The Death of Stalin

THE GIST: After brutal dictator Joseph Stalin dies unexpectedly of a brain hemorrhage, the rush to fill his powerful position is on. At the forefront of the political machinations is the feared head of the Secret Police, Lavrentiy Beria, whose takeover the head of the Communist Party, Nikita Khrushchev, will have to work overtime to derail.

The Death of Stalin is a dramatization of actual events that took place in the early fifties in Russia. The film is also billed as a comedy, which is perhaps a better characterization, given the almost comical action pieces sprinkled throughout.

Of note is the talent assembled, which includes Jeffrey Tambor, Steve Buscemi, Simon Russell Beale, Rupert Friend, and Jason Isaacs.

THE BOTTOM LINE: The type of physical comedy likely won't please everyone, but I enjoyed it quite a bit.

Grade: 7