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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.