"The Justice of Bunny King"

2021 * NR * 1h 41m   Wow! I just finished watching The Justice of Bunny King and I have to admit, I'm emotionally drained. What a powerful piece of filmmaking. The acting by Essie Davis is absolutely superb. And the story kept me hooked right until the end. It's all about the desperate situation a mother )Bunny) gets into when her children are taken from her. She's basically living on the streets, earning money by washing windshields at busy intersections.

And the state seems to have almost no compassion for her situation. In fact, when a friend invites her to stay with his family, who happen to be Maori, you notice immediately that they have far more compassion than the government does. They warmly welcome her as part of their family.

Bunny desperately tries to be reunited with her two children. However, it's a struggle that seems to be insurmountable. What a moving and emotional story. Thomasin MkKenzie (Leave no Trace, Jojo Rabbit) is also great as Bunny's niece. If you're looking for something different to watch, I highly recommend watching this remarkable film.

4 out of 5 stars

Currently streaming on Kanopy.com for free with your library card. Also on Prime Video.

"Arctic"

2018 * PG-13 * 1h 38m  I'd have to say, this is one of the finest survival movies I've ever seen. I think it surpasses films like All is Lost, Adrift, The Grey, and the more sci-fi types like The Martian, Interstellar, and The Road. And that some pretty heady competition. 

The film centers around the pilot of a small airplane who crashes into the nether regions of Iceland in the heart of winter. He survives by fishing, and sheer determination. When he spots a helicopter flying overhead, he's overcome with emotion and signals for help. When the chopper crashes, his hope is dashed. He discovers a female surviver, although she's unconscious and barely alive. After a few days, he comes to the conclusion that they have to make a break for it and attempt trekking back to civilization. And what an arduous task that is! 

There are several things I really enjoyed (if I can use that word) about this film. For starters, the acting by Mads Mikkelsen was superb. He had almost no dialogue in the movie. He conveyed his various thoughts and feelings through his facial expressions and the occasional grunt or groan. What an amazing performance. The scenery is also phenomenal. The landscape is so remarkable, it really makes me want to visit Iceland. I think I'd opt for summertime, however. And the cinematography was outstanding as well. You feel like you're right there with Mikkelsen, suffering the cold and wind along with him. Just a great film from beginning to end. Don't miss this film!

4 out of 5 stars

Streaming on Hoopla for free with your library card. Also on Hulu and Prime Video.

"Yes Man"

2008 * PG-13 * 1h 44m I've made it a habit over the years to avoid films starring Jim Carrey and Adam Sandler. Although, Adam Sandler has surprised me lately playing straight role. And for some reason, I thought I'd give this Jim Carrey movie a shot. I missed it when it came out, but when it popped up on Netflix recently, I thought I'd give it a shot. I could always stop it if it got bad. And it never did, actually!

Yes Man is about Carl (Carrey), a total loser. He has a few friends, but he never goes out and does anything. Life is quietly passing him by while he sits home and watches movies from the video store. He's a loan officer at a Savings & Loan and is constantly being passed over for promotions. Then one day he runs into an old friend Nick (John Michael Higgins) who's happy as a lark and just in love with life. He lets him in on his secret--he's attended seminars led by a guru who's whole philosophy is to say "yes" to every opportunity that arrises. By saying "yes" you open up a whole new world of opportunities. 

Nick even takes him to a revival-style meeting where he receives the word along with a whole auditorium of converts. And it changes his life. He meets a zany girl Allison (Zooey Deschanell), who he falls in love with, by saying "yes" to everyone applying for a loan, his company starts raking in the bucks and he gets promoted.And his life does a 180 degree turn. It's just a fun, charming movie and Carrey rarely resorts to his annoying, zany displays. I just wish he'd make more of the types of movies. This is proof that you can make a comedy without acting like an idiot. Well don Mr. Carrey. 

3 1/2 out of 5 stars

Currently streaming on Netflix, and Prime Video.

"Jexi"

 2019 * R * 1h 24m  What a pleasant surprise this one turned out to be. It was a Netflix recommendation so I thought I'd give it a chance. What a fun, offbeat movie. The story is about Phil (Adam Devine), a nerdy guy who's basically a total loser. He doesn't have any friends and virtually no social life whatsoever. When he get's a new phone all that changes. The interaction between him and the sales rep at the phone store (Wanda Sykes) is worth watching the film. Absolutely hilarious. And his boss (Michael Pena) is also worth noting for his over-the-top whacko role!

Then his new life begins. Jexi is the AI equivalent of Siri or Alexa. She takes control of his life, helps him do new things and meet new people. Which of course, includes an actual girlfriend Cate (Alexandra Shipp). And Jexi is quite a character She's a total smartass, with a foul mouth to boot. His interactions with her are quite amusing. And just as his life starts to turn around, Jexi gets jealous of him and admits she wants Phil all to herself. This was one of those rare movies where I laughed out loud. I really don't know why it isn't better known. If you're looking for an hour and a half of yucks, give Jexi a shot!

Currently streaming on Netflix and Prime Video

"Pride"

2014 * R * 1h 59m When I see a film has Bill Nighy in it, it immediately goes right into my queue. He's one of my favorite actors, and every movie I've seen him in has been wonderful. He sure knows how to pick 'em! And this film is no exception. 

The scene in 1984 in London. A young man Joe George MacKay), leaves his hometown of Bromley and goes to London. He visits a gay bookstore and gets involved in a new movement. The folks at the store are fundraising to help support miners who are on strike in southern Wales. The way they figure it, the police and the government under Margaret Thatcher have been coming down on both groups, so they figure they might as well combine forces. They begin collecting money to help the miners. It's an uneasy alliance as you'd expect. 

Their group. Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM) hop on a bus and pay the miners a visit. At first, the miners want nothing to do with the ragtag group. Eventually, with prodding from the miner's wives, and some of the elders in the community, they relent and not only accept their help, but strike up some friendships with them. This true story is guaranteed to make you smile. And it's one of those films where I kept saying, "I've seen him in a bunch of other movies!" If you''ve seen more than a couple British films, you'll know what I mean! What a great story and movie!

41/2 out of 5 stars

Currently streaming for free with your library card on Hoopla.com. And on Prime Video.