Since I talked down about petit Francais in my last review (Anais in Love), I’ve got to hand it to writer/director Safy Nebbou for the 2019 flick “Who you Think I Am” available now on Amazon. Mind you, the film was adapted from a book by Camille Laurens and Safy chose the best living middle… Continue reading Score One for the French: Who You Think I Am
Anais in Love: An Arc de Goodenumph
France may as well be Mars to me. They’re such odd people. They are so rushed, emphatic and impatitent as evidenced by the character Anais (portrayed by Anais Demoustier…coincidence?) in Anais in Love, written and directed by Charline Bourgeois-Tacquet. Eerily similar in plot to The Worst Person in the World, Anais in Love is a… Continue reading Anais in Love: An Arc de Goodenumph
Jumpin Jake Flash, Bay’s Ambulance, a Gas Gas Gas
If only I could get paid for this, I’d be a wealthy woman…Now that I’m back to my normal Buddhist zero expectations, I had fun watching Michael Bay’s smash up extravaganza. Credit goes to Chris Fedak who adapted the screenplay from the Dutch original, who either added or maintained the perfect balance of melodrama with… Continue reading Jumpin Jake Flash, Bay’s Ambulance, a Gas Gas Gas
Worthy Story, Too Much Fighting, All at Once
Everything Everywhere All at Once is by the writer and director team of Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinhert (Swiss Army Man, weird flick). I had the misfortune of hearing too many hyperbolic compliments beforehand, setting it up for the inability to live up to great expectations. First, great premise: the world is f’ed up (of… Continue reading Worthy Story, Too Much Fighting, All at Once
Mothering Sunday: Stop the Presses
Preface: A quote from Sheila Heti’s book Pure Colour which sums up the special quality of relationships falling on the cusp, fitting my experience with the movie Mothering Sunday: “Sometimes a person is meant to move forward in the world with the one they love at a distance, and that the distance is there to… Continue reading Mothering Sunday: Stop the Presses
Montana Story; acting as majestic as the mountains
Scott McGehee and David Siegel (of What Masie Knew, another jewel of a film) have come up with another compelling family story adaptation (Mike Spreter the original author), this time centering on a brother-sister dynamic. Showing now at the Sarasota Film Festival, the film is definitely worth seeing (and if I could fit it in,… Continue reading Montana Story; acting as majestic as the mountains
Compartment No. 6, Don’t Passover the Little Guy/Girl
Winning three awards at Cannes, directed and adapted from a novel to the screen by Juho Kuomanen, Compartment No. 6 is not a film at which to sneeze, yet because it didn’t make the U.S. Slap Fest, most people probably pass it by. But foreign films are often deeper than American (sorry USA) and Compartment… Continue reading Compartment No. 6, Don’t Passover the Little Guy/Girl
Sarasota Film Fest Documentary: Oleg, an Editing Feat
“Oleg, The Oleg Vidov Story” is an editing feat. As a documentary told in chronological story, no matter how exciting the events, a writer (in this case, Cory Taylor) and director (Nadia Tass) have to spice it up with timely clips that put us in the subject’s milieu. And Oleg does this in a fascinating… Continue reading Sarasota Film Fest Documentary: Oleg, an Editing Feat
WindFall, a Generous Review
Maybe it’s the whimsical feeling of Spring, but just as I loved the clumsy erotic thriller Deep Water, I also dug Windfall. Most of the reason why is my adoration for Jesse Plemons and Jason Segel, both fine actors. In fact, since Toney Kotsur won 18 awards for CODA, could he break the foot off… Continue reading WindFall, a Generous Review
A sweet giggle followed by a cannonball into Deep Water
I loved Deep Water. Think the whimsy can be attributed to the thrills and absurdity of real life, and how Deep Water addresses the idea of men who refuse to leave abusive relationships (the subject of a stage play I wrote two years ago called “May Divorce Be With You”–think Star Wars and you get… Continue reading A sweet giggle followed by a cannonball into Deep Water
After Yang Screams for the Big Screen & Voila! SFF Answers the Call
Second viewing of after Yang at the Sarasota Film Festival….ruminations: I wanted to shout out to the man in charge of the music Aska Matsumyia. The delicate piano helps to accentuate the grief and loss. And thank goodness I saw it on the big screen. There’s a moment I did not catch, so precious that… Continue reading After Yang Screams for the Big Screen & Voila! SFF Answers the Call
“The Outfit” Comes Off a Little Too Easily
Graham Moore, Oscar winner for Best Adapted Screenplay for the very moving The Imitation Game, co-wrote and directed The Outfit, out now at Burns Court and AMC Bradenton. And while I love Mark Rylance (I could have kissed him for making me laugh so hard in “Don’t Look Up”), this film was just a little… Continue reading “The Outfit” Comes Off a Little Too Easily
Holy Intricate Super Hero Movie, Batman!
Matt Reeves and Peter Craig (who wrote The Town) have done a yeoman’s job on making a smart super hero movie. At 2 hours and 55 minutes, I feared boredom and stupidity. But I was proven wrong! I’m a sucker for Pattinson (and I never watched Twilight), but please get thee to a tv and… Continue reading Holy Intricate Super Hero Movie, Batman!
Cyrano…Peter, Hail the Station Agent
What do you do when your wife adapts a movie to give you work and due to lack of charisma of the other two stars, you are stuck? I’ve got to believe this is what happened to Peter Dinklage in Cyrano adapted by his wife Ericka Schmidt. I loved Dinklage in most of the film,… Continue reading Cyrano…Peter, Hail the Station Agent
I took in The Worst Person in the World a second time and found it even more charming
I took in The Worst Person in the World again (which coincidentally is also something I did literally from 1999 to 2006 #noregrets). The second time around gleaned these thoughts: a. The soundtrack is truly essential and amazing. And I had not realized “Waters of March” was done by Art Garfunkel. b. Andersen Danielsen Lie… Continue reading I took in The Worst Person in the World a second time and found it even more charming
Flee, Moving and Commendable
Immigration seems to be the new school shootings, meaning, most have heard so many stories, both news and renditions (American Dirt and Dreamers just to name one) that to make a documentary about the topic is risky due to public news fatigue. CLARIFICATION: to me, both topics are still VERY important and relevant. Further proof… Continue reading Flee, Moving and Commendable
I Found “A Hero”, Asghar Farhadi Award Worthiest
I didn’t sleep well last night, but the movie viewing of A Hero was worth the sleep deprivation. While I’m sure this weakness is not solely Sagittarius, I especially related to the movie’s main theme of no good deed goes unpunished. As demonstrated recently in “Red Rocket”, an emotionally engrossing movie always provokes me into… Continue reading I Found “A Hero”, Asghar Farhadi Award Worthiest
Parallel Mothers, Still on My Mission
Pedro Almodovar wrote and directed Parallel Mothers, a film I liked less than 2019’s Pain and Glory, but again, much like Drive My Car, I admit to cultural ignorance. First, I’m pro-cremation, so any story line about angst about family bodies being buried next to each other, does not tug my heart strings, disculpe. I… Continue reading Parallel Mothers, Still on My Mission
The Power of the Dog, Worthy of a Re-Watch
For my initial watch of The Power of the Dog, [and I truly want a re-watch as this movie has some hidden gem moments that hit you out of nowhere and are gone to quickly to be appreciated just once (the post wedding waltz, the Bronco Bill handkerchief scene, the smoking of the same cigarette… Continue reading The Power of the Dog, Worthy of a Re-Watch
Drive My Car, an OJ Pace and Mood Included
On behalf of the other nominees, let me apologize for the Golden Globes. I haven’t even seen you yet, you Parallel Mothers, you Compartment No. 6, you Hand of God, and you A Hero, but I already KNOW at least one of you would move me more than Drive My Car. The Golden Globe Award… Continue reading Drive My Car, an OJ Pace and Mood Included
The Lost Daughter, A Slippery Slope
I loved the book The Lost Daughter, as Elena Ferrante’s character wrestled with her wanderlust, her desire to excel professionally and experience midlife hedonism. But the movie? Not so much. The harsh visual reality of exasperated mothers who simply induce more needy children was deeply affecting, but in a depressing way. Adapted to screenplay and… Continue reading The Lost Daughter, A Slippery Slope
CODA, the Peanut Butter Falcon of 2021
My top ten is changing after seeing CODA last night. Goodbye West Side Story and hello CODA. Sian Heder’s written and directed movie (taken from the original French idea and version by Victoria Bedos’ The Belier Family) about the hearing daughter of a deaf family had me in tears several times. I haven’t been this… Continue reading CODA, the Peanut Butter Falcon of 2021
Test Pattern; a Glossy 4 by 6
I care about this blog AND your opinion AND having a dialogue about film. The comment system on this site is not working, but feel free to email comments at irun2eatpizza@hotmail.com. Watching Test Pattern was very good for me, even if I didn’t like the film. Here’s why: my New Year’s resolution is to get… Continue reading Test Pattern; a Glossy 4 by 6
Stephen is the Root-y in The Tragedy of MacBeth
While The Tragedy of MacBeth’s sound and cinematography are outstanding, along with OF COURSE, Denzel as a vision to behold and his flawless recitation of Shakespeare solidifies his G.O.A.T. status, in addition to an opposite but equally impressive way, as Frances takes her “I woke up like this” simplicity look and spins it into acting… Continue reading Stephen is the Root-y in The Tragedy of MacBeth
Red Rocket made me scream out loud, literally
Hopefully you’re savvy enough to get my review title’s double entendre which really did happen. I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve said something out loud in a theater. The last time was during The Lighthouse when Willem DaFoe gave such a powerful monologue that I whisper said, “Oh my God”… Continue reading Red Rocket made me scream out loud, literally
Great Case Study, Good Starter Film: The Novice
The Novice, written and directed by Lauren Hadaway, reminds me of my counseling training days. If you suped up a OCD case study from the DSM-IV, you’d have The Novice. Unfortunately, case studies are just one note wonders, they don’t round out the person’s life, nor specifically detail impacts on a person’s life. It’s simply… Continue reading Great Case Study, Good Starter Film: The Novice
Don’t Look Up But Get Down with Your Sense of Humor
Don’t Look Up written (with the help of David Sirota: Guardian Contributor Bernie’s Speech Writer 2020) and directed by Adam McKay consists of a more star studded cast than can be held in the sky reported on by scientists Leo DeCaprio and Jen Lawrence. You name him/her/they and they are also in the movie: Streep,… Continue reading Don’t Look Up But Get Down with Your Sense of Humor
Time for a Year(2021)End Top Ten Films
2021 was a continuation of the best of times and the worst of times (aka pandemic thwarting the film experience), but obviously much improved. Henceforth, my picks (1 being my favorite) of my top 10 Films of 2021. If anyone else has the same rankings, please get in touch asap as that means I have… Continue reading Time for a Year(2021)End Top Ten Films
Licorice Pizza: Not Sugar Free, but the Diabetes is worth it
Licorice Pizza won’t ever be my favorite PT Anderson movie, but it was dog gone enjoyable. Call me all American, since what I like about Licorice Pizza is exactly what I didn’t like about Belfast. In the end, L.P. consists of gorgeous moments strung delicately together, like shiny romantic white lights in a dark room.… Continue reading Licorice Pizza: Not Sugar Free, but the Diabetes is worth it
Chemistry Counts: Guillermo No, Steven, Yes Sir!
(Write to me your comments and opinions at irun2eatpizza@hotmail.com) I did something I rarely do Friday when I chose walking out of Nightmare Alley over hari kari (now the latter would have been a carnival side show!). Just depression with all caps with zero chemistry between Mara and Cooper, as well as zippo for Cooper… Continue reading Chemistry Counts: Guillermo No, Steven, Yes Sir!
Feelings and Honesty: C’mon C’mon
C’mon C’mon written and directed by Mike Mills is a film everyone should see, but probably won’t. This is VERY UNFORTUNATE, given that Burt Bacharach and Hal David’s 1965 song, ‘what the world needs now is love sweet love, it’s the only thing that there’s just too little of” is still very relevant. Especially for… Continue reading Feelings and Honesty: C’mon C’mon
A Knockoff: House of Gucci
If you came out to my TALK BACK at Burns Court, THANK YOU. Comments won’t work on this blog site, but please email me at irun2eatpizza@hotmail.com with any comments on the movie, what you’d like to see in future talk backs, anything!! Yo Ridley, yes you, Mr Scott, Com’ere. And you, Becky Johnston, well, you… Continue reading A Knockoff: House of Gucci
Belfast; Rotten Potatoes, Heavy with Famine
Well, I can’t tell you why I don’t like Belfast that much because then I’d break my spoiler promise. Hence, I’ll give you some hints, and once you see it, please, by all means, write to me at irun2eatpizza@hotmail.com to guess the answer, or to agree or disagree with my premise. Let’s just say it… Continue reading Belfast; Rotten Potatoes, Heavy with Famine
Just one tiny tick too many…tick, tick Boom!
My favorite musical of all time is Rent, so I confess my bias upfront. For those of you not in the know, tick tick Boom is a both a musical by and basically a mini biopic of Jonathan Larson. My second favorite musical is Hamilton, so I obviously had a good feeling about tick tick… Continue reading Just one tiny tick too many…tick, tick Boom!
Spencer: First Choice for Re-watch
For those who grew up in a dysfunctional household where holidays were not quite ‘the most wonderful time of the year’, Spencer will feel like a walk down memory lane…And while some might choose The French Dispatch for best 2021 re-watch (and I’m game, genius creativity at too high rpms), given the choice I’d say… Continue reading Spencer: First Choice for Re-watch
French Dispatch, Just Ca Va
Wes Anderson’s French Dispatch reminds me of me when I’m trying to tell a long story or joke, I talk way too fast, lacking confidence or worried that the person’s listening is bored. So Wes, get thee to a therapist. You’re an artist, but you have to slow down the pace so we can enjoy… Continue reading French Dispatch, Just Ca Va
Dune: This Isn’t Quick Sand, It’s DEEP!
This may be a one time anomaly, when cinematography, sound, and acting override a basic story that’s been done (Star Wars) and done (Gladiator) and done (Avatar). But Dune, directed and written by Denis Villeneuve (who worked on Arrival, Sicario and Prisoners) with co-writers Joe Spaights and Eric Roth (Forrest Gump, Mank, Star is Born)… Continue reading Dune: This Isn’t Quick Sand, It’s DEEP!
Four, if Not Five, Movies in One: Bergman Island
Hey! Write to me at irun2eatpizza@hotmail.com since I can’t seem to work out the bugs of my comment section. I’ll write back and would love to hear your views! Bergman Island made my city of five years seem new again. I practically skipped home. Here’s why: Mia Hansen-Love’s film is basically five films in one… Continue reading Four, if Not Five, Movies in One: Bergman Island
Germans and Women win the weekend film contest: No Time To Cry
Sorry Cary Joji Fukunaga, Maria Schrader beat you in the writing and directing departments this weekend. In fact, let me count the ways… 1. Sex appeal: though the lead character of “I’m Your Man” (Maria Schrader’s film) wears librarian fashions, there is an actual passionate sex scene. Whereas James Bond, with the emotional range of… Continue reading Germans and Women win the weekend film contest: No Time To Cry
Azor: A Creeper with a Calendar
Thank goodness for the calendar in Azor, otherwise I would have not quite understood the full length of Andreas Fontana’s new drama. Let me help you out: the movie is based on 1980 when the government had essentially been overthrown and a period known as The National Reorganization Process took over in the form of… Continue reading Azor: A Creeper with a Calendar
A “Pig”‘s Pulchritude
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and the adage applies to not only a person’s love for their pet as in Nicolas Cage’s syncopation with his truffle pig, but also my adoration for Cage’s acting career. Sure, his choices haven’t been ‘pretty’ at times, yet when he delivers a performance such as Pig… Continue reading A “Pig”‘s Pulchritude
Stillwater Runs Deep
I think the 70’s Rotten Tomatoes is unfair for the new film Stillwater, written by Oscar winner Tom McCarthy (Spotlight screenplay) as well as other awards for movies such as The Station Agent, Win Win and Up. Much like his previous films, McCarthy knows how to write a great story and here is one based… Continue reading Stillwater Runs Deep
Three Summers, Like a Tres Leches Cake, Tres Veroes
Pardon my bad Spanish analogy, but since I love Tres Leches cake, I thought I’d compare Tres Veroes, a fine movie written and directed by Sandra Kogut. First the perfect three part structure: Decembers of 2015, 2016, and 2017. 2015 begins with Mada, played brilliantly by Regina Case, as housekeeper/family caretaker to a wealthy Brazilian… Continue reading Three Summers, Like a Tres Leches Cake, Tres Veroes
God’s Own Country, a must see
Recently I was asked to co-host a program at our local Independent Theater Burns Court for the movie “Ammonite” which debuts November 13th. As a dutiful life long learner, I looked into the writer/director Francis Lee. Lo and behold, was a movie on his filmography I’d been meaning to watch starring one of my favorite… Continue reading God’s Own Country, a must see
A Girl Walks Into a Movie Theater…
A girl walks into a movie theater, intent on seeing Little Women, but just as I veer towards the men’s group at any Super Bowl party, the minute I heard a woman say how Little Women dripped a little too much maudlin, I spun and drove for a power lay up back into Uncut Gems.… Continue reading A Girl Walks Into a Movie Theater…
Uncut Gems: Sparkling!
Not sure how to write a review about a revelation without spoiling this film written by my cherished Safdie brothers (Good Time, Daddy Long Legs) and their writing partner Ronald Bronstein. BUT I will keep my promise!! Suffice to say it’s a must see and certainly breaks into my top ten at ‘lucky’ number 7… Continue reading Uncut Gems: Sparkling!
Sweetest Peanut Butter I’ve Ever Known
Hyperbole, schmyperbole, I’m jumping on The Peanut Butter Falcon Oscar bandwagon ready to throw non-breakables at the television should it not win several awards. Best Original Screenplay: Tyler Nilson and Mike Schwartz are the new Affleck/Damon, great storytelling and not a second of filler in the entire movie. My movie companion was dying to get… Continue reading Sweetest Peanut Butter I’ve Ever Known
Maiden: Using undertow as a verb
I’m declaring undertow as a verb, as in underdwhelmed, as in, ‘I got undertowed’ by the high praise for the documentary “Maiden”. I like the sound of it and hope to have it goes viral. Of course I’m saying this somewhat tongue in cheek. On the one hand, what the women on “Maiden” did, as… Continue reading Maiden: Using undertow as a verb
Nick Cage: Commitment & Self-deprecation=Hall Pass
I consider this two year period my renaissance with Nick Cage. First he recaptured my heart with his understated, yet powerful role as washed up chef in Pig. Now, in a far lesser movie, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, I have to give him a pass for humility and pure fun. The story is… Continue reading Nick Cage: Commitment & Self-deprecation=Hall Pass