Finding Vivian Maier

Documentaries take us into worlds we may never know of. In Finding Vivian Maier we are taken into the world of a woman who was a nanny, a hoarder and most important, a photographer. Her story is interesting, but it is her photos that are more riveting. A wonderful film. Seek out her photos if you can.

A Most Wanted Man

Espionage is a classic theme for film. In A Most Wanted Man we watch an anti-terror unit try to lure an alleged terrorist with a sizable inheritance. There is a banker, a lawyer, an ambassador and the spy, all working on the man in different ways. This is a tense thriller with an interesting payoff. The performances are outstanding. I liked this film. I'd actually like to see it again. Well done.

Clear History

The comedy of Larry David suits me. In the comedy Clear History he tells a crazy story about a crazy guy in a crazy situation that made me laugh the whole way through. Quirky, funny and clever, this film was a lot of fun.

Blue Ruin

Revenge films are not always easy to watch. When they are shot like Blue Ruin, it becomes a pleasure. Though tense and violent, this thriller has flawed characters, consequences and deliberate shots. This is one of the better films I've seen this year.

The Angriest Man in Brooklyn

I enjoy watching movies that are filmed in places familiar to me. The Angriest Man in Brooklyn was filmed in downtown Brooklyn and DUMBO. When an uptight, middle aged man is told he only has 90 minutes to live, it becomes urgent for him to right many wrongs. Poignant and a bit frantic, there are some clever plot points in this film. I liked how the director got a shot with the 2 stars in profile, Jane's Carrousel and the Brooklyn Bridge all in one shot. Wonder how long it took to set that one up? I liked this film.

Begin Again

When a romantic story ends the way it should, I feel such a warm sense of satisfaction. Begin Again gave me that feeling. There are several relationships in this film. Some go well, some do not. The journey of a record producer and a song writer making an album all over New York City is fresh and uplifting. Relationships change, grow and evolve. In the end everyone ends up where they should. I liked the music so much I bought a few of the songs when I got home. I really liked this film.

The Battered Bastards of Baseball

I like a good documentary. I like Portland, OR. I like baseball. I like a good story. The Battered Bastards of Baseball is all that and more. Bing Russell left acting in the 70s and bought a baseball team. The circumstances and story are colorful and entertaining. A great sport story.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

In a lot of movies about other worldly creatures and humans, the conflict is usually with the humans. In Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, the ape on ape conflict took me by surprise. I found the apes fascinating in their camaraderie as well as conflict. Through much of the film, all I could think was "If you give a monkey a gun...." Though this film is receiving well-deserved accolades for its technical achievements, the story and the performances are strong as well. Cool film.

The Raid 2

I'm often surprised when, in the middle of a bloody crime drama, I think "this film is gorgeous." While watching The Raid 2 that thought was continuous. Artfully shot and action-packed, it's bad guy vs bad guy in fight after fight. There are many different kinds of weapons and assailants. This film has one of the best car chase scenes I've ever seen. Thrilling and brutal, quite a ride.

Le Weekend

Being a couple for many decades has it's ups and downs. In Le Week-end we see a little of both as a couple takes a trip to Paris. We learn of their past lives and future dreams through conversations. Even when they argue we see the strength and heart of their relationship. Many charming moments make this film worth a look. Very sweet.

Snowpiercer

Snowpiercer was nowhere on my radar. Thanks to the chatter on Twitter I went to see it. What a pleasure! A visual extravaganza, this futuristic story is gritty, violent and creative. The performances are outstanding and the action never stops. What a film, one of the best this year!