2023 *Not Rated * 1h 21m I thought this film was a sweet little indie gem. It was absolutely charming. I've hear that the two leads wrote the film, then raised the funds to finance it, and struggled to find a distributor. As luck would have it, it's currently on Hoopla. I thought the acting was really good, it was well written, and the cinematography was decent. Sure, it was a little predictable, but what more do you want from a sincere, coming of age film?
The movie is about Sam (Jessica Michael Davis) and JJ (Collin Kelly-Sordelet), two 18-yer olds who've just graduated from high school. They live in Akron, Ohio and have been best buds since they were little kids. The summer after graduation it dawns on them that they're in love. The problem is JJ enjoys living in Ohio and is prepared to spend the rest of his life there. Sam points out at the beginning of the movie that a lot of famous people are from Ohio. And it isn't because they're from there that their famous, but because they all chose to leave. So when she announces she's contemplating taking an internship in California, JJ decides to show her around the state to convince her it's a great place to live.
I loved the fact that he takes her to offbeat places like a deserted old football field, and a abandoned bridge in a suburb that was never built. I'm from Detroit and love exploring old buildings from a bygone era too. I thought the chemistry between the two was quite convincing. They felt like they were truly in love. The movie was written by the two leads and was directed by Ms Davis. Overall, it's quite a fun movie and I can see great things ahead for these two!
If you're looking for a sweet little indie flick, be sure to check this one out. I hope they find a distributor for the movie so more folks get a chance to see it. Bravo!
4 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming on Hoopla free with your library card and to rent on Prime Video.
2023 * PG-13 * 1h 35m Since his James Bond days, Pierce Brosnan has played a wide range of roles--some good, some okay, and some downright awful. But this is definitely one of his finest performances in ages. He plays a 92-year old WWII veteran, and he does a very convincing job of it. He's also supported by a number of excellent actors as well in a meaningful, touching film that will haunt you long after viewing it.
Brosnan plays Artie Crawford, an aging vet who's been living in a nursing home in Northern Ireland with his beloved wife Maggie. We learn through the course of the film that he, his friend Charlie, and Maggie were inseparable as kids. Then the two young men were drafted and served in the British Army and were part of the Normandy Invasion. Which is where Charlie was killed.
When it's announced that there will be a huge celebration of the 75th anniversary of the event, Artie decides to escape the nursing facility and head to France to participate. This adventure is based on real life and it's a wonderful and memorable trip. Along the way, he's aided by a bunch of kind-hearted characters that help him reach his destination.
What a sweet little film. I think it's one the whole family will enjoy. Warning: Be sure to have some tissues handy and I dare you not to puddle up at the end of this fantastic movie!
4 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming for free on Kanopy & Hoopla (with your library card) and to rent on Apple TV, Plex, and other services.
2016 * Not Rated * 1h 19m. To quote that great American wit Mark Twain, “There are cat people, and there’s everyone else.” I happen to share his sentiments, I’m an unabashed cat person, and have been all my life. I know there are just as many dog folks out there, but one of my favorite observations about the difference between cats and dogs goes like this: A dog looks up at his or her caretaker and thinks, “Wow, this person gives me shelter, feeds me, pets me, (s)he must be God!” A cat looks up at his or her caretaker and thinks, “Wow, this person gives me shelter, feeds me, pets me, I must be God!”
With that sentiment in mind, I invite you to check out one of the finest documentaries about cats I’ve ever seen. I was lucky enough to catch it on the big screen when it was released. I noticed it’s recently been available on a couple of streaming services and I think it’s every bit as enjoyable on a TV or computer screen. The award-winning film is from Turkish born director Cedya Torun.
Kedi is the Turkish word for cat and that’s the focus of this highly entertaining film. It tells the story of seven unique and unusual felines, residing in the ancient city of Istanbul. Cats have been a part of the Turkish capital for thousands of years. They were originally brought to the city to help control the rat population, and have been an integral part of the culture ever since. One gets the sense that this is their city, humans just happen to live there too.
Early in the film we learn that very few cats are actually owned by the residents. Most of them live on the streets and take shelter wherever they can find it. But they become attached to individuals and adopt them and let them provide for them. One aspect of the film that makes it so engaging is the unique camerawork by the director’s husband Charlie Wuppermann and Alp Korfali. Most of the footage is from a cat’s eye view as the camera follows them around. Surprisingly, the cats aren’t bothered at all by the camera tailing them. Apparently the great cinematography is the result of a cat-level action cam mounted on a remote-control toy car. Pure genius!
The film is divided into chapters, with one devoted to each of the seven furry beasts. As you’d expect, every animal has a unique personality, which is revealed and discussed by the individual, or individuals who look after them. They range from the super friendly, to the aloof, to the psycho. All with the street smarts needed to survive. The intimate camerawork makes you want to reach out and pet these lovable creatures. At least two thirds of the movie is devoted to footage of our furry friends.
We also meet some of the humans who are devoted to the well being of the cats. There’s a woman who admits to cooking over twenty pounds of chicken a day, to feed the cats in the neighborhood. And there’s a gentleman who tells us he had a nervous breakdown in 2002. In spite of therapy and medication, nothing seemed to help him. That is, until he began taking care of some local cats. He admits to owing his recovery to these wonderful creatures. What a terrific testament to the healing powers of a pet.
“Kedi” is just a wonderful film with a very positive message. It might even make a convert out of those dog people out there. The only negative aspect of the movie is near the end where residents discuss the changing nature of the city. Modern high-rise buildings are replacing whole neighborhoods. The concern is that this new construction will drive away the cats that have called the area home for thousands of years. Hopefully, they’ll be accommodated and will continue to be welcome there.
5 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming on Kanopy (free with your library card) and YouTube Premium, and to rent on Apple TV and Amazon Prime.
The film is not rated but I’d give it a PG. Prrrr-fect for the whole family.
2022 * Not Rated * 1h 43m I have mixed feelings about this movie, mainly due to the subject matter. It's about assisted suicide. For some reason, it's listed as a comedy. Huh? While there were some lighter moments in the film, it's hardly a comedy. But you can't watch it without being affected by it. So I liked it with reservations.
The plot is pretty straight-forward. Jimmy (James Corrozo) is suffering from Alzheimer's and decides he'd rather step out in style while he still has his faculties. So he decides to throw a FUN-eral party to celebrate his life, on the night he's going to take his life. We meet his Death Doula, who is going to help him die. A reporter from the local paper shows up, with the assignment of covering the event. And his estranged brother, who's a Christian minister visits him with the hopes of convincing him to change his mind.
Then, the rest the movie focuses on the wild, surreal party he has in his honor. Things get progressively weirder and weirder as we approach his inevitable death. I found this part of the film hard to watch. So while this movie isn't for everyone, I did think it was worth seeing.
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming for free on Kanopy, Hoopla (with your library card), Tubi, Freevee, and Prime Video.
2024 * Not Rated * 1h 11m If you like offbeat, dry humor and enjoy people like Ricky Gervais and This Is Spinal Tap, I think this is right up your alley. Diane Morgan plays Philomena Cunk, a totally clueless, dimwit who explains in her own way, the mysteries of life. She meets with various scholars and asks them, point blank, some of the dumbest questions ever. And they keep a straight face as they try to answer her.
This latest installment is on Netflix as was her previous outing. While I thought it was hilarious, it fell just a tad short of her earlier work. I think it was mainly due to the nature of her quest--it was a bit more abstract than her other shows. They dealt with history instead of trying to define the nature of life and religion. So if you like this one, look for her other shows such as Cunk on Britain and Cunk on Earth. They're available to stream on YouTube.
Note to parents: While the movie is not rated, there is some foul language and a scene graphically explaining intercourse.
2024 * R * 1h 29m I'll come right out and admit it, I love Aubrey Plaza and everything I've seen her in. For me it all started with her wonderful performance in Parks & Recreation and continued right up to this fine film. She's smart, attractive, and adds a quirkiness to all her roles.
Here she costars with the delightful and talented young actor Maisy Stella. The film opens with Elliott (Stella) and her two best pals. She's a couple weeks away from heading off to college and the three of them decide to take a trip on magic mushrooms. After ingesting them, Elliott is shocked by the appearance of her 39-year old self, played by Aubrey Plaza. The two of them have some heavy-duty conversations. To keep the the dialogue going, she gets her older version to put her number in her phone, which she IDs as "My Old Ass."
And lo and behold, they end up continuing their communications, and she receives quite a bit of advice. She isn't told too much about her fate, but is given some words of wisdom regarding love, life, relationships, and dealing with her family.
Obviously this is one of those movies that could loosely fall into the category of magic realism. But ultimately I though it was a sweet, heartfelt, and well-acted film.
