"Lucky Them"

 2013 * R * 1h 37m

Part road trip. Part mystery. 100% pure entertainment. The wonderful Toni Collette plays Ellie Klug, a rock journalist art a Seattle rock magazine. One day her boss gives her an assignment, to investigate the rumors about her ex-boyfriend who allegedly committed suicide. She teams up with an eccentric millionaire Charlie ( Thomas Haden Church), who wants to make a documentary about their quest. While all this is transpiring, she hooks up with a talented and charming street musician Lucas (Ryan Eggold). Actually, in the course of the movie, she ends up sleeping with a bunch of men, indiscriminately. 

The film is an excellent showcase for Ms. Collette, who's great in everything she does. What a wonderfully talented actor she is. Lucky Them is a fun, offbeat indie movie, but it has a number of introspective moments as well. The acting and writing are consistently remarkable throughout the film. I just wonder why it's not better known. 

4 out of 5 stars. 

Currently streaming for free with your library card on Kanopy. Also on AMC+ and IFC Films Unlimited with Prime Video channels. 

 

"Heart of Champions"

 2021 * PG-13 * 1h 59m

Confession: I work out on a rowing machine every day. While rowing I watch a movie to thwart the boredom. And that counts for the massive amount of movies I watch every year. That said, it was pretty amusing to watch a movie about actual rowing while doing it on a machine! And, this is probably the first rowing movie I've ever ween. What an engaging film it turned out to be. 

The story involves a bunch of seniors at an Ivy League college. They never actually name the school, but by the letter "B" on their uniforms, I'm guessing it's Brown. They're all on a rowing team and regularly finish in last place in competitions. One day a new coach arrives. and shakes things up.  Michael Shannon plays Coach Murphy, an army vet who as you'd expect, instills a spirit of teamwork and discipline among the kids. He's a hard-ass, but quickly earns the respect of his rowers. 

This isn't just one of your typical "underdog bunch of misfits make good" stories. It's a lot more complicated and involves the relationships between the crew members, and their relationships with their girlfriends. I thought the acting was quite good. And the soundtrack was a bit Chariots of Fire-ish which I didn't mind. I also enjoyed the cinematography--you really got a sense of what it's like to be out on the river with the crew rowing your heart out. 

If you enjoy Heart of Champions, I highly recommend the book, The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown. It's the true story of the Washing State rowing team that competed in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. It's such an amazing read it makes me wonder why it's never been made into a movie. 

Four out of five stars. 

Currently streaming on Kanopy (for free with your library card), and on STARZ and Prime Video. 

"Trees of Peace"

 2021 * TV-MA * 1h 37m

The film is set in Rwanda in 1994 at the time of the Tutsi Genocide during which 1 million people were killed over a three-month period. Four women hide out in secret cellar for 81 days and is based on actual events. While trapped there, they're forced to open up to each other, reveal their inner demons, and do everything in their power to survive. From there tiny chamber they witness the unspeakable atrocities just outside their window. 

Everything about this powerful film is remarkable--the cinematography, the writing, the score, and especially the acting. All four women deliver an incredible performance. You'd think that you'd feel claustrophobic in such a small space, but somehow, perhaps due to the fine camerawork, you never do. It's a remarkable example of strength, endurance, and above all, hope. 

In the aftermath of this horrible tragedy, the country has become a beacon of hope for the rest of the word. The country went through a period of reconciliation and now has more women in office than any country on earth. If you're up for some terrific movie watching, I highly recommend Trees of Peace. 

Five out of five stars

Currently streaming on Netflix.

"Good Life"

2022 * NR * 1h 50m   When she catches her boyfriend cheating on her, Olive (Erica Wessels) returns to her parent's home in Greece, which they left years ago. When she arrives, she discovers the house is in ruins. And that's not her only problem. For some unexplained, everyone in the little village hates her. She befriends Jet (Caleb Payne), a precocious nine-year old boy who helps her figure things out, becomes her negotiator, and teaches her how to enjoy the good life! It's a charming little story featuring decent acting, an intriguing story, and as you'd expect, beautiful scenery. If you're looking for a feel-good movie, give this one a shot. 

***1/2

Currently streaming for free on Hoopla and on Prime Video.

"Red"

2008 * R * 1h 33m  Who doesn't love a good revenge movie? This one sure fills the bill. Avery Ludlow (Brian Cox) is a kind, somewhat reclusive old man. One day when he's fishing, three teens confront him and end up killing his beloved dog, "Red". It was a present his late wife gave him, shortly before she died. So he's first out for justice. But when he confronts the killer's father, played by Tom Sizemore, he gets no satisfaction. The dad and his two sons completely deny any wrongdoing. 

He attempts legal action as well as cooperation from the local police. Nothing seems to work in his favor. All he really wants is justice and an apology from the culprits. After pursuing all the legal channels, he decides to take matter in his own hands. And the feud starts to spin out of control. This is one of those movies that has you guessing the outcome, while you relentlessly root for the lead character. The acting is first rate, especially from Cox and Sizemore--the epitome of good versus evil. And Sizemore's character is absolutely loathsome. 

4 out of 5 stars.

Streaming for free on Hoopla (with your library card). Also on Magnolia Selects, Monsters and Nightmares, Warriors and Gangsters, Amazon, and Prime Video. 

"Auggie"

2019 * Not Rated * 1h 21m  Felix (Richard Kind) is forced into early retirement. As a parting gift, his company gives him a pair of augmented reality glasses. These cutting-edge appliances can create a virtual companion, based on the wearer's thoughts and fantasies. When Felix finds himself bored at home by himself, he starts wearing the glasses. While  Anne (Susan Blackwell) his wife is at work, he spends his days in the company of Auggie, played by the beautiful Christen Harper.  As the days go by, he becomes increasingly obsessed with her, to the detriment of his relationship with his wife and daughter.

I found the movie to be quite engaging and well written. And Richard Kind was absolutely brilliant. To use an old cliche, I thought his performance was understated and nuanced. He's one of those actors you seen before but can't place his name. I believe he's better know for his theatre acting, and it shows. I'm not sure why he isn't in more films. 

3 1/2 out of 5 stars

Streaming for free on Freevee and Tubi. Also on Plex and Prime Video

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"Stop and Go"

 2021 * Not Rated * 1h 20m  Is it too early to make jokes about Covid? After watching this goofball comedy where the pandemic is one of the stars, I happen to think not. It's about two sisters, played by Whitey Call and Mallory Everton, who have to get their grandma out of a Covid-infested nursing home. They hit the road on a cross-country road trip and the comedy commences. The two play off each other, almost like real sisters would, and it's just nonstop crazy and at times laugh-out-loud banter. You can tell the two had a blast making this offbeat movie. Apparently they're veterans of several hit shows including "Comedy C", which I've never heard of. And while the movie is unrated, it does get a bit raunchy at times. So I guess I'd rate it PG-13. 

If you're up for some yucks and enjoy road trip flicks, give this one a shot. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

3 1/2 out of 5 stars

Streaming on Kanopy (free with your library card), Hulu, and Prime Video.