Pop star Robbie Williams is a major artist in the UK. But Williams suffers from so much self-loathing that in his musical autobiography “Better Man”, he portrays himself…as an ape. Apparently, it’s the unshakably insecure image he has of himself. It’s a wildly imaginative and original idea that makes for a reasonably entertaining movie. Director Michael Gracey, who had a big musical hit with “The Greatest Showman,” embraces the CGI monkey gimmick and his handling of the musical numbers is often impressive. But in the end, it’s Williams saying, “Yes, I’m supremely talented…and also a fraud.” “Better Man” is an oddly schizophrenic experience.
Pamela Anderson’s lauded comeback movie “The Last Showgirl” is about an aging Vegas dancer whose decades-long run comes to an end when her beloved casino revue finally closes. Can she shake off her disappointment, reconcile with her estranged daughter and find another way to focus her showbiz passion? Director Gia Coppola aims for poignancy and the talented cast that includes manages a few heartfelt moments. But the long, meandering shots and annoyingly shaky hand-held camerawork make “The Last Showgirl” a dreary, tedious experience.
Wallace & Gromit return to Netflix for another eye-popping adventure. “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl” has our dotty inventor and his faithful pooch dealing with an army of robotic garden gnomes who’ve gone rogue, due to the interference of arch villain, Feathers McGraw. It’s goofy fun for the whole family elevated by a cheeky script, colorful design and impressive stop motion animation. “Vengeance Most Fowl” is a low wattage slapstick charmer.