—-THE ESSENTIALS—-
BIRDMAN (Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu)
A thoroughly original, hugely entertaining, darkly comic mashup of ambition, ego, fantasy, the theater and superheroes. Not necessarily in that order. Shot to look as if it’s one long take. There were plenty long enough takes to challenge the amazing cast of Michael Keaton, Edward Norton, Zach Galifianakis and Emma Stone. Multiple Oscar-Winner.
—-JEFF’S PICKS—-
EX MACHINA (Alex Garland)
Nicely disturbing futuristic tale with plenty of meaning for today. An experimental female AI robot begins to show capabilities beyond her presumed programming. These things don’t usually end well. Academy Award winner for Best Special Visual Effects and deservedly. Well made on a relatively small budget.
