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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.