Author: James Hathaway

Movie 1: Demon Slayer: Mugen Train

Well…This was a unique animated feature film from Japan. It’s been released in two versions Japanese with English subtitles and (the version we saw…dubbed in English).

That said, while the film was visually stunning, it was quite difficult, if not impossible to follow without a knowledge of the background of the story! Wait…there’s more. For some reason the ticket price was much more expensive than other first released films. Bottom line, we could not understand much of the story and we felt ripped off at the box office.

Rating: 

Movie 2: Things Heard and Seen

This Netflix thriller is a bit slow and confusing. The husband is a school teacher run amuck. It tries to be too artsy fartsy. It’s a shame given the film’s roots come from Sundance. It was good to see F. Murray Abraham again.

Rating   

Movie 3: Synchronic

This Netflix film is both unique and confusing. Critics called it “a smart mystery thriller.” It’s an odd mix of edgy with a time travel plot that slowly reveals itself. All said, it’s unique.

Rating   

 

Movie 1: Nomadland

This review is a repeat from February. Given today’s Academy Awards we are reposting our previous review. This week we saw it in a movie theater and upgraded our globes from three to four.

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!

Rating

Movie 2: Stowaway

This Netflix release space thriller is intense. A lead character risks the survival of the crew’s oxygen! Overall the plot is a little confusing. It’s not your ordinary ride to Mars. Well worth a watch!

Rating   

Movie 3: Together Together

This film is smart, funny, clever, fresh and unique. It will make you laugh and cry. It’s well acted, challenging and thought provoking. We highly recommend.

Rating   

 

Live TONIGHT April 25, 8 PM Eastern time, 5 PM Pacific time.

We are pleased to submit our picks for the 2021 Academy Awards.

2021 OSCAR NOMINEES
BEST PICTURE	Jim & John	Your Pick	Winner
“The Father”
“Judas and the Black Messiah”
“Mank”
“Minari”
“Nomadland”	X
“Promising Young Woman”
“Sound of Metal”
“The Trial of the Chicago 7″
ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Maria Bakalova, “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm”
Glenn Close, “Hillbilly Elegy”
Olivia Colman, “The Father”
Amanda Seyfried, “Mank”
Youn Yuh-jung, “Minari”	X
ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Sacha Baron Cohen, “The Trial of the Chicago 7”
Daniel Kaluuya, “Judas and the Black Messiah”	X
Leslie Odom Jr., “One Night in Miami”
Paul Raci, “Sound of Metal”
Lakeith Stanfield, “Judas and the Black Messiah”
INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM
“Another Round” – Denmark	X
“Better Days” – Hong Kong
“Collective” – Romania
“The Man Who Sold His Skin” – Tunisia
Qu Vadis, Aida? – Bosnia and Herzegovina
DOCUMENTARY (SHORT)
“Colette”
“A Concerto Is a Conversation”
“Do Not Split”
“Hunger Ward”
“A Love Song For Latasha”	X
DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
“Collective”
“Crip Camp”
“The Mole Agent”
“My Octopus Teacher”	X
“Time”
ORIGINAL SONG
“Fight For You” from “Judas and the Black Messiah”
“Hear My Voice” from “The Trial of the Chicago 7”
“Husavik” from “Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga”
“lo Sì (Seen)” from “The Life Ahead (La Vita Davanti a Se)”	X
“Speak Now” from “One Night in Miami…”

 

ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
“Onward”
“Over the Moon”
“A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon”
“Soul”	X
“Wolfwalkers”
ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
“Borat Subsequent MovieFilm”	X
“The Father”
“Nomadland”
“One Night in Miami”
“The White Tiger”
ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
“Judas and the Black Messiah”
“Minari”
“Promising Young Woman”
“Sound of Metal”
“The Trial of the Chicago 7”	X
ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Riz Ahmed, “Sound of Metal”
Chadwick Boseman, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”	X
Anthony Hopkins, “The Father”
Gary Oldman, “Mank”
Steven Yeun, “Minari”
ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
Viola Davis, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”	X
Andra Day, “The United States vs. Billie Holiday”
Vanessa Kirby, “Pieces of a Woman”
Frances McDormand, “Nomadland”
Carey Mulligan, “Promising Young Woman”
DIRECTOR
Thomas Vinterberg, “Another Round”
David Fincher, “Mank”
Lee Isaac Chung, “Minari”
Chloe Zhao, “Nomadland”	X
Emerald Fennell, “Promising Young Woman”
PRODUCTION DESIGN
“The Father”
“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”
“Mank”	X
“News of the World”
“Tenet”
CINEMATOGRAPHY
Sean Bobbitt, “Judas and the Black Messiah”
Erik Messerschmidt, “Mank”
Dariusz Wolski, “News of the World”
Joshua James Richards, “Nomadland”	X
Phedon Papamichael , “The Trial of the Chicago 7”

 

COSTUME DESIGN
“Emma”
“Ma Rainey’s Blackbottom”	X
“Mank”
“Mulan”
“Pinocchio”
ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND
“Greyhound”
“Mank”
“News of the World”
“Soul”
“Sound of Metal”	X
ANIMATED SHORT FILM
“Burrow”
“Genius Loci”
“If Anything Happens I Love You”	X
“Opera”
“Yes-People”
LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM
“Feeling Through”
“The Letter Room”
“The Present”
“Two Distant Strangers”	X
“White Eye”
ORIGINAL SCORE
“Da 5 Bloods”
“Mank”
“Minari”
“News of the World”
“Soul”	X
VISUAL EFFECTS
“Love and Monsters”
“The Midnight Sky”
“Mulan”
“The One and Only Ivan”
“Tenet”	X
FILM EDITING
“The Father”
“Nomadland”
“Promising Young Woman”
“Sound of Metal”
“The Trial of the Chicago 7”	X
MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING
“Emma”
“Hillbilly Elegy”
“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”	X
“Mank”
“Pinocchio”

Movie 1: Nobody

Interestingly…the first words read about this film included…”visceral, smashing, ludicrous, bonkers”. All true! We would add violent and loopy, if not loony. Great soundtrack though.

Rating

Movie 2: Godzilla vs. Kong

Talk about history…the first Godzilla film dates to 1962. This particular rendition is the 36th film of the Godzilla franchise!! So far this movie is the third highest-grossing film of 2021. It’s gripping, and a bit bizarre, but sure to be a classic…

Rating   

Movie 3: Voyagers

Now we are talking!! A current century Sci-fi Thriller. A multi-generational space mission with the goal to “save the universe”…or something like that. The only problem is…the generation inheriting the universe is a balancing act between creepy and constant tension. All said, it’s still worth a watch!

Rating   

 

Special Note:  This year’s annual Oscar Season started a while ago.  Most theaters have been closed for the duration of the pandemic.  Many are now opening to limited days and audiences.  We have been lucky enough to catch several films in the last few weeks and we will continue to ‘catch up’ as film distribution increases.

Movie 1: A Love Song for Latasha

This is an amazing Oscar nominated Documentary/Short Subject film with just a 19 minute run time. It’s the story of 15 year old Latasha Harlins from south central Los Angeles. It’s also the story about bravery, righteousness and perseverance. It is a powerful and timely message to all!

Rating

Movie 2: Crip Camp

This film is a commentary on youth disabilities of the ’60s,’70s and right up to current events. It is currently available on Netflix. This Oscar nominated Documentary Feature is rated R for language and some sexual references. It is noteworthy Barack Obama and Michelle Obama served as Executive Producers. Run time is just under 2 hours.

Rating   

Movie 3: Moffie

This drama is set in 1981 South Africa. It deals with the war with Angola, racism and homophobia. It’s difficult to watch. The subject matters are numerous and can be challenging to digest! That said, it’s often brutal yet relevant filmmaking. Afrikaans and limited English, with English subtitles.

Rating   

 

Movie 1: Another Round

This drama comedy is nominated for this year’s Oscar for Best International Feature Film and Director. It’s an odd concept but thoroughly entertaining. Actor Mads Mikkelsen delivers a fantastic performance. Do seek this in your local theater if possible. Danish with English subtitles.

Rating

Movie 2: Six Minutes to Midnight

This extraordinary film is set in the summer of 1939. It’s a suspense thriller based on real events. Wealthy German parents sent their daughters to an elite finishing school in England just before the outbreak of WWII. It’s likely to be an Academy contender for 2021 awards but it is in theaters now! English and German with English subtitles.

Rating   

Movie 3: Promising Young Woman

This mystery/comedy/thriller is currently available on Comcast On Demand. It’s an odd revenge story that’s wicked, creepy, and cunning. Carey Mulligan is amazing. This film is nominated for five Oscars, including Best Picture, Actress in a Leading Role, Director, Original Screenplay and Film Editing.

Rating   

 

Movie 1: The Father

This film is based on the play by the same name. Overall it is both clever and agonizing at the same time. That said, it’s beautifully crafted as it draws the viewer into the characters confusion, tragedy and mental degradation. The film is nominated for this year’s Best Picture, Best Actor, Actress in a Supporting Role, Adapted Screenplay and Production Design. We predict Anthony Hopkins wins as Best Actor. He is brilliant.

Rating

Movie 2: Chaos Walking

Overall this film was a confusing and disappointing attempt at a Sci-fi adventure. The violence and language create chaos. Unfortunately the acting suffers and so does the audience. Actor Mads Mikkelsen gives a noteworthy performance but it’s not enough to overcome the flawed plot.

Rating   

Movie 3: Minari

This two hour Drama about a Korean American family seeking a new life in Arkansas is intriguing and perplexing. Plenty of good acting and good storytelling. It’s telling, touching, frustrating and occasionally charming. It’s nominated for Best Picture, Actor in a Leading Role, Actress in a Supporting Role, Original Screenplay, Director, and Original Score!

Rating   

 

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!

Rating

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.

Rating   

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.

Rating    

 

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.

Rating

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.

Rating:

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!

Rating  

 

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!

Rating  

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.

Rating   

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.

Rating