WARWICK SHOWCASE

THE ACCOUNTANT 2

* * * ½

(Action Sequel)

Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal are back as buddy brothers in an action-packed, funny and original continuation of merry mayhem.

Ben’s character, Christian is on the spectrum, often deep in thought, playing with numbers, and oblivious to what is going on around him. Watching him in opening scenes at a speed-dating event is priceless, as is his participation in line dancing

At a country bar.

The story deals with autism (accrued savant syndrome) in a kind, unoffensive, humorous way. RFK Jr. should watch it and learn.

The brothers are out to break up a massive child abduction gang and think nothing about blowing away dozens of bad guys to save the children.

The gun fights and chases are only part of the plot. The banter between the brothers, Christian’s relationship with other people, and the quirky habits of an autistic accountant add to the enjoyment of a fun couple of hours at the movies.

THE LEGEND OF OCHI

* * * ½

(Fantastical Family Film)

This wonderfully fantastical film tells the story of Yuri, a young girl (Helena Zengel) who lives on the beautiful-but-rugged isle of Carpathia with her father (Willem Dafoe) and a group of young boys.

Her father spends his time hunting ochis, a combination between a monkey and a teddy bear.

Yuri doesn’t fit in and disapproves of her father’s hunting activities. When she saves an ochi from a trap, she decides to run away and find the creature’s family.

Her adventures in befriending the creature, learning its language, protecting him from her father, finding her long-lost mother and eventually returning the ochi to his home and family are exciting and heartwarming.

The puppetry used to create the ochis is so realistic, you come to see them as real creatures.

The scenery is breathtaking, and the background music adds to the enjoyment of this wonderful little movie about forgiveness, love and compassion towards all of God’s creatures.