Month: December 2019

Movie 1:  The Two Popes

This is a fascinating peek at the monumental power and influence of today’s Catholic Church.  It’s beautifully filmed.  The story is laser focused on the liberal Pope Francis and the arch conservative Pope Benedict.  Together they collaborate and find common ground.

It’s a “MUST SEE” if you have any interest in the topic or genre.  This film is in very limited release in very few theaters.  It’s also available on Netflix.  English, Latin, Spanish and Italian with English subtitles.

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Movie 2:  Little Women

Finally a screen version of the 1868 classic by Louisa May Alcott that is worthy of the novel.  Exceptional cinematography, set in post Civil War, four very different sisters find strength and support in each other.

It’s occasionally confusing but well worth the investment of the 134 minute run time.  It’s sure to be an Oscar contender.

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Movie 3:  A Hidden Life

Wow!  This film is set in 1907 and spans into the 1930’s when Adolph Hitler dominated Austria and its surrounding areas.  But the focus of the film is a poor rural Austrian family entangled in the Nazi goal to overtake Austria and its surrounding areas as its territory.

It makes a riveting film experience on many levels.  If you haven’t already seen this, seek it out and see it as soon as possible.  (Golden Globes are coming January 5th!)    

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Movies 1: Bombshell

With three Academy Award winners and two Academy Award nominees, this film targets the Fox News Leader Roger Ailes’ perverted approach to female News Anchors and other women journalists.

It’s painful to watch.  It’s impossible to justify.  It is not surprising given the current political landscape and the minefield that is today’s reality.

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Movie 2: Cats

This movie rendition of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s classic London and Broadway productions will not win over most movie goers.  It’s a shame because there is a lot of innovation and inventive film making on the screen.  That said…I defy you to view the finale by Jennifer Hudson without tears.

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Movie 3:  Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker

 

 

Movie 1: Jumanji:  The Next Level

This newest rendition mixes old characters and new stars.  The good news is the new cast’s performances are an upgrade.  On the down side, the old story line has new twists that are a bit hard to follow.  If you are already a fan, see it.  If you are new to the franchise be prepared to be confused or confounded.

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Movie 2: Black Christmas

We were surprised to learn this was a remake of 1974 and 2006 films by the same name.  What begins as a holiday celebration evolves into a series of stalkings and murders in a local college.  We think it wants to be a message about women’s empowerment but it’s actually the exact opposite.  

Note:  We were the only two people in a very large theater.  Now we know why!

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Movie 3:  Richard Jewell

This is a fact based Drama set in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.  It’s a fascinating look at the bombing and its aftermath by the press, the FBI, the public at large and the legal labyrinth.  See it for the acting, the behavior of the press, FBI and Clint Eastwood’s Direction.

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Movie 1:  Knives Out

This “good, old fashioned whodunit” with an A-list cast is both clever and serious at the same time.  Both the plot and the production do not take themselves seriously which adds to the entertainment value.  

We are on the fence if youngsters should see this film.  That said, there were plenty of children in our theater, most with parents or other adults in tow.

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Movie 2:  Queen & Slim

This is a most unusual film.  It’s concurrently a road movie, a fantasy, and a revenge story all at the same time.  That said it all weaves together in a way that adds rather than detracts.

The film is a visual delight.  The focus is racial justice during a period not so long ago.  It’s unique and revealing.  It’s a “must see”.

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Movie 3:  Dark Waters

The cast and their performances make this film work.  It’s a lawyer movie but it’s anything but boring.  It’s unique, relevant, and another based on true events.  Shame on you DuPont!

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