Jan Wahl Movie Review: The Iron Lady

 
You can hear KCBS Entertainment Editor Jan Wahl's movie reviews on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM Fridays at 8:53am & 4:53pm.

(CBS SF) - Like "My Weekend with Marilyn," this film, The Iron Lady (PG-13) was completely unexpected - both in terms of its impact and unusual approach to the material. The directing and screenwriting team give us an unusual look at a world-famous politician, portraying her almost impossible climb in Great Britain from a working class woman to Prime Minister. Consider also that she was doing so in a male-dominated world of prestige and power.

KCBS Entertainment Reporter Jan Wahl:

 
This film makes it clear: Margaret Thatcher, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, was a remarkable woman determined to make a difference.

THE IRON LADY (R)

 
The film also brings us into the murky world of dementia, as we follow present day Maggie as seen through the eyes of her daughter. Whether you agree with her decisions and politics or not, it is a searing and sensitive portrait of The Iron Lady.

Jan also tips her hat to Meryl Streep at her finest, and in the best aging makeup she's seen in years? Great period details and costumes, says Jan, as she awards the film four hats.

On the other hand, "Carnage" (R) gets just two hats from Jan.

It's an excruciating evening with two couples in a Brooklyn apartment. The situation could be compelling filmmaking and an all too real storyline for many adults: violence ensues following an altercation between two young boys in a park. The two couples deal with the carnage.

A fine film, says Wahl, if you want to turn DVD night into a depressing experience.

Watch On Video/DVD:
"50/50," "The Help," "Midnight in Paris."

See Now:
"The Artist," "Young Adult, "We Bought a Zoo," "Hugo," "My Week With Marilyn."

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