"Cowboys & Aliens"

 2011 * PG-13 * 1h 59m  I remember when this film came out, I blew it off because of the title. I figured it was some animated screwball comedy aimed at kids. When it popped up on Netflix, I put it in my queue and after seeing the trailer, decided to give it a whirl. What a pleasant surprise. 

Just as its title implies, it is indeed about cowboys and aliens. When I thought about it, why do all alien-themed movies take place in the present day.? If aliens do indeed exist, they could visit our planet at any time in history. So the juxtaposition of aliens in the wild west could actually take place. The story is basically about ETs visiting earth to mine for gold. When humans interfere, they start killing us. 

An unlikely coalition is formed to battle the invaders. Townsfolk team up with a bunch of bandits ,and a large group of Native Americans. The action scenes are very real and believable, not comical like I was expecting. The film is aided by a stellar group of actors which includes Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford, Sam Rockwell, Paul Dano, Olivia Wilde, and Abigail Spencer. It's an exciting shoot 'em up Western with a twist. If you like action flicks, give this one a try. Trust me on this one. I was pretty skeptical, but I was not disappointed. 

3 1/2 out of 5 stars

Currently streaming on Netflix and to rent on Prime Video.

"Days of the Bagnold Summer"

 2019 * NR * 1h 26m  I experienced firsthand what angsty teenagers are like. So I could definitely relate to the mom in this charming, humorous little British indie film. The movie features great performances from its two leads: Monica Dolan and Earl Cave. It's well written and has a very English sensibility about it. While there aren't a lot of laugh out loud moments in the movie, it'll certainly put you in a happy mood. 

A young teen Daniel is supposed to spend his summer holiday with his father and his new wife in Florida. At the last minute, the dad bails because his wife is expecting a baby soon, and he thinks it'll be too much stress on them. So he's resigned to hang out with his quiet, bookish librarian mom Sue (Dolan). Daniel is your typical teen, who's totally into heavy metal and listens to bands like Metallica round the clock. 

Sue does her best to entertain her son, but sadly, he finds almost noting in life very entertaining. It's this strained relationship that's at the crux of the story. Daniel is pretty abrasive at times, but in the end, the two come to terms with each other. And while the film doesn't have a totally happy ending, they do come to an appreciation for each other. 

3 1/2 out of 5 stars. 

Currently streaming for free on Kanopy (with your library card), and Tubi, and YouTube. Also on The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, and Prime Video. 

"After Yang"

 2021 * PG * 1h 36m  This movie could loosely be categorized as a sci-fi film. But it's really a zen-like reflection on life and what it means to be human. It's gently paced and subtle. Not a lot happens, but what does happen, I found deeply moving. If you're looking for an action flick, avoid this one at all costs. 

"After Yang" takes place in the near future. A couple, Jake (Colin Ferrell) and Kyra (Jodie Turner-Smith) buy a second-hand AI robot Yang (Justin H. Min) to look after and be a companion to their adopted daughter Mika (Malea Emma Tjandrawidjaja). Mika was born in China and the couple want her to learn about her birth country. One day Yang starts to fail and it turns out he can't be repaired. Jake finds out that Yang has been secretly recording snippets of his time with the family over the years. When he starts reviewing the video vignettes, it's revealed that Yang's hidden a part of his life from the family. It's almost as if Yang was becoming human. 

I thought the performances, along with a beautiful storyline, and a quiet soundtrack combined to make a gorgeous film. I can see why it isn't better known. I've rarely seen a film that was this profound, as a result of being this subtle. It gently sweeps over you like an ocean tide. Yang delivers a line that I particularly enjoyed, and I'll paraphrase it: "Something isn't anything without nothing." 

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

"The Best Offer"

2013 * R * 2h 11m  Who doesn't like a good thriller/mystery? This is one of the best I've seen in quite a while. Of course, nobody does it better than the British. This one grabbed me right from the beginning and had me guessing what was going to transpire right up to the end credits! It doesn't hurt that there were amazing performances from Geoffrey Rush, Jim Sturgess, Donald Sutherland, and Sylvia Hoeks. If you're looking for some  compelling viewing, don't mis this one.

We meet Virgil Oldman (Rush), a fussy art dealer and auctioneer. He's made a fortune in the business and has amassed an incredible collection of art. He's been aided by his old friend Billy Whistler (Sutherland) who conspires with him during auctions to buy seriously undervalued paintings. Then one day he's invited to appraise a mansion full of art and furniture. There he encounters the mysterious owner of the estate--Claire Ibbetson (Hoeks). She speaks to him from behind the walls of the house, and it turns out she suffers from agoraphobia and hasn't left the house in years. 

While he's searching through her house, he begins to find mechanical parts which he takes to his friend Robert (Sturgess), a gifted young watchmaker. It turns out that the parts are part of a priceless antique automaton. 

That's all I'll tell you about this captivating movie. It's full of plot twists and turns and is great fun to watch. 

4 out of 5 stars

Currently streaming for free on Kanopy (with your library card) and Tubi. Also on AMC+, IFC Film Unlimited, Showtime Anytime, and to rent on Prime Video.