Author: James Hathaway

Movie 1: All Quiet on the Western Front

This is the gripping story of a group of young German friends as they prepare to enter WWI in France. The movie does not shy away from the brutal, gruesome and merciless scenes of war. Nor does it glorify it. Hard to watch at times yet riveting. This is Germanys official entry for the 2023 Oscars. On Netflix. We watched the dubbed English version.

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Movie 2: Empire of Light

Beautifully filmed on the south coast of England, this movie is ultimately a love story. It’s a compelling drama about the power and fragility of human connection. Filmed mostly inside a wonderful art deco movie palace. The cast is excellent with several Academy Award and Bafta winners.

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Movie 3: Lady Chatterley’s Lover

Based on the controversial D.H. Lawrence book of the same name, this is a beautifully told love story set in Northern Wales. The novel was originally banned in the US and England as being obscene. A newlywed wife falls in love with one of the groundskeepers. You may recognize the lead actress, Emma Corrin, from the miniseries The Crown. This is on Netflix.

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Movie 1: Till

This is a powerful movie based on the true story of Mamie Till-Bradley, mother of Emmet Till, who pursued justice after her sons brutal 1955 Mississippi murder. At times difficult to watch, this story on the brutality of racism is perfectly made and, unfortunately, still timely. Excellent acting, writing and direction. And it is always good to see Whoopi Goldberg, no matter how small the role.

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Movie 2: The Inspection

This is the story of a young, gay black man, who after being rejected by his family, decides to join the Marines. This is a true story based on the experiences of writer director Elegance Bratton. The movie does a really good job of tapping into the internal struggles of this man in an era when Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was official US policy.

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Movie 3: Last Seen Alive

This action film is about a soon-to-be ex wife mysteriously vanishing at a gas station. Not great film making but entertaining enough. If you are a fan of Gerard Butler’s recent movies, i.e.; London Has Fallen, Angel Has Fallen, Greenland, you will enjoy this movie. Currently on Netflix.

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Movie 1: Spoiler Alert

Based on the book ‘Spoiler Alert: The Hero Dies’ this movie chronicles the life of a young gay couple, one of whom has terminal cancer. While a tear jerker, this movie can be very funny. The cast is stellar. And as with the movie Bros (4 globes, not reviewed here) it is wonderful to see gay actors in gay roles. Finally.

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Movie 2: She Said

This is a gripping biographical drama based on the real-life story by two New York Times investigative reporters. This movie chronicles the abuse by Harvey Weinstein and what it took for his celebrity accusers to come forward. This is brilliant and important film making.

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Movie 3: TAR

This is a fascinating psychological drama about the life and eventual downfall of a famous Berlin Orchestra composer-conductor. This movie is beautifully filmed and intentionally slow. It is also a marvelous showcase for Cate Blanchett’s immense talent.

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Movie 1: Devotion

This is an aerial war epic at the onset of the Korean War. Based on the biographical 2015 novel of the same name, this movie is inspirational and beautifully filmed. Jesse Brown is the first black aviator for the US Navy. The acting and visuals are excellent.

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Movie 2: Violent Night

While delivering presents on Christmas Eve Santa ends up in the wrong mansion during a burglary. Fortunately, this dark comedy does not take itself seriously. While not your typical Holiday film, this Santa definitely has a naughty or nice list. Parents, this movie is not for children.

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Movie 3: All the Beauty and the Bloodshed

This documentary explores several topics, all intertwined with the opioid crises. Several critics have this movie on their top 20 of the year list. While very interesting and timely, the multiple topics can get somewhat confusing. But overall, a very good documentary.

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Movie 1: The Fabelmans

This is a marvelous semi-autobiographical film based on Stephen Spielberg’s adolescence. An aspiring young filmmaker explores the wonders of movie making while growing up with antisemitism in New Jersey and Northen California. The acting, writing, directing and cinematography should all be Oscar nominated at the very least. A wonderful don’t miss movie!

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Movie 2: The Good Nurse

This Netflix movie is based on a true story. An ICU nurse is suspected of killing several patients in New Jersey. The movie is intentionally slow as each character develops and becomes fascinating. Excellent acting by Jessica Chastain and Eddie Redmayne.

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Movie 3: Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

A tech billionaire has a party on his private Greek island, inviting several friends to a murder mystery game. Daniel Craig is a famous detective trying to solve the mystery. This movie does not take itself seriously. The all star cast and whodunit atmosphere make for a fun movie. Currently in movie theatres but will be on Netflix December 23.

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Movie 1: The Menu

This is a dark comedy/horror film about a world class chef that sets up a lavish dinner on a remote island. And there happens to be more on the menu than just Michelin star food. Ralph Fiennes, as the chef, sets the tone perfectly.

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Movie 2: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

If you saw the first Black Panther you will very much enjoy this sequel. The acting, cinematography, action and costumes are all first rate. The star studded cast makes this movie fun to watch. Angela Basset is always wonderful.

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Movie 3: Ticket to Paradise

This is a romantic comedy set in Bali, Indonesia. Julia Roberts and George Clooney play the divorced parents attending their daughters wedding. Their chemistry together is marvelous. While not a great film, this movie is a whole lot of fun.

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Movie 1: Moonage Daydream

We thought this movie about the life of David Bowie was going to be a documentary. While the archival footage of Bowie’s life is voluminous, it’s more of a philosophical drama than a true documentary. If you are a David Bowie fan, you will find this movie a masterpiece. We found it long and loud.

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Movie 2: The Forgotten Battle

This WWII drama is historically accurate with the Canadian Army leading the way to liberate an important Dutch harbor. This movie follows a young Dutch girl who joins the resistance and a British glider pilot shot down in a Dutch town. On Netflix. Dutch with dubbed English.

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Movie 3: The Perfumier

We found this German thriller totally confusing. A female detective loses her sense of smell and tries to steal a remedy from a deranged sociopath. Way too many twists and turns. On Netflix. German with English subtitles.

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Movie 1: Pearl

For the first half hour or so this horror/slasher movie was quite good and entertaining. Then it just fell apart. Pearl is trapped and isolated on her family farm, taking care of her sick father and obeying her overbearing mother. Then it’s Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz meets the Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

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Movie 2: Don’t Worry Darling

This movie premiered in September at the Venice International Film Festival and has all the right ingredients: beautiful people, location, clothes and cinematography. But it just doesn’t deliver. Set in the California desert in 1953, a young couple seemingly lives an idyllic life, until they don’t. Part drama, part sci-fi but mostly a very confusing, yet beautifully filmed, mess.

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Movie 3: Lou

A young girl is kidnapped on the San Juan islands of Washington State. Her mother, and a neighbor, try to find her. We found this thriller gripping and tense, and a showcase for the always wonderful Allison Janney. Currently on Netflix.

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Movie 1: The Woman King

Set in 1823, an all-female warrior group defends the Kingdom of Dahomey (today the country of Benin) in West Africa from the American and Brazilian slave trade. This is a remarkable movie from beginning to end. Powerful, beautifully filmed and acted. Numerous Oscar nominations are likely. Seek this one out.

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Movie 2: A Jazzman’s Blues

This southern drama from Tyler Perry is as long and languid as a Georgia summer night. This is an investigation into an unsolved murder that is full of secrets, deceit and forbidden (and in 1953) unlawful love. The acting, cinematography and script are flawless. Currently in theatres but soon on Netflix.

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Movie 3: No Limit

Set in the south of France, a college student from Paris decides to take free form diving lessons. Based on a true story, this film alternates between suspenseful, steamy and just plain sad. Ultimately it loses its way. French with dubbed English. On Netflix.

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Movie 1: Medieval

This is a Czech epic, set in 1419, based on the life of Jan Zizka, a famous Hussite commander who never lost a battle. The movie’s title is very apropos given the blood and brutality. While not easy to watch, and not liked by many critics, we found the cinematography and action scenes very true to the times.

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Movie 2: See How They Run

This is an Agatha Christie mystery spoof set in 1953 London’s West End. It is a who-dun-it comedy based on Christie’s long running play The Mousetrap (still running in London today). While there is not a lot of “meat” to this mystery, we found it entertaining and just plain fun.

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Movie 3: The Champion of Auschwitz

This Polish drama, based on a true story, about a boxer who has many victories in the ring against Nazi guards is riveting. His victories become a symbol of hope in the concentration camp. Netflix, Polish with dubbed English.

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