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
Thursday, May 16, 2019
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.
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
US, 5 FEET APART, DUMBO, HOTEL MUMBAI, GLORIA BELL, SHAZAM!, CAPTAIN MARVEL, HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 3, THE AFTERMATH, EVERYBODY KNOWS, GRETA, FIGHTING WITH MY FAMILY, a new NANCY DREW (AND THE HIDDEN STAIRCASE,) plus RUGGLES OF RED GAP (1936) and PAPILLON (1973 w/ MCQUEEN and HOFFMAN)......)
Last year Jordon Peele won a writing Oscar for the popular thriller GET OUT, which I thought was well deserved. He's back this year with his new directorial and writing effort called------ US------and while there are some similarities (like tension, horror aspects, and a very diverse cast) this new film is very different from his more subtle past effort. When the mother becomes uncomfortable with a seaside vacation she persuades the rest of the family to head home in the morning. Unfortunately it is too late as the family's doppelgangers ("lookalikes" but with malicious, murderous intent, hence the title ---US---) attack their house, sending them fleeing for their lives. They soon discover an insidious plan to overtake their world, and we slowly learn the reason why mother is so disturbed and frightened, which is due to a 15 minute incident when she was a child while lost at the same beach side resort. The complex plotting has references galore: apocalyptic themes, zombie movies, Hitchcock moments (especially scenes set in carnival situations, and also THE BIRDS) and paranoid characters, and actors doing stupid things in the gravest moments, as well as the obligatory twists and turns of plotting and surprise endings. Happily the shocking ending leaves the audience in a catatonic state of shivering bliss--- even if borrowed from THE BIRDS. The shocks are well prepared, and the actors, especially Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o as the mother, deliver the goods. Nyong'o's role is massive (she plays two parts and does most of the "talking") and the film pivots beautifully around her disturbing story.-------------------------------GRADE--------A-
I didn't think I wanted to see a reenactment of the terrorist attack about 10 years ago that took place at various places in Mumbai that killed several hundred people at the luxury Taj hotel, but the film making is gripping, relentless and skillful, making this docudrama HOTEL MUMBAI hard to watch. Dev Patel, Armie Hammer and Anupam Kher give fine humanistic performances which fight against the horrific tragedy. ----------------------------------GRADE---------B+
FIVE FEET APART is one of those sick teens in love stories that normally I detest, but in this case, the actors are so lovely and witty that I was able to forgive the stupid ending because I was so moved for the first 90%. Perhaps it helped that I was not familiar with either actor, although both have appeared on TV shows. The dialogue was smart, witty and amusing and there are many fine, emotional moments--my favorite is the scene in the pool room. These two teens cannot be within 5 feet of each other because of the infectious nature of cystic fibrosis, yet you can feel the yearning and tragedy of being unable to touch each other. -------------------------------GRADE----B+
This new Julianne Moore film is wonderful to watch, specifically because Julianne Moore is so effervescent and enthusiastic. This remake of a Spanish film (GLORIA from several years ago ) works our sympathies as GLORIA BELL seeks to maneuver the dating scene for the 50 plus crowd, and the mostly disco songs from the nightclub she inhabits frequently becomes the soundtrack to her (and our own) life. Also features Michael Cerna, John Turturo, Holland Taylor and Brad Garrett provide sterling support. When she finally does find love, it comes with a lot of messy complications. ------------------------------GRADE-------B
Looking very much like a Tim Burton film, Burton's new work DUMBO, based on the simple 65 minute animated Disney film from 1941 is now remade, extended to over two hours and populated with live action characters (as well as some animation) and given a sweet, bizarre, sometimes creepy gloss, and I didn't mind it a bit. This DUMBO is still funny and innocent and full of wonder, although I 'm not sure small children will be so captivated. There are more subplots and characters, more jokes and bits of circus scenes, but still in keeping with the innocent themes of parental loss and teasing. I liked this new DUMBO, even as it introduces adult themes of motherless children, an armless veteran father returning from war, insidious evil capitalists, some grotesque animals and characters and many scenes of animals and children in peril. ---------------------------------------------GRADE-------------B
The new Marvel comic character to come alive on the movie screen is CAPTAIN MARVEL and it has some issues as well as some fun. In a complicated and chaotic manner, the first 20 minutes of the film is flashback/flash forward/flashback/flash in all directions--I had not much certainty in what was happening, but eventually it all works out by the end. My patience was quite limited by then--not the best way to start a new character back story. Finally the film starts into a forward plot about creatures from another universe looking for a place to relocate, and I liked the new character as she tries to figure out who and what she is. Brie Larson is the new CAPTAIN MARVEL, and a young looking (via special effects) Nick Fury (played by Samuel L. Jackson) work well together too, and the support cast is effective--especially the cat who steals complete scenes. --------------------------GRADE---------B
Based on a true story, FIGHTING WITH MY FAMILY tells of a British family really into big time wrestling, and the efforts of the two teenagers in the family to become professional. The girl manages to get her chance at the big time, but her brother does not, and that causes some family conflict. The writing is cheeky and entertaining, and there's some kick ass wrestling moments. The best of the actors include Dwayne Johnson, Vince Vaughn, and as the teens--Jack Lowden and Florence Pugh are amazing. ----------------------------------GRADE--------B
I really loved the first two films made of HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON, so this third film called HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 3: THE HIDDEN WORLD is a bit of a comedown. It is however, still full of exciting and funny moments, and has some every emotional scenes, especially the final ten minutes. It might be time to stop with the sequels while they are still ahead. -----------------------------GRADE-------B
The newest DC Comic superhero to hit the silver screen is SHAZAM! which features a young teenage boy who changes into an adult hero complete with a massive physique and red body suit and white cape. He must figure out his special powers in a hurry, because there is another evil superhero already on his tail. There is a lot of fun in that section of the film, especially the sarcastic scene at an all night grocery story. The film takes a long time to get off the ground with not just one but three preambles, as it were, but these scenes were important to the characters, and adds a lot of humanity to each character. The film at times seems chaotic and uneven, but the mood is mostly light, and there are some very sweet moments, and I do look forward to future episodes. Asher Angel and Zachary Levi play the teen and adult versions of SHAZAM! in amusing, charming fashion, even if they don't much look alike, and the rest of the cast is very effective. -------------------------------GRADE-----------------B
The newest Neil Jordan film (THE CRYING GAME) is a smooth, tense stalker movie called GRETA featuring the amazing French actress Isabelle Huppert, who plays a lonely older woman who befriends Chloe Grace Moretz, but the relationship soon sours because GRETA's behavior becomes obsessive, and the younger woman tries to break it off. The film's style is seductive, and it takes a while for us to figure out what is happening, but the film does have a satisfying and intense ending. ---------------------GRADE------B
EVERYBODY KNOWS is a Spanish language film featuring the iridescent Penelope Cruz and the handsome Javier Bardem as two ex-lovers who meet up again at a family wedding where a tragedy occurs during the celebrations, and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that Cruz and Bardem might still have a thing going between them---something that affects the tragedy. The film is a slow burner, but the fine direction and acting keep this drama engrossing. ----------------------GRADE--------B
A very small budget actually helps this independent western film THE KID work very well, as it tells the story of the last days of Billy the Kid, his gang, sheriff Pat Garrett and the young boy who seeks his advice on how to grow up. The fine cast includes Vincent D'Onofrio (who also directed the film,) Ethan Hawke, an unrecognizable Chris Pratt, and an amazing turn by an up and coming actor Dane DeHaan who plays the youthful Billy the Kid. --------------GRADE------B
Here's a modest drama about THE AFTERMATH of WWII, and the effects on the winners and losers of the war. Housing is a problem since so much was destroyed in the bombings of Hamburgh. An English officer shares a large house with a widowed German archetect and his disturbed daughter . Tensions bubble to the surface as well as passions. It might not be much of a surprise to see how this drama developes, but the film is well cast, the direction is smooth and appropriate and the set design and cinimatography are crisp and engrossing. -----------------GRADE------------------C+
I wish I could say that the new film based on the exploits of Nancy Drew: Dectective novels was a great new development but the film is only slightly amusing, mysterious and slightly effective. The updated (meaning skateboarding, computers, texting and sophisticated revenge tactics) Nancy Drew, although well played by red headed Sophia Lillis with Linda Lavin as the older auntie dealing with weird happenings at her house are having lots of fun, and with the help of the local mean girl, Drew and her friends solve the modest mystery of NANCY DREW AND THE HIDDEN STAIRCASE. I just wish it were more memorable and effective. ---------------------GRADE-----------------C+---
For a science fiction thriller, CAPTIVE STATE is neither thrilling or mysterious enough to keep our attention in a captive state. The film features a lot of hand held camera work, and many scenes are filmed at night or in dark buildings so it is hard to follow, and the plot itself is too subtle to care much. Earth had been overtaken by aliens, and a resistence has arisen to try to destroy the alien invaders. The film tries to feel like a spy drama but it needs a good dose of alien shock and awe. -------------------------------------GRADE-----------------C
VIEWED ON TV/DVD---------------
NORTHWEST BY NORTHWEST--- Perhaps Alfred Hitchcock's most sucessful suspense/comedy, this is a classic chase mystery, where the innocent man (Cary Grant) goes on the run, and becomes persued by the sexy spy (Eva Marie Saint) and the FBI and the bad guys. The classic scenes include driving drunk down a steep, winding road, being framed for murder at the United Nations, having a tension filled dinner and night with Saint, nearly murdered in an empty field, and scaling Mount Rushmore in dress shoes. -------------GRADE--------A
SHADOW OF A DOUBT---It was a double feature Hitchcock night. This one, set in a small town deals with a family member who may be a murderer. Hitch's favorite film, and skillfully done, with the usual doses of humor. ------------GRADE-------B+
THE VANISHING OF SIDNEY HALL--Currently on Netflix--this is a fine mystery of an arthur who drops out of writing, only to be draged back in by another writer. The fine lead is played by Logan Lerman (INDIGNATION 2016) and Elle Fanning. ------------GRADE------B+
I didn't think I wanted to see a reenactment of the terrorist attack about 10 years ago that took place at various places in Mumbai that killed several hundred people at the luxury Taj hotel, but the film making is gripping, relentless and skillful, making this docudrama HOTEL MUMBAI hard to watch. Dev Patel, Armie Hammer and Anupam Kher give fine humanistic performances which fight against the horrific tragedy. ----------------------------------GRADE---------B+
FIVE FEET APART is one of those sick teens in love stories that normally I detest, but in this case, the actors are so lovely and witty that I was able to forgive the stupid ending because I was so moved for the first 90%. Perhaps it helped that I was not familiar with either actor, although both have appeared on TV shows. The dialogue was smart, witty and amusing and there are many fine, emotional moments--my favorite is the scene in the pool room. These two teens cannot be within 5 feet of each other because of the infectious nature of cystic fibrosis, yet you can feel the yearning and tragedy of being unable to touch each other. -------------------------------GRADE----B+
This new Julianne Moore film is wonderful to watch, specifically because Julianne Moore is so effervescent and enthusiastic. This remake of a Spanish film (GLORIA from several years ago ) works our sympathies as GLORIA BELL seeks to maneuver the dating scene for the 50 plus crowd, and the mostly disco songs from the nightclub she inhabits frequently becomes the soundtrack to her (and our own) life. Also features Michael Cerna, John Turturo, Holland Taylor and Brad Garrett provide sterling support. When she finally does find love, it comes with a lot of messy complications. ------------------------------GRADE-------B
Looking very much like a Tim Burton film, Burton's new work DUMBO, based on the simple 65 minute animated Disney film from 1941 is now remade, extended to over two hours and populated with live action characters (as well as some animation) and given a sweet, bizarre, sometimes creepy gloss, and I didn't mind it a bit. This DUMBO is still funny and innocent and full of wonder, although I 'm not sure small children will be so captivated. There are more subplots and characters, more jokes and bits of circus scenes, but still in keeping with the innocent themes of parental loss and teasing. I liked this new DUMBO, even as it introduces adult themes of motherless children, an armless veteran father returning from war, insidious evil capitalists, some grotesque animals and characters and many scenes of animals and children in peril. ---------------------------------------------GRADE-------------B
The new Marvel comic character to come alive on the movie screen is CAPTAIN MARVEL and it has some issues as well as some fun. In a complicated and chaotic manner, the first 20 minutes of the film is flashback/flash forward/flashback/flash in all directions--I had not much certainty in what was happening, but eventually it all works out by the end. My patience was quite limited by then--not the best way to start a new character back story. Finally the film starts into a forward plot about creatures from another universe looking for a place to relocate, and I liked the new character as she tries to figure out who and what she is. Brie Larson is the new CAPTAIN MARVEL, and a young looking (via special effects) Nick Fury (played by Samuel L. Jackson) work well together too, and the support cast is effective--especially the cat who steals complete scenes. --------------------------GRADE---------B
Based on a true story, FIGHTING WITH MY FAMILY tells of a British family really into big time wrestling, and the efforts of the two teenagers in the family to become professional. The girl manages to get her chance at the big time, but her brother does not, and that causes some family conflict. The writing is cheeky and entertaining, and there's some kick ass wrestling moments. The best of the actors include Dwayne Johnson, Vince Vaughn, and as the teens--Jack Lowden and Florence Pugh are amazing. ----------------------------------GRADE--------B
I really loved the first two films made of HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON, so this third film called HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 3: THE HIDDEN WORLD is a bit of a comedown. It is however, still full of exciting and funny moments, and has some every emotional scenes, especially the final ten minutes. It might be time to stop with the sequels while they are still ahead. -----------------------------GRADE-------B
The newest DC Comic superhero to hit the silver screen is SHAZAM! which features a young teenage boy who changes into an adult hero complete with a massive physique and red body suit and white cape. He must figure out his special powers in a hurry, because there is another evil superhero already on his tail. There is a lot of fun in that section of the film, especially the sarcastic scene at an all night grocery story. The film takes a long time to get off the ground with not just one but three preambles, as it were, but these scenes were important to the characters, and adds a lot of humanity to each character. The film at times seems chaotic and uneven, but the mood is mostly light, and there are some very sweet moments, and I do look forward to future episodes. Asher Angel and Zachary Levi play the teen and adult versions of SHAZAM! in amusing, charming fashion, even if they don't much look alike, and the rest of the cast is very effective. -------------------------------GRADE-----------------B
The newest Neil Jordan film (THE CRYING GAME) is a smooth, tense stalker movie called GRETA featuring the amazing French actress Isabelle Huppert, who plays a lonely older woman who befriends Chloe Grace Moretz, but the relationship soon sours because GRETA's behavior becomes obsessive, and the younger woman tries to break it off. The film's style is seductive, and it takes a while for us to figure out what is happening, but the film does have a satisfying and intense ending. ---------------------GRADE------B
EVERYBODY KNOWS is a Spanish language film featuring the iridescent Penelope Cruz and the handsome Javier Bardem as two ex-lovers who meet up again at a family wedding where a tragedy occurs during the celebrations, and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that Cruz and Bardem might still have a thing going between them---something that affects the tragedy. The film is a slow burner, but the fine direction and acting keep this drama engrossing. ----------------------GRADE--------B
A very small budget actually helps this independent western film THE KID work very well, as it tells the story of the last days of Billy the Kid, his gang, sheriff Pat Garrett and the young boy who seeks his advice on how to grow up. The fine cast includes Vincent D'Onofrio (who also directed the film,) Ethan Hawke, an unrecognizable Chris Pratt, and an amazing turn by an up and coming actor Dane DeHaan who plays the youthful Billy the Kid. --------------GRADE------B
Here's a modest drama about THE AFTERMATH of WWII, and the effects on the winners and losers of the war. Housing is a problem since so much was destroyed in the bombings of Hamburgh. An English officer shares a large house with a widowed German archetect and his disturbed daughter . Tensions bubble to the surface as well as passions. It might not be much of a surprise to see how this drama developes, but the film is well cast, the direction is smooth and appropriate and the set design and cinimatography are crisp and engrossing. -----------------GRADE------------------C+
I wish I could say that the new film based on the exploits of Nancy Drew: Dectective novels was a great new development but the film is only slightly amusing, mysterious and slightly effective. The updated (meaning skateboarding, computers, texting and sophisticated revenge tactics) Nancy Drew, although well played by red headed Sophia Lillis with Linda Lavin as the older auntie dealing with weird happenings at her house are having lots of fun, and with the help of the local mean girl, Drew and her friends solve the modest mystery of NANCY DREW AND THE HIDDEN STAIRCASE. I just wish it were more memorable and effective. ---------------------GRADE-----------------C+---
For a science fiction thriller, CAPTIVE STATE is neither thrilling or mysterious enough to keep our attention in a captive state. The film features a lot of hand held camera work, and many scenes are filmed at night or in dark buildings so it is hard to follow, and the plot itself is too subtle to care much. Earth had been overtaken by aliens, and a resistence has arisen to try to destroy the alien invaders. The film tries to feel like a spy drama but it needs a good dose of alien shock and awe. -------------------------------------GRADE-----------------C
VIEWED ON TV/DVD---------------
NORTHWEST BY NORTHWEST--- Perhaps Alfred Hitchcock's most sucessful suspense/comedy, this is a classic chase mystery, where the innocent man (Cary Grant) goes on the run, and becomes persued by the sexy spy (Eva Marie Saint) and the FBI and the bad guys. The classic scenes include driving drunk down a steep, winding road, being framed for murder at the United Nations, having a tension filled dinner and night with Saint, nearly murdered in an empty field, and scaling Mount Rushmore in dress shoes. -------------GRADE--------A
SHADOW OF A DOUBT---It was a double feature Hitchcock night. This one, set in a small town deals with a family member who may be a murderer. Hitch's favorite film, and skillfully done, with the usual doses of humor. ------------GRADE-------B+
THE VANISHING OF SIDNEY HALL--Currently on Netflix--this is a fine mystery of an arthur who drops out of writing, only to be draged back in by another writer. The fine lead is played by Logan Lerman (INDIGNATION 2016) and Elle Fanning. ------------GRADE------B+
Monday, February 18, 2019
TOP FILMS FROM 2018-----Plus OSCAR Hopefuls (this Sunday February 24) Plus reviews: THEY SHALL NOT GROW OLD, COLD PURSUIT, ALITA: ANGEL WARRIOR, ON THE BASIS OF SEX, MISS BALA
Three great films opened this past week--an encouraging start to the new cinematic new year:
THEY SHALL NOT GROW OLD---This new documentary was filmed in digital and in 3D--a format that I usually don't appreciate--by New Zealand director Peter Jackson (LORD OF THE RINGS, THE HOBBIT etc). I saw the 3D version and I was impressed. He was given many hours of World War I footage, and transformed it into incredibly crisp, clear, like-new footage, then added amazing sound and some music and changed some of the black and white into color--the best technical result I've ever seen. These scenes of World War I have never been seen before, and brought to immediate vision the emotional reality of trench fighting that was astonishing and fascinating. You could sense the audience was transfixed. This 90 minute film is followed by a short 30 minute documentary about how the film was made, with Jackson himself expounding--another fascinating experience. For me this was THE MOVIE EVENT of the past several years.
GRADE---------------------------A
ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL--This new science fiction action film was directed by Robert Rodriguez and produced by James Cameron (TITANIC), and was only available in 3-D at the theatre where I saw it, but the film was technically vivid and impressive. The 3-D glasses don't fit over my regular glasses very well, and so I often get a headache by the end, but this experience was better than most, and I'm happy to recommend it to interested science fiction geeks. ALITA is a hand made cyborg girl, sort of a daughter figure to a doctor who pieces her together, and they soon discover that she has amazing powers that help her survive in this dismal, violent futuristic world. The film is live action, but ALITA does have some sort of special effects featured on some body parts, and her eyes have been enlarged with an other worldly glow. It's definitely a fish out of water story with a lot of fights, chases and thrills, and I was fascinated throughout.
GRADE------------------A-
COLD PURSUIT-- I wasn't expecting much from this latest Liam Neeson as action figure hero film, avenging the death of his twenty something son by drug dealers, but within 15 minutes this film morphs into something uniquely quirky, with drool humor, bits of witty violence, and unexpected plot twists. More than once I felt I was watching a companion film to the Coen brothers classic FARGO with bits of the recent Taylor Sheridan films WIND RIVER and HELL AND HIGH WATER and a dash of Hitchcock tossed in for good measure. This film is a remake of a Scandinavian film that I've never seen, and is sure to end up on many a top 10 list for this new year. GRADE--------------A-
OSCAR NOMINATED ANIMATED SHORT FILMS----This program featured all five of the Oscar nominated animated shorts, plus a couple more gems, and they all were pretty good. The first shown was BAO--a film that had wide exposure as it played this last summer with the new INCREDIBLES 2, but all were unique and, surprisingly moving. Unfortunately this program (along with the unseen by me Oscar nominated live action shorts) played just one short week during the massive (for the Pacific Northwest) snow storm, which made for sparse attendance. Pity if you missed it, but hopefully these programs will come back soon on DVD or the SHORTS channel. GRADE------------B+
ON THE BASIS OF SEX----Based on the early career of Ruth Bader Ginberg and her husband, this modest film which features Felicity Jones and Arme Hammer is pleasant and enlightening enough, but lacks the bold, provocative energy that highlights the current Oscar nominated documentary RBG about Ginsberg's life on the Supreme Court. GRADE----------B
SERENITY---Matthew McConanghy and Anne Hathaway star as ex's in this stylish film noir--she hunts him down so he will take her violent new husband out on a fishing expedition to throw him overboard. The film is slick to watch, but plays more like a potboiler than thriller, and you will either love or hate the surprise ending, or simply go what? Some interesting scenes and the ocean setting is attractive, but it doesn't quite come together. At least it wasn't dull. GRADE----------B-
ISN'T IT ROMANTIC---Rebel Wilson, who often plays the overweight best friend supporting roles (like all three PITCH PERFECT films) gets to be the lead here. She awakes from a head injury in a fantasy world where everyone loves her for herself and she gets the handsome man. The film is a parody of romantic comedies, with singing and dancing thrown in. Unfortunately its also a giant cliche, and becomes tiresome to watch, except for the occasional sight gag or line which she handles mostly with aplomb. I wanted to like it more, but not this time. GRADE-----C+
MISS BALA----Michelle Rodriguez goes to Tijuana to visit a close friend, but ends up getting kidnapped by drug dealers, and forced to be a "mule." There's a lot of unbelievable situations she must get out of, and this is a film that showed too much in the trailer of coming attractions . Also, the camera work was hand held, adding to the unpleasant visuals. GRADE-----------C+
GLASS--Except for THE SIXTH SENSE, I have not been impressed with director M. Night Shalmalan's other films---too long, too obtuse, to dull, too confusing, etc. Yes, that is exactly what I though of GLASS, and that ending was pointless to boot. GRADE-------------C-
Viewed on DVD--------------------------
LEAN ON PETE----2018-- A little film which snuck into town earlier this year, this is the little story that could, and does. Teen age Charley doesn't have much family support, but ends up with a horse as his best friend--that is until the horse is scheduled to be slaughtered. The adults he has contact with don't understand him, but he tries very hard to please. He is a very sympathetic character, but as his life starts a downward spiral (in a Dickensonian manner) you become anxious for his happiness. The modest, subtle film gains a lot of power, and contains several throat choking moments. One scene in particular had me gasping in shock--I don't know how they did that. In spite of being sad at times, the film has a strong redemptive power--it treats it's characters with a great deal of respect. With strong support from Steve Bucemi, Chloe Seviigny, Steve Zahn, and a star making turn by Charlie Plummer as "Charly" GRADE--------------A-
ROMAN J. ISRAEL, ESQ --2017---Here's an excellent example of a film that has some problems with story and believability, but is incredibly compelling because Denzel Washington has such command over his acting skills that he carries us over any potholes that surface. It wasn't until the film was over that I realized that some of the actions and plot twists were bogus at best. Well worth seeing for Washington. GRADE------------B
PITCH PERFECT 3---2017--Not as fresh as the first two, but there are some silly yet funny scenes and the singing is still watchable. Rebel Wilson is given a little more to do than previous editions. GRADE-----------B-
HARPER----1966 --I've seen some detective films with Paul Newman before that have been more interesting--I thought this one was a bit slow and too droll, but the cast (including Arthur Hill, Lauren Bacall, Janet Leigh, and especially scene stealer Shelley Winters) does what it can. GRADE----------------C+
TOP FILMS FROM 2018
Drama/Comedy in no particular order
THE FAVOURITE
MARY POPPINS RETURNS
IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK
GREEN BOOK
WIDOWS
CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME
COLETTE
SEARCHING
THE WIFE
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: FALLOUT
MAMA MIA: HERE WE GO AGAIN
BLACK K KLANSMAN
FIRST REFORMED
LOVE, SIMON
LEAVE NO TRACE
LEAN ON PETE
Favorite Documentaries
FREE SOLO
TEA WITH THE DAMES
THREE IDENTICAL STRANGERS
ANTONIO LOPEZ 1970: SEX FASHION DISCO
BALLET NOW
MCQUEEN
QUEERAMA
HAL
RBG
THE PRICE OF EVERYTHING
Best Foreign Films
ROMA (Mexico)
SHOPLIFTERS (Japan)
THE LAST SUIT (Spanish)
THE GUILTY (Denmark)
SEE YOU UP THERE (France)
REPORT ON SARAH AND SALEEM (Palestine/Israel)
Guilty Pleasures
BLACK PANTHER
UNSANE
THUNDER ROAD
THE PARTY
THE BAR
KILLS ON WHEELS
BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY
THE BALLAD OF BUSTER SCRUGGS
SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER VERSE
Did not like these films
WRINKLE IN TIME
THIRD MURDER
VICE (I wanted to scream profanities at the screen....)
0SCARS 400 PM SUNDAY 24 FEBRUARY--red carpet
Best Picture: My favorites are THE FAVOURITE and GREEN BOOK but I suspect A STAR IS BORN or BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY or BLACK PANTHER might win, or ROMA which I think should win best foreign film.
Best Actor: My favorites are Viggo Mortenson for GREEN BOOK or Rami Malek for BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY but Christian Bale might win for VICE--he was good but the film pissed me off.
Best Actress: My favorite is Glenn Close for THE WIFE--it would be a crime if she didn't win.
Supporting Actor: My favorite is Richard E. Grant for CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME but Mahershala Ali was good in GREEN BOOK.
Supporting Actress: Regina King--IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK has a deserved lock.
Best Director: Alfonso Cuaron for ROMA seems assured, though I also liked Yorgos Lanthimos for THE FAVOURITE.
Best Cinematography: THE FAVOURITE.
Best Costume: BLACK PANTHER, THE FAVOURITE, MARY POPPINS RETURNS--toss up.
Best Foreign film: ROMA and SHOPLIFTERS but ROMA has the edge.
Best Original Score: My Favorite is MARY POPPINS RETURNS, but IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK is lovely.
Best Song: All songs were fine this year, but Shallow... Lady Gaga's tune from A STAR IS BORN seems to have a lock.
Best Animated feature: SPIDER MAN: INTO THE SPIDER VERSE has a lock, I think.
Best Screen play: FIRST REFORMED is stunning, but FAVOURITE, GREEN BOOK, and ROMA seem a more predictable choice.
Best Adapted Screenplay: Favorite is IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK, but CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME and STAR IS BORN might be close behind.
Some of the smaller technical awards are up for grabs. I think that FIRST REFORMED should have been nominated for actor director and picture .
*********
I got the name incorrect on my favorite film this month---the correct name is THEY SHALL NOT GROW OLD. I apologize for any confusion during the previous 4 days. That was a major senior moment/boo boo I think.
*********
THEY SHALL NOT GROW OLD---This new documentary was filmed in digital and in 3D--a format that I usually don't appreciate--by New Zealand director Peter Jackson (LORD OF THE RINGS, THE HOBBIT etc). I saw the 3D version and I was impressed. He was given many hours of World War I footage, and transformed it into incredibly crisp, clear, like-new footage, then added amazing sound and some music and changed some of the black and white into color--the best technical result I've ever seen. These scenes of World War I have never been seen before, and brought to immediate vision the emotional reality of trench fighting that was astonishing and fascinating. You could sense the audience was transfixed. This 90 minute film is followed by a short 30 minute documentary about how the film was made, with Jackson himself expounding--another fascinating experience. For me this was THE MOVIE EVENT of the past several years.
GRADE---------------------------A
ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL--This new science fiction action film was directed by Robert Rodriguez and produced by James Cameron (TITANIC), and was only available in 3-D at the theatre where I saw it, but the film was technically vivid and impressive. The 3-D glasses don't fit over my regular glasses very well, and so I often get a headache by the end, but this experience was better than most, and I'm happy to recommend it to interested science fiction geeks. ALITA is a hand made cyborg girl, sort of a daughter figure to a doctor who pieces her together, and they soon discover that she has amazing powers that help her survive in this dismal, violent futuristic world. The film is live action, but ALITA does have some sort of special effects featured on some body parts, and her eyes have been enlarged with an other worldly glow. It's definitely a fish out of water story with a lot of fights, chases and thrills, and I was fascinated throughout.
GRADE------------------A-
COLD PURSUIT-- I wasn't expecting much from this latest Liam Neeson as action figure hero film, avenging the death of his twenty something son by drug dealers, but within 15 minutes this film morphs into something uniquely quirky, with drool humor, bits of witty violence, and unexpected plot twists. More than once I felt I was watching a companion film to the Coen brothers classic FARGO with bits of the recent Taylor Sheridan films WIND RIVER and HELL AND HIGH WATER and a dash of Hitchcock tossed in for good measure. This film is a remake of a Scandinavian film that I've never seen, and is sure to end up on many a top 10 list for this new year. GRADE--------------A-
OSCAR NOMINATED ANIMATED SHORT FILMS----This program featured all five of the Oscar nominated animated shorts, plus a couple more gems, and they all were pretty good. The first shown was BAO--a film that had wide exposure as it played this last summer with the new INCREDIBLES 2, but all were unique and, surprisingly moving. Unfortunately this program (along with the unseen by me Oscar nominated live action shorts) played just one short week during the massive (for the Pacific Northwest) snow storm, which made for sparse attendance. Pity if you missed it, but hopefully these programs will come back soon on DVD or the SHORTS channel. GRADE------------B+
ON THE BASIS OF SEX----Based on the early career of Ruth Bader Ginberg and her husband, this modest film which features Felicity Jones and Arme Hammer is pleasant and enlightening enough, but lacks the bold, provocative energy that highlights the current Oscar nominated documentary RBG about Ginsberg's life on the Supreme Court. GRADE----------B
SERENITY---Matthew McConanghy and Anne Hathaway star as ex's in this stylish film noir--she hunts him down so he will take her violent new husband out on a fishing expedition to throw him overboard. The film is slick to watch, but plays more like a potboiler than thriller, and you will either love or hate the surprise ending, or simply go what? Some interesting scenes and the ocean setting is attractive, but it doesn't quite come together. At least it wasn't dull. GRADE----------B-
ISN'T IT ROMANTIC---Rebel Wilson, who often plays the overweight best friend supporting roles (like all three PITCH PERFECT films) gets to be the lead here. She awakes from a head injury in a fantasy world where everyone loves her for herself and she gets the handsome man. The film is a parody of romantic comedies, with singing and dancing thrown in. Unfortunately its also a giant cliche, and becomes tiresome to watch, except for the occasional sight gag or line which she handles mostly with aplomb. I wanted to like it more, but not this time. GRADE-----C+
MISS BALA----Michelle Rodriguez goes to Tijuana to visit a close friend, but ends up getting kidnapped by drug dealers, and forced to be a "mule." There's a lot of unbelievable situations she must get out of, and this is a film that showed too much in the trailer of coming attractions . Also, the camera work was hand held, adding to the unpleasant visuals. GRADE-----------C+
GLASS--Except for THE SIXTH SENSE, I have not been impressed with director M. Night Shalmalan's other films---too long, too obtuse, to dull, too confusing, etc. Yes, that is exactly what I though of GLASS, and that ending was pointless to boot. GRADE-------------C-
Viewed on DVD--------------------------
LEAN ON PETE----2018-- A little film which snuck into town earlier this year, this is the little story that could, and does. Teen age Charley doesn't have much family support, but ends up with a horse as his best friend--that is until the horse is scheduled to be slaughtered. The adults he has contact with don't understand him, but he tries very hard to please. He is a very sympathetic character, but as his life starts a downward spiral (in a Dickensonian manner) you become anxious for his happiness. The modest, subtle film gains a lot of power, and contains several throat choking moments. One scene in particular had me gasping in shock--I don't know how they did that. In spite of being sad at times, the film has a strong redemptive power--it treats it's characters with a great deal of respect. With strong support from Steve Bucemi, Chloe Seviigny, Steve Zahn, and a star making turn by Charlie Plummer as "Charly" GRADE--------------A-
ROMAN J. ISRAEL, ESQ --2017---Here's an excellent example of a film that has some problems with story and believability, but is incredibly compelling because Denzel Washington has such command over his acting skills that he carries us over any potholes that surface. It wasn't until the film was over that I realized that some of the actions and plot twists were bogus at best. Well worth seeing for Washington. GRADE------------B
PITCH PERFECT 3---2017--Not as fresh as the first two, but there are some silly yet funny scenes and the singing is still watchable. Rebel Wilson is given a little more to do than previous editions. GRADE-----------B-
HARPER----1966 --I've seen some detective films with Paul Newman before that have been more interesting--I thought this one was a bit slow and too droll, but the cast (including Arthur Hill, Lauren Bacall, Janet Leigh, and especially scene stealer Shelley Winters) does what it can. GRADE----------------C+
TOP FILMS FROM 2018
Drama/Comedy in no particular order
THE FAVOURITE
MARY POPPINS RETURNS
IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK
GREEN BOOK
WIDOWS
CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME
COLETTE
SEARCHING
THE WIFE
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: FALLOUT
MAMA MIA: HERE WE GO AGAIN
BLACK K KLANSMAN
FIRST REFORMED
LOVE, SIMON
LEAVE NO TRACE
LEAN ON PETE
Favorite Documentaries
FREE SOLO
TEA WITH THE DAMES
THREE IDENTICAL STRANGERS
ANTONIO LOPEZ 1970: SEX FASHION DISCO
BALLET NOW
MCQUEEN
QUEERAMA
HAL
RBG
THE PRICE OF EVERYTHING
Best Foreign Films
ROMA (Mexico)
SHOPLIFTERS (Japan)
THE LAST SUIT (Spanish)
THE GUILTY (Denmark)
SEE YOU UP THERE (France)
REPORT ON SARAH AND SALEEM (Palestine/Israel)
Guilty Pleasures
BLACK PANTHER
UNSANE
THUNDER ROAD
THE PARTY
THE BAR
KILLS ON WHEELS
BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY
THE BALLAD OF BUSTER SCRUGGS
SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER VERSE
Did not like these films
WRINKLE IN TIME
THIRD MURDER
VICE (I wanted to scream profanities at the screen....)
0SCARS 400 PM SUNDAY 24 FEBRUARY--red carpet
Best Picture: My favorites are THE FAVOURITE and GREEN BOOK but I suspect A STAR IS BORN or BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY or BLACK PANTHER might win, or ROMA which I think should win best foreign film.
Best Actor: My favorites are Viggo Mortenson for GREEN BOOK or Rami Malek for BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY but Christian Bale might win for VICE--he was good but the film pissed me off.
Best Actress: My favorite is Glenn Close for THE WIFE--it would be a crime if she didn't win.
Supporting Actor: My favorite is Richard E. Grant for CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME but Mahershala Ali was good in GREEN BOOK.
Supporting Actress: Regina King--IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK has a deserved lock.
Best Director: Alfonso Cuaron for ROMA seems assured, though I also liked Yorgos Lanthimos for THE FAVOURITE.
Best Cinematography: THE FAVOURITE.
Best Costume: BLACK PANTHER, THE FAVOURITE, MARY POPPINS RETURNS--toss up.
Best Foreign film: ROMA and SHOPLIFTERS but ROMA has the edge.
Best Original Score: My Favorite is MARY POPPINS RETURNS, but IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK is lovely.
Best Song: All songs were fine this year, but Shallow... Lady Gaga's tune from A STAR IS BORN seems to have a lock.
Best Animated feature: SPIDER MAN: INTO THE SPIDER VERSE has a lock, I think.
Best Screen play: FIRST REFORMED is stunning, but FAVOURITE, GREEN BOOK, and ROMA seem a more predictable choice.
Best Adapted Screenplay: Favorite is IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK, but CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME and STAR IS BORN might be close behind.
Some of the smaller technical awards are up for grabs. I think that FIRST REFORMED should have been nominated for actor director and picture .
*********
I got the name incorrect on my favorite film this month---the correct name is THEY SHALL NOT GROW OLD. I apologize for any confusion during the previous 4 days. That was a major senior moment/boo boo I think.
*********
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
ROMA, MARY POPPINS RETURNS, SPIDERMAN:INTO THE SPIDER VERSE, SHOPLIFTERS, THE UPSIDE, IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK, AQUAMAN......
Lots of good stuff came out this holiday month, and here's my favorites......
THE FAVOURITE---A funny, farcical chamber comedy drama set in the court of Queen Anne of England during the early 18th century war between England and France. When a stranger (played by Emma Stone) arrives at court, she weasels her way into the favor of the Queen, much to the chagrin to the Queen's long time friend and lover (Rachel Weisz)--and the two of them play one upmanship games to win as the Queen's FAVOURITE. Anne is delightfully portrayed by Olivia Colman, and all three women are destined to be nominated for acting awards. Much of the humor is dry, cruel and unfair, but the actors keep the mood light and curious. GRADE-------A-
ROMA---A Mexican black and white film based on childhood memories of its director Alfonzo Cuaron (best director for GRAVITY) is wistful and engrossing as it follows the year in the life of a maid in the early 1970's. Many scenes have resonated in my memory over the last month--some curious, moving or just funny. GRADE----------A-
MARY POPPINS RETURNS----A delightful remake of the original 1964 film, with new and a few returning characters. The songs were written by one of the original song writers, and the film mixes whimsical sequences featuring charming songs, comedy, dancing and sight gags and animation. I had a big stupid grin on my face the entire film. GRADE--------A-
SPIDERMAN: INTO THE SPIDER VERSE---I had no interest in seeing another film about Spiderman--especially animated. But several months ago at the end of VENOM they screened a long 10minute clip of this new film, and I was intrigued. The animation allows the filmmakers to really do different things with the action, and it looks so wonderfully chic and modern. My only complaint to this version is the final 20 minutes which becomes so chaotically abstract that I lost my train of thought. Still, it is classically brilliant in an exciting new way-with it's hip soundtrack and graffiti images it heralds a new way of presenting animation. GRADE-----A-
THE SHOPLIFTERS---This Japanese film tells of a poor, make shift family created organically by strangers who band together, adults and children, living in an abandoned house, stealing food and supplies to get by, and creating a loving bond. The film is gentle and beautifully composed, with generous feelings of love in spite of the criminal activity that seems to be promoted. GRADE-----------A-
THE UPSIDE----This remake of THE INTOUCHABLES--a 2011 French film--works quite well for American audiences mainly due to the chemistry between a rich, white paraplegic man and the ex-con black man who "accidentally" becomes his care giver, and luckily the two leads are played by Bryan Cranston and Kevin Hart, who finally gets a great part to match his sarcastic urban wit. I was moved and humored by the film, even though I'd seen the original French version twice, and the audience was having as good a time as I was. The film has become a surprise hit grossing over $20 million it's first weekend, finally bumping AQUAMAN off the number one slot after 4 weeks. If you are ready for a moving comedy, THE UPSIDE is the film for you. GRADE--------------A-
IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK---This film version of James Baldwin's novel is a beautiful experience--the direction and script is smooth and insightful, with each character making a solid and vivid impression of their plight. Set in the late 60's, the film tells of two young black lovers who become pregnant just as the young man is imprisoned for a crime he clearly didn't commit and the two poor family's must struggle to free him. This director, of the luminous MOONLIGHT, Barry Jenkins gives his new film the same glow as before, and in spite of some tragic themes, ignites the film with hope and love and dignity. GRADE------------B+
AQUAMAN---The film has been receiving mixed reviews, but any film that features a 10 legged octopus playing the drum set and the bongos with all legs can't be all bad, right? There's an explosion or fight scene every couple minutes, and some of those long haired underwater heroes pop in and out of the water with a flick of the hair and some self deprecating movements make things pretty fun. The underwater world reminded me of the wonders of BLACK PANTHER--things I've never seen before. I had a lot of fun at this movie. It didn't matter to me that there was a lot of mambo jumbo political talk or the usual bad man trying to run the universe that every comic book movie seems to have. I just had a good time. GRADE---------B+
MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS--Here's an engaging historical drama with two fine actors--Saoirse Ronan plays Mary, and Margot Robbie plays her cousin Queen Elizabeth I. The cinematography, music and costumes are a pleasure to watch. After viewing I read up on the history/story behind the production, and somethings I wasn't sure of--seems like they skipped and some things were made up, but the entertainment factor was there and I try to give the writers the benefit of the doubt----since who really can know exactly what was said or done with any specificity. GRADE---------B
THE MULE---I'm no fan of Clint Eastwood's politics, but I do know that he makes smooth, non fussy films as a director--he gets to the point and moves on, and as an actor he does the same, being cast in appropriate roles and making each characterization look simple. THE MULE is based on a true story and it is very effective as a film. Eastwood plays a 90 year old man who has been a loser as a provider for his family and has never been around for them. He "accidentally" takes a job as a mule for a drug cartel--transporting increasingly large amounts of drugs from place to place, with increasing tension. He always surrounds himself with good actors, in this case like Bradley Cooper, Laurence Fishbourne, Michael Pena, Andy Garcia, and especially Dianne Weist, who manages to steal with great efficiency and emotion, the few scenes she has as his estranged ex-wife. GRADE--------B
MORTAL ENGINES--An awkward title for this science fiction film set in the apocalyptic future about a large mobile city London (!) that gobbles up small mobile towns. There's a complicated chase --something to do with a mad man trying to "rule the world" while trying to kill the girl whose mother he had killed.....any way, the film is rather unique in a lot of ways, mostly to do with special effects, and surprisingly engaging. It helps that the film was written and produced by Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh (LOTR director and writers) and filmed in the always beautiful and unusual New Zealand landscapes. A very solid guilty pleasure. GRADE-------B
PERFECTOS DESCONOCIDES (PERFECT STRANGERS)---This Spanish film is a big guilty pleasure--and I just realized it was directed by one of my favorite Spanish directors, Alex de la Iglesia. Seven friends at a dinner party agree to play a party game where all cell phones are in the center of the table, and all messages, tweets and calls are read aloud or listened to on speaker. This of course causes all sorts of misunderstandings, embarrassments and surprises, and although the mood starts out mostly light and amusing, as the game takes some serious turns and becomes almost cruel, the stakes become higher as secrets start to spill out. There are four or five serious twists and double twists by the end. Loved it. GRADE-----------B
AT ETERNITY"S GATE--This fictionalized documentary covers much the same ground as the specialized hand painted animated film from last year LOVE, VINCENT. In a strong performance, Willem Dafoe plays van Gogh, Rupert Friend plays brother Theo, and Oscar Isaac plays Gauguin. The director Julian Schnabel blurs some scenes purposefully at the top or bottom or in the middle (thought I'm not sure why--it just makes the film hard to watch at times) and uses a lot of hand held camera work, which I'm not a fan of, so my one great take away is Dafoe. GRADE-----B-
THE FRONT RUNNER---This low key film has some interesting moments--it is based on the true experience that candidate Gary Hart had while he was running for president in 1988. He is (falsely) accused of infidelity--the relationship blown out of proportion by the news media. He is forced to quit the race. Recent events have shown that the pictures that hit newsstands were fabricated--set up by political enemies to disgrace him. It's a sad story but the film makers don't give the film any punch, and as a viewer, we hardly care by the end. GRADE---------B-
VICE----The actors in this biographical drama are all excellent--too excellent. Christian Bale heads the film as Dick Cheney, Amy Adams is his wife, and Sam Rockwell plays Bush, all a little too well. This film brought back all the anger and hostility I had towards this administration, and by the end of this film I was wanting to yell profanities at the screen, which I had to keep in by biting my tongue. This film made be feel angry, betrayed, hostile, and itchy. I HATED WATCHING THIS FILM. (I'm sure I'll feel the same way in 5 years time when they make a TRUMP film. Hopefully it will be funny.) GRADE------------C
VOX LUX---There's an interesting film here struggling to get out. Two teen sisters live through a horrifying experience at school. A dozen years later one has achieved great personal success as a singer because of a song she wrote about her experience, but she has become a selfish, vain diva and takes her unhappiness out on all who try to help her. Natalie Portman gives it her all as the older diva,and Jude Law is almost unrecognizable (in a good way)as her manager. The film ends with a 20 minute concert that she pulls together after a wild scene of drugging and sex. It's not a likable film, but the music is a redeeming factor with several songs written (and sung) by the artist SIA.
GRADE-----------------C
BUMBLEBEE-- This new film is really a remake of the transformer stories from a few years ago, but softer, gentler, and with a girl teenager as the lead. It starts off nicely, as she is gifted a junker VW Bug as an 18 year birthday present, then discovers it will transform into a gentle giant machine, but it quickly becomes pretty predictable during the last half with a lot of screen time taken up with giant machine fighting even larger giant machine, and the military men very quick to shoot first and ask questions later. GRADE---------C
REISSUES, NETFLIX, DVD's, or shown on TV--------------------
SCHINDLER'S LIST 1993---This award winning Steven Spielberg film is 25 years old, and I saw a new reissue in glorious black and white (color would have made viewing it too painful) and on a large Dolby stereo screen, but unfortunately there were not many people watching with me. It was easier watching this second time--the first time I was so nervous and distressed. What really stood out for me was the fine actors Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes and Ben Kingsley, and the beautiful John Williams score. There are some horrible scenes of Holocaust cruelty and violence , but many more memorable scenes of hope and dignity and faith. It's still a chilling, sober film very well done. GRADE-------------------A-
STRUGGLE: LIFE AND LOST ART OF SZUKALSKI--This Netflix original documentary was about the life of an artist and sculpturist from Poland who inadvertently becomes involved with the Nazi movement in the late 1930's before he is able to escape to the United States. Nearly all of his major pieces were destroyed or bombed in Germany, even though critics around the world labeled him a genius. He is little known today except through a few discovered works and some photographs. GRADE-------------------B+
HAROLD AND LILLIAN: A HOLLYWOOD LOVE STORY 2017--This couple, the Michelson's, were married more than 60 years and worked together in Hollywood behind the scenes. Harold was a story boarder, who worked with Hitchcock, Polanski, Mel Brooks, Kubrick, and many others through most of his career, drawing picture story boards that led to directorial decisions. She became one of the first (and few) film research librarians, assisting directors, set designers, costumers, and others to find accuracy in costumes and sets for period pictures. For movie fans, this Netflix documentary film is fascinating. GRADE------------B
SANTA CHRONICLES--A new Netflix film featuring a jolly Kurt Russell as Santa whose sleigh gets damaged by two pre-teen kids who end up helping him beat the clock on Christmas Eve. It's harmless fun for all ages, with miniature elves, 50's music, bad guys, and a very sexy Mrs. Clause. I had a reasonably good time with this one. GRADE---------------B
DUMPLIN'--A new Netflix film has Jennifer Aniston playing the mother of a full size daughter who tries out for a beauty pageant, encouraging other "different" teens to also try out. The film is improved by six new Dolly Parton songs on the soundtrack, but this is still very familiar stuff. GRADE--------------B-
RUMOR HAS IT 2005--A modest comedy starring Jennifer Aniston who suspects her dead mother and her very alive grandmother (Shirley MacClaine) may be the basis for THE GRADUATE novel and movie (as Elaine and Mrs. Robinson characters) and sets out to find the Dustin Hoffman character, played by Kevin Costner. The film has some great laughs, but it remains modest in all respects. GRADE--------B-
THE DEAD POOL 1988---A modestly effective Clint Eastwood ("Dirty Harry")cop thriller set amongst the Hollywood scene. This has some early, amusing guest shots of a young Jim Carrey as an over the top rocker, and one of Patricia Clarkson's early roles as an ambitious reporter. GRADE------B-
THE WILD PARTY 1975--Based on a legendary party that ends in an orgy and murder and inspired by the Fatty Arbunckle scandal, this low budget production was an early film directed by James Ivory (HOWARD'S END, REMAINS OF THE DAY, MAURICE, etc.) and stars Raquel Welch, James Coco and Perry King. It's not very good, but it has some odd and curious scenes, and the three leads are very watchable. GRADE-------------B-
VALLEY OF DECISION 1945--A rich man and his poor maid fall in love, but their fathers are enemies, causing lots of tension and guilt. Greer Garson, Gregory Peck, Lionell Barrymore and Donald Crisp have key roles. Soapy and melodramatic at times, but the cast is interesting. GRADE---------B-
THE MAN WHO SAVED CHRISTMAS 2002--A made for TV movie with Jason Alexander as a pre-war toy maker who is convinced by the government to stop making toys and make weapons instead when WWI breaks out. He takes the blame for canceling Christmas, then must convince the president that toys are necessary. Slow and dull film tries hard to please. GRADE------------------C+
POTTERSVILLE 2017--Despite strong comic cast (Michael Shannon, Judy Greer, Ron Perlman, etc) this Netflix film made me wince many times, and moves too slow, and was not very festive in spite of being set at Christmas. Plus the plot was stupid. GRADE---------------D+
THE FAVOURITE---A funny, farcical chamber comedy drama set in the court of Queen Anne of England during the early 18th century war between England and France. When a stranger (played by Emma Stone) arrives at court, she weasels her way into the favor of the Queen, much to the chagrin to the Queen's long time friend and lover (Rachel Weisz)--and the two of them play one upmanship games to win as the Queen's FAVOURITE. Anne is delightfully portrayed by Olivia Colman, and all three women are destined to be nominated for acting awards. Much of the humor is dry, cruel and unfair, but the actors keep the mood light and curious. GRADE-------A-
ROMA---A Mexican black and white film based on childhood memories of its director Alfonzo Cuaron (best director for GRAVITY) is wistful and engrossing as it follows the year in the life of a maid in the early 1970's. Many scenes have resonated in my memory over the last month--some curious, moving or just funny. GRADE----------A-
MARY POPPINS RETURNS----A delightful remake of the original 1964 film, with new and a few returning characters. The songs were written by one of the original song writers, and the film mixes whimsical sequences featuring charming songs, comedy, dancing and sight gags and animation. I had a big stupid grin on my face the entire film. GRADE--------A-
SPIDERMAN: INTO THE SPIDER VERSE---I had no interest in seeing another film about Spiderman--especially animated. But several months ago at the end of VENOM they screened a long 10minute clip of this new film, and I was intrigued. The animation allows the filmmakers to really do different things with the action, and it looks so wonderfully chic and modern. My only complaint to this version is the final 20 minutes which becomes so chaotically abstract that I lost my train of thought. Still, it is classically brilliant in an exciting new way-with it's hip soundtrack and graffiti images it heralds a new way of presenting animation. GRADE-----A-
THE SHOPLIFTERS---This Japanese film tells of a poor, make shift family created organically by strangers who band together, adults and children, living in an abandoned house, stealing food and supplies to get by, and creating a loving bond. The film is gentle and beautifully composed, with generous feelings of love in spite of the criminal activity that seems to be promoted. GRADE-----------A-
THE UPSIDE----This remake of THE INTOUCHABLES--a 2011 French film--works quite well for American audiences mainly due to the chemistry between a rich, white paraplegic man and the ex-con black man who "accidentally" becomes his care giver, and luckily the two leads are played by Bryan Cranston and Kevin Hart, who finally gets a great part to match his sarcastic urban wit. I was moved and humored by the film, even though I'd seen the original French version twice, and the audience was having as good a time as I was. The film has become a surprise hit grossing over $20 million it's first weekend, finally bumping AQUAMAN off the number one slot after 4 weeks. If you are ready for a moving comedy, THE UPSIDE is the film for you. GRADE--------------A-
IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK---This film version of James Baldwin's novel is a beautiful experience--the direction and script is smooth and insightful, with each character making a solid and vivid impression of their plight. Set in the late 60's, the film tells of two young black lovers who become pregnant just as the young man is imprisoned for a crime he clearly didn't commit and the two poor family's must struggle to free him. This director, of the luminous MOONLIGHT, Barry Jenkins gives his new film the same glow as before, and in spite of some tragic themes, ignites the film with hope and love and dignity. GRADE------------B+
AQUAMAN---The film has been receiving mixed reviews, but any film that features a 10 legged octopus playing the drum set and the bongos with all legs can't be all bad, right? There's an explosion or fight scene every couple minutes, and some of those long haired underwater heroes pop in and out of the water with a flick of the hair and some self deprecating movements make things pretty fun. The underwater world reminded me of the wonders of BLACK PANTHER--things I've never seen before. I had a lot of fun at this movie. It didn't matter to me that there was a lot of mambo jumbo political talk or the usual bad man trying to run the universe that every comic book movie seems to have. I just had a good time. GRADE---------B+
MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS--Here's an engaging historical drama with two fine actors--Saoirse Ronan plays Mary, and Margot Robbie plays her cousin Queen Elizabeth I. The cinematography, music and costumes are a pleasure to watch. After viewing I read up on the history/story behind the production, and somethings I wasn't sure of--seems like they skipped and some things were made up, but the entertainment factor was there and I try to give the writers the benefit of the doubt----since who really can know exactly what was said or done with any specificity. GRADE---------B
THE MULE---I'm no fan of Clint Eastwood's politics, but I do know that he makes smooth, non fussy films as a director--he gets to the point and moves on, and as an actor he does the same, being cast in appropriate roles and making each characterization look simple. THE MULE is based on a true story and it is very effective as a film. Eastwood plays a 90 year old man who has been a loser as a provider for his family and has never been around for them. He "accidentally" takes a job as a mule for a drug cartel--transporting increasingly large amounts of drugs from place to place, with increasing tension. He always surrounds himself with good actors, in this case like Bradley Cooper, Laurence Fishbourne, Michael Pena, Andy Garcia, and especially Dianne Weist, who manages to steal with great efficiency and emotion, the few scenes she has as his estranged ex-wife. GRADE--------B
MORTAL ENGINES--An awkward title for this science fiction film set in the apocalyptic future about a large mobile city London (!) that gobbles up small mobile towns. There's a complicated chase --something to do with a mad man trying to "rule the world" while trying to kill the girl whose mother he had killed.....any way, the film is rather unique in a lot of ways, mostly to do with special effects, and surprisingly engaging. It helps that the film was written and produced by Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh (LOTR director and writers) and filmed in the always beautiful and unusual New Zealand landscapes. A very solid guilty pleasure. GRADE-------B
PERFECTOS DESCONOCIDES (PERFECT STRANGERS)---This Spanish film is a big guilty pleasure--and I just realized it was directed by one of my favorite Spanish directors, Alex de la Iglesia. Seven friends at a dinner party agree to play a party game where all cell phones are in the center of the table, and all messages, tweets and calls are read aloud or listened to on speaker. This of course causes all sorts of misunderstandings, embarrassments and surprises, and although the mood starts out mostly light and amusing, as the game takes some serious turns and becomes almost cruel, the stakes become higher as secrets start to spill out. There are four or five serious twists and double twists by the end. Loved it. GRADE-----------B
AT ETERNITY"S GATE--This fictionalized documentary covers much the same ground as the specialized hand painted animated film from last year LOVE, VINCENT. In a strong performance, Willem Dafoe plays van Gogh, Rupert Friend plays brother Theo, and Oscar Isaac plays Gauguin. The director Julian Schnabel blurs some scenes purposefully at the top or bottom or in the middle (thought I'm not sure why--it just makes the film hard to watch at times) and uses a lot of hand held camera work, which I'm not a fan of, so my one great take away is Dafoe. GRADE-----B-
THE FRONT RUNNER---This low key film has some interesting moments--it is based on the true experience that candidate Gary Hart had while he was running for president in 1988. He is (falsely) accused of infidelity--the relationship blown out of proportion by the news media. He is forced to quit the race. Recent events have shown that the pictures that hit newsstands were fabricated--set up by political enemies to disgrace him. It's a sad story but the film makers don't give the film any punch, and as a viewer, we hardly care by the end. GRADE---------B-
VICE----The actors in this biographical drama are all excellent--too excellent. Christian Bale heads the film as Dick Cheney, Amy Adams is his wife, and Sam Rockwell plays Bush, all a little too well. This film brought back all the anger and hostility I had towards this administration, and by the end of this film I was wanting to yell profanities at the screen, which I had to keep in by biting my tongue. This film made be feel angry, betrayed, hostile, and itchy. I HATED WATCHING THIS FILM. (I'm sure I'll feel the same way in 5 years time when they make a TRUMP film. Hopefully it will be funny.) GRADE------------C
VOX LUX---There's an interesting film here struggling to get out. Two teen sisters live through a horrifying experience at school. A dozen years later one has achieved great personal success as a singer because of a song she wrote about her experience, but she has become a selfish, vain diva and takes her unhappiness out on all who try to help her. Natalie Portman gives it her all as the older diva,and Jude Law is almost unrecognizable (in a good way)as her manager. The film ends with a 20 minute concert that she pulls together after a wild scene of drugging and sex. It's not a likable film, but the music is a redeeming factor with several songs written (and sung) by the artist SIA.
GRADE-----------------C
BUMBLEBEE-- This new film is really a remake of the transformer stories from a few years ago, but softer, gentler, and with a girl teenager as the lead. It starts off nicely, as she is gifted a junker VW Bug as an 18 year birthday present, then discovers it will transform into a gentle giant machine, but it quickly becomes pretty predictable during the last half with a lot of screen time taken up with giant machine fighting even larger giant machine, and the military men very quick to shoot first and ask questions later. GRADE---------C
REISSUES, NETFLIX, DVD's, or shown on TV--------------------
SCHINDLER'S LIST 1993---This award winning Steven Spielberg film is 25 years old, and I saw a new reissue in glorious black and white (color would have made viewing it too painful) and on a large Dolby stereo screen, but unfortunately there were not many people watching with me. It was easier watching this second time--the first time I was so nervous and distressed. What really stood out for me was the fine actors Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes and Ben Kingsley, and the beautiful John Williams score. There are some horrible scenes of Holocaust cruelty and violence , but many more memorable scenes of hope and dignity and faith. It's still a chilling, sober film very well done. GRADE-------------------A-
STRUGGLE: LIFE AND LOST ART OF SZUKALSKI--This Netflix original documentary was about the life of an artist and sculpturist from Poland who inadvertently becomes involved with the Nazi movement in the late 1930's before he is able to escape to the United States. Nearly all of his major pieces were destroyed or bombed in Germany, even though critics around the world labeled him a genius. He is little known today except through a few discovered works and some photographs. GRADE-------------------B+
HAROLD AND LILLIAN: A HOLLYWOOD LOVE STORY 2017--This couple, the Michelson's, were married more than 60 years and worked together in Hollywood behind the scenes. Harold was a story boarder, who worked with Hitchcock, Polanski, Mel Brooks, Kubrick, and many others through most of his career, drawing picture story boards that led to directorial decisions. She became one of the first (and few) film research librarians, assisting directors, set designers, costumers, and others to find accuracy in costumes and sets for period pictures. For movie fans, this Netflix documentary film is fascinating. GRADE------------B
SANTA CHRONICLES--A new Netflix film featuring a jolly Kurt Russell as Santa whose sleigh gets damaged by two pre-teen kids who end up helping him beat the clock on Christmas Eve. It's harmless fun for all ages, with miniature elves, 50's music, bad guys, and a very sexy Mrs. Clause. I had a reasonably good time with this one. GRADE---------------B
DUMPLIN'--A new Netflix film has Jennifer Aniston playing the mother of a full size daughter who tries out for a beauty pageant, encouraging other "different" teens to also try out. The film is improved by six new Dolly Parton songs on the soundtrack, but this is still very familiar stuff. GRADE--------------B-
RUMOR HAS IT 2005--A modest comedy starring Jennifer Aniston who suspects her dead mother and her very alive grandmother (Shirley MacClaine) may be the basis for THE GRADUATE novel and movie (as Elaine and Mrs. Robinson characters) and sets out to find the Dustin Hoffman character, played by Kevin Costner. The film has some great laughs, but it remains modest in all respects. GRADE--------B-
THE DEAD POOL 1988---A modestly effective Clint Eastwood ("Dirty Harry")cop thriller set amongst the Hollywood scene. This has some early, amusing guest shots of a young Jim Carrey as an over the top rocker, and one of Patricia Clarkson's early roles as an ambitious reporter. GRADE------B-
THE WILD PARTY 1975--Based on a legendary party that ends in an orgy and murder and inspired by the Fatty Arbunckle scandal, this low budget production was an early film directed by James Ivory (HOWARD'S END, REMAINS OF THE DAY, MAURICE, etc.) and stars Raquel Welch, James Coco and Perry King. It's not very good, but it has some odd and curious scenes, and the three leads are very watchable. GRADE-------------B-
VALLEY OF DECISION 1945--A rich man and his poor maid fall in love, but their fathers are enemies, causing lots of tension and guilt. Greer Garson, Gregory Peck, Lionell Barrymore and Donald Crisp have key roles. Soapy and melodramatic at times, but the cast is interesting. GRADE---------B-
THE MAN WHO SAVED CHRISTMAS 2002--A made for TV movie with Jason Alexander as a pre-war toy maker who is convinced by the government to stop making toys and make weapons instead when WWI breaks out. He takes the blame for canceling Christmas, then must convince the president that toys are necessary. Slow and dull film tries hard to please. GRADE------------------C+
POTTERSVILLE 2017--Despite strong comic cast (Michael Shannon, Judy Greer, Ron Perlman, etc) this Netflix film made me wince many times, and moves too slow, and was not very festive in spite of being set at Christmas. Plus the plot was stupid. GRADE---------------D+
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
GREEN BOOK, FREE SOLO, TEA WITH THE DAMES, WIDOWS, INSTANT FAMILY, BOY ERASED, PRICE OF EVERYTHING, CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME, HALLOWEEN 2018!
Tis now the season of the holiday films and potential best films of the year, and I've been busy at the movies. Here's my viewing list with some of my favorites nearer the top than others. It's been a plethora of the good stuff this month.
FREE SOLO---Here's an independent documentary about climbing steep mountains without a rope, and the fact that climber Alex Honnold succeeded in a gigantic climb of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park should be reason enough for seeing this terrific, breathtaking film. The photographer and solo climber himself, Jimmy Chin captures incredible visuals and vivid angles of this amazing feat. Here's the amazing story of Alex, his friends, and the appeal (and terror) of this challenging sport, done with great skill, tension and fascination. Check out the spectacular trailer for more motivation to see this excellent film. GRADE------A
TEA WITH THE DAMES--Another independent documentary made especially for fans of great acting in movies and theatre, this British film gathers together four extraordinary actors who all are friends, they all worked with the great Laurence Oliver, and they have all been proclaimed DAMES by the Queen of England, and they all sit around talking (and gossiping) about the earlier days and their work, and co-stars. Most of this is fascinating and funny stuff, including some wonderful film clips and pictures, and some choice witty comments. Leading the bunch are two icons of theater and films, Dame Judy Dench and Dame Maggie Smith, who both have won Oscars (SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE, / THE PRIME OF MISS JEAN BRODIE and CALIFORNIA SUITE) and they've all been nominated numerous times). They joke about growing old, losing their sight, their past actor spouses and some of the backstage shenanigans that occurred. Also included are Joan Plowright (TEA WITH MUSSOLINI and ENCHANTED APRIL to name a few) who was Oliver's last wife. She movingly tells of losing her sight (as does Dench) and Eileen Aikins known mostly for her prolific work in British theatre along with films COLD COMFORT FARM and GOSFORD PARK, which also included Smith. This a riotous romp--a perfect anglophile fantasy. GRADE------------A
THE GREEN BOOK--Based on the true story of the relationship between African American classic piano genius Dr Don Shirley and Tony "Lib"--an Italian American body guard/bouncer and set in the 1960's when black travelers need a Green Book which advised them which hotels and restaurants were "safe" for them to stay at, this follows the theme of the road trip as they work their way into the deep south on a concert tour, with some tension and humor and tough situations. Sometimes the film feels like it backs away from some "hot" issues, but bookended by strong, contrasting characterizations by Viggo Mortensen as Tony and Mahershala Ali (Oscar winner for the recent MOONLIGHT) as Dr. John, this likable film has the charm and heart and humor and tension to carry it across the Oscar finish line in February. GRADE-------------A-
THE PRICE OF EVERYTHING--A US documentary (coming soon to HBO) about the art world and how money affects every artist and art piece, for better or worse. Many artists and money people are interviewed and many stories bring some shocks and clarity. Especially effective is the rich Jewish collector who tells of owning the child statue....... GRADE------A-
HALLOWEEN (2018)---I never saw the original except for clips and snippets, and so I was surprised at the effectiveness of this simple story of an insane murderer who escapes from prison and heads back to his home town to finish off a woman who as a teenager escaped his wrath and has since grown into an intense, slightly paranoid grandmother (an on the money Jamie Lee Curtis) on a mission. There's not a lot of scenes that haven't been seen before in other thrillers, but there were plenty of chills and surprises as to how the characters handled themselves and for those interested, it's an amusing and effective thriller. GRADE-------B+
WIDOWS----Based on a novel by the popular British crime writer Lynda laPlante (PBS--PRIME SUSPECT and many other novels) this well directed crime thriller finds three widows whose husbands have all been killed in a job gone bad banding together for a last job and to seek revenge, and to pay off the crime boss who was stiffed by their husbands---yeah, it's a complicated situation, and to the credit of the large cast (including Viola Davis, Colin Farrell, Robert Duval and Liam Neeson and others) the pace moves along intriguingly, and there are a couple witty surprises. Director Steve McQueen won an Oscar a couple years back for 14 YEARS A SLAVE. GRADE--------B+
BOY ERASED--Based on a true story, this tells of a pastor and his wife who send their teenage son off to a gay conversion therapy facility, which causes all concerned to question their own view of sexuality. The acting trifecta of Russell Crowe, Lucas Hedges, Nicole Kidman and actor/director Joel Edgerton give the story a lived in and chilling feeling. GRADE------------B+
INSTANT FAMILY--When a childless couple fast approaching middle age realize their time clock is ticking they decide to look into adoption, and end up with three siblings The comedy drama keeps one foot in reality and really struck cords with me, which resulted in a rush of laughter and tears, mainly because the (based on true) story keeps it real. Watch for a small, moving scene stealing two minutes from the great comedian Joan Cusack near the end. GRADE-----B+
THE HATE U GIVE---Based on a popular young adult novel, this concerns the consciousness raising of a black teen who witnesses the shooting death of her unarmed black boy friend, and the moral decisions she must wade through to try to tell the truth despite pressure from all sides, including within her own community. GRADE---------------B+
CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME--A down on her luck writer who lives in New York City earns money by writing fake letters supposedly from successful past writers. Based on a true story, Melissa McCarthy is splendid as you've never seen her before, and her gay friend and cohort is played by the excellent Richard E. Grant. I predict Oscar nominations for these two. GRADE----------------B+
THE HAPPY PRINCE--The last days of writer Oscar Wilde, after his release from prison on charges of immorality, is depicted in this well acted but grim saga, written, directed and starring Rupert Everett, and featuring Colin Firth and Emily Watson and Tom Wilkerson. I saw the film in Vancouver in a packed theater while sitting against the side wall and I had a hard time understanding some of the dialogue. Hopefully your experience will improve that situation, since dialogue witticisms are everything in this film. GRADE-----------B
BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY--This film bio-pic is a lot of fun, especially because actor Rami Malek looks so much like Freddie Mercury, and the group Queen produced so many great songs, which make this film an uplifting experience. GRADE-------------B
THE GRINCH ---It's a familiar story written by Dr. Seuss, and I didn't even mind the hoards of kids surrounding me during a vacation day matinee (mistake on my part), because the cotton candy visuals of Christmas paraphernalia are so eye catching, and the clever, easy laughs keep the action going. Could put you in the holiday spirit if you aren't too "grinchie." GRADE--------B
THE BALLAD OF BUSTER SCRUGGS--Now playing on Netflix, this new light, violent fantasy western by Joel and Ethan Coen features six different stories, each loaded with sarcasm, irony, wit and horror. Prepare to be surprised, moved, disturbed, angry, but probably not bored. GRADE---------------B
THE KINDERGARTEN TEACHER--Maggie Gyllenhaal is charmingly quirky as the teacher who thinks she has discovered a poetic genius in her class, and goes to some extremes to advance his talents. Currently streaming on Netflix. GRADE-----------------B
VENOM-----Here's the latest movie based on a Marvel Comic character. I like Tom Hardy--too bad he is inhabited by a hideous looking creature much of the film. The film does have some humor, lots of action/chase scenes, and it is set up nicely for many a sequel--he's got a love/hate thing for the taste of human meat which may be amusing in the future. GRADE--------------B-
TO ALL THE BOYS I LOVED BEFORE---Here's a charming little comedy about a girl whose fantasy letters not meant to be read get mailed out to the boys they were addressed to. She ends up starting a fake relationship with one for the purpose of getting his girl friend jealous. Teens have such complicated lives. Now on Netflix. GRADE----------B-
THE FIRST MAN----This story based on the life of Neil Armstrong features Ryan Gosling and Claire Foy as Mr and Mrs Armstrong. The film is solid and at times interesting as it deals with man's first moon landing, and the effect on their marriage, but the pace seemed a bit slow and other space films like THE RIGHT STUFF felt more compelling than this one. I was a bit bored.
GRADE--------------B-
THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS---Lushly designed and photographed, with a lot of great Tchaikovsky music and a couple solo dances featuring Misty Copeland can't hide the fact that the plot is a mess---boring and meaningless, and even an over the top performance by Kiera Knightly as the Sugar Plum Fairy can't rescue this waste of time. GRADE----------C+
NOBODY'S FOOL---Tyler Perry's writing lets him down--the jokes have not been streamlined or developed, although the cast does their best with this silly plot of a woman on the corporate rise who may be "catfished" by a man she's only met online and not in person.Tiffany Haddish throws it all up on the wall--sometimes it sticks. Also with Tika Sumpter, Omari Hardwick and Whoopi Goldberg. GRADE---------C+
ONE OF US----This Netflix documentary about Hassidic Jews trying to leave the church has the same effect as any other person leaving the fold of any other organization--shunning, loneliness, persecution and in the case of a woman with children, poverty. This didn't tell me much that was new---just more grim stuff, and the narrative felt chaotic at times. GRADE------------C
ROBIN HOOD--This new version started off lively enough, with arrows flying through the air (some in slow motion to see how close they come to you) and I did like the energy that Jamie Fox brings to his role, but soon the action scenes become a hand held frenzy that is impossible to see what is happening, and there are a lot of "yeah, right" moments. One in particular has Hood shot through the chest, but Marion pulls the arrow out (with a kiss!) and "minutes later" he is involved in a big showdown with the evil Sheriff of Nottingham. This one is for the naive among us, or those who have never seen this story before. I was also confused by the costuming---some wore pheasant rags, some wore fancy soldier outfits, and the elite wore leather and gold outfits that felt like they came from J. Jacobs in the 1980's. GRADE----D+
VIEWED ON DVD OR TV-----------------------
SWEET NOVEMBER (1968)---A kooky woman picks up a different man every month to help him socially and/or sexually---then moves on to another. This is a sweet fantasy--at times very funny, at times moving, and tinged with sadness. Fortunately, the woman is played by the eccentric Sandy Dennis who pulls off this odd situation as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Her Mr. November is played with smoothness and charm by the British singer Anthony Newley (he only sings over the credits)--he is a pleasing surprise as an actor. I'd call this a lovely guilty pleasure. GRADE--------B+
20th CENTURY WOMEN (2017)--A progressive woman ( Annette Benning) is trying to raise her teen age son as a feminist, in her house with several woman tenants, including Greta Gerwig, in this quirky comedy/drama. GRADE------------------- B+
TWENTY FEET FROM STARDOM (2013)---Inspiring and wistful documentary about aspiring singers who end up as back up singers for bigger stars. The film interviews a handful of these singers like Merry Clayton, who never quite made the big time despite having fabulous voices, and bigger singers like Sting, Bruce Springsteen, Bette Midler, the Rolling Stones, etc who appreciate the back up talent and know how hard they have to work. GRADE---------B+
THE HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL(1959)--The king of the movie gimmick (smell-o-rama. electric shock, flying skeletons in the theatre) William Castle directed this effective Vincent Price thriller about a rich man offering 10000 dollars to anyone able to spend the entire night in a haunted house. There are some very chilling and effective moments, and a number of decent twists, and I was going to give this late show just 15 minutes before I would turn it off, but I lasted the whole 95 minutes. GRADE------------------B+
THE BEGUILED (2017)--This recent remake by director Sophia Coppola of the old Clint Eastwood version focuses on the women in a lonely southern mansion in the South during the Civil War and becomes something of a feminist tract. GRADE-------B
EAST SIDE WEST SIDE (1949)--Barbara Stanwyck is the faithful wife jilted by her smooth husband James Mason--for Ava Gardner, no less, and everyone ends up with what they deserve, in this watchable melodrama. GRADE---------------B
CROOKED HOUSE (2017)--This Agatha Christie novel was made into a Netflix movie, and even though there is a clever twist ending, and some good actors (Glenn Close and others)--the film needed some jazz, some oomph, some energy. GRADE-----------C+
FREE SOLO---Here's an independent documentary about climbing steep mountains without a rope, and the fact that climber Alex Honnold succeeded in a gigantic climb of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park should be reason enough for seeing this terrific, breathtaking film. The photographer and solo climber himself, Jimmy Chin captures incredible visuals and vivid angles of this amazing feat. Here's the amazing story of Alex, his friends, and the appeal (and terror) of this challenging sport, done with great skill, tension and fascination. Check out the spectacular trailer for more motivation to see this excellent film. GRADE------A
TEA WITH THE DAMES--Another independent documentary made especially for fans of great acting in movies and theatre, this British film gathers together four extraordinary actors who all are friends, they all worked with the great Laurence Oliver, and they have all been proclaimed DAMES by the Queen of England, and they all sit around talking (and gossiping) about the earlier days and their work, and co-stars. Most of this is fascinating and funny stuff, including some wonderful film clips and pictures, and some choice witty comments. Leading the bunch are two icons of theater and films, Dame Judy Dench and Dame Maggie Smith, who both have won Oscars (SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE, / THE PRIME OF MISS JEAN BRODIE and CALIFORNIA SUITE) and they've all been nominated numerous times). They joke about growing old, losing their sight, their past actor spouses and some of the backstage shenanigans that occurred. Also included are Joan Plowright (TEA WITH MUSSOLINI and ENCHANTED APRIL to name a few) who was Oliver's last wife. She movingly tells of losing her sight (as does Dench) and Eileen Aikins known mostly for her prolific work in British theatre along with films COLD COMFORT FARM and GOSFORD PARK, which also included Smith. This a riotous romp--a perfect anglophile fantasy. GRADE------------A
THE GREEN BOOK--Based on the true story of the relationship between African American classic piano genius Dr Don Shirley and Tony "Lib"--an Italian American body guard/bouncer and set in the 1960's when black travelers need a Green Book which advised them which hotels and restaurants were "safe" for them to stay at, this follows the theme of the road trip as they work their way into the deep south on a concert tour, with some tension and humor and tough situations. Sometimes the film feels like it backs away from some "hot" issues, but bookended by strong, contrasting characterizations by Viggo Mortensen as Tony and Mahershala Ali (Oscar winner for the recent MOONLIGHT) as Dr. John, this likable film has the charm and heart and humor and tension to carry it across the Oscar finish line in February. GRADE-------------A-
THE PRICE OF EVERYTHING--A US documentary (coming soon to HBO) about the art world and how money affects every artist and art piece, for better or worse. Many artists and money people are interviewed and many stories bring some shocks and clarity. Especially effective is the rich Jewish collector who tells of owning the child statue....... GRADE------A-
HALLOWEEN (2018)---I never saw the original except for clips and snippets, and so I was surprised at the effectiveness of this simple story of an insane murderer who escapes from prison and heads back to his home town to finish off a woman who as a teenager escaped his wrath and has since grown into an intense, slightly paranoid grandmother (an on the money Jamie Lee Curtis) on a mission. There's not a lot of scenes that haven't been seen before in other thrillers, but there were plenty of chills and surprises as to how the characters handled themselves and for those interested, it's an amusing and effective thriller. GRADE-------B+
WIDOWS----Based on a novel by the popular British crime writer Lynda laPlante (PBS--PRIME SUSPECT and many other novels) this well directed crime thriller finds three widows whose husbands have all been killed in a job gone bad banding together for a last job and to seek revenge, and to pay off the crime boss who was stiffed by their husbands---yeah, it's a complicated situation, and to the credit of the large cast (including Viola Davis, Colin Farrell, Robert Duval and Liam Neeson and others) the pace moves along intriguingly, and there are a couple witty surprises. Director Steve McQueen won an Oscar a couple years back for 14 YEARS A SLAVE. GRADE--------B+
BOY ERASED--Based on a true story, this tells of a pastor and his wife who send their teenage son off to a gay conversion therapy facility, which causes all concerned to question their own view of sexuality. The acting trifecta of Russell Crowe, Lucas Hedges, Nicole Kidman and actor/director Joel Edgerton give the story a lived in and chilling feeling. GRADE------------B+
INSTANT FAMILY--When a childless couple fast approaching middle age realize their time clock is ticking they decide to look into adoption, and end up with three siblings The comedy drama keeps one foot in reality and really struck cords with me, which resulted in a rush of laughter and tears, mainly because the (based on true) story keeps it real. Watch for a small, moving scene stealing two minutes from the great comedian Joan Cusack near the end. GRADE-----B+
THE HATE U GIVE---Based on a popular young adult novel, this concerns the consciousness raising of a black teen who witnesses the shooting death of her unarmed black boy friend, and the moral decisions she must wade through to try to tell the truth despite pressure from all sides, including within her own community. GRADE---------------B+
CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME--A down on her luck writer who lives in New York City earns money by writing fake letters supposedly from successful past writers. Based on a true story, Melissa McCarthy is splendid as you've never seen her before, and her gay friend and cohort is played by the excellent Richard E. Grant. I predict Oscar nominations for these two. GRADE----------------B+
THE HAPPY PRINCE--The last days of writer Oscar Wilde, after his release from prison on charges of immorality, is depicted in this well acted but grim saga, written, directed and starring Rupert Everett, and featuring Colin Firth and Emily Watson and Tom Wilkerson. I saw the film in Vancouver in a packed theater while sitting against the side wall and I had a hard time understanding some of the dialogue. Hopefully your experience will improve that situation, since dialogue witticisms are everything in this film. GRADE-----------B
BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY--This film bio-pic is a lot of fun, especially because actor Rami Malek looks so much like Freddie Mercury, and the group Queen produced so many great songs, which make this film an uplifting experience. GRADE-------------B
THE GRINCH ---It's a familiar story written by Dr. Seuss, and I didn't even mind the hoards of kids surrounding me during a vacation day matinee (mistake on my part), because the cotton candy visuals of Christmas paraphernalia are so eye catching, and the clever, easy laughs keep the action going. Could put you in the holiday spirit if you aren't too "grinchie." GRADE--------B
THE BALLAD OF BUSTER SCRUGGS--Now playing on Netflix, this new light, violent fantasy western by Joel and Ethan Coen features six different stories, each loaded with sarcasm, irony, wit and horror. Prepare to be surprised, moved, disturbed, angry, but probably not bored. GRADE---------------B
THE KINDERGARTEN TEACHER--Maggie Gyllenhaal is charmingly quirky as the teacher who thinks she has discovered a poetic genius in her class, and goes to some extremes to advance his talents. Currently streaming on Netflix. GRADE-----------------B
VENOM-----Here's the latest movie based on a Marvel Comic character. I like Tom Hardy--too bad he is inhabited by a hideous looking creature much of the film. The film does have some humor, lots of action/chase scenes, and it is set up nicely for many a sequel--he's got a love/hate thing for the taste of human meat which may be amusing in the future. GRADE--------------B-
TO ALL THE BOYS I LOVED BEFORE---Here's a charming little comedy about a girl whose fantasy letters not meant to be read get mailed out to the boys they were addressed to. She ends up starting a fake relationship with one for the purpose of getting his girl friend jealous. Teens have such complicated lives. Now on Netflix. GRADE----------B-
THE FIRST MAN----This story based on the life of Neil Armstrong features Ryan Gosling and Claire Foy as Mr and Mrs Armstrong. The film is solid and at times interesting as it deals with man's first moon landing, and the effect on their marriage, but the pace seemed a bit slow and other space films like THE RIGHT STUFF felt more compelling than this one. I was a bit bored.
GRADE--------------B-
THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS---Lushly designed and photographed, with a lot of great Tchaikovsky music and a couple solo dances featuring Misty Copeland can't hide the fact that the plot is a mess---boring and meaningless, and even an over the top performance by Kiera Knightly as the Sugar Plum Fairy can't rescue this waste of time. GRADE----------C+
NOBODY'S FOOL---Tyler Perry's writing lets him down--the jokes have not been streamlined or developed, although the cast does their best with this silly plot of a woman on the corporate rise who may be "catfished" by a man she's only met online and not in person.Tiffany Haddish throws it all up on the wall--sometimes it sticks. Also with Tika Sumpter, Omari Hardwick and Whoopi Goldberg. GRADE---------C+
ONE OF US----This Netflix documentary about Hassidic Jews trying to leave the church has the same effect as any other person leaving the fold of any other organization--shunning, loneliness, persecution and in the case of a woman with children, poverty. This didn't tell me much that was new---just more grim stuff, and the narrative felt chaotic at times. GRADE------------C
ROBIN HOOD--This new version started off lively enough, with arrows flying through the air (some in slow motion to see how close they come to you) and I did like the energy that Jamie Fox brings to his role, but soon the action scenes become a hand held frenzy that is impossible to see what is happening, and there are a lot of "yeah, right" moments. One in particular has Hood shot through the chest, but Marion pulls the arrow out (with a kiss!) and "minutes later" he is involved in a big showdown with the evil Sheriff of Nottingham. This one is for the naive among us, or those who have never seen this story before. I was also confused by the costuming---some wore pheasant rags, some wore fancy soldier outfits, and the elite wore leather and gold outfits that felt like they came from J. Jacobs in the 1980's. GRADE----D+
VIEWED ON DVD OR TV-----------------------
SWEET NOVEMBER (1968)---A kooky woman picks up a different man every month to help him socially and/or sexually---then moves on to another. This is a sweet fantasy--at times very funny, at times moving, and tinged with sadness. Fortunately, the woman is played by the eccentric Sandy Dennis who pulls off this odd situation as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Her Mr. November is played with smoothness and charm by the British singer Anthony Newley (he only sings over the credits)--he is a pleasing surprise as an actor. I'd call this a lovely guilty pleasure. GRADE--------B+
20th CENTURY WOMEN (2017)--A progressive woman ( Annette Benning) is trying to raise her teen age son as a feminist, in her house with several woman tenants, including Greta Gerwig, in this quirky comedy/drama. GRADE------------------- B+
TWENTY FEET FROM STARDOM (2013)---Inspiring and wistful documentary about aspiring singers who end up as back up singers for bigger stars. The film interviews a handful of these singers like Merry Clayton, who never quite made the big time despite having fabulous voices, and bigger singers like Sting, Bruce Springsteen, Bette Midler, the Rolling Stones, etc who appreciate the back up talent and know how hard they have to work. GRADE---------B+
THE HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL(1959)--The king of the movie gimmick (smell-o-rama. electric shock, flying skeletons in the theatre) William Castle directed this effective Vincent Price thriller about a rich man offering 10000 dollars to anyone able to spend the entire night in a haunted house. There are some very chilling and effective moments, and a number of decent twists, and I was going to give this late show just 15 minutes before I would turn it off, but I lasted the whole 95 minutes. GRADE------------------B+
THE BEGUILED (2017)--This recent remake by director Sophia Coppola of the old Clint Eastwood version focuses on the women in a lonely southern mansion in the South during the Civil War and becomes something of a feminist tract. GRADE-------B
EAST SIDE WEST SIDE (1949)--Barbara Stanwyck is the faithful wife jilted by her smooth husband James Mason--for Ava Gardner, no less, and everyone ends up with what they deserve, in this watchable melodrama. GRADE---------------B
CROOKED HOUSE (2017)--This Agatha Christie novel was made into a Netflix movie, and even though there is a clever twist ending, and some good actors (Glenn Close and others)--the film needed some jazz, some oomph, some energy. GRADE-----------C+
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