The National Gallery in London is home to one of the worlds largest art collections. It has been a while since we toured the galleries (it would take days/weeks/months to see everything.)
We were drawn to many of the most famous and have chosen the following for your enjoyment.
Thank goodness for international films. It’s almost assured you’ll have a unique movie experience. This film is an animated production touching on a variety of global issues.
This film was a huge hit in Japan and is now enjoying global distribution. The overarching theme is the change in global weather. It’s inspiring, clever, and quite down to earth.
Japanese with English subtitles.
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OK, now we are talking about a serious movie experience. This film reinvents modern horror films involving contact from outer space. Surprisingly this movie is based on a short story dating back to 1927.
Be warned! This film is beautifully produced. It’s realistic to an uncomfortable degree. Thank goodness it’s all just awesome imagination…(or is it?!)
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We were surprised with the tepid reviews of this film. While the story is a bit confusing at first, it quickly becomes intense and ultimately powerful, unique and thought provoking.
The cast and the production are intriguing. The script is filled with lots of surprises. There is a lot to think about once the film ends. We liked it a lot.
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This latest film from Guy Ritchie is a Crime Action film set in the United Kingdom. It is equally gritty, often violent, graphic and crude. The scenes involving lots of children are brutal and difficult to watch.
To be frank, the entire film was difficult to watch. It’s yet another film about illegal drug dealing by horrible people in horrid conditions simply trying to survive.
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One critic characterized this film as “both more or less than the original Charles Dickens story”. It is exactly what the title of the film declares. It’s a study of comedies based on the 1850 writings by Charles Dickens.
It’s intelligent, beautifully filmed with an excellent cast. It is concurrently old fashioned and contemporary at the same time. We thoroughly enjoyed it.
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This is a clever computer animation film with unique characters, interesting concepts and some very funny episodes. It’s the first Blue Sky Studios film and part of Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox.
Will Smith is the voice of the lead character. It’s a funny, goofy, action packed story with a very funny pigeon.
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After a super busy Fall and a very busy Holiday Season we decided a quick trip to London might be a good way to start year 2020!! Our flight from San Francisco departed early and landed early in London. Overall welcomed news. As usual we took the “tube” into the city where we dropped our luggage at the hotel and decided to wander for a bit.
We have spent the last several days exploring areas we haven’t explored in a while along with areas we know quite well. Weather has been good/very good overall. A few showers here and there but mostly cool and mild. The City is crowded with shoppers from around the world as usual.
We decided to visit The Wallace Collection yesterday. It’s a free admission to a world class collection of art housed in a once palace. We had not seen this collection in several years. We were pleased to see it hasn’t lost its luster.
Some of our favorites follow…
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First, it’s that odd time of year between the Holiday releases, the industry awards season, ending of course with the Academy Awards. This ‘movie void’ is when last minute releases are at their peak.
This is just one of dozens this year. It’s an OK story set in the not too distant future where mankind has managed “breakthroughs” with inner space (our oceans) and outer space (but that’s another story).
All said, this film may appeal to the Gen Z teens by design given the “feeling of helplessness” and “surprise appearance” of previously unknown “sea monsters”! We found it to be a dark claustrophobic mess!
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First and foremost this film draws attention that racism is alive and well in our time. This film is based on real events around a 1987 case in Alabama.
It’s a powerful and thought provoking subject matter that is excellently produced. It’s also a scary example where injustice is still under attack in our society.
Special note: The Academy Award Nominations were released today. This film was not nominated. It seemed a bit odd to us. The Oscars are scheduled for global television Sunday February 9.
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Humm…What do you say when you see a film that offends almost every social sensibility you’ve embraced for most of your life?
This film is an insult to educated, intelligent entrepreneurs of either gender, especially when the focus is the female industry of cosmetics.
It’s a shame given the talented cast of characters.
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Big Greetings to all!
One of the things we love most about San Francisco and the surrounding areas are the copious options to easily slip out of the city and enjoy the beauty and diversity readily available around us.
Just yesterday we zipped over the Golden Gate Bridge and drove over to coastal Marin County and one of our favorite areas know as the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
If you are in the area our favorite place for lunch is a local Italian spot called Stellina, on the main street in the tiny town of Point Reyes Station. Nearby the restaurant is the ever popular Cowgirl Creamery. Many worthwhile and unique shops can also be found here.
Here are our favorite photos from the day.
Looking South towards the Golden Gate, the Marin Headlands and eventually San Francisco.
This channel between Point Reyes and the mainland is where the San Andreas Fault exists just off the coast of California. At some point in the future, Point Reyes may become an island.
The full title of this movie is The Invisible Life of Euridice Gusmao. Two sisters are separated continents apart, each believing the other is half the world away. The good news is the quality of the production is beautifully executed by Writer/Director Karim Ainouz.
That said, the film is ultimately confusing, emotional, spanning decades all for some unknown purpose or explanation. Note: We do not recommend this film for youngsters. Portuguese with English subtitles.
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This is an extraordinary behind the scenes experience about New Yorker Merce Cunningham and his post war emergence of avant garde modern dance. This documentary spans over three decades of rare footage.
Some parts are puzzling, others bewildering, all of it both intriguing and courageous. Some of the performances are concurrently stunning and thought provoking. It’s in limited release but well worth seeking out.
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Where to begin…death row inmates, the emotional and moral burden, concurrently austere and resonant… It’s gut wrenching, complicated and reeks from collateral fallout.
At times this film is incredibly difficult to watch and, overall, the acting is world class. That said, Alfre Woodward’s performance is especially compelling, powerful and personal. It’s sure to be an award season favorite.
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Interestingly enough this documentary film chronicles 14 subjects of the United Kingdom every seven years over their lifetime. It’s a fantastic peek at then opinions that have evolved into the currant fabric.
It relies heavily on historical footage. The concept has morphed into a continuing saga bridging the youth and aging population waiting for the next chapter of life.
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Let’s get right to it…this film is based on a Japanese film Ju-On. It’s an old, tired series with a creepy haunting theme. It’s the 20th film to receive an F on CimemaScore. Save your time and money and skip this one!!
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Oye! Not only was this unique film difficult to watch, it’s an uncomplimentary look behind the curtain of the Manhattan diamond district. It’s not a pretty site! The wheeling and dealing comes with dangerous consequences. That said, the acting is what makes this film work. Industry insiders loved this film.
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Here is a film based on true events of WWI’s ‘Third Battle of Ypres, Belgium’ where two British solders become trapped behind enemy lines. When they are given valuable information that might save multitudes of lives, they struggle to get their message to their commanders.
This is arguably the best film about WWI. It is concurrently intense, horrific and emotional. Don’t miss this film because Oscar won’t!!
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It’s listed as a documentary but it also might qualify as a murder mystery, a horror film, or our favorite, “a hagiography”. (Keep that word for Scrabble.)
That said, it’s a horrid collection of ego, corruption, greed and violence that seems destined to continue. Consider Imelda Marcos’ recent 90th birthday party where 260 guests were hospitalized with food poisoning.
Our suggestion…bring you own snacks!!
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