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
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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
45 Years, What Lies Beneath
45 Years Guilty admission: I only went to see this film because of a traumatic relationship experience in which the ‘man of my dreams’ played a song on his acoustic guitar and claimed that it was our song (My One and Only Love by Coltrane). Months (not years, thank heavens) into our relationship and many… Continue reading 45 Years, What Lies Beneath
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
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
I’m Sorry Todd
I’m sorry Todd, your film Carol is not making my top 10 list. I don’t know. I guess I should’ve known, I thought Far From Heaven was painstakingly slow, didn’t even it make it all the way through I’m Not There. There is some good news: I did like sections of “Carol”. But first, the… Continue reading I’m Sorry Todd
my top ten of 2015
Top Ten Films 2015 1. Love&Mercy 2. Tangerine 3. Steve Jobs 4. Straight Outta Compton 5. Dope 6. Youth 7. The Big Short 8. Brooklyn 9. Welcome to Me 10. Grandma
“Spotlight” on Research and Conscience
Spotlight, directed and co written by Tom McCarthy, is an important film. Period. And sometimes having a dysfunctional part of our society exposed is more important than media entertainment. In an artistic sense, “Spotlight” was ho-hum. Research and conscience do not equate great visuals. I’m sure Charlie Kaufman or PT Anderson could come up with… Continue reading “Spotlight” on Research and Conscience
A Three Way: Steve Jobs, Burnt, Truth
Michael Fassbender Perhaps my subject line could have been one phrase: Steve Jobs’ Burnt Truth? Did Jobs scorch the truth? Steve Jobs: I don’t know about who ‘didn’t start the fire'(Billy Joel reference), but I will say that once again, Michael Fassbender certainly has an arsenal of acting ability. He’s already thrilled me in Twelve… Continue reading A Three Way: Steve Jobs, Burnt, Truth