TAR--Like a bull dog, actor Cate Blanchett sinks her teeth into the meatiest role of her career as a world renown conductor known for her provocative and bullying behavior in this fascinating, bordering on lurid portrayal of a nearly out of control temperamental musical artist. She uses her power to manipulate co-workers, lovers and friends, and it is not easy to like her. Still, as her "watch" becomes over wound, and despite the leisurely pacing, the film is hypnotic to watch. GRADE---------A-
THREE THOUSAND YEARS OF LONGING--Director George Miller's involving talkative fantasy about the last 3000 years of a genie who goes into and out of a bottle several times before meeting up with a scholarly woman who refuses to give him her wish list, prolonging his stay with her, and they both become emotionally attached. Idris Elba and Tilda Swinton play the mismatched would be lovers in this magical film that has spectacular special effects and a thoughtful script. GRADE----A-
THE WOMAN KING--A fierce portrayal by Viola Davis as leader of an all female group of African warriors should have her facing year end acting awards against Cate Blanchet (see TAR above) and she has strong support from a young Thuso Mbedu as her protege. The action scenes are well done and the plotting is propulsive. Based on a true story, the violent film may disturb some, and the politics may bother others (their prisoners are shipped off to the Americas as slaves) , but the gripping drama keeps coming at you. GRADE----------A-
THE GOOD HOUSE--Sigourney Weaver used to be the town's top real estate broker but she has a problem everyone sees but herself. As a high functioning alcoholic, she's in extreme denial, even when she has "jackpots" which is her name for blackouts. Weaver is an amazing actor, and she's extremely knowing and funny here--it may be her best performance ever, and she makes what could be a minor drama into a comic masterpiece. GRADE--------B+
LOU--So far the best Netflix movie I've seen this year, Allison Janney plays a mysterious older woman who helps out her younger neighbor when the child of the neighbor is kidnapped by the violent estranged husband. Many many secrets and plot twists ensue, and the movie was filmed in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest (Vancouver Island and surrounding areas). In spite of some illogical moments, I found the film to be engrossing and Janney is one hell of an actor, and the film has a very satisfying progressive plot. GRADE----------B+
TILL--Based on the true story of Emmett Till from Chicago in the early 1960's, a 14 year old boy visits his mother's relatives in Mississippi, and finds his goofy nature misinterpreted by a young white woman which results in his death. The story may be well known by many but the strong presence of actors, especially newcomer Danielle Deadwyler who is painfully effective as the grieving mother, and in a smaller role Jalyn Hall who impresses as her tragic son, TILL. GRADE----------B+
BROS--Here's the first major studio romantic comedy about a middle aged Jewish New Yorker gay man who meets a hunky guy and spends much time trying to decide to go for it or not. The dialogue is pretty funny and smart--much time is spent spoofing some shallow gay characters, but the romantic business has some sting, and the denouncement is heartfelt and satisfying, and there are many moments along the way that provide solid sight gags and many vocal laughs from the audience. A bit of a box office disappointment last month, but the likeability and humor should help it find a very appreciative audience over time. GRADE-----B+
CALL JANE--(closing film of SIFF) This timely film, set in the late 1960's deals with a young woman happy to be pregnant but she quickly realizes by her doctor that the pregnancy may kill her and the baby. When the hospital board of all white men votes against allowing her permission to an abortion, she seeks help from a group called CALL JANE who offer a different choice to women, and later begins work to help them in their cause in surprising ways. Elizabeth Banks is the wife, and an amusing Sigourney Weaver plays the head of women's group. GRADE------B+
SEE HOW THEY RUN--Set in the early 1950's just after the 100th performance of Agatha Christie's THE MOUSETRAP play in London, a celebration leads to the discovery of a murdered member of the cast, and everyone is a suspect, and possibly a victim, too. The delightful Saoirse Ronan plays a rooky officer, and Sam Rockwell is her boss as they try to figure out this puzzle of a murder. The smart cast includes Harris Dickinson, Adrian Brody, Ruth Wilson, David Oyelowo and briefly, Shirley Henderson as Agatha Christie. The plot starts as some theater members want to make the play into a movie--amazingly that has never happened, mainly because the play is still playing in London to this day, continuously with only a 14 month pause due to Covid-19 which closed all London theatres for a while. Grade----B
EMILY THE CRIMINAL--A pleasing low budget drama features Audrey Plaza struggling to make ends meet in retail service positions, but she suddenly finds a job that pays well--the problem being she has to use a credit card that isn't hers. When she finally realizes that this is a dangerous dead end, getting out is as dangerous as it was getting it. Minor but has some intriguing moments. GRADE--------B
TRIANGLE OF SADNESS--Director Ruben Ostlund (FORCE MAJURE and THE SQUARE) is now spoofing the ultra rich, the beautiful and their relationship to the working class. When young and beautiful instagram influencer couple are invited on a luxury cruise, they find that drunken, cruel behavior can lead to catastrophic events when the ship sinks and some are stranded on a deserted island. Funny, sad, grotesque, dramatic, satiric--the film is all over the place, but certainly not boring. The young couple are played by Harris Dickinson and Charbu Dean, and the drunken, unhinged captain is played by Woody Harrelson. GRADE------------B
CONFESS, FLETCH--I never saw the1985 FLETCH film with Chevy Chase although reviews seemed to be positive. This updated film features Jon Hamm as a private eye who is framed for murder and must clear himself. The plot is forgettable, but what I really enjoyed was the comedy, with both slapstick sight gags, and witty banter. Hamm is wonderfully laid back, and the supporting cast has a lot of fun with their nutty characterizations, especially Marcia Gay Harden as a Countess with a questionable Italian accent. I went into the film expecting nothing, but had a wonderful time. GRADE-----B
CATHERINE CALLED BIRDY--Streaming on Prime Video, this medieval comedy drama features a 14 year old girl who keeps rejecting all the suitors her father is trying to set her up with, because as a virgin she will get top dollar to help keep their castle and her family from the poor house. Played by young Bella Ramsey and written and directed by Lena Dunham (TV's GIRLS) the film is charming to experience. GRADE--------B
DON'T WORRY DARLING--The plot is an updated remake of the orginal film THE STEPFORD WIVES set in a stylish mid century community (possible in Las Vegas), but what I loved was the very colorful set and costume design and the soundtrack from the 1960's, and the actors were all easy on the eyes, too. Not much going on here that you can't figure out, but it was a painless, entertaining watch. GRADE----B
BLACK ADAM--A new super hero (?) is created in this DC FILMS production, based on the comic strip, and the film has a lot of explosions, fist fights, action, gun fights, flying through the air--in other words, fun to watch for teen age males, but I pulled out my inner teen and managed to enjoy most of it also. As the stoic muscle man, Dwayne Johnson is pretty good, and the rest of the cast are all effective. GRADE----------B
THE GOOD NURSE--A new Netflix movie, this film is based on a true story, and while the leads are good (Jessica Chastain and Eddie Redmayne) and it is interesting to see the plot fleshed out, if you know the story about an ICU nurse suspected of the deaths of many patients, well, you know just where this one is going, and that's exactly where it goes. GRADE------B-
BODIES, BODIES, BODIES--With an impending hurricane on its way, a group of rich 20 somethings gather for a weekend party at a private mansion, but soon the party turns up a real dead body, and everyone is suspect of everyone else. Plus the bodies keep piling up. There is some clever catty dialogue and basically the film is in the comedy horror genre. I sort of liked it, but no one is really very likeable to root for. The ending is clever. Main actors are Pete Davidson (from SNL), Maria Bakalova (from BORAT SUBEQUENT...) and Lee Pace (GUARDIANS OF GALAXY, HOBBIT, CAPTAIN MARVEL etc). GRADE--------B-
BARBARIAN--I don't see that many horror films, but this had been recommended and in a way it was unique although hardly horrific. A young woman tries to enter a rental house only to find it double rented out. She befriends the young man, who then suddenly disappears. Cut to the west coast where the owner of the rental house decides to check up on his property, and does not seem concerned that the suitcases of two people are still there (!) after several weeks have gone by. The "evil" in the house is a bit over the top for me, and I laughed instead of shrieked, but at least the main characters have the guts to act in a fearless (usually) fashion. GRADE-------B-
THE PEZ OUTLAW--(viewed at SIFF)--Documentary about man who travels to eastern European Pez factories in the 1990s and buys up lots and lots of rare Pez dispensers, and then sells them on the black market in the US for huge profits. There is some political intrigue and he must constantly avoid police, customs and ruthless competition. GRADE----B-
TICKET TO PARADISE--This modest comedy has George Clooney and Julia Roberts as an antagonist divorced couple who rush to Bali to keep their only daughter from marrying a local seaweed farmer and ruining her life. Despite the very predictable plot progression, you will figure out exactly what is going to happen from scene to scene, including the ending. Fortunately, Clooney and Roberts have some great comic timing, and many lines are very funny, and the Bali scenery, which seems to have sun bleached out photography, is spectacular at times. GRADE---------B-
WENDEL AND WILD--This is a stop motion animated film through Netflix from director Henry Selick, and it reminded me a lot of the style of NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, and COROLINE, both Selick films. Technically this film is smoother in execution, looking more like, dare I say it, Disney animation, but the grotesque imagery at times and the weird plotting ( involving zombies, raising from the dead, sequences of drowning, creepy slimy creatures that pop out everywhere) keep it in a class all to itself. The impressive vocal cast includes Jordan Peele, Keegan-Michael Key, Ving Rhames, Angela Basset, James Hong and others. The film is impressive to look at but is certainly a matter of taste. GRADE---------B-
HONK FOR JESUS (SAVE YOUR SOUL)--Regina Hall gives a go for broke performance as the first lady of a large Baptist megachurch, which has had to recently close due to a sexual scandal which featured her husband minister (Sterling K. Brown.) Filmed like a "mockumentary" with a camera following them around as they try to restart their church, the film is sometimes very funny but turns more serious as they struggle to reopen, and Hall (a very fine actor) must take the brunt of the shame her clueless husband has unleashed. Fake documentaries are difficult to pull off, and the jury is mixed on how successful this film is with the many issues that it tries to deal with ie hypocrisy, double standards, sexism, scandal, covetousness. A worthy effort but not always successful. GRADE----------C+
VIKRAM VEDHA--This Indian Hindi language film is a violent, action thriller pitting a tough "good" cop against a corrupt "evil" gangster although sometimes the difference between them is hard to see. The evil one presents scenarios that make the good cop see things differently and they end up somehow solving a large corruption ring of murders and thievery together. And naturally, there is an extended dancing/music number featuring all the major and miner players that seems to negate the hard nosed violence we've been watching. It's an odd film. GRADE-------C+
THE SOUND OF 007--This is a documentary about the distinctive music that is associated with the 26 James Bond films over the years. The good news is the interviews with singers of the theme songs, and composers who created the theme music. (For example, I'd never seen Shirley Bassey sing the title song from GOLDFINGER)....The bad news is that they must have filmed all the interviews, then put them in a blender, and pulled them out at random to show them in no particular order, so the film jumps back and forth over the decades. Also they seemed to think that showing parts of interviews with Billie Eilish and her brother co-writer were interesting enough to keep returning to about 4 or 5 times through out the program. I'd have rather seen and heard the music in chronological order from 1962 to present day. GRADE---------C
THE SILENT TWINS--An interesting true story about identical twins whose parents moved to England and they were the only black children in the community as they grew. They created a secret language between them and never talked to any other adults, including their parents. They were later placed in a mental hospital for 11 years, and they both begin to write--poetry, fiction, novels, narratives. One died at age 29, and one is still alive and writing still. The film is so odd and little is explained about their condition, and is static and dull. It does make me want to do some research about them, it is so curious. GRADE--------------D+
VINTAGE FILMS watched on DVD or TV
JAWS--1975--The chance to watch this at the theater was too great, and this classic thriller holds up very well today. Even though I've seen this several times on TV this Steven Spielberg masterpiece is suspenseful and frightening, and funny, and leaving the theater I overheard several viewers comment that they loved it and wondered why they'd never seen it before. GRADE----------A
GOLDEN BOY--1939--Young William Holden is a brilliant violinist but his desire to make money supersedes his musical talent and he strives to become an excellent boxer with the help of his trainer Adolphe Menjou, who has a lovely young girlfriend Barbara Stanwyck that Holden is attracted to. The actors are all superb (including Lee J. Cobb as his long suffering father) and the film works well as family drama, sports film and gangster thriller and romance. GRADE------------A-
MISS GRANT TAKES RICHMOND 1949--Several years before she had her own TV series, Lucille Ball was at her comic peak in film, and this one is a classic. The 15 minute typewriter sequence that starts the film is a riot, and a number of scenes have some very funny business going on, mostly due to Ball's efforts. William Holden (again) hires her to be just a pretty faced distraction for his horse racing bookie operation, but she manages to make a fool out of him quite easily. The plot doesn't always make sense but the film is a delight. GRADE----------B+
SOLID GOLD CADILLAC--1956--With her high nasal voice, comedian Judy Holiday has a tailor made role as a stock holder in a big company who challenges the top brass of the company and their crazy actions so much that they give her a job in the company to keep her distracted. She befriends one of the top brass, honest Paul Douglas, then keeps him in the loop when he moves to another company. As with Lucille Ball above, she does her job a little too well. A delightful romp. GRADE------B+
LADIES OF LEISURE--1930--One of Frank Capra's first talking films, and Barbara Stanwyck's first starring roll, she had to be coached scene for scene by Capra, but the film was a big success and launched her amazing career. She plays an unemployed "call girl" who is offered a ride by a rich artist who wants to paint her portrait as "hope". Slowly the artist falls in love with her in spite of being engaged to a society woman, and his parents try to stop this relationship. GRADE-------B
THE MIRACLE WOMAN--1931--Another Frank Capra film, featuring Barbra Stanwyck as a preacher's daughter. When he is fired from his long time position and then suddenly dies, she becomes bitter and starts her own church featuring faked miracles. Her life changes when she meets a hero who has been blinded in the war and falls in love. More serious than most Capra films, but very engrossing. GRADE------------B
THE MARRYING KIND--1952--Judy Holiday and Aldo Ray play a divorcing couple who are asked by the judge (Madge Kennedy) to recount their marriage ups and downs. The film becomes much more serious, but the opening up of conflicts has a transformational effect on them. Directed with his usual grace and wisdom by George Cukor, it turns into a charming and moving experience. GRADE------B
IT SHOULD HAPPEN TO YOU--1954--With her great comic timing, Judy Holiday plays a would be model and actress, but her career has stalled, so she pays for a billboard advertising herself. This was Jack Lemmon's first leading role and he is a solid "straight man" to Holiday's antics. Peter Lawford also stars, and George Cukor directs again. GRADE--------B
THE DAMNED-1969--A wealthy, noble family struggles through the Nazi power in Germany. The family seems to embody the decadence of the time, and Luchino Visconti's style is florid, murderous, evil, and debauched, but fascinating as it sets the stage for the Nazi takeover. The cast is strong, and includes Dirk Bogarde, Charlotte Rampling, Ingrid Thulin, Helmut Berger, Helmut Griem. GRADE-------B
THE NIGHT PORTER--1974--After World War II, an ex-Nazi officer (Dirk Bogarde) and a Jewish woman (Charlotte Rampling) who was his prisoner start up their sadomasochistic sexual affair in a hotel where he now works. The flashbacks are revolting, and the current relationship seems unexplainable. It is hard to understand what each is getting out of it, especially since this dangerous liaison could cause legal exposure for Bogarde. GRADE----------B
LOST AND FOUND--1979--In this comedy, George Segal and Glenda Jackson literally meet by crashing into each other several times at a ski resort, causing them to both obtain injuries that demand that they stay longer than normal to heal. At first hating each other, they eventually find a common ground in intellectual harmony of literature, poetry and politics. Things change after they marry and with the bloom off the rose, they began to bicker, then try to break up. Critics were not too fond of this film upon it's release, but I found it funny and quirky, and I enjoyed what Segal and Jackson were doing with their characters. Maureen Stapleton is very funny as Segal's obsessive mother. GRADE------B
THE OWL AND THE PUSSYCAT--1970--In New York City, a night owl bookish writer complains to his landlord about a loud prostitute who entertains men all night long, causing them both to be evicted. George Segal and Barbara Streisand are amusing together and the film, based on a play, is funny most of the time although I found Streisand's character to be annoyingly abrasive at times. GRADE----------------B
YOU BELONG TO ME aka GOOD MORNING DOCTOR--1941--This romantic comedy stars Barbara Stanwyck as a doctor who meets rich hypochondriac Henry Fonda on a ski trip. They fall in love and marry with the condition that she will continue her practice. Unfortunately Fonda is insanely jealous of her male clients and causes many amusing scenes. GRADE---------B
EDGE OF ETERNITY aka SECRET OF THE GRAND CANYON--Crime drama filmed with Grand Canyon's spectacular scenery, in color and CinemaScope. Cornel Wilde is a policeman trying to find a murderer. Cast includes Victoria Shaw, Edgar Buchanan and Jack Elam. GRADE--------B
HUMAN DESIRE--1954--Veteran Glenn Ford returns from Korea to his job as railroad engineer and quickly becomes attracted to his boss' wife (Broderick Crawford, Gloria Graham). The boss is abusive and the wife is looking for a way out. Director Fritz Lang, with moody themes from THE POSTMAN ALWAYS RINGS TWICE and DOUBLE INDEMNITY builds suspense. GRADE---------B
AFFAIR IN TRINIDAD--1952--Glenn Ford arrives in Trinidad to discover his brother has just been murdered, and his sexy sister-in-law (a sultry Rita Hayworth--who sings two erotic songs while shaking her hair and shoulders around) may hold the key to his brother's murder, if Ford can control his lustful thoughts. GRADE-------------B
CALIFORNIA SPLIT--1974--George Segal and Elliot Gould play compulsive gamblers who scheme to work together in this rambling but involving Robert Altman film. The casual direction and multilayered dialogue feels realistic and captures the danger and thrill of gambling. GRADE----------B-
FUN WITH DICK AND JANE--1977--George Segal and Jane Fonda are a married couple who both lose their jobs and take up robbery in this comedy that is sometimes silly, sometimes finny and sometimes over the top, but it was fun to watch. Ed McMahon is also featured. GRADE-------B-
FULL OF LIFE--1956--In this comedy drama, Judy Holiday and Richard Conte play a happily married couple about to have their first child, but there are some physical problems to their house, so she asks her husband to ask his father (who works in construction) to come help since money is very tight. Unfortunately father and son don't see eye to eye and conflict arises. GRADE----------B-
SOUTHERN STAR--1969--A modestly entertaining comedy adventure about the search for a giant stolen diamond in Africa in the early 1900's features George Segal, Orson Wells and Ursula Andress, who blesses us with a prolonged nude bathing scene--possibly not necessary but a pleasant change of pace from racing through the desert and jungles. GRADE----------B-
LOVING--1970--George Segal is trying to juggle a job, wife, (Eva Marie Saint), two children and a young mistress, while trying to land a big new account. Film is low key and feels realistic although the final scene when he is filmed in a children's outside playhouse performing adultery with a neighbor's wife and the whole party guests watching on video camera, seemed a bit over the top. GRADE-------B-
711 OCEAN DRIVE--1950--Edmond O'Brien is a telephone repair man who goes to work helping a gangster set up a horse racing betting board. When that gangster is murder, O'Brien takes over the operation, but other gangsters from across the country try to move in. Smooth film noir. GRADE-----------B-
BETWEEN MIDNIGHT AND DAWN--Two cops Edmond O'Brien and Mark Stevens trying to bring down gangster and they vie for the same woman Gale Storm. Crime story with film noir themes. GRADE--------B-
TWO OF A KIND--1951--Edmond O'Brien is conned into pretending to be the long lost heir to an elderly millionaire to inherit his fortune. Modest film noir with Lizabeth Scott and Terry Moore. GRADE----------B-
THE BITTER TEA OF GENERAL YEN-- 1932-- Director Frank Capra (again) leads Barbara Stanwyck as she becomes kidnapped in China while trying to get married to her missionary fiance. Her capture is by Chinese warlord General Yen (Nils Asther), who is very attracted to her. She resists him but softens over time. I felt the film was slow, dull and confusing. GRADE--------C+
MR. SOFT TOUCH --1949--Home from the war, Glenn Ford finds that the mob has killed his partner and taken control of his nightclub. He robs the nightclub (his money after all) and ends up hiding in a "settlement" house which handles homeless kids and adults, and falls for the strict manager Evelyn Keys. It's Christmas time so he helps out physically and financially. Film has a soft center and is very sentimental at times, and doesn't always make sense. GRADE--------C+
MEET THE STEWARTS 1942--A rich woman marries an average man and agrees to try to live within a strict budget. This comedy romantic drama is a bit lame but has some occasional charms. William Holden and Frances Dee are featured, but I've forgotten most of the film after three weeks.... GRADE---------C+
Here's what I've been streaming on Netflix and Prime.....
GREAT BRITISH BAKING SHOW--lightweight but fun
SHERWOOD--about miner's strike in 1984-5 and how that affects current murders....
SHETLAND-- up through season 7
RING OF POWER--first season
VANDER VALK--throughout current season
MAGPIE MURDERS--frustratingly one episode a week
INSIDE MAN--highly unlikely but sort of fun to watch, although the vicar is an idiot
THE SUSPECT---watched 4 episodes, then gave up in disgust--detective is a bullying idiot who disregards all rules of proper and legal investigations--he shouldn't even be in the case of his murdered daughter!
