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As I write this the Hollywood community and all of Los Angeles are battling devastating wildfires, resulting in catastrophic loss. This is the time of year when the film industry celebrates and honors the year’s movies. By going to the movies and seeing the work, we are supporting the film community as it begins recovery from the fires. These are some of the films you will be hearing a lot about during award season.
You don’t have to be a fan of Bob Dylan to enjoy the excellent biopic A Complete Unknown, (R, in theaters). Timothée Chalamet delivers an Oscar-worthy performance as early 60s Dylan. He arrives in New York on a pilgrimage to meet an ailing Woody Guthrie. In the hospital Dylan meets folk legend Pete Seeger (Edward Norton), who takes the young singer-songwriter under his wing, helping him get stage time in the happening New York folk scene.


Dylan is an undeniable talent, especially as a songwriter, but he isn’t a great guy. He neglects his devoted girlfriend Sylvie (Elle Fanning) and has an affair with fellow folkie Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro). As Dylan’s star rises, he becomes a bit insufferable, hurting those who supported him when he was “a complete unknown.”
Accomplished director James Mangold also helmed 2005’s Walk the Line, delivering Reese Witherspoon an Oscar for her portrayal of June Carter Cash. The director, who co-wrote A Complete Unknown, lets Dylan’s music tell the story and Chalamet is, no pun intended, electric. He effortlessly mimics the singer’s voice, walk and mannerisms but it’s more inhabiting than impersonating and his singing is flawless. Norton, who should also score an Oscar nomination, oozes kindness and optimism as Seeger, and a bit of anger when Dylan’s insistence on going electric, threatens Seeger’s beloved Newport Folk Festival. I left A Complete Unknown with a new appreciation of Bob Dylan and of Chalamet.
A Complete Unknown: 4.5 out of 5 Stars


Right now, the favorite for Best Actress, may be Demi Moore for The Substance (R, On Demand). Moore plays Elisabeth Sparkle (seriously?), a former film star who has aged into a career as a TV fitness guru. After she is fired by her boss, (a cartoonish Dennis Quaid) because of her age, she explores a mysterious opportunity to be a prettier, younger version of herself with “the substance.”
The “better version” is Sue, (Margaret Qualley), who emerges from Elisabeth’s spine (ick) and gets to exist every other week. Faster than you can say Botox, Sue becomes a superstar, while Elisabeth remains miserable, even though they are, as we are constantly reminded, “one.”
While I was impressed by Moore’s brave and vulnerable performance, I was turned off by the excessive gore in The Substance. This film is classified as “body horror” and you get plenty of it. I get that French writer/director Coralie Fargeat is making a point about the emphasis on beauty and youth, but for me it was just too much. Seeing the trajectory, I gave up on The Substance before the end, which I have since discovered is next-level disgusting.
The Substance: 2.5 out of Five


If you’re tired of streaming the latest movies on your TV, tablet or heaven help me, phone, head to the cinema for Director Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II (R). With its epic battles, elaborate sets and weird wild animals, this sequel to the 2000 Oscar-winner is made for the big screen.
It is 16 years since Maximus (Russel Crowe) died heroically in the arena. Rome is still out of control, ruled by twin emperors that you will most definitely want to slap in the face. Their general, Acacius, (Pedro Pascal) and his army have just vanquished another province in the name of the Empire. During the battle he orders the killing of the wife of the warrior Lucius (Paul Mescal) who is captured and determined to avenge her death.
Lucius and his fellow prisoners are forced to fight for their captors’ amusement. When Lucius bests a rampaging baboon, gladiator wrangler Macrinus (Denzel Washington), buys him, promising his new gladiator the opportunity for revenge against Acacius.
The road to that revenge involves the return of Gladiator’s regal Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), back-stabbing senators, multiple secret plots and identities, a battle with sharks in a flooded colosseum, more of those nutty emperor twins, and a fair amount of gore.
Washington is just about the only player in Gladiator II with award buzz and it’s much deserved. Macrinus radiates intelligence and controlled power as he plays people at all levels of the Roman Empire to his advantage. Washington manages to be honorable and vicious at the same time, and his robes are fabulous! The entire cast is outstanding and while the ending lacks the emotional punch of the first film, under the guidance of Scott, this Gladiator entertains for nearly its entire 2 hour and 28 minute running time.
Gladiator II: 4 out of 5 Stars

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