Movies: The Adam Project, The Lost City, The Contractor

Movies 1:  The Adam Project

This time travel film spans several genres under its PG-13 rating. Action, Adventure, Comedy and Sci-Fi. Parents should be cautioned regarding language, violence, some action and suggestive references. That said it’s still a pretty good film. Ryan Reynolds is always fun. Run time is just under two hours. On Netflix and in movie theaters.

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Movie 2: The Lost City

Given the real world news these days, this comedic/action film offers a bit of relief. Parents should be aware there are some bloody images/ nudity / and suggestive material. That said, it’s also often funny and entertaining.

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Movie 3: The Contractor

This film is rated R for violence and language. We do not recommend this film for children. That said, there is excellent acting and just the right balance of action, mystery and intrigue.

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Movies: Blackhat, My Father’s Violin, Cyrano

Movie 1: Blackhat

This Netflix Drama, Action Thriller is getting a mixed bag from critics near and far. A hacked nuclear plant in Hong Kong and the Mercantile Trade Exchange in Chicago prompt the FBI to partner with China to find the hackers. It tends to bounce around a bit, but overall satisfies most viewers. We enjoyed the action and suspense. It’s rated R for violence and some language.

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Movie 2: My Father’s Violin

Also a Netflix release, this Turkish film is about an orphaned girl and her violinist Uncle and the bond that heals a family loss. Beautifully filmed, produced with extraordinary results. We watched the dubbed English version.

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Movie 3: Cyrano

Set in the 17th century, Cyrano is a love sick soldier/poet who spends a lifetime in love with the beautiful Roxanne. Overall the production is stunning and likely to yield numerous awards during the awards season. That said, there is sure to be more than a few surprises before the credits roll.

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Movies: Marry Me, Uncharted, Dog

Movie 1: Marry Me

If you are in the mood for a charming romantic comedy give this film a watch. Yes, it’s more than a stretch but it gets serious fast. If nothing else, it’s entertaining! Run time is 1 hour, 52 minutes. Jennifer Lopez is always fun.

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Movie 2: Uncharted

Want something else? Here is an Action Adventure film that’s engaging from beginning to end. It’s not perfect but it is sure to deliver consistently over the two hour run time. The chemistry between Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg is excellent.

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Movie 3: Dog

This film is listed as a comedy/family film. There’s way more action and angst than you might expect! The subject matter evolves quickly into some powerful and thought provoking territory.

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Movies: The Worst Person in the World, Blacklight, Death on the Nile

Movie 1: The Worst Person in the World

This uplifting film is focused on a woman seeking her career, and second thoughts! The pace is slow but overall rewarding. It’s listed as a Romance/Drama. Critics are calling it sexy, sad, funny and “a sophisticated masterpiece”. Running time is just over 2 hours. Nominated for an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film and several British BAFTA Awards. Norwegian with English subtitles.

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Movie 2: Blacklight

If you are a Liam Neeson fan you are likely to enjoy this film. He plays a shady government agent who uncovers failed conspiracy operatives. It’s listed as an Action/Mystery but be ready for violence and strong language.

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Movie 3: Death on the Nile

Here is a refreshing remake of the Agatha Christi classic! It includes some violence, bloody images, and some sexual material. It’s beautifully crafted and sure to satisfy. Run time is just over two hours. Lots of twists and turns.

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Movies: Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America, Moonfall, The Conductor

Movie 1: Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America

Wow! Let’s talk about racial reckoning and revelations. This documentary spans racial history from slavery to modern America. It weaves lectures, anecdotes, interviews. It’s a powerful timeline of anti-Black racism. Should be required viewing.

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Movie 2: Moonfall

This film plot is a Sci-fi, Action, Adventure with earthly danger! It’s a nail biter for sure. Critic reviews are all over the landscape. We found it reasonable and plausible. It’s a modern update on a cataclysmic event. Spooky yet entertaining!

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Movie 3: The Conductor

This film is a block buster documentary. It is a not-to-be-missed story. It dates back decades to a time when women were rarely world class concert conductors. We found it fascinating. Run time is just over 2 hours.

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Movies: The King’s Daughter, Rifkin’s Festival, The Velvet Queen

Movie 1: The King’s Daughter

This film is rated PG. There is some violence and suggestive material. King Louis the 14th manages to capture a mermaid with magic powers. Some critics are calling it a phenomenal film. It’s listed as a magic fantasy adventure. It’s a charming period film that’s likely to become a modern classic. Run time is 90 minutes.

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Movie 2: Rifkin’s Festival

Here’s another film with a lot going on! It’s listed as a Comedy but its so much more. Beautiful cinematography of San Sabastian Spain and its famous film festival. Some strong language, a bit of sexual material, a bit of drug use. Add a couple of affairs and 90 minutes will fly by! Thanks Woody Allen!

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Movie 3: The Velvet Queen

This film is especially worthy of its audience! The run time is only 92 minutes but this Documentary is guaranteed to overwhelm audiences with rare footage of Tibetan Snow Leopards in their natural high mountain environment. French with English subtitles.

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Movies: Wolf, Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom, Belle

Movie 1: Wolf

This film was released in December 2021. It’s a horror film that is rated R for Nudity, Language, Sexuality and Abusive Behavior. It’s an odd premise where young adults with personality disorders project animal like behavior. It’s pretty grisly. Thank goodness it only runs for 90 minutes. That said some critics are calling it a timeless classic. We suggest do not waist your time.

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Movie 2: Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom

Here’s something worthy of watching! It’s a Drama/Adventure with a run time just under two hours. It’s a 2020 film release. It’s set in a remote Bhutanese school. It’s a charming story about a dream to visit Australia. Yes a bit odd but the drop dead gorgeous Himalayas settings are fabulous. Dzongkha (Bhutan) with English subtitles.

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Movie 3: Belle

Here is an intriguing animation film from Japan. Much to our surprise it’s rated PG but be aware the content varies from Adventure, Anime, Fantasy, Romance to a Musical. Surprisingly enough it is based on the Beauty and the Beast Fairy Tale. Run time is 1 hour, 31 minutes. Japanese with English subtitles.

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Movies: The 355, Parallel Mothers, Munich the Edge of War

Movie 1: The 355

Wow! Looking for a great movie to watch?! Check out this Action Thriller with a dose of Mystery. It’s got a great cast of women actors and an intriguing plot. Know the production includes strong violence and strong language. There’s plenty of intrigue and surprise, including all the right ingredients a fierce female spy thriller should have.

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Movie 2: Parallel Mothers

This film by Pedro Almodovar is a unique drama featuring two strong female characters played by Penelope Cruz and Rossy de Palma who both deliver impressive performances. It’s an interesting screenplay with two concurrent themes and plots. Spanish with English titles.

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Movie 3: Munich the Edge of War

Here is a fascinating film. It’s a Historical Drama set in 1938 when Hitler is about to attack Czechoslovakia. It’s not a perfectly accurate picture of WWII events but it is a pretty riveting rendition of what real events may have been like. Jeremy Irons is excellent as Neville Chamberlain. Currently in theatres and Netflix.

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Movies: Crooked House, The Angel, The Zookeeper’s Wife

Movie 1: Crooked House

Originally released in 2017, this Agatha Christie Mystery/Drama/Thriller is already a classic. It’s rated PG-13 for Sexual Content and Thematic Material. It’s a throw back to other mystery/drama films with lots of “who dunnit” moments. If you like Agatha Christie, you will enjoy this film. Run time is just under 2 hours. NETFLIX.

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Movie 2: The Angel

Another Mystery, Thriller, Drama from Netflix earns high marks from viewers and critics a like. It’s based on true events in the 1970s between Egypt and Israel. This was a fascinating peek into the Mideast conflict. English with some Arabic and English subtitles.

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Movie 3: The Zookeeper’s Wife

It’s listed as a War/Drama set in 1939 Nazi occupied Warsaw Poland. Arguably one of the best WWII films to date. Add a wartime ghetto, numerous characters, a powerful resistance and the survival of the local zoo. A not to be missed Netflix film!

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Movies: Operation Hyacinth, Official Secrets, Yara

Note:  All movies below can be found on Netflix.

Movie 1: Operation Hyacinth

This is considered a neo-masterpiece with exceptional writing and cinematography. It’s set in the 1980’s under Poland’s communist regime where the Secret Police rounded up homosexuals to torture, imprison or blackmail. Based on true events. Original is in Polish; we watched the dubbed English version.

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Movie 2: Official Secrets

(We first reviewed this film in September 2019.) This film is based on true events from the Bush and Blair administration. The US and British Intelligence ensnare UN Security Council members with blackmail to approve the invasion of Iraq.

It’s masterful film making and a reminder of a dark chapter in global events. Keira Knightley is superb.

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Movie 3: Yara

This Italian film is based on a true kidnapping story that gripped the nation. It’s not easy to watch but well worth the time. It’s intriguing, heart breaking and sometimes difficult viewing. It’s listed as a crime drama. Italian with English subtitles.

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