The classic film Holiday takes an interesting look at life choices. A young man wants to be on "holiday" while he is young. Not everyone in his life is supportive of his decision. A charming film.
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
Sunday, December 27, 2020
Wonder Woman 1984
In Wonder Woman 1984 we learn the power of Diana as she is in the year 1984. Saving the world with strength and confidence she is thrilling to watch. The story and stunts are great. It is fun to see her story play out.
Saturday, December 26, 2020
The Apartment
Friday, December 25, 2020
The Bishop's Wife
In The Bishop's Wife an angel's visit changes a couple's perspective and lives. This Christmas classic is very satisfying.
Thursday, December 24, 2020
Critical Thinking
Based on a true story, Critical Thinking is the story of an inner city high school chess team. Their journey is interesting and heartfelt. Watch the credits to see interviews with the actual students. Good film.
Monday, December 21, 2020
Pottersville
Pottersville is an off the wall small town story with a kink. Set at Christmas, this story of mistaken identity is rather entertaining. I got a chuckle out of this quirky comedy.
Sunday, December 20, 2020
White Christmas
I first saw White Christmas on late night television when I was babysitting. This romantic story suited a young teenage me. The music and banter are delightful. A holiday film I enjoy.
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
Dynamic writing, performances and soundtrack make Ma Rainey's Black Bottom a solid portrayal of art, discrimination and principles. So good.
Friday, December 18, 2020
This Christmas
In This Christmas we watch a family's holiday reunion with drama, secrets, loyalty, love and moves...so many moves. The last scene is a gift. I really liked the relationships and how they played into the reunion. Well done.
March of the Wooden Soldiers (Babes in Toyland 1934)
I have a memory of seeing March of the Wooden Soldiers when I was young. I have no idea how I would have seen a 1934 film in the 50s or 60s, but it must have been on network TV during the holiday season. I loved it as a kid and I still like it now. The story is a little off and the villan is scary. It is slapstick and trilling at times. The story is there and the performances stand up. A bit of nostalgia.
Thursday, December 17, 2020
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
In Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey there is lots of creativity, lots of joy, lots of music, lots of dance. There's a lot in this movie, but it all comes down to a lot of heart. Fun Christmas watch.
Christmas on the Square
Christmas on the Square is such a cheesy movie, but I enjoyed it for the cast.
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
Tig
I had a ticket to see Tig Notaro live in PVD in 2020. It was rescheduled twice and ultimately canceled due to the pandemic. The last reschedule date was Dec. 4th so her show has been on my mind. I have seen her live before and really like her comedy. The documentary Tig, is a nice behind the scenes to her career and personal life. Such a talented performer and genuine human. As Tig likes to say, "I guess God was right, I can handle this." I'm a big fan, and I liked this documentary.
Sunday, December 13, 2020
Thursday, December 10, 2020
Wednesday, December 09, 2020
What We Did on Our Holiday
Sunday, December 06, 2020
Mank
An interesting look at film history, Mank covers a lot of ground. This dramatization of the writing of Citizen Kane shows an unattractive side of Hollywood and the early movie making machine. It's not all glamour. There is a constant narration in this film that is a bit much, but there is a lot of explaining to do. The film takes on a lot.
Saturday, December 05, 2020
Thursday, December 03, 2020
It's Always Fair Weather
Great music, dance numbers and charm makes It's Always Fair Weather worth a look. I've never seen anyone tap dance in roller skates or trashcan lids. The editing is creative and makes this fun to watch. Great DVD rental. Watch the extras.
Sunday, November 29, 2020
Hillbilly Elegy
In Hillbilly Elegy we learn that no matter how they behave, family is still family. You choose how to deal with it. A shared legacy is in the hearts of these characters. Based on a memoir, I liked this film.
Thursday, November 26, 2020
Road House
In a bout of nostalgia, I rented Road House to get a little young Patrick Swayze. Playing a bouncer at a bar in Missouri, he keeps order with his martial arts prowess. His performance is strong, sexy and heartfelt. This film is a classic that is worth a watch.
Sunday, November 22, 2020
The Queen's Gambit
I was not expecting there to be so much drama around chess, but The Queen's Gambit proved me wrong. The performances, writing and editing make this series interesting and dramatic. I liked this series a lot.
Saturday, November 21, 2020
My Octopus Teacher
The documentary My Octopus Teacher is fascinating. Beautifully shot. Emotionally narrated. This is a thrilling story I did not expect. Wish I had been able to see this in the theater. Nature up close is amazing, and at times, brutal. I really liked this film.
Friday, November 20, 2020
Thursday, November 19, 2020
Saturday, November 14, 2020
The Current War
The complications of progress are explored in The Current War. A period film about the war of technology. Interesting rental
Amanda Knox
The documentary Amanda Knox chronicles the story of a college student arrested for murder in Italy and her journey to freedom. OK rental if the subject interests you.
Friday, November 13, 2020
Let's Scare Jessica to Death
Thursday, November 12, 2020
To Catch a Thief
In To Catch a Thief a retired burglar must defend his honor and figure out who is framing him. Great performances from Grant and Kelly.
Parting Glances
In Parting Glances a group of friends gather for a going away party. Relationships, careers and family are all discussed with drama, humor. The social commentary is very interesting. We see the 80s in all its glory. Good film, great performances.
Sunday, November 08, 2020
Saturday, November 07, 2020
The Impostors
A silly slapstick ride, The Impostors is jam-packed with talented stars, drama and laughs. A lot of comedy makes this a fun watch.
Friday, November 06, 2020
Wednesday, November 04, 2020
Invasion of the Body Snatchers
Invasion of the Body Snatchers is a great sci-fi, mystery horror film. What's in those pods? Well shot and oh that score. Great rental
Sunday, November 01, 2020
The Long Dumb Road
An odd couple end up on a road trip in The Long Dumb Road. The journey has its ups and downs and a lot of heart. Funny with a touch of raunchy. I liked this movie a lot.
Saturday, October 31, 2020
Pick of the Litter
The Pick of the Litter is a documentary about the work involved in training guide dogs. The amount of work involved for both the dogs and he trainers is impressive. Inspiring and heartfelt rental.
Friday, October 30, 2020
DVD.com in Lock-Down
When I first experienced the Empty Nest in the late 90s I had more time to watch movies. My older daughter was a bit of a cinephile, and I was fascinated when she and her friends would see a film on it's opening weekend. I liked movies, but did not consume them as voraciously as she. As my idle hours increased this changed. I got used to going to the cinema by myself and trips to the video store were frequent. In 2002 my daughter started talking about something called Netflix. I was skeptical of getting DVDs in the mail, but she signed me up as a birthday gift. And what a gift it was! As I merrily scrolled through the library, adding films to my queue, I realized that many titles I tried to find at the video store or the library were now at my fingertips from the comfort of my home. In no time I eased into a routine of renting 3 movies a week. Quite a value and great entertainment.
My other form of movie consumption was the cinema. Every weekend I would follow my daughter's lead and head to that room in the dark to see the latest releases. From big studio blockbusters to art house gems, I was a consumer. If the reviews on a film were so-so I would put the title in my Netflix queue for a low risk, high value viewing at home. Over time, I learned how to get the latest releases and classic gems delivered to my door.
A few years ago, I was approached to be part of a group to promote the newly branded Netflix service dvd.com. Swag arrived at my door and reward points could be earned by posting on social media and participating in activities.#DVDNation #ad I was even fortunate enough to meet the people in this Directors group on a visit to one of the Netflix distribution hubs. Seeing the process of how they turned around thousands of DVDs a day was fascinating. We joked about who had the most movies in their queue and reveled in the joy of our mutual love of film and physical media.
When we went into lock-down in March, the closing of theaters made sense. Though I understood, it left a void in my film world. The comfort that I took in my Netflix subscription was valuable. Movies delivered to my house? Sweet! Since I had been to the hub and knew that they sanitized the discs, I was not worried about exposure. The USPS handled the deliveries like a champ. At first, I leaned toward light fare and comedies, but I was feeling and unsettled restlessness. Renting the 1927 film Wings taught me a lesson. I found comfort in a film made over 90 years ago. The themes of comradery and loyalty, along with some amazing cinematography was very comforting. Then the movie Auntie Mame (1958) was recommended as a movie to watch with the family. Once again I was comforted by a film of a certain age. The movies kept coming and I kept finding satisfaction in films from the 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s. The best part was never leaving the house to get them. The service from the dvd.com hubs and the USPS has been flawless. I have never appreciated their services more. Since March, I have made sure to write my thanks to both the USPS and Netflix on the return envelopes. I hope they know how sincere those messages are. If you love movies DVD.com is the way to go with the best DVD library around and unbeatable service. Thanks so much to Netflix!
The Spiral Staircase (1946)
Halloween season is the perfect time to watch The Spiral Staircase. Trapped in a house with a serial killer, a young woman is in peril. This is a perfectly crafted thriller. Great rental for this scary season.
Thursday, October 29, 2020
Sunday, October 25, 2020
The People Under the Stairs
If you like something creepy with a touch of social justice check out The People Under the Stairs. Wes Craven takes us to a house and a hidden world that becomes an unexpected adventure to make things right. Well done.
Friday, October 23, 2020
The Hot Rock
The Hot Rock is a classic heist film with a great cast. Films from the 70s hit a chord with me through the cars, hair and clothes. Seriously, what was going on with Redford's hair? There are a lot of bare chests in this film as well. Some good, some not so much. Sad what they did to that Mustang and I question the handling ability of that Mercedes. The driving sequences are harrowing, sometimes terrifying. The lower Manhattan skyline with the Twin Towers under construction really set us in the time period of the early 70s. I really liked this film.
Thursday, October 22, 2020
Being There
The film Being There is an interesting exploration of what's real. The most realistic quote in this film is, "All you've got to be is white in America to get whatever you want." This film has a lot of heart and the ending is the "aha" moment. The performances and story are so good and so satisfying. I really liked this movie.
Sunday, October 18, 2020
The Trial of the Chicago 7
If you like historical drama, The Trial of the Chicago 7 portrays an important time in American history. Excellent film. Outstanding performances. Disturbing look at our justice system. "The whole world is watching." Well done.
Saturday, October 17, 2020
The Hospital
In The Hospital things just keep going wrong. The distortion of power and bureaucracy is depicted well. I saw this in the theater back in the day and it still holds up. Outstanding performances.
Inheritance
Not every Inheritance is about money. A
mystery man surfaces after a wealthy man dies. Who he is and why he's
there makes for a mystery that takes some startling turns. I liked this movie a lot, but it's pretty bizarre.I liked it.
Friday, October 16, 2020
Thursday, October 15, 2020
Making The Boys
Making the Boys is an excellent documentary about making The Boys in the Band, both the play and the film. Mart Crowley tells the story along with the cast and collaborators. The film is personal and powerful. Great rental.
Monday, October 12, 2020
No Time for Sergeants
The classic No Time for Sergeants is a military themed comedy. The interactions between all of the different personalities makes for very funny scenes. This is a great cast. Very entertaining.
Saturday, October 10, 2020
Charlie's Angels (2019)
The 2019 version of Charlie's Angels is a cool action film that stays true to the source material...and then some. The story is interesting and the chase and fight scenes rock. Well done. Good rental.
Friday, October 09, 2020
Winter Kills
I got classic 70s vibes from the drama Winter Kills. Wardrobe and cars are spot on. Basically, this is a murder mystery that goes many different ways. I won't spoil it, but there is a yellow Pinto in a chase scene. The last half hour is the best part of the film. Wonderful performances.
Monday, October 05, 2020
Dirty Grandpa
In Dirty Grandpa a hijacked road trip is played for laughs. A raunchy ride with a sweet spot. I liked this one more than I expected to.
Sunday, October 04, 2020
Dick Johnson is Dead
A unique look at end of life, Dick Johnson is Dead is a sweet tribute to the film maker's father. Lots of heart. Lots of humor. Lots of love. Long live Dick Johnson.
Saturday, October 03, 2020
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
Songs My Brothers Taught Me
Songs My Brothers Taught me is a poignant story of life decisions, consequences, love and family. Beautifully shot. "And when the wind is too strong we all know to lean into it so it don't blow us away."
Sunday, September 27, 2020
Never Rarely Sometimes Always
The portrayal of young relationships in Never Rarely Sometimes Always is very poignant. From romantic, to friendships, to authorities the perceptions run the gamut. The performances given by the young actors in this difficult story are excellent.
Friday, September 25, 2020
I Love You to Death
As dark comedies go, I Love You to Death is a good one. When a womanizer's wife gets fed up, things don't quite go according to plan. The humor lies in the failures. Great performances.
Saturday, September 19, 2020
The High Note
In The High Note we get a story of music, determination and principles set in the music industry. The star is played by Tracee Ellis Ross, daughter of Diana Ross, who is a wonderful singer in her own right. I was happy to see in promotional interviews, that her Mom liked the film.
Friday, September 18, 2020
Barbarella
Barbarella is considered a cult classic. It is a sci-fi ride with strong sexual content. The absurd elements made me laugh, though I'm not sure that was the intent. The special effects are impressive for the time. I saw the original costumes that Jane Fonda wore at an art exhibit a few years ago. Still sexy today.
Wednesday, September 16, 2020
Ready or Not
I wasn't sure what to expect going into the film Ready or Not. I got a wild horror-thriller with great performances and a warped sense of family. Violent and dark with a bizarre ending. If you like horror this is a good rental.
Tuesday, September 15, 2020
Sunday, September 13, 2020
Anatamy of a Murder
The film Anatomy of a Murder is an All-star courtroom drama with a bit of a twist. Victim shaming is in high gear, so are the lies. Excellent film, a classic drama.
I'm Thinking of Ending Things
The less you know going into I'm Thinking of Ending Things, the better. It is as trippy as you would expect a Kaufman film to be. So strange. The script and performances are outstanding, but the interpretation is up to the viewer. I loved the ballet. This film benefits on multiple viewings.
The Adventures of Robin Hood
I have always heard a lot of references to Errol Flynn, but I had never sat down with one of his films. Watching The Adventures of Robin Hood, I now understand what all the fuss was about. His charm, charisma and physical prowess are dynamic on the screen. He lights up the screen in every scene he's in. The swashbuckling is no joke. I really enjoyed this film and his performance.
Saturday, September 12, 2020
First Cow
First Cow is a story of survival and friendship. A cow is central to a simple economy
and two men work toward capitalizing on that. A bit slow, but intriguing
and thoughtful. Beautifully shot in the woods of Oregon. There is corny humor as well.
"What do a beggar and a baker have in common? They both need bread."
"Which side of the tree is best for branches? The outside."
I liked this film.
Friday, September 11, 2020
Bad Education
Based on a true story, Bad Education is a tale of secrets, deception and a lot of money. Excellent performances. Good rental.
Thursday, September 10, 2020
Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band
The documentary Once Were Brothers follows The Band in Robbie Robertson's words. Lots of photos, archival footage and interviews. Cool music history. Good rental.
"The creative process is trying to catch yourself off guard...just see what happens." ~ Robbie Robertson
Wednesday, September 09, 2020
The Birdman of Alcatraz
Based on an interesting true story, in Birdman of Alcatraz a convicted murderer becomes an expert on birds while in prison. This film has very cool cinematography and great performances. This is a classic worth seeing.
Monday, September 07, 2020
Dial M for Murder
In Dial M for Murder a man decides that the revenge for his wife's indiscretion is murder. This film is highly stylized and well written. The intrigue makes this a satisfying mystery. I especially loved the costumes. This is one of Hitchcock's best thrillers.
Alice At the Palace
Alice at the Palace is a delightful adaptation of Alice in Wonderland from the New York
Shakespeare Theater circa 1982. It is dynamic and creative with wonderful
songs.There are also familiar faces that made this fun to watch.
Corvette Summer
The search for a stolen car sets up the events in the film Corvette Summer. The steps and mis-steps are entertaining. This is worth a watch just to see a very young Mark Hamil and Annie Potts.
Divine Madness
The concert movie Divine Madness brings us Bette Midler at her finest. The staging of this is divine, the performance is divine, the artist is divine. The film is well named. I especially liked the the last half hour. What a performance.
Sunday, September 06, 2020
Falsettos
Oh the talent in the 2016 revival of Falsettos. Thanks to a subscription to Broadway HD that I was gifted, I was able to enjoy this gem at home. The unique staging, the wonderful music, a heartfelt story of love and life and performances that knock it out of the park made this a true joy. What a musical!
All That Jazz
Every once in a while you need a little Fosse. All That Jazz delivers in the story of his life through the character Joe Gideon. Based on Bob Fosse's life and persona, we follow his struggles and his triumphs. In his personal and professional endeavors there is plenty of drama, humor and dance. Awesome performances make this classic easy to enjoy.
Saturday, September 05, 2020
The Art of the Steal
Politics, art and money makes the documentary The Art of the Steal a compelling story. Real-life drama and scheming around a valuable art collection has intriguing ins and outs. This is a very interesting film.
Friday, September 04, 2020
Bring it On
For the first hour of Bring It On I figured that I'm just too old to appreciate it. As the story of competition and fair-play unfolded, my interest grew. The last half hour the story really brings it. Very satisfying.
Thursday, September 03, 2020
The Outpost
War stories are rough. The Outpost is a story of soldiers fighting in Afghanistan under less than optimal conditions. Poor equipment, missed communications and longing for home, these soldiers brave a lot. Impressive and intense story.
Monday, August 24, 2020
Arsenic and Old Lace
The philosophy in Arsenic and Old Lace is, "What we've been doing is a mercy." This film was probably the first dark comedy I saw. Well worth a re-watch. So funny. So weird. So clever. A true classic.
Sunday, August 23, 2020
American Son
The story told in the film American Son is disturbing. This is an important film regarding race and justice. The situation is compounded by a broken relationship. This must have been so powerful live on Broadway. I am grateful that this film is available on Netflix, I hope a lot of people see it.
Thursday, August 20, 2020
Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Verdon
Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Verdon is a crazy horror mockumentary with a classic cameo. Every trope is explored. Decent rental.
Sunday, August 16, 2020
The Old Guard
I usually don't like battle scenes with immortals, but the fight choreography in The Old Guard is outstanding. Theron and Layne are great as the heroes protecting the world as they know it. This movie is worth a watch.
Saturday, August 15, 2020
Guns Akimbo
A violent video game turns real life in Guns Akimbo. The story moves fast and the stakes are high. Violent and bloody, this is a crazy ride.
Fear City: New York vs The Mafia
Fear City: New York vs The Mafia is a docu-series chronicling the history of mafia activity in NYC in the 70s and 80s. The structure of the organization and how the feds went after them is intriguing. This is a little drawn out but interesting.
Friday, August 14, 2020
Downhill
When 2 high profile comedic actors are cast as a couple in Downhill, a light comedy is expected. Not here. These comedic
actors handle serious roles well in a story of a relationship on
the rocks. This is a heavy drama that's uncomfortable to watch. One of
the final scenes is a good example of use your words. This is a powerful drama.
"If you don't like the way that I look at you, then show me something different."
Thursday, August 13, 2020
Trolls World Tour
Music with a message delivers in Trolls World Tour. The messages? Tolerance, diversity, kindness, friendship, creativity and unity. It feels like a lot at some points, but the heart of the Trolls are in the right place. This is a cute movie.
Sunday, August 09, 2020
John and Yoko: Above Us Only Sky
The documentary John and Yoko: Above Us Only Sky is the gentle story of the making of the album Imagine. The story of the collaboration between John Lennon and Yoko Ono is interesting and creative. The archival footage is fascinating and comforting. A lovely piece of music history.
Planet of the Apes (1968)
The film Planet of the Apes ventures into so many genres. Drama. Sci-fi. Adventure. Politics. Justice. Social Commentary. This futuristic society with apes as the dominant race and humans as the underlings is very well formed. The script is profound and dramatic. It's impressive how quoted it is. A true classic. Well worth watching.
The Birds
I re-watched The Birds and was impressed with how this film holds up. The story is rather strange, but the quirky factors give a very disturbing situation a touch of charm. The production value is excellent. This film is dramatically shot. There is suspense and drama galore.I liked this film when I first saw it decades ago and I'm even more impressed with it now.
Saturday, August 08, 2020
Thursday, August 06, 2020
The Underneath
In The Underneath this story goes from family drama to heist thriller. A gambling addict returns to his hometown and tries to make up to family and friends. This is an interesting film telling an interesting story with a few twists. Decent rental.
Tuesday, August 04, 2020
Making Mr. Right
A
scientist creates an android in his image for space exploration in Making Mr. Right. In the
process, social situations are explored and relationships develop. Fun,
sweet, funny, sweet, thoughtful, sweet, clever and did I mention sweet?
John Malkovich gives a brilliant dual performance.This is a very entertaining film.
Sunday, August 02, 2020
Saturday, August 01, 2020
The Great Race
The Great Race is an adventure in competition, mayhem, romance and some of the funniest fight scenes on screen. This film is a classic and a very fun ride!
Friday, July 31, 2020
To Die For
Monday, July 27, 2020
Sunday, July 26, 2020
Saturday, July 25, 2020
Ball of Fire
The Best Years of Our Lives
In The Best Years of Our Lives military men return to their civilian lives after surviving the horror of war. Their relationships are challenged and they persevere. This drama is heartfelt and honest. I liked this classic a lot more than I expected.
Thursday, July 23, 2020
Pecker
A young man finds fame in the film Pecker and it is quite a lesson for all involved. His passion and talent for photography brings a notoriety that all involved must figure out how to deal with in the art world. Themes of creativity, family, friendship, fame, exploitation, community, kindness and loyalty are woven well in this entertaining, risque story. Thank you John Waters.
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
Spaceballs
The sci-fi parody Spaceballs is a fun ride. The galaxy is so funny and the characters are so goofy. I watched this movie when I needed a good laugh, and boy did it deliver! So silly. So good.
Tuesday, July 21, 2020
Inside Daisy Clover
The making of a star is told in Inside Daisy Clover. Daisy has high aspirations and she achieves many of them. The Hollywood star-system is her nemesis, but she deals with it as best she can. "I'll bet my simple healthy instincts against your any day." Natalie Wood is elegant, even as a feisty tomboy, and there is a haircut that comes full circle. There is no lack of drama and the performances are excellent. I liked this film a lot.
Monday, July 20, 2020
Teddy Bear
You would not expect the story of a young bodybuilder to be told in a film titled Teddy Bear, but it turns out to be very fitting. The bodybuilder is socially awkward, but longs for connection. He is fine in the comfort of the gym, but struggles in day to day encounters. His Mother holds him back from getting out in the world unless it is for a competition. When he ventures outside of his comfort zone, he ultimately finds what he is looking for. This story is very sweet and well told. I liked this film a lot.
Sunday, July 19, 2020
The Trapeze
The ambition of a performer leads to some harrowing situations in The Trapeze. The result is a love triangle with lots of drama. The story is simple, emotional and predictable. The aerial work is astounding. This was a fun film.
Harvey
The classic film Harvey is about a lot of things. Control, societal norms and keeping up appearances make people think that Elwood P. Dowd is crazy, when what really motivates him is kindness. People judging things they don't understand get a good hard look. This film is a good lesson in compassion.
Saturday, July 18, 2020
What's Up Doc?
Movies like What's Up Doc? remind me of what a good comedic actress Barbra Streisand is. The mayhem caused by a robbery, identical overnight bags and some snappy dialog make this a delight to watch. The sincerity of Streisand's character, and the way she delivers her lines moves the madcap story along at a good clip, and never misses a laugh. I thought this was a very funny film.
Thursday, July 16, 2020
Mame
Saturday, July 11, 2020
Mucho Mucho Amour: The Legend of Walter Mercado
The story of Walter Mercado in Mucho Mucho Amour: The Legend of Walter Mercado is a love letter to passion. This creative, enthusiastic, upbeat person had a very popular TV show where he would work his magic. He had flair, a distinctive style and was beloved. This is an uplifting documentary.
Ride with the Devil
The
brutality of the Civil War is brought to the screen in vivid detail in Ride with the Devil. There are lots of guns, lots of hatred. This film is beautifully shot, with excellent performances, but this is tough one.
Friday, July 10, 2020
Jackie Brown
The film Jackie Brown gives us a strong, no-nonsense woman. This is a story of cons conning the cons in a brilliant web of dialogue, performance, music and violence. Pam Greer shines in this crime film. Well done.
Sunday, July 05, 2020
Dangerous When Wet
In the film Dangerous When Wet I learned of the talents of Ester Williams. Not only was she a phenomenal swimmer, but a talented actress. Her natural charm plays well on the screen in the story of a young woman attempting to swim the English Channel. It is a family venture and we are treated to a story of ambition, hard work, romance, adventure and accomplishment. This is a very entertaining film with a fun animated sequence. I liked this film a lot.
The Private Files of J. Edgar Hoover
For more history, The Private Files of J. Edgar Hoover takes us to all of the messy situations in government under 8 administrations. The FBI was Hoover's world and he ran it his way. A lot of these situations don't seem much different from present day politics. This is a film full of real life drama. Well done.
Saturday, July 04, 2020
The Great Escape
Friday, July 03, 2020
Father of the Bride (1950)
Spencer Tracy shines in Father of the Bride (1950). The dated view of women and relationships is a little hard to take, but if viewed in the setting of the times it feels historic. Elizabeth Taylor shows why she was a big star. The tropes of wedding angst are played for entertainment. I liked this film.
Hamilton
In 2016 I fell in love with the cast recording of the Broadway musical Hamilton. The compelling story of Alexander Hamilton and the birth of a nation is full of drama, battles, love and scandal. These elements make for perfect theater. The team that put the musical together filmed one of the last performances of the original cast. In 2019 I was treated to a performance of Hamilton on Broadway in NYC, and later that year, saw a road production with the Angelica Company. Such a delight. The film was sold to Disney and the original plan for releasing the film was a theatrical release in the fall of 2020. When Broadway shut down in March of 2020 and we were trapped in lock-down by a pandemic, they decided to release the film to Disney + on July 3rd. That morning I woke at 6am and watched the film. What a pleasure to watch the original cast work inside a piece they had been performing for over a year. I'm glad that I saw this in the theater, because the sets and movement around the set is hard to capture in a film. They concentrated on the story and the performances. It is such a joy to be able to watch this whenever I want. Thanks to the creators and Disney +.
Thursday, July 02, 2020
Blazing Saddles
One of the first risque movies that I saw in the theater was Blazing Saddles. So edgy, so inappropriate, so funny. Watching it now, much of the humor is cringe-worthy, but somehow, still very finny. Not your typical western. The finale is off the rails. This movie still makes me laugh.
Wednesday, July 01, 2020
A New Leaf
In A New Leaf we have a scoundrel, a wealthy man who as lost everything. His solution? Marry a rich woman. The premise is unseemly, but is carried off by the performance and writing of Elaine May. This is a very dark comedy that is well crafted.
Sunday, June 28, 2020
The Watermelon Woman
A creative deep dive into film history is the base of The Watermelon Woman. Researching an actress from the 30s, sheds an unexpected light for an industrious film maker. The detailed fictional creation of what-if is very satisfying. I especially liked the surprise revelations. Good film.
Word is Out
The stories of a group of gay and lesbian people in the documentary Word Is Out are powerful and important. Made in 1977, one of the subjects referred to "faggotry in the late '50s" as sissy, lilies, pansies, limp wrist, faggoty. This terminology was jarring to me, and drove home one of the levels of disrespect that is experienced. There are also stories of human rights issues that are just as problematic and need to be addressed. Over the years, some have, but there is still work to be done. This is an important documentary for awareness and activism. wordisoutmovie.com
Thursday, June 25, 2020
Brockmire
Sunday, June 21, 2020
Topper
There is a charm to Topper that is extraordinary. The story of a charismatic couple meeting their demise and then roaming the earth as spirits, has the perfect level of whimsy and humor. Their banter as they move from situation to situation shows their devotion to each other and their love of the life they have left. I saw this film as a kid and I think it was the first time I heard the word ectoplasm. This film has a lot of creativity and joy. Fun film.
Summer Stock
On an invitation by her sister, in Summer Stock a young woman lets a group of performers use their farm to stage their performances. The line between the survival of the farm and putting on a musical becomes blurred by best of intentions. Two different goals must be met and the conflicts supply the drama and comedy. The music, dance and performances of both are great.
Friday, June 19, 2020
Saint Frances
A ways into the film Saint Frances I thought to myself, "Frances is no saint." A relationship develops and evolves. Things don't always go right and consequences are real. For all of the uncomfortable moments, there is satisfaction. Good rental.
Thursday, June 18, 2020
Love Jones
In Love Jones the exploration of love and sex are given a lot of thought and discussion. Are they in love? Is it just chemistry? This is a very thoughtful, honest love story. Well done.
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
Victim
The fear of discrimination lies in the motivations of the characters in the film Victim. Blackmail and injustice make for high drama. The performances in this film are great. Lifestyle and morals play a big part in 60s London. My favorite line? "If you're old enough to vote, you're old enough to choose your own way of life." Good film.
Sunday, June 14, 2020
Da 5 Bloods
The post-Vietnam war story Da 5 Bloods starts as a reunion and turns into a treasure hunt. There is high drama when the soldiers return to Vietnam to find a treasure. There is camaraderie and betrayal, violence and compassion. This was an adventure I did not expect. The writing, directing, music and performances are outstanding. Worth a look.
Our Betters
In a story of class and infidelity Our Betters looks at whether the upper class is really better. In what way? The characters are awful, yet make excuses. The subject matter is disturbing, but the performances and costumes are great.
Friday, June 12, 2020
The Shawshank Redemption
I saw The Shawshank Redemption many years ago, I knew I liked it, but had forgotten many of the details. On a re-watch, this film really holds up. The story of friendship, rehabilitation, perseverance and escape is compelling. The performances are great. I can see why people watch this film over and over. It's that good.
Thursday, June 11, 2020
The Addams Family
After listening to interviews with both Angelika Houston and Barry Levinson, I realized that I had never seen The Addams Family. The lives of the Addams' is funny and also rather sweet for a family of horror figures. When con-artists try to get at the family fortune, hilarity ensues. This film is very clever and very entertaining.
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
Love Story
Love Story was a book I read over and over when I was in middle school. It was made into the film Love Story in 1970. The brash characters' story of falling in love, captures a clash of class and culture. It takes a tragic turn, but love is always the centerpiece. This film still holds up.
Tuesday, June 09, 2020
Sunday, June 07, 2020
The Lovebirds
Cleopatra (1963)
Friday, June 05, 2020
Clueless (1995)
Thursday, June 04, 2020
Mata Hari (1931)
Wednesday, June 03, 2020
Last Christmas
Sunday, May 31, 2020
Funny Girl
Saturday, May 30, 2020
Boy
The Last Word
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
Hannah Gadsby: Douglas
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
The Half of It
In a present-day version of Cyrano, The Half of It has a young girl helping a fellow student woo a girl that she has a crush on. The character of Ellie is so charming and endearing and she really carries the story and the film. This is a wonderful film.
Monday, May 25, 2020
Lost Girls
The Red Shoes (1948)
Sunday, May 24, 2020
Million Dollar Mermaid
Saturday, May 23, 2020
The Third Man
Janie Jones
Friday, May 22, 2020
Mikey and Nicky
Thursday, May 21, 2020
Sullivan's Travels
Sunday, May 17, 2020
The Photograph
Strangers on the Train
Saturday, May 16, 2020
Top Hat
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
The Night of the Hunter
Sunday, May 10, 2020
Saturday, May 09, 2020
Jerry Seinfeld: 23 Hours to Kill
Heathers
Gypsy (1962)
Friday, May 08, 2020
M*A*S*H
Thursday, May 07, 2020
Drop Dead Gorgeous (2010)
Saturday, May 02, 2020
Sweet Charity
A Star Is Born (1937)
Thursday, April 30, 2020
His Girl Friday
Sunday, April 26, 2020
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi
A Star Is Born (1954)
Saturday, April 25, 2020
Prizzi's Honor
Thursday, April 23, 2020
Arthur
Saturday, April 18, 2020
Crip Camp
Friday, April 17, 2020
The Devil Wears Prada
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice
Sunday, April 12, 2020
Horse Girl
Friday, April 10, 2020
Heaven Can Wait
Desperately Seeking Susan
Thursday, April 09, 2020
Sweet Smell of Success
Sunday, April 05, 2020
Wings (1927)
Friday, April 03, 2020
Thief
Thursday, April 02, 2020
Auntie Mame
Saturday, March 28, 2020
Wait Until Dark
Friday, March 27, 2020
Fresh Dressed
"Fashion is about authentic expression." ~ Damon Dash
"To be fresh is to be recognized." ~ Pusha T