THE SUMMER FILMS--OPPENHIEMER, EVERY BODY, JULES, THEATRE CAMP, LANDSCAPE WITH INVISIBLE HANDS, BARBIE, THE FLASH, THE LITTLE MERMAID, MISSION IMMPOSSIBLE: DEAD RECKONING PART ONE, NO HARD FEELINGS, 20 DAYS IN MARINPOL, BOTTOMS, ARISTOTLE AND DANTE DISCOVER THE SECRETS OF THE UNIVERSE, INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY plus some SIFF films are opening.

It's been a busy summer including a four day Amtrak ride from Seattle to Chicago and back for an 11 day trip, plus an ocean trip with the grandkids and some camping at our Shangri-lot.  Now that kids are back in school and the weather is cooler, I'm more inclined to write about some of my cinematic adventures of the last 3 months.

OPPENHEIMER--This is one of the more adventurous visual achievements of the year, and in spite of the fact it was trailing BARBIE in the box office tally, it has proved to be director Christopher Nolan's greatest achievement and stands to become his most commercial and artistically successful  film.  In telling the biographical story of the "father of the atom bomb" he demonstrates his command of the screen by moving carefully back and forth in time to create a fully complicated version of the man and his life and the woman in that life, and the treachery that politics played in nearly upending his legacy.  I was engaged in every minute of this 3 hour pic.              GRADE----------------A

JULES---The opposite in many ways from Oppenheimer is a small, intimate science fiction film about a space ship that crashes in the garden of an older widower (played sincerely by Oscar winner for GHANDI Ben Kingsley) but due to his eccentricities at city council meetings, no one, including his loving daughter, will believe him, so he proceeds to befriend the alien on his own by plying it with apples and shelter from prying eyes.  Of course ultimately word gets out among his older women friends and all of them fall in love with the silent alien.   This is an E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL film for adults!    Jane Curtin gets to sing charmingly here.                                GRADE----------A-

THEATER CAMP--While it is mostly improvised, this is a funny and wacky film about some wonderfully talented kids at a theatre camp during the summer that is being ineptly run by the son of the original manager (she lies in a coma for most of the summer), but Ben Platt, Amy Sedaris, David Rasche and others give every scene something to laugh (or at least giggle) at.  It's a whole lot of fun.  This had a single screening at SIFF this past May, and after it's theatre showing will start streaming soon this fall.             GRADE-------------A-

EVERY BODY--This fascinating documentary should be required viewing for every state legislative person in every every state.  The subject is intersex people--those born with usually both  sets of  male and female gonads.  Unfortunately until recently doctors use to tell parents that it was preferable to remove one set of sex organs, but recent studies have shown that intersex people are much more complicated than that, and the surgery has proven problematic, as many many stories have borne out.  It's estimated that nearly 2% of babies are born that way.  With the world population currently at over 8 billion, that means that a very large group of intersex people exist today and in the future, and treating them with horror, prejudice, shame and ignorance is just not OK.  An eye opener film and currently streaming on demand.            GRADE---------A- 

LANDSCAPE WITH INVISIBLE HAND---Normally I'm not too interested in science fiction films unless they are really good/different, and LANDSCAPE is pretty arty, interesting stuff.  It starts 6 years after a friendly alien invasion has occurred, but some people are not too happy about it.  Two teens decided to make money by having their loving and sexual relationship broadcast to the minds of the aliens, but things get complicated when they start to fall out of love. The leads are well played by Asante Blackk and Kylie Rogers as the kids and Tiffany Haddish and Josh Hamilton as two adults, and the film is produced by Haddish and Brad Pitt, among others.  Should start on demand screenings this fall.          GRADE----A-

BARBIE--Director and writer Gretta Gerwig has created a masterwork of pop culture with an outrageously colorful, funny, witty and thoughtful ways that children claim their ideals and from what many claim to be a sexist doll created by Mattel over 50 years ago.  The witty screenplay, co-written with her partner Noah Baumbach, creates an all doll world that's totally unbelievable, and then has Barbie become dissatisfied when thoughts of death creep into her mind.  She then wants to seek out the real world and has a very rude awakening when she finds it.  In other words, Barbie lovers and Barbie haters can all relate to this film.  The satire is playful but pointed and the nearly entire male population of mostly Kens is redundant, a running gag that never overstays its welcome.  Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling are perfectly cast, but for all the fun watching, this film is not really going to be enjoyed by children .          GRADE---------B+ 

THE FLASH--Several of the last superhero films have left me ho-hum, but THE FLASH has a charming, funny sense of humor most of the time.  The first 20 minutes were the best and I laughed and chuckled continuously.  The introduction of an old Batman (played by Micheal Keaton) was very clever, as is the brief inclusion of other Batmans Ben Affleck and George Clooney.  In spite of the bad press given to Ezra Miller who portrays the FLASH, it looks like the insistence that he get drug counseling paid off, and I thought his portrayal of two Flashes hit the nail with sarcastic and obnoxious teen agers each, in different ways. I'd be up for more of the FLASH, thank you.                 GRADE----------B+     

THE LITTLE MERMAID--This is Disney's live action remake of the popular animated film and I enjoyed it even more than that cartoon.  The songs are mostly the same, and  a couple have been added.  The cast is very fine, especially newcomer Halle Bailey with Melissa McCarthy having some evil fun .  I have one little comment/complaint.  Her sisters are from all over the world, and her father can't seem to get Ariel interested in any mermen.  But where were the mermen?  They don't show up until the very last scene of the film.  No wonder she had to go to land to find a man to marry!                    GRADE--------B+ 

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: DEAD RECKONING--Part 1--All the plots of the previous five MI films are mostly all forgettable, but getting to the end is always thrilling with chases, near misses, fist fights, explosions, flying on the outside of planes (and trains and cars), disguises, etc, and this one is also fun to watch, and although I may not remember the plot of this one, I look forward to seeing part 2 next year.                               GRADE----------B+   

NO HARD FEELINGS---Here's a funny raunchy sex comedy about a young woman hired by helicopter parents to take the virginity of a high school senior before he goes off to college.  Jennifer Lawrence and Andrew Barth Feldman are hilarious as the mismatshed couple, and Laura Benanti and Matthew Broderick get some big laughs as the desperate parents.                GRADE---------B+       

20 DAYS IN MARIUPOL--We have since seen many of these horrifying images of the early days of the Russian invasion  of  Ukraine, but these reporters were not able to leave the country or get these images out to the world, in this intense documentary that is currently streaming through PBS.  Viewed at SIFF.                         GRADE-----B+ 

FREMONT--A transplant from Afghanistan, Donya now works in a Chinese fortune cookie factory making up  fortunes.  One day she sends out a special message and soon it changes her life.  Deadpan humor, and poignant characters make this small black and white film a winner.    One of the top 10 films at SIFF.       GRADE------B+

GRAN TURISMO--A lively and excitingly filmed true story about a gamer who gets a chance to become an actural race car driver because his scores on the race track gamer are so high.  There are a couple of amazing racing moments that left my jaw on the  floor.    GRADE---------B+

ARISTOTLE AND DANTE DISCOVER THE SECRET OF THE UNIVERSE--Based on a popular Young Adult book, this film will probably be soon banned in Florida, Texas and North Dakota for it's subversive LGBT themes in spite of it's tame PG-13 rating.  It's a lyrical and mystical telling of the growing friendship of two young teens and how they traverse life's challenges.  The casting is remarkable, including Max Pelayo, Reece Gonzoles, Eva Longoria and Kevin Alejandro.  The producers include Longoria, Kyra Sedgwick and Lin-Manuel Miranda.             GRADE-----------B+

BOTTOMS--A high school comedy about two lesbian friends who decide to start up a "fight club" for women, but really they just want to meet more girls.  The film is raunchy, witty and violent at times, but I got some good laughs at the high school hijinks.            GRADE--------B+ 

INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY--Althought this film is one long chase to retrieve the stolen Dial, it is very entertaining, and Harrison Ford and relative newcomer Phoebe Waller-Bridge who plays his god-daughter and partner in mayhem have great chemistry together.      GRADE-----B

A MILLION MILES AWAY--Streaming on Prime, Micheal Pena has the role of his career playing a Mexican migrant farm worker who dreams of becoming an astronaut, and finally after decades of study and applications gets his chance to be the first Hispanic to ride into space.  It's a moving and intimate portrayal--I especially liked scenes where whenever anything very happy or very sad happens in the family, they encircle that person in a giant hug.                GRADE------B

PAST LIVES--This modest film opened SIFF last May and tells of a woman who is hunted down by an old classmate--he still lives in Taipei and she's moved on to New York City, and the classmate comes to NYC to visit her, perhaps in the hopes of another romantic entanglement, but she has already married and not quite sure why he is here.  It's haunting and gentle and tenderly acted by all main actors.           GRADE-----------B

SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE--This sequel to last year's animated and creative SPIDER-MAN film is still highly energetic and amazing technically, although it felt repetitive and overly long.  Unfortunately it ends quickly with the warning (or promise) that Part 2 will be coming out next summer.  I enjoyed this new film, but frankly I've seen enough.            GRADE----------B

TRANSFORMERS: RISE OF THE BEASTS--I've seen all the Transformer films and I really didn't have much interest in another one, but this one actually had some humor and cool fight scenes, and the cast which includes the lead from In The Heights (Anthony Ramos) are incredibly gung ho and the film felt quite fun.                    GRADE--------B

THE LESSON--An aspiring young writer takes on a tutoring position for the son of his writing idol, but finds himself involved in family secrets and dishonest academics.  Small but fine cast includes Daryl McCormack, Richard E. Grant, Julie Delpy and Stephen McMillian.      GRADE----------B

PASSAGES--One member of a gay long term couple causes havoc when he has an affair with a woman.  Story teller and director Ira Sachs creates a sad and tragic film about what happens when trust is shattered. This film has some nudity and graphic sex scenes.   Viewed at SIFF.                         GRADE----------B 

MIRACLE GANG---Three Irish women from a small town get a chance to pilgrimage to Lourdes France, each hoping to find a miracle for different reasons.  The lovely cast includes Laura Linney, Maggie Smith and Kathy Bates, with Stephen Rea.  It's a small, modest film but for that reason it's delightful to watch.  Streaming soon on Netflix.             GRADE-------B

SCRAPPER--Another film from SIFF, this modest British film has a young bur resourceful 12 year old girl living by herself after the death of her mother, using her friend with a deep voice to handle phone messages to her school counselor pretending to be her uncle.  She scraps by stealing bikes and hustling food from the stores.  One day her missing dad shows up to live with her and the two form an uneasy alliance.   Charming Lola Campbell is the girl, and Harris Dickinson is her irresponsible dad.             GRADE---------B

THE EQUALIZER 3--Same story line--a good guy fights evil and corruption with violence starring Denzel Washington, but this time he's in beautiful Italy.  Nice scenery, lots of bloody conflict.              GRADE----------B

THE LOST KING--Based on the true story, this British film (now streaming) tells of a woman who decides to find the final resting place of Richard the III, which she thinks might be located in a car park lot.  She uses her intuition and ghostly visions to lead her to her conclusions.  Sally Hawkins and Steve Coogan head this interesting film directed by Stephen Frears.      GRADE-------  B

WHAM!--A fast paced documentary about George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley who early on joined together to create the popular British pop musical group called WHAM! which lasted about 4 years before George Michael left to go out on his own.  Even if you didn't care for their music, it is a fascinating story, and the survivor Ridgeley talks about his friend's talent and private life. Now streaming.    GRADE------B

RETRIBUTION--Another Liam Neeson action film--he seems to do at least two every year, and this film, like the others, is a solid thriller that is entertaining if not too demanding.  He plays a money manager who is taking his kids to school but his cell phone rings telling him there is a bomb under his seat that will go off if he leaves the car and he needs do everthing he's told.  Mainly it's about money but the film  has some tension and thrills and some surprises.  Not bad.            GRADE----------B

GOLDA--During the Yom Kippur War of 1973, Prime Minister Golda Meir of Israel must convince her cabinet and U.S. Secretary Henry Kissinger that she knows what she is doing.  Helen Mirren and Liev Schreiber play Meir and Kissinger is an intense chamber drama.             GRADE----------B-

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: MUTANT MAYHEM--Not a great fan, but this version uses more modern animation (see SPIDER-MAN above) and moves along with a lot of humor and pizza.            GRADE-----B

DREAMIN' WILD----From SIFF--and based on a true story, two brothers find their one album that was released 35 years earlier a rediscovered sudden success, but their lives have moved on.  Featuring Casey Afleck, Zooey Deschanel, Chris Messina, and Beau Bridges.                  GRADE---B-

MURDER MYSTERY 2--I hated MM1 several years ago, but this Netflix movie stars  Jennifer Aniston, Adam Sandler, Melanie Laurent, Mark Strong, Jodie Turner-Smith and others, and I felt the timing and jokes were a lot better here.  A good guilty pleasure.          GRADE-----B-

GHOSTED---This Apple TV steamer has a man discovering the woman he had a one night affair with has disappeared into thin air only to track her down and discover she is a secret agent in the middle of a case.  Another guilty pleasure, with Chris Evans and Ana de Arnas.          GRADE--------B-

HEART OF STONE--Here's one more guilty pleasure from Netflix.  Gal Gadot, Jamie Dorman, Sophie Okonedo, with BD Wong and Glenn Close!  A spy thriller that at times rivaled some of James Bond's adventures.          GRADE----B- 

SITTING IN BARS WITH CAKE--Viewed on Prime Streaming, this is a sentimantal light-hearted drama about two young 20-something friends who bake at least one cake a week and they take it out to different bars to feed to young men in hopes of finding dates.  Things change when one of them becomes a cancer victim, and the other becomes a care taker.  It's a cross between BEACHES (Bette Midler even has a brief role in this) and a film from earlier this year called SPOILER ALERT about cancer changing the relationship of a long time partnership from a gay relationship.              GRADE-----------B-     

ASTEROID CITY-- There's a massive cast of talented characters (including Bob Balaban, Liev Schneiber, Jeffrey Wright, Wilem Dafoe, Hope Davis,Steve Carell, Tilda Swinton, Bryan Cranston, Matt Dillon, Edward Norton, Tom Hanks, Adrien Brody, Margot Robbie,Scarlett Johansson and many others) but there is very little plot and the film is so overly stylized that it becomes rather tiresome.    GRADE------C+ 

MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 3--The cast is lovely and they all smile a lot, and they all visit Greece so the scenery is great and sunny, but the film feels like left over musaka thrice warmed up.      GRADE-----------C+

HAPPINESS FOR BEGINNERS--Streaming on Netflix, this modest romantic comedy/drama has a bunch of 30 somethings on a woodsy hike for several days, trying to make them better people.  Elle Kemper and Luke Grimes are the leads, and the film is based on a book.   Yawn.     GRADE-----C

THE MEG: THE TRENCH--This sequel has more of the same--a huge prehistoric shark(s)  threaten an island of pleasure seekers.  Mostly unforgettable--the first half has the cast walking along the ocean floor (trench) but it is so dark, murky and full of bubbles that you can't see much of anything.   Jason Stratham does his tough man posturing.           GRADE--------C- 

HAUNTED MANSION--By far the worst film I've seen this year---maybe in 3 years.  The script is chaotic and makes NO sense, and the actors fumble around because what they are supposed to say doesn't make any sense, and the special effects suck, and the film is BORING.       GRADE-----D

 

 

 

 

 

Spring movies: ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT'S ME MARGARET, THE BOOK CLUB: A NEW CHAPTER, EIGHT MOUNTAIN, CHEVALIER, MASTER GARDENER, TO LESLIE, PLUS COMMENTS FROM THE 49TH SEATTLE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, PLUS VINTAGE FILMS like REBECCA, WHAT"S UP DOC? LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, MALTESE FALCON

I spent much of May watching 44 SIFF (Seattle International Film Festival) films, but just before that and just after that I've been catching up on local openings at theatres and some vintage films on TV.  Here's what I've seen.

ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT'S ME MARGARET--Perfectly cast and exceedingly charming film based on the Judy Blume novel from nearly 50 years ago.  There has never been a more thoughtful story about a young teenage girl going through moving to a different city, questioning religion, experiencing first time menstruation, and potential first love as this funny, thoughtful, likeable film.  With Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates and newcomer Abby Ryder Fortson as Margaret.              GRADE-----------A

THE BOOK CLUB: A NEW CHAPTER--Possibly the  most lovingly beautiful photographic views of Italy ever committed to film.  The four main women have an abundance of witty one liners to work with.     Jane Fonda gets all the sexual innuendoes, but Candance Bergen, Mary Steenberger and Diane Keaton are all regally amusing and very funny.  The men are also quite charming, including Don Johnson, Andy Garcia, Craig T. Nelson, Hugh Quarshie, and the great Italian actor Giancarlo Giannini.      GRADE-------A-

THE EIGHT MOUNTAINS--- Viewed at SIFF 2023, this Italian film set in the Alps with stunning scenery has a novelistic approach that follows two young boys in their friendship through to adulthood, even though they are separated for nearly 20 years after childhood.  The film has a leisurely approach to the relationship but contains many memorable moments.  Now playing at art house theatres.         GRADE------B+

CHEVALIER--- Based on a true story of black French composer and musician Joseph Bologne, the flm is beautifully intense, with spectacular costumes and set designs and wonderfully acted by newcomer Kelvin Harrison Jr. in the lead--his last film was as B.B. KING in ELVIS.  The film is full of music--his and others from the time period, and features his troubles with Lucy Boynton as Marie Antoinette and Minnie Driver as a spoiled, spiteful opera singer.             GRADE--------B+

MASTER GARDENER--The final film of a trilogy (although all stand alone) by writer director Paul Schrader, which has included FIRST REFORMED 2017 and THE CARD COUNTER 2021, this film features the typical themes of Schrader including male solitude, character redemption, and the search for love.  Joel Edgerton is a meticulous horticulturist with a secret past life.  Sigourney Weaver is the wealthy  garden dowager with some secrets of her own, and her grand niece Quintessa Swindell has her own set of problems.  It's a thoughtful and surprising film that actually has things to say about racism, love, violence and honor.             GRADE--------B+

TO LESLIE--The then unreleased film last January surprised almost everyone when it picked up a best actress nomination for Andrea Riseborough with world of mouth from some actors who had "passed around a tape", and the film was the subject of intense criticism since no public had seen it yet.  I'm happy to give the film a big thumbs up, thanks mostly to the dynamic role and portrayal of Riseborough as a lottery winner who within a few short years has squandered her winnings, abandoned her teen son and is living at the bottom of a whiskey bottle.  She is forced to return to her home town to seek redemption and face humiliation .  There are many cliched moments, but the film's power cannot be denied.     GRADE---B 

ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT--German remake of classic novel about WWI about 4 young friends who quickly discover the horrors of trench style war, and then struggle and suffer until the war ends several years later.  Technically well done but awfully grim to sit through nearly 3 hours.      GRADE----------B

FAST X---The tenth sequel to the FAST AND FURIOUS series, featuring fast car chases, explosions, fist fights and family bonds.  Still, this was better, more likeable than number 9 and made more sense and comes with some spectacular sequences, highlighted by a long chase down a hill in Rome chasing and being chased by a huge bomb ball.                          GRADE---------B

ABOUT MY FATHER---Comedienne Sebastian Maniscalco wrote the script and stars as a man wanting to marry his girlfriend and gets a chance by traveling with his eccentric, old school father to the girlfriend's family summer home.  They are wealthy and eccentric, with the jokes coming from the "fish out of water" theme.  It's a solid, funny comedy, with Robert DeNiro, Kim Cattrell and Leslie Bibb.       GRADE-------B

MOVING ON---Jane Fonda tries to get her old friend (Lily Tomlin) to help her kill a man who she believes wronged her many years earlier.  It's mostly a deadpan comedy with some serious themes.   GRADE--------B

INSIDE----An artistic film about a high tech crook who becomes locked into fancy art collector's high security apartment, with the water turned off and the climate control gone wonky.    GRADE-------B

OTHER FILMS RATED B well worth viewing:  CHAMPIONS, SHAZAM:FURY OF GODS, THE JESUS REVOLUTION, A GOOD PERSON, SOMEWHERE IN QUEENS, POLITE SOCIETY.

OTHER FILMS RATED B- but worth seeing:  WE HAVE A GHOST, KNOCK AT THE CABIN, DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS: HONOR AMONG THIEVES, RENFIELD, YOU HURT MY FEELINGS,  LOVE AGAIN.

RATED C+:   SPINNING GOLD, JOHN WICK IV (seemed like a dull remake of JW3), HOW TO BLOW UP A PIPELINE, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY Vol 3.

RATED C:  THE POPE'S EXORCIST. 

 

In May I watched about 44 SIFF films, but I won't write about them until they are scheduled to stream or open at theatres.  However here are my favorites to watch for--

20 DAYS IN MARIUPOL---Several news reporters are trapped behind war lines when Ukrainian/Russian war begins, with no way to get news photos, videos and stories out of the country.  This is a gripping documentary account of what happened in the first days.  Some visuals have now become quite well known, and this program will soon appear on PBS Frontline.           GRADE--------A

LIFT--Former child/orphan who was trained in ballet goes back to his poor neighborhood to train another group of gifted child dancers in this profound and moving documentary.           GRADE------A

HARVEST MOON---Stunningly photographed scenery highlight this moving tale of an older man who befriends a youngster--both of them have recently lost their father and grandfather respectively, and they bond.  I defy any one watching in the last 10 minutes to have dry eyes.  Filmed in Mongolia.         GRADE-----A

26.2 TO LIFE---Some inmates at San Quentin State Prison join a running club to train for a yearly marathon with the help of volunteer outside running coaches and trainers.  For all of them who have completed the training and the marathon and been released from prison, none have reoffended!  Extremely inspirational documentary.         GRADE---------A

HIDDEN MASTER: THE LEGACY OF GEORGE PLAT LYNES--30 years before Mapplethorpe, Lynes was photographing nude bodies (mostly men) in stunning tableaus along with movie stars of the 30's and 40's and fashion garments.           GRADE------A

THE BLUE CAFTAN---Older married couple run a caftan boutique in Morocco but the arrival of a young male apprentice causes friction amongst all three.  Beautifully sustained drama of passion, love and honor.  This was the most liked fictional film at the SIFF among the full series patrons.             GRADE-------A-

SMOKE, SAUNA, SISTERHOOD ---A visually stunning film of a group of women  who  frequent a smoke sauna in Estonia and tell their (at times harrowing) stories of what being a woman has meant in their lives.  This film and the above film HIDDEN MASTER can easily win the Most naked bodies on display award at this year's SIFF.              GRADE-------------A-

Also loved FREMONT, INVISIBLE BEAUTY, BLUE JEAN, THE HUMMINGBIRD and DANCING QUEEN---all rated B+

 

VINTAGE FILMS ON DVD OR TV---------

REBECCA 1940--Hitchcock's masterpiece fascinates me every time I see it.           GRADE      ----A

WHAT'S UP DOC? 1976--Comic film peaks for director Peter Bagdonovich, and actors Barbara Striesand, Ryan O'Neal and especially Madaline Kahn.                GRADE------A

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS 1986--Funny stuff and toe tapping tunes make this a classic, with Rick Moranis and Steve Martin leading the way.  Feed me!           GRADE--------A-

SIMBA 1955--Dirk Bordarde heads to Africa to take over his murdered brother's farm, but runs into a cult of black natives who want all white people to leave or be killed, with Virginia McKenna.   An intense and nerve-wracking film.    GRADE-----A-

MALTESE FALCON 1941--Humphrey film that feels convoluted plot wise, but has some smart business handled by director, and actors are having a good time.             GRADE-------B+

CODA 2021--Stands for Child of Deaf Adults, this features a teen girl with a talent for singing--something  her parents can't appreciate, and they need her for interpreting to their hearing customers.  This (surprisingly) won the Best Picture Oscar and Best Supporting Actor and Best script but since it was only on a cable channel I did not have until recently I'm just catching up to it.          GRADE---B+

CAMPBELL'S KINGDOM 1957--When his grandfather is killed, Dirk Bogarde inherits his isolated property, but soon discovers a mean, bad man has corruptly tried to drive out the grandfather and has murderous intentions toward the grandson. Also with Stanley Baker and Michael Craig.  Problem:  the property in question seems to be high in the mountains, but the bad man seems to want to break a dam to flood out Bogarde, who I believe would be above the flooding zone!?!           GRADE-------B 

THE CHAPMAN REPORT 1962--Based on a best seller, this George Cukor film has a fine cast including Jane Fonda, Shelley Winters, Efrem Zimbalist Jr, Claire Bloom, Glynis John, Ty Hardin among others, and it looks good.  Unfortunately, the film deals with the sexual lives of different woman, and you can tell that it has been censured/edited to "soften" the subject matter ie. the word "frigid" is horribly uttered by Fonda but never fully explained in the film, and Bloom is probably gang raped in one scene, but it is never admitted--only that she likes lots of sex with lots of different men--hardly the same meaning.  John has the most fun with her flirtation with Hardin.  The film would seem to cry out for a modern remake, and it might not be so seemingly lurid this time around.      GRADE--------B

BRINGING UP BABY 1938--Kate Hepburn and Cary Grant have some amusing moments as a society woman and an absent minded professor (although Ryan O'Neal does it better in the above WHAT'S UP DOC?) but I find the last third of the film tiresome as they stumble around the woods in the dark looking for the missing leopard.           GRADE--------B-

THIS IS WHERE I LEAVE YOU 2014--The excellent cast (Jane Fonda, Tina Fey, Jason Bateman, Adam Driver, Connie Britton, Rose Byrne, etc) seems at a loss to bring any cohesion or drama or comedy to the proceedings  and the film feels like a let down, in spite of some funny lines and moments.  Not boring but disappointing by the end.  The film was nearly over when I realized I'd seen it several years ago because I remembered the final scene.            GRADE-------B-

PENNY PRINCESS 1952--Dirk Bogarde  meets the new owner of a small European country and helps her make money for their economy.        GRADE-------B- 

AGENT 8 3/4 AKA HOT ENOUGH FOR JUNE--Dirk Bogarde becomes a secret agent in this mild spy thriller which I've already forgotten about but which was amusing at the time.         GRADE------C+

 

 

STREAMING:  THE MORNING SHOW, THE POWER, MARVELOUS MRS MAISIL, TED LASSO, GRACE, DAGLESISH and PHYSICAL

 

 

 

 

THE FABLEMANS, THE BANSHES OF INISHERIN, THE WHALE, CLOSE, THE MENU, AVATAR: WAY OF WATER, SPOILER ALERT, GLASS ONION, OF AN AGE, SHE SAID, ARMAGEDON TIME, EMPIRE OF LIGHT, M3GAN, BABYLON, A MAN CALLED OTTO plus older films of Humphrey Bogart, Joan Crawford and Peter Sellars

In mid January my legal pad of all the films I'd seen in November, December and January--and all the notes and comments I'd made strangely disappeared.  I looked for over a month for this pad, and finally decided to start all over since winter is fleeting by, so the comments will be briefer and hopefully just as profound.  Hopefully I've not forgotten any titles since I have a smaller notebook mostly keeping track.  

NEWER FILMS

THE FABLEMANS--Steven Spielberg at his best, and (SHINDLER'S LIST aside) his most personal.  He deals with his Jewishness and his parent's scandal and his awakening to cinema in a mature and thoughtful manner.        GRADE------A

THE WHALE--Brendan Fraser has the role of a lifetime as the obese teacher trying to reconnect with his estranged teen age daughter.  He's likely to win the acting Oscar and the film may win  for makeup.   Check out his long list of big films and be impressed at his range.  He's also the comeback favorite surviving the death of his mother, physical injuries from acting requiring surgery and recuperation, and sexual abuse from a man who when rejected, tried to ruin Fraser's career.          GRADE------A 

THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN--Two best friends are suddenly at odds when the elder decides he no longer wants to be friends with his younger mate, and will not give a logical reason.  Things get weird as the younger man becomes desperate with loneliness and the elder becomes extremely stubborn.   Nominated for 4 acting Oscars and best picture, director and script.          GRADE---------A

CLOSE--A Belgium film (in French) and nominated for best foreign language film, this sensitive film is about two 12 year old boys who are best friends in everything--school, work, play, sleepovers.  When some careless comments causes one boy to pull away from the friendship, the relationship takes a tragic turn.  Beautifully rendered.               GRADE-----------A

AVATAR: WAY OF THE WATER---Beautiful to watch sequel to original film AVATAR from 2009 about a family that must leave their home for a watery replacement to escape capture from the earthly forces that wish to take over the Pandora planet.  This is a pleasure to watch although the plot is a bit predictable.  It has a best picture nomination and lots of technical nominations, which it seems likely to win. Strong family values of love, loyalty, honesty and trust give the film much gravitas.              GRADE-----------A-

THE GLASS ONION---A sequel to the mystery thriller KNIVES OUT with Daniel Craig as the most famous detective in the world and featuring a killer cast including Edward Horton, Janelle Monae, Dave Bautista, Kate Hudson, Leslie Odom Jr., Kathryn Hahn and others.  The plotting is very twisty and probably too complicated for it's own good but it is very entertaining and worth multiple viewings.               GRADE------------A-

THE MENU---Guests invited to a high end restaurant on a private island soon realize that their host chef may be wanting to murder them, in this stylish, clever, funny, witty mystery drama, with Ralph Fiennes (THE FORGIVEN earlier this year), Nicholas Hoult, Hong Chau (THE WHALE).           GRADE------A-       

SPOILER ALERT--A male couple spend a dozen Christmas's together before a tragic illness threatens their happiness--a happy tearjerker, with Jim Parsons (BIG BANG THEORY), Ben Aldridge (FLEABAG), Sally Field, Bill Irwin and Antoni Porowski (QUEER EYE).  Based on a true story, and the screenplay was co- written by local (Seattle) writer Dan Savage.                               GRADE------A-

R R R--Indian Hindi film about revolution started when rich aristocratic British couple  kidnap a small village child as their own, and the village has a super man who seeks her out, putting him in conflict with the strong Indian man who works for the British couple.  These two powerful men become fast friends because they don't know the background of each other--but it is fireworks when they realize they are on opposite sides of the law.  Exaggerated scenes of violence and torture and action and drama and the film feels longer than it should be (it is 3hours and 1 minute), but there are plenty of visuals and eye popping scenery and energy and music and dancing to entertain you.  Oscar nominee for best song during outdoor party scene (nearly half way through)--it has the energy to  win!          GRADE----------B+

OF AN AGE--Australian film about a flaky girl and her young semi professional dance partner and her gay older brother.  The two men connect one evening in a sexual liaison, just as the older one is leaving for a graduate program in South America, and don't meet up again for 10 years for the wedding of the sister.  The actors are brilliant as they relate to each other and the later meet up is full of longing, regret, change and maturity.  The story is filmed with a lot of extreme close ups and hand held camera (not my favorite technique) but may be easier to watch on a TV screen.                  GRADE-----------B+         

SHE SAID--Based on a true story when Miramax head Harvey Weinstein was widely accused of sexual harassment of dozens of young actresses over a number of years, the film is a powerful and fascinating account of how he was brought to justice by two dogged female reporters of the New York Times. The two reporter's story is almost like a thriller--and there are no reconstructed scenes to contend with.          GRADE---------------B+      

M3GAN--Surprisingly entertaining thriller about an artificial intelligence child doll built as a companion for a lonely parentless girl, but as usual, things start to go wrong  and the A.I. starts thinking for herself and becomes murderous.  I had fun with this one.              GRADE-----------------B+

EMPIRE OF LIGHT--As usual, Olivia Coleman delivers a radiant portrayal of a mentally unstable woman who manages a dying movie palace in the early 1980s during a time of turbulent and violent times of racial and political protest in a small coastal British town.  Directed by Sam Mendes, the film may be ponderous for some but the photography is splendid (Oscar nominated) and Coleman pulls us in.          GRADE----------B+

ARMAGEDDON TIME --This simple chamber drama focuses on a close knit Jewish family in the 1960's when racial justices and family values were starting to change.  Two preteen boys, schoolmates, become friends, but the white boy's parents throw up objections towads the black kid.  Only the old grandfather (Anthony Hopkins) can calm the parents and child.  It's a personal story from writer/director James Gray, nicely done              GRADE--------B+

BABYLON--This film, nearly as chaotic as the trailer, covers movie making's early years from the silent years to the early talkies.  There's a mixture of romantics, slapstick, pathos, decadence, humor and music.  General audiences may not get it or like it, but for movie buffs and historians, the film is fascinating and mostly moving.                GRADE---------B  

YOUR CHRISTMAS OR MINE--It's a modest comedy romance about college kids in love at a London train station, each leaving for a Christmas holiday break with their own families.  At the last second they each (unbeknownst to each other) jump from their own train to each others, only to arrive without their love at the home of their partners parents--and two very different experiences ensue.  Asa Butterfield (TV's SEX EDUCATION) and Cora Kirk are charming as the students, and the relatives they encounter are finely portrayed by stalwart British actors. This is a pleasing holiday film on Prime.         GRADE-------B

A MAN CALLED OTTO--Satisfying remake of Swedish film A MAN CALLED OVE (2015) with Tom Hanks as the cranky, suicidal widow, whose life is changed by a noisy, nosy neighbor who moves in next door. (a charming MVP Mariana Trevino.) In flashbacks, the younger Otto is played nicely by Tom's son Truman Hanks.          GRADE--------------B

AMSTERDAM--Director David O. Russel's busy, overstuffed comedy/drama/thriller, partly about Nazi's in NYC after WWII (I think) at least offers a strong cast including Christian Bale, Margot Robbie, Robert DeNiro, Chris Rock, Rami Malek, Alexandro Novola and many others.            GRADE---------B

BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER--This continuation of the sci-fi epic BLACK PANTHER is steeped in sorrow and mourning for the passing of lead actor Chadwick Boseman last year.  I felt it was laid on a bit thick.  This new film was not as fun or exciting for me as the first one, but there are some great effects and terrific plotting at times.                           GRADE-----------B

OPERATION FORTUNE: RUSE DE GUERRE--It's an unfortunately long and boring title for what is a perky low budget James Bond style film with gun battles, car chases, fist fights, witty lines of pithy dialogue and spy vs spy intrigue.  The cast is all in on the fun, including Jason Stratham, Aubrey Plaza, Cary Elwes, Bugzy Malone, Josh Harnett, and especially Hugh Grant.  It's been a long time coming for director Guy Ritchie--one of his best in a while.                GRADE--------B

SOMEONE I USED TO KNOW--Many scenes were shot in and around Leavenworth WA, this rom-com about a busy L.A. producer who returns home and begins a relationship with an old flame, only to meet his bride to be--she begins to think about who she is and what she wants.  Alison Brie,  Jay Ellis, Kiersey Clemons, Haley Joel Osmet and Julie Hagerty are in the cast, and they help make this familiar story feel fresh and funny.    Streaming on Prime/Amazon.                 GRADE----------B 

MY POLICEMAN--Starting in the late 1950's and lasting for several decades, MY POLICEMAN tells of a married man in London who starts a relationship with a gay museum worker and the film shows how it affects his wife and his life up to the 2000's.  Harry Styles is the main character and two actors play each character in different stages of their life.  That casting is very fine.          GRADE----------B

THE WONDER--1862 in Ireland, a young girl stops eating yet survives for months.  A nurse arrives to monitor her to make sure she is not taking any food and to verify this "miracle."  This low key psychological thriller is well made but the ending left me unimpressed.        GRADE------B

COCAINE BEAR--You get exactly what you think you're going to get,-- this strange, funny thriller has suspense, humor, gore, violence, satire, action, and one very strung out crazy bear.  I felt oddly satisfied by the end.  A solid directorial first film from actor Elizabeth Banks.              GRADE----------B-

EMILY--Based on the life of Emily Bronte who wrote Wuthering Heights in 1847 and her relationship with her sisters and brother, who was addicted to drugs.  The film uses natural lighting (candles and fireplaces and buildings and some daytime scenes, and is somber and slow to start, but the film grew on me and by the end I was intrigued enough to read about her life when I got home.      GRADE------B-

THE NOEL DIARY--A now famous novelist hasn't been home for 20 year, but when he comes home to clear out his mother's house, he finds a diary that might answer some questions from his past, and happens to meet a stranger who is on her own journey, and that diary might hold answers for her as well.  It's a peasant film with a holiday theme.  Streaming on Netflix.           GRADE---------B-

WE HAVE A GHOST--Netflix film that could have been a lot better, but makes the ghost haunting the new family house a very friendly and empathetic ghost--played by David Harbour. Tig Notoro, Anthony Mackie and Johi Winston are featured, but Jennifer Coolidge, who is having a very hot year right now, steals the brief couple of scenes she is given.               GRADE------------B-

ROALD DAHL'S MATILDA THE MUSICAL--Now showing on Netflix, this odd musical has okay music and the characters are well played, although a major role by Emma Thompson is quite exaggerated and becomes not so funny as bizarre.            GRADE--------------B-

A CHRISTMAS STORY CHRISTMAS--This HBO film is a sequel to A CHRISTMAS STORY from 1983 with Peter Billingsley still as Ralphie but  now 20 years older with a wife and kids of his own.  I never much like the original that much (too slow and belabored) and the first 40 minutes of this new version I nearly turned the station, but it does pick up during the last  45 minutes and by the end I found it quite moving.        GRADE------------C+

SOMETHING FROM TIFFANY'S--From Prime--this Christmas themed film has two men who bump into each other while leaving Tiffany's New York City store and accidentally pick up the wrong package, causing misunderstanding with the receivers of each gift.  You can sometimes figure out where each scene is going, but the film is pleasant to watch for the undemanding.            GRADE-------------C+

MY HAPPY ENDING--This British/Israeli film is based on a stage play, and features Andie MacDowell as a famous actor with stage four colon cancer who is trying to start chemotherapy without anyone knowing about it.  She bonds with three other women in her unit, but because she is vain and insecure she tries to stop her treatment in the middle of the procedure.  The film makes some good points and has some humor, but I really just wanted to shake the main character and slap her hard across the head and scream "snap out of it."  The lovely MacDowell is the main reason for watching this one.     GRADE-----------C+

OSCAR NOMINATED LIVE ACTION SHORTS--This shorts program was a pretty sorry example of worldwide shorts.  The only one I liked was THE RED SUITCASE about a young woman sent off to America from the middle east as a bride by her father, and her attempts to avoid her groom  at the airport.                   GRADE-------C+

PUSS AND BOOTS: THE LAST WISH--I'm not sure even kids would like this convoluted and chaotic animated feature with Antonio Banderas as the cat voice.          GRADE-------------C

PEOPLE WE HATE AT THE WEDDING--Silly and unfunny comedy about a dysfunctional family wedding.  Alison Janney, Kirsten Bell and Ben Platt are all wasted and I don't remember much about it after two months.              GRADE-----C

VIOLENT NIGHT--There are moments of humor in this black Christmas themed comedy, but the film has a nasty violent streak that ruins a lot of humor.             GRADE----------C 

VINTAGE FILMS

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE 1946--Frank Capra's classic story of an angel sent to earth to help depressed man find out what life would have been like if he'd  never been born.  Jimmy Stewart, Henry Traers, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Gloria Grahame--and all the cast are perfection.        GRADE------A

AVATAR 2009--Director James Cameron's original about humans trying to relocate to Pandora.          GRADE-------A 

ONE TWO THREE 1961--Hilarious comedy by director Frank Capra (again) set in Berlin .. about ambitious company manager forced to babysit the teenager daughter of his boss while hoping to become promoted.  The teen runs off and gets married to a communist.  James Cagney gives powerhouse performance and the sparkling cast includes Pamela Tiffin, Horst Buchholtz and Arlene Francis.     GRADE--------A

MIRACLE ON 34th STREET--Maureen O'Hara plays a single mother who hires an older man to play Santa Claus at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, but he insists he really is Santa Claus.  Charming holiday film, includes John Payne, Edmund Gwenn and a very young Natalie Wood.   GRADE-----A-   

HUNTED--aka THE STRANGER IN BETWEEN 1952--British film noir with Dirk Bogade who kidnaps a young boy when he think the boy may have witnessed his murder of another man, and the police chase them through England.           GRADE---------------B+

AUTUMN LEAVES 1956--Robert Aldrich directed this soap opera about an older woman (Joan Crawford) who becomes involved with a younger man (Cliff Robertson) who suffers from mental illness.  Also features Vera Miles and Lorne Greene.   GRADE-----------B+

THE STORY OF ESTHER COSTELO 1957--This soap opera features Joan Crawford as a wealthy American woman who adopts a young teen living in poverty who is parentless and blind and mute do to an explosion years before.  She teaches the girl Braille and things are going fine until Crawford's ex comes back into town and tries to exploit the girl  for money.  With Rosano Brazzi and Heather Sears.         GRADE------------B+  

All below rated B

PIECES OF APRIL 2003--Free spirit Katie Holmes tries to make a Thanksgiving dinner for dysfunction family and her dying mom.  With Patricia Clarkson, Derek Luke and Sean Hayes. 

SUDDEN FEAR 1952--Joan Crawford, Jack Palance, Gloria Grahame

THIS HAPPY BREED 1944--Noel Coward script about how WWII changed everything.

REVENGE OF PINK PANTHER 1978--Peter Sellars against many different assassins.  Funny.

DEAR MR. PROCHACK 1949--Dirk Bogarde and Glynis Johns play lovers-but Bogarde steals her husband and they remained partners for decades in real life.

ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT 1942--Bogart and friends find Nazis all over Manhattan.

ACROSS THE PACIFIC 1942--Bogart, Mary Astor, Sydney Greenstreet find treason at start of WW2.

ACTION IN NORTH ATLANTIC 1943--Bogart and Daniel Massey try to avoid German subs while transporting goods to their allies on freighters.

PASSAGE TO MARSEILLE 1944--Bogart and friends try to escape from Devil's Island back to France during WW2.  Plot reads a lot like story of PAPILLION.  Director Michael Curtis with Claude Rains, Sydney Greenstreet, Peter Lorre---all from CASABLANCA.

CRAIG'S WIFE 1936--Based on Pulitzer Prize winning play with Rosalind Russell--a domineering wife of John Boles, who loves her but slowly realizes she's only in it for the money.

HARRIETT CRAIG 1950--Remake of CRAIG"S WIFE with Joan Crawford and Wendell Corey.  Modest changes don't seem to take away power of the drama.

 

 OSCAR SHOW SUNDAY MARCH 12th  500PM Pacific time

Here's some random thoughts--EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE is not my favorite film--it was so chaotic and exhausting to watch, but I did enjoy Michelle Yeoh.  For years she's been in Chinese films and always a pleasure to watch.  Even though the action was weird, she managed to come across as intelligent while doing and saying the strangest things.  Cate Blanchett in TAR certainly gives the strongest, most dramatic performance, but she has won before and this is Michelle Yeoh's year.  Key Huy Quan gives a loveable supporting performance and is a child actor finally making good after Spielberg's INDIANA JONES AND TEMPLE OF DOOM (a film I disliked) and THE GOONIES, so he will probably win because EEAAO is on a winning streak.  If he doesn't, I liked Judd Hirsch from THE FABLEMANS because he has only a few short scenes but he really hit the emotional points.  Riding the coattails of EEAAO is Jamie Lee Curtis, whose been around a long time with solid performances, and her parents are Hollywood royalty (Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis) so even though her role was crazy way over the top for me, she has the wind at her back, and I'd applaud her win for supporting actress.  My vote would be for Hong Chau (THE WHALE)--another actress whose been around for a dozen years--finally getting some recognition. 

THE FABLEMANS has Speilberg in top form, but EEAAO seems to have the steam, but he might pull off best direction, but the two Daniel's from EEAAO seem to have the edge.  

I wasn't sure about best actor until I saw THE WHALE.  Wow, what an experience.  It is the best and most definitive role Brendan Fraser has ever had, and he deserves it.  Colin Farrell is good but has to give much credit to BRENDAN Gleeson in BANSHEES OF INSHERIN--his co star and equal.  Austin Butler does a good imitation of ELVIS, but he's young yet and doesn't have the gravitas as FRASER .  

Spielberg and Kushner might take the original writing for FABLEMANS, but this is a strong strong category, so TAR or EEAAO or BANCHEES might win--anyone would be lovely.  Adapted writing may go to Rian Johnson for GLASS ONION--it seems the strongest in this category for me, and it is a clever film. 

Animated film--PINOCCHIO

Documentary feature--FIRE OF LOVE was pretty hot--volcanoist couple die together in volcano.

Makeup--THE WHALE

International Film--I've only seen one--CLOSE which was excellent, so who knows? 

For live action short film--I saw them all--the only one I liked was THE RED SUITCASE.  Young woman sent to the US from middle east and tries to hide from groom sent to pick her up at airport.

AVATAR: WAY OF WATER should pick up some technical awards--fine with me.