Month: October 2024

Movie 1: Conclave

When the Pope suddenly dies, 108 Catholic Cardinals come to Rome to elect a new Pontiff. Everything about this mystery thriller is electric and entertaining. The acting, cinematography, writing and directing are all superb. The ending is completely unforeseen. We’ve seen this movie twice and will see it again. The best movie of the year!

Rating:

Movie 2: Venom: The Last Dance

The last movie (supposedly) in the Venom trilogy does not disappoint. Once again Tom Hardy returns as Eddie and his action/comedy persona is very well done and a lot of fun. To be fair, many critics and audiences did not like this movie. While it can be inconsistent, and no great message, we found it very entertaining.

Rating:

Movie 3: Anora

While listed as a comedy, this movie has a lot more to it than just laughs. A Russian strip club dancer in Brooklyn falls in love with the son of a Russian oligarch, much to the dismay of his parents. She becomes the young son’s American fantasy. This film won the prestigious Palme d’Or at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. Sure to get several Oscar nominations. English and some Russian, with English subtitles.

Rating:

Movie 1: Woman of the Hour

This is Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut, premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival, and telling the true story about a serial killer who made his way onto the 1970’s TV show The Dating Game. Showing much more than a serial killer, this movie examines the many ways women have to defend themselves in a very male dominated society. Really well done. On Netflix.

Rating:

Movie 2: We Live in Time

This romantic drama also debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival. Toggling between past and present, this is a very earnest heartfelt movie about love and loss, and a relationship cut way too short. Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh are perfect together.

Rating:

Movie 3: Rumours

Let’s start by saying this is a very odd movie with a great cast. The leaders of the G7 meet in Germany for their annual summit. After saying that, we aren’t exactly sure what was going on, other than it was strangely fascinating, and sadly obvious that none of these leaders can save a planet bent on destruction. We think.

Rating:

Movie 1: Piece by Piece

This charming, animated musical follows the life and career of Pharrell Williams. Filmed almost entirely with Lego’s this is an interesting visual story and documentary. Several of William’s famous friends help narrate. Excellent soundtrack, this was a big hit at film festivals around the country.

Rating:

Movie 2: Brothers

This is a comedy/action road trip movie about two ‘twin’ brothers who try and pull off one final heist. No great message here, but a really good cast and a lot of fun. Glenn Close is perfect as the jewelry thief mother who abandons her children. In theatres now, Netflix next week.

Rating:

Movie 3: The Apprentice

This is a movie about a young Donald Trump, his beginnings in New York and New Jersey real estate and his close relationship with his friend and mentor Roy Cohn. We have no idea how much of this is/is not true. But as a movie, a drama, this is very entertaining and well done. Superb acting, especially Jeremy Strong as Roy Cohn who gives an Oscar worthy performance.

Rating:

Movie 1: Joker: Folie a Deux

As a sequel, this movie delves deep into the dark psyche and personality(ies) of the Joker. Part drama and part musical this film is interesting, yet also boring. We found the musical numbers and the soundtrack really good, the drama part not so much. Wide range of reviews nationally and a poor audience turnout so far. If you are a Joker fan, it’s worth a look.

Rating:

Movie 2: The Outrun

This is a sensitive and personal film about a young Scottish woman and her addiction to alcohol. Beautifully filmed on the windswept and lonely Orkney Islands, this movie portrays a real sense of rehabilitation, hope and community. Saoirse Ronan gives a knockout performance.

Rating:

Movie 3: Saturday Night

This film highlights the chaotic hours leading up to the October 11, 1975 premier of the TV show Saturday Night Live. The show does a good job of recreating the humor, atmosphere, clothes, drugs of the mid-seventies. If you are a fan of the show, you will enjoy this movie. J.K. Simmons as Milton Berle is perfect.

Rating:

Movie 1: The Wild Robot

This delightful movie is a simple story told in a magical way. A shipwrecked robot bonds with and empowers a young, abandoned gosling to fly south for the winter. This is a beautiful adaptation of Peter Brown’s Wild Robot trilogy. A stunning masterpiece for all ages. This one has Oscar written all over it.

Rating:

Movie 2: Megalopolis

Honestly, we have no words to describe what this colossal mess is all about. It feels like a shame, if not a crime, to criticize any work from Francis Ford Coppola, especially with such a talented cast. But this movie is a very expensive ($120+ million of his own money) disaster. Stay far, far away.

Rating:

Movie 3: White Bird

This is a very sensitive and thoughtful movie about a French grandmother trying to teach her American grandson about tolerance and kindness. With flashbacks to her youth in Nazi occupied France, Helen Mirren gives a strong, yet tender performance. With subtle references to the intolerance of today’s world, this movie is very well done.

Rating: