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In the midst of the Great Depression and looming World War the men with humble beginnings on the University of Washington’s JV rowing crew would find themselves against all odds as a team; and yet somehow, through grit, determination, and unrelenting spirit, with a way to win gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, this is their story.Written by Daniel James Brown and Mark L. Smith and Directed by George Clooney, this ultimate David and Goliath story based on incredible true events efforts to capture the public’s heart on screen as much as the Bestseller novel by Brown; and, to a fair extent the magic is there. With Clooney at the helm and frequent collaborator cinematographer Martin Ruhe on board the re-creation of Seattle in the 30’s is a “close enough” approximation for Hollywood, and their vision truly is beautiful and well executed, but as anyone who’s spent time on the inland waters of Lake Washington will tell you, not even close; that aside, the heart of the story still beats strong, even with edits for brevity. With a fine ensemble cast all characters feel in order, it’s a shame we don’t get to dive into all of the characters background’s with richer detail, again edits for brevity. Meanwhile, score from Alexandre Desplat elevates and brings extra life to the picture, mission accomplished. Bottom line, and not surprising, the film serves as a fine cliff’s notes to the book, but misses the full effect. It should also be pointed out, the sound design crew missed a significant bit of detail from the rower’s perspective inside the boat, not that it’s important to the story in any regard, but it is significant to the experience of anyone who’s ever rowed, the sound of the oars rotating in their locks, a distinct clunking sound, gone. Also gone, the sound a well crewed boat makes as it runs and skids across the water, flitting and splashing, too bad, that’s part of the real experience. Still, for two hours and four minutes, the excitement feels real and palpable. The Boys in the Boat is rated PG-13.

Serving as the King of Atlantis as well as the full time father to his infant son, and, still holding duties as a member of the Justice League, Aquaman (Jason Momoa), is beginning to feel a bit stretched thin for time. So, when sworn enemy Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) makes a return, stronger than ever, it’s time to call in help from the exiled king of Atlantis, Orm (Patrick Wilson), then again, maybe it’s already too late.Written by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, James Wan, and Jason Momoa, and Directed by James Wan, this mildly redemptive return to the world of Atlantis seeks to make up for mis-steps in previous installments by successfully poking fun at itself and moving at a considerably swifter pace and with fewer Octopi beating on drums. Regardless, there’s still plenty of mind-numbing classic comic blunders, follies, and tropes along the way, and for the DC Extended Universe this final flick feels like an elevated shoulder shrug and lacking fresh premise, drive, or creative angle. Running two hours and four minutes it’s hard to argue for a shorter film, but perhaps a more explorative narrative. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is rated PG-13.

Set over four decades, a black Southern woman, Celie (Fantasia Barrino), struggles to find herself and sense of strength after years of abuse from her father (Deon Cole) and husband (Colman Domingo). But, with the help from her sister, Nettie (Ciara), and the community around her Celie might find what it is to stand up and fight back.Based on Alice Walker’s novel with screenplay by Marcus Gardley and Marsha Norman and Directed by Blitz Bazawule this re-introduction to the story that captured America’s heart almost 40 years ago brings new spark and fire in the form of a musical with a knock out ensemble and beautifully balanced performances from Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Hanson, and Danielle Brooks. Exquisite choreography and well crafted music further enrich the experience adding more dimension to the overall picture; and, with producers and executive producers including Quincy Jones, Oprah Winfrey, and Steven Spielberg backing the project the overall pedigree speaks for itself. In summation, at recent press screening for The Color Purple, there were few dry eyes in the theatre by the end of the film. Running two hours and twenty minutes, The Color Purple is rated PG-13.