Blast of Silence

Film noir has never looked better than in the crime thriller Blast of Silence. Gorgeous cinematography. This gritty story of a conflicted hit man is well worth a look.

Today's Special

I was listening to an interview with Aasif Mandvi about his career and comedy. While talking about his most recent film, Million Dollar Arm, he mentioned the film Today's Special. When I found it on Netflix Instant, I thought I'd give it a look. This is a story of family, career, ambition and love. Well written with excellent performances. I liked this film a lot.

Chef

We all struggle to balance work, career, passion and family. In Chef ,Carl Casper embodies these struggles, draws us into a big bear hug and takes us on the road. He brings a trusted, talented friend and his charming son. We are treated to genuine fun, hard work and a lot of love. Though there were predictable moments, the script is sincere with a little edge, the performances are satisfying and the food is to die for. I really liked this film.

Godzilla

I get a kick out of monsters. I get a kick out of cheesy monster movies. I get a kick out of outrageous screen battles between movie monsters. I got a kick out of Godzilla.

Movies A-Z

Lists can be fun. Rambling Film is doing a blogathon challenging folks to put a movie title to the letters of the alphabet. This was a fun exercise.

Almost Famous
Big Lebowski
Chinatown
Dog Day Afternoon
Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind
Fightclub
Godfather
Host
In Her Shoes
Jaws
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
Little Miss Sunshine
Moon
Nine Queens
Once
Pieces of April
Quills
Ratatouille
Shall We Dance? (96)
Trick 'r Treat
United 93
Volver
Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
X-Men
Young at Heart
Zodiac

I Shot Andy Warhol

Listening to an interview with Jared Harris, I was reminded of the film I Shot Andy Warhol.  Though he plays a convincing Warhol, it is Lili Taylor who owns this film. As Warhol's assailant, she is compasionate and compelling. A riveting portrayal of a dynamic story.

Apollo 13

After seeing Ron Howard in person last week, and hearing all of Brian Williams questions about Apollo 13, I thought it was time to revisit the film. The dramatization of the Apollo 13 flight is skillfully done. So much care was taken to get the characters just right. The practical effects are true movie magic. A carefully crafted movie that holds up and pays tribute to its subject. This is another film that is worth watching the making-of documentary on the DVD. Well done.

Escape from Tomorrow

Escape from Tomorrow would have been a trippy thriller no matter what. A crazy story of a father's decent into delirium at the end of a family vacation. Hallucinations and sci-fi-like sequences intertwine with the family's last day at a theme park. Another element of crazy is added by the setting of Disney theme parks. Shot in Disney World and Disneyland guerrilla fashion, there is an extra level of tension and intrigue. If you see this on DVD watch the making-of featurette. An interesting project.

Tribeca Film Festival 2014 Day 5

This morning's walk took me up to North Moore Street for a visit to Hook & Ladder 8, filming location for Ghostbusters. I love that they have a sign of the Ghostbuster's logo hanging inside the station. At Laughing Man Coffee there was a funny Gozilla cartoon drawn on the chlak board. My day was starting on a light note. As the skies cleared, the final set up for the TFF Family Street Fair was underway and my last day in Tribeca was underway. My plan for lunch in the West Village took me to the Five Guys on Bleeker St. Upstairs, I found The Garrett but it was closed. Still fun to find this hidden gem for a future visit. A sun-drenched walk to McDougal Street and I was cozied up at the bar at The Olive Tree for quiche and salad. When I went downstairs to use the ladies room a young comic was working out some material with a manager in The Comedy Cellar. Maybe a star of tomorrow. Strolling past the street artists in SOHO, I enjoyed the creative vibe on my way back to Tribeca. Standing in line outside BMCC for the Ron Howard and Brian Williams panel I was joined by a man who had been to many events over the two weeks and had lots of stories. It made the hour wait go by quickly. The panel was so wonderful. I realized that I love Ron Howard's work more than I realized and that Brian Williams is the skilled interviewer I thought he was. Such an experience. Deciding to have dinner before I head out of the city, I go to Max for a delicious ravioli dish. A nice finish to a nice week. The drive home was easy. My house felt huge after 5 days in a tiny hotel room. Thanks to Tribeca Film Festival and all the friends and family that joined me along the way. And a big thanks to New York City for being so awesome! It was a great vacation!

Tribeca Talks: Ron Howard with Brian Williams

When I saw a Tribeca Talks panel with Ron Howard I said, "I'm in." When I saw that Brian Williams was interviewing him it was a lock. Ticket bought, I knew this would be the perfect way to close out my week at Tribeca Film Festival. I got in line an hour ahead of time at BMCC and the line was already down the block. I got my favorite seat, first row upper tier, and I was ready. Right on schedule, Brian Williams was introduced and I was thrilled to see him in person. He wasted no time introducing Ron Howard and the questions began. Every question was followed by a wonderful story. Howard was generous, relaxed and funny. Williams was obviously a fan, especially notable in his Apollo 13 references. The two men had a wonderful back and forth and at the end of the interview I felt like I had a peek inside the life and work of Ron Howard. A very satisfying event.

Tribeca Film Festival 2014 Day 4

Waking up early gave me time for breakfast at Square Diner in Tribeca before heading to Penn Station. Today's agenda began with a ride on NJ Transit to visit my family in NJ. what a pleasant train ride! My daughter and grandsons met me at the train and we walked to their Tae Kwon Do studio Watching kids from 3-5 years old go through their moves was really fun. The kids seemed happy to have an audience. We met my son in law for lunch at the Ritz Diner and spent a relaxing afternoon reading, playing and visiting. Back on the train, I decided to try to see a play, so I muscled through Times Square to TKTS. To my surprised pleasure, I was able to get a ticket to the new play All the Way with Bryan Cranston playing LBJ. What a wonderful performance! Emerging from the theater into the rain, I ducked into the subway. Back in Tribeca, most of the restaurants I tried were closed. Finally, I tried the Odeon and was successful finding something to eat before turning in. Such a great day!

All the Way

I spent an amazing day with my family today. They made me feel so happy and loved. On my way back to the city I knew I had to do something special to round out this wonderful day. Arriving at Penn Station I told myself, "you are 10 blocks from TKTS, go!" Muscling my way through the tourists in Times Square (crazy people) I arrived at the ticket booth to find no lines and a ticket to the play All the Way. A quick cocktail and visit to the ladies room at Emmit O'Lunney's and I land in row M of the Neil Simon Theater.

The play? A brilliant study of the LBJ administration from Kennedy's assassination, to his reelection. When I was a kid, my Dad brought cowboy hats back from a trip to Texas. That year this 8 year old got talked into dressing like LBJ for Halloween. I wore one of my brother's sport jackets, a tie, fake nose and the hat. Everyone knew who I was supposed to be. It has always made me feel kindred to the man though I was too young to understand his politics. Bryan Cranston gives a dynamic performance as LBJ. What a play! The staging was very creative and moved in many creative ways from scene to scene. Though it was a long play, I savored every moment, it was that good. PS Tony Award nominations are well deserved.

Tribeca Film Festival 2014 Day 3

I started my third day in Tribeca with a long walk along the Hudson in River Park. I got a little turned around when I got to Battery Park City because a lot of routes are fenced off due to construction. The area around the World Trade Center is a hive of heavy machinery, people going to work and tourists. Too congested for me, so I grabbed a coffee from a street vendor and went back to the hotel. I was meeting a friend for lunch in the East Village, so I gave myself time to wander the streets and shops of the neighborhood. Lunch at The Smith was lovely, and an easy walk across the street took us to the theater for the film Night Moves. I'm glad the director was there for the &A, because it helped me understand his intent in the pace of the film. Coming out of the theater into a sunny afternoon I decided to visit Washington Square Park and meander back to Tribeca through the West Village. A bit ambitious with the walking, I gave my feet a rest at Church Bar in The Tribeca Grand. Back at Edward's, I had a little dinner before going back to the hotel to change my shoes. I had one more thing to do, and the Barnes & Noble around the corner was just right. Picked up a few books for the kids. Back at the hotel I watched Letterman while giving myself a NY Foot Soak (warm soapy water in the hotel trash can). Another great day.

Night Moves

A film that starts out seeming to be an activist thriller, turns into a study in consequences and guilt. Night Moves is a quiet, slow view of young people with big ideas. A lot is left to interpretation which was the intention of the director. This was a film I've thought about a lot since seeing it.

Tribeca Film Festival 2014 Day 2

Waking to a cool, breezy morning, I headed for the Brooklyn Bridge to combine my morning walk with a visit to my daughter and granddaughter in Brooklyn. Reading books, playing hide and seek, a visit to the pirate ship playground and lunch made for a lovely morning. A quick ride on the F train took me to the East Village for a screening of Miss Meadows. An interesting take on vigilante justice. Back in Tribeca I went into Sazon for a glass of wine and catch up on emails and messages. After a walk I still had time to kill before my next film so Ecco! was a good choice. I had a lovely chat with a mother and her daughter spending the afternoon in the city. Meeting a friend for dinner at Chelsea Pub was ideal because the food was good and we could catch up before going across the street for a screening of Loitering with Intent. Concessions were compliments of Celebrity Cruise Lines again, and almost all of the cast took part in the Q&A. My ride home on the subway was especially lively. There were a lot of young people laughing and talking, it was kinda fun. Such a nice day!

Loitering with Intent

When friends get stuck writing a screenplay in the film Loitering with Intent, they take to the country to get the creative juices flowing. At the country house they run into a cast of characters that complicate matters. A dynamic cast and a quirky story made this a fun romantic comedy. Most of the cast and the director fielded awkward questions in the Q&A. Fun film.

Miss Meadows

Vigilante justice in the hands of a sweet young woman puts a dark twist on Miss Meadows. Bit by bit we learn of her past, and watch her move forward in her life. As time goes on, her secret becomes a problem in her romantic involvement and the story takes an interesting turn. Katie Holmes gives an impressive performance. The director gave a passionate Q&A. The project has been in the works for 14 years. I liked this film.

Tribeca Film Festival 2014 Day 1

Arriving in NYC for Tribeca Film Festival is always a thrill.  For the last few years I have stayed in NJ and Brooklyn, which was great, but today it was nice to be back in the hood. It's been two years since I last stayed at the Cosmopolitan Hotel. After I unpacked, I started to take a walk, but rain sent me into Edward's for a drink and a bite to eat. A friendly bartender and a delicious bowl of vegetable and meatball soup made this break from a flash downpour just right. On my way back to the hotel I stopped into brick Oven Pizza for a slice of their lasagna pizza. I finished unpacking and headed to Chelsea for a screening of Boulevard. The woman in front of me in line was pleasant and friendly, the concessions were free courtesy of Celebrity Cruise Lines. The movie was intense and dramatic. The writer, director and actors conducted the Q&A. Coming out of the subway back in Tribeca, the new, sparkling Freedom tower greeted me. What a great start to my week in NYC.

Boulevard

Boulevard is the story of a man leading a quiet life with a quiet secret. He works at a bank, he is married and owns a house. A ride down the wrong street one night takes him to a world he has only dreamt of. A dangerous world. A world where he gets to admit who he really is. Not a happy story, bu the resolution works. I saw this film at Tribeca Film Festival and the director, writer and two of the actors conducted an interesting Q&A.

Big Wednesday

After seeing the documentary Milius I decided that Big Wednesday belonged on my "must see" list. I was so pleased with this film in the areas of story, cinematography and characters. The surfing footage is amazing, especially considering the technology available in the 70s.

Milius

John Milius is the talented director known for Apocalypse Now, Conan the Barbarian and Red Dawn. So many famous talking heads speak of working with him in the documentary, simply titled, Milius. Controversial and talented, a wonderful director. I watched Big Wednesday because of this documentary. Highly recommend it.

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues

I remember enjoying Anchorman. Goofy, funny and entertaining. As a rental it was very satisfying. When Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues came to theaters I thought I would pay the big bucks and see it on a big screen. As it worked out, I never found the time or motivation and the movie went on my DVD list. 20 minutes in, I realized that I was happy for the home view. Not as funny as the first, but entertaining enough, this is an OK rental. The big payoff is a celebrity-cameo-fueled battle finale.

Noah

On one hand, there were reviews of Darren Aronofsky's version of the Bible story Noah that sang its praises. On the other hand, deriders were so passionate that they came off as fanatics. By Sunday I had dismissed the negative and went out into the pouring rain to the theater. 10 minutes into the film I regretted my decision. The Watchers almost made me leave the theater. I have a policy of sticking it out, even if the movie is terrible so I stayed in my seat. I understand that the story of Noah is a fable, but those rock-shaped Transformers stretched it too far for me. There were battles that made sense, let's face it, mankind had gone bad. The solution to dealing with all those animals was clever, if not a bit far-fetched. The production value was excellent, and there were some performances I liked, but I left the theater shaking my head.

Muppets Most Wanted

I was skeptical that another run at a Muppet movie would work. Muppets Most Wanted proved me wrong. Classic Muppet antics, a caper story, big name cameos and plenty of explosions hit all the right notes. Though many of the bits are familiar, I am reminded of why the Muppets were successful as a weekly show. It doesn't get old for folks like me. Sitting through the credits, I was rewarded with a message from Fozzie that doesn't get old either. There is a Monster's U short from Pixar. Party Central sets the mood for a good time. I will see this one again just for the fun of it!

One Day in September

Director Kevin MacDonald was accidentally interviewed by Marc Maron for the WTF Podcast. His booker thought they had scheduled the comedian Kevin McDonald, famous for Kids in the Hall. MacDonald's interview turned out to be engaging and interesting. I had seen his films The Last King of Scotland and Touching the Void, but not his Oscar winner One Day in September so I rented it. I found a dramatic film that tells the horrific story of the terrorists, Black September, and the hostage taking of Israeli athletes at the 1972 Olympics in Munich. Interviews with the surviving terrorist are chilling. The editing builds drama and moves the story. Oscar worthy indeed.

The Grand Budapest Hotel

Wes Anderson makes visually sumptuous films. The Grand Budapest Hotel is a wonderful addition to his catalogue. Aside from being very pretty, it is a romance, a heist, a chase and a prison break film. Ralph Fiennes is a compelling lead and carries this film nicely. The humor worked on me. The cast is stellar and cameos delightful. I look forward to seeing this film again. Utterly charming.

The Lunchbox

On a recent trip to Brooklyn, I had the luxury of choosing a film with no Oscar connections. Acclaimed Hindi film, The Lunchbox was playing at the Angelika Film Center, so I hopped an F train and headed for Soho. I was early, so I took a stroll down Lafayette and came upon a Colossal Media artist working on a piece for Jagermeister....on a Sunday! Back at the theater, I enjoyed the story of a frustrated wife and mother who unwittingly strikes up a friendship with a stranger through the city's elaborate lunchbox delivery system. The visual sequence depicting this system is fascinating, and embeds us in the streets and atmosphere of Mumbai. The friendship progresses as her marriage disintegrates and we learn of the man's emotional ride through his conversations with a co-worker. A lovely story, a lovely film.

Oscar Picks 2014

Right now I have about 4 lists of Oscar picks. Two pools, what I would vote for and what I think will win. Here is how I would vote if The Academy asked.

Best Picture  Gravity
Best Director  Alfonso Cuaron - Gravity
Best Actor  Leonardo DiCaprio - The wolf of Wall Street
Best Actress  Meryl Streep - August: Osage County
Best Supporting Actor  Jared Leto - Dallas Buyers Club
Best Supporting Actress  Lupits Nyong'o - 12 Years A Slave
Best Animated Feature  Frozen
Best Foreign Language Film  The Hunt
Best Original Screenplay  Nebraska
Best Adapted Screenplay  Before Midnight
Best Costume Design  The Great Gatsby
Best Original Song  Happy
Best Original Score  Gravity
Best Documentary Feature  Cutie and the Boxer
Best Documentary Short  Cavediggers
Best Makeup & Hairstyling  Bad Grandpa
Best Production Design  Gravity
Best Cinematography  Gravity
Best Film Editing  Captain Phillips
Best Sound Editing  Lone Survivor
Best Sound Mixing  Inside Llewyn Davis
Best Visual Effects  Gravity
Best Animated Short  Room on the broom
Best Live Action Short  Just Before Losing Everything

Oscars 2014: The Films

All of the feature films nominated this year are worth seeing.I saw all but The Wind Rises, The Grandmaster, Omar and The Missing Picture, though I may be able to see The Wind Rises and The Grandmaster this weekend. Thanks to Netflix, all of the documentary films were on instant view and the Cable Car ran the shorts programs. Wonderful to have these films available when you don't live in a big city. Again, all of the nominated films are impressive. Keep an eye out for them when you are looking for rentals this year. Who will win the Oscars? I think Best Picture will go to Gravity. Best Animated Feature will probably go to Frozen. Best Foreign Feature could go to The Broken Circle Breakdown, or maybe The Great Beauty.  My favorite Documentary Feature was Cutie and the Boxer, but the Oscar will probably go to The Act of Killing. For shorts I'm picking The Voorman Problem for live action, Room on the Broom for animated and Cavedigger for documentary.

Pop the popcorn, get out your ballots and keep your fingers crossed for an entertaining awards show. C'mon Ellen. And the Oscar goes to.......

Oscars 2014: The People

When I look at the lists of actor, actress and director nominees, there's not one that would be a bad choice for the Oscar. This year was was rich with passionate performances and skillful direction. If the Oscar went to the most powerful performances Chiwetel Ejiofor, Meryl Streep, June Squibb, Leonardo DiCaprio or Barkhad Abdi would win. If it went to the most nuanced performance it would go to Jared Leto, Mattew McConaughey, Amy Adams, Cate Blanchett, Judi Dench or Lupita Nyong'o. Every director nominated turned out a film that was a signature piece. I'd like to see Martin Scorsese win, but Steve McQueen or Alfonso Caron will probably win. I think the actors who will win are DiCaprio, Streep, Nyong'o and Leto. If I were running the academy, I'd just buy an extra 20 statues and give them all a hearty "well done!"

Oscars 2014: The Stories

There is a wealth of material in this world on which to base a good story. In film an adapted screenplay is drawn from already existing material. I think Before Midnight was the most well written adapted screenplay this year. I'm torn between Her and Nebraska for original screenplay. Both were original and the dialog was outstanding. An interesting trend this year was the many films that were based on true stories.

Oscars 2014: The Sounds

Especially in a theater, the sounds of a film envelop us. It builds a mood and punctuates the drama. The film I felt this most in was Lone Survivor. I'd like to see the Oscar for sound editing go to this film. The music, along with the sounds of the city would make Inside Llewyn Davis my choice for best sound mixing. The music is the heartbeat of the film. the song Let it Go worked well with the story in Frozen. The score in Gravity worked with the visuals to take us to outer space.

Oscars 2014: The Sights

A very important aspect of any film is the visual. The images need to translate to a huge screen for the theater. It is a craft. The best this year has been in the movie Gravity. Taking place in the wide expanse of space and the small, claustrophobic confines of a space capsule, much of the drama is in the visual. I think Gravity could take the Oscar for Visual Effects, Art Direction, Cinematography and Editing. I wouldn't be surprised to see Prisoners grab the statue for cinematography because Deakins did some nice work there. I think the award for costumes will be between The Great Gatsby and American Hustle and makeup could go anywhere. Bad Grandpa would be deserving.

The Broken Circle Breakdown

Tribeca Film has been singing the praises of The Broken Circle Breakdown for a year or so now. Then it was nominated for an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. Then I saw it. This is a story of love, heartbreak and survival with some beautiful musical performances. A couple falls in love, suffer a terrible loss and struggle to keep it together. As sad as this sounds, it was rather uplifting and the music was delightful. I really liked this film.

Ernest and Celestine

The charming French film Ernest and Celestine played at the Providence Children's Film Festival this year. I was thrilled to see a 200 seat theater fill up with families. The kids behind me were chattering about all of the films they had seen over the week. Very knowledgeable little cinephiles! The film is hand drawn, beautiful, has a good message and is very funny. The laughter was frequent and genuine. Thanks to PCFF for bringing this film to RI. Kudos to the parents who brought their kids to see a quality  French film! I loved this Oscar nominee.

The Lego Movie

Visiting my family this weekend, my daughter proposed that we take my 3 and 5 year old grandsons to see The Lego Movie. Having read positive reviews, I was all in. We arrived during the previews and sat second row. The film was sold out. It was fun to be so close, everything was huge. The plot was clever and the popular characters received cheers in the theater. There is a great reveal that enhances the plot. I really liked this film and so did the the kids. "Everything is Awesome..." Fun film!

The Crash Reel

Extreme sports have their risks. Beautiful to watch, but catastrophic when things go wrong. The Crash Reel documents the beauty and the agony of extreme snowboarding. It follows Kevin Pearce's rise and fall....and what a fall. I had a boyfriend who survived a brain injury and this film brought back so many memories. Especially when Kevin wants to go back to the activity that caused this life-changing injury. This is an excellent documentary.

Favorite Forty Films of 2013

I'm throwing the Top 10 format out the window and listing my Favorite Forty Films of 2013. These were my favorites of the year, not necessarily the best. They all gave me pleasure and I smile every time I read through this list. Click on the titles to see what I thought when I saw them.

Sound City
Before Midnight
The Stories We Tell
Nebraska
The Way Way Back
Gravity
12 Years a Slave
Inside Llewyn Davis
Trash Dance
Rush

Her
The World's End
Fruitvale Station
Mud
A Band Called Death
Blue Jasmine
You're Next
Dallas Buyers Club
Enough Said
Philomena

August: Osage County
Saving Mr. Banks
Frances Ha
Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa
What Maisie Knew
Monsters University
This is the End
Much Ado About Nothing
Spring Breakers
Frozen

The Conjuring
Muscle Shoals
The Wolf of Wall Street
All is Lost
The Place Beyond the Pines
A Single Shot
Don Jon
Captain Phillips
Drinking Buddies
Pacific Rim

Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa

I feel like I keep saying that I liked a lot of movies more than I expected this year. None surprised me more than Bad Grandpa. I watched it because of an Oscar nomination for makeup & hairstyles. The Jackass crew delivers a very funny, very inappropriate, very raunchy, very sweet movie. Johnny Knoxville straps on old man makeup and takes off on a road trip from Nebraska to North Carolina with a 9 year old posing as his grandson. They play out uncomfortable situations in a hidden camera style to the unsuspecting people they encounter. Watch the credits for the reveals. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. Color me surprised.

Lone Survivor

Watching young soldiers fight for their lives is a popular theme in film. In Lone Survivor, watching four soldiers battle Taliban soldiers in Afghanistan is brutal. We are endeared to the soldiers early in the film, then they go on their mission. The fight is graphic and bloody. When you buy your ticket, you know the outcome of the story, so suspense is not a factor. The how is almost unbelievable. This film is Oscar nominated for sound and sound mixing, and I'll say that the sound was one of the more dramatic aspects of this film. I came away from this film once again marveling at the bravery of young men in the military and the dangerous situation in the middle east.

Cutie and the Boxer

Not only is the story of artists Ushio and Noriko Shinohara an interesting ride, but the structure of this film draws the viewer in. In the documentary Cutie and The Boxer we see the evolution and survival of artists who met, fell in love and have lived their art for many years. The story is interesting and the film is put together well. The end credits are priceless. If I ever run into them in DUMBO I'll say hey!

The Book Thief

I was excited to see The Book Thief based on the Oscar nomination for John Williams' score. The score was sparse and subtle, so I don't really understand the nomination. The story itself was fine. A young girl finds her comfort in books and friends in Nazi Germany. The performances were good, but this film would have benefited from a 15-20 minute edit. An ok movie at best.

Prisoners

Prisoners has an Oscar nomination for cinematography. Roger Deakins puts a light on this dark film so well. There is a sequence in a car near the end that is especially notable. The story of a kidnapping takes several complicated turns, and left a few things hanging at the end. I would have liked some resolution. A decent rental.

The Lone Ranger

I saw The Lone Ranger because it has Oscar nominations for visual effects and makeup & hairstyles. Aside from that, this film is a huge waste of time. The visuals are impressive, but every time a character opens their mouth it is regrettable. What a mess.

In a World...

If you are looking for a good rental, I recommend Lake Bell's latest film In a World... The daughter of a successful voice actor follows in her father's footsteps. He is both proud and threatened. Good performances and an entertaining story make this worth a look.

Short Term 12

Something about the way Short Term 12 is shot and acted is so genuine and intimate. This film is impressive in depicting a woman who works at a Short Term foster care facility. We see her at work, we see her at home. She is not perfect, but her flaws are what makes her so real. There is a heart to this film  that is very endearing. I liked this film a lot. Worth a look.

August: Osage County

Dynamic dialogue and amazing performances make August: Osage County a dramatic powerhouse. I can't imagine what it was like to see this play live. An emotionally damaged family comes together in a family crisis and all their dirty laundry comes out in explosive fashion. Not nice, but what a ride!

Her

Her is an interesting examination of relationships. Set in the future, Theodore takes up a relationship with the OS on his computer. Not unusual in this time. Very human emotions are explored. The cast turns in outstanding performances in this unusual love story. Wonderful film.

Despicable Me 2

Despicable Me 2 starts out strong. The kids are still adorable, the animation is stunning, and oh those Minions!! When the bad guys move in I lost interest, but the minions rescue the end of the movie. The fireman scene is hilarious. The grownups are a bit tedious but the kids and Minions keep the tone light. Not horrible, not great.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

Peter Jackson has a knack for making beautiful films. He's done it again with The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug . The outdoor shots in New Zeland are breathtaking and the special effects are dramatic. The story continues the journey of Bilbo Baggins and the dwarves to reclaim the dwarves' gold from Smaug. Several chase scenes are dramatic, but I do find the fight scenes too long and tedious. All in all I enjoyed this and am ready for the conclusion.....next year.

Frozen

With a busy holiday schedule, it has taken me a while to see the film Frozen. The day after a northeast snowstorm, and waking up to a temperature of zero degrees, it seemed appropriate that today was the day. I was treated to a visual delight. It is a simple story told with heart and humor. Delightful and playful with just enough menace. The music made me think, "this one's going to Broadway." I especially liked the ending. I think we may have a classic here.

Screen Scenes: AMC Framingtham 16, Framingham, MA

RI is a small state and a small film market. At the end of the film year I find myself searching theaters in nearby Connecticut and Massachusetts for those indie gems that are only released in limited markets. The AMC Framingham 16 is only an hour away, and this time of year, is a gold mine of these films. An easy drive, huge parking lot and comfy theaters, I'm always happy when my search for that elusive film brings me there.

Inside Llewyn Davis

Listening to interviews and reading reviews about Inside Llewyn Davis has had me chomping at the bit to see the film. The film will not play in RI for 2 more weeks, so I took the drive to Massachusetts to satisfy my desire. A 70 mile drive rewarded me with a film that takes us into the life of a struggling musician. It becomes apparent early on that he is a jerk. He is struggling against himself, trying to make a living in the early folk music world of Greenwich Village in the early 60s. His relationships with friends and family are strained, and he makes bad decisions regularly. The part of his life that holds his redemption is his music. Oscar Isaac delivers song after song, as Llewyn Davis, that I found gorgeous and mesmerizing. (When I got home I bought the soundtrack) Every aspect of this film is wonderful, and it is obvious why it is on so many "best of" lists. It will certainly be on mine.

My Year in Film 2013

As a film year, 2013 was a bit slow until the spring. Thanks to the Cable Car Cinema, Tribeca Film Festival and a few dog-sitting stints in NYC. I had a lot of fun film experiences.

I was lucky that there was a special screening of Sound City at the Cable Car at the end of January. They also screened Room 327 as a fundraiser for a digital projection system. A few months later they screened The Sign Painters Movie. Ain't in it for My Health was another wonderful film with an informative Q&A. Hooray for the Cable Car Cinema, my movie oasis!

In the spring I attended The Tribeca Film Festival for the 11th year. Star sightings of Clint Eastwood and Julianne Moore at two different screenings was really fun. I actually had a brief conversation with Sam Rockwell after the screening of A Single Shot (swoon) and literally bumped into David Rosenthal, the director. I also had the pleasure of seeing a small film called Trash Dance at reRun in DUMBO and enjoyed a cool Q&A with the director and 2 of the subjects. A wonderful time.

While dog-sitting in Brooklyn in May I created my own film festival. I saw Before Midnight with a friend followed by dinner at the Olive Tree. I treated myself to a front row seat to see the Broadway show The Nance. Thrilling to be that close to Nathan Lane. Stories We Tell, Behind the Candelabra and Frances Ha rounded out my weekend. IFC, HBO and The Angelika were in heavy rotation that weekend.

For my birthday I was treated to the play The Killers and Other Family. A long conversation with the actors after the play was fascinating.

We saw Ratatouille with my grandsons, who loved the movie about the Little Chef. Finally, I saw Gravity in IMAX 3D with my teenage nephews Ian and Kyle. I was never so happy to have company at a film. Terrifying movie, intense and so good.

More than once this year I found myself saying "well that was better than I expected". I've also watched more films for a second time this year. 2013 turned out to be a solid year in film. There are alredy over 30 films on my "favorites" list.

That's my year in the theater. Looking forward to 2014!!

The Great Beauty

In the Italian film The Great Beauty a man confronts his socialite life on his
65th birthday. Through wild party scenes and conversations we learn of his relationships and feelings. This film is gorgeous. A true visual feast that pairs well with the luscious life that is being celebrated. Decadent, dizzy and delightful, I'm glad I took the time to see this film.

The Wolf of Wall Street

An addiction to money fuels the actions of Jordan Belfort and earns him the nickname The Wolf of Wall Street. He does everything to excess. Hookers, cars, yachts, mansions, blow, booze and pills. Drug use, sex, nudity and raunchy language abound. His business practices are not exactly legal and this eventually catches up to him. Leonardo DeCaprio plays Belfort with an energy that brings one of his finest performances to the screen. Scorsese shoots the heck out of this. Though it is a bit too long, this movie is a fun ride.

Drinking Buddies

The film Drinking Buddies is an honest look at relationships between men and women. Some romantic, some as friends. Taking place in a brewery, there is a lot of beer, which becomes a character itself. Well acted, I especially enjoyed the final scene.

Saving Mr. Banks

In Saving Mr. Banks we get two stories. The sanitized version of the making of Mary Poppins, and the more poignant story of P.L. Travers' childhood and relationship with her father. Mary Poppins was the first movie I ever saw in the theater, and I hold it responsible for my love of cinema to this day. It was interesting to me that the elements Travers objected to the most, were my favorites. music, animation and a touch of magic.The story of her childhood touched my heart and gives us a peek into the damaged psyche of a talented writer. The performances in this film were excellent. Worth a look.

American Hustle

A hustle is defined as a fraud or a swindle. It is usually a con for monetary gain. In American Hustle a con man is forced to work with the FBI to expose the mob and corruption in NJ. Set in the 80's the costumes are a character themselves, getting their own laughs at times. All of the characters are colorful and much more interesting than the story. I liked the structure of this film and the acting was outstanding. A good film that would be an excellent rental.

Nebraska

From the performances to the story to the black and white cinematography, Nebraska is one of the finest films out this year. When an elderly man thinks he has won a million dollars, and must go to Lincoln Nebraska, there's no stopping him. Even if he has to walk. His son reluctantly offers to drive him and the road trip begins. This film is smart, funny and heartfelt. The performances are outstanding, especially June Squibb as the outspoken Mother. Bruce Dern's comedic timing is absolutely brilliant. This is a film I think everyone would enjoy. I know I did.

Philomena

This year is filled with films based on true stories and Philomena is another entry in this category. When a young girl is forced to give up her baby after a teenage dalliance, it weighs on her conscious. As an older woman, she meets a journalist who helps her find the the child as an adult. The result is poignant. The chemistry between Philomena and the journalist is interesting and sweet. I liked this film much more than I expected to.

The Hunt

False accusations make for high drama. by nature, we tend to believe guilty until proven innocent. In The Hunt a child accuses a teacher and family friend of inappropriate behavior and the result is disastrous.

Blue is the Warmest Color

So much has been said about Blue is the Warmest Color in regard to its length and sexual content. Not enough has been said about the depth, heart and realities depicted in this film. The insecurities and exploration of sexuality and mature relationships are seen in an intimate form. Beautiful and heartbreaking. This is true cinema at its best. Glad I saw it in a theater.

Dallas Buyers Club

Ron Woodward was a man with AIDS who worked outside the medical system when he could not get the treatment he wanted. A tough livin', blue collar, rough-around-the-edges guy who liked women, coke, booze and the rodeo who did not take his diagnosis lying down. In the film Dallas Buyers Club we see the lengths he went to to get treatment for himself and others outside of the medical community. This made him very unpopular with the FDA ad the local hospital. The performances in this film are authentic and gripping. I think this is one of the best films of 2013.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

The second film in The Hunger Games series is very satisfying. In Catching Fire, we see President Snow pull a switch on the Tributes and they aren't happy. The arena is new, the gamemaker is new, half of the characters are new. The action of the game was excellent and there was more than one jump-start. A bit more depth was added to Katiness' relationships. For a movie that was over two hours long, this one flew. Well done.

Prince Avalanche

The burned out landscape of Texas is a stark background for the film Prince Avalanche. A two man road crew is sent to work in the area and we see the effects of the desolation and their relationship. I really liked the structure and performances in this film. worth a rental.

The Heat

The odd-couple / buddy-cop formula has a long tradition in comedy. Thinking this has been a bit overdone, I skipped The Heat when it was in theaters. When I rented it, I found the story of a serious FBI agent who is forced to team up with a rough-around-the-edges cop to take down a ruthless drug lord. I was surprised by how entertaining this movie was. Genuinely funny, a bit raunchy and solid performances make this a solid rental. I liked this one.

Pacific Rim

In an effort to get more bang for my movie buck, when I hear that a story is marginal, I wait until the film comes out in DVD. With Pacific Rim I should have seen it in the theater. What a gorgeous film! Story was as dumb as I expected, robots battling monsters, but Gilermo del Toro created visuals that would have been well worth the price of a theater ticket.The run time is over 2 hours, which is a little long for this kind of film, but overall I had a lot of fun watching this one.

About Time

There is more to romance than a guy and a girl. In About Time we see mature love in a family as well as in a couple. There is a little fantasy twist that gives the stories more dimension and depth. This film was a pleasant surprise, and now I understand why it was so highly recommended. So glad I saw it!

Thor: The Dark World

I really enjoyed the 2011 film Thor. We continue to follow the trials and tribulations of Marvel's interpretation of the Norse god in Thor: The Dark World. Plenty of drama and battles with bad-ass villains new and old. I will say, this is Loki's film in so many ways. I like that these superhero films have a sense of humor. There are some very funny lines to lighten things up. This was a fun film for me.

Hunger

After seeing 12 Years a Slave, I decided to seek out the other works of director Steve McQueen. I've seen Shame, so that left the film Hunger. This film looks at Bobby Sands' hunger strike in an Irish prison in 1981. In McQueen's unblinking style, we see Sands' struggles and negotiations inside the prison. Long takes and graphic detail are his signature, dramatic and riveting. Powerful film.

12 Years a Slave

Slavery is an ugly piece of American history. In 12 Years a Slave we see the story of a man, legally free, living in the north, trafficked into slavery. The 12 year journey to freedom is devastating. This film does not look away from the brutalities suffered at the hands of those who regarded slaves as less than human. It brings you up close and makes you watch. Long takes, a dramatic score and outstanding performances bring this film into the audience's head and hearts. It will stay with you. This film is a must-see.

Muscle Shoals

What is the magic of a recording studio in Alabama? In the documentary Muscle Shoals, we meet Rich Hall and the Swampers, and learn the answer. The list of artists who recorded there is astounding. The love of the place is portrayed in interview after interview with the people who worked and recorded there. The editing and structure of this film is outstanding and brings us into the star-studded world of FAME Studio and Muscle Shoals Sound Studio. Another wonderful tale of music history. What a pleasure.

All Is Lost

As a person who has spent a fair amount of time on the ocean, I found the film All Is Lost terrifying. Setting it in the Indian Ocean gave it an exotic element that took me a bit out of the "this could happen to you" feeling. Still, the story of a single handed sailor dealing with his damaged sailboat in and after a storm is frightening. The cinematography and single performance lead the viewer down a road of survival most of us will never know. Well done.

Blackfish

It is not news that wild animals in captivity is unnatural and in many cases, cruel and abusive. In Blackfish the focus is the procurement and effect of captivity on Orca whales. Disturbing and sad, the cold reality is put on the screen. A powerful documentary.

Captain Phillips

It is one thing to watch a story on the news from a safe distance. It is another thing to be put in the middle of that story. In Captain Phillips, Paul Greengrass sits us on Rich Phillips' shoulder during a harrowing Somali pirate invasion of his ship that actually happened in 2009. The point of view on this film is all Phillips and Greengrass' style serves this story well. The emotion culminates in the final scene. Very raw, very real. Worth seeing.

Gravity

As I've said, I grew up on the 60s. Everything the space program did was on broadcast television. When they would air space-walks, I was terrified for the astronauts. What if their tether broke? What if they ran out of oxygen? What if their suit had a leak? Space scared me. When the trailer for Gravity came out, all I could think was, "oh God, my worst nightmare is now on film." As the glowing reviews started rolling in, I knew I would have to see it. Then they put it in the IMAX format. Shit. Wisely, I got my teenage nephews to accompany me. The film is intense, immersive and terrifying. I loved it. I was happy to have company on the ride home. We talked the movie out, and I love how smart my nephews are about film and science. If you can, see Gravity in IMAX 3D, as it was meant to be. Gorgeous and terrifying. Well done.

Enough Said

In the film Enough Said a divorced woman enters a relationship with a nice man. A few complications arise that are uncomfortable and hilarious. The story is endearing, real and sweet. The twists and turns create the humor. There is one scene that will emotionally bring parents to their knees. I loved this film. And yes, James Gandolfini will be sorely missed.

Rush

For seven years I was in a relationship with a man who loved cars and car racing. He took me to racetracks and events once in a while. His knowledge was amazing. I called him the walking talking program. He made it interesting, and I developed a real appreciation of car racing and the people involved. The Formula One races are especially thrilling. In Rush, Ron Howard tells the story of a Formula One track rivalry in the 70s with heart and drama. The editing and sound are amazing. I have come to appreciate the thrill of the sound of a race car, Howard nailed it. The camera work is stunning and this film is so well crafted. I also was wowed by Chris Helmsworth and Daniel Bruhl. They bring the relationship of James Hunt and Niki Lauda to the screen with charm, passion and charisma. Great film, I'd see this one again.

Don Jon

After seeing Don Jon, I heard a woman say to her friend, "well that's not what I expected from the trailer." I kind of wanted to say, "what did you expect from a movie about a porn addict?" The sex in Don Jon is very graphic. In this film, Jon's porn addiction gets identified and addressed. It affects his friends, his family and his girlfriend. He is searching for reasons and solutions. This film is well written and performed, the characters are honest and endearing. Jon's family is fantastic. I really liked this film.

The We and the I

In The We and the I we experience a bus ride home from school for some New York City high school students. There is angst, camaraderie, teasing, bullying and friendship. It's tough to watch teenagers talk and translate the world sometimes. Makes me very aware of my middle-age. Once you get used to the teen-speak, this is a film worth seeing.

The Spectacular Now

Coming of age is a popular theme in film. The Spectacular Now is a strong addition to this genre. All the elements of awkwardness, goals, friends, family struggle, love and decision making are here. The girl has dreams of the future, the boy lives for the now. The standout for me was in the acting. Shailene Woodley and Miles Teller turn in honest, heartfelt performances. This is a solid film I enjoyed.

Sign Painters

Last year, I watched a group of men hand paint a billboard outside my daughter's apartment window in Brooklyn, NY. Not only was I impressed with the fact that anyone was hand painting these days, the logistics of the rigging, ladders and scaffolding was mesmerizing and terrifying. I learned that the young men painting were with a company called Colossal Media, the largest outdoor sign company in the country. On a rainy afternoon, I ran into them in front of the building, and we chatted about their work. Nice guys. Over the last year, I have followed them on social media and watched their work pop up all over NYC. When the documentary Sign Painters was coming to the Cable Car Cinema, with a Q&A from the directors I was all in! In this documentary we meet hand letterers and sign painters from all over the US. The most dramatic footage is with my pals from Colossal Media, showing how they rig and climb the huge walls they paint in NYC. Having just watched the Skyhigh crew paint a new mural in Brooklyn over Labor Day weekend, I asked director Sam Macon how it was filming them. He said it was especially harrowing because they were working in the early phase of hurricane Irene. Real life drama rivals Hollywood. There were a lot of sign painters in the audience at the Cable Car screening, who shared stories of pursuing their art. This is a solid documentary that explores a cool art form.

You're Next

In You're Next a family reunion goes from bad to worse when a home invasion attack goes horribly wrong. Though promoted as a horror film, I would call this a violent crime film. The dynamics in the family were most interesting to me, as I was deciding what order I wanted them killed off in the first 20 minutes of the film. What an obnoxious group of characters. The course of events is well laid out and there are a fair number of jump scares. I liked this film a lot more than I expected to.

The World's End

Can you reproduce an epic pub-crawl after 20 years? A group of friends try and run into issues they never expected in The World's End. The dialogue in this film is brilliant and the situation rattles out of control in a delightful manner. This film is raucous, ribald and ridiculous. One of the most entertaining films of the year, with one of the best final fight scenes ever. A fitting finale for the Cornetto Trilogy. Loved it!

Blue Jasmine

When a wealthy woman suffers a divorce and the demise of her lifestyle, we get the story of Blue Jasmine. Cate Blanchett gives the performance of a lifetime playing a woman coming apart at the seams as she loses one life, tries to build another and struggles to find herself. Along the way, we meet family and acquaintances that Jasmine struggles with as well.  I think this is one of the best movies of the year. The performances are stellar from a very eclectic cast. I'll probably see this film again.

42

Racism is possibly one of the ugliest sides of human nature. In the film 42 we see this magnified by the entrance of Jackie Robinson to professional baseball. I always find racism difficult to watch, especially when it turns violent, but this film highlights the strength and perseverance of the people. This is not just a sports film. Worth a look.

The Company You Keep

In The Company You Keep a journalist investigates a former member of the Weathermen in a cat and mouse chase for justice on past crimes. An amazing cast makes this worth seeing, It's also an interesting part of history to revisit. Good film.

To the Wonder

At one point in To the Wonder I thought, "this film feels like a ballet." And then there was a ballet scene! Talk about leading your audience. This film tells the story of a couple's love, passion and struggles. It is quiet, poetic and dramatic. Relationships become complicated and conflicts arise. In true Malick style, there is very little dialogue. Not for everyone, but I really liked it.

The Sapphires

The story of musicians ups and downs is not a new story. What I liked about the film The Sapphires was an interesting setting and characters that have a bit of sass. We don't see a lot about USO tours during the Vietnam War. There is a love story and a rich family story. Along with excellent performances I've been recommending this film a lot.

Plimpton!

I was fascinated with George Plimpton when I was a kid. His books and TV specials showed a man putting himself in a situation before he wrote about it. I admired that. This afternoon I enjoyed the documentary Plimpton!. It gave me background and insight to the life of the man. A bit glamorous, a little bittersweet. I really enjoyed this film.

A Band Called Death

When the name of your band is Death, you limit your marketability. In the documentary A Band Called Death we meet the Hackney brothers who formed a band in the early 70s and called it Death. When record executives told them their music was great, but change the name, they refused. As a result, the masters for an album sat in an attic storage box for over 30 years. You will need to see the film to find out what happens next. It is surprising, it is uplifting, it is heartwarming. This is a documentary worth seeing.

Fruitvale Station

In 2009 a young man was shot by police in an out-of-control situation in a BART Station in California. The days before this event are depicted in the film Fruitvale Station. The life of Oscar Grant is crystallized in a series of scenes showing his positive and negative attributes. This is a well structured film, the performances are excellent and the story is compelling. There is a movement to bring positive attitudes to force, prejudice, bullying and social injustice behind this film. Well worth seeing.

Ain't in it for My Health

I was a child of the 60s. I grew up on pop music on the radio. I knew the songs, but not much about the artists. Many of the artists of that era have been the subjects of documentary films over the last decade or so, and it is a wonderful way to learn more about the artists from that pre-technology period. The film Ain't in it for My Health: A Film About Levon Helm focuses on Levon Helm, drummer for The Band. It takes place during the release and tour of his last album, with flashbacks to his earlier career. When I saw the film The Last Waltz, I was reminded of The Band's hits, and what a big part of that early rock scene they were. This film shows Helm as a sweet, intense man who loved his craft. He also loved his farm in up-state NY. He insisted that footage of him doing donuts on his tractor be in the film. The touring and the business had taken a toll on him physically, yet he continued to write and perform. This was a nice peek behind the curtain at an artist who loved his family, his farm, his music and his life.

Only God Forgives

Every once in a while I see a film that I don't get until I've thought about it for a day or so. Only God Forgives is one of those films. Pensive, violent, bloody, beautiful, this film takes it's time telling a simple story of crime and vengeance. Truly an art film.

The Conjuring

I'm a bit of a skeptic when it comes to paranormal activity, so when I heard of The film The Conjuring, I dismissed it. Then I started reading the reviews. Film folks I trust were saying that this film was well done. Then I learned that the film is based on the history of a house here in RI, so I decided to check it out. I was impressed with the story, the production value and the acting. The suspense is well structured and gives you the creeps in just the right way. Happy to see it do well at the box office, this is a strong film.

Turbo

My Grandsons' love of movies has been nurtured. Their family holds Family Movie Nights and seeing a movie in the theater is a special treat. They have been taught how to behave in the theater and they are only 2 and 4. On their most recent visit to RI we went to see the movie Turbo as a family. The boys love race cars and all things crawly and silly. Turbo fit the bill. Every once in a while I would look down the row to see how they were doing, and they were engrossed in the movie, munching away on their popcorn. This movie-lovin' Lili was pretty happy. I thought Turbo was a lot of fun. Your basic underdog story with a little tweak. The kids loved it. Family fun!

The Way Way Back

I have been a fan of Sam Rockwell and his work for many years. This spring I had the pleasure of running into him at Tribeca Film Festival after the screening of his film A Single Shot. He was charming, friendly and sweet. I became even more enamored with the actor. In The Way Way Back, Rockwell plays a water park manager with the same charm I experienced in person. The entire cast in this coming of age film is outstanding. The story of a teenage boy trapped on summer vacation with his Mother and her new boyfriend is very genuine and heartfelt. This is one of the best films I've seen this year. Worth a look.

Movie 43

Do you want outrageous? Do you want funny? Do you want raunchy? Give Movie 43 a look. Crazy anthology film I rented on Peter Farrelly's recommendation. You can tell that the multiple directors and dozens of stars had a lot of fun with this insane comedy.

The East

Brit Marling should be very proud of The East. A tight little thriller that follows the rebel group "The East" and the agency looking to take them down. It gets real, it gets personal. This movie is not perfect, but I liked it.