Favorite Films 2015

I think that 2015 was an excellent year in film. I saw lots of strong films at Tribeca Film Festival in April, and I'm a little surprised that I saw my favorite of the year as early in the year as May. It is hard for me to keep this list to the popular 10 so here are the 17 films I enjoyed the most this year. They are diverse, and I think that film makers are working hard to entertain and enlighten the audience. These are in no particular order, though I think the first half of the list are the best of the group.

Click on the titles to see what I thought when I saw them.

Mad Max: Fury Road
Creed
Ex Machina
Grandma
The Walk
The Revenant
The Martian
He Named Me Malala
Shaun the Sheep Movie
Tangerine
Call Me Lucky
Dope
The Hateful Eight
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Brooklyn
Youth
Sicario

Irrational Man

Woody Allen caused quite a stir when he came to RI last year to film Irrational Man. Star sightings in our little corner of the country are always fun. The film is a quirky caper-slash-romance-slash-comedy with great performances. The story is ridiculous, but I liked it. Always fun to see RI as a co-star as well. Decent rental

Revenant

No film surprised me more this year than The Revenant. The definition of the word is: one that returns after death or a long absence. Through a perilous set of circumstances, we watch a man descend into a situation that seems impossible to survive. With almost no dialogue, we follow him to the end of his journey and justice for all that has happened to him and those dear to him. The cinematography is brilliant and the story is harrowing. There are scenes that take us inside his head that are a good break from some very intense action. Brilliant film.

Carol

Fidelity drives the plot in the film Carol. Set in the early 50s, Carol meets a young woman, and we watch the quiet progress of an affair that blossom to even more. Though she is separated from her husband, he uses her infidelities against her in negotiating custody of their daughter. Beautifully shot, Carol slowly becomes realistic about the relationship she wants. Gentle, poignant and heartfelt I liked the way the story handled the situation and felt good about the ending. A lovely film.

Ashby

The film Ashby was such a pleasure to watch. A coming of age story of a young man in a prep school, finding his way. The age-old story of fitting in is depicted with charming characters with relate-able woes. The young man befriends a character named Ashby, a retired assassin with a few loose ends to tie up.The acting and writing are great. I especially enjoyed Micky Rourke's performance. Good rental.

Experimenter

The project depicted in the film Experimenter is tough to watch. The Milgram Experiment is a look at obedience through clinical eyes. Initially, it looks like the experiment exposes a heartless side of human nature, but there are so many extenuating circumstances, I find the experiment to be one of intimidation. There are some great actors in this film, but the story itself is a bit slight and I thought the film dragged. Interesting enough, but just an OK rental.

Minions

Ever since their debut in Despicable Me I have been a fan of Minions. This year they got their own Movie and I couldn't be more pleased.Going back to the time of the dinosaurs, the little yellow guys are in search of a villain to serve. As time goes on Kevin, Bob and Stuart end up in quite the adventure. These little guys crack me up and it's an entertaining ride. I liked this as a rental.

Youth

When I saw elderly characters in a film titled Youth I was intrigued. The story takes place at a fancy resort in the Alps. We meet a retired conductor, an actor and a director preparing a new film. We learn their stories quickly and watch their interactions as they deal with the past and their current situations. The performances are outstanding and the setting is lovely. I really enjoyed this film.

People Places Things

The film People Places Things was recommended on a movie podcast. The story of a dad separated from his children is not new, but this film makes it feel fresh and human. I credit the witing and performances, especially Jemaine Clement as the Dad. Nice film.

The Big Short

Understanding nothing about finance I was a little lost watching The Big Short. This is the story of the housing bubble that collapsed in 2008. There was a small number of men who saw what was going on and took advantage of the situation to the tune of millions of dollars. The performances in this film are outstanding and make another disturbing story more easy to take. Good film, tough subject.

The Hateful Eight

Learning that Providence was one of the 100 cities to show The Hateful Eight in 70mm was a wonderful Christmas gift. I always try to see something special on New Year's Day and this fit the bill perfectly. Upon buying my ticket I was handed a program describing the characters. By the time the film rolled I was ready. The story of bounty hunters waylayed bringing their bounty in was entertaining, dynamic and bloody. Every performance was rich, all dialog demanded your attention. This was such a satisfying cinematic experience. With over a 3 hour run-time, there was a welcome intermission that gave a nice breather to absorb the finale of the film. Thanks guys, I had a great time!

Joy

Needing a lightweight film this afternoon, Joy fit the bill perfectly. The story of a woman looking to better her life by being an entrepreneur had the feel-good message I was looking for. It was especially satisfying to be sitting behind a whole row of teenage girls who watched the story of a strong woman who learned stick to your guns, read your contracts and don't back down. It was nice to see Diane Ladd in a strong supporting role as Joy's grandmother. A decent film with good performances.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

The opening crawl with iconic music brought me to tears at the beginning of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. This 7th installment picks up 30 years after the 6th ends. New characters carry the legacy of the past nicely. The story moves at a nice clip with plenty of action and humor. The nostalgia is sprinkled in nicely. This film was a very fun ride.

Bone Tomahawk

The bearded face of Kurt Russell drew me to rent Bone Tomahwak, an indie film that looked like an old fashioned western. The story begins as a rescue mission and ends in a horrific confrontation. Crazy story, beautifully shot with amazing performances and a shocking ending.

Beasts of No Nation

Critical acclaim had me glad that Beasts of No Nation was available on Netflix Instant. The life of child soldiers in third world countries is a dramatic, disturbing story. Here, it is told slowly, thoughtfully and in detail. The emotions of the children are transmitted well in their faces and actions. The adult soldiers are formidable. After many intense battle scenes, the ending offers satisfying relief. Beautifully filmed, this is one worth watching.

Before We Go

Movies set in New York City have a romantic advantage. The film Before We Go uses this background to great effect. A busker runs into a young girl late at night and attempts to protect and rescue her. The dialogue and acting made this for me. A decent rental.

Deli Man

The deli is an institution with a colorful history and a present day pride. In the documentary Deli Man we are lead through the history of deli culture in a well structured film. From New York to Houston to Toronto to Chicago all kinds of delis are highlighted. This film made me hungry and happy.

Slow West

A quiet, tense drama takes us on a western journey in Slow West. A young man is guided through the old west to find his love. Though slow in the beginning, this film has a wild ending that I rather liked. A decent rental.

Tangerine

In Hollywood, the night culture has a gritty side. Hookers, pimps, drug dealers. In the film Tangerine this is the backdrop for the homecoming of a sex worker after 28 days in prison. Looking for her boyfriend (pimp) and reconnecting with friends and clients, parallels the story of a cab driver on Christmas Eve. The story takes interesting dramatic turns and comic relief is used well. This film is very well edited. This is one of the best films I've seen this year. Well done.

Trumbo

Another story of suppression is told in the film Trumbo. It was not against the law to be a communist in the 40s and 50s, yet people were jailed and blacklisted for not thinking like the men in power. For all his talent and articulation Dalton Trumbo went to prison for doing nothing wrong. When he got out the steps he took to make a living were aggressive and impressive. The performances in this film are great. Well worth a look.

Krampus

I am a huge fan of the Halloween film Trick 'r Treat. Now the creator takes a shot at Christmas with Krampus. Taken from Norwegian folk lore, Krampus brings his wrath on a town after a boy writes a letter to Santa asking him to change the people in his family. The beginning of the film as a lot of darkly funny moments. Dave Koechner is especially funny as the redneck brother-in-law. When the Krampus appears things get dark, cold and creepy. People start to disappear, and they don't spare the gore. Another film with a good ending. I was surprised that this film put me in the holiday spirit. 

Mockingjay Part 2

The final book of the Hunger Games series is split into 2 films. After seeing The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 I don't think this was necessary. The film is quiet and pensive. Conflicts come to a head and are resolved, but it often felt dragged out to me. As always, the acting and effects were good. This was a solid series.

Backdraft

Listening to an interview with director Ron Howard, he mentioned Backdraft and I realized that I've never seen it.The story of firefighter brothers has an amazing cast. The story is one of a struggling family, but there is an arson at bay which lends an air of mystery and adventure. The fire effects and explosions are dramatic and powerful. I'm glad I finally watched this one.

Creed

I like a sequel title that does not have numbers in it. The simple title of Creed tells all Rocky fans everything they need to know. Apollo Creed's son is a young man, and thinks that a boxing career is his destiny. He goes to Rocky Balboa, who is quietly running a restaurant in Philly, for training and guidance. The chemistry between Sylvester Stallone and Michael B. Jordan is excellent. The two swap barbs, work hard and support each other in interesting ways. There is also a romantic story line that is realistic and satisfying. The references to the original Rocky movie are good and not overdone. This film will be on my favorites list this year.

Digging for Fire

A man obsessed and a woman set adrift are the focal points in Digging for Fire. This quiet indie goes back and forth between a wife looking for time to herself and a husband looking for answers to a mystery. Both get in over their heads. I liked the ending.

Winning: Ther Racing Life of Paul Newman

For seven years I was in a relationship with a man who loved cars and car racing. I learned a lot and enjoyed being around someone who was so knowledgeable and passionate about something. The documentary Winning: The Racing Life of Paul Newman was a reminder of our trips to Limerock Park in CT and trips to northern CA for vintage car race events. Newman was an excellent driver and had such a love for the sport. This documentary is a nice chronology of his racing life.

Shaun the Sheep Movie

Stop motion is a fascinating form of animation. In Shaun the Sheep Movie it is used to great effect. The way the sheep are built, and the city-scape are the most impressive. The story is very funny. I was highly entertained as the sheep go to the city for adventure and find a little more than they bargain for. Humor and heart are in rich supply, despite the fact that there is no dialog. Master storytelling. Well done.

The Good Dinosaur

For his 5th birthday, my grandson chose The Good Dinosaur as his movie of choice. We packed up 20 adults and kids and invaded the local AMC the day after Thanksgiving. We were treated to a visually delightful film with a "get me home" story that was predictable but sweet. A lot of the characters were fun. I wish we had seen more of Beast who carried his neurosis and Deborah close. In the end I liked the characters and the message. Well done.

Suffragette

That women have to fight for rights is beyond me. In Suffragette we see a story of oppression, violence and rape that is horrendous. The women are brave and tenacious, the men are monsters. This is another time in history we should be ashamed of. Thank goodness for the fighters. The statistics at the end of the film are a bit startling.

Spotlight

In the film Spotlight an elite group of reporters have an important assignment. They investigate a rash of sexual assaults on children by priests in Boston that the church covered up. The crime disgusts me to such a level, that I could not enjoy this movie for the wonderful film it is. Well written, well acted and really gets to the meat of investigative journalism. My problem? The alleged crime and cover-up is so abhorrent, it actually makes me feel sick to my stomach. I had a tough time with this one.

Furious 7

The expectations of Furious 7 were low for me. I have found the Fast and Furious movies silly and poorly written. After listening to an appearance with song writer Charlie Puth at our local radio station, I decided it was time to give a little attention to the latest in the franchise. Puth wrote the final song in the film over the Paul Walker tribute, and the story behind the song was rather poignant. Watching the film I enjoyed good action sequences (though some a bit too long), impressive stunts and the emotional payoff I wanted at the end. The dialogue was cheesy, but I kind of like that in a movie like this. When the movie finished I said, out loud to no one, "Well done."

Jurassic World

I waited to see Jurassic World until it came out in DVD because the movie Jurassic Park scared the heck out of me in the theater many years ago. I like a tongue in cheek monster movie, not a realistic one. The latest trip to the artificial land of the dinosaurs is a bit clunky, a bit cheesy and a lot violent. I would not take a child under 12 to see this. Freaked me out.

Brooklyn

The story of a young Irish girl finding her way in life as a young adult in the 50s is not a new story. Adding immigration to the US and defining home, adds interesting elements to her journey in the film Brooklyn.There is a maturity and style to this film that I really liked. Sweet, charming and at times funny, this one is worth a look. Thanks to Fox Searchlight and RI International Film Festival for the advanced screening.

Do I Sound Gay?

The title and premise of the documentary Do I Sound Gay? makes me uncomfortable. I feel like the question connotes that sounding gay is negative. The question is dealt with both clinically and emotionally, and the analysis is very interesting. The subjects are very grounded in their lifestyles and I found the conclusion to be very positive and uplifting. It's also very nice to see David Sedaris and Dan Savage speak on this subject. So grounded, so happy, so smart. Solid documentary.

Mr. Holmes

The charm of Ian McKellan drew me to Mr. Holmes, a film depicting Sherlock Holmes as an older man. Wondering if I wanted to see an elderly Holmes I was treated to a solid drama. Holmes passes his gift of deductive reasoning to a young lad and the relationship is totally charming. Solid acting and beautiful settings made this worth watching.

Room

One part of the story in the film Room takes place in a small room. It's claustrophobic. It's scary. The goal is to get out of the room. Turns out that getting out of the room is just as difficult as being in the room. Just in different ways. This is a story of survival, family and love. This film is well written and edited. The performances are outstanding and make for a compelling story. Great film.

Hotel Transylvania 2

Staying with my grandsons recently, we wanted to see a movie. The boys had really enjoyed Hotel Transylvania so we decided on seeing Hotel Transylvania 2. What an entertaining film! The monsters are endearing, there were many laugh out loud moments and the theme of family is strong. Everyone in the theater seemed to enjoy this film. When I got home I rented Hotel Transylvania and was just as charmed, though I think the sequel was a little better. As Eli said, "the characters had more to do." Seven years old and solid film analyst. Nice job. 

Magic Mike XXL

I really enjoyed the first Magic Mike movie, so I was looking forward to Magic Mike XXL. The sequel was disappointing. Where Magic Mike was light and had a heart, the second film is heavy and burdened with taking itself too seriously. When the men dance, those sequences are fine, but they devolve to bump and grind, for way too long, it becomes tedious. Channing Tatum and Elizabeth Banks are the saving graces of this movie, but I still found it a chore to watch.

The Gift

Psychological thrillers are a favorite of mine. In The Gift we get a good one. A troubled couple move back to the husband's home town. When they run into an old high school acquaintance a string of gifts make the couple uncomfortable. As the past is slowly revealed, the thriller gains momentum. Great performances and a powerful ending make this a solid film.

She's Funny That Way

When an actor is mesmerizing to watch when they are just talking, it is a gift. In She's Funny That Way Imogene Poots gives dialog in closeups that is that kind of mesmerizing. Her story is a crazy ride and the themes of secrets and mistaken identity are done well. Saying too much would take away from the entertaining surprises. Peter Bogdonavich still weaves story magic. The cast is pretty fantastic too. I enjoyed this film quite a bit.

Steve Jobs

I've never been that interested in Steve Jobs. I have enjoyed my fair amount of Apple products, but the man never held a lot if intrigue for me. I always thought his product launch extravaganzas were pretentious and unnecessary. The film Steve Jobs takes an interesting angle on the man's life and rise. This is not a biopic. It portrays specific aspects of Jobs' personal and professional life in the settings of three product launches. The performances are outstanding. This is an interesting film.

Southpaw

There is a drama and formula to sports films, especially boxing. Southpaw is no different, but there are a few creative licenses exercised. Camera angles and plot points give this story a little edge and a lot of heart. The comeback story is an old one, but one I enjoy quite a bit.

Spy

Watching the cliche opening action sequences in Spy brought a smile to my face. This film is very self-aware and does a great job spoofing spy-culture. The writing is sharp and Melissa McCarthy and Rose Byrne are hilarious in this. Great rental.

The Little Death

At the start of the film The Little Death, I thought the film would simply be about sexual kinks, but it is so much more. The stories of five couples exploring their kinks is clever and rather funny. The running gag cracked me up and I ended up liking this film much more than expected.

Freeheld

Real life drama is plentiful when people fight for their rights. The quest for equality between races and gender are age-old. In Freeheld we see the story of a woman with a terminal illness who tries to have her pension benefits transferred to her domestic partner, as they would be for a heterosexual couple. The fight is well fought and the relationship between the two women and their community is honest and loving. This is a film I wish more people would see and take to heart.

Bridge of Spies

Listening to people talk about the film Bridge of Spies, I feel like you may have had to live through the Cold War to get the depth of the drama in this story.The true story of the trade of a Russian spy for American soldier and a student is well done. It is amazing to me how much is done in secret in the world. The cinematography is great and the tone of the time is captured well. Some are calling this film old fashioned, I'd say that authentic is more accurate.

Cinderella (2015)

I grew up with the Disney animated and Rogers and Hammerstein versions of Cinderella. Sweet, musical and happily ever after. In the latest live-action version of Cinderella we get a darker version of the tale.The more I think about it, the more I like it. Definitely more to the relationships and motivations of the characters. Not sure the little ones would like this, but I could see older kids appreciating more thought in this story.

Call Me Lucky

Call Me Lucky starts like a documentary about comedy. We meet Barry Crimmins as a young comic and follow the path of his career. Then the film takes a turn and tells a completely different story about Barry's childhood that is horrifying. He explains how he copes and advocates. This is a very brave film.

Black Mass

Mobsters are basically human monsters. No regard for life or the law. In Black Mass the life of Whitey Bulger is the centerpiece. Violence and street justice abound. The film and performances are fine, but hearing a Boston accent coming out of Benedict Cumberbatch was a lot to digest. This is a decent film.

He Named Me Malala

I think I have never heard of anyone as brave as Malala Yousafzai.In the documentary He Named Me Malala we meet a teenager who was shot by the Taliban and survived, left the country under threat of death and lives a life as a champion of education for girls. She has won the Nobel Peace Prize and travles the world spreading her message. She is 18. The film tells her story with interviews and animation. I really liked this inspiring, creative film.

Sicario

Drug trafficking is a harsh reality on the Mexican border. In Sicario we are taken into that world and everything that is unpleasant about it. Even those trying to stop the activity must resort to thug-like behavior in this undeclared war. This film is dark and intense. Stays with you.

The Martian

I have always loved the idea of space travel. The romantic thought of adventure in the galaxy is appealing to me. But when you think of how hostile the environment of space is, the bloom is off the rose. I have never understood why anyone wants to go to the moon or other planets when it is cold, no gravity, no food, no air, in short, you can die there. I have especially thought this of Mars because it takes so long to get there, and for what? While watching The Martian all I could think is, this is why humans should not go there. The story of an astronaut accidentally abandoned on Mars has thrills, science and humor. Well written and well acted with a harrowing ending. Cool film.

The Walk

I have had cocktails on the 107th floor of the World Trade Center. I have met Phillippe Petit. I think of the man outside the building at dizzying heights and I shudder. This is the reason I could not watch the documentary Man On Wire at the film festival where I met this charming man. He convinced me that I could handle the movie and encouraged me to watch. Years later, when I saw the first trailers for The Walk, Robert Zemeckis' version of this lunatic feat, all I could do is smile. The bonus? It would be in IMAX 3D. They were going to put the audience on the wire as well. I was thrilled! I am fascinated with this story for the obvious reason of the magnitude of the accomplishment of a man walking a high wire strung between the two towers of the World Trade Centers. The other is the time capsule of watching how easy it was to move around the world back in the mid-70s. Though the narration from the top of the Statue of Liberty was a but cheesy, it grounded you back to lower Manhattan in the midst of the caper. I had heard that there was a touching ending, but was not quite prepared for my reaction. I had to sit in the theater for a while after the film to pull myself together. I loved this film. I loved the effects. I loved the spirit. Merci Monsieur Petit, Monsieur Gordan-Levitt et Monsieur Zemeckis. Well done.

The Intern

In the continuing theme of older characters in film I saw The Intern. Nancy Meyers applies her light touch to the interesting prospect of a Senior Intern program at a booming company. Anyone over 50 today has experienced an mazing amount of technical change in our lifetime. Some find it overwhelming, some embrace it. In the end people are still people and all the technology in the world won't change that. Good performances and a satisfying ending made this a good film for me.

Lila & Eve

Losing a child is devastating. Losing a child to a drive by shooting is incomprehensible. When the police don't seem to give a shit Lila & Eve take matters into their own hands. They do their own investigating and retaliation. I liked the twist in this film.

Manglehorn

As we age, we have to deal with the balance of limitations and independence. In Manglehorn a man still runs his own business, takes care of his cat and even tries to date. He is faced with challenges, but pushes forward and deals with situations when he stumbles. Another mature performance from Al Pacino. I thought this was a good rental.

The Iron Giant on the Big Screen

When I attended a panel with Brad Bird at Tribeca Film Festival in April, he announced that a special edition of The Iron Giant would be released in theaters in the fall. All I could think was that I wanted to take my grandsons who love the film as much as I do. 200 miles and busy schedules had me thinking that would never happen. Then Eli's birthday party got scheduled for the 3rd and The Iron Giant was playing on the 4th. Tickets were bought, I was one happy grandma. Seeing this for the first time on the big screen was pretty awesome and the kids were wide-eyed. It had been a while since we had seen the film, maybe a year or so. Even though it was familiar, it felt fresh as well. There was trivia before the film, extra scenes and a peek at a new documentary after the credits. As we walked out of the theater Miles delivered the ultimate compliment, "I want to watch that again, right now!" It was a great time at the movies with my favorite cinephiles.

Cop Car

The thriller Cop Car starts out as a harmless joy ride for two young boys. The situation disintegrates quickly when the cop comes back for the car and the chase is on. There are plenty of bad guys and violence. The boys are rather charming. This is a decent crime film.

I'll See You in My Dreams

Lately, I seem to be seeing films with older casts and characters. I like that there are plenty of films that portray 60 somethings as people of interest. I'll See You in My Dreams tells the story of a widow who is content with her life, but learns that her appeal and chances for romance are not over. There are many funny moments and many poignant ones as well. The relationships are interesting, especially how they play out. Well done.

My Old Lady

When a middle aged American's father dies and he inherits an apartment in Paris, he learns that it comes with a tenant. The tenant comes with several strings attached. The film My Old Lady is an intriguing story with enough twists and turns to keep things interesting. Kevin Kline is a joy to watch and Maggie Smith is truly a gem. This is a delightful film with a lot of layers. I really liked it.

Results

When a romantic drama takes place inside a fitness center, it is a little tough to feel the romance. In Results, a valiant effort is made to address things like job boredom, sales techniques, personal goals, waste of resources, fitness, friendship and love. As a rental, I liked it. There were a few quirky stretches, but I think that's why I liked it. Really sends you down the fantasy road of what would you do if you had more money than you could spend. The ending was a bit far-fetched, but it was OK.

Learning To Drive

When I first heard of the film Learning to Drive it was presented as a "nice" film. I adore the performances of Patricia Clarkson and Ben Kingsley so I went to see it. What I got was a good relationship drama that did not sugar coat issues and went down several interesting roads. The bonus? Grace Gummer played Clarkson's daughter. Glad I saw this one.

61*

I did not know the story of Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle until seeing the film 61*. Billy Crystal's love of the Yankees shines through this story of rival teammates. Excellent performances are given all around. Nice sports history movie. If you rent the DVD, it is well worth watching the "making of" extras.

Ricki and the Flash

Why did I love Ricki and the Flash? Because Mothers aren't perfect just because they are Mothers. Because music is portrayed as the beautiful seductress it is. Because actors of an advanced age can give an excellent, and sometimes sexy performance. Because I met Meryl Streep and Maime Gummer years ago and I love their performances in this. This was a film I really enjoyed.

Mistress America

Strong women in film are appealing. In Mistress America we see several versions of strong women, each in their own way. Some of the women are in survival mode, some are in learning mode, some are in control mode. All of them are interesting. I liked how the relationships played out especially when things got out of hand. Well done.

Dope

Smart, urban high school kid gets tangled up in a world he does not belong in.  Dope is not the formula film I expected. The fish-out-of-water scenario plays out in unusual ways. The performances are great, the writing is clever and I liked the music too. Solid film. I'd watch this one again.

Phoenix

Slow, subtle dramas are appealing to me. The film Phoenix is a slow burn. When a woman's identity is taken away, she learns things about her husband that are life changing. As the husband became more and more loathsome, the ending packed a satisfying punch.

Almost Mercy

I have a soft spot for films made in RI. A local horror film showed up on Netflix Instant. Almost Mercy is a revenge story set in a high school. The female lead gets stronger as the story develops. Very violent and a little cheesy, I'm glad I watched this one.

Far from the Madding Crowd

Strong performances. Strong story. Far from the Madding Crowd is a pleasure to watch. A woman has three men vying for her attention. and the choices she makes are interesting. Carey Mulligan gives a dynamic performance and this film is beautifully shot. I really liked this film.

The End of the Tour

Another film that I was drawn to because of Jessie Eisenberg, but it turned out that Jason Segal was the star of The End of the Tour in my book. I know litle about David Foster Wallace, but Segal plays him as a smart, sensitive, self aware man. Eisenberg plays writer David Lipski who is looking for sensation for a Rolling Stone article. As Lipski looks for sensation, Wallace keeps his feet on the ground. Interesting look at journalistic process and literary fame.

The Diary of a Teenage Girl

The explicit nature of The Diary of a Teenage Girl was a little off-putting at first. Appropriate for the story of a girl who has an affair with her Mother's boyfriend. Mini explores her sexuality and takes us along for the ride. This is a creative film that uses artistic flairs to tell this coming of age story. Excellent film.

Iris

Self assuredness and moxie are very attractive qualities to me. Fashion icon Iris is depicted in an insightful documentary showing off both. Iris Apfel is a style icon who has enjoyed a long life of creativity. Her life and career are captured beautifully by Albert Maysles in this documentary. What a woman! What a film!

American Ultra

I'll admit that Jessie Eisenberg's performances fascinate me, so American Ultra was high on my summer must-see list. The story did not disappoint, though it was a little complex. There was violence, humor, violence, wit, violence, romance...and did I mention violence? Quite a ride!

Touchy Feely

A podcast appearance By Lynne Shelton put the film Touchy Feely on my list. I liked the story of people, seemingly disconnected, learning their places in their relationships. A thoughtful film. I liked it.

Bringing Up Baby

A serious scientist runs into a wacky woman who has a leopard named Baby. The scientist's well ordered life gets caught up in the mayhem of the young woman's pursuits. The film Bringing Up Baby is full of wonderful banter, crazy caper scenes and the gigantic talent of Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant. Though it is black and white, the film is vibrant.

Match

In the film Match we meet a woman who appears to be a journalist interviewing an accomplished ballet dance professor. The questioning takes an unusual turn, and so does the plot. A bit of a mystery, a drama, a thriller. A very mature, satisfying film.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Winning a hotel stay in New York City, I invited my daughter to join me. As we put together our wish lists of things to do, a Broadway show was high on the list. After mulling over our choices we landed on Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Musical, drag, drama, fun. The Belasco Theater was on the next block from The Iroquois, it felt like fate. Oh, and did I mention that Taye Diggs is playing Hedwig? Yeah baby. The story of love, betrayal, dreams and redemption played out on the Broadway stage. The staging was cool and Diggs rocked every number. When I got home I rented the film and got more of the story and a more subdued Hedwig in John Cameron Mitchell's performance. Both performances good and I really love this soundtrack.

Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation

The Mission Impossible franchise is a soft spot for me. Each installation is intriguing, action packed and high quality. With each new director we get a new slant on the missions of Ethan Hunt. The tone of Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation is very different from Ghost Protocol. It is thoughtful, subtle, smart and intense. Not the thrill ride of the previous films, but enough intrigue, humor and chase scenes to satisfy me.

The Black Stallion

The first hour of The Black Stallion has very little dialog and is some of the most riveting cinema I have ever seen. When it enters a predictable plot I lost interest a little, but this is one worth seeing. A true classic.

The Goonies

In 1985 I had 2 small children and rarely got to the movies. I have always been aware of the movie The Goonies, but never saw it. Watching it 30 years later, I was treated to a journey into adolescence, fantasy, friendship and family. Great script, performances and action sequences. I can understand the affection for this film. Lovable.

Miracle on 34th Street

Though it runs on TV all the time, Miracle on 34th Street is another holiday classic I've never seen. The story of a man who claims to be Santa Claus in the modern world is an excellent exercise in tolerance, faith and kindness. Well acted and written, this is more than a Christmas movie. I really liked it.

What Happened, Miss Simone?

Singer, activist, pianist, mother, wife, Nina Simone wore a lot of hats. In the documentary What Happened, Miss Simone? we get a look into all of these aspects of her tumultuous life with the soundtrack of her enormous talent running through. An exquisite pianist whose voice matched, she found a career in music and struggled with her art and those around her. Her contributions to the civil rights movement are explored as well. An interesting artist and woman. Cool film.

Yellow Submarine

If I ever saw it all, I don't remember, yet so many images in Yellow Submarine are familiar to me. This is a psychedelic ride in animation. Colorful, creative and trippy. So much fun to watch. The Beatles join Captain Fred to free Pepperland from the Blue Meanies and restore music there. A fun ride, and you'll be singing along to the music.

The Kid

When The Kid was recommended as essential viewing for kids under 13, I would recommend it for the 11-13 range. This silent film is a bit bleak and would benefit from discussion of poverty in the 20s and child abandonment. The brilliance of Charlie Chaplin's acting is the heart of this tale, and the complex story told with very few words is genius. The technical aspects of a dream scene are to be admired as well. A classic that I'm glad I finally watched.

Inifintely Polar Bear

Families can have a lot of challenges to overcome. In the film Infinitely Polar Bear the focus is money and manic depression. The family is separated by the Mom's drive for a better life and the Dad's illness. The kids end up being cared for by the manic Dad who won't take his meds and struggles to keep order in their day to day lives. He does not always succeed, but there is always the undercurrent of love. The kids are wonderful and Mark Ruffalo plays manic well. Production note: this one was filmed in RI!

Duck Soup

I really enjoyed A Night at the Opera, so when Duck Soup showed up on the EW 55 list I immediately rented it. Masters of slapstick and geniuses of the running gag, the Marx Brothers are such a delight to watch. A very funny story pokes fun at politics and privilege with some awesome production numbers. You can see the inspiration of a lot of modern comedy in this work. Very funny film.

A Trip to the Moon

An important part of film history is the hand colored film A Trip to the Moon. A brilliant early film that is mesmerizing and technically ahead of its time. With a futuristic story and satyric tone, this is a cinematic jem. Happy to see it on Netflix Instant.

Trainwreck

I've never been wowed by Amy Schumer, but the writing in Trainwreck impressed me. The story of a young lady with a give-a-fuck attitude about adult life is both compelling and entertaining. The dialogue and performances outshine the story, especially the weak third act. There's a lot of heart though and I liked his film a lot more than I expected to. Neither the poster nor the trailer do this film justice. I'd like to see this one again. Well done.

Babe

Another movie recommended by EW for kids under 13, Babe is an interesting one. OK, I thought it was weird. The special effects are impressive, the story is simple and the ending is very satisfying. Once I got used to the talking animals, I enjoyed this film. A cute one to watch with the kids.

Amy

Musicians can have inner struggles that their fans don't always see. Amy Winehouse had to deal with her demons in front of the world. In the documentary Amy, we are taken back to her roots and watch her rapid rise and fall. Her talent was enormous, but so was her addiction. The performance clips capture the brilliance of her voice and her lyrics become a character on the screen showing her pain and depth. An appropriate tribute to a young talent gone too soon.

It's a Wonderful Life

For all of the film I have seen, I have never watched all of It's a Wonderful Life. I always run into it on TV at the holidays, but it never held my interest for more than a few scenes. When Entertainment Weekly put out a list of 55 Essential Movies Kids Should See Before they Turn 13, my daughter was appalled that I had not seen this film. Handing me her copy she said, "give it a chance." That weekend I enjoyed a film based on a family living though an interesting part of history in America. Their ups and downs. Their anguish and joy. I feel like the Christmas ending of this film dilutes the fact that the film is so much more than a Christmas movie. I think it is 3 or 4 movies in one. A surprisingly enjoyable experience.

5 Flights Up

As a woman approaching 60 with 80-something parents, the themes in 5 Flights Up are very familiar. A couple who has been in their 5th floor walk-up Brooklyn apartment for 40 years get the notion that they should sell and live somewhere more appropriate. Th realities of the NYC real estate market is jarring to them. Realizing that selling means buying, they go on a whirlwind of apartment hunting and evaluating all of their life decision. It is a warm, interesting look at later life and being comfortable with that life. I really liked this film.

Inside Out

Pixar is a powerhouse when it comes to animated film. Not only is the animation amazing, but the stories are well told and heartfelt. The latest offering, Inside Out, follows that tradition with a high-concept adventure for the emotions of an 11 year old girl. The representation of the girls emotions by 5 characters in her head show us a little psychology and a little science. As always, Pixar finds a way to tug at our heartstrings and does a nice job letting us know that sadness can be as important as joy.

McFarlane, USA

After watching a string of OK movies McFarland, USA was a breath of fresh air. The storyof the McFarlane TX cross country team is a nice rags to riches story. Well written, well acted and enough edge to keep it from being too cheesy. A good sport film.

Focus

I enjoy a good heist film. Focus is not a good heist film. Will Smith plays a con man who meets a young woman who wants in on the action. Smith does not even sound like himself, the voice is way too low which I found very distracting. Even when there are interesting cons they either go on too long or end in a bad place. This film was a big disappointment. Margo Rabe does a nice job, but it's not enough to save this one.

While We're Young

When I watch talented, successful people long for more in a film my eyes roll. In the film While We're Young we're introduced to a couple discontented personally and professionally, yet they don't seem to have much to complain about. When they meet a younger couple and are captivated by their youth, little do they know they are being taken for a ride. Their vulnerability takesthem on a journey that does see growth. I liked the ending, but the journey was a bit painful.

F for Fake

After listening to a podcast about art forgeries I heard about the film F for Fake. Part documentary, part show off, this film is a creative look at forgery and trickery. A fancy documentary I enjoyed.

Spring

After watching several mediocre films Spring was just what I needed. Imaginative, well written, interesting characters and an interesting story. The sci-fi aspect works, the romance works and I loved the setting. Very cool film with a great ending. I really liked this one.

Welcome to Me

Much is made of Kristen Wiig when she does drama. In Welcome to Me she plays a woman who loves TV talk shows. When she wins millions in the lottery she buys the ability to make her own talk show. She holds the crew and network hostage with her checkbook. The approach to the treatment of mental illness is awkward and not always respectful. This film left me flat.

Lost River

Lost River is a weird ride. Desperate for money, a single mother travels to a secret city and works in a freak show of bizarre proportions. The production value is high and performances are great, but this is such a strange film.