Woody Allen’s The Irrational Man, surprisingly not ‘The Donald’s Story’

Parker I went confidently to Woody Allen’s ‘Irrational Man’, thinking, Joaquin and Parker Posey could save any movie. Ugh, except this one. Woody, you need a retirement intervention, focus on your clarinet. I’m sorry to be so blunt, but when a brand new recliner seat can’t save me from fidgety ennui, I’ve got to speak… Continue reading Woody Allen’s The Irrational Man, surprisingly not ‘The Donald’s Story’

Infinitely Polar Bear, Infinite Jest

Hopefully some reader will recognize my title to be both that of the Maya Forbes film starring Mark Ruffalo’s portrayal of bi-polar disorder AS WELL AS the title of a book by David Foster Wallace known partially for his psychological disturbances, possibly including bi-polar disorder, who is also the subject of a movie that’s out… Continue reading Infinitely Polar Bear, Infinite Jest

Trainwreck & the Tracks of My Tears

I was really looking forward to Amy Schumer’s Trainwreck. Like many, I thought she was too crude at one time, but three skits on her tv series Inside Amy Schumer turned me right around this past winter. First the skits which I implore you to google one, if not all, and watch to your giggle’s… Continue reading Trainwreck & the Tracks of My Tears

“Amy, What You Gonna Do?”

After a second viewing of “Amy” I now feel my original comments below were way too harsh. I saw in the film’s second time around, beautiful aerial shots of London and NYC, well placed footage evoking the emotion of the moment, and an instrumental score both poignant and deep. Still, I think the first third… Continue reading “Amy, What You Gonna Do?”

J. Schwartzman: “I Kissed a Guy and I Liked…”

“The Overnight” didn’t meet my unrealistic expectations. I was hoping for something akin to Demme’s “Something Wild”, but except for Jason Schwartzman who makes the best semi real comically kooky man since Woody Allen, this film was more like couples therapy than comedy. What was missing was a little more slapstick which I rarely encourage.… Continue reading J. Schwartzman: “I Kissed a Guy and I Liked…”

A Baker’s Half Dozen (Seven) The Wolfpack

I wanted more resolution from “The Wolfpack” (directed by Crystal Moselle) instilled from the former school counselor in me. If anything, the film shows how inept our social services programs are, and on the sick flip side, probably gives hope to abusive parents. The Angulo father seems unphased and unscathed after an intervention landed all… Continue reading A Baker’s Half Dozen (Seven) The Wolfpack

AntiDope for the Last Harried Week of School

There’s only one thing worse than the stress of educating and entertaining kids during the last week of school (picture a manic blonde in pigtails tap dancing, “I’m dancing as fast as I can!”) and that’s being alone in an eerily quiet building with just adults for the week after, some you’ll never see again… Continue reading AntiDope for the Last Harried Week of School

Can a 100 Year Old Man Give You a LIft?

movie poster The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared was highly recommended by my brother. Living in an area with few foreign film fans, I knew I was destined for a solo viewing. Movies alone felt empowering in my 40’s, but now feel downright lonely. SO, I wanted reassurance the movie wouldn’t… Continue reading Can a 100 Year Old Man Give You a LIft?

Hail Hail Cusack’s Back and Dano’s Better Than Ever

John Cusak I was blown away by Love and Mercy and I never liked the Beach Boys. But now I do! An engaging screenplay, co-written by Oren Moverman, who also wrote The Messenger and I’m Not There is the deepest I’ve seen in trying to capture the long term effects of child abuse. The director,… Continue reading Hail Hail Cusack’s Back and Dano’s Better Than Ever