"Sweetheart"

A young woman, Kiersey Clemons,  washes up on the shore of a deserted island after a shipwreck. There she has to fight for survival against the elements, and as luck would have it, a monster that comes out every night. It 's a simple premise and I found it moderately scary at times. Ms Clemons did a fantastic job, especially when she's on camera by herself for about 90% of the film.
3 out of 5 stars

"6 Underground"

The opening scene pretty much sets the pace for the whole movie. It's a high-speed car chase through the streets of Milan and includes an abundance of gunfire, explosions, car wrecks, and screaming crowds. The plot is pretty basic: A billionaire fakes his death, then recruits  operatives from around the world for his mission: To take down a brutal third world dictator and replace him with his benevolent brother. It stars Ryan Reynolds and comes complete with non-stop action, plenty of wisecracks, and almost car-sickness inducing cinematography. If you're looking for an hour and a half of distraction, this one fits the bill.
3.5 out of 5 stars

"The Tribes of Palos Verde"

I wasn't sure what to expect when I saw this title recommended to me by Netflix. And once again, with their algorithms, they seem to know my taste in movies. This one totally flew under the radar. It's about a young family who move from Michigan to a rich community in California. The dad, a famous doctor has a reputation for infidelity, and of course, as soon as they get settled, he starts an affair. The mother, played brilliantly by Jennifer Garner, is about as unstable as one can get, yet remain sane enough to raise her two children. Her daughter takes solace in surfing while her son is consumed by drug addiction. The family is about as dysfunctional as they get and some of the scenes are painful to watch. But I found the acting, story, and scenery riveting. Another indie gem.
4 out of 5 stars

"The Long Kiss Goodnight"

A mother, played by Geena Davis, suffers from amnesia. After being spotted on tv participating in a Christmas parade, her past comes back to haunt her. In her previous life she was a trained assassin and a secret government agency is out to kill her. A two-bit private eye, (Samual L. Jackson) is determined to help her. Her adventures and battles with her enemies are so over the top, it's just plain fun to watch. And you root for her all the way, knowing she has the skills and ability to get out of any jam. The movie is from 1996, and was pioneering in many ways. It's a little dated, but still well worth watching. And just about any movie with Samual L. Jackson is pretty much guaranteed to be decent.
3.5 out of 5 stars

"The Good Catholic"

Another wonderful example of what indie films are all about. Daniel, a young priest played by Zachary Spicer, shares a house with an older, conservative priest (Danny Glover) and an off-the wall, fun-loving Fransiscan friar, John C. McGinley. Late one evening, a mysterious folk singer, (Wrenn Schmidt), visits him to have her confession heard and they begin a complicated friendship. This film is dialogue driven and the story unfolds slowly. I absolutely love movies like this. The acting is absolutely superb. If you're in the mood for a thoughtful, well-crafted drama, give this one a chance. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
4 out of 5 stars

"Executive Decision"

I know it's been around for a while, but I've never seen this until recently. What a well done, nail-biting hijacking movie. In the film, a group of hijackers takes over a flight from London heading to Washington, D.C. Mid-flight, the plane is surreptitiously boarded by a group of Navy Seals. The terrorists have a bomb and a huge cache of nerve gas on board. When their demands are met, they decide to go rogue and are determined to unleash the lethal gas on D.C. So it's the usual race against the clock. But there are so many twists and turns, the movie keeps you guessing until the final few minutes. And while some 20-year old movies of this genre might be dated, I think this one has held up pretty well.
3.5 out of 5 stars

"Frank & Cindy"

Not an easy movie to describe. And definitely not your typical Hollywood fare. At first I thought it was going to be a mocumentry like "Spinal Tap", not knowing it was based on real life. It's billed as a comedy, but, while there are funny parts, I'd hardly call it a comedy. It's about a dysfunctional couple, whose son comes home after college. The stepdad, Frank was a pop singer in his teens and is now a fat, hard drinking slob who lives in the basement. The mom is a recovering alcoholic who's full of zany ideas. One of her ideas is to have her son make a documentary about them. Rene Russo and Oliver Platt are absolutely great. It's painful to watch them bicker, which they do so well. Overall, this was a well made, very entertaining movie.
4 out of 5 stars

"187"

One powerful film. Right off you should know that "187" is the police code for a homicide. That sets the tone for this film. It stars Samuel L. Jackson as an idealistic high school teacher. After he's brutally attacked by a student at the rough high school where he teaches in NYC, he relocates to Los Angeles. There he accepts a substitute teaching job in a gang-riddled school. Naturally, trouble follows him. When one of his students is murdered and another attacked, you wonder if the perpetrator was a student or was it him. The movie is unsettling and keeps you on edge the whole time. As you'd expect, Jackson gives a noteworthy performance. This is a film that will stick with you, long after the end credits roll.
4 out of 5 stars

"The Water Diviner"

Russell Crowe stars in this epic drama set just after the First World War. He's a farmer in the Australian outback. When the war breaks out, his three sons volunteer and then are killed at Gallipoli. This heartbreaking news causes his wife to commit suicide. He then decides it's important to him to find the remains of his sons and make sure they have a proper burial. He travels to Turkey, which is not only still suffering from the aftershock of war, but is in the early stages of  political upheaval. It's based on a true story and I found it extremely moving. It's hard to imagine the loss of not just one, but three children. I don't know why this movie isn't better known. Well worth watching.
4 out of 5 stars

"I'll See You in my Dreams"

What a beautiful film. It's a bit hard to describe, as it's pretty slow moving and nuanced. Blythe Danner plays a widow who has just lost her faithful dog. She hangs out with several other widows who are all just going through the motions with their fairly boring daily routines. She strikes up a platonic relationship with a young pool cleaner. Then, the charming Sam Elliott enters her life. I found the movie funny, touching, and moving. And Blythe Danner gives a performance that made me ask, why isn't she in more movies? I'll definitely have to look for more of her films.
4 out of 5 stars

"Results"

This little movie is what "Indie" films are all about. In it, Danny (Kevin Corrigan), a clueless slob moves to Austin, Texas from New York City. He has recently inherited a boatload of money and isn't sure how to throw it all away. He joins a local fitness center and hires Kat (Cobie Smulders) to be his personal trainer. He falls for her and unsuccessfully tries to woo her. Meanwhile, Kat is the former lover of the gym owner Trevor (Guy Pearce). It gets complicated. I know it sounds like a dumb movie about a bunch of gym rats, but it's much more than that. There's some great writing here and I found myself laughing out loud at some of Danny's awkward antics. He's a bumbling knucklehead and Corrigan pays his part so well. If you're on the fence about watching this, just give it ten minutes. I think you be both hooked, and rewarded.
4 ut of 5 stars

"Walking Out"

A subtle, slow-moving cinematic poem about fathers and sons, and moving on. I know this description sounds cryptic, but watch this film all the way through and I think you'll agree. A young man on winter break from college, returns to spend some time with his father in rural Montana. The two hike into the mountains in search of wild game. When an accident occurs, it's up to the son to find their way back to civilization. It's the age-old story of survival, but, in a way like "A River Runs Through It," is done with great care and love of nature. (I heard a rumor that Robert Redford was involved in the movie, so it's not surprising). The cinematography and breathtaking scenery, especially the arial views, are worth the price of admission. It almost makes one want to visit this gorgeous place in the winter. Almost.
4 out of 5 stars

"Spivak"

In this little gem of a movie, Spivak, (Michael Bacall) has a serious case of writer's block. His buddies convince him that his problem is that he need to get out and experience life, which will help give him something to write about. So he joins them on a trip to Las Vegas where he has a one-night-stand with a beautiful blonde, out for one last fling before she gets married. He's smitten with her and keeps running into her and her fiancé back in L.A. He ends up getting set up with her beautiful cheerleader girlfriend. The story doesn't cover a lot of new ground, but it's a lot of fun.  And Michael Bacall gives a wonderful performance. I don[t recall seeing him in anything before, but I look forward to seeing what he does next.
4 out of 5 stars

"Under the Eiffel Tower"

This film is more of a rom than a rom-com and that's a good thing. The story follows Stuart (Matt Walsh), a middle aged guy who loses his job at a bourbon distillery. He joins friends on a tour of France and eventually falls for a beautiful owner of a vineyard (Judith Godreche). Along the way he teams up with a Scotsman (Aired Scott) who's quite the character. This movie is somewhat formulaic and predictable, but that's okay--sometimes you just need an enjoyable diversion for an hour and a half. The scenery and cinematography are noteworthy. If you looking for a pleasant diversion, this is it.
3.5 out of 5 stars

"Camera Store"

Certainly one of he more unusual movies I've seen. It's about a traditional camera store at a mall, just as digital photography is coming on the scene. Two older gentlemen have worked there for ages. The entire movie takes place on Christmas Eve day and evening and seems like it could have originally been a play. As the story unfolds, we get the back story of Ray, the general manager, and we see why he's such a bitter person. Several other stories are interwoven, and as depressing as it was, I couldn't stop watching it. Sort of like a terrible accident where you just can't look away. The film is obviously dialogue heavy and almost nothing happens. But the writing and acting are superb. Just don't watch it over the holidays!
4 out of 5 stars

"The Journey"

The concise description: "My Dinner With Andre" on wheels. The full description: A captivating film based on true events about the ground-breaking meeting between Rev. Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness. Timothy Spall plays the scowling, bullheaded Paisley and Colm Meany is his spirited counterpart. The chemistry and interactions between the two are subtle at times, and laugh-out-loud funny at others. The action primarily takes place on their ride out to the airport, where Paisley is to board a plane to Ulster for his 50th wedding anniversary. I wasn't sure what to expect with this film, but I must say, it's one of the most rewarding hour and a half I've spent in front of a screen in a long time.
4.5 out of 5 stars

"4L"

I doubt you've ever witnessed a road trip movie quite like this one! It's about two lifelong buddies who get a letter from one of their old friends who's dying. They decide to take a road trip from Spain to Timbuktu to see him before he dies. They meet up with and invite his estranged daughter to join them on their journey. The three unlikely travel mates travel through the Sahara Desert in an old modified Renault 4L, and the adventures abound. The actors are real characters, the scenery is remarkable, and their escapades are wild. If you enjoy road trip movies and don't mind subtitles, you'll get a bang out of this.
4 out of 5 stars

"For Love or Money"

Nobody does goofy rom/coms quite like the Brits. The story is about a nerdy guy Mark, played by Robert Kozinski, who is about to sign a deal that'll net him two million pounds. A girl who spurned him when they were young (Samantha Barks), gets wind of this and pretends to fall in love with him. He discovers her plot and decides to see how miserable he can make her and have her still stay on track to get married. It's a delightful romp full of zany antics-- pretty mindless entertainment, but if you're in the mood for something fun, you'll enjoy it.
3 out of 5 stars

"Now and Then"

What an absolutely sweet movie. It's sort of a "Stand by Me" for girls. The film starts with four BFFs reuniting for the birth of one of their daughters. Then the story jumps back in time to them growing up in suburbia in the 1970s, when they were 12-years old. They're involved in all sorts of escapades including first encounters with boys, being obsessed with a kid who mysteriously died 20 years before and other capers. The four girls' meeting with a young Vietnam vet was worth the price of admission for me--a heartfelt moment that I found quite touching and subtly profound. It stars some big name stars but the younger actors steal the show.
4 out of 5 stars

"Boi"

If you're in the mood for something a little offbeat and quirky, this should fit the bill. It's about the exploits of a twenty-something Spanish lad, Boi, who takes a job as a limo driver. His first assignment is to drive a couple of unusual Chinese businessmen around Barcelona on an oddball mission. This movie reminded me of one of my favorite films, "After Hours", an early Scorsese work, about a nightmare of an evening that seemingly wouldn't end. Boi is a struggling novelist, who's trying to contact his elusive, pregnant girlfriend. The movie is full of amusing characters and is described, for some reason as a "road trip" film. I guess it is. Sort of.
4 out of 5 stars

"Playing for Time"

This movie had been in my Netflix queue for quite some time, and I'm glad I finally got around to watching it. It's based on a true story and takes place during WWII, when a Parisian chanteuse is rounded up and taken to a concentration camp. There she joins a number of female musicians to be part of an orchestra that entertains their German captors. It was a made for tv and features a riveting and nuanced performance by Vanessa Redgrave. Apparently, there was some objection to her playing the lead role since she was a Palestinian sympathizer, and both Barbara Streisand and Lisa Minelli were considered for the the part. I can't imagine anyone else starring in the movie. It's a tad long, but well worth watching, and I don't see how it could be cut. The trailer is pretty dated it's from 1980) and a bit corny. Also, the entire movie can be viewed on youtube.
5 out of 5 stars

"Dismissed"

Absolutely one of the creepiest movies I've seen in a long time. I normally don't like movies like this, but every once in a while, it's fun to have the crap scared out of you. The story is about a high school transfer student who's determined to get all As to get into Harvard. When he gets a B on an English paper, all hell breaks loose. The kid is one of the most disturbing characters ever. He starts to make life hell for his teacher. And the young actor, Dylan Sprouse, did an absolutely amazing job.
3.5 out of 5 stars

"50/50"

A 27-year old man, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt,  is diagnosed with cancer and is given a 50/50 chance of survival. His friend, the consistently amusing Seth Rogan, is determined to help him get through his struggle and beat the disease. "50/50" is the perfect title for this film because it's 50% serious and 50% funny. There are several laugh-out-loud moments in this film. And apparently it's based on a true story. Well worth watching.
4 out of 5 stars.

"Bullitt County"

A group of friends decide to celebrate an upcoming wedding with a camping weekend and a visit to a favorite bourbon distillery. The distillery has transitioned into a winery and while visiting it, the groom-to-be hears about a mythical treasure buried near their campground. It looks like an amusing romp in the woods, but the bachelor party in the woods turns dark. Very dark. Let's just say there are rumors that treasure hunters in the past have mysteriously disappeared. The movie was definitely not what I was expecting, however I thought the acting and writing were great. If you're up for something a bit different, take a chance with this film.
3.5 out of 5 stars.

"Berlin, I Love You"

An ode to the city of Berlin, comprised of ten short stories. It's similar to "Paris, je t'aime," and  is a continuation of the Cities of Love series. The stories all deal with relationships and love set in the once divided city. It's beautifully shot and features great writing and each story ends with a nice twist. The all-star cast features Keira Knightley, Helen Mirren, Luke Wilson, Mickey Rourke, Jim Sturgess, and others. There's nothing earth-shattering here but it's an amusing two hours of enjoyable movie watching.
4 out of 5 stars

"Cop Car"

After watching the first five minutes of this movie, I was hooked. The scene is two ten-year old boys, walking through fields, practicing saying all the swear words they know. I could totally relate to these kids. They're running away from home, and when they discover what they believe is an abandoned cop car, things get interesting. They decide to take it for a joy ride and the two get in way over their heads. I won't give away any more of the plot, but be prepared for one wild ride! It's not only full of surprises, the two young actors give amazing and totally believable performances.  I think we'll be seeing them on the screen again. And Kevin Bacon's performance isn't too shabby either.

4 out of 5 stars

"Then Came You"

An absolutely sweet little film about Skye (Maisie Williams) a young girl dying of cancer and Calvin (Asa Butterfield) who she meets in a cancer support group. Calvin is a total hypochondriac convinced he has a fatal disease. Skye convinces him to help her check off all the things on her bucket list, and in the process teaches him that it's not how long you live, but how you live. The two young actors have great chemistry and the plot will put and keep a smile on your face throughout this charing movie. I look forward to seeing where their careers take these two fine young actors.
4 out of 5 stars.

"Strange Weather"

Holly Hunter gives an absolution riveting performance in this story about a mother in search of answers to why her young son committed suicide. Six years after the death of her son, Darcy (Hunter) finds out that one of her son's classmates has built a fast food empire on his business plan. To unravel the mystery of his death, she goes on a road trip to question the friends who were with him in his last days. Don't expect a lot of action, but be prepared to be mesmerized by Ms Hunter's acting.
4 out of 5 stars

"The Perfection"

Charlotte (Allison Williams), a young cello virtuoso has had to put her career on hold while she takes care of her ailing mom After her mother passes away, she attends a prestigious competition where she meets and falls in love with her successor Lizzie (Logan Browning). The two embark on a backpacking trip into ruraL China where lizzie contracts a horrible disease. That's about all I can say without giving away the plot of this thrilling movie. Both actors give riveting performances and the plot will  keep you guessing right until the end of this Netflix produced film.
3.5 out of 5 stars

"XOXO"

They say, all stories are either the Illiad or the Odyssey. This movie is definitely in the Odyssey school. It's about a high school boy who uploads a song he mixed in his home studio that goes viral overnight. It gets the attention of an unscrupulous producer who invites him to perform at a huge EDM/rave music festival. The movie follows his journey to the festival along with several other characters including his "manager" buddy, a couple who may be breaking up, and a young girl who knows in her heart, she's destined to meet her soulmate at the festival. The editing style is a bit ADD which takes a little getting used to at first. I think you'll find "XOXO" is not only a fun ride, but will ultimately leave you with a smile.
4 out of 5 stars

"Rim of the World"

I rarely review kids movies, but in this case, I definitely have to make an exception. Since it's a Netflix original, my expectations were pretty high. The plot revolves around four young kids at summer camp. None of them belongs or wants to be there. And on their first day, aliens attack the earth and it's up to them to save humanity. It sounds corny, but it's so well done you get caught up in the adventure. The actors are all wonderful and the film features some clever dialogue, exciting action scenes, and great cinematography. For those with young children, the language is a tad vulgar at times, but it's really not anything they haven't heard before. Definitely a fun ride for the whole family. Keep it up Netflix!
3.5 out of 5 stars

"Ginger & Rosa"

Another review from the Elle Fanning Fan Club. I started watching this movie and said to myself, "Hey, that looks a lot like Elle Fanning." Well, it was her English accent that threw me. The film stars Ms Fanning and Alice Englert, two young women who have been inseparable since childhood. The story takes place in the early 60s, against the backdrop of the Cuban Missile Crisis and the threat of nuclear holocaust. The two come from troubled families and deals with their coming of age and eventually going their separate ways. The acting was superb as you'd expect. And the story was very engaging and unpredictable. Once again, I'll watch anything that stars the seriously underrated Elle Fanning.
4 out of 5 stars

"The Keeping Hours"

Don't let the "thriller" description fool you, this movie is anything but. It opens at the wedding of a couple with their young son. It then  jumps several years ahead, after their child has been killed in a car crash and they've divorced. When the dad returns to their old home to clean it up to sell, he discovers the ghost of his son living in there. He eventually invites his ex-wife to join them and the three of them carry on as if nothing has happened. I kept waiting for something totally creepy to happen, but it never did. The trailer makes the movie out to be a lot scarier than it really is. I found it to be just a nicely paced, lyrical film.
3.5 out of 5 stars

"Kon Tiki"

This is exactly what an adventure film should be. It features a great story line, understated acting, and cinematography that makes you feel you're in the thick of it. "Kon Tiki" as you may know, is the true story of Thor Heyerdahl and his quest to prove the controversial theory that Polynesia was settled from the east by ancient Peruvian sailors and is based on his international best-selling book. Heyerdahl gathered a crew just after WWII and had a raft built using materials and techniques replicating what would have been done 1,500 years ago. His crew included several men who had never been to sea before which made for some exciting adventures. This is the kind of movie that makes one want to read the book, it's that well done.
4 out of 5 stars

"5 Flights Up"

Every once in a while, you just need what I call a "nice" movie. One where nothing really bad happens and you feel good after watching it. This is a prime example of a "nice" movie. It stars Diane Keaton and Morgan Freeman.They play an older couple who met when he was a young, aspiring artist and she was a model. After they married they bought an apartment in Brooklyn. Fast forward to today, and a real-estate agent friend tells them that their place is worth close to a million dollars. The area is being gentrified, like all of New York, and they get caught up in a selling frenzy. The whole neighborhood is turning hipster. Not a lot happens plot-wise, and just about the only bad thing in the movie is when their dog gets sick and they have to take it to the vet. But overall, it's a charming little movie and there's definitely chemistry between the two leads.
3.5 out of 5 stars.

"Sleeping With Other People"

First off, let me say this is a pretty raunchy movie. I can think of a more appropriate title, but it would never get by the censors. That said, it a very funny, smart movie. What can you say about a film that includes lines like, "He's the Pontiac Aztec of human beings" and "He has the charm of a broken Etch A Sketch"? The story is about a couple of college kids, Jake (Jason Sudeikis) and Lainey (Alison Brie) who lose their virginity to each other, then go their separate ways. When they reconnect several years later, they become best friends, while having casual sex with everyone but each other. Fairly predictable story line, but very well written. It's the kind of movie I find myself wanting to watch again to catch all the humorous lines I missed.
4 out of 5 stars

"3 Generations"

If there was an Elle Fanning fan club, I'd be a charter member. I've been a fan of hers since I saw the remarkable 10-year olds performance in "Phoebe in Wonderland." In "3 Generations", she plays Ray, a young woman who wants to transition into a boy. In order to do this, her mother, played by Naomi Watts, must get permission from her estranged, biological father. Ray lives with her mother and lesbian grandmother (Susan Sarandon) in a New York apartment. The story is touching and poignant, and while the storyline is a bit thin, the acting was quite remarkable. It's all about finding out not only what, but who you truly are.
4 out of 5 stars.

"Our Idiot Brother"

Based on the title of this movie, I had pretty low expectations. I figured it would be something along the lines of "Dumb and Dumber." But was I pleasantly surprised. The film stars Paul Rudd who plays, you guessed it, the idiot brother. He plays Ned, an organic farmer who lives with his hippy wife and Willie Nelson, his beloved dog. When he unwittingly sells a joint to a cop, he ends up in jail. When he gets out he lives with his three sisters. Ned's problem is he just doesn't know when to keep his mouth shut, which gets him in trouble with each of his sisters. Ultimately, he means well, and without being too much of a spoiler, everything works out well in the end. If you're up for some good laughs, don't miss this one.
4 out of 5 stars.

"Mother and Child"

Another movie that I like to define as, "a multi-storied story." It follows the lives of a 50-year old woman (Annette Bening), her adult daughter (Naomi Watts), who she gave up at birth, and a young couple trying to adopt a child. It's a powerful and sad movie, that I found difficult to watch at times. Both Bening and Watts are so cold and detached, I almost stopped watching a third of the way through. But I hung in there and I'm glad I did. The stories intersect at the end of the film, and you're left with the question/feeling: "What if..."
4.5 out of 5 stars

"Rock the Kasbah"

The perfect movie when your in the mood for some dumb Bill Murray fare. Not sure why this one got such bad reviews--I though it was very entertaining. Sure, it could have been better, but a mediocre Bill Murray movie is better than a lot of other so-called comedies. Murray plays a down on his luck talent agent, who decides to take his talented secretary, Zooey Deschanel, on a USO tour of Afghanistan, What could go wrong? It turns out, everything. She bails on him the first night and he ends up promoting a local girl on the country's version of "America's Got Talent". It's loosely based on a true story and I found myself laughing out loud at several skits. The scene where he performs "Smoke on the Water" to a bunch of stone-faced tribal elders is worth the price of admission/rental. Kate Hudson and Bruce Willis also star.
3.5 out of 5 stars

"Certain Women"

A wonderfully slow-moving, and subtly beautiful movie. It's based on short stories by Maile Maloy, which are very loosely connected. The movie stars Laura Darn, Michelle Williams, and Kristen Stewart, each featured in one movement of a zen-like poem of a film. The stories are about an attorney, (Dern), representing a crazy old man, a woman, (Williams), looking to build a home out in the country, and a young woman, (Stewart), teaching a constitutional rights class to a group of small-town teachers. The film features excellent acting,  gorgeous scenery, and superb photography.
4 out of 5 stars

"Bachelorette"

You could describe this one as a raunchy girls' night out. A bunch of old college pals get together the night before their friend's big wedding day. And as you'd expect, just about everything that could go wrong, does. The situations get a bit slapsticky and over the top at times. But overall, it's a lot of fun. Definitely not for the squeamish or for those who are easily offended. It looks like they had an absolute blast making this film!
3 out of 5 stars

"To the Bone"

I was expecting a dark, depressing take on eating disorders, but this movie really wasn't. Lilly Collins did a great job as a 20-year old girl in treatment for anorexia nervosa. She's been in and out of various programs all her teen years and finally gets into one of the most effective clinics in the country. She comes from a dysfunctional family, which largely explains her illness.  I found it interesting the way eating disorders are treated much like alcohol and substance abuse cases. Very well done and worth watching.
3.5 out of 5 stars

"The Breaker Upperers"

A laugh-out-loud offbeat comedy from New Zealand. In a weird way, it reminded me a bit of Flight of the Concords, and sure enough, Jemaine has a small part in the movie. The story is about a two woman agency that helps couples break up e.i. a partner who wants out of a relationship. One of the first scenes features them breaking the news to a woman who they tell her husband has dissapeared. From there, their exploits get zanier and zanier. The two actresses, Madeleine Sami and Jackie van Been, are comedic geniuses and they play off each other wonderfully. Warning: there's some pretty raunchy language and some of the dialogue is so hard to understand, it could easily be subtitled. Especially some of the lines from the Maori's. One of the funniest movies I've seen in quite a while.
4 out of 5 stars

"Room"

Although the movie is from 2015, I avoided watching it until recently. I was under the mistaken impression that it focused a woman and her child who were held captive and abused for the entire length of the film. While that is partially true, the abuse is only hinted at, and the story of their captivity is only a part of the movie. The plot is about a young woman named Ma (Brie Larson) and her six-year old son Jack (Jacob Tremblay). She's been held captive since before her son was born, and she does everything in her powers to make their world seem normal. They devise an elaborate escape plan, and it's after they're free that their lives get interesting. The two of them now have to process the real world and Ma has to make sense of the changed family dynamics. This is due to her divorced mother and her new step-dad. The two principal actors give thoroughly convincing performances.  Ms Larson came to my attention in the film "Short Term 12," which I also highly recommend.
4 out of 5 stars

"Sour Grapes"

I rarely watch documentaries. And it's even rarer for me to review one. But I thought this doc was well worth reviewing. It's all about the world of wine snobs and how they were duped by a mysterious Asian named Rudy. Some of the scenes where these oenophiles describe the wines they're tasting are almost comical. Christopher Guest would have a field day making a spoof about them, not unlike what he did with dog breeders in "Best in Show". These million/billionaires get caught up in a frenzy, buying hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of rare wines. When it's revealed what Rudy does to these folks, you almost root for him--they simply have way too much disposable income and are far too full of themselves. While watching this film I kept saying to myself, you just can't make stuff up this good!

4 out of 5 stars

Mr. Church

This was hailed as Eddie Murphy's comeback film, and indeed it was. I haven't really paid attention to him in recent years, but I decided to take a chance with this one. And I was pleasantly surprised. The story revolves around a single mom who is dying of breast cancer. Her former and deceased lover hires Mr. Church (Murphy) to come and cook for her and her young daughter, Charlie. Mr. Church makes their meals, (he's an amazing chef), and mysteriously disappears at the end of each day. While there, he introduces Charlie to the world of classic literature. It's a heart-felt movie about love, relationships, and ultimately, what family is all about.
4 out of 5 stars

"I Am Vengeance"

What do you call a movie featuring one-dimensional characters, a thin plot, and an abundance of bloody action scenes? "Perfect" if you're in the mood for a mindless, revenge movie. And this is one of the better ones I've seen in a while. The story is centered on a retired British Special Forces soldier, played by Stu Bennett, who investigates why an army buddy and his parents were killed in a small English village. As he uncovers the reason behind their demise, he meets resistance from a number of ex-commandos. He warns them that they're all going to meet their maker, and he proceeds to revenge his friend's deaths. Bennett is a total badass you root for all the way. His fighting is a mix of brawn, brains, firepower and martial arts. The only thing that bothered me was the ending. Let me know what you think--feel free to leave a comment below.
3.5 out of 5 stars

"The Sea of Trees"

A man (Matthew McConaughey) ventures into The Sea of Trees, a wildlife area in the shadow of Mt. Fuji, known as an international destination to commit suicide. He befriends another lost soul, played by Ken Watanabe, who he's determined to help out of the woods. The backstory is told through a series of flashbacks, focusing on his relationship with his wife (Naomi Watts). To use the old cliche, McConaughey gives a riveting performance. The film is slow moving, but well worth the time it takes to unfold. And the scenery and cinematography are outstanding.
4 out of 5 stars

"Breath"

Watch this movie and you'll want to move to Australia and take up surfing. Honestly. The story, based on the best-selling novel by Tim Winton, is about two teenage boys who befriend Sando,  a worldly hippy. He introducing them to surfing and supplies them with their first surfboards. Sando is a former world champion and lives with a gorgeous Olympic skier who's recuperating from a major injury. He takes the two kids to remote and challenging beaches where they develop into accomplished surfers. There's a "Summer of '42" like romance which adds to the story.  The scenery is breathtaking and the surfing cinematography is spectacular--you'll feel like you're right out there surfing with them. I found it refreshing to watch a feel-good movie where nothing horrible happens.
4 out of 5 stars

"Mississippi Grind"

Another great performance by Ben Mendelsohn. In this road trip film, Mendelsohn plays the down on his luck Gerry, who teams up with a charismatic poker player (played by Ryan Reynolds) and travels across the South in an effort to turn his luck around. As luck would have it, Gerry loses one pile of cash after another, however the two of them persist on their quest to win a fortune. It's a gritty, slice-of-life "guy flick" that I thoroughly enjoyed. And I especially liked Mendelsohn's performance. What a versatile actor deserving more recognition. When I looked him up on IMDB, I was surprised to see he played King George VI in "Darkest Hour."
4 out of 5 stars

"Brigsby Bear"

One of those quirky, fun, and thoroughly enjoyable movies that totally fell through the cracks. A coworker recommended this one to me. When I heard the title I was a bit skeptical, but I'm glad I searched for it. The film is about a kid who's abducted at birth and raised in a completely closed environment. He grows up watching a tv show called, you guessed it, "Brigsby Bear". When he's taken into custody and released to his birth parents, the show continues to be a dominant part of his reality. I love heartfelt movies like this where just about everything in it goes right.
4.5 out of 5 stars