Watching the kidnap thriller Kindred, I realize that the hallucinations are not as mysterious as they appear. This film has an unfortunate ending.
Thursday, June 17, 2021
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
Monday, June 14, 2021
No Straight Lines: The Rise of Queer Comics
A cool look at five LGBTQ+ comic book artists through their careers and their art. No Straight Lines: The Rise of Queer Comics is a great documentary.
Friday, June 11, 2021
In the Heights
Happy and hopeful, In the Heights is a journey of joy. The lives of the community in Washington Heights in New York City is presented with song and dance. The colors are vibrant. I explored the neighborhood, and the film depicts it well. This is a wonderful film that holds up to multiple views. It was my first visit to the theater since lockdown and I'm pleased with my choice. Well worth seeing.
Thursday, June 10, 2021
Wednesday, June 09, 2021
Crazy Mama
Cloris Leachman is brandishing pistols and kicking ass to save the family farm in Crazy Mama. This film is a fantastic wild ride. Full of action, humor and heart. What a great rental.
Monday, June 07, 2021
Air Guitar Nation
The documentary Air Guitar Nation follows a very specific competition. The passion of the performers is impressive. Just goes to show that there is a world for everyone.
Sunday, June 06, 2021
Tig Notaro: Boyish Girl Interrupted
The stand up special Boyish Girl Interrupted is Tig Notaro and her signature style. I enjoy her comedy and enjoyed this special.
Saturday, June 05, 2021
Bo Burnam: Inside
Emotions surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown are discussed by Bo Burnahm in the special Inside. This is a creative cathartic performance that reminds us what a profound effect isolation has. Well done. Thanks Bo.
Jawbreaker
In the film Jawbreaker a kidnaping goes horribly wrong, and a group of awful high school students scramble to cover up their dastardly deeds. A dark comedy I'm glad I rented this film.
Thursday, June 03, 2021
Wednesday, June 02, 2021
Dance, Girl, Dance
Tuesday, June 01, 2021
A Quiet Place Part II
After 2 tries (I walked out of a crowded theater yesterday) I have finally returned to the movies. Know your comfort level. I started where I left off. The last film I saw before lockdown was Portrait of a Lady on Fire at Mystic Luxury Theater. Today, 15 months later, I saw A Quiet Place Part II at Mystic Luxury Theater. There were a handful of people spread out around the theater, the film was great and I enjoyed a beverage and popcorn to make the experience complete. The staff seemed so happy to see people (tip your servers) and it just felt good. The film? A solid scary story. The less you know going in, the better. I got my share of jump-scares, monsters and rescues. It was a cool movie afternoon.
Sunday, May 30, 2021
Katherine Hepburn: All About Me
Kathryn Hepburn: All About Me is a detailed look at the life and career of Katheryn Hepburn in her own words. A lovely documentary.
Mighty Joe Young
In Mighty Joe Young the technology for 1949 is impressive. The story of white men exploiting and abusing animals is disturbing. Fire scene is especially dramatic and epic. What a classic.
Friday, May 28, 2021
Baby Doll
Controversial in its day, Baby Doll, a Tennessee Williams revenge story, directed by Elia Kazan, is mild by today's standards. Performances, music, cinematography, sound design and direction are all rather brilliant. Well worth watching the "making of" featurette. Glad I rented this film. "We got nothing to do but wait for tomorrow and see if we're remembered or forgotten."
Thursday, May 27, 2021
The Last Shift
By no stretch of the imagination is The Last Shift a comedy. It is a rather somber comment on the state of the world. Good performances, but this film goes nowhere.
Wednesday, May 26, 2021
Tuesday, May 25, 2021
The Father
In The Father we are drawn into the mind of a man dealing with age and dementia. Battling to figure out what is real and what is not, this film does an artful job of portraying his struggles. This is a little confusing, until you figure out what the point of view is. Excellent film.
Thursday, May 20, 2021
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
Saturday, May 15, 2021
The Mauritanian
Based on a true story, The Mauritanian is a sad story of injustice. Hard to watch, but this is an important story to tell.
Thursday, May 13, 2021
Breaking News in Yuba County
Breaking News in Yuba County is a dark comedy with a wild premise. A wild ride well worth taking. Great cast.
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome
After watching the documentary Tina, it only made sense to see Mad Max Thunderdome. I forgot how cool and intense this movie is. Holds up.
Monday, May 10, 2021
Victor Victoria
A female soprano struggles to find work in Victor Victoria. When she finally does, it affects her personal life. Excellent drama with many comedic moments. Worth a watch.
Saturday, May 08, 2021
Alliance
I had the privilege of seeing Alliance on Broadway HD. In this time of lockdown it felt like a treat. Beautiful performances tell a harrowing story. I'm glad I had the opportunity to see it.
Resistance
The film Resistance tells the true story of Marcel Marceau helping the Fresh Resistance in World War II. It is a powerful story. Well done.
Thursday, May 06, 2021
Brother to Brother
The film Brother to Brother is a current day drama with roots in the Harlem renaissance. Brutal and honest. Good film.
Tuesday, May 04, 2021
Monday, May 03, 2021
Money Plane
Rob a casino? Sure. In the air? What!?! Full of criminals? Uh oh. The movie Money Plane takes a different turn on the heist story with pretty good results. This was a decent rental.
Sunday, May 02, 2021
The Mitchell's vs the Machines
In The Mitchell's vs the Machines we go on an adventure with a family and not everyone wants to be there. The is teen angst, awkward Dad moments and family dynamics that are easy to relate to. Then they meet the machines... This movie is funny, action-packed and very heartfelt. I liked it a lot.
Saturday, May 01, 2021
Godzilla: King of the Monsters (1956)
In Godzilla:King of the Monsters Godzilla wreaks havoc. This early monster movie has impressive effects for 1956. Raymond Burr's character is intense, as reporter Steve Martin. I liked this film a lot.
Friday, April 30, 2021
Something Wicked This Way Comes
In Something Wicked This Way Comes there's a lot to unpack. Family, age, regret, desire, good vs evil, power. Impressive special effects. Well done and very dramatic, but a bit intense for a PG rating. Good rental
Thursday, April 29, 2021
The Wolfpack
The Wolfpack is a documentary with a lot of layers. A group of brothers, raised in an apartment in NYC, with no exposure to the outside world, emerge in a wonderful way. If you see this on DVD watch the extras. I feel that the final message of this story is "be happy." Good documentary.
Collective
The documentary Collective explores healthcare fraud in Romania. The results are disturbing and sad.
Monday, April 26, 2021
Sunday, April 25, 2021
Pinocchio (2020)
This version of Pinocchio is creepier than most, but it sticks to the classic story. The makeup and costumes are very good. Worthy of the Oscar nominations. An interesting take that could be too intense for little ones.
Wednesday, April 21, 2021
Spontaneous
The crazy events in Spontaneous seem to be a metaphor for what is going on inside the teen mind during pandemic. Ideas of uncertainty and death can weigh heavy on the mind. This is an unusual story with a lot of drama to struggle for survival and a little humor. Interesting film.
Sunday, April 18, 2021
Jack and the Beanstalk (1952)
I saw the 1952 version of Jack and the Beanstalk on TV when I was a kid. The comedy duo of Abbott and Costello, along with a stellar cast, bring this children's story to life in a wonderful way. I'm glad that it was available on TCM to revisit. Well done.
Friday, April 16, 2021
The Muppets Take Manhattan
A Muppet classic, The Muppets Take Manhattan is so much fun. Earnest and funny with great cameos. Fun rental.
21 Bridges
21 Bridges is a disturbing conspiracy story with a lot of WTF moments. set in NYC, how do you shut down 21 bridges? Dramatic and intense. High level police drama. Good rental.
Thursday, April 15, 2021
This is a Robbery
The series This is a Robbery brings an unsolved art robbery to life. So interesting. So Boston. So mysterious. For Isabel Stewart Gardner, being eccentric was a way of getting out of the house circa 1903. In a 1990 robbery 13 pieces of her art collection were stolen. Fascinating story. Famous last words? "Nothing happens on nightwatch..."
Wednesday, April 14, 2021
The Children's Hour
In the film The Children's Hour a malicious act destroys lives. The performances are outstanding and the story is so disturbing. Worth watching.
The Mole Agent
The humanity in the documentary The Mole Agent is so heartwarming. What starts as a story about an investigation, ends up as a story of compassion and friendship. Very worthy of the Oscar nomination. I liked this doc.
Sunday, April 11, 2021
Saturday, April 10, 2021
Good Omens
David Tennant and Michael Sheen bring so much charm to the Good Omens series. Good and evil bump up against each other as the end of the world approaches. Well done.
"I do not endorse everyday sexism."
Friday, April 09, 2021
Love and Monsters
I watched Love and Monsters because it was Oscar nominated for visual effects. This is a rather forgettable quest movie, but there were a few quips that struck me.
Q: "What if I have terrible Instincts?"
A: :You'll die."
~ "You traveled 85 miles across hell, I think I can stop 3 assholes."
Genius: Aretha
Watching the life story of Aretha Franklin in the Genius TV series is so satisfying. Cynthia Erivo portrays the Queen of Soul in in a powerful way. Having seen Erivo live on Broadway a few years ago, I really appreciated this performance. Worth watching.
Thursday, April 08, 2021
The Onion Field
The murder of a police officer sets off a crime drama in The Onion Field. This story runs high in emotions and manipulation of the legal system. This film is intense and disturbing. Well done.
Sunday, April 04, 2021
Our Friend
The life of Nicole Teague is the inspiration for the film Our Friend. This film is a tribute to Nicole, friendship and loyalty. It is respectfully done with a big heart. Lovely film.
Saturday, April 03, 2021
Never Too Late: The Doc Severinson Story
The documentary Never Too Late: The Doc Severinson Story is an inspiring look a musical master. Doc Severinson's life and career is fascinating too me. What a talent. Excellent documentary.
Friday, April 02, 2021
The Lavender Hill Mob
The Lavender Hill Mob is a charming, classic heist film. Fun to watch Sir Alec Guinness young with the same voice. I really liked this movie.
Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
Brilliant in many ways, Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolff? is a roller coaster ride of events and emotions. The performances are electric and the story is wild. I love this film.
Wednesday, March 31, 2021
Godzilla vs Kong
The monster movie Godzilla vs Kong met all of my expectations. So many battles! The Kong CGI is great. There is a butt scratch, a great reaction to snow and so much saliva in that roar. Monster movies scratch a certain itch for me, especially when the human says, "Oh shit...." Well done.
Monday, March 29, 2021
Sunday, March 28, 2021
Another Round
Alcohol abuse is the result of a social experiment among some Danish teachers in the film Another Round. This film is an interesting take on relationships, confidence, friendship and substance abuse. A surprisingly inspiring dance sequence is a highlight in this film.
Saturday, March 27, 2021
Tenet
Tenet was a difficult film to watch both technically and conceptually. I struggled to understand the plot and its time-jump theory. "You have a future in the past." I also struggled to understand the characters speaking with gas-masks, mumbling and competing with the sound track. The sound mix was way off in my opinion. The visual effects were good, but that's about it. Frustrating rental.
Thursday, March 25, 2021
News of the World
The film News of the World is a historical reminder of how hard communication and life was. This is an old timey road trip well told. The extra feature about the Kiowa is especially heartwarming.
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Extra Ordinary
Extra Ordinary is a paranormal adventure with a sweet center. The humor is dark, but it suits the story. Well written and performed, this one is clever and funny. Good rental.
Monday, March 22, 2021
The White Tiger
The White Tiger is a story of clawing out of poverty. Drama ensues. Not for the faint of heart. Excellent film.
Sunday, March 21, 2021
The One and Only Ivan
The One and Only Ivan is a story about animal protection. I'm not always a fan of talking animals in movies, but the CGI is good and so is the voice acting. The story of "400 pounds of pure power" is based on a true story. The Big Top Mall is quite a concept. Good movie.
The Last Blockbuster
"Make it a Blockbuster night". The Last Blockbuster is a documentary that captures the nostalgia of the physical act of going into a Blockbuster store. Browsing around, chatting with other customers, the kid at the register, the smell of candy and popcorn. I miss it. Good doc.
Saturday, March 20, 2021
A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon
Friday, March 19, 2021
Promising Young Woman
The film A Promising Young Woman portrays reactions to misogyny, sexual assault and injustice. The way we turn our heads on hurtful behavior is put under a magnifying glass, as it should. This is a heartbreaking story very well told.
Mulan (2020)
The animated film Mulan is one of the few Disney films I had not seen. The more recent live action version does the Chinese folk-lore proud. I loved the music. Well done.
Better Off Dead
Thursday, March 18, 2021
Miss Stevens
When Miss Stevens chaperones high school students to a drama competition, we get a story set in a high school environment with very real characters and situations. There is a struggle between adult and adolescent behavior. The performances elevate the plot which did not go where I expected. That was refreshing. Good film.
The Sunshine Boys
In The Sunshine Boys two comedic geniuses reunite for a TV show. The problem? They hate each other. This situation is played for big laughs in this very funny film. A pleasure.
Wednesday, March 17, 2021
Over the Moon
Loosely based on Chinese legend, Over the Moon is a sweet story with vivid animation, beautiful music and a big heart. I'm glad that it got an Oscar nomination.
Sunday, March 14, 2021
Saturday, March 13, 2021
Made You Look: A True Story About Fake Art
The documentary Made You Look: A True Story About Fake Art dives into the story of art fraud in NYC. Fascinating story.
Friday, March 12, 2021
Framing Brittney Spears
The documentary Framing Brittney Spears is a sad story of control, money and abuse. Very troubling.
Wednesday, March 10, 2021
Miss Juneteenth
Dreams, expectations, family dynamics and hard work play their parts in the strong coming of age story Miss Juneteenth. A young woman works toward her own identity despite her well-intentioned mother. The way she finds it works well in this film.
Tuesday, March 09, 2021
Jayne Mansfield's Car
Generational differences and experiences make for family drama in the film Jayne Mansfield's Car. Two very different families gather for a final farewell. War, relationships, drugs, culture, cars and history all amplify emotions. I liked this interesting film.
Friday, March 05, 2021
Long Shot
The movie Long Shot is a solid romantic comedy. A reunion of two people with little in common than their past relationship, leads to an interesting fish-out-of-water story. This movie earns it's R rating and delivers the laughs. The chemistry between these two is great and it is beautifully shot. The extras on the DVD are worth watching.
Raya and the Last Dragon
I was invited to watch Raya and the Last Dragon to take part in Movie Night. Fun with the family from 200 miles away. Technology rocks. Beautiful animation and cool story. I learn about water dragons and "butt-kickery". Wonderful movie and a good time with the kids.
Thursday, March 04, 2021
Cold Comes the Night
Unusual circumstances of a kidnaping and robbery set the stage for tension in Cold Comes the Night. Desperation and money drive the plot of this gritty drama. Alice Eve's character and performance are that glue that holds this crime thriller together. Cranston is understated and menacing. Good film.
Wednesday, March 03, 2021
Father's Little Dividend
In Father's Little Dividend a father who has just adjusted to his daughter's marriage, struggles with the news he will soon be a grandfather. A little silly, but the performances make this film worth seeing. I enjoyed this.
Sunday, February 28, 2021
The United States vs Billie Holiday
The story told in The United States vs. Billie Holiday is tragic, enraging and dramatic. Andra Day is a force. Holiday's treatment was true low point in the history of law enforcement. Good film.
Saturday, February 27, 2021
We Are Freestyle Love Supreme
I'm so sorry that I missed this show live, but the documentary We Are Freestyle Love Supreme is very satisfying. "Fit me like a well worn hoodie." Shows that happen for the first and last time...that's improv...that's art. Well worth watching.
Pieces of a Woman
The heavy drama surrounding a huge loss is portrayed in Pieces of a Woman. The first half hour is brutal, but sets the stage. Weighty performances make this a drama worth watching..
Friday, February 26, 2021
Ghostbusters (1984)
I watched the original Ghostbusters for the first time in decades. Joining this crew of scientists battling the paranormal, I had forgotten what a masterpiece it is. The story, performances and production value are top notch. What a fun classic.
Thursday, February 25, 2021
Drive He Said
Jack Nicholson made his directorial debut with the film Drive, He Said. Set in the 70s it deals with themes of sports, war, relationships, education and adult decisions. Great cast. Well done.
Wednesday, February 24, 2021
Night Catches Us
The film Night Catches Us depicts the Black Power movement on a personal, family level. Powerful film.
Monday, February 22, 2021
The Accused
After listening to a few interviews with Jodie Foster, I decided to revisit the film, The Accused. As disturbing as the subject matter is, this was worth watching. Justice does not come easy. It is as good as I remembered.
Sunday, February 21, 2021
The Little Things
The Little Things is an unconventional crime thriller that takes an unexpected turn. Looking for evidence in a serial killer case is more than they bargained for. Good film.
Saturday, February 20, 2021
Patrice O'Neal: Killing is Easy
The documentary Patrice O'Neil: Killing is Easy helped me understand Patrice O'Neal and his comedy better. It was nice to be back in the Comedy Cellar. ~"Great comics have instant opinions."
I Care a Lot
Awful people doing awful things to awful people. I Care A Lot is a thriller that takes many typical crime tropes and turns them on their head. What a watch. ~"If we make each other rich, the trust will follow. "
Friday, February 19, 2021
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
The Lady and the Dale
The Lady and the Dale is a docu-series that follows the rise and fall of Elizabeth Carmichael. She promoted a fuel-efficient, three-wheeled car known as The Dale. There was a lot of drama and intrigue in her story. This is worth a watch.
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Patrice O'Neal: The Elephant in the Room
In his first full length special, The Elephant in the Room, comedian Patrice O'Neal tackles tough topics with crowd work and a strong point of view. A bit prophetic in places. Well done.
Monday, February 15, 2021
Judas and the Black Messiah
Fred Hampton was an integral part of the Black Panther Party in the 60s. In Judas and the Black Messiah, dynamic performances take us through this important chapter of American history. Fortitude, justice and betrayal are all addressed as the painful events unfold. I watched this more than once, it holds up to multiple viewings.
Thursday, February 11, 2021
Anna Lucasta
Anna Lucasta is a heartbreaking story of family, love and loss. Fantastic performances. Eartha Kitt and Sammy Davis Jr. have great chemistry. And oh that snare. Excellent rental.
Wednesday, February 10, 2021
Insignificance
What would happen if Marilyn Monroe, Joe DiMaggio, Senator Joseph McCarthy and Albert Einstein met? We find out on one night in a hotel room with these 4 historic figures. In the film Insignificance we take this crazy ride with wonderful performances, especially Theresa Russell as Monroe. The conversations take us back forth in time with skillful editing. This film is a solid rental worth seeing.
Tuesday, February 09, 2021
Palm Springs
When I watched Palm Springs I had these reactions. This film is charming, quirky, funny, edgy. confusing, delicious. The less you know going in, the better. I loved it.
Sunday, February 07, 2021
The King of Staten Island
It took me a long time to warm up to Pete Davidson. The King of Staten Island helped. His character comes to terms with his grief, and embracing an adult life. This is a poignant coming of age story I liked.
Saturday, February 06, 2021
Let Him Go
The drama Let Him Go quickly becomes a thriller. When grandparents find out that their grandson is in peril, they act. They are no-nonsense and do what they need to do. This film is darker than I expected, which worked for the story. Well done.
Wild Mountain Thyme
Wild Mountain Thyme is a sweet love story with a bit of an edge. Family, land and attraction drive this romance. The likeable cast helps too. I enjoyed this film.
Friday, February 05, 2021
Locked Down
A couple finds themselves Locked Down together by the pandemic at the time they were intending to break up. This drama turns into a very satisfying heist film with some complicated details. I liked this film.
Monday, February 01, 2021
The Late Show (1977)
The 1977 film The Late Show pairs two gifted comedic actors in a story of mystery and murder. I like a who-done-it and I like these performances. A bit silly at times, but I thought it was entertaining.
Wednesday, January 27, 2021
Dead Again
A mysterious story of past lives in the present is the premise of Dead Again. Working out the mysteries of a disturbing dream, we go back and forth in time to reveal the truth. It's a wild ride. Great performances. I always enjoy Robin Williams in a dramatic role. Thompson and Branagh shine.
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
Monday, January 25, 2021
Some Kind of Heaven
The documentary Some Kind of Heaven explores the retirement community The Villages in FL. Several personalities are highlighted and some of the stories are doozies. An interesting look inside an interesting lifestyle.
Sunday, January 24, 2021
An American Pickle
The fish-out-of-water story is told in An American Pickle. A 100 year old man navigates present-day Brooklyn with his great grandson. This film is funny and sweet.
Saturday, January 23, 2021
David Byrne's American Utopia
The Broadway presentation of David Byrne's Utopia is available to enjoy on HBOmax. For this Broadway fan who especially loves music, dance and creativity, this is a treat. Lockdown has curtailed my Broadway attendance, so a show like this brought into my home is a dream. I'll be back in the theater some day, but for now, I will be grateful for presentations like this.
Thursday, January 21, 2021
Easy to Wed
As classic films go, Easy to Wed is a gem. How many times can you marry? Public opinion 40s style plays a big part. Lucille Ball and Ester Williams knock it out of the park. This is a good one.
Sunday, January 17, 2021
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President
The film Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President is an interesting documentary. Carter was the first President I voted for. I still remember getting my absentee ballot notarized at the general store in Bethany, WV when I was in college. It Was fun to see Providence, RI gets a moment. Carter is is honest and sincere. Worth a watch.
Music is the voice of the heart ~ Garth Brooks
Monday, January 11, 2021
The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart
Watching The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart I realized that their music was the sound track of my formative years. The Bee Gees' music was always on the radio or in films when I was a teenager and young adult. So singable and fun to dance to. What a contribution their talents brought to our culture. This is an excellent music documentary about a family of talented performers. What a ride!
Sunday, January 10, 2021
The Rental
As modern horror films go, The Rental is a good addition to the genre. Two couples rent a house for a weekend getaway and soon fall into issues of voyeurism and infidelity. The plausibility brings the scares, especially in the last half hour. Creepy rental that I liked.
Friday, January 08, 2021
Words on Bathroom Walls
In Words on Bathroom Walls we get a coming of age story with an interesting premise. Charlie struggles in his senior year of high school, but finds support in places he did not expect. The performances in this film are strong. I really liked this one.
Sunday, January 03, 2021
All is Bright
I had one more Christmas movie on my list. A dismal story of a quick money scheme set at Christmas, All is Bright is dark, but I liked it. The performances are excellent.
Saturday, January 02, 2021
Kajillionaire
The film Kajillionaire is a thoughtful story of family, survival, cons and acceptance. The performances are outstanding. I watched this film twice in one day, it's that good.
Friday, January 01, 2021
Ratatouille the Musical
My first virtual performance experience was so fun! Ratatouille the Musical was creative, energetic, funny and heartfelt with wonderful performances. Post-show meet up on FaceTime after with my family was icing on the cake. Bravo!!
Let Them All Talk
It's kind of fun to watch women in their 60s act like middle-schoolers. In Let Them All Talk we get that and more. I liked the story, I liked the characters, I liked the performances. I liked this film.