All reviews designed to be read in (approximately) one minute (or so) or less, for today's crazy, hurried world - all SPOILER-FREE!

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

BOULEVARD (2014)

At 60, Nolan Mack (Robin Williams) is a steady guy.  He's been working the same job at a bank in Nashville for nearly 26 years, has been married even longer to the quietly intelligent Joy (Kathy Baker), and has built a comfortable life in suburbia.  Nolan doesn't rock the boat and seems happy, even as you notice cracks in the foundation (he and Joy sleep in separate rooms, he doesn't seem thrilled with the prospect of a job promotion).  Then one night, after visiting his ill father in a nursing home, Nolan drives down the same seedy, prostitute-lined street he's seen many times - and on impulse suddenly makes a u-turn, almost hitting a handsome young hustler, Leo (Roberto Aguire).  Boulevard is the story of a quiet, unassuming man who's never made waves, finally opening up to being gay after years of living a lie.  It's Robin Williams's final on-screen performance and he plays it with beautiful restraint, Nolan fighting to keep his life of normalcy even as it all begins to unravel.  Poignant, especially in light of Williams' suicide in 2014. (rated R)  A-

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.