Tuesday, December 31, 2019

The Mustang

Horse training as rehab is explored in The Mustang. This is an intense, thoughtful story of connection and rehabilitation. I liked this film a lot.

Monday, December 30, 2019

Magic Trip

The documentary Magic Trip takes us on a ride with Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters across America. The archival footage from the 60s is very fun and nostalgic. The trip itself is a journey of joy. This is a fun documentary. Good rental.

Murder Mystery

The comedy Murder Mystery follows a couple to a chance vacation on a wealthy stranger's yacht. When there is a murder on board there is a crazy investigation and a crazy resolution. Themes of love and revenge make this a fun rental.

Sunday, December 29, 2019

Uncut Gems

The frenetic pace and performance in Uncut Gems makes for a very effective thriller. Watching this film was very stressful, as the main character makes bad decision after bad decision. He is a con man and an over-talker, which adds to the chaotic quality of the story. This is a wild ride, presented so well, that it really drew me in. As unnerving as that was, it was effective and satisfying. I liked this film a lot.

The Driftless Area

High drama in The Driftless Area as a mystery unfolds in a young man's home town. This is an interesting take on fate with an outstanding cast. This is a decent rental.

Sunday, December 22, 2019

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

Finishing the Star Wars story with Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is a fitting finale. Visuals and music are on point. There are several character treatments I didn't care for, but the internet can handle those. They covered a lot of ground in this saga. Happy to have gone along for the ride.

The Biggest Little Farm

The documentary Biggest Little Farm shows just how hard it is to grow things. The brutality of nature is shown in all it's raw glory. The hard work and joy of the farmers is uplifting and impressive. This is an honest behind the scenes film. Worth a look.

Saturday, December 21, 2019

Aladdin (2019)

The live action version of Aladdin was a miss for me. I love the animated version so much, this one just fell flat. Clunky and awkward, but I did enjoy the dance numbers.

Thursday, December 19, 2019

Downton Abby

Having enjoyed the series, the movie version of Downton Abby plays like a long, lovely episode. The impending visit form the Queen is the centerpiece for household drama. Each character shows their personality strengths. The music is outstanding and this film is gorgeous. A delight.

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Marriage Story

A hard look at the end of a marriage in the film Marriage Story takes a close-up look at divorce. Well written and acted, this is a painful story.

Thursday, December 12, 2019

This Christmas

The Christmastime drama This Christmas is an examination of family relationships. There is cooperation, conflict and above all love. A good Christmas rental.

Monday, December 09, 2019

We Don't Belong Here

The film We Don't Belong Here is a strong family drama. Feelings of detachment and sadness are compounded by mental illness. There is compassion and love throughout the story. This is a thoughtful film.

Sunday, December 08, 2019

Knives Out

When the patriarch of a family suddenly dies, the mystery and drama in the movie Knives Out runs high. This is a fun murder mystery with a wide range of characters and a great cast. Good stuff.

Sunday, December 01, 2019

Jojo Rabbit

The film Jojo Rabbit is an interesting comedy set in WW II Germany. If you are going to make a satire about Nazis in WW II, this is the way to do it...with a heart and humor. Well done.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

My love for Mr. Rogers is public. When the movie A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood came out I was there. Fred Rogers has been an important compass in my life. I try. I fail. I pull myself back up. I feel. And all of that is fine. Feel your feelings. A lovely film. "You've got to do it."

Where'd You Go Bernadette?

A high-strung architect uses a trip to Antarctica to deal with her anxiety in Where'd You Go Bernadette? It is an interesting take on life and life choices. A good rental.

Saturday, November 30, 2019

Space Jam

Never thought I would appreciate an animated film about basketball, but there I was enjoying the heck out of Space Jam. Sports and space come together in a fun jam of basketball, Loony Tunes, music, aliens and laughs. Fun rental.

Friday, November 22, 2019

The Lion King (2019)

The alleged "live action" version of The Lion King is dark. The CGI is OK but not good enough to classify this as "live action". Dark and disappointing. I re-watched the original as a palate cleanser.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

The Thin Blue Line

Listening to an interview with Errol Morris I rented The Thin Blue Line. This documentary about a crime scene investigation in Dallas is chilling. The flaws of the criminal justice system are laid out. This is an interesting film.

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Blinded by the Light

When a young man learns of the music of Bruce Springsteen he is inspired. The film Blinded by the Light follows his passion, identity search and career. Sweet story of self-discovery. Good rental.

Sunday, November 17, 2019

After the Wedding

We often see movies about getting married, but in the film After the Wedding we get a story that takes place during the planning of a wedding. A young woman travels to court money for underprivileged children. It is a huge effort for her. It is huge stakes. The donor is in the process of planning her daughter's wedding. There is an interesting twist and emotions run high. The performances in this film are great. This is a good rental.

Saturday, November 16, 2019

The Irishman

I have always been a huge fan of Martin Scorsese's work. I heard him speak at Tribeca Film Festival on the topic of music in film and it was wonderful. I went into The Irishman as a huge fan and I was not disappointed. Yes, there was an under-use of women. Yes, there was a  lot of De Niro, Yes, there was a lot of Pacino. Yes, Joe Pesci knocked it out of the park. Yes, the period was captured perfectly. Yes, it was brutal. Yes, I jumped every time someone got shot. Yes, this was adapted from a story that may not be totally accurate. Still, I saw it in a theater and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Friday, November 15, 2019

Farenheit 451

The film Fahrenheit 451 reminded me of reading the book when I was in high school. A young man in law enforcement rebels against the culture of book burning. Lots of fire. Disturbing story. Good rental.

Thursday, November 07, 2019

The Intruder

When a couple buys their dream-house in The Intruder, they learn that it comes with the past owner. This is a creepy home invasion nightmare thriller that has a nail-bitter of an ending. Good rental.

Wednesday, November 06, 2019

The Kitchen

When business needs to get done, the women in The Kitchen get it done. For better, or for worse. This is a violent period crime film with good performances. Lots of gun-play. OK rental.

Sunday, November 03, 2019

Motherless Brooklyn

I enjoy watching a film when I am familiar with where it is shot. I was in heaven with Motherless Brooklyn because it was shot in areas in and around NYC that are very familiar to me. A murder mystery in 1950s NYC takes twists and turns. Inside baseball on development and government makes for high drama. This story has a big heart, great performances and cool cars. And I know that view of the Manhattan Bridge well. Good film.

Parasite

As Parasite is probably the most talked about film of the year, it should be. A poor family uses ingenuity and opportunity to make money. Then things go off the rails. Another great ride from Bong Joon Ho. Well done.

Saturday, November 02, 2019

The Lighthouse

In The Lighthouse, the road to madness is paved with drama. Isolation and alcohol fuel delusions and conflict in this story of two men alone in a lighthouse. It sounds boring, but their interactions are far from that. This film is beautifully shot, lit and staged. The physical conditions are as brutal as the psychological. The performances in this are outstanding. This is a powerful film.

Harriet

The courage and determination of Harriet Tubman is portrayed well in the film Harriet. She was a true badass, and what she accomplished in the fight against slavery is astounding. This film is a must-see.

Friday, November 01, 2019

Mission Impossible: Fallout

I have enjoyed most of the MI series, but Mission Impossible: Fallout is just plain silly and the action is redundant. Not a fan of this one.

Thursday, October 31, 2019

Fast Color

A lovely tale of family and strength is told in Fast Color. The legacy of super-powers makes for a creative story that I really enjoyed. The performances really make this film. Well done.

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Dead Silence

The movie Dead Silence starts out as a creepy murder mystery, then becomes a ghost story. This is a very appropriate rental for this time of year. Good film.

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Zombieland: Double Tap

Th gang from the film Zombieland continue their adventures in Zombieland: Double Tap. Madison is a very funny addition to the crew. The story was satisfying enough to be entertaining. Just remember, zombies are gross.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Western Stars

The simple joy of storytelling is the heart of the concert documentary Western Stars. Filming an intimate concert of his new album, Bruce Springsteen brings his life and loves to the music. The setting and camerawork are beautiful. The orchestrations are gorgeous as well. I loved this film.

Dolemite is My Name

In a flamboyant burst of confidence, Dolemite is My Name tells the story of Rudy Ray Moore and his adventures in film making. The performances and costumes bring this film to life in a fun way. Funny and obscene, this film is a wild ride.

Friday, October 25, 2019

The Kid

The story of Billy the Kid is told from the point of view of a young boy in The Kid.There are gunfight galore and I did get a better understanding of the family dynamics. This film worked hard for authenticity. Well done.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Your Name

In a time trippy way, Your Name tells a story of friendship and support.The animation is lovely and the story is very heartfelt. A lot of imagination went into this film. The music is pretty great too. I really liked this one.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

The Wrong Man

A disturbing case of mistaken identity sits at the center of The Wrong Man. Hitchcock brings his chilling style to the serious consequences of this situation. Classic.

Sunday, October 20, 2019

El Camino

I loved the series Breaking Bad, so the follow up film El Camino was a pretty easy sell for me. A good cat & mouse chase with familiar characters and situations from the series. Well done.

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Pet Sematary

The latest adaptation of Pet Semetary is pretty lame. I thought it was gross, and so much of it made no sense. Disappointing movie.

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Safe Men

When I read that Safe Men was filmed in Providence I had to give it a re-watch. The antics in this goofy crime film are so fun and so ridiculous. Its got a great cast and I laughed a lot. This is a fun rental.

Saturday, October 12, 2019

Being Frank

In Being Frank a selfish man gets caught in a huge lie. When a double life is revealed he gets what he deserves. The performances are good, this is well written, but the premise made me very angry. I guess good drama brings out emotion. The most honest line in the film is, "Lies are for cowards." Good rental.

Bride of Frankenstein

Following up Frankenstein with The Bride of Frankenstein was a good move in my rental strategy. The continuation of the story with an additional monster is elegant and nuanced. There are so many screams! I liked this one too.

Friday, October 11, 2019

Frankenstein

As one of the true, original monster movies Frankenstein is a story of actions fueled by fear. A scientist creates a creature who faces the wrath of society as he just tries to exist. The cinematography is beautiful and the story is a bit sad, with some very touching moments. Excellent classic.

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Damn Yankees

I have always been aware of the title Damn Yankees, but had no idea of it's meaning. This movie is a supernatural take on baseball, dreams, home and celebrity.  The performances are great and so is the music. Gwen Verdon is a national treasure. I'm glad that I finally saw this film.

Monday, October 07, 2019

Death Becomes Her

The movie Death Becomes her is a masterclass in slapstick comedy. The stories of eternal life and rivalry are told in a clever, funny way. Such a fun movie.

Sunday, October 06, 2019

Judy

I grew up watching The Wizard of Oz on TV every year. Dorothy was my hero and Judy Garland was the first movie star I was aware of. In the film Judy we see her talent and heartbreak in her later career. The realities of being a single mother and paying the bills tell a painful story. Rene Zellweger gives an empathetic performance. I liked this film.

Friday, October 04, 2019

Godzilla: King of the Monsters

I love a good monster movie and Godzilla: King of the Monsters sure delivers. It is a ridiculous story, but the monsters were great and this is a strong cast. Fun movie.

Wednesday, October 02, 2019

Wild Rose

A talented singer is looking to get out, and get to NYC in the film Wild Rose. Along the way she learns a lot about herself and expectations. This film tells a good story about drive. I really liked the music as well. Worth a look.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

The Hustle

Looking for a chuckle, I rented the movie The Hustle. A gender-flip remake of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, two con women work to right the wrongs of their worlds. This was an OK rental and I found it amusing.

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am

I only knew of Toni Morrison by reputation, and then I heard an interview with her that was recorded a few years ago. I was impressed by her intelligence, humility and sense of humor. When the documentary Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am came out in DVD I was treated to the story of this woman in her own words and in interviews with those who knew her well personally and professionally. Her grounded view of the world and her place in it is inspiring and refreshing. This film is well worth watching.

Monday, September 23, 2019

Top Gun

Fighter pilot training is the setting for the movie Top Gun. The stories of friendship, love, skill and prestige all blend well in this action packed film. The aerial scenes are outstanding. I'm pretty sure that the last time I saw this film was in the theater and it's nice to see that it still holds up. Well done.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

The Stranger

In The Stranger we follow a Nazi hunter to Connecticut. There is a lot of high drama and bodies along the way. Very intense film. Worth a look.

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Hustlers

When a group of strippers feel the economic pinch of the 2008 financial crisis they take to crime in Hustlers. Though much was made of Jennifer Lopez's performance in this film, it is Constance Wu who rules the screen. This is based on a true story and has a cut-throat quality tempered by themes of family and loyalty. Well done.

Friday, September 13, 2019

Rambling Rose

With all of the attention that Laura Dern had been getting for her TV and film work lately, it occurred to me recently that I had not seen Rambling Rose in many years. The story of a young girl desperately looking for family is poignant, heartfelt and a bit heartbreaking. Her desperate, at times inappropriate, attempts at affection make quite a story. Dern's Mother Diane Ladd joins her in this period drama. They were both nominated for Oscars for their roles in this film. Worth watching.

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Two for the Road

One of my favorite film reviewers recommended the film Two for the Road. The ten year marriage of a couple is played out in a non-sequential fashion that takes a little getting used to. It is very effective. The performances, costumes and settings are great. This is a very poignant relationship film. Many emotions are explored. I liked this film a lot.

Sunday, September 08, 2019

The White Crow

In the film The White Crow politics meet art in the story of Rudolf Nureyev. His rise as an artist, his struggle to live his life the way he wanted to and his political leanings and the complications involved. A very interesting story of a very interesting life. Good film.

Saturday, September 07, 2019

It Chapter Two


The kids from the movie It are grownups and Pennywise is still their nemesis in the sequel It Chapter Two. Though the kids are now grownups, they show signs of PTSD from their childhood experience. The story is dark and the effects and action sequences are very creepy.

Friday, September 06, 2019

High Art

In High Art the neighbor brings more drama than expected. In true 90s style this story uses sex, drugs and intrigue as surprising relationships form. Interesting film.

Monday, September 02, 2019

Purple Rain

Riding a bit of a nostalgia wave I rented the film Purple Rain. This film is intense. Themes of abuse, ambition and romance weave quite a story with a wonderful soundtrack. Well done.

Saturday, August 31, 2019

Serenity

If you are looking for a strange ride in an even stranger relationship, Serenity is your kind of film. This is a thriller with a horror edge with some very bizarre and unlikable characters.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Public Speaking

I enjoy listening to smart people who speak their minds. In the documentary Public Speaking, Fran Lebowitz fits the bill. She and a bevy of people with intelligent, down to earth ideas is a breath of fresh air. Loved this documentary.

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Good Boys

When a group of middle school age friends try to work the social circuit the results are very funny. In Good Boys it is interesting to see how information about life is interpreted by these kids. This movie is smart, raunchy, sweet and very funny. I liked this film much more than expected.

Saturday, August 24, 2019

The Peanut Butter Falcon

A young man in The Peanut Butter Falcon wants to be a pro wrestler. When he learns about a camp run by one of his heroes he runs away to attend. This is the beginning of a road-trip story that is eventful, inspiring and sweet. The central messages are follow your dreams and be kind. We all need to hear this these days. Great film.

The 15:17 to Paris

The events portrayed in The 15:17 to Paris should be interesting, but somehow this depiction was boring for me. Bouncing from the back-stories of the passengers on a Paris bound train to present day is a structure I like. Overthrowing terrorists should be intriguing. For some reason this one did not grab me. Worth a look for the performances if you are interested in the story.

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

After Hours

The wild ride in After Hours takes place in one night. The crazy events in this film are beautifully shot and make for a fun ride all over NYC. Every moment is more outrageous than the next. Excellent rental.

Monday, August 19, 2019

Bob Dylan: Don't Look Back

The documentary Bob Dylan: Don't Look Back follows the musician through his 1965 tour of England. He shares his thoughts, attitudes and music. A good music doc.

Saturday, August 10, 2019

High Life

As an abstract futuristic film, High Life shows that humans still deal with very human problems. It is graphic and physical. An OK rental.

Friday, August 09, 2019

The Man Who Killed Don Quixote

Making a film can be quite an adventure. When you make a movie about Don Quixote, even more so. In The Man who Killed Don Quixote a film maker bounces back and forth from reality to fantasy in an interesting way. Struggling with the past, while looking to the future. Adam Driver plays it very self-aware with a sense of humor. This is a good adventure film.

Thursday, August 08, 2019

The Night Before

Looking for the perfect Christmas party, the friends in The Night Before get a little more than expected. Their age and lifestyles don't quite fit the party mode they used to. As relationships evolve, the movie takes on a sweet tone. This movie says a lot about friendships and maturing. We also learn that babies like rap. Cute movie.

Poms

Dealing with aging is not easy. In Poms a group of women live in a retirement community. In an effort to interact with others, per the rules, one of the seniors starts a cheer squad. The result says a lot about community, bullying and friendship. This film has quite a cast. It's a good rental.

Saturday, August 03, 2019

The Farewell

In Chinese culture it is customary to keep bad news from someone who is ailing. In The Farewell a family does not tell the grandmother that she is dying. The lengths they go to to see her "one last time" and to keep her health information from her lends itself to a very touching, sometimes funny, story. The performances and writing in this film are outstanding. I liked this film a lot.

Friday, August 02, 2019

Queen of Earth

The film Queen of Earth is a story of friendship gone sour. It is tense and dramatic. I found it hard to believe that the women were ever friends based on how awful they are to each other. This film has excellent performances. A decent rental.

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Long Shot

A politician in the movie Long Shot needs a speech writer for her campaign for the presidency. She runs into a person she went to school with and comes to like his writing style. In hiring him she brings an unconventional companion to some high-level situations. There is a lot of heart and humor in this story. I liked the way it handles the PR aspect of the political environment. I was also impressed with the chemistry of Charlize Theron and Seth Rogan. It works for their characters. This is a worthwhile rental.

Sunday, July 28, 2019

Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood

In the film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, we meet an actor and his stunt man/friend working their way through early Hollywood. They are always looking for work and the reality of age is encroaching on their ability to get work. Real life characters enter the story at the Manson ranch and it becomes a bit of a what-if story. The actor becomes an unwitting hero. I liked this film, which certainly gives film lovers a lot to talk about. 

Saturday, July 27, 2019

The Last Black Man in San Francisco

A young man in San Fransisco has a romantic vision and history of a house. When the people living there fall into foreclosure he and a friend become squatters. These young men are idealistic, passionate and creative. Things don't always go well for them and their friends. When they ultimately learn that they have to leave the house, they stage a grand performance of their play The Last Black Man in San Fransisco. There are themes of family, socioeconomics, compassion and dreams. This film is beautifully shot and emotionally charged. Lovely film.

Thursday, July 25, 2019

Casting By

The documentary Casting By tells the stories of some of the brilliant casting directors in film history. I enjoy all things behind the scenes, and this documentary walks through historic casting decisions. Well done.

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Dumbo

The bleak aspect of Dumbo along with the mistreatment of animals in the circus, is the culture of bullying among those who are different. This story is dark, I think too dark for children. The live action is fine, but it is a sad story.

Saturday, July 20, 2019

The Art of Self Defense

After being mugged, a quiet young man turns to martial arts to learn how to defend himself. In The Art of Self Defense he encounters an intense culture at the dojo. This is an interesting take on bullying, crime and coping with a good twist. Good film

Tootsie

When the best way to land a job is to take on the persona of a woman, a desperate actor finds out about the pitfalls of mistaken identity. In Tootsie his plan works until romance enters the picture. Well written and acted. This is a classic that still holds up.

Friday, July 19, 2019

The Face of Love

Watching grief guide a woman's emotions in The Face of Love is painful. Meeting a man who looks a lot like her late husband motivates her to pursue him as the perfect replacement. The performances shine in this poignant romantic drama.

Thursday, July 18, 2019

Klute

The acting talent of Jane Fonda is used to the max in the film Klute. Along with the streets of New York City, a crime drama plays out and her character is the heart. Well done.

Sunday, July 14, 2019

Spider-Man: Far From Home

After the latest dust-up with The Avengers, Peter Parker tries to go on a school trip to Europe like a "regular kid". Trouble follows and adventure ensues. In Spider-Man: Far from Home he still has to use his spidey powers to battle evil, but keeping the secret becomes more difficult. I liked the story, there were some funny moments and the cast is great. This is a solid Spider-Man adventure.

Saturday, July 13, 2019

Maiden

The nuts and bolts of a team sailing around the world are explored in the documentary Maiden. The ocean is a harsh environment and the round-the-world race is a prestigious one among sailors. It is challenging, expensive and grueling. The story of the crew of Maiden is uplifting and impressive. Great story. Great film.

Nobody's Fool

The bonds of sisterhood are tested in the comedy Nobody's Fool. When a woman is released from prison and goes to live with her successful sister, their differences are evident. There are men, there are jobs, there are laughs, there are surprisingly sweet moments. This is a good rental.

Sunday, July 07, 2019

Alps

In the film Alps people have the job of  replacing a deceased person to help those close to deal with the grieving process. This is an interesting concept and there are some very heartfelt performances. Strange rental.

The Highwaymen

In the true story of the men who brought down Bonnie & Clyde, The Highwaymen is an interesting crime thriller. Two Texas Rangers come out of retirement to hunt down the outlaws. Performances are good and the story holds up. Decent rental.

Saturday, July 06, 2019

The Best of Enemies

The civil rights movement had its share of heroes and in Best of Enemies we meet two of them. People on opposite sides of school integration in North Carolina are forced to work together. They grudgingly work through the best they can. In the end, their best is pretty good. The pace of the film itself is a little slow, but it is an important civil rights story. An OK rental.

Friday, July 05, 2019

Midsommar

A bizarre trip to Sweden in Midsommar does not end well for several of the characters. A young woman joins her boyfriend and his pals to attend a remote festival. Things get weird and very violent. This film is beautifully shot and moves between the real world and the fantastical world in interesting ways. Though the film's violence is jarring, know that it is a horror film going in. Wild stuff.

Thursday, July 04, 2019

Pavarotti

My parents loved opera. My Dad always said that Pavoratti was one of the finest tenors that ever lived. When the documentary Pavoratti came out I wanted to see it in a theater to experience the best sound. The film gives insight to his work, his method, his passions and relationships. And that voice. Mesmerizing. Dad was right.

Sunday, June 30, 2019

Toy Story 4

I had the pleasure of seeing Toy Story 4 with my granddaughter and daughter. Pixar revisits the toys coming to life in a new home with a few new characters. Still sweet. Still funny. I really enjoyed the character of Forky. Good for lots of laughs and a tear-jerker ending.

Mystery Train

Three parallel stories tell of the goings on in a seedy hotel in Mystery Train. The characters are out there and the way the stories come together worked well for me. Good rental.

Friday, June 28, 2019

The Gospel According to Andre

André Leon Talley is a fashion icon. As an editor at Vogue his influence is palpable. In the documentary The Gospel According to Andre his story takes shape and we learn his life story...in his words. Generous, creative, funny, warm and driven. His story is inspiring. Great documentary.

Tuesday, June 18, 2019

Becoming Astrid

The life of author Astrid Lindgren has a heavy tone in the film Becoming Astrid. Her early life was not a happy one, and the movie hits hard on the times of her childhood and young adult years. There were a few times where I almost turned the film off because the turn of events were so sad. This is a very heavy drama. An OK rental.

Sunday, June 16, 2019

The Dead Don't Die

A zombie invasion of a small town lends itself to some very weird, very funny scenes in The Dead Don't Die. The cast is fantastic and some of the dialog is very self-aware that this is a movie, which is even more funny. Quite a ride.

Saturday, June 15, 2019

Rocketman

The rise of the career of Elton John is done through a fantasy lens in Rocketman. We follow his meeting and collaborating with Bernie Taupin, his rise to stardom and the pitfalls of both. Taron Edgerton gives an outstanding portrayal of John and rocks this film and its costumes. I liked this film.

Friday, June 14, 2019

Her Smell

A punk rock diva takes the typical addiction / recovery route in Her Smell. The film has five distinct acts as we follow Becky through the trials an tribulations of success, addiction and recovery, and how it effects those around her.  The dissonant soundtrack gives her character an interesting tone that makes you so happy when the band finally rocks out. This is an interesting film.

Wednesday, June 12, 2019

The Baxter

In every group of friends there is a Baxter, the friend who behaves in a predicable fashion. In this story, he is trying hard to break out of his Baxterish life two weeks before his wedding. This is a cute comedy.

Sunday, June 09, 2019

Vault

I met the director Tom DeNucci while he was working on the film Vault. Based on an interesting part of Rhode Island crime history I was impressed that this young film maker was interested in an event from the 70s. The result is a film that has a very accurate look for the period. The way it was shot, the cars, the clothes, the sets, all very authentic. And then there is the cast. Great performances that convey the menace of the mob in RI at the time and just the right amount of humor. I liked this film a lot. It was fun to see it in the theater with a lot of RI folks who remember those times. Well done.

Always Be My Maybe

The rom-com Always Be My Maybe is sharp, sassy and satisfying. When a celebrity chef reunites with a childhood friend things get interesting as they get to know each other as adults. There is a good twist, a good reveal and a great celebrity cameo. Good romantic comedy.

Friday, June 07, 2019

The Reluctant Astronaut

In light of the attention to space exploration around the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, the movie The Reluctant Astronaut came to my attention. Don Knotts plays an anxious young man who has an awkward experience at NASA. There are bits, there are laughs, there are skilled comedic actors doing a great job with this 60s comedy.

Wednesday, June 05, 2019

My Man Godfrey

A homeless man goes to work as a butler for an upper crust family in My Man Godfrey. He is clever, resourceful and likeable. How the family sees the situation, and how it really is are two different things. The twists are good and the performances are charming. A strong classic.

Monday, June 03, 2019

The Perfection

In a disturbing way, The Perfection takes the concept of the child prodigy and gives it a horror twist. The structure of the film is interesting as the story unfolds in non-linear style. It adds to the creepy aspect of the story. The less you know going into this one, the better the film experience. Excellent, creative, gory and shocking. I liked this film.

Friday, May 31, 2019

A Dirty Shame

In a recent interview with John Waters there is a discussion about his film A Dirty Shame. This film is raunchy and funny with a huge heart. Outrageous as only Waters can do with a great cast and a very funny premise. This is a great rental.

Thursday, May 30, 2019

John Wick Part 2

Vapid and full of fight scenes John Wick Part 2 was as boring as expected. I rented it so I can see John Wick 3. That may not have been necessary. Weak rental.

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

Fosse / Verdon

I adore musical theater. The film All That Jazz gave me a close up look at Bob Fosse at a young age. It taught me that flawed people can make beautiful art. The mini series Fosse/Verdon expands that story and brings in Gwen Verdon's point of view. Each episode focuses on a specific show, and segues beautifully from one to the next. The cast is superb and there is a great surprise appearance in the final episode. Great job from all angles.

Wine Country

Women on a road-trip is the premise of Wine Country. This is a weak story with an astounding cast. Paula Pell is a national treasure and Maya Rudolph kills every scene she is in. The story just didn't do it for me. Still worth watching for the performances. An OK rental.

Monday, May 27, 2019

Booksmart

One of the funniest movies this year could be Booksmart. High school students on the night before their graduation go from party to party in a series of great scenes and scenarios. The acting is outstanding and the characters are very genuine and believable. The editing also moves the film at a nice pace and Billie Lourd made me laugh every time she came on screen. Well done.

Friday, May 24, 2019

To Sir With Love

I had forgotten what a good movie To Sir With Love is. When an engineer reluctantly takes a job as a high school teacher, the reality of rebellious teens are brought to the screen. I like that he does not succeed at every turn. There is enough failure to make him human and the story realistic. The performances are excellent and this is really well shot. I'm glad that I saw this film again. Well done.

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

The Upside

In The Upside a very wealthy quadriplegic hires a new caregiver. The caregiver is an ex-con. This is a fish-out-of-water story with a bit of a twist. The chemistry between Bryan Cranston and Kevin Hart was a surprise and I liked this film a lot more than I expected to.

Saturday, May 18, 2019

Fighting with My Family

I did not think that a film set in the professional wrestling world would be my jam, but I found Fighting with My Family to be very well done. Based on the true origin story of  Saraya Knight, we watch a family true to professional wrestling work the game. The process of auditioning, training and performing is sown with grit and heart. Great performances all around. I really liked this film.

Friday, May 17, 2019

The Long Riders

That brothers are playing brothers in the film The Long Riders was such  draw for me. The story of the James gang is told in a story that explores motivation and relationships. The Ford brothers come to the story in an interesting way, considering the ultimate outcome. The way the film is shot really captures the flavor of the wild west, and oh those shoot-outs. I liked this film a lot.

Sunday, May 12, 2019

Avengers: Endgame

After 21 movies and adventures in the MCU, Avengers: Endgame brings the saga to an end. In all it's 3 hour-plus glory the stories play out with eye-popping action and a nice dose of humor. No spoilers here...see it for yourself. Well done.

Saturday, May 11, 2019

Amazing Grace

The beauty and dynamic voice of Aretha Franklin is showcased in Amazing Grace in an impeccable way. The footage from 1972 reveals the heart of her gospel roots. Her focus and talent are on full display and the joy of the congregation is infectious. Wonderful piece of music history.

Nights and Weekends

The difficulty of long distance relationships is explored in Nights and Weekends to a painful degree. The desperation of a couple living in separate cities is palpable and a bit sad. The more they try to make the relationship work, the less it does. The performances are outstanding, but this is a sad story.

Friday, May 10, 2019

The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part

I enjoyed The LEGO Movie, so I was hoping that The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part would follow suit. The story takes a darker turn which is OK.I prefer my LEGO characters more upbeat. The older sibling viewing his younger sibling as a threat was honest, but again, pretty dark. This was an OK rental.

Sunday, May 05, 2019

The Woman in Red

There is a strong 80s style in the film The Woman in Red that brings great joy. The story is odd. Teddy's restlessness and awkward demeanor do not seem to deserve the attention he gets. His fantasies are out there. This is well worth seeing for the performance from Gilda Radnor. It's an OK rental.

Thursday, May 02, 2019

My Fair Lady

I've always had trouble getting through the movie version of My Fair Lady even though I know the story and the music well. The misogyny was always too much. I saw the latest Broadway version and learned that they had changed a few small things to make the plot more palatable. I enjoyed the live version I saw, so I decided to give the movie another try. Audrey Hepburn is the biggest reason to see this film. Her performance is outstanding, even though the singing is dubbed (Thank you Marne Nixon). I'm still disgusted by the character of Henry Higgins, but there is a charm to most of the others that won me over. The costumes are amazing as well and I had the pleasure of seeing them live in the Warner Brother's Museum back in October. I'm glad that the Broadway version brought me back to the film. Well done.

Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Creature from the Black Lagoon

Guillermo del Toro said in an interview, that Creature from the Black Lagoon was inspiration for The Shape of Water so I decided to give it a look. I loved this film. The technology is pretty amazing for the time. The camera work and cinematography are great and the story moves right along and draws you in. So many shots have been recreated in more current films. It was very cool to see the original. I really liked this film.

Sunday, April 28, 2019

Destroyer

The story in Destroyer is poorly told. I usually like a film whose time-line jumps around, but this one did not work for me.I felt like I need ed more information sooner to care about the main character. Nicole Kidman turns in great performances, but that story still wasn't very good. An OK rental.

Saturday, April 27, 2019

Tribeca Film Festival 2019

Arriving in DUMBO on Wednesday night to return the pups to their rightful home, it is nice to be on familiar ground in Brooklyn. On Thursday afternoon I arrive in Tribeca and make a bee-line for Edward's for my traditional soup and wine lunch as sustenance to begin Tribeca Film Festival. With time to kill I stop in to Reade Street Pub and spend a little quality time with old friends. Continuing the Tribeca circuit, a stop at Tribeca Grille for a snack and a drink proves to be entertaining when a man is escorted out when the bartender stops serving him and he's not having it. The best is his companion's sheepish re-entry to retrieve his coat. Then I make my way to BMCC for a Tribec Talks panel where Guillermo Del Toro is interviewed by Alec Baldwin. The insight, humor and film chat is very exciting. Del Toro is a charmer and tells a good story. O the way back to DUMBO I stop in to The Patriot to say hi to Patience and call it a day. Thanks for the fun Tribeca.

Friday morning I make my way to South Street Seaport and score a  Broadway ticket at TKTS. Sliders at Fraunces Tavern fit the bill for lunch. I always feel like I'm in "the room where it happens" when I am in this historic place. I make my way back up to Tribeca and kill some time at Tribeca Tavern which is near the venue for my Film Festival event today. The Queen Cooperative presented a discussion of film making with Dee Rees, Queen Latifa, B. Monet and Haley Elizaabeth Anderson. It was interesting, heartfelt and inspirational. Smart, strong talented people advocating for the creative process.

Despite the rain, I made it to Lincoln Center where I was seeing My Fair Lady at the Vivian Beaumont theater. What a show! Laura Benanti was in the role of Eliza and she was amazing! Lincoln Center is a sparking jewel full of culture and excitement. Wonderful night of theater.

On Saturday Liza, the kids and I went to Almar for brunch. Delicious as always. Liza and I wandered through the Open Studios in DUMBO. It's always nice to see what the artists are doing in her neighborhood. We had dinner at Superfine and felt very satisfied with our day.

I headed out early Sunday morning so that I could stop in NJ to see Patty & Herb at their new home at Atria Assisted Living. It is a beautiful place and they seemed happy to be there. Clean, safe and lots of kind, helpful people. A stop at GW Carson's Burgers finished off my adventures with a delicious meal before I get home.

All in all, a fun New York adventure. Thanks for the fun Tribeca Film Festival!

Sunday, April 21, 2019

Nureyev

A beautifully structured documentary, Nureyev takes us on the journey of Rudolf Nureyev's life and career. The clips and interviews are edited to tell a story of hard work, drive, perseverance, art and focus. Nureyev is a wonderful dancer and lived an interesting life. Excellent documentary.

Friday, April 19, 2019

Roar

The monumental task of making the film Roar is as compelling as the film itself. The story of a man who lives among lions was filmed with real lions. When his family comes to visit and he's not there, it becomes a bit of a horror film as the family fends off the animals that seem to see them as lunch. The production of this film is fascinating yet rather frighting. What a film.

Thursday, April 18, 2019

Obit

The New York Times writers featured in the documentary Obit are masters of the craft of writing. Using journalist skills and techniques akin to detective work they give special attention to detail to tell the stories of the lives of people for their obituaries. In this film crafting an obit is like writing a song. Finding the right notes while being true to the subject...with compassion. This is a well structured documentary with some talented, experienced writers. Well done.

Saturday, April 13, 2019

Second Act

The performances in Second Act are worthy of a much better script. The story of a woman getting a job under false pretenses is not new, but this cast is so skilled and sincere, I wish they had had better material to work with. There was so much potential here. An OK rental.

Thursday, April 11, 2019

Mirai

 The story in the animated film Mirai begs the question, is it time travel or is it magic? A child copes with life in interesting, creative ways. This is a charming film.

Saturday, April 06, 2019

The Mule

Clint Eastwood brings an innocence to his character in The Mule to excellent effect. He is not a nice man, yet Eastwood's performance begs for sympathy. I have trouble feeling that sympathy, because he treats his wife and family so poorly. This is a good drama, but I had such a dislike for the character I have trouble liking the film.

Thursday, April 04, 2019

Bumblebee

I loved the first Transformers movie. In Bumblebee I felt the same vibe. The character development is good, the action is solid, the story is interesting and there is a big old heart. The humor is well placed and executed. This movie was a lot of fun.

Sunday, March 31, 2019

Gloria Bell

I so wanted to like Gloria Bell, but I think it hit a little too close to home. A single, middle aged woman looks for happiness and does a good job satisfying that. When she meets a man who seems to be a good fit, he tries to make her responsible for his happiness as well. He hurts her. He's not emotionally fit to be in a relationship. The third act does not make a lot of sense, but there is one very satisfying scene near the end. The performances are very good, this story just wasn't for me.

The Invitation

Grief can have strong consequences. In The Invitation a group of friends gather for what we think is a dinner party. As the conversation and evening evolve, we learn it is much more. The less you know going in, the better. This film is bizarre, creepy and very well done. If you like something different with a twist, this is a good film.

Thursday, March 28, 2019

Aquaman

Superheroes go underwater in Aquaman in this Shakespearean-style drama. The best parts of this film are the world building, visual effects, even a sharknado! The worst parts are the battle scenes. There are too many of them and they go on and on.  There is also a constant harping on the fact that Aquaman is a half-blood. Got it the first ten times. This is an OK rental with decent performances.

Tuesday, March 26, 2019

Instant Family

Foster care and adoption are addressed in the movie Instant Family. It comes off a bit cheesy and cut and dried, but the portrayal does get messy sometimes, and that's where it shines. The young actors that play the kids are very good. This movie has a big heart and good intentions. A decent rental.

Rogers

http://blog.dvd.netflix.com/new-dvd-releases/spotlight-on-fred-rogers-an-american-icon

Monday, March 25, 2019

Operation Finale

War criminals are brought to justice in the film Operation Finale where a group of spies hunts down Adolf Eichmann.The pace of this film is slow, but the story is important. War criminals do not always get what they deserve. Performances are excellent.

Friday, March 22, 2019

Us

The film Us has all the creepy you would want. A parallel universe makes its way into the real world and chaos ensues. This one is a mind-bender and the less you know going in the better...

Wednesday, March 20, 2019

Somebody Up There Likes Me

Watching Somebody Up There Likes Me I notice that many boxing films follow the same path. The true story of Rocky Graziano is more interesting than most. The support of his family is very important. The response to the title line "Somebody up there likes me." is "Somebody down here too." Perfect.

Sunday, March 17, 2019

How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World

Returning to the world of dragons in How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World was such a pleasure. Hiccup is determined to find a place where they can live in peace with all of the dragons. The visuals of the swarms of dragons are amazing. The characters have their quirks and our hero fights valiantly. The villain's transport made me immediately think Dragon Drone. There is action, adventure, humor and heart. All of this is accompanied by a beautiful score. The closing credits have some very entertaining drawings that allude to what is being credited.Wonderful end to this heartfelt trilogy.

Saturday, March 16, 2019

Apollo 11

I was 12 when the US put a man on the moon...and brought him back. I remember being so worried about the astronauts. In the documentary Apollo 11 all of the footage is authentic, much is from the spacecraft itself. In ways that is comforting. In ways that is terrifying. Going behid the scenes with NASA is amazing. At the end of this film I felt like I had been to the moon and back. This is a dynamic documentary.

Withnail & I

I tried to watch Withnail & I years ago and it was too much of a chore. I gave up. Being charmed by Richard E. Grant in Can You Ever Forgive Me? this year I decided to give it another look. This film is a delightful road trip with 2 friends. One wackier than the other. It is fun and philosophical. I really enjoyed it.

Friday, March 15, 2019

The Umbrellas of Cherbourg

I have heard many claims that The Umbrellas of Cherbourg is a classic. In the opening scenes the color and music made me realize that I was watching something special. This is a classic love story. A young couple falls in love, but he must go off to war for 2 years. Things happen in those 2 years and the lovers must deal. The entire film is sung and the music was familiar to me. I think when the film came out the tunes must have been on the radio,. The performances are excellent, the set design and costumes great and the story sincere. It is worth spending the time and attention with this film. Well done. A true classic.

Sunday, March 10, 2019

Captain Marvel

I enjoyed Captain Marvel more than expected. Knowing nothing of Captain Marvel this origin story movie was perfect for me.We also get some back story on Nick Fury. The action is good, the characters bizarre and the humor throughout is well used. The homage to Stan Lee in the opening was great. Stay through all the credits, there are 2 scenes worth seeing. This movie sets up Avengers: End Game well. Good addition to the Marvel universe.

Saturday, March 09, 2019

Creed II

I so enjoyed Creed that I was looking forward to Creed II. Unfortunately, this chapter is a collection of boxing movie cliches. The performances are still good, but the actors are given very little to work with. This is an OK rental.

The Green Book: Guide to Freedom

I was happy to learn of the documentary The Green Book: Guide to Freedom because I am pretty disappointed by the popular film Green Book. This documentary chronicles use of the travel guide travel for African Americans from the 30s through the 60s through interviews and vintage footage. Very well done. A nice pallet cleanser for me.

Thursday, March 07, 2019

Vox Lux

The film Vox Lux follows the rise of a young pop-star. There are unusual circumstances and she's got a rough edge...and a child. The style of this film is very disjointed and abstract. The camera work and acting are OK, but this was a miss with me.

Sunday, March 03, 2019

Paddleton

In the film Paddleton a man finds out that he has terminal cancer. He decides not to wait for the disease to do him in and takes matters into his own hands. The story is about him taking a friend along for moral support. The friend wants to be supportive because of their friendship, but he is saddened and conflicted about the goal. This is a good road-trip-buddy film with a very somber theme.

Saturday, March 02, 2019

The Catcher Was a Spy

The story behind The Catcher Was a Spy is interesting. A professional baseball player becomes a spy for the government. The problem? This film jumps from spy work, to personal issues, to baseball anecdotes. This film had trouble holding my interest. It was an OK rental.

Suspria

In Suspria it first seems political. I thought the power dynamic being established was based in the world of dance. It then became apparent that there was a supernatural element that takes the scenes off the rails. The performances in this film are outstanding. It is also stunning to look at at times. The dance sequences are well filmed. A crazy ride, though much too long. I'll bet this looked great in the theater. A decent rental.

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Columbus

The film Columbus is pretty slow. Two people are trying to make life decisions and a lot of the scenes are nice shots of the character thinking. This is a thoughtful film. If you are looking for action rent something else.

Sunday, February 24, 2019

Oscars 2019

My musings on the Oscars 2019:

Bohemian Rhapsody was nominated because everyone loves Queen
A Star is Born was nominated because everyone loves Lady Gaga
Green Book is a collection of anecdotes, many not true to the real events of the day.
Lady Gaga got Toni Collette's nomination. See above.
Peter Farally thinks showing his junk to women is funny...it's not

My wish list for The Oscars 2019

Best Picture award for The Favourite
Best Lead Actress for Glenn Close
Best Supporting Actor for Richard E. Grant

Saturday, February 23, 2019

Support the Girls

A tough day at work is depicted in Support the Girls as a restaurant manager deals with customers, employees, management and her family. This character shines as a strong person who does not give up, even when things keep going against her. A testimonial to strong women. Good movie.

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Minding the Gap

I thought Minding the Gap would be about skaters, but for me it was about domestic abuse. The up-close interviews of a group of friends shows all of the problems in their homes and relationships. It is intimate and uncomfortable. Interesting documentary.

Sunday, February 17, 2019

Of Fathers and Sons

Life in Syria is portrayed in Of Fathers and Sons in a first person documentary about men and their relationships with their sons. It is harsh, brutal and eye-opening. Looking behind the curtain in militant countries is a bit jarring, but interesting.

Saturday, February 16, 2019

While I Yet Live

Five friends talk about why they quilt in While I Yet Live. The quilters in this film speak of camaraderie, family and friendship. So many aspects of quilting can be therapeutic and they embrace it. The quilts are gorgeous. A lovely short film.

Hale County, This Morning, This Evening

The documentary Hale County, This Morning, This Evening follows the people of Hale County in clips. It is like a poetic portrait. Quiet film.

Thursday, February 14, 2019

White Boy Rick

Trying to navigate the world of guns and drugs, in White Boy Rick  a young man trusts the wrong people. When the FBI approaches him with a deal things do not go well. Interesting that this is based on a true story. The dramatization is very well done.

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

The Front Runner

Gary Hart was a naive candidate for president. In The Front Runner we see him get caught at indiscretions with women other than his wife. In the age of cameras everywhere, it is amazing how clueless this guy was about his activities. An OK rental.

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

At Eternity's Gate

I enjoy the works of Van Gogh, so the film At Eternity's Gate was a pleasure. While in France, his technique progresses as he struggles with life. The way this is filmed, it sometimes looks like a Van Gough painting. Lovely film.

Sunday, February 10, 2019

Capernaum

Nominated for an Oscar, the film Capernaum is a heartbreaking story. A young boy in a very large family in Lebanon is disgusted with his parents and their disregard for the well-being of their children. The examples of poor parenting are many and he ultimately runs away. When taken in by a kind woman he becomes the unwitting caretaker of her baby when she disappears. The scenes with the boy and baby are riveting and scary. This film is tough to watch, but a testimony to the heart of the young boy under horrible circumstances. Excellent film.

Saturday, February 09, 2019

The Sisters Brothers

Following The Sisters Brothers through the wild west in search of gold is quite a ride! The chase is on in the wilds of the old west for riches. Some situations are funny, some are harrowing. This was a good rental.

Wednesday, February 06, 2019

Love, Gilda

The life of Gilda Radner is told by the woman herself in Love, Gilda. Her words are presented from journals and clips. Her joy is infectious, exuberant and focused. This film is a a beautiful tribute to a beautiful soul. Great documentary.

Guest

http://blog.dvd.netflix.com/new-dvd-releases/spotlight-on-christopher-guest

Tuesday, February 05, 2019

The Guilty

In The Guilty an emergency dispatcher works with callers in a situation that is not always what is seems. This is a thriller with only one character on screen for the majority of the film. The story is told through a series of phone calls. It is mesmerizing. Excellent film.

Sunday, February 03, 2019

Stan & Ollie

Stan Laurel and Oliver Harding are a legendary comedy duo. In the film Stan & Ollie Steve Coogan and John C. Reily bring these men back to life. The film follows their live tour at the end of their film career. Their relationship is strained, but their affection for each other is obvious. The struggle of art vs business is front and center. The performances are outstanding, especially the depictions of their wives. Good film.

Saturday, February 02, 2019

Free Solo

I had avoided seeing the documentary Free Solo because the subject scared the crap out of me. Alex Honnold's love of climbing rock faces with no ropes or safety equipment is terrifying to me. When the film was nominated for an Oscar, the only theater it was showing in near me was IMAX. I went. I am so glad I did. First of all, it is a beautiful film. Second, Honnold is open, smart, multi faceted and enthusiastic about life. This made me feel like he wasn't reckless, he was adventurous. He has made a living at rock climbing. That's impressive. A wonderful example of the human spirit. I loved this film. Well worth seeing.

Thursday, January 31, 2019

Peggy Guggenheim: Art Addict

I first became aware of Peggy Guggenhiem as an art aficionado in the film Pollock. She commissioned the artist to paint a mural for her and the piece spoke to me. In the documentary Peggy Guggenheim: Art Addict I learn more about her art acquisitions and influence on the art world. A fascinating person, this film is charming, lovely and full of great art. Good rental.

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Baskin

The crazy horror film Baskin was recommended on the podcast Who Shot Ya? The story goes down a rabbit hole filled with demons and disgusting acts of depravity. It goes around a corner and down a road in a wild, weird way. Good horror film.

Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Christopher Robin

I rented Christopher Robin because it was nominated for an Oscar for visual effects. As much as I love the Winnie the Pooh characters and stories, exploring a grownup Christopher Robin is boring. I really did not care about his dour outlook on life. The visual effects are good, but I could not get into the story. An OK rental.

Sunday, January 27, 2019

Cold War

A fated love story lies at the center of the film Cold War as two people fall in and out of each others lives over a period of years. They are not good for each other, but their chemistry makes the attraction irresistible. A tragic love story. The period is depicted well and the cinematography is excellent. Good film.

Ready Player One

I rented Ready Player One because it is nominated for an Oscar for visual effects. I was skeptical about this film, but it was much better than I expected. It is set in the world of video games, so that loses me from the beginning, but characters are presented well and the visual effects are pretty awesome. I'm sure people half my age would enjoy this film more than me, and I thought it was OK.

Saturday, January 26, 2019

Shoplifters

The theme of family is strong in the Japanese film Shoplifters. Not only does a family with limited resources stay together as best they can, they also take in strays. The concept of chosen family is heartwarming. They get creative when it comes to acquiring life's essentials. In desperation, they commit acts that are not legal in the interest of survival. In the end, it is about family and noodles. Food is prevalent in this film. I went to a noodle restaurant the day after to satisfy the craving the film created. Good film.

Thursday, January 24, 2019

The Old Man & the Gun

In The Old Man & the Gun we meet a serial criminal. He can't seem to help himself from committing robbery. Even a jail sentence does not avert him from his life of crime. After a while I started to think he's just an asshole, especially when he involves others in his activities. A very unlikable character to me, who is presented as charming. I did not find him charming at all. This is a decent rental as it is amazing what this guy got away with.

Friday, January 18, 2019

The Bookshop

In The Bookshop a town looks down its nose at the local bookstore. There are struggles and alliances. The performances are excellent, the characters endearing and the love of books defended. Good film.

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Madeline's Madeline

Acting takes an extreme turn in Madeline's Madeline as an actress embodies her character on and off the stage. A strange story about a strange actor going to a strange place. Worth renting if you like stories about artistic process.

Tuesday, January 15, 2019

Desk Set

"Be on time. Do your work. Be down at the bar at 5:30." This is the work ethic proclaimed by the boss in Desk Set. As the staff struggles to accept new technology that can replace them, we are treated to clever turns at humor. The love story plays out in a very satisfying way as well. This is a great film to watch at the holidays. A true classic.

Saturday, January 12, 2019

On the Basis of Sex

After loving the documentary RBG, seeing the film On the Basis of Sex was a no-brainer. The film is very specific to Ruth Bader Ginsberg's first discrimination case. She is portrayed as smart, assured and relentless. I would recommend seeing the documentary first.

Thursday, January 10, 2019

What They Had

The heartbreak of dementia is explored in the film What They Had. As the Alzheimer patient moves through her struggles, the family has theirs as well. It plays out with honesty and compassion. This film hit close to home and is very well done.

Wednesday, January 09, 2019

Monsters and Men

The film title Monsters and Men refers to the police in  a racially charged environment. The treatment of young African American men is atrocious. This is an important film.

Tuesday, January 08, 2019

Mid 90s

Coming of age in the film Mid 90s is painful physically and emotionally. A young boy struggles to be heard in his family as well as at school. He struggles to find friends and to relate to those friends in skater culture. The performances of the young actors in this film are excellent. Well done.

Sunday, January 06, 2019

They'll Love Me When I'm Dead

The documentary They'll Love Me When I'm Dead chronicles the film career of Orson Wells. His struggles and triumphs throughout his film making career are chronicled in clips and narration. Good documentary.

Roma

A family and their domestics in Mexico share the screen in the film Roma. There is a distance in the relationships until survival kicks in. Though shot in black and white, this film is warm and full of depth and emotion. There are characters in conflict. There are characters in love. This is a beautiful film with a lot to say. Well done.

Saturday, January 05, 2019

Bird Box

When a mysterious force drives people to suicide in the film Bird Box we see survival techniques in overdrive. The back and forth in the time-line establishes tensions and dread. The solution? Blindfolds. I get it, though it's a bit melodramatic. This film is a good addition to the future-alien-apocalypse genre (is that a genre?) Since it's streaming on Netflix I'm sure I'll watch it again.

Friday, January 04, 2019

A Wedding

The bizarre nature of family and ceremony is explored in A Wedding to a comic degree. Though the situations are exaggerated for comedic effect, you could see a lot of these things happening at a wedding. Maybe just not all of them at one wedding. Very funny film that is worth renting.

Thursday, January 03, 2019

Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale

The Finish tale Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale of the whereabouts and movements of Santa Claus is interesting. The discovery of a community of Santas along with an edgy twist is entertaining and satisfying. And oh those elves! I'm adding this one to my list of Christmas favorites. I really liked this film.

Tuesday, January 01, 2019

Mary Queen of Scots

Costumes for Mary Queen of Scots were on display at The Angelika Film Center in NYC when I was there on Christmas Eve. This whetted my appetite for this period film about the rivalry between Mary Queen of Scots and her cousin Elizabeth. All of the costumes in this film are sumptuous. Makeup and hair are well done also. In travel scenes, the horses set a rhythm for the action. It almost feels choreographed. The power struggle between men and women is explored as well. At one point one of the men exclaims, "I am more than a sire to a mare." Dramatic and heartfelt, I liked this film a lot.