Kiss by th' book

Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool

Crit

This would have been worth seeing if only for the views from Gloria Grahame's bicoastal homes. But in fact, it's pretty good apart from that, Annette Bening, whom I never would have thought to cast in this role, convincing me that she is indeed the tough noir broad in decline--some way of crinkling her eyes sparked a flashback to Violet Biggs trying to seduce George Bailey.

A narrative trick that's meant to be sophisticated comes across as manipulative, and less surprising than intended by half, as does the weepy climax, but Bening and Jamie Bell carry it off nicely, with help from Julie Walters and one nicely overacted scene from Vanessa Redgrave. And letting an actual Liverpudlian contribute an original song for the end titles is a nice touch.

Trailer

• Ocean's 8--'Member when I resolved to stop wasting time on trailers for movies I have no feelings about? That's why this one--the Ocean franchise, sans Soderbergh, getting the Ghostbusters gender flip--is my first mention of the new year. Bullock is Ocean; Blanchett, Hathaway, Rihanna, Kaling, and Bonham Carter are among the 8. Please, don't screw it up, screenwriter Milch (that's Olivia, daughter of David [and a Yalie]) and director/cowriter Ross (Gary, who has a fine CV).