Best Wishes and the Warmest Holiday greetings to all!!
This Tuesday we will be traveling to be with family in Wisconsin for the holidays. We’ll be back in San Francisco after the New Year.
Many of you already know the film industry releases some of the best movies of the year between December 22 and Christmas Day in order to qualify for the awards season.
We will try to see as many new releases as possible over the holidays and we WILL post our reviews within a day or two afterwards.
A big THANKS to all our friends and family for your friendship and love.
J&J
The Disaster Artist
Let’s see. Where to begin?! First the trailer for this film was off putting. We had formulated an opinion before the film was released. Given all the hype and then the recently announced nominees for the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild Awards, we acquiesced and went to see it.
By the end of the film, and a better understanding of what the film was about, we changed our minds about a rating. Perhaps our learning will help you decide to see it, or not.
This is a remake of a film originally made 16 years ago by Tommy Wiseau that became a cult classic. The original can be seen periodically at midnight showings in independent theaters.
The remake includes a who’s who of actors. James Franco takes the lead as Tommy Wiseau. His brother Dave Franco plays sidekick friend and actor Greg Sestero. The cast includes roles by Seth Rogen, Zac Efron, Josh Hutcherson, Alison Brie, Sharon Stone, Jacki Weaver, Melanie Griffith, Bryan Cranston and several more.
It’s rated R for sex and nudity, some violence, profanity, alcohol, drugs and smoking and some intense scenes. It is absolutely not appropriate for children. The genre is noted as Drama/Biography running 1 hour 43 minutes.
It is likely to enjoy a lot of hype and probably more award nominations. Classic and or cult, it was not our cup of tea.
Rating 
Aida’s Secrets
This is a unique documentary about a fractured family just after WWII making this story intriguing and insightful. The first son is sent to Israel for adoption. A lifetime later another son is found in Canada.
The cast is made up of the actual persons, brothers Shep Shell and Izak Sagi both in their 70’s and their mother Aida Zasadsinska, in a care facility and presumed in her 90’s.
This films audiences are growing as word spreads. It is well crafted by Director’s Alon and Shaul Schwarz. However, it was not always easy to follow who was who and what happened when.
As films like this are a reminder of the horrors of the holocaust, it is also an inspiring and heartwarming reminder of human resilience.
It is not rated and listed as a Documentary. Run time is 95 minutes. English and Hebrew with English subtitles.
Rating
Rebels on Pointe
This charming documentary shares the history of Les Ballets de Trockadero de Monte Carlo, the all male drag ballet that began over 40 years ago after the Stonewall riots in New York.
It is a fascinating visit behind the scenes of this entertaining dance troop. The talent, diversity, the obstacles and challenges it has overcome to attract a global audience.
It is concurrently funny, enchanting, inspiring and uplifting. This film has heart, grit, determination and inspiration. It is thoroughly entertaining, insightful and lovable.
The genre is documentary. It is not rated. It is suitable for children and runs 89 minutes.
Rating 
With time off during the upcoming holidays I look forward to your movie tips. You guys have similar movie tastes to me.
Happy Holidays and submit your 2018 picks to me!