Movie #760 .........................."42"

Movie #760 "42" was an excellent biopic that I thoroughly enjoyed. It was well acted--- Chadwick Boseman made an excellent Jackie Robinson, even though I heard him say he only had little league baseball in his background --- could have fooled me. The players were good, esp. Pee wee Reese, and the people who surround Rickey were colorful and interesting. The only one I wasn't as convinced of as the others was Branch Rickey, played by Harrison Ford. I have really hardly ever been impressed with Ford's acting --- to me, he winks into every part, but this tested his chops and I think it's the best he's done. But I couldn't get past that he was Harrison Ford. It could be my fault and not his --- the character is just so big. I kept thinking if they got someone who WAS old and talked in a colorful way and played it down a bit, Branch Rickey's scenes might have come across more sincere. I don't know. I think they worked, but not as well as they could have. Anyway, the most important reason to see this film is the subject matter and the theme. There are some cool photographic movements (like in the first 3 minutes) but really it's seeing the signs"White's Only," seeing how cruel people can be with their racism --- we need to constantly be reminded of how we used to treat some people and how we can't ever let that happen again to any race. The film is very inspirational, it has a good love story with several laughs , and it's full of wonderful baseball scenes. In my opinion, who could ask for anything more? I recommend it. I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars. This biopic focuses on the relationship between baseball icon Jackie Robinson and Brooklyn Dodgers general manager Branch Rickey, who signed Robinson and in 1947 made him the first black Major League Baseball player of the modern era. Cast:Harrison Ford, Alan Tudyk, Lucas Black, Christopher Meloni, Brett Cullen, John C. McGinley, T.R. Knight, Brad Beyer, Chadwick Boseman, Jud Tylor , Ryan Merriman Genre:Biographies, Sports Dramas, Social Issue Dramas, Drama

Movie #759 .........................Lonely Boy

Movie #759 "Lonely Boy" was based on an interesting concept, that of living with schizophrenia, and that's very topical nowadays --- the film suggests there should be other ways to tackle the disease besides with the use of drugs, so I applaud any film that tries to do that. However, the acting isn't up to par, and the script has lots of weak moments in it. And it's a bit too long and should have been cut more. But that's what is very typical with an early showing of a print at a film festival. I really, really liked the opening --- the freneticness of his life, with the hallucinations and all! But then the girl makes her entrance and she's quirky, but she staccatos a lot of her lines and that pushes her away from the audience. And then it takes quite a while to get to the end --- lots of extra scenes, I thought. So i thought it was a hopeful showing, but it could still use some work in the editing room. Lonely Boy, 2 hours 4 minutes. Directed by: Dale Fabrigar, Cast: Alev Aydin, Greg Vrotsos. I give 3.8 stars out of 5. Synopsis: Franky is stuck in a directionless rut of cold isolation. He lives in a hauntingly bare apartment and works a deadend job. As a uniquely spirited young man in constant pursuit of romance, Franky attempts to navigate the mercilessly harsh world of dating. There's just one caveat: he suffers from schizophrenia and recently decided to liberate himself from his medication. After losing his job because of his illness, things take a tragically funny turn for the not-so-good. When he finds a genuine connection with Alex, he inadvertently sets on a path towards self-actualization. Frankie searches to uncover the truth about his family's past in hopes to bring him peace and clarity. However, what he finds may in fact cloud his reality further. The writer is the main actor and this movie was elected as Festival Choice at the Phoenix Film Festival.

Movie #758 .........................Stuck in Love

Movie #758 "Stuck in Love" --- we saw this movie on the closing night of the Phoenix Film Festival and boy we really enjoyed it. I got totally engrossed in this family's story, and there wasn't one member of the family who was less interesting than the others. All of the actors are very competent in their parts, kids included, in fact, mores! Kids really rule the film, but the parents never relinquish their hold on the whole shebang. But what really makes the film work is the script -- since this is a movie about writers and writing (after all, a famous writer makes a guest appearance), the script better be extra good ---- and it is. I really recommend this film --- there's something in it for everyone! Stuck in Love 2012 R I gave it 5 out of 5 stars. By turns funny and affecting, this quirky indie tale follows a turbulent year in the lives of the literary Borgens clan, which is in a tailspin thanks to the family patriarch's obsession with his former wife. Cast:Logan Lerman, Kristen Bell, Jennifer Connelly, Lily Collins, Rusty Joiner, Greg Kinnear, Liana Liberato, Spencer Breslin, Nat Wolff Genre:Indie Dramas, Indie Comedies, Indie Romance, Drama

Movie #757 ........................."Putzel"

Movie #757 "Putzel" was the movie voted as best picture at this festival, out of all the feature length films in competition (the other two I have critiqued were not in competition). We didn't choose to see this in particular, but we got the tickets for the "best picture" and this is what won. I had it on my list already, because the plotline sounded funny. It's about a guy (a Josh Radnor lookalike, from "How I Met Your Mother) who has worked at a family fishouse all his life with his uncle (John Pankow), and his one big wish is that he would like to take over the business. Meanwhile, his uncle falls in love with a dancer (Melanie Lynskey - Rose from "Two and a half Men") Putzel (the young guy)is worried about that relationship because he thinks his uncle will get a divorce and never give up the fish place, so he tries to distract this woman by dating her --- and guess what? Of course, he falls in love with her! How Original, right? I didn't care for the movie all that much -- the humor seemed stretched, the situations unbelievable, and the storyline all over the place, trying to do too much in a small amount of time. I would give it 3 out of 5 stars, and I would say that it doesn't come close to the other two films we've seen already for this festival. This is a don't bother, unless something I said above sounds intriguing to you.

Movie #756 ........................"Still Mine"

Movie #756 "Still Mine" was the first of two movies we saw tonight from the Phoenix Film Festival, and this was wonderful! Dave and I both loved this moving story of these two people who are trying to deal with aging with dignity. The wife has some dementia and the husband is looking out for her and tries to prevent their 7 kids from putting her in a home, which neither he nor she wants. So he decides to take control and build a one level house for her. For a film that puts him into a lot of conflicts, there's a good amount of poignant, loving moments, and the acting is phenomenal! We hope this film gets released for a lot more people to see because I personally thought it was so much better than the academy award winner (for foreign films) "Amour." This is what "Amour" could have been, left in a better director's hands. Oh, just a p.s. this was based on a true story ---- I loved that about it, too. So believable and universal! Still Mine 2012 PG-13 5 stars out of 5 stars! this is a winner! and a must see! His home in disrepair, elderly farmer Craig Morrison must build a better shelter for his wife, whose health is deteriorating rapidly. He faces the wrath of an overzealous government inspector but refuses to back down. Cast:James Cromwell, Geneviève Bujold, Campbell Scott, Julie Stewart, Rick Roberts, George R. Robertson, Barbara Gordon, Jonathan Potts, Zachary Bennett Genre:Indie Dramas, Tearjerkers, Drama

Movie #755 ........................."Roxie Hart"

Movie #755 "Roxie Hart" is the film based on the play, way back in the 1940s, and of course the play and film "Chicago" is the same story, just with music. This didn't seem to be as good as the remakes, maybe because by now the story is stale to me, and "Chicago" is so much funnier. However, I must say, again I'm impressed with Ginger Rogers, who plays Roxie here. She does a little tap thing on metal stairs, that was a cute bit --- I heard from the TCM guy after the film, that Gwen Verdon wanted those metal steps in the play, but that wish never came true. And oh boy, the courtroom scene misses that one song where she sits on her lawyer's lap while he tells her what to say. It was fun seeing all these character actors like Spring Byington, Phil Silvers, and Bill Frawley (from I Love Lucy fame) Roxie Hart 1942 NR 75 minutes I'd give this 3 stars out of 5 Ambition trumps murder in this satire based on the play "Chicago." Ginger Rogers stars as feisty Roxie Hart, who's so thirsty for notoriety she doesn't care that she's accused of a heinous crime. Tabloid reporters fall at her feet for every bit of seamy gossip, which Roxie happily supplies to remain in the limelight. Even her lawyer (Adolphe Menjou) sees her case as a shortcut to fame, but things turn grim when it seems Roxie may be convicted. Cast:Ginger Rogers, Adolphe Menjou, George Montgomery, Lynne Overman, Nigel Bruce, Phil Silvers, Sara Allgood, William Frawley, Spring Byington, Ted North Genre:Classic Comedies, Classics

Movie #754 ........................."Smashed"

Movie #754 "Smashed" is like "When a Man loves a Woman" with a twist --- they are both about female alcoholics and their descent into degradation......the twist here is that the marriage seems to work only when they are drunk ---- when the woman tries to go to AA and stop drinking, it is very tough being married to an alcoholic. She also has this other life of teaching little kids and when they see her hung over one day and vomiting, they think she's pregnant and she doesn't want to tell them the truth so she continues living that lie. As you can see, everything is pretty tense ---- love life, social life, teaching life, etc. Scenes were tough to watch, esp. the drunk ones. So this is not for the faint of heart. The two actors, Elizabeth Winstead and Aaron Paul (from Breaking Bad) are very competent, and I would look for more work of these two in the future. Smashed 2012 R 85 minutes I'd give this movie 3.8 stars out of 5 Kate and Charlie are a young married couple whose bond is built on a mutual love of music, laughter and lots of drinking. When Kate decides to sober up, her new lifestyle brings to the surface a troubling relationship with her mother, her employer and Charlie. Cast:Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Aaron Paul, Octavia Spencer, Nick Offerman, Megan Mullally, Mary Kay Place, Kyle Gallner, Bree Turner, Mackenzie Davis, Patti Allison Genre:Indie Dramas, Indie Comedies, Drama

Movie #753 ........................."The Kings of Summer"

Movie #753 "The Kings of Summer" is a great film we saw at the Phoenix Film Festival! I could go on and on about this one ------the acting is terrific, including the three amazing boys whose careers I now intend on following (Nick Robinson as Joe, Gabriel Basso and Pat, and Moises Arias as Bilagio (almost steals the movie!What a memorable character), and Megan Mullally, Alison Brie and Nick Offerman in the family roles, and other comics in smaller roles. The script is amazing and full of lots of funny, memorable lines. The film never gives the impression that it thinks itself as funny ---- everyone plays it with sincerity and the humor comes from the characters and realistic dialogue and actions. If you can't tell, I LOVED this (so did Dave), and I told the director on the way out that someday I wanted to own it so I could show it to all my friends, too! He said, "thanks and let everyone know that" so I give this a BIG THUMBS UP. Roger Ebert would have loved this one --- I'm that sure of it being a winner! The Kings of Summer 2013 NR (I'd rate it pg-13) 5 stars out of 5 stars!!!! This is a winner! Chafing under his widowed father's control, Joe Toy invites a friend and an offbeat new kid to help him build his own house in the nearby woods. Now that the trio is finally free from parents and responsibility, what's next? Cast:Nick Robinson, Gabriel Basso, Moises Arias, Nick Offerman, Megan Mullally, Alison Brie, Mary Lynn Rajskub Genre:Indie Comedies, Comedy

Movie #752 .........................'Bully"

Movie #752 "Bully" was a very good documentary following 5 different families who have had to deal with bullying in some way or another. Schools come across basically very inadequate, and that isn't good.........and I wish the movie had more answers. But it is good about exposing the problem, and the major point on that is for the victim to LET OTHERS KNOW IT IS HAPPENING before it is too late. I liked a couple of the stories more than the others, esp. the one showing this boy Alex who is being bullied as the cameras follow him for this film. It is very difficult to watch, to see him change from a happy-go-lucky kid to a scared, insecure individual who just wants friends and doesn't have a clue how to get them. How can we as a society stop the problem? That's the big question; I just wish it had more answers. P.S. even though the language is raw at times, this film should be shown in every school at least once---- every kid and parent should see this one and discuss it with each other -- the problem is that important! Bully 2011 PG-13 99 minutes I give it 4 stars out of 5 Exploring the subject of school bullying from a personal angle, this eye-opening documentary tracks the stories of five different families whose children are struggling to defend themselves on a near-daily basis. Genre:Social & Cultural Documentaries, Documentary

Movie #751 ........................."Butter"

Movie #751 "Butter" is pretty dark in places. pretty silly most of the time. mean spirited. It's tough to laugh at lines Jennifer Garner says when she is so mean most of the time. It's a rare actress that can still get you to care about her, even when she's so mean (I think of Rachel McAdams in "Mean Girls" doing just that very successfully) Hugh Jackman is misused and underused, as is Ty Burrell. But oh my goodness, Olivia Wilde steals this movie. I have never thought much of her, but she is a stitch (foul mouthed and mostly inappropriate in most of her scenes, though). And the african american little girl is great, and I don't even see her name in the credits ---maybe her name is Kristen Schaal? Anyway, she is amazing in this. Otherwise, it's a wash. I can see why it wouldn't be popular in the movie theaters, and I'm not sure I had to see it, except that I heard it was controversial, and I wanted to see what the hubub was about. You don't really need to see it. It isn't that funny --- I think it was supposed to make fun of people like Sarah Palin ------ but if you laugh at her anyway, you don't need to see this film. Butter 2011 R 90 minutes I gave this film 3 stars out of 5 When a gifted butter sculptor announces his retirement, his ambitious wife sees her hopes for future fame -- and the presidency -- melt away. She sets out to take up the mantle, but soon learns how cutthroat the world of pro butter sculpting can be. Cast:Jennifer Garner, Ty Burrell, Olivia Wilde, Rob Corddry, Ashley Greene, Alicia Silverstone, Hugh Jackman, Kristen Schaal, Pruitt Taylor Vince Genre:Indie Comedies, Spoofs and Satire, Dark Humor & Black Comedies, Comedy

Movie #750 ........................."Take This Waltz"

Movie #750 "Take This Waltz" is a good indie film. What intrigued me is seeing Michelle Williams on the cover of this DVD with Seth Rogen. I looked at it and surprisingly knew NOTHING about this film,nor ever heard about it. What a slice of life ---- and very believable. I read some critiques about how inadequate some people think Seth was in the film, but I didn't see it. I thought it took him places he had never been before, and I applaud whenever an actor tries to stretch his chops. But, you know....this is Michelle Williams' film all the way --- every move she makes, every word she says, she proves she is one amazing actress. Her facial expression demand that you watch her...........I've heard the expression that the actress "makes love to the camera" and this would be a film that shows this. She is amazing, and just for that you might want to check this out. I just wish that some of the discussions she has with the guy across the street had more sentences they finished...............sometimes, the audience is asked to guess what the actors are really saying. But on the whole, I really liked the film, and this one will stay with me for a long time. Very believable, sad romantic film. Take This Waltz 2011 R 116 minutes I give this 4 out of 5 stars Filmed in Toronto, this intimate, unflashy romantic drama portrays a happily married woman who experiences a sudden and strong desire for another man. Further complicating the situation, the object of her desire resides just across the street. Cast:Michelle Williams, Seth Rogen, Luke Kirby, Sarah Silverman, Jennifer Podemski, Diane D'Aquila Genre:Romantic Dramas, Indie Dramas, Indie Romance, Drama

Movie #749 ........................."Being Flynn"

Movie #749 "Being Flynn" was a bit disappointing and bland for a Robert DeNiro/Paul Dano film. Oh, I don't mean that there aren't arguments and confrontations between father and son --- in fact, all the time. But it gets redundant and the plot line plods along ---- you can't even tell when you are at the high point because it seems like all the other arguments ---- they all blend together. DeNiro still manages to get across a character, albeit he chews up scenery, but he still manages to be a believable homeless person throughout the film. I wanted to see even more variety from him (which I know he's capable of doing, since I think he is the best working actor around), but the script is confining in that department. I read a review that said this was a breakout part for Paul Dano ---- where has that critique been? I've been enjoying Paul Dano's performance since watching him as a little boy, growing up before out eyes ....in film. He has an equal adversary here (as he did in "There Will be Blood" with Daniel Day Lewis) but once again, the script could give him even more to do. He surfaces as the universal character here, and if you step back and think about it, it is a very sad movie. Makes you happy for what you have, even if you weren't dealt the best mother or father in the world. Being Flynn 2012 R 101 minutes I give it 3 out of 5 stars A young man employed at a Boston homeless shelter comes upon his long-lost, destitute and alcoholic father while at work one evening in this subtle, emotionally charged drama based on the acclaimed memoir by poet and playwright Nick Flynn. Cast:Robert De Niro, Paul Dano, Julianne Moore, Olivia Thirlby, Lili Taylor, Wes Studi, William Sadler, Dale Dickey, Thomas Middleditch, Chris Chalk Genre:Indie Dramas, Dramas Based on Contemporary Literature, Biographies, Drama