Enemy

A game of who's who is at the center of Enemy. A film where it is hard to decipher what is real and what's in the main character's head.The main confusion comes from the fact that the main characters look alike and are played by the same actor. As they interact and try to figure out what's going on the film gets very dark. This film has a very strange ending.

The Nice Guys

A good script, great chemistry and loads of action makes The Nice Guys a great ride. Two men are thrown together as they are looking for the same person. Their investigations bring them to dangerous, volatile people. Both have their strengths and flaws. They misstep many times before they get it together. These situations are fuel for comedy. The crime action thriller formula is enhanced by excellent writing and performances. Fun and funny.

A Bigger Splash

I had heard A Bigger Splash called a solid adult drama. It surely is. A rock star recovering at a resort from throat surgery is visited by her ex-husband and his daughter. They are all exotic characters and their interactions are interesting and sometimes volatile. This is a very insightful, mature film about relationships over the long and short term. Good film.

Ghosts of Mississippi

After seeing Turn Me Loose I wanted to know more about Medgar Evers. In Ghosts of Mississippi the third trial to prosecute his murderer is the focus. An all star cast reenacts the events around the third trial and it is excellent.

Bernard and Doris

Doris Duke was a wealthy woman. In Bernard and Doris we see the years Bernard was her personal butler. He is attentive and efficient and dotes on the woman. It is an interesting relationship and a sweet film.

Safe

When you don't feel well, yet cannot pinpoint the source of the malady, it is frustrating. In the film Safe a woman who is mentally fragile starts feeling ill. Her husband tries to be supportive, yet he is wondering if her illness is in her head. She happens on a group that goes after environmental illnesses. It is interesting and a little trippy. Decent film.

Turn Me Loose

My grandson's music teacher was going to be in the off-Broadway play Turn Me Loose, so my daughter picked up tickets to be supportive. When the play opened to glowing reviews in the New York Times, we knew that we were in for something special. The play is Joe Morgan playing the comedian Dick Gregory going back and forth in time from the early days of his comedy career to present day. Morgan pulls off the time change with posture and tone. This is a long conversation about race, rights and life. Not only was it powerful, but it's accurate. On the way out of the theater we realized that Dick Gregory himself was in the audience which was a bit of a thrill. It was exciting to re-live this chapter of history in a small New York theater. Well done.

The Jungle Book

Taking the opportunity to see the live-action version The Jungle Book in the theater is worth it. The CGI is beautiful and is worth seeing Mowgli's adventures, trying to stay out of the way of Shere Khan, on the big screen. There are a few songs from the Disney animated version that work well. I especially liked the scenes with King Louie and his crew. A little Walken humor tickled me. Cool film.

The Witch

I was hesitant to rent The Witch because witches don't scare me. This was a decent horror film though. Set in the 1630s in New England, a family moves to a farm and they suffer at the hands of demons. A bit slow at times, but if you like this kind of film it's an OK rental.

Frank and Cindy

At first I thought Frank and Cindy was just a dysfunctional family rant, but as the film progressed it became more about the individuals and what they were looking for in life. The music is great, this is a solid rental.

The Family Fang

I ran into Nicole Kidman in NYC the morning after the premiere of The Family Fang at Tribeca Film Festival. She was sweet and relaxed going to lunch with her family. I said, "I love your work" and she smiled back and said thank you. I'm glad that I had not seen the film yet, because I would have gushed more. The story of a family parented by parents who use their children in performances pieces in the name of art hit me in all the right places. Directed by and staring Jason Bateman, with Kidman as his sibling, they deal with their parents as adults. Secrets are revealed, feelings are explored and decisions are made. The less you know going into this film the better. The writing, directing and acting are great. I really liked this film.

Where to Invade Next

Michael Moore tends to be a blow-hard, but in the documentary Where to Invade Next, his queries into the laws and practices in other countries makes you think. There are a lot of things that other countries do better than the US, but as I watched I realized that that's easier in a small country. This film was OK.

Mustang

Turkish social norms abound when five orphaned sisters coming of age in the film Mustang. From schools, to behavior, to marriage these teens battle not only the strict rules of their culture, but their own desires and goals. Well acted and beautifully shot, it is easy to see why this film was nominated for an Oscar. The ending was very poignant. Well done.

We Are Still Here

Watching the extras on the DVD I agree that "classic haunted house film in a modern style" describes We Are Still Here well. A grieving couple who have lost their son, move into an old house in a rural town. Terror ensues. The tone and effects are good. I liked this more than I expected to.

Janis: Little Girl Blue

Janis Joplin was a force in the music world. She passed away just as I was entering high school. In the documentary Janis: Little Girl Blue I learn about her life and her story. The archive footage is impressive considering the times and technology. An important force in music history with a tragic ending. Good documentary.

Get on Up

I like James Brown music OK, but stories of his explosive behavior and abusive behavior toward women was always a turn off for me. The biopic Get on Up gives the background of his behavior moving back and forth from his childhood to his rise to fame and success. All of his struggles laid out to see. A much better film than I expected. The performances are great.

Special Correspondents

I couldn't work the film Special Correspondents into my schedule at Tribeca Film Festival, so was thrilled when it popped up on Netflix instant this week. This is the third TFF film I've seen since coming home. Two journalists are supposed to go to Ecuador to cover the situation and things go awry. There are lies, there are compromises, there are well intended missteps, there are egos, there are laughs. Funny stuff, I enjoyed this one.

Green Room

A simple punk rock gig goes south quickly in Green Room There are quick-thinking musicians and ruthless Nazis. They did not spare the blood, this is a good cat-and-mouse thriller. Well done.

True Story

A web of lies cover a murder, and identity theft pulls in an unwitting journalist in True Story. Desperation fuel both men. A pathological liar manipulates the journalist as he tries to avoid the death penalty. Based on a true story. Decent drama.

Elvis & Nixon

Films involving presidents are often serious, but the film Elvis & Nixon is refreshingly light-hearted. The historic meeting of Elvis Presley and Richard Nixon shows the behind the scenes quirks and strengths of two very famous, powerful men. The performances in this film are outstanding and I left the theater with a smile on my face.

Drunk Stoned Brilliant Dead: The Story of the National Lampoon

I missed the film Drunk Stoned Brilliant Dead: The Story of the National Lampoon at Tribeca Film Festival last year, so finding the DVD in my mail when I can home was a nice treat. This film is a wealth of history and visuals from the legendary magazine. This is not a documentary you can just listen to. The wealth of art, drawings and photos from the pages of the magazine deserve your full attention. A fascinating chronicle of an important piece of satirical comedy. Irreverent as it was brilliant. Excellent documentary.

A Kind of Murder

I like a good crime thriller and, for me, A Kind of Murder was just that. Set in the 50s an unhappy man aspires to write murder mysteries. He researches real life murders for his stories and one hits close to home. As his equally unhappy wife spirals downward emotionally, he is distracted by that murder and a young club singer. There is murder, mystery, and deception in this film noir. I liked the story, I liked the style. I loved the costumes. This was a fine ending to the film festival for me. I was disappointed that there was no Q&A but 6 out of 7 ain't bad.

Tribeca Film Festival Day Six

Waking up on my last day at Tribeca Film Festival I have a girl-on-a-mission feeling. I have one more film to see and I want to spend a little more time in the neighborhood. My first stop is lunch at the Tribeca Grill. This restaurant is a favorite stop in Tribeca. The food is good and folks very friendly. I make sure to tell the bartender to tell the powers that be that they do a great job. The day is sunny so a walk to the 9/11 Memorial Park is next on my agenda. The trees are starting to blossom and there is a serenity there that pleases me. Crossing the street to Brookfield Place, I find an art installation of inflated white rabbits called Intrude by Amanda Parer. There is a whimsy to this ambitious project and it makes me happy. Walking north through Rockefeller Park I enjoy the sights of the greening lawn, blossoming flowers and a flurry of activities of people of all ages. This is one of my favorite parks in NYC. My walk ends on a stool at The Palm where a glass of wine and the news of Prince's passing meets me. My sadness of the news is tempered by two women in their 70s enjoying Cosmopolitans down the bar. I mentally dub them Senior-Sex in the City. Back at the Regal Cinema for A Kind of Murder, I can feel the film festival winding down. I enjoyed the film, but was disappointed that there was no Q&A. Returning to Edward's, I finish my film festival week where I began. A bowl of soup sets me right for my final ride back to Brooklyn. Back in the hood, I stop in to Superfine for a happy hour cocktail, grab a few groceries and go home to the pups. The kids come home tonight and my film festival week ends. It has been amazing. Thanks to Tribeca Film Festival, the neighborhoods of NYC and all of the friends and family who made this week so much fun.

Francis Ford Coppola

Among all the film I saw at Tribeca Film Festival I took a break to go a discussion panel with Francis Ford Coppola. I have seen most of his filmography and have consumed a fair amount of his wine. I think he was sincere when he invited everyone to the vineyard. He spoke of digital media (he predicted it and embraces it), long-form TV and serial film (he's writing one now) and bragged about his wife making her first film at the age of 82 (inspiring for women of any age). He talked a little bit about past projects, most references led to Apocalypse Now. He spoke of the difficulty, fear and expense of making those early films. ($39 million financed at 29% interest) It was obvious that the man loves his family and his home. He is still creating and works with students and academics on dramatic projects. At 77 years old he has a 5 year plan to take him into his 80s that he's happy with. I'm glad he shared it with us. What a nice afternoon.

Tribeca Film Festival Day Five

Spending the morning with the dogs and relaxing in DUMBO, I'm feeling the melancholy of my last days at Tribeca Film Festival. I make my way to Chelsea and find a stool at the bar at East of Eighth. Regular locals are chatting, the music on the bartender's iPhone is pleasant and the vibe is good. I order wine and french fries and have a nice chat with a woman named Stella. Crossing the street to the SVA Theater I am very excited about this afternoon's program. Jane Rosenthal takes the podium and the guest arrives. To say that seeing Francis Ford Coppola in person is impressive is an understatement. The man is calm, low-key and eloquent. He talked about working on films back in the day and the future of the medium. He predicted and embraces digital technology. He talked about his wineries and thanked the audience for buying his products. As the moderator wrapped the event, Coppola said, "that's it?" I think he would have enjoyed speaking longer. Leaving the theater, I head north to Times Square to buy a mini-poster of Fun Home for my collection. Arriving as the matinees are getting out is a nightmare. I swung by the stage door of Hamilton to see if I can see any of the performers, but a man comes out of the door and says that no one is coming out today. I get my poster and navigate Times Square shoulder to shoulder with the crowd to the subway. Stopping for a snack of chicken wings at Mudville 9 is a good end to another good day.

Sing Street

The story of the kids in Sing Street is not new. Coming of age in the 80s in Ireland has the same struggles as anywhere else. A young boy has to change high schools and the typical feelings of alienation and bullying ensue. Then he meets a girl and forms a band to impress her. We are treated to a sweet story and a lot of good music. This is another soundtrack I will buy. Everything about this film makes it so nice. Creative, smart and funny with a lot of heart. I highly recommend this one!

The Meddler

I feel that the title of The Meddler is a bit off. I think that the term meddler comes from the daughter's perspective, where other characters in the film may have called her helpful. When a woman's husband passes away, she moves east coast to west to be near her daughter. The daughter is one huge eye-roll and voicemail box so the mother turns her energy to help others she meets. She is kind, she is funny, she is smart, she has resources. There is even a romantic interest. I liked this sweet, funny film a lot. Susan Sarandon, Rose Byrne and Cecily Strong joined the director and producer for an interesting Q&A. The film was autobiographical for the director. Well done.

Tribeca Film Festival Day Four

Caught an early train into the city to meet Meredith at the Angelika Cinema to see Sing Street at their first morning screening. What a delightful film! I especially loved the music. We walked around the corner to Il Buco for lunch outside. I had a soup that was spectacular! We caught up on life. Long uninterrupted conversation is such a luxury. I went back to Brooklyn, walked the pups and made some dinner. Back in Tribeca for a screening of The Meddler at BMCC. This is my last screening in this venue, so I make sure to say hi to the house manager, Charles, who has been with Tribeca Film Festival for 15 years. Such a lovely man. The film was wonderful and the director, one of the producers, Susan Sarandon, Rose Byrne and Cecily Strong conducted the Q&A. I will admit to getting choked up when the last question came from a woman seeing the film with her daughter and who had just lost her mother. Poignant moment and made me miss my girls. Back in Brooklyn I think about how lucky I am to be able to come to this event. Another cool day.

Don't Think Twice

Over the years I have become a big fan of Mike Birbiglia's work. His latest film Don't Think Twice is such a delight. The story of 6 friends in an improv troupe as they grow and change is poignant, sharp and very funny. At Tribeca Film Festival Birbiglia invited anyone who had anything to do with making the film come to the front of the theater. A group of about 25 people entertained a Q&A with many of the folks answering questions and many stories about the shooting were told. Ira Glass even shared a song he had recorded on his phone that was made up to tease Birbiglia. It is now on my phone. This screening was such a treat. I'd see this film again.

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.