Category: Movies

Call Me By Your Name

Set in 1983 Lombardy, Italy is the perfect backdrop for this sexual awakening themed film.  Seventeen year old Elio meets his father’s summer intern Oliver.  The story is based on the novel by Andre Guadagnino.

This film is emotional, romantic, heart wrenching and brilliantly crafted.  The cast is compact and perfectly selected.  Armie Hammer plays the summer intern.  Timothee Hal Chalamet is perfect as Elio Perlman.  Michael Stuhlbarg plays the wise loving father. Amira Casar who grew up in England, Ireland and France is the Mom.

The movie is rated R for sexual content, nudity and some language.  This may not be appropriate for young children.  The genre is listed as a Drama/Romance.  The run time is two hours, 12 minutes.

Note:  This film was nominated last week for three Golden Globes for Best Actor, Supporting Actor and Best Movie, Drama.

Rating  

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

It’s here!  It’s exciting.  It respects its history, surprises often, and is an excellent addition to the franchise.  That said, it is not perfect.  We were surprised to learn there was some fan consternation regarding some character changes.  How silly.

Luke Skywalker is back in an important role along with Rey, a new female character with strong abilities from the Force.  On the flip side, General Hux and Kylo Ren lead a massive assault to crush the Resistance and Leia Organa.

The cast was excellent as always.  Daisy Ridley is Rey.  Mark Hamill is Luke Skywalker.  The late Carrie Fisher is Leia.  John Boyega is back as Finn.  Adam Driver is Kylo Ren.  Oscar Issac is Poe.  Irish Actor Domhnall Gleeson is General Hux.  Other noteworthy characters are played by Kelly Marie Tran as Rose Tico, Benicio del Toro, Laura Dern, Lupita Nynog’o, Tom Hardy  and English Actor Andy Serkis as the Supreme Leader.

It is rated PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi action and violence.  It is suitable for children with an understanding of previous Star Wars episodes.  The genre is listed as Action & Adventure, Drama, Science Fiction & Fantasy.  It is written and directed by Rian Johnson.  The run time is 2 hours, 33 minutes.  We loved it!

Rating  

 Best Wishes and the Warmest Holiday greetings to all!! 

This Tuesday we will be traveling to be with family in Wisconsin for the holidays.  We’ll be back in San Francisco after the New Year.

Many of you already know the film industry releases some of the best movies of the year between December 22 and Christmas Day in order to qualify for the awards season.

We will try to see as many new releases as possible over the holidays and we WILL post our reviews within a day or two afterwards.

A big THANKS to all our friends and family for your friendship and love.

J&J

The Disaster Artist

Let’s see.  Where to begin?!  First the trailer for this film was off putting.  We had formulated an opinion before the film was released.  Given all the hype and then the recently announced nominees for the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild Awards, we acquiesced and went to see it.

By the end of the film, and a better understanding of what the film was about, we changed our minds about a rating.  Perhaps our learning will help you decide to see it, or not.

This is a remake of a film originally made 16 years ago by Tommy Wiseau that became a cult classic.  The original can be seen periodically at midnight showings in independent theaters.

The remake includes a who’s who of actors.  James Franco takes the lead as Tommy Wiseau.  His brother Dave Franco plays sidekick friend and actor Greg Sestero.  The cast includes roles by Seth Rogen, Zac Efron, Josh Hutcherson, Alison Brie, Sharon Stone, Jacki Weaver, Melanie Griffith, Bryan Cranston and several more.

It’s rated R for sex and nudity, some violence, profanity, alcohol, drugs and smoking and some intense scenes.  It is absolutely not appropriate for children.  The genre is noted as Drama/Biography running 1 hour 43 minutes.

It is likely to enjoy a lot of hype and probably more award nominations.  Classic and or cult, it was not our cup of tea.

Rating  

 

Aida’s Secrets

This is a unique documentary about a fractured family just after WWII making this story intriguing and insightful.  The first son is sent to Israel for adoption.  A lifetime later another son is found in Canada.

The cast is made up of the actual persons, brothers Shep Shell and Izak Sagi both in their 70’s and their mother Aida Zasadsinska, in a care facility and presumed in her 90’s.

This films audiences are growing as word spreads.  It is well crafted by Director’s Alon and Shaul Schwarz.  However, it was not always easy to follow who was who and what happened when.

As films like this are a reminder of the horrors of the holocaust, it is also an inspiring and heartwarming reminder of human resilience.

It is not rated and listed as a Documentary.  Run time is 95 minutes.  English and Hebrew with English subtitles.

Rating  

 

Rebels on Pointe

This charming documentary shares the history of Les Ballets de Trockadero de Monte Carlo, the all male drag ballet that began over 40 years ago after the Stonewall riots in New York.

It is a fascinating visit behind the scenes of this entertaining dance troop.  The talent, diversity, the obstacles and challenges it has overcome to attract a global audience.

It is concurrently funny, enchanting, inspiring and uplifting.  This film has heart, grit, determination and inspiration.  It is thoroughly entertaining, insightful and lovable.

The genre is documentary.  It is not rated.  It is suitable for children and runs 89 minutes.

Rating  

Happy Holidays to all!

Hollywood’s Foreign Press released their nominations for the upcoming Golden Globes this morning.

Hollywood’s final releases for this year’s Oscar consideration must be released on or before Christmas Day in both New York and Los Angeles.

In the meantime, we are doing our best to find and see the handful of films being released here and there.  To be honest, it is getting to be slim pickings.  Here are a few we found this week.

The Breadwinner

This animated film by Irish Director, Nora Twomey, tells the story of an 11 year old girl, Parvana, who lives in Afghanistan with her small family under Taliban rule.  Her elderly father is arrested and imprisoned leaving no one to tend to the family’s needs.  Pervana cuts her hair, poses as a boy and works for meager wages to earn enough money to bribe a prison guard for the release of her father.  Pretty serious stuff for an animated film.

This film is based on the 2000 novel by Deborah Ellis. The cast includes the voice of Canadian actress Saara Chaudry as Parvana.  Laara Sadiq as the voice of Fattema.  Shaista Latif as Soraya and Soma Chhaya as Shauzia.

It is an inspiring and touching story about life under the Taliban, women’s role in that society and the power of hope and female empowerment.

The movie is rated PG-13 for thematic material and some violent images.  The genre is listed as Animation, Drama, Kids and Family.  Run time is 93 minutes.

Rating 

Wonder Wheel

This latest film by Writer and Director Woody Allen is set in the Coney Island amusement park of the 1950’s.  It is a story about a lifeguard, a former actress, her husband, his estranged daughter and the young son who has more than a few character flaws.

The actors include (in the same order): Justin Timberlake, Kate Winslet, Jim Belushi, Juno Temple and the child actor Jack Gore.  The performances are quite good.  The problem is the characters aren’t very likable and the story line is far from comfortable or inspiring.

It is surprisingly rated PG-13 for thematic content including some sexuality, language and obsessive smoking.  The genre is noted as a drama with a run time of 1 hour, 41 minutes.  All in all… just ho hum.

Rating 

The Other Side of Hope

Here is a fascinating and unique look at immigration.  In this deadpan approach from Finnish Director Aki Kaurismaki who “peels the onion” with his  comedy/drama look at the refugee crisis facing many European countries, and in this film Finland.

The film delivers a deadpan tone that takes audiences a little getting used to.  Adaptable viewers will catch on to this theme;  i.e. skinheads that don’t know the difference between Arab and Jew.  The underlying commentary on bigotry is subtle yet effective.

This film is in limited release and is not rated.  The genre is reported as Art House & International, Comedy, Drama.  The cast is primarily from Kaurismaki’s pool of “reliable stock” of Finnish actors.

This is a unique and quirky film that requires a bit of patience and thought.  The more we thought about this movie, the more we recognized the nuances.  In English, Finnish, Arabic and Swedish with English subtitles.

Rating  

Marshall

Every once in a while a movie is made about real events, real people and history in the making.  This film is perhaps the best example of those characteristics this year.

It is the story about Thurgood Marshall in 1941.  He was the first African American lawyer for the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) and its leader of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.  He was the first black Supreme Court Justice appointed in 1964.

This film has a great screenplay and excellent actors, most notably Chadwick Boseman as Thurgood Marshall.  Kate Hudson plays the socialite Eleanor Hudson.  Josh Gad is superb as the Jewish Defense Attorney.  There is an impressive performance by Sterling K. Brown as the accused rapist.  Dan Stevens is the smug prosecuting attorney and James Cromwell is the grizzly Judge.

It is rated PG-13 with mature thematic content, sexuality, violence and strong language.  It is listed as a Drama/Biography running 1 hour, 58 minutes.  There is a lot of Oscar chatter about this movie and we think it deserves it.

Rating 

Darkest Hour

This true story is about Great Britain’s entry into World War II while Nazi Germany is sweeping across Western Europe.  The options boil down to negotiate for a peace treaty or hold the course and risk of massive casualties at Dunkirk.

The acting is superb.  Most notably are:  Gary Oldman morphs into Winston Churchill.  Ben Mendelsohn is King George VI.  Lily James is perfect as Churchill’s Secretary.  Kristin Scott Thomas transforms into Clementine Churchill.

This film was strategically released Friday, December 8 to qualify for potential Academy Awards and to benefit from the demand for holiday season films.  Gary Oldman may just have a lock for Best Actor.  Other likely nominations include Best Picture, Cinematography, Screenplay and Costume Design.

It is rated PG-13 for some thematic content.  The genre is Drama/History and runs 2 hours, 5 minutes.  Our favorite scene:  Churchill’s first “subway” ride meets everyday Brits and seeks their opinion about the war.  Genius!

Rating 

The Shape of Water

Oh my gosh!  What can you say about such a unique, quirky, artistic, sensual film about a mute cleaning lady, a merman from the Amazon (South America, not warehouse) and a cold war bureaucrat/scientist bully.  It is set in 1962 Baltimore.

The acting makes the film plausible.  Michael Shannon is the crazed government scientist.  Doug Jones is unrecognizable but fascinating as the creature.  Sally Hawkins is brilliant as the cleaning lady.  The always amazing Octavia Spencer shines as the friend Zelda.  Richard Jenkins is hilarious as the neighbor Giles.  There is another dozen actors rounding our the cast.

This incredibly creative story manages to weave seemingly conflicting themes together.  The cold war meets an unknown species, weaves in a love story, a cover up becomes a romance and an escape attempt.  Sometimes a bit creepy, occasionally unexpectedly shocking, often charming and totally surprising.

It is rated R for sexual content, graphic nudity, violence and language.  No surprise the genre is noted as Drama, Science Fiction, Fantasy and Romance.  It is absolutely not suitable for children.  It runs one minute short of two hours.

If you are looking for something different, this one is it.  There may be some Oscar material here including Cinematography, Costumes, Visual Effects and more.

Rating  

The Divine Order

It is hard to believe that women in Switzerland were still struggling to gain the right to vote decades after most of the Western world secured these rights.  This insightful film zeroes in on a small village in Switzerland and the housewife where the movement began.  Switzerland finally granted women the right to vote in 1971.

All the actors are European, mostly Swiss and Italian.  All are impressive character roles.  It was filmed in English, German, Italian and Swiss German with English subtitles.

What was most impressive about the film was how the women characters slowly bonded together, each supporting the other, each for different reasons.  It is a fascinating peek behind the curtains.

This film is not rated.  The genre is noted as Art House & International, Drama.  It runs a quick 96 minutes.

Rating 

Thelma

What sparked our interest in this newly released film is it’s Norway’s submission for the 2017 Foreign Film Oscar.  We also noticed very high ratings from the most prominent critics.  (That should have been a clue…)

The story follows a young college student when she suddenly experiences extreme seizures for no apparent reason.  As time continues, the extent of her condition challenges her friends and family well beyond the pale.

The acting is quite good.  It is a small but skilled cast.  The production gets a bit goofy as it drifts in one direction then suddenly in another.  Maybe that is the intent.  Half the time we could not figure out what was going on.

The film is not rated.  It is listed as Art House, International, Mystery & Suspense.  We do not recommend this film for children due to drug use, graphic sexuality, extreme and violent behavior.  Run time is just under 2 hours.  Norwegian with English subtitles.

Rating  

The Swindlers

This was an interesting and confusing movie about a Korean con artist who was reported dead but rumored to be alive.  When the “less than clean” Prosecutor meets another fraudster that is looking for the same con man they decide to join forces but for very different reasons.

It’s an entirely Korean cast and production with bits of sarcasm and a fair amount of overacting.  There is also some great stunt work, impressive driving and some jazzy special effects.

On the downside, the English subtitles flash on the screen so fast to keep up with the dialog it often makes the story difficult to follow.

This film is not rated.  It is quite violent, plenty of foul language and certainly not suitable for children.  The genre is listed as Drama, Mystery and Suspense.  Run time is 1 hour, 57 minutes.  It might be worth a look if you are up for something a bit different.

Rating 

The Man Who Invented Christmas

This is a remarkable film about Charles Dickens writing A Christmas Carol.  It is magically filmed “in real time of the time of the writing” which takes a bit of getting used to but well worth the mental investment.  This makes the film thought provoking and a real flashback to 1843 when Charles Dickens wrote the book.

The cast is relatively small but effective.  Dan Stevens is Charles Dickens.  Christopher Plummer is Scrooge.  Jonathan Pryce is Dicken’s father.  Donald Sumpter is a really scary Jacob Marley, and Morfydd Clark is the wife Kate Dickens.

It was exciting and challenging at the same time watching Charles Dickens actually creating the original book.  It was both unique and fascinating film making!

This film is rated PG for thematic elements and some mild language.  We do recommend this film for children perhaps with some current explanation.  It is listed as a Comedy/Drama.  It runs 104 minutes and we cannot think of a better way to continue the holiday season.

Rating 

Jane

Take one part adventure, one part romance, add a lifetime commitment to chimpanzee research, mix in a multi continent family and make a world class documentary about the whole thing and you have a whopper of a film.

Director, Producer, Screenplay writer Brett Morgen draws on over 50 years of archived National Geographic film stock to tell the story of the trailblazing Jane Goodall and her chimpanzee research.  It is also a biography of Jane and her immediate family’s life in Tanzania.

It is an amazing documentary on the lives of chimpanzee.  Their behaviors, relationships with each other and their interactions with other species.  It is filled with awe, laughter, tragedy, heart break, discovery and disappointment.

It is rated PG.  It is listed as a Biography/Documentary.  Critics and audiences are giving Jane high marks.  It is generally child friendly although there are some scenes of violence within the animal world that may require explanation.

This is a potential Oscar winner.

Rating  

The Square

Oh my!!  What a mess.  First, locally, The Square we saw was about a Modern Art Museum in Stockholm.  The San Francisco Chronicle prints a daily review about a documentary with the same title regarding the Egyptian uprising released in 2013.  We thought we were seeing the Egyptian movie.

It gets weirder.  The movie we did see was listed as a “Drama/Comedy”.  It gets better (or worse depending on your perspective).  The film we saw won virtually every major award at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival including the coveted Palm d’Or.  Unbelievable given we thought it the worst film in years.

The film we did see was about a Swedish Modern/Contemporary Art museum and its curator developing a new collection.  Their PR company goes rogue when it produces an ad clip where a little girl blows up causing massive fallout with the public and the press.

The acting was good with several globally talented actors but the story line just did not translate.  Some of the plot was just creepy;  i.e. a scene where an adult ape is wandering around an apartment while a human couple are having sex.  And that is just one example of several.

It is rated R for language, strong sexual content and brief violence.  It is absolutely not acceptable for children (or adults for that matter!).  It runs a painful 2 hours, 22 minutes.  English, Danish and Swedish, with English subtitles.

Rating  

 

The Killing of a Sacred Deer

It took a bit of research but apparently the much acclaimed Director Yorgos  Lanthimos (remember The Lobster, 2016?) is inspired by Iphigenia of Greek Mythology, daughter of King Agamemnon who offended the goddess Artemis.  Artemis commanded the the King to kill his daughter in retribution.  (There is a famous painting of this event by Francois Perrier from the 17th century where you will also see the Sacred Deer.)

While that is an interesting art history lesson, it does not explain the plot for this film.  That said, most critics loved this movie.  Descriptions include: “unsettling” we say bizarre, others said “disturbing” we say nuts, still another says “thought provoking” we say yeah, as in drug induced psycho nightmare.

Colin Farrell plays a skilled cardiovascular surgeon and father who speaks in a monotone voice.  Nicole Kidman plays the wife and mother.  Young actors Sunny Suljic and Raffey Cassidy are the son and daughter with skilled performances beyond their years.  A noteworthy performance was by Barry Keoghan, the young Irish actor, who in this film is the best bad boy around.

It is rated R for disturbing violent and sexual content, some graphic nudity and language.  It is not suitable for children.  It is listed as a Drama with a run time of 2 hours, 1 minute.

Rating  

Roman J. Israel, Esq.

This is an intelligent and captivating role for Denzel Washington.  It takes place in Los Angeles’ overburdened criminal court system where his character is a life long activist when his mentor and partner suddenly dies and the firm goes bankrupt.

Enter Colin Ferrell as a slick, ambitious lawyer, a mover and shaker on defense cases.  He hires Mr. Isreal who struggles to adapt.

There are about 20 actors in the script but about 6 are core to the movie.  Mr. Washington transforms into Roman Isreal.  Colin Ferrell is brilliant as the high powered defense attorney.  (Compare that to his lackluster role in the Sacred Deer film reviewed above!)  Carmen Ejogo is stunning as the activist attorney who befriends Roman.  The talented Tony Plana also gives a riveting character life.  Shelley Hennig also delivers an impressive character.

The film is rated PG-13 for language and some violence.  It is listed as a Drama/Crime/Thriller genre.  It’s too early to comment on potential Oscar chatter.

Rating  

Coco

This Disney Pixar production is laser focused on detail, every frame, every scene, every aspect.  Disney decided to debut Coco in Mexico in advance of the US where it broke records as the #1 film of all time in local currency.

The story is a chronicle of Mexican Day of the Dead folklore, its traditions and history.  It is also a story about generational divides, latin culture and integrity.

Miguel is the animated 10 year old struggling to honor his family’s history while following his heart’s desire to be a musician.  The film was three years in production which meant finding the talent to bridge the character’s attributes.  The role of Miguel is played by Anthony Gongalez who was 10 when he started and 13 when the film was finished.

The all star cast also includes Gael Garcia Bernal, Benjamin Pratt, Renee Victor, Edward James Olmos and a dozen other actors.  It is rated PG.  The genre is noted as Action & Adventure, Animation, Comedy.  It runs 1 hour, 49 minutes.

This is a must see film.  There is Oscar buzz everywhere especially for Feature Animated film and several technical categories.  Given the quantity and quality of animated releases to date, it ought to be an interesting awards season.

Rating  

 

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.

Rating  

 

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!

Rating  

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.

Rating  

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.

Rating  

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.

Rating  

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.

Rating 

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…

Rating  

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.

Rating  

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.

Rating