A Star Is Born (1954)

The movie A Star Is Born was remade 4 times to date. In the second version, the actress' success puts her husband in the shadows. He does not deal with it well. The musical numbers are show-stopping as Judy Garland just shines. A classic worth seeing.

Prizzi's Honor

When two assassins fall in love the work gets tricky. In Prizzi's Honor it is all about the money, the mob, the job and love. Unconventional turns are many and near the end you realize that not all things are as they seem. John Huston shoots a heck of a film, This one's a classic.

Arthur

The story of a spoiled rich man is entertaining and heartwarming. Arthur shines a light on the absurd excess of wealth, yet ultimately finds his heart. He does frivolous things with money, but very thoughtful things with his actions. It is lovely to watch a young Liza Minelli and Dudley Moore, they have great chemistry. The dialogue John Gielgud delivers is delicious. It is also fun to watch these characters figuring things out on the streets of NYC. This is a movie that really holds up.

Crip Camp

The history of activism for the handicapped has a long history. In the documentary Crip Camp a wealth of archival film takes us through that history and the connection to Camp Jened, a camp for handicapped teens. The emotional aspects of the campers' disabilities, combined with their age is addressed respectfully and honestly with love and humor. We then watch these teens grow into adults who take their rights and advocacy to a very impressive place. This is an excellent film about an important topic.

The Devil Wears Prada

I met Meryl Streep in the summer of 2000. It had been a while since I had seen her in anything in the theater and, until she introduced herself I was not 100% sure it was her. I always say it was her pre-Devil Wears Prada years. After Adaptation and The Hours, this film seemed to propel her into the pop-culture lexicon. Playing the head of a fashion magazine in New York City, her interpretation of Miranda Priestly is brutal, yet ultimately vulnerable. Her relationships with her staff, her competitors and herself are complicated. As her assistant, I especially liked Stanley Tucci's character describing himself as, "a young boy growing up in Rhode Island with six brothers." As a Rhode Islander myself, I got it. I was happy to revisit this movie and yes, I cried in the same place I did when I first saw it. Good rental.

Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice

The music in Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice was on constant play on the radio and on my stereo in my high school and college years. Going behind the scenes in this documentary with archival footage and interviews gives wonderful insight to her art and career. What a voice. What a heart. This is a great rental.

Horse Girl

In Horse Girl a young woman with mental challenges struggles with reality. In a nuanced performance, Alison Bree takes us in and out of her world. This is a quiet psychological drama with a sad undertone. A decent rental.

Heaven Can Wait

A young quarterback for the LA Rams is working hard to stay fit and be the best professional athlete he can be. In Heaven Can Wait, things do not go quite as he planned. An unfortunate accident starts a string of events that take us to the afterlife...sort of. There are rules that must be followed, and negotiations take place. The bridge between earth and heaven can be a tricky one. The plot is very clever and leans heavily on the themes of loyalty and fairness. A tenor sax even has a key role. I originally saw this film over 40 years ago and it still holds up. Excellent rental.

Desperately Seeking Susan

In Desperately Seeking Susan we meet a married woman who reads the personals in the newspaper like you would follow a soap opera. This was the original social media, and she wonders about the people looking for love, or just a specific person...like Susan. When she actually inserts herself into one of the stories things go off the rails. The movie turns into a crime mystery - buddy story. There is stolen property, there is mistaken identity, there is love. There are a lot of pop-culture references. Cheez Doodles, Wonder Woman, a specific jacket, vanity plates and a cameo of a famous set of triplets set the time firmly in the 80s. This is a fun film that was much more than I expected. Well done.

Sweet Smell of Success

The power of the press is a weapon in the film Sweet Smell of Success. The gossip papers could make or break a career and the power of the PR machine is used like a choke-hold. The dialog is very sassy and brash. A wife calls her husband Hitler when he tries to tell her what to do. In another scene a man tells his female assistant to "start thinking with your head instead of your hips." Yikes. As the story progresses and pot-shots are taken the most striking line is, "You have the scruples of a guinea pig and the morals of a gangster." What?!? This is a film about control and getting ahead. Writing and performances are top notch. Great rental.

Wings (1927)

The film Wings from 1927 has the distinction of being the first film to win the Oscar for Best Picture.The story of WWI fighter pilots as heroes and humans is so well done. Stunning camerawork and a gorgeous soundtrack support the drama well. I realized that silent films do a great job of conveying the story with the performances. There are not a lot of dialogue cards in this film. The technical achievements are impressive. The human stories are also well told and quite sweet. The Shooting Star becomes Grandeur in the Sky...as it should. I really liked this film.

Thief

I saw the film Thief in the theater when it came out and was reminded of how good it was in an interview with James Caan. On a re-watch I was treated to a gangster story that was dark, gritty and dramatic. Caan's character is a safe-cracker trying to quit the game and the Mafia is not going to make it easy for him. There's a line where a guy calls Caan's character sonny, which struck me funny because that was the name of his character in The Godfather films. I wondered if it was intentional or just a turn of phrase. I liked the way this film was shot. This is a good rental.

Auntie Mame

There is a joy in a film like Auntie Mame that exudes from the actor. I had the feeling that everyone in this cast was happy to be on that set and was having a great time. A young man goes to live with his flamboyant Auntie Mame and we go for the ride of his life. We understand her on their first meeting when she says, "Let's sit down for one minute and really get to know each other." She wears beautiful clothes and always a lovely bracelet. At the end of each scene there is an interesting thing they do with the lighting on Mame before the camera cuts. It gives her a very dramatic air. The dialogue is clever and words like twaddle and nincompoopery find their way into the conversations to great effect. The sets really work as well. The furniture in the NYC apartment portray the style of the time perfectly. Mame has a real zest for life, in her words, "Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death." This film is a delight.

Wait Until Dark

I remember seeing Wait Until Dark on the midnight movies on TV back in my teen babysitting days. Sitting alone in a dark house, with sleeping children, I found this story of home invasion to be pretty scary. Watching this film as an adult, I appreciate the story of crime, manipulation, strength and cunning. There is a lot going on and the fact that the perceived victim is blind makes for great drama. I'm glad I re-visited this classic.

Fresh Dressed

I love documentaries about fashion. In the film Fresh Dressed I got a wonderful education on the history of hip-hop fashion. I had no idea that the looks and the style was such a big part of the culture.This is a fun, well done doc I appreciaated. My favorite quotes?
"Fashion is about authentic expression."  ~ Damon Dash
"To be fresh is to be recognized." ~ Pusha T

The Birdcage

My affection for Robin Williams' film work is well known. In The Birdcage he portrays a nightclub owner whose son wants his fiance to meet his family. There are things about his family the young man would like to keep under wraps. His fiance's family has their own issues and it lends itself to a series of funny circumstances. There is a man on the run and mistaken identity are both played well for comedy. There is also a very sweet emotional underlying tone. It's a crazy ride with outstanding performances all around. This film really holds up.

A Quiet Passion

The life and works of Emily Dickinson are explored in A Quiet Passion. Her life, work and tenacity are portrayed nicely. My favorite quote in the film is, "I hope you live for 100 years." with a response of, "What a repellent idea." I agree. If you like literary history this is a good rental.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

I don't know why I had never seen the movie National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. I was certainly aware of it, and had seen bits and pieces of it on TV, but never sat down to watch the whole thing. When I learned that Diane Ladd was in this my curiosity was peaked enough to rent it. What a gem! This movie moves along a a good clip, the story is everyone's worst nightmare and Chevy Chase delivers a complicated line like no other. The Star Spangled Banner and Pledge of Allegiance have all new meaning for me, I may giggle the next time someone says grace before dinner. I have never seen a swat team in a Christmas movie. This iconic cast pulls off every scene like a master class in comedy. This movie was such a pleasure.

Black Christmas (2019)

When Black Christmas came out in theaters I did not have time to get to the theater. Sadly it didn't play long enough for me to catch it on a big screen. The benefit here, is that by renting, I could watch the film a few times...and I did. This stalker / slasher horror story is well told. The intricacies of the story were all made clear. I liked the performances and the way it was shot. Lindsey as a snow angel a pretty cool visual. This was a good rental for me.

Gimme Danger

I am familiar with The Stooges nd their music through pop culture references, but I'm not that familiar with their music. In an interview with Jim Jarmusch, the documentary Gimme Danger was recommended. The story of the band is interesting and has all the drama and joy you would expect from this popular band.  It is told with great photos and archival footage. A lot of time is spent with Iggy Pop as well. I found it interesting that Ron Asheton actually called Moe Howard to get the OK to use the name The Stooges. This is a documentary I really enjoyed.

Girl Interrupted

The question of who belongs in a mental institution is explored in Girl Interrupted. This is so well written, with wonderful performances from excellent young actors. My favorite line is when Valerie says, "Do not drop your anchor here." Good rental.

Very Bad Things

In the course of a bachelor party weekend Very Bad Things tells the story of  one awful event after another. The trail of terrible events leads right up to the wedding. Though this could be viewed as a comedy, the events are so horrible, after a while you don't feel like laughing. This is an outrageous story. A decent rental.

Portrait of a Lady on Fire

A romance builds in Portrait of a Lady on Fire with a quiet intensity. A painter is commissioned to paint the portrait of a woman with the intention of her family sending the painting to a potential husband. The woman being painted is resistant to the whole project, so the artist must use subtle techniques to produce an accurate likeness without having her sit. A relationship develops and it shows in the art. This is a layered story with genuine, intense emotions. This film is beautifully shot. I really liked this film.

The Invisible Man (2020)

A new take on domestic abuse is explored in The Invisible Man. I liked the use of technology in unraveling the mystery. The struggle for survival provides some great fight scenes. This is a solid thriller with some strong performances. I really liked this film.

Queen & Slim

Two young people on the run after an unwitting crime makes Queen & Slim a tense watch. The writing, performances and direction in the film is outstanding. It is tough to watch because of the subject matter. Good rental.

A Wake in Providence

The awkward premise of meeting your boyfriend's family is exacerbated in A Wake in Providence by race and culture. This film was originally recommended to me because it was shot in RI. It is fun to watch a film with local familiarity. The story is an interesting examination of a relationship that is challenged by this trip home. This is a decent film with a satisfying resolution. On a set design note, the cars are great! An OK rental.

Mean Girls

After seeing Mean Girls the musical on Broadway, it only made sense to re-watch Mean Girls the movie. I really enjoyed this the first time around and was impressed with how it holds up. The high school drama of clicks, crushes, classes, status and growth are all well represented in this story. It is well written and the performances are very genuine. An excellent movie.

The Circus

The brilliance of Charlie Chaplin's films is on full blast in the film The Circus. The Little Tramp tries to get a job with the circus and helps out in more ways than one. This is a very entertaining film with a sweet heart. Great rental.

The Wedding Guest

The title of the film The Wedding Guest is a bit misleading. Under the guise of attending a wedding a young man travels through India and Pakistan. He is a mysterious man on a mysterious mission. This is an intense thriller that is a good rental.

John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum

The 3rd installment in the John Wick franchise, John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum, is a bang-bang shoot-em-up ride you won't soon forget. The plot is pretty lame, but the action makes up for it. There are also scenes on a rooftop in a neighborhood I am familiar with that makes me smile. This is a decent rental.

It Happened on Fifth Avenue

In 1940s NYC, a wealthy family's home becomes a refuge for a homeless man when they are away for the winter. Where? It Happened on Fifth Avenue. Things get out of hand and therein lies the humor and the heart. Though much lighter, this was recommended to me as a companion piece to Parasite. It works. Excellent film.

Beetlejuice

I felt the need to re-watch the movie Beetlejuice after seeing the Broadway musical version. The film really holds up with great performances and production value. Burton's imagination and Elfman's music propel this crazy story of the dead in the land of the living. Lots of rules. A fun rental with so much heart and so much fun.

A Million Little Pieces

The film A Million Little Pieces is based on the controversial novel of the same name. It was alleged that some of the more dramatic anecdotes never happened, yet the book was first portrayed as a memoir. Regardless of the true-life events, this film about recovery is touching, edgy and has a great cast. Watching the extras on the DVD was very interesting. Good rental.

Ace in the Hole

In the film Ace in the Hole a big-city journalist adjusts to a more rural beat. This film was recommended after Kirk Douglas passed. He plays both the hero and the antagonist in an interesting story involving crisis, drama and media. Good rental. Classic.

The Last Movie Star

In The Last Movie Star we explore fandom, lifetime "so far" achievement, Hollywood, aging, love and sincerity. I liked the editing and performances. In the end they say "the best is yet to come." This is a good rental.

Wild Nights with Emily

Relationships in the life of Emily Dickinson are central to the film Wild Nights with Emily. Her family, her neighbors, her friends, her words. Good rental.

Miss Americana

I enjoy documentaries about musicians and the film Taylor Swift: Miss Americana delivered for me. This is a very personal look at her process and her struggles in the industry. She is very open about her feelings of fairness of how she has been treated both personally and professionally. I liked this inside look at a very layered artist. Good doc.

Birds of Prey: The Fantabulous Emancipation of Harley Quinn

After watching quite a few serious films in preparation for the 2020 Academy Awards I happily sat down to Birds of Prey: and the Fantabulous Emancipation of Harley Quinn for a bit of relief. Harley Quinn has broken up with The Joker and she's a mess. A mess with a charming grin and a mischievous tilt toward revenge. The characters in this film are badass, the action is amazing and the humor downright clever. The fight scenes are beautiful, powerful and skillfully executed. This movie was just what I needed. Well done.

The Cave

The documentary about an underground hospital in Syria is rightful titled The Cave. Heartbreaking accounts of injuries from bombings and chemical attacks are graphic and brutal. The dedication the doctors and health care professionals show is astounding and inspiring.

For Sama

The documentary For Sama was made from of footage shot by her mother for posterity. When she collaborates with a documentarian to put the story together, we get an intimate, passionate story of a family in Aleppo. There is destruction everywhere and the footage is truly shocking. This film was put together with brutal honesty and a lot of love. Quite eye-opening.

The Edge of Democracy

The trials and tribulation of the difficult politics in Brazil are spotlighted in the documentary The Edge of Democracy. Corruption and tension abound as the presidents move in and out of the office. There is chaos, demonstrations and tension throughout. An unsettling documentary.

Honeyland

Honeyland is a vivid documentary about life, survival, nature, kindness and beekeeping. The results of care are rewarded, the results of neglect gets its due. This documentary is beautifully filmed and almost hypnotic, as we follow the beekeeper through her days. What a wonderful film.

Top 2019

This is a list of my favorite films from 2019

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
Apollo 11
Avengers: Endgame
Blinded by the Light
Booksmart
Captain Marvel
The Dead Don't Die
The Farewell
Fighting with My Family
Ford v Ferrari
Frozen II
Hustlers
The Irishman
The Kitchen
Knives Out
The Last Black Man in San Fransisco
Little Women
Maiden
Marriage Story
Midsommer
Neureyev
Once Upon a Time...In America
Pain & Glory
Parasite
The Peanut Butter Falcon
The Pieces I Am: Toni Morrison
Spiderman: Far From Home
Toy Story 4
Uncut Gems
Us
Vault
Western Stars

Miller's Crossing

As old fashioned crime stories go, Miller's Crossing is one of the best. A clash between mobsters brings betrayal and violence. The action is played out with a lot of style and great hats. This is a classic gangster movie that I like.

Crawl

In the midst of a category 5 hurricane, in the movie Crawl, a young girl tries to find her father. As the water rises, it becomes apparent that the real threat are giant alligators. This story is so cheesy and far fetched, but interestingly works on a certain level. This is an OK monster / disaster movie.

Pain and Glory

The film Pain and Glory explores relationships, career, aging, art and love. When an older actor contemplates his life and accomplishments we experience a very personal film. Gently moving back and forth from the past to the present, we come to understand his head, his heart and his body. The structure works well. This film is beautifully shot with some very creative choices. The performances are excellent. I really liked this film.

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil

The story of Maleficent: Mistress of Evil is dark and intense. Themes of family, betrayal, hope and love make this a wild ride. There are battle sequences that are not for the kiddos. They are very violent and scary. In the midst of it all, the makeup and hair is off the rails. This movie was better than I expected, but not great and very menacing for a Disney story.

American Factory

A clash of cultures is examined in the documentary American Factory. A Chinese glass company buys a shut-down American auto factory and deals with their past workforce as their US staff. The differences in work ethic and labor structure is interesting.This is an interesting documentary.

They Shall Not Grow Old

Footage from World War I is restored for They Shall Not Grow Old to tell the stories of the brave soldiers in that war. Peter Jackson implements some awesome technology and research to bring this film to life. The "making of" extras on the DVD are well worth watching. Most poignant quote? "Everything should be done to avoid war." Excellent documentary.

Les Miserables

In Les Miserables, the unrest in an urban neighborhood in France pits the police against the residents. It is intense, thrilling and thoughtful. Police and punks clash in dramatic ways. Good film.

Yesterday

In a cataclysmic event the work of The Beatles is erased from the world. Only one man knows of these works. In the movie Yesterday, this young musician plays Beatles music and people think he is a genius. He struggles with taking credit or telling the truth. The story is a bit unsettling, but I liked the resolution and it was wonderful to sit with Beatles music for 2 hours. Beautifully filmed. 

Breakthrough

The elements of heroism, faith and dedication lead to the miraculous story told in Breakthrough. A boy survives falling through the ice and is brought back from being unresponsive. If this story were not true I don't know if I would have believed it. His Mother is an especially strong influence in his recovery. Crissy Metz plays the Mother and is the heart of the film. This is a good rental.

I Lost My Body

The creativity and heart of I Lost My Body is at a high level in this animated film. The story is harrowing, sweet and a little creepy. I really like this Oscar nominated film. Well done.

Joker

The latest version of the Joker story left me with a lot of questions. Though Joaquin Phoenix's performance and the music are dramatic and committed, I felt that the scenes were disjointed and made little sense. This was a miss for me.

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.