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!!
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.
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!)
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
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.
This “good, old fashioned whodunit” with an A-list cast is both clever and serious at the same time. Both the plot and the production do not take themselves seriously which adds to the entertainment value.
We are on the fence if youngsters should see this film. That said, there were plenty of children in our theater, most with parents or other adults in tow.
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Movie 2: Queen & Slim
This is a most unusual film. It’s concurrently a road movie, a fantasy, and a revenge story all at the same time. That said it all weaves together in a way that adds rather than detracts.
The film is a visual delight. The focus is racial justice during a period not so long ago. It’s unique and revealing. It’s a “must see”.
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Movie 3: Dark Waters
The cast and their performances make this film work. It’s a lawyer movie but it’s anything but boring. It’s unique, relevant, and another based on true events. Shame on you DuPont!
The reviews of this just released film are stunning given the commentaries are as biased and off target as the accusations. The bottom line is the good guys are as bad as the bad guys are good. Confusing? Yes, by design.
What makes this film worthwhile is it stimulates the viewers thought processes. Generally the acting ranges from fair to excellent. While imperfect, it’s still a riveting film about crime, corruption and civility.
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Movie 2: Waves
It’s an interesting title. It seems to imply an accumulation of very poor or bad decisions impacting one or more members of the family. But that grows in intensity as the plot unfolds.
Without giving too much away, it is also a deep dive into family dysfunctions on multiple levels. To be fair, it’s a unique and fascinating observation of family love, acceptance and forgiveness.
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Movie 3: Frozen II
This sequel to the first Frozen blockbuster is truly new territory for the Disney franchise. That said, this newest rendition is stunningly beautiful filling in dozens of loose ends from the first film. Naysayers are already nitpicking petty aspects as some form of blasphemy. At our viewing the roughly 50% children in the audience loved it, got all the humor and cheered at all the right times. It makes sense to us! We loved it too.
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SPECIAL NOTE: Starting Tuesday, November 26, we will be in Wisconsin with family, returning to San Francisco December 28. We will be accessible by mobile phone and or e-mail. We wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, a joyous Christmas and a healthy Happy New Year! J&J
It’s not an easy watch. But it is an insightful experience nonetheless.
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Movie 2: The Good Liar
It’s well worth a watch, especially when two great actors deliver such worthy performances.
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Movie 3: A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
That said, do not miss this newest release featuring Tom Hanks as Mister Rogers. His performance is brilliant. There is a lot to learn about Mr. Rogers in this newest film.
In this film Henry Ford the 2nd fails to purchase the Italian sports car line from Enzo Ferrari. Instead Ford decides to hire Carroll Hall Shelby to design a car that will compete in the famed race of 24 Hours of Le Mans. We found the film delightful.
Special Note! This film was advertised in Paris when we were there recently. The title was listed as: 1966 Le Mans.
This film by Martin Scorsese is based on the 2004 book I heard You Paint Houses. It has a huge cast of talented actors. The plot revolves around a truck driver who becomes a hit man, then a mobster, and eventually worked for Jimmy Hoffa of the Teamsters Union.
This film is literally a reenactment of historical events at a time when the lines between organized crime, unions and the government was far from perfect. Sounds familiar?! This is sure to be nominated for several awards. Don’t miss it!
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Movie 2: Better Days
Mandarin with English and Chinese subtitles.
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Movie 3: Midway
This newest version of the battles between the US and Japan in 1945 is an undeniable blockbuster. That said, we were surprised to discover an article describing errors in the movie that range from factual to revealing mistakes.
None of these details diminish the overall production value or the viewing experience. The history from Pearl Harbor to Midway and the South Pacific remains one of the most important stories in American history. The movie is visually stunning. English, and some Japanese with English subtitles.
