Form Destroys Function in “Manglehorn”

“Manglehorn” ia a character study in which Al Pacino is allowed to shine in the title role as a secluded man unable to put his past behind him. This is the sort of role actors crave, as there are few parts more appealing than that of the tragic, likable soul hobbled by a lost love.

To his credit, Pacino dials things back here, refusing to go the obvious route in many key scenes in the film, finding a more subtle approach to convey his character’s turmoil. Too bad director David Gordon Green didn’t take a similar tack, as his ham-fisted method in telling this tale undercuts not only the cast’s fine work, but ultimately muddles what could have been a satisfying and perhaps moving examination of emotional stagnation.

For a full review, go to: http://www.news-gazette.com/arts-entertainment/local/2015-06-18/chuck-koplinski-inside-out-offers-brilliant-peek-mind-universal.

Pacino’s Charm, Veteran Cast Elevate “Danny Collins”

By their very nature, movies are a manipulative art form and when we buy a ticket to see any film, to a certain extent we put ourselves in the filmmakers’ hands, allowing them to twist, turn and adjust our emotions at their will. Our suspension of disbelief is required and as with anything, each individual has his or her own limits as to just how far this goes. (I’m reminded of a gentleman I once knew who walked out Raiders of the Lost Ark after 30 minutes, because the Nazis had, not in fact, been in Africa during the time the film took place. His loss…) Personally, I have no problem with films featuring superheroes flying through the air, adventures taking place in a galaxy far, far away or a small unit of soldiers sent out to bring back one lone comrade during the worst fighting of WW II. You may find exception to all of these things and, as a result, are able to save much more money than I do.

I also don’t have a problem with a story about an aging rock and roll star who sets out to right some egregious wrongs before his life comes to an end, at least as it’s rendered in Dan Fogelman’s Danny Collins. There are those that will scoff at its sentimentality, roll their eyes at the hokey nature of its plot and there might be a few humbugs who will reach their limit when a precocious, impossibly cute little girl pops up and plays a key role. Any objections they may raise concerning these issues, I couldn’t argue against. Yep, the movie is a bit too cute, it’s not even subtle in the way it pulls at our heartstrings and the girl is a bit too much. And yet…

For a full review, go to: http://www.news-gazette.com/arts-entertainment/local/2015-04-09/chuck-koplinski-suspend-disbelief-collins-makes-it-easy.html