I, Tonya

If the events depicted in I, Tonya are true, Tonya Harding is truly a survivor. The movie begins when Harding is 4 years old and all she wants to do is skate. Her mother bullies her way into a class and the rest is history. According to the film, her mother was brutal to her, yet she put everything she had (which wasn't much) into her daughter's skating career. Harding's tenacity is front and center when it comes to skating. She perseveres through beatings from both her mother and her husband. The bumbling actions around the Kerrigan assault are ridiculous and played for a laugh. I wonder how much of it is true.

Darkest Hour

I took my father to see Dunkirk and he said that he wanted to see the strategies behind the decisions. This made taking him to see Darkest Hour a no-brainer. This film focuses on the short time that Winston Churchill had to make decisions about military strategy against Germany as the new Prime Minister of England. The performances are very good, but politics and war are ugly businesses.

Coco

Pixar is good at tugging our heartstrings and Coco is no exception. Miguel has a passion for music, but his family suffered an emotional loss at the hands of a musician generations ago and refuse to let him follow his dream. On a search for that dream, through his grandfather, he ends up in the Land of the Dead and works to bring closure to his family. The story has a lot of ins and outs and a bit of a morbid tone with story lines of mortality, abandonment and deceit, but the charm of the characters, the music and the animation add levity. I liked this film, but I think a few of the story lines would be too much for little ones.

The Lure

Film critic April Wolf recommended The Lure as one of the most overlooked films of 2017. She described it as a "vampire, mermaid, disco film." I knew I had to see it. Two sisters, who transform to mermaids when they come in contact with water. are discovered by a strip club owner and he adds them to the musical act. They become a sensation and enter relationships with humans. This would be very Beauty and the Beast if they did not eat their paramours. Well filmed and very original. Cool film.

Lucky

Harry Dean Stanton shows his masterful acting in the film Lucky playing a man riding out his life in a small town, with a set routine. As we follow Lucky through his days and interactions, it is Stanton's performance that makes it interesting to watch. A fitting last act for a wonderful actor.

Favorites of 2017

I have finalized my list of favorites from the 2017 film year. This was a year with refreshing, new takes on story telling. Click the titles to see what I thought when I saw it. Here's to the 2018 film year!

Get Out
The Shape of Water
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, MO
The Big Sick
Lady Bird
Colossal
Baby Driver
Wonder Woman
Call Me by Your Name
It
mother!

Honorable mentions? Paris Can Wait, Wind River, Battle of the Sexes, Victoria and Abdul, Wonderstruck, The Little Hours, Loving Vincent and Molly's Game.

The Shape of Water

The beauty and fantasy of The Shape of Water is a thing to behold. This film delighted and amazed me. The story is creative and touching. The art direction is specific, yet lends an air of fantasy. The writing and acting is genuine and artful. I loved the story, I loved this film. What a pleasure.

Free Fire

A bungled gun deal turns into a very long shootout in Free Fire. That is all. OK rental.

Call Me By Your Name

I had some time to myself on this Christmas Eve, so I took myself to the movies. Call Me By Your Name was my choice and Alamo Drafthouse was  the venue. A boozy shake and french fries kept me company while I experienced one of the best films of 2017. A story of growth, sexual exploration and life-lessons that meant a lot, even to my old heart...right to the end. Watch the credit scene carefully, it is a masterclass in acting. This film is beautifully filmed, edited, written and performed with an amazing score. Such a gift, perfect for my Christmas Eve.

Logan

Wolverine takes on a difficult task with a new mutant in the film Logan. There is adventure, action and a lot of fights. Not my cup of tea, but if you are a Wolverine fan you will probably like this movie better than me.

Detroit

An incident at the Algiers Motel in 1967 is at the heart of the film Detroit. The incident is reenacted in uncomfortable closeup. The racist violence inflicted of a group of young black people, and the lies told to protect the white law enforcement agents is appalling. This film is another reenactment of the injustices enacted in this country as a result of hate. Sad and uncomfortable, but important.

See This Movie

The con of a young wanna-be film maker plays out in See This Movie. Though he is flying by the seat of his pants and telling lie after lie, Seth Meyers pulls it off with his boyish charm. This is a cute comedy with a touch of raunch. I liked it.

Brigsby Bear

In the film Brigsby Bear we meet James. James is a young adult who has lived in a manufactured environment his whole life. When he is rescued from his abduction, he must learn socialization skills. He meets peers who help him along, and he brings the persona of Brigsby Bear. He is passionate, creative and innocent. This film is interesting, quirky and sweet. I liked this film.

Logan Lucky

The classic heist film takes a twist in Logan Lucky with a great cast. A family who is famous for having bad luck, develop an elaborate scheme to rob a race track. The characters are interesting, sometimes funny, and there is a heart at the center of it all. This was a decent rental. I found it entertaining.

Meghan Levy

Most war stories involve men. In Megan Levey we meet soldiers that are canine and female. Levey is the handler of a bomb sniffing dog. The young Marine takes her job seriously, but struggles to be take seriously by her coworkers and family. Rex has behavior issues, but becomes a hero. I liked this story. I liked this film.

Wizard of Lies

At the final line of Wizard of Lies I answered "yes." Bernie Madoff was a monster who belongs in jail, this film is his story. The largest Ponzi scheme in history unfolds in an alarming fashion. The performances are excellent, but what a sad story. Glad I saw it, but pretty depressing.

The Little Hours

The delight of an outrageous story set in 1347 in a convent is the ride I took with the film The Little Hours. When a man hides out with a group of young nuns, posing as a mute, there is plenty of room for dark comedy. The performances in this are outstanding, there are so many talented actors in this cast. I'd like to watch this one again.

The Hitman's Bodyguard

Chasing, shooting, revenge and crime are all on point in The Hitman's Bodyguard. That a hit-man needs a bodyguard sort of cracks me up. This is not high drama, but the action is worth watching. I was entertained by this film.

Lady Bird

The film Lady Bird left me with feelings of hope. Hope for growth, hope for acceptance, hope for assistance, hope for love. The relationships explored in this film are real, honest and heartfelt. Lady Bird finds her way through her senior year of high school with passion and determination. I heard this film described as a photo album and I couldn't agree more. The performances are outstanding. I wasn't the only one in the theater crying. One of the best films of the year.

Crown Heights

When a man is unjustly imprisoned, his friend works on his behalf to prove his innocence. The events and time frame of Crown Heights are compelling. The performances are strong. The story is frustrating and true.A good rental.

Lemon

At first I was charmed by the film Lemon. As the story unfolds an unlikable vibe grows. I like this cast, but what they had to play out was disappointing. I really did not like this film.

Wonderstruck

My daughter recommended the film Wonderstruck to me saying, "this is your kind of film." First of all I'm so pleased that I have a film "type", second, she was right. Two characters' stories are told in different time periods, and converge at the end. The look of each is different, and there is an audio element that figures in. The story takes place in and around New York City and where they meet is very nice. The less you know going in is helpful and I will be visiting the Queens Museum of Art in this coming year. Lovely film.

Murder on the Orient Express

My Dad wanted to see Murder on the Orient Express so we saw it in the theater. This probably would have been a rental for me. The Agatha Christie story is well told with a stellar cast. The story is a bit contrived and overly complicated, but an effort is made to make it understandable. This film is beautifully shot, artistically edited and a pleasure to look at. As my Dad said, "I loved that train!" I'm glad that I saw it on a big screen.

Girls Trip

I enjoyed the movie Girl's Trip but man is it long! This would have been a fun film at around an hour and a half, but it is over two hours long. The fun of a girls trip, with serious situations running underneath, spends a little too much time on the serious. The silly is fun and the cast is great. It's a decent rental, though I heard that seeing it in the theater was a lot of fun.

Wakefield

In Wakefield a man reaches his breaking point and hides out in the garage over his house. The film is his narration of the aftermath of his disappearance, as he watches his family and friends. In some situations he is pleased, in others not so much. Bryan Cranston is great. This is an interesting take on relationships and how the world and those in it are perceived. Well done.

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri

Themes of grief, guilt and anger ring true in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri. The actions and reactions to blatant racism and domestic abuse are severe. The acting is excellent, but it is an often uncomfortable story with an ambiguous ending.

The Lost City of Z

World exploration in the 1920s was arduous and difficult. The search for The Lost City of Z shows that struggle. The run time is much too long and the story is not that interesting. The locations are beautiful. It is a pretty film.

The Glass Castle

An unconventional family is at the center of The Glass Castle.The eccentric parents want to pursue their creative dreams, while all the kids want is stability. There are many times that the children are at risk and their long game is a patient, practical plan. This is based on a true story, which makes it a bit disturbing. The film is a decent rental.

Mask

In preparation for listening to the new podcast Movie Crush, I re-watched Mask. I'm pretty sure I saw it in the theater in 1984, but it's been a long time since I've seen it. The story of Rocky and Rusty Dennis made me smile from beginning to end. The director's cut included the music Bogdonavich originally intended. This is a story of hope, resilience and family. I'm happy for the re-watch.

Restless Creature: Wendy Whelan

The ballerina Wendy Whelan is naturally gifted, hard working and devoted to the art of ballet. In the documentary Restless Creature: Wendy Whelan we learn how she deals with an injury and aging in an art form that is so physically demanding. She is positive, tenacious and determined to continue dancing. It is inspiring to watch. I liked this documentary a lot.

Thor: Ragnarok

There is a level of entertainment in Thor: Ragnarok that reminds me of why I love superhero movies. There is action, humor, story and a wink at past and future characters. There are also some very clever cameo appearances. I like what they did with this Avengers story. Lots of fun.

Person to Person

The stories of people in Brooklyn plays out over the course of a day in Person to Person. Some of the people are cocky, some are tentative, some are innocent, some are guilty. Their stories are OK, but the pace of this film is a bit slow. Truthfully some of the people weren't' very interesting at all. A bit boring in spots. I liked the cast and I recognized a lot of the locations. This was an  OK rental.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales

All the fun, adventure, humor and style of this franchise has disappeared in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales. The charm and chemistry of the characters in the past films is non-existent in this one. Even the effects are wooden and disappointing.I'm so glad that I did not see this movie in the theater.

The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson

The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson is a story of transgender history, cold-case mystery and advocacy. Stories like this need to be told.

My Cousin Rachel

Mystery and murder in My Cousin Rachel is masked by a quaint period setting. Knowing nothing going into the film is best. There is intrigue, mystery and revenge. Good film.

Personal Shopper

The title of Personal Shopper does the film no favors. Yes, the main character's profession is a personal shopper, but her relationships and experience are the heart of the film.She has lost her twin brother and she a medium. Mysterious things happen and there is a crime element. I think that grief underlies her experience. A complex, thoughtful film.

GAGA: Five Foot Two

If you like behind the scenes music drama then Gaga: Five Foot Two is your documentary. Lady Gaga takes the camera backstage and we see her stress, her dealing with an injury, making an album and the support of the team she has around her. The culmination is her performance at The Superbowl. She allows herself to be seen as vulnerable, hard working and strong. A quiet, intimate documentary.

Quick Change

A bank robbery and a little romance fuel the action in Quick Change.It's the 90s in NYC and a ragtag crew pull off a clever bank robbery. Things go wrong and the chase is on. This performance driven heist comedy was very satisfying. Well done.

The Meyerowitz Stories

Three siblings share their point of view of their respective childhoods in The Meyerowitz Stories. Strong performances and poignant memories are shared and compared. When their father falls ill they are forced to cooperate and care for a man who was not very nice to them. This is a good family drama I really enjoyed.

The House

When parent need money to finance their daughter's college dreams, they turn to Gambling. In The House their neighbor opens a casino in their house. Wackiness ensues. This film is only saved by it's outstanding cast. Silly but fun movie.

Stronger

In the film Stronger we get the story of Jeff Bauer. When he went to the Boston Marathon in 2013 to cheer on his girlfriend at the finish line, he was in direct line of the bomber and lost his legs. He is an average guy working at Costco whose life is changed forever. He becomes a celebrity and he struggles to be comfortable with that. Gritty and realistic, this is quite a story and quite a film.

Professor Marston and the Wonder Women

If you are going to make a film about the origins of the origins of Wonder Woman you turn to the 20s. Professor Marston and the Wonder Women shows us that exploration of psychological theories can lead to love and lust. Professor Marston and his wife take on a young assistant and their relationship turns poly-amorous. This is a progressive lifestyle for the times. When the professor discovers super heroes he creates a female superhero to illustrate his theories. There are heavy themes of dominance and kink which are not received well by the general public and morality police. This is an interesting story based on true events and I learned that the professor's son had Wonder Woman Museum nearby in CT. Thoughtful film.

Victoria and Abdul

My father wanted to see Victoria and Abdul so we went on a rainy Sunday afternoon and it was sold out! In Rhode Island! Good news for the film, bad for us. The next week I bought tickets ahead of time and we made it in to the theater. We were treated to a lovely yet brutal depiction of aristocratic England in the late 1800s. Victoria was queen and it looked like a bore. When she meets Abdul she is taken with his friendly demeanor. To keep him around, she assigned him as her teacher (munshi) to teach her the language and ways of India. This did not go well with her staff and family and she often had to use "because I am the queen" to advocate for Abdul. The queen embraced the culture and she and Abdul were great friends. There is a lot of drama in this story. The performances in this film are great and it is beautifully filmed. There is a lot of emotion too. (My Dad cried.) Nice film

The Autopsy of Jane Doe

I'm not a huge fan of horror, but The Autopsy of Jane Doe has been on my list since Tribeca Film Festival. A father and son work in a mortuary and the arrival of Jane Doe brings unexpected problems as they try to solve the mystery behind her death. The performances and special effects are good. Smart and creepy. Graphic and gruesome. I liked this film.

The Great Dictator

The movie podcast Movie BS with Bayer and Snider talks about a classic movie each month. For November, the film is The Great Dictator. I've only seen Charlie Chaplin's silent work, so this one was interesting. Amazing to think that this film was made in 1940 and had the latitude to satirize the Nazis. The parallels to today's situations are amazing. Poking fun at attitudes and politics works well. The storm trooper's actions often looked like scenes we see in the news today. I really liked the characters and the physical comedy. Chaplin's time in silent films is used well in this film.

Jerry Before Seinfeld

After seeing The Comedian, a documentary where Jerry Seinfeld agonizes over putting together an hour of material, I have always  marveled at the art of stand up comedy. 15 years later, it is refreshing to watch the ease Seinfeld shows in his new special, Jerry Before Seinfeld. If he still feels angst and stress, it is invisible in this show. An hour and 2 minutes of stories, reminiscence and observation are delivered with laughs earned from great material and impeccable timing. Comedy at it's best.

Battle of the Sexes

I was 17 when Bobby Riggs challenged Billie Jean King to a tennis match. King had been advocating for equal pay for female tennis players on the pro circuit. For Riggs it was a publicity stunt and was about the money and attention. For King it was a platform to demonstrate strength and dignity for women in the sport. The film  Battle of the Sexes is a decent depiction of the event and those times. It delves into King and Riggs' relationships off the court as well. It did a good job stirring up the anger and frustration I feel when experiencing sexism. The film made me cry. Sexism makes me cry.I liked this film.

A Ghost Story

The film A Ghost Story can be frustrating to watch. The soundless chronicle of a spirit moving through life moving on with out him takes getting used to. If you rent the DVD, I would recommend watching the making-of feature to understand the film maker's intentions. A quiet, thoughtful film.

The Room

For many years I have heard The Room referred to as the worst movie ever made. I don't know if that's true, but it's sure in the running. This is probably the worst acting I've ever seen, the story is lame and the sets look like a bad soap-opera. I'm glad that I saw this so that I will have a frame of reference when I see The Disaster Artist, but once was enough. I'm not sure how people can watch it over and over again, though it is easy to laugh at. Wow!

Certain Women

A gentle pace takes us through the stories of four women in the film Certain Women. The stories have the similarities of inner struggles and personal coping. The performances are very good and what is communicated in quiet moments is impressive. I liked this film.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

The second volume of the Guardians of the Galaxy deals with feelings and relationships much more than I expected.  There is action, chases and battle scenes, but the emotional baggage of the characters is front and center. When the plot gets heavy, whimsy and humor slides in and the tone stays light. This is a fun ride, but some scenes could be too much for younger children.

The Hero

In the film The Hero I've been thinking that there may have been more than one hero. An older actor faces his life decisions and career as he is given a fatal health diagnosis. Along the way we meet his daughter, ex-wife, drug dealer and younger girlfriend. Each plays a role in taking care of one or the other. There are successes, there are failures. A poignant story of life.

The Trip to Spain

The Trip was a popular TV series with Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon driving. riffing, eating and drinking through Europe. The Trip to Italy is a feature film that continues the journey through Italy. We join the duo again in The Trip to Spain. Each has a writing assignment that takes them to beautiful locations in Spain. Each meal is a work of art that is filmed in a way that makes you feel like you are at the table. The two are very funny together as they try to out-clever each other. The locations are stunning and beautifully filmed. The story of their respective lives runs runs in the background with phone calls and Skype interactions. In general the film has a light tone, but the ending is heavier than I expected. Good film.

mother!

In the thriller mother! we experience the allegory of the conflicts in the world in the story of a couple at a difficult time in their lives. The film is being interpreted in many ways. Some people love it, some hate it. I loved it. See it and decide for yourself.

Buster's Mal Heart

Buster suffers a terrible loss, and in flashbacks we learn the story in Buster's Mal Heart. Rami Malek gives a powerful performance as a man dealing with a tragedy. Good film, sad story.

Le Mans

I have always loved car racing, especially on a road track. The film Le Mans takes on a documentary-like treatment to the 24 hour road race. Le Mans is one of the oldest auto races and the gravity of history, technology and tradition are played well in this film. The plot is a bit thin and dialogue is minimal, but the visuals and sound design make up for it.The juxtaposition of cows and race cars in a scene in the French countryside is effective. The 70s vibe is also very nostalgic for me. Cool film.

Beatriz at Dinner

Themes of money, class and relationships ring strong in Beatriz at Dinner. A young masseuse is stranded at a client's house and is invited to dinner. Listening to an opportunist developer is tough for her and she suffers an emotional crisis of ethics. A good drama with excellent performances.

It

In my younger days I read every Stephen King book as soon as it came out.The book It was long and a challenge, but I enjoyed it. This coming of age story is brought to the big screen in the film It. The "Losers" are well cast and well played. The plot makes sense and Pennywise is creepy as hell. I'm so glad I saw this in the theater because the audience I saw it with was verbal and reactive to all of the jump scares and drama. Fun, scary film experience.

All Eyez on Me

The thug life and rise of the rap career of Tupac Shakur is depicted in the film All Eyez on Me. An urban tale of success, rivalry, violence and art. Shakur had a volatile life that was full of great highs and shattering lows. An interesting piece of music history.

Wind River

Wind River is a good crime thriller. The structure is solid, from where a tracker finds the body of someone he knows, to the resolution involving the tracker, FBI and local authorities. A tricky situation of politics and emotions. The cinematography is excellent and so are the performances. The fight scenes are especially well done. I liked this film a lot.

Operation Avalanche

There have always been theories that the moon landing was fake. In Operation Avalanche two CIA operatives pose as documentarians to catch a Russian mole in NASA. I am old enough to remember the space race so this film seemed very realistic. The excitement of film making along with the thrill of espionage is well done. The story adds enough humor to make it less threatening. I liked this film.

100 Favorite Films

In early 2017 I read a challenge to name your 100 favorite films of all time. I thought it would be easy, so I started my list. It was harder than I thought. I have been watching movies for over 50 years. That's a lot of titles, especially in the last 20 years. Over the last eight months, I have added to the list in fits and starts. I finally feel like I can push the publish button. Again, these are my personal favorites, not a "best" list. All of the films touched me in some way and hold up to multiple viewings. This list is in no particular order. Enjoy.

The Godfather
Little Miss Sunshine
Casablanca
Chinatown
Sing Street
Pieces of April
Don't Think Twice
Moon
Mary Poppins
The Iron Giant

The Incredibles
Wall-e
The Big Lebowski
In Her Shoes
Pulp Fiction
Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind
The Hateful Eight
Jaws
Die Hard
The Godfather II

The Shining
Being John Malcovich
Sing Street
The Dark Knight
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Taxi Driver
The Last Waltz
Goodfellas
It Might Get Loud
West Side Story

The Sixth Sense
Sunset Boulevard
Swing Time
Baby Driver
The Big Sick
Get Out
In the Heat of the Night
Footlose
Six Degrees of Separation
Colossal

Paris Can Wait
I am Not Your Negro
Monsters Inc.
Hidden Figures
Fences
La La Land
The Magnificent Seven
Hunt for the Wilderpeople
Ironman
The Beatles: Eight Days a Week

Love and Basketball
Hell or Highwater
The First Monday in May
Swiss Army Man
Ghosts of Mississippi
The Family Fang
Cabin in the Woods
Green Room
Elvis & Nixon
Midnight Special

The French Connection
Shaun the Sheep
Mad Max: Fury Road
Ex Machina
Grandma
The Revenant
Mister Rogers & Me
Starwars
Krampus
Backdraft

He Named Me Malala
Man On Wire
The Intern
Dope
Duck Soup
It's a Wonderful Life
Young At Heart
The Red Balloon
A Few Good Men
The Wrecking Crew

Sound City
Rudderless
Boyhood
Whiplash
Attack the Block
Murderball
Argo
Dogma
Tape
The Host

Ratatouille
Once
The Hours
All That Jazz
From Dusk Till Dawn
District 9
Angels in America
Slingblade
My Cousin Vinny
Juno

Dean

In the film Dean the themes of loss and recovery are handled with care and a little humor. A young man and his father are dealing with the death of their mother and wife and trying to move on. They express their pain and work through their grief in realistic ways. The tone of the film is light with out being frivolous. It takes on serious feelings without being a bummer. This film has a big heart, some excellent performances and is well written. I also liked the look of this film. I missed it at Tribeca Film Festival, so once again Netflix brings a lovely film to my door.

One Crazy Summer

I enjoy light comedy, but do it well and do it smart. One Crazy Summer delivers just that. Saving the family home becomes the mission of a group of young people on Nantucket. There is a bad guy, there are pranks, there is heart, there are laughs. I liked this film a lot. Perfect for end of summer viewing.

Good Time

I have always enjoyed Robert Pattinson's work, though he has not always chosen the best projects. The film Good Time was an excellent choice. The story begins with an introduction to a mentally challenged young man with a therapist. His older, well meaning brother takes him out of the situation in a protective gesture and involves him in a crime. Things go wrong and the string of things that go wrong gets longer and longer. This is an intense, violent, desperate story. The film is shot and edited in a creative fashion. The film makers do a lot of interesting things with light. I liked this film a lot.

Tramps

The small film Tramps is a mistaken identity, crime story, love story, redemption story. The young actors do a nice job with the characters. The less you know about the plot going in, the better. This was a good rental.

Ingrid Goes West

I love Aubrey Plaza's style so Ingrid Goes West was an easy choice for me. She plays a deranged woman who is obsessed with Instagram and pushes her way into the life of an Instagram star. The acting is outstanding, but the story becomes very sad. This is a strong black comedy I liked.

Christine (1983)

I used to read every Stephen King book as soon as it came out. I like scary, weird stories and his suited my taste. It was interesting when they started making films based on them, some were good, some not so much. The classic film Christine is one of the better ones. John Carpenter was masterful bringing the story of an evil car to the screen. Well done. Glad I watched it again.

Last Exit to Brooklyn

After listening to an interview with Jennifer Jason Leigh I decided to rent Last Exit to Brooklyn. This film has an interesting look, but the story is disturbing. Fifties NYC, drugs, crime, prostitutes, unions and violence fuel the plot. There is a love story that is hopeful, but sad in the end. A gritty drama I liked.

Chuck

The boxer Chuck Wepner's story is told in the film Chuck.He is a struggling boxer who actually went 14 rounds with Mohamed Ali. When the movie Rocky came out, there were many similarities between the film and Wepner's life. Though his is a classic boxer's story, he did sue and there was an undisclosed settlement. The story is well told and the performances are very good, especially Elizabeth Moss. Good film.

Kill Switch

The movie Kill Switch is told from an interesting perspective. It's very much like a first person shooter video game. OK sci-fi film I rented because Dan Stevens was in it. He was just OK too.

The Incredible Jessica James

We meet a passionate playwright distracted by love in The Incredible Jessica James. Jessica Williams brings a lot of heart to the main character. She teaches a young writers program which gives her perspective. Her adult relationships past and present are interesting and grounded. This is a good drama with a dash of romance. I liked this film.

Practical Magic

In a discussion about Big Little Lies, the work of Nicole Kidman came up. The film Practical Magic was recommended so I rented it. A cheesy 90s movie with magic, love, loss, family and recovery. Kidman is outstanding, as is the whole cast. The story holds up. I liked this movie a lot more than expected.

The Circle

I missed the premiere of The Circle at Tribeca Film Festival this year, so I was happy to be able to finally rent it. This is a story of a future where transparency is encouraged and promoted. The question of when is this an invasion of privacy looms large. It also gets dangerous. I liked the performances and concepts in this film. Well done.

Mother

Though this film is over 20 years old, Mother is very relatable and very funny. Albert Brooks' character is divorced and decides he'll live with his Mother until he figures out his life. The chemistry between Brooks and Debbie Reynolds is great. Her comic timing is perfect. The food conversations are very funny. I enjoyed this film quite a bit.

Snatched

The cast of Snatched makes this comedy very watchable. The story runs the damsel in distress formula, but Amy Schummer, Goldie Hawn, Wanda Sykes and Joan Cusak give this movie a little more weight than it would have ordinarily had. I liked this movie much more than expected.

The Dinner

In the film The Dinner we meet a group of very unlikable people who don't really like each other as they share a very fancy meal. We learn of their relationships and their problems. They bicker, they flat out fight. High drama with a first-class cast.

Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812

Dog-sitting in Brooklyn this weekend, I was not inspired by the choices at the TKTS booth. Talking to my daughter on the ride into the city, she schooled me on the musical Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812. She told me about an actor I was dying to see, Okieriete Onaodowan, was playing Pierre and you can sit on the stage! When I went to buy a ticket the gentleman in the booth said, "do you want to sit at a table?" I said, "Why not?!" There were several orchestra pits and my seat was about 10 feet from one of them...on the stage. Before the show, cast members milled about explaining that we needed to remain seated and if a prop was put in front of us leave it. I was also offered a warm, yummy dumpling. So much positive energy, I could not wait for the show to begin. The cast moved through the entire audience throughout the show and watching from the perspective of the stage was new and thrilling. I was on a Broadway stage in the middle of a kick-ass musical! The story is a tragic love story adapted from a small part of War and Peace. There is love, angst, betrayal and camaraderie. Set in 1812 Russia, there is culture, there is history and boy, oh boy there is music. There were rollicking party songs and heartbreaking ballads. The song Dust and Ashes made me cry. There was audience participation throughout. I was given a folded piece of paper during Letters (it said "you are beautiful xoxo") and the entire audience was given egg shakers to join in during Balaga. A cast member even put his head in my lap! What a time. I love Broadway!

Gifted

A child custody story is enhanced by the performances in Gifted. A brother promises his sister that her gifted daughter will have a normal life. When his sister dies, and the grandmother and social services step in on behalf of the child, an interesting story unfolds. There is enough heart in this drama to keep it from being trite or cheesy. I liked this film.

Big Little Lies

The HBO miniseries Big Little Lies plays out in seven episodes. The story of suburban families dealing with life, feelings and relationships is well written and acted. It is presented as a mystery, and the clues to who-done-it are parsed out bit by bit. The cast brings the drama home. I enjoyed this series very much.

Dunkirk

Following the Battle of Dunkirk there were the logistics of getting over 300,000 soldiers out of Dunkirk and back to the UK. No small feat, especially with the enemy shooting at you. In the film Dunkirk, Christopher Nolan takes on the depiction of this historic time from 3 perspectives. Air, land and sea. The scenes are harrowing and I was struck by how young the soldiers were. There is a focus on a few characters to connect the audience, but for the majority of the scenes were are in the midst of shooting and bombing. Well shot and structured, an intense film depicting a dramatic time in history.

Blade Runner (1982)

For all of the theatrics, I feel like nothing really happens in Blade Runner. I know this film has been highly acclaimed and is considered brilliant by many, but I was just plain bored.

Defending Your Life

Who sets a love story in the afterlife? Albert Brooks tells a sweet, creative tale in Defending Your Life. The story makes the rules of the great beyond very clear, and the performances are just great. The less you know going in the better. Fun fantasy ride. Well done.

Kong: Skull Island

Though the story sounds solid on paper, in execution, Kong: Skull Island comes off a bit silly. The actors give it their all, but I didn't buy it. The CGI was OK, but the monsters weren't much more than eating machines. This was an OK rental, but not as enthralling as past Kong movies for me.

Judd Apatow Live

Judd Apatow is doing stand up again after a 22 year break and he brought his act to Providence. I bought tickets, invited a friend and we went to the Columbus Theatre in Providence. The upstairs theater is a small space, 200 seats, and sitting in the back row-center we were only 20 feet from the stage. Wayne Federman opened. He was light, and used the piano on the stage. A talented player and very funny guy. Apatow took the stage carrying his notes and a beer. He was prepping to tape a special for Netflix on Friday. His material moved easily from politics to family to work to sex to food as his subjects.The bits were funny and the hour flew. In the end, my face hurt from laughing and I felt a little lighter. A very fun night.

GLOW: The Story of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling

After enjoying the Netflix series GLOW I took a look at a documentary that features the actual wrestlers. GLOW: The Story of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling is an eye-opening look at this world. Physically demanding with the pressure of giving a good performance, these women have heart and a true love of the theater of professional wrestling. So many of the first-hand accounts come down to the expression of that love. Really interesting film.

Despicable Me 3

When asked if I would like to take my grandsons to see Despicable Me 3 I jumped at the chance. The series of Despicable films have amused me in the past. The villains are ridiculous but I like the kids, and the Minions crack me up. I was so happy to see this with the boys because we laughed a lot and their critical eye in their recaps are just as entertaining as the movie. The Minions really steal the show in this one. So funny.

McCabe & Mrs. Miller

In the early 70s my only knowledge of film was through the parodies in Mad Magazine. I'm pretty sure that  McCabe and Mrs. Miller were among those in 1971. Warren Beatty and Julie Christie were hot in Hollywood and this Western was hot stuff too. Beautifully shot, with a cast of characters that fit so many cliches of the genre, but Altman manages to put a little meat behind them. This is a good film. I'm glad I finally saw it.

Creepshow

When George Romero passed away I fondly remembered many Saturday nights in Pittsburgh watching Night of the Living Dead on Chiller Theater. I then remembered his brilliant anthology Creepshow and sent off to Netflix for the rental. Five stories of scary creatures and events were so much fun to revisit. It was also cool to see some talented actors in these outlandish roles. Well done Mr. Romero and thank you.

Alive and Kicking

The documentary Alive and Kicking is a testimonial to the sheer joy of swing dancing. The dance, the people and the community all have a positive vibe. The longevity of the dance form and the people who thrive in it is inspiring. This is a great rental.

In the Heat of the Night

A murder mystery in a Mississippi town gets help from a visiting detective. In the Heat of the Night brings that help in the form of Virgil Tibbs. The dramatic angle? He is a black man in the south in the 60s. This does not bode well with the locals, but the way he holds his ground is impressive. Sidney Poitier is dynamic and strong in this performance. Not only is the story well done, but I liked the way this film was shot. It has an interesting look. Worthy of all the Oscars it won, this is a wonderful film.

The Phenom

Success in sports can mess with your head. Family can mess with your head. In The Phenom we see a star pitcher deal with his success as he comes out of high school. His father is abusive and his mother permissive. He is a head case and sees a therapist because his game is slipping. There's a lot of talking while we watch this young man struggle. The performances are good, but it's a sad story.

Get Me Roger Stone

I find Donald Trump to be a disturbing individual. In the documentary Get Me Roger Stone I learn about more vile people that support him. Money hungry. Power hungry. The long history of the ugly side of politics is interesting. No surprises, just sad.

Louder Than Bombs

Grief is interpreted differently by people. Memories of traumatic situations can be different. The film Louder Than Bombs explores the different memories and grief of a family who loses their mother. Complex feelings make a strong drama in a film with interesting structure. Serious film. Strong rental.

Their Finest

In WW II a source of news from the war were propaganda films in movie houses. In Their Finest, we meet the people who put together films to inform and keep morale up. They set out to tell a specific story and we get a good process story. The writers and actors are ambitious and serious. An interesting look at this piece of history. Good rental.

Norman: The Moderate Rise and Tragic Fall of a New York Fixer

Norman is an awkward man who thinks he is more important than he is. In his delusion he makes questionable decisions and approaches people who neither want nor need him around. The performances are excellent, but the story is not that interesting. An OK rental.

Table 19

We're all familiar with the Table 19 at a wedding. That awkward mix of people who they didn't think would come to the wedding but did. They don't know each other, nor do they have much in common. In this movie, one of the people seated at Table 19 was supposed to be the maid of honor. We learn why she is not as the relationships develop between the other members at the table. This film is marketed as a comedy, but it is more of a drama. Though there is plenty to work with here, it is not very well written and a lot of scenes fall flat. The cast is good, this is just an OK rental.

The Big Sick

There can be romance in a couple. There can also be romance in a family. The love is different, but the love is intense in both relationships. In The Big Sick we see both forms of romance under the intense circumstance of a health crisis. This film is so well written, skillfully acted and structured effectively. What a breath of fresh air. Spend time with these characters, you won't be sorry.

Handsome: A Netflix Mystery Movie

Jeff Garlin presents a murder mystery a la Colombo style. It is quirky, funny and well done. The characters and motives are weird and uncomfortable in a funny way, all due to Garlin's easy style. I especially liked the structure as they move through the investigation. Fun film. "It is what it is."

A United Kingdom

Interracial marriage has always been a target of scorn. In A United Kingdom the story of the King of Botswana marries a white woman and is  literally banished. The politics play out in a interesting fashion. A true story of love, devotion and standards makes for an interesting film.