I originally approached Paul Andrew Williams' Unfinished Song (originally titled Song for Marion) with some skepticism: granted this isn't a bloated summer action film but the art house was now putting out a "product" that didn't seem entirely original: like an explosion of ideas geared towards the senior citizen audience: I thought about films such as Quartet, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and How About You (and countless others) - musical seniors, seniors learning to live again, and a pretty young women that enters their lives: yes, Unfinished Song is that.
Where it diverts from the formula is in, in what it's really about it: it has lighter moments but several darker ones as well - consider our lead, Arthur (Terrance Stamp) - he's a crusty old pensioner from a middle class neighborhood. His wife Marion (Vanessa Redgrave) has to remind him to smile every morning: she's joined the neighborhood choir run by a pretty young women who volunteers her time, perhaps seeking wisdom (Gemma Arterton). After Marion passes away Arthur's relationship with his son (played by Christopher Eccleson) becomes more fractured. Sure this story goes exactly where you think its going (senior art house films are almost as predicable as big summer movies - luckily without the 3 hour running time, because life is too short).
I enjoyed Unfinished Song because it is about a growing old while remaining independent and stubborn: it has lighter moments but there's something dark under the hood - a lot of pain and suffering for which there's little explanation (perhaps they men forget why they're mad at each other in the first place, they only know they're suppose to remain this way). It's not as riveting a work of social realism, like say, a film by Mike Leigh - but it has its moments.
This week we get six, count em' six new movies hitting the B. Lo - including an all new line up at the Amherst Theater (thanks Dipson Theaters!) - it's going to be a very busy weekend for us at Buffawood.... (we'll do our best to keep up)
@ The Art House
Dirty Wars - at Dipson Amherst
This looks like one very powerful look and timely look about the reporting of whistleblower Jeramy Scahill - inspired by his book Dirty Wars: The World is a Battlefield; although this does look like the kind of documentary that, if you've been closely following the news, you already know the story.
Unfinished Song - at Dipson Amherst
The art house appears to be taking a hint from Hollywood - Unfinished Song looks an awful lot like TWC's Quartet - this time around with Terrance Stamp. Gemma co-stars in the film directed by Paul Andrew Williams (known best for his very gritty 2006 film London to Brighton). It looks like a pleasant enough alternative to Pacific Rim.
Fill the Void - at Dipson Amherst
The buzz has been solid for this elegant-looking Israeli drama about a young women that declares her independence from her ultra Orthodox Hasidic community - this award winner has garnered comparisons to Jane Austin.
20 Ft. From Stardom at Dipson Eastern Hills
Also on VOD, 20 Ft from Stardom chronicles the life of a few behind-the-lead singers - the pain and the joys. Directed by seasoned music documentarian Morgan Neville.
@ The Multiplex (*early screenings on Thursday night in select theaters)
Grown Ups 2 at Dipson Market Arcade, Regal Quaker Crossing, Regal Elmwood, Regal Walden Galleria, Regal Quaker Crossing, Dipson Flix, Regal Transit Center, Regal Hollywood
I genuinely enjoyed the first Grown Ups outing, Grown Up 2 looks like more of the same, but again no complaints from me. It looks like a fun enough summer comedy that should tide you over until the excellent The Way Way Back arrives in Buffalo theaters. Since everybody from the first one is back, I'm looking forward to some 90s SNL nostalgia.
Pacific Rim at Dipson Market Arcade, Regal Quaker Crossing, Regal Elmwood, Regal Walden Galleria, Regal Quaker Crossing, Dipson Flix, Regal Transit Center, Regal Hollywood
Michael Bay took a break this year, directing the (low budget for him) Pain and Gain, leaving Guillermo del Toro (who makes this one worth looking forward to) to helm what essentially looks like a transformers movie. The early reviews haven't been kind - but I'm sure the movie will offer some fun.
Where it diverts from the formula is in, in what it's really about it: it has lighter moments but several darker ones as well - consider our lead, Arthur (Terrance Stamp) - he's a crusty old pensioner from a middle class neighborhood. His wife Marion (Vanessa Redgrave) has to remind him to smile every morning: she's joined the neighborhood choir run by a pretty young women who volunteers her time, perhaps seeking wisdom (Gemma Arterton). After Marion passes away Arthur's relationship with his son (played by Christopher Eccleson) becomes more fractured. Sure this story goes exactly where you think its going (senior art house films are almost as predicable as big summer movies - luckily without the 3 hour running time, because life is too short).
