Lost in Paris, Found in Hyperbole

Ok, here’s the weird phenomena. During the movie Lost in Paris (directed by Dominique Abel and Fiona Gordon), I turned to my friend Carrie and said, “Sorry I blew it, we could’ve been watching Sean Penn smoke a doobie.” (To be explained momentarily). But this morning, as I researched the writer (aforementioned Dominique Abel), I… Continue reading Lost in Paris, Found in Hyperbole

What I’d give for the simple life: Maudie

First of all, my hats off to Trace Hardman who has to be one of the sweetest people in Sarasota. Not only was he kind enough to treat me out for a birthday lunch last year, but he treated me this week to Maudie directed by Aisling Walsh. PLOT (without spoilers of course): And Trace,… Continue reading What I’d give for the simple life: Maudie

The Big Sick, a Perfect Antidote

I was pleasantly surprised with The Big Sick, directed by Michael Showalter and here’s why: I wrongly assumed it would hammer political ideology, of which I’m simply fatigued. But instead, Emily V. Gordon and her husband, comedian Kumail Nanjiani have presented a human story which was sweet and moving. What helped the movie, besides a… Continue reading The Big Sick, a Perfect Antidote

One Outta Three Ain’t Bad: Gilliam, Gillespie and LaGravenese

I attempted three movies in the last five days and only got through one…I know, rescind my film fanatic card. Ya see, I need some comedy in my life and that wasn’t going to happen in any way shape or form in The Last Five Years (LaGravense-a name that works-‘grave’) nor in Lars and The… Continue reading One Outta Three Ain’t Bad: Gilliam, Gillespie and LaGravenese

Deserving of the Title: The Hero

First of all, few movie related rip offs make me want to curse, but I will name two: Albert Brooks not winning best supporting actor for Drive (was he even nominated?) and Sam Elliott not being nominated for Grandma (2015). I think I heard through the grapevine that Grandma couldn’t be nominated for Oscars due… Continue reading Deserving of the Title: The Hero

The Assassination of Jesse James: a History Lesson

I sought out The Assassination of Jesse James after being blown away by Casey Affleck in Manchester by the Sea. I was fully aware that Casey had ‘been around the block’, but hadn’t been able to suffer through the violent films he usually participated in. But first, do you ever wonder what happens to your… Continue reading The Assassination of Jesse James: a History Lesson

One Sofia, Two Sofia, Three Sofia “Somewhere”

I noticed by my third Sofia film that many of her actors don’t seem to have star power longevity. Is it simply a matter of how they can act mediocre enough to do well in Sofia’s atmospheric, minimum plot roles, like Somewhere from 2010? Of course, there are exceptions. Besides the obvious Scar-Jo (Lost in… Continue reading One Sofia, Two Sofia, Three Sofia “Somewhere”

Sofia Two: I like it so I should have put a “Bling Ring” on it

Researching the IMDB page for for Bling Ring http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2132285/, I did something I rarely do; read a subscriber review. icreatfilms_UK evidently felt an excoriating review was in order. And while I think this person sounds like a pompous arse, I did avoid Bling Ring at first for some of the reasons she hated the film.… Continue reading Sofia Two: I like it so I should have put a “Bling Ring” on it

Sofia Coppola First of a Trio: Some Day My Dauphin Will Come “Marie Antoinette”

This review is rated PG13, just like the film! In an attempt to gear up for the misandrist Beguiled, I decided to warm up with 3 Sofia Coppola movies I have never seen. Mind you, one of hers, Lost in Translation, could be my number one modern era movie of all time (though Whiplash is… Continue reading Sofia Coppola First of a Trio: Some Day My Dauphin Will Come “Marie Antoinette”

Baby Driver: Gentlemen, You Started My Engine!

And so it (finally) begins, an excellent summer movies season. First, Dinner with Beatrix and now BABY DRIVER. While not perfect, Baby Driver is excellent right up to the last ten minutes. But wait, this podcast is brought to you by Pete Ryckaert, a Rochester visitor who not only treated me to the movie, but… Continue reading Baby Driver: Gentlemen, You Started My Engine!