A Director Looks Back

"Armageddon Time" is writer/director James Gray's coming-of-age drama about his life in 1980s Queens, New York. It is similar to Steven Spielberg's "The Fabelmans", only not as good. It's about the Graff family, especially younger son Paul Paul finds his parents, Esther and Irving, well-meaning but too strict (and somewhat abusive). They also turn out to be racist when Paul develops a friendship with rebellious black classmate Johnny. Their misadventures together lead to serious trouble that sadly sends the boys' lives in opposite directions. Paul's only source of comfort is his loving grandfather,  Aaron Rabinowitz.

This is a raw and powerful drama, beautifully written and directed by James Gray. It is well-acted, especially by Banks Pepeta (Paul) and Jaylin Webb (Johnny) who are outstanding. But most of the adult characters, as written and played, are caricatures or stereotypes. Gray may have intended this, but it hurts the movie. It is no surprise that the best adult performance comes from Sir Anthony Hopkins as Aaron. Gray could also have added a little more humor to lighten the mood.

"Armageddon Time" is a good film worth seeing. Just don't expect another "Fabelmans".

https://search.livebrary.com/record=b5794426~S85 DVD

https://search.livebrary.com/record=b5794427 BR

Check out these other James Gray titles:

https://search.livebrary.com/record=b5453116 Ad Astra DVD

https://search.livebrary.com/record=b5453117 Ad Astra BR

https://search.livebrary.com/record=b4812601 The Immigrant DVD

https://search.livebrary.com/record=b5144596 The Lost City Of Z DVD

https://search.livebrary.com/record=3993022 We Own The Night DVD