I Feel Pretty

Self esteem gets a close look in the movie I Feel Pretty. The subjective nature of beauty is explored with a sense of humor. Two events cause a young woman to become overly confident. I wish they had used just one. It muddles the plot and discounts the character a bit. The first half of this film is quite good and very charming. The third act falls apart in a big way. This movie is OK as rental, I would suggest going in with low expectations.

Please Stand By

In a story of perseverance, the film Please Stand By is an uplifting tale. A young woman with autism writes a Star Trek screenplay for a contest. We watch her write it and then, in compliance with the rules of the contest, get the script to where it needs to be. It is a road trip story with enough missteps to add an air of adventure and struggle. The main character is very resourceful. The end is very satisfying. I really liked this film.

Waiting to Exhale

After seeing the documentary Whitney, I realized that I did not know much about Whitney Houston's acting carreer, so I rented Waiting to Exhale. The stories of a group of friends play out. Houston's performance is subdued and deliberate. Again, her talent is evident. I could not relate to all of the relationships, but this is a solid rental.

A Girl Walks into a Bar

In the film A Girl Walks into a Bar a mystery plays out in 10 different bars in LA. There is mystery and intrigue in this thriller. A true homage to noir cinema.

Paris is Burning

To understand drag culture better, I watched the film Paris is Burning. This documentary is a fascinating look at the creativity and passion that goes into the art form. I also learn what "vogue" really means. Excellent film.

Whitney

The documentary Whitney brings back memories. Her music was the soundtrack of my young adult life. Her talent and success was astounding, which made her fall so very tragic. The story of the rise of her career is nostalgic and exciting. The story of her addictions and end of life left me so sad. This is an excellent documentary.

Incredibles 2

In Incredibles 2 we are back with the Parrs. Elastigirl is in the position of saving the world and she does it with panache. The action is good. The story is good, though a few of the story-lines could have been fleshed out more. The dialogue is often funny. The animation is outstanding. I liked this continuing story of my favorite family of super heroes. I enjoyed this more than I expected to.

A Wrinkle in Time

For a step into fantasy A Wrinkle in Time is a good effort. The film is visually gorgeous and the young actors are excellent. The Mrs. characters are a bit distracting as they are played by some of the most famous women in Hollywood. I had trouble seeing them as their characters. Overall a good effort in adapting this beloved book.

Blockers

Prom night brings out the antics of a group of high school friends. Sex, booze and making memories are all on the list. The parents' access to their electronic conversations sets the tone for Blockers to be an entertaining ride. There are some very funny situations and some very sweet situations. I thought I would be annoyed by the parents, but all in all they were funny, even if they were a little over the top. This was a fun rental.

Ibiza

A girl's trip on tenuous footing is the base for Ibiza. Mixing business with pleasure becomes problematic in this dark comedy. The most saving grace is the cast. They are charming and talented, but the story is weak and a bit disappointing.

Always Shine

In Always Shine two friends explore their rivalry on a get away trip. The events of the trip are colored by perception, self esteem, jealousy and passion. The events are intense and dramatic. This is a relationship story that turns into a thriller. Very well done.

Flower

Teen sexuality is explored in Flower as a young girl seeks revenge using family and friends. When things get out of control there is no turning back. There are a lot of uncomfortable situations in this story, but by does it make things interesting. This was a good rental.

My Favorite Spy

I think I saw My Favorite Spy on late night TV when I was a kid. But after seeing the documentary about Hedy Lamarr I wanted a refresher. This mistaken identity thriller, comedy is masterful and satisfying. Lamarr and Hope have great chemistry. I love a classic. Really holds up.

Marwencol

With promos for a new film Welcome to Marwen I decided it would be good to rent the documentary Marwencol learn the origin story. In the film we learn of a man coping with PTSD from a severe beating. He is creative and expressive and his art saves his sanity. This is a very interesting story and a documentary worth seeing. If you rent the DVD the extras are worth watching.

Won't You Be My Neighibor?

When the promotions for the documentary Won't You Be My Neighbor? started I heard, "how did it take so long to get a documentary about Mr. Rogers?" My answer is, "It didn't." In 2011 the documentary Mister Rogers & Me was released. It premiered at the Nantucket Film Festival in 2010 and was picked up by PBS in 2011. I have loved this film for years. It is a very personal account of the spirit of Fred Rogers through people who knew him well. When Won't You Be My Neighbor? came out, I was excited to see another documentary about Mr. Rogers. I will say I was disappointed. I felt that the segments were disjointed and there's an animated element that took me out of the narrative. This documentary is OK.

Matilda

Social media posts from Danny DeVito around Father's Day made me realize that I've never seen the live action movie Matilda. The Roald Dahl story of a young girl, and the teacher that helps her overcome her horrible parents and a mean school principle, has a charm rooted in the performances. Mara Wilson is a delight in this. The uncomfortable moments remind you just who wrote this. A good rental.

Unsane

The lines between mental illness, stress and reality are blurred in Unsane as a woman struggles to find safety. Every time I thought I knew what was going on in this film I was wrong. Even the ending left me scratching my head. An interesting drama with the flavor of a thriller. The performances are excellent.

Suburbicon

A nasty man does nasty things and pays the price in the movie Suburbicon. The fantasy of ideal suburbia is satirized in the misdeeds and misfortunes of this man. This is a very dark story that left me feeling unsettled. An OK rental.

Father Figures

In pursuit of their birth fathers, two brothers in the movie Father Figures have many missteps. They meet many colorful people on their journey and the cases of mistaken identity are very entertaining. This is an amazing cast and a fun rental.

Hereditary

What appears to be the difficulties of an extended family becomes so much more in the film Hereditary. The less you know going into this film, the better. Just know that it is a horror film and there is plenty of darkness and jump scares. This is one of the best films of the year for me.

I Kill Giants

In I Kill Giants a girl uses a fantasy world to deal with the complexities of her young life. We step into the mind of  Barbara as she struggles with school and family. Beautifully shot, but the story fizzles near the end. This was an OK rental.

Thoroughbreds

A percussive score lends the tone to Thoroughbreds as two women set out to right a wrong. With more depth than your average coming of age film, the decision making process and methods are intriguing and entertaining. Good film.

Backstabbing for Beginners

Based on a true story, Backstabbing for Beginners follows a young diplomat to a world of  international corruption. This conspiracy thriller has performances that meet the level of drama required to tell this story. Well done.

Annihalation

Watching Annihilation I realize that I'm not that good with sci-fi. The concept of "the shimmer" and parallel universes was lost on me. This is a very pretty movie and the drama was fine, but the fantasy aspects left me cold. Not for me.

Game Night

A group of friends' gathering for Game Night goes out of control in more than one way. The less you know going into this film, the more entertaining it is. The situations are edgy and funny. There is a thriller aspect that works well with the silly situations. Rachel McAdams was the bright spot in this movie for me. Very entertaining.

Red Sparrow

In the spy thriller Red Sparrow sex is a weapon. After a dance accident, a Russian ballerina turns to spy work as a "sparrow" to support herself and her family. She uses her body as a weapon against the enemy. This story has some interesting aspects and relationships, but it is much too long. It was an OK rental for me.

Plenty

The story of a twenty year span of a woman's life makes Plenty a very interesting drama. She is strong-willed, smart and passionate. The performances and writing make this story compelling to watch. I liked this film a lot more than expected. Well worth watching.

Early Man

The story of Early Man solving their discrepancies with a soccer game is cute and silly. Stop-action animation lends charm and whimsy to a pretty silly story. An OK rental.

The Party

High drama in the form of confessions makes The Party a compelling film. A group of friends gather to celebrate and the words fly. As the stories unfold, we get the events that bring us to this night. Dramatic in black and white, this film had a shocker of an ending.

RBG

The scope of the work and life of  Ruth Bader Ginsburg is explored in the documentary RBG. Her defense of civil rights and rise to the Supreme Court at a time when women just didn't do that is fascinating. We see a professional, a mother, a wife, a fried, a colleague, a judge...with a sense of humor She is badass and inspiring. Everyone should see this film.

Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story

Hedy Lamarr was most famous for her film roles, but in the documentary Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story we learn there was much more to her. Smart and a bit of a tinkerer, she messed around with technology that is now part of the internet. A fascinating life and story.

Maudie

In Maudie a marriage of convenience results in love, devotion and artistic satisfaction. Based on a true story, Maudie fights for artistic and personal independence. An inspiring artist. Good film.

High Society

Continuing my viewing of the great classic films High Society found its way in to my DVD player. Another fabulous performance from Grace Kelly as a socialite on the eve of her second wedding. There are complications, there is drama, there is humor. A great classic remake that I enjoyed.

High Noon

The classic western is in full glory in the film High Noon.Watching Grace Kelly shine in every scene as her character muscles through a difficult situation is a pleasure. Her husband faces off against a gang trying to take over the town. Great film.

Avengers: Infinity War

SO many superheroes. So many battles in Avengers: Infinity War. The quest is taken up by the villain, and the superheros try to stop him. The result is not a happy one. I was glad to learn that this is the first half of a two part story. I need a little more resolution. Well done.

American Assassin

Drawn out and a bit boring, American Assassin takes us through the black ops training of a young man who has suffered terrible loss and is out for revenge. This film would have benefited from a serious edit, I understand that the book is a good read. This was an OK rental.

The To Do List

Graphic, honest and very funny, The To Do List is a coming of age story that focuses on sex. The class valedictorian is feeling good about working through her to-do list before leaving for college until she is asked about losing her virginity. In a panic, she starts to research sex the way she researches any task. The to-do list grows in a humorous and tactical fashion. This film is raunchy, explicit and very funny.Great cast too. Worth a look.

Outside In

When a man is released from prison, he seeks out a high school teacher who supported him during his incarceration. The film Outside In tells the story of a man learning to deal with the world after years in a structured, sheltered world. His maturity level is stifled and he struggles to work on decision making skills and relationships. I liked the story and performances. A good rental.

Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool

Based on the life of  Gloria Grahame, Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool is an artful, heartfelt film. Gloria pursues her career and takes up with a much younger man. When she is diagnosed with cancer, she lives in denial and it is her final demise. Her story is poignant. The performances are outstanding. I liked this film.

The Final Year

Since the 2016 election there has been a hole in this country. I liked the Obama administration. I miss the Obama administration. In the documentary The Final Year I got to spend a little time back in that world. It was very comforting. A good documentary about Obama's last year in office.

You Were Never Really Here

The film You Were Never Really Here is as intense emotionally as it is visually. A man takes on some violent thugs to protect young, abused girls. There are a lot of disturbing themes in this film, yet I liked it and thought about it a lot after I saw it.

Tribeca Film Festival 2018

I only had a few days to go to NYC for Tribeca Film Festival this year. Because of travel schedules, I was in NYC on the first few days of the festival. I was sold out of several tickets that fit my schedule, but the one that I was able to get turned out to be the one thing I most wanted to see. 

I arrived in Brooklyn on Tuesday night, dog sitting for my granddogs in DUMBO. Wednesday morning I walked to downtown Brooklyn to TKTS and lucked into a ticket for a show that night. Heading to the financial district I took a stroll through the Occulus and the World Trade Center. Gorgeous structure. Walking north to Tribeca, I found myself on a stool at Tribeca Tavern for their delicious lunch special. After lunch, the sun had come out and I thought I would walk the Brooklyn Bridge to get back to DUMBO. I first stopped in to The Patriot on Chambers and was fortunate that Patience, who I had met last year, was working. Her sunny attitude and a glass of wine were just the fuel I needed to make the bridge walk a piece of cake. Despite the sunshine, the walk was a little brisk and I was going to have a late night so I stopped in to Superfine before I returned to the pups. The bartender, Bowayne delivered my Irish coffee with a "booya" and I knew I had made a wise choice. After hanging out with the dogs, I found my way to Union Square and had a bowl of soup at Smith before the show. At the Daryl Roth Theater I experience In & of Itself. An amazing one man show that culminated on the corner of 51st & 7th to find a Gold Brick. See the show and you'll know why. Finding myself uptown I went by the Monkey Bar which was packed so I satisfied myself with a picture of a funny lamp and headed back to the subway. In Times Square there were no street vendors because of the rain, so back to DUMBO I go.

Though the morning was gloomy on Thursday I took myself to the west Village in search of lunch. At the Olive Tree I found a delicious salad in a quiet place. With time to kill I head to Tribeca and stop in to Reade Street Pub for a quick drink. My film festival event today was the film Tully followed by a discussion panel with Tamara Jenkins and Jason Reitman. A very interesting film and a generous panel after. Dinner was delicious sliders at Mudville 9 and a subway ride home after a satisfying day.

Thanks to morning film times on Friday, I had time to see You Were Never Really Here at The Angelika before meeting Lucy for lunch at Edward's in Tribeca. After a lovely visit and a tasty lunch we go our separate ways and I decide to pop into Reade Street Pub for one last visit. Sitting at the bar is Charles, the house manager from BMCC for Tribeca Film Festival. I see him in the theater every year, and finally introduced myself a few years ago. We have a lively conversation over a few drinks and say goodbye. Such a nice person. On the way home, I make one last stop into Superfine before I return to the pups. The kids return from their travels and Liza, Ryan and I have dinner at Superfine. Liza and I have one last nightcap at 68 Jay, my favorite neighborhood dive.

On Saturday we take Fiona for her first swim lesson at Leman Prep in the Financial District. While Mason goes to speech therapy, Dorlans Tavern in the Seaport fits the bill for lunch. Water taxi is our way home and I happily stay in with the kids while Liza and Ryan meet friends out in the city.

On Sunday I'm up and out to get back to RI for my niece Bridget's bridal shower. A bit of a whirlwind, but a very fun time. Thanks to NYC, the Porter family and friends old and new that joined me along the way. See you next year!

Tully

The strain of motherhood and managing a family is honestly portrayed in the film Tully We meet a woman pregnant with her third child carrying all of the stress and emotion that goes with parenting and birth. This is another film where you will benefit from knowing very little. I can't wait to see it again. I was surprised by how this film seemed to strike a chord with men. At the Q & A most of the questions were from men, and a male film reviewer I liked said that the film made him cry. This is a very interesting film.

In & Of Itself

I am not sure how to describe the show In & Of Itself. This is an off-Broadway performance at the Daryl Roth theater in NYC. Derek DelGaudio gives a one man show that is deep, thoughtful, funny and mid boggling. I am so glad I saw this show and even happier that I made a little follow-up trip to complete the experience. See the show and you'll know what I mean.

Frank Serpico

The 70s film Serpico is as iconic as the man. In the documentary Frank Serpico we hear the story of the real man from the real man. He talks about the actual events of his life, then talks about them in reference to the film. A very interesting, smart, deep man. I liked this documentary.

A Quiet Place

The terror of being found by a monster is a lot. In A Quiet Place the terror of being found because of the sounds you make is even more so. In the wake of a monster invasion a young family has found ways to survive that are both resourceful and creative. The less you know, the better. There are plenty of jump-scares and a lot of suspense. Very well done.

Party Girl

There is more to Party Girl than just a young woman out for a good time. She is trying to find herself and make a difference. When she helps out at the library, she finds a world that opens her eyes to life lessons and creative ways to get things done. There is a tone of whimsy and fun with a real heart and smart ending. I liked this film a lot.

Slums of Beverly Hills

To prepare to see Tamara Jenkins at Tribeca Film Festival in a few weeks I watched her film Slums of Beverly Hills. I was treated to a story of survival in an unconventional family while coming of age. Episodes of sexual awakening and finding identity are strong as a family struggles. The performances are great and the story has a sweet side. I liked this film.

Isle of Dogs

With stop motion animation, Isle of Dogs tells the story of loyalty and perseverance.When a virus makes the entire canine population sick, the dogs are exiled to Trash Island. A boy sorely misses his dog and sets out on a quest to find his beloved companion. There are interesting characters in this film presented with dry, dry humor. Worth a look.

Love, Simon

The teen romance gets a bit of a twist, good writing and strong performances in Love, Simon. The characters in this story of sexual awakening for a young man in high school. When he admits to himself that he is gay, he finds an anonymous confidante who he develops a crush and then a relationship with. This story is about identity, growing up, family, friends bullying and self defense. I liked this film a lot.

The Death of Stalin

I'm glad I brushed up on the historical details before seeing The Death of Stalin. Another film where I wouldn't believe elements of the story if they weren't true. The satire is hilarious, though the circumstances are dire. Great cast. Good black comedy.

Justice League

Oh Superheros... Justice League joins the cannon in predictable fashion. A lot of the same old battles as worlds collide and snappy dialog. I did enjoy the character of The Flash. An OK rental for me.

Pitch Perfect 3

Did the world need Pitch Perfect 3? Probably not, but I did find it more entertaining than Pitch Perfect 2. The Bellas are now young adults and dealing with the successes and disappointments in life. An opportunity to sing together arises and the adventure begins. Of course, there is a competition. This movie is entertaining enough and I always like the music. It's an OK rental.

Literally, Right Before Aaron

When a couple has dated for over 7 years the bond is strong. It is easier for some to move on than others. For the man who was Literally, Right Before Aaron, Adam has trouble reconciling his feelings when she invites him to her wedding. There are several earnest performances and the uncomfortable scenes are, well, uncomfortable. Good rental.

Una

When a girl is sexually assaulted at 13, she thinks she love her attacker. In the film Una we see her struggles with relationships and her sexuality as a result. She tries to confront her attacker years later and it does not go well. A bleak, slow film. I appreciate the performances, but would not recommend this film.

Band Aid

A couple is grieving a miscarriage in the film Band Aid. They find solace and re-connection through music. They fight through the music. The music helps their voice. An important take-away for me from this film is that Fred Armisen is an amazing drum. Good drama.

Who Killed the Electric Car?

In the documentary Who Killed the Electric Car? we watch greed and the almighty dollar do its thing. The electric car was beloved, but did not fit the automotive world's economic model, so they destroyed it. A sad chapter of automotive history. Good documentary.

Faces Places

Two photographers jump in a photo van and ride the countryside looking for subjects for larger-than-life murals in the documentary Faces Places. From lone subjects to groups, the murals tell stories of lives lived and their relationships. The dynamic between the two artists is very interesting as well, and becomes very endearing. This is a very sweet documentary that I liked very much.

Oscars 2018

Here are my Oscar picks for this year. Saw 50 of the 59 nominated films. It was a good year!

Best Picture - Get Out
Best Director - Guillermo del Toro for The Shape of Water
Best Actress - Frances McDormand
Best actor - Gary Oldman
Best Actress in a supporting role - Allison Janney
Best Actor in a supporting role - Sam Rockwell
Original screenplay - Get Out
Adapted screenplay - Call Me by Your Name
Animated Feature - Coco
Documentary Feature - Faces Places
Foreign language film- A Fantastic woman
Original score - Phantom Thread
Original song - Mystery of Love
Sound editing - Baby Driver
Sound mixing - Baby Driver
Makeup  and Hair-styling - Darkest Hour
Costume design - Victoria & Abdul
Cinematography - Mudbound
Production Design - The Shape of Water
Film editing - Baby Driver
Visual effects - The Last Jedi
Documentary short - Traffic Stop
Live Action short - Watu Wote: All of Us
Animated short - Lou

The Poker House

Survival of a young family in a house with a drug and drink addled Mother is a true story of survival in The Poker House. The older sister tries to protect her little sisters while holding down several jobs and playing on her high school basketball team.Her Mother and a variety of boyfriends, one who is her pimp gives the girl the attention she craves which takes an ugly turn. This film is based on a memoir. Early work from Jennifer Lawrence makes this worth watching.

Wild at Heart

Opening with a very violent scene, Wild at Heart sets the tone for the crazy road trip of a young girl in love with an excon. There are pronouncements of love and hate amid scenes of violence and graphic sex. A bizarre ride from David Lynch with many outstanding performances.

The Brother from Another Planet

A young Joe Morton brings a lot of heart to The Brother from Another Planet from 1984. This film was recommended on social media and because I respect the film taste of the person recommending it, and I love Joe Morton, this was an easy sell. Morton's character arrives in Harlem from outer-space with no language skills. Which makes his navigation of Manhattan interesting and sometimes humorous. On anther amusing note, he is being pursued by two bounty hunters from the cosmos who are great comic relief. The "brother" has a lot of heart and explores our world like a visitor to the zoo. He is calm and kind and grows as the story progresses.I really liked this film. Worth watching.

Manolo: The Boy Who Made Shoes for Lizards

I love shoes. To be able to watch a documentary about the man who makes some of the most beautiful shoes in the world, Manolo Blahnik, was a real treat. In the documentary Manolo: The Boy Who Made Shoes for Lizards he is called "the Godfather of Soles." It traces his love of designing footwear and the history of his collections. A documentary for lovers of pretty things and interesting creators. Well done.

Mute

I heard Mute called "the neon sci-fi movie" which is very accurate. Aside from the fact that this film has a look that just won't quit, neither does the story. A thriller with some futuristic themes mixed with present-day issues, to say too much would be spoiling. I will say I liked this film. I wish it had been available in theaters because it is so pretty. I'm just glad that Netflix gave Duncan Jones the opportunity to get this film made. Worth the wait.

It Happened One Night

It Happened One Night is a classic boy meets girl, girl is not available, boy and girl are forced to spend time together, boy and girl fall in love, girl runs away, boy follows, happy ending. The details in between and the performances are whet make this film an Oscar winner. Well written, creatively filmed and very well acted. A classic worth watching.

California Typewriter

The typewriter was an essential tool for any writer when I was growing up. I cherished the one that was given to me as a graduation gift when I finished high school. I typed many a paper on it in college. Erasable paper was my friend. In the documentary California Typewriter the love for the machine is profiled. The collectors are the most fascinating. Made me wish I still had my typewriter. An interesting history. An interesting film.

Rebel in the Rye

I am finding post-war authors to be a dour lot. The film Rebel in the Rye chronicles J.D. Salinger's writing career. He is enthusiastic and motivated before he has to serve in the war. The war traumatizes him and he struggles to return to his writing. It is kind of amazing that Catcher in the Rye was written. An interesting story.

Icarus

Doping in athletics is the subject in the film Icarus.The science and process of drug testing athletes is explained and probed. The scientist in the film gets caught up in the Russian doping scandal and science meets thriller. Quite a ride.

Strong Island

When a young man is murdered in Long Island, the case is never prosecuted. In the documentary Strong Island his family tells the tale. The story of the family is documented carefully and lovingly in this talking head film. Powerful story.

Black Panther

 Wakanda is under attack, the king has died. In Black Panther we see T'Challa take the throne and save the day. He has superpowers and a big heart. There are battles both physical and political. The special effects are excellent as are the performances. The cast is stellar. This film holds up to multiple viewings. Great addition to the Marvel franchise.

The Breadwinner

In my quest to see as many Oscar nominated films as I can, the Providence Children's Film Festival once again helped me out with a screening of a film nominated for animated feature. The Breadwinner is the story of a young girl in Afghanistan whose father is unjustly jailed by the Taliban. Left with her Mother and sister, she cuts her hair and dresses like a boy so she can go out in public alone to acquire water and food for her family. Themes of courage and oppression are heightened in this story. After the film, students from a local school read essays they had written after reading the book this film is based on. Heartening to see young people express themselves in empathy to the character's story. A nice film experience.

Roman J. Israel, Esq.

The story of the shlubby lawyer is not new, but in Roman J. Israel, Esq. the story has a good twist. Denzel Washington rocks the Afro and bad suits in the beginning of the film to emphasize Roman's transformation as the story progresses. This was a quirky film I liked.

Blade Runner 2049

I did not care for the original Blade Runner movie so it was no surprise that Blade Runner 2049 underwhelmed me as well. The sequel was almost as boring as the first, though it got more interesting in the second half. I get the nominations for visual Academy Award categories, but could not get into the story at all. Glad I didn't waste 3 hours in the theater with this one. I love DVD!

Abacus: Small Enough to Jail

In the financial crisis of 2008 a lot of banks got away with a lot. In Abacus: Small Enough to Jail we learn of the only one that went to trial. This documentary follows the 5 year trial of a small family run bank in Chinatown in NYC. The viewer is left to its own conclusions of why. Interesting film.

Wonder

The movie Wonder is a good take on bullying, family and friendship.When a young boy with facial deformities enters public school for the first time in 5th grade, we see the typical and predictable reactions of the kids he encounters. How it's handled, and how it plays out is interesting and effective. It also addresses the effect on the whole family. This is a good film and I'm happy to hear that schools are using it and the book it is based on to teach empathy. Well done.

Oscar Nominated Animated Shorts

The Oscar nominated short films are compiled to feature length programs. I saw the animated program today. It is an interesting assortment of films.

Love Basketball - Pencil drawings come to life in a self-narrated ode to basketball by Kobe Bryant. Lyrical and nice to watch. A love letter.

Garden Party - A bizarre scene unfolds from the perspective of frogs at an abandoned mansion...or so it seems. Funny with a jarring ending.

Lou - The items of a Lost & Found box take on a life of their own to address a bully on a playground. Pixar's magic is fun to watch here.

Negative Space - The strategies of packing a suitcase give a young boy an interesting perspective when faced with the end of life.

Revolting Rhymes - A Rahl Dahl twist on a classic fairy tale with a dark tone and great animation.

Come From Away

This winter's Broadway show for me was Come From Away. The story of planes grounded by the events of 9/11 in Gandor, Newfoundland Canada had excellent reviews and Tony nominations. I was not prepared for the heart, the talent and the creative genius of this show. 12 actors, 12 chairs and 2 tables surrounded by massive tree trunks were the only things on the stage. They represented a town, an airplane, a bus, a bar and more. The choreography and fluidity of the show kept the audience engaged for 90 minutes without a break in song or action. If you get a chance to see this show go! I'm sure glad I did.

I, Daniel Blake

In I, Daniel Blake the social services system in the UK gives little help to Daniel Blake when he cannot work because he has had a heart attack. He wants to work, but his doctor says no, so he turns to the system for help. There are challenges in technology and processes. Thankfully, he befriends a person who is also struggling with the system.Together, they sort through their dilemmas with friendship. This is a good film with a not-so-happy ending, but I liked it.

LBJ

I enjoyed the play and movie All the Way, so I thought LBJ would be a good next film for me. This version of the time period after JFK's assassination is interesting, but not as intense. The performances are adequate impersonations, but everyone is walking through the events. OK historical film.

The Disaster Artist

As part of My Oscar Project I had to find The Disaster Artist. Not an easy task because it played in RI months ago. Traveling to Boston, I discovered The Somerville Theatre. I found a quaint New England theater with a lot of history and a ton of character. Worth the ride. The film was much better than I expected. The story of Tommy Wiseau's creation of the infamous film The Room, is told from the perspective of his best friend Greg Sestero, based on Sestero's book. This is a story of determination, friendship and loyalty with a dash of delusion. Good film.

The Greatest Showman

P.T. Barnum was a historic entertainer, earning the moniker The Greatest Showman, the name of the movie I saw today. The story of his early days in show business are interesting and it is appropriately presented as a musical. The music is good, the performances work. Not the best ever, but certainly entertaining.

The Square

Emotions in The Square run from hope to despair. When the characters try, they fail. If something can go wrong it will. The characters muddle through this creative, bizarre story set in the art world. At times it is amusing, at others unsettling. A very interesting film, with a cool to look.

Last Flag Flying

In Last Flag Flying three men who served together in Vietnam are faced with one of their son's death. The father wants to take the boy's body back to NH to bury him near his mother. The escort who travels with them is the boy's friend and adds details to his time in service. Those details are wrapped up nicely at the end. I liked this film, one of the Marines is over the top and the father is super subdued. This was a decent rental.

Goodbye Christopher Robin

I thought Goodbye Christopher Robin  would be a sweet story, but boy was I wrong. The misery of post-war life comes to the screen again. When A.A. Milne is looking for inspiration for a marketable writing project, he turns to his son's toys. With the success of the characters the boy creates, the exploitation of him in the marketing was a bit sad. The relationships in the family become more businesslike than a child should have to deal with. A melancholy story. A good rental.

Ferdinand

The animated film Ferdinand goes for the heartstrings. With about 15 minutes of editing, this would have had me. Near the end of the film a few of the little ones were running up and down the aisles in the theater, and I wanted to join them. The peril of the bull fight was a bit unnerving for me. The animation was lovely and Ferdinand is a sweet character, but there was no need to drag it out.

All the Money in the Wiorld

For all the controversy surrounding the film All the Money in the World I was not prepared for the disturbing story that this film is based on. My take away from this film is that J. Paul Getty was a cold hearted bastard. This film was so sad. Michelle Williams gave it her all. I understand the Oscar nomination for Christopher Plummer, but what an awful man he played. This film left me cold.

The Killing of a Sacred Deer

Deadpan conversations and a romantic filming style sets an ominous tone in The Killing of a Sacred Deer. When the actual premise kicks in it is disturbing and menacing. This modern horror film is disturbing but creative. Glad I saw it, but this one stayed with me for a while.Pretty creepy.

Paddington 2

I enjoyed the first film about Paddington bear, so when Paddington 2 came out to great reviews, I was in. The story is sweet and concise. There is a bit of adventure, a bit of peril and a lot of love and laughs. This story has a lot of heart and has a great visual aesthetic. Fun film.

Phantom Thread

The ending of Phantom Thread leans toward kink. When the world of a fussy fashion designer is turned upside down by a new lady love, she takes matters into her own hands. Reynolds Woodcock is overbearing and oversensitive, haunted by the only woman he's ever really loved, his Mother. When his new love and muse speaks her mind, he doesn't quite know what to do. She does. And he goes along. People do not treat each other very well in this story, but the coping mechanisms are interesting. Beautifully shot with and outstanding score and sumptuous costumes. Good film.

Mudbound

Post-war struggles and racism haunt the stories in Mudbound. Beautifully shot, Dee Rees brings the stories of poverty and PTSD to life in a powerful film. The family is held in high regard, and dealing with the mental traumas of war and alcoholism with no resources weighs heavy. Good film beautifully shot.

Bound

After watching Bound you will never complain about neighbors again. An ex-con is working renovating an apartment and the next door neighbors end up in trouble with the mob. There is intrigue, lust and lots of blood. The bumbling mobsters are no match for the ex-con and her disgruntled lover. Solid rental.

Loving Vincent

In Loving Vincent, we follow the story of the artist's friends as they cope with losing  him through the eyes of a young admirer. This film is made in a painted style of animation mirroring the style of Van Gough. A lovely film.

Lady Macbeth

The film Lady Macbeth is a dismal tale of lust, anguish and betrayal. Thoughtfully shot, well acted we see a young woman trapped. Her way out is shocking and violent. This film is well done, but the subject matter is disturbing.

Molly's Game

In Molly's Game the rise and fall of Molly Bloom plays out. As a fallen Olympic athlete, she applies her intelligence and drive to running high stakes poker games. She does very well until things get messy. The second half of the film is Molly pulling herself together and figuring out her future. Both stories are rich and satisfying.

The Post

A journalistic adventure reenacts the events around the publishing of the Pentagon Papers in The Post. When word of the Papers gets to the Washington Post there are scrambles to get them, read them, understand them and decide whether to publish them.. The government had been lying to the public about the Vietnam war and the paper is ready to make it all public. The drama revolves around the law and the decision. Good film.

The Florida Project

Watching small children left on their own, The Florida Project takes us through their days on summer break. They are poor, and the adults in their lives are constantly striving to find ways to pay the bills. The manager of the motel they live in acts as a gruff uncle, but keeps an eye out for all of them. Subtle and detailed, I liked this film.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

The 8th installment of Star Wars: The Last Jedi is a satisfying addition to the franchise. We follow some familiar characters across the galaxy and meet a few new ones. There is humor, adventure, peril, space chases and oh those light saber battles. Carrie Fisher's last appearance is poignant, and her daughter delivers a nice tribute performance to Leia. The music and visuals are thrilling. Well done.

Manifesto

Through a dozen characters and a series of monologues, Manifesto is art commenting on art. Cate Blanchette gives a collection of performances that are powerful and nuanced. Jim Jarmusch adds his gorgeous style throughout the film. An interesting film.

Marshall

The early career of Thurgood Marshall found him working for the NAACP fighting for civil rights. The film Marshall is based on the events of one of these cases. A man wrongfully accused of rape is defended by an assigned lawyer and Mr. Marshall acts as his advisor. The film unfolds like a crime procedural. The ending addresses the accuser's situation, but they leave you hanging on an issue of domestic abuse. I found that a bit unnerving. This is a good rental.

Patti Cake$

An aspiring rapper struggles to realize her dream in Patti Cake$. The tone is set in her entrance to the local pharmacy early in the film. The story is about dreams, survival, confidence and friendship. I liked this film a lot.