Monday, October 05, 2020

Dirty Grandpa

In Dirty Grandpa a hijacked road trip is played for laughs. A raunchy ride with a sweet spot. I liked this one more than I expected to.

Sunday, October 04, 2020

Dick Johnson is Dead

A unique look at end of life, Dick Johnson is Dead is a sweet tribute to the film maker's father. Lots of heart. Lots of humor. Lots of love. Long live Dick Johnson.

Saturday, October 03, 2020

Driveways

In Driveways, while trying to settle her deceased sister's estate, a woman's young son befriends the elderly next door neighbor. This story about generational relationships packs an emotional punch. Many feels.

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Songs My Brothers Taught Me

Songs My Brothers Taught me is a poignant story of life decisions, consequences, love and family. Beautifully shot. "And when the wind is too strong we all know to lean into it so it don't blow us away."

Sunday, September 27, 2020

Never Rarely Sometimes Always

 The portrayal of young relationships in Never Rarely Sometimes Always is very poignant. From romantic, to friendships, to authorities the perceptions run the gamut. The performances given by the young actors in this difficult story are excellent.

Friday, September 25, 2020

I Love You to Death

 As dark comedies go, I Love You to Death is a good one. When a womanizer's wife gets fed up, things don't quite go according to plan. The humor lies in the failures. Great performances.

Saturday, September 19, 2020

The High Note

 In The High Note we get a story of music, determination and principles set in the music industry. The star is played by Tracee Ellis Ross, daughter of Diana Ross, who is a wonderful singer in her own right. I was happy to see in promotional interviews, that her Mom liked the film.

Friday, September 18, 2020

Barbarella

 Barbarella is considered a cult classic. It is a sci-fi ride with strong sexual content. The absurd elements made me laugh, though I'm not sure that was the intent. The special effects are impressive for the time. I saw the original costumes that Jane Fonda wore at an art exhibit a few years ago. Still sexy today.

Wednesday, September 16, 2020

Ready or Not

I wasn't sure what to expect going into the film Ready or Not. I got a wild horror-thriller with great performances and a warped sense of family. Violent and dark with a bizarre ending. If you like horror this is a good rental.

Tuesday, September 15, 2020

Charade

You need to pay attention to follow the aliases in Charade, a classic thriller. This is a murder mystery that twists and turns. The theme is iconic, the romance is relentless.

Sunday, September 13, 2020

Anatamy of a Murder

 The film Anatomy of a Murder is an All-star courtroom drama with a bit of a twist. Victim shaming is in high gear, so are the lies. Excellent film, a classic drama.

I'm Thinking of Ending Things

The less you know going into I'm Thinking of Ending Things, the better. It is as trippy as you would expect a Kaufman film to be. So strange. The script and performances are outstanding, but the interpretation is up to the viewer. I loved the ballet. This film benefits on multiple viewings.

The Adventures of Robin Hood

 I have always heard a lot of references to Errol Flynn, but I had never sat down with one of his films. Watching The Adventures of Robin Hood, I now understand what all the fuss was about. His charm, charisma and physical prowess are dynamic on the screen. He lights up the screen in every scene he's in. The swashbuckling is no joke. I really enjoyed this film and his performance.

Saturday, September 12, 2020

First Cow

First Cow is a story of survival and friendship. A cow is central to a simple economy and two men work toward capitalizing on that. A bit slow, but intriguing and thoughtful. Beautifully shot in the woods of Oregon. There is corny humor as well.

"What do a beggar and a baker have in common?  They both need bread."

"Which side of the tree is best for branches?   The outside."

 I liked this film.

Friday, September 11, 2020

Bad Education

 Based on a true story, Bad Education is a tale of secrets, deception and a lot of money. Excellent performances. Good rental.

Thursday, September 10, 2020

Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band

The documentary Once Were Brothers follows The Band in Robbie Robertson's words. Lots of photos, archival footage and interviews. Cool music history. Good rental. 

"The creative process is trying to catch yourself off guard...just see what happens." ~ Robbie Robertson

Wednesday, September 09, 2020

The Birdman of Alcatraz

 Based on an interesting true story, in Birdman of Alcatraz a convicted murderer becomes an expert on birds while in prison. This film has very cool cinematography and great performances.  This is a classic worth seeing.

Monday, September 07, 2020

Dial M for Murder

In Dial M for Murder a man decides that the revenge for his wife's indiscretion is murder. This film is highly stylized and well written. The intrigue makes this a satisfying mystery. I especially loved the costumes. This is one of Hitchcock's best thrillers.

Alice At the Palace

Alice at the Palace is a delightful adaptation of Alice in Wonderland from the New York Shakespeare Theater circa 1982. It is dynamic and creative with wonderful songs.There are also familiar faces that made this fun to watch.

Corvette Summer

 The search for a stolen car sets up the events in the film Corvette Summer. The steps and mis-steps are entertaining. This is worth a watch just to see a very young Mark Hamil and Annie Potts.

Divine Madness

The concert movie Divine Madness brings us Bette Midler at her finest. The staging of this is divine, the performance is divine, the artist is divine. The film is well named. I especially liked the the last half hour. What a performance.

Sunday, September 06, 2020

Falsettos

Oh the talent in the 2016 revival of Falsettos. Thanks to a subscription to Broadway HD that I was gifted, I was able to enjoy this gem at home. The unique staging, the wonderful music, a heartfelt story of love and life and performances that knock it out of the park made this a true joy. What a musical!

All That Jazz

Every once in a while you need a little Fosse. All That Jazz delivers in the story of his life through the character Joe Gideon. Based on Bob Fosse's life and persona, we follow his struggles and his triumphs. In his personal and professional endeavors there is plenty of drama, humor and dance. Awesome performances make this classic easy to enjoy.

Saturday, September 05, 2020

The Art of the Steal

Politics, art and money makes the documentary The Art of the Steal a compelling story. Real-life drama and scheming around a valuable art collection has intriguing ins and outs. This is a very interesting film.

Friday, September 04, 2020

Bring it On

For the first hour of Bring It On I figured that I'm just too old to appreciate it. As the story of competition and fair-play unfolded, my interest grew. The last half hour the story really brings it. Very satisfying.

Thursday, September 03, 2020

The Outpost

 War stories are rough. The Outpost is a story of soldiers fighting in Afghanistan under less than optimal conditions. Poor equipment, missed communications and longing for home, these soldiers brave a lot. Impressive and intense story.

Monday, August 24, 2020

Arsenic and Old Lace

The philosophy in Arsenic and Old Lace is, "What we've been doing is a mercy." This film was probably the first dark comedy I saw. Well worth a re-watch. So funny. So weird. So clever. A true classic.

Sunday, August 23, 2020

Quintet

Quintet is a dystopian story told around a game where survival is the prize. There is so much snow. A dreary tale, but the performances and music are excellent. This is an OK rental.

American Son

The story told in the film American Son is disturbing. This is an important film regarding race and justice. The situation is compounded by a broken relationship. This must have been so powerful live on Broadway. I am grateful that this film is available on Netflix, I hope a lot of people see it.

Thursday, August 20, 2020

Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Verdon

 Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Verdon is a crazy horror mockumentary with a classic cameo. Every trope is explored. Decent rental.

Sunday, August 16, 2020

Tap

I saw Tap when it came out in theaters. I love to watch tap dancing, especially when it's Gregory Hines, Sammy Davis Jr. and Savion Glover. Three of the best. Suzzanne Douglas has chops too, and Joe Morton brings it as the heavy. Really like this film.

The Old Guard

I usually don't like battle scenes with immortals, but the fight choreography in The Old Guard is outstanding. Theron and Layne are great as the heroes protecting the world as they know it. This movie is worth a watch.

Saturday, August 15, 2020

Guns Akimbo

 A violent video game turns real life in Guns Akimbo. The story moves fast and the stakes are high. Violent and bloody, this is a crazy ride. 

Fear City: New York vs The Mafia

 Fear City: New York vs The Mafia is a docu-series chronicling the history of mafia activity in NYC in the 70s and 80s. The structure of the organization and how the feds went after them is intriguing. This is a little drawn out but interesting.

Friday, August 14, 2020

Downhill

When 2 high profile comedic actors are cast as a couple in Downhill, a light comedy is expected. Not here. These comedic actors handle serious roles well in a story of a relationship on the rocks. This is a heavy drama that's uncomfortable to watch. One of the final scenes is a good example of use your words. This is a powerful drama.

"If you don't like the way that I look at you, then show me something different."

Thursday, August 13, 2020

Trolls World Tour

 Music with a message delivers in Trolls World Tour. The messages? Tolerance, diversity, kindness, friendship, creativity and unity. It feels like a lot at some points, but the heart of the Trolls are in the right place. This is a cute movie.

Sunday, August 09, 2020

John and Yoko: Above Us Only Sky

 The documentary John and Yoko: Above Us Only Sky is the gentle story of the making of the album Imagine. The story of the collaboration between John Lennon and Yoko Ono is interesting and creative. The archival footage is fascinating and comforting. A lovely piece of music history.

Planet of the Apes (1968)

The film Planet of the Apes ventures into so many genres. Drama. Sci-fi. Adventure. Politics. Justice. Social Commentary. This futuristic society with apes as the dominant race and humans as the underlings is very well formed. The script is profound and dramatic. It's impressive how quoted it is. A true classic. Well worth watching.

The Birds

I re-watched The Birds and was impressed with how this film holds up. The story is rather strange, but the quirky factors give a very disturbing situation a touch of charm. The production value is excellent. This film is dramatically shot. There is suspense and drama galore.I liked this film when I first saw it decades ago and I'm even more impressed with it now.

Saturday, August 08, 2020

Wah - Wah

The family drama Wah-Wah deals with themes of abandonment, addiction, coming of age and accomplishment. Well done. Good rental.

Thursday, August 06, 2020

The Underneath

 In The Underneath this story goes from family drama to heist thriller. A gambling addict returns to his hometown and tries to make up to family and friends. This is an interesting film telling an interesting story with a few twists. Decent rental.

Tuesday, August 04, 2020

Making Mr. Right

 A scientist creates an android in his image for space exploration in Making Mr. Right. In the process, social situations are explored and relationships develop. Fun, sweet, funny, sweet, thoughtful, sweet, clever and did I mention sweet? John Malkovich gives a brilliant dual performance.This is a very entertaining film.

Sunday, August 02, 2020

Basquiat

 The biopic Basquiat follows the rise and fall of the young street artist Jean Michel Basquiat. He was a popular artist in the Andy Warhol circles in the 80s and enjoyed success as well as disappointments. This is an interesting story with a great cast.

Oh God!

 A good man brings God's word to the modern world in the movie Oh God! This is an interesting, sweet and sometimes funny look at faith, decency and communication. "You talk, I'll listen." A lovely film. Love that Pacer.

Saturday, August 01, 2020

The Great Race

 The Great Race is an adventure in competition, mayhem, romance and some of the funniest fight scenes on screen. This film is a classic and a very fun ride!

Friday, July 31, 2020

To Die For

The film To Die For takes the viewer on a wild, wicked ride that is fueled by passion and ambition. The whole thing is a bit twisted. The ending is stunning, I really enjoyed this film.

Monday, July 27, 2020

Marty

 I saw the film Marty decades ago. I remember that I liked it, and I have a soft spot for Ernest Borgnine. On this watch, I was reminded of what a sad character Marty is. In the 50s a man in his mid-thirties was regarded as a problem. Marty is sincere and caring. This a story worth watching.

Sunday, July 26, 2020

Zandalee

The crazy love story of Zandalee is a wild ride. Infidelity and uncertainty drive the plot. There is a very aggressive dance sequence that is impressive.

Saturday, July 25, 2020

Ball of Fire

When a sincere group of professors encounter a brassy nightclub singer, they have truly met a Ball of Fire. They encounter the mob and mischief while exploring the world of language through slang. Very funny story of intellect meets the street. What a classic.

The Best Years of Our Lives

In The Best Years of Our Lives military men return to their civilian lives after surviving the horror of war. Their relationships are challenged and they persevere. This drama is heartfelt and honest. I liked this classic a lot more than I expected.

Thursday, July 23, 2020

Pecker

 A young man finds fame in the film Pecker and it is quite a lesson for all involved. His passion and talent for photography brings a notoriety that all involved must figure out how to deal with in the art world. Themes of creativity, family, friendship, fame, exploitation, community, kindness and loyalty are woven well in this entertaining, risque story. Thank you John Waters.

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Spaceballs

 The sci-fi parody Spaceballs is a fun ride. The galaxy is so funny and the characters are so goofy. I watched this movie when I needed a good laugh, and boy did it deliver! So silly. So good.

Tuesday, July 21, 2020

Inside Daisy Clover

The making of a star is told in Inside Daisy Clover. Daisy has high aspirations and she achieves many of them. The Hollywood star-system is her nemesis, but she deals with it as best she can. "I'll bet my simple healthy instincts against your any day." Natalie Wood is elegant, even as a feisty tomboy, and there is a haircut that comes full circle. There is no lack of drama and the performances are excellent. I liked this film a lot.

Monday, July 20, 2020

Teddy Bear

 You would not expect the story of a young bodybuilder to be told in a film titled Teddy Bear, but it turns out to be very fitting. The bodybuilder is socially awkward, but longs for connection. He is fine in the comfort of the gym, but struggles in day to day encounters. His Mother holds him back from getting out in the world unless it is for a competition. When he ventures outside of his comfort zone, he ultimately finds what he is looking for. This story is very sweet and well told. I liked this film a lot.

Sunday, July 19, 2020

The Trapeze

 The ambition of a performer leads to some harrowing situations in The Trapeze. The result is a love triangle with lots of drama. The story is simple, emotional and predictable. The aerial work is astounding. This was a fun film.

Harvey

 The classic film Harvey is about a lot of things. Control, societal norms and keeping up appearances make people think that Elwood P. Dowd is crazy, when what really motivates him is kindness. People judging things they don't understand get a good hard look. This film is a good lesson in compassion.

Saturday, July 18, 2020

What's Up Doc?

 Movies like What's Up Doc? remind me of what a good comedic actress Barbra Streisand is. The mayhem caused by a robbery, identical overnight bags and some snappy dialog make this a delight to watch. The sincerity of Streisand's character, and the way she delivers her lines moves the madcap story along at a good clip, and never misses a laugh. I thought this was a very funny film.

Thursday, July 16, 2020

Mame

The musical version of Mame showcases Lucile Ball's gorgeous physicality. The way she walks, the way she dances, the way she gestures, all look dynamic and effortless. She is as much fun to watch as she is to listen to. The life of the outspoken Mame is portrayed with heart and humor in this film. Mame's declaration of , "open a new window every day" is a declaration of optimism and hope that we all can use.

Saturday, July 11, 2020

Mucho Mucho Amour: The Legend of Walter Mercado

 The story of Walter Mercado in Mucho Mucho Amour: The Legend of Walter Mercado is a love letter to passion. This creative, enthusiastic, upbeat person had a very popular TV show where he would work his magic. He had flair, a distinctive style and was beloved. This is an uplifting documentary.

Ride with the Devil

The brutality of the Civil War is brought to the screen in vivid detail in Ride with the Devil. There are lots of guns, lots of hatred. This film is beautifully shot, with excellent performances, but this is tough one.

Friday, July 10, 2020

Jackie Brown

The film Jackie Brown gives us a strong, no-nonsense woman. This is a story of cons conning the cons in a brilliant web of dialogue, performance, music and violence. Pam Greer shines in this crime film. Well done.

Sunday, July 05, 2020

Dangerous When Wet

 In the film Dangerous When Wet I learned of the talents of Ester Williams. Not only was she a phenomenal swimmer, but a talented actress. Her natural charm plays well on the screen in the story of a young woman attempting to swim the English Channel. It is a family venture and we are treated to a story of ambition, hard work, romance, adventure and accomplishment. This is a very entertaining film with a fun animated sequence. I liked this film a lot.

The Private Files of J. Edgar Hoover

 For more history, The Private Files of J. Edgar Hoover takes us to all of the messy situations in government under 8 administrations. The FBI was Hoover's world and he ran it his way. A lot of these situations don't seem much different from present day politics. This is a film full of real life drama. Well done.

Saturday, July 04, 2020

The Great Escape

The classic film The Great Escape is a harrowing prison story. Hearing prison called "the cooler" sets you in World War II, the language of the prisoners is key. The actual escape is the classic, tunneling-out method, but once they are out the real adventure begins. This is based on a true story and takes place on the 4th of July. I'm glad that this was my Independence Day film. Appropriate

Friday, July 03, 2020

Father of the Bride (1950)

 Spencer Tracy shines in Father of the Bride (1950). The dated view of women and relationships is a little hard to take, but if viewed in the setting of the times it feels historic. Elizabeth Taylor shows why she was a big star. The tropes of wedding angst are played for entertainment. I liked this film.

Hamilton

 In 2016 I fell in love with the cast recording of the Broadway musical Hamilton. The compelling story of Alexander Hamilton and the birth of a nation is full of drama, battles, love and scandal. These elements make for perfect theater. The team that put the musical together filmed one of the last performances of the original cast. In 2019 I was treated to a performance of Hamilton on Broadway in NYC, and later that year, saw a road production with the Angelica Company. Such a delight. The film was sold to Disney and the original plan for releasing the film was a theatrical release in the fall of 2020.  When Broadway shut down in March of 2020 and we were trapped in lock-down by a pandemic, they decided to release the film to Disney + on July 3rd. That morning I woke at 6am and watched the film. What a pleasure to watch the original cast work inside a piece they had been performing for over a year. I'm glad that I saw this in the theater, because the sets and movement around the set is hard to capture in a film. They concentrated on the story and the performances. It is such a joy to be able to watch this whenever I want. Thanks to the creators and Disney +.

Thursday, July 02, 2020

Blazing Saddles

 One of the first risque movies that I saw in the theater was Blazing Saddles. So edgy, so inappropriate, so funny. Watching it now, much of the humor is cringe-worthy, but somehow, still very finny. Not your typical western. The finale is off the rails. This movie still makes me laugh.

Wednesday, July 01, 2020

A New Leaf

 In A New Leaf we have a scoundrel, a wealthy man who as lost everything. His solution? Marry a rich woman. The premise is unseemly, but is carried off by the performance and writing of Elaine May. This is a very dark comedy that is well crafted.

Sunday, June 28, 2020

The Watermelon Woman

 A creative deep dive into film history is the base of The Watermelon Woman. Researching an actress from the 30s, sheds an unexpected light for an industrious film maker. The detailed fictional creation of what-if is very satisfying. I especially liked the surprise revelations. Good film.

Word is Out

The stories of a group of gay and lesbian people in the documentary Word Is Out are powerful and important. Made in 1977, one of the subjects referred to "faggotry in the late '50s" as sissy, lilies, pansies, limp wrist, faggoty. This terminology was jarring to me, and drove home one of the levels of disrespect that is experienced. There are also stories of human rights issues that are just as problematic and need to be addressed. Over the years, some have, but there is still work to be done. This is an important documentary for awareness and activism. wordisoutmovie.com

Thursday, June 25, 2020

Brockmire

The public meltdown of a popular sports announcer is our introduction to Brockmire in this series. Describing situations with statements like, "A doozie of a pickle of a shitstorm.," the colorful character of Jim Brockmire barrels through his personal and professional life. For as brash and inappropriate as he can be, he is also likeable and as a big heart. I really liked this series. Very funny with an edge and just the right amount of drama...and that jacket!

Sunday, June 21, 2020

Les Girls

 In Les Girls we see the same situation told from several points of view. The costumes and dance numbers are outstanding. Wonderful film.

Topper

 There is a charm to Topper that is extraordinary. The story of a charismatic couple meeting their demise and then roaming the earth as spirits, has the perfect level of whimsy and humor. Their banter as they move from situation to situation shows their devotion to each other and their love of the life they have left. I saw this film as a kid and I think it was the first time I heard the word ectoplasm. This film has a lot of creativity and joy. Fun film.

Summer Stock

 On an invitation by her sister, in Summer Stock a young woman lets a group of performers use their farm to stage their performances. The line between the survival of the farm and putting on a musical becomes blurred by best of intentions. Two different goals must be met and the conflicts supply the drama and comedy. The music, dance and performances of both are great.

Friday, June 19, 2020

Saint Frances

 A ways into the film Saint Frances I thought to myself, "Frances is no saint." A relationship develops and evolves. Things don't always go right and consequences are real. For all of the uncomfortable moments, there is satisfaction. Good rental.

Thursday, June 18, 2020

Love Jones

 In Love Jones the exploration of love and sex are given a lot of thought and discussion. Are they in love? Is it just chemistry? This is a very thoughtful, honest love story. Well done.

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Victim

The fear of discrimination lies in the motivations of the characters in the film Victim. Blackmail and injustice make for high drama. The performances in this film are great. Lifestyle and morals play a big part in 60s London. My favorite line? "If you're old enough to vote, you're old enough to choose your own way of life." Good film.

Sunday, June 14, 2020

Da 5 Bloods

The post-Vietnam war story Da 5 Bloods starts as a reunion and turns into a treasure hunt. There is high drama when the soldiers return to Vietnam to find a treasure. There is camaraderie and betrayal, violence and compassion. This was an adventure I did not expect. The writing, directing, music and performances are outstanding. Worth a look.

Our Betters

 In a story of class and infidelity Our Betters looks at whether the upper class is really better. In what way? The characters are awful, yet make excuses. The subject matter is disturbing, but the performances and costumes are great.

Friday, June 12, 2020

The Shawshank Redemption

 I saw The Shawshank Redemption many years ago, I knew I liked it, but had forgotten many of the details. On a re-watch, this film really holds up. The story of friendship, rehabilitation, perseverance and escape is compelling. The performances are great. I can see why people watch this film over and over. It's that good.

Thursday, June 11, 2020

The Addams Family

 After listening to interviews with both Angelika Houston and Barry Levinson, I realized that I had never seen The Addams Family. The lives of the Addams' is funny and also rather sweet for a family of horror figures. When con-artists try to get at the family fortune, hilarity ensues. This film is very clever and very entertaining.

Wednesday, June 10, 2020

Love Story

 Love Story was a book I read over and over when I was in middle school. It was made into the film Love Story in 1970. The brash characters' story of falling in love, captures a clash of class and culture. It takes a tragic turn, but love is always the centerpiece. This film still holds up.


Tuesday, June 09, 2020

13th

Discussing the injustices of racial inequality, 13th is an important film. It focuses on the prison system and the blatant racism in those systems. It is necessary to raise awareness of this history and the times we are living in.

Sunday, June 07, 2020

The Lovebirds

When a couple finds themselves accidentally on the run, The Lovebirds becomes a caper movie very quickly. Trapped is a series of bad decisions, after a disastrous accident, they plunge deeper into trouble as the story develops. This is an entertaining film with charming performances. A decent rental. 

Cleopatra (1963)

The epic story of Cleopatra is told in grand style with an all-star cast. Elizabeth Taylor breathes life into the Egyptian queen in a passionate performance as she deals with the Romans and her love-life. The sets are elaborate and stunning, the story is high drama.  From the battlefield to the bedroom, this epic has it all. This is not just a film, it is an experience.

Friday, June 05, 2020

Clueless (1995)

In Clueless the story of Jane Austin's Emma is set in the 90s. The central character is in high school, and she rules the roost. Privileged and popular, at first, she comes off as vacuous, but it becomes apparent that she has ingenuity and a good heart. The ups and downs of high school are present no matter your class. The performances are great and the fashion of the day is a character itself. This movie holds up.

Thursday, June 04, 2020

Mata Hari (1931)

The story of Mata Hari is a thriller. The movie, based on an exotic dancer who was a spy in WW I, is intriguing. Though this film is a fictional account, it claims it's drama in the reality of history. The costumes and performances are outstanding. I really liked this film.

Wednesday, June 03, 2020

Last Christmas

I was not prepared for the fantasy element in Last Christmas, but it worked. A young girl makes the most of the few associations she has to find direction in her life. The less you know going into this film the better. I really liked the twist. Well done.

Sunday, May 31, 2020

Funny Girl

When you sing like an angel, but can't dance a lick, it helps to be a Funny Girl as Fanny Brice learns. This charming woman rises to stardom and falls in love. There are bumps in the road, but she handles them with humor and love. I really liked these performances. I really liked this movie.

Saturday, May 30, 2020

Boy

Poor parenting lies at the heart of Boy where a young family lacks a father. When he shows up, his effect is not good. He is using his son to find ill-gotten treasure. Though the father is presented in a whimsical light, the darkness of his motives are quite clear. The boy is so desperate for his Father's approval, he'll do anything. Sad story. Wonderful performances. There is a dance number at the end that is worth watching.

The Last Word

What would it be like to choose the person who writes your obituary? In The Last Word we find out when a wealthy woman, who is not very well liked, starts to worry about what her legacy will be. She approaches a writer at her local paper to write her obituary and goes down a road of self-examination that leads to showing her true heart. There was a lot more to this story than I expected. A solid rental.

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Hannah Gadsby: Douglas

Hannah Gadsby took the world by storm with her first stand up special. In her new special titled Douglas we go for a comedy ride that is no nonsense, smart and brave. She has a wry way of responding to the world that I really enjoy. Loved this special and look forward to more from this thoughtful person.

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

The Half of It

 In a present-day version of Cyrano, The Half of It has a young girl helping a fellow student woo a girl that she has a crush on. The character of Ellie is so charming and endearing and she really carries the story and the film. This is a wonderful film.

Monday, May 25, 2020

Lost Girls

A family's anguish in Lost Girls is raw and heartbreaking. A mother searches for her daughter, who she is sure has met and unfortunate demise. The police are little help and the victim shaming gets in the way of progress. All of the characters are flawed, but the Mother persists no matter what. This is based on a true story and the outcome is not a happy one. Somber film with excellent performances. 

The Red Shoes (1948)

The drama of the world of ballet is at the center of The Red Shoes. A young ballerina rises to stardom and falls in love. The complexities of mixing her personal life with her professional ambitions is a classic tale. This is a very pretty film. The performance at the center is dreamy and elegant. I liked this film a lot.

Sunday, May 24, 2020

Million Dollar Mermaid

The film Million Dollar Mermaid is the biopic of Annette Kellerman. A passionate swimmer, she found a way to monetize her talent in the entertainment world. This film is beautifully shot, the costumes are great and the performances are top-notch. Interesting to see the evolution of entertainment. Good film.

Saturday, May 23, 2020

The Third Man

I have had The Third Man recommended to me many times. This masterful mystery is full of drama, door work, log shots and intrigue. The cinematography is intricate, working shadows for every ounce of drama. I'm glad I finally saw this film and look forward to watching it again.

Janie Jones

I first saw Janie Jones at Tribeca Film Festival. On a rewatch I am reminded of the dramatic family circumstances with an underlying sweetness. There is trauma, struggle, rejection, growth, maturity and music. This film holds up. 

Friday, May 22, 2020

Mikey and Nicky

In a disturbing way, Mikey and Nicky is a buddy film where the buddies are at odds. They are childhood friends, but staying one step ahead of a hit-man adds stress to an already tense relationship. This crime thriller is well written with excellent performances. Lots of drama. Good rental.

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Sullivan's Travels

A Hollywood director has an idea for a research project and Sullivan's Travels begin. The film has some great Hollywood scenes. They depict the nightmare movie theater experience and the ideal movie theater experience. It's a great contrast. When Sullivan gets where he wants, things turn ugly and the drama turns dark. This is an excellent film I really enjoyed.