Richard Jewell

The story of the bombing at the Atlanta Olympics is told from an interesting perpective in Richard Jewell. This story is very unsettling in so many ways. Dramatic representation of a man wrongly accused. I found it very disturbing.

Missing Link

In my quest to see all of the Oscar nominated films this year, I watched the animated film Missing Link. Acceptance and adventure are central in this delightful film. Laika does some of its finest work here. Worth a watch with or without kids.

Blue Hawaii

Elvis Presley enjoyed success in film in his early career. The film Blue Hawaii is entertaining, Presley plays a soldier returning home to Hawaii and trying to find work in the civilian world.When he finds his niche good things happen. The film looks good and has a sincere tone. I also learned that my favorite Elvis song, Can't Help Falling in Love, is from this film. I liked this movie a lot.

Butterfield 8

A young Elizabeth Taylor won the Oscar for her performance in Butterfield 8 in 1961. She plays a single woman dealing with limited options for employment. She struggles with making tough decisions. This film is well written, performed and filmed. The costumes are great too. The ending was surprising to me. A classic.

Klaus

Klaus is a delightful animated story about a postman who needs letters. His determination changes his world, creates friendships and changes attitudes of  the people. He is especially influential with a cranky old toy-maker who finds a new path. I really enjoyed this holiday movie.

The Two Popes

In The Two Popes we experience a meeting between Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis. The two men spent time together before Benedict retired and the story is an interesting walk-and-talk. This film portrays their personalities on a very human, down to earth level. It is especially fun to watch Francis' love of soccer. Nice film.

1917

World War I is the setting for the movie 1917 which is a very simple story. Get the information to the front lines in time to save the troops. Two soldiers set off on this quest and experience the many horrors of war in a very short span of time. The one-take in the filming of this story got a lot of attention in their marketing, but I thought the story and the action were compelling as well. This is a graphic war story well told.

The Fisher King

In a quest to ease his guilt, in The Fisher King a popular radio DJ leaves his job to help a man he feels he influenced badly. A deep dive into relationships and decision-making are the basics of a beautiful story. The performances from Jeff Bridges and Robin Williams are outstanding. This is a wonderful film.

Black Christmas (1974)

Waiting for the latest interpretation of Black Christmas, I decided to watch the original from 1974. This college girl stalker film is a horror classic set during the Christmas holiday break at a small college. Very well done for one of the earliest of the slasher film genre. The most impressive part of this film to me was the point of view. The performances from some very young actresses who would go on the big careers are excellent. This film is worth a look.

Aladdin (1992)

After seeing the live action version of Disney's Aladdin I had to go back to the animated Aladdin to get my joy back. I remember seeing this movie for the first time in a packed theater from the second row. Along with many other families, we reveled in the animation, the music, the story and the laughs. 28 years later it still holds up, and I was able to enjoy this experience from my couch. This is such a fun film.

Bombshell

Sexual harassment in the world of television news is specifically explored at Fox News in the movie Bombshell. Though I am not up for glamorizing any aspect of Fox News, it was worth watching for the performances. This is such a disturbing story about disturbing people.

American Woman

In American Women we go inside a family crisis in a tough world. A woman disappears and her family must step up to take care of her child. They have limited resources, but a strong, surprising love fuels their actions. This is a heavy drama with good performances and a big heart. Not all rainbows and sunshine, but realistic to the situations. This is an interesting film.

Ford v Ferrari

I love the world of race cars, and the film Ford v Ferrari takes us inside that world. Specifically, Le Mans in 1966, when the Ford Motor Company challenged the ever-dominant Ferrari. They hired engineer/designer Carroll Shelby to topple the champion. As interesting as I found the story, the sound design is the true shining star of this film. All of the driving sequences are thrilling. The relationships are also portrayed very well, not only between the characters, but also with the joy of driving and corporate meddling. With outstanding performances and an excellent portrayal of the period, I enjoyed this film a lot.

David Crosby: Remember My Name

In the documentary David Crosby: Remember My Name David Crosby tries to come across as a musical genius, and he is, but there is such arrogance in his delivery. In the skillful hands of Cameron Crowe, this film chronicles the rise of Crosby's creative career and his personal relationships along the way. Some more successful than others. I've always loved this music, but I don't need to know any more about him personally. Crosby is not a person I would enjoy spending time with. This is an interesting film about an important part of music history.

Little Women (2019)

The structure of the film Little Women gives new life to a classic story. I read and re-read the book Little Woman as a child, but it has been a long time since then. This film was like a reunion with old friends. This interpretation is skillful and beautiful, full of excellent performances and some creative editing, that made the story feel new.This is a lovely film. Well done.

Frozen II

Following the phenomenon of Frozen, Frozen II is a worthy sequel. Though it is not enjoying the epic popularity of the original, I liked the adventure we went on with the beloved characters, and a few new ones. The animation is gorgeous. I was happy to see this in a theater with some very enthusiastic, vocal young film lovers. Good movie.

The Mustang

Horse training as rehab is explored in The Mustang. This is an intense, thoughtful story of connection and rehabilitation. I liked this film a lot.

Magic Trip

The documentary Magic Trip takes us on a ride with Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters across America. The archival footage from the 60s is very fun and nostalgic. The trip itself is a journey of joy. This is a fun documentary. Good rental.

Murder Mystery

The comedy Murder Mystery follows a couple to a chance vacation on a wealthy stranger's yacht. When there is a murder on board there is a crazy investigation and a crazy resolution. Themes of love and revenge make this a fun rental.

Uncut Gems

The frenetic pace and performance in Uncut Gems makes for a very effective thriller. Watching this film was very stressful, as the main character makes bad decision after bad decision. He is a con man and an over-talker, which adds to the chaotic quality of the story. This is a wild ride, presented so well, that it really drew me in. As unnerving as that was, it was effective and satisfying. I liked this film a lot.

The Driftless Area

High drama in The Driftless Area as a mystery unfolds in a young man's home town. This is an interesting take on fate with an outstanding cast. This is a decent rental.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

Finishing the Star Wars story with Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is a fitting finale. Visuals and music are on point. There are several character treatments I didn't care for, but the internet can handle those. They covered a lot of ground in this saga. Happy to have gone along for the ride.

The Biggest Little Farm

The documentary Biggest Little Farm shows just how hard it is to grow things. The brutality of nature is shown in all it's raw glory. The hard work and joy of the farmers is uplifting and impressive. This is an honest behind the scenes film. Worth a look.

Aladdin (2019)

The live action version of Aladdin was a miss for me. I love the animated version so much, this one just fell flat. Clunky and awkward, but I did enjoy the dance numbers.

Downton Abby

Having enjoyed the series, the movie version of Downton Abby plays like a long, lovely episode. The impending visit form the Queen is the centerpiece for household drama. Each character shows their personality strengths. The music is outstanding and this film is gorgeous. A delight.

Marriage Story

A hard look at the end of a marriage in the film Marriage Story takes a close-up look at divorce. Well written and acted, this is a painful story.

This Christmas

The Christmastime drama This Christmas is an examination of family relationships. There is cooperation, conflict and above all love. A good Christmas rental.

We Don't Belong Here

The film We Don't Belong Here is a strong family drama. Feelings of detachment and sadness are compounded by mental illness. There is compassion and love throughout the story. This is a thoughtful film.

Knives Out

When the patriarch of a family suddenly dies, the mystery and drama in the movie Knives Out runs high. This is a fun murder mystery with a wide range of characters and a great cast. Good stuff.

Jojo Rabbit

The film Jojo Rabbit is an interesting comedy set in WW II Germany. If you are going to make a satire about Nazis in WW II, this is the way to do it...with a heart and humor. Well done.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

My love for Mr. Rogers is public. When the movie A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood came out I was there. Fred Rogers has been an important compass in my life. I try. I fail. I pull myself back up. I feel. And all of that is fine. Feel your feelings. A lovely film. "You've got to do it."

Where'd You Go Bernadette?

A high-strung architect uses a trip to Antarctica to deal with her anxiety in Where'd You Go Bernadette? It is an interesting take on life and life choices. A good rental.

Space Jam

Never thought I would appreciate an animated film about basketball, but there I was enjoying the heck out of Space Jam. Sports and space come together in a fun jam of basketball, Loony Tunes, music, aliens and laughs. Fun rental.

The Lion King (2019)

The alleged "live action" version of The Lion King is dark. The CGI is OK but not good enough to classify this as "live action". Dark and disappointing. I re-watched the original as a palate cleanser.

The Thin Blue Line

Listening to an interview with Errol Morris I rented The Thin Blue Line. This documentary about a crime scene investigation in Dallas is chilling. The flaws of the criminal justice system are laid out. This is an interesting film.

Blinded by the Light

When a young man learns of the music of Bruce Springsteen he is inspired. The film Blinded by the Light follows his passion, identity search and career. Sweet story of self-discovery. Good rental.

After the Wedding

We often see movies about getting married, but in the film After the Wedding we get a story that takes place during the planning of a wedding. A young woman travels to court money for underprivileged children. It is a huge effort for her. It is huge stakes. The donor is in the process of planning her daughter's wedding. There is an interesting twist and emotions run high. The performances in this film are great. This is a good rental.

The Irishman

I have always been a huge fan of Martin Scorsese's work. I heard him speak at Tribeca Film Festival on the topic of music in film and it was wonderful. I went into The Irishman as a huge fan and I was not disappointed. Yes, there was an under-use of women. Yes, there was a  lot of De Niro, Yes, there was a lot of Pacino. Yes, Joe Pesci knocked it out of the park. Yes, the period was captured perfectly. Yes, it was brutal. Yes, I jumped every time someone got shot. Yes, this was adapted from a story that may not be totally accurate. Still, I saw it in a theater and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Farenheit 451

The film Fahrenheit 451 reminded me of reading the book when I was in high school. A young man in law enforcement rebels against the culture of book burning. Lots of fire. Disturbing story. Good rental.

The Intruder

When a couple buys their dream-house in The Intruder, they learn that it comes with the past owner. This is a creepy home invasion nightmare thriller that has a nail-bitter of an ending. Good rental.

The Kitchen

When business needs to get done, the women in The Kitchen get it done. For better, or for worse. This is a violent period crime film with good performances. Lots of gun-play. OK rental.

Motherless Brooklyn

I enjoy watching a film when I am familiar with where it is shot. I was in heaven with Motherless Brooklyn because it was shot in areas in and around NYC that are very familiar to me. A murder mystery in 1950s NYC takes twists and turns. Inside baseball on development and government makes for high drama. This story has a big heart, great performances and cool cars. And I know that view of the Manhattan Bridge well. Good film.

Parasite

As Parasite is probably the most talked about film of the year, it should be. A poor family uses ingenuity and opportunity to make money. Then things go off the rails. Another great ride from Bong Joon Ho. Well done.

The Lighthouse

In The Lighthouse, the road to madness is paved with drama. Isolation and alcohol fuel delusions and conflict in this story of two men alone in a lighthouse. It sounds boring, but their interactions are far from that. This film is beautifully shot, lit and staged. The physical conditions are as brutal as the psychological. The performances in this are outstanding. This is a powerful film.

Harriet

The courage and determination of Harriet Tubman is portrayed well in the film Harriet. She was a true badass, and what she accomplished in the fight against slavery is astounding. This film is a must-see.

Mission Impossible: Fallout

I have enjoyed most of the MI series, but Mission Impossible: Fallout is just plain silly and the action is redundant. Not a fan of this one.

Fast Color

A lovely tale of family and strength is told in Fast Color. The legacy of super-powers makes for a creative story that I really enjoyed. The performances really make this film. Well done.

Dead Silence

The movie Dead Silence starts out as a creepy murder mystery, then becomes a ghost story. This is a very appropriate rental for this time of year. Good film.

Zombieland: Double Tap

Th gang from the film Zombieland continue their adventures in Zombieland: Double Tap. Madison is a very funny addition to the crew. The story was satisfying enough to be entertaining. Just remember, zombies are gross.

Western Stars

The simple joy of storytelling is the heart of the concert documentary Western Stars. Filming an intimate concert of his new album, Bruce Springsteen brings his life and loves to the music. The setting and camerawork are beautiful. The orchestrations are gorgeous as well. I loved this film.

Dolemite is My Name

In a flamboyant burst of confidence, Dolemite is My Name tells the story of Rudy Ray Moore and his adventures in film making. The performances and costumes bring this film to life in a fun way. Funny and obscene, this film is a wild ride.

The Kid

The story of Billy the Kid is told from the point of view of a young boy in The Kid.There are gunfight galore and I did get a better understanding of the family dynamics. This film worked hard for authenticity. Well done.

Your Name

In a time trippy way, Your Name tells a story of friendship and support.The animation is lovely and the story is very heartfelt. A lot of imagination went into this film. The music is pretty great too. I really liked this one.

The Wrong Man

A disturbing case of mistaken identity sits at the center of The Wrong Man. Hitchcock brings his chilling style to the serious consequences of this situation. Classic.

El Camino

I loved the series Breaking Bad, so the follow up film El Camino was a pretty easy sell for me. A good cat & mouse chase with familiar characters and situations from the series. Well done.

Pet Sematary

The latest adaptation of Pet Semetary is pretty lame. I thought it was gross, and so much of it made no sense. Disappointing movie.

Safe Men

When I read that Safe Men was filmed in Providence I had to give it a re-watch. The antics in this goofy crime film are so fun and so ridiculous. Its got a great cast and I laughed a lot. This is a fun rental.

Being Frank

In Being Frank a selfish man gets caught in a huge lie. When a double life is revealed he gets what he deserves. The performances are good, this is well written, but the premise made me very angry. I guess good drama brings out emotion. The most honest line in the film is, "Lies are for cowards." Good rental.

Bride of Frankenstein

Following up Frankenstein with The Bride of Frankenstein was a good move in my rental strategy. The continuation of the story with an additional monster is elegant and nuanced. There are so many screams! I liked this one too.

Frankenstein

As one of the true, original monster movies Frankenstein is a story of actions fueled by fear. A scientist creates a creature who faces the wrath of society as he just tries to exist. The cinematography is beautiful and the story is a bit sad, with some very touching moments. Excellent classic.

Damn Yankees

I have always been aware of the title Damn Yankees, but had no idea of it's meaning. This movie is a supernatural take on baseball, dreams, home and celebrity.  The performances are great and so is the music. Gwen Verdon is a national treasure. I'm glad that I finally saw this film.

Death Becomes Her

The movie Death Becomes her is a masterclass in slapstick comedy. The stories of eternal life and rivalry are told in a clever, funny way. Such a fun movie.

Judy

I grew up watching The Wizard of Oz on TV every year. Dorothy was my hero and Judy Garland was the first movie star I was aware of. In the film Judy we see her talent and heartbreak in her later career. The realities of being a single mother and paying the bills tell a painful story. Rene Zellweger gives an empathetic performance. I liked this film.

Godzilla: King of the Monsters

I love a good monster movie and Godzilla: King of the Monsters sure delivers. It is a ridiculous story, but the monsters were great and this is a strong cast. Fun movie.

Wild Rose

A talented singer is looking to get out, and get to NYC in the film Wild Rose. Along the way she learns a lot about herself and expectations. This film tells a good story about drive. I really liked the music as well. Worth a look.

The Hustle

Looking for a chuckle, I rented the movie The Hustle. A gender-flip remake of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, two con women work to right the wrongs of their worlds. This was an OK rental and I found it amusing.

Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am

I only knew of Toni Morrison by reputation, and then I heard an interview with her that was recorded a few years ago. I was impressed by her intelligence, humility and sense of humor. When the documentary Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am came out in DVD I was treated to the story of this woman in her own words and in interviews with those who knew her well personally and professionally. Her grounded view of the world and her place in it is inspiring and refreshing. This film is well worth watching.

Top Gun

Fighter pilot training is the setting for the movie Top Gun. The stories of friendship, love, skill and prestige all blend well in this action packed film. The aerial scenes are outstanding. I'm pretty sure that the last time I saw this film was in the theater and it's nice to see that it still holds up. Well done.

The Stranger

In The Stranger we follow a Nazi hunter to Connecticut. There is a lot of high drama and bodies along the way. Very intense film. Worth a look.

Hustlers

When a group of strippers feel the economic pinch of the 2008 financial crisis they take to crime in Hustlers. Though much was made of Jennifer Lopez's performance in this film, it is Constance Wu who rules the screen. This is based on a true story and has a cut-throat quality tempered by themes of family and loyalty. Well done.

Rambling Rose

With all of the attention that Laura Dern had been getting for her TV and film work lately, it occurred to me recently that I had not seen Rambling Rose in many years. The story of a young girl desperately looking for family is poignant, heartfelt and a bit heartbreaking. Her desperate, at times inappropriate, attempts at affection make quite a story. Dern's Mother Diane Ladd joins her in this period drama. They were both nominated for Oscars for their roles in this film. Worth watching.

Two for the Road

One of my favorite film reviewers recommended the film Two for the Road. The ten year marriage of a couple is played out in a non-sequential fashion that takes a little getting used to. It is very effective. The performances, costumes and settings are great. This is a very poignant relationship film. Many emotions are explored. I liked this film a lot.

The White Crow

In the film The White Crow politics meet art in the story of Rudolf Nureyev. His rise as an artist, his struggle to live his life the way he wanted to and his political leanings and the complications involved. A very interesting story of a very interesting life. Good film.

It Chapter Two

The kids from the movie It are grownups and Pennywise is still their nemesis in the sequel It Chapter Two. Though the kids are now grownups, they show signs of PTSD from their childhood experience. The story is dark and the effects and action sequences are very creepy.

High Art

In High Art the neighbor brings more drama than expected. In true 90s style this story uses sex, drugs and intrigue as surprising relationships form. Interesting film.

Purple Rain

Riding a bit of a nostalgia wave I rented the film Purple Rain. This film is intense. Themes of abuse, ambition and romance weave quite a story with a wonderful soundtrack. Well done.

Serenity

If you are looking for a strange ride in an even stranger relationship, Serenity is your kind of film. This is a thriller with a horror edge with some very bizarre and unlikable characters.

Public Speaking

I enjoy listening to smart people who speak their minds. In the documentary Public Speaking, Fran Lebowitz fits the bill. She and a bevy of people with intelligent, down to earth ideas is a breath of fresh air. Loved this documentary.

Good Boys

When a group of middle school age friends try to work the social circuit the results are very funny. In Good Boys it is interesting to see how information about life is interpreted by these kids. This movie is smart, raunchy, sweet and very funny. I liked this film much more than expected.

The Peanut Butter Falcon

A young man in The Peanut Butter Falcon wants to be a pro wrestler. When he learns about a camp run by one of his heroes he runs away to attend. This is the beginning of a road-trip story that is eventful, inspiring and sweet. The central messages are follow your dreams and be kind. We all need to hear this these days. Great film.

The 15:17 to Paris

The events portrayed in The 15:17 to Paris should be interesting, but somehow this depiction was boring for me. Bouncing from the back-stories of the passengers on a Paris bound train to present day is a structure I like. Overthrowing terrorists should be intriguing. For some reason this one did not grab me. Worth a look for the performances if you are interested in the story.

After Hours

The wild ride in After Hours takes place in one night. The crazy events in this film are beautifully shot and make for a fun ride all over NYC. Every moment is more outrageous than the next. Excellent rental.

Bob Dylan: Don't Look Back

The documentary Bob Dylan: Don't Look Back follows the musician through his 1965 tour of England. He shares his thoughts, attitudes and music. A good music doc.

High Life

As an abstract futuristic film, High Life shows that humans still deal with very human problems. It is graphic and physical. An OK rental.

The Man Who Killed Don Quixote

Making a film can be quite an adventure. When you make a movie about Don Quixote, even more so. In The Man who Killed Don Quixote a film maker bounces back and forth from reality to fantasy in an interesting way. Struggling with the past, while looking to the future. Adam Driver plays it very self-aware with a sense of humor. This is a good adventure film.

The Night Before

Looking for the perfect Christmas party, the friends in The Night Before get a little more than expected. Their age and lifestyles don't quite fit the party mode they used to. As relationships evolve, the movie takes on a sweet tone. This movie says a lot about friendships and maturing. We also learn that babies like rap. Cute movie.

Poms

Dealing with aging is not easy. In Poms a group of women live in a retirement community. In an effort to interact with others, per the rules, one of the seniors starts a cheer squad. The result says a lot about community, bullying and friendship. This film has quite a cast. It's a good rental.

The Farewell

In Chinese culture it is customary to keep bad news from someone who is ailing. In The Farewell a family does not tell the grandmother that she is dying. The lengths they go to to see her "one last time" and to keep her health information from her lends itself to a very touching, sometimes funny, story. The performances and writing in this film are outstanding. I liked this film a lot.

Queen of Earth

The film Queen of Earth is a story of friendship gone sour. It is tense and dramatic. I found it hard to believe that the women were ever friends based on how awful they are to each other. This film has excellent performances. A decent rental.

Long Shot

A politician in the movie Long Shot needs a speech writer for her campaign for the presidency. She runs into a person she went to school with and comes to like his writing style. In hiring him she brings an unconventional companion to some high-level situations. There is a lot of heart and humor in this story. I liked the way it handles the PR aspect of the political environment. I was also impressed with the chemistry of Charlize Theron and Seth Rogan. It works for their characters. This is a worthwhile rental.

Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood

In the film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, we meet an actor and his stunt man/friend working their way through early Hollywood. They are always looking for work and the reality of age is encroaching on their ability to get work. Real life characters enter the story at the Manson ranch and it becomes a bit of a what-if story. The actor becomes an unwitting hero. I liked this film, which certainly gives film lovers a lot to talk about. 

The Last Black Man in San Francisco

A young man in San Fransisco has a romantic vision and history of a house. When the people living there fall into foreclosure he and a friend become squatters. These young men are idealistic, passionate and creative. Things don't always go well for them and their friends. When they ultimately learn that they have to leave the house, they stage a grand performance of their play The Last Black Man in San Fransisco. There are themes of family, socioeconomics, compassion and dreams. This film is beautifully shot and emotionally charged. Lovely film.

Casting By

The documentary Casting By tells the stories of some of the brilliant casting directors in film history. I enjoy all things behind the scenes, and this documentary walks through historic casting decisions. Well done.

Dumbo

The bleak aspect of Dumbo along with the mistreatment of animals in the circus, is the culture of bullying among those who are different. This story is dark, I think too dark for children. The live action is fine, but it is a sad story.

The Art of Self Defense

After being mugged, a quiet young man turns to martial arts to learn how to defend himself. In The Art of Self Defense he encounters an intense culture at the dojo. This is an interesting take on bullying, crime and coping with a good twist. Good film

Tootsie

When the best way to land a job is to take on the persona of a woman, a desperate actor finds out about the pitfalls of mistaken identity. In Tootsie his plan works until romance enters the picture. Well written and acted. This is a classic that still holds up.

The Face of Love

Watching grief guide a woman's emotions in The Face of Love is painful. Meeting a man who looks a lot like her late husband motivates her to pursue him as the perfect replacement. The performances shine in this poignant romantic drama.

Klute

The acting talent of Jane Fonda is used to the max in the film Klute. Along with the streets of New York City, a crime drama plays out and her character is the heart. Well done.

Spider-Man: Far From Home

After the latest dust-up with The Avengers, Peter Parker tries to go on a school trip to Europe like a "regular kid". Trouble follows and adventure ensues. In Spider-Man: Far from Home he still has to use his spidey powers to battle evil, but keeping the secret becomes more difficult. I liked the story, there were some funny moments and the cast is great. This is a solid Spider-Man adventure.

Maiden

The nuts and bolts of a team sailing around the world are explored in the documentary Maiden. The ocean is a harsh environment and the round-the-world race is a prestigious one among sailors. It is challenging, expensive and grueling. The story of the crew of Maiden is uplifting and impressive. Great story. Great film.