This Netflix movie is based on Joan Didion’s 1996 novel. This film is so confusing it’s nearly impossible to follow. The story is messy on several fronts. It centers on Iran-Contra scandals and arms deals. Even with good acting we can’t recommend it.
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Movie 2: A Fall From Grace
Now this film is worth seeking out! It’s a new release on Netflix. There’s excellent acting and a believable plot. There is plenty of mystery, suspense and surprises to satisfy most viewers. The final scene is not to be missed. Reviews range from “terrible” to “nuts”. We liked it…a lot.
Now we are talking brutally difficult to watch. The intense violence and complete insanity of the characters makes this film unique but concurrently heart breaking and appalling. The first clue should have been bleak scenery in a remote wasteland of Victoria, Australia of the 1850’s and the disclaimer stating it was in fact NOT the true history of the period. This was also a Comcast pay per view film.
This film was just released on Comcast pay per view. It’s a predictable story about a young lady who moves in with her Aunt who is a goat farmer in a rural farming community.
It’s charming, simple, predictable but a pleasant way to spend a couple hours and forget about the current reality outside.
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Movie 2: Extraction
This film was just released this week by Netflix. It’s set mostly in Bangladesh. It’s a nonstop intense thriller about the kidnapped son of a weapons and drug dealer. The two hour run time flew by. Chris Hemsworth gives a brilliant performance. English and some Hindi with subtitles.
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Movie 3: The King
Also by Netflix, this film is a nonstop journey through the early 15th century in England and France. It’s concurrently brutal, extremely well acted and in general, historically accurate. Arguably the best film of the week!
It has just the right mix of tension, interesting characters, and a unique perspective on modern warfare. A group of mercenaries plan a heist in a remote part of South America.
The acting is quite good. Pundits say it’s a high quality finance thriller. It’s a wild ride for the audience. It’s well worth the watch.
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Movie 2: The Way Back
This film was released just as the Coronavirus stormed into our lives. Thanks to Netflix, we were able to view this film at home. It’s an underdog film about a man who was a high school basketball superstar who years later becomes that schools basketball coach.
That said, it’s also about a man with an alcohol problem, anger issues, suffering from a lifetime of disappointment and shattered expectations. All in all it’s an excellent production. We were excited to find the film available from Comcast on Demand!
We found this film on Comcast On Demand recently and we decided to have a look. The trailer seemed interesting. It wasn’t until later we learned it was the second installment in a three part series released in 2015. We don’t know what happened in Episodes 1 or 3 and we are not interested. Just a little too close for comfort right now.
Oh my!! This is a strange movie set in a bleak remote setting (filmed in Ireland) about a cult of women following the sole male called the Shepard. The women are divided into two groups: Wives and Sisters. The production is filled with tension, mental and physical abuse. The ending is quite surprising. Unique to be sure.
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Movie 2: The Wave
We first viewed and reviewed this film in 2016. We loved it then and while getting acquainted with “new to us” TUBI as part of our Comcast package with lots of FREE movies we decided to watch The Wave again.
It didn’t disappoint. It’s a Norwegian file with English subtitles. It’s filled with tension, angst, and drama. It’s one of those edge of your seat kind of films worthy of your time.
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Movie 3: The Whistleblower
We did not see this film when it was released in 2010. It’s a powerful look at postwar Bosnia. Corruption and crime run rampant. Human trafficking, drugs, money laundering, mental and physical abuse were common. It’s a huge commentary on greed, sexual exploitation, and corruption. Russian, Bosnian and English with English subtitles.
Let’s cut to the important issues in this film. First, it’s based on true events of World War II. It’s also about the saving of thousands of French Jewish children who fled to safety in Switzerland. It’s also the story about Marcel Marceau, considered the best mime of all time.
There is so much packed into this film it may take a while for it all to sink in. It was just released March 27. With all theaters closed, seek it out on Netflix or Amazon or other streaming services.
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Movie 2: Tracker
OK…so the pickings have dwindled down to third rate Action Dramas that didn’t last long in the theaters. This action thriller is set in Italy where cliche characters and a low budget production result in an unsatisfying movie experience.
Special Note: All of last week’s films and this week’s films were sourced on Comcast On Demand. Due to the current coronavirus outbreak Comcast is offering low or no cost pricing. It’s pretty extensive. J&J
Movie 1: Charlie’s Angels
The critics were not kind to this film. Yes it’s a remake of the famed TV series of the 1970’s. Yes, some scenes are a bit heavy handed and not realistic. It’s one of a few action films written and directed by Elizabeth Banks. By Hollywood’s standards this is more than progressive.
There is lots of action, confusion and special affects. Mostly it’s just good old fashion fun that does not take itself too seriously.
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Movie 2: Blood On Her Name
This is a dark and often intense film about a Southern working class family when an accidental killing disrupts everyone’s lives. It’s not likely to garner many industry awards but it’s a good way to be distracted for a couple of hours.
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Movie 3: Zombieland: Double Tap
We didn’t see the first Zombieland 10 years ago. We were in Europe last Fall when this edition was released. We hesitated on viewing this one, but with limited options we acquiesced.
We were glad we did. It is a goofy production. Corny at first, but it quickly took off and got better and better as it evolved. Ultimately it was satisfying and well worth the viewing.
A Big Hello to all. It’s day 5 of “Shelter in Place”. The biggest frustration to date is lack of products in many of the supermarkets/drug stores. Binge purchases have cleared shelves, especially paper towels, toilet paper, antibacterial hand soap and a variety of ordinary goods. The best news is several markets have established early morning SENIORS HOURS such as Safeway, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s and Target.
SPECIAL NOTE: With ALL movie venues now closed, we decided to use what’s on line. Our cable provider has pretty extensive movies available from several sources. The first film below released March 13th (last week) of this year so we are hoping for more of the same until “Shelter in Place” is complete.
Movie 1: The Postcard Killings
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Movie 2: Human Capital
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Movie 3: Waiting for Anya
This fascinating film was designed for preteens to explain Jewish atrocities of World War II. It’s based on real events when 7500 Jewish children were smuggled out of Southern France and into the Pyrenees Mountains of Spain. It’s well done but a bit melodramatic.
We are sending this edition of movie reviews from our home in San Francisco. We were notified today by the Mayor of San Francisco that ALL city residents are required to “Shelter in Place” due to the Coronavirus. This means do not leave your home except to go to work, purchase groceries, go to pharmacies or doctor appointments.
Additionally, the six adjacent Bay Area counties are following suit. That will impact over 7 million people!! More details later…
Here are the last few movies we have seen. All good and all worth a watch. We send our best wishes to everyone. We’ll keep in touch as time and events allow!
J&J
Movie 1: The Hunt
How timely?! This is a gruesome satire about the American reality. It is simultaneously violent and loathsome. Frankly…it’s overwhelming and ruthless.
It’s a little too close for comfort to our thinking. Yes, it’s a satire and a social commentary on the current state of affairs. It’s also unique, brilliantly crafted and loaded with timely messages. Hillary Swank is pure genius in her lead role.
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Movie 2: Hope Gap
Wow! This is an outstanding film. Annette Bening and Bill Nighy give exceptional performances in this story set in rural England. The film has been collecting accolades from the international film circuit.
Our advice?! It’s not to be missed. It’s melancholy, sensitive, painfully powerful. We strongly recommend it.
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Movie 3: First Cow
Set in the Oregon Territory during the gold rush. At the time the primary livelihoods were fur trappers. This film delivers its story slowly giving the viewer just the right amount of time to contemplate the location, conditions and cast of characters. Beautifully filmed.
