The Conspirator (2010)

 

 

Mary Surratt is the lone female charged as a co-conspirator in the assassination trial of Abraham Lincoln. As the whole nation turns against her, she is forced to rely on her reluctant lawyer to uncover the truth and save her life. 

Made in good taste and excellent period detail and with a capable cast ensemble, this historical drama focuses on an interesting aspect of the Lincoln assassination, but without much suspense or giving the story the importance it actually has. 

Maltin**1/2: "'Historical drama never achieves the urgency it should, but McAvoy's impassioned performance is worth seeing."  

The Extra Man (2010)

A man who escorts wealthy widows in New York's Upper East Side takes a young aspiring playwright under his wing.

Likable , slightly humorous tale centered on some genuinely eccentric NY characters; the excellent make it all believable.

Maltin***: "A valentine to the oddballs who make N.Y.C. unique, focusing on two men who live out of their time. Kline and Dano are simply perfect as a retrograde roue'..."

My Old Lady (2014)

An American inherits an apartment in Paris that comes with an unexpected resident.

Fairly entertaining, slightly amusing drama lives mainly on the good performers and its Paris setting.

 

Last Vegas (2013)

 

 

Four friends take a break from their day-to-day lives to throw a bachelor party in Las Vegas for their last remaining single pal.

 

Likable, but unremarkable comedy, obviously made for its elderly star cast to have an easy ride. 

Maltin**1/2: "Raunchy senior-citizen jokes abound, but some of the gags are pretty funny and the stars seem to be having a good time."

Sophie's Choice (1982)

After spending time with his new neighbors, an aspiring writer realizes they are harboring deep secrets that will forever change him.

A bleak and intense story of a love traingle marred by the conflicting backgrounds of the lovers (especially the woman's experience of the Holocaust) is obviously bound to the novel's specifications, but convinces very much by the power of the strong performances.

Halliwell*: "Glum romantic drama about guilt and retribution, long and uncinematic as well as rather poorly done; but its intentions are doubtless honourable.

Maltin**1/2: "Streep's Oscar-winning performance is the centerpiece (and raison d'être) for this slavishly faithful, but deadeningly slow-moving, adaptation of William Styron's book...Nestor Almendros' camera is in love with Streep, but her stunning characterization can't carry the film alone.'"