: The Story of the Confidence Man. In the book, which details stories of various grifters, The Sting is based on the real-life cons carried out by the Gondorff brothers, Fred and Charley.
If you have never seen it, or it had been a while since you did, check it out. The Sting is available for streaming on Netflix.