By “Cinema” Dave

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

There is a big movie that opens this weekend that is the culmination of 10 years of Marvel Comics super heroism and will break box office records — Avengers: Infinity War, which has already broken the Black Panther box office record for most sellouts before the movie opens. (Unfortunately, due to previous commitments, this reporter was unable to attend the critics screening last Tuesday evening in Miami).

With Avengers: Infinity War, kicking off the summer blockbuster season, each week will present more Marvel movies (Ant-Man and The Wasp Woman) and the continuation of the Jurassic World series. There will also be a new Star Wars Anthology Series that will feature a younger version of Harrison Ford’s ionic character, Solo: A Star Wars Story.

With support from CJ’s Comics & Collectibles, ‘The Lost Museum of the Jedi’ will materialize in the Youth Services section of Deerfield Beach Percy White Library (located at 837 E. Hillsboro Blvd. in Deerfield Beach) for four weeks this May. This exhibit will feature artifacts from the four decade history of the Star Wars franchise and will include viewing of vintage toys, books, reading records and VHS tapes.

On May 1, elementary, middle and high school aged individuals will be able to view the top prizes for a costume contest that will occur during a special free movie screening on Saturday, May 19 starting at 2 p.m. [Movie title withheld]. The first 30 people in attendance will receive a Star Wars comic book donated by CJ Comics & Collectibles (located at 3548 NE12 Ave. in Oakland Park).

For those seeking quieter fare, On Chesil Beach opens this summer (May 18) in select theaters and is based on the Ian McEwan novel. Set in 1962, this film examines an idyllic courtship that leads to a stressful wedding night. With talent like Saorise Ronan, Billy Howie and Emily Watson, one can expect On Chesil Beach to become a sleeper hit this summer.

For parties and audience-friendly screenings, Savor Cinema (located at 503 SE 6 St. in Ft. Lauderdale) will provide some unique movies starting May 3 with its Cinco de Mayo Fiesta. The buffet party features tacos, margaritas and screening of Sex, Shame & Tears, a Mexican comedy starring Demian Bichir and Monica Dionne.at 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $20 FLIFF members/$25 non-members.

On May 5 from 4 to 8 pm., they will have a Kentucky Derby Party with mint juleps, hors d’oeuvres and buffet. Awards for best bonnets and hats, and best dressed couple; plus prizes for pick of winners. $50 FLIFF members/$65 non-members.

For more info. on Savor Cinema showings and to buy tickets, visit www.fliff.com.

By “Cinema” Dave

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

The Big Bang Theory reaches its 10th season finale this evening. Much like Frasier, The Big Bang Theory does not talk down to their audiences with its references more often found in the halls of academia. The Man Who Knew Infinity would feel comfortable hanging out with the likes of Sheldon Cooper and Frasier Crane.

Based on the real life of mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan (Dev Patel), The Man who Knew Infinity is a biopic about an Indian who earns admittance to the University of Cambridge in England. Due to colonialism, Ramanujan confronts racism from academic circles.

Seeing Ramanujan’s potential, tenured professor G.H. Hardy (Jeremy Irons) takes the Indian genius under his wing. His formulas and proofs earn Ramanujan an international reputation during World War I. Unfortunately, his health deteriorates as his mathematical discoveries begin to change the world.

For those who are not academically-inclined, The Man Who Knew Infinity will be a dull film to watch. Yet, the performances and relationship between Patel and Irons keep this film interesting and honest. Sheldon Cooper and Frasier Crane would love it.

Being advertised as “the first Hollywood Film made in Cuba,” Papa Hemingway in Cuba has been lingering in local cinemas. This biopic details Ernest Hemingway’s (Adrian Sparks) final years in Cuba before Fidel Castro took over the island.

Despite some gorgeous cinematography and memorable one-liners, the film looks amateurish. With a muddled narrative, the acting and the editing feel out of sync.

Can’t get enough of Cuban landscapes? Look for Three Days in Havana, which premiered at last year’s Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival and is available for streaming on Amazon.com. Gil Bellows (who co-directed with Tony Pantages) stars as an insurance salesman who gets caught in comic noir intrigue.

Papa Hemingway in Cuba and Three Days in Havana, which used many of the same locations, are sure to sell many cruises from South Florida to Cuba.