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

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. 

Zappa

The documentary Zappa is a fantastic film about a talented artist, activist, composer and human. This film documents Frank Zappa's life and works on a very personal, heartfelt level. Much respect.

"Any decision you make based on money is not an artistic decision." ~Frank Zappa

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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..."

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.

Bullit

The crime thriller Bullit takes us through the streets of San Francisco to solve the crime. I love the classic cars, especially the el camino. Cool action film.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.