Category: Movies

Movie 1: Julia

Here’s a documentary worth waiting for! This film features the life of Julia Child. She was a world class French trained chef from California who pioneered women chefs, first in France and eventually in the States. It’s insightful, charming, often funny and a nice way to spend 90 minutes!

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Movie 2: House of Gucci

Who knew?! It’s based on the book: The House of Gucci: A Sensational Story of Murder, Madness, Glamour, and (of course) Greed. It’s listed as a crime drama. It has a great cast: Lady Gaga, Jared Leto, Adam Driver, Salma Hayek, Al Pacino (and more). Beautiful cinematography, costumes and sets.

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Movie 3: Encanto

Disney’s Encanto is a charming music/comedy production that is sure to satisfy audiences of all ages. It’s fantasy, comedy, music and so much more. The run time is just over two hours.

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Movie 1: Spencer

This historical drama has been in the theatres several weeks. Nonetheless, if you have not already seen this film, it’s absolutely worthy of a watch. (The British Royal Family is always worth a watch. If for no other reason, recent events yield a never ending saga.) The acting, sets and clothing are excellent.

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Movie 2: King Richard

Now here is a fascinating contemporary story about Richard William’s, the father and trainer to tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams. That said, the PG rating sounds tame but some content is challenging to watch.

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Movie 3: tick, tick … BOOM!

This semi-autobiographical story about New York composer Jonathan Larson and his theater/play musical is equally fascinating, tragic, overwhelming, inspiring with a global afterlife. It’s well worth seeking out. Currently in theatres and on Netflix.

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Greetings to all!  Especially to our long term audience.  And a warm welcome to our newest friends from our recent Italy and Sicily adventure.  [More to come in a separate post!]

Movie 1: Dune

It’s rated PG-13 with some violence, disturbing images and suggestive material. Stunningly weird says one critic. Pay no attention to that. The production is packed with treachery, politics, stunning visuals and thought provoking concepts!

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Movie 2: Belfast

Many critics are calling this the best movie of the year! It’s set in the tumultuous 1960s Belfast, Northern Ireland. The cinematography, in black and white, is stunning! The dialog can be a bit challenging to follow but worth the effort. Judi Dench gives an excellent performance.

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Movie 3: Eternals

This Fantasy Action Adventure is listed as PG-13. Parents should know there is violence, sexuality and some strong language. Overall the film is beautifully crafted. The plot is filled with heroes and villains. Well worth the 2 hours, 37 minute run time.

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Movie 1: Freedomland

First, it boasts a great cast: Julianne Moore, Samuel Jackson and Edie Falco. That said, the film is focused on racial and social inequality especially in urban areas. Some scenes are not easy to watch. The topics vary wildly, each seemingly its own self contained story. Listed as a Thriller/Drama.

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Movie 2: Together

A timely film about a European couple struggling with re-evaluating work and their relationship during months of Covid lockdown in London. It’s listed as a comedy but the similarity with today’s pandemic landscape is inescapable.

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Movie 3: Worth

This film is focused on the 2001 World Trade Center attacks and its aftermath. It’s a chronicle of legal processes intended to provide financial aid to the surviving people impacted by the horrific event. It’s not easy to watch.

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Movie 1: The Eyes of Tammy Faye

Based on a 2002 documentary by the same name, this film is a biographical drama about the controversial televangelists Tammy Faye Bakker and Jim Bakker. Intriguing at best. That said, Jessica Chastain (also the Producer) morphs into the Tammy Faye character with a stunning performance.

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Movie 2: The Card Counter

This film is rated R for nudity, sexuality, language and violence. That said, its a riveting tale of casino professionals, serious gamblers and revenge drama. Somewhat challenging to watch, but definitely worth the effort.

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Movie 3: Mogul Mowgli

Wow! Where to begin?! Riz Ahmed delivers an extraordinary performance that takes place in London. It’s also a unique reflection on life threatening health issues. English/British English/Pakistani with English subtitles.

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Movie 1: Language Lessons

This is a fascinating and unique film. Initially tragic, it incrementally blossoms into a heartwarming story, sometimes funny, sometimes bittersweet. Ultimately a melodrama that offers much more. Spanish and English with subtitles.

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Movie 2 Blue Bayou

WOW! This is a powerful story about immigration, family, perseverance. Some elements of the story are based on real events (i.e., US immigration policy between 2001-2009). Often painful to watch but ultimately touching.

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Movie 3: Cry Macho

Clint Eastwood is “Back”! It’s described as a neo-Western drama. It’s based on the 1975 novel of the same name. After over 10 years in development it was released with “under performing results”. We liked it and found it more than satisfying.

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Movie 1: Ma Belle My Beauty

It’s set in the bucolic south of France. This film is focused on three main characters, past passions, and jealousies. One critic described the film as a polyamorous romance in the dog days of summer. Ultimately it is a drama/romance well worth watching. English and some French with English subtitles.

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Movie 2: On Broadway

The cast is a virtual who’s who of New York’s Broadway! It’s actually a documentary on the history of Broadway, its celebrities, investors, super stars and its impact on the film industry. It’s an excellent overview and well worth its audience.

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Movie 3: Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

If you haven’t already seen this film, do make an effort to see it on the big screen. It’s worth the effort and time. It’s arguably one of the best martial-arts film in years! Be aware there are sequences of violence, strong language and extensive action. Awkwafina is a standout. Stay thru the credits for the final scene!

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Movie 1: Reminiscence

This most unusual film seems to showcase a wide range of genres: sex, drugs, strong language, violence, and mystery. Critics are all over the board trying to make sense of it all. It’s a neo-noir thriller which we thoroughly enjoyed.

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Movie 2: The Protege

Don’t miss this one if you are in the mood for a bit more bad language, creative slaughtering and brief nudity. The leading lady is an assassin. Another film just under 2 hours. Nonetheless it’s intriguing and unique. Samuel L. Jackson is always fun.

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Movie 3: The Lost Leonardo

This is a fascinating insider documentary based on real events. It’s ultimately a global topic of power, politics and greed. It’s also quite intriguing! There is no shortage of opinions, expense, and mystery.

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Movie 1: Respect

If you are a fan of Aretha Franklin, this is a NOT TO BE MISSED film! It covers most of her career and many of her challenges and barriers in life, good, bad and quite a bit more. Jennifer Hudson practically morphs into Aretha! DO NOT MISS IT!!

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Movie 2: Flag Day

Based on true events, this drama, thriller, mystery is simply remarkable film making. Sean Penn is both the director and actor along with his daughter Dylan Penn. Some critics have not been kind to this film. We felt it was one of the best father/daughter films in a while. Dylan Penn makes a stunning debut. Do see it!

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Movie 3: Free Guy

We didn’t have high expectations for this video game film. It turned out to be a clever, funny movie. It was quite inventive with unique concepts. The critics get picky about a few petty ideas, pay no attention. We found it fresh and enjoyable.

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Movie 1: The Vault

If you are in the mood for an Action, Drama, Mystery, Crime Thriller, don’t miss this movie! It’s set in Spain during the World Cup. It’s quite an interesting concept with clever characters and several unique scenes. Available on Netflix.

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Movie 2: Nine Days

This Drama, Fantasy is quite unusual in concept. Five unborn souls compete to see which one is chosen to be given life on Earth. (You won’t see that concept very often!) All in all a very confusing 2 hours.

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Movie 3: Annette

Comedian (Adam Driver) meets Opera Star (Marion Cotillard) who become a loving couple. It’s an interesting concept once their first child is born. Some nudity, language and a few surprises. Great cast, but it just didn’t work for us. 2 hour, 20 minute run time seems much longer.

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