Two Movie Reviews for the Price of One

And given that I didn't pay to see either film, even better.  God bless my actor friends who get screeners.   Indeed, that's the only way to see the mediocre slate of films up for Oscar contention this year.   Free.

That said, "Bohemian Rhapsody" is decent entertainment, albeit predictable.  I mean, everybody on Planet Earth should know the story of Freddie Mercury and Queen.  They are the champions, Freddie gets AIDS, and end of story.  I learned nothing that I couldn't research myself on Wikipedia.  

But director Bryan Singer (the frequently charged with all sorts of sexual harassment allegations) does a great job recreating concerts like Live Aid.  It's tough to think that star and possible Oscar winner Rami Malek is doing a lip sync to the real Freddie.   For that alone, "Bohemian Rhapsody" is worth the price of admission.

Wait.  I didn't pay anything.  Hey, even better.

Then there's "Vice."

Another Oscar nomination-heavy film based on "true" events.   The main challenge that director/screenwriter Adam McKay has with this screen biography of Vice President Dick Cheney is that all the people depicted are still alive.   And potentially litigious.  

McKay tries to get around this dilemma by starting his movie with a disclaimer that declares the film makers "did their fucking best."  As a result,"Vice" starts on shaky ground and almost does not recover.  Okay, admittedly, you get exactly what you expect with this film.   It's a movie about a Republican produced by a bunch of Democrats.   If you thought it was going to be balanced, you obviously live in a state where pot has been legalized.  

Like the aforementioned Malek, the Oscar-nominated Christian Bale has a field day turning himself into Cheney.   Indeed, perhaps the Best Actor Oscar should really be going to the make-up artist.   Both Malek and Bale are likely the only competition for next Sunday's festivities.   Great performances in pretty average films.

Even more validation for not paying to see them.   God bless my pals in SAG and the WGA.

LEN'S RATING FOR BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY:  Three stars.

LEN'S RATING FOR VICE:  Two-and-a-half stars.

Dinner last night:  Leftover beef stew.