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Jan Wahl Movie Review: 'Gun Hill Road' And 'Senne'

(KCBS) - KCBS Entertainment Editor Jan Wahl reviews Gun Hill Road, a new film about a man's teenage son becoming a woman. Plus, Senne, a documentary about a Brazilian racecar driver.

GUN HILL ROAD (R)

Fasten your seatbelts for this powerful, gritty movie. We meet a tough guy getting out of prison and returning to his family home in the Bronx. Things have changed, including his teenage son who is now transitioning from man to woman. Not only does our patriarch have to deal with macho, but he has to find his relevancy place in a brave, new world. A beautiful, realistic movie about our need embrace change courageous and timely filmmaking. Wonderful acting by Easai Morales, Judy Reyes and newcomer Harmony Santana.

SENNE (NOT RATED)

Big Oscar buzz accompanies this documentary about one of Brazil's national heroes. Senne was a Formula One racecar driver, winning every award possible - a huge international star. This documentary feels safe, and too traditional. His story is compelling, especially his spiritual belief system, but too much racing footage and not enough unedited backstory. Two and a half hats. Race and sports enthusiasts will love this one.

SEE RIGHT NOW: SARAH'S KEY, THE HELP, SHOLEM ALEICHEM: LAUGHING IN THE DARKNESS, STUFFED AND UNSTRUNG (at The Curran Theatre for two weeks), THE CONSPIRATOR (DVD)



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.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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