It’s the weekend again, and that means Film Focus. Here’s Mike Laidman with what’s new in local theaters.




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We’ve had a pretty wild ride the last few weeks, with some big blockbusters still here to take our breath away with their visuals, scores, and yes, sometimes even heart. But it’s most often the smaller, more intimate films that give us a better look at the human condition, and all its trials and tribulations.

In that spirit, we’re bringing back, or actually, the theatres are, the well-received Closer from 2004. But before that, it’s time to step aside and let the kids get the first look at Smurfs: The Lost Village, the third Hollywood Smurf movie and the first to step into the realm of full animation.

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Mike Laidman

Welcome to another edition of Film Focus. I’m Mike Laidman.

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Smurfs: The Lost Village (2017, Kelly Asbury)
A map sets the Smurfs up to find their biggest discovery.

The Smurfs first hit us back in 2011, and then were back for round two in 2013. Both were live-action mixed with animation, and neither really set the world on fire. Therefore the decision was made to go back and reboot the series, this time making it a fully-animated venture.

A mysterious map sets Smurfette and her best friends Brainy, Clumsy, and Hefty on a race through the Forbidden Forest filled with magical creatures to find a mysterious lost village before the evil wizard Gargamel does. The map sets the Smurfs are on a course that leads to the discovery of the biggest secret in Smurf history.

Some animated kids movies make a stab at bringing adults into the theatre, but that's not the case here. Smurfs: The Lost Village may appeal to younger viewers, but its predictable story and comparatively bland animation keep it from reaching mass appeal.

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Closer (2004, Mike Nichols)
The complicated relationships of two couples.

Closer is a nice little throwback to the mid-2000s, and has a story and cast that still holds up well today.

Set in contemporary London, it’s a story of passion, drama, love, and abandonment involving four strangers - their chance meetings, instant attractions, and casual betrayals.

Featuring Clive Owen, Julia Roberts, Jude Law, and Natalie Portman under the excellent direction of Mike Nichols, Closer explores searing betrayal, aching love - and has some funny dialogue, too - all wrapped up nicely in the container of a compelling romantic drama.