Phoenix
After a reconstructive facial operation, concentration-camp survivor Nelly Lenz tracks down her husband, Johnny, who believes she's dead. Unrecognizable to Johnny, Nelly befriends him to find out whether he betrayed her to the Nazis.
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Movie #1130 .........................Phoenix
Movie #1130 "Phoenix" tried to be stylish but failed! I had read an article where this film performance was chosen as one of the top ten this year, but I don't agree. That is, unless you consider "deer in headlights" through the whole film enough to make a character come to life. I would also accuse this film of being pretentious --- it was filmed as if each movement, each second of film was the earth, moon and stars! And it wasn't. Now, don't get me wrong. There are some nice shots here, and the woman who plays Nellie was definitely "in the moment" but the film got to be tedious, the dialogue overly repetitious, the pacing overly slow. I didn't care for this one, even as tense as the pacing of the film suggested it was to be. This is one of the first holocaust films that I have found little interest in.
2015 I would give it 2.5 stars out of 5Rated PG-13
Movie #1129 .........................."Last Love"
Movie #1129 "Last Love" was an enjoyable film for me up until the ending, which was a sad surprise to me. I realize it follows the plot of a book, and I also see how it works, but my initial reaction was not good --- it didn't seem to match the quality of the rest of the film. Anyway, it's a popular story line --- Michael Caine gets widowed in the opening minutes of the film, yet he still talks to his dead wife because he misses her so much --- she was the world to him, even though he has two kids living in the states. (he lives in Paris, where she wanted to live) He wanders around the city like a lost puppy until he meets this energetic life force Pauline (played by a wonderful actress --- she lights up a room when she walks into it --- that is said of her in the film, and it is true with this actress) I really enjoyed this asexual love story --- most of the time we are trying to figure out just how to define it, but one point of the film is : why do we have to define it if it works? That is, until his children re-enter his life and start to suspect Pauline is not who she appears to be. Michael Caine tries to do an American accent, and that might upset some people that he isn't successful throughout, but I didn't much care. I liked the story and the characters and most of the storyline --- it seemed whimsical with its structure (much like an indie film), and I was thoroughly entertained.
2013 Rated NR115 mins I would give this 4 out of 5 stars
Last Love
A widowed professor living alone in Paris sees no meaningful future for himself until he meets a free-spirited young dance instructor. From their first meeting, each instinctively provides what the other so desperately needs: someone to call family.
Movie #1128 ........................."Our First Christmas"
Movie #1128 "Our First Christmas" had a really good opening premise --- very believable situation with the merging of two families, having gone through grief for a mother (one family) and a father (other family) during the year, now faced with experiencing the first christmas with out their loved ones --- they find they want to hold on to traditions, one family to visit a cabin and ski, the other to participate in and attend a Christmas pageant, so at first they consider separating. Then, the conflict becomes: which one do we do because we can't make everyone happy? or can we? As the story went on, the acting stayed believable and so did the premise, but the conflicts became less and less. And the dialogue got a bit cornier, too, but all in all, it was a nice Christmas family movie that the whole family could identify with. I am confident it would put people in the xmas spirit, and it would teach a very strong theme of what is really important concerning the celebration of Christmas. I liked it!
I would give it 3.5 stars out of 5
I would give it 3.5 stars out of 5
Movie #1127 ........................A Princess for Christmas
Movie #1127 "A Princess for Christmas" -- I was watching this the other night, and couldn't believe how badly acted it was, but I got caught up with the formulaic story when they visited the big castle and she was falling in love with a prince (who was pretty stiff acting wise, too, but at least he was supposed to be, I think). But then, alas, I fell asleep in the last 15 minutes, so I used sling box to tape it so I could watch the ending, and I'm glad I did, because what would have been a solid 2 scoring movie became a slight 3 due to the successful ending. And yes, endings can move scores for me! Anyway, the lead girl in this one looks like Keira Knightly, but that ends the comparison --- She has a winning smile, but I thought she was a weak actor. The oldest boy was awful --- and Roger Moore was, too --- so that's half the cast, really. I wouldn't recommend this movie to you unless one of your dreams is to spend christmas in a beautifully decorated castle --- but if you think realistically how cold it must be in there, that might burst that bubble for you!
2011 Rated NR90 mins I would give this 3 stars out of 5.
A Princess for Christmas
In this made-for-TV charmer, young Jules Daly -- at the invitation of an estranged relative -- travels with her orphaned niece and nephew to a castle in Europe for Christmas, where Jules unwittingly falls for a dashing prince.
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
Movie #1126 ........................."Minions"
Movie #1126 "Minions" is one you don't have to see. Your kids might want to, and if they do, it's the kind of movie you can rent for them and then have it on in the background while you work at the computer! The opening is so unfunny that after about a couple of minutes, my mind was wandering and I got up and walked away from the screen and didn't come back with interest until Sandra Bullock made her entrance. But then the interest again faded fast. I have always thought the minions were hysterical, but I'm thinking they serve best in a film for the comic relief --- this long running business just isn't too funny to this viewer. I may be in the minority, and your child may enjoy this immensely, but there's so much better in the animation department that I think he/she would enjoy even more --- I hate to say it again, but that Peanuts movie is a real winner! I give this 2 stars out of 5.
2015 Rated PG91 mins I would give it 2 stars out of 5.
Cast: Sandra Bullock, Jon Hamm, Michael Keaton
Minions
Born to serve despicable villains, these crazy, yellow second-fiddles have a tragic history of accidentally killing off their masters. Without leadership they will perish, so three Minions head out on a dangerous journey to find their next evil boss.
Movie #1125........................."The Christmas Ornament"
Movie #1125 "The Christmas Ornament" seemed kind of a blah film, a very quiet movie with very little celebration of the season. That's probably because the woman in the film is grieving (first christmas since death of hubby) and she falls for the easygoing owner of a Christmas tree store owner. It's pretty blah, but the acting was better than some of the Hallmark offerings. For that, I would give it 3 stars.
2014 Rated NR90 mins
The Christmas Ornament
I would give it 3 stars out of 5.
Unsettled by her husband's death, Kathy Howard decides not to partake in the yuletide rituals the couple had enjoyed together. But when the owner of a Christmas tree shop gives her a special holiday ornament, her dismal outlook begins to brighten.
Monday, December 21, 2015
Movie #1123 .........................Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015)
Movie #1123 "Man from U.N.C. L.E. (2015) had a good car chase in the opening and a nice ending, and I like the Vikander woman, but the rest was kind of a Mish Mosh for me ---- but then action movies are not necessarily my kind of films. Don't get me wrong ---- I've seen several, but I get lost in the espionage part of them sometimes.....too many names, too much stuff to remember (I'm old, sue me), and after a while, I just lose interest. This picked up in interest towards the end because for viewers like me, the writers put in a late-in-the-movie surprise that I welcomed. If this franchise continues, which the last shot suggests it will, I would suggest the bromance gets a little work --- not convinced of the chemistry between the two lead guys --- not much there, and there should be. I gave it a 3 out of 5. Ho Hum.
2015 Rated PG-13116 mins I give it 3 out of 5 stars
The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
With both their countries threatened by a powerful global crime cartel, the CIA's Napoleon Solo and KGB operative Illya Kuryakin must work together in this Cold War thriller inspired by the classic 1960s TV series.
Movie #1121 ........................."Sisters"
Movie #1121 "Sisters" is a rarety in that it is a comedy strictly for adults. We can number them on our one hand of those that have had "legs" lately --- Bridesmaids, Hangover, etc. I wouldn't really put most of Adam Sandler's films in that category because they aren't really as good --- but this one, I would. Yes, it is RAUNCHY, with a capital R, but the chemistry among the cast members (esp. the two sisters, and Weist and Brolin as mom/dad) and the amount of jokes other than the sexual and scatalogical kind, rate it higher than Sandler's stuff. This film is being touted as a female Hangover film, but I personally didn't get through the Hangover films, so I can't compare. There isn't much of a plot --- in that way it's a lot like "Animal House," (crude for crude's sake, at times), but probably won't be ever in the classic category like "Animal House" for a number of reasons I don't need to go into. But it is funny fluff. Now I can't recommend it to many of you because of the subject matter --- and it crosses the silly line, but there are some very funny moments, and during the holidays, it's tough to find a watchable comedy, and this might be the one for you. I would give it 3.5 out of 5, and it has a 68% from rotten tomatoes, and that's not bad for a comedy at all. I don't know what else to say --- I never like to choose comedies for other people because our senses of humor differ so much, but one thing I can say is I will never look at a ballerina music box in the same way ever again! Enough said! Happy Holidays!
2015 I would give it 3.5 stars out of 5. Rated R
Sisters
Forced to clean up their childhood bedroom one last time, adult sisters Maura and Jane return to the family home. As long as they're there, they decide to return to high school as well -- throwing the party to end all parties for their ex-classmates.
Saturday, December 19, 2015
movie # 1122 ........................"The Good Dinosaur"
Movie #1122 "The Good Dinosaur"was a bit of a disappointment to me. I wanted to see it because it is nominated for a Critic Choice award and a Golden Globe for best animation, and I don't think it deserves to win either one ---- not that I have seen everything in the category yet, but I think I have seen one that would beat it hands down, and that is the Peanuts movie. That one is so full of life --- so vibrant --- so awe-inspiring (you know, when you stop a minute in the frenzy of action and say "awwwwwwwwww!" This one has a simple story, but there's really a lot of violence ---- I can't remember a friendly bird --- birds really get a bad rap in this one ---- nature is mean most of the time with water rushing to wreak havoc in the dinosaur Arlo a couple of times, with deadly consequences! The two travelers (the dinosaur and his mute friend) just share one violent episode after another. I do admit I had a lump in my throat at the goodbye, but really, looking back on the film, I feel it is a film Charles Darwin would point to and say, "See --- survival of the fittest!" because it shows one animal victimizing another.....And surprise! Lots of females are in on the tech part of this one (cinematographer, for one BIG job!) I'm sorry, this is not "Toy Story" and if you had a choice to see this or Peanuts, it's a no brainer --- the Peanuts film!!!
The Good Dinosaur
2015Rated PG
Visualizing an Earth where the great dinosaur extinction never occurred, this animated saga follows an Apatosaurus named Arlo as he makes his way through harsh terrain. During the course of his journey, he's befriended by a human boy.
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Movie #1120 ......................."Wish Upon a Christmas"
Movie #1120 "Wish Upon a Christmas" is a cute story that doesn't go to extremes to get the magic or its point across. Likable three actors: the owner of the ornament factory, his son, and the woman he used to date who has come to the factory to make cuts so the company doesn't belly up. That usually means firing people, so they aren't happy to meet her. To be likable, and yet fire people, is something the actress/character is able to be ---- and the guy is a regular guy, easily identifiable with almost anyone we know. Except that he has baggage he carries around --- his wife has been dead for three years (or so) and he is trying to raise his son on his own. By the end, lessons have been learned by the characters AND the audience, and there is left a warm feeling toward xmas! Who could ask for anything more in a Hallmark Christmas film! (Just some clunky dialogue kept it from being a 5 for me!)
WISH UPON A STAR -- t.v. movie 2015 I would give it 4 out of 5 stars
A widower's son asks Santa for someone special for his dad. Meanwhile, his Dad's old high school sweetheart, now a successful corporate actuary, comes to town to shut down his factory and the major employer in the charming old-fashioned town. With a little help from a distinguished old man with a white beard mysteriously come to town looking for a lost bauble, everyone gets their happy ending.
WISH UPON A STAR -- t.v. movie 2015 I would give it 4 out of 5 stars
A widower's son asks Santa for someone special for his dad. Meanwhile, his Dad's old high school sweetheart, now a successful corporate actuary, comes to town to shut down his factory and the major employer in the charming old-fashioned town. With a little help from a distinguished old man with a white beard mysteriously come to town looking for a lost bauble, everyone gets their happy ending.
Director:
Terry IngramTuesday, December 15, 2015
Movie #1119 ........................."A Christmas Blessing" (t.v. movie)
Movie #1119 "A Christmas Blessing" or what I would term "Grey's Anatomy Christmas movie" because it is like a medical show, and almost half the film was in a hospital room. I picked it to watch because I saw that Neil Patrick Harris was in it, and Angus T. Jones (from two and 1/2 men), but there were way too many people sick in this small town. Ironically, NPH leaves his hospital job and comes back to his small town home town because of being burned out, and people are asking him to look over babies while he is checking their spark plugs! He can't get away from it. And what coincidences with the red shoes. They are his mom's (who died when he was 10 years old), and his dad accidentally gave them away, and a homeless man finds them in a bin and gives them to his son, telling him that they were his mom's shoes --- confused yet? don't worry, it all isn't really worth it. Lots of soap opera stuff happening in this film, and I was disappointed because the actors were more than capable.
A CHRISTMAS BLESSING 2005 I'd give it 3 stars out of 5
Nathan Andrews, a medical resident, goes back home to his small town after he loses a teenager on the operating table. He joins his dad and his mechanic's business and becomes a basketball coach to some youths. Here he meets Charlie and Meghan. This is based on a novel by Donna VanLiere and a continuation of "The Christmas Shoes." Meghan is trying to start up a day care business for single, working mothers and Charlie is ill. All their lives are connected and Nathan meets someone from his past.
A CHRISTMAS BLESSING 2005 I'd give it 3 stars out of 5
Nathan Andrews, a medical resident, goes back home to his small town after he loses a teenager on the operating table. He joins his dad and his mechanic's business and becomes a basketball coach to some youths. Here he meets Charlie and Meghan. This is based on a novel by Donna VanLiere and a continuation of "The Christmas Shoes." Meghan is trying to start up a day care business for single, working mothers and Charlie is ill. All their lives are connected and Nathan meets someone from his past.
A young doctor encounters romance and deals with his past when he returns to his hometown during the holidays.
Director:
Karen ArthurMonday, December 14, 2015
Movie #1118 .........................."Spotlight"
Movie #1118 "Spotlight" is a film that will be in contention for awards season, and it is worthy of the accolades, which is a little surprising since we've seen the film before in something like "All the Presidents Men" and others. The topic isn't new to us, either, and many of us even followed the story back in 2001 when the Boston Cardinal was brought under charges for having knowledge of abusive priests in his jurisdiction and covered it up by moving them on to other parishes. What's impressive with the film is that with all the above going against it, the film is able to keep our interest to the end ---- it helps to have a topnotch cast, who all work on their own as characters and really as actors, too --- what I mean is that they all have their own baggage they carry around (individual stories) and they hardly work together in the field, but like baseball players who have a base to cover and a job to do, they investigate with varying methods. Mark Ruffalo seems the most passionate, and he is pushy, hot on the trail of whoever the next interviewee is --- he's yelling, throwing things, very demonstrative in comparison to the quieter Rachel McAdams who works with her eyes and her pencil. It's nice to see Brian D'Arcy (just saw him in "Something's Rotten" on Broadway, and he played "Shrek" for years) finish out the Spotlight crew, with his quiet, mannered and intelligent approach to his investigating. And at the helm is Michael Keaton, who has really become an excellent actor and shows this in every scene he has trying to use his friends he grew up with to get more information. And when they finally all come together to share info, it's quite exciting --- there are minor epiphanies along the way when they get new information or new clues and these are what feed into our interest to keep watching. I couldn't help thinking throughout the film that this was really old information that we should have picked up back in the early 2000's, but 9/11 and gun shootings have been keeping us more busy and stories like these haven't been in the spotlight ---- but that they should be and we should be doing something about it. Thank goodness for the journalists who work daily to get the story RIGHT, instead of just trying to get the scoop before anyone else.
2015 Rated R
Spotlight
Revealing a string of cover-ups stretching back decades, a team of "Boston Globe" reporters exposes the Catholic Archdiocese's history of keeping reports about child molestation and other priest-initiated abuse under wraps.
Movie #1117 ........................"Just in Time for Christmas"
Movie #1117 "Just in Time for Christmas" was the best of the Hallmark films I have seen these past couple of days ---- why? It has the typical love story, it follows pretty much the formula, and it has the "magic" in it , but this time the magic didn't make the story line go berserk and hard to believe ---- it was woven in so well, that it didn't lose my interest. I guess it helps that the two lovebirds have such an ease to their acting and their commitment to each other that it makes their conflict quite believable. Also, we don't see them fall in love ---- they are in love already, and the conflict is over where they should live......again, totally believable. I'd give this one 4 stars out of 5, and if you get a chance to see it over the christmas holidays, i recommend it over many of the other Hallmark films they've had on their channel the past couple of days.
A young psychology professor must choose between moving across the country for her dream job or staying in her hometown to marry the man of her dreams. On a foggy December night, she gets little help from a Coachman, who brings her three years into the future and shows her what her life will become
A young psychology professor must choose between moving across the country for her dream job or staying in her hometown to marry the man of her dreams. On a foggy December night, she gets little help from a Coachman, who brings her three years into the future and shows her what her life will become
Director:
Sean McNamaraSaturday, December 12, 2015
Movie #1116 ........................." A Christmas Detour"
Movie #1116 "A Christmas Detour" was a likable film about two likable people on a road trip. It really isn't too different from other romantic comedies --- except for the secondary couple that came along --- they added to the humor, the conflict, and they juxtaposed their relationship with the one that was just starting. So I liked that addition. What I didn't like? Why does her boyfriend have to be such a twit, and his folks so evil? Way exaggerated here. How did she ever think she'd want to marry this twit? Hard to believe, which makes the movie hard to take. Otherwise, the movie is winsome, and I enjoyed it, and actually watched most of it, instead of blogging or doing whatever during it.
"A CHRISTMAS DETOUR" 2015 I would give it 3.5 stars out of 4
Two New York City-bound travelers find themselves inextricably linked when a snowstorm reroutes them to an airport hotel in Buffalo. The pair are joined on this misadventure by an older couple named Frank and Maxine trying to get to Connecticut. As their madcap journey ensues, our foursome will find plenty of surprises in store
"A CHRISTMAS DETOUR" 2015 I would give it 3.5 stars out of 4
Two New York City-bound travelers find themselves inextricably linked when a snowstorm reroutes them to an airport hotel in Buffalo. The pair are joined on this misadventure by an older couple named Frank and Maxine trying to get to Connecticut. As their madcap journey ensues, our foursome will find plenty of surprises in store
Director:
Ron OliverWriter:
Mark Amato
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)