The Accountant

A thriller with the title The Accountant doesn't sound quite right. How can an accountant have an edge? Make him a killer. Cooking the books and stronger tactics ensue in this film. OK rental.

Frank & Lola

The pressure and struggle in romantic relationships makes for good cinema. In Frank & Lola such struggles are presented with wonderful performances and a dark tone. The baggage that each character brings to the relationship is interesting and dramatic. A thoughtful film with an edge. Good rental.

Denial

Theories that the Holocaust did not happen blow my ind. In the film Denial an author is sued for libel when she challenges such an author in print. The case is tried in the UK which brings it's own eccentricities and drama to this legal battle. The emotion and examples are real. Based on a true story, I liked this film.

13 Hours

The reality of struggle and violence in the Middle East is portrayed in 13 Hours. Libya is a volatile place and the courage of CIA agents to try to bring it under control is portrayed in this film. We see their personal lives alongside their professional lives. This provides a stark contrast. An intense film I liked a lot.

Bad Moms

When you are a Mom, the satisfaction and love outweighs the struggle and frustration of being a parent. In the movie Bad Moms both sides of motherhood are explored with humor and honesty. I was surprised by how much I liked this move that balanced silly with serious. Not just slapstick, there is a heart with the humor. I liked this movie.

The Book of Mormon

My daughter Liza very generously gifted me with tickets to The Book of Mormon on Broadway for Christmas this year. On this Saturday afternoon we left behind the worries and struggle of our everyday lives and laughed and laughed and laughed. The irreverence and blasphemy in the story of Mormon missionaries taking their message to a village in Uganda tickled my funny-bone. My face hurt from laughing for 3 hours. After the show, we went to dinner and as we were leaving our waiter confided in us that he was auditioning for Book of Mormon on Monday. I hope he got it. Great show and a great time with my kids.

Star Trek Beyond

In my quest to see all of the Oscar nominated films this year, I caught up with Star Trek Beyond because it is nominated for makeup and hair-styling. For all of the action and battles it still has its sense of humor and nostalgia. Well written, well done. Good rental.

Can We Take a Joke?

For a long time I have been preaching tolerance, so the documentary Can We Take a Joke? was right up my alley. The history of being offensive in public, and more specifically, in comedy is explored. The talent and insight in this film is astounding. An important film about social consciousness, what is and isn't offensive and how we deal with it. I really liked this film.

Inferno

Another quest to save the world is the plot of Inferno. I did not feel the urgency that the characters did, but the production value is high and the acting is sincere. An OK rental.

The Handmaiden

For me, the central theme of The Handmaiden is control. Beautifully shot, this story is a struggle for dominence and a desperate longing for true love. Erotic, explicit and witty. Quite a film.

Jackie

After watching Killing Kennedy, following up with the film Jackie was a bit intense. The sadness of the assassination of John F. Kennedy Jr. is amplified through the eyes of his wife Jackie. Natalie Portman's performance is great. A very moving film.

20th Century Women

Set in the late 70s, this story of a woman, her son and the people in her life is the journey we take in 20th Century Women. A practical, earthy, single mother enlists the help of her friends and boarders to guide her teenage son's life lessons. It is a story of relationships and decision-making. Performances are outstanding and the coming of age story gets a fresh look. I really liked this film.

Killing Kennedy

Bill O'Reilly's series of "Killing" books are being made into movies. Killing Lincoln was very good and Killing Regan is on the way. The film version of Killing Kennedy is a good recreation of the days before and of the Kennedy assassination. Interesting to see events from the shooters perspective. Sad to relive it as well. Good film.

Moonwalkers

A crew of misfits take on the challenge of faking a moon landing in Moonwalkers to stay alive and keep the cash. Funny film with a crime twist and a great cast. Good recommendation from Movie BS with Bayer and Snider. Fun rental.

Film Favorites 2016

As always, choosing a Top 10 list of films I've seen at the end of the year is a struggle for me. This year I've narrowed it down to 24 from the dozens of new releases I've seen this year. I'm sure I will add to this as the limited releases reach our small state, but this is where the list stands right now. Click on the title to see what I thought when I saw the film. Again, these are my "favorites", I'm not a fan of the descriptor "best", as appreciating all art is subjective. The list is in no particular order. Enjoy.

Don't Think Twice
Swiss Army Man
10 Cloverfield Lane
Midnight Special
The Meddler
Elvis & Nixon
Green Room
The Family Fang
Nice Guys
Maggie's Plan

Florence Foster Jenkins
Sully
Doctor Strange
Bleed for This
Moonlight
Moana
Captain Fantastic
Mr. Church
The Beatles: Eight Days a Week
Manchester by the Sea

La La Land
Fences
Hidden Figures
A Monster Calls

Miss Sharon Jones

There are a lot of dynamic performers in the history of music. In the documentary Miss Sharon Jones! we meet singer Sharon Jones during her battle with cancer. She's up, she's down and the last 10 minutes of the film are rather triumphant. Her approach to music is pure joy. A wonderful piece of music history available on Netflix Instant.

A Monster Calls

The book A Monster Calls is interpreted in the film of the same name. This film deals with a boy's coping with grief in his dreams and waking life. He is visited by a monster who tells him three stories, and the fourth must be his. The monster's stories force him to face his feelings and grief as his Mother is dying of cancer. The story deals with many emotions in an honest way, using fantasy as a vehicle. I loved this film, Well done.

Deepwater Horizon

The explosion of the oil rig Deepwater Horizon is dramatized in a feature film. The disaster is huge and the lives lost are tragic. This film is tough to watch.

Gleason

Steve Gleason was a talented NFL player. In the film Gleason we see his decline into ALS through his video journals. A quickly debilitating disease, we see his support system form and grow to meet his needs. The amount of medical equipment and expertise is astounding. A story of family, legacy and the power of positive thinking. Excellent documentary.

Heart of a Dog

The documentary Heart of a Dog is a true painting on film. Pieces of archival footage a pieced together like a quilt with a loving narration. I found that I just needed to sit back and let the film wash over me. A beautiful, touching film.

Hidden Figures

The story told in Hidden Figures should be taught in all classrooms. To learn of the individuals who worked so diligently at NASA to get a man in space is inspiring. Did I mention that most of them were women...of color? The essential portrayal of human rights at the time, reminds of us how far we've come and what still needs to be done. Equality in regards to race and gender is something we must always work on and be aware of. This film puts this in front of us in the historical context of the space race. I grew up in this era, and the emotion I experienced when that rocket blasts off took me by surprise. The road traveled to get there was emotional and intense. This film tells an important story well. See it.

Blue Jay

The black & white film Blue Jay is a sweet reunion between high school sweethearts. The strength of this film are the performances, especially Sarah Paulson. Near the end there is a dramatic reveal that is tender and sad. Mark Duplass should be proud of this film. Well done.

By Sidney Lumet

I first learned of the documentary By Sidney Lumet at Tribeca Film Festival last year. His work sits on the top of my all-time favorites list. He also has been generous with his process in books and interviews. In this documentary, Lumet talks about his life and time with his family and film. He has led a fascinating life. I had the pleasure of meeting he and his wife years ago at Tribeca Film Festival. They were friendly and low key. This documentary is worth a look.

Fences

There is a power in words. In the film Fences those words are delivered with strength and passion. Denzel Washington directs this film version of August Wilson's work with a steady hand and powerful performances from the entire cast. The words are sharp and the story takes dramatic turns. This drama is full of style and depth. I liked this one.

Lion

A lot of films based on true stories are unbelievable. In Lion the story of a 5 year old separated from his family in India is heart-wrenching. He spends the next 25 years living in Australia with his adoptive family. He has success and struggles. As the internet becomes more sophisticated he has tools that ultimately help him find his mother. Beautifully shot with strong performances, this is a touching film.

Rogue One

Air battles with X wings are thrilling in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story . In the air and on the ground, the death toll is a bit devastating. Prequels give us a base and motivations for events and beloved characters. This film gives us these and then takes them away...understandably. I loved the action and the cameos of familiar characters. As others have said, this is a good stand-alone Star Wars film. Lots of action and I learn about U wing fighters. Aside from the high body count, I really enjoyed this chapter in the Star Wars universe.

Yoga Hosers

In a light film like Yoga Hosers I did not expect performance, but the young leads did a good job with some weird material. The fact that their fathers are involved definitely showed a level of confidence. I'd like to see in their future work. A fun, silly film.

An Affair to Remember

I have known of the classic film An Affair to Remember for many years. New Year's Eve seemed like a great time to experience this classic. A man and woman meet on a cruise ship and a flirtation occurs. They both have significant others, but their flirtation makes them feel guilty. I'm glad that I saw this classic.

Celebrity Sightings 2016

In 2016 my path crossed with several celebrities. Most I bought tickets to see, but a few were by chance

At the play Turn Me Loose we saw both Dick Gregory and Joe Morton

At Tribeca Film Festival I had the pleasure of seeing Francis Ford Coppola, Viola Davis, Ira Glass, Keegan-Michael Key, Rose Byrne, Katie Holmes, Cecile Strong, Jane Rosenthal and Susan Sarandon

I saw Mike Birbiglia at The Cloumbus Theater in PVD working out Thank God for Jokes and at Tribeca Film Festival with Don't Think Twice

At The Comedy Cellar I had a drunken (me not him) encounter with Jud Apatow

I saw Tig Notaro at The Columbus Theater in PVD

I ran into Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban at Americano in NYC

La La Land

In the style of a modern musical, La La Land brings dance, music, dreams, work, love and life to the screen. I like a mature love story with realistic consequences, and if you throw in a song, that's even better. The story holds up, the choreography is great and the numbers were meant to be filmed. The music is infectious, so we've got a winner here.

Manchester by the Sea

The film Manchester by the Sea is a study in family dynamics in the most awful of circumstances. The performances make this story bearable, and in a quiet way, sends a message of hope in the face of cruel reality. The characters mature in interesting ways. I really liked this drama, one of my favorite films this year.

American Honey

One of the most mesmerizing films of this year is American Honey. Watching a girl escape an awful home life to hit the road with a young band of  "sales associates" is beautifully shot with nuanced performances. The action is subtle and powerful. This was a good rental.

The BFG

A big friendly giant, The BFG bears the signature of Steven Spielberg. The visuals are deep and the story rolls at a brisk pace. There is ridicule, revenge and redemption. This tale is well done and the effects are very good. I liked this film.

Pete's Dragon

Live action with a dragon could be crazy. In Pete's Dragon it is heartwarming. Pete and his dragon persevere being hunted by the townspeople. Set in present day with a touch of reality, this tale has adventure and heart. When reality rears it's head I had to remind myself that dragons aren't real. Good fantasy film.

Late Bloomer

I don't mind a raunchy comedy, but The Late Bloomer is a strange story where sex is the main character. When a young man goes through puberty at a late age, the story takes a nice guy and turns him into a jerk. This story had a lot of potential, but the execution was to sophomoric for me. I tried.

War Dogs

A couple of assholes start running guns in the movie War Dogs and they have no idea what they are doing. Policy and politics are not their strong suit. The story unfolds with banter and motive, but the two main characters are so unlikable that I didn't care if they succeeded or not. An OK rental.

The Magnificent Seven

The most striking thing about The Magnificent Seven is the way it looks. Gorgeous cinematography and expanded vistas made me wish I had seen it in the theater. The story of revenge is interesting and at times amusing. Just when I thought the movie was over there was a half hour gun battle. Bullets everywhere, but the goal was attained. This was a good western with good performances. I liked it enough to see it again some time.

Suicide Squad

The movie Suicide Squad held little interest to me when it was in theaters, so I waited to rent it. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I get lost in the talky politics of the super-hero world, but I liked the action and the visuals. There was a fair amount of humor as well. A good rental.

Nocturnal Animals

The many layers of Nocturnal Animals makes it an intriguing film to watch. The story goes back and forth between a novel sent to a woman by her ex-husband, and the woman's real life. This sparks memories her life which sets off a third story line. This thriller is violent and dark. Highly stylized, the filming is brilliant and the performances are outstanding. I am anxious to see this again because there is so much to absorb. Excellent film.

The Hollars

Family dramas that surround an illness are a popular theme in film. In The Hollars a family deals with the Mother's brain tumor operation.The siblings are an odd assortment of personalities, but the story is sweet and I liked it a lot. Margo Martindale really shines in this film.

Other People

How do you live out the last months of your life? In Other People, when a woman contracts cancer, her son moves home to help with her care. We watch her live. We watch her die. We see the effect both have on her family and especially her son. This is a powerful drama with a very big heart and great performances. A solid rental.

The Secret Life of Pets

To me, it is ideal when I can watch a family film with my grand-kids. Fiona, Mason and I sat down to The Secret Life of Pets and went on an adventure. The pets had voices and they were out in the streets of New York City. Some of the scenes were set in Brooklyn so the kids really related to the location. I thought some of the threatening situations were a bit intense, but the kids rolled with the talking animals and the action. They especially liked the bunny. Overall a decent rental.

Chicken People

If you enjoyed Best in Show the documentary Chicken People will feel familiar. The difference? The people in the doc are totally serious. The ins and outs of show chickens are explored along with the people who participate. They are very self-aware and love their chickens. This is a documentary worth seeing!

Hunt for the Wilderpeople

When a boy in foster care takes to the bush of New Zeland, the plot of Hunt for the Wilderpeople takes off. The boy is troubled, yet lovable. His companion is the unwilling foster father and their chemistry is great. His love of haiku is a fun form of expression. I really enjoyed this rental.

Mr. Church

In the film Mr. Church Eddie Murphy takes on a dramatic role and knocks it out of the park. Along with Britt Robertson, he tells the story of a man who cares for a dying woman and her daughter for six years, As a result, they become a family and the telling is so sweet. The third act drags a bit, but on the whole this is a solid drama. I liked it.

Mulan

Mulan is one of the few Disney films I had not seen. After taking a silly online quiz titled "What Disney character are you?" and getting Mulan, I thought I should check it out. Set in ancient China, its a bit tough to get beyond the prejudices against women, which were part of the culture, but the action and story are good. I'm not a huge fan of gender confusion plots (hello Shakespeare) but this story gets beyond it quickly and Mulan is a hero as herself. Glad I saw it.

Loving

That Richard and Mildred Loving were jailed for loving each other is ironic, appropriate and awful. In the film Loving the story of their pursuit of the lawsuit Loving vs The State of Virginia to legalize interracial marriage, is told in a quiet, respectful, realistic way. That this was ever against the law in this country blows my mind. The most powerful statement in the film is when Mildred is asked why they keep pursuing the lawsuit she says, "maybe this will help other people too." Boy did it. This is a good film and an important story.

Captain Fantastic

Family stories are common in film. Captain Fantastic puts a twist on the family trope by setting the family off the grid until the mother passes away. The emotions within the nuclear family and the conflict with the traditions surrounding death are interesting and emotional. I liked this film much more than I expected to. It was a solid rental. Well done.

Hands of Stone

Roberto Duran had a successful boxing career. His story is told in Hands of Stone. From childhood to his championship, his training and personal life are played out. The film stops with his championship and does not acknowledge the decline of his career. The performances are good and the story has a lot of heart.

Lo and Behold, Reveries of the Connected World

Werner Herzog explores the intricacies and concerns of technology. The documentary Lo and Behold, Reveries of the Connected World is an interesting, sometimes scary, sometimes depressing look at the impact of cyber life and it's future. Good documentary. Makes you think.

Moana

It's always fun to see a movie with a large group of people. When my grandson chose Moana as the movie we were to see for his birthday I knew we were in for quite a ride. 21 adults and children were in our group, and we took up 3 rows in the theater. The short film Inner Workings set the tone for the theme of "follow your heart". Moana is the age-old story of a headstrong young girl who wants more than the protected world her parents insist on. She feels a destiny to help her people and sets off on a quest. In the exotic land of island culture we follow our optimistic hero. There is action, there is folklore, there is humor, there is heart and boy oh boy is there music! Lin Manuel Miranda weaves wonderful songs throughout the film in his own magical style. Moana is appealing and the young actress, Auli'i Cravalho, who plays her has a gorgeous voice. Everyone in our group loved this film and the packed theater applauded at the end. I look forward to seeing it again.

Arrival

The first part of Arrival seemed slow to me. I was expecting more slam-bang from a movie about an alien encounter. Once I realized that there was more heart and smarts to this film I could go along. The exploration of language and communication is a quiet adventure I enjoyed. Good film.

Bleed for This

When a local story finds its way to the big screen it's usually a lot of fun. The story of RI boxing legend Vinny Paz is told so well in the film Bleed for This. I feel I am biased because I have local knowledge, but I got a kick out of the portrayal of this colorful character. He was a cocky guy who shook it in everyone's face. When Paz was in a car accident, his condition was in the news every day. As time has gone by, it is with nostalgia that I look back at his story. Seeing him do press tours today, it's nice to see him happy, and still a character. A helluva sports comeback and a helluva guy. Fun film.

Moonlight

The structure of a film can make a touching story pack an emotional wallop. In Moonlight we watch a young man grow up under very difficult conditions. The journey is told in three parts, I was happy to be along for the ride. One of the most powerful dramas I've seen this year. Well done.

The Lost Weekend

Billy Wider is a wonderful film maker. Watching The Lost Weekend this is quite obvious. The story of a man struggling with alcoholism is compelling. Even though it is black and white, the shots, the structure, the acting and the music are blended so well. A true classic.

Alice Through the Looking Glass

Not far into Alice Through the Looking Glass I realized that it is assumed that the audience has seen Alice in Wonderland (2010). Since it has been 6 years, and it wasn't that great a film, my memory of it is dim. The story of Alice trying to help the Mad Hatter is weak at best. The costumes and makeup are great, but there was not much else in this film for me.

Out of the Furnace

The film Out of the Furnace is a rather bleak look and two brother's relationship and how they deal with the consequences of their actions. They make choices dealing with bad people and things do not go well. Story is depressing but the performances are very good. An OK rental.

Life, Animated

In the documentary Life, Animated we meet Owen Suskind who is autistic. His family and he have learned that he can communicate and relate to the world through Disney films. His family is working to transition him to living on his own as a young adult. Owen is charming and works hard to achieve his goals. He also draws to express himself and has several big accomplishments in the film. If you rent this on DVD be sure to watch his short film in the extras. This is an uplifting film. Good rental.

The Duel

In 1846 southern Texas was struggling to keep its identity. The living was tough and people were territorial and brutal. In the film The Duel a man and his wife try to navigate to new territory looking for answers and find themselves in a tough town. The story plods and the violence is brutal. An OK rental.

Indignation

The drama Indignation is a well written portrayal of a young man coming of age on a difficult path. He speaks his mind at a school that would prefer him to conform. Some of his relationships are difficult, some confusing, some rewarding. A good drama that I'm glad I saw as a rental.

Norman Lear: Jut Another Version of You

Producer Norman Lear is the father of the TV sitcom. In the documentary Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You we learn of his formative years and career. A look inside TV producing and how the sitcoms expressed social issues with humor. At 94 Lear is still working and still making solid TV. This film was a good peek behind the curtain. Good rental.

Doctor Strange

The new Marvel film Doctor Strange was a breath of fresh air to me. I thought I was on super-hero overload, but his film explained all situations well and had enough humor to make it entertaining. It reminded me of the first Iron Man movie. A clever script and solid performances helped too. The visuals make this a must-see-in-the-theater movie. I liked this movie a lot.

Imperium

The thriller Imperium goes inside the world of white supremacy in the form of an FBI sting. The situation is scary and the characters are menacing. I really liked the performances, but the foray into this world is very disturbing. Good rental.

I Saw the Light

I Saw the Light is another music biopic in which the age of the star, Hank Williams', at the end of his life stunned me. The battle of egos in his personal life certainly overshadow his music. Excellent performances salvage this sad story to make it an OK rental.

Batman v Superman

When the film Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice came to theaters I decided that I had no interest in watching two of my favorite superheroes fight. When it came to DVD my curiosity got the best of me and I rented it. Visually this film is very dark which made it hard to stay interested. The angst of the characters is well done with anger and strategic fighting. The performances are good, I really liked Lex Luthor. An OK rental.

Free State of Jones

There is so much drama in the early history of the United States. Film mines this regularly. In Free State of Jones the life of Newton Knight rebelling against the confederates with farmers and slaves in the south is inspiring, dangerous and violent. The aspect of interracial couples being against the law still blows my mind and is told well in this film in a side-plot. A good film that is tough to watch at times. Decent rental.

The River Wild

Ihttp://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110997/?ref_=nv_sr_1n the 90s my daughter would watch the film The River Wild regularly. Not sure if it was on cable, or if she and her friends just kept renting it, but she always used to say how much Kevin Bacon freaked her out. His portrayal of a bad guy is menacing and ruthless. The 20 year old thriller holds up and we get Meryl Streep as an action hero. Crazy rafting scenes combined with the kidnapping story keeps the viewer in suspense. Well done with a bit of a corny ending. Good rental.

The Infiltrator

In The Infiltrator Bryan Cranston climbs behind the makeup once again to portray Robert Mazur, an undercover customs agent flushing out drug money launderers in the 80s. The danger and risk is well represented. A good rental.

Ghostbusters (2016)

I tried to let the Ghostbusters remake have a life of its own. Without comparing it to the original, this film is clunky and a bit of a mess. It teeters on what could have been a lot more fun as the writing and performances were good. The sets and effects were overdone and sloppy. The best scenes were the pared down visuals with a good gag. There were too few of these for me. As a rental, this movie has its moments, but it's just ok. Great cast and fun cameos made it worth seeing for me.

The Girl on the Train

When a woman can't remember the events of a critical evening we are in for a decent mystery. I spoiled the mystery of The Girl on the Train by reading the book first. Even thought I knew who-done-it I enjoyed the film. As always, there is a lot more in the book and the page-turning scenes were more dramatic as a read. I feel like the story was brought to the screen in a more subtle fashion. This is a decent psychological thriller.

Being Charlie

A young man struggles with sobriety in a high profile family. Where he lands is very satisfying. Being Charlie is a personal story of recovery that is well written and performed. This film is a decent rental.

Birth of a Nation

The recounting of a slave uprising is violent and disturbing. The Birth of a Nation shows us the life of Nat Turner from childhood to revolution. Stylized and graphic, this film gave me a gut-punch of reality that was uncomfortable and necessary.

Joshy

A suicide brings a group of friends together on a guys weekend that has awkward, weird and poignant moments. In Joshy a cast of talented comedians show their acting chops in this drama with a light touch. An OK rental.

Eat That Question: Frank Zappa In His Own Words

Frank Zappa was a composer, musician, advocate and outspoken artist. In the documentary Eat That Question: Frank Zappa in His Own Words we learn of his diversity and creativity through interviews. He tells his own story, expresses his views and passions in archive footage. Such an interesting man. Such an interesting life. The credits end with Zappa saying, "Vote like a beast." I wonder what he'd think of today's political climate. It's an interesting piece of music history. Loved this film.

The Beatles: Eight Days a Week

I was 7 years old when I first saw The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show. At that tender age I was rocked. I grew up with their music, but did not know much about heir early touring years. In the documentary The Beatles: Eight Days a Week, those days are presented in archival footage and interviews with Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. In their own words the band expressed their feelings about the music, travel and fame. The hysteria was crazy! There is a 30 minute film after the documentary of their concert at Shea Stadium. Amazing stuff. Well worth seeing.

Note by Note: The Making of Steinway L1037

I work in manufacturing. I love music. These two things made the documentary Note by Note: The Making of Steinway L1037 a very satisfying film for for me. Along with the artistry involved with making a Steinway piano, the dedication, logistics and people is fascinating to me. Beautifully filmed, the year long process of making one of these beauties is detailed by it's craftsmen. We learn the history of Steinway as well. This is the second time I've seen the film and I still love it. It inspired me to sit down and play a few tunes at my own piano. Haven't done that in a while. Nice film.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2

My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2? Disappointing. Clunky and awkward. What a mess. Nuff said.

Snowden

Laura Poitras is a documentarian who traveled to Hong Kong to film Edward Snowden as he spoke of his story. Citizen Four highlights Snowden's whistle-blowing on the US government in regards to internet survelence. In The film Snowden, Oliver Stone dramatizes this. Some see Snowden as a traitor, some see him as a hero. The fact that all of our communications are being monitored is disturbing. I really liked the way the film ended. It will be interesting to see if he ever returns to the US and if he ever stands trial. I thought this film was very well done and very interesting. Nice job.

Little Men

Rave reviews brought me to see Little Men. A quiet film about a friendship and several family struggles. There are ethics and feelings involved on a complicated level.The pace of the film was a little slow for me, but the relationships and the struggles make the film worth a look.

Now You See Me 2

I liked Now You See Me better than the critics, and now it appears I feel the same about Now You See Me 2. The plot is a bit thin and far-fetched, but I found the characters entertaining and engaging. A decent rental enjoyed.

Captain America: Civil War

I'll admit to a bit of superhero fatigue as I watched Captain America: Civil War. The battles are tedious, the snark overdone and the storyline a bit melodramatic. Avengers have become vengeful, desperate and sad to me. I will say, this is a fantastic cast and a few new characters are interesting. The teasers at the end of the film sucked me in for what Marvel has in store. An OK rental.

Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping

I don't get the title Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping. I also realize that I am not the audience for the music in this movie. The story of fame and success in the music industry is not new, but it is funny and corny here. Lonely Island's performance at the end was the only song I appreciated, as this is a hard R comedy. I'm guessing that in the end, I got it. An OK rental.

Sully

Not only is the Miracle on the Hudson portrayed several times, in several ways, but the film Sully presents depth and closure to an amazing event. The editing and performances pleased me. As in many films based on true stories, photos and clips of the actual people and event are nice. Well done.

All the Way

I saw the play All the Way on Broadway. HBO presented it as a film, and wow did they do it proud. The film All the Way presents LBJ's policies and presidency with high production value, humor and amazing performances. The dialogue is dense and well represented. I really liked this film.

Love & Friendship

The tongue-in-cheek nature of Love & Friendship reminds me a lot of Another Period. Though not as outrageous, I enjoyed the light nature and a bit of satire. On-screen explanations are both helpful and funny. Lots of characters and aristocratic melodrama. Decent rental.

Kubo and the Two Strings

Deciding to see Kubo and the Two Strings was easy because Laika Entertainment puts out quality film. The story of a boy on a quest is intense and beautifully animated. The battle scenes and themes of loss may be a bit much for little ones, but this was a solid film. Credits are worth watching.

White Men Can't Jump

In the streets of New York, hustlers make their livings. In White Men Can't Jump we see the con worked over and over for different motivations. Hustlers hustling hustlers is entertaining, but not as entertaining as a young woman using Jeopardy! to the same end. Cool rental and Rosie Perez is a national treasure. Great rental.

Walkabout

In Australia, as a rite of passage, 15 year old boys get sent into the outback to live on their own. This is called a Walkabout. In the film with this title, a brother and sister come upon such a young man while lost. The film is a gorgeous adventure. This is so beautifully shot, and I had to keep reminding myself that it was made in the early 70s. Well worth seeing.

Keanu

I am violently allergic to cats, so the animal interests me very little. Watching Keanu I was very surprised to find great joy every time the little kitten, Keanu, was on screen. The story is a crime-comedy-buddy-thriller that rambles and is pretty violent, but oh when that kitten comes on the screen. Fun rental.

The Man Who Knew Infinity

The Man Who Knew Infinity was another film I missed at Tribeca Film Festival. I'm thankful when these films come to DVD. The story of elite mathematicians is talky and very dry, but the story has enough heart to make this a decent rental.

Blank City

Mike Russell recommended Blank City as a piece of film history. The film documents early independent film in New York City. The film maker's dreams and motivations are explored. Jim Jarmusch and lend cool insight. Interesting documentary.

Weiner

I refused to see the documentary Weiner in theaters because I find the man's actions abhorrent. Anthony Weiner is a talented man who is self-destructive. Sad to see what he gave away. The man has a sickness, I hope he gets help. The documentary has amazing access and is well structured. The story is sad.

Hell or High Water

A concerted effort to raise money to protect his family's financial future lies at the heart of the film Hell or High Water. The route is criminal and calculated. Themes of loyalty and righteousness are strong. Performances are excellent, but the violence is a bit gruesome at times. Good film.

Demolition

The film Demolition is an interesting examination of loss and grief. A man takes an interesting therapy route. Both heart-wrenching and satisfying. Good film.

Jack Reacher

I have always enjoyed Tom Cruise in films. In Jack Reacher he plays a huge bad-ass who investigates a random sniper attack. Lots of action and punching. OK rental.

Florence Foster Jenkins

Before I saw The fim Florence Foster Jenkins I researched the socialite. Her story is interesting. She supported the arts with her privilege and loved music so much. Her personal circumstances were complicated and are glossed over in the film. Knowing the backstory helps with understanding her motivations. I loved this film and the cast.

A Hologram for the King

Drama can be interesting when it is set in an exotic locale and takes unexpected turns. In A Hologram for the King a tech salesman is challenged with a culture he does not know and is surprised by love. The customs of Saudi Arabia throw obstacles and help in unexpected places. This film takes a turn of the heart at the end. Interesting film. Worth a look.

Tallulah

The role of Mother and home are explored in Tallulah. A young girl who can't even handle her own life, takes on the care of a child in a desperate attempt to rescue her. Unequipped and lying along the way, she is in over her head with the best of intentions. Writing and performances in this film are excellent. I really liked it.

High-Rise

A truly bizarre story in an equally bizarre setting is told in the film High-Rise. A man moves into an apartment building full of strange folk and strange events. Tom Hiddleston's performance made this worth watch for me. So weird.

The First Monday In May

The documentary The First Monday in May was the opening night film for Tribeca Film Festival this year. I missed it, but was so happy that it came to DVD quickly. The film follows the preparations for the Met Ball at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Anna Wintour guides the event to fruition. The costumes are exquisite, the celebrities shine and the work that goes into an event like this is the true star. I loved this documentary.