Greetings to all!
We decided a midweek trip to California’s North Coast town of Mendocino was in order to disrupt the pattern of cold weather elsewhere.
So far, so good. It was supposed to rain yesterday. It did not. It was supposed to rain today and it did not. Tomorrow’s forecast is sunny, we will take it along with temps in the high 50s to low 60s.
Here are some photos of our hiking and touring. We hope you enjoy.
We send love and best wishes to you all! J&J
Hi everyone!
It’s the weird, awkward time of year when the movie distributors don’t have much to offer or they are waiting for the awards season to end to give a boost to re-release award winners. The Golden Globes, the Critics Choice Awards, the Producer’s Guild Awards and yesterday’s Screen Actor’s Guild Awards are all behind us.
The next and final round are the Director’s Guild Awards, the BAFTAs (the 71st British Academy Film and Television Arts) February 18, and finally the 90th Oscars, Sunday February 24, 5:00 PM Pacific Time, on ABC.
Special note: Don’t forget this year’s “Shorts” are being released this February 8 in theaters for a very limited time. Do seek them out. They are typically the best of the best in each category and often come from studios around the world. The three categories include Live action Shorts, Animated Shorts and Documentary Shorts.
Enjoy! J&J
Uri The Surgical Strike
Here is a fascinating film about an interesting topic executed with a world class production. It’s an Indian production based on true events, namely the 2016 military strikes in “Pakistan Occupied Kashmir” where the Indian military conducted covert operations in retaliation to terrorist attacks in an area called Uri, India where 19 Indian soldiers were killed by Pakistani operatives.
The cast includes more than 50 actors, mostly from India. Most deliver believable characters with few exceptions. The production quality is world class. That said, this movie is not rated. Its genre is noted as an Action & Adventure, Art House & International, Mystery & Suspense.
Unfortunately we do not think this film is appropriate for children, there is just too much violence and adult subject matter for younger folks. The run time is a long 2 hours and 7 minutes but it is well worth the investment of time. Hindi with English subtitles.
Rating: 
An Acceptable Loss
Where to begin?! First, let us say we liked this film more than we expected we would. The story was a bit confusing and the several disconnects that left the viewers bewildered was a hurdle more than once. That said, by the end of the movie most of the loose ends came together for closure.
Jamie Lee Curtis is stunning as the Vice President. Tika Sumpter is exceptional as Dr. Elizabeth Lamm, a former National Security Advisor. Ben Tavassoli delivers a performance beyond his years as the roommate activist. The entire cast totals over 60 actors.
Audiences and critics were not kind to this movie. While it was less than perfect, it was well done for the most part. Interesting characters, lots of twists and turns, political intrigue and suspense.
It is rated R for language and brief sexuality. It’s not suitable for children. It’s listed as a Drama & Suspense with a run time of 102 minutes.
Rating 
The Kid Who Would be King
This is a charming film about a handful of modern day misfit kids and their experience reliving a King Arthur story from the middle ages. While occasionally a bit awkward, the story unfolds gracefully and gradually until it gains momentum and purpose.
There is a hefty cast. Rebecca Furguson plays a great Morgana. Patrick Stewart is perfect as the adult Merlin. Angus Imire is excellent as the young Merlin. The most notable students include Louis Ashbourne, Tom Taylor, Rhianna Dorris, and Dean Chaumoo. Scores of extras round out the students and towns people.
Ultimately, this is a fun family film with a modern twist. It doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s rated PG for fantasy action violence, some scary images, thematic elements including some bullying, and language. This may not be suitable for young children.
The film is listed as Action & Adventure, Kids & Family, Science Fiction & Fantasy. The run time is 2 hours.
Rating
A Dog’s Way Home
This film is based on another bestselling novel by the prolific W. Bruce Cameron. It’s designed to pluck the heartstrings of animal lovers, in this case dogs and cats.
There are many stories behind the story. For example, Shelby the star dog character, was “discovered” in a Tennessee garbage dump. Another surprise was the focus on Denver, Colorado’s pit bull ban, where three specific breeds of pit bulls are banned in the City and County of Denver.
That said, the film is “Bella’s” romp through a 400 mile journey to find her way home. The film is a charming, child friendly adventure with a few adult trimmings to make the story come together.
The human cast includes Jonah Hauer-King as Bella’s owner, Ashley Judd as the mom, Alexandra Shipp as the girlfriend, Edward James Olmos as a homeless man, Wes Studi as the police chief. Another dozen bit parts fill in the gaps.
The film is rated PG for thematic elements, some peril, and language. It’s listed as a Drama with a run time of 97 minutes.
Rating:
Cold War
This film has already been nominated for three 2019 Academy Awards for Best Director, Best Foreign Language Film and Best Cinematography.
It’s a love story that spans years. It takes place in the Cold War of the 1950’s Poland, Berlin, Yugoslavia and Paris. It’s shot entirely in black and white. Critics and apparently audiences are already declaring it “remarkable,” “magnificent” and “transcendent”. It’s good, maybe even very good, but we’ll settle for passionate.
The mostly Polish cast includes a few French actors totaling over 40 actors. The plot unfolds slowly, more of a smoldering slow burn if you will. So slow at times some scenes seemingly take forever to unfold.
All said, it is a unique, refreshing throwback to film noir, and tells the tale rarely presented so well. Critics and audiences loved this movie. We thought it over hyped.
It is rated R for some sexual content, nudity and language. We do not feel this film is suitable for younger children. Its genre is listed as Drama, Music, Romance with a run time of 89 minutes. Polish with English subtitles.
Rating:
First Man
First…A BIG THANKS to a close friend who managed to get us a copy of this film long after it left the theaters.
It’s the latest film about NASA’s Apollo 11 mission to put a man on the moon between 1961 and 1969. The film is based on the book by James R. Hansen. It stars Ryan Gosling as Neil Armstrong. It’s directed by Oscar winner Damien Chazelle.
The cast includes a brilliant Claire Foy as Janet Armstrong, Kyle Chandler as Deke Slayton, Corey Stoll as Buzz Aldrin, Pablo Schreiber as Jim Lovell and Jason Clarke as Ed White. The film is nominated for five Oscars in technical categories.
Audiences and critics loved this film. It reminds us how ground breaking and dangerous space travel was at the time. It was truly a unique time in our history and it did, in fact, change the world as we know it today.
It is rated PG-13 for some thematic content involving peril and brief strong language. Its genre is listed as Drama with a run time of 138 minutes. If you missed it like we did, seek it out on pay per view or a long plane ride. It’s worth the effort.
P.S. We just noticed today that AMC re-released this film prior to the Oscars.
Rating:
Hi everyone,
Some family friends of ours asked us for travel tips for an Italy trip this Spring. John drafted the following document drawing on our recent six week trip to Italy.
We thought we would share this information with all of you in the event you, friends or family have any interest in similar travels any time soon.
J&J
Italy will be lovely in April. As soon as you know your dates for both Rome and Florence it is best to buy Museum tickets online. It is not too early. The Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel are a must. http://www.vaticantickets.org It’s best to visit first thing in the morning or late afternoon. Buying tickets online allows you to skip the very long lines and walk right in. In Florence you should buy tickets online for the Uffizi and Accademia museums. Lines for both are very long. You do not need guided tours in any museum. Best to just wander.
We have not used Airbnb but have friends who do and they recommend them. One thing we recommend while looking for an apartment is not to rent near the train station. We find in Rome, Venice and Florence the train station areas are crowded, touristy, lack good restaurants and have plenty of pick pockets.
If you do want a hotel we can highly recommend in Rome the Hotel Due Torri. And in Florence the Hotel Pendini. Both are family friendly and very centrally located for walking to major sites.
If you are traveling by train between cities we recommend buying tickets online to avoid large crowds at the train stations. We like raileurope.com or trentitalia.com. Train stations also have ticket kiosks so you can avoid lines at ticket counters. For longer distances buy first class tickets. Short rides second class is fine. Train tickets in Italy are very reasonable.
ROME
We like to take the red Hop On, Hop Off bus. We get a two or three day ticket. Ride once to see the sites then use it as a taxi to go back to places and neighborhoods that appeal to you. The subway in Rome is safe and easy to use. If you use a taxi make sure he turns the meter on.
A specialty in Rome is the fried artichoke. It is a great appetizer. On the menu it will say carciofi alla giudia. Jewish fried artichoke. la Campana is very good for dinner. Two blocks away is Ristorante Lagana. Both are near the Hotel Due Torri which is near Piazza Navona. For great pizza and mozzarella and tomato salad we like Obica. Gelato in Rome is wonderful.
If you are flying into Rome, a taxi from the airport to any hotel and area in central Rome is a flat 49 euro.
FLORENCE
Florence is very compact and great for walking. Must sees are Santa Croce and the Duomo. If you get an apartment the Central Mercato is great for groceries and other items. South of the Arno, over the Ponte Vecchio, the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens are nice places to visit.
Food in Florence is the best in Italy. As is the gelato. For dinner we like Trattoria al Trebbio . Nearby is Ristorante La Spada. They have a nice outdoor area in front to eat outside or inside. Great linguine and clams. Good pasta and pizzas at Giglio Rosso. And if you are tired of Italian food a very local and good Turkish place is Istanbul Doner Kabap. A block south of Santa Croce. Via de’ Benci, 18r.
Almost any little side street in Florence will have small shops where they make paper, leather and very nice small items. Handicrafts are still a tradition there.
VENICE
This is a great city to wander and get lost. It is small so you won’t be lost for long. Do not stay in Venice Mestre. That is the industrial mainland city where most Venetians live. You want to be in Venice.
Saint Marks Cathedral is wonderful. Gold everywhere. The farther you get from Saint Mark’s Square the less touristy. Two restaurants we love. Rosa Rossa. In October we were in Venice four nights and ate there three times for dinner. Reservations recommended. Great food at very decent prices. Everything on the menu is great. Just typing this makes us want to go back. A very nice lunch is Al Ponte Storto. On a small canal off the Campo S. Aponal. Great linguine and clams and chocolate desserts. Very local.
If you are flying into or out of Venice, best way to/from the airport is the Alilaguna water bus. Water taxis are very expensive.
NAPLES
We really don’t know Naples well. We were there in October for one day. They have a fantastic Archaeological museum. The best in Italy. If you don’t go to Pompeii (we did not) this Museum is actually considered better for artifacts.
A word of caution in Naples. Pick pockets are everywhere. We learned that first hand riding their modern subway from the port to the museum. Someone tried getting into my backpack as I was standing in the crowded car. Fortunately Jim saw him and yelled at him. They travel in pairs and pretend to be musicians wanting money on the subways and other crowded areas. Best to keep your pockets empty and any purse or backpack wear on your front. Naples is known for pizza and limoncello.
That’s about it. We hope this is helpful. If anyone is planning an Italy trip, please feel free to contact us if you need information or have additional questions. Happy to help.
John and Jim
Glass
The release of Glass translates as the ending of M. Night Shyamalan’s triology that started with the 2000 release of Unbreakable, followed by Split in 2016. All, in our humble opinion, are creepy, haunting movies about very disturbed characters played by several very talented actors like James McAvoy, Bruce Willis, Anya Taylor-Joy, Samuel L. Jackson, Sarah Paulson and Spencer Treat Clark.
The critics have not been kind to this film. Quite the contrary, the chorus of negative reviews far out weigh the positive. We land somewhere in the middle. Since the story is fodder from the comic books, we’ll err on the side of a low score. That said, Mr. Shyamalan’s products have always been “out of the box” and this rendition follows suite accordingly.
The film is rated PG-13 for violence including some bloody images, thematic elements and language. There are some very disturbing scenes. We feel strongly this film is not appropriate for children. The run time is 110 minutes. We are actually pleased the trilogy is over.
Rating 
The Upside
We debated whether or not to see this film, but we are very happy we did. It’s a story about a quadriplegic billionaire who needs an attendant for day-to-day assistance who hires a paroled ex-convict for the position.
The film is “inspired by a true story” but is based on a hit 2011 French comedy film The Untouchables.
It’s an interesting cast: Bryan Cranston plays the wealthy Phil. Kevin Hart plays the crusty ex con, Dell. Nicole Kidman is Yvonne the tough personal assistant. Julianna Margulies plays a close friend. Aja Naomi King plays Dell’s wife. Tate Donovan plays a wealthy neighbor.
The film is serious in just the right places and lighthearted where it should be. It wanders off target now and then but always seems to find itself back to the important story line.
The film is rated PG-13 for suggestive content and drug use. Parents be advised, there is additional content that may not be suitable for young children.
The film’s genre is noted as Comedy, Drama with a run time of 126 minutes.
Rating:
Stan & Ollie
We are glad they made this film. It’s an unusual perspective on the lifetime careers of Stanley Laurel and Oliver Hardy. The film begins with the 1937 film set directed by Hal Roach at the peak of Laurel & Hardy’s career.
Fast forward twenty years where Stan & Ollie are touring England at less than premier venues, struggling to keep their performances rich and satisfying. Humbled and frustrated they never give up.
John C. Reilly endured three hours of makeup every day to transform into Oliver Hardy. Steve Coogan is perfect as Stan Laurel. Shirley Henderson is superb as Lucielle Hardy and Nina Arianda is hilarious as Ida Kitaeva Laurel.
Ultimately there is some conflict between Stan & Ollie that transcends decades. Old wounds and waning careers collide with health and friendship.
The film is rated PG for some language and for smoking. It is listed as a Comedy, Drama with a run time of 97 minutes.
Rating:
Destroyer
This film is exceptional but often difficult to watch. It’s unique in many ways yet it seems familiar. In some ways it’s a reminder my (Jim’s) childhood rearing in Southern California, the then brutal street gangs and underbelly of a city from LA to San Diego.
Nicole Kidman is amazing as she morphs into her unrecognizable character as an undercover LA cop. The core cast includes over twenty primary actors. Representing the guys, mostly bad guys, all excellent, are Sabastian Stan, English actor Toby Kebbell, Scoot McNairy (gotta love the name), Bradley Whitford, Beau Knapp, Zack Villa and Canadian Shamier Anderson.
The story is gritty, often brutal. It’s very intense with an abundance of conflict. It’s dark with lots of bad people doing bad things. The film has been nominated for numerous acting awards. It’s currently in wide release.
It’s rated R for language, violence, sexual content and brief drug use. We are not recommending this film for children. Its genre is listed as a Mystery/Suspense with a run time of 123 minutes.
Rating:
Replicas
Oy! Where to start…stop…explain?! We viewed this film at one of the local theaters closest to our home strictly for convenience. We had heard about it but didn’t really know much about it. It was officially released in the US January 11, 2019. It has not been well received by most critics.
It’s the story about a “synthetic biology” scientist, played by Keanu Reeves, whose family is lost in a tragic accident. Desperate to save his family the scientist uses company assets to clone his family members.
The cast is pretty small. In addition to Reeves, Alice Eve plays the wife. Emjay Anthony plays Matt, the son. Emily Alyn Lind is the daughter. John Ortiz is the Boss. Thomas Middleditch plays the coworker.
Ultimately, this film fails on several fronts. It fails as a sci-fi thriller. Much of the story line is laughable but it’s not a comedy. The film was sold after a private screening at the 2017 Toronto International film festival for $4 million. The buyer spent $10.5 million dollars promoting the film. Worldwide gross to date is only $6.2 million.
It is rated PG-13 for thematic material, violence, disturbing images, some nudity and sexual references with a run time of 107 minutes. It is listed as Mystery & Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy. We do not feel it is suitable for children.
Rating
The Aspern Papers
This film is based on the Henry James novella published in 1888. The film follows the story about Morton Vint who traveled to Venice to find the papers of the dead romantic poet Jeffrey Aspern.
Enter Juliana Bordereau, an acquaintance of Aspern, brilliantly played by Vanessa Redgrave. Her performance may be the primary reason to seek out this film currently in limited release.
Other notable performances include Jon Kortajarena as Jeffrey Aspern, Jonathan Rhys Meyers who stumbles badly as Morton Vint. Joely Richardson is magnificent as Miss Tina. (Note: Ms. Richardson is Ms. Redgrave’s daughter.)
The movie is beautifully filmed and captures Venice at a glamorous time in history. Unfortunately, the disconnects in the story, inconsistent performances and the occasional bizarre scenes keep this film from being cohesive.
It’s rated R for some sexuality/nudity. Due to some provocative scenes with multiple adults, we do not suggest this film for children. Its genre is listed as Drama with a run time of 1 hour, 30 minutes.
Rating
Greetings! We got back from London Wednesday evening after a painfully long 11-1/2 hour flight. There were at least a dozen other international flights in the process of clearing passport control and immigration when we arrived in San Francisco. Thank goodness for Global Entry! It is worth every penny if you travel outside the country often.
Scan your passport at any Global Entry kiosk, answer a few questions electronically, push a button for your pass, show it to an immigration officer (even ahead of flight crews!) and off you go. That’s it!
Now…off to the movies! In London we were a bit surprised with the slim pickings for films we had not already seen. Nonetheless, sleuth John managed to find two, both in very limited release apparently due to the awards season. Nonetheless, we found both worthy of a look. Let us know what you think if you are able to see these.
Cheers! J&J
They Shall Not Grow Old
This incredible Documentary by the acclaimed Director Peter Jackson was a collaboration between the Director and London’s Imperial War Museum. The film used 100 hours of actual WWI footage, much of it damaged or in poor condition.
Nonetheless, the result is a magic carpet ride into the past. Be warned, this feels like a real flashback. The unbelievable conditions, the raw reality of warfare at the time and the incredible conditions that characterized the era are stunning and heartbreaking.
This film is nominated as Best Documentary in the upcoming BAFTA Awards. If you are a history buff or student of WWI you may still view this film at limited venues. Check FATHOM EVENTS.COM for information about Pay for View locations.
Parents should be cautioned. There are numerous lifeless corpses in various states of decay and disfigurement. The narrative parallels the horrific images.
US markets have rated this film R. It is listed as a History/War Documentary running 1 hour, 39 minutes.
Rating:
The Old Man & The Gun
If Clint Eastwood can be a drug runner at his age, why can’t Robert Redford be a bank robber? In this film there is a lot less angst and a lot more admiration for the character Redford portrays. The story is a biography of bank robberies spanning decades. It is based on Forrest Tucker, a real bank robber, and a San Quentin escapee.
The cast is impressive. Robert Redford is the headliner, Forrest Tucker. Sissy Spacek plays the love interest. Casey Affleck, Keith Carradine, Elisabeth Moss, Danny Glover and Gene Jones along with a dozen more actors round out the cast.
The film is rated PG-13 for brief strong language. It is listed as a drama with a run time of 1 hour, 34 minutes.
Rating:
Escape Room
This was our first film after our return from London this week. We were so glad this was still in the theaters.
Six strangers show up as contestants to participate in an “escape room” contest only to discover it’s way more than they bargained for. It’s a test of survival in several different environments designed like a game but with only one way out. Pick the wrong path…
It’s an interesting and intriguing twist. The acting is pretty good featuring Canadian Taylor Russell, Adam Robitel, Debra Ann Woll, Logan Miller, Jay Ellis, Nik Dodani, Dutch actor Yorick van Wageninggen and Jessica Sutton.
All in all, an interesting concept that keeps your attention with some thought provoking twists. It’s not ground breaking but it skillfully negotiates its subject matter.
It is rated PG-13 for terror/perilous action, violence, language and some suggestive material. We do not recommend this film for children. The genre is listed as Action & Adventure, Horror, Mystery/Drama & Suspense. Reviews have been mixed. The run time is 1 hour, 39 minutes.
Rating:
Today is our last day in London. It’s always a bit sad especially when we’ve had such a nice time. London is ever changing and yet the same.
Yesterday we visited the neighborhood of Camden, its excellent Jewish Museum, its famed market along with a peek at its old but functional canal system.
J&J
The weather has continued to be favorable, lows have been in the high 30s with highs in the low 50s with virtually no rain.
Lots of walking with good use of the Bus and Underground systems.
The day before yesterday we visited the ever popular British Museum. More security lines that moved surprisingly fast.
First stop: It’s been many years since our last visit to the King’s Gallery. What a gem.
Mummies!
Greece
Windsor Castle is considered the primary residence by Queen Elizabeth II. She spends most weekends there.
The last time we visited the Castle was shortly after the reopening from the first reconstruction of the 1992 fire.
We are glad to report the Castle is more magnificent now than ever. Now the bad news. It is more popular now than ever before. Hoards of visitors arrive daily.
We arrived by a fast train from Paddington Station first thing in the morning only to discover lengthy lines with airport like security.
Fortunately, is was a nice sunny. Unfortunately, the Castle does not allow ANY interior photos, with or without flash. Additionally, we did not find any publications, post cards or any articles with interior images available in any of the gift shops (on or off the Castle grounds).
All that said, it was an enjoyable visit. The St. George’s Chapel (larger than many cathedrals) houses hundreds of years of history and numerous Royal tombs, including the Queen Mother and her husband King Edward VI, Princess Anne, King Henry VIII, Jane Seymour, King Charles I and many more.
