Dumb Money Could Have Been Smarter

Craig Gillespie has moved me in the past with I, Tonya and Pam & Tommy. Dumb Money though simply skims the surface in regard to character development and basic exposition. Paul Dano is an acting God. I have followed his career from There Will Be Blood to Love & Mercy to Dumb Money. I even… Continue reading Dumb Money Could Have Been Smarter

Golda: Nerves of Steel, Worth the Reel

Fickle critics who panned Golda (written by Nicholas Martin and directed by Guy Nattiv) must be a literal bunch as I really enjoyed the atmospheric slice of life biopic. Speaking for myself, I’m done with war carnage scenes and feel just as moved by the music and human screams invoked in Golda. So I applaud… Continue reading Golda: Nerves of Steel, Worth the Reel

Worth a Mention at 50: American Graffiti

In spite of warnings that American Graffiti was a lame early George Lucas production, I ventured forth, knowing my Mom who grew up in the 1950’s and 60’s of which the story is set, would at least appreciate the time travel. And of course, I’ll show my bias for all the 1970 movie stars, most… Continue reading Worth a Mention at 50: American Graffiti

Passages: Hey Mikey, She Likes It!

Stop the presses, for once I like a movie more than the New York Times. In fact, Amy Nicholson was downright harsh. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t LOVE Passages. But I did appreciate and even knowingly shake my head in understanding and remembering my second marriage which had an eerily similar dynamic of a… Continue reading Passages: Hey Mikey, She Likes It!

Afire: Pentagon on Sadness

Much like Triangle of Sadness, (an Oscar 2023 nominated film), Afire, written and directed by Christian Petzold (Undine and Transit being his other most recent and popular), deals in part with the breakdown of relationships caused by sexual power dynamics. What begins as a trio thrown together, two men on a working vacation with a… Continue reading Afire: Pentagon on Sadness

Dreamin’ Wild, Sleepy Tame

I’m sure you have movies you can’t re-watch, even if you loved them the first time, mainly because they’re just too gut wrenchingly emotional. A few of mine are: Blu Valentine, Saving Private Ryan, Manchester By the Sea and Love & Mercy. The last two share involvement with director Bill Pohland who wrote and directed… Continue reading Dreamin’ Wild, Sleepy Tame

Shortcomings, a discussion provoking film

Randall Parks full length directorial debut, Shortcomings (based on a graphic novel by Adrian Tomine was a fine, intriguing watch for me. Listening to a podcast this morning unpacking the film, the trio kept referring to the main character, played by After Yang’s Justin H. Min as an incel. Like a healthy Buddhist, I’m not… Continue reading Shortcomings, a discussion provoking film

Theater Camp, Fire Comedy (as the kids say)

Theater Camp was a perfect comedic film. Molly Gordon, Nick Lieberman and Noah Galvin have written a model script with deadpan humor and heart. The former two directed the film and let’s hope this trio will be the next Christopher Guest in creating a string of mockumentary style comedies. In this case, the title explains… Continue reading Theater Camp, Fire Comedy (as the kids say)

Filling in the Film Holes re. Two Past Mammoth Films

Time Magazine just released another of their polls, “the best movies from every decade”. I had some holes in my film files, so just like summer construction, it was time to fill in some potholes. I rented Brian De Palma’s Blowout with John Travolta and a very young and too believably creepy John Lithgow. Dennis… Continue reading Filling in the Film Holes re. Two Past Mammoth Films

Even The Quiet Girl Deserves the Big Screen

I love the movie theater experience and I do regret not seeing The Quiet Girl in such a setting. Watching it at home was meaningful, but as I’ve said over and over in these posts, size matters: the bigger screen the larger the emotions. But The Quiet Girl is still worth seeing, no matter your… Continue reading Even The Quiet Girl Deserves the Big Screen

Women Have Come a Long Way Barbie

Barbie, written (with the help of her “Ken”, Noah Baumbach) and directed by Greta Gerwig was a triumphant feat of creativity. To begin I’ll start with the many positive performances. Cast: Margot Robbie is perfect as Stereotypical Barbie, but possibly only due to the incredible writing and narration of Helen Mirren, who, visa vie Gerwig,… Continue reading Women Have Come a Long Way Barbie

Oppenheimer: Artistic Feat

Christopher Nolan is DaVinci, and this is why I could never say, “Hey Leonardo, I love your Mona Lisa but if you could just put a date and age tag for Mona on the bottom of the canvas that’d be so nice.” No, I would never do that, same with CN, even though I wanted… Continue reading Oppenheimer: Artistic Feat

Commission Possible: Dead Reckoning Dialogue

Fun vocabulary fact: Commission can mean the money you make on sales. Commission can also mean the act of granting certain powers or the authority to carry out a particular task or duty. And boy did the “writers” have a commission for lame dialogue. Read on. But first, Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning is worth seeing.… Continue reading Commission Possible: Dead Reckoning Dialogue

Past Lives, Present Jives, Imbalance Thrives

*Fair Warning: Spoilers are here, breaking my promise, but just this once: Day Two of ponderings (with gratitude toward @Filmspotting for helping nudge me to my current feeling for the film). My reaction and thought process about the film Past Lives has changed like phases of the moon. So it’s appropriate that today’s Super Moon… Continue reading Past Lives, Present Jives, Imbalance Thrives

No Hard Feelings: Bringin’ Back the Bawdy

Gene Stupnitsky (Picture Groucho Marx with a cigar saying, “With a last name like that you’ve got to have a sense of humor”) and John Phillips wrote No Hard Feelings with the former (Stupnitsky) directing the movie. They worked together on The Office and Stupnitsky also wrote and directed Bad Teacher, another guilty pleasure of… Continue reading No Hard Feelings: Bringin’ Back the Bawdy

The Return I Was Hoping For: W.A.’s Asteroid City

I’ve always enjoyed Wes Anderson with one exception, French Dispatch. And when I say exception, I hated the depressing black and white, couldn’t relate to any of the characters and the three stories amounted to an emotional zilch. But Wes Anderson, with the help of Roman Coppola, has returned to an artistically creative plateau with… Continue reading The Return I Was Hoping For: W.A.’s Asteroid City

The Eight Mountains: Rapturous Butte* (*2 syllables, long E)

Ok humor me on the title, since I just went down a rabbit hole searching for a clever mountain term. I now know the Alps are still getting taller and what a massif is…I digress… The Eight Mountains is a fabulous book written by Paolo Cognetti and was adapted to the screen by writer/director Felix… Continue reading The Eight Mountains: Rapturous Butte* (*2 syllables, long E)

It Ain’t Over; I Sure Hope Not

It Ain’t Over is a touching documentary written and directed by Sean Mullin. I fought back tears several times and credit Yogi Berra’s gorgeous life story most, but Sean Mullin assuredly spun the tale in a very entertaining way. Mostly through excellent old films and news clippings, Mullin uses Berra’s beautiful granddaughter as the springboard… Continue reading It Ain’t Over; I Sure Hope Not

You Hurt My Feelings: For Real Nicole Holofcener

I’ve liked all of Nicole Holofcener’s films, especially Can You Ever Forgive Me for which she was nominated for an Oscar. With You Hurt My Feelings, she hasn’t exactly upped the conflict ante, but she has portrayed genuine human beings navigating the rocky waves of real life. And she’s worked with Julia Louis-Dreyfus before (Enough… Continue reading You Hurt My Feelings: For Real Nicole Holofcener

Master Gardener: Suffocating the Seeds

I really wanted to love Master Gardener, Paul Schrader’s third film of the ‘man in a room trilogy’, primarily because of my polar opposite experiences of the first two. I ADORED First Reformed and was fully on board with his messaging of environmental concerns, religious hypocrisy and oppression and of course the phenomenal performances of… Continue reading Master Gardener: Suffocating the Seeds

The Way @CineBistro Siesta Key: Hope for the World

I’ve moaned before about the lack of participation at film events. Now I get to “praise the chef”. I’m not sure how the sold out crowd heard about The Way (2010, Emilio Estevez Director and Screenwriter), but man, am I happy I was there in a crowd! The Way is a gorgeous story about a… Continue reading The Way @CineBistro Siesta Key: Hope for the World

Two Films in the Flour City (First Up: Dryden Theater Rochester, NY)

First of all, Rochester’s called the Flour City since many flour mills were stationed along the Genesee River back in the day. and then beer was invented (JUST KIDDING). Ironically I was there this past weekend during Lilac Fest, the homonym of flour. The first film I saw this weekend while spending time with my… Continue reading Two Films in the Flour City (First Up: Dryden Theater Rochester, NY)

Time Pulse: Proof of the Lennon/McCartney Lyric

The love you take is equal to the love you make…(McCartney/Lennon) My weekend and beginning of the week had me beating myself up. I realize the absurdity since I have the perfect job, perfect son, caring family and my health. Yet my upcoming trip to Rochester means re-entering the space where I was ghosted last… Continue reading Time Pulse: Proof of the Lennon/McCartney Lyric

EveryBOGEY Loves Raymond: Somewhere in Queens

SOMEWHERE IN QUEENS (Directed and co-written by Ray Romano) was a feast of acting by Laurie Metcalf, Ray Romano, Jennifer Esposito and Sebastion Maniscalpo. Romano possesses a sad eyed handsome Bogart mystique and you can’t help but love him, hence EveryBOGEY Loves Raymond. My hope is for him to receive a few award nominations. He’s… Continue reading EveryBOGEY Loves Raymond: Somewhere in Queens

Sarasota Experience: You’d Have Me With “Hello”

Yesterday afternoon, before attending the premiere of the short, but brilliant documentary premiere of Shaun Greenspan’s “Sarasota Experience” at the Sarasota Opera House last night, I was walking down Gulfstream Ave., disheartened by the lack of “hello”‘s of which I’ve recently become more and more aware. I truly love Sarasota and love the walk-ability, and… Continue reading Sarasota Experience: You’d Have Me With “Hello”

Madame: Collette & Keitel

Madame is a homework movie I watched for my upcoming talk on Mafia Mamma on April 14th at Burns Court Theater. Madame is written and directed by Amanda Sthers who also wrote Mafia Mamma. Reading her book Holy Lands (also turned into a film), I’m fully understanding her style, whimsically moving. Madame never made it… Continue reading Madame: Collette & Keitel

Famili”AIR”ty Breeds Success

Let’s face it. Affleck and Damon feel like my brothers from another mother. I’ve basically grown up with them from Mystic Pizza to Good Will Hunting to Argo and Stillwater. I love these guys even if they sometimes disappoint (J Lo & Bitcoin commercials, respectively). And of course, who isn’t in love with Jason Bateman’s… Continue reading Famili”AIR”ty Breeds Success

Certainly Never Fade Away: The Buddy Holly Story

Similarly to when I’d see my son get standing ovations at SUNY Geneseo, my Burns Court experience last night provoked me to turn around and think, “Why the heck aren’t there even more people here to witness this marvel?” Not only is the film The Buddy Holly Story a super quality film (tightly written by… Continue reading Certainly Never Fade Away: The Buddy Holly Story

Other People’s Children: Sarasota Film Festival

Other People’s Children, written and directed by Rebecca Zlotowski is the second film I saw this week that starts out wobbly like a fresh born calf, but then finally gets in the groove enough to earn a favorable review. The first third of the film was akin to constant Ra-Ra Instagram posts, a look at… Continue reading Other People’s Children: Sarasota Film Festival

Phoenix Film Festival Wrap Up

Shoot me an email if you have opinions or responses: irun2eatpizza@hotmail.com The Phoenix Film Festival centered in Scottsdale, Arizona brought me to emotional heights. While I did handwrite full reviews for each film, for now, I’ll simply rate the films I saw in reverse (countdown) order with just general opinions. Once they come to the… Continue reading Phoenix Film Festival Wrap Up

Je T’Aime Moving French Movies, But…One Fine Morning, CaVa

First, proof that French films have moved me; The Umbrellas of Cherbourg is pure magic and two much more recent that were at least a good card tricks were The Intouchables and Starbuck. Not to mention almost everything Juliette Binoche has starred in. So there. And I even love Mia Hansen-Love’s Bergmann Island. But as… Continue reading Je T’Aime Moving French Movies, But…One Fine Morning, CaVa

Argentina, 1985: If Movie Awards were Sports Contests

Perhaps we should have an alternative to the Oscars, where movies with heart and morality get awarded. I wish that for Argentina, 1985. Argentina, 1985, directed by Santiago Mitre, which he co-wrote with Mariano Llinas and Martin Mauregui, possesses so much quality that I overcame my weariness over courtroom dramas and could get over the… Continue reading Argentina, 1985: If Movie Awards were Sports Contests

To Leslie, Welcome to My Revised Top 10

See you later Aftersun…as much praise as has been heaped upon you, I wasn’t as moved as I was by the miracle of film called To Leslie, written by relative newbie Ryan Binaco (3rd film) and directed by another ‘youngin’ Michael Morris (Better Call Saul). The ensemble of actors are so genuine to their characters,… Continue reading To Leslie, Welcome to My Revised Top 10

Emily, Smothering Heights

Emily, written and directed by Golden Globe nominated actress Frances O’Connor, is an inventive tale based on the life of Emily Bronte. For a first time directorial debut, Emily is quite stunning despite its Victorian age setting. Let’s face it, first love stories have been done to death, so for O’Connor to come up with… Continue reading Emily, Smothering Heights

Sylvie of the Sunshine State, When Instincts Pay Off

Preface: I emailed Sasha Levinson, writer and director of the documentary “Sylvie of the Sunshine State” and guess what? She offered to talk with me! What a beautiful spirit the woman has! We talked for almost twenty minutes about parenting and the directors who influence(d) her most. So just like Sasha’s risking vulnerability to place… Continue reading Sylvie of the Sunshine State, When Instincts Pay Off

Living: Many Intimate Moments

Living, a film based on a previous 1952 film by legendary cinema giant Kurosawa was written by Nobel Prize winning author Ishiguro. A creation of such origin was bound to be special and Living, while not a perfect 10, certainly contains many gorgeous moments. Realize that gorgeous doesn’t necessarily mean positive evocative emotions, as some… Continue reading Living: Many Intimate Moments

The Whale Nudges its Way into My Top Ten

If you hated Whale, consider that real things happen to real people; not pretty actors, but real people. And consider that some folks are irrevocably broken, so does that mean their story is not worthy of being told? I wrestled with where to put The Whale in my Top Ten. I had fun trying to… Continue reading The Whale Nudges its Way into My Top Ten

Navalny: Shocking, but sadly not surprising

Navalny, a super worthy documentary by Daniel Roher (creator of the tremendous Once We Were Brothers doc), is the plight of Putin adversary Alexei Navlany, currently incarcerated in a Russian jail. The doc follows Alexi post poisoning and the investigation and discovery of Putin’s henchmen. The story is well told, interspersing lovely moments of Nalvany… Continue reading Navalny: Shocking, but sadly not surprising

White Noise: Driver’s Poise

Adam Driver is an actor without enough awards. If I were Empress of the Academy, he would have won hands down for Marriage Story and ditto for his performance in Annette. White Noise isn’t award worthy, BUT Driver is totally believable and admirable as the geeky college professor/husband/father in Noah Baumbach’s White Noise. What the… Continue reading White Noise: Driver’s Poise

Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio

First, I want to give a shout out to the original Pinocchio author, Carlo Collodi, a fine Sagittarian born on November 24th and who died at 63 back in 1890. With that acknowledgement out of the way, let me say I was pumping the brakes during the first ten minutes of GdT’s Pinocchio, thinking aw… Continue reading Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio

Avatar: The Way of Water…Ummmm, Yeh about that…

I didn’t hate it, let’s start with that (laugh emoji). Visually stunning, but not even close to Dune, Avatar The Way of Water is just a so so story, but exceptionally great for kids for the positive messages. A member of the cast is analogous to this year’s Batman where I go…Colin Farrel was The… Continue reading Avatar: The Way of Water…Ummmm, Yeh about that…

I Want You Back: Lovable Actors=Taking the Ride

I Want You Back (Directed by Jason Orley of Big Time Adolescence and Pete Davidson stand up specials) is a super lovable rom-com. I’m not into chick flicks per se, but give me Jenny Slate and Charlie Day and how can a person dislike them, it’d be like hating puppies or kittens. What helps here… Continue reading I Want You Back: Lovable Actors=Taking the Ride

“Sr.”, a Moving Tribute to Robert Downey

Chris Smith directed Sr. and is also known for his Tiger King series (to forever be remembered along with The Last Dance/Covid Beginnings sanity saving spectaculars). Considering how well he handled Sr., I am super excited about his Gene Wilder documentary. Sr. could not have been easy to direct as Sr. showed his true creative… Continue reading “Sr.”, a Moving Tribute to Robert Downey

Emily the (Redundant) Criminal

Let me start with positives, Emily the Criminal (written and directed by John Patton Ford) is worth watching especially if you’re with a person hooked on action and suspense. Crazy the the Golden Globes have this first frenetic feature up against the quiet contemplative Aftersun. It’s like let’s have a vote on apples vs. oranges,… Continue reading Emily the (Redundant) Criminal

Johnny Cash: An American Redemption Icon

I enjoyed the documentary ‘Johnny Cash: An American Redemption Icon’ directed and I assume also written by Ben Smallbone. I enjoyed the inspirational story about Johnny’s fall into amphetamine and alcohol abuse and his rise to prison concerts and his partnership with Billy Graham. Johnny was fearless in honesty and faith. The proselytizing by the… Continue reading Johnny Cash: An American Redemption Icon

Aftersun: Blinded By the Sights

Ok, I’m still trying to grasp the multiple awards for which Aftersun has won and been nominated. While story telling gurus advise writers to show don’t tell, Charlotte Wells may have taken this too far. I appreciate avant garde cinematography (Gregory Oke), but unless you give the audience a little more context, we’re more mystified… Continue reading Aftersun: Blinded By the Sights

Kicking and Screaming: Catherine Called Birdy

I dragged myself through the first third of Lena Dunham’s Independent Spirit Award nominated Screenplay Catherine Called Birdy. I loved Girls up until the last season and have either loved or hated Dunham’s antics over the years. Odd upbringings make for creative geniuses (Safdies, Robert Downey Jr) and Dunham (psychiatrist and artists as parents) is… Continue reading Kicking and Screaming: Catherine Called Birdy

The Cathedral: Brilliant, Haunting and Heady

Deciding to shift down from the Thanksgiving/Birthday Go Go Go, I decided to take in an at home film nominated for the 2023 Independent Spirit Awards. After all, these are the folks that acknowledged Uncut Gems, Red Rocket and Zola. The Cathedral, written and directed by Ricky D’Ambrose is a former winner at the Sarasota… Continue reading The Cathedral: Brilliant, Haunting and Heady

The Fabelmans, Adults are Overrated

I think this every holiday season: without children, we don’t need the traditional celebrations. If I was Queen, I’d say screw the turkey and save the Christmas (Or Hanukkah) gift money and let’s do an activity; philanthropic donations and bowling perhaps. I say this to introduce how I felt about The Fablemans, directed by Steven… Continue reading The Fabelmans, Adults are Overrated

Bones and All-Most

Please email me your comments at irun2eatpizza@hotmail.com…I have not cracked the code of getting WordPress to be my friend re. comment availability. I promise to answer all humans who reply. Bones and All is based on a book by Camille DeAngelis and certainly not anything I’d ever read. The horror/love story genre’s not my cup… Continue reading Bones and All-Most

Broker, Positive End-Orphans

PREFACE: Please email me with your comments at irun2eatpizza@hotmail.com I promise to respond to every human:) I’ve been a fan of Hirokazu Koreeda ever since having my heart broken open by his film Shoplifters, so my expectations were gigantic for his newest, Broker. Koreeda went solo on this film, managing both the screenplay and direction… Continue reading Broker, Positive End-Orphans

Chile ’76, A Fine First Feature Filet

Manuela Martelli has quite a few acting roles under her belt, but this is her first feature directed film. I had to do a double take as her resemblance to the main female lead played by Aline Kuppenheim is astounding! Martelli shares the writing credit with Alejandra Moffat and must be thrilled with the international… Continue reading Chile ’76, A Fine First Feature Filet

The Banshees of Inisherin: Location, Location, Loc-

Sometimes your location really matters when it comes to where one views a movie. If I had seen The Banshees of Inisherin in my new hometown of Sarasota, the sultry outside may have been too much of a mismatch for me to enjoy the film as thoroughly as I did. But in my OLD hometown… Continue reading The Banshees of Inisherin: Location, Location, Loc-

Call Jane Makes 2022 Look Almost Utopian

I sometimes lament our 2022 technology obsessed culture, but 1968, to borrow a phrase from a former colleague of mine, was no Swiss picnic. Racial strife and the constrictive gender roles look so dystopian and are the key topics of Call Jane, Phyllis Nagy’s first feature film. The screenwriters Hayley Schore and Roshan Sheti need… Continue reading Call Jane Makes 2022 Look Almost Utopian

Decision to Leave…This One Off the Awards List

I have no poker face, so I’ll say it upfront. Despite what the poster quoted “Most Romantic Movie of the Year”, I beg to differ. Not that Decision to Leave didn’t have a few moments of flickering heat or a spritz of emotion, Park Chan-wook’s written and directed film smacks more of Deep Water (though… Continue reading Decision to Leave…This One Off the Awards List

“Tar”red and Intrigued

If you’re new to my blog, I’ve attempted to fix the reply feature several times over and being a techno-dunce, can’t succeed. Hence, send your replies to my email (yes it’s real): irun2eatpizza@hotmail.com I really would like to hear your thoughts. While I’m itching to hear others’ opinions about Tar, I’ll be a virgin and… Continue reading “Tar”red and Intrigued

Triangle of Sadness was my Oval of Ecstasy

Ok, I admit my bias upfront. I think Ruben Ostlund’s movies are so unique and visceral that I already knew I’d love Triangle of Sadness, ESPECIALLY when you throw in one of my favorite people of all time, Woody Harrleson. Triangle of Sadness is not perfect, I would have trimmed a few scenes from acts… Continue reading Triangle of Sadness was my Oval of Ecstasy

The Greatest Show on Earth (1952): Nothin’ But (No) Net

The Greatest Show on Earth was yet another gaping hole in my classic film viewing. After seeing Singing in the Rain and aghast that it hadn’t won Best Picture, I decided now was the time to see what was victor. And TGSOE was the 1952 Oscar winning film directed by Cecil B. DeMille. At over… Continue reading The Greatest Show on Earth (1952): Nothin’ But (No) Net

I found out about Stars at Noon at 11:59 A.M.

Jiminey Crickets, if I had known about Stars at Noon (screenplay co-written by and directly fully by Claire Denis) I would have begged for a talk back opportunity. Why do some films get so little press when they are quality, and others, like Halloween 17 or whatever the candy corn name is, get a lot… Continue reading I found out about Stars at Noon at 11:59 A.M.

A Kiss (vintage 59) is Not Just a Kiss (circa 1983)

Fortunate enough to watch two and two-thirds classic movies on what I’ll call Ash (Blonde*) at Burns Court Theater; North By Northwest (Hitchcock 1959) and The Natural (Levinson 1983). First, an aphrodisiac about the films as a whole. I’ve seen North By Northwest before and the movie encompasses limitless viewing. This time I kept my… Continue reading A Kiss (vintage 59) is Not Just a Kiss (circa 1983)

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Sunshine State from 2002, Like FLA itself: Timeless Yet Flawed

John Sayles (twice nominated for Oscars in writing) wrote and directed Sunshine State and deserves accolades for the timeless subject matter: over development of land, demise of independent brick and mortars and with it the American dream, and the breakdown of the American family. The script doctor in me knows that he threw in way… Continue reading Sunshine State from 2002, Like FLA itself: Timeless Yet Flawed

Sigourney & Kevin in a Well Built Real Estate Flick

Darker than Larry Crowne (2011), The Good House (directed by the married team of Maya Forbes and Wallace Wolodarsky who co-wrote in a threesome with Thomas Bezucha (Let Him Go) is a solid dramedy starring Sigourney Weaver and Kevin Kline. Biased with a long running man crush on Kevin Kline, I don’t think anyone would… Continue reading Sigourney & Kevin in a Well Built Real Estate Flick

Bros: Been awhile since I got to type “well written”!

Bros, directed and co-written (with star Billy Eichner) by Nicholas Stoller is a novel and authentic take on gay relationships. Not only that, I believe it is the beginning of normalizing gay relationships. Perhaps a controversial take, but until more of these groundbreaking films are seen, society is going to have to deal with indgnant… Continue reading Bros: Been awhile since I got to type “well written”!

Blonde: NC 17 Could Actually Stand for No Consolation

Let’s just say Andrew Dominik has a dark side, no? Killing Them Softly, for one, and he also likes the based on a true story as in Chopper (and now possibly Blonde). Mind you, violence is not my style so I’ve seen neither of the aforementioned, but there were more triggers for me in Blonde… Continue reading Blonde: NC 17 Could Actually Stand for No Consolation

Back to Back Classics in SRQ: Two Johns and a Jimmy

What a gift to live in Sarasota! Thursday I saw Grease (Kleiser, 1978) on the big screen at the charming Burns Court Theater (Sarasota Film Society) where joy was expressed in the gyrating seat dances and applause after each song. Truly a blessing to listen to audience members share their love for Olivia Newton-JOHN and… Continue reading Back to Back Classics in SRQ: Two Johns and a Jimmy

Peter Von Kant: Raises Interesting Questions

First of all, where are my people? Come on world, or ok, I’ll go smaller, Sarasota. Ok, smaller still, Ringling College Film Majors? I’d really like to see more intellectual and artsy people at Burns Court. For Peter Von Kant, I had a small passionate few who stayed for the talk back who I really… Continue reading Peter Von Kant: Raises Interesting Questions

Scorsese’s Godard Pick: Contempt

I certainly was familiar with Jean-Luc Godard was, but upon seeing his recent death, knew I was deficient in experience. So when I saw Martin Scorsese loved Contempt, that was my ticket. Based on the Italian novel by the same name, Godard chose the buttocks bombshell Bridgette Bardot as the female lead. Here she plays… Continue reading Scorsese’s Godard Pick: Contempt

Jaws 3D Worth Taking a Bite!

Jaws 3 D is totally worth the price of admission and since I had literally not seen it since it’s debut (age 12), I was skeptical about how good it would be. Certainly 3D helped, but the acting performances by the three male leads stand the test of time. Scene 1: Roy Scheider (two time… Continue reading Jaws 3D Worth Taking a Bite!

In the Summer Movie Spouse Competition, Javier Wins

Penelope Cruz might be the prettier of the two, but Javier Bardem’s newest film The Good Boss is far better than Cruz’s Official Competition. Sorry Penny! And that’s saying something since I saw The Good Boss after a very long day: running 3 and a half miles, playing an hour and 15 minutes of tennis… Continue reading In the Summer Movie Spouse Competition, Javier Wins

Three Thousand Years of Longing Left Me Yearning for A.S. Byatt’s Story Depth

I’m not going to change, but it’s always dangerous to read the book before seeing the movie. But danger in a marvelous way, since our brains are able to picture who we’d cast as actresses and actors, what hotel rooms we envision, etc… So with that being said, while I enjoyed the movie, it did… Continue reading Three Thousand Years of Longing Left Me Yearning for A.S. Byatt’s Story Depth

“Monday” on Showtime: You know what K.C. sang “Rainy days and Mondays”…well switch out Crazy for rainy

Surely I’m not the only one who justifies her/his staying in and saving money by this self-shaming scold; You subscribe to two streaming services, find something at home to watch. So my thriftiness led me to “Monday” released in 2021. Once I’m done posting this, I’ll be reading the other human who saw this, John… Continue reading “Monday” on Showtime: You know what K.C. sang “Rainy days and Mondays”…well switch out Crazy for rainy

Vengeance: BJ Novak’s Dance is the Texas Too-Smart

I enjoyed Vengeance, written and directed by BJ Novak, but also felt agitated. Based on his cartwheels of Mensa-like dialogue, his Harvard diploma is apparent. And that’s the problem with Vengeance, its a little too full of itself, a proverbial Texas Too-Smart. Ideas I enjoyed: that modern Americans are selfish, wanting it all. The fresh… Continue reading Vengeance: BJ Novak’s Dance is the Texas Too-Smart

Leftovers Two Days Straight

I went to see my second viewing of Top Gun Maverick and Where the Crawdads Sing on back to back nights and wanted to comment on both. First, Top Gun Maverick. I felt like I was more ‘present’ for this viewing which can sometimes happen the second time around. Whereas I originally claimed that the… Continue reading Leftovers Two Days Straight

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Where the Crawdads Sing: the summer of grumpy critics

Post Script Preface: Email me with comments at irun2eatpizza@hotmail.com I’ve tried for many moons to use the “I’m a Human Capctha with zero success (call me a techno-dunce), HENCE, my email works! I’m upping my score to a 70% after thinking of the adorable little girl who plays the young Kya, Jojo Regina. Kids are… Continue reading Where the Crawdads Sing: the summer of grumpy critics

The Souvenir: Part II; My Kind of Paint Drying

The Souvenir Part 2 was as equally mystifying yet engrossing as the first film by Joanna Hog. Precautions: Don’t even try it though if you haven’t seen the first one as you won’t know what the heck is happening. If you have any a.d.d. tendencies, either take a Valium or wait until you happen to… Continue reading The Souvenir: Part II; My Kind of Paint Drying

Official Competition: Dark Humor Warm Up Required

I wasn’t prepared for Argentinian humor Friday night when I watched Official Competition. I was just complacent and over tired, but mesmerized by Penelope Cruz looking great even in a frizzy red wig…how does one woman possess such beauty? That’s the main question. I have heard many film buffs say what a genius performance she… Continue reading Official Competition: Dark Humor Warm Up Required

What is a Woman Documentary: Can We Let Kids be Kids?

Here’s the bottom line on Matt Walsh’s What is a Woman? First, let me get my traffic cop whistle. And I earned my whistle gaining a Masters Degree in Counseling from SUNY Brockport. BLURRRR (that’s a whistle sound): You, Matt Walsh, you don’t need to be smarmy when asking questions to adults. BLURRRR: And at… Continue reading What is a Woman Documentary: Can We Let Kids be Kids?

Two Reviews: A Duffer and a Fluffer

The Duffer: While Mark Rylance was fantastically humble as the duffer Maurice Flitcroft in The Phantom of the Open, the actor/actress who stole the show is Sally Hawkins. Nominated twice for Oscars, she may be the most underated actress in the world. Watch Eternal Beauty (also directed by Craig Roberts who did this Phantom film),… Continue reading Two Reviews: A Duffer and a Fluffer

Cha Cha Real Smooth: Memories and Possibilities

Cha Cha Real Smooth not only showcases evolutionary talent and a new phenom, but brings those forces together to an alchemist fever pitch. Cooper Raiff, the aforementioned wunderkind also wrote and directed this emotionally moving gem. Dakota Johnson (who I have loved since Peanut Butter Falcon) shines as the outwardly chill, but inwardly restless single… Continue reading Cha Cha Real Smooth: Memories and Possibilities

Nothing But Net: Hustle

Some body besides the Independent Spirit Award Committee (though God Bless Your souls) please recognize what PT Anderson saw TWO DECADES AGO (Hello?) in Punch Drunk Love: Adam Sandler is a legitimate dramatic actor. I promise not to gush too much about who I feel are cinematic masters (Safdie Brothers), since Hustle is still no… Continue reading Nothing But Net: Hustle

Mr. Marshall, I’ll Be Frank. And Ryan, I’m the One Suffern

Ideally a music documentary leaves you uplifted and wanting to travel, whether that be back in time (Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President) or to see current performers (Shine the Light). Jazz Fest: A New Orleans Story did neither and was, quite frankly, horrible. Frank Marshall and Ryan Suffern should have hired a writer with… Continue reading Mr. Marshall, I’ll Be Frank. And Ryan, I’m the One Suffern

Can I Hug a Movie? Sure, why not! Our Souls at Night

Our Souls at Night is a gorgeously written movie about human relationships. But first, let me tell you how I got there. I wanted to be ‘on trend’ so thought I’d watch a couple of segments of Love, Sex & Robots on Netflix. I mean, who can knock the title? In my head I thought,… Continue reading Can I Hug a Movie? Sure, why not! Our Souls at Night

Need For Speed and Splenda: Top Gun Maverick

I thoroughly bought in by the second half of Top Gun Maverick (directed by Joseph Kosinski), the long postponed follow-up to the 1980’s machismo cult favorite. The dramatic pauses made me giggle a bit in the first half as did the intensely serious military explanations. But not a big deal, simply like jumping into a… Continue reading Need For Speed and Splenda: Top Gun Maverick

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

a brother-sister dynamics film

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

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

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

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

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

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

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