Going to see this movie merely for the actor’s performance, I did not expect to like the film nearly as much as I did. By the end, though, I was quite charmed. This time of year, buzz for Best and Supporting acting roles begins. James Franco is no stranger to those accolades. This year, though,…
The best thing about seeing movies this time of year is the prevalence of high caliber films. Three Billboards is one such film. It isn’t flawless. But it is a fine film falling easily at the top of the list for the year. If you’ve seen the preview, you aren’t surprised when I say revenge…
Thank you, Kenneth Branagh. Apparently I needed a few naps. I know, I know. Many people thoroughly enjoyed watching the latest film adaptation of Agatha Christie’s oh-so-popular mystery novel of the same name. The film has made money. And I looked forward to it for personal reasons. Alas, the sweeping but painfully slow music, the…
The Florida Project is not a movie for everyone. Case in point: I utterly adored this movie, my movie companion, not so much. My companion wanted a movie with a more traditional story arc with a defined beginning and end. He complained as the movie progressed, he did not see “the point.” But to find…
When I saw the trailer for 10 Cloverfield Lane, I’m sure I rolled my eyes. After asking if it was a remake/follow-up and hearing yes, I even commented to my friend with me that day, “Oh, no, well, then I cannot possibly see this because I would be completely lost.” Yes, a sarcastic tone accompanied my…
Chaos. From the opening scenes as masses of people in the dark night are hurried into a building and a room to disrobe, a man with a hat, averting his eyes from anyone in charge, a large red X painted across his back, helps to lead those masses into the building, helps them leave their…
Nothing like waiting until the last minute to see some Oscar contenders, but that I did, finally earlier this evening watching the live action short films nominated for a 2016 Oscar. The five films were mostly heavy, hard subjects with one endearingly lovely tale wedged in the middle. As usual, they were all very good.…
45 Years is one of those quiet, introspective dramas that demonstrates how risky it can be to pull at the scabs of old wounds of a marriage before they are healed, or, perhaps, ever. Whether an actual, physical wound or the emotional achilles heel of a relationship, you don’t always know what’s underneath. And for Kate,…
To say that Mad Max is not my typical film, well, unless this is your first rodeo reading my reflections, you already know that, and seeing this posted here, you’re likely as surprised as anyone that this is included in my viewing. Okay, so not so fast, perhaps. Yes, I have to admit that this…
Go. See. This. Movie. Okay, sure, it highlights and explains a fair part* of the greed and corruption that led to our economic crisis in 2007/2008. And yes, I wish more people would understand the risk of un(or under)regulated Wall Street. But it’s also a really great film! The Big Short patiently (and partially) explains (quite…
The Revenant was among the top five (or so) most-anticipated films for me this year. The previews promised drama, suspense, and amazing landscape as a backdrop. The film, an epic early 1800s piece focusing on survival and revenge, did not disappoint. After seeing the film, I remarked to a friend that it was good, but…
Wow. This film was gripping. And it was bleak. Another that I caught up with while on a recent flight, Everest entertains. The film covers the true story (as a dramatization, not as a verified actual account) of the fatal expeditions on Mount Everest in 1996. Yes, fatal. Going in, I knew people would not survive. But…
Watching movies during flights usually isn’t my typical use of the time. But a recent flight found life not so typical. And 99 Homes had an actor nominated for a Golden Globe, so I partook. The movie was good, but it was also relatively quickly forgotten. The film—about an evicted home owner whose house is…
Ex Machina called to me as a film to see in the theater, but life got busy, and I didn’t make it. But I finally caught up with it let month on DVD. I’m glad I did not miss it entirely. And to be fair, I’ll admit that it’s been a few weeks since I…
I’m not sure if Tarantino has mellowed or improved or reined in what before felt like too-scattered, too-off-key, too-*too* something films, but I’ve very much enjoyed his last two flicks, this most recent being The Hateful Eight. Please don’t misunderstand me: this is still very much a Tarantino film; his signature is all over it…