"North of Normal"

2022 * Not Rated * 1h 30m I’ll freely admit I’m an old hippie at heart. I came of age in the late 60s and early 70s, but was more into the music and politics than the alternative lifestyle. As much as I would have liked to, I was far too young to move out to San Fransisco and settle down in Haight-Ashbury. However, one of my few regrets in life was not hitchhiking out east with my lifelong pal “The Hawk” to attend Woodstock. Oh well, I’ll just have to settle for watching the documentary about the historic event. These days, whenever I hear of a film involving hippies, it goes right in my queue. I’m glad this film was recommended to me—what a delightful find it is.

“North of Normal” is based on the best-selling 2014 autobiography by model and fashion entrepreneur Cea Sunrise Person. It covers the writer’s formative years growing up in communes in Western Canada and the Yukon. The film is directed by writer Carly Stone, best known for her wonderful television series “Kim’s Convenience.” She assembled a strong cast for the movie which includes Sarah Gadon (“Ferrari” “Enemy”), Robert Carlyle (“The Full Monty” “Trainspotting”), and Amanda Fix (“Orphan Black: Echoes” “High School”).

Young Cea, played by the talented River Price-Maenpaa, is living an idyllic life out in the woods. It’s the early 1970s and she’s part of a hippie commune living off the grid. She spends her days exploring her surroundings and practicing archery. Cea’s grandparents “Papa Dick” (Carlyle) and Grandma Jeanne (Janet Porter) are loosely in charge of the group. Her mother Michelle (Gadon) is a free spirit who loves to get high and sleep around. Certainly an interesting role model for the young girl. Early on, her grandpa teaches her a valuable lesson. He asks her what she’d do when encountering a bear on the trail. “Don’t give in to fear,” he tells her. Then they both raise their hands in the air and roar. It’s something she’ll carry with her as she wends her way through life.

One day Cea is shocked when her mother tells her she’s leaving her and moving to the city and she’ll be looked after by her grandparents. But she’s in good hands and they give her all the love and attention she needs to mature. The film jumps ahead six years to Cea who’s now a teenager. There’s a joyous reunion as she and her mom start their new life in the big city. Just when you think things are going to be stable, Michelle continues her habit of falling for one disastrous boyfriend after another. At one point they even resort to squatting at summer homes of city folk.

A telling scene occurs when Cea and Michelle spend the day at the beach. While her mom is off frolicking in the water, she’s approached by a talent scout who tells her she’s beautiful and asks her if she’d like to audition for a modeling job. It could end up with her working in Paris. During flashbacks, we learn that one of their dreams is to travel to Paris together, and her prized possession is a snow globe of the Eiffel Tower. Even though it goes against the anti-establishment mores of her upbringing, the job sounds very intriguing to her.

Another amusing scene is when Cea is being interviewed by the school principal and he inquires about her living situation. She tells him that she appreciates the fact that she now has her own bedroom, and doesn’t have to sleep with her mom and her boyfriends. Realizing what it sounds like, she has to clarify that she doesn’t actually sleep WITH the boyfriends, they were just there. Even still, her living situation has an awkward ring to it.

The film was nominated for a number of awards and I can see why. It’s a moving portrayal of a young girl coming of age in an interesting time and environment. I really enjoyed the performances from both Amanda Fix and River Price-Maenpaa. Maybe it’s the teenager in me, but I got a kick out of hearing the younger Cea swearing like a sailor. There’s just something innately funny about an innocent kid cussing. That’s not to take away from her acting chops—I think we’re going to see a lot more from this talented girl. I also thought it was interesting that while Robert Carlyle is Scottish, he somehow totally lost his accent. That takes talent!

The cinematography was also outstanding. David Robert Jones did a commendable job capturing the stunning beauty of the Canadian wilderness. Shot after shot could be easily turned into postcards. Overall, one of the things I especially appreciated is that this is one of those movies where almost nothing really bad happens. Sure, there are plenty of emotional scenes but they’re all in keeping with the narrative. And the ending, while a bit abrupt, sort of sets the stage for a sequel. Fingers crossed that that’s in the works.

Note to parents: The film is unrated but I’d says it’s in between a PG-13 and R, mainly due to cussing and drug use.

Currently streaming for free on Kanopy and Hoopla (with your library card). Also on Tubi, Prime, and the Roku Channel, and to rent on YouTube, Apple TV, Fandango, and Amazon Prime.

4 out of 5 stars

 

"A Hologram for the King"

 2016 * R * 1h 38m  I don't think Tom Hanks has ever made a mediocre movie. When This one popped up as a rec on Kanopy, I immediately put it in my queue. I finally got around to watching it and I wasn't disappointed. It wasn't great, but it was quite entertaining. I thought the plot was a bit rambling and didn't know quite where to go. But I thinks that's half the charm of this little indie flick.

Alan (Hanks) is a bit down on his luck. He has a daughter who's taking a break from college because he's running a bit low on money. So he takes a job as an IT sales rep and goes to Saudi Arabia to sell a new presentation software program to the King. While there, he runs into a couple characters who are destined to change his life. The first is his driver Yousef (Omar Elba) who's a fun-loving, wacky guy, who gets him involved in all sorts of adventures. Then there's the beautiful doctor Zahra (Sarita Choudhury) who he goes to for a medical problem. 

While all this is happening, he and his team are constantly being blown off by their Saudi point man. As I mentioned, the plot is all over the map, but ultimately, I thought it was a fun ride. The film is based on the book by Dave Eggers, best know for his novel "A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius". If you haven't read this breakthrough book, I highly recommend it. 

3 1/2 out of 5 stars.

Currently streaming for free on Kanopy and Hoopla (with your library card, and the Roku Channel. And to rent on Apple TV, YouTube, and Prime. 

"Song Sung Blue"

2012 * PG-13 * 1h 12m I've never cared for the music of Neil Diamond. But people kept telling me what a wonderful movie this is. After watching it, I still can't stand his music. That said, the film is about a lot more than just another cover band. It's based on a true story and features great performances from Hugh Jackson and Kate Hudson. And the two have great chemistry together, which makes up for the over-abundance of Neil Diamond's irritating songs.

At the beginning of the film, "Lightening"(Jackman), a talented singer and guitarist is urged to form a cover band and perform the music of Neil Diamond. He's reluctant at first, since Diamond is a personal hero of his and he thins it would be almost sacrilegious to perform his music. But he eventually agrees and teams up with a singer Claire (Hudson) and perform as "Lightening" & "Thunder." And they become a huge hit. 

It's not long before the two get married. They each have children from previous marriages and they're soon one big happy family. Then tragedy strikes. Claire is hit by a car while gardening in her front yard, and loses part of one of her legs. It throws her into a deep depression that seems like shell never recover from. 

I won't give anything more away. I'll just say I enjoyed this film way more than I thought I would. My only negative comment is that at two hours and change, I thought it went a bit too long. Otherwise, it's well worth watching. 

4 out of 5 stars

Currently streaming on Netflix, and to rent on Apple TV, Prime, YouTube, Fandango, and other services. 

"Voicemails for Isabelle"

2026 * TV-14 * 1h 58m This one is described as a rom-com but it's really more of a romance. It's stars Zoe Deutch and Nick Robinson who both do a decent jobs here. One of my only beefs in the film is that there's a bit of a lack of chemistry between the two. But the story is refreshing and keeps you rooting for the couple.

Jill (Deutch) and Isabelle (Ciara Bravo) are about as close as two sisters can be. Unfortunately, Isabelle is suffering from a long term fatal disease and so has to live her life vicariously through her sister. Isabelle passes away while Jill is in culinary school in San Fransisco. Unable to let go of her sister, Jill constantly leaves messages on Isabelle's voicemail. But there's a catch. Unbeknownst to her, Isabelle's number has been transferred to another phone--in this case, to a young Austin real estate agent Wes (Robinson). He ends up falling for her and eventually arranges to run into her in San Fransisco. The stalking aspect is a little creepy, and when Jill discovers what was happening, she naturally freaks out. I won't give away the ending, but you pretty much know how it's going to turn out.

Some of the scenes where she's in culinary school are hilarious because their teacher is none other than the great Nick Offerman. I didn't recognize him at first, but his voice is really distinctive. He plays a total tyrant to perfection.  

Overall, I really enjoyed this little film. I hope you do too. 

Four out of 5 stars

Currently streaming on Netflix

"Send Help"

 2026 * R * 1h 53m  The movie starts out as a workplace drama. I had to check to make sure I was actually watching a Sam Raimi movie. Then things begin to get a bit weird and I knew it was going to get good. Rachel McAdams plays Linda Liddle, a sharp analyst who works her butt off. However, due to an undermining co-worker, she doesn't get credit for all she does. Then she gets passed over for a promotion she richly deserves thanks to the bro-politics at the office. 

Well, that's all about to change. On the way to a business meeting in Bangkok, the plane she's on crashes and the only survivors are her and her arrogant, obnoxious boss Bradley, played to perfection by Dylan O'Brien. The couple wash ashore on a remote jungle island off the coast of Thailand, and it's here that Linda comes into her own. It turns out she's an expert at survival. She hunts wild boar, catches fish, knows what fruits and vegetables are edible, and even builds a shelter--much to the consternation of her boss.

The film takes a number of plot twists and has an ending I never saw coming. I've never seen McAdams play a total bad-ass before and she does a great job here. If you're looking for something fun, be sure to check this one out. 

4 out of 5 stars

Streaming on Hulu and to rent on Apple TV, Fandango, Youtube, Prime, and other services.

"Language Lessons"

 2021 * Not Rated * 1h 31m This is an indie gem from the Duplass brothers that came out during the early stages of the pandemic. I think, partly by necessity, there are only two actors, each pretty much confined to their living spaces. But it isn't due to Covid, it just happened that way. The film stars Mark Duplass and Natalie Morales who co-wrote the film. Morales did the directing and what a fine film she produced. 

Adam (Duplass) has been gifted Spanish lessons for his birthday by his husband. The lessons are to be given via Zoom and are taught by Carino (Morales). Soon after the lessons begin, Adam's partner dies. So the lessons are put on hold for a bit. When they resume, it's like an awkward first date--they're both uncomfortable talking about themselves. Eventually, they begin opening up about their personal lives and a true friendship develops. 

Adam's Spanish is pretty good right from the start--he earned it when he was a child. And at one point, Carino wants to improve his grammar, while he wants to learn more about her. There's a split second scene where she accidently turns on her camera to reveal some bruises on her face. Adam just can't let it go and he makes some assumptions about how she got the bruises. 

The two actors did an amazing job and I was sucked in right from the beginning. You sort of know where the movie is heading, but it's such a joy to watch, you don't mind it a bit. After watching this fine film, I'm definitely going to search out more movies by the Duplass brothers. 

4 out of 5 stars

Streaming for free on Kanopy (with your library card), Tubi, and Plex, and to rent on Apple TV, Prime, YouTube, and other services. 

"Searching"

2018 * PG-13 * 1h 42m  Talk about a nail biter! This thriller will have you on the edge of your seat right until the very end. It's a well made drama that's been compared to the film "Missing". 

The movie starts out with a series of home movies that tell the story of the Kim family--mom, dad, and their daughter. We begin with happy times and follow them through the mom's cancer and eventual death. This leaves the dad David (John Cho) to raise his daughter. Everything seems to be pretty normal until his daughter Margot doesn't come home one night. At first David makes excuses for her. Eventually, after doing some digging, he discovers she's missing. She hasn't gone to her weekly piano lessons and has withdrawn a bunch of money. 

The more he searches on line, the more mysterious things become. He's aided by Detective Vick (Debra Messing) who's very sympathetic to his case. Then, slowly things take a dark turn. Like I said, it sure keeps you guessing and there are a couple plot twists I sure didn't see coming. If you're in the mood for a good thriller, check this one out. About the only negative comment I can make is, due to the nature of the film, a lot of screen time is spent reading texts and screens. It gets hard on the eyes after a while. 

4 out of 5 stars

Currently streaming on Netflix and Paramount. And to rent on Apple TV, YouTube, Fandango, and Prime.