"The Starling"

When a movie stars Chris O'Dowd and Keven Kline, you know it's going to be good. I can't recall either actor being in anything unwatchable. However, I was a little reluctant to see this Netflix film when I saw Melissa McCarthy's name in the credits. She can be hit or miss with me. But in this film, she does a great job. She proves she  some acting chops, although her range is a bit limited, I feel. The story is about a couple, McCarthy and O'Dowd, who have lost their child to SIDS. O'Dowd ends up institutionalized white McCarthy's character soldiers on working her menial job at a War-Mart type store. A counselor at the mental institution suggestions she visit Kline, who's a psychiatrist turned veterinarian for help. He reluctantly talks to her and guides her through her grief. Meanwhile, a pesky starling makes her life miserable while she attends to her garden. It constantly attacks her and the situation necessitates her wearing a football helmet in her yard. 

The movie was well done and I thought all three actors had great chemistry. It was a bit predictable at times and formulaic--I'd say Hollywood-ish, but since Netflix produced it, I guess I'd have to say it was Netflix-ish. But overall, it was well worth watching.

3.5 out of 5 stars

"The Best of Enemies"

2019 2h 13min After a school fire in a black school in Durham, NC in 1971, the school district has to decide what to do with the students. It becomes a battle for integration and pits Ann Atwater (Taraji P. Henson) and C.P. Ellis (Sam Rockwell). Atwater is a civil rights activist and Ellis is the head of the KKK. The film is based on a true story and I had no idea that conditions like this existed in my lifetime. Both leads give amazing performances which is not surprising and I was drawn into the film right from the start. I must say, Sam Rockwell plays an absolutely vile character and it's a rare actor that makes you really hate him! This is one of those films where you sort of know how it's going to turn out but simply can't stop watching. In the end, the two became close friends and went on to tour the country, spreading the word about their story and promoting integration. Streaming on Netflix.

4 out of 5 stars

"CODA"

 2021 1h 51min

Coda is a musical term defined as: a more or less independent passage, at the end of a composition, introduced to bring it to a satisfactory close. CODA stands for a Child of Deaf Adults, which is a new term to me. It’s also the clever title for this heartwarming new release on Apple TV (and in theatres). I must say, it’s worth all the buzz it’s been getting. 

 

The film is about a high-school girl Ruby Rossi (Emilia Jones), whose family is deaf. Her family commercial fishes for their livelihood off the coast of Gloucester, Massachusetts. While out at sea, Ruby entertains herself by singing along with the radio. And what a voice she has. 

 

Just for kicks, Ruby tries out for the school choir. She’s extremely shy and is reluctant to even sing at the tryout. After some coaching by the school’s inspiring and super-dedicated teacher, (Eugenio Derbez), she not only makes the choir, but also is encouraged to attend the Berklee College of Music. Unfortunately, the only way she can attend is if she receives a scholarship. 

 

Adding to the drama is the situation with the fishing industry. It’s being micro-managed by the government, which is enforcing strict fishing limits. And the large distributors are driving the price of fish down to the point where it’s almost impossible to make a living in the commercial fishing business. Several families including Ruby’s decide to form a co-op to keep them competitive. 

 

Ruby comes from a very supportive and close family. The charismatic Marlee Matlin plays her mom and Troy Kotsur plays her scruffy, feisty dad. And then there’s her devilishly handsome brother, Leo (Daniel Durant). All three actors are deaf in real life, which is a refreshing change for Hollywood.  Interesting trivia: Emilia spent nine months learning American Sign Language, taking singing lessons, and learning how to operate a fishing trawler for this film. 

 

This is one of those feel-good films that have you rooting for the underdog all the way. And while the plot and ending are somewhat formulaic, it’s so well done, I didn’t mind at all. When I heard the title, I thought it sounded familiar. Indeed, a film with the same title starring Patrick Stewart and Katie Holmes was released in 2019. It’s also about music and I really enjoyed it as well. 

Four out of five stars

 

Streaming on Apple TV and in theatres.  

"Driveways"

 2019 1h 23min Brian Dennehy had a lengthy career, both on the stage and screen. He played a wide range of characters from tough sheriffs to the kindly alien in Cocoon.  In this film, he lives a pretty boring life as an aging widower. His day constitutes mundane tasks, the highlight being an afternoon of bingo at the local VFW hall. 

 

One day, a single mom with her young son Cody (Lucas Jaye) moves in next door. She’s inherited the house from her recently deceased sister, and has the monumental task of clearing out all her junk and putting it on the market. Cody, who’s smart and exceedingly shy, starts talking to Dennehy and the two become fast friends. It morphs into one of those cross-generational relationships that are truly heart warming. This is a rare feel-good movie I didn’t want to end. And it’s the perfect swan song to wonderful career.

4 out of 5 stars