Author: James Hathaway

Travel: London: January 2020

After a super busy Fall and a very busy Holiday Season we decided a quick trip to London might be a good way to start year 2020!!  Our flight from San Francisco departed early and landed early in London. Overall welcomed news. As usual we took the “tube” into the city where we dropped our luggage at the hotel and decided to wander for a bit.

We have spent the last several days exploring areas we haven’t explored in a while along with areas we know quite well. Weather has been good/very good overall. A few showers here and there but mostly cool and mild. The City is crowded with shoppers from around the world as usual.

We decided to visit The Wallace Collection yesterday. It’s a free admission to a world class collection of art housed in a once palace. We had not seen this collection in several years. We were pleased to see it hasn’t lost its luster.

Some of our favorites follow…

A priceless Canaletto.
A rare Rembrandt.
Numerous galleries with priceless masterpieces.
A new office tower looks down on a historic building.
The original Tower of London.
The first Tower Bridge.
New London replaces Old London…

Movies: Underwater, Just Mercy, Like a Boss

Movie 1:  Underwater

First, it’s that odd time of year between the Holiday releases, the industry awards season, ending of course with the Academy Awards.  This ‘movie void’ is when last minute releases are at their peak.

This is just one of dozens this year.  It’s an OK story set in the not too distant future where mankind has managed “breakthroughs” with inner space (our oceans) and outer space (but that’s another story).

All said, this film may appeal to the Gen Z teens by design given the “feeling of helplessness” and “surprise appearance” of previously unknown “sea monsters”!  We found it to be a dark claustrophobic mess!

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Movie 2:  Just Mercy

First and foremost this film draws attention that racism is alive and well in our time.  This film is based on real events around a 1987 case in Alabama.

It’s a powerful and thought provoking subject matter that is excellently produced.  It’s also a scary example where injustice is still under attack in our society.

Special note:  The Academy Award Nominations were released today.  This film was not nominated. It seemed a bit odd to us.  The Oscars are scheduled for global television Sunday February 9.

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Movie 3: Like a Boss

Humm…What do you say when you see a film that offends almost every social sensibility you’ve embraced for most of your life?

This film is an insult to educated, intelligent entrepreneurs of either gender, especially when the focus is the female industry of cosmetics.

It’s a shame given the talented cast of characters.

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Travel: Point Reyes, Marin County Coast, January 2020

Big Greetings to all!

One of the things we love most about San Francisco and the surrounding areas are the copious options to easily slip out of the city and enjoy the beauty and diversity readily available around us.

Just yesterday we zipped over the Golden Gate Bridge and drove over to coastal Marin County and one of our favorite areas know as the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

If you are in the area our favorite place for lunch is a local Italian spot called Stellina, on the main street in the tiny town of Point Reyes Station.  Nearby the restaurant is the ever popular Cowgirl Creamery.  Many worthwhile and unique shops can also be found here.

Here are our favorite photos from the day.

Look closely and see two beachcombers among the miles of coastline at North Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore.

Looking South towards the Golden Gate, the Marin Headlands and eventually San Francisco.

This channel between Point Reyes and the mainland is where the San Andreas Fault exists just off the coast of California. At some point in the future, Point Reyes may become an island.

This is a long distance photo of Tomales Bay until recently famous for its oyster beds.

Movies: Invisible Life, Cunningham, Clemency

Movie 1: Invisible Life

The full title of this movie is The Invisible Life of  Euridice Gusmao.  Two sisters are separated continents apart, each believing the other is half the world away.  The good news is the quality of the production is beautifully executed by Writer/Director Karim Ainouz.

That said, the film is ultimately confusing, emotional, spanning decades all for some unknown purpose or explanation.  Note:  We do not recommend this film for youngsters.    Portuguese with English subtitles. 

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Movie 2: Cunningham

This is an extraordinary behind the scenes experience about New Yorker Merce Cunningham and his post war emergence of avant garde modern dance.  This documentary spans over three decades of rare footage.

Some parts are puzzling, others bewildering, all of it both intriguing and courageous.  Some of the performances are concurrently stunning and thought provoking.  It’s in limited release but well worth seeking out.

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Movie 3: Clemency

Where to begin…death row inmates, the emotional and moral burden, concurrently austere and resonant…  It’s gut wrenching, complicated and reeks from collateral fallout.

At times this film is incredibly difficult to watch and, overall, the acting is world class.   That said, Alfre Woodward’s performance is especially compelling, powerful and personal.  It’s sure to be an award season favorite.

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Movies: The Song of Names, 63 Up, The Grudge

Movie 1: The Song of Names

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Movie 2: 63 Up

Interestingly enough this documentary film chronicles 14 subjects of the United Kingdom every seven years over their lifetime.  It’s a fantastic peek at then opinions that have evolved into the currant fabric.  

It relies heavily on historical footage.  The concept has morphed into a continuing saga bridging the youth and aging population waiting for the next chapter of life.

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Movie 3: The Grudge

Let’s get right to it…this film is based on a Japanese film Ju-On.  It’s an old, tired series with a creepy haunting theme.  It’s the 20th film to receive an F on CimemaScore.  Save your time and money and skip this one!!

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Movies: Uncut Gems, 1917, The Kingmaker

Movie 1: Uncut Gems

 

Oye!  Not only was this unique film difficult to watch, it’s an uncomplimentary look behind the curtain of the Manhattan diamond district.  It’s not a pretty site!  The wheeling and dealing comes with dangerous consequences.  That said, the acting is what makes this film work.  Industry insiders loved this film.

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Movie 2: 1917

Here is a film based on true events of WWI’s ‘Third Battle of Ypres, Belgium’ where two British solders become trapped behind enemy lines.  When they are given valuable information that might save multitudes of lives, they struggle to get their message to their commanders.

This is arguably the best film about WWI.  It is concurrently intense, horrific and emotional.  Don’t miss this film because Oscar won’t!!                       

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Movie 3:  The Kingmaker

It’s listed as a documentary but it also might qualify as a murder mystery, a horror film, or our favorite, “a hagiography”.  (Keep that word for Scrabble.)

That said, it’s a horrid collection of ego, corruption, greed and violence that seems destined to continue.  Consider Imelda Marcos’ recent 90th birthday party where 260 guests were hospitalized with food poisoning.

Our suggestion…bring you own snacks!!

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Movies: The Two Popes, Little Women, A Hidden Life

Movie 1:  The Two Popes

This is a fascinating peek at the monumental power and influence of today’s Catholic Church.  It’s beautifully filmed.  The story is laser focused on the liberal Pope Francis and the arch conservative Pope Benedict.  Together they collaborate and find common ground.

It’s a “MUST SEE” if you have any interest in the topic or genre.  This film is in very limited release in very few theaters.  It’s also available on Netflix.  English, Latin, Spanish and Italian with English subtitles.

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Movie 2:  Little Women

Finally a screen version of the 1868 classic by Louisa May Alcott that is worthy of the novel.  Exceptional cinematography, set in post Civil War, four very different sisters find strength and support in each other.

It’s occasionally confusing but well worth the investment of the 134 minute run time.  It’s sure to be an Oscar contender.

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Movie 3:  A Hidden Life

Wow!  This film is set in 1907 and spans into the 1930’s when Adolph Hitler dominated Austria and its surrounding areas.  But the focus of the film is a poor rural Austrian family entangled in the Nazi goal to overtake Austria and its surrounding areas as its territory.

It makes a riveting film experience on many levels.  If you haven’t already seen this, seek it out and see it as soon as possible.  (Golden Globes are coming January 5th!)    

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Movies: Bombshell, Cats, Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker

Movies 1: Bombshell

With three Academy Award winners and two Academy Award nominees, this film targets the Fox News Leader Roger Ailes’ perverted approach to female News Anchors and other women journalists.

It’s painful to watch.  It’s impossible to justify.  It is not surprising given the current political landscape and the minefield that is today’s reality.

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Movie 2: Cats

This movie rendition of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s classic London and Broadway productions will not win over most movie goers.  It’s a shame because there is a lot of innovation and inventive film making on the screen.  That said…I defy you to view the finale by Jennifer Hudson without tears.

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Movie 3:  Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker

 

 

Movies: Jumanji The Next Level, Black Christmas, Richard Jewell

Movie 1: Jumanji:  The Next Level

This newest rendition mixes old characters and new stars.  The good news is the new cast’s performances are an upgrade.  On the down side, the old story line has new twists that are a bit hard to follow.  If you are already a fan, see it.  If you are new to the franchise be prepared to be confused or confounded.

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Movie 2: Black Christmas

We were surprised to learn this was a remake of 1974 and 2006 films by the same name.  What begins as a holiday celebration evolves into a series of stalkings and murders in a local college.  We think it wants to be a message about women’s empowerment but it’s actually the exact opposite.  

Note:  We were the only two people in a very large theater.  Now we know why!

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Movie 3:  Richard Jewell

This is a fact based Drama set in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.  It’s a fascinating look at the bombing and its aftermath by the press, the FBI, the public at large and the legal labyrinth.  See it for the acting, the behavior of the press, FBI and Clint Eastwood’s Direction.

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