"Downsizing"

2017 * R * 2h 15m  Here's a perfect example of a good film that flew totally under the radar. With stars like Matt Damon and Kristen Wiig, you'd think it would have gotten more publicity. Before I get into my review, I should warn you that the trailer is a bit misleading. It's billed as a comedy, and the trailer sure makes it seem like one. But, while it has a few amusing bits, it's not a comedy at all. 

In the near future, a scientist discovers a way to shrink humans down to five inches tall. This is sold as a way to solve many of the worlds problems. If the entire population is shrunk down, they'll consume less natural resources and reduce global warming. So Paul Safranek (Damon) and his wife Audrey (Wiig) decide to undergo the transformation. After Paul has been shrunk, he discovers his wife has chickened out and he has to live in the small persons community by himself. 

While there, he meets some interesting characters. One is his neighbor Dusan (Christoph Walz), a Bosnian entrepreneur and playboy. He also encounters his cleaning woman Ngoc Lan Tran, played by Hong Chau ("The Menu" and "The Whale"). He helps her with her physical problems and in her quest to feed her needy neighbors. Eventually he falls for her. I thought it was an interesting story and the film was quite engaging. Not your typical Hollywood fare, and something quite a bit different for a Matt Damon movie. 

3 1/2 out of 5 stars

Currently streaming for free with your library card on Kanopy.com.  And on Paramount+ and to rent on Prime Video. 

"Set Fire to the Stars"

2014 * Not Rated * 1h 37m  It's refreshing to see Elijah Wood branch out from his "Lord of the Rings" days.  And this was a pretty challenging role for him. I don't know how much you know about the poet Dylan Thomas, but he was an out of control drunk and madman. Just imagine being responsible for his behavior?!! That's exactly what Wood's character has to do. 

The film is about Dylan Thomas's "Celyn Jones) first trip to the United States. John Malcolm Brinnin (Wood) is a professor of poetry and volunteers to keep the rowdy Welsh poet out of trouble before and during his poetry-reading tour of the country. Upon his arrival in NYC, Thomas gets in all sorts of trouble driving and carousing. Brinnin takes him to his family cabin in rural  Connecticut. Even there, miles from the nearest big city, Thomas manages to find his fair share of liquor. I think I got a bit of a hangover watching the movie!

The film takes place in the late 1940s, and the B&W footage, perfect costuming, and excellent use of vintage cars and locations, really give one the feel for the time. And the acting is just remarkable. While I've long been a fan of the amazing poet, it sure shows the sad and hopeless side of him. 

3 1/2 out of 5 stars

Currently streaming for free with your library card on Kanopy and Hoopla. And to rent on Prime Video. 

"The Tree"

2010 * Not Rated * 1h 40m   What an absolutely gorgeous film. It's a gently-paced story about love, loss, and healing. "The Tree" stars the always wonderful Charlotte Gainsbourg and the young and immensely talented Morgan Davies. If you're looking for a film that's just pure poetry in filmmaking, don't miss this one.

Dawn (Gainsbourg) lives in the Australian Outback  with her husband and four children. While returning from a job delivering a pre-fab home, her husband suddenly dies. After the initial shock, the family members deal with his passing in their own way and move on. While climbing a massive and gnarly tree adjacent to their house, six-year old Simone (Davies), hears her father's voice speaking to her through the rustling leaves. Dawn also gains comfort in sitting in the tree and conversing with her late husband. In order to pay the bills, Dawn takes a job with a plumber George (Marton Csokas), and the two become romantically involved. 

The film is shot in the beautiful part of northern Australia, and it provides a perfect backdrop for the action. The family takes a vacation to the shore, and the scenery is stunning. Just miles and miles of pristine shoreline. George joins them, and it causes a bit of friction with the children. When they return home, it's discovered that the roots of the gigantic tree are ruining their plumbing. Theft that they need to cut it down is more than a bit upsetting to young Simone. I thought it beautifully symbolized her inability to let go of her father. When the film was over, I just sat there for a bit to collect myself. It's quite a moving experience. 

4 out of 5 stars

Currently streaming on Kanopy.com (with your library card). 

"Strange Relations"

2001 * R * 1h 46m  I have to admit, I wasn't sure about this film after reading the description of it. It had the potential to be really sappy. But I was totally blown away by it. It delivered on everything--the writing, the story, and the acting. It was ultimately an emotionally draining experience. 

The story revolves around Jerry Lipman (Paul Reiser), a Jewish New York psychologist. After being diagnosed with leukemia, his mother, played by Olympia Dukakis, tells him he was actually adopted. His real birth mother was/is a Catholic woman from Liverpool, England. When he discovers she's still alive and has two other sons who might be possible bone marrow donors, he pays them a visit. This is where the majority of the film takes place and what a wild ride it is!

His mother Sheila (Dame Julie Walters) is quite a character. She's a sweet, loving matriarch who is overjoyed to finally be reunited with her son. Dame Walters delivers an incredible performance. While trying to reconnect with his two brothers, he ends up falling in love with his brother's ex-wife. Maureen (Amy Robbins), which further complicates the story. Without giving away any more of this excellent movie, let's just say you'll need to have some tissues handy. It's a fun, complicated, and yes, gut-wrenching journey. Just a solid hour and a half of solid movie viewing. 

4 out of 5 stars

Currently streaming for free  on Hoopla.com (with your library card), Youtube, Freevee, and Tubi. Also on Crackle and Peacock.