I love just about anything Will Farrell is in. So I really don't know why I never heard of this film before. What a hoot. It's one of those off-beat, well-written comedies that will have you chuckling out loud. And what a great cast! It also stars Linda Cardellini and Mark Wahlberg.
Brad (Farrell) is married to Sara (Cardellini) and is the step dad to her two young kids. He's a gentle, happy-go-lucky sort who desperately wants them to accept him. Then the ex, Dusty (Wahlberg) arrives out of nowhere. He's an ego-tripping, pompous ass--probably close to Wahlberg in real life. He's simply the coolest dad on the planet. So the two of them try to outdo each other to win the kids' favor.
The competition starts out small, then spirals out of control. I had an absolute blast watching this movie. I noticed there's a "Daddy's Home Part 2" which I'm a bit skeptical about. It got pretty high ratings on IMDb, so I think I'll give it a shot.
4 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming on Netflix and for free on Hoopla (with your library card. Also to rent on Apple TV, Amazon, YouTube, and other streaming services.
2011 * PG-13 * 1h 51m I'll readily admit, I'm a big fan of Vince Vaughn. I love his early screwball comedies. Over the years, he's sure had provided his share of laugh out loud moments. But more recently, he's proven that he definitely has some significant acting chops as well. Take his most recent film "Nonnas" for example. What a great job he did. "The Dilemma" is an older film of his that could loosely be defined as a comedy. It's definitely a film that flew under the radar.
"The Dilemma" was directed by Ron Howard, who rarely disappoints. It's about Ronny (Vaughn) and Nick (Kevin James), who have been best buds for ages. They're partners in an automotive supplier company and are trying to get Chrysler to buy into their shop. They're working on a way to give EVs a muscle car sound and feel. One day, Ronny catches Nick's wife Beth (Jennifer Connelly) having an affair with another man. Here's where the dilemma comes in. Just how does he break the news to his pal?
The story takes its share of twists and turns as it heads for a final resolution. Getting there is frustratingly comical. The film is categorized as a comedy. Well, maybe a dark comedy would be a better description. As an aside, I usually don't like Kevin James. I find him really irritating. But I enjoyed his performance here. If you're looking for a couple hours of first-rate entertainment, check this one out!
Currently streaming on Netflix and to rent on Apple TV, Amazon, Youtube, Fandango, and other streaming services.
This is a sweet, coming of age film that tells the story of a young girl discovering herself and the beauty of the world around her. It’s also a landmark film, because it’s the first Australian film directed by an indigenous person. Jud Clerc directed and co-wrote it along with Steve Rodgers. Sweet As” is a semi-biographical movie based on Clerc’s participation in a photography camp when she was a teenager back in the 1980s. It proved to be a life-changing experience for her and ultimately led to her passion for the visual arts. This beautiful movie is an updated retelling of her fascinating story.
Murra, played by Shantae Barnes-Cowan (“The Redemption” “Wyrmwood Apocalypse”), is a young Aboriginal girl living with her single mother Grace (Ngaire Pigram). One evening Murra comes home to a wild, drug- and alcohol- fueled party. Things start to get out of hand when one of Grace’s friends chases after Murra and tries to break into her bedroom. She calls her uncle Ian (Mark Coles Smith), a policeman who breaks up the party and takes Murra home with him. She has a room at his house and it’s clear by the way it’s decorated, she’s stayed here before.
Ian does his best to look out for Murra. As an alternative to putting her in the Protective Services system, he signs Murra up for a photography camp. It’s an innovative program that gets at-risk kids out into the country and introduces them to the world of photography. A handful of teens have been chosen to venture into the remote Pilbara region of Western Australia. It’s a wild and visually stunning part of the country. At first, Murra is reluctant to join the group, but she resigns herself to the fact that it beats the alternative.
The group is clearly in safe hands. The driver and leader of the expedition is steadfast and no-nonsense Mitch ((Tasma Walton). Like Murra, she’s also of Aboriginal descent. Nando (Carlos Sanson Jr.), a handsome, gentle Latin-American refugee is the photography expert, and he’s just bubbling with enthusiasm at the opportunity to introduce these teens to photography and share his knowledge with them.
Murra is introduced to the rest of the group. There’s the other girl Kylie (Mikayla Levy) who’s the free-spirited rebel of the pack. When the teens are forced to turn in their phones in exchange for a camera at the beginning of the trip, Kylie secretly hides a second phone so she can keep in constant contact with her much older and controlling boyfriend. Sean (Andrew Wallace) is an intelligent, quiet boy who’s there because of his numerous suicide attempts. Rounding out the group is Elvis (Pedrea Jackson), a super-friendly, likable sort who gets along with everyone. It isn’t till much later in the film when we learn his tragic background.As one would expect when throwing a bunch of disparate teens together, there’s a bit of friction at first between the kids. The tension is particularly strong between Murra and Kylie—they’re both headstrong and determined young women. Eventually they resolve their differences and become chums.
The adventure the group embarks on is truly eye-opening. They head into a desolate and stunning part of the country. It’s a region held sacred by the indigenous people who have great respect for the land, its flora and fauna, and especially its people. Nando teaches the teens the importance of really looking at the world and having the photographs they take speak from their hearts. A good deal of the story focuses on Murra and her interpretation of what she visualizes. Whenever she takes a photo, the frame freezes for a few seconds and the title she gives it appears on the screen. It’s a clever device that works well to explain how she views her surroundings.
In addition to the excellent acting, a couple of other factors help contribute to making this such a powerful film. I especially enjoyed the soundtrack. It’s a wide variety of indigenous music which ranges from upbeat reggae style tunes, to quiet, thoughtful folk numbers. I doubt it’s available to purchase, but I’d be the first in line to buy it if it was. Then there’s the brilliant camerawork of cinematographer Katie Milwright. She not only uses closeups of the kids to help convey what they’re experiencing, she paints a beautiful cinematic portrait of the landscape. It’s a part of the country that’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. The rich, red ochre mountains almost look fake, they’re that colorful. We’re treated to one surprising scene after another.
This is one of those films where I can totally empathize with the main character. Sure, she’s an Aboriginal teenage girl living with an alcoholic, drug abusing mother in Western Australia, participating in a photography camp. And I’m, well...just about the opposite. When I was a freshman in high school, I was a bit of a drifter and struggled to fit in. Then I took a photography class with an inspiring teacher who not only taught me how to take photos and use the darkroom, he changed the way I looked at the world. He almost single-handedly turned my life around. A little bit like Murra’s story.I can’t recommend this movie highly enough. I’m not surprised it’s received numerous awards at various film festivals including TIFF and the Berlin International Film Festival. It’s one I think the whole family will enjoy.
Note to parents: The film is not rated but I’d probably rate it PG-13. There’s a little bit of swearing and some underage drinking. But I think overall, the subject matter is appropriate for teens.
Currently streaming for free on Hoopla with your library card. And to rent on Apple TV and Amazon.
2016 * TV-MA * 1h 41m I have mixed feelings about Ricky Gervais. I know a lot of people can't stand him. I enjoy his "Spinal Tap" type characters where he plays the clueless idiot. I also just loved him as the downtrodden, sensitive guy in the brilliant series "After Life." But I just hate his stand-up comedy. Actually, I've never made it through a stand-up performance of his and had to bail early, every time I've tried.
But if you enjoy his dumb characters, you'll love him in this hilarious movie. He plays off perfectly with the cool, level-headed Eric Bana. Bana is a seasoned radio correspondent and Gervais plays his dim-witted sound man. The two of them get a choice assignment covering a Latin American country in the midst of a revolution. They're all set to head out on the last plane into the country, when by a ridiculous mishap, they lose all their papers, visas, and passports. Rather than confess their idiocy, they hole up in an apartment near their radio station in New York City and fake their "live" coverage of the events as they unfold.
It's a ridiculous situation, and that's the brilliance of the movie. There's simply one coverup after another. The movie takes a couple unexpected turns that just add to the hilarity of the story. Both actors turn in brilliant performances. I should warn you, if you don't like the dumber side of Gervais, you might want to take a pass. I thought it was laugh-out-loud funny. But then again, I'm an idiot.
2020 * PG-13 * 1h 59m I call this a Pre-Apocalyptic movie. It's near what could turn out to be the end of life on earth as we know it. It's a nail-biting, action thriller, taken to the next level by fine performance by both Gerard Butler and Morena Baccarin. The special effects are also worth mentioning. They're incredibly realistic and will scare the bejesus out of you!
John Garrity (Butler) designs skyscrapers for a living. He lives a comfortable life with his wife Allison (Baccarin) and their son Nathan (Roger Dan Floyd). A potential cataclysmic event is looming on the horizon. A huge comet is heading for the earth. It's going to break up and potentially destroy most of life on the planet. John has been chosen to be transported to Greenland to be a part of a team to rebuild earth. Only one problem: his son has diabetes and the government won't allow sick people to join the rebuilding folks.
So John and his family opt for "plan B" and are going to head for Canada and make their way to Greenland on their own. The clock is ticking and there's little time left until the major part of the comet is going to hit. Their journey is about an hour and a half of some of the most intense movie viewing I've seen in quite a while. If you like a good thriller, don't miss this one!
4 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming on HBO/Max. And to rent on Apple TV, YouTube, Amazon, Fandango, and other services.
2015 * Not Rated * 1h 24m I'm a big fan of Cloris Leachman. I think she's one of the most underrated actors of all time. I've enjoyed everything I've seen her in, especially her role in the hilarious and off-beat comedy show, "Raising Hope." She an absolute riot in this funny movie. Actually, she outshines everyone else in it.
Phillip (James Wolk) and his sister Megan (Micky Sumner) are charged with driving their grandmother Estelle (Leachman) up to Seattle where they're going to put her in an assisted living facility. Well, Estelle wants nothing to do with traveling with her grandkids and hops in her car and takes off. Unbeknownst to her, Megan has stashed a bunch of drugs in the trunk of her car. So the siblings are soon in hot pursuit of their grandmother. But Estelle isn't traveling alone. She had her favorite pet dog stuffed after it died, and she keeps her beloved pet with her at all times!
The movie is filled with the usual road trip antics. And Ms. Leachman is a hoot, delivering her usual filthy and caustic comments. I thought the rest of the actors were passable, but Leachman certainly more than made up for the mediocre supporting actors. If you're looking for a funny road trip flick, give this one a try!
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming for free on Hoopla, Tubi Pluto, and Plex. And to rent on Apple TV, Prime Video, YouTube, and other services.
2025 * Not Rated * 1h 28m Let me come right out and say it: I'm a life-long Detroiter and always go out of my way to see any movie that has anything remotely tied to this fair city. So this one went right into my viewing queue. And it did not disappoint.
The film takes place in the late 90s, at the hight of the garage band era. Now you have to remember, Detroit is one great music town. Whether it's jazz, or good ol' rock and roll. The whole punk movement was started by our very own MC5! But I digress.
The main theme is about two rival groups, Hot Freaks and Bull Roar. The two bands have a heated rivalry as they both head down to South by Southwest to perform. It's a fun roadtrip/buddy flick with plenty of amusing encounters along the way. And the drummer's dad, who has his share of medical problems, is along for the ride.
I really enjoyed the film from beginning to end. I thought the acting and storyline were both great. I especially like the fact that the drummer was in advertising. I'm a former copywriter myself and could relate to his encounters at work. I would have loved to have told my employers to "Shove it!" like he did. But alas, I had to put bread on the table.
Anyway, if you looking for a fresh take on the road trip genre, be sure to check out this fine flick!
4 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming for free on Hoopla with your library card. And to rent on Prime, Apple TV, Fandango, and other services.
2024 * Not Rated * 50m If you're not moved by this wonderful tribute to a remarkable cat, you need to check your pulse. I didn't know anything about this movie before watching it. What a great surprise. It's about a cat that wanders into the classroom of an elementary school in Los Angeles in 1952. He quickly decides this is where he's going to spend his days, much to the delight of the young students. They take to the cat and the rest is history.
The cat became a beloved member of the school. Every morning he'd arrive when the school bell rang, and he'd spend the day with the kids. A huge honor was to be selected as the official feeder of the cat. By the way, since he hung around room 8 at the school, the students officially named him "Room 8."
Room 8's photo was included in the school year book, both as faculty and as a student. This little documentary is a loving tribute to a well loved cat. And a cat that was known around the world! He even got tons of fan letters from children and adults the wold over. What a beautiful movie!
A great big "thank you!" goes out to anyone involved in the making of this sweet film!
4 out of 5 stars
Watch for free on Hoopla (with your library card), Tubi, YouTube, and Prime Video. And to rent on Amazon.
2005 * PG-13 * 1h 25m I know this isn't a new film, but for some reason I never saw it when it came out. Ya just can't see everything, can ya? But it popped up on Netflix recently and I put it in my queue, because hey, who doesn't like a good thriller? And this one had me on the edge of my seat, right until the end. Wow!
Lisa (Rachel McAdams) is a hotel manager, forced to take a red eye flight home back to Miami. At the airport, she runs into Jackson (Cillian Murphy)and the two strike up a conversation. They bump into each other several times and it just so happens, they're sitting next to each other on the plane. What are the odds, eh? Right from the start, you get creepy vibes from Jackson. There's just something about him.
Well, my inner creep-o-meter paid off. It turns out, Jackson is part of a plot to kill the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security. Lisa is forced to call the hotel and make arrangements for the Secretary and his family to be transferred to a new suite or her father will be killed. Not one to give in easily, she makes several bold attempts to thwart the assassination attempt. Each nerve-racking attempt is foiled and it all makes for one intense, exciting movie. I haven't seen a film that was this thrilling in quite a while. If you like nail-biting thrillers, don't miss this one!
4 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming on Netflix and to rent on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, YouTube, and Fandango.
2023 * Not Rated * 1h 43m I love little indie flicks like this. Just about everything about it was perfect. The acting, writing, story, and even the cinematography.
The story is about a young girl nicknamed Goat (Shayelen Martin), who lives in the Pacific Northwest with her single mom Jane (Caitlyn Sponheimer). They rent a house in a small town and illegally sublet it over the course of the summer. The two move into their motorhome and live in an RV park. Mom works a couple jobs and is just getting by while the Goat is left on her own.
She hooks up with a young boy Nate (Leandro Guedes) who's her own age and lives next door. The two of them spend the summer together getting into a little trouble, but have a great time together. They love to bomb around town on their skateboards, and Goat is absolutely obsessed with becoming a surfer. That's mainly due to her deceased father who was a profession surfer. What a sweet little movie. I thought it was funny that the young girl looked almost like the spitting image of Woody Harrelson! Check it out and I think you'll agree with me.
If you're in the mood for something different, be sure to put this gem in your queue!
2024 * Not Rated * 1h 58m If you're in the mood for something a little different, give this one a shot. It's sort of a noir-crime caper-buddy-road trip movie. If that makes any sense. It reminded me of a comedic take on "Bonnie & Clyde." The acting, writing, and cinematography were all great.
Don (Shea Whigham-"F1: The Movie" "Non-Stop") has just gotten out of prison. He visits his former gangster boss Armen (Glen Fleshler) who owes him some money. Armen agrees to pay him back as long as he kills his former girlfriend Phyllis, played by Carry Coon ("White Lotus" "Gone Girl"). Well, Don is no killer and when he takes Phyllis out into the country to do the deed, he chickens out. Then she makes him an offer he can't refuse. Since she was Armen's money handler/accountant, she knows not only where he has his money stashed, she knows the combinations to all his safes.
So, the two of them go on the lam. At first they barely converse, but as time goes on, they open up to each other. It's great fun to see two actors of this calibre interact. The film takes a few twists and turns, both predictable and unexpected. It all adds up to an enjoyable caper I really enjoyed. Another one of those movies that definitely deserve more attention. Not sure why this one isn't better known.
4 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming on Hulu and to rent on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, YouTube, and other services.
2015 * R * 1h 40m I was looking for something bit light and corny and noticed this film pop up on Netflix. Wow, it was just what the doctored ordered. It was as outrageous and entertaining as I thought it would be. Because Kevin Hart was in it, it crosses the line into politically incorrect territory on numerous occasions. But that's okay, if anyone can pull it off, it's him.
The story is a bit farfetched. And that's what made it refreshing. James (Will Ferrell) is a super rich investor and financial advisor. One day, he's wrongly accused of illegal trading and is arrested. He has thirty days until he is going to prison. He's absolutely terrified. He ends up hooking up with Darnell (Hart) and being a clueless racist, he assumes he's a former criminal. Darnell is saving up to buy his family a house, so he pretends he's an ex-con. He convinces James to hire him to prepare him for his time behind bars.
It's a funny, off-the wall caper that had me chuckling out loud throughout the film. The two comedians worked well together. I just don't know why I've never heard of this little gem. If you're looking for an evening filled with laughs, check this one out!
2023 * R * 1h 47m Who doesn't like a good thriller? Every once in a while I need a little bit of escapism. And this movie delivered in spades. It's an action thriller where you check your brain at the door, sit back, and just enjoy the ride.
Pilot Brodie Torrance (Gerard Butler) is on a routine flight across the Pacific Ocean when his plane is struck by lightning. He's forced to crash land the plane on a remote island in the Philippines. As if that wasn't bad enough, the island is run by a band of ruthless outlaws. When he heads out looking for help, the passengers are taken hostage. He's accompanied by Louis Gaspare (Mike Colter) who's a suspected murderer being transported by an FBI agent to the U.S.
The two of them go into hyperdrive and are total badasses dealing with the situation. It turns out that Louis was a highly trained soldier so Brodie has an able accomplice to do battle with. The film has all the usual cliches, but it's full of nail-biting scenes, from start to finish. If you're the type that gets a bit nervous about flying, you might want to skip this one. The scenes of the plane going down are pretty harrowing!
4 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming on Netflix, Starz, and Prime and to rent on Amazon, YouTube and other streaming services.
2016 * R * 1h 27m I'm a huge fun of "This is Spinal Tap." In fact, it's right up there on my Top Ten list of comedies. I think Sir Christopher Guest is a comedic genius. It was absolutely groundbreaking when it came out and was one of the first mocumentaries. Often imitated, never surpassed. So whenever I see a new mocumentary, I always compare it to "Spinal Tap." Well, I think this one ranks right up there.
Andy Samberg is one of the funniest actors and writers working today. I loved him in "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" and was sad to see that show end. He's absolutely brilliant here in "Popstar." The film is about a boy band, think The Hansons, only they're a hip-hop group. When the band breaks up, Samberg's character decides he's going to pursue a solo career, because he feels he was the genius behind the group. Well, things don't go according to plan and his first solo album is a flop. And when he starts bombing on tour, his manager decides to add a hot young musician to open for him who ends up even more popular than him.
I usually don't listen to lyrics to songs, and I'm not a big fan of hip-hop or rap. But you have to listen to the words to the songs here. They're so stupid you can't help but laugh out loud. They're really that funny. And the supporting cast here is terrific. It includes Sarah Silverman, Tim Meadows, Joan Cusack, and several rappers including Questlove, Nas, and Usher. If you're in the mood for some really dumb comedy, be sure to check out this one--it goes up to eleven!
4 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming on Netflix and Prime. Also to rent on Apple TV, YouTube, Fandango, Amazon, and other streaming services.
2011 * R * 1h 44m I'm a huge sci-fi fan. So when I spot a movie that spoofs some of the classics like "E.T." and "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" I'm in. And this one certainly paid off in spades. It's a fun, road trip kind of film starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost ("Shaun of the Dead" "Hot Fuzz) and the distinctive voice of Seth Rogan.
Graeme (Pegg) and Clive (Frost) are a couple of Brits who are comic book nerds on vacation in the U.S. They're here to participate in a comic-con and then hit the road the visit some classic alien hotspots in the Southwest like Area 51. While on the road they witness a horrible car wreck and discover the survivor--a funny, sarcastic pot-smoking alien who's on the lam. He's voiced by Seth Rogan who's absolutely hilarious in the part. The alien, Paul, originally arrived many years ago and has finally escaped the research facility that's held him captive for ages. He's on a mission to get to a location where a spaceship will meet him and take him back home.
The three of them are being pursued by federal agents and things quickly get out of hand. The cast of the movie is stellar (sorry about that). It includes Jane Lynch, Sigourney Weaver, Bill Hader, Jason Bateman, Kristen Wiig, and Joe Lo Truglio. I thought the film was great fun. The alien reminded a little of the main character in "Ted." Always sarcastic and irreverent, and a constant stream of one-liners. The humor was juvenile at times, but then again, so am I. Guilty!
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming on Netflix and Prime and to rent on YouTube, Apple TV and other streaming services.
2025 * R * 1h 37m If you looking for some fairly mindless entertainment, you might want to check this one out. It's an action thriller that got thoroughly panned by most critics. Sure it's rather derivative and you've seen the basic plot before. But sometimes, that's okay. I thought this one was quite well done.
Joey (Daisy Ridley) is an ex-special forces soldier. She has a menial job washing windows on huge skyscrapers. One day she has to take her brother Michael (Matthew Tuck) to work. He's a special needs kid who's autistic, and just got kicked out of his residence. As (bad) luck would have it, a group of eco-terrorists led by Marcus (Clive Owen) decides to attack the building and take hostages that very day.
The rest of the film focuses on Joey's efforts to prevent the terrorists from killing all 300 hostages while keeping her brother safe. The two of them eventually work together to foil the plot. It's a nail biter and even though you know how it's going to end, it's fun watching her and her brother foil the attack. I thought the movie was well shot, especially the exterior scenes on the upper floors of the buildings. I'm not big on heights, so it was a little unnerving. But it made for some great action scenes. About the only negative comment is I didn't like seeing Clive Owen play a terrorist--I'd prefer seeing him play a good guy.
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming for free on Kanopy (with your library card). Also on Prime Video and to rent on Amazon Video.
2024 * PG-13 * 1h 45m M. Night Shyamalan has certainly produced some creepy flicks over the years. Films like "The Sixth Sense," "Signs" and "Lady in the Water" come to mind. "Trap" is his latest, and while viewers and critics love to dump on this movie, I rather enjoyed it. Sure, there are plenty of plot holes, but for this genre, you need to suspend belief in reality and just go with it. I thought is was pretty entertaining.
The film is about a dad Cooper (Josh Hartnett) who takes his teen-age daughter Riley (Ariel Donoghue) to a Lady Raven concert. She's modeled after Lady Gaga and is played by Shyamalan's daughter Saleka. When Cooper starts acting weird, you know something's up. There's talk about a serial killer in town called "The Butcher" and it turns out the concert is an elaborate trap to nab said killer. Well guess who the killer turns out to be? Yep! Cooper. Somehow he's led a double life where he's a solid family man by day, and a brutal killer at night.
So the chase is on to try to catch him. He finds out early on what's up when a vender spills the beans about the operation. He's constantly staying one step ahead of the police. I thought overall, it was a very entertaining movie. It was fairly tense and kept me guessing the whole time. About the only complaint is I felt the last third of the movie dragged a bit. With a little bit of editing, they could have gotten it down to an hour and a half and had a better movie. But that's just me.
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming on Netflix, Hulu and Max. And to rent on Apple TV, Amazon, and other services.
2024 * R * 1h 55m. This is another “play within a movie” offering in a totally different setting that took me by surprise. It’s one of those rare films you accidently stumble upon, and makes you wonder why it isn’t better known. What a powerful piece of filmmaking. I can’t recommend “Ghostlight” strongly enough.
It’s a very moving story that’s a bit slow in the beginning, but soon has its talons hooked into you—with an engaging story and fine cast. The movie is co-directed by the Chicago-based team of Kerry O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson and was written by O’Sullivan. The actors play off each other perfectly, which is no surprise since they’re an actual family in real life. Keith Kupferer and Tara Mallen are married and Katherine Mallen Kupferer is their daughter. You’ve probably seen the parents in other films, although they’ve mainly been in supporting roles.
Dan (Kupferer) is a construction worker, usually manning a jackhammer. He’s one of those tough, silent types, who seem to have something bubbling under the surface. One day while at work, Rita (Dolly De Leon) comes out of a nearby building and castigates him for making so much noise. A bit later when he’s almost struck by a passing car, he loses his cool and gets into a confrontation with the driver and is nearly suspended from his job. The same woman witnesses the outburst and subsequently invites him to come inside and see what she’s up to.
As luck would have it, she’s part of an amateur theatre group that’s rehearsing Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” And surprise, they just happen to need someone to sit in on a table reading. Dan is totally out of his element, but he agrees to help out. He finds the whole acting thing very intriguing and it isn’t long before he gets the acting bug. He doesn’t want his family to know what he’s up to, so he lies and tells them he’s out drinking with his work buddies.
Meanwhile, his daughter Daisy (Mallen Kupferer), is in trouble at school. She’s been accused of hitting a teacher, and when the family meets with the principal, we get a taste of Daisy’s angst. She’s a high-strung 16-year old who is ready to lash out at any minute. Daisy can barely get through a sentence without a barrage of expletives shooting out of her trap. She ends up avoiding getting expelled by agreeing to see a therapist.
There are hints at some dark secret behind the family’s troubles. We learn early on that there’s an upcoming lawsuit against another family at the school, which they’re preparing for with their attorney. And the mom Sharon (Mallen), is the one holding the three of them together, just barely. The tension is palpable, especially at dinnertime. It’s like a powder keg just waiting to explode, with Daisy on edge and cussing like a sailor.
As the film progresses, much of the focus is on Dan and his involvement with the theatre troop. A young actor playing Romeo complains that Rita is too old to play Juliet and storms out in a rage and quits. Against his better judgment, Dan is coerced into filling in as Romeo. At first he’s totally out of his element, but slowly steps up to the part. As he immerses himself in the role we see how acting begins to heal him. It helps him deal with the emotions he’s hidden deep in his heart. One scene I found especially amusing is when Dan passionately argues that they should rewrite the ending of the play to make it a happy one.
This is one of those movies that really knocked me for a loop. I’m not a huge Shakespeare buff, but I can’t think of any other play that would work better in a film like this. It’s a rare movie that I kept thinking about days after seeing it. Just writing about it now makes me want to watch it again, even though I know how it turns out. It’s also one of those movies you’ll insist all your friends see!
In case you’re wondering about where the title comes from, here’s a brief explanation. A ghost light is a single light placed on stage after hours in order to keep the theatre’s ghosts happy. It’s one of those theatre superstitions like saying, “break a leg” instead of good luck to a performer. Or referring to “Macbeth” as the “Scottish play.”
5 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming on Hulu and to rent on Amazon, Apple TV, and other streaming services
2022 * R * 1h 45m If you're looking for something a little bit different, then this one just might do the trick. It's a sweet, charming, coming of age movie that totally caught me off guard. It's exactly what a solid indie film should be. "Wildflower" features fine writing, excellent acting, and an original plot. What a little gem!
The movie centers around Joy (Alexandra Daddario) who's in a coma in the hospital. She surrounded by her extended family who are all trying to figure out what happened to her. Joy starts narrating her story from her comatose state and we learn about her upbringing. She was raised by two intellectually-disabled parents, Derek (Dash Mihok) and Sharon (Samantha Hyde). Actually she sort of raised them in a way. It's a complicated family relationship that adds to the beauty of the film.
Joy is extremely bright and the counselor at her high school encourages her to apply to college. She's reluctant to go away to school because not only is her boyfriend sticking around after graduation, she's worried about her parents.
I thought this movie was funny, touching, heartfelt, and smart. Daddario did an incredible job here. Also noteworthy is the great supporting cast. It includes a number of actors you've seen in tons of movies. Folks like Chris Mulkey, Jean Smart, Reid Scott, and Jacki Weaver. They all help make this a memorable film!
4 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming on Hulu and to rent on Fandango.
2025 * PG-13 * 2h 3m I watch a lot of movies. And a majority of them are serious dramas. So every once in a while I like to see something that isn't quite as taxing, without being mindlessly stupid. This film falls easily into that category. It's fairly predictable, but the fine acting and decent script help make it a thoroughly enjoyable two hours.
Alex (Sofia Carson) is a young woman who works for her mother's very successful business. When her mom Elizabeth (Connie Britton) passes away, she leaves most of her belongings and her business to her two sons. Alex however has inherited something special. Her mom found a bucket list Alex wrote when she was 13-years old. On a DBD she makes for her daughter, Elizabeth tells her she has to do all the things on her list before she gets a her gift.
It's fun watching her pursue all her goals, and of course, as you'd expect, she finds love along the way. I thought it was a fun, entertaining movie. About the only negative comment is that it ran a bit long. I think they could easily have pared it down to an hour and forty-five minutes.
2024 * Not Rated * 1h 51m A powerful WWII movie that's unlike anything I've seen before. Just about everything about this remarkable film is picture perfect. The acting, cinematography, writing, and storyline is fantastic. And it's based on a true story.
At the beginning of the film, the narrator says, "I have 5 Drawers in my head. The three top drawers I open all the time. Draw number four I open less often. I closed the bottom drawer May 8th, 1945, and haven't opened it since." This is the story about the things from the bottom drawer.
The story takes place in Oslo, Norway during the war. Gunnar Sonsteby--Code Name "Number 24"-- is a young man who's joined the resistance, engaged in fighting the occupying the Nazis, who have taken over his country. His mission, with help from the British, is to kill Norwegian collaborators, one man at a time. The story goes back and forth from the older Gunnar (Erik Hivju), who is living in the present day, giving a speech to a group of high school students, to the war years where young Gunnar (Sjur Vatne Brean) is engaged in the mission.
It's a quiet, slow moving film that will definitely leave you in a contemplative mood. Mushc more powerful than a film filled with huge battles and endless gunfire and explosions. Especially after seeing one of the students questioning his actions killing fellow Norwegians. If you're looking for a different take on a WWII film, be sure to check this one out.
2023 * Not Rated * 1h 30m This is a simple, slice-of-life family drama that I found quite entertaining. It's well written and well acted, and the storyline is totally believable.
Graham Landry (Josh Radnor) has been tasked with fixing up the family's rental property in Chicago. He's a frustrated writer/actor who's a bit down on his luck. His highly successful brother Will (Rob Huebel), who's in a popular tv show, decides to come home and stay at the house for a week or two. Then his folks Sue (Becky Ann Baker) and Roy (Ron Ashton) show up to lend a helping hand.
I thought the director Haroula Rose did a terrific job presenting a family drama that certainly had its share of humor, angst, and great chemistry between the leads. It also gave you a feeling of what living in the Windy City is like. I think it's unfortunate that this film isn't better known.
4 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming for free on Hoopla (with your library card) and to rent on Apple TV.
2024 * Not Rated * 1h 30m An interesting blend of genres with this one. It's a post-apocalyptic, road trip movie with a sprinkling of zombie thrown into the mix. It's well written and acted, and has great production values.
A strange disease has hit planet earth and has killed off a good portion of the population. And it's turned most of the survivors into flesh eating zombies. After the pandemic has struck, Ethan (Douglas Smith) and his girlfriend Emma (Kimberly-Sue Murray) leave the city and head to their family cottage. After a car accident, Emma goes missing and Ethan, suffering from amnesia tries to piece together what happened as he searches for her.
When he arrives at a cabin, he encounters Mae (Carrie-Anne Moss), a strong-willed survivor who lets him stay with her. Slowly the two of them figure out what happened to him, as they fight off intruders and the occasional zombie. The story takes a few unexpected turns which leads to an ending I did not see coming. If you're up for a grim yet well done thriller, be sure to check this one out!
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Streaming for free on Kanopy and Hoopla (with your library card), and Tubi. And to rent on Apple TV, Plex, and Amazon.
2019 * Not Rated * 1h 46m If you're looking for something a bit different, then give this one a shot. It's an offbeat little indie film with a great cast, smart writing, and wonderful scenery and cinematography. I'd never heard of this movie, but it stars Jenny Slate. If you're familiar with the film "Marcel The Shell" you'll instantly recognize her distinctive voice. Her performance here is just great.
Francis (Slate) is a struggling artist at a crossroads in her life. She lives with her parents and sister in a tiny NYC apartment. She's just broken up with her boyfriend, her parents announce they're getting divorced, and her sister is getting married. When her latest painting gets a less than great critique, she's about to give up painting. So she does the most logical thing one can do in this situation. She moves to northern Norway to a pseudo Viking community to help an artist paint a barn numerous shades of yellow!
While there she encounters a number of interesting characters including Haldor (Zach Galfinakis), who's the Viking Chief. The artist she's working for is a gruff, silent type and she's forced to live in a tiny trailer. It all makes for some unexpected adventures that I found hugely entertaining. If you like oddball humor, you're gonna love this one!
4 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming for free with your library card on Kanopy and Hoopla. Also on Tubi, Plex, The Roku Channel, Amazon Prime, and Peacock.
2018 * PG-13 * 1h 32m I thought this was a well-done little indie .Part of the film deals with the Holocaust, and while it doesn't gloss over it, it doesn't overwhelm the movie either. Striking a nice balance which made for an interesting story.
Eli (Ryan Ochoa) is a high school kid who doesn't really fit in. He's a bit of a loner and a talented artist. His dream is to become an animator. For his media class, he's tasked with creating an animated film that not only tells a story, but captures a bit of history. He decides to interview his grandpa Samuel (Hal Linden), who he really doesn't know that much about. So he begins to work in his grandfather's laundromat while encouraging him to discuss his childhood. It turns out, Samual hid out from the Nazis during the war and watched as his whole family was killed by German soldiers.
Samuel has kept his family history a secret, and in fact, they were so painful, he never even told his own son about these events. So Eli has a fascinating story to tell, and he does a great job of creating a short animated movie. "The Samuel Project" was a fresh take on a somewhat familiar story. I thought the acting, writing, and cinematography were all great.
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming for free with your library card on Hoopla. Also free on YouTube, Tubi, Freevee, Plex, The Roku Channel, and Prime Video.
2024 * Not Rated * 1h 36m What an interesting film. It's based on a 2017 Thai film with the same name. Supposed the original is such better, but I must say, this version was great. It's sort of a heist thriller, but instead of swiping a pile of money, the thieves are gaming the academic testing world. And, instead of your usual ragtag bunch of con artists, you have a group of high school students.
"Bad Genius" is about a brilliant young Chinese American girl Lynn (Callina Liang) who's received a scholarship to a prestigious school. It's not long until she's befriended by a group of rich white kids who take advantage of her by having her supply them the answers to various exams. Then they take it to the next level by having her figure out how to cheat on the SATs.
It sounds like a boring premise, but believe me it's not. The story grabs you right from the beginning and you'll find yourself rooting for these kids until the end. I though the acting, story, and filming were all fantastic. I just noticed the original movie is streaming on Netflix, so that immediately went into my queue! Looking forward to checking it out.
3 1/2 to of 5 stars.
Streaming for free with your library card on Kanopy. Also on Hulu and to rent on Apple TV and Amazon.
2023 * Not Rated * 1h 33m What could be better than an indie flick? Why a Canadian indie flick, of course! I was a bit skeptical going into this one, but what a pleasant surprise. Just about everything about it was picture perfect. Great acting, excellent writing, interesting story, and ultimately, a warmhearted and unpredictable movie.
Susan (Michaela Watkins), is a divorced mom who's raised her daughter by herself. After graduation, Brooke (Sara Waisglass) announces she's not going to college locally, but to McGill University in Montreal, six hours away. Susan is devastated. As is Gage (Charlie Gillespie), Brooke's clingy boyfriend. He's a totally unmotivated high school dropout and Susan despises him. After he attempts to commit suicide, Susan reluctantly agrees to take him in and to keep an eye on him.
The two mismatched couple eventually grow closer together, while Susan tries to move on with her life. She's a very encouraging surrogate mom to Gage and the film takes numerous twists and turns, all adding up to a funny, amusing, and satisfying hour and a half of rewarding moviegoing. If you're in the mood for something a bit different, be sure to put this film in your queue!
4 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming for free with your library card on Kanopy. And to rent on Apple TV, Amazon, and Fandango.
2024 * Not Rated * 1h 52m Here's another one of those excellent movies that somehow slipped under the radar. It's sort of a sci-fi version of "Groundhog Day," but with more emphasis on human relationships and less on sci-fi. The acting and storyline were both excellent and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
Zoya Lowe (Mary-Louise Parker) is a physicist, who's done extensive studies of time. One day it's discovered that she has a black hole in her chest and she only has a short time to live. When she pops a pill from a stash she's had since she was a young girl, she goes back in time one week and the process starts all over again. In one of her trips back in time, she meets a young physics student Paula (Ayo Edebiri) who she engages to help her study the space-time continuum, and free her from the never ending time loop.
As I've mentioned before, (last week, actually), I absolutely love time travel movies. And this one did not disappoint. It was a heartfelt story that went well beyond the usual sci-fi romp. I really enjoyed Ms. Edebiri in her role in "The Bear" and her performance here was equally great. Of course, Parker was her usual excellent self. If you're up for something a bit different, I highly recommend "Omni Loop."
4 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming for free with your library card on Hoopla. Also on Hulu and to rent on Apple TV and other streaming services.
2019 * R * 1h 43m One of my favorite genres is time travel movies. Here it's combined with a detective theme and what an exciting film it is! It had me on the edge of my seat and guessing right until the end.
Jack (David Oyelowo) is a detective. When he finds out his niece Ashley (Storm Reid) and her parents have been brutally murdered, he's devastated. Then, out of the blue, a couple days after the crime, he gets a call from his dead niece. She's actually calling from a couple days before the murder has taken place. So it immediately begins a race against time for the two of them to figure out what led to the murders and to do whatever they can to prevent it.
"Don't Le Go" is a great premise and I thought it was quite well done. The acting, writing, and cinematography are all first rate. It's a real nail-biter for sure and I just don't understand why it isn't better known. Go figure!
3.5 stars out of 5
Currently streaming on Netflix. And to rent on Apple TV, Amazon Prime and other services
2011 * Not Rated * 1h 19m This is just one more example of why I love indie movies. This is a sweet little film with a big heart. You can tell it was made on a budget, but that's part of its charm. It's a slice of life story that takes place in a small, ski town and focuses on three characters.
Harvey (Jordan Prentice) is a little person who works as a janitor at the resort. His best friend is Lucas (Steven McCarthy) who's a wacky, lovable outcast. They've been close since they were in an orphanage together as kids. One day, Harvey is introduced to Dakota (Kristin Adams), who works as a pole dancer at a local watering hole. She's a sweetheart and he's immediately smitten with her.
Lucas' big dream is to build a toboggan run, which he and Harvey work on together. One day, a stray husky dog befriends Harvey and the two of them become best buds. Meanwhile, Harvey, against all odds, tries to pursue Dakota. It's a fun movie with some absolutely charming moments. I really enjoyed it and hope you do as well.
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming for free on Hoopla (with your library card), Prime Video, and Freevee. And to rent on Apple TV.
2023 * Not Rated * 1h 9m This is just a little indie gem of a film. I wasn't sure what I was in for when I put this one in my queue. Actually, I feared I was in for some pretentious filmmaking and was expecting to quit it after ten or fifteen minutes. But what a pleasant surprise. Sure it's an indie, but what separates it from a lot of other movies is the lack of a plot. It's comprised of a series of little short stories, poems or rather haikus if you will. They're all seemingly unrelated for the most part. But what almost all of them have in common is water--whether the vignette takes place in the sea, or there's an aquarium as the focal point of the story. And each little story is just as long as it needs to be. None is more than ten minutes long. They're all very entertaining.
The acting, camerawork, editing, and stories are all very well done. It's too bad this movie isn't better known. One thing is for sure is that you'll be smiling at the end of the film.
I don't know anything about the filmmaker but if this film is any indication, I think he's on the road to great things and look forward to seeing what he does next. Kudos to everyone involved!
Currently streaming for free with your library card on Kanopy and to rent on Amazon Prime.
2023 *Not Rated * 1h 21m I thought this film was a sweet little indie gem. It was absolutely charming. I've hear that the two leads wrote the film, then raised the funds to finance it, and struggled to find a distributor. As luck would have it, it's currently on Hoopla. I thought the acting was really good, it was well written, and the cinematography was decent. Sure, it was a little predictable, but what more do you want from a sincere, coming of age film?
The movie is about Sam (Jessica Michael Davis) and JJ (Collin Kelly-Sordelet), two 18-yer olds who've just graduated from high school. They live in Akron, Ohio and have been best buds since they were little kids. The summer after graduation it dawns on them that they're in love. The problem is JJ enjoys living in Ohio and is prepared to spend the rest of his life there. Sam points out at the beginning of the movie that a lot of famous people are from Ohio. And it isn't because they're from there that their famous, but because they all chose to leave. So when she announces she's contemplating taking an internship in California, JJ decides to show her around the state to convince her it's a great place to live.
I loved the fact that he takes her to offbeat places like a deserted old football field, and a abandoned bridge in a suburb that was never built. I'm from Detroit and love exploring old buildings from a bygone era too. I thought the chemistry between the two was quite convincing. They felt like they were truly in love. The movie was written by the two leads and was directed by Ms Davis. Overall, it's quite a fun movie and I can see great things ahead for these two!
If you're looking for a sweet little indie flick, be sure to check this one out. I hope they find a distributor for the movie so more folks get a chance to see it. Bravo!
4 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming on Hoopla free with your library card and to rent on Prime Video.
2023 * PG-13 * 1h 35m Since his James Bond days, Pierce Brosnan has played a wide range of roles--some good, some okay, and some downright awful. But this is definitely one of his finest performances in ages. He plays a 92-year old WWII veteran, and he does a very convincing job of it. He's also supported by a number of excellent actors as well in a meaningful, touching film that will haunt you long after viewing it.
Brosnan plays Artie Crawford, an aging vet who's been living in a nursing home in Northern Ireland with his beloved wife Maggie. We learn through the course of the film that he, his friend Charlie, and Maggie were inseparable as kids. Then the two young men were drafted and served in the British Army and were part of the Normandy Invasion. Which is where Charlie was killed.
When it's announced that there will be a huge celebration of the 75th anniversary of the event, Artie decides to escape the nursing facility and head to France to participate. This adventure is based on real life and it's a wonderful and memorable trip. Along the way, he's aided by a bunch of kind-hearted characters that help him reach his destination.
What a sweet little film. I think it's one the whole family will enjoy. Warning: Be sure to have some tissues handy and I dare you not to puddle up at the end of this fantastic movie!
4 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming for free on Kanopy & Hoopla (with your library card) and to rent on Apple TV, Plex, and other services.
2016 * Not Rated * 1h 19m. To quote that great American wit Mark Twain, “There are cat people, and there’s everyone else.” I happen to share his sentiments, I’m an unabashed cat person, and have been all my life. I know there are just as many dog folks out there, but one of my favorite observations about the difference between cats and dogs goes like this: A dog looks up at his or her caretaker and thinks, “Wow, this person gives me shelter, feeds me, pets me, (s)he must be God!” A cat looks up at his or her caretaker and thinks, “Wow, this person gives me shelter, feeds me, pets me, I must be God!”
With that sentiment in mind, I invite you to check out one of the finest documentaries about cats I’ve ever seen. I was lucky enough to catch it on the big screen when it was released. I noticed it’s recently been available on a couple of streaming services and I think it’s every bit as enjoyable on a TV or computer screen. The award-winning film is from Turkish born director Cedya Torun.
Kedi is the Turkish word for cat and that’s the focus of this highly entertaining film. It tells the story of seven unique and unusual felines, residing in the ancient city of Istanbul. Cats have been a part of the Turkish capital for thousands of years. They were originally brought to the city to help control the rat population, and have been an integral part of the culture ever since. One gets the sense that this is their city, humans just happen to live there too.
Early in the film we learn that very few cats are actually owned by the residents. Most of them live on the streets and take shelter wherever they can find it. But they become attached to individuals and adopt them and let them provide for them. One aspect of the film that makes it so engaging is the unique camerawork by the director’s husband Charlie Wuppermann and Alp Korfali. Most of the footage is from a cat’s eye view as the camera follows them around. Surprisingly, the cats aren’t bothered at all by the camera tailing them. Apparently the great cinematography is the result of a cat-level action cam mounted on a remote-control toy car. Pure genius!
The film is divided into chapters, with one devoted to each of the seven furry beasts. As you’d expect, every animal has a unique personality, which is revealed and discussed by the individual, or individuals who look after them. They range from the super friendly, to the aloof, to the psycho. All with the street smarts needed to survive. The intimate camerawork makes you want to reach out and pet these lovable creatures. At least two thirds of the movie is devoted to footage of our furry friends.
We also meet some of the humans who are devoted to the well being of the cats. There’s a woman who admits to cooking over twenty pounds of chicken a day, to feed the cats in the neighborhood. And there’s a gentleman who tells us he had a nervous breakdown in 2002. In spite of therapy and medication, nothing seemed to help him. That is, until he began taking care of some local cats. He admits to owing his recovery to these wonderful creatures. What a terrific testament to the healing powers of a pet.
“Kedi” is just a wonderful film with a very positive message. It might even make a convert out of those dog people out there. The only negative aspect of the movie is near the end where residents discuss the changing nature of the city. Modern high-rise buildings are replacing whole neighborhoods. The concern is that this new construction will drive away the cats that have called the area home for thousands of years. Hopefully, they’ll be accommodated and will continue to be welcome there.
5 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming on Kanopy (free with your library card) and YouTube Premium, and to rent on Apple TV and Amazon Prime.
The film is not rated but I’d give it a PG. Prrrr-fect for the whole family.
2022 * Not Rated * 1h 43m I have mixed feelings about this movie, mainly due to the subject matter. It's about assisted suicide. For some reason, it's listed as a comedy. Huh? While there were some lighter moments in the film, it's hardly a comedy. But you can't watch it without being affected by it. So I liked it with reservations.
The plot is pretty straight-forward. Jimmy (James Corrozo) is suffering from Alzheimer's and decides he'd rather step out in style while he still has his faculties. So he decides to throw a FUN-eral party to celebrate his life, on the night he's going to take his life. We meet his Death Doula, who is going to help him die. A reporter from the local paper shows up, with the assignment of covering the event. And his estranged brother, who's a Christian minister visits him with the hopes of convincing him to change his mind.
Then, the rest the movie focuses on the wild, surreal party he has in his honor. Things get progressively weirder and weirder as we approach his inevitable death. I found this part of the film hard to watch. So while this movie isn't for everyone, I did think it was worth seeing.
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Currently streaming for free on Kanopy, Hoopla (with your library card), Tubi, Freevee, and Prime Video.
2024 * Not Rated * 1h 11m If you like offbeat, dry humor and enjoy people like Ricky Gervais and This Is Spinal Tap, I think this is right up your alley. Diane Morgan plays Philomena Cunk, a totally clueless, dimwit who explains in her own way, the mysteries of life. She meets with various scholars and asks them, point blank, some of the dumbest questions ever. And they keep a straight face as they try to answer her.
This latest installment is on Netflix as was her previous outing. While I thought it was hilarious, it fell just a tad short of her earlier work. I think it was mainly due to the nature of her quest--it was a bit more abstract than her other shows. They dealt with history instead of trying to define the nature of life and religion. So if you like this one, look for her other shows such as Cunk on Britain and Cunk on Earth. They're available to stream on YouTube.
Note to parents: While the movie is not rated, there is some foul language and a scene graphically explaining intercourse.
2024 * R * 1h 29m I'll come right out and admit it, I love Aubrey Plaza and everything I've seen her in. For me it all started with her wonderful performance in Parks & Recreation and continued right up to this fine film. She's smart, attractive, and adds a quirkiness to all her roles.
Here she costars with the delightful and talented young actor Maisy Stella. The film opens with Elliott (Stella) and her two best pals. She's a couple weeks away from heading off to college and the three of them decide to take a trip on magic mushrooms. After ingesting them, Elliott is shocked by the appearance of her 39-year old self, played by Aubrey Plaza. The two of them have some heavy-duty conversations. To keep the the dialogue going, she gets her older version to put her number in her phone, which she IDs as "My Old Ass."
And lo and behold, they end up continuing their communications, and she receives quite a bit of advice. She isn't told too much about her fate, but is given some words of wisdom regarding love, life, relationships, and dealing with her family.
Obviously this is one of those movies that could loosely fall into the category of magic realism. But ultimately I though it was a sweet, heartfelt, and well-acted film.
