TOP END WEDDING--Australia--It's a slow start for the romantic comedy/drama, but it quickly wins us over with very likeable characters and some consistent laughs. The ending is very moving and funny at the same time. I ended up seeing this twice. GRADE------A
BLINDED BY THE LIGHT---It might help if you are already a Bruce Springsteen fan, but this film feels exhuberat thanks to great music, singing, and a beautiful youthful performance in the lead. It opens wide in August, and deserves to be a mammoth hit. GRADE---------A
#FEMALE PLEASURE--Switzerland--Five different women from five different religious backgrounds find that male repression of female sexuality is universal. Most effective is a scene of a Somali woman who experienced female genital mutilation as a child, and in one scene demonstrates on a large clay shaped vulva how the genitals are cut using a large shears. That scene alone could change the minds of millions around the world. GRADE------------A-
WHAT SHE SAID: THE ART OF PAULINE KAEL--Lovers of film, and fans of Pauline Kael's acerbic criticism for many years in THE NEW YORKER magazine should be in cinematic heaven with this engrossing documentary. The nearly full screening seemed to reignite an interest in reading her reviews. GRADE--------------A-
THE APOLLO--USA--A smart, exhaustive documentary on the history of Harlem's epic theatre which has featured nearly every major African American entertainer since 1934, including the Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, the Temptations, etc. The film was produced by HBO, so we can expect it to show up later this summer on cable. GRADE------A-
BOTERO--Canada--A splendid documentary about Fernando Botero, a painter and sculpturist whose work is admired and recognized world wide, even if the name doesn't ring a bell with you right now. His out put is tremendous, and new work is still being produced. GRADE--------A-
TEL AVIV ON FIRE--France/Israel/Belgium--When I scanned the descriptions, I assumed this film was a documentary. I was so wonderfully wrong. A dim witted man accidentally becomes a writer on a popular soap opera that features a romance between an Israeli and Palestinian couple. He then becomes entangled with an official at a traffic check point who begins to tell him what to write about. It's satire and humor at it's delightful best. GRADE---------B+
WINTER FLIES--Czech Republic--A 15 year old boy steals a car, picks up his 12 year old friend and later a young girl, then have a joyride abound the country is this likable road trip film...the kids are funny, sad, goofy and kind of smart. One scene has them both falling asleep at the wheel in the middle of the night--sort of a magical realism moment. GRADE------B+
ENORMOUS: THE GORGE STORY--USA--Here's a swift, historical documentary on the music/vineyard that is the Gorge, complete with samplings of talking heads and snippets of the many musical greats that have played there including Dave Mathews, Jason Mraz, Bob Dylan, Steve Miller, and many many more. GRADE-----------B
ORANGE DAYS--Iran--She struggles to run an orange orchard in Iran, but all the men, including her husband, her ex-boss, and coworkers are liars, cheats and/or pigs. She's having a tough year. GRADE------------B
MINUSCULE-MANDIBLES FROM FAR AWAY--The backgrounds are real, but the many bugs (mostly ladybugs) are animated in this sometimes tedious story of a stowaway, and the father who tries to track him down. Still, different and mostly interesting to watch in this wordless visual story. GRADE-------------B-
ANOTHER DAY OF LIFE--Hungary/Germany--Another fascinating animated film with realistic visuals set in the Angolan civil war. I didn't know much about the politics of the battles--basically the plot has a reporter making his way to the front, and then back again, but the animation is quite effective at times. GRADE-----------B-
THE INNOCENT----Germany--Weird, spooky, ethereal story of conservative woman who becomes influenced by the devil (who may be her supposedly dead ex-lover?) and experiences a change in her life to include her sexuality. Some scenes don't make a lot of sense, but the film feels like a bad dream at times and is quite hypnotic at other times. GRADE----------B-
CELEBRATION--France--This strange, somber documentary of Yves Saint Laurent's final days should have been called DIRGE---there's no happiness, no fashion on display, he walks around seemingly in a coma, and the odd soundtrack consists of buzzes (like a fire drill) or inappropriate opera. It felt like someone had access to some discarded film clips from other movies and edited them together. Not exactly boring, but not much to celebrate either. GRADE---------C+
FAMILY PICTURE SHOW--This shorts program was geared for kids but I (and I think many of them) was bored with the first 6 selections, so I opted out of the final half. GRADE------C
BEFORE THE VOWS--Ghana--A soon to be married young couple decide that a last fling with their exes would to best for their future relationship--of course this leads to trouble. The look of this film is bright and colorful, and the couple are beautiful actors, but the soap opera dialogue and cliched story become too much to believe. GRADE-------C
WE TAKE THE LOW ROAD--USA--This low budget film has some good ideas--billionaire medical CEO's make millions off the suffering of lower income people, who die early when they can't afford medical expenses, but things go terribly wrong, naturally, when three young adults try to rob a CEO and the trail of blood becomes quite long. It wants to be a modern western (think WIND RIVER or HELL AND HIGH WATER) but the actors aren't quite up to task. GRADE----------C
CRYSTAL SWAN--Belarus--The leading lady is feisty and watchable, but someone forgot to write an engaging script and the story is dull. GRADE---------C-
GLITORIS MAXIMUS----This shorts program, supposedly about female sexuality, was disappointingly dull except for the final short, which has a teen strapping on a strap on (in a public park!) to tease her boyfriend and shock the other friends around. The couple finally goes to a more private area and her boyfriend actually starts to play around with her new toy. GRADE-----------------C- but the final short called F*** You gets a GRADE------B
Monday, May 27, 2019
Tuesday, May 21, 2019
SIFF Screenings Week 4 May 17-May 21--Top FIlms--INVISIBLE WITNESS, JEAN PAUL GAULTIER: FREAK AND CHIC, FARINELLI, URGENT, A FAITHFUL MAN, ALL ABOUT ME, GOOD KISSER
INVISIBLE WITNESS--Italy--This murder mystery thriller moves like a fast train, with enough twists and turns to populate a half dozen Agatha Christie novels. Big buzz after this one. GRADE-----A-
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER: FREAK AND CHIC--USA--A zippy behind the scenes look at putting on a show about his life--complete with sex, skin and energy. GRADE-------B+
FARINELLI--France/Italy/Belgium--1994--Beautifully restored musical drama about a super popular castrato from the 17th century. Costumes, editing, actors and music all glorious, although the sound became out of sync in the last 10 minutes of my screening. GRADE--------B+
URGENT--Morocco/Switzerland--24 hours of drama and pathos in an overcrowded and understaffed Moroccan urban hospital full of life and death decisions. GRADE--------B+
A FAITHFUL MAN--France--Drama with a bit of absurd comedy about man tested for reconnecting with an ex-lover after she has thrown him out to marry the father of her new baby. GRADE------------B
ALL ABOUT ME--Germany--Biographical film of childhood of a popular comedian, who learns to make his family members laugh to keep them happy. Film felt like the early work of Frederico Fellini when he made his happier biographical films like NIGHTS OF CABRIA and ROMA. GRADE---------------B+
GOOD KISSER--USA--Local Seattle film with surprisingly good actors and smart script--a sophisticated and smooth story about a lesbian threesome that ends differently than expected. GRADE-------B
PITY THE LOVERS--Iceland, but written for Swedish actors and reworked when funding not available in Sweden--Goofy adult brothers can't seem to find the right women, but they are delightfully funny none the less. GRADE--------B
COLD CASE HAMMARSKJOLD--Sweden/Norway/Denmark--While researching the 1959 plane crash that killed the United Nations president, the film makers stumble across several bizarre plots that are too horrible to imagine, including an extreme right wing final solution for Africa................GRADE-------------B
3 FACES---IRAN--Famous actress searches for aspiring teen actress amidst sexism and chauvinism in Iran. GRADE---------------B
MS PURPLE--USA--Very rough around the edges, but this film of two adult siblings who come together to take care of their ailing father (where one works as a sex worker) is tough to watch but there are some strong emotional scenes conveyed, even it some of the scenes don't always technically ring true. GRADE-------B-
WHAT WALAA WANTS--Denmark/Canada--Spirited, determined young woman wants to fight for justice through the Palestinian Security forces, although she is her own worst enemy. GRADE------------B-
FLY ROCKET FLY--Germany/Belgium--Consortium of European rocket scientists build launching pad for their low budget rockets in Zaire, Africa, causing political concern worldwide. This documentary is funny, lively and sad. GRADE-----------B-
THE ANNOUNCEMENT--Turkey--A small group of men are taking over the government by taking control of the only radio station, but that's harder than they thought. Very slow and dry, and not nearly enough laughs for this satire. GRADE----------B-
KNIFE + HEART--France--The film looks good in rare 35 millimeter print, but the silly plot about a man who murders gay porno actors in a grotesque manner is not as fun as it wants to be for a midnight feature. GRADE-----------C+
VOLCANO--Ukraine/Germany--Symbolic visuals and interesting sets can't compensate for complicated political mambo jumbo about a government official who seems to be trapped in a small rural town. I wish I liked this more. GRADE-------------C+
THE THIRD WIFE--Vietnam--Beautifully filmed tale of a young teen girl who is married off to an older man who wants a male heir that his first two wives can't provide. I felt lost with the introduction of numerous other characters (mostly women) and where they all fit into the story. GRADE------C+
ALL MY LOVING--Germany--3 different stories about 3 adult siblings with problems, but they weren't very interesting problems, and the film is 30 minutes too long. GRADE--------C+
SONJA:THE WHITE SWAN--Norway--Stogy, mediocre biographical picture, occasionally enlivened by musical ice skating numbers, about Norwegian skater and actress Sonja Hennie. Two hour film felt like 3 hours to me. GRADE---------------C
NO. 1 CHUNG YING STREET--Hong Kong--The clear black and white photography looks good in this story of Hong Kong breaking from mainland China, but numerous students in white tops and dark pants, and many protesters spouting political slogans keep the action confusing and it was difficult to tell who was who. I watched for one hour before leaving. GRADE------C
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER: FREAK AND CHIC--USA--A zippy behind the scenes look at putting on a show about his life--complete with sex, skin and energy. GRADE-------B+
FARINELLI--France/Italy/Belgium--1994--Beautifully restored musical drama about a super popular castrato from the 17th century. Costumes, editing, actors and music all glorious, although the sound became out of sync in the last 10 minutes of my screening. GRADE--------B+
URGENT--Morocco/Switzerland--24 hours of drama and pathos in an overcrowded and understaffed Moroccan urban hospital full of life and death decisions. GRADE--------B+
A FAITHFUL MAN--France--Drama with a bit of absurd comedy about man tested for reconnecting with an ex-lover after she has thrown him out to marry the father of her new baby. GRADE------------B
ALL ABOUT ME--Germany--Biographical film of childhood of a popular comedian, who learns to make his family members laugh to keep them happy. Film felt like the early work of Frederico Fellini when he made his happier biographical films like NIGHTS OF CABRIA and ROMA. GRADE---------------B+
GOOD KISSER--USA--Local Seattle film with surprisingly good actors and smart script--a sophisticated and smooth story about a lesbian threesome that ends differently than expected. GRADE-------B
PITY THE LOVERS--Iceland, but written for Swedish actors and reworked when funding not available in Sweden--Goofy adult brothers can't seem to find the right women, but they are delightfully funny none the less. GRADE--------B
COLD CASE HAMMARSKJOLD--Sweden/Norway/Denmark--While researching the 1959 plane crash that killed the United Nations president, the film makers stumble across several bizarre plots that are too horrible to imagine, including an extreme right wing final solution for Africa................GRADE-------------B
3 FACES---IRAN--Famous actress searches for aspiring teen actress amidst sexism and chauvinism in Iran. GRADE---------------B
MS PURPLE--USA--Very rough around the edges, but this film of two adult siblings who come together to take care of their ailing father (where one works as a sex worker) is tough to watch but there are some strong emotional scenes conveyed, even it some of the scenes don't always technically ring true. GRADE-------B-
WHAT WALAA WANTS--Denmark/Canada--Spirited, determined young woman wants to fight for justice through the Palestinian Security forces, although she is her own worst enemy. GRADE------------B-
FLY ROCKET FLY--Germany/Belgium--Consortium of European rocket scientists build launching pad for their low budget rockets in Zaire, Africa, causing political concern worldwide. This documentary is funny, lively and sad. GRADE-----------B-
THE ANNOUNCEMENT--Turkey--A small group of men are taking over the government by taking control of the only radio station, but that's harder than they thought. Very slow and dry, and not nearly enough laughs for this satire. GRADE----------B-
KNIFE + HEART--France--The film looks good in rare 35 millimeter print, but the silly plot about a man who murders gay porno actors in a grotesque manner is not as fun as it wants to be for a midnight feature. GRADE-----------C+
VOLCANO--Ukraine/Germany--Symbolic visuals and interesting sets can't compensate for complicated political mambo jumbo about a government official who seems to be trapped in a small rural town. I wish I liked this more. GRADE-------------C+
THE THIRD WIFE--Vietnam--Beautifully filmed tale of a young teen girl who is married off to an older man who wants a male heir that his first two wives can't provide. I felt lost with the introduction of numerous other characters (mostly women) and where they all fit into the story. GRADE------C+
ALL MY LOVING--Germany--3 different stories about 3 adult siblings with problems, but they weren't very interesting problems, and the film is 30 minutes too long. GRADE--------C+
SONJA:THE WHITE SWAN--Norway--Stogy, mediocre biographical picture, occasionally enlivened by musical ice skating numbers, about Norwegian skater and actress Sonja Hennie. Two hour film felt like 3 hours to me. GRADE---------------C
NO. 1 CHUNG YING STREET--Hong Kong--The clear black and white photography looks good in this story of Hong Kong breaking from mainland China, but numerous students in white tops and dark pants, and many protesters spouting political slogans keep the action confusing and it was difficult to tell who was who. I watched for one hour before leaving. GRADE------C
Thursday, May 16, 2019
SIFF Screenings Week 3---May 13-16--OFFICIAL SECRETS, THE WOMAN WHO LOVES GIRAFFES, DAVID CROSBY: REMEMBER MY NAME, BRITTANY RUNS A MARATHON, RUNNING WITH BETO, SAUVAGE/WILD, EMMA PETERS, LE CHOCOLATE DE H, KITARU plus TOLKIEN
OFFICIAL SECRETS--Great Britain--Kiera Knightly expertly portrays a whistle blower who illegally publishes a top secret document that admits to lying about the Weapons of Mass Destruction, which throws England (and other countries, including the USA) into an the Iraq War. The film works as an excellent, gripping thriller from start to finish. GRADE------A
THE WOMAN WHO LOVES GIRAFFES--Canada--Riveting documentary about a young woman who spends a year studying and filming giraffes in Africa, then writes the definitive book on their behavior, plus more than a dozen other books, but is denied university tenure because of sexist attitudes in the 1950's. GRADE-----------A
DAVID CROSBY: REMEMBER MY NAME---USA--Smooth, informative documentary about Crosby--he was abrasive and struggled with drug addiction, and now towards the end of his life , Stills, Nash, and Young have all written him off. But you have to admire his talent and the talent of those characters who surrounded him, especially in his earlier days, like Joni Mitchell, Cass Elliott, and others who are discussed in this film. GRADE-----------B+
BRITTANY RUNS A MARATHON--USA--Breezy, amusing comedy/drama of an overweight 30 year old with low self esteem, who finally decides to change her body and her attitude by training for a marathon race. Beautifully funny and sad performance by Jillian Bell. GRADE--------B+
RUNNING WITH BETO--USA--Engaging documentary about an engaging politician Beto O'Rourke who nearly beat lying Ted Cruz in the senate Texas race in 2018. GRADE-----------B
KIFARU--USA--The first half of this documentary is quite dull, but at the half way point, the last northern white rhino in the world becomes fatally ill, and the film becomes shockingly moving.
GRADE---------B
EMMA PEETERS--Belgium--This slight, superficial Belgium comedy features a struggling actress convinced her acting days are over at age 35. Her plans to commit suicide are interrupted when she meets the handsome funeral director. GRADE----------B-
SAUVAGE/WILD--France--A young male prostitute seeks love even when being degraded and abused, in this explicit and disturbing character study. Unfortunately, he doesn't know how to accept help or love when it is offered. Rough stuff--which caused several dozen walk outs at the press screening. GRADE---------------B-
LE CHOCOLATE DE H--Japan--The trouble I have with many foodie movies: I'd rather be tasting/eating the subject (in this case award winning chocolate from a master chocolatier) than listening to talking heads admiring the product. Sometimes boring, sometimes amusing, sometimes moving. GRADE-------C+
PLUS--not from SIFF
TOLKIEN--Great Britain--A stylish, well mounted (if a bit restrained) telling of the academic career of J.R. Tolkien and his friendships/fellowships with three of his university mates, which helped contribute to his future middle earth books. GRADE---------B-
MY FAVORITES FOR THIS OPENING WEEKEND at SIFF:
JIM ALLISON: BREAKTHROUGH
THE WOMAN WHO LOVES GIRAFFES
THE FALL OF THE AMERICAN EMPIRE
YOMEDINE
MAIDEN
WILD ROSE
THE WOMAN WHO LOVES GIRAFFES--Canada--Riveting documentary about a young woman who spends a year studying and filming giraffes in Africa, then writes the definitive book on their behavior, plus more than a dozen other books, but is denied university tenure because of sexist attitudes in the 1950's. GRADE-----------A
DAVID CROSBY: REMEMBER MY NAME---USA--Smooth, informative documentary about Crosby--he was abrasive and struggled with drug addiction, and now towards the end of his life , Stills, Nash, and Young have all written him off. But you have to admire his talent and the talent of those characters who surrounded him, especially in his earlier days, like Joni Mitchell, Cass Elliott, and others who are discussed in this film. GRADE-----------B+
BRITTANY RUNS A MARATHON--USA--Breezy, amusing comedy/drama of an overweight 30 year old with low self esteem, who finally decides to change her body and her attitude by training for a marathon race. Beautifully funny and sad performance by Jillian Bell. GRADE--------B+
RUNNING WITH BETO--USA--Engaging documentary about an engaging politician Beto O'Rourke who nearly beat lying Ted Cruz in the senate Texas race in 2018. GRADE-----------B
KIFARU--USA--The first half of this documentary is quite dull, but at the half way point, the last northern white rhino in the world becomes fatally ill, and the film becomes shockingly moving.
GRADE---------B
EMMA PEETERS--Belgium--This slight, superficial Belgium comedy features a struggling actress convinced her acting days are over at age 35. Her plans to commit suicide are interrupted when she meets the handsome funeral director. GRADE----------B-
SAUVAGE/WILD--France--A young male prostitute seeks love even when being degraded and abused, in this explicit and disturbing character study. Unfortunately, he doesn't know how to accept help or love when it is offered. Rough stuff--which caused several dozen walk outs at the press screening. GRADE---------------B-
LE CHOCOLATE DE H--Japan--The trouble I have with many foodie movies: I'd rather be tasting/eating the subject (in this case award winning chocolate from a master chocolatier) than listening to talking heads admiring the product. Sometimes boring, sometimes amusing, sometimes moving. GRADE-------C+
PLUS--not from SIFF
TOLKIEN--Great Britain--A stylish, well mounted (if a bit restrained) telling of the academic career of J.R. Tolkien and his friendships/fellowships with three of his university mates, which helped contribute to his future middle earth books. GRADE---------B-
MY FAVORITES FOR THIS OPENING WEEKEND at SIFF:
JIM ALLISON: BREAKTHROUGH
THE WOMAN WHO LOVES GIRAFFES
THE FALL OF THE AMERICAN EMPIRE
YOMEDINE
MAIDEN
WILD ROSE
Saturday, May 11, 2019
SIFF Press screenings Week 2--Favorites include YOMEDDINE, THE NIGHTINGALE, WILD ROSE, HONEYLAND, ANTHROPOCENE: HUMAN EPOCH plus ON DEMAND-----LE RIDE!
YOMEDDINE--Egyptian film that I viewed last October at Vancouver International Film Festival, and it was my favorite at that time. Here's a simple story that produces a big emotional payoff. An adult leper leaves his colony to track down the family who abandoned him as a child.
GRADE-----------------A
THE NIGHTINGALE---From Australia, by the director of THE BABADOOK comes an epic tale of revenge and violence. An abused young woman witnesses the murder of her husband and baby and sets off to follow the crazed British officer responsible, tracking him through the outback with the help of an Aboriginal tracker. Warning: scenes of extreme violence, rape and bloodletting, especially committed against women and children. GRADE--------------B+
WILD ROSE---United Kingdom---A self destructive ex-con with a big talent for singing country music is her own worst enemy on her rocky road to musical success. Good support by Julie Walters as her mom, and Sophie Okonedo as a possible mentor. GRADE-----------B+
HONEYLAND--Macedonia--A middle-aged woman struggles to make a living gathering and selling honey in the big city and caring for her elderly, sick mother, but finds her life endangered by a careless family that moves in next door. GRADE-------------B+
ROLL RED ROLL--USA--Interesting documentary about small town where sport jocks rape intoxicated girl--unfortunately for them, there are dozens of teens with cell phones around to document the evening, in spite of the fact that many townsfolk want to blame the victim. GRADE----------------B
ANTHROPOCENE: THE HUMAN EPOCH--USA--Hypnotic, beautiful looking film that shows that humans are changing the planet. GRADE---------------B
ART OF SELF DEFENSE--USA--A milk toast man joins a karate studio only to discover some sinister issues, in this leisurely, odd but intriguing comedy/drama/ satire about toxic masculinity.
GRADE-----------------B-
FAMILY TOUR--Taiwan--Politics keeps a family from touring Asia together, so they meet up at selected tourist spots to visit. Film is a thoughtful slow burn, but intriguing none the less. GRADE------B-
OLYMPIC DREAMS---USA--I wanted to like this light weight "will they or won't they" romantic comedy more--the setting is uniquely set in the Olympic Village during the Korean Winter Games, but by the end, there is not much there but charming characters. GRADE--------B-
SINK OR SWIM--France--Every year there's a film about a group of disfuncional men who need to overcome their depression or unemployment or low self esteem, ETC by winning or achieving something physical......It started in earnest with THE FULL MONTY a decade ago. This one is certainly easy to enjoy, but you will have to wade through a pile of cliches to get there. GRADE---------------------- B-
WE ARE THE RADICAL MONARCHS--USA--Inspiring documentary about the start of a Girl Scout-type of group for girls of color, set in Oakland, but soon to spreed across the nation, we hope. Well worth seeing if interested. GRADE-----------B-
FRANCES FERGUSON--USA--Substitute teacher has affair with male student, but this is a beat too slow, and way, way too bone dry, although Nick Offerman's droll narration helps inject some needed humor. GRADE-----------------C+
VIEWED ON TV---------------
LE RIDE---USA--Documentary film on PRIME about the recreation of the 1928 bike ride around France-- the first Tour de france that 4 Englishmen rode in. The AMAZING RACE host Phil Keoghan and his buddy Ben Cornell ride the over 3300 miles in 26 days, trying to use the same schedule and same route--difficult today with new highways and maps. As a biker myself, I was engrossed, amazed and fascinated as the story is inter cut with real footage from the 1928 bike ride. This is an engrossing , educational and fascinating film, obviously filmed on a modest budget, but there is a big satisfaction in this film for any film watcher. GRADE-------A
WINE COUNTRY------USA---Netflix original movie, but the film is a big cliche from start to finish. I've enjoyed the cast (including Amy Pohler, Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph, Ana Gasteyer, Rachel Dratch, Jason Schwartzman, etc) in many other past things, but here the writing felt lame, the situations forced, the dialogue was too clever to be believed. Six long time women friends gather to a long weekend to drink wine, and of course, things go wrong, secrets spill and I didn't really believe most of it. GRADE---------------C
GRADE-----------------A
THE NIGHTINGALE---From Australia, by the director of THE BABADOOK comes an epic tale of revenge and violence. An abused young woman witnesses the murder of her husband and baby and sets off to follow the crazed British officer responsible, tracking him through the outback with the help of an Aboriginal tracker. Warning: scenes of extreme violence, rape and bloodletting, especially committed against women and children. GRADE--------------B+
WILD ROSE---United Kingdom---A self destructive ex-con with a big talent for singing country music is her own worst enemy on her rocky road to musical success. Good support by Julie Walters as her mom, and Sophie Okonedo as a possible mentor. GRADE-----------B+
HONEYLAND--Macedonia--A middle-aged woman struggles to make a living gathering and selling honey in the big city and caring for her elderly, sick mother, but finds her life endangered by a careless family that moves in next door. GRADE-------------B+
ROLL RED ROLL--USA--Interesting documentary about small town where sport jocks rape intoxicated girl--unfortunately for them, there are dozens of teens with cell phones around to document the evening, in spite of the fact that many townsfolk want to blame the victim. GRADE----------------B
ANTHROPOCENE: THE HUMAN EPOCH--USA--Hypnotic, beautiful looking film that shows that humans are changing the planet. GRADE---------------B
ART OF SELF DEFENSE--USA--A milk toast man joins a karate studio only to discover some sinister issues, in this leisurely, odd but intriguing comedy/drama/ satire about toxic masculinity.
GRADE-----------------B-
FAMILY TOUR--Taiwan--Politics keeps a family from touring Asia together, so they meet up at selected tourist spots to visit. Film is a thoughtful slow burn, but intriguing none the less. GRADE------B-
OLYMPIC DREAMS---USA--I wanted to like this light weight "will they or won't they" romantic comedy more--the setting is uniquely set in the Olympic Village during the Korean Winter Games, but by the end, there is not much there but charming characters. GRADE--------B-
SINK OR SWIM--France--Every year there's a film about a group of disfuncional men who need to overcome their depression or unemployment or low self esteem, ETC by winning or achieving something physical......It started in earnest with THE FULL MONTY a decade ago. This one is certainly easy to enjoy, but you will have to wade through a pile of cliches to get there. GRADE---------------------- B-
WE ARE THE RADICAL MONARCHS--USA--Inspiring documentary about the start of a Girl Scout-type of group for girls of color, set in Oakland, but soon to spreed across the nation, we hope. Well worth seeing if interested. GRADE-----------B-
FRANCES FERGUSON--USA--Substitute teacher has affair with male student, but this is a beat too slow, and way, way too bone dry, although Nick Offerman's droll narration helps inject some needed humor. GRADE-----------------C+
VIEWED ON TV---------------
LE RIDE---USA--Documentary film on PRIME about the recreation of the 1928 bike ride around France-- the first Tour de france that 4 Englishmen rode in. The AMAZING RACE host Phil Keoghan and his buddy Ben Cornell ride the over 3300 miles in 26 days, trying to use the same schedule and same route--difficult today with new highways and maps. As a biker myself, I was engrossed, amazed and fascinated as the story is inter cut with real footage from the 1928 bike ride. This is an engrossing , educational and fascinating film, obviously filmed on a modest budget, but there is a big satisfaction in this film for any film watcher. GRADE-------A
WINE COUNTRY------USA---Netflix original movie, but the film is a big cliche from start to finish. I've enjoyed the cast (including Amy Pohler, Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph, Ana Gasteyer, Rachel Dratch, Jason Schwartzman, etc) in many other past things, but here the writing felt lame, the situations forced, the dialogue was too clever to be believed. Six long time women friends gather to a long weekend to drink wine, and of course, things go wrong, secrets spill and I didn't really believe most of it. GRADE---------------C
Sunday, May 5, 2019
THE AVENGERS; ENDGAME, AMAZING GRACE, MUSTANG, BEST OF ENEMIES, PET SEMATARY (sic)---PLUS 2019 SIFF PRESS SCREENINGS BEGIN
It has become a mammoth box office smash, this final film of the Marvel comic book characters, and the sequel to last years AVENGERS: INFINITY WARS, so it was no surprise that I couldn't find an available screening on the first weekend it opened that was not in the front row, but that was OK because I was a bit busy anyway, and when I finally saw the morning matinee on Tuesday, the theater was still about 75% full. The film THE AVENGERS: ENDGAME does not disappoint, with each character (still alive) given a lot to do and the plot, even though as usual over the top cleverly wraps up most of the loose ends. I look forward to seeing what is next for the Marvel characters. GRADE------------B+
AMAZING GRACE--Here's a moving documentary by director Sidney Pollock made in the early 1970's that is finally seeing the light of day, and what revelation it is. Aretha Franklyn was at her peak, and the film captures in a casual way the recording of her classic album of religious-based songs. The sound is remarkable---probably improved over the decades--and her dramatics of each song are thrilling. It's a great uplifting experience. GRADE--------------B+
MUSTANG--This simple story tells of a hardened prisoner who is changed through his efforts with the wild horses program, and there is a moving ending. Well acted by Matthias Schoenaerts and Bruce Dern. Small in scope but effective. GRADE-------------B
BEST OF ENEMIES--Based on a true story of a black educator (Taraji P. Henson) and the local KKK leader (Sam Rockwell) who are assigned to bring the community together when a black school is burned and a new facility must be found, triggering the need for integration in the deep south in 1971. The filming is straight forward and the actors are good but come across as unpleasantly belligerent. GRADE-------------B-
PET SEMATARY (sic)--This new version of a Stephen KIng novel has some interesting ideas, but becomes violently predictable by the end. GRADE----------C
VIEWED ON DVD/CABLE/TV-----------
BOOK CLUB---2018---Long time friends read 50 SHADES OF GREY at their book club and it stimulates their interest in getting more sex in their personal lives. The cast is amusing and some of the lines are pretty funny in this lively sex comedy, which features Jane Fonda, Mary Steenbergen, Candice Bergen, and Diane Keaton. GRADE---------B
FINDING YOUR FEET --2017--When a wealthy woman finds her husband of many years has been unfaithful, she moves in with her poor sister, and start to change her life. This NETFLIX film has some charming moments, even though some of it is a bit predictable. With heartfelt preformances by Imelda Staunton, Celia Imrie and Timothy Spall. GRADE-------B
INVENTOR---2018--A NETFLIX documentary about fraud in a medical machinery business. Straightforward presentation and the inventor's refusal to see the facts dulls the impact of the film, but it is interesting to watch. GRADE---------------C+
THE UNICORN STORY --2017--Brie Larson and Samuel Jackson (before they costar in CAPTAIN MARVIL ) star in this lightweight, NETFLIX, dull, fantasy best suited for teenaged girls. GRADE----C
SIFF FILM FESTIVAL has BEGUN SCREENINGS this past week. Here's what to watch for....more details when the films open.
*MAIDEN----USA---The first all female sailing crew sails around the world in inspiring documentary............... GRADE-----A
*FALL OF THE AMERICAN EMPIRE----Canadian-----Director Denys Arcand creates a satire out of a criminal scam film---very funny, entertaining and engrossing as he juggles a dozen characters. GRADE----------A-
*AFTERLIFE--Netherlands----Moving fantasy in the vein of IT''S A WONDERFUL LIFE----- "Better to live in the field than to die in the the vase" says a dead woman to her daughter. GRADE------A-
VAN GOGHS--Russia---Very "Russian" angst and drama---much gravitas. GRADE------B+
*JIM ALLISON: BREAKTHROUGH--USA--Informative documentary about Nobel Prize winner scientist who develops immune therapy for cancer cure while drinking beer and playing the harmonica. Lots of Willie Nelson music help lighten the mood. GRADE----------B+
NON FICTION--France---Light drama about writers, relationships, changing ways of publication, blogging, and because they are all French, adultary. GRADE-------B
AMERICAN FACTORY--USA--A Chinese billionaire starts glass factory in closed car factory, hiring Americans to work along side workers he brought from China. Work habits clash. GRADE-------------B-
SOUND OF SILENCE--USA--An interesting idea--how sound affects our lives--is not fully explored, leaving the story of a tentative relationship between a "sound doctor" and his client blowing in the wind. Might have worked better as a short, or with a couple of rewrites. GRADE-----------------C+
MOUTHPIECE--Canada--Based on a play, a daughter tries to write an eulogy for her dead mother with whom she had a difficult relationship. Unfortunately, the mother, in flashback, didn't seem to be that difficult --and the girl herself comes across as willful and spoiled. But the main problem is that two different actress play the daughter from different points of view, and that seemed like an unnecessary gimmick. The effect is dull and pretentious. GRADE-----------C
*These films got a lot of applause after the screening from the press audience.
AMAZING GRACE--Here's a moving documentary by director Sidney Pollock made in the early 1970's that is finally seeing the light of day, and what revelation it is. Aretha Franklyn was at her peak, and the film captures in a casual way the recording of her classic album of religious-based songs. The sound is remarkable---probably improved over the decades--and her dramatics of each song are thrilling. It's a great uplifting experience. GRADE--------------B+
MUSTANG--This simple story tells of a hardened prisoner who is changed through his efforts with the wild horses program, and there is a moving ending. Well acted by Matthias Schoenaerts and Bruce Dern. Small in scope but effective. GRADE-------------B
BEST OF ENEMIES--Based on a true story of a black educator (Taraji P. Henson) and the local KKK leader (Sam Rockwell) who are assigned to bring the community together when a black school is burned and a new facility must be found, triggering the need for integration in the deep south in 1971. The filming is straight forward and the actors are good but come across as unpleasantly belligerent. GRADE-------------B-
PET SEMATARY (sic)--This new version of a Stephen KIng novel has some interesting ideas, but becomes violently predictable by the end. GRADE----------C
VIEWED ON DVD/CABLE/TV-----------
BOOK CLUB---2018---Long time friends read 50 SHADES OF GREY at their book club and it stimulates their interest in getting more sex in their personal lives. The cast is amusing and some of the lines are pretty funny in this lively sex comedy, which features Jane Fonda, Mary Steenbergen, Candice Bergen, and Diane Keaton. GRADE---------B
FINDING YOUR FEET --2017--When a wealthy woman finds her husband of many years has been unfaithful, she moves in with her poor sister, and start to change her life. This NETFLIX film has some charming moments, even though some of it is a bit predictable. With heartfelt preformances by Imelda Staunton, Celia Imrie and Timothy Spall. GRADE-------B
INVENTOR---2018--A NETFLIX documentary about fraud in a medical machinery business. Straightforward presentation and the inventor's refusal to see the facts dulls the impact of the film, but it is interesting to watch. GRADE---------------C+
THE UNICORN STORY --2017--Brie Larson and Samuel Jackson (before they costar in CAPTAIN MARVIL ) star in this lightweight, NETFLIX, dull, fantasy best suited for teenaged girls. GRADE----C
SIFF FILM FESTIVAL has BEGUN SCREENINGS this past week. Here's what to watch for....more details when the films open.
*MAIDEN----USA---The first all female sailing crew sails around the world in inspiring documentary............... GRADE-----A
*FALL OF THE AMERICAN EMPIRE----Canadian-----Director Denys Arcand creates a satire out of a criminal scam film---very funny, entertaining and engrossing as he juggles a dozen characters. GRADE----------A-
*AFTERLIFE--Netherlands----Moving fantasy in the vein of IT''S A WONDERFUL LIFE----- "Better to live in the field than to die in the the vase" says a dead woman to her daughter. GRADE------A-
VAN GOGHS--Russia---Very "Russian" angst and drama---much gravitas. GRADE------B+
*JIM ALLISON: BREAKTHROUGH--USA--Informative documentary about Nobel Prize winner scientist who develops immune therapy for cancer cure while drinking beer and playing the harmonica. Lots of Willie Nelson music help lighten the mood. GRADE----------B+
NON FICTION--France---Light drama about writers, relationships, changing ways of publication, blogging, and because they are all French, adultary. GRADE-------B
AMERICAN FACTORY--USA--A Chinese billionaire starts glass factory in closed car factory, hiring Americans to work along side workers he brought from China. Work habits clash. GRADE-------------B-
SOUND OF SILENCE--USA--An interesting idea--how sound affects our lives--is not fully explored, leaving the story of a tentative relationship between a "sound doctor" and his client blowing in the wind. Might have worked better as a short, or with a couple of rewrites. GRADE-----------------C+
MOUTHPIECE--Canada--Based on a play, a daughter tries to write an eulogy for her dead mother with whom she had a difficult relationship. Unfortunately, the mother, in flashback, didn't seem to be that difficult --and the girl herself comes across as willful and spoiled. But the main problem is that two different actress play the daughter from different points of view, and that seemed like an unnecessary gimmick. The effect is dull and pretentious. GRADE-----------C
*These films got a lot of applause after the screening from the press audience.
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