Five movies (two very Jewish) and a documentary

By Nate Bloom, Stars of David Contributing Columnist

Editor’s Note: Persons in bold are deemed by Nate Bloom to be Jewish for the purpose of this column. Persons identified as Jewish have at least one Jewish parent and were not raised in, or identify with, a faith other than Judaism. Converts to Judaism, of course, are also identified as Jewish.

There are quite a few Jewish-connected films this month. So much so, I can’t provide my usual “level” of Jewish and bio-details. Please check online for more “general” biographies.

“May December”

“May December,” a comedy-drama, opens in a handful of theaters on Nov. 17 (so it will be eligible for Oscar nominations) and begins streaming on Netflix on Dec.1. This film is loosely based on the late Mary Kay Letourneau, a schoolteacher, who was 34 when she began (in 1996) an affair with a student. She had two children with him — one before she went to jail (in 1998) and one after she was released from jail (in 2004) and married him (in 2005).

Natalie Portman, 42, plays an actress/ journalist who travels to Georgia to interview Gracie (the “Letourneau” character) and Joe Yoo (Gracie molested him as a child and now he’s her husband of 20 years). Gracie (Julianne Moore) and Joe have adult twin sons.

Advance reviews are very good. The film was directed by Todd Haynes, 62 (“I’m Not There;” “Far from Heaven”). His mother is Jewish and he identifies as Jewish.

“Timeless Heroes: Indiana Jones & Harrison Ford”

On Dec. 1, Disney+ premieres a new documentary entitled “Timeless Heroes: Indiana Jones & Harrison Ford.” In the words of a publicity release, it “showcases the legendary adventurer” and you “discover the untold story of how Harrison Ford became Indiana Jones.”

The documentary calls Ford, now 81, “a once in a generation actor.” It covers his entire life: his early years, “Star Wars” and the five “Indy” films he has made. There are a lot of new interviews about Ford and his work.

Ford’s father was Irish, and his mother was Jewish. He was raised secular and has remained so.

Also on Dec. 1, Disney+ begins streaming the (Ford) film “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,” which was released last July. It made a lot of money, but not enough to cover its very big budget.

Hanukkah movie –“Round and Round”

Like last year, the Hallmark Channel is nice enough to provide an original Hanukkah movie — along with their usual 25 new Xmas flicks. Entitled “Round and Round,” this movie is another “Groundhog Day” clone. Plot: Rachel (Vic Michaelis) is stuck in a time loop, reliving her parents’ Hanukkah party. Rachel hopes that Zach (Bryan Greenberg, 45), a nice guy and a party guest, can help her end the “time loop.” (Premieres Dec. 10 at 8 p.m.)

“Wonka”

The second remake of “Willie Wonka and The Chocolate Factory” (1971), “Wonka”

opens in theaters on Dec. 15 and is a musical romp “for the whole family” starring

the late, great Gene Wilder in the title role. The 1971 film didn’t do well in theaters but became immensely popular over time. The first remake, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” (2005), starred Johnny Depp. It made money, but many didn’t like it.

The new remake stars Timothée Chalamet, 27, as Wonka. Chalamet, reports say, can really sing and dance. The rest of the cast is almost all British and not Jewish. Chalamet’s mother is Jewish and he identifies as Jewish.

“Ferrari”

Opening in theaters on Dec. 25, “Ferrari” is set in the summer of 1957, when Enzo Ferrari’s “fast car” empire is in crisis. It focuses on a major endurance race that may save the company. Adam Driver plays Ferrari.

The film was directed by Michael Mann, 80. He has directed a number of great films, most of which he wrote (he didn’t write “Ferrari”). They include “Thief,” “Heat,” “Last of the Mohicans” and “Ali.”

“Maestro”

Last but not least is “Maestro,” a film about Leonard Bernstein. It opened in a few theaters in November and premieres on Netflix on Dec. 20. The characters are all “real” and most are/were Jewish. About half of the cast is Jewish, too. I can only devote a few words to each person. All have bios online.

The film covers a 30-year period — roughly the time of Bernstein’s marriage to actress Felicia Montealegre (1951) until her death in 1978. Bradley Cooper plays Leonard. He also directed the film, and he co-wrote the script with Josh Singer, 51. Carey Mulligan plays Felicia.

The rest of the cast in credit order: Matt Bomer as David Oppenheim, a top music producer; Maya Hawke as Jamie Bernstein, now 71, Leonard’s daughter; Sarah Silverman as Shirley Bernstein, Leonard’s sister; Michael Urie as choreographer/director Jerome Robbins; Brian Klugman as composer Aaron Copland; Gideon Glick as Tom Cothran, radio music director, and possibly Leonard’s lover; Sam Nivola as Alexander Bernstein, now 68, Leonard’s son; and Alexa Swinton as Nina Bernstein, now 61, Leonard’s daughter.