Something Borrowed, Something Bronze: “The Bronze”

For shame Rotten Tomatoes…12%? You must be watching too many negative political stories. Sure The Bronze is totally inappropriate at times, but it’s that Bad Santa wrong that pays off so well in the end. Written by the lead actress and her husband (Melissa Rauch and the hubby that took her last name, Winston Rauch)… Continue reading Something Borrowed, Something Bronze: “The Bronze”

Mustang; Classic Car, Even Better Movie

http://www.imdb.com/media/rm2305825536/tt3966404?ref_=ttmd_md_pv# “Mustang” is a compelling film written and directed by Deniz Gamze Ergurven that garnered several film festival awards. To the Oscar judges, “Mustang” must have produced a 12 Angry (white) Men conundrum before said group finally decided on “Son of Saul” as the victor. If I had a daughter, and she was over 16,… Continue reading Mustang; Classic Car, Even Better Movie

The Lady in the Van (down by the river)

Who doesn’t think of the phrase ‘down by the river’ when you hear the prepositional phrase IN A VAN? In fact, not to get too far off the mark, I’ve thought of Chris Farley skits three times in the last week: motivational speaker here, the Gap girls-inspired by the Aunt Alexandra social hour in To… Continue reading The Lady in the Van (down by the river)

Romantic Chemistry in a Comedy Award

If the Oscars had a sense of humor and offered comedy awards, and if they were as specific as BEST ROMANTIC CHEMISTRY, the nominees this year might be: Amy Schumer/Bill Hader in Trainwreck Melissa McCarthy/Jude Law in Spy Amy Poehler/Ike Barinholtz in Sisters (and sorry The Martian and Joy, neither of you are bleeping comedies… Continue reading Romantic Chemistry in a Comedy Award

Not an Earthquake, Just Julius Rollin’ Over: Hail, Caesar

Rotten Tomatoes, are you kidding me? The collection of critics who averaged higher than a 75% should have their opine licenses revoked. Hail, Caesar was an utter bore. The trailer may look cute, but the film as a whole has no solid story nor characterization. Remember the halcyon Coen Brohters Days? In Big Lebowski, all… Continue reading Not an Earthquake, Just Julius Rollin’ Over: Hail, Caesar

First World Silly, Third World Smart

I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that sadly many Americans have a superior attitude about us vs third world countries. But let me tell you, my weekend movie experiences would shatter this myth for anyone with an ounce of intelligence. First, I saw the super tardy Rochester premiere of 2009’s Iranian film “About… Continue reading First World Silly, Third World Smart

Anomalisa: Marc Maron Podcast Recommended as a Preview

Definitely go see “Anomalisa”, but first, listen to Marc Maron’s WTF podcast with directors Charlie Kaufman and Duke Johnson. Then, you’ll have more appreciation of the stop animation craft. Every minute of the film took one week to shoot which breaks the record for difficult actresses (AND actors, step down ladies). http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=anoalisa&view=detailv2&qft=+filterui%3alicense-L2_L3_L4_L5_L6_L7&id=218F3A4F6CC0D700E9EB67A53410B2A52EBADACE&selectedIndex=7&ccid=HL6vKiwW&simid=608039732148833508&thid=OIP.M1cbeaf2a2c16003e839f507a836ec7bfo0&ajaxhist=0 Was it “A… Continue reading Anomalisa: Marc Maron Podcast Recommended as a Preview

Just Hand it Over

Revenant is precisely why I love films; leaving the theater, I felt both emboldened by the tenacity of Leonardo Di Caprio’s character ‘Hugh’ and yet also humbled by the sheer endurance of all of my ancestors who battled weather, topography, illness, nature all without a smartphones or gas powered vehicles. And while the New Yorker… Continue reading Just Hand it Over