The Fundamentals of Caring

In The Fundamentals of Caring a disabled young man has a caregiver who doesn't take his crap. Most of the film is a road trip to see the largest hole in the country.We learn the flaws in both the patient and the caregiver and the interesting ways they meet their needs. They meet interesting people along the way, and the ways they interact with them is interesting as well. A heartfelt stroy that pulls no punches. I liked this one.

The Wife

In The Wife a writer accepts a Nobel Prize. As he and his family attend the awards events, his true story unravels. This man is truly awful to his wife, his son and colleagues. When the truth is exposed I found this man disgusting. This is actually a very sad story. Good film.

Permanent

Identity and family are strong themes in Permanent where a young girl thinks appearances define us. There are the awkward moments with her parents and teen angst. The true heart of this film is in the sincerity of the performances. Well done.

Under the Tuscan Sun

Every time I thought about watching Under the Tuscan Sun I could find better things to do. Women trying to get over a broken relationship not my jam. The charm of Diane Lane drew me into this one. A woman buys a house in Tuscany and life happens. I liked the way it was shot, I liked the performances, but I still thought the story was just OK. This film was better than I expected.

Pippin

Listening to someone talk about seeing all of Bob Fosse's work I decided to rent Pippin. The disc was a documentary of the actual Broadway show from 1981. Fosse's choreography is distinct and sexy. The production is vibrant and sincere. The 80's vibe is strong. I loved this rental.

Jurassic World: Forgotten Kingdom

In the film Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom we see a park trying to preserve dinosaurs. This story is foolish and sloppy. There are a few winks at criticisms of Jurassic World, this was the only thing I found entertaining. Not for me.

Damsel

Boring and offensive is the way I describe the film Damsel. Set in the wild west this story was too sexist for me. Pretty gross.

Close Encounters of the Third Kind

It has been decades since I've seen Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Reference to the film has popped up a few times in the last few months so I rented it. In true Spielberg style, the visuals are great and the story tugs at the heartstrings. Aliens are brought to earth in a very special film. I especially liked the mode of communication. The extra features on the DVD that explain the practical effects are especially interesting. Classic sci-fi.

Searching

A man's daughter disappears in the film Searching, and he learns that he did not know much about her life and relationships. All of the scenes are played out through some form of screen. Phone, text, skype, laptop. The technique draws the viewer in and lends an interesting tone. This is a good modern mystery thriller.

A Simple Favor

Two women become unlikely friends over childcare issues. Both have motivations to be friends. Both are very different. When one of the women disappears after asking A Simple Favor, the other looks into her life to find clues to where she might be. Many secrets are revealed. This is a good thriller with a lot of twists and great performances. I liked this movie a lot.

Oceans Eight

Loving all of the Oceans movies, I was skeptical of Oceans Eight. My fears were laid to rest by the strong cast and hi-tech heist. The winks to Oceans 11 are well placed. I liked this one.

Hearts Beat Loud

The transition time from high school to college is emotional for both students and their parents. In Hearts Beat Loud this time in a young girl's life is explored. The situations are sweet and real. The resolution is satisfying. There is a lot of love for music in this film that carries the story nicely.

Filmworker

I am an implementer. Leon Vitale is an implementer. There was so much to relate to in the documentary Filmworker for me. As a right-hand man to Stanley Kubrick, he made things happen on many important films. Anyone interested in film and film history will enjoy this film...I did.

The Last Laugh

When is humor offensive? Where is the line? This is explored in The Last Laugh, a documentary that specifically asks , "when can you make jokes about the holocaust?" An interesting study from some of the most accomplished comedians of all time. Good, thoughtful rental.

Do the Right Thing

It is wild to watch a movie like Do the Right Thing and have the themes all still ring true. The in-fighting in a neighborhood in Brooklyn accentuates the class and ethnic lines. There is a survival story, a love story, an identity story, a family story. A film that stands the test of time.