Tickled

 The film Tickled is not the documentary I expected. When a reporter delves into a tickling competition, he finds more than he bargains for. The less you know going in, the better. What a crazy story.

Ratatouille the Musical

 My first virtual performance experience was so fun! Ratatouille the Musical was creative, energetic, funny and heartfelt with wonderful performances. Post-show meet up on FaceTime after with my family was icing on the cake. Bravo!!

Let Them All Talk

 It's kind of fun to watch women in their 60s act like middle-schoolers. In Let Them All Talk we get that and more. I liked the story, I liked the characters, I liked the performances. I liked this film.

Holiday (1938)

 The classic film Holiday takes an interesting look at life choices. A young man wants to be on "holiday" while he is young. Not everyone in his life is supportive of his decision. A charming film.

Wonder Woman 1984

 In  Wonder Woman 1984 we learn the power of Diana as she is in the year 1984. Saving the world with strength and confidence she is thrilling to watch. The story and stunts are great. It is fun to see her story play out.

Soul

 The beauty of the film Soul lies very much in the love of music. The concept of where souls exist is pretty abstract, but it is played out with a lot of sincerity. I really liked the characters and the concept. Well done.

The Apartment

A man rethinks the use of his abode in The Apartment when he meets a woman he wants to romance. There are complications, and many moments play to comedy. This film is sweet, awkward and heartfelt. 

The Bishop's Wife

 In The Bishop's Wife an angel's visit changes a couple's perspective and lives. This Christmas classic is very satisfying.

Critical Thinking

 Based on a true story, Critical Thinking is the story of an inner city high school chess team. Their journey is interesting and heartfelt. Watch the credits to see interviews with the actual students. Good film.

Pottersville

Pottersville is an off the wall small town story with a kink. Set at Christmas, this story of mistaken identity is rather entertaining. I got a chuckle out of this quirky comedy.

White Christmas

 I first saw White Christmas on late night television when I was babysitting. This romantic story suited a young teenage me. The music and banter are delightful. A holiday film I enjoy.

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

Dynamic writing, performances and soundtrack make Ma Rainey's Black Bottom a solid portrayal of art, discrimination and principles. So good.

This Christmas

 In This Christmas we watch a family's holiday reunion with drama, secrets, loyalty, love and moves...so many moves. The last scene is a gift. I really liked the relationships and how they played into the reunion. Well done.

March of the Wooden Soldiers (Babes in Toyland 1934)

 I have a memory of seeing March of the Wooden Soldiers when I was young. I have no idea how I would have seen a 1934 film in the 50s or 60s, but it must have been on network TV during the holiday season. I loved it as a kid and I still like it now. The story is a little off and the villan is scary. It is slapstick and trilling at times. The story is there and the performances stand up. A bit of nostalgia.

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey

In Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey there is lots of creativity, lots of joy, lots of music, lots of dance. There's a lot in this movie, but it all comes down to a lot of heart. Fun Christmas watch.

Christmas on the Square

 Christmas on the Square is such a cheesy movie, but I enjoyed it for the cast. 

Tig

I had a ticket to see Tig Notaro live in PVD in 2020. It was rescheduled twice and ultimately canceled due to the pandemic. The last reschedule date was Dec. 4th so her show has been on my mind. I have seen her live before and really like her comedy. The documentary Tig, is a nice behind the scenes to her career and personal life. Such a talented performer and genuine human. As Tig likes to say, "I guess God was right, I can handle this." I'm a big fan, and I liked this documentary.

The Prom

 I love musical theater, but The Prom did not do it for me. Most of the performances were good, the story was OK, but many times it just seemed silly. I did like the music. Maybe I expected too much.

The Ward

 In The Ward a young woman is institutionalized. In time, she experiences terrors. Are the experiences real, or are they supernatural. A decent thriller.

What We Did on Our Holiday

A family drama that goes off the rails, What We Did on Our Holiday is edgy with a lot of heart, and the right amount of laughs. The kids will do anything for Granddad, and they do. I love this cast, and the ending is just right.

Mank

 An interesting look at film history, Mank covers a lot of ground. This dramatization of the writing of Citizen Kane shows an unattractive side of Hollywood and the early movie making machine. It's not all glamour. There is a constant narration in this film that is a bit much, but there is a lot of explaining to do. The film takes on a lot. 

Wildlife

Wildlife is a poignant family drama involving separation. Everyone is trying to find themselves. I found this film to be very touching. Well done.

Emma

 The 2020 film Emma is a charming interpretation of the Jane Austen classic. What a cast! The performances won me over and this film just makes me smile. Well done.

It's Always Fair Weather

 Great music, dance numbers and charm makes It's Always Fair Weather worth a look. I've never seen anyone tap dance in roller skates or trashcan lids. The editing is creative and makes this fun to watch. Great DVD rental. Watch the extras.

Hillbilly Elegy

 In Hillbilly Elegy we learn that no matter how they behave, family is still family. You choose how to deal with it. A shared legacy is in the hearts of these characters. Based on a memoir, I liked this film.

Road House

 In a bout of nostalgia, I rented Road House to get a little young Patrick Swayze. Playing a bouncer at a bar in Missouri, he keeps order with his martial arts prowess. His performance is strong, sexy and heartfelt. This film is a classic that is worth a watch.

The Queen's Gambit

 I was not expecting there to be so much drama around chess, but The Queen's Gambit proved me wrong. The performances, writing and editing make this series interesting and dramatic. I liked this series a lot.

My Octopus Teacher

The documentary My Octopus Teacher is fascinating. Beautifully shot. Emotionally narrated. This is a thrilling story I did not expect. Wish I had been able to see this in the theater. Nature up close is amazing, and at times, brutal. I really liked this film.

Relic

Generations are haunted in the film Relic. Is it a specter? Is it the house? Is it reality? Getting to the bottom of strange goings on is a good horror ride. Sometimes reality is more frightening than the supernatural.

Unhinged

In Unhinged overblown road rage goes down a violent road. With little motivation, a man wreaks bloody havoc. Anxiety plus. This was a very disturbing rental

The Current War

The complications of progress are explored in The Current War. A period film about the war of technology. Interesting rental

Amanda Knox

 The documentary Amanda Knox chronicles the story of a college student arrested for murder in Italy and her journey to freedom. OK rental if the subject interests you.

Let's Scare Jessica to Death

A creepy thriller with a 70s vibe, Let's Scare Jessica to Death keeps you guessing what's real, what's not? The production design is cool. For some reason I was obsessed with the glass doorknobs. Good rental.

To Catch a Thief

 In To Catch a Thief a retired burglar must defend his honor and figure out who is framing him. Great performances from Grant and Kelly.

Parting Glances

 In Parting Glances a group of friends gather for a going away party. Relationships, careers and family are all discussed with drama, humor. The social commentary is very interesting. We see the 80s in all its glory. Good film, great performances.

ANN

 The one-person show ANN is a wonderful portrayal of Ann Richards. Holland Taylor portrays the former Texas governor skillfully and with a lot of heart and grit. Her no-nonsense approach to life and politics is inspiring. I'm glad that I watched this. 

The Impostors

A silly slapstick ride, The Impostors is jam-packed with talented stars, drama and laughs. A lot of comedy makes this a fun watch.

Hardball

There is a lot of good early work from Keanu Reeves, Diane Lane and a great group of young actors in Hardball. Gambling, little league and urban survival delivers a heartwarming drama with a sobering look at violence. I really liked this film.

Invasion of the Body Snatchers

Invasion of the Body Snatchers is a great sci-fi, mystery horror film. What's in those pods? Well shot and oh that score. Great rental

The Long Dumb Road

An odd couple end up on a road trip in The Long Dumb Road. The journey has its ups and downs and a lot of heart. Funny with a touch of raunchy. I liked this movie a lot.

Pick of the Litter

The Pick of the Litter is a documentary about the work involved in training guide dogs. The amount of work involved for both the dogs and he trainers is impressive. Inspiring and heartfelt rental.

DVD.com in Lock-Down

 When I first experienced the Empty Nest in the late 90s I had more time to watch movies. My older daughter was a bit of a cinephile, and I was fascinated when she and her friends would see a film on it's opening weekend. I liked movies, but did not consume them as voraciously as she. As my idle hours increased this changed. I got used to going to the cinema by myself and trips to the video store were frequent. In 2002 my daughter started talking about something called Netflix. I was skeptical of getting DVDs in the mail, but she signed me up as a birthday gift. And what a gift it was! As I merrily scrolled through the library, adding films to my queue, I realized that many titles I tried to find at the video store or the library were now at my fingertips from the comfort of my home. In no time I eased into a routine of renting 3 movies a week. Quite a value and great entertainment.

 My other form of movie consumption was the cinema. Every weekend I would follow my daughter's lead and head to that room in the dark to see the latest releases. From big studio blockbusters to art house gems, I was a consumer. If the reviews on a film were so-so I would put the title in my Netflix queue for a low risk, high value viewing at home. Over time, I learned how to get the latest releases and classic gems delivered to my door. 

A few years ago, I was approached to be part of a group to promote the newly branded Netflix service dvd.com. Swag arrived at my door and reward points could be earned by posting on social media and participating in activities.#DVDNation #ad I was even fortunate enough to meet the people in this Directors group on a visit to one of the Netflix distribution hubs. Seeing the process of how they turned around thousands of DVDs a day was fascinating. We joked about who had the most movies in their queue and reveled in the joy of our mutual love of film and physical media.

When we went into lock-down in March, the closing of theaters made sense. Though I understood, it left a void in my film world. The comfort that I took in my Netflix subscription was valuable. Movies delivered to my house? Sweet! Since I had been to the hub and knew that they sanitized the discs, I was not worried about exposure. The USPS handled the deliveries like a champ. At first, I leaned toward light fare and comedies, but I was feeling and unsettled restlessness. Renting the 1927 film Wings taught me a lesson. I found comfort in a film made over 90 years ago. The themes of comradery and loyalty, along with some amazing cinematography was very comforting. Then the movie Auntie Mame (1958) was recommended as a movie to watch with the family. Once again I was comforted by a film of a certain age. The movies kept coming and I kept finding satisfaction in films from the 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s. The best part was never leaving the house to get them. The service from the dvd.com hubs and the USPS has been flawless. I have never appreciated their services more. Since March, I have made sure to write my thanks to both the USPS and Netflix on the return envelopes. I hope they know how sincere those messages are. If you love movies DVD.com is the way to go with the best DVD library around and unbeatable service. Thanks so much to Netflix!

The Spiral Staircase (1946)

Halloween season is the perfect time to watch The Spiral Staircase. Trapped in a house with a serial killer, a young woman is in peril. This is a perfectly crafted thriller. Great rental for this scary season.

Bug

The wild thriller Bug is a crazy ride through delusion, paranoia and conspiracy. Agnes: "I am the super Mother bug!" Cool film.

The People Under the Stairs

If you like something creepy with a touch of social justice check out The People Under the Stairs. Wes Craven takes us to a house and a hidden world that becomes an unexpected adventure to make things right. Well done.

The Hot Rock

The Hot Rock is a classic heist film with a great cast. Films from the 70s hit a chord with me through the cars, hair and clothes. Seriously, what was going on with Redford's hair? There are a lot of bare chests in this film as well. Some good, some not so much. Sad what they did to that Mustang and I question the handling ability of that Mercedes. The driving sequences are harrowing, sometimes terrifying. The lower Manhattan skyline with the Twin Towers under construction really set us in the time period of the early 70s. I really liked this film.

Being There

The film Being There is an interesting exploration of what's real. The most realistic quote in this film is, "All you've got to be is white in America to get whatever you want." This film has a lot of heart and the ending is the "aha" moment. The performances and story are so good and so satisfying. I really liked this movie.

The Trial of the Chicago 7

If you like historical drama, The Trial of the Chicago 7 portrays an important time in American history. Excellent film. Outstanding performances. Disturbing look at our justice system. "The whole world is watching." Well done.

The Hospital

In The Hospital things just keep going wrong. The distortion of power and bureaucracy is depicted well. I saw this in the theater back in the day and it still holds up. Outstanding performances.

Inheritance

Not every Inheritance is about money. A mystery man surfaces after a wealthy man dies. Who he is and why he's there makes for a mystery that takes some startling turns. I liked this movie a lot, but it's pretty bizarre.I liked it.

Exeter

A supernatural horror film, Exeter, was made in RI at an alleged haunted site. Teenagers awaken the supernatural to a creepy effect. There are plenty of jump scares. This is a decent scary movie.

Making The Boys

Making the Boys is an excellent documentary about making The Boys in the Band, both the play and the film. Mart Crowley tells the story along with the cast and collaborators. The film is personal and powerful. Great rental.

No Time for Sergeants

 The classic No Time for Sergeants is a military themed comedy. The interactions between all of the different personalities makes for very funny scenes. This is a great cast. Very entertaining.

Charlie's Angels (2019)

The 2019 version of Charlie's Angels is a cool action film that stays true to the source material...and then some. The story is interesting and the chase and fight scenes rock. Well done. Good rental.

Winter Kills

I got classic 70s vibes from the drama Winter Kills. Wardrobe and cars are spot on. Basically, this is a murder mystery that goes many different ways. I won't spoil it, but there is a yellow Pinto in a chase scene. The last half hour is the best part of the film. Wonderful performances.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bad Education

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

Wah - Wah

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

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.

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.

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.

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!