Film Focus

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


[Report]

It’s been six years since we had last had a Michael Moore documentary, but he’s back. Check out what he has to say about the state of America in Where to Invade Next.

Next weekend, though, it’s back to more traditional, though no-less divisive fare. The remake of Ben-Hur, storms...no, saunters, into theatres.

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Mike Laidman

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

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Where to Invade Next (2016, Michael Moore)
Michael Moore sees what the USA can learn from other nations.

Those wanting something a little more thought-inducing than the traditional weekend movie should find something to talk about in Where to Invade Next, a subversive documentary/comedy in which Michael Moore plays the role of "invader," and visits a host of nations to learn how the U.S. could improve its own prospects.

Many will already be familiar with Moore’s political views and filmmaking style, and a quick look at the trailer will let you know whether or not this is the movie for you.

Moore approaches progressive politics with renewed and unabashed vigor, although it is mostly one-sided.
What he finds during his travels is that the solutions to some of America's most serious problems already exist in the world - they're just waiting to be adopted.

Whatever your political views, Where to Invade Next will spark conversation and open your eyes just a little bit further. But in the end, it’s up to you to interpret what you see.

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Ben-Hur (2016, Timur Bekmambetov)
Judah Ben-Hur returns to his homeland to seek revenge.

Ben-Hur has the potential to be just as polarising as Moore’s political documentary, thanks in no small part to its very existence; the need for a remake to the 1959 classic was an idea very few ever had on their minds.

Judah Ben-Hur was a prince falsely accused of treason by his adopted brother Messala, an officer in the Roman army. Stripped of his title, separated from his family and the woman he loves, Judah is forced into slavery. After years at sea, Judah returns to his homeland to seek revenge, but an encounter with Jesus leads him to the Crucifixion, where he discovers forgiveness and finds redemption.

As with any number of big-budget remakes, Ben-Hur can’t piece together enough of its predecessor’s successes to stand on its own. It’s too empty, too shallow, and relies too much on fast editing and sloppy GGI. The movie has mostly been written off as disposable by many, something you should carefully consider before opening your wallet.