"Wildflower"

 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.

"The Life List"

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. 

3 1/2 out of 5 stars

Currently streaming on Netflix.   

"Number 24"

 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. 

Five stars

Currently streaming on Netflix.

"All Happy Families"

 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. 

"Die Alone"

 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.