Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Keanu

I am violently allergic to cats, so the animal interests me very little. Watching Keanu I was very surprised to find great joy every time the little kitten, Keanu, was on screen. The story is a crime-comedy-buddy-thriller that rambles and is pretty violent, but oh when that kitten comes on the screen. Fun rental.

Saturday, August 27, 2016

The Man Who Knew Infinity

The Man Who Knew Infinity was another film I missed at Tribeca Film Festival. I'm thankful when these films come to DVD. The story of elite mathematicians is talky and very dry, but the story has enough heart to make this a decent rental.

Friday, August 26, 2016

Blank City

Mike Russell recommended Blank City as a piece of film history. The film documents early independent film in New York City. The film maker's dreams and motivations are explored. Jim Jarmusch and lend cool insight. Interesting documentary.

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Weiner

I refused to see the documentary Weiner in theaters because I find the man's actions abhorrent. Anthony Weiner is a talented man who is self-destructive. Sad to see what he gave away. The man has a sickness, I hope he gets help. The documentary has amazing access and is well structured. The story is sad.

Sunday, August 21, 2016

Hell or High Water

A concerted effort to raise money to protect his family's financial future lies at the heart of the film Hell or High Water. The route is criminal and calculated. Themes of loyalty and righteousness are strong. Performances are excellent, but the violence is a bit gruesome at times. Good film.

Thursday, August 18, 2016

Demolition

The film Demolition is an interesting examination of loss and grief. A man takes an interesting therapy route. Both heart-wrenching and satisfying. Good film.

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Jack Reacher

I have always enjoyed Tom Cruise in films. In Jack Reacher he plays a huge bad-ass who investigates a random sniper attack. Lots of action and punching. OK rental.

Sunday, August 14, 2016

Florence Foster Jenkins

Before I saw The fim Florence Foster Jenkins I researched the socialite. Her story is interesting. She supported the arts with her privilege and loved music so much. Her personal circumstances were complicated and are glossed over in the film. Knowing the backstory helps with understanding her motivations. I loved this film and the cast.

Friday, August 12, 2016

A Hologram for the King

Drama can be interesting when it is set in an exotic locale and takes unexpected turns. In A Hologram for the King a tech salesman is challenged with a culture he does not know and is surprised by love. The customs of Saudi Arabia throw obstacles and help in unexpected places. This film takes a turn of the heart at the end. Interesting film. Worth a look.

Saturday, August 06, 2016

Tallulah

The role of Mother and home are explored in Tallulah. A young girl who can't even handle her own life, takes on the care of a child in a desperate attempt to rescue her. Unequipped and lying along the way, she is in over her head with the best of intentions. Writing and performances in this film are excellent. I really liked it.

Friday, August 05, 2016

High-Rise

A truly bizarre story in an equally bizarre setting is told in the film High-Rise. A man moves into an apartment building full of strange folk and strange events. Tom Hiddleston's performance made this worth watch for me. So weird.

Wednesday, August 03, 2016

The First Monday In May

The documentary The First Monday in May was the opening night film for Tribeca Film Festival this year. I missed it, but was so happy that it came to DVD quickly. The film follows the preparations for the Met Ball at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Anna Wintour guides the event to fruition. The costumes are exquisite, the celebrities shine and the work that goes into an event like this is the true star. I loved this documentary.