The endearing members of the Losers’ Club are back and all grown up in ‘It 2.’ The long awaited sequel, though not quite as good as the original, is still a very good movie! The movie begins 27 years after the young Losers vanquished the dancing clown, forever they thought. They nearly all leave town and in leaving, forget everything that had happened. But now, with the town of Derry experiencing, yet again, a spate of killings and child disappearances, the one remaining friend must act. Mike (Isiah Mustafa) has never left the town and has spent the last 27 years researching the history of the murderous clown. He believes he has discovered a way to destroy Pennywise (Bill Skarsgard) once and for all. Mike calls all of the friends, who now can’t remember much of what happened all those years ago, back to Derry. There is ill-fated Stan (Andy Bean), wise-cracking Richie (Bill Hader), novelist and now stutter-free Bill (James McAvoy), Ben (Jay Ryan) who has grown into quite a stud, thoughtful, hypocondriac Eddie (James Ransone) and kind hearted Bev (Jessica Chastain) who all must stand together to face their fears and save their town – and perhaps themselves. The adult versions of the charactters are not as endearing as their younger selves, but they all bring heart to their roles. I was especially impressed with Bill Hader. He is definitely growing as a dramatic actor. Those of you who have read the book, may be disappointed that some of the events do not make it into the film; but even at 2 hours and 45 minutes, the movie could not possibly have included it all. But what it includes is frightening and suspenseful. As in Part One, the production values are excellent and the atmosphere suitably foreboding. I won’t say anything about what changes! However, I am not spoiling the movie by telling you that Stephen King does have a pretty good cameo in this one. I found this movie terrifying, so much so that I had to close my eyes during a few scenes. But in the end, isn’t that what makes a good Stephen King novel, and movie?
Molly’s Game
Anyone who likes to watch the World Series of Poker on television, has ever played in a live poker game or is curious to learn how the other half lives, will enjoy this movie. Molly’s Game is based on the true story of Molly Bloom. Molly, as played by Jessica Chastain, was a world-class skier on the fast track to the Olympics. Sidelined by a freak accident, Molly uses her drive and smarts to turn a secretary jog into an exclusive high stakes poker game. When one of her players ruins her game in California, she simply moves to New York and re-establishes her very exclusive set up! But…before long, she finds herself under arrest by the FBI on federal charges. Why? It’s complex, you will need to see the movie to understand! The movie doesn’t use any of her customers’ real names, but according to a little internet research, they included Toby McGuire, Ben Affleck and Leonardo DiCaprio as well as professional poker player Phil Ivy. Idris Elba plays the lawyer who helps Molly when she is arrested by the F.B.I. (apparently, some of her clients turned out to be members of the Russian mafia). Kevin Costner, Michael Cera and Graham Greene round out the cast. I have heard there is some Oscar buzz for Ms. Chastain in this movie, I am afraid I would not go that far, although she does give a good performance. However, the movie gives us a fascinating glimpse into the world of high stakes gambling and the kind of people who are involved.
The Zookeeper’s Wife
The year is 1939 and the place is Poland. Antonina and Jan Zabiniski are the directors of the Warsaw Zoo. The animals are well-cared for and loved and the Zabiniskis (Jessica Chastain and Johan Heldenbergh) are happy and content. Unfortunately, their somewhat idyllic life is shattered by the invading German Army at the start of World War Two. The zoo is bombed and the scenes of animals being bombed, strafed and shot for sport by Nazi soldiers are heart rending. The Germans, led in this case by an SS officer who is a big zoologist in Germany, take all the best animals for redistribution, leaving the zoo virtually empty. This brave couple put themselves, and their son, in danger daily by turning their zoo into a human sanctuary by hiding persecuted Jews from the Ghetto in the deserted animal pens and cages. Jessica Chastain turns in a good performance as the shy, artsy wife who opens her home to over 300 refugees. Daniel Bruhl is even better as the Berlin zoologist who, in addition to taking the best of the animals, has a misguided idea to recreate extinct Aurochs by selectively breeding various bulls and bison breeds. How the Zabiniskis are able to hide people from the Nazi’s is a fascinating story told against the backdrop of the Warsaw Ghetto and its ultimate destruction. The fact that this is all a true story (and very accurately rendered) makes this movie even more amazing. I can’t quite give this movie a golden apple because it is a little slow moving in points, but it is definitely worth seeing.