Reel-View Ratings: The Bigger The Beard, The Better The Movie
GEMMA BOVERY
Gemma Bovery is a film based on a graphic novel based on a book — and it seems something has been lost in all those adaptations. Bakery owner Martin is delighted to find out that his new neighbors have names almost like the characters in his favorite book, Madame Bovary. So he begins obsessively watching the beautiful Gemma Bovery, to track her Bovary-like behavior. It’s a movie that purports itself to be feminist, though it’s also very much not feminist at all, as Martin’s hungry gaze dominates the film. The actors turn in charming performances, but all the disparate parts don’t mesh nicely. Better to stick to the book (either one). Opens July 24 at Kahala Theatre
SOUTHPAW
In this Oscar-bait movie, Jake Gyllenhaal is a superstar boxer with an aggressive, all-or-nothing style … whose world crumbles to smithereens after a series of unfortunate events takes his wife (Rachel McAdams), his wealth, his health and his daughter away from him. Following that tried-and-true formula, he fights his way back with the help of a veteran trainer (Forest Whitaker). Everything happens exactly as you would expect. Yes, it’s beautifully shot, and yes, Gyllenhaal throws himself into the role, proving that he, too, can transform himself for his art. But the “he wants an Oscar” feel never goes away, and it cheapens the film. Opens July 24 at Kahala Theatre
TRAINWRECK
Judd Apatow recycles a familiar formula — an immature lothario grows up, thanks to love and a series of comedic mishaps — but this time, his lothario is a lady. Rising comedy star Amy Schumer (who wrote the screen-play) stars as the sexually promiscuous Amy, who was taught by her father that monogamy is a daydream. She believes it — until she meets Aaron (Bill Hader). A parade of genuinely hilarious celebrity cameos (including the likes of LeBron James and John Cena) and side characters (like Tilda Swinton doing her best Anna Wintour) keep things lively and fresh, though the tell-it-like-it-is Amy will be a polarizing character for audiences. Opened July 17 in wide release
