"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.