Putin, the murderer; Romeo & Juliet; Rudd is cool, more

Stars of David

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.

“Words of War”

This biographical film, which opens in theaters on May 2, covers much of the career of Anna Politkovskaya (“Anna P;” 1958-2009). She was a Russian journalist and human rights activist.

She made the Putin regime very angry by persistently reporting on the conflict within Chechnya. Chechnya is a region in Russia, the country. But the Chechens are not ethnic Russians, and they wanted independence. A vicious conflict between Russia and Chechen rebels went on from 1999-2009.

Anna P. reported war atrocities in Chechnya committed by Russians and Chechens. She also tried to expose corruption within Russia. She continued reporting in the face of poisoning, intimidation and violence. In 2009, she was murdered in the elevator of her building. Five years later, several men were convicted for murdering her. But they never revealed who paid them to kill Anna P.

Maxine Peake, a British actress, plays Anna and British Jewish actor Jason Isaacs, 61, plays Alexander Politkovsky, Anna’s husband. Alexander is a Russian journalist, too.

“Juliet & Romeo”

You might remember that, in my February 2025 column, I said Jason Isaacs was “busy.” I said that because Issacs was a co-star in the new season of “The White Lotus” series (HBO) and he had a big role in a musical film entitled “Verona’s Romeo & Juliet” (which was set to open Feb. 14). Well, last February, “they” pulled the movie, at the last moment, from theaters.

The film will finally be released on May 9. It’s been renamed and is now titled “Juliet & Romeo.” The film’s gimmick is that it is set in the 16th century (Romeo and Juliet’s “time”), but the songs are modern rock songs.

Frankly, I think “Romeo & Juliet” will not be a critical or popular hit but read the reviews on May 10 and make up your own mind.

“Friendship”

This comedy/drama opens in theaters on May 9. It stars Tim Robinson as a “jerky” guy and Paul Rudd, 55, as a “cool” guy who moves into a home next to Robinson. They become friends — at least for a long time.

I have read full reviews of the film and, frankly, it takes so many plot turns that I just have to stop here and say that it’s too complicated to summarize. “Friendship” played the Toronto Film Festival and reviews were, overall, sort of good — but nobody was in love with this film.

“The Last Rodeo”

The premise of “The Last Rodeo,” a drama that will open in theaters on May 23, is this: to save his grandson, a retired rodeo star (Neal McDonough) enters a high stakes bull riding competition. Along the way, he confronts his past and discovers the power of faith and family.

McDonough co-wrote the film. Jon Avnet, 75, who directed the film, is McDonough’s co-writer. Avenet began his showbiz career as a producer and his first film was a huge hit (“Risky Business,” 1983).

The first film he directed, “Fried Green Tomatoes,” (1991) was a huge hit, too. He has directed about 10 more films (some hits, some flops), and he has also directed and produced quite a few TV series.

You might have come across Avnet electronics, a big company still very much in business. It was founded by Jon’s grandfather, and it was run by Jon’s father for a time. The Avnet family no longer controls the company. They were bought out (for “mucho gelt”) years ago.

And here’s a Hollywood shocker: Jon will celebrate his 50th wedding anniversary in 2025. He’s married to his one and only Jewish wife, artist Barbara Brody Avnet. They have three (adult) children.

“Duster”

The first season (eight episodes) of the “Duster” series premieres May 15 on HBO/Max. Set in the southwest in the 1970s, it explores the life of a gutsy getaway driver for a growing crime syndicate. Josh Holloway stars as Jim, “the driver,” and Rachel Hilson co-stars as Nina, an African American FBI agent who is tasked with taking down the crime syndicate.

The series was co-created by JJ Abrams, 58, and he is the principal producer. He has produced and co-created scores of hit series and films (his films and TV series have made billions). Just “Google him” for all his credits in every genre you can think of.

JJ Abrams is also a loyal friend. His high school buddy is actor Greg Grunberg, 58. Grunberg shows up in many Abrams films and TV series. He has a mid-size role in “Duster,” playing Abbott. (I'm not sure if Abbott is a good or bad guy).