Friday’s openings redux: British pomp(osity)

Some stories just won't go away. Same with famous people. Winston Churchill is a prime combination of both and, as such, is the feature of a film that is opening Friday at the Magic Lantern.

"Churchill": Brian Cox stars as the title character in this study of his life as British prime minister during the 96 hours leading the the June 6, 1944, Normany invasion of World War II.

The lantern will also pick up a second-run screening of "The Lovers."

Some critical comments about "Churchill":

Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star Tribune: "Anglophiles and history-loving filmgoers will adore 'Churchill,' an extremely well made film that is the best example of British heroic portraiture since 'The King's Speech.' "

Glenn Kenny, The New York Times: "The movie's ambition is the good news. The bad news is that it is a hash, choosing to jumble the historical record and frame a Churchill bout with depression against the D-Day invasion of France by Allied forces."

Gary Goldstein, Los Angeles Times: "A superb look at iconic statesman Winston Churchill's torturous days leading up to the pivotal D-Day landings of June 6, 1944."