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.