"Coach Carter"

 2005 * PG-13 * 2h 16m  For some reason, I've never seen this movie. I guess you just can't see everything, eh? Well, it's been in my Netflix queue for a while, and I finally decided to watch it. What a great movie. I'd have to say, it's definitely in my top ten list of sports movies, and probably the best basketball movie I've ever sen. Wow! If you haven't seen it, give it a shot. (Pun intended). Even if you're not a basketball fan, there's plenty to enjoy here. 

The film is based on a true story. Samual L. Jackson plays Ken Carter, a former basketball star for Richmond High. He's now a successful businessman, and when offered the coach's job at his old high school, he opts to take it. He knows he's got his work cut out for him. The team is full of players who are struggling academically, and are perennial losers. When Carter takes over he makes the kids sign a contract stating they'll get a 2.3 GPA, won't skip classes, and will show up for practice on time. 

This is one of the finest roles I've ever seen him play. He's extremely strict, which is exactly what these kids need to rise above and out of the ghetto. He's absolutely relentless and the kids begrudgingly admit he means well for them. The action shots during their games had me pumping my fist, they're that well done. It's one of those classic underdog sports movies that'll put a smile on your face. But it goes quite a bit deeper than that. I absolutely loved this movie. Hope you do too!

4 1/2 out of 5 stars

Currently streaming on Netflix, Amazon, and Prime Video.

"Them That Follow"

2018 * R * 1h 38m   Olivia Coleman, as near as I can tell, has never been less than amazing in everything she's appeared in. And this film is no exception. The story takes place in Appalachia and she perfectly nails the accent. She plays a deeply religious and stern matriarch. I'm not a religious person, and seeing this film further confirms my conviction that most religions are inherently evil. 

The story deals with a preacher Lemual (Walter Goggins), who leads a group of religious zealots who handle poisonous snakes to prove themselves before God. He's arranged to have her daughter Mara (Alice Englert) marry Garret (Lewis Pullman) a young parishioner. However, the young woman has a secret, which will cause an uproar once it's revealed. Mara is in love with her childhood friend Augie (Thomas Mann). Augie's parents are played by Ms. Coleman and Jim Gaffigan, who does a remarkable job playing a cold, cruel father. This is the first serious role I've seen him in and he's quite convincing. 

All the actors were excellent, and Lemual was quite easy to hate.  I thought Them That Follow was a powerful film about faith, family, and friendship. It was pretty creepy at times, especially the snake handling scenes. I know it's a work of fiction, but it sure makes me want to stay north of the Mason-Dixon line!

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

"I, Anna"

 2012 * NR * 1h 33m   When I described this movie to my wife, she commented, "What's with Charlotte Rampling? She sure loves to play in creepy movies, doesn't she?" Well, this movie is no exception. If you're a fan of British mysteries, you're gonna love this. It keeps you guessing right until the end. And it has a couple of characters you've seen in a bunch of films: Gabriel Byrne and Eddie Marsan both play detectives and definitely add to the authentic feel to this noire thriller. Of course, Ms. Rampling gives an outstanding performance. 

This is one of those films where you constantly question what's real and what's in the mind of the characters. It follows several stories which eventually tie together in the end. Anna Wells (Rampling) is looking for love at a speed dating club. Her daughter and granddaughter both live with her. Then we follow detective Bernie Reid (Byrne) as he investigates the murder of a middle-aged man. While investigating the murder he crosses paths with Anna, and the story begins a series of twists and turns. 

The plot begins to get complicated as he strikes up a relationship with Anna. You start to suspect that she's somehow involved in the murder, even though there are a couple of other characters who have stronger motives to commit the crime And you question his relationship with Anna--is it causing him to overlook some possible evidence? I really enjoy these types of thrillers. I hope you like it too!

4 out of 5 stars

Currently streaming for free with your library card on Kanopy.com. And for free on Tubi. Also on Pluto TV and to rent on Prime Video. 

"Snapshots"

2018 * TV-MA * 1h 35m   A young woman Allison (Emily Baldoni), and her mother Patty (Brooke Adams), spend the weekend with her grandmother Rose (Piper Laurie) at her lakeside cottage. Allison is going through some tough times with her husband and the weekend is just the therapeutic getaway she needs. Allison finds her grandmother's old camera with a roll of exposed film in it. She has it developed and printed and gives it to her. 

As Rose goes through the prints from long ago, the movie jumps back in time to the early 1960s and tells us the story of a brief period of her life.  Rose and her late husband spent quite a bit of time at the cottage with another couple. It's during the flashbacks that we learn Rose had a passionate affair with Louise (Emily Goss) but kept it a secret over the years. As the film progresses, tensions flare between Allison and her mother. They definitely have a lack of communication. However, Allison opens up to her grandmother and the two seem to be perfect soulmates, in more ways than one 

I really enjoyed this heartfelt movie. The acting was solid and the story was well told. At the end of the film, it's disclosed that it was based on a true story. I'm sure similar tales have occurred over the yers to a ton of people. 

4 out of 5 stars 

Note to parents: There are some lesbian scenes and some tasteful nudity. 

Currently streaming for free with your library card on Kanopy.com. Also for free on Freevee and Tubi. Plus Paramount+, Plex, Peacock, and other services.