Movie #1408 ........................."Breathe" (2017)

Movie #1408 "Breathe" reminded me a lot of the Eddie Redamayne film about Hawking a couple of years ago because it deals with the trials and tribulations of a vibrant man being forced to live in a wheel chair for the rest of his life, and how he uses that situation to make changes in his society.  In this particular story, this is a true story about a little known man who brought changes to the lives of fellow polio victims who up until he came along were institutionalized for the rest of their lives.  This man, with the huge help from his wife and friends (one who was very inventive with this man's wheel chair), was able to make a life for himself outside of the hospital, but still able to breathe from a machine, thus the title of the film.  It is very inspiring of a story, but it is very hard to watch, because it is so up close and personal of their lives.  There were nice details, but I would have liked even more of an every day lifestyle, instead of just showing us mostly the highs and lows.  I also wondered how all the inventions he was witnessing with his chair came about, money wise.  It is a very challenging acting decision for Andrew Garfield and he will probably be nominated, because he is trying to get across this emotional and passionate character with just a move of an eyebrow, at times.  However, the weight of the film actually rests on his wife's shoulders, and she is played by Claire Foy (PBS' Victoria) , and she does a super job.  I just thought the script was a bit thin.  And it showed you what you would expect or guess oftentimes.  Good acting, though, and beautiful scenery  --- the story definitely deserves to be told --- I'd give it 3.8 out of 5 stars.

"BREATHE"   PG-13   (lots of blood shown)     2017    

This spirit-lifting biodrama tells the story of Robin Cavendish, whose charmed and colorful life suddenly darkens when he's paralyzed by polio. Rather than become imprisoned by his disability, however, Robin and his wife decide to tour the world.

Cast: Andrew Garfield, Claire Foy, Tom Hollander

Movie #1407 .........................."Faces/Places"

Movie #1407 "Faces/Places" --- what a wonderful documentary.  Dave had seen this in the Chicago film festival and raved about it, and when he said that it was in a few NYC theatre, we sought one out for me to see it while he was taking a photography class.  The doc is so creative and humorous and charming!  It deals with the merging of a photographer (age 34) and a cinematographer (age 80+) and what chemistry they have!  They take a journey through the countryside of France and take pictures of the common people they come across, and then they print them in the truck they are driving in and then put them on the outside walls of buildings to decorate the town, or train cars, or big farm buildings, whatever they find --- it is so cool to see the reactions of these people when they see themselves in such big terms!  The stories they weave become the substance of the film and the visuals are these pictures.  I don't want to say much more because you want to see the doc unfold while you watch it, but sufficeth it to say that it is a real gem.  I give it 5 stars out of 5.  Hope you get a chance to see it, and it goes all the way to a nomination for best documentary at the Academy Awards this year!

"FACES/PLACES"              PG          2017

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A key figure in the emergence of French New Wave cinema in the 1950s, director Agnès Varda's career continues more than 60 years later as she joins photographer and muralist JR for a road trip through France, making art as they go.

Movie #1406 ........................."N2"

Movie #1406 "N2" was the oswego H.S. fall show --- yes, they did a movie, and with Pat Stinson and Jim Sutton's guidance on the tech end, and Frank Tiera doing the direction on the acting side.  It was really a lot of fun to watch --- the kids had really bought into it,s and that was quite obvious.  The story was a caper (which I always love), and it had some funny moments (my favorite is this kid having to run with a Seusaphone all through the h.s. up and down stairs and then out to the football field during one of those Friday night games.  It was a very funny scene, and there were several others, but I don't want to give them away, in case you get to see this gem.  Nice shots, good editing, and natural acting made it a rewarding film experience for me.  4 out of 5 stars.

synopsis:  kids find a map and start looking for a treasure that they think is under the in- school suspension room, where they find themselves one afternoon.  

Movie #1405 ........................."Victoria & Abdul"

Movie #1405 "Victoria & Abdul" -- I found this movie quite enjoyable.  And audiences have agreed with me, for the most part, scoring about 74% on rottentomtoes.com (in comparison to the 60+ % that the critics have given it --- why?  because some find it spoofing a serious subject (the treatment of the Muslims at the time)  I found it topical.  As long as you aren't taking all the history as factual --- and the film is up front about that with the opening disclaimer -- "mostly true" --- I was unable to watch anything in the film other than the two of the people -- SHE because she's Judi Dench and at her best finest here (or any time she gets to play a Queen!) and HE because he is so charming........and authentic and genteel.  I loved the whole idea of Queen Victoria upsetting her entire household and family because of this relationship with her "servant'  -- and when told she can't do that, instead of dropping the relationship, she makes him part of her inner circle!  It's a story that needed to be told, and if it's twisted a bit to make the movie better, that's okay with me -- I knew I wasn't watching the history channel.  This is Queen Victoria toward the end of her life, and I always find this particular queen quite interesting --- and Judi playing her, makes it doubly so for me!  What I wanted to see more of, is more info on Abdul, more about his family, more from him verbally ,  just overall.  Otherwise, it was a delightful film that we (Dave's folks, 89 years oldsters) all enjoyed!!! I give it 4 out of 5 stars, and highly recommend this gem!

P.S.  do I dare suggest that this might be an academy award nod for Ms. Dench?

"VICTORIA & ABDUL"      2017      PG-13        

In this historical drama, young Indian clerk Abdul Karim journeys to Britain to participate in the celebration of Queen Victoria's 50th year on the throne. In the process, he unexpectedly forms a deep friendship with the monarch.

Cast: Judi Dench, Ali Fazal, Eddie Izzard,

Movie #1404 .........................."Mountain Between Us"

Movie #1404 "The Mountain Between Us"  --- I read this book and really enjoyed it, and I would like to say just one word in this review --- No.  But I guess I should explain..... No, it is not a good interpretation of this book.  No, it isn't worthy of any awards or praises, even if two of the finest actors (Idris Alba and Kate Winslet) are in it.  No, you don't need to see this.  The one positive I can say is that the environment (filmed in British Columbia) is simply breathtaking.  But that's it.  There is a mystery throughout the book that makes it stand on its own, out of your typical survivor type stories, and this movie missed the boat entirely.  I guess when they all sat around the table, they decided that the major thing they wanted to show was two people both contributing equally to their survival.  The book had her much more in pain and damaged so that she couldn't do equal physical stuff to save them, but she had the sense of humor, the wherewithal to keep them going mentally.  There is so much more I would point out, but there's a good chance you didn't read the book, so why bother.   If you read it, maybe message me and we can go into more detail, but I'll just leave it as....not recommended by me.  I'd give it a very weak 3 out of 5 stars (and the boost from a 2 is because of the acting and the beautiful landscape.  And the dog.

"MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US"      2017       PG-13

After bad weather halts their commercial flight, surgeon Ben Payne and writer Ashley Knox hop a charter plane. But it crashes, leaving the strangers injured and alone atop a snow-covered mountain -- forcing them to embark on a long journey for help.

Cast: Kate Winslet, Idris Elba, Beau Bridges

Movie #1403 ........................."Armour Partrage"

Movie #1403 "Armour Partrage" tells the story of a hitman who falls in love with his target.  You can watch the entire film on Vimeo.  The password to unlock it is "ugetsu" --- I felt I had seen the story before (the movie "Stakeout" is on just this subject")  It has some atmosphere, though.  And some surprises.  But very little.  I'd give it 3 out of 5 stars.

Movie #1402 ............................"Welcome to the Peace House" (4 mins)

Movie #1402 "Welcome to the Peace House" won the Chicago Award, and it was a good documentary about the I Grow Chicago project that works with kids to get them out of gangs and off the streets by teaching them meditation, yoga, and other projects that help them deal with anger issues.  It was very informative, and it made me proud of my hometown.  4 out of 5 stars.

Movie #1401 ........................."Magnus Opus"

Movie #1401 "Magnus Opus" won the Rising Star Award, but I thought this was one of the weakest ones we watched.  "This film is  magical realist drama film about a depressed young writer who is about to be kicked out of the prestigious writing program for her poor quality of work, nd how she mentally copes with her situation. "   Not an effective ending, and the script is weak, and considering it takes place in a writing facility with two people who are supposed to be good writers, the script doesn't prove that at all.  I give it 2 out of 5 stars.

Movie #1400 .........................Pangaea"

Movie #1400 "Pangaea" was the winner of the Reel Women's Award and it dealt with Katrina.  "A lonely girl stranded on a rooftop desperately tries to return her life to a state of equilibrium after she is separated from her family."  One small story of the big tragedy, and it socks a good punch~!  5 out of 5 stars.

Movie #1399 ........................."Night" (9:30 mins)

Movie #1399 "Night" won the Best Overall Film, and it was!  "In 'Night' Jose Duk's second short film after "Heavy Feathers," four friends from different backgrounds go out to a fancy club together.  When they have an unpleasant encounter with the club's bouncer, the dynamic between the girls changes completely."   It's the way the film takes a turn that makes it stand out above the others -- 5 out of 5 stars.  Well done!

Movie #1398 ........................."Searching for Wives" (13 mins)

Movie #1398 "Searching for Wives" won best documentary, and it was kind of goofy.  "Through the use of a single photograph, Partha, a foreign worker from South India embarks on a mission to find a wife before his 32nd birthday.  With the help from a photo studio and his parents, "Searching for wives" documents the proceedings of an arranged marriage that many men and women are accustomed to like Partha, and finds the romance that lies within."  The audience gets some info on how this culture arranges many of their marriages, but we also get to laugh along because Partha is somewhat of a "card."  This was entertaining.  I'd give it 3.8 out of 5 stars.

Movie #1397 ........................."Mirror" (12 mins)

Movie #1397 "Mirror" was the Best Thriller winner, and it gave some good thrills --- in a few minutes, it sets up that this girl gets a mirror that seems to be magical and able to show your other self.  hmmm.  The booklet says:  "When Laura picks up a free mirror on the side of the road and begins to notice strange distortions, she realizes that it may have a sinister agenda."  I give it  a 4 out of 5.  I liked it.

Movie #1396 ........................."Frankie Keeps Talking" (7 mins)

Movie #1396 "Frankie Keeps Talking" won the best comedy, and it was funny, but one joke kind of funny.  Guy is on a date and all he does is, you guessed it, talk.  What is funny, is what the girl does while he is talking --- just to give you an idea, she pours various food all over her body, starts a fight with the waiter, etc.  just to get his attention, and the focus off of himself.  The booklet says it is about this:  "A young woman goes to drastic lengths to get the attention of her coffee date."  I'd give it 3.5 out of 5.

Movie #1395 ........................."The Gift of the Woods" (3:44 mins)

Movie #1395 "The Gift of the Woods" won the best animation award in the Cineyouth contest --- it's very rudimentary with few colors, almost set up like a Grimm's fairytale --- the story is much like the one in Alien and Aliens, the movies.  So no surprise here.  I'd give it 3 out of 5.

Movie #1394 ........................."Partitioned Heart" (8 mins)

Movie #1394 "Partitioned Heart" won "Best Drama" award, and I wondered why, as I watched. Here's what it was about:  "  Rob, a grieving father, is revisited by his deceased son Daniel through a mysterious computer computer program, but must push himself to do what he considers unthinkable when Daniel makes a devastating request."  Just from that, you can guess what the request is --- lots of crying, angst and manipulating the audience to feel for this very unreal situation --- at least, in our lifetime, it's hard to believe this would ever happen.  Best drama?  I'd give it 3 out of 5.

Movie #1393 .........................."Jouska" (6 mins)

Movie #1393 "Jouska" (6 mins)  -- "An elderly man grapples with the guilt of what he's done in the strange, whimsical land of his subconscious".....at least,  that is what the booklet said it was about.  Beats me how/when it showed all that.  This won the Cineyouth award for best experimental film -- I didn't like it much.  Bland movements, colors and very esoteric in the storytelling.  2 out of 5

Movie #1392 ........................."Spoor"

Movie #1392 "Spoor" is the third film I watched at the Chicago Film Festival.  This time it was Polish (as an added bonus, I had a Polish family sitting next to me --- one time at the end, I asked if the film was still in Poland so I could understand where they were -- very handy)  It was billed an "ecological thriller," and that it was.  It has a bit of a mystery (several people are killed in the course of the film, due to them being careless hunters in the village), but it was one I guessed, so I am sure others would, as well.  The main character reminded me of a feisty judy Dench (maybe more Kathy Bates), and watching her life unfold was quite interesting to me because she lives way out in the country and doesn't see her neighbors a lot.  It is a life I never would want to have (too much an urban person), and just what they eat, how they conduct daily life, etc. very revealing to me.  To make it even moreso, the older woman is a teacher, so watching her deal with the kids was fun, too.  There are some bloody moments with the animals and the people, but the colorful characters that inhabit this small town made it enjoyable to watch.  I'd give it 4 stars out of 5.  And an excellent strong ecological theme!  A message we could all use these days!

"SPOOR"      2017    NR

Retired civil engineer Janina Duszejko finds her quiet life in a mountain village disturbed when her dogs disappear and her poacher neighbor turns up dead. As the bodies of hunters pile up, she becomes convinced that wild animals are responsible.

Cast: Agnieszka Mandat, Wiktor Zborowski, Miroslav Krobot

Movie #1391 ........................."The Other Side of Hope"

Movie #1391 "The Other Side of Hope" was the second movie I saw at the Chicago film festival, and I thought it was quite topical, dealing with a Syrian refuge looking for acceptance in Finland.  A cross cultural movie in every way, it takes on a 40s style of American filming with lots of smoking, street lighting, and staring off into space without tons of dialogue.  Just the look of it makes me think that the director had studied a lot of American film techniques to get across this film's look.  I was enamored with the Syrian's soft looking face --- my heart ached for him every time he got beat up for being Syrian --- we all need to see this film -- it might possibly makes us more tolerant and understanding of what the refugees go through.  There are two stories going on in this film --- not only the refugee's plight, but an older guy who wants to start a restaurant --- there's a lot of humor in the latter story, and when the two stories get together , then the movie really takes off --- quite enjoyable, but with scenes that will break your heart.  I give it 4 stars out of 5.

"THE OTHER SIDE OF HOPE"      2017       NR

Syrian refugee Khaled and ex-traveling salesman Wikström have many miles under their belts when they cross paths in Helsinki. Now an owner of a restaurant, Wikström finds Khaled sleeping behind his diner and offers him a job, leading to an unlikely friendship.

Cast: Sherwan Haji, Sakari Kuosmanen, Janne Hyytiäinen,

Movie #1390 ........................."The Square"

Movie #1390 "The Square" -- the one major film I saw at the Chicago Film Festival yesterday was this Palm D'Or winner from Cannes, and the Swedish winner to represent their country in the Academy Awards selection (so it just might be a nominee, because everyone was talking about this film at the festival).  Anyway, I liked it more than this director's previous award winning film "Force Majeur" -- it had more of a story, went along more smoothly, had a great sense of humor, great musical score (although the score in the other film wasn't too shabby either)  Here, it is outstanding and it plays a character at times!  Once again, in this film, it's the quiet moments --- the awkward scenes, and there are many of them here --- It's a satire of the contemporary art world, and it follows a  curator of something like MOMA but in Sweden, and the audience sees all the problems he has to deal with several things:   publicity for the newest art object in his museum , "The Square" -- which is a tough thing to sell; a robbery of his watch; a visit from his two little girls, a new relationship with Elizabeth Moss, one tough cookie!; putting up with the rich investors in the art at his museum, a loose art object who becomes dangerous, a stalking kid, and the list goes on.  This guy who is the lead is a real find because not only does he speak swedish and english, but he's easy on the eyes -- a blend of Pierce Brosnan and Ryan Reynolds.  I give this film 4.5 out of 5.  And I think it just might have a good chance getting an academy award nomination for foreign film.  We'll see.

"THE SQUARE"    rated R        2017    

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Testing the thin line between art and reality, a famed museum's new creative director mounts an installation -- "The Square" -- intended to foster altruism. But he sets off a hue and cry after enlisting a public relations firm to tout the exhibition.

Director:  Rubin Ostlund

Movie #1389 ........................."Force Majeur"

Movie #1389 "Force Majeur" -- what a stylish foreign film this is!  I had heard about it for a couple of years now, but since I was going to see this swedish director's newest film at the chicago film festival the next day, I wanted to see what I was in for .  All I had heard about the film was that there's a family skiing on a vacation in the Alps and on the second day, they experience an avalanche, and things are never the same...... and that's all I will say.  But this director is so interesting in how he gets across the quiet moments --- he lets the film play out so that reality sets in so clearly.  The two main actors here demand our attention, and they never disappoint.  His films tend to run a tad long, and yes, this could have been edited just a tad more so it ran shorter, but otherwise, I found the experience of watching it quite enjoyable.  However, this is not a film for everyone --- it might be very slow to many people --- it might be short on script and story to others.  It is a film lovers' cup of tea, I think. I would give it 4 out of 5 stars.

"FORCE MAJEUR" 2014      R      1 hour and 59 mins

A sudden avalanche at an Alpine ski resort shatters the serenity of a vacationing Swedish family when the father flees without his wife and children

Starring:  Johannes Kuhnkje, Lisa Loven Kongsli, Vincent Wettergren, Clara Wettergren, Kristofer Hivju

Director:  Ruben Ostlund

Creator:  Ruben Ostlund

Movie #1388 ........................."Mutants"

Movie #1388 "Mutants" --- this was my least favorite film of the shorts bunch that I saw at the Milwaukee Film Festival, mostly because I felt it had script problems --- it didn't hang well all together --- from one scene to the next ---and I wondered why some of the scenes were in there.  There was a Q and A with the director afterwards, but his answers to some questions seemed "out there" so I'm not sure he had a clear focus when approaching the film.  If you want to see it , the film is on line on vimeo --- link:  https://vimeo.com/220643959
I'd give this 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Mutants is a Canadian short drama film, directed by Alexandre Dostie and released in 2016. The film stars Joseph DeLorey as Keven, a teenager who, after being injured at baseball practice, is sent on an unexpected emotional journey of discovery. Wikipedia

Initial release: September 12, 2016

Director: Alexandre Dostie

Screenplay: Alexandre Dostie

Language: French language

Cast: Sandrine Bisson, Francis La Haye, Joseph Delorey, Tanya Quirion, Jérémy Labonté

Awards: Canadian Screen Award for Best Live Action Short Drama

Producers: Hany Ouichou, Gabrielle Tougas- Fréchette

Movie #1387 .........................."Mountain Fever"

Movie #1387 "Mountain Fever" -- this was another short film I saw at Milwaukee Film Festival.
The movie in 8 minutes successfully set up good moments of fear and surprise, and I would rate it 4 out of 5.

Mountain Fever (2016)

8min | Short, Adventure, Mystery

A team of alpinists is stuck in an apocalyptic snow storm in great heights. When one of them goes missing, they have to conduct a hazardous search.

Director:

 Frédéric Hambalek (as Frederic Hambalek) 

Writer:

 Frédéric Hambalek (as Frederic Hambalek) 

Stars:

 Christian Aumer,  Isaak Dentler,  Sven Fricke 

Movie #1386 ........................."Second to None"

Movie #1386 "Second to None" --- the best short film we saw, I thought, and it was animated.  Frederick Butterfield is tired of always being runner up. When he becomes the world’s second oldest person, he hatches a plan to claim first place. 

Second To None is a stop-motion comedy from Vincent Gallagher, where second place just isn't good enough. 

Toronto International Film Festival TIFF. ***Official Selection***
James Horgan Award for Best Animated Short ***Winner***
Don Quijote Award for Best Animation ***Winner**

It is a dark comedy, so not really for kids.  And according to its facebook page, I think you might be able to catch it on Amazon Video (but I don't know for how long)   it's  7 minutes.  I give it 5 stars out of 5.

Movie #1385 ........................."Mouse"

Movie #1385 "Mouse" -- another short is one that I think anyone who sees it will never forget it.  I don't want to tell too much about it, but sufficeth to say that it is one of the grossest films I have ever seen --- people were closing their eyes, screaming, and reacting throughout this pulsating film, full of intensity.  I'd give it a 4 out of 5.   (p.s. if you are interested in seeing it, google it --- it's showing on vimeo right now)

This is the synopsis on line for the film --
MOUSE made its World Premiere at this year’s SXSW Film Festival and has screened with other notable film fests, winning a couple of awards in the process. Directed by Logan George and Celine Held, George and Held are a two person team that make up ELO Films and are based in Brooklyn, NY. MOUSE stars Logan George, the film’s director, and Vanessa Wasche who portray a couple in a drug-ridden relationship that encounters a mouse.    

Movie #1384 ........................."Fry Day"

Movie #1384 "Fry Day" -- another short film we saw at the Milwaukee Film Fest, this one very serious concerning a young girl's coming of age. By the end of the 16 minutes, this young, unassuming girl who has been taking photographs of people at $3 a pop  as they wait outside Ted Bundy's prison the night before he is to be executed , she is no longer trusting of people --- it's almost a symbol of how the world really becomes after a murderer like Ted Bundy has done his damage to women.  We were no longer trusting if someone kindly offered a ride to us, because we learned that kindness was in disguise of pure evil.  The film is well done at sustaining the tone throughout.  If you get a chance to see it, I thought it was a 5 out of 5 stars. And it was fun seeing a famous actress like Elizabeth Ashley in it as a crusty woman who runs a hot dog stand nearby.



"FRY DAY"     2017        16 minutes

FRY DAY' IS CO-WRITEEN AND DIRECTED BY LAURA MOSS, WHO WAS RECENTLY NAMED ONE OF FILMMAKER MAGAZINE'S 25 NEW FACES OF INDEPENDENT FILM.

IT STARS JORDYN DINATALE, JIMI STANTON AND FEATURES TONY AWARD-WINNING ACTRESS ELIZABETH ASHLEY.

THE FILM TAKES PLACE DURING A REAL-LIFE TAILGATE PARTY THAT ERUPTED ACROSS THE STREET FROM TED BUNDY'S EXECUTION SITE, AS SEEN THROUG HTHE EYES OF LAURYN, A YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHER WHO HAPPENS TO LOOK LIKE ONE OF HIS VICTIMS.

Movie #1383 ........................."I Know You From Somewhere"

Movie #1383 "I Know You from Somewhere" -- first of 6 short films we saw at the Milwaukee Film Festival, one of the best ones concerns a real problem.  Here's a quick blurb from the internet on the plot:

I Know You From Somewhere, a comedic short film written and directed by Andrew Fitzgerald, is an authentic example of the internet’s worst tendencies. The trouble starts offline: a young woman named Katherene gets in a screaming match with a friend about a cheating boyfriend. A stranger captures video of the dustup, including a moment in which Katherene accuses her friend of having a “black heart.” When the video is uploaded to YouTube, viewers mistake Katherene’s words for racial slurs, turning this average woman into the target of a humongous internet mob.

Because it dealt with real situations, and the acting was well done, I really enjoyed watching this.  You can see how a video never really tells the whole story, and it's a nice reminder of seeing isn't always what we should be believing.  I'd give it 4 stars out of 5.

Movie # 1382 ........................."Person to Person"

Movie #1382 "Person to Person" -- well, the second movie we watched at the Milwaukee Film Festival promised to be a tad better because the cast include Michael Cera ("Juno") and a you tuber actress that we enjoyed watching  on stage at the Steppenwolf in the play "This is Youth" also with Cera.  But the film ended up to be so slow that it appeared to creep from one scene to the next.  There were a few funny moments, but mostly the payoff wasn't worth all the sitting and sighing that we did while watching it.  The film concerns a slice of several people's lives in NYC :  a photographer and journalist team up to investigate a possible murder/suicide, a man tries to buy a jazz album, another man is regretting that he put porn pictures of his girlfriend (soon to be ex) up on the internet, and a girl who appears not  to care about boys finds herself facing  her first sexual encounter.   I wish they stories came together in some way, or even had more substance to them, but alas, I can't.  I would say it was the weakest of the films we saw at the Milwaukee Film Festival this year, and we were disappointed.   3 out of 5 stars



"PERSON TO PERSON"      2017       1 hour and 24 mins

A single day in New York City -- one that involves a death that may be suicide or a homicide -- unfolds through the eyes of various characters, including a crime reporter, a record collector seeking a rare vinyl platter, and a headstrong teen.

Cast: Abbi Jacobson, Michael Cera, Tavi Gevinson,

Movie #1381 ........................."You're Killing Me, Susanna"

Movie #1381 "You're Killing Me, Susanna" -- just saw this at the Milwaukee Film Festival, the first one we saw, and it was just okay.  It's a Mexican film that was filmed mostly in Canada (it was supposed to be a small college in Iowa) so we found that amusing!  We are fans of the lead guy Gael Garcia Bernal (Letters to Juliet, Y tu Tambien, Amores Perros, and t.v. show "Mozart in the Jungle" -- he's the prominent Mexican actor), and he's kind of the Al Pacino of this generation.   When the married couple in this film argues, the lines and hands are flying --- it's an introduction to another culture that is more demonstrative than ours, and you have to get used to it and in a hurry.  But the substance of their conflicts is very universal because it deals with marital boredom, infidelity, revenge, true love, forgiveness.  The script in this film left something to be desired --- it was labelled a comedy, but it really wasn't that much --- just had a few funny moments, and really due to the lead's ability to be charming and funny and still flirty to every female he meets.  And you could see the end coming a mile a minute (predictable), but overall I'd give it a 3.8 out of 5.  It was an okay start to the festival.



"YOU'RE KILLING ME, SUSANA"    2017

An actor's (Gael García Bernal) world comes crashing down after he learns that his wife (Verónica Echegui) has left him for a poet (Björn Hlynur Haraldsson) in Iowa.

Release date: February 17, 2017 (USA)

Director: Roberto Sneider

Language: Spanish Language

Languages: Spanish, English

Nominations: Ariel Award for Best Actor,

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Movie #1380 ........................."Gifted"

Movie #1380 "Gifted" was a movie I got to watch on the plane on the way back from Banff a few days ago, and I found it overall quite enjoyable, esp. in watching this little girl hold her own in the film.  I think the lead, Chris Evans, has some limitations in his acting, and the script has a few manipulative moments, and some turning moments that don't ring true, but the ending is very satisfactory, and I think the substance of the film makes it an important one to see.  What I mean by that is that this film deals with the question:  What do we do with our gifted students to get the best out of them without ruining the kid part of their lives?  Should we be sending this little math savant to a school with other math savants (who are much older, and not in her age group) or send her to the school that matches her age but not necessarily her needs?  What a big question.  What makes this even more intriguing is that her mom faced the same problem (bored in the age appropriate school, and not accepted wherever she goes, and depressed enough to commit suicide).  Her brother knows that his sister would not have wanted her daughter to end the same way, so he decides to bring her up in a way that she doesn't miss her childhood ---- but then isn't sure that's the best way to go either, when his mother steps in.  Overall, I felt the film offered  a good solid argument that I went back and forth on, but it  also has lots of humor and spunk and rapport between the little girl and her uncle.  I'd give it 4 out of 5.

"GIFTED"     2017       PG-13         1 hour and 41 minutes

When his sister dies, 30-something bachelor Frank Adler assumes the care of her 7-year-old daughter. But his plans to raise her are threatened when the child reveals herself to be a math prodigy, and his mom suddenly gets involved.

Cast: Chris Evans, Mckenna Grace, Lindsay Duncan,

Movie #1379 ........................."Wilson"

Movie #1379 "Wilson" -- I normally don't like Woody Harrelson in films -- I think as an actor, he chews up scenery, but he truly inhabits this character Wilson , and I found it quite amusing.  I'm sure you've heard of the expression:  It is what it is; well, Wilson is, who he is, take it or leave it.  The premise of the film is pretty simple but out there: Wilson feels down in the dumps in the opening moreso than usual, and he decides to look up his ex wife and finds out she had his child but didn't tell him --- so Wilson decides to reunite his daughter and ex wife for an adventure.  An interesting idea, but you can see the conflicts it could create, esp. when the "daughter" has very rich adopted parents.  There was a movie last year that offered a different way of parenting that was as much "out there" as this one (the movie was " Captain Fantastic" --- more dramatic than this one) , bit this film is like that it offers still another type of "family" in our society today --- and what it takes to make a family, etc.  This is not a perfect film at all; the language for one is pretty raunchy (I was watching a bleeped version of it , and I was lost in some of the script because so much was bleeped in a line of dialogue), but it offers an amusing indie film with an unusual premise, with very capable people in the leads (laura dean and Woody Harrelson).  I would give this a 3.8 out of 5.   (and if you are a graphic novel fan, this might take a  second look from you, as well)

WILSON        2017            R rated (mostly for language)        1 hour and 34 minutes

Daniel Clowes' graphic novel comes to life in this comic tale about a man who gets back together with his long-estranged wife ... and learns he has a daughter. Set in his ways and decidedly neurotic, he's determined to win his offspring's affection.

Cast: Woody Harrelson, Laura Dern, Judy Greer

Movie #1378 ........................."Battle of Sexes"

Movie #1378 "Battle of Sexes" was an entertaining movie to me --- but then, I lived through it and knew the ending.  I also found Bobby Riggs creepy and chauvinistic with a capital C and had pure glee to see the ending of this tennis match (again).  By watching this movie, I gained so much more respect for Billie Jean King --- found out more of  her motivations, her inner conflicts, her strong feministic role she played in women's lib history, her relationship with her husband, her relationship with the other tennis players (like Margaret Court), her great sense of humor ----- Emma was wonderful, as usual, bringing this real person to life again for us (I've only seen her once since that time way back in the 70s when they played their famous match and it's only because she's been interviewed due to the opening of this film)  -- and that makes me smile that she's being talked about again, and gaining more of the respect she deserves --- she deserves the last look Emma makes before she steps onto the court to be congratulated for the accomplishment she made here --- after going through Nov. 8 last year (has it been only one year?  oh my) , it's nice to relive a successful moment of a female breaking through a glass ceiling, albeit in the sport of tennis, rather than in politics.  But I'll take it --- at least for entertainment sake.  I give it 4 stars out of 5.

"BATTLE OF SEXES"    2017        PG-13

In 1973, Billie Jean King, the world's No. 2 female tennis player, took on 55-year-old ex-champ Bobby Riggs in a match hyped as the Battle of the Sexes. This sports dramedy delves into the battles being played out in their lives beyond the spotlight.

Cast: Emma Stone, Steve Carell, Andrea Riseborough.