Author: James Hathaway

Wonder

This is a remarkable film based on the R. J. Palacio’s 2012 bestselling novel about a family whose youngest member is born with Treacher Collins syndrome.  (It is a genetic disorder.  The condition is apparent at child birth and may be mild or extreme and include downward slanting or cleft eyes, a very small or underdeveloped jaw and chin, hearing/vision loss, misaligned teeth, small ears.  Symptoms may be corrected/improved with extensive reconstructive surgery.)

This film is a drama that displays a disarming empathy and grace.  More importantly it sends a powerful message about the current bullying climate.

The cast is quite compact.  Jacob Tremblay (of The Room) plays Auggie.  Izabela Vidovic shines as the sister.  The always superb Julia Roberts is the Mom with Owen Wilson as the devoted Dad.  Other stand outs include Daveed Diggs as the teacher.  Noah Jupe, Bryce Gheisar and Millie Davis as young classmates wise beyond their years.

This book/movie has captured a grammar school audience nationwide.  Our screening included two school groups who read the book as a class project.

It is rated PG for thematic elements including bullying and some mild language.  It is listed as a Drama and runs 1 hour, 53 minutes.

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Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

It is finally that time of year again.  Late Fall movie releases start to pop up like  Spring flowers.  Typically that means Hollywood’s heavy hitters make one (or more) last stand for Oscar worthy films.  To be sure, Three Billboards will be among them.

Over 7 months after the murder of her daughter, a frustrated and angry mother, Mildred Hayes channels her pain into three billboards near her home to bring attention and embarrassment to the town’s Police Chief.

It is skillfully written and directed by Martin McDonagh.  The acting is exceptional.  Frances McDormand delivers her best performance in years.  The prolific Woody Harrelson plays the Chief of Police, married with two young daughters.  Sam Rockwell plays a jaded over zealous police officer.  There are at least another dozen actors giving great performances that feed the story line.

It is rated R for violence, strong language throughout and some sexual references.  We do not feel this film is suitable for children.  The genre is listed as a Crime/Drama.  It runs 1 hour, 55 minutes.

Do not miss this film if you have any interest in the upcoming awards season.  This film has Oscar written all over it!

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Blade Runner 2049

This Blade Runner is a follow up to the original made some 30 years ago.  Now Officer K, Ryan Gosling, has discovered a long lost secret that will plunge what is left of Los Angeles society into chaos.

This rendition is a gripping, dark look at the world in the not too distant future.  Along with Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford from the first film appears almost two hours into the story.  Jared Leto and Robin Wright also give powerful, although relatively short, appearances.  There are another dozen or so other actors filling in various story lines.

Overall, it’s an intriguing  follow up to the 1982 blockbuster original.  The special effects are a stand out in this episode.  Expect to see several Oscar nominations for the technical categories, cinematography and costume design.

It is rated R for violence, some sexuality, nudity and language.  The genre is noted as Action & Adventure, Drama, Science Fiction and Fantasy.  We think it is absolutely not appropriate for children.

Most reviews have been favorable.  Us, not so much.  Too confusing, too long (a whopping 2 hours and 44 minutes) and too many unanswered topics.

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Murder on the Orient Express

This movie is the fourth adaptation of the original Agatha Christie novel in 1934.  This rendition was directed by Kenneth Branagh who is also featured heavily in the production.

There is an all star cast that includes Penelope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Judi Dench, Johnny Depp, Josh Gad, Derek Jacobi, Leslie Odon Jr., Michelle Pfeiffer and Daisy Ridley.

The costumes and cinematography are stellar in this film.  The performances by Kenneth Branagh and Michelle Pfeiffer were especially noteworthy.  Audience and critics response to date has been mixed.  We found the story classic and the production enjoyable.

The film is rated PG-13 for violence and thematic elements. It is listed as a Drama, Mystery, Suspense.  Run time is 1 hour, 54 minutes.

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Goodbye Christopher Robin

You may have deduced this film is about the creation of Winnie the Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner books that were originally published in 1926 and 1928 respectively.

Playwright A. A. Milne had just returned from the horrors of WWI in Europe and decides to move to the countryside where he can focus on his writing.  The wooded grounds and the stuffed animals of Milne’s son Christopher became the fodder for the subsequent books.  It is not an all happy affair.  Milne’s wife moves back to the city without her family.  The nanny fills in for the absent Mom.

The main actors are a surprising short list.  Margot Robbie skillfully plays the Mom and wife.  Domhnall Gleeson plays the stoic, often brooding husband and Father.  Kelly Macdonald shines as the Nanny.  Will Tilston is perfect as the 8 year old Christopher.  Alex Lawther is a pleasant surprise as the 18 year old Christopher.

The film is rated PG-13 for thematic elements, some bullying, war images and brief language but is generally suitable for children.  It is listed as a Drama/Biography and runs 1 hour, 47 minutes.

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Justice League

Yup!  It happened.  Batman gets inspired by Superman’s selfless act of death.  With the help of Wonder Woman they form a new Justice League that recruits Aquaman, Cyborg and the Flash.  They manage to resurrect Superman, join forces to battle Steppenwolf who wants to destroy Earth.

Ben Affleck plays Batman.  Gal Gadot plays Diana Prince (Wonder Woman).  Henry Cavill plays Superman.  Jason Momoa plays an excellent Aquaman.  Ezra Miller is refreshing as Flash.  Ray Fisher is intense as Cyborg.  Ciaran Hinds is great as the very angry Steppenwolf.

There are also several bit parts by J. K. Simmons, Willem Defoe, Amy Adams, Jesse Eisenberg and Jeremy Irons.

Critics were generally not kind in their reviews.  Audiences were mixed with their thoughts.  The special effects were prolific and essential for the film to work.  We chose to see it the XD Version (with enhanced visual and sound effects).

The movie is rated PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi violence and action.  We do not recommend this film for young children.  The Genre is listed as Action & Adventure, Drama, Science Fiction & Fantasy with a run time of 1 hour, 59 minutes.

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Novitiate

Set in the 1960’s when Pope John Paul XXIII just announced the Vatican II reforms, Novitiate is the story about Cathleen Harris and her journey through Catholic High School in Tennessee and onward to the Sisters of the Blessed Rose monastery in 1964.

All is not good with the Mother Superior who struggles with the changes in the church.  Concurrently the young novices do what young girls do, gossip, break the rules and struggle with their new identities.

The acting is exceptional.  Melissa Leo transforms into the Reverend Mother.  Margaret Qualley plays Sister Cathleen.  Julianne Nicholson shines as the Sister Cathleen’s Mom.  Denis O’Hare plays Archbishop McCarthy with a brief but searing performance.  The entire cast is over 70 actors!

The film has an R rating for language, some sexuality and nudity.  The genre is listed as Drama with a run time of 2 hours, 3 minutes.

There is Oscar material to be sure.  Most likely nominations are Movie, Acting, Screenplay…

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Loving Vincent

This is the first animated feature film made entirely from over 65,000 camera frames of oil paintings, on more than 850 canvases by over 50 painters in Gdansk, Poland.  This is the only feature film made entirely frame by frame, filmed over 14 days in a London Studio.  The entire process was seven years in the making.

The plot is quite simple: deliver one of Van Gogh’s last letters to his brother Theo after the painter’s death in Auvers, France, July 1890.

There are over 40 actors doing voice overs.  Most notably are Chris O’Dowd as Postman Joseph Roulin, Saoirse Ronan as Marguerite Gachet, Robert Gulaczyk as Vincent Van Gogh, Piotr Pamula as Paul Gaugin and Cezary Lukaszewicz as Theo Van Gogh.

This film is already being regarded as a dazzling visual achievement and we agree wholeheartedly.  Note: many of the story vignettes came from private collections that have never been offered for public viewing.

This film is rated PG-13, running 1 hour, 35 minutes.  It is listed as a Crime/Drama.  Oscar nominations are likely for Animation and technical categories.

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God’s Own Country

This is an exceptional film especially given it is the debut feature film by writer and director Francis Lee.  The story is set in remote rural Yorkshire where elderly parents of Johnny Saxby struggle to run a farm with only their son to help.  A Romanian immigrant answers an ad for work.

A close relationship develops almost immediately as the two young men work long hours under harsh conditions.

The cast is quite short.  The young British actor, Josh O’Connor delivers a strong performance as the son Johnny Saxby.  Alec Secareanu creates a powerful character as the Romanian.  British actor Ian Hart plays the ailing father and Gemma Jones plays the ever watchful wife and Mom.

The film has been described as a British Brokeback Mountian.  We see it as so much more.  It is a study in human character: flawed, intense and ultimately heartwarming.

This film is not rated.  The genre is listed as Art House, International, Drama, Romance.  The run time is 1 hour, 44 minutes.

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Lady Bird

This film is arguably the best coming of age story in quite some time.  Greta Gerwig is the Director and wrote the Screenplay for this intelligent and touching story about a teenage girl growing up in Sacramento.  Her Mom works extra shifts to off set the income loss when her husband loses his job.

Saoirse Ronan is brilliant as the teenage Lady Bird McPherson.  Laurie Metcalf shines as Lady Bird’s Mom.  Tracy Letts plays the Dad.  There are a total of 57 actors, mostly representing students and staff in the Catholic High School.

The result is an insightful film about a family in evolution. This is Oscar material so try and see it if possible.  Its genre is listed as a Drama/Comedy.  It is rated R for language, sexual content, brief nudity and teen partying.  It runs 1 hour, 33 minutes.

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Last Flag Flying

This is an extraordinary film about three aging Marines who served in Vietnam, coming together years later to bury “Doc’s” son killed in Iraq.  It becomes a bittersweet and cathartic experience for all of them.

It is the latest work by Director Richard Linklater that prompts reflection on all wars in recent history.  It is at the same time witty and poignant, emotional and quirky.  Ultimately, it is a painful reminder of war and rememberance.

The a-list cast includes Steve Carell, Bryan Cranston, Laurence Fishburne, Yul Vazquez and relative newcomer Dontez James.  There is also a cameo performance by Cicely Tyson.

It is listed as a Drama/Comedy and rated R for language and some sexual references.  Run time is 2 hours, 4 minutes.

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The Florida Project

First, the critics loved this film.  We did not.  It is really about the impoverished underclass living on a week to week basis in low budget motels near the famed Disney World park.

That said, the acting was excellent, especially the children.  Willem Defoe delivers a career best performance.  6 year old Brooklynn Prince is brillant.  Bria Vinaite is amazing as the Mom.

Overall, the film is concurrently thought provoking, intense and heartbreaking.  The world the children create for themselves is filled with imagination, adventure and discovery.  They are unaware of their plight.

The parents, mostly Moms, struggle daily to make a little money, not always legally, to sustain their basic needs.  There are moments of joy and laughter but the undercurrent of poverty and despair is unmistakable.

The film is rate R for language, disturbing behavior, sexual references and drug material.  The genre is noted as a Drama.  Run time is 113 minutes.

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Greetings to everyone!

We returned home this last Monday after an exceptional trip to Eastern Europe.  More on that in another posting.  We have a few new subscribers joining us today, Welcome.

We knew we were going to be way behind on our movie viewing and we are trying to squeeze in as many movies as possible this week.

Here is what we have managed to see so far.  It’s always good to be home!

J&J

The Foreigner

This Thriller/Drama was released some time ago.  We were glad to see it was still in the theaters when we returned home earlier this week.  The story line seems implausible at first but gains traction in almost every subsequent scene.

Overall, it was an intense film with strong acting and intelligent plot twists.  Jackie Chan and Pierce Brosnan fill the leading roles.  There are more than another dozen excellent actors in other roles.

The genre is listed as Action, Adventure, Drama, Mystery and Suspense.  It is rated R for violence, language and some sexual material.  The run time is 1 hour, 54 minutes.

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Thor: Ragnarok

The latest film from the Marvel movie empire, this film has the mighty Thor trapped somewhere across the Universe, reduced to gladiator sparring with the likes of his former friend, the Hulk.  In the meantime, Thor’s all powerful sister, Hela is destroying their home world in anger.

There is an all star cast that includes Chris Hemsworth, a wicked Cate Blanchett, the always superb Tom Hiddleston, rising star Tessa Thompson, always excellent Mark Ruffalo an the prolific Idris Elba.  Like icing on a cake, there are added performances by Karl Urban, Jeff Goldblum, Anthony Hopkins, Benedict Cumberbatch, Sam Neill and Lou Ferrigno.

Overall, the film is both funny and audacious, quirky and fresh.  Audiences clearly loved it.  So did we.  Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence, action and suggestive material.  Run time is a whopping 2 hours, 10 minutes.

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LBJ

Every once in a while a movie comes around that instantly triggers personal memories from decades ago.  For me (Jim) this was one of those times.  Though I was only a child, I recall the political angst of the time.  John Kennedy had become President.  Lyndon Johnson, the Senate Majority Leader, was now Vice President.  The Civil Rights Movement was in full swing and the nation was quite divided.

In a remarkable transformation, Woody Harrelson morphs into President Johnson.  Jennifer Jason Leigh shines as Lady Bird Johnson.  Jeffrey Donovan is perfect as John F. Kennedy and Michael Stahl-David captures Bobby Kennedy perfectly.  There are at least another 12 actors as key characters rounding out the cast.

Audiences and critics reviews have been mixed.  President Johnson was a complicated personality governing in complicated times.  Anyone interested in politics today should be interested in this movie.  The genre is listed as Drama/Biography.  It is rated R for language and runs 1 hour, 38 minutes.

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California Typewriter

Last week, over the top designer shoes!  This week the resurrection of the typewriter!  This documentary is about the growing trend and popularity of the old fashioned typewriter and the passion/commitment behind it.

There is also a keen focus on a Berkeley, CA mom and pop typewriter and repair shop that has been around since 1949 that has the same name as the movie title.  Now, before you conclude I have lost my marbles, consider this:  Tom Hanks, John Mayer, Sam Shepard and David McCullough all appear in this film with more than just energy on the topic, but passion as well.

Then there are the folks that repair typewriters!  And the artists that use old typewriter parts to create works of art for both prominent individuals and corporations, and the history of typewriters…

This movie is not rated.  Its genre is Documentary.  It runs 1 hour, 43 minutes.  It is different, interesting and thought provoking.

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The Mountain Between Us

This film was just released today and since this was the last chance to catch a  movie before our trip tomorrow, we decided spontaneously to check it out.

It is different.  Two strangers are stranded on a mountain in the middle of winter after a tragic plane crash.  Within a few days it was apparent a rescue was unlikely so they decided to find a way off the mountain.

The performances are believable for the most part but just.  The story line is less than perfect.  That is offset by the relationship that is forged between the two lead characters, Kate Winslet and Idris Elba.  Dermot Mulroney and Beau Bridges have important but bit parts.  There are half a dozen other small roles as well.

Critics and audiences were not very kind to this film.  In fairness, the first third was kind of clunky and the dog was a bit annoying.  But we got into it and the plot got better and better with time.  And…there is a surprise ending.

It’s rated PG-13 for sexuality, peril, injury images and some strong language.  We would think twice for viewing by children.  The genre is Drama/Thriller with a running time of 1 hour, 49 minutes.

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Victoria and Abdul

This fascinating film is based on true events about the friendship between Queen Victoria and Abdul Karim, her Indian attendant of more than a decade.  For context, this was several years after the death of her husband Prince Albert and the death of her confidante, John Brown.

This story is fast tracked through history that effectively demonstrates the Queens deep friendship with Abdul, the clear disfavor of her family, and the backlash of the Royal peers and members of her Royal Court.

The acting is excellent.  Judi Dench plays a perfect Queen Victoria.  Ali Fazel, an Indian actor, is perfect as Abdul.  Eddie Izzard plays Bertie, the Prince of Wales and Victoria’s successor.  There are a total of 54 actors in the cast.

The film is rated PG-13 for some thematic elements and language.  The genre is noted as Drama/Biography.  It runs just under 2 hours.  We enjoyed the film and hope you will too.

It’t too early to tell, but Ms. Dench may be considered for another acting Oscar for her role.  Costume Design might get consideration as well.

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Flatliners

I resisted seeing this movie because I did not like the premise.  Maybe it reminded me of my years working in hospitals putting myself through college.  In any case, today I acquiesced.

The good news is it wasn’t terrible.  In fact it was somewhat thought provoking.  Alternatively, it wasn’t great either.  That said, it was intriguing, unique, dark, more than a bit creepy and sometimes intense.

The acting was generally believable.  The cast was surprisingly good.  Nina Dobrev, Ellen Page, Kiersey Clemons are the most important female characters.  Diego Luna, James Norton and Kiefer Sutherland round out the key male actors.

We were a bit surprised at the PG-13 rating given the violence and terror factor, sexual content, thematic material and drug references.  We would not consider it appropriate for children.

The genre is listed as Drama, Horror, Science Fiction and Fantasy.  We would agree with that list completely.  The run time is 1 hour, 50 minutes.  If you see this, please share your thoughts!

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American Made

We literally just got home from seeing this film.  I will admit it was another movie not high on the hit list.  The truth is I am less and less a Tom Cruise fan as his career hobbles along…

It appears to be based on true events during the Reagan Administration when the CIA jumped into the “communist” threat in Central America with covert operations involving several parties, including drug cartels and the Iran Contra scandal.

The cast is headlined by Tom Cruise as a TWA Pilot.  Sarah Wright play his wife.  Domhnall Gleeson plays a great operative for the covert operations.  There are a dozen more characters playing government officials and such.

Unfortunately, the story is filled with so many scenes reflective of real historical events, deplorable behavior and criminal mentality, it was hard to view the movie as entertainment.  It is rated R for language and some sexuality/nudity.  We strongly do not recommend this film for children.  The genre is noted as Drama, Mystery and Suspense running 1 hour, 55 minutes.

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Year By The Sea

This is a delightful film about a New York wife and mother with 30 years under her marriage belt who is faced with a move to Kansas when her husband’s job is relocated.  She chooses a year “time out” with hope of rediscovering herself.

After much self doubt and new friends she slowly learns the value of acceptance of “life’s flow”.

The expertly talented Alexander Janko is the Director, Composer, Playwright (with Joan Anderson), and Producer.  The prolific Karen Allen is Joan, the wife.  Michael Cristofer is the cranky husband.  The ever talented Celia Imrie is fabulous as the new best friend Erikson.  Several more actors round out the atmosphere of the Cape Cod setting.

This is another unrated film.  The genre is noted as a Comedy, Drama, Romance and runs just under 2 hours.

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The Force

The force is a timely documentary about the Oakland, CA Police Department which has been under Federal Oversight for several years.  The film is focused on the popular street uprisings following the Ferguson, MO events.

The story reveals a series of failures by the Police Department including several officers being indicted on sexual charges.  The film is powerful, insightful, frustrating and captures another fresh perspective on bias racial relations.

The film is not rated and is in limited release.  We thank our movie friend Meredith for her suggesting this film to us.  “Right on target, Meredith.  Thanks.”

We encourage those interested to seek this film out.  It will no doubt be available on pay per view some time soon.

As we write this, the Oakland Police Department is still under Federal Oversight, now with the assistance of a Public Oversight Committee.

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The King’s Choice

This movie is based of true events spanning three days in April 1940.  Germany was already at war with England and most of Europe.  Sweden and Norway had declared neutrality when the war began but Sweden had just capitulated to Hitler’s demand of surrender.  Norway was next, surrender or die.

Norway’s government was controlled by the National Cabinet in conjunction with the Royal Family (much like the UK today).  King Haakon along with the Crown Prince Olav, the Crown Princess Martha and their children flee the capital along with the Cabinet to seek a negotiated solution.

There are over 18 actors in the core cast.  Most notable is Jesper Christensen, a Danish actor, is excellent as the King.  Anders Christensen from Norway plays the Crown Prince.  Tuva Novotny, a Swedish actress is brilliant as the Crown Princess.  Karl Markovics, an Austrian actor gives a great performance as the German Ambassador.  Also noteworthy is Arthur Hakalahti, a young Norwegian actor in the role of a young bewildered soldier.

This film is not rated and has been released in limited distribution.  Although somewhat slow and confusing in the beginning, it quickly evolves into a powerful peek into a rare part of WWII history.

It is listed as a Drama/Action genre running 2 hours, 13 minutes.  Norwegian and German with English subtitles.

Note:  We are already hearing talk of Oscar consideration for this film.  As always, we will stay abreast of this aspect of the film industry.  On another note, we just realized for the second year in a row we will be traveling during the Academy Awards.  Not to worry, we will have our Oscar picks posted in plenty of time.

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