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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RATED C:  THE POPE'S EXORCIST. 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

NEWER FILMS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VINTAGE FILMS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All below rated B

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 OSCAR SHOW SUNDAY MARCH 12th  500PM Pacific time

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

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

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

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

Animated film--PINOCCHIO

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

Makeup--THE WHALE

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

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

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

 

 

THREE TOUSAND YEARS OF LONGING, TAR, THE WOMAN KING, THE GOOD HOUSE, BROS, TILL, LOU, EMILY THE CRIMINAL, TRIANGLE OF SADNESS, CONFESS FLETCH, DON'T WORRY DARLING, BLACK ADAM, THE GOOD NURSE, BODIES BODIES BODIES, TICKET TO PARADISE, plus oldies JAWS, MISS GRANT TAKES RICHMOND, GOLDEN BOY, SOLID GOLD CADILLAC, and 2 kinky films about Nazis both with Dirk Bogarde THE NIGHT PORTER and THE DAMNED.

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!

 

 

 

 

 

TOP GUN : MAVERICK, ELVIS, MRS HARRIS GOES TO PARIS, DON'T MAKE ME GO, DOWNTON ABBEY : A NEW ERA, CHA CHA REAL SMOOTH, MR. MALCOMB'S LIST, THE FORGIVEN, MONTANA STORY, FIRE OF LOVE, ABBY GIFFORD WON'T GIVE UP, DR STRANGE IN MULTIVERSE MADNESS, NOPE, plus Vintage films like MOUSE ON THE MOON and WHERE'S POPPA?

Before the dog days of summer engulf us, there are some pretty good films that I've seen during the first part of summer, as follows-----

DON'T MAKE ME GO---Actor John Cho (who is featured as Sulu in the recent STAR TREK films and appeared as co-lead in several HAROLD AND KUMAR films) has his best character yet as a single dad with a brain tumor and his precocious teen daughter Mia Isaac (new comer with a new film this month NOT OKAY on HULU) and both really make you believe in this charming road movie at they take a trip trying to meet up with the mother who left her as a child to be raised by her father.  The characters are charming yet painfully real and the film contains several punches that you won't predict along with some heartwarming laughs.     Streaming on PRIME.                         GRADE-------------A

MR. MALCOMB'S LIST---We are in Edwardian England here, with a very diverse cast, and Mr Malcomb has very high tastes in women.  When early on he stops dating a dullard, she becomes furious and decides to have her single long time best friend seduce and then dump him (with her own priority list).   Of course if you are a Jane Austin fan (think EMMA crossed with PRIDE AND PREJUDICE) you know that the plan they come with will have some kinks in it.  Very likeable and funny.               GRADE----------A-

THE FORGIVEN---The rich are different than you or I. British society couple played by Ralph Fiennes and Jessica Chastain head out to a mountain resort in Morocco where another rich friend is throwing an all weekend debauched party.  On the way a tragic accident affects the lives of all at the party.   Director John Michael McDonagh excellent last film CALVERY 2014 was one of my favorites from that year.  This new film features some unlikeable characters but the dialogue sears with pain, guilt and sorrow, all in a slow burn noir sort of way.  There is tension in every scene.               GRADE----------------A-

CHA CHA REAL SMOOTH--viewed at SIFF--Triple threat director/writer/lead actor Cooper Raiff does a likeable job in all three categories, and Dakota Johnson has never been smoother or more appealing.  Raiff is a bar mitzvah party host who becomes involved with an older woman  Johnson, with a special needs teen age daughter.  The film is very pleasing, and surprises with a unique approach to each character.         GRADE-----------------A-

DOWNTON ABBEY: A NEW ERA--If you loved the PBS series and the previous film, then you will love love love the movie.  A silent movie crew moves into the mansion causing havoc, and half the upper class goes to the south of France to check out the summer villa that Lady Violet has inherited from a long ago admirer.  Every single character gets a special scene and/or big moment, and it's a pleasure to watch it happen.            GRADE------------A-

THE MONTANA STORY--viewed at SIFF--A modest, simple story of estranged siblings who come home for the death of their abusive father.  The big question--how do you get the beloved horse back to New York City?  An honest and straightforward drama.              GRADE--------A-

FIRE OF LOVE---viewed at SIFF-- A lovely documentary about two French volcano scientists (volcanologists) and lovers who are killed the same day by an eruption they were too close to.  They left thousands of photos and manuscripts--an extraordinary compilation of scientific study.  Streaming soon on Disney +.                            GRADE---------A-

TOP GUN:  MAVERICK--I didn't really like the first film some 35 years ago--too much macho posturing and it felt like an add for the air force/military in general.  Now Tom Cruise is back in his 50's playing a trainer and the film feels a lot more relaxed and the aerial shots are (dare I say it) somewhat impressive--you get the feeling that you are there inside the cockpit.  The plot is not great, but I enjoyed watching the more mature characters interact including Val Kilmer, Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm and Ed Harris.  Surprisingly entertaining.           GRADE----------B+

ELVIS--In the  fictionalized  biographical film about Elvis Presley, director Baz Luhrmann throws in every camera swirl and cut and aerial shot and close up and long shot and handheld shot he can think of, and the overly busy camera work annoyed me for the first 20 minutes, but newcomer Austin Butler is terrific as Presley and Tom Hanks as Colonel Parker and Olivia DeJonge as Priscilla mostly all hit their high marks in this engrossing musical drama.  The classic songs are effectively used, and Priscilla and daughter Lisa Marie have all given a big thumbs up to the film's accuracy.                  GRADE---------B+

MRS. HARRIS GOES TO PARIS--Apparently this film, based on a novel from the 1950's, has been made into a film before, but I'd never heard of it.  (Turns out if was named after the novel "Mrs.'Arris Goes to Paris"--a TV movie-- and featured Angela Lansbury, Omar Sharif and Diana Rigg.)  Lead Leslie Manville is perfect as a widowed  helpful cleaning lady who stumbles across a Christian Dior dress and she wants one of her own, so she's off to Paris to buy one, having misadventures along the way.  It's a true fantasy film if ever there was one.     Jason Isaac and Isabelle Huppert and Lucas Bravo lend amusing support.           GRADE---------B+

GABY GIFFORD WON'T GIVE UP--Documentary about congresswoman who was shot in the head in 2011 and her long road back to health, the film also shows the support she received from her astronaut husband who became an Arizona senator in 2020.  Part of her recovery has to do with the program of gun legislation sponsored in her name--and attempt to regulate gun ownership to youth, criminals and mentally ill.  It's a powerful and meaningful film.             GRADE--------B+

VENGEANCE--A New York podcaster and journalist is conned into traveling to Texas to attend the funeral of a girl he had only occasionally hung out with, by her brother who insists she was murdered.  The podcaster thinks there may be a story here, and the film works well as a mystery, clash of cultures and comedy/drama.  Written and acted by B.J.Novak, with a smart supporting cast including Dove Cameron, Issa Rae, Boyd Holbrook, and a smoothly evil rendering by Ashton Kutcher as a drug dealer.             GRADE---------B+

 THE INNOCENT--viewed at SIFF--From Norway comes this chilling supernatural thriller about some children who discover they have some dark and dangerous powers, that sometimes cannot be controlled.  Sort of a Nordic THE BAD SEED, the film keeps you gripped and strangely satisfied.                      GRADE-------------------B

THE WATCHER--(from SIFF)  A new American bride who follows her husband to a new job in Bucharest becomes unnerved when she thinks she's being followed by serial killer/stalker.  It's a thriller with some nifty twists and the lead Maika Monroe, who has been compared to a dramatic Marilyn Monroe, is fascinating to watch.                       GRADE-------------B

BENEDICTION--British biographical film about the life of Siegfried Sassoon,  who was a soldier in WW1, was committed to a mental health hospital after the war and became an avid anti-war protester and published poet, writer and statesman.  Director Terence Davis smoothly moves the film though the many parts of his life, and Sassoon is played by Jack Lowden (in his 20's and 30's) and Peter Capoldi  in his final years.                 GRADE----------B

PHANTOM OF THE OPEN (viewed at SIFF)--British comedy drama based on a true story of a frustrated dock worker who decides to become a golfer because it looks so easy.  He somehow gets into the British Open Golf tournament but is so bad that he becomes a sensation.  Mark Rylance and Sally Hawkins are featured and the film is now available on Amazon, YouTube and Vudu.         GRADE-------------B

NOPE-- Jordon Peele's new film after GET OUT and US is another sci-fi thriller about siblings who own a horse farm and are trying to get photographic proof of an alien ship that seems to be exploring the valley that they live near. Oscar winner Daniel Kaaluuya is moody but mumbles his dialogue like Marlon Brando used to do.  Keke Palmer is very perky and interjects some humor, and Steven Yeun and Brandon Perea round out the cast, in this companion piece to CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND.   It features some awesomely beautiful special effects at the end.          GRADE----------B

DR. STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS--This new Marvel film featuring Benedict Cumberbatch in a leading role is one hell of a ride.  Directed by horror great Sam Raimi, the film features Rachel McAdams, Elizabeth Olsen and Xochiti Gomez in major roles as Strange jumps from different universes to protect earth from being destroyed, and to save a young child.  Yep, it doesn't always make much sense, and he also encounters different versions of his self, but I just learned to roll with it and found it  visually entertaining none the less.  The special effects are truly bizarre and impressive at times and hopefully his next film won't be so convoluted.                    GRADE---------B

THE BLACK PHONE---When a 13 year old boy is kidnapped by a serial killer (Ethan Hawke), he discovers that a disconnected black phone on the wall of his basement room prison allows him to talk to the dead victims of the killer, and they all try to help him avoid their fate.  In spite of a cliched set up, the film takes time to develop solid characters and it has some surprises, too.        GRADE----------B 

LIGHTYEAR--This Disney Pixar animated feature has the famous male toy from TOY STORY develop  his own backstory which has nothing to do with TOY STORY.  He's trapped on a strange planet with his crew and can go forward in time, ending up with his crew's next generation of characters.  The animation is up to Disney standards, but the plot is ho hum.             GRADE---------B

PERSUASION --New version of Jane Austin's final novel now streaming on Netflix.  The casting is refreshingly racially mixed and overall the film captures the flavor of the times.  I did have a small issue with the Dakota Johnson's lead character turning to address the camera a number of times, as if pandering to a modern audience was really necessary.  Still, Austin's romantic notions and complex emotions come through well.             GRADE---------------B

JAYESHGHAIR JORDAAR--This charming, silly, musical and comedy/drama film from India has a young man resisting his parents demands that this time his wife's pregnancy must be a male heir.  He has learned that this, the 7th pregnancy, is again a girl, and he doesn't want his wife to have another abortion (!--apparently she's had six so far--!)).  He plots to runaway to a village of mostly men who want to welcome any and all women to their population, but his parents are in pursuit. The humor is both slapstick and broad and sometimes sly, and there is a happy dance at the end, naturally.           GRADE-----------B

I LOVE MY DAD--(Viewed at SIFF) Triple threat James Morosini wrote, directed and stars in this cringe worthy comedy about an obsessive father who is cut off from texting with his son, so he builds an alias and catfishes his son to stay in touch.  Unfortunately the son falls for the catfished woman and seeks more.....Patton Oswald is very funny as the father, and if there is a complaint here, it's that the film is too clever for its own good.  Still, very good for what it is.   Still in theatres but coming soon to PRIME.           GRADE---------------B

OPERATION: MINCEMEAT--A Netflix film, this true story has Allied forces trying to sell the story to Nazis (using a dead man!) that forces are changing to another country to keep Nazi forces away from where they are really attacking. Colin Firth,  Kelly Macdonald, Mathew MacFayden, Jason Isaac and Penelope Wilton head an excellent cast.  It's a tense, well done war film.                         GRADE--------B  

EASTER SUNDAY--Comedian Jo Koy heads the cast of this feel good Filipino family comedy about feuding adult sisters and the big family event that brings them together on Easter Sunday.  A couple times Koy breaks into his comedy routine ( an especially long routine in church!), but a subplot about stolen boxing gloves and gangsters seem gratuitous and dull, but overall this is mostly family humor and the production is bright and sunny.  Also featured: Lou Diamond Phillips, Tia Carrera and a very funny Tiffany Haddish                    GRADE-----------B

MEMORY--One of my favorite action directors, Martin Cambell (GOLDENEYE, CASINO ROYALE, THE PROTEGE) takes on a remake of the Belgian crime thriller MEMORY OF A KILLER.  This time the assassin is starting to loose his memory--he takes Alzheimer medication--and is played by Liam Neeson, who these days seems to make at least two action films a year--mostly forgettable.  Good  casting includes Monica Belluchi and Guy Pearce, and Campbell gets some stylish action sequences  with Neeson.               GRADE------------B

MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES--(viewed at SIFF)--Modest, low key animated film expanded from a short (which may have been more satisfying) about a small snail who lives alone in a huge house with his grandmother.  He decides to try to find the rest of his family.  Not a lot of a plot, but the voices are sweet (Jenny Slate is Marcel, Isabella Rosselini plays his grandmother, and Lesley Stahl plays herself when she comes to interview Marcel.)    Too slow and dull for small children.            GRADE----------B-

THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER--New Thor Marvel film is lively and sometimes funny, but sometimes too silly to get into.  Russell Crowe has some fun playing Zeus and Christian Bale really gets into his bad guy character.  Also featuring Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman and Taika Waititi, who also directed with a lot of energy, but not always in a good way.              GRADE----------B-

HUSTLE--This Netflix feel good sports movie features a likeable Adam Sandler who discovers a great basketball player in Spain (Juancho Hernangomez) and tries to leverage his self and the player into the NBA.  There's not much depth and the characters are cliches, but everyone is very likeale, including co-star Queen Latifah.                  GRADE-----------B-

BULLIT TRAIN--This new film featuring a charming Brad Pitt has at least four or five big laughs, but nearly every scene depends on a violent confrontation as a half dozen assassins are on board a bullet train that no one can leave safely.  The violence is tiresome and creepy, though the cast is attractive and game.               GRADE-----------C+ 

MEN--This creepy thriller becomes a wierd, sick science fiction nightmare by the end, as a woman who witnessed the death of her partner goes on vacation in a rental home for a few weeks, only to be stalked by a series of men in this small village.  Oddly, the men are all well played by the same actor Rory Kinnear, though it may take a while to figure that out.  Jessie Buckley (last year's LOST DAUGHTER) is fine as the lead, but the finally is rather tasteless and I'm not sure what it is trying to say.                GRADE---------C+

 JURASSIC WORLD: DOMINION--While it is temporarily pleasant to see some original actors back in scientific action, this lumbering sequel is completely forgettable, and I hope to never NEVER NEVER have to sit through another turgid sequel of dinosaurs again.              GRADE-----------C

MINIONS: THE RISE OF GRU--A little of the nonsensical chatterings go far with me, and the "plot" was a redo of an earlier film, and I had to fight off dozing through this film, waking three times for my grandson to go to the bathroom!?!   To be fare, some groups of young people cheered wildly at certain chaotic sequences, and I wondered why.              GRADE---------C

CRIMES OF THE FUTURE--Director David Cronenberg's latest film, about an artist who shows what happens when his organs start to regrow and reconfigure, but the film has little to say about the future of organ regrowth.  It's moody, slow and visually odd but leaves you with a "so what?" feeling.                GRADE---------------C

HANSAN: RISING DRAGON--In spite of some impressive visuals of warships smashing into each other, and great looking costumes, this war epic is a drag to sit through.  Nearly a dozen men in full regalia with masks or bulky helmets are introduced but with knowing only their unrecognizable Korean names they were hard to remember who was who.   And  many Korean places  were unfamiliar to modern day audiences or had changed their names since the 1500's--well  I felt in the dark during most of the proceedings.  This film is a lot like John Woo's RED CLIFFS saga, but much more complicated to understand.                  GRADE--------C

SUMMERING--Four 11 year old girls spend the final weekend of summer wandering through their small town, chatting about school and friends and parents and what to do about the dead man's body they have discovered in the woods.  They do some detective work, but the low key film raises more questions than it answers, and the moms spend an afternoon wondering where they are.  Lake Bell and Megan Mullally are the only known names playing moms, but they are so underplayed I didn't recognize them until the credits.  I wanted this film to be better, but the low budget and murky camera work works against the film.                 GRADE-----------C

BRIAN AND CHARLES---A low budget, quirky British film about a loner who creates a robot out off a washing machine (?) has some modest charms but becomes unforgettable soon after viewing.        GRADE----C

FANTASTIC BEASTS:  SECRETS OF DUMBLEDORE-- This dark and moody fantasy film is a bore and disappointment.  The only thing I recall is that someone states that Dumbledore is gay, but nothing is made of this and it has no meaning as the film drags on.   There are some sweet special effects, but otherwise, go back and watch the entire HARRY POTTER series again.          GRADE------D+

 

-----OLDER VINTAGE FILMS ON DVD AND TV............ 

 

MOUSE ON THE MOON 1963--A quite funny film about a small European nation that manages to compete with the United States and Russia  by sending a small spaceship to the moon first--one that was paid for by the U.S.!  Margaret Rutherford, Terry Thomas and Ron Moody are especially amusing in this delightfully goofy gem.             GRADE-------A-

THE PINK PANTHER STRIKES AGAIN 1976--The third film after PINK PANTHER and SHOT IN THE DARK--finds ex-inspector Herbert Lom being released from  a mental hospital after his run ins with the incompetent Peter Sellers, but soon he feels the need to kill Sellers by hiring two dozen assassin's from around the world.  The film is pretty funny with a lot of physical slapstick and amusing jokes.  Also featuring Lesley-Anne Downs and Omar Sharif as two assassins.         GRADE-------B+

ALWAYS AT THE CARLYLE 2018--Documentary about the stylish Carlyle Hotel in New York City, with interviews and stories from workers and guests who have faithfully stayed there, including George Clooney, Anjelica Huston, Jack Nicholson, Lenny Kravitz, Woody Allen, Elaine Stritch and many others.             GRADE-----------B

GEORGETOWN 2019--Set near Washington DC and based on a true story, this tells  of a hustler Christopher Waltz who uses high society matron Vanessa Redgrave to climb his way into political money and power.  Annette Bening plays Redgrave's suspicious daughter, and it is pretty fascinating.    Waltz also directed this feature.            GRADE----------B

THE CHAPERONE 2018--Based on a true story, Elizabeth McGovern stars as a mid west middle class woman who chaperones a younger teen , wanting to be an actress (Haley Lee Richardson plays a young Louise Brooks) to New York City and both characters find liberating ways to break from their shells.  Set in the 1920's the interesting PBS film also features fine acting from Blythe Danner and Campbell Scott.        GRADE------------------B

GET ON UP 2014--A biographical film about the early life and career of soul singer James Brown, his sad mother, and his first white manager, played by Chadwick Bozeman, Viola Davis and Dan Aykroyd, respectively.            GRADE----------B

A CALL TO SPY--2019--Linus Roache stars as a man assigned by Churchill to start up a spy ring of women to serve in World War II in covert operations.  An intriguing story based on true events.         GRADE----------B

THE AMAZING ADVENTURE 1936--Cary Grant stars as a bored millionaire who complains to his doctor about his lethargy.  The doctor tells him he needs to try to live off a few dollars a month--not from his estate--and that will cure him.  He bets the doctor 50,000 pounds he can do it for a year, and then tries.   Along the way he tries to sell stoves, very successfully, and later becomes driver for a taxi service, and falls in love with a secretary who has decided she must marry for money to protect her sister's illness.  The film is a poor mans Preston Sturges film.  It moves along quickly but mostly because the dialogue is rushed and no time is spent on character development.            GRADE---------B- 

WHERE'S POPPA?--1970-- A crude, rude, sometimes very funny black comedy by director Carl Reiner with dentist George Segal trying to unload his demanding, demented mother (Ruth Gordon) on his brother, so that he can court his new assistant Trish VanDevere.  Some of the sick jokes are cringe worthy--some are very choice.            GRADE---------------B-

3 HUSBANDS--1950--A man who has died and gone to heaven, asks for 24 hours to watch the reactions of three friends who are about to find out their wives have all been unfaithful with him.  It's kind of a weird setup but is played mostly as a comedy.  With Eve Arden, Ruth Warrick and Howard DeSilva.  Sort of the anti thesis to a LETTER TO THREE WIVES but not as interesting or profound.        GRADE---B- 

JUNE AGAIN 2020-- Austrailian actress Noni Hazlehurst (A PLACE TO CALL HOME) is always effective as a dementia patient who suddenly gains back her senses and memory and tries to fix all the things that have gone wrong since she's been in her nursing home, and she nearly succeeds, but some plot twists don't always ring true.        GRADE------------B-  

FINGER OF GUILT 1956--Richard Basehart and Constance Cummings star in this mystery of a woman who turns up accusing a man of breaking off their affair --and he claims to not know who she is.  The ending is not a surprise.                     GRADE-------C

THE SONG OF LUNCH 2019--Alan Rickman stars and narrates, and Emma Thompson is an old girl friend, and the film dialogue is all poetry about an afternoon together recalling a time a dozen years earlier.  Unfortunately the Rickman character is a pompous fool and you can easily see why they are not together any longer.  

My Favorite streaming programs from the past 3 months:

THE HOUR--British drama about putting on an hourly, weekly TV show about scandal and political intrigue set in the mid 1950's (a more serious 60 MINUTES) featuring Ben Whitshaw and Dominic West and Romola Garai.  Unfortunately just two seasons, just when it was really getting juicy!!!!

THIS IS GOING TO HURT--Another British series with Ben Whitshaw as a gay baby doctor--the film has outrageous sarcasm and humor with explicit scenes of sex and blood and baby birthing---and it's pretty funny.  A cross between MASH and HOSPITAL--but more manic.  So far just one season but I can't wait.

TOTAL CONTROL--Political drama from Australia about a new comer who becomes a sensation after a shocking on line incident.  I'm totally fascinated by the politics even though I knew nothing about Aussie government.  Season 3 currently in production.  Can't wait.  

HIDDEN--Streaming Welsh cop show that spends a lot of time getting to know the private lives of the cops and the criminals.  Slow moving at times but very intense and surprising.  Three seasons so far but  I think more is on the way.  

UNCOUPLED--Neil Patrick Harris is very funny as a middle aged gay man in Manhattan who in the first scene is dumped after 17 years by his partner during a birthday celebration.  The writer of SEX IN THE CITY and EMILY IN PARIS scores another sexy comedy winner.  Season 1 available, season 2 on the way.

We've sampled a couple other series, but nothing felt good after one or two episodes----all the above are worth the efforts to watch.