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.

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..

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.

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.

Night Catches Us

The film Night Catches Us depicts the Black Power movement on a personal, family level. Powerful film.

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.

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.

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. "

Nomadland

The story in Nomadland strikes a chord in many ways. Lifestyle choices are dealt with in a very thoughtful, sensitive way. The film is in the hands of masters from the creators to the performers. Poignant film.

The Climb

The film The Climb is a creative, funny, weird, dysfunctional look at friendship and relationships punctuated by punches. I really like the structure of this film. There is a certain poetry of how it moves from chapter to chapter. At its core there's a big heart. Worth a look.

Mermaids

The stellar cast of Mermaids has great chemistry in this unconventional family drama. Christina Ricci is a charmer. This is a beautiful story that makes for a very entertaining film. What a pleasure.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.