The Perks of Being a Wallflower

As a young adult drama The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a strong film. Well written, generous performances and a story with many facets and familiar emotions. I loved Ezra Miller in City Island, Beware the Gonzo and We Need to Talk about Kevin, and in this film he just shines. Music plays an important part in the story and the soundtrack is rich. I liked this film a lot.

Argo

Argo is one of the best films I've seen this year. The events surrounding the mission to free six American diplomats from Iran in 1980 is suspenseful, tense and scary as hell. Ben Affleck stars and directs. He builds the tension so well, combining news footage with strong character development. He constructs a chase scene in this film that had me holding my breath. So well done, excellent film.

Seven Psychopaths

The quest to write a film about Seven Psychopaths is a bloody journey. I saw Christopher Walken and Sam Rockwell on stage in  Martin McDonagh's Behanding in Spokane two years ago. They reunite with Martin here, with Woody Harrellson and Colin Farrell, to create a motley crew. They kidnaps dogs for cash as Farrell tries to write a screenplay. The crime caper vibe is strong. Rockwell gives one of his finest performances. Animated and obviously in love with the script, his screen time is magical. The third act is a little slow, but the rest of the film makes this forgivable. I'd like to see this film again. Very entertaining.

Frankenweekie

In Frankenweenie I did not expect a sweet story with a dash of creepy. Tim Burton combines the two well. There are many nods to classic horror films that are very well placed. Keep your eyes open in the pet cemetery for subtle chuckles. This film will find a place in my DVD collection.

The Master

Amazing performances and gorgeous, long close ups are the strengths of The Master. When a young man suffering from PTSD, finds a home in a cult, there is compassion, struggle and conflict. A complicated piece with beautiful images and a moving sound track.

Tim Russert

Cleaning out a bunch of drafts, I came across this one from 2008. I still feel the same.

June 2008
It has taken me a while to digest the news of Tim Russert's sudden death for few reasons. He's one of those pleasant fixtures on television that has been so dependable, how could he suddenly be gone? Also, my father suffered a heart attack the week before (he's ok). It was all a bit surreal. I have been a fan of Russert's dedication to his family, his job, his audience and living life to the fullest. I am also grateful for the appearance of Mr. Russert in the, yet to be released, Mr. Rogers & Me. When I saw the first trailer for this film, I was struck by his enthusiasm, respect and appreciation of the work of Fred Rogers. I'm glad he gave the Wagners a bit of his time and insight. We are all better for the influence of Tim Russert, I hope I can keep his attitude in mind.

Looper

Looper is what a sci-fi film should be. Set in two futures, time travel has been outlawed, so the mob uses it to eliminate undesirables. The makeup used to make the young-old characters resemble each other is excellent, along with the performances. How the events in one time effect the other is fascinating and special effects are used well. I liked this film.

Lawless

The story of a family making a living from moonshine in depression era, rural Virginia is warm, violent, and driven. In Lawless we meet the Bondurant family who run a successful business running moonshine during prohibition. When greed and ambition kick in trouble follows. There are even a few love stories woven into the plot. The violence is incredibly bloody, but warranted. This film is well acted and shot. An interesting story. I liked this film.

The Imposter

There are people who have no problem lying to get what they want. Money, fame and, yes, love. In the documentary The Imposter a young man assumes the identity of a missing boy to gain access to the US and a family that will love him. Crazy story, and it's true! I liked the structure and editing in this documentary as well. Nice job.

Sleepwalk with Me

A few weeks ago I received an e-mail from IFC Center inviting me to a screening of Sleepwalk With Me, with Q&As with Mike Birbiglia and Ira Glass at every screening. Every screening! Turned out I was going to be in NYC that weekend so I called the kids, bought tickets and jumped on the PR band wagon. Birbiglia and Glass were very generous with interviews. With a small advertising budget, they used social media and public radio to promote the film, along with the weekend event in NY. We arrived at the theater around 3 to retrieve tickets for the 4:00 show. They were already setting up the line. We went around the corner to a small pub for a drink and came back to the theater around 3:30 to join the line. The IFC staff sweetly offered my 8 month pregnant daughter a seat in the theater (which she declined) Thank you. We sat second row in the beautiful main theater and my son-in-law immediately said, "what is that pinned to the curtain?" The film was charming, funny and heartfelt. After the credits Ira Glass and Mike Birbiglia took the stage. Obviously stoked by two days of sold out shows, they were friendly, chatty and generous with their time. The 25 minute Q&A explained that the thing pinned to the curtain was the first dollar made by the film. In the end, we decided that the Q&A was as good as the movie. A wonderful film, a wonderful time. PS I saw the film again a few weeks later. Holds up to multiple viewings.

ParaNorman

Going into ParaNorman I thought it was just another goofy kid's monster movie. But this wonderful film from the folks at Laika has heart, smarts and humor. Themes of belonging, family and bravery are handled well, and with a sense of humor.  I loved this film and can't wait until my grandchildren are old enough to share this film with me.

Ruby Sparks

What would happen if you could write your dream girl? This question is answered in the film Ruby Sparks. Imaginative story, beautifully shot, well acted. I liked the dark turn the story takes, and the ending is very satisfying for me. The music did its work, I liked the score. Well done

The Intouchables

Watching the trailer, I had a feeling that The Intouchables would be one of my favorite films this year. Seeing the film today, I was right. The story of an invalid and his caretaker is a story of growth, love and living life despite your limitations. Based on a true story, this film is well written, acted and shot. Well done.

Beasts of the Southern Wild

Beasts of the Southern Wild is a poetic story of a young girl coping with a difficult life. The scenes move from fantasy to reality like a dance. Her reality is harsh, but she is strong for such a little girl. I really liked this film about survival.

Margaret

In Margaret I found a very unlikable female character. Lisa is an intelligent teenager with a very self righteous attitude. A brilliant performance by Anna Paquin is a character study of a girl whose careless actions have dire consequences. To make herself feel better, she lies, points fingers at others and acts drastically on issues that are none of her business. Her sexuality plays a part that shows how confused and self-involved teenagers are. This film is also an interesting study of NYC through visuals and the character's attitudes. The editing is a bit choppy and this film is long, but this is a fascinating piece.

Conan the Barbarian (1982)

I've always thought that my timeline for seeing Conan the Barbarian was never. Once again, the discussion of the film on Cort & Fatboy, sucked me in to a movie I've never had any interest in. With a plate of tots, a cold lager and a very funny commentary, I would declare The Summer of Schwarzenegger a success. Thanks guys.

The Dark Knight Rises

What did I love about The Dark Knight Rises?

Christian Bale brought a heart to Bruce Wayne I had yet to see.

Anne Hathaway killed it and should get an award for best eye roll.

The Bat-cycle is sick, and gave me glee on every turn.

Michael Caine is an actor for all time.

Bane intimidated with every neck-crack.

Cameo from Scarecrow was fantastic.

Gary Oldman deserves every penny they paid him..

Joseph Gordan-Levitt has become a bonafide movie star.

Marion Coltiard melded class, strength and revenge so well.

Nolan wrote an intricate story and placed it in a dramatic setting.

Zimmer's score played every emotion to a tee.

This felt like a comic book movie.

Loved this film, loved the trilogy. Thanks to all for so much work and a lovely payoff!

Take This Waltz

Take This Waltz was a bit of an emotional gut-punch for me. I don't do well with the themes of unsatisfying marriage and infidelity. I did appreciate the adage of, "everything new becomes old." Well written, acted and filmed. Sarah Silverman turns in an especially poignant and powerful performance. I really liked her character. Worth a look.

The Terminator

The next installment in the Summer of Schwarzenegger Cort & Fatboy Midnight Movie series is The Terminator. A young, naked Schwarzenegger, all kinds of skull crushing robots and a little bit of 80s lovin', makes for and entertaining sci-fi ride. The commentary is a fun accompaniment.

The Amazing Spider-man

Spider-man's origin story is revisited with a new cast and crew in The Amazing Spider-man. I really liked the performances, and the story got a little tweak that I enjoyed. The chemistry between Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield was authentic and fun to watch. The web-slinging scenes gave me that roller coaster feeling in my stomach. Well done.

Ted

Ted is funny, raunchy, funny, sweet, funny, smart, raunchy and funny. Not for the kids. Loved it.

Your Sister's Sister

A unique set of circumstances between sisters and a friend create a love triangle like I've never seen before. Your Sister's Sister is a well written, beautifully acted drama. I liked this film.

Brave

In the latest Pixar offering, Brave, a young girl stands up for herself and is seen as difficult. When a wish goes bad there is drama and misunderstanding. An intense fight scene makes this one a no-go for little ones. The plot gets a bit complicated, but the animation and music are gorgeous.

Bernie

Bernie is a golden-tonged opportunist. When it works for him all is well. When it doesn't, he snaps and his world unravels. Based on a true story, this was an interesting film.

Moonrise Kingdom

Moonrise Kingdom is the most charming film I've seen this year. In Wes Anderson's familiar pallet, we see two young people search for love, maturity and acceptance. An outstanding cast and familiar RI locations made this film a home run for me.

Total Recall (1990)

Starting out The Summer of Schwarzenegger in the Cort & Fatboy Midnight Movie series is Total Recall. I would never have watched this film on my own. With the guidance of a commentary and a few micro-brews I found this sci-fi ride to be a lot of fun.

Chico & Rita

In Chico & Rita, the animation is gorgeous, the music is fantastic. The story? That Rita is one crazy, opportunistic bitch. Could not warm up to her at all. Best animated cat fight though. Worth a look.

Men in Black 3

Nicole Scherzinger and a fabulous pair of Louboutins in the open scene of Men in Black 3, sets a fantastic tone for the film. The third in the Men in Black series is funny, poignant and action packed. The creature effects are entertaining and I really enjoyed the effects. I was surprised by a little emotional twist near the end. A nice addition to the series and a fun ride for the summer.

Newlyweds

Take a walk through Tribeca with the drama of Newlyweds, Ed Burns' latest love letter to New York. A newlywed couple has to deal with ex-spouses, siblings and the every day of their new life together. Well done.

Pariah

The film Pariah is a familiar story with amazing performances. When the woman who beat you says, "I hope you keep yourself safe", I just shake my head. I am not running, I am choosing. A powerful film I really liked.

The Avengers

I love a good action film. I love a good super-hero film. With 5 previous films, Marvel has set up the assembly of The Avengers. Captain America, Iron Man, The Hulk, Thor, Hawkeye and Black Widow join forces with S.H.I.E.L.D. to save the world. This movie is full of eye candy. Every hero gets their moment to shine. And did I mention crazy, super-villains? The action is fantastic, and so is this movie. Stay after the credits to be reminded that super-hero movies have a sense of humor. Well done.

Tribeca Film Festival 2012

For the last 9 years I have used vacation time to attend the Tribeca Film Festival. NYC and time spent with film and film makers is a great use of time off. This year, other obligations have occupied my free days, so I could not swing week day attendance. Because this would be my 10th year attending, I decided to be happy with one day at the festival. Weekend tickets are the hardest to procure, and I failed to have tickets before I arrived in NY. I decided to take my chances on the Rush Line.

I arrived in Brooklyn on Friday night, as my daughter Liza agreed to accompany me on my Saturday adventure. We had a delicious dinner at Superfine and went to bed early. Saturday morning, the air was crisp, but the rain had stopped and we walked the dogs in DUMBO before taking the train into the east Village. Now the TFF website recommends you arrived 45 minutes before the film to line up for Rush Tickets. 15 minutes before the movie, they count the empty seats and sell the remaining tickets. In my experience, if you are within the first 30 people in line, you have a pretty good chance of getting in. We arrived at 10:50am for a 12:00 screening of 2 Days in NY and we were 22nd & 23rd in line. People who arrived 45 min ahead, looked bewildered at the almost 100 people in line at that point. The staff member organizing the line was continually warning us that the night before, there were 125 people in the Rush Line for 2 Days in Paris and not one person got in. Wow. We had a spot in the sun, the people around us in line were pleasant, we had a plan B and a positive attitude. As noon approached, a few people near the front of the line happily went into the theater, but when we were around #10 they told us there were no more seats, and the film would be in theaters in August.

Plan B went into motion as we made our way across the street for lunch at Smith. After lunch we got back in the subway and went cross-town to check out the Family Street Fair. Strollers, street performers, music, popcorn and cupcakes filled Greenwich St. The hour before we were to get in another line was spent at Church Bar, one of of my faves in the lobby of the Tribeca Grand. Arriving at Tribeca Cinema at 2:40 for a 4 pm film, we were still about 20th in line for Knuckleball! The best part was waiting with a Mets fan. Happily, we got into the film, sat front row for the first time in years. Small theater, small screen, it worked. Excellent documentary. After the film we had a little time to kill, so we went to Nancy Whiskey for a quick beverage before meeting my friend Randi for dinner at Bread Tribeca. Dinner was delicious.

On the cab ride back to Brooklyn, Liza and I declared the day a success, and another year at Tribeca Film Festival was in the books. A wonderful time.

The Cabin in the Woods

Since January I have been reading accolades for The Cabin in the Woods. Early on I was warned to go in as fresh as possible. My most trusted film folks said that the less you know, the more you will enjoy the film. I went as far as sticking my fingers in my ears at the airport last week when the entertainment reporters came on the monitors to review the film. Today I finally saw it fresh, and it was glorious! A clever, gory, wonderful horror film. Read the reviews after you see the film. I loved it!

The Best Man

Months ago I read about The Best Man being revived on Broadway. When i looked at the stellar cast, I figured I'd never get near that show. Fast forward to my last visit to Brooklyn, an easy wait in the TKTS line and voila, we were going to see the show. The theater was done up in campaign regalia, the highlight performances were James Earl Jones and Angela lands bury (the senior members of the cast) and we had a big night on Broadway. Pretty awesome.

Being Flynn

Being Flynn is the poignant story of a young man trying to find his way without his father. On tht way, he runs into his father. This film is based on a memoir and is treated with honesty, dignity, humor and love.

The Hunger Games

The plot synopsis of teens in a futuristic fight to the death does not make The Hunger Games sound very appealing. But the strength of the story and performances make this a futuristic adventure film worth seeing. Brutal and a bit bizarre, it is a solid start to this film series.

We Need to Talk About Kevin

The disturbing events in We Need to Talk About Kevin are a parent's nightmare. Kevin is unruly from birth. We watch his Mother struggle to love him and deal with his outrageous behavior. This film is painful and disturbing, but a powerful drama.

Carnage

An altercation between two kids, brings their parents together in Carnage. What starts out as a civilized problem solving session, deteriorates to a volatile feud fueled by anger and alcohol. The dialogue and performances are enthralling. I really liked this film.

Jeff, Who Lives at Home

In one day, Jeff, Who Lives at Home follows the signs he needs to find his purpose. I thought this film was a poignant statement on being in the right place at the right time in so many ways. Well written with great performances. Worth a look.

Silent House

Inside a house, a young girl hears noises and is terrified. Silent House is a thriller that works with suspense and what you don't see. Where is the threat? What causes the fear? Learning where the monsters are is the most frightening. Good thriller.

The Skin I Live In

Science fiction meets horror in The Skin I Live In. Modern technology mixed with old architecture creates a mood of elegance and peril. Revenge is creative if you are a plastic surgeon. This thriller/horror flick is a crazy ride I really liked.

The Lorax

The environmental message in Dr. Seuss' The Lorax gets a little extra zip in the big screen adaptation. An an expanded story line brings a bit of peril and adventure for older viewers. The animation and music will please the younger audience. I'm happy to have shared this one with my Grandson.

A Dangerous Method

The early years of modern psychoanalysis are chronicled in A Dangerous Method. Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud work to treat a young woman, who's recovery is rather remarkable. All three characters have ugly sides, but it's and interesting, true story. Another film with excellent performances.

Shame

In the film Shame, I realized that sex addiction is a dangerous form of self-abuse. Not a happy drama about a man and his sister who struggle to find happiness and fail. Great performances, but it's a sad story.

How to Die in Oregon

When a well structured documentary takes on the subject of medically assisted suicide, it is a rough, emotional ride. How to Die in Oregon is heartfelt, yet frightening in our attitudes toward life and death. It's a tough issue, with some eye-opening stories.

Q&A My Week with Marilyn

When Kenneth Branagh talks about My Week with Marilyn he lights up. Watch him here, delightful.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CB3NWyMUQJw

A Separation

In any altercation there is Story A, Story B and the truth. In A Separation we start with a family struggling with the realities of life. Add an unfortunate incident, desperate motivations and a struggle to find the truth and we've got a drama that is heartbreaking and compelling. The tone of the screenplay borders on a crime thriller. Incidents are exaggerated, information is left out, the facts come together a bit like a puzzle, but we never quite see the whole picture. Excellent film with a deep emotional core.

Chronicle

Chronicle delivers on drama and thrills. Three teens acquire super-human powers. They use them as any teenager would. Emotions run high and things get out of hand. Their adventures start out joyful, but end on a cataclysmic note. Great effects and cool story.

Q&A Young Adult

A wonderful peek behind the curtain of her process. Diablo Cody in a Q&A for Young Adult.

(don't let the lighting distract you)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJhdsZGtpYQ

Q&A Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

The folks over at the Arclight got a few principles from Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy to talk about the film. Interesting insights to an interesting film. Have a look.

Gary Oldman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zw01ng6MCTM

Mark Strong

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_3w5S3-FMw

Thomas Alfredson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuwrOZudlCc

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

I saw the film Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close because of its Oscar nominations. In the wake of 9/11 an unlikable kid deals with the death of his father with a strange quest for the origin of a mysterious key. His Mother is even less likable, and the story was unlikely. This is a frustrating movie that could have used some editing to make it easier to swallow. Best Picture? I think not.

Albert Nobbs

The film Albert Nobbs is a story of identity, gender, survival and social mores. The wants and longings are heartbreaking. The outcomes are as well. Janet McTeer's performance grounded the film. The more I think about it, the more I like it.

Rio

I think that having small grandchildren has made me hyper-sensitive to stories told in animated films. I rented Rio because it is nominated for an Oscar for the song Real in Rio. The animation is beautiful and the music is lively and catchy. The story is scary, weird and in some ways, perverted. I think it is too intense for little ones, but that's just me.

Restless

Restless is a gentle story about death, illness, coping and love. There is a joy and optimism in a situation that is not very happy or optimistic. Well done.

Real Steel

The movie Real Steel is "dumb as a bag of hammers." I don't get the Oscar nom for visual effects. There was one scene that might qualify. That is all.

Pina

The documentary Pina is a loving tribute to the German choreographer Pina Bausch. The innovation, beauty and strength made this a wonderful visual experience. This is the second film I've seen in 3D this season, and it was definitely worth it. Lovely.

Haywire

Haywire is a stylistic look at espionage, black ops, betrayal and survival. The camera work is brilliant, fight scenes are brutal and the ending is very satisfying. Gina Carano makes one hell of a debut. Nice start for the films of 2012.

Downton Abbey

Trapped by a snow storm, here in New England, I was looking for entertainment. I've been reading and hearing so much about Downton Abbey, and found that the first season is on Netflix Instant. Done and done 7 episodes. This series is the best of melodrama, aristocracy, servants, rules, passion, anger and secrets. Delicious. Anyone following their emotions is squashed like a bug. Love the dialogue, costumes and pluck. Masterpiece and PBS deliver once again.

The Artist

It's hard to believe that a silent, black and white film can be as joyful, dramatic and entertaining as The Artist. Skillfully acted, artfully staged and beautifully scored. Some of the music swells reminded me of Raiders of the Lost Ark and Beauty and the Beast. The use of stairs as a set piece adds to the the visual drama, along with Dujardin's smile. I was a skeptic going in and a fan coming out. See it!

The Iron Lady

Once again, Meryl Streep brings her acting skills to a real life biopic. This time as Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady. The central story shows Thatcher in the present, with declining health and mental faculties. This felt a bit invasive to me. The history is done in flashbacks, I like the way the time line is presented. Another OK film with great performances.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is a slow, subtle spy thriller. A bit confusing, but this is another film where the performances forgive all the flaws of the structure.

War Horse

War Horse gives us a dramatic, visual war film. The World War I story is a bit hokey and melodramatic. Near the end, there was a comic scene that was a bit Monty Python. Very odd. I listened to an interview with Steven Spielberg about this scene, and was glad to know that the barbed wire they used was plastic. It's hard for me to watch horses in peril. Beautifully shot, but the story didn't do it for me.

Favorite Films of 2011

I've seen most of what I'm going to see of the films of 2011, so I'm ready to make my favorites list.

I have two honorable mentions.

Mister Rogers and Me is a documentary about Fred Rogers, and the message he was trying to spread. Benjamin and Christofer Wagner made a film that addresses treating people right and healthy media consumption. The New York Premiere was in October, and I was thrilled to have my daughter join me for this deep and simple film.

Also, Joni Derouchie made a documentary about Cort & Fatboy called Welcome to that Whole Thing. A little peek behind the curtain of my favorite podcast.

My original favorites list for 2011 was 40 films strong, but I whittled it down to 11. These are the films I enjoyed this year.

1. Midnight in Paris was such a breath of fresh air. A bit different, a bit the same. So charming I saw it twice.

2. Seeing The Muppets with my grandson and daughter meant that 3 generations enjoyed this nostalgia bath. The tone of the film stayed true to Muppet lore, yet gave a dash of new for a very fun film. My grandson is still listening to the sound track daily.

3. Attack the Block could be my favorite alien film in a long time. Well shot, cool effects, good story.

4. Drive is moody, menacing and violent.

5. The Artist combines joy with song with success with discouragement with joy with success.

6. Super is a creative turn on vigilante justice.

7. In Martha Marcy May Marlene we watch a girl sink into mental illness despite efforts not to.

8. Bill Cunningham New York chronicles a man's passion for photography, fashion and lifestyle.

9. Moneyball tells the story of a business model that took a lot of courage.

10. Hanna is a beautifully shot action thriller about survival.

11. Mission Impossible - Ghost Protocol is the best action movie of 2011. IMAX was the perfect outlet for this.

A dominant theme this year was OK movies with fantastic performances. Other films I liked this year? Rubber, Source Code, Rango, Super 8, Everything Must Go, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Harry Potter, Janie Jones, Sing Your Song, Rid of Me, Bellfower, Trollhunter, Jane Eyre, Contagion, Being Elmo, Hugo and Winnie the Pooh. On to the films of 2012!!

The Adventures of Tintin

There's good motion capture animation, and there's bad motion capture animation. Often the characters take on a creepy look. The Adventures of Tintin refines the technology to the point where the film looks great. Yes, it's good motion capture. Along with 3D, it really has an interesting depth, and everything looks very real. It's a fun story, and the characters are introduced well. There are many references to previous Spielberg films. Most noticeable, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Jaws. The chase scenes were thrilling and the pirate battles rocked. No lack of action here. A fun family film, but the children should probably be older, there is a lot of gun-play and perilous situations. I really liked this one.

Sherlock Holmes:A Game of Shadows

Sherlock Holmes:A Game of Shadows is very much the same as the first Sherlock Holmes movie. Likable characters, funny moments, action, creative action shots. Not bad, not great. It was a packed theater and people seemed to enjoy the film.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

I loved the Swedish version of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. The American version is a close cousin, with an ending that did not carry the same emotion as the first. The performances and cinematography were very good. The score masterfully carries the viewer through the action. I liked this film, and I may have liked it more if I didn't have such a recent version in my head. Well done.

Mission:Impossible-Ghost Prototcol

The first thing I need to say about Mission: Impossible-Ghost Protocol is, holy crap, what a ride! The second thing is, see this in IMAX if you can. The visual is stunning, thrilling and suspense filled. Just when I thought this franchise had run it's course, I was proved wrong. Good times on the big screen!

Young Adult

The film Young Adult begins with your typical character introductions. A woman, disappointed in her life, tries to rekindle a love from her high school days. It feels like it will be that wacky romantic comedy gone awry. But oh no. The uncomfortable moments become more frequent and prolonged. The comedy goes dark, and we realize that this is a woman living in denial. Dark comedy is tough to pull off, but Young Adult does it well.

Patrick's Evil Kidney

I'm not sure who is still reading here, lord knows I've been awful about posting this year. I'm putting this up anywhere I think a kind soul might see it. I derive a great deal of entertainment from the podcast world in Portland, OR. Their income comes from sponsors and donations. One podcast that I really enjoy is Hamfisted Radio, hosted by Dawn Taylor. Dawn is smart, funny, worldly and snarky. I have enjoyed her views on film, TV, books, politics and pop-culture. In this last year her husbands' kidneys decided they were done, and then his heart decided to follow suit. They have a little health insurance, but not enough to cover the life-saving care Patrick has been receiving. Their friends in Portland have launched a fund raising drive, and if you can spare a few dollars it would be much appreciated. The whole story and info on donating is here http://patricksevilkidney.wordpress.com/ I gave a little earlier today and plan to again after the holidays. These are two fine folks who could use a little help right now. Thanks!!

Take Shelter

Mental illness is a tough topic to treat properly in a film. In Take Shelter we watch a man suffer fear, paranoia, delusions and hallucinations. He has a job, loving wife and a child, things look dandy. He has mental illness in his family which feeds the paranoia. Watching these characters interact is like watching a dance. They are together, they move apart, they find their way back together, they move apart. All very intricate all very real. Beautiful, powerful performances pull this film together to an unsettling conclusion. Very fitting.

Becoming Chaz

Chastity Bono had always felt out of place in her body. She made the decision to change genders, and took on the name Chaz Bono. In the documentary, Becoming Chaz, we see Chaz when he is a few months into his hormone therapy. There are honest statements about identity, sexual orientation and life lessons. I find Chaz Bono to be very articulate, honest and caring. Opening his transgender status to the public is so brave. His journey is explained well, with humor and dignity. An interesting film about an interesting guy.

Hugo

I have been boycotting 3D films for a while now. 2D serves most films very well. When I heard that Martin Scorsese was going to get behind a 3D camera I gave in. Hugo was worth the expense and annoyance of 3D glasses for the visual spectacle. Truly gorgeous. The technology was put to good use. The story was fine, the first hour dragged a bit for me. All performances were very good and Scorsese makes his signature appearance. This film is a wonderful homage to films, film making and dreams. Well done.

The Descendants

Family dramas come and go, but a film like The Descendants combines a strong screenplay, honest performances and an exotic setting to tug at our emotions and tell a compelling story. The emotions are laid out for all to feel. Throughout the film, I kept thinking, "there are even problems in paradise." I liked this one.

My Week with Marilyn

In My Week with Marilyn, the story of one week on a film shoot with Marilyn Monroe gives a bit of insight to Monroe's vulnerability and allure. Michelle Williams is luminescent in the roll, and disappears into the character. A mesmerizing performance.

Like Crazy

Falling in love, bad decisions, consequences, moving on, struggle and adult decisions are all a part of the realistic story told in the film Like Crazy. A quiet examination of long distance love that is bolstered by outstanding performances and an ending that will make you think. I liked this one.

The Muppets

For me, watching The Muppets with my daughter and grandson was pure joy. Three generations grinning in the dark, singing along and tapping our toes. This movie is a nostalgia bath, with a nice update for the characters, snappy musical numbers and and evil force for the Muppets to triumph over. I will admit to tearing up when they play The Rainbow Connection, one of the best versions ever. Another movie that will find it's way into my DVD collection some day. Well done!

Bellflower

Bellflower starts as a romance. When things go wrong there's a lot of flame, blood and pain. The movie goes dark quickly. Themes of friendship, loyalty, love and betrayal run through this story. The cinematography is gorgeous and the chase scenes are breathtaking. I'd like to see this film again.

Margin Call

In an unnamed company, at an ambiguous time, Margin Call tells the story of the key players in a financial collapse on Wall Street. I don't understand the world of traders, but in this film we are made to understand that there are risks, and the outcome is not always good for everyone. The performances in this film are outstanding.

Martha Marcy May Marlene

The film Martha Marcy May Marlene is the story of a young woman struggling with mental illness. The strength of this film is that it portrays her conditions just as confusing and hard to understand as they are in real life. The performances and structure of the film put the viewer close to those feelings of frustration and confusion very effectively. There is a lot to think about with this film. I liked it a lot.

Being Elmo : A Puppeteer's Journey

In the 60s I was introduced to the Muppets through Sesame Street. In the 70s the Muppets came to prime time TV. In the 80s my kids fell in love with the Muppets and carried me along. In the 90s Elmo became a sensation. Now, my grandsons are fans of the Muppets and especially Elmo. The appeal has spanned decades. The documentary Being Elmo:A Puppeteer's Journey is the story of Kevin Clash, and his dream to be a puppeteer in that Henson world. And boy did he! The behind the scenes on Sesame Street and the history of Clash's work is as interesting as Elmo's rise to stardom. The day after I saw this at IFC in NYC, My daughter and I ran into Clash and Elmo at BAM in Brooklyn. Very cool to see them after seeing the film. Well worth seeing.

Attack the Block

Alien attack on a teen gang in a housing block in London? This is a movie? You bet, and it's a good one! Attack the Block is beautifully shot, the chase scenes are amazing and the aliens are threatening and awesome. I thought I was burnt out on alien invasion stories, but this is a good one. This was one of the best films of the year for me.

In Time

The sci-fi action film In Time plunges us into a world where time is currency. The difference between rich and poor becomes life and death. There are crazy cars, insane high heels, big guns and chase scenes galore. Entertaining and a bit mind-bending. I liked this one.

Inkubus

The horror film is alive and well here in RI. Inkubus was filmed in the closed Cranston Police Station and provides an eerie setting. The devil is here and he's kicking ass and taking names. The editing is impressive and Robert Englund gives a sinister performance as Inkubus. Well done.

Winnie the Pooh

The word I have heard most from people describing the latest interpretation of Winnie the Pooh is charming. I agree. The story is cute, there are many funny moments. The gang in the Hundred Acre Woods is on a mission, and they are brave, frantic, silly and, did I mention, cute. This was my grandson's first movie in the theater and I watched it on DVD twice. This lovely film will find it's way into my DVD collection for sure.

Mister Rogers & Me

In 2005, I came cross the blog of Benjamin Wagner. A young musician, writer, runner, MTV producer and film maker. An essay he wrote about meeting the legendary Fred Rogers touched me. I continued to read Wagner's posts, became a fan of his music and followed the early stages of the making of a documentary about how meeting Mr. Rogers had effected him. The film was finished last year, and appropriately found its world premier at the Nantucket Film Festival. A year later the film landed at DocFest at The Paley Center for Media in NYC and I was there. Mister Rogers & Me explores the message of "deep and simple" through Fred Rogers acquaintances, co-workers and family. It is also an examination of responsible broadcasting and what should we be putting in front of our children. Watching this film with my grown daughter, who has her own children and has expressed concern of over exposure to media, was rewarding. This documentary is a labor of love from Benjamin and Christofer Wagner. The film will be distributed by PBS Distribution in the spring. Do yourself a favor, visit the neighborhood and pay attention to all that is deep and simple. Nice job guys.

Buck

Buck Brannaman has had a fascinating life. In the documentary Buck, he tells his story. A quiet, sensible man, he tells of his upbringing and his work with horses. Even if you aren't interested in horses,this film is compelling.

50/50

I have a friend who had two cancerous tumors removed this year, one on his spine. For me, 50/50 was personal and realistic. A touching story of friendship, illness and coping. They throw in a light love story too. Based on a true story, I liked this film.

Hanna

Hanna is one of the more beautifully shot action adventure thrillers I've seen this year. A strong story of survival and deceit. I liked this film a lot.

The Ides of March

The Ides of March has all the elements of a good political thriller, but gets a little tied up in the complexity of political wrangling. Parts of the story are not well developed, even in a second viewing. Performances are very solid, but it could have been a more cohesive story. I'd recommend this as a rental.

Meek's Cutoff

The visual aspect of Meek's Cutoff is it's strength. A film of few words, we are effectively drawn into the journey of a group of settlers in an almost hypnotic fashion. Sit back, watch, enjoy.

Jane Eyre

The success of the most recent film interpretation of Jane Eyre lies in the performances. Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender make this easy to watch and tug a bit at the old heartstrings.

The Guard

The Guard starts out as a strong Irish crime-comedy. As it moves along, it becomes poignant and a bit sentimental. Excellent performances and an off-beat story makes this a film worth seeing.

Drive

Words that come to mind while watching the film Drive are moody, menacing and violent. The cinematography is outstanding. Along with the music, it puts you in the place and time of the film in the first 5 minutes. Drive is one of the best films I've seen this year.

Moneyball

Sports movies give us a look at the minds behind the game we love to watch. In Moneyball we get a look at the business end of baseball through the eyes of management. Well written and acted, this film around statistics is compelling. I was pleasantly surprised.

Contagion

You don't have to be a germaphobe to be creeped out by Contagion. There's a killer virus that is passed by contact. This film explores just how much contact we make every day and the consequences if there really were such a virus. Part horror, part sci-fi, part thriller, this film is so well done.

NYC 9/11/2001-20011

My thoughts on the 10 year anniversary of 9/11/01.

On the morning of August 30, 2001, I enjoyed an iced cafe mocha in the plaza of the World Trade Center. I marveled at the sparkling buildings, the people hustling to work, the street vendors setting up for the day and the energy of the city in this gorgeous setting. The place was vital and alive. 12 days later, all that changed. My first reaction was disbelief. When the towers came down, all I could think of was what was happening to all the people I knew were in those buildings and the surrounding area. I also had friends and family in lower Manhattan that day. Though I was 200 miles away, the impact was personal and frightening.

In September of 2001 my daughter was starting her senior year at NYU. For 3 years she had educated me on the ways of New York City and how to get around. The twin towers were my compass in lower Manhattan. Always there, always tall. In those years, I had several other experiences with the Trade Center and the neighborhood. In 1999 I sipped martinis at The Windows on the World, a view I will never forget. In January of 2001 I spent a day alone in the city and had what I call "the New York epiphany". I fell in love with NYC.So much to do, so much to see. On my 45th birthday I took myself out for a drink in a Tribeca bar, met an actress and a spy and the next day experienced the beauty of the World Trade Center Plaza. The neighborhood was comfortable, homey and energetic.

On the morning of September 11, 2001, my daughter called me early. The view from her dorm room was the twin towers and Flight 11 had just flown past her window and into Tower 1. She was calling me to say I was probably going to see something on the news, but she was OK and was heading to class. Two hours later the towers fell and the world changed. Phone communication went down, we did not speak for several days. She was evacuated from her dorm, and sporadic e-mails kept me up to date on how and where she was. She took refuge with friends uptown, she would not come home. She had become a New Yorker, and she was sticking it out. Watching from a distance was hard.

The next few days were filled with endless media coverage of the attack. The emotions were hard to sort. Fortunately, everyone I knew in NYC was safe, but thousands had lost their lives. A local radio station organized a relief drive, and I worked the phones. The out pour of generosity from people was amazing, everyone wanted to help. The most memorable donations were a local store donating it's entire inventory of work boots for rescue workers and dog food and booties for the search dogs at the site.

Along with the attack of Flight 93 and the Pentagon, this attack on the US not only was a senseless act of murder, it also tore a hole in our security and well being. In the last 10 years there has been a restoration. We've started to feel safe again. Lower Manhattan is more vibrant every time I visit, and the city thrives.

I don't think an event like this is something you get over, I still tear up when I think of that day and the aftermath. In my mind, the terrorists not only attacked our country, they attacked my kids. I took it personally. My daughter graduated from NYU in 2002 with honors and is a writer and a Mom. She worked in Manhattan for several years before she started a family. Just yesterday, they were in mid-town with the kids and friends. I think she's still a New Yorker at heart. I visit the city often, and still revel in the culture, food, drink, parks, and people. For me, one of the most amazing places in the world. I have a book called Portraits 9/11/01 that was published by the New York Times, that has short stories of all the people we lost that day. It helps me remember to focus on the lives not the deaths. Terrorists will always be out there, but we are strong, we will persevere.

Warrior

I really enjoy watching boxing, so I thought I'd be prepared for Warrior. How different could MMA (mixed martial arts) be? Whoo dogie, it's very different. Brutal. The film is the story of some very damaged men trying to find their way through life and their relationships. Their stories are very relateable. When the brutality of the sport enters the picture, emotions are amplified. This film is well written, filmed up close and emotions run raw. I really liked this film, but the fight scenes made me squirm. Well done.

The Debt

I thought The Debt would be a spy thriller which, to an extent, it was. It was more the story of a thirty year lie and it broke my heart. An espionage mission goes wrong and the effect reaches over a generation. Well written, excellent acting and effective editing, this film is worth a look.

The Help

The Help is based on a novel in which an enthusiastic young writer decides to write the true stories of the relationships of colored help, to their white employers in the south in the 60s. The book deals with those relationships from the point of view of the help. I have not read the book, but the film was well written, well acted, poignant and at times funny. I think there will probably be an Oscar nomination for costumes. The amazing cast turns in strong performances, especially Viola Davis, Emma Stone, Octavia Spencer, Allison Janney, Jessica Chastain and Brice Dallas Howard. Janney made me cry. I really liked this film.

The Future

When I learned of Miranda July's latest film, The Future, I was at the theater early. I loved Me and You and Everyone We Know. The Future finally came to the Cable Car Cinema this week. It was poetic and sad. Emotional and quirky. This film suited me today.