Kam Williams Reviews Movies Opening April 24, 2015

BIG BUDGET FILMS   

The Age of Adaline (PG-13 for a suggestive comment) Romantic fantasy about a well-preserved, reclusive spinster (Blake Lively), born at the dawn of the 20^th Century, who starts dating a charismatic philanthropist (Michael Huisman) without letting him know she hasn’t aged a day in 80 years. Plot thickens during a weekend with his parents (Harrison Ford and Kathy Baker) when her big secret is suddenly put in jeopardy. With Ellen Burstyn, Amanda Crew and Anjali Jay.

The Water Diviner (R for violence and disturbing images) Russell Crowe directed and stars in this historical drama about an Australian farmer searching in Turkey for his three sons who went missing in the Battle of Gallipoli. Cast includes Isabel Lucas, Olga Kurylenko and Megan Gale. (In English, Turkish, Greek and Russian with subtitles)

INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS 

Adult Beginners (R for profanity and drug use) Diminished dreams dramedy about a narcissistic entrepreneur (Nick Kroll) who moves from Manhattan to the suburbs to take a job as a nanny for his sister’s (Rose Byrne) children after his latest start-up crashes and burns. With Bobby Cannavale, Bobby Moynihan and Joel McHale.

Blackbird (R for teen sexuality, profanity and drug use) Coming-of-age drama about a 17 year-old, high school student (Julian Walker) struggling with his sexuality in a sleepy Southern town marked by intolerance. Cast includes Mo’Nique Isaiah Washington, Kevin Allesee and Terrell Tilford.

Brotherly Love (R for violence, profanity and ethnic slurs) Gangsta’ saga, set in West Philly, revolving around a couple of star-crossed teens (Keke Palmer and Quincy Brown) who fall in love despite hailing from opposite sides of the proverbial tracks. With Cory Hardrict, Romeo Miller, Macy Gray, Eric D. Hill, Jr. and Faizon Love.

Emptying the Skies (Unrated) Endangered species expose’ chronicling the decimation of the migratory songbird population now facing extinction due to flagrant poaching of the rapidly-disappearing species. (In English, Italian, French and German with subtitles)

The Forger (R for violence and profanity) John Travolta stars as the title character in this crime thriller as a recently-paroled thief who conspires with his father (Christopher Plummer) to steal a Monet from a museum and replace it with a fake. With Abigail Spencer, Anson Mount, Tye Sheridan and Jennifer Ehle.

Helicopter Mom (Unrated) Nia Vardalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding) handles the title role in this dysfunctional family comedy about a meddling mom who becomes obsessed with her possibly-gay, college-bound son’s (Jason Dolley) sexual orientation. Supporting cast includes Skyler Samuels, Kate Flannery and Kurt Collins.

Just before I Go (R for sexuality, profanity and drug use) Courteney Cox directs this dark comedy starring Seann William Scott as a suicidal soul who returns to his hometown to make amends with folks he’s offended before taking his life. With Olivia Thirlby, Evan Ross and Elisha Cuthbert.

Laugh Killer Laugh (Unrated) Crime drama about an antisocial jewel thief (William Forsythe) who finally turns a new leaf the day he emerges from a coma with a new personality. Featuring Tom Sizemore, Bianca Hunter and Larry Romano.  

Little Boy (PG-13 for violence and mature themes) Faith-based fable about a desperate 7 year-old (Jakob Salvati) willing to do whatever it takes to end World War II so he can be reunited with his father (Michael Rapaport). Co-starring Kevin James, Emily Watson, Tom Wilkinson and Cary Hiroyuki-Tagawa.

Misery Loves Comedy (Unrated) Anecdotal documentary featuring five dozen showbiz icons speculating about whether one must have experienced misfortune to be able to make other people laugh. Ensemble includes Tom Hanks, Larry David, Jimmy Fallon, Whoopi Goldberg, Lewis Black, Janeane Garofalo and Matthew Perry.

Planetary (Unrated) Eco-documentary endeavoring to remind us, in the face of the impending global crisis, of the undeniable truth that we are all connected.