Aloha

Cameron Crowe movies are a little complex, but if you are willing to put in the work, they are usually worth the effort. “Aloha” (2015) is the latest example. You’ve basically got a love triangle romantic comedy with Bradley Cooper, Rachel McAdams and Emma Stone. Everybody could have phoned it in and filmgoers wouldn’t have minded. Instead, Crowe weaves a rich story full of interesting supporting characters, and the music is (as usual) spot on. Stone is delightfully committed to the role of a frighteningly committed fighter pilot. Bonus: The climax includes a Gamecock football highlight with Mike Hold (not pictured).

State and Main

You know those movies where people are talking, but they don’t sound like they’re talking, they sound like their reading out loud? “State and Main” (2000) is one of those movies. It’s not a bad movie, per se (Right there. They would say something like “per se” in this movie). When movie people make movies about people making a movie, it’s never quite as funny as the movie people think. The movie promos make a big deal about how it’s “A Film by David Mamet.” He’s made some great movies (“Glengarry Glen Ross”). This is not one of those movies.