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

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

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

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

Just like a well crafted cocktail, Bad Trip is humorous taken one small dose at a time

I watched Bad Trip over the course of four or five evenings, like a nightly tonic of humor before bed. Hence, I disagree once again, with the fine NY Times critic Jeannette Catsoulis who probably took it all in one sitting. True, it’s the movie’s fault to not forewarn people about portion suggestions. Catsouils writes… Continue reading Just like a well crafted cocktail, Bad Trip is humorous taken one small dose at a time

Funyuns and Hip Hop, A great film combination!

“The 40 Year Old Version”, Rhada Blank’s amazingly creative new film of which she both wrote and directed had the freshness of ‘Clerks’ and the ‘woke-ness’ of ‘Sorry To Bother You’. The story of a woman at 40 trying to re-invent herself is as real as any midlife crisis story. Here, Rhada, a teacher by… Continue reading Funyuns and Hip Hop, A great film combination!

Comedy’s Core: The anticipatory laugh and how Borat Subsequent Film nails it

If we ever needed to have belly laughs, it’s the week before the election and “Borat Subsequent Film” delivers in spades. Just Sacha Baron Cohen’s word play (and to be fair, his 11 other collaborators who worked on the screenplay) alone, is commendable. I double dog dare you to check out Rudy Guillani’s Twitter response… Continue reading Comedy’s Core: The anticipatory laugh and how Borat Subsequent Film nails it

I Use to Go Here, A Pleasure!

I Used to Go Here (written and directed by Kris Rey) was a delight, even overcoming my ‘I miss the theater’ nausea caused from at home video. But no kidding, right? Since I love Jemaine Clement and really like Gillian Jacobs (who I adored in the Netflix series “Love”). With the aid of an outstandingly… Continue reading I Use to Go Here, A Pleasure!