Man of Steel

I like Superman. We have been offered many origin stories for this popular character and Man of Steel is a nice addition to the tradition. A lot of time is spent on Kal-El's story and the demise of Krypton. Clark Kent is seen in his pre-Daily Planet days, trying to find himself and adjust to his powers. Lois Lane is given more to do than in previous films. There is a darker tone here. The battle scenes were a bit over-done, but that's super-hero movies for ya. Interested to see where they go with this series. Well done.

Now You See Me

I have long been a fan of magic and illusion. As a kid I practiced card tricks and learned slight of hand. I saw Doug Henning live and spent an amazing evening at the Magic Castle in Los Angeles. In the movie Now You See Me the dedication and time that it takes to create an illusion is shown. In this case there is a crime and a mysterious goal. Thought the illusions were a lot of movie magic, I still found it entertaining.

Big Easy Express

The joy of music is gloriously depicted in the documentary Big Easy Express. Mumford & Sons, Old Crow Medicine Show and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes board a train and take their music from San Francisco to New Orleans. The music they play for each other on the train, is as good as the actual  performances. My favorite was The Austin High School marching band playing with Mumford & Sons at SXSW. The energy in those kids was electric. Be sure to watch the deleted scenes on the DVD. The performances are stunning.

What Maisie Knew

Two of the worst movie parents put their child at risk in What Maisie Knew. The reality of what happens to a child when neither parent has the child's best interest at heart is painful and a bit disturbing. This film has a lot of heart and scared the heck out of me more than once. Take care of your children folks.

Frances Ha

At my age, stories of twenty-somethings are wearing a little thin. For all the critical acclaim, I was skeptical going into Frances Ha. When an older gentleman tore my ticket at IFC Center he said, "The great Frances Ha is in Cinema 1." I thought, if he liked it, maybe I would too. What unfolded when the lights went down was a story of facing reality, finding self, survival and maturity. In stunning black and white, the story of Frances is realistic and satisfying. I'm glad I went.

Behind the Candelabra

Liberace was the original showman. He was a gifted pianist who took his art to another level of performance with theatrical staging and costumes. In Behind the Candelabra we see an unblinking look into his world from the time he meets a a very young Scott Thorson to his death. The performances are amazing and the portrayals of these men are a bit brutal at times. Well done.

The Stories We Tell

When actor/film maker Sarah Polley learns a family secret, involving her mother who died when she was 11 years old, she decides to gather family and friends to share their memories of the woman. In Stories We Tell, the story unfolds from her script and the memories of others. The stories come together to give us a view of a vibrant woman. There is a reveal that is handled with love, compassion and little drama. This film is beautifully structured and tells quite a story. Worth a look.

Before Midnight

In Before Midnight we catch up with Celine and Jesse 18 years after they first met. They are on vacation in Greece with their children as the guests of one of Jesse's colleagues. We follow them for a day as they discuss life, work, relationships, children and aging. The dialogue flows and has very realistic moments. They reminisce, they flirt, they fight, they kiss, they make up, they let us in on what's been going on with them. It is mesmerizing and heartfelt. I liked that you did not have to have seen the films Before Sunrise or Before Sunset to enjoy this film. I think it is the best of the three.

Stand Up Guys

In Stand Up Guys, three career criminals work on what it means to be a stand up guy. After getting out of jail, Val deals with friends, family and old enemies. He and his friends must deal with the fact that they are not young men any more. Mortality is at their door and knocking in more than one way. Dialogue driven, I liked this film. "Chew gum or kick ass? I'm all out of gum."

The Great Gatsby

F. Scott Fitgerald's novel, The Great Gatsby has been interpreted in film several times. Baz Luhrmann's latest interpretation is flashy, passionate and stylish. I was surprised that hip hop worked in the sound track. It added edge and pizazz. The visual effects in this film are stunning. Color and light create mood and tone. Though a bit long, I liked this much more than I expected to.

Star Trek Into Darkness

I was 10 years old when Star Trek hit TV in the 60s. It was a wonder. My brothers and I were fast fans. There was adventure, humor, the future and I developed a quick crush on Captain Kirk. It was followed by movies and series reboots in the 80s that were OK, but when JJ Abrams grabbed the reins a few years ago, new life was breathed into that universe. In 2009 Star Trek won over legions of fans, and it looks like Star Trek Into Darkness has done the same. A very simple battle with a terrorist, for very simple reasons, is all we need for story. There is action, there are fights, chases, quips and yes, love. The audience I saw this with was full of fans, and at one point, when an explosion was imminent someone yelled, "get out!" The next line from the screen? "We'd better get out of here!" It was awesome. This film was a fun ride and a new actor interprets a familiar character masterfully. I really enjoyed this movie.

The Loved One

When Johnathan Winters passed away, the film The Loved One was recommended to me. A satire from the 60s, this black and white gem pokes fun at the funeral business at the expense of Hollywood. The script is brilliant as is the cast Winter, Robert Morse, John Gielgud, Milton Berle, James Coburn, Paul Williams, Liberace, Roddy McDowall, Rod Steiger.... Their goal was to offend everyone. Mission accomplished with a lot of laughs. Fantastic!

Iron Man 3

The third film in the Iron Man franchise explores a much more vulnerable Toby Stark than we have seen thus far. It plays well as entertainment and humor, but I think superhero fans will be disappointed in an insecure, vulnerable Iron Man. Iron Man 3 finds Tony Stark, a bit traumatized post-Avengers fighting off monsters in NYC. He is working out his anxieties by making an army of suits and amping up the technology as therapy. When The Mandrin post a terrorist threat, Stark challenges the villain and a new battle begins. I liked how it played out. There are a few surprises and twists that I liked. So glad I sat through the credits for a scene that made me laugh. Fun start to the summer movie season.

The Angels' Share

When distilling whiskey, the percent that evaporates is called The Angels' Share. Take that information with you when you see this film. In The Angels' Share a band of misfit criminals enjoy the benefit of a probation officer's love and appreciation of whiskey. All are looking for a way out of their lives of crime, but they choose to commit a crime to achieve the goal. A bit of a disconnect, but the entertainment value is high. Lovely film.

Mud

Beautifully shot, well acted and a story that moves, Mud was a nice surprise today. Motivated by his belief in true love, a young boy aids a man who is dangerous and undeserving of his efforts. Well done.

Tribeca Film Festival 2013 Day Four

I woke up to another beautiful sunrise on my last day in NYC. First order of the day was taking the dogs for a walk. After a quick lunch I headed to the subway only to learn that there was no F train. Got on an A and made a few wrong turns on the streets and had to hustle to the theater. A Single Shot was my final film of the festival. A taught thriller I enjoyed, and the film maker and it's star were in attendance. After an up close and personal encounter with Rockwell and Rosenthal I ducked into Heartland Brewery for a beer to settle my jangled  nerves. I navigated the subway better on my return to Brooklyn and swung by Smorgasberg to pick up some jerky for the kids. On the way home, I bought a box of Brooklyn Cupcakes for my house sitter and brought a lasagna back to the apartment for dinner. Packing up while the pups watched, was kind of sad. The ride home was uneventful, though I was puzzled by road work in CT late on a Sunday night. Arriving home, I had the after vacation feeling of bliss. It has been an amazing week with a lot of fun people and wonderful film. Thanks NYC. Thanks Tribeca Film Festival. Thanks Liza & Ryan. Thanks to all the friends who joined me. What a blast! Can't wait for Tribeca Film Festival 2014!!

A Single Shot

A strong cast led me to check out A Single Shot on my final day at Tribeca Film Festival. A closed subway and a few missteps had me arriving at the theater sweaty and out of breath. Fortunately, there was an empty seat in the center of the sixth row. Perfect. The film is a thriller that complicates a man's life after a single shot of his rifle. The film is intense and tight with wonderful performances. After the film they brought out the director, David Rosenthal, who introduced the writer of the novel and screenplay, Matthew Jones and the star, Sam Rockwell. It was a thrill and the third time I've seen Rockwell live. The Q&A was interesting and people surrounded the men as the discussion ended. After checking the messages on my phone, I started to walk out of the theater. Two men were walking beside me. Looking to my left, I realized that one was Sam Rockwell. I blubbered an awkward "I love your work." He was sweet and we chatted for a moment. Walking away from him, as I passed the other exit of the theater, David Rosenthal almost bumped into me. We did the obligatory "excuse me", and I complimented his work as well ( loved Janie Jones). As I was walking down the street to find the subway, I realized I was shaking. My encounter with these wonderful film makers had rattled me. It was very cool that they were so nice. An Irish red ale at Heartland Brewery settled my nerves and I was so grateful for this run in. My last film at Tribeca Film Festival was wonderful.

Tribeca Film Festival 2013 Day Three

On Saturday I wake to another beautiful sunrise and the promise of a beautiful spring day in NYC. A nice walk around the hood with the pups and I'm on an A Train heading into Tribeca. With a half hour to kill before I meet a friend for lunch I head up Greenwich Street, navigating the Tribeca Film Festival Family Street Fair. Clowns, bands, games, food, beverage, Broadway music, you name it, both kids and adults were were enjoying this event. At the Moroccan restaurant Salya, I met a friend for a nice lunch. Panini and a Bloody Mary hit the spot. Back at the red carpet at BMCC I met another friend to get in line for Eastwood Directs: The Untold Story. 45 minutes before the film and the line was already down the block and around the corner onto Chambers Street. Having been in this theater the night before, I knew exactly where to sit. Front row, back section center. A perfect unobstructed view of the stage. The film was good. A love letter to Eastwood, his work and his directorial style from collaborators and friends. When the film ended the man took the stage with Darren Aronofsky and spent 40 minutes talking about his craft. He was genuine, funny, generous and SO Clint Eastwood. I left the theater with a spring in my step and a deep gratitude to Tribeca Film Festival for this event. A roundabout walk found us at the Tribeca Grand for a cocktail. A beautiful hotel, with a beautiful bar, serving beautiful cocktails. Mine was a cosmo. Cucina de Vino was our choice for dinner before I got back on the subway to return to the pups. I arrived back in Brooklyn tired and incredibly satisfied. The sadness of leaving tomorrow is starting to set in. Glad it was such a great day!

Eastwood Directs: The Untold Story

On Saturday of Tribeca Film Festival I headed out to BMCC to see the documentary Eastwood Directs: The Untold Story. it was to be followed by a talk with Clint Eastwood and Darren Aronofsky. I am a huge fan of Eastwood's work both on the screen and behind the camera. The opportunity to see the man in person was too good to pass up.

The film was a lot of people Estwood has worked with giving their views on working with the man. Clips from his films and behind the scenes stills and footage was interspersed. It was an interesting film.

After the film Eastwood and Aronofsky took the stage for a conversation. When Eastwood directed the standing crowd to sit, they did. Immediately. All I could think was, when Eastwood directs, people listen. Aronofsky admitted to being nervous in the presence of the man. Eastwood chuckled and set the man at ease by saying, "what a thrill." For the next 40 minutes the men talked a little about Eastwood's career and the influence of Sergio Leone on his work, but for the most part they talked about his process. Eastwood said, "just tell the story." He also spoke to putting the actors and crew in a place where you get the most out of them. He compared it to having a "criminal mentality, be sneaky." He feels that making a film is collaborative, it works as an ensemble. Within the process, Eastwood talked about having realistic expectations.  He said, "if something doesn't work, just try it again." When asked if there was a benefit to being the director and actor on a film, he replied that he thought that actors like to work for an actor. On getting a specific performance out of an actor he said that sometimes you have to be an amateur psychiatrist. He gave examples of appealing to an actor's ego and keeping things calm to get that great scene. It was interesting to learn that he doesn't use the words "action" or "cut" very much, especially with kids and horses. Makes them nervous. He also likes to leave the camera rolling when the actors think the scene is over, "that's where you get more natural performances." When he was asked which of his films were his favorites, I was surprised to hear him say two of his most recent, Mystic River and Million Dollar Baby. As for the future? He said he is often looking at this next project while working on the current one. As to how long he'll make movies, he replied "Wouldn't it be great to be 105 and still making films?" It sure would.

Thanks to Tribeca Film Festival for this event and to Mr. Eastwood for his generosity and candor. What an amazing afternoon!

Tribeca Film Festival 2013 Day Two

Waking up to a crisp, clear morning in Brooklyn, I decided that the pups needed a little exercise. We walked the waterfront and around the neighborhood. A little lunch at the apartment and then I'm off the the East Village. Giving myself time for a little desert at The Smith, I head to the AMC Village 7 for a screening of The Director. This documentary is the story of the creative director at Gucci, Frida Gianinni. With no q&A I have just enough time to hop on the subway and make my way to Tribeca. Passing City Hall there is a protest going on and construction has made a mess of Chambers Street. As I go into the theater at BMCC I realize it is 2 years since I was last here. It feels good to be back. Julianne Moore gave a quick introduction to The English Teacher, a comedy I enjoyed. Back in the subway I return to Brooklyn, feed the pups and realize that I have time to cross the street to reRun and catch the film Trash Dance. The Q&A with director Andrew Garrison and two of the men in the film turns into a friendly conversation. Nice people, great film. After the film I walked down the street to where they are filming Animal Rescue. I see lights, trucks and equipment, but no star sightings. Time for bed and the satisfaction of a wonderful day.

Trash Dance

The documentary Trash Dance started out with the vision for a piece by choreographer Allison Orr. In the end, it became a story of people and their work, their lives, their families and accomplishment. The Austin Sanitation Department are asked to participate in a dance performance involving the workers, their equipment and their talents. As they get to know the choreographer, and she them, it becomes a story of people working to their strengths. I saw this film at reRun in Brooklyn. The film maker Andrew Garrison, and two of the men in the film conducted a Q&A that became a lovely conversation. I loved this film, see it if you can.

The English Teacher

In The English Teacher a past student comes back to his home town after failing as a playwright in NYC. He lets his old English teacher read one of his plays and she sweeps him into producing the play at the high school. There are laughs, there is drama there is scandal. A strong cast brings a performance level that makes the characters interesting and funny. There is a narration that is used very well, and at the end, is used for excellent comedic effect. This was a World Premiere at Tribeca Film Festival and I was a little surprised that there was no Q&A after the film.

The Director

Drama in the fashion world is evident in The Director: An Evolution in Three Acts. This is a behind the scenes look at Frida Gianni and her work at Gucci. A smart woman who shares her vision. For me, this film was about collaboration and how to get results. The way she works with other designers, producers and models was interesting. Beautifully filmed and edited, I liked this documentary.

Tribeca Film Festival 2013 Day One

After a lovely visit with my daughter and grandsons in NJ, I headed to Brooklyn to stay with my grand-dogs while the kids are on vacation. Since their vacation coincided with Tribeca Film Festival, this is a happy state of affairs. The pups were happy to see me, and after wrangling my car out, then back in to the parking garage (so frustrating). I took the F train to the East Village. I arrived in front of the AMC Village 7 at the same time as my friend, and were quickly seated for Stand Clear of the Closing Doors. The film about a teen with autism wandering off and spending a week in the subway system of NYC with his mother  desperately looking for him, told many stories. The director, Sam Flieschner conducted an interesting Q&A after the film. Coming out of the theater into the sunshine, we went across the street to the Penny Farthing for a bite to eat, a little wine and discussion of the film. Getting back on the subway to return to Brooklyn, NYPD was set up to inspect bags, a welcome sight considering all that went on in Boston last week.
Back in DUMBO, I realized that I had time to get my car out of the parking garage (street parking is preferred) , play with the dogs and walk across the street to see the film Gut Renovation at rerun. That's right, I'm staying across the street from a movie theater! Pretty cool. The film was an interesting history of the city's actions to change Williamsburg from a working neighborhood, to residential. Kind of sad in a way. The plan has no balance and long-time residents are being forced out. It's all about the money. Film maker Su Friederich conducted an informative and passionate Q&A after the film. After a little walk around the neighborhood, I returned to the pups and felt good about my first day at film festival.

Stand Clear of the Closing Doors

Set in NYC in the throws of Hurricane Sandy, Stand Clear of the Closing Doors is a drama of family, loss and special needs. A young boy with autism runs away, and spends days in the NYC subway system while his Mother searches for him. There were a lot of stories going on, I would have liked more development of a few of those. The filming is excellent, especially the footage shot in the subway. This film was finished last Wednesday and could use a little more editing. Some scenes are a touch too long. The director, Sam Flieschner conducted an interesting Q&A.

Gut Renovation

On my first day at Tribeca Film Festival, I decided to find another film to see after my festival film. I am staying in Brooklyn and the restaurant across the street, rebar, has a movie theater in the back that shows independent films. I made it back in time to catch the film Gut Renovation at rerun. This documentary chronicles the renovation of Williamsburg in Brooklyn. It talks about the people that have been displaced and the future of this neighborhood. A very interesting situation politically and financially. The film maker, Su Friedrich came in after the film and conducted a passionate Q&A. What a pleasant surprise!

The Place Beyond the Pines

The Place Beyond the Pines feels like 3 films. Small town life effects three men, their work and families. Desperation, crime, work, love, family, it's all there. Bad decisions and corruption take a front seat and we watch the consequences unfold.The third act falls apart a bit, but the performances are strong and so is the emotional punch.

Dark City

On the recommendation of film critic Scott Weinberg, I rented the film Dark City. This film noir with a sci-fi twist, is well structured and well acted. It has beautiful visuals, special effects and music that works the story masterfully. There is a dream-like quality to the storytelling in this film. What is reality? What is memory? What is manipulated? And there's the brain battle. Loved this film. Watched it a second time with the Roger Ebert commentary. Poignant this week. Thanks Scott.

Ginger & Rosa

Friendship, family and politics get a little time under the microscope in Ginger & Rosa. The Cuban Missile Crisis is a cloud over London in the 60s and Ginger takes a heartfelt stab at advocacy. Her parents provide a distraction as they separate and her Father takes inappropriate action. A solid drama with outstanding performances.

Kids

The film Kids starts out feeling crude, rude and socially unacceptable. But as the main character's quest to deflower every girl in the neighborhood, an STD gives the film the feel of a thriller. Well done.

Spring Breakers

After listening to an interesting interview with Harmony Korine and James Franco, I decided to see Spring Breakers in the theater. On it's release, I thought I would rent it because I didn't want to be in a theater with a bunch of kids watching a movie about Spring Break. After 3 weeks in theaters, and a beautiful sunny spring afternoon the theater was empty. I saw the film the way I wanted to, alone. This film goes from scenes of the debaucherous behavior of spring break, to a crime spree with consequences. The visuals are intense. A gritty art film. Glad I saw it in the theater.

Hello I Must Be Going

Following a crippling divorce, a young woman moves back in with her parents. Though they are sympathetic,  after a few months they start to encourage her to pull herself together. In Hello I Must Be Going, the parents themselves have things they want to do, and watching their daughter mope is not one of them. Then the woman meets a young man. The effect this has speaks to the power of self esteem. Well acted, this is a drama with a message and an outcome that makes sense. I liked it.

Happy People: A Year in the Taiga

In Siberia, the trappers have a unique way of life. In Werner Herzog's film Happy People: A Year in the Taiga we see the trappers through four seasons. The environment is harsh. As they go through their days, Herzog states, "these are truly happy people." The role of the male in this culture is personified by the woman staying with the children and parents says, "now we are alone." Though there are 5 other people in the home, without the man they are "alone" I was struck by that. This documentary is visually stunning and tells quite a story.

A Royal Affair

History can provide some pretty juicy stories and A Royal Affair does just that. The eccentric King of Denmark takes a queen, has a child, tries to navigate the corrupt government, takes on a confidant who beds his wife and creates scandal and political unrest. I really liked this film.

The Comedy

Antics that seem funny as adolescents, are just sad in a middle aged man. The Comedy follows a 35 year old man in his ungrounded actions as his father lies ill in their mansion. Entitled and juvenile, the montage of his actions plays as a black comedy. I found it to be a heavy drama. This film stayed with me awhile.

Room 237

If you are a fan of The Shining, the words Room 237 will give you a chill. In the Kubrick thriller, that room was foreboding, mysterious and scary. The documentary, Room 237 takes several analytical looks at hidden meaning and imagery in the film. Trying to get inside the head of Stanley Kubrick to give meaning to what I thought was just a good scary movie. A lot of the theories are a bit far-fetched for me, and some read a bit much into continuity problems and camera angles. This is a well structured documentary, but the audience I saw it with had some good laughs at the more ridiculous interpretations. It was nice of IFC to allow the Cable Car Cinema to screen this film as a fundraiser for its Digital Upgrade equipment. A sell-out crowd with an interesting documentary made for a fun night in a great theater.

Rust and Bone

In the film Rust and Bone, a chance encounter sets off a relationship between a struggling fighter with a child, and a marine animal trainer. She suffers a devastating accident and their relationship goes down a bumpy road. The strength of their relationship is based on frank communication and loyalty. The characters are very honest and gritty. Very little makeup was used on the actors and the pallet is a bit grey. The emotion in this film is strong. I really liked this film.

Smashed

The film Smashed is the story of a hard partying couple, whose drinking has become a problem. There are meltdowns, lies and struggles, especially for the wife. It threatens their work and relationship. This film is heartfelt, honest and heartbreaking. The story of recovery is hopeful and realistic. The performances are outstanding. I liked this film.

Oz the Great and Powerful

I was born in 1956, so I grew up with the classic MGM Wizard of Oz movie. So ingrained in our culture, any other interpretation doesn't seem quite right. When any others have tried to tell the story of Dorothy Gale and her adventures, they are held to scorn and the gold standard of that classic. The story of how Oz got to Oz has now been interpreted in the film Oz the Great and Powerful. It has been met with a fair amount of comparison and criticism, though it tells the story of what may have happened before Dorothy arrived in Oz. It gives us the back story of the wizard, the witches and the inhabitants of the Emerald City. I like that the wizard is a sleazy flim-flam man out for riches and women. That holds true to the original story.The movie gets a bit lost near the end, but the effects are good and the performances are fine. Good family entertainment, though some of the battle scenes could be too intense for little ones. The flying monkeys are now flying baboons and are pretty scary. The audience I saw it with applauded as the credits rolled.

Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn: Part 2

I have trouble writing about bad movies. I have not written about a Twilight movie since 2009 because these movies are pretty awful. Breaking Dawn: Part 2 is laughable. The Looney Tunes sound effects, cheesy lines and flying heads had me shaking my head the whole time. My suggestion? Read the books, or, if you need a laugh, watch the movie. One thing I will say, is that becoming a vampire actually made the character of Bella interesting and gave Kristen Stewart more to do than just brood. I will confess, I watched the vampire battle scene twice, because it was cartoonish and highly entertaining. I'm sure fans loved the credit sequence. All of the characters were in it, regardless of whether they were in this film. A nice finale.

Holy Motors

The French film Holy Motors left me very unsure of what I had just watched. Though the ending had a very spiritual tone, the rest of the film was avant garde and disjointed. I will say it was a visual feast. I really liked this film.

Oscars 2013

For the first time in over a decade I am watching the Oscars with my daughter and her husband. I usually watch alone, often by design, but the invitation to spend the weekend and stay over through Monday was too tempting. We will talk fashion, speeches, production and general snark. My son-in-law is overseeing the Oscar Pool with his wonderful sense of humor. Of the 53 nominated films, I have seen 46. It was a good year for My Oscar Project. Below are my picks if I were to cast an Oscar ballot. I am Red Carpet ready, and wishing Seth McFarland a good show.

Linda's Oscar Picks

Best Picture  Argo
Best Director Michael Haneke - Amour
Best Actress  Jessica Chastain - Zero Drk Thirty
Best Actor Daniel Day-Lewis - Lincoln
Best Supporting Actress - Anne Hathaway - Les Miserables
Best Supporting Actor- Christoph Waltz - Django Unchained
Best Foreign Feature - Amour
Best Animated Feature - The Pirates! Band of Misfits
Best Documentary Feature - Searching for Sugar Man
Best Animated Short - Fresh Guacamole
Best Live Action Short - Curfew
Best Documentary Short - Mondays at Racine
Best Costume - Anna Karenina
Best Makeup and Hairstyles - The Hobit
Best Original Screenplay - Moonrise Kingdom
Best Adapted Screenplay - Lincoln
Best Original Song - Skyfall
Best Score - Argo
Best Cinematography - Skyfall
Best Production Design - Anna Karenina
Best Visual Effects - Life of Pi
Best Editing - Argo
Best Sound Editing - Zero Dark Thirty
Best Sound Mixing - Les Miserables

House of Cards

In a historic move, Netflix has dropped a complete season of 13 episodes of a political themed TV show on its Instant viewing queue. House of Cards is a political drama that is well written and skillfully acted. Kevin Spacey plays an ambitious congressman who is majority whip. He has interesting ways of manipulating people and events to his advantage. It took me three weeks to watch this series and I may go back and re-watch the beginning now that I am more familiar with the characters. I hope Netflix stays with this distribution model, I'm looking forward to Season 2.

Side Effects

In Stephen Soderbergh's latest film, Side Effects, a man getting out of jail for insider trading is in for a surprise when he finds out what his wife has been up to. The assumption of the vulnerability of mental illness gives her weapons that feed greed. Things are not as they seem in this thriller, almost like two films. I liked it.

Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel

The roots of fashion journalism are explored in Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel. From the 20's to 80's her fabulous career in fashion is chronicled with beautiful photos and footage. Her work at Vogue was groundbreaking and shaped how we look at fashion today. Fantastic documentary.

Sound City

I love a good music documentary. In Sound City Dave Grohl chronicles the history of the studio and then makes a little history of his own. I was fascinated with the technology explained alongside the now star-studded cast of musicians that recorded at this studio. From Barry Manilow to Nirvana, the music history in this film is rich. Ultimately, Grohl purchased the Neve soundboard that had seen so much history, and recorded a collaborative album with its veterans. Stunning.

Amour

There is a line in the traditional wedding vows that says, "in sickness and in health, till death do we part." In the film Amour, when a woman in her eighties has a stroke, watching her husband deal with her had this phrase running through my head. Love, devotion and compassion fuel her husband as he deals with her steady decline. The director of this film, Michael Haneke, is know to have a brutal style of presenting situations, and this film is no different. He depicts their daily struggles in unflinching cuts. I saw this film in a theater full of senior citizens, and their reactions really drove this film home for me. In true Haneke style, the ending makes you think. An intense film I really liked.

5 Broken Cameras

A Palestinian farmer documents the encroachment of Israeli soldiers on their land as a form of defense. Over the years, the soldiers break 5 of his cameras, yet he perseveres to tell the story. Thus the title 5 Broken Cameras. This Oscar nominated documentary tells an interesting story from an interesting point of view.

Pitch Perfect

Acapella music gets a remix in Pitch Perfect. A college student makes a deal with her father to get involved at school, and lands in a group of misfits working toward the championship. They stumble, they are bullied, they fall in love, they reinvent, they triumph. A bit formulaic, but the characters are charming and the singing is strong. I thought this was a solid rental.

The Brooklyn Brothers Beat the Best

I listen to a fair number of podcasts. They are a wonderful source for recommendations of film, music, books, plays and politics that I do not get from mainstream media. Geek in the City Radio is a podcast I especially enjoy. A few months ago, on my way to Brooklyn, Scott Dally interviewed the creators and stars Ryan O'Nan and Michael Weston of Brooklyn Brothers Beat the Best and I was enamored  The film is about two musicians who go out on a strange tour. They play guitar and baby toys and the music is enchanting. I really liked this film, thanks for the recommendation!

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Nominated for 3 Oscars, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey was my reason to go to the theater today. I was treated to endless chases and battles. I learned that Orcs are disgusting and dwarfs are plucky. The larger lesson was the first meeting of Gollum and Bilbo. The riddles of the cave scene is mesmerizing and worth the price of admission. All of the Oscar nominations are for visual effects and art direction, which are well deserved. This film is way too long, which is Peter Jackson's style, so I'll give him a pass for that. This is a strong adventure fantasy film based on J.R.R. Tolkien's characters.

The Pirates! Band of Misfits

I should have paid closer attention to The Pirates! Band of Misfits back in he spring. It got good reviews, but sounded silly to me. Watching it now, because it is nominated for an Oscar, I realize that the animation is gorgeous, the story heartfelt and hey it's pirates and ham! Whimsy and adventure abound. Mister Bobo the hench-monkey is a riot, especially the way he communicates. Sarcasm and wacky references are many. This is a fun, well animated film that is worthy of its nomination. Watch the credits!!!

Mirror Mirror

I watched Mirror Mirror because it is nominated for an Oscar for costumes. Rightfully so. The story involves Snow White. Most scenes with Snow White and/or the dwarfs are fine. I the dwarfs were interesting and the costumes were elaborate and award-worthy. The scenes with the evil Queen were horrible. Sad waste of time and talent.

Favorite Films of 2012

Having seen Zero Dark Thirty this weekend, I'm ready to post my favorite films of 2012. I don't feel qualified to say which films are "best", it's a very subjective term. No one can argue with me on my favorites, because they are mine. Going through all of the films I saw released in 2012 I came up with 30 I really enjoyed. From there, I found my way to the conventional number of 10. I'm going to list them in alphabetical order because I liked them all equally. Click on the titles to see what I thought.

Argo ~ A thriller based in a true story. The editing in this film is outstanding.

Cabin in the Woods ~ A crazy horror story that was a ride I was happy to take.

Django Unchained ~ A love story based in pre-civil war south wrapped in a bloody ride.

The Intouchables ~ A story of friendship and comment on how you live your life.

Magic Mike ~ A stripper wants more. This story is elevated by it's acting and sincerity of its characters.

Moonrise Kingdom ~ A sweet story of young love. Filmed in RI, this one has a special place in my heart. Someone called it a lovely jewel box. So true.

Ruby Sparks ~ A creative spin on the crazy girlfriend story.

Seven Psychopaths ~ A roadtrip extraordinaire

Skyfall ~ A wonderful addition to the Bond franchise

Sleepwalk With Me ~ A true story that made me smile.

The other 20? The Master, Zero Dark Thirty, Frankenweenie, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Cloud Atlas, Robot & Frank, The Sessions, Lincoln, Silver Linings Playbook, Flight, Killer Joe, Chronicle, Hunger Games, Sound of My Voice , The Avengers, Ted, The Dark Knight Rises, Beasts of the Southern Wild, Lawless and Looper. All solid films and worth a look. On to 2013!

The Impossible

It is one thing to hear about a natural disaster in the news from half way around the world, it is another to be placed in the middle of that disaster in a film. The Impossible does just that. A lot of practical effects and tank work show the tsunami that hit Thailand in 2004 in graphic detail through the eyes of a family on vacation there. Another film where I knew the ending, but I still found it harrowing to watch. An excellent film.

Hyde Park on Hudson

The best part about Hyde Park on Hudson is Bill Murray's interpretation of FDR. The story addresses the former President's multiple affairs. The film takes place on a weekend visit with King George and Queen Elizabeth before the war. It is not a flattering portrayal, I came away from the film with a sad feeling about the man. Good movie, sad story.

Zero Dark Thirty

I was skeptical of the hunt for Osama bin Laden to be a very interesting film. Yet, in Zero Dark Thirty, the masterful writing and directing of Kathryn Bigelow brings the story to the screen in 157 riveting minutes. The intelligence gathering is frustrating, but the payoff in the last 25 minutes made my palms sweat and my heart race ... even when I knew how it would end. A powerful film.

Les Miserables

I have never seen the musical Les Miserable on stage. It always struck me as being too depressing. That being said, I had only general knowledge of the plot and knew some of the music from dance recitals. I really enjoyed this movie version of the story. I thought the singing was fine. Not Broadway quality, but most of the singers could hold their own. Anne Hathaway gives a stand-out performance. The sets are elaborate and add to the drama of the story. I got very caught up in the music, story and performances. I was impressed with this film.

Hitchcock

In the beginning, the film Hitchcock is about the making of Psycho. In the end, it is about Hitchcock's relationship with his wife. It's a sweet story. The performances are excellent. There are many references to The Birds, which was his next film. I think I'll go watch a few episodes of Alfred Hitchcock Presents. I liked this film.

Anna Karenina

I saw Anna Karenina presuming that it would get an Oscar nod for costumes. Joe Wright took theatrical liberties with the staging that was a bit distracting. That said, this is a gorgeous film, and the costumes are beautiful. In the end, I realized that it was not a very interesting story. Thankfully, Keira Knightley and Jude Law are interesting to watch.

Wreck-it Ralph

Wreck-it Ralph is a cute story of video game characters looking for happiness in their arcade games. I saw this on the chance that it would be an Oscar nominee and it was OK. There's an alien story line that felt out of place, but on the whole this was entertaining enough.

Django Unchained

In my opinion, Quentin Tarentino is a master storyteller. He mixes drama, humor and blood in a style I really enjoy. His latest film, Django Unchained, is set in the pre-civil war south. We watch a slave be freed by a charismatic bounty hunter to find and rescue his wife. The story is lush and the characters are interesting. Christoph Waltz and Leonardo DiCaprio give fantastic performances. The blood flows freely, but there is humor as well. There is also a lot of eye candy in this film. So many shots are just beautiful tableaus. Torch-wielding men on horseback coming over a hill was a thrilling sight.  This film has been controversial for its themes and violence, but sometimes you have to say, "it's only a movie." And a good one at that.

The Fitzgerald Family Christmas

For my Christmas Eve movie this year, I was happy to see The Fitzgerald Family Christmas playing at the Cable Car Cinema. I'm a big fan of Edward Burns films, and I did not expect to see this on in a theater. In the film, the Fitzgerald family was splintered by time and their father's absence. When he reappears at Christmas, with an unreasonable request, emotions run high. Bit by bit, we meet the characters and are drawn in to their relationships. This film is well written with an outstanding cast. Burns has a flair for dialog. The story hit very close to home for me, so I left the theater a bit teary. I like it when a  film gets to me. Well done Mr. Burns.

Arbitrage

By the end of the film Arbitrage, the only note I had written was, "this is some messed up shit". Richard Gere plays a successful man, who makes some poor decisions that could destroy his world. This is a cat and mouse thriller set in the world of the wealthy with a lot to lose. The cast is strong, especially Gere and Susan Sarandon. This is a decent thriller that is worth a rental.

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen

Another film that got my attention during this award season is Salmon Fishing on the Yemen. A charming story of idealism, this one is well written and acted. Who knew that salmon fishing could be the base of an interesting story. There is a dash of politics and the film has a sense of humor. I really liked this one.

Flight

It takes a lot to get me to see a film with Denzel Washington in it. I've never been a big fan. When the movie Flight started getting award buzz, I was intrigued. What I saw was the most vulnerable performance I've seen from Denzel. The story is a strong comment on alcoholism  There are two scenes that impressed me most. One is the opening flight sequence, the other takes place in a hotel room. Very different, but Washington and Zemecus really show their skills in both. A film worth seeing. Frequent flyers may be a bit unnerved by this one.

Magic Mike

I was not interested to see a movie about male strippers in the theater. As intrigued as I was by the Steven Soderberg film Magic Mike, the subject matter made me uncomfortable. This week I watched this film in the comfort of my living room, and I kind of wish I had seen it with an audience. This is a quality film with heart and outstanding performances. I really enjoyed this film. Yes, I watched it twice, the beefcake didn't hurt.

CortandFatboy is Dead

In 2009, a popular KUFO radio duo out of Portland OR were fired. Here is how I felt. A few months later, Cort Webber and Bobby Roberts picked the show up, dusted it off and CortandFatboy ended up on the Cascadia network. Ever since, they have delivered a quality 1 hour podcast, on a daily basis, talking pop-culture, movies, music, TV, politics, video games and comics. Though entertaining in their own right, their secret weapon was the cast of regular guests they invited to join them. Ryan Fleming, David Walker, Courtenay Hameister, Byron Beck, Jim Willig, Leia Weathington and Mike Russell brought it every week. There were occasional visits from Erik Henrikson and Ryan McCluskey. It was sad when Aaron Duran had to give up his spot for employment. Every show had its own personality, its own flavor. It was delicious listening. Once a month they would assemble an interesting cast of characters to deliver a movie commentary on a classic film. Why am I referring to the show in the past-tense.? They have decided to retire the show. Sad news, but if you love these guys, you understand. Podcasting is time consuming and these guys have jobs and families. They felt it was better to go out than burn out. I get it. Tonight they are presenting their final show, a live show, at the Bagdad Theater. The audio will be available online, but I really wish I was there.

I would like to thank them for many hours of entertainment and company. I listen to them at work, cleaning the house, in the car and on my walks. For over 6 years they have given me a daily dose of smart, funny, informative conversation, mixed with the occasional diversion to poop and dick jokes. I will miss them very much. Love you guys and thanks! xoxo

Life of Pi

I'm not a big fan of 3D, but when a respected film friend recommended that I see Life of Pi in this forma,t I took his advice. I had read the book, so I was familiar with the story. A boy is trapped on a lifeboat with a tiger after a shipwreck. I was quite impressed by the quality of the visual. Ang Lee has mastered the 3D filming well and the CGI animals were outstanding. A film that is strong enough without the 3D, but I'm glad I saw it that way.

The Zen of Bennett

I saw Tony Bennett live at the old Warwick Musical Theater in 1996. It was a date, it was romantic, it was memorable. The Zen of Bennett is a documentary that shows a peek behind the curtain of Bennett's process with a handful of talented artists. We get the sense of his love of music, art, family and women in this film. Well done.

Sparkle

Sparkle was recommended to me because of the musical performances. I was game. Not only was this accurate, but the acting was very good as well. Kind of a typical rise to success, fall to men and drugs, sing your heart out stories, but I was very surprised by how much I liked it.

Killing Them Softly

The words I wrote down after seeing Killing Them Softly are slow, pensive, talky, bloody. These elements all go together well in this crime story that bring a corporate structure to organized crime that is not very welcome. Dark and disturbing, I liked the way this was filmed.

Peace Love & Misunderstanding

I had reservations about a film where Jane Fonda plays an aged hippie grandmother, but Peace Love & Misunderstanding was surprisingly good. Fonda shows her style and grace eloquently in this film. The plot is a bit predictable, but I'll forgive that for a nice cast giving good performances. An unexpected pleasure.

Silver Linings Playbook

Crazy people make interesting subjects in film. In Silver Linings Playbook each character carries their share of crazy. There are many levels. When Pat gets out of the hospital, he runs into crazy on a search for sanity. In the end, we realize that crazy is just people who want to be listened to. The performances in this film are outstanding and the story is heartwarming.

Sound of My Voice

When a journalist and his girlfriend infiltrate a cult to make a film, they are pulled into a mystery they did not expect. Sound of My Voice is a good thriller with a mystery and  twist I enjoyed.

Abraham Lincoln:Vampire Hunter

If you see Lincoln first, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter is highly entertaining. With the history fresh in my mind, introducing vampires to Lincoln's life story was fun. Bloody, but fun. Do not mess with Mary Todd. I was surprised by how much I liked this one.

Lincoln

As a child, I was obsessed with the life story of Abraham Lincoln. I even dressed as him one Halloween. In the film Lincoln he is depicted exactly as I imagined him. The words he speaks in the film are written by one of my favorite writers, Tony Kushner. It is poetic and mesmerizing. The politics surrounding the 13th amendment are fascinating and at times disturbing. A star studded cast brings this time in history to the screen quite masterfully. Well done.

The Sessions

In the film The Sessions, Mark O'Brien relies on an iron lung due to a childhood bout with polio. He wants to experience sex, and goes about it with a sex surrogate. He not only gets help from the the surrogate, but also his care-givers and friends. Even his priest. This story is as much about the relationships Mark has as it is about sex. The dialogue is smart, funny and honest. Such a good story based on a real man.

Skyfall

Skyfall is a dynamic dance, masterfully choreographed to a dramatic soundtrack, punctuated by gunfire. Bond is back, and we learn more of his background as he and MI6 battle a sadistic villain. We get to know the characters better in this installation and the music carries us through the action sequences beautifully. There are many nostalgic nods to past Bond films, which had me grinning in the dark. The chase scenes and crazy final act make this a solid addition to the 007 film dynasty. Skyfall is a wonderful celebration of 50 years of Bond. Loved it!

2 Days in New York

Back in the spring, my daughter and I stood in a rush line for 2 hours to see 2 Days in New York. We did not get in to see the film. Out in DVD, I finally got to see this comedy. Adeptly written and directed by Julie Delpy, we see the chaos caused by a visit from Marion's family. It is delicious. Would have been worth the wait in NYC, but I was just as happy to see it at home. Well done.

Prometheus

The story in the movie Prometheus is full of holes and there's a lot of hokey acting, but this film is so gorgeous it made it worth watching. Glad I did.

Cloud Atlas

Brilliant editing, intricate makeup and stories that span centuries and generations make for an intriguing film in Cloud Atlas. The stories are easy to follow and the editing carries us along on this journey. Film as art can be very satisfying.

Strangers on a Train

In anticipation of Halloween, I thought I'd revisit a few Hitchcock films, and realized I have never seen Strangers on a Train. Taught and suspenseful, we watch a psychotic man haunt a man after an accidental connection. Murder is on the plate as we watch a well crafted cat and mouse game. There is a fantastic action sequence at the end that I did not expect. Well done.

Robot & Frank

A future story of dealing with ageing parents with technology is interesting. In Robot & Frank, Frank Langella is masterful as an ailing thief who has done is time and is living out his years in his own home. His son sends a robot to care for his father when his health begins to decline. Susan Sarandon is genuine as a local woman who is kind to Frank and accepts the progress and technology. There is a nice twist at the end. I liked this film.

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.