Movie 1: Rental Family
This is a charming little film and a lovely vehicle for Brendan Fraser’s acting skills. He plays an actor/imposter in a small Tokyo company that ‘rents out’ people to impersonate family members. Implausible as it sounds, it seems to work in Japanese society. The acting, writing and directing are all top notch. This is a very endearing movie.
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Movie 2: Bugonia
This is yet another provocative and very odd film by acclaimed Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos. It is somehow a kidnap thriller, and the kidnapped person is a supposed alien. Bloody, violent, funny, irreverent and just plain weird. Yet the acting by Jesse Plemons and Emma Stone deserve Oscar nominations. This film is not for everyone. We didn’t particularly like it and left the theater thinking zero globes. But talking about it, it somehow got under our skin and in our minds got better and better.
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Movie 3: Sentimental Value
This is a very thoughtful and emotional drama/comedy which blends realistic family dynamics with personal ambition. The acting and writing are excellent. Stellan Skarsgard has never been better. Filmed in Norway, Sweden and France. Currently in theaters but soon to be streaming on several platforms. This is Norway’s official Oscar entry for Best Foreign Film. Norwegian, Swedish and English with English subtitles.
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