"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.