2024 * TV-PG * 1h 51m I was never a huge fan of the Muppets or Sesame Street. While I respected both of them, especially for what they did for children's entertainment and education, I just didn't follow either one of them. Truth be told, I was never even sure if they both were created by the same person. Well, this fine documentary cleared that up and painted a complete picture of the man/genius behind some truly ground-breaking puppetry. Ron Howard does it again!
This is just a beautiful tribute to Jim Henson. It shows what a remarkably creative person he was and documents pretty much his entire life. There's a great deal of insight from his family, friends, and co-workers and collaborators. And it gave me a better appreciation of his work. It includes quite a bit of rare footage from his early years, when his ideas were just beginning to gel. It also show how he never stop innovating and creating new material! Very inspiring!
And since it's from a master filmmaker like Ron Howard, it's thoroughly entertaining from beginning to end. Proving once again, what a fine craftsman he is. We lost this brilliant man at too young of an age--he was just 53 when he died. But at least we have this wonderful tribute to remember him by. If you're looking for a fine documentary about one of the great creative minds of the 20th Century, give this one a watch.
2022 * Not Rated * 1h 39m An offbeat little Canadian indie flick that caught me off guard. You can tell it was made on a budget, but the interesting storyline, first-rate writing, and above average acting from a group of unknowns made it well worth watching. I'm not surprised it's won a bunch of awards. But I am surprised it's not better known.
Lawrence Kweller (Isaiah Lehtinen) is an overweight, nerdy film buff who dreams of studying filmmaking at NYU. He and his high school bud Matt Macarchuck (Percy Hynes White) are obsessed with Saturday Night Live and spend every Saturday night watching the show. When he finds out how much film school will cost, and at the urging of his mom Terri (Krista Bridges), he gets a job at the local video store (remember those?). He ends up having a falling out with his bud, and strikes up a friendship with the store manager Alana (Romina D'Ugo). There are some touching moments when the two open up to each other.
The movie has plenty of laughs, but it goes a lot deeper than that. It's a slightly different take on the high school coming-of-age film about a boy with some emotional issues that we could sure use a lot more of. It's original, unique, and totally entertaining.
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming for free on Hoopla with your library card. Also to rent on Apple TV and Amazon Prime.
2022 * R * 1h 36m It's raunchy and filled with a constant barrage of foul language. Predictable. Full of dumb humor. And the critics hated it. But you know what? I really enjoyed it. There were several times when I laughed out loud. I thought the leads did a great job. Sure, it's no masterpiece. But sometimes you just need a good laugh. And this little flick delivered.
Macy (Toni Collette) and Savanna (Anna Faris) are two sisters who could use a bit of cash. When they find out their rich Aunt Hilda (Kathleen Turner) is on her deathbed, they immediately pay her a visit, determined to sweet talk their way into inheriting her estate and money. But when they get there, they discover other family members have the same idea. And it's a race to see who can do the most effective sucking up job to win over their aunt. You pretty much know how it's going to end--even though the writers tried to surprise you. Like I said, it's been done before.
Kathleen Turner does a great job as the foul-mouthed, bitter old hag. Some of her lines are laugh-out-loud funny. And David Duchovny is also hilarious playing a total pervert. You can just tell the entire cast must have had a blast making the movie. And I sure had a blast watching it!
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming on Netflix and to rent on Apple TV and Amazon.
2024 * R * 1h 54m I'm a big fan of road trip films. Well, this film is a whole lot more than just a buddy flick. It's the story of true friendship, adversity, tolerance, and transformation. I thought it was going to be a fun joy ride. I wasn't expecting to be as moved as I was. What a wonderful movie!
Will Ferrell and Harper Steele met back in 1995, when they were part of the crew at Saturday Night Live. Will was an actor and Harper was the head writer for the show. Then, about five or six years ago, Harper transitioned into a woman. The two old friends decided to take a road trip together to get reunited and explore how their relationship had changed.
But the trip wasn't just a barrelful of laughs. They have some earnest discussions where Harper basically challenges Will to ask her anything. And he does ask away! But, because they're both funny people, their discussions are usually kept on the lighter side. As you can imagine, they have some interesting encounters on their way from NYC to the West Coast. Two come immediately to mind.
One is when Harper decides to to venture into a redneck bar alone and see what kind of reaction she gets from the patrons. She's pleasantly surprised at how accepting everyone is. The second is wen the two go into a Texas steakhouse. From the moment they walk in, the tension is palpable. The crowd is openly hostile and after they leave, the screen displays some of the vile posts their audience put up on social media. Its enough to make you want to avoid the state for the rest of your life.
But the film overall is quite a moving experience. I did find myself puddling up a couple times. Both actors totally let their guards down and spoke to each other from the heart. Ultimately, it's a film everyone should see!
2021 * Not Rated* 1h 56mThe recent film “The Road Dance” harkens back to Hollywood films of the 1930s and 40s. It’s an epic tale that deals with love, loss, and perseverance in the face of adversity. It features strong females who rise above hardships and if it were made back in the day, would most likely star someone like a young Bette Davis. This fine movie is based on the novel by John MacKay and is the directorial debut of Richie Adams, who co-wrote it with MacKay. It’s supposedly inspired by a true story.
This beautiful film is set in the Outer Hebrides, a chain of remote islands off the coast of northern Scotland. The action takes place in 1916, in the period leading up to World War I. Cinematographer Petra Korner does an amazing job presenting the breathtaking landscapes. She weaves beautiful scenes into the action to paint a striking portrait of the area. The rugged coastline. Rolling hills. Desolate fields. And the modest dwellings in the small village. It brings to mind the old adage, “It’s a nice place to visit, but I wouldn’t want to live there.”
Our story is centered around Kirsty (Hermione Corfield), a headstrong young woman who lives with her sister Annie (Ali Fumiko Whitney), and mother Mairi (Morven Christie) in a remote part of Scotland. Her father died when she was young and the girls were raised by their mother. The three live in a modest home and they just barely eek out a living farming the land. It’s a bleak existence with a less-than-promising future in store for them.
Kirsty has her share of young suitors, but the one who she’s drawn to is Murdo (Will Fletcher). The two have a love a reading in common and Murdo, an aspiring poet, introduces her to the works of Robert Frost. They also share a dream of one day starting a new life in America and promise each other that they’ll make it happen.
Then life in the outside world hits home. The English have entered the war in Europe and conscript all the boys in the village, including Murdo. To send the young men off in style, the townsfolk put on a traditional Road Dance—literally a celebration that takes place on the streets of the village. Kirsty is distraught about the thought of losing her true love to war and goes for a hike along the rocky coast. There she’s attacked by an unknown assailant and is raped. Knowing what the reaction would be by the locals, she reports that she simply slipped and fell.
Kirsty is taken to the town physician, the kindly Doctor Maclean (Mark Gatiss). He stitches her up and to ensure she’s okay, he has her spend the night while he keeps an eye on her. The doctor is a worldly gent, and he recently left a practice in London. It makes you wonder why he’d choose to relocate to such a remote setting.
It isn’t long before Kirsty discovers she’s pregnant. If the villagers found out, her life would become a living hell. When she begins showing, she does everything in her power to keep it secret. She binds her mid-drift with cloth strips to hide her condition. Her deception can only work for so long and she eventually tells her sister and mother. Then things take a turn for the worse and she goes into labor early. I won’t reveal any more of the plot and I’ll just say the story takes a number of twists and turns—some expected, but most will catch you totally off guard.
I thoroughly enjoyed “The Road Dance” for a number of reasons. The cast was absolutely perfect, filled with a number of actors you’ve no doubt seen in other British productions. This is Ms. Corfield’s first leading role and does she ever shine. Her performance is nothing short of riveting. This is definitely her breakout movie, and I know she’s well on her way to a successful career. As mentioned earlier, the cinematography will make you want to pack your bags and book the next flight to Scotland. Another factor that made the film so memorable is the gorgeous soundtrack by Carlos Jose Alvarez. It’s a nice mix of Celtic music, ranging from lively jigs and reels to sad, lilting melodies.
I must say, it’s one of those movies that I found emotionally draining, so be sure to have some tissues on hand. The only nit I have to pick with the film is the ending. Without spoiling it for you, let’s just say it sort of came out of left field. I definitely didn’t see it coming. But since it’s supposed to be based on true events, I’ll cut the filmmakers some slack.
Currently streaming for free on Kanopy and Hoopla (with your library card), Tubi, and Vudu. Also on Prime Video, and to rent on Apple TV, and other services.
Note to parents: The film is not rated but I’d probably give it a PG-13.
2022 * Not Rated * 1h 17mThis is proof positive that you can make an excellent movie on a severely limited budget. One of the best ways is to limit the locations, have a decent script, and hire some decent actors. This little creeper of a film hits home on all accounts.
Willem (Stephen Phillips) is in his way to prison for a crime he didn’t commit. His van is intercepted and he’s given the option of participating in an experiment, which will lead to a reduced sentence. He jumps at the chance and is taken to an undisclosed location. It’s basically a solitary confinement cell, and there’s almost nothing to do for days on one. One day he notices a strange creature, which he can see behind a glass partition. The being looks like the “Creature from the Black Lagoon.” If you’ve seen that movie, you get a good idea what it looks like. In his sleep, the creature pays him visits. Or does it? You’re never quite sure, which makes it doubly creepy.
Occasionally a researcher Dalesky (Tristan Barr) comes in to interview him. He’s asked seemingly random questions and if he doesn’t answer them immediately, he’s given an electric shock. And in his sleep, we witness a series of what could potentially be flashbacks of the events leading up to his arrest.
The scary thing about this type of movie is that you never know what’s real and what’s the product of the prisoner’s imagination. If you’re in the mood for something on the creepy side of things, put this one in your queue.
3.5 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming for free on Hoopla and Kanopy (with your library card), Tubi, and Vudu. Also on Prime Video and to rent on Apple TV and other services.
2021 * Not Rated * 1h 21m This was a bit different than I was expecting. It's sort of a dark-ish comedy that could very easily been written for the stage. I wasn't really familiar with any of the actors, but they all not only did a great job, they played off each other perfectly. Very believable performances. The stars include William Baldwin, Teri Polo, and Mena Suvari.
The story revolves around the parents of kids attending a catholic elementary arts school. Which is kind of funny right there. They're all called to a meeting at the school because a brick of marajuana has been discovered in the classroom. So they need to hash out (pun intended) who's responsible for the drugs, and how to deal with it.
The group includes just about every stereotype you'd expect. And of course, they immediately begin bickering. They start slinging insults and barbs and the meeting comes close to spinning out of control. I thought the dialogue was quite amusing and it held my attention right to the end. And the conclusion put a smile on my face--which is all I ask for when it comes to little indie gems like this!
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming for free on Hoopla (with your library card, Tubi, Vudu, Plex, The Roku Channel, and to rent on other services
2023 * R * 1h 37m If you like slow burning, tense, creepy movies, you're in luck. I wasn't sure what to expect with "Eileen" but I really enjoyed it. If you can use the word "enjoy" with a film like this.
The movie stars the young and talented Kiwi actor Thomasin McKenzie, who I thought shined in the sleeper movie "Leave No Trace." If you haven't seen it, it's a film worth looking for. Here she plays Eileen Dunlop, a secretary who works at the men's prison in a small town in Massachusetts in 1964. The film does a perfect job of setting the scene for the era, and the cinematography gives it a depressing, bleak look and feel. Eileen has a dead-end job, and her home life is no better. She lives with her dad, a retired cop who spends his days drinking himself into a stupor.
One day a glamorous doctor Rebecca (Anne Hathaway), shows up. She's a brilliant woman, determined to use her psychological training to help the inmates at the prison. To say Eileen is smitten is an understatement. She practically worships the ground she walks on. And the two strike up a friendship that appears to be heading in a carnal direction. Until...
I'm definitely not going to reveal what happens next. Let's just say, I never saw it coming. It was quite a shocker. The plot twists will keep you hanging on and guessing right until the end. Speaking of the which, that's the one problem I had with the film. I thought the resolution was a bit weak--the writers could have done better. But overall, the film was definitely worth watching. Especially to see the performances from the two leads.
3.5 out of 5 stars.
Currently streaming for free on Kanopy (with your library card) and Hulu. And to rent on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, and other services.
2022 "Not Rated" 1h 40m What a refreshing take on the classic road trip movie. It's a perfect combo of buddy (albeit, the love/hate variety) movie, sci-fi, indie, and comedy, all rolled into a zany, fun-filled wild ride of a film. If you looking for something different, and I mean different, you owe it to yourself to check out this little gem.
Peter (Matthew Jeffers) and Winona (Sarah Hay) live in the same apartment complex in NYC. He's a gay, little person who's just plain mad at life. She's a kind hearted prostitute who's on a mission. She's determined to head up north into Canada to meet up with aliens so she can be abducted by them and taken to a distant galaxy. She's on a schedule and convinces Peter to steal a neighbor's car and join her on her quest. Well, actually she bribes him with a huge wad of cash.
This is quite unlike anything I've ever seen before. It's full of laughs, interesting encounters, and at the heartfelt dialogue as you'd expect from a film like this. The writing, acting, and directing, all come together perfecly to create what I think is destined to become a timeless, indie classic.
4 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming for free on Kanopy and Hoopla (with your library card). Also on Paramount, Apple TV, and other services.
2023 * PG-13 * 1h 27m Imagine, if you will the movie “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” for adults. Or seniors, to be more exact. That’s a fairly apt description of this absolutely charming, tenderhearted, and unique little film. It’s directed by Marc Turtletaub, who’s known for such memorable films as “Little Miss Sunshine,” “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” “Safety Not Guaranteed,” and “The Farewell.” The fact that Sir Ben Kingsley stars in the movie doesn’t hurt either. When you see his nuanced performance here, you realize why he’s been knighted. And hearing his American accent, it also confirms just how well trained so many British actors are.
Milton (Kingsley) is a doddering older duffer who lives alone in a small Pennsylvania town. He has a son who lives in California who he has little contact with. Fortunately, his daughter Denise (Zoe Winters), a busy veterinarian lives nearby and frequently checks up on hm. His life isn’t very exciting, to say the least. The highlight of his month is the city council meeting, which he regularly attends. At each session, during the open forum, he recites the same prepared list of complaints. Naturally, his speech is met with rolled eyes from his fellow citizens.
One night, something remarkable occurs. A spaceship crashes in his backyard. Now if this happened to you or me, we’d go crazy. However, Milton is such a mild-mannered soul, he’s almost totally unfazed by the event. In fact, his main concern is that the craft landed on his beloved Azaleas! The next day he discovers an alien laying on the ground half way to his back door. This is no ordinary being. He’s a silver, androgynous creature with kindly eyes and is totally silent. Milton dubs the alien “Jules” and the beginning of a subtle, intergalactic friendship commences. Jules is played by Juade Quon, who in spite of not speaking, conveys a sense of compassion and empathy. You want to just go up and give the little creature a hug!
When Milton discovers Jules enjoys eating sliced apples, he heads to the store to stock up on the fruit. There he tells the cashier he’s buying a big sack of apples for an alien that’s crashed in his backyard. Naturally, word gets back to his daughter who’s already concerned about his mental state. She’s noticed he’s recently done little things like leaving a can of beans in the medicine cabinet, which he shrugs off as being forgetful. After hearing him talking about an alien in his yard, she arranges for him to meet with a neurologist. When she suggests he may want to look into assisted living, he storms out of the office. End of discussion.
Naturally it’s hard keeping a spaceship in one’s backyard a secret for long. Milton eventually confides in two acquaintances, Sandy (Harriet Sansom Harris) and Joyce (Jane Curtin). The three co-conspirators soon figure out that Jules is working on repairing his craft, hoping to return to his home planet. To that end, they join forces to provide him what he needs to make that happen.
What’s more, an event like a ship crashing in a small town doesn’t go unnoticed by the government. The incident is initially reported on the news as a weather satellite falling out of the sky. But as more information is gathered, they suspect it’s from outer space. And the race is on for agents to discover its whereabouts.
I really enjoyed this different take on the alien story. While it’s a sci-fi movie on paper, it has a quiet, folksy feel to it, minus all the histrionics typical of a Hollywood production. It was one of those rare films I simply didn’t want to end. The trio of Kingsley, Curtain, and Hansom was so sweet, you wish you had relatives like them.
4 1/2 out of 5 stars
Note to parents: The film is rated PG-13 and I think it would be fine for family viewing. About the only thing objectionable are a couple of F-bombs. But I ask you, what kid hasn’t heard that?
Currently streaming for free with your library card on Kanopy. Also on Paramount, and to rent on Prime Video.
2023 * Not Rated * 1h 45m I know David Duchovny had a good run back in the day with the hit series "X-Files. I never saw the show but noticed recently he's been involved with a number of projects as a director, writer, and actor. And I must say, several of his newer movies have really impressed me. Especially this one. He stars in it along with Logan Marshall-Greene and Stephanie Beatriz. I loved the character she played in "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," but she proves here that she can play a lot more than a snarky, hard-assed cop.
When Marty (Duchovny) discovers he has cancer, his estranged son Ted (Marshall-Greene) decodes to take care of him. The two have a lot to work out, since their relationship wasn't the best. The grief counselor Mariana (Beatriz) assigned to Marty is a sweet, lovely woman and before long, Ted ends up falling for her. All this action takes place against the backdrop of the Boston Red Sox and their battle with the Yankees to win the pennant. The "Curse" in the title refers to the famous "Curse of the Bambino"which, if you're a fan of the game, you'll know what it signifies.
Well, the pennant race isn't going quite like they wanted it to, so Ted arranges for Marty's friend to engage in a bit of clever deception--faking a Boston winning streak. This proves to be one of the funnier parts of the film. The interactions between father and son are equally amusing and poignant. Marty is an old advertising guy (as am I), and he has all sorts of tales to tell.
This movie proved to be a lot better than I thought it was going to be. If you're in the mood for something a bit different, be sure to check out this little indie flick. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Currently streaming for free with your library card on Hoopla and Kanopy. Also on Hulu and to rent on Prime Video.
2011 * PG-13 * 1h 43m I'm a big fan of films from Down Under. Both Australia and New Zealand have produced some brilliant movies over the last decade or so. I absolutely loved the hilarious show "Flight of the Conchords" from back in the day. Actually, I think I need to give it a rewatch. One of my favorite characters was the duet's agent played by Rhys Darby. In "Love Birds" he co-stars with the formidable Sally Hawkins. You can feel the chemistry between these two, right from the start of this sweet little rom-com.
At the beginning of the film, Doug (Darby) and his girlfriend Sally (Fay Smythe) are breaking up. More specifically, she's walking out on him. Then, shortly after a duck crashes into his roof. He's not quite sure what to do with the bird so he takes it to the local zoo where Holly (Hawkins) gives him some advice. Thus begins two relationships. The first one is with the duck, who he names Pierre. They become buds and he takes his loyal pet everywhere, including his work. The second is with Holly, naturally. However, his relationship with Holly is hampered by her son, who is still getting over the loss of his father.
There are a lot of funny bits and Darby is his usual goofball self. I felt his pratfalls and physical humor was a bit over the top at times. But who am I to quibble?
Overall, I thought this movie, while somewhat predictable, was great fun. The interactions between the two stars was delightful. And there's a whole bunch of supporting characters that contribute to the comical nature of this film. If you're in the mood for an amusing rom-com with a Kiwi flavor, give this one a shot!
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming for free on Hoopla (with your library card) and Tubi. Also to rent on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, Peacock, and other services.
2023 * R* 1h 40m“Wicked Little Letters” is a wicked little film you can’t help but crack up watching. It’s about a character assassination that took place in Littlehampton, a sleepy seaside town in the south of England. The scandal was fairly tame by today’s standards, but at the time, the early 1920s, it rocked the nation. I thought it was amusing that today, a nasty comment on social media can practically destroy someone, while a hundred years one had to use the postal service to achieve the same thing. The methodology has changed, but the end result is the same.
The film has the feel of a BBC production, but includes so much swearing, I doubt they’d have anything to do with filming it. It stars a couple of my favorite actors, Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley, who happened to appear together in the recent movie “The Lost Daughter.” In that film they play the same woman at different points in her life. Here, their interactions are the crux of the film. Thea Sharrock directed. (I reviewed her fine film “The Beautiful Game” earlier this year).
Edith Swan (Colman) is a devout Catholic, and a priggish spinster who lives with her elderly parents Edward (Timothy Spall) and Victoria (Gemma Jones). Here, Spall is wonderful as the domineering, tyrant of a father who rules the household with an iron fist. He’s also a religious fanatic who makes his daughter read from the bible several times a day. Colman’s nervous twitches and grimaces perfectly help define her character. Things begin to unravel when the women in town begin getting obscene letters. And Edith is the target of a daily missive, laced with the worst kinds of verbal abuse. She immediately suspects her next-door neighbor, Rose Gooding (Buckley).
Rose is quite the character. She’s a bawdy Irish immigrant who lives with her boyfriend and her young daughter. She loves nothing better than to spend her free time in the local pub, drinking, singing, and stirring up trouble. Of course, she also happens to swear like a sailor, which makes her the prime suspect, in Edith’s eyes. Edith contacts the local constabulary and has Rose arrested, based on nothing more than a hunch. Because Rose can’t make bail, she’s sent to prison to await trial.
Meanwhile the police station’s “Woman Police Officer” Gladys Moss (Anjana Vasan) decides to do a little sleuthing on her own. Her fellow officers are so sexist they refuse to just refer to her as a police officer but feel the need to add “Woman” to her title. They also feel that she has no business digging into the case on her own and when she does, she’s duly fired.
Without giving anything away, let’s just say the real culprit of the obscene letter writing is revealed about halfway through the film. From this point on, the focus of the movie involves Officer Gladys’s detective work. A couple of Edith’s acquaintances Kate (Lolly Adelope) and Ann (Joanna Scanlan) aren’t her biggest fans and are eager to help Gladys in her investigation. One of the angles she pursues is analyzing the penmanship in the letters--something that’s scoffed at by her colleagues.
I found the whole movie absolutely delightful. The acting is first-rate, as you’d expect from a cast that includes Colman, Buckley, and Spall. All the supporting actors are perfectly cast as well. I especially enjoyed the attention to detail paid to the 1920’s era costumes. One of the highlights of the film was watching Edith and her father reading the saucy letters out loud to each other. That alone is worth the price of admission.
If you’re looking for something a bit different, and oh-so British, don’t miss this charming little film.
4 out of 5 stars
Note to parents: The film is rated “R” due to the foul language—it’s laced with F-bombs and other cusswords. Other than that, I think it would be suitable for older teens.
Currently streaming on Netflix. And to rent on other services including Apple TV and Amazon Prime.
2023 * R * 1h 43m I was looking for a light little rom/com to kill some time and put me in a pleasant mood before hitting the hay. Wow! I was not expecting anything like what this film offered up. Sure, there's a little bit of rom, and just a tad of com, but for the most part, it's a very thoughtful, dialogue-driven movie, which really caught me off guard.
The film stars David Duchovny and America's sweetheart, Meg Ryan, who also directed the film. They play Bill and Willa, respectively. They were lovers twenty years before and run into each other for the first time since they broke up at an airport. As luck would have it, the airport is closed down due to a major snowstorm, and at first, a few flights are allowed out, then all flights are cancelled for the night. So they're stuck with each other.
At first, they trade off witty remarks and try to impress each other with how clever they are. Slowly, their barriers are let down and they start to fill each other with what actually transpired all those years ago. Things get pretty heavy. And you begin to cling to every word they utter. Lots of feelings are uncovered. along with a bunch of "what ifs." I know both Duchovny and Ryan are seasoned actors, but this may be their finest film in years.
The film could easily have been a stage play, since 99% of it focuses on the two leads. I thought it was extremely well written and filmed. The cinematography was quite good, and it contributed to the surreal feeling to the movie. A bit of comic relief comes from the Public Service Announcer, who delivers his messages to not just the airport in general, but occasionally directly to Bill and Willa. If I had to categorize it, I guess I'd call it a rom/com for adults.
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Streaming for free with your library card on Kanopy. Also available to rent on Apple TV Prime Video and other streaming services.
2019 * Not Rated * 1h 42m I had no idea what I was getting into when I started watching this movie. But I was pleasantly surprised. It's a story told in three chapters, about three different women--each one has a sad story to tell. As the title suggests, it takes place in New York City.
The first story is about. Amy (Amy Chang). She's a food critic and has to deal with an eating disorder, brought on by a breakup with an old flame. It's ironic because she simply can't keep food down. The second story deals with. Angel (Yi Liu). She's in a loveless marriage and the only pleasure she gets out of life is her time spent with a lover from China. The third story deals with Nina Celia Au), a young woman who makes a living as an escort. She hides this from her family. However, she has an ambitious boyfriend who owns a food truck but has ambitious plans to open up a restaurant with her and start a new life.
The stories converge at the end of the movie. I won't give away the endings to their stories, but they are a bit ambiguous. And let's just say, a pregnancy test is involved. I'm pretty sure I figured out what happened but I'm not positive. If you have any insight here, feel free to email me and let me know.
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming for free on Hoopla and Kanopy (with your library card) and Tubi. Also on Peacock, The Roku Channel, Vudu, Apple TV, Plex and other streaming services.
2023 * Not Rated * 1h 34m I wasn't sure what to expect from this one. It got a pretty high rating but that was from a relatively low number of raters. I'm always suspicious when that occurs. However, this was a pleasant surprise.
It's a very slow movie, or nuanced, as they say in the business. Some might find this boring, but you just have to stick with it. As described, it's about a Japanese gentleman whose wife has recently died. She leaves instructions that she wants her ashes scattered in Lake Windemere, in England. So he travels there with his son and daughter-in-law and his grandchild. Along the way, there's a fair amount of tension, seething under the surface. Slowly, the father and son come to terms with their relationship
I only have one minor complaint about the film. I watched it on Hoopla which listed it as English language. False. It's 99% Japanese with a few times English is spoken. I guess it's more of a beef with Hoopla than the filmmakers.
Overall, it's a beautifully crafted film, fans of indie flicks will surely enjoy.
Currently streaming for free on Hoopla with your library card. Also to rent on Prime Video and Apple TV.
2023 * Not Rated * 1h 38m This is one of my favorite types of movies. Basically it's the story f two people over roughly a 24-hour period. While attending a friend's wedding in the Hamptons, Jane (Lucy Hale) and Will (Nat Wolff) hook up. They're drained to each other and end up in a coat closet where they passionately rip each other's clothes off, about to do the deed. In a lot of films, this is where a torrid love affair would begin. But not here.
Will abruptly stops their actions before they get out of hand because it just doesn't feel right to him. (Pretty rare for a guy, I must admit). Instead of them getting it on, the couple take turns revealing all the messy affairs they've encountered over the years. At several points while one of them is confessing in great detail, the other appears in the scene, witnessing it first hand. It's a clever little trick that makes the film that much more intriguing.
Their adventures take them to several locations as they open up to each other. Before you know it, it's dawn. Are they any closer to giving into their passion? You'll just have to watch this lovey indie film and find out for yourself.
I thought Hale and Wolff had great chemistry. I don't recall seeing either one in anything before, but they're so likable, you can't help but root for them. The film was well written and the cinematography was quite good as well. Just another one of those films that deserve more exposure.
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming on Kanopy with your library card. Also on Hulu and to rent on Prime Video.
2021 * Not Rated * 1h 30m What a pleasant surprise this one turned ut to be When I read the description I thought it could be either really good, or really bad. As luck would have it, it turned out being the former. This is one of those films that basically focuses on two people for 95% of the time. It could very easily be based on a stage play, since it's very dialogue driven. Not only is it well written, the acting takes it to the next level.
Eileen (Lily Taylor) is grieving over the recent loss of her husband. She's an acclaimed author and just needs to get away from it all, ostensibly to heal. But she just might have some other motives. This takes her to a remote area of New Hampshire, where she rents a house for the winter. One evening there's a knock at the door. She reluctantly lets in a young man Jesse (Francois Arnaud), and after realizing he doesn't pose a threat, lets him spend the night. After seeing as many horror flicks as I have, I sensed there was something a bit suspicious about him, and that the film was going to take a dark turn. (Can you say "slasher flick?")
The film does take a fair share of twists and turns. All of them totally unexpected. What makes this such an engaging movie is the way the two interact As you'd imagine, dealing with grief makes Eileen rather aloof at first. But as each one loosens up, and they learn about each other, the film slowly moves into uncharted territory. You hang on their every word, trying to figure out where their relationship is headed.
If you enjoy a slow-moving but mesmerizing movie, give this one a shot. I think you'll really enjoy it.
4 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming for free with your library card on Hoopla.com. And to rent on YouTube and Prime Video.
2012 * Not Rated * 1h 31m Just a sweet little film that should have received more attention when it came out. It has all the hallmarks of a classic indie flick--good writing, strong story, and above all, fine performances from all the leads. And it's a road trip movie--one of my favorite genres.
Tom (John Hawkes) is packing his three kids up and they're heading west to their new home in California. Everyone is going except their beloved dog and their mom. It's not clear why she isn't joining them on their road trip, but she's supposed to meet them out west. Thus the adventure begins.
There's quite a bit of tension within the family on the road. The story is told through eyes of the middle child Greta (Ryan Simpkins), who is constantly butting heads with her father. She's also on the verge of hitting puberty, which adds a bit of drama to the story. Along the way, they meet their share of adventures. And when they finally arrive at their new abode in Arcadia, a suburb of Los Angeles, it all becomes clear.
This is one of those subtle, slow-paced movies that give you plenty opportunities to learn and appreciate the family dynamics. Each child reveals their unique and special personalities. If you're looking for an action-packed flick, you're in for a disappointment. But if you appreciate a well-crafterd indie film, give it a shot!
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Streaming for free on Hoopla (with your library card and Tubi. Also on Plex, Pluto TV, and to rent on Prime Video.
2013 * Not Rated * 1h 30m I'm a sucker for a good road trip movie. Especially when it features great dialogue, unexpected encounters, great scenery, and in this case, amazing acting. Dr. Cas Pepper (Richard Dreyfus) is a doctor who recently was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. He decides to pack up his things and head west across Canada, to bury his dog, and take his own life. Before he gets too far, he runs across a spirited 22-year old aspiring writer Dylan (Tatiana Maslany). The two are about as different as they come. But that's what makes for a fun and action-packed adventure.
I know this has been done before. I've even reviewed movies like this in the past, but I really loved this little film. You really felt what the couple was going through. And although it was a bit predictable, maybe that was its strength.
If you're looking for a cute film that'll certainly pluck at your heartstrings, give this one a shot. You won't be disappointed.
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming on Freevee, Tubi, Peacock, Plex, The Roku Channel, YouTube, and Prime Video.
2013 * R * 1h 28m If you're looking for a whacky, action-packed rom-com, don't miss this one. It features an all-star cast which includes Adam Scott, Richard Jenkins, Catherine O'Hara, Jane Lynch, and Amy Poehler. It's well-written, unpredictable, and just plain fun to watch.
When Carter (Scott) finds out his younger brother is getting married, he's charged with getting his divorced parentsHugh (Jenkins) and Melissa (O'Hara) to at east be on speaking terms at the upcoming wedding. As if that wasn't problematic enough, he finds out he was part of a study done by Dr. Judith (Lynch) about Adult Children Of Divorce (A.C.O.D.) and is looking do do a follow up book on the subject.
The movie is non-stop shenanigans and it's almost exhausting keeping up with what's going on on screen. But it's a mindless, hour and a half of entertaining movie-viewing.
3 1/2 our of 5 stars
Streaming for free with your library card on Kanopy and Hoopla. Also on Pluto and to rent on Prime Video.
2016 * R * 1h 36m I just love discovering new cinematic talent, especially talented young directors. Case in point--the gifted Canadian Kim Nguyen. He's produced an interesting body of work in the world of indie films which includes the award-winning War Witch, The Hummingbird Effect, Eye on Juliet, and the absolutely charming and endearing TV series Anne with an E. It's sort of like being introduced to a new author who's written several books you can't wait to devour.
The title alone should tell you this is going to be a quirky little film. And you wouldn't be wrong with that assessment. It takes place near the North Pole, in a small Canadian town. Roman (Dane DeHaan) and Lucy (Tatiana Maslany) are young lovers. They are both dealing with traumatic pasts and find comfort in each other. When Lucy reveals that she's been accepted at a University in the south, Roman is so upset he attempts suicide. He's airlifted to a hospital for treatment. Lucy spends all the money she's been saving to visit him and the two realize they were destined to be together,
The couple decide there's really no place for them in the civilized world and begin a sojourn into the Great White North. Their grueling trek is cathartic for the couple. The scenery is absolutely stunning, and during a heatwave like we're experiencing in the Midwest, offers a bit of relief to viewers like me. Along their journey Lucy is astonished to discover Roman can communicate with polar bears. It's a bit of magic realism that makes an already mystical film even more enchanting.
I highly recommend checking out this fine bit of filmmaking. If you're like me, I think it'll make you want to search out Nguyen's other films.
4 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming for free on Kanopy and Hoopla (with your library card) and Tubi. Also on Plex and to rent on Prime Video.
Just viewed "Bigfood Unleashed, Part VII" and thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a short vignette which is going to be incorporated into the upcoming film "The Haunting of Prince Dom Pedro." It's a campy, tongue-in-cheek take on those cheesy horror films from the 1950's and 60's. In it, a terrified young woman is stalked by Bigfoot and is eventually caught by the ferocious beast. He leaves her by the side of the road where she's found by a couple of stereotypical redneck cops. It's a fun little clip that makes me looking forward to seeing the full-length movie. Can't wait! Here's a link with more info:
2018 *Not Rated* 1h 45m As the movie opened I thought to myself, "This is going to be cheesy." And I thought I'd give a half hour and was probably going to bail. But I'm really glad I stuck with it. This is why I love indie films.
I am That is about a nun Skylar (Amielynn Abellera), who's taken the vow of silence. When she finds out her sister has died, she decides to go on a journey to visit her grave. She has eight days to complete her sojourn and then has to decide whether to rejoin the convent or not. On her trek she runs into a handsome drifter Rob (Paul Blott) and Ezra (Ezra Colon) who thinks he's a Samurai warrior. The three of them quickly bond and it's fun to see them interact. And like any road trip flick, they run into their fair share of quirky individuals.
The acting was much better than I expected. The writing was solid. And the story was, well, captivating. You just had to stick with it and see where it's going. It has a mystical quality, mainly due to various almost psychedelic scenes in it. They add a spiritual element to the film, without being too bizarre.
Overall all the elements added up to a very unique film that I'll probably end up watching again. Kudos to everyone involved in the making of this little gem. I can almost guarantee it'll put a smile on your face! I can't wait to see what the director does next!
4 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming for free on Hoopla.com (with your library card), Tubi and Freevee. And to rent on Prime Video.
2014 * R * 1h 56m I put off watching this because I thought it was your typical Western and I'm not a huge fan of the genre. Well, there's almost nothing typical about this hilarious movie. Think Blazing Saddles with a whole lot more swearing. This is one, raunchy cowboy movie.
The film is from Seth MacFarlane, the man who brought you Ted and Family Guy and is just as funny and irreverent as Ted. Albert (MacFarlane), is a wimpy sheep farmer whose girlfriend Louise (Amanda Seyfried) has just left him for the owner of a mustache grooming supply store Foy (Neil Patrick Harris). A new arrival in town Anna (Charlize Theron), strikes his fancy and they start a relationship. Which is fine until he finds out she's married to a natorious gunslinger played by Liam Neeson.
The movie has a ton of humorous characters including Ruth (Sarah Silverman), a hooker who works at the saloon/cathouse. I especially love when the dialogue is written in modern language and slang. One of the funniest scenes is in the beginning of the film where Albert goes on an extended diatribe describing all the ways you can die in the west. It's truly laugh out loud funny. I have to admit, I watched this while I was working out and had to stop and catch my breath I was laughing so hard.
This is one of the funniest films I've seen in quite a while. I just wish I had seen it when it first came out. Obviously it's not for everybody and it gets pretty juvenile at times with the bodily function style of humor. But overall, it appealed to the 12-year old in me. And I look forward to seeing what Mr. MacFarlane does next! Bravo!
4 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming on Netflix and to rent on Prime Video.
2011 * R * 1h 30m I love it when established stars like Emily Blunt decide to do an indie film. Frequently they get typecast, and their roles are dictated by Hollywood and their agents. I don't think Ms. Blunt is in that category and can be a bit more selective in the films she stars in. And she's in good company in this movie. It also happens to star Mark Duplass and Rosemarie DeWitt.
Your Sister's Sister begins at a gathering, commemorating the one-year anniversary of the death of Jack's (Duplass) brother. Speeches are given about what a great guy he was until Jack takes center stage. He basically focuses on what bully his brother was when they were kids and how full of himself he was. After the awkward diatribe, Iris (Blunt) takes him aside and tells him he needs to take some time for himself and heal. She offers him the use of her parent's cabin on an island off the coast of Seattle.
He takes her up on her offer and when he arrives, he's surprised to see someone is already staying at the cabin. It turns out to be Iris's sister Hannah (DeWitt), a lesbian who's just broken up a long-term relationship with her girlfriend. The two start hitting the bottle and end up getting rather drunk. And as a surprise to both parties, they end up sleeping together. The very next day, Iris shows up and things get rather awkward.
The story takes some interesting twists and turns, mostly of the unexpected nature. When the film started, I thought it was going to be one of those erudite, "we're smarter and hipper that you are" type movies. But ultimately, I found it quite engaging and well worth the hour and a half of my time.
4 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming for free with your library card on Kanopy. Also on Sundance Now, YouTube Movies, and to rent on Prime Video.
2011 * PG-13 * 1h 40m Ever since The Big Chill came out in 1983, Hollywood has inundated us with reunion movies. And for the most part, they're largely formulaic and forgettable. But every once in a while one comes out that covers some new ground and is actually worth watching. I thought 10 Years was one of them.
The movie has a stellar cast of folks you've seen on tv and in films. They include Channing Tatum, Chris Pratt, Justin Long, Kate Mara, and Aubrey Plaza. As expected, the film is about a ten-year high school class reunion. It's a nice blend of comedy, pratfalls, and some very tender moments as well. And there are several stories to follow, which really keeps you on your toes.
One of my favorite bits revolves around Pratt's character Cully. He's married with children and has had to grow up. However he regrets being a jerk in high school and wants to make amends with the kids he picked on. Especially Peter Jung (Aaron Yoo). The night starts out okay with him apologizing to Peter, but then Cully really starts hitting the bottle. And the drunker he gets, the more obnoxious he gets, to the point where he acts even worse to Aaron than he did in high school.
But that's just one of the stories. Other ones are not as over the top, and there's naturally some rekindled romances. It all adds up to a very entertaining film. It almost makes me wish I had gone to my most recent reunion. Almost.
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Streaming with your library card for free on Kanopy and Hoopla. Also on Prime Video.
2018 * R * 1h 40m Who doesn't love a good revenge movie? Well, this one is part old-fashioned revenge flick. Part "Blade Runner." But 100% excitement and action right until the closing credits.
Set in the near future where technology basically runs ever aspect of human's lives, Grey (Logan Marshall-Green), lives in his own world. He's an auto mechanic who loves working on old-fashioned muscle cars. One day, after delivering a car to Eron (Harrison Gilbertson), a tech guru, he and his wife get into an accident in their auto-driven vehicle. Some thugs rob them, kill his wife and he's shot and paralyzed.
As luck would have it, Eron, is not only the head of a cutting edge company, he's developed a special chip, which can reconnect the nerves in his body to his brain. After surgery, when he's miraculously restored to normal, he goes down the revenge path. And what a journey he takes. While he's offing his assailants, a cop begins to get suspicious and he becomes a suspect. As an interesting twist, the chip installed in his neck can communicate with him and helps him on his way. But this also leads to some interesting plot twists, and an ending you'll never see coming.
If you're looking for something a bit different, check this one out!
3.5 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming on Netflix and to rent on Prime Video.
2021 * NR * 1h 18m This is what indie flicks are all about. Movies made on a limited budget but featuring fine acting, writing, and cinematography. I just love movies like this. Nana Mensah wrote starred and directed this fine film. Watch out for great things for her in the very near future, if this is any indication of what she's capable of.
In the film, a young research scientist is having an affair with a fellow scientist. He's married with a couple of children, which is a bit problematic. They both live in NYC, but supposedly are going to move to Ohio.
Then her mother dies and she has to deal with all the funeral arrangements. Her father moves back to the States from Ghana and becomes a real pain in the neck. Interspersed within the movie are numerous scenes depicting Ghanaian dancing and celebrating. They effectively combine with present day New York to give a sense of who she is and help define her.
It's a happy, fun, slice-of-life movie that I found very enjoyable. I hope you like it as much as I did.
4 out of 5 stars
Streaming for free with your library card on Kanopy and Hoopla. Also on Starz and to rent on Prime Video.
2014 * R * 2h 12m Way back in the 1980s, I used to love the show "The Equalizer." It starred Edward Woodward, a cool English gentleman on the outside but a total badass on the inside. He was a retired intelligence agent who got involved with making things right for the world. Sort of a closet knight in shining armor.
I had heard about the movie starring Denzel Washington when it first came out. but hadn't seen this excellent film until recently. What a fun, engaging, shoot-em-up film. Robert McCall (Washington) is also a retired agent. He has a menial job at a Home Depot-type store and is into health foods and reading the classics. He enjoys nothing better than sitting in a local diner in the evening and devouring books. He befriends a young woman who is a sex worker. One night he notices she's been beaten up. When she goes missing, he starts doing some digging abut here whereabouts.
This leads him into a confrontation with some pretty dark forces, chiefly, the Russian Mafia. Hold on to you hats for there's a wild ride ahead of you! Complete with lots and lots of killing. He's totally unstoppable and things get real bloody real fast. This is one of those sit back and enjoy the action without doing a whole lot of thinking films. If you like action thrillers, give this one a shot! (Pun intended).
4 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming on Netflix and to rent on Prime Video.
2019 * R * 1h 34m This is one of those quiet, slow-moving, and haunting tales that are perfect for indie filmmakers. It features excellent cinematography, a well-crafted script, and outstanding acting, especially from the lead actor, Haley Bennett.
Hunter (Bennett) is newly married. She's in a loveless marriage and is treated as nothing more than a trophy wife by her husband Richie (Austin Stowell). One day, as a bizarre experiment, she swallows a marble. This starts her on a path to consuming odder and at times, dangerous objects. When she announces that she's pregnant and it's discovered that she has this unusual eating disorder, her family seeks help for her. At first she's sent to a shrink, but eventually they hire full-time caretaker for her. His job is to never let her out of his sight.
Eventually, when they decide to institutionalize her, she escapes. While on the road, she confronts what drove her to her compulsive behavior in the first place. I thought "Swallow" was a fascinating glimpse into the life of a disturbed woman that had me thinking about it long after the credits rolled. What a different movie indeed!
3 1/2 our of 5 stars
Streaming for free with your library card on Kanopy Also on Hulu, AMC+, IFC Films Unlimited and to rent on Prime Video.
2022 * Not Rated * 1h 37m I knew Salvador Dali was a genius and crazy as well. I guess when it comes to the arts, you can't have one without the other. This film perfectly captures just how mad Dali was, especially in his later years. And Dali is played to perfection by the great Sir Ben Kingsley.
The story takes place in 1973, when Dali was getting ready for a big show in New York. A young gallery assistant James (Christopher Briney), is tasked with helping him prepare. He travels to Europe with Dali and his entourage and oh, the adventures he gets involved in. Dali loves to be the center of attention and he throws elaborate and legendary parties with a whole cadre of famous and eccentric people in attendance. It's great fun to witness such debauchery.
James also witnesses the unusual relationship Dali has with his wife Gala (Barbara Sukowa). She's a force to be reckoned with and seems to be the driving force behind Dali's genius. She also nags him constantly to produce art. And we discover what a greedy, scheming witch she is as well. I'm not sure how closely the story sticks to the truth, but does it really matter? It is a film about Dali after all!
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Streaming for free on Hoopla with your library card. Also on Hulu and to rent on Prime Video.
2018 * PG-13 * 1h 42m If you're looking for a well-made, edge-of-you-seat, action-packed thriller, then this should do nicely. It's one of those mindless, sit back and enjoy the ride movies, complete with plenty of explosions, a million close scrapes and brushes with death that make for a fun evening of entertainment.
The plot is pretty simple. After getting a little background about Will Sawyer (Dwayne Johnson), we jump to the near future. He has a job handling security for the tallest building in the world, which is nearing completion. He moves to Hong Kong with his wife Sarah (Neve Campbell), and their two young children. Then all hell break loose when an enemy of the skyscraper's builder Zhao Long Ji (Chin Han), decides to destroy the massive structure. Will's family is trapped in their apartment on an upper floor of the building and naturally he'll do whatever it takes to save them.
The action scenes are way over the top. With every turn, he's about to drop 200 stories to his death. And he barely hangs on (both literally and figuratively) for dear life. The special effects are quite impressive. Plus the CGI is remarkable--you feel you're right there battling the elements and the enemy with him. I'll bet this was even better on the big screen!
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming on Netflix and to rent on Prime Video.
2022 * Not Rated * 1h 34m Take one of my favorite genres: The Road Trip. Add one of my favorite actors: Olivia Coleman. Set it in beautiful Ireland. And what do you end up with? One charming, entertaining little indie drama! It's just a crazy, fun adventure you can't help but be charmed by.
The story opens on a young boy Mully (Charlie Reid), at a fundraiser for his family who's just lost their mother. Mully grabs the wad of cash and bolts out of the pub and steals a taxi. Well, to his surprise, he discovers a drunk woman Joy (Coleman), in the back seat. And there's an infant to boot! As it turns out, Joy had the baby unexpectedly and has decided she's going to give it to one of her dear friends to raise. Thus the adventure begins.
Joy knows absolutely nothing about taking care of an infant. And Mully is distraught about losing his mother, and his father James (Lochlann O'Mearain), has been less than supportive of him He's basically a self-centered drunk. So the two mismatched pair are perfect for each other. They encounter a series of madcap incidents as they traverse the gorgeous Irish countryside. There's a very funny scene where the young lad teaches Joy how to breastfeed her baby. The two leads have incredible chemistry together--they could almost be mother and son in real life.
It all adds up to a rollicking buddy film you won't soon forget. If you're looking for a fun little movie, I highly recommend this gem!
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming for free with your library card on Hoopla and Kanopy. Also on Hulu and to rent on Prime Video.
2010 * PG-13 * 1h 41m When I saw Jim Gaffigan and Zach Galifianakis were in this movie, I just assumed it was a comedy. Boy was I wrong, Sure, there were some amusing moments and situations in it. But it wasn't really a comedy at all. It's a story revolving around teen suicide and takes place mostly in a mental hospital. So much for the laughs, eh?
A teenager Craig (Keir Gilchrist) is a typical kid, suffering from the usual angst like a lot of young people. Only he suffers from severe depression and has taken himself off his meds. One evening he seriously considers committing suicide and checks himself into a hospital. There he's assigned a room and is told he'll be kept for observations for the better part of a week. Even when he tells his doctor (Viola Davis) he feels better, he's told it's for his own good to remain under their care.
While he's in the hospital, he meets quite a few unusual characters. They include fellow patient Bobby (Galifianakis), his roommate Muqtada (Bernard White) who never leaves his bed, and Noelle (Emma Roberts), a troubled young girl who he picks up a relationship with. It's a very touching, well-written and acted movie I'd never heard of. If you're looking for a heartfelt teen drama that never really gets sappy, (al right, it gets a little mushy at the end), give this one a shot. You won't be disappointed.
4 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming on Netflix and available to rent on Prime Video.
2004 * PG-13 * 1h 31m If you're looking for a nail biting, sci-fi thriller, this one will not disappoint. I saw it many years ago, and when it popped up on Kanopy I decided to give it another viewing. I must say, it was just as exciting the second time around. It's one of those mind-boggling flicks that you have to Google when it's over to find out exactly what happened.
"The Forgotten" stars one of my favorite actors--Julianne Moore. She really makes this film something outstanding. She plays Telly, a mother whose son died in a plane crash a little over a year ago. She's struggling to get over her grief. Then, things start to change. And not for the better. First her husband and then her shrink tell her she never had a son. Or more properly, he died in childbirth. One day she meets Ash (Dominic West) in a local park whose daughter was a friend of her son's. Only he claimed he never had a daughter. That is until she jogs his memory.
It's not long before the NSA starts asking questions. Soon, she and Ash are on the lam, in hot pursuit by a relentless gang of suspicious characters. It's quite a ride right up until the end of the film. And it'll keep you guessing just what in the heck is going on. What an offbeat, exciting thriller it is!
4 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming for free on Kanopy (with your library card) and to rent on Prime Video.
2018 * Not Rated * 1h 25m I put this one in my queue because it looked mildly interesting. I finally get around to watching it, expecting it to be an amusing diversion. But it turned to be quite captivating and far different that the description I read about it. I thought it would be one of those creepy films where a young woman poses as the dead child of an unsuspecting couple.
Nancy (Andrea Riseborough) is a woman in her early 30s who's taking care of her ailing mom. We get a glimpse into her strange existence when she meets a man online and pretends she recently lost her baby. After her mother passes away, she hears a story about a couple whose child was kidnapped some 25 years ago. When the image of a computer generated photo of what their daughter would look like today appears on a tv special about the case, Nancy thinks she matches the girl almost exactly. She contacts the couple, who are extremely skeptical, but agree to meet with her.
She drives to the home of Betty (Ann Down) and Leo (Steve Buscemi) and explains to them she was adopted and her past is a bit cloudy.. There's more hope than deception in her intentions, and while Leo is a bit suspicious, you can sense Betty is ready to accept her as their long lost daughter. I won't give any more of the story away, but it grabbed me from the opening minutes until the credits rolled. I thought the acting was fantastic, especially from Ms. Riseborough. Just another little film no one's ever heard of in spite of it winning several international awards including Sundance.
4 out of 5 stars
Streaming for free on Kanopy and Hoopla (with your library card) and Tubi. Also on Plex, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, and Prime Video.
2013 * R * 1h 23m I reviewed the fine movie "Little Fish" a couple weeks ago. And it piqued my interest about the other films directer Chad Hartigan has done. I saw his "Morris from America" a few months back and enjoyed it. "This is Martin Bonner" looked right up my alley and I'm glad I watched it. Like his other films, this one is definitely character driven. There's not a lot of action and it takes its time to unfold. But what a beautiful film it is. That's due to the sensitive writing and the brilliant acting from the two leads--Paul Eenhoorn and Richmond Arquette.
We meet Martin (Eenhoorn), an older gentleman who's recently moved from Maryland to Reno to start his life over. He has a job helping prisoners who are about to be released transition to their new lives. He's a gentle, kind man who speaks regularly with his daughter via phone, and tries relentlessly to reconnect with his son. Travis (Arquette) is free after serving 12 years for manslaughter while drunk driving. The two men meet and Martin takes Travis under his wing.
The two men spend a great deal of time together. They engage in thoughtful discussions about their lives, and life in general. Martin is a loner, but never really lonely. He's a volunteer ref for the local girls soccer league. He also does a bit of speed dating at his daughters' insistence. Travis, meanwhile, tries to reconnect with his estranged daughter, who's bitter about him not being there during her formative years.
Eenhorn's performance is an absolute wonder. He's quiet, unassuming, and has an almost priest-like aura about him. When you watch him, you wish you could hear his inner thoughts. When I did a quick check on him on IMDb, I noticed he hadn't played in any major films, which is a shame. I was also saddened to see he passed away in 2022. Godspeed to you Mr. Eenhoorn.
"This is Martin Bonner" is a classic indie film. Like most movies of this ilk, it features excellent writing, great directing, and above all, fantastic acting. Not surprisingly, it's won several awards including the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival.
4 out of 5 stars.
Currently streaming for free on Kanopy (with your library card) and YouTube. Also available to rent on Prime Video.
2019 * R * 1h 37m I think everyone of us is dysfunctional in a way. So we can relate to people like the main character in this funny, offbeat rom-com. It deals with a condition called Cataplexy, which I'm not sure is actually a real thing. At least not the the extent it's depicted in this movie. It causes people to fall asleep when experiencing strong emotions, which in this case is joy.
Charlie (Martin Freeman) has a nice, quiet job working in a library. It's a safe haven, hidden away from a public and situations that could cause him to react to joy. It's hilarious watching him walk to work, and how witnessing other people's happiness starts to effect him. He simply has to look away from people smiling or even holding hands! Then one day a beautiful and unsuspecting woman Francesca (Morena Baccarin) walks into his life. He's attracted to her, but he has to be careful not to fall in love with her and actually experience joy. (The horror! The Horror!)
The film takes a number of twists and turns--some expected and some out of the blue. All adding up to a fun, and funny romp. This is just a charming, funny little indie film that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Both Freeman and Baccarin are fabulous and they have wonderful chemistry together. We sure could use a few more movies like this in our lives!
4 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming for free on Kanopy (with your library card, YouTube and Tubi. Also on AMC+ and IFC Films Unlimited.
2020 * Unrated * 1h 41m I'm a huge fan of sci-fi movies of all types. In general I think they pretty much fall into two categories. The first are the ones where you suspend your belief in reality. They either take place in an alternate universe or are set way into the future. The second category are the movies that take place either now or in the very near future and are entirely plausible .I feel these have quite a bit more impact. "Little Fish" falls into the latter category.
In the film, a catastrophic pandemic is sweeping the planet. It's called NIA, which stands for Neuro-Inflammatory Affliction, and it causes people to lose their memories. In some, the change is immediate, while in others itthe loss is gradual. The movie reminds me a little of the fine "Perfect Sense." in which people lose their senses, one at a time. It's equally as devastating and moving. Especially with two remarkable leading actors as fine as Olivia Cooke and Jack O'Connell.
Emma (Cooke) and Jude (O'Connell) are a happily married couple. The film jumps back and forth between the present day to when they first met and started dating. We're also treated to scenes from their wedding day. Then tragedy strikes when Jude begins forgetting things. The couple go to the hospital where it's confirmed that he does indeed have the disease. After the initial shock wears off, they make a plan to deal with the affliction. They create a wall of photos with sticky notes identifying the various people in their lives.
The couple is so in love, it's absolutely heartbreaking to see Jude forget his past. But they soldier on, and continue to cling to each other and their memories as best they can. It's interesting that "Little Fish" came out during the beginning of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Tragic losses aren't that far behind us.
Just about everything about this touching, powerful, and beautiful film are perfect. I especially enjoyed the cinematography and the haunting soundtrack. If you're looking for something a bit different, give this fine film a viewing. You won't be disappointed.
4 1/2 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming for free on Kanopy.com with your library card. Also on Hulu and to rent on YouTube and Prime Video.
2024 * R * 1h 47m I'll say this right off the bat: I'm not a huge Adam Sandler fan. In fact, when I see what looks like an interesting film on Netflix, I'll put it in my queue. But when I find out Sandler is in it, out it goes. But every once in a while he surprises me. And lately, he's been appearing and shining is some pretty dramatic roles. I especially enjoyed his performance in "Uncut Gems."
I sort of had my doubts with this one. But I'm glad I watched it. I'm a huge sci-fi buff. In fact, my favorite movie all time is "2001: A Space Odyssey." I think this one is almost as deep. It's more about being a human than anything else. And it's ultimately about coming to terms with who we are.
Jacob Prochazka (Sandler) is an astronaut on a long mission to collect dust from the outer atmosphere of Jupiter. His pregnant wife Lenka (Carrie Mulligan) is back on earth. The two are having marital problems and seldom communicate. One day he meets a spider-like creature on his ship. He's a bit shocked at first but eventually he gets comfortable with the creature. Over the course of time, the two of them have some very heady conversations. His presence makes the viewer wonder whether he really exists or is he a figment of Jacob's imagination?
I won't say much more about this film except that just about everything is perfect. The acting. Storyline. Special effects. And the beautiful soundtrack. If you want an action flick, avoid this movie. But if you want something deeper and moving, give it a shot. Kudos to everyone involved in making this fine film.
