"A Sunburnt Christmas"

 2020 * Not Rated * 1h 31m I'm not a big fan of Christmas movies. Most of them are so cheesy and Hallmark-ish, I just can't stand them. But once in a while, one'll come along that grabs my attention. This is one of them. I can almost guarantee you've never seen anything quite like this zany holiday flick from Down Under! And as I always say, "Opals aren't the only gems to come out of Australia!

The film begins in a hospital where a criminal Daryl (Daniel Henshaw) is being treated. He manages to escape by stealing the outfit from a Santa and drives off in his holiday themed van. Daryl ends up in the Outback at a farm which has been ravished by drought. The family may soon lose their property to foreclosure and are in dire straights. When the two children discover Daryl hiding in their barn, he convinces them that he's really Santa Claus and they promise to keep him secret. We soon discover that there's buried treasure on the farm, which is why Daryl is there in the first place. But it's not long before another criminal is looking for the money as well. And of course, the local constabulary gets involved too. 

Just about the entire cast is made up of unknown actors. But they all turn in solid performances. It's simply a fun, madcap adventure with a big heart. Another perfect example of why indie flicks are so entertaining! Enjoy, and have a Merry Christmas!

3 1/2 out of 5 stars

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

Unfortunately I couldn't find a trailer on YouTube, but here's a link to the IMDb one:

https://www.imdb.com/video/vi1276166425/

"The Fall"

 2024 * Not Rated * 1h 48m I didn't have great expectations for this movie. It had a high IMDb rating with only 28 people voting. But what a pleasant surprise it turned out to be. The story was a bit scattered, much like the main character Lacey Huxley (Jocelyn Hudon). I thought her performance was absolutely riveting. I'm glad I watched this film and definitely feel it deserves more attention. 

Lacy's life is a mess. In the description it says she's suffering from her mother's suicide, but I don't recall it even being mentioned in the film. However, she's on a mission of self-destruction. She goes out boozing at the local watering holes. Shows up late for her jobs as a photographer. And has to deal with her aging grandparents who she lives with. And to make matters worse, her old boyfriend of 6 years moves in a couple doors down with his new fiancee. 

This is one of those films that constantly keep you guessing where it's heading. The movie is loaded with interesting characters especially her Grandpa Robert (Robin Gammell), who's a sweet, good-hearted gentleman, and her Grandma Martha (Annie Abbott), who's suffering from dementia. You'll recognize several other actors as well.

If you're looking for something a bit different, I can't recommend this movie strongly enough. I just don't know why it isn't better known. And it's one I'll be watching a second time for sure. 

4 out of 5 stars. 

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

"Amerikatsi"

 2022 * Not Rated * 2h 1m  You'd think a movie about life in a Soviet-era prison would be depressing as all get-out. But in this case, it really isn't. In fact, it's an uplifting tale that simply exudes hope and charm. If you're dubious, read on. 

The film is about Charlie (Michael A. Goorjian), who managed to escape the Armenian Genocide and fled to America as a young boy. When the Russians offer Armenians who were part of the diaspora to return to their homeland, he jumps at the chance. Unfortunately, not long after he returns, he's captured and sent to prison. As you'd expect, life in a Soviet prison isn't exactly  picnic. But Charlie makes the best of it. 

His method of survival is by living vicariously through another couple. From his prison cell, he can view an Armenian couple's apartment. The husband, who's secretly an artist,  has been forced to be a prison guard because he was considered a dissident for painting churches. So Charlie pretends to dine with them, celebrate holidays with them, and learns about Armenian life and customs through them. All in all, it's an uplifting story that's guaranteed to put a smile on your face. 

4 out of 5 stars

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

"Lies We Tell"

 2023 * Not Rated * 1h 29m I usually don't go in for period pieces like this. But I loved this movie. It's a dark, gothic tale set it 1850's Ireland and is based on the book "Uncle Silas" by Sheridan Le Fanu. The acting, directing and scenery made for an engaging viewing experience. 

A young woman Maud (Agnes O'Casey) has recently lost her father. She has inherited his estate and a fair amount of money. Since she's still a minor, her affairs are being looked after by her Uncle Silas (David Wilmot), who has a bit of a sketchy reputation. He moves into the family mansion along with his son Edward (Chris Walley) and daughter Emily (Holly Sturton). Things immediately begin to take a turn for the worse when her cousin begins to prey on her. 

This is one of those films focused on good vs. evil, and you naturally root for Maud. But knowing the time period, you have a sneaking suspicion that things might just not work out they way you want them to. If you're looking for an excellent, quiet gothic thriller, do check this fine film out. 

4 out of 5 stars

Currently streaming for free with your library card on Hoopla. And to rent on Apple TV, Fandango, and Amazon. 

"The Old Oak"

 2023 * Not Rated * 1h 53m  I thought this was a timely and powerful, film that displays the best and worst in humans. In light of the anti-immigrant sentiment in this country, I think everyone would do well to see this excellent film. It's directed by Ken Loach who's made a number of issue-driven movies over the years including I, Daniel Blake, Sorry We Missed You, and the absolutely wonderful The Angels' Share. 

The film takes place in a town in the Northeast of England. The local coal mines have all been shuttered and the people are just barely getting by. Life, to say the least, is a struggle. Then, due to the falling prices of homes in the depressed area, Syrian refugees start moving in. This gets the townsfolk all riled up. Most of them are fairly tolerant, but a few are pretty bitter about the situation. And they're quite vocal about it. 

The main focal point of the film is The Old Oak--the last pub where the locals hang out. It's run by TJ Ballantyne (Dave Turner) who's a quiet and decent man. He befriends a young Syrian Yara (Ebla Mari) who's recently moved into town with her family. He wants to help the locals and the recent emigres so he arranges free meals at the pub. Just about everyone in town chips in, but there's still a lot of friction caused by a few folks. 

The film is slow moving, and gently paced. It's a mixture of sadness and moments of hope and joy. The camerawork perfectly displays the gritty side of the town. And the acting is noteworthy. All the characters were totally believable. Overall, I found The Old Oak a moving take on how people are are afraid of things they're not familiar with. But in the end, they're all are basically good at heart. 

4 out of 5 stars

Note to parents: While the film is Not Rated, there's a fair amount of swearing in it. 

Currently streaming on Kanopy (free with your library card), and to rent on Apple TV and Amazon. 

"Jim Henson: Idea Man"

 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. 

Currently streaming on Disney and Hulu.

4 out of 5 stars

"I Like Movies"

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.