All We Had

In All We Had we meet a woman who is a mother, yet she can barely take care of herself. Immaturity, dependence and addictions have her sabotaging her situation regularly. She and her daughter end up in a small town when their car breaks down and they have no money. The people who try to help them are compassionate and interesting. Eve Lindley gives an especially wonderful performance as the waitress Pam. Lindley and Katie Holmes, in her directorial debut, gave interesting insights to the making of the film. Holmes thanked her daughter Suri who was in the audience, and it turns out it's her 10th birthday.

Tribeca Film Festival Day Three

A crisp day in Brooklyn starts with a dog walk around the hood. Pups seem happy to be out. Now that the weekend is over, the train schedule is back to normal. A ride into the village to wander Washington Square Park a bit, then south to Tribeca. I meet my friend Lucy at Walker's for a little rose, a sandwich and wonderful conversation.  A walk to Regal Cinemas for the film All We Had is sunny and pleasant. Katie Holmes and Eve Lindley conduct the Q&A after the film. Holmes' daughter Suri is in the audience and it turns out it is her birthday! Cute mother-daughter moment. I return to Brooklyn to feed the dogs and grab a bite to eat myself. Then back to the Regal for a screening of Don't Think Twice. After the film Mike Birbiglia invites anyone who worked on the film to the stage for the Q&A. His joy, enthusiasm and inclusiveness was so sweet. It was cool to see Ira Glass and Keegan Michael Key there as well. They told many funny stories from the making of the film. What a treat! Walking back to the subway I pass The Palm. Looking in the window I notice a familiar face painted on the wall. Smiling back at me is a caricature of Randi's cousin Cathy! So cute. Another cool star sighting. What a fun day!

Custody

There are more plot-lines in the film Custody than just a courtroom drama. When a woman's children are removed from her custody, we are immersed in her story and also those involved. Layered and well acted, I liked this film. At Tribeca Film Festival, they filled the stage with the cast for an interesting Q&A. Viola Davis rules the stage as she did the screen.

Dreamland

A man too young to be dissatisfied with his life is just that. In the film Dreamland we meet him in the rut that is his relationship and an empty job. He enters a taboo relationship and though the path is bumpy, the result is satisfying. The story is familiar, but the colorful cast of characters gives this film a fresh take. This film was directed by Robert Schwartzman who conducted an entertaining and informative Q&A after the film. I really liked this one.

Tribeca Film Festival Day Two

Waking up in Brooklyn I am thrilled to see that the men of Colossal Media work weekends. They are hand painting a mural for a jazz festival on a building across the street. What a process, fascinating to watch. I take the dogs for a walk and head up to Chelsea for brunch at Americano. My friend Mary Catherine and I enjoy a tasty meal on their patio. As we are leaving Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban are arriving with their family. They seemed relaxed and happy and returned my hello as we passed. With time to kill we walk the High Line for a bit, taking full advantage of the spring sunshine. Our film is Dreamland, a Mrs. Robinson themed story by Robert Schwartzman. He conducted an interesting Q&A after the film. Back into the sunshine I return to Dumbo to feed the dogs. A drink at Read Street Pub before the film Custody fits the bill. The cast of Custody filled the stage after the film. A strong drama I really enjoyed. Viola Davis is a force. On the way home I end up in conversation with a traveler from Amsterdam. It is her first time in NYC and she is checking off an item on her bucket list. Interesting person. Back in Brooklyn I feel happy with a very full day.

Youth in Oregon

Dealing with our mortality is tricky. When a person is getting older and debilitated thoughts of checking out can be strong. In Youth in Oregon an 80 year old man with a heart condition has these thoughts. Because he owns property in Oregon he is eligible for their program to voluntarily end his life. His family comes at it from many angles. On a road trip we learn that his quest for end of life is more about the defects in his relationships than the defects in his body. Good film.

Tribeca Film Festival Day One

Arriving in DUMBO for the week, I am thrilled to see that Colossal Media is busy re-painting the billboard across the street. This is my view and watching these guys painstakingly paint a beautiful mural is one of my guilty pleasures. This will be the third one I've watched them create. Walking the dogs and hanging out with them until mid afternoon, I head to Tribeca for my first film of TFF. walking the Brooklyn Bridge on a sunny spring Saturday was a challenge. Tourists were in strong numbers. A walk around the neighborhood takes me to Walker's to make reservations for Monday and I kill a little time at the bar at Edward's. I meet my friend Mary Catherine at BMCC for the premier screening of Youth in Oregon. An excellent film about the issues of voluntary end of life. Most of the cast, the director, writer and producers conduct a nice Q & A and at the end the director had anyone on the crew in the theater to stand up. It was a good sized group and I think they were all pleased with how well the film was received. Heading out into the neighborhood we make a stop in to Read Street Pub for a drink and discussion. When I go to the subway to go back to Brooklyn I learn that trains I need are not running, so I hoof it across the bridge. Not part of the plan, but it was ok. First day of TFF a success.

Concussion

More politics than sports, the science of brain injuries and its results are the subject of the film Concussion.We see the path taken to investigate the erratic and suicidal behavior of NFL veterans. It is complicated and political. The doctor's life story is woven in as well. This film is ambitious and the subject is controversial and disturbing. So are the statistics. Worth renting.

Boyz N the Hood

The shear desperation of the urban environment is what I see as the catalyst for many of the actions in the film Boyz N the Hood. High school aged youth in south central LA try to navigate their economics, relationships and hormones in a sometimes hostile setting. Decision making is not easy and tragedy rides along with triumph. Excellent performances. Good film.

Tumbledown

Grief is an interesting subject in film. In Tumbledown a young widow is trying to protect the legacy of her late husband and her own emotional fragility mourning his sudden death. When a journalist invades her coping, he projects he own assumptions and emotions into her situation. Some is helpful, some is not. Well written and acted, this is a strong emotional drama with a touch of romance. Well done.

Midnight Special

As a sci-fi dramatic chase scene Midnight Special is excellent. The story of an unusual boy being chased has a lot of holes. The strengths of this film are the performances, the way it is shot and the music. These all save a pretty lame story. Not bad.

Testament of Youth

A love story set in WWI and based on true lives, Testament of Youth is a powerful tale of relationships. Not only romantic, but of families. Guided by the strong and steady performance of Alicia Vikander, the virtues of love, loyalty, compassion and persistence guide her portrayal of author Vera Britton through the heartbreak of war and loss. I really liked this film.

Eye in the Sky

So much more than an Eye in the Sky, drone warfare is fascinating. From 4 locations on the globe a drone strike is negotiated and executed. Not a simple as it looks. So much tension, so much negotiation, so difficult. The setup in this film is efficient. The actual events are tense and dramatic. The end is heartbreaking yet satisfying. What a film. Well done.

Legend

The story of twin brother gangsters Ron and Reggie Kray is told in the film Legend. A ruthless story of the volatile brothers' reign over organized crime in London in the 60s. The real reason to see this film is for the masterful work of Tom Hardy playing both brothers. Mesmerizing performances worthy of your time.

Hello, My Name is Doris

On her name-tag it says Hello, My Name is Doris and what a Doris she is. An awkward woman in her mid-sixties acts on a crush on a younger man. Her friends are mortified. She comes to life. There is a little heartbreak, there is humor, there is sweetness, there are consequences for inappropriate actions. A side-story with her family deals with mortality and grief. Sally Fields gives a performance that really sells the character and the story. In interviews she calls it "a coming of age about a woman of age." I really liked this film.

James White

In the film James White we watch the process of end of life real close up. Dealing with the loss of a loved one is hard enough, but dealing with the long process of  the end of a terminal illness is heartbreaking. Realistic and intense.

The French Connection

I saw The French Connection for the first time in the 70s. I knew nothing of the stars, I knew nothing of drug dealers. I knew nothing of New York. It was still a great ride and a thrilling crime film. Forty some years later, I've watched the film again and it really holds up as a crime thriller. The added bonus is the genius of the filming, staging and action scenes. A cop in a car chasing a hijacked subway train is suspenseful and thrilling. A stakeout scene off Front Street in Brooklyn held familiarity, drama and tension. I enjoyed seeing this film again, a true classic.

Cobain: Montage of Heck

The documentary Cobain: Montage of Heck takes us up through the creative process of Kurt Cobain to his success with Nirvana. His process, his energy, his motivation. The second half of the film chronicles his relationship with Courtney Love. His devotion to family, his addiction, his career, his music. A poignant look into a creative, fervent, passionate, short life. Good documentary.

10 Cloverfield Lane

In 10 Cloverfield Lane what we don't see is the scary part. A woman wakes up in a bunker told of an invasion that has killed everyone and made the outside world toxic. The man delivering the news has an elaborate underground bunker. Is this guy a nut? Is he telling the truth? Is there a way out? Should she stay put? All good questions. All answered in crazy ways. Just enough jump scares. Awesome performances. So good.

Crimson Peak

As far as period pieces go Crimson Peak does the visual proud. As far as ghost stories go it is pretty thin. Couple falls in love. Man brings woman back to his creepy mansion. Woman is haunted and freaked out. Twisted family history revealed. Beautiful film, but not much to it. Kind of cheesy. An OK rental.

Spectre

There are a lot of throw-backs to 007 history in the new Bond film Spectre. The opening scene reminded me of Live and Let Die. When the plane flies through the barn in the final chase sequence, I thought of the opening scene of Octopussy. That sweet old Aston Martin shows up as well. The story? Not great. Daniel Craig is almost boring in this. Could not put my finger on what was missing, but this film was just average.

Macbeth (2015)

The classic Macbeth has been interpreted many times. A man fights to be king. In this interpretation Michael Fassbender brings intensity and nuance to the battles Macbeth fought and the effects on the psyche and family. Excellent film.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

In military terms Whiskey Tango Foxtrots translates to WTF. The film of the same name is based on the memoir of a journalist sent to cover the situation in Afghanistan after war breaks out in Iraq. The acronym WTF is appropriate to all of the messed up situations she finds there. From the violence, to the sexism, to the professional competition this is an interesting story. Good film.

Miss You Already

The film Miss You Already sounded sappy in trailers, so I took a pass when it came to theaters. A woman finds out she has breast cancer and the story shows how her coping effects her family and best friend. As a rental I found this to be a good story of friendship, choices, illness, dreams and family. The performances are outstanding.

Rock the Kasbah

When it come to movies the bigger the star, the bigger the expectation. But even someone like Bill Murray can only do so much. Rock the Kasbah has a mediocre script and takes too long to get to the interesting part of the story. It's almost like 2 movies. This was just an OK rental.

I Smile Back

The story of addiction can be rough. In the film I Smile Back we meet a woman who has a lovely home, husband and family. Her depression and distance from them was so sad to me as she would reject prescribed therapies to self-medicate with coke and alcohol. Interesting to watch a comedian like Sarh Silverman play such a serious dramatic role so well. She played it with respect and compassion. Sad story, good film.

Fun Home

Last year at the Tony Awards I became aware of the musical Fun Home. A stirring performance of the song Ring of Keys enchanted and delighted me. I learned that the musical was derived from a graphic novel by Alison Bechdel. Over the next few weeks I heard a lot of interviews with the author and writer of the musical. Over the summer my Father had a health issue that had me in doctor's waiting rooms where Fun Home kept me company. I loved the book I loved the story. Poignant and brave. Around the holidays my daughter asked what shows I was interested in seeing on Broadway. Fun Home was at the top of my list. Under the Christmas tree this year was a ticket for me along with the announcement that both of my daughters would join me. We made reservations for dinner and made an evening of it.

The show? We made our way into the Circle on the Square and took our seats. The show is staged in the round and we were seated next to the orchestra. An intimate theater. The actors were amazing, the set was an engineering marvel and by the end they had captured my heart. With no intermission, the climax of the play was powerful and the tears flowed freely during the last song. I left the theater with a huge smile on my face and a song and story in my heart forever. What a wonderful show, what a wonderful story. Thanks to Ms. Bechdel for sharing her life and her family with mine. What an experience.

Oscar Picks 2016

This is where I post how I would vote if I were a member of the Academy. Mad Max: Fury Road and The Revenant were huge standouts to me this year. Star Wars: the Force Awakens was a crowd pleaser and Brooklyn was one of the nicest films of the year. I have really enjoyed this year in film. Popping the popcorn and tuning in on Sunday night. Wishing Chris Rock a good show! Happy Oscars!

Picture - The Revenant
Actor - Leonardo DiCaprio - The Revenant
Actress - Brie Larson - Room
Supporting Actor -Christian Bale - The Big Short
Supporting Actress -Jennifer Jason-Leigh - The Hateful Eight
Director - Alexandro Innaritu
Animated Feature - Shaun the Sheep
Foreign Feature - Son of Saul
Documentary Feature - Amy
Animated Short - Sanjay's Super Team
Live Action Short -Day One
Documentary Short - Body Team 12
Cinematography - The Revenant
Editing - Mad Max: Fury Road
Costume Design - Cinderella
Makeup and Hair Styling - Mad Max: Fury Road
Original Score - Hateful Eight
Original Song - Simple Song #3
Production Design - Mad Max: Fury Road
Sound Editing - Sicario
Sound Mixing - Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Visual Effects - Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Adapted Screenplay - Carol
Original Screenplay - Spotlight

Oscars 2016: The Films

Until I saw The Revenant I was sure that Mad Max: Fury Road was the best picture of the year. Now they sit side by side in my brain on an equal footing. I think The Revenant will take the Oscar. Of the animated films, Pixar's Inside Out will probably walk away with the statue, but the very charming Shaun The Sheep Movie was my favorite animated film this year. The documentary Amy pulled at a lot of heartstrings and was a nice tribute to a short career. Cartel Land and Winter on Fire could win just on the bravery of capturing the harrowing footage. The only foreign film I saw was Son of Saul. I'll be interested to see if it wins. All of the animated shorts were lovely in their own way. Pixar could walk away with this one too with Sanjy's Super Team, but World of Tomorrow did some innovative stuff. Live action short could go to Stutterer for the sentimental, Day One for the intensity or Ave Maria for a laugh.I got within 4 films of seeing every feature nominated for an Oscar. Not bad! It's been a good year for film.

Oscars 2016: The People

The most consistent thing I have been saying about movies this year is that the stories are OK, but the performances have been outstanding. The supporting acting categories for this year's Oscar will become a popularity contest because all 8 nominated performances are so good. I'm still not sure who I'll pick for my Oscaar Pool, but Jennifer Jason-Leigh for The Hateful Eight and Kate Winslet in Steve Jobs stand out. For the men I really can't pick, all were strong in their own way. Best Actor for me this year was Leonardo DiCaprio in The Revenant. Such intensity and commitment paid off. Inarritu could win Best Director for the film as well. It's really a masterpiece. The Best Actress will probably go to Brie Larson for her powerful performance in Room, But Saoirse Ronan put in some good work in Brooklyn so we'll see. Bravo to all!

Oscars 2016: The Stories

There were so many great scripts this year. The trend of stories based on true events is still running strong. For original screenplay I think that Spotlight is the standout. Inside Out and Ex Machina are very clever, bu there is an intensity and resonance in the way the journalists dog down the story that is so compelling to me. The adapted screenplay I liked was Brooklyn. A nice story of making decisions and growing up that sat well with me. Carol is a similar story about making decisions that is also well written. Any of the adapted screenplays could win the Oscar and I wouldn't be surprised.

Oscars 2016: The Sounds

Music sets tone and the emotional path in a film. Several beautiful scores accompanied the best films this year. John Williams did a nice job blending the nostalgic with new music in the score of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. I really liked the score to The Hateful Eight for it's intensity and drive. I thought that the original songs this year were just alright. Simple Song #3 was the only one that impressed me. For all of the light sabers, robots and space chases I thought the sound in Star Wars: The Force Awakens was most effective. Though I thought the sound editing in Sicario really took you along for the ride.

Oscars 2016: The Sights

Everything we see on the screen feeds our senses. Two of the most stunning films to me this year were Mad Max: Fury Road and The Revenant. From editing to makeup to costumes to production design, editing and cinematography, both are stunning. Both are masterful in their visual effects, but I think based on pure emotion, Star Wars: The Force Awakens marries the old and the new to a wonderful effect. Costumes almost become a character in Carol and The Danish Girl. The Oscar could go to any of these and be well deserved.

Boy & the World

The last attainable film in My Oscar Project was Boy & the World. This lovely animated feature follows a young boy out of his idyllic world to the reality of industrialism and environmental decline. The animation is colorful and involved. The story is simple and deep. Loved this film.

Everest

I have no interest in extreme adventure, and I think mountain climbers are nuts. I rented Everest after seeing Josh Brolin in an interview. He made the telling of a disasterous ascent of Everest in 1996 interesting. This film was shot for IMAX and even on my small screen it looks amazing. The climb was hampered by a storm, and lives were lost. The story is wrenching and the climb and descent harrowing. The film made me cry a few times,so it made the connection. Good film.

Man Up

In an unlikely meeting, a story of mistaken identity is told in romantic style. In Man Up the strength of the film lies in it's actors. Simon Pegg and Lake Bell light up the screen with likable characters that I rooted for. Really enjoyed this film.

Oscar Nominated Shorts Animation

The shorts nominated for Oscars tend to be very short, so 4 extra shorts were added to the Oscar Nominated Short Animated Films program to fill out a 90 minute program. 

Bear Story shows a charming bear with a street show that tells his story. Sweet and poignant.

Prologue depicts a battle in line drawings that is surprisingly effective and graphic.

Sanjay's Super Team is comprised of some surprising characters as his religion meets his fantasies. Maybe they are the same thing?

We Can't Live Without Cosmos is a story of friendship and exploration. Mostly friendship.

World of Tomorrow looks at the future in analytical style with a childlike joy. Very creative.

The Loneliest Stoplight is a story about a stoplight at an abandoned intersection. The signature style of Bill Plympton is delightful.

The Short Story of a Fox and a Mouse shows off stellar animation in the story of a mouse who turns from food to friend in the eyes of a protective fox. Stunning visuals.

If I Was God takes us back to the classroom in the eyes of a young boy. Frogs and girls hold his attention, but how to get the attention of the right one?

These were all wonderful in their own way.

Son of Saul

In my quest to see as many Oscar nominated films as possible, I found myself reluctantly going to see Son of Saul. I have pretty actively avoided films that take place in the Holocaust. I've never seen Schindler's list. Though everything I have heard about the film was positive, the setting can be too much for me. To watch a man's experience escorting victims into the ovens, hearing their screams, collecting their belongings, cleaning the chambers and shoveling their ashes is horrific. We have the constant perspective of looking over Saul's shoulder. All of the atrocities are background and blurred out of focus, yet you know exactly what's going on. Saul also goes on a mission that seems to be an effort to keep hope alive for him. A sad story told in a very skillful film. Tough stuff.

Oscar Nominated Shorts Live Action

Every year they release the Oscar Nominated Shorts in three programs. Today I saw the Live Action Short Films.

Ave Maria is the story of a miserable family that breaks down outside a convent on the West Bank. The nuns have taken a vow of silence so the comedy lies in their efforts to communicate.

Day One shows us the first day of an interpreter in Afghanistan assigned to special forces. The harshness of the environment and the situations are an eye opener.

Everything Will Be OK gives us a front row seat to a kidnapping. Desperate and touching.

Shok shows us two friends and the consequences of having something valuable like a bike in Kosivo.

Stutterer tells a tale of online romance for a young man who has difficulty speaking. The online relationship is great until the young woman wants to meet. He sweats it out until the surprise ending.

I find shorts very satisfying and liked all of these quite a bit. Well done.

Pawn Sacrifice

People with high intellect can become mentally unstable. In Pawn Sacrifice we watch Bobby Fisher fall down the rabbit hole of paranoia as he rises to world championship status in the chess world. I remember when Fisher was a sensation and everyone was playing chess. An interesting film about an interesting man and his struggles.

99 Homes

The cruelty and despair of the housing crisis is the setting for 99 Homes. When the ruthless real estate mogul hires one of his eviction victims, morality and ethics get pushed to the limit. This is an excellent drama with excellent performances and a powerful ending. Gripping. Excellent film.

Flashback

Moving a prisoner should be easy for the FBI, right? In Flashback we see where the difficulties lie. The prisoner is a 60s kinda dude and the FBI agent goes by the book. Sentimentalities are preyed on and the results are unexpected. Very funny with classic performances, I enjoyed this road trip film a lot. Good rental!

Meadowland

The dramatization of couples losing children makes for wrenching film. In Meadowland a couple copes with losing their son and it is a powerful drama. There is very little dialog, but with there is it is a bit of a gut-punch. This film is a poignant story of family, love, loss and coping. A bit raw. Good film.

Truth

When it came to light that George W. Bush may not have been the war hero he claimed to be, CBS ran with the story...a little too fast. Armed with photocopied documents and vague promises that they were authentic, Mary Mapes released the story. This opened she and Dan Rather to accusations of lying, forgery and ultimate disgrace. In the film Truth this story is dramatized with a sympathetic eye to Mapes and Rather. Well done.

A Ballerina's Tale

Last year, A Ballerina's Tale was screened at Tribeca Film Festival with a Q & A with Misty Copeland. I missed the event but finally saw the film on DVD. This documentary speaks a bit to Copeland's rise to principal dancer at the American Ballet Theater, but speaks more to her struggles to stay there despite injuries. Her dancing is beautiful and the brutality of the ballet, both psychologically and physically is apparent. Copeland is a beautiful dancer whose career is both historic and inspiring. Hard work and perseverance pays off.

45 Years

In 45 Years there is a miscommunication between a couple that has been married for 45 years and we watch the emotional fallout. The word that kept popping into my head as I watched was dour.The husband knows that his wife is upset, but doesn't really validate her feelings. The wife is more upset than she probably should be, but keeps it all in. This leads to scenes of talking around the issue and many sad, pensive looks. Excellent performances, but all in all, to me this was a sad story.

Burnt

There is an amazing amount of stress in a professional kitchen. In Burnt we are thrown into it head first. As a chef struggles to redeem his career and reputation we learn of his relationships old and new. Some help him, some don't. I liked this film a lot more than I expected to.

Chi-Raq

In the midst of all of the race controversy in Hollywood, I decided to see Spike Lee's latest film Chi-Raq.This film re-tells the story of Lysistrata and sets it in modern day, violent Chicago with a predominantly African-American cast.The women in the city decide to try withholding sex until the men can live in peace. A tall order. The dialog is in verse which reminds us of what a fantasy this story is. This film is a visual wild ride, the performances are strong and the story is a bit crazy. Glad I saw it.

Anomalisa

A man's mental issues are played out in stop-motion animation in the film Anomalisa. Though the story is told with puppets, the story is so human you soon do not see the seams. The main character Michael is like a lot of men I've known. He is selfish, winy and manipulative. An impressive film, though the characters were unlikable for me. Interesting animation.

Winter on Fire: Ukraine's Fight for Freedom

The overwhelming violence of the Ukrainian revolution is brought to the screen in Winter of Fire: Ukraine's Fight for Freedom. This documentary chronicles the student uprising against the Ukrainian government that started in 2013.Their passion on issues are brought to light well. What a film.

Straight Outta Compton

The origins of NWA are laid out in Straight Outta Compton. From the birth of the raps to the unfair business deals and deceptions, this is another dramatization of art and business that leaves the artists fighting for their rights. The struggles were not only with the studios but among themselves as well. This is a good film, but a bit too long. They could have easily edited 20-30 minutes. Though I find the language a little off-putting, I liked the performance scenes. An interesting part of music history.

Cartel Land

The violence surrounding meth production in Mexico is depicted in Cartel Land in graphic detail. How the footage in this documentary exists astounds me.When the people who live there get fed up they take matters into their own hands. The war between the police, the drug cartels and the citizens is violent and jarring. For all of this violence the film has a hopeful ending. Excellent documentary.

Mississippi Grind

Though it is a standard road trip movie, Mississippi Grind is worth watching for the performances. Ben Mendelsohn and Ryan Reynolds are a pair of gamblers who are just awful for each other. It is only surprising when they win, which is not often. I liked this film, it's an OK rental.

Screen Scenes: Ziegfeld Theater, New York, NY

Upon hearing about the Ziegfeld Theater closing in NYC, I reflected back to the day I last visited there. I was on vacation in NYC and was on a mission to visit this iconic theater. The day I decided to go, the film Ocean's was playing. I was thrilled. Underwater footage on a big screen sounded great to me. The entrance to the theater is unremarkable from the street, but as soon as I walked through the doors it was magical. I climbed the carpeted stairs to a lobby where an usher welcomed me with, "Hello miss, you are the celebrity here today!" It was a quiet, matinee day and there were not many people around so I was definitely being schmoozed and I loved it.Walking into the theater, I tried to drink in everything. Velvet ropes, lush carpets, fancy sconces, an enormous screen and rows and rows of plush seats. The movie was beautiful and looked great on that big screen. I had just come from a small screening room at the IFC Center, so the contrast made this experience even more dramatic. Glad that I got to visit this iconic theater.

The Danish Girl

Walking out of The Danish Girl, I was struck by how well the inner torment of a trans-gendered man was communicated. Through actions, looks, gentle words and persistence, we see the conflict and struggle of Einer Wegener's desire to physically become the woman he feels inside. From gestures, to clothing, to makeup, to his art, Einer gradually lets Lili develop and evolve. In the 20s this was unheard of and he was supposedly the first to attempt sex reassignment surgery. On top of this, his wife Gerda is supportive and loving. Her roll is a bit heartbreaking. The story in the film is based on the Wegener's time together, but poetic license is taken with a lot of the characters and events. This is an astounding story that champions identity and love. Such a powerful film. Loved it.

When Marnie Was There

Nominated for an Oscar in the animated feature category, When Marnie Was There is certainly worthy of the nod. This film from Ghibli Studios is a heartfelt story of adolescence, family, belonging and heritage. The drawings are beautiful and the dubbing in the rental I watched was very well cast. A lovely film.

The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappaeared

When I see a title like The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out a Window and Disappeared I think, "good for him." Watching my parents struggle through old-age I have become a cheerleader for the beleaguered senior citizen. In this Swedish film, when Allan steps out the window of the retirement home he unwittingly gets involved in a road-trip adventure I really enjoyed. The characters are colorful, the bad guys are bumblers and, yes folks, there's an elephant. A charming film I watched because it is nominated for an Oscar for excellence in makeup. I really liked it.

The Look of Silence

I found The Act of Killing to be one of the most disturbing films I've seen, and its companion film The Look of Silence is a close second.A man pursues the details of his brother's murder in the Indonesian genocide of 1965. He hears these details directly from the killers. The graphic description of the killers' activities are incredibly disturbing because they seem quite proud of their accomplishments. The man searches for closure. This is not an easy documentary to watch.

Ted 2

I really enjoyed the movie Ted so renting Ted 2 was a no-brainer. In this second round, Ted and his wife want to adopt a baby, but they are deemed ineligible because Ted is not human. They hire a lawyer, and the adventure begins. There are all kinds of mishaps along the way and this next chapter is as outrageous and raunchy as the first. This was a fun rental.

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.