Movie #1252 ........................."Christmas in Homestead"

Movie #1252 "Christmas in Homestead" was a delightful film I just finished watching tonight --- of course, it echoes a lot of what "Nottinghill" was about --  actress falls in love with non-actor (in fact camera shy) innkeeper in Homestead --- and of course, his little daughter helps make him that much more likable.....The actress  was kind of pretentious at first, but she probably will grow on you like she did me --- she's, for sure, very pretty and it is quite believable that she is a Julia Roberts-type actress.  As corny as some of the scenes could be, the actors come across pretty real --- there's a scene between the innkeeper and his sister over dinner, and they interrupt each other, finish each other's lines, etc. --- seemed improvised.  And the final scene in the film they are making within the film we are watching works really well --- one of the best I've seen in a Hallmark film --- but then the very last moment is kind of dumb.  The movie was just finished and then they are going to the opening --- the following year?  I would think so, but we are only guessing and they ride away off into the sunset on a horse drawn carriage --- not so believable, but the rest I enjoyed quite a bit and would give this 4.5 stars out of 5.

"CHRISTMAS IN HOMESTEAD"      2016       1 HR, 24 MINUTES


One of the most famous actresses in the world heads to the Christmas-obsessed town of Homestead, Iowa, to shoot a holiday-themed movie. She is thrown for a loop when a romance brews between her and local inn keeper and single dad, Matt. As she gets a taste of small-town life, she discovers the true meaning of Christmas. Stars Taylor Cole and Michael Rady.

Director:

 Steven R. Monroe

Writer:

 Rick Garman

Stars:

 Taylor Cole,  Jeff Branson,  Judd Lormand

Movie #1251 ........................."A Town Without Christmas"

Movie #1251 "A Town without Christmas"  -- I was looking at what to watch tonight as far as Hallmark movies , and this title popped up --- it sounded familiar and when I looked it up, I remembered I had seen it.  Just remembering it is a big deal, so it must have been memorable and one I would recommend.  I remember the plot was just right --- easy to follow, worth following, and believable, at least for Hallmark films, and this one followed those requirements.  Patricia Heaton is always a joy to watch and the guy was okay, too and they had some chemistry together.  There was some mystery as to where the little kid was hiding , and that kept the plot from sagging in the middle.  So overall,  I remember liking it ,  and I think you will, too.  3.5 stars out of 5.

"A TOWN WITHOUT CHRISTMAS"   2001    TV-G    1 HR, 31 MINUTES

In the small town of Seacliff, Wash., a child's letter to Santa Claus captures the nation's attention. When the little boy, Chris, writes that he wishes to leave this world so he will no longer be a burden to his divorcing parents, a race begins to find him before he harms himself.

Director:

 Andy Wolk

Writer:

 Michael J. Murray

Stars:

 Patricia Heaton,  Rick Roberts,  Ernie Hudson

Movie #1250 .........................."A Wish for Christmas"

Movie #1250 "A Wish for Christmas" was one of the better Hallmark offerings which I just finished watching.  It has all the same ingredients ---- winsome romantics, big bad business people, the ubiquitous snow ball fight, people that have to get the Christmas spirit and others trying to get them to change so they have it, and throw in a little bit of magic and a happy ending and you have a Hallmark holiday film; however, this one was a tad different because the magic dealt with a transformation in the women's personality --- to be stronger and not let people use her --- and I liked that conflict quite a bit because it is very popular in the business world, I'm thinking --- so it makes the message even more universal and worthwhile.  I've seen a couple of movies with this woman Lacey Chabert, and this one is the best  so far.  And the guy is nice and believable, as well.  I would recommend this one and give it 4 out of 5 stars.  And I'd like to stay in the inn they stayed at ---- my Christmas wish. (just kidding, mine would deal with a change in the news these days....but that's not gonna happen, I'm guessing)

"A WISH FOR CHRISTMAS"      2016      t.v. -G


When unassuming Sara Shaw gets a note from Santa granting her a single wish, she asks for the courage to speak up for herself after her boss appropriates her clever idea. But will Sara's new self-confidence run out when her wish expires in 48 hours?

Cast: Lacey Chabert, Paul Greene, Andrea Brooks

Movie #1249 ........................."Loving"

Movie #1249 "Loving" is NOT a Hallmark film.  I actually saw this in the theatre today, and I found it very good.  I feel everyone should see this movie for its message of tolerance.  Historically, it is based on the factual case of The Lovings vs. state of Virginia which wouldn't let them live with each other in the state of Virginia just because of the race mixture and the possibility they would have mixed race children.  The case went all the way to the Supreme Court, but it is slow going, and the tension that these people and their families have to go through because of racial prejudice keeps that story going --- it is very effective, and so are the actors in the film, esp. Ruth Negga --- she can do so much with just a look --- and the film makers use it throughout the film.  This is such a quiet film, but hopefully the dialogue is loud enough to hear every word (it wasn't at the Sundance theatre in Madison when we saw it) But just something you can deal with if it's overly quiet in the opening of the film --- make them turn it up.  It's worth the effort and the time to see it!  4 stars out of 5!

"LOVING"  2016     I give it 4 stars out of 5       2 hours and 3 minutes      PG-13

Recounting a landmark chapter in the struggle for civil rights, this absorbing drama depicts the 1958 arrest and imprisonment of Richard and Mildred Loving for violating Virginia's law against interracial marriage.

Cast: Joel Edgerton, Ruth Negga, Marton Csokas,

Movie #1248 .........................."I'll Be Home For Christmas"

Movie #1248 "I'll Be Home for Christmas" -- never really pulled me in ---- it had a cute opening (with Barbra Streisand, the one and only, singing the title song mostly because her hubby starred in the film)  but then it got bogged down --- Brolin is always such a laid back actor that you have to have spunk in the rest of the characters, and that spunk is provided by his grand daughter (the little girl who is playing with him now every Thursday night on "Life in Pieces" --- she's a hoot, and plays the same kind of smart alecky , cute little girl)  The dog adds some laughs, too.  But the daughter I never warmed up to --- she seemed too annoying to be his daughter and worthy of the love interest.  He was such a nice guy, I wanted him to join Match.com or something so he could find someone a bit more deserving.  But then this woman is the cute little girl's mother and James Brolin's daughter, so I guess that saves her.  But I never warmed up to her and therefore the story that she was a HUGE part of.  It was okay with good music and some cute characters the kept it going, but it got bogged down occasionally beating us over the head with how much she has to change to get the romantic lead guy.
3.5 stars out of 5.  P.S.  the secondary story with the DA's office etc. bogged the film down to me.

"I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS"       2016      2 hours

Jackie Foster (Suvari), is a dynamic Assistant District Attorney and single mom. But when Jackie's estranged dad, Jack (Brolin), a gruff retired police officer, unexpectedly shows up at her door, they will be forced to confront old wounds.

Director:

 James Brolin

Writer:

 Robin Bernheim

Stars:

 Angela Asher,  Jacob Blair,  Melissa Bolona, Mena Suvari, James Brolin 

Movie #1247 ........................."Once Upon a Holiday"

Movie #1247 "Once Upon a Holiday" --- now this one I liked.  Why?  Well, it is a rip off, partly, of "Roman Holiday" --- a princess on the run because she wants to walk around NYC on her own, esp at Christmas time, and see what the riff raft is like (actually, she just wants to take pictures and see an art museum, but you know what I mean)  The two romantic leads are cute and winsome --- well, he is more than she.  She takes getting used to, but heck, she's got baggage --- she's been locked up in a castle for years....but there is something likable and honest about her.  However, this isn't quite a 4 because of the awful ending!  Oh, don't get me wrong, it's happy --- Hallmark films always are.  But that's the problem.  It wasn't believable AT ALL!  That's I guess what makes  "Roman Holiday" so successful --- it's that beautiful ending.  If you haven't seen it, see that one instead.  If you have, maybe you'll  say  the same about this film if you get to the ending.  3.8 for this one out of 5 (5 out of 5 for Roman Holiday!)

"ONCE UPON A HOLIDAY"    2015     t.v.-G

When a princess escapes her entourage to explore New York over Christmas, she meets a young man who shows the beautiful stranger his side of the city.

Director:

 James Head

Writer:

 David Golden

Stars:

 Tony Alcantar,  Jay Brazeau,  Paul Campbell

Movie #1246 ........................."Charming Christmas"

Movie #1246 "Charming Christmas"  wasn't that charming.  I know, a lame comment, but I'm sorry but the film was miscast and way too slow to wait for the main character's change --- we got it already!  She was a workaholic and he was a person who lived for christmas (we didn't get much else from him )  Both of them weakly written and the actors didn't do much with what they got --- lots of looks from her, and pushy optimistic comments from him all add up to boring not charming to me. How many times can we see her donning (or getting out of donning) that Mrs. Claus outfit and passing out candy canes?  It's that important?  hmmm.   But there was this cute little boy (Tyler) that I found was adorable, so he bumped the film up to possibly watchable, if you don't have other choices that have gotten 4s or 5s from me in the Hallmark offerings.  So I'd give this a 3 out of 5 stars.

"CHARMING CHRISTMAS"     2015      TV-G  

Meredith Rossman is the uptight heiress of Rossman's Department store. She has made the business her entire life, not leaving any time for Christmas or romance, much to the chagrin of her parents. But when she is roped into donning the store's antique Mrs. Claus outfit to play Mrs. Claus at Rossman's famous Santaville, her life takes some unexpected turns. Through the help of the suit and the charming store Santa, Nick, Meredith rekindles her love of Christmas, the store, their employees and possibly even begins a new love with Nick. One thing is certain: from the moment Meredith put on the magical Mrs. Claus dress, her life would never be the same!

Cast: Julie Benz, David Sutcliffe

Movie #1245 ........................."Journey Back to Christmas"

Movie #1245  "Journey Back to Christmas" or what I call the "Staring Contest" film, is one of the most outlandish story lines of these Hallmark films, and I didn't buy it.  To me, there wasn't enough of a story to fill in the empty spaces, so actors just stared at each other for one reason or another.  The biggest one is the time traveler Candace (from "Full House") --- they just let her talk and talk and talk.  And then the secondary love story was awkward and full of a lot of pauses.  Finally, It seemed the "Picket Fences" actor (Tom Skerritt) might have been having trouble with his lines because he took the weirdest pauses in between his lines as if he was searching for the next words..... Anyway, the ending of the film was strange but happy ---- because the movie was done finally.  I think you can guess I wouldn't recommend this one --- there are less farfetched time traveling movies that you could be watching.  I'd give this 2.8 out of 5 stars.

JOURNEY BACK TO CHRISTMAS  2016    t.v. - G

A nurse from World War II is transported through time to 2016.

Director:

 Mel Damski

Writer:

 Maria Nation

Stars:

 Mary Ashton,  Kyle Buchanan,  Candace Cameron Bure, Tom Skerritt

Movie #1244 ........................"A Princess for Christmas"

Movie #1244 "A Princess for Christmas" -- I was making a list of the Hallmark movies I have seen (and checking it twice, gonna find out who's naughty and nice" etc.) and came across this one that I have seen but hadn't written a blog on.  This is one of the better ones, I thought, mostly because of the leads.  I liked the lead girl and guy --- they made the film believable.  The story was a bit farfetched.  Yeah, like all of a sudden you get an invite to the castle and find out that you are related to Roger Moore, some high up guy in the castle.  But the love story worked for me, so I would give it a 3 out of 5 stars.  Far fetched, but a tad winning on the romance side.

"A PRINCESS FOR CHRISTMAS"  2011     1 hr, 31 minutes      tv - g

At the invitation of an estranged relative, a young woman travels with her niece and nephew to a castle in Europe for Christmas where she unwittingly falls for a dashing Prince. (believable, huh?)

Director:

 Michael Damian

Writers:

 Janeen Damian,  Michael Damian

Stars:

 Katie McGrath,  Roger Moore,  Sam Heughan 

Movie #1243 ........................."Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them"

Movie #1243 "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" is a very entertaining, whimsical, and creative film I got to see on the big screen (and I encourage you to do the same and not wait to see it on a small screen).  Every where you turn fantastic beasts are appearing and disappearing in a flash --- and they are mostly unusual (sometimes cute) beings with characteristics of their own that would make them stand out in a crowd, even without their strange looks!  This is a precursor of the Harry Potter books, and the doctor whose beasts escape from his huge knapsack  is played by Eddie Redmayne , a friend of Dumbledore when he was younger.  The film spends a lot of time running after these beasts, which are mistaken as more evil when the dark wizards release their obscural (I think is what they call it).  There is a love story or two , but mostly it's chasing and reacting to the wizardry.  It isn't as good as a Harry Potter story, but the director did many of those films so this new franchise is in good hands, in my opinion.  And there's no doubt this will be a continuing franchise like Harry Potter, and I'm looking forward already to the next installment!  4.5 stars out of 5!

"FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM"      2016    PG-13

This wizardly spin-off from the cinematic world of Harry Potter relates the wondrous and exotic life of "magizoologist" Newt Scamander, who wrote the Hogwarts School's textbook on magical creatures decades before Harry Potter would lay eyes on it.

Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Alison Sudol

Movie #1242 ........................."A Heavenly Christmas"

Movie #1242 "A Heavenly Christmas" is one of the better offerings I'm guessing for this holiday season.  Several winning actors (Kristin Davis from "Sex in the City" and Will of "Will & Grace" and a cute little girl as Will's niece that lives with him make the film watchable ---( and a cameo role from Shirley MacLaine that wasn't very good, so it really doesn't need to be mentioned here).  The plot had some turns in it I didn't see coming (but not that many, just more than usual from these hallmark films) I was worried for a while that this wouldn't have a happy ending, but it's a hallmark film --- come on, it has to have that happy ending!  I give this 4 stars out of 5, one of the better ones!

A HEAVENLY CHRISTMAS     2016     2 hours      4 stars out of 5    TV - G

Due to a fatal fall , a workaholic who never put much value into the joys of Christmas finds herself recruited to be a Christmas Angel -- and is assigned a hard luck case that she accidentally falls in love with.

Director:

 Paul Shapiro

Writer:

 Gregg McBride

Stars:

 Daniel Bacon,  Lossen Chambers,  Keith Dallas , Kristin Davis, Shirley MacLaine,  Eric McCormack

Movie #1241 ........................."A Christmas Melody"

Movie #1241 "A Christmas Melody" was a mediocre film with not much plot, but the daughter stole the film for me.  She's so bouncey and kind and very talented --- Mom makes her move to another place, her original home, to start over since her business has closed, and it works out for mother and daughter, until the mother's best friend comes to the place and offers her a great job, back where she started.  Who can't guess what she'll choose?  esp. since she has fallen in love with her daughter's music teacher and made nice nice to her rival parent at the school (Mariah Carey in an awful acting cameo).  You can skip this one.  3 stars out of 5.

A CHRISTMAS MELODY 2015   tv-g      3 out of 5 stars     2 hrs.

"A Christmas Melody" revolves around Kristin (Lacey Chabert), a beautiful, stylish divorcee who is a talented clothing designer and her young daughter. Kristin has just had to close her small Manhattan boutique to return to her Ohio home town and live in her parents' former home. It's an adjustment for Kristin and Emily -- especially when she runs into her former high school rival Melissa (Mariah Carey). Melissa is president of the PTA and tries to make Kristen feel as unwelcome as possible. Kristen and Emily struggle to find their new normal with the help of the music teacher Danny (Brennan Elliott) and Kristin's Aunt Sarah (Kathy Najimy), the local coffee shop owner. 

Cast: Mariah Carey, Lacey Chabert, Brennan Elliott,

Movie #1240 ........................."The Most Wonderful Time of the Year"

Movie #1240 "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" was a good solid film with a cute couple at the center of the piece, and Henry Winkler as the fun uncle of  an adorable little kid to boot.  It deals with a guy who comes home with the uncle after meeting him on the plane and is stranded to get to his new destination.  The uncle's "home" happens to be his niece's who is just about to celebrate an engagement to a jerky guy --- can you guess where this is going?  Who doesn't, but the film  was cute and entertaining and the jokes worked, for the most part.  If you are looking for a nice romantic comedy with a christmas spirit message, this was a good one.  4 stars out of 5.

"THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR"   2008      1 hr and 28 min -- t.v. movie

The overwhelming tasks that go along with Christmas have taken the joy out of the holidays for busy single mom Jennifer Cullen. Then her Uncle Ralph arrives at her home with the young, handsome Morgan Derby. Morgan's love of Christmas, and life, is contagious and as Jennifer glumly navigates through the holidays, she soon realizes that what she needs most is right under her nose. Stars Henry Winkler, Brooke Burns and Warren Christie.

Director:

 Michael Scott (as Michael M. Scott) 

Writer:

 Bruce Graham

Stars:

 Brooke Burns,  Henry Winkler,  Warren Christie 

Movie #1239 ........................."Nine Lives of Christmas"

Movie #1239 "Nine Lives of Christmas" was a fun watch for me because the plot was a little different from the same kind of Hallmark Christmas movie line --- many times the story is a rip off of It's a Wonderful Life or whatever, but this was different with the cat motif.  Also the two main stars could handle the weak spots in the script and they had some chemistry together (ironic since they played brother and sister in another Hallmark show).  I would give this 3.8 out of 5 stars, pointing out that it is a better than average watch for the christmas season.  Cute couple and film!



"NINE LIVES OF CHRISTMAS"      2014      1 hour and 26  minutes    t.v. movie

After a stray cat adopts Zachary, he meets Marliee and realizes the single life is not as fulfilling as he thought it was.

Director:

 Mark Jean

Writers:

 Sheila Roberts (based on the book by),  Nancey Silvers

Stars:

 Brandon Routh,  Kimberly Sustad,  Stephanie Bennett

Movie #1238 .........................."Every Christmas Has A Story"

Movie #1238 "Every Christmas Has A Story" didn't have  anything new here.  The story is pretty simple, dealing with a journalist and her lost spirit for xmas.  Of course, she is sent to a town that is supposed to get her to regain it, and of course, she'd be stuck going there with an ex-boyfriend (who is pretty much a stick in the film --- she could have been talking to a wall through most of this film, in my opinion)  And it all ends happily ever after ---- too neatly done that even the corniest of these Hallmark films.  I would give this 3 stars out of 5 probably mostly because of Lori Laughlin's believability ---- and a nice few moments give to us from one of the "Eight Is Enough" cast members, Willie Ames.  But, once again, in a part romance film, the lovebirds should have chemistry and I felt it was missing here.  And the story is stretched for a long time, and the answer to the main mystery in the film  is given in one 3 minute monologue.  Not good.

"EVERY CHRISTMAS HAS A STORY"    2016     TV-G

While on air, a TV personality accidentally admits she hates Christmas. When she goes to a small town to film a special to repair her image, the Christmas spirit begins to change her life.

Director:

 Ron Oliver

Writers:

 David Golden,  Andrea King  | 1 more credit »

Stars:

 Lori Loughlin,  Colin Ferguson,  Willie Aames

Movie #1237 ........................."Family for Christmas"

Movie #1237 "Family for Christmas" was kind of a corny hallmark christmas season film that you don't have to watch if the plot sounds oh too familiar (kind of a George Bailey "It's a Wonderful Life" except much shallower).  Most of the film is spent with her in her new life acting like she knows how to drive the kids to school or even know their names, when she doesn't.  Not very funny, nor does the story go up and down in excitement --- it kind of plays one note and then when it gets to the ending, she has to be told she has to look to the future rather than the past (you're kidding?  We got that so much earlier than she does.....) and it's over?  hmmmm.  Her scenes with her kids and also her hubby, the love of her life were good, but the rest, not really necessary to watch.  Maybe look for another film?  and experience your own family for Christmas and be happy that you are spending the season with them instead of going through what this lady did!


"FAMILY FOR CHRISTMAS"    t.v. - G       2015         I'd rate it 3 stars out of 5.

After a conversation with a man playing Santa Claus during her office Christmas party, a woman wakes up to find herself married to her college sweetheart and two kids and questions her life choices.

Director:

 Amanda Tapping

Writer:

 Bryar Freed

Stars:

 Lacey Chabert,  Tyron Leitso,  Milli Wilkinson

Movie #1236 ........................."Let It Snow"

Movie #1236 "Let It Snow" is a Hallmark film that actually might get you into the Christmas spirit (unless you are such a grinch, you are a hopeless case!)  Of course, it has the obligatory happy  ending, which is one of the reasons I watch these during the xmas season, but it also has a lot more going for it like a winning, competent cast, believable characters, a good script, strong themes, and it takes its time developing the love story.  I know a lot of people would consider these films lame, and if you are one of them, I  probably lost you at the word "hallmark" earlier, anyway.  But if you watch these , this is one of the better choices, I think.  It made me wish I could ski, so that's something!  I would rate this 4 out of 5 stars.

"LET IT SNOW"  T.V. - G       2013          1 HOUR AND 22 minutes
A self-defined Grinch, Stephanie begins her stay at Snow Valley Lodge immune to Christmas sentiment. But as the lodge's festive traditions provide the Christmas Stephanie never had growing up with her distant father, Stephanie finds herself enjoying every minute. To complicate her professional duties even further, the combative feelings she felt toward Brady turn into romantic ones. With Stephanie's newfound Christmas spirit and unexpected holiday romance, she begins to question Falcon's overhaul. As her Christmas Eve deadline approaches, she's faced with a decision: should she transform the lodge into a new winter hot spot or embrace tradition and let it snow

Director:

 Harvey Frost

Writers:

 Harvey Frost (teleplay by),  Jim Head (teleplay by) 

Stars:

 Candace Cameron Bure,  Jesse Hutch,  Alan Thicke 

Movie #1235 ........................."Second Time Around" (1961)

Movie #1235 "Second Time Around"  --- I caught this movie the other day because I hadn't seen it the first time around, and I now know I didn't miss very much.  Debbie Reynolds kind of plays the Molly Brown, tomboy- strong woman much like the character in "Unsinkable Molly Brown." But that's where the comparison ends because this script was horrible.  Not to mention it probably set back women a decade in its treatment of the main character here --- Even for the 60s, this does nothing to boost morale of women  -- it tells them if they are in trouble, they should just marry well. At least that's what the Thelma Ritter character tells Debbie when she is suddenly widowed with two small children and is broke and never had a job .  Debbie decides to go  out west to work, but everyone, including the women, thinks that is laughable.  Wow!     The film just goes down hill from there.  It's full of caricatures  instead of fleshed out characters --- something Debbie Reynolds was usually good at doing. Andy Griffith, too, but they don't deliver here --- it's the script.  So if this comes around a third and fourth time, you can miss it.  It's not that good at all.  2.5 stars out of 5.

The Second Time Around (1961)

1h 39min | Family, Western | 22 December 1961 (USA)

In 1911, a widow with two children leaves New York City for territorial Arizona and becomes a ranch hand and later gets herself elected sheriff. A gambler and a rancher become rivals for her affections.

Director:

 Vincent Sherman

Writers:

 Richard Emery Roberts (novel),  Oscar Saul (screenplay) | 1 more credit »

Stars:

 Debbie Reynolds,  Steve Forrest,  Andy Griffith

Movie #1234 ........................."A Crown for Christmas"

Movie #1234 "A Crown for Christmas" --- here we go again.  Part of getting in the xmas spirit for me is watching some christmas movies I have not seen, and what better (and easier) way to see them than on the Hallmark channel.  So here's the first one ---- it happened to be on tonight , and I was typing a big project (packet for "Hamilton") and voila!  I decided to watch it because I know the ending is going to be happy and romantic and after a very bad week, I needed to watch something fun.  That being said, this was just okay.  The guy they got to play the male love interest -- the king---was a stiff, and Danica McKellar (Winnie in "Wonder Years") is a little too breezy and cavalier, and the script is a bit too pat ---- and it depends on us believing that the little girl gets attached to the governess because they bake cookies and decorate trees (not too original!)  But it's a beautiful castle and the costumes are beautiful, and like I said, he gets the girl  (no surprise there!) and he learns to be a better king because of falling in love (another no surpriser!)  I would rate this 3 stars out of 5.

A CROWN FOR CHRISTMAS     2015        1 hour and 26 minutes     t.v. movie   3 stars out of 5

Crown for Christmas

9:00 PM on HALMRK 78, 2 hr 2015 TV-G

A fired New York City maid reluctantly becomes a governess to a poorly behaved little girl who turns out to be European royalty. Before long, the two form a strong bond, and the governess also grows close to the young princess's engaged father.

director:  Alex Zamm

Writers:  Neal H. Dobrofsky, Tippi Dobrofsky

Cast:  Danica McKellar, Rupert Penry-Jones, Ellie Botterill

Movie #1233 .........................."Arrival"

Movie #1233 "Arrival" is a very ambitious sci-fi  film with a subdued amount of CG stuff.  As a result, it depends a lot on reaction shots and whatever other tool Amy Adams uses to get across her thoughts and fears in the female.  And FEAR is the focus of the film, and we are with Amy from the opening and the closing.  So although we have never had huge alien monoliths land in various places in the world, we have experienced facing our fears, which is what everyone does here in the film.  She, being an ace  linguist, is asked to help decipher the hepatods' (sp?) communication code, which brings her face to face with the creatures, and those scenes work pretty well.  I don't want to give away too much about the film because it would greatly affect the challenges watching the film bring --- enough said there, but I need to speak on the pacing which was really slow to me --- but  it might not affect you because neither Dave nor the woman sitting next to me noticed it but the guy in front who was snoring loudly felt it, I think.  Because you are kept at  a distance, even when you want to get closer and get to solutions, the film keeps you at a distance for a tad longer, and so it felt a bit stretched to me --- but it was all necessary, so I didn't mind and I don't think you will either.  The different way the story is told, the acting,  photography and themes are all reasons for seeing this anomalous film, but you might feel the music is a bit too much?  It is one you'll want to discuss long after it comes to a close.  I give it 4 stars out of 5, and I'm thinking it might be nominated for some awards in the future, esp. for Ms. Adams.


ARRIVAL   2016   PG-13      4 stars out of 5

Confronted by a mass landing of alien vessels around the globe, military leaders seek the help of brilliant linguist Louise Banks in an effort to communicate with the extraterrestrials and determine their intentions.

Cast: Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker,

Movie #1232 ............................"Demolition"

Movie #1232 "Demolition" was just okay.  If you want to watch a very slow film with a meandering focus, this might be the one for you.  I applaud Jake G for his odd choices in films he does, but this one could be edited and directed much better.  Because the character Jake plays is so quiet and inside his head, it's tough to understand at times why he does what he does........I was going to turn it off after the first few minutes, but then the young boy was introduced and the film perked up (and I did) a little, so I watched it to the end.  The film certainly reminds you that not everyone thinks alike, and we oftentimes can never guess what is on someone's mind.  The people (Jake G, Naomi Watts and Chris Cooper) are more than capable, but the film could be better.

DEMOLITION  2016     1 hour and 41 minutes      R         3 stars out of 5

Shattered by his wife's tragic death in a car crash, investment banker Davis Mitchell is rendered emotionally numb -- until his frustration with an uncooperative vending machine leads to an unlikely correspondence and some therapeutic destruction.

Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Naomi Watts, Chris Cooper

Movie #1231 ........................."A Man Called Ove"

Movie #1231 "A Man Called Ove" is a wonderful film, and I loved it!  So did Dave!  I had read the book for book club , and we all enjoyed the book, and this is a fine rendition of it.  Very little missing, and certainly got the story and more importantly the Ove character across to the audience.  This could be a successful t.v. series character, for sure (a la Doc Martin character, maybe?).  I don't want to give too much away, and esp. not why he acts the way he does ---- that's for the audience  to find out ---- but sufficeth it to say that his character is quirky but believable, and the film is filled with more believable characters who just annoy the heck out of Ove for one reason or another.  And there's a cat!  Isn't there always a cat?  And  the Story unfolds in a good way, smoothly moving in and out of flashbacks that give some background on this character named Ove.  Incidentally, the film is swedish and so there are subtitles, but you forget about them after awhile, which proves again how entertaining the movie is.  Highly recommended here ---- should be nominated for best foreign film, in my opinion.  But then, how they pick foreign films is much of a mystery to many of us and the powers that be make it pretty impossible to see any of them that are nominated anyway by not showing them in our American theaters ---- that has to change because there are some terrific foreign language films out there, and this one is a winner!

A MAN CALLED OVE    
2016     PG-13         5 stars out of 5

Despite being deposed as president of his condo's resident association, 59-year-old misanthrope Ove continues to plague his neighbors with dictatorial demands. But when Ove's new neighbor runs over his mailbox, the old crank finds he's met his match.

Cast: Rolf Lassgård, Bahar Pars, Filip Berg