The Courier, If Anything Happens I Love You, Paper Lives

Movie 1: The Courier

This is listed as a “Cold War Action/Thriller”. It’s often intense, violent and downright bloody. One critic suggested dialing down expectations… It’s actually very good if you just go with the flow a bit. The leading actors make this film succeed. Benedict Cumberbatch leads the way, Merab Ninidze keeps pace, along with a hand full of British actors. Based on real events. Note: This is the first movie we have seen in a theater in over a year. Great way to start!

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Movie 2: If Anything Happens I Love You

This remarkable little 2D film has a run time of only 12 minutes! It is our pick as best animated short film for this year’s Oscar race. Be prepared for this Netflix film to be packed with powerful themes delivered with unique storytelling.

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Movie 3: Paper Lives

This is a dark Turkish film about children with dark wounds, dirt poor poverty and poignant trauma. It’s often difficult to watch, sometimes uplifting but more often heartbreaking. It’s available on Netflix. Turkish film dubbed in British English.

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Movies: The Girl On The Train, The Little Stranger, My Octopus Teacher

Movie 1: The Girl On The Train

This Bollywood 2 hour Thriller/Drama is actually a mystery. It’s a bit of a mixed bag. Interesting enough but overall the acting is lacking. It makes up for it with just enough of a Bollywood production.

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Movie 2: The Little Stranger

This gothic drama is based on the novel by the same name. It is set in 1948 at a remote estate named Hundreds Hall. It’s been the Ayers family estate for over 200 years. Now in decline and believed to be haunted. It’s a bit shameful actually.

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Movie 3: My Octopus Teacher

This film is worthy of attention! It’s nominated for this years Best Documentary Feature. It’s absolutely fascinating. It blends drama and intrigue set in South Africa, Cape Town. It’s touching, fascinating, thought provoking and inspiring. Don’t miss it!

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Movies: I Care A Lot, Sentinelle, Black Sea

Movie 1: I Care A Lot

This film just won Rosamund Pike a Golden Globe award for Best Actress. It’s listed as a comedy but it’s not! It is a crime thriller. It’s actually a story about a horrid person who uses the legal system to gain legal guardian control over elderly people and their assets. It’s a MUST watch for anyone over 50!

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Movie 2: Sentinelle

This film was somewhat difficult to watch. It felt a bit too realistic. It’s about a French woman who served in a traumatizing combat mission. Even tough it is listed as an action thriller, it’s actually better described as a revenge film. Dubbed English from French and Russian.

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Movie 3: Black Sea

This thriller/adventure film is very unique. It’s well crafted. That said, it’s NOT based on true events. It is well acted, if not occasionally stretched now and then. It’s entertaining and thought provoking. Scenes inside the submarine are very claustrophobic.

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MOVIES: Nomadland, One Night In Miami, The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart

Movie 1: Nomadland

This Netflix film is a character study about a downtrodden women who ends up living in her van and traveling the backroads. The lead character is played by Frances McDormand. Her performance alone is worthy of your audience. The film is a well made Drama with a run time of 1 hour 48 minutes. It’s a likely Oscar winner!

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Movie 2: One Night In Miami

Set in 1964 this is an intriguing film about a meeting of four legendary black men: Cassius Clay before he was Mohammed Ali, Jim Brown, the Cleveland Brown’s player, Singer/ Songwriter Sam Cooke and Civil Rights Activist Malcom X.

It’s an exceptional Amazon Prime release. It’s rated R (for language) with a run time of 1 hour 50 minutes and a likely Oscar Nominee. Regina King is brilliant in her directorial debut.

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Movie 3: The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart

This YouTube release is a documentary about the Bee Gee brothers, Barry, Maurice and Robin Gibb long before their fame with over 10 pop albums. It’s a delightful insight into the lives of pop music history making icons.

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