'THE REWRITE" 2015 1 HOUR 47 MINS.
Thursday, March 22, 2018
Movie #1518 ........................"The Rewrite"
Movie #1518 "The Rewrite" --- must have missed this one the first time around, but not sure now that it was a necessity to see this one ---- If you have seen a half a dozen other Hugh Grant movies, then you probably saw one like this because he is playing the same kind of character.......despicable at first (in this one, he is a writer who is forced to buy food and other necessities, so he gets a teaching job (great idea! you want a teacher that is just in it for the feeble amount of money that one earns doing that job!) and right away beds down a student ----- then she, of course, ends up in her class after he dumps her ---- along with other students who would like to be writers some day ---- good luck with that with this teacher --- But through the course of the film, he charms his way into the hearts of the audience (perhaps) and of course Marissa Tomei (can't remember why) and the rest of the students (due to a big speech about being a better person because he had the opportunity to teach them, blah, blah, blah..... so I guess I'm saying this is a no bother ---- but Marissa Tomei makes some of the moments okay to watch, so I'll give it a weak 3 out of 5 stars.
'THE REWRITE" 2015 1 HOUR 47 MINS.
'THE REWRITE" 2015 1 HOUR 47 MINS.
Tuesday, March 6, 2018
Movie #1517 ........................."The Silent Child"
Movie #1517 "The Silent Child" --- the last live action short that was nominated for an oscar in 2018, and the one that won deservedly on Sunday night, concerns a little deaf girl in a all hearing family, who seems to be in her own world until a teacher (the writer of the script for the film) teaches her sign language and it opens doors for her (much like Helen Keller). The mother and father decide that once she is in school, she needs to learn like everyone else and drop the sign language idea. So sad, and this film has the best last moment of all the films nominated that i saw --- so powerful and so sad. This one IS a winner, and i'd give it 4.5 out of 5 stars --- I just wanted a bit more info in the film...this could have been a full length film, in my opinion.
"THE SILENT CHILD"
"THE SILENT CHILD"
Movie #1516 ........................."The Eleven O'Clock Hour"
Movie #1516 "The Eleven O'Clock Hour" is the one live action film I enjoyed the most --- and I think I would have enjoyed it even more IF I hadn't seen the end before seeing the complete short film. I walked in late to a bunch of short films in a packet at the Milwaukee Film Festival, and little did I know that I had just missed the BEST one, for sure. Well, when I am watching it on line, it looked familiar to me and knowing the ending kind of ruined the surprise for me. That's all I want to say about this gem --- it's very funny, fast, witty, and I would be so proud of it, if I would have had anything to do with it. I give it 5 stars out of 5.
"THE ELEVEN O'CLOCK HOUR"
"THE ELEVEN O'CLOCK HOUR"
Movie #1515 ........................"Dekalb Elementary"
Movie #1515 "Dekalb Elementary" is still another live action nominated for an oscar in 2018, and I thought this has a good chance of winning because of the topic --- a mentally ill young man enters an elementary school with a gun. The school goes into lockdown, but the one woman who is traumatized the most is the black receptionist who tries to talk him into giving up. His intent -- to shoot as many cops as he can, not the kids. The acting is a bit weak, and we are stuck in one location for a long time, but the ending shot is worth getting to the end for. I'd give it 4 points out of 5.
"DEKALB ELEMENTARY"
"DEKALB ELEMENTARY"
Movie #1514 ........................."Watu Wote/All of Us"
Movie #1514 "Watu Wote/All of Us" was another live action nominated film for oscars 2018, and I thought it was very well done and what a timely message --- perhaps the most topical of all of the entries....... it concerns a christian on a muslim bus, and she hides her anger because of her past experiences . When the bus is attacked by a militant muslim group asking for the christians on the bus, the movie becomes intense until the end --- it is well done, the acting is strong, and you will remember it for a long time. I would give it 4 stars out of 5.
"WATU WOTE/ALL OF US"
"WATU WOTE/ALL OF US"
Movie #1513 ........................."My Nephew Emmett" (live action short)
Movie #1513 "My Nephew Emmett" --- by the title I guessed what the story would be about, Emmett Till. But oh my gosh, so slow getting into the story --- this is an example of a film where all the action is in the last 2 or 3 minutes. For that reason, I didn't think it was as effective as the 4 other ones. But the last 2 or 3 minutes are very, very scary and powerful! I would give this 3.5 out of 5 stars. I think there are some better films on this very famous african american boy and his tragic story.
"MY NEPHEW EMMETT"
"MY NEPHEW EMMETT"
Movie #1512 ........................."The Florida Project"
Movie #1512 "The Florida Project" --- I watched this to see Willem Defoe's performance, which was nominated for an Academy Award. Not sure I needed to. Now, don't get me wrong --- I'm glad I saw it because it showed me a world I have never seen before, focusing on a small, cheap, Day's Inn kind of place that people live in because they are on food stamps and barely can afford their cigarettes, which they smoke quite often. It's a sad situation because there are kids that have to call this place "home" --- oh my --- imagine living in a motel room your whole life, with your mom who schlepps you outside Disney stores to sell perfume for exorbitant prices (when your mom bought them much cheaper) until a cop comes over to arrest her. What I meant by my earlier comment that I didn't have to see it for Defoe, I meant it was a good job, but I didn't think it was oscar calibre. Not in comparison to the others nominated..... and the movie is just okay. Now here's a question: why wasn't Jason Mitchell nominated for "Mudbound" ? I read the book and saw the film, and he was clearly the best part of it --- not Mary K. Blige --- and besides, her part Florence, was so much bigger in the book, so the academy seemed to go out of its way to nominate her, but that wasn't an oscar worthy performance either. But Jason Mitchell, as Ronsell, was! I know, if I ruled the world..... but just bringing up why I wasn't very happy with the academy this year --- but when have I ever been? Well, in past years, there hasn't been this much grumbling on my part for several days afterward..... but enough is enough. The last category I have is live action, and I think the academy got it right in that category. So I'll do those next (and they are the last of the nominations) I would give this one 3 stars out of 5. P.S. there is a raunchy factor I must bring up here --- kids swear from the very beginning --- they also do despicable things ---- and the film goes on and on with those adventures, and we have it after a while --- but the ending is worth getting to, I think.
"FLORIDA PROJECT" 2017 R 1 hour 55 mins
"FLORIDA PROJECT" 2017 R 1 hour 55 mins
Living within sight of Disney World's glittering attractions, the children of families residing in tacky motels near the megapark create their own magical world together, led by the spirited 6-year-old Moonee.
Movie #1511 ........................."Roman J. Israel, Esquire
Movie #1511 "Roman J. Israel, Esquire" was a good film, but from the trailer, I didn't think it would be. I wasn't sure that the lawyer he played would have an interesting enough story to make the performance good enough to be nominated for an oscar, but after seeing it, I was convinced. What a character --- not sure specifically what makes him tick, but in the opening, you find out he is one of two partners in a lawyer firm --- the other one does all the stuff in court, and he does everything outside of court. Well, the other one has a heart attack, and their secretary tells Roman to "get a continuance" and that's all he is supposed to do. But when we see him go into court, he argues when he thinks the judge is wrong to the point of being held in contempt -- ah! now we understand why he shouldn't be going into court. As the other lawyer lies on a hospital bed in a coma, Roman becomes more involved in cases until something goes wrong. I don't want to tell too much more, but I think if the above sounds intriguing to you, you might want to see it to the end, and I think you will appreciate the film like I did, and also value its message and the actor who carries the weight of the movie. I give it a 4 out of 5 stars.
"ROMAN J. ISRAEL, ESQ." 2017 PG-13 2 hrs 9 mins.
Roman J. Israel, Esq. is a dramatic thriller set in the overburdened Los Angeles criminal court system. Denzel Washington stars as a driven, idealistic defense attorney whose life is suddenly disrupted. When he is recruited to join a firm led by ambitious lawyer George Pierce (Colin Farrell) - and begins a friendship with a young champion for equal rights (Carmen Ejogo) - a turbulent series of events ensues, which will put the activism that has defined Roman's career to the test.
"ROMAN J. ISRAEL, ESQ." 2017 PG-13 2 hrs 9 mins.
Roman J. Israel, Esq. is a dramatic thriller set in the overburdened Los Angeles criminal court system. Denzel Washington stars as a driven, idealistic defense attorney whose life is suddenly disrupted. When he is recruited to join a firm led by ambitious lawyer George Pierce (Colin Farrell) - and begins a friendship with a young champion for equal rights (Carmen Ejogo) - a turbulent series of events ensues, which will put the activism that has defined Roman's career to the test.
Movie #1510 ........................."Traffic Stop"
Movie #1510 "Traffic Stop" is the last documentary short that I saw that was nominated for the Oscar, and this was a tough one to watch --- it's a black teacher who is stopped by a white police officer, and she ends up slammed to the ground because she asks a question. We watch the cop's video footage from his car, and that is juxtaposed with the teacher in class, growing up, dealing with her family, etc. It is very effective, but I wanted even more info. However, what's here is is very effective, and the cop's video footage went viral so you might have seen that part. I give it 4 stars out of 5. This was a female director , too. So 3 out of the 5 of these documentary shorts were directed by female, and the academy picked one of the other two. hmmmm.
Director:
Kate DavisMovie #1509 ........................."Negative Space"
Movie #1509 "Negative Space" was the final animated short in contention for the Oscar, and I really liked this one a lot -- not as much to it as "Lou," but I would have been happy if this won, too. It's so short, but that's a positive quality in this --- it's about a father/son relationship and how the one thing that tied the work-consumed dad with his son is the simple act of packing a suitcase --- the last line is super powerful and effective. I give this a 4 out of 5. Very cool animation.
.
Movie #1508 ........................."Revolting Rhymes" animated shorts
Movie #1508 "Revolting Rhymes" is another animated short up for the 2018 Oscar and lost to "Dear Basketball," and it's so much richer of a film experience. First of all, story's writer is Roald Dahl , and Part I (the one I saw) is funny (in a reserved British way) and wicked (dark). It's very witty, has twists and turns (esp. at the end), but not something I wanted to see a Part II of. (Part I was up for the oscar) It looks like it will continue (streaming on netflix) if it finds a big enough audience, so you might want to check it out --- You might enjoy it and the animation. I give it 3.8 out of 5 stars.
"REVOLTING RHYMES"
"REVOLTING RHYMES"
Movie #1507 ........................."Garden Party" animated short
Movie #1507 "Garden Party" is a French animated short that fits right in with the creepiness tone the oscars took on this year ("Shape of Water," "Three Billboards," "Get out" etc.). I don't want to give too much away, but it's a treat for the eyes, with a surprise at the end, and worth streaming if you can get it on line. It's real plodding and slow, though. So the pace is far different from "Lou" -- I would give it 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Movie #1506 ........................."Lou" animated short
Movie #1506 "Lou" is the animated short that was nominated for an Oscar this year, and the one I think should have won, hands down. Unbelievable visuals, quick editing, so so creative, and the theme is on bullying (very topical) --- loved it! Thought there was no contest here........but then along came Kobe Bryant with his basketball movie........ don't get me started. Anyway, if you can, see this one! I think it was shown as a companion to "Cars 3," but I didn't see that one yet. Check out if you can stream it on line because it is a treat to the eyes and heart. I would give it 5 out of 5 stars.
Writer:
Dave MullinsMovie #1505 ........................."Edith + Eddie"
Movie #1505 "Edith + Eddie" was a solid short documentary that was nominated for an Oscar this year, but it didn't win. However, it has a wonderful theme on Aging and the treatment of the elderly. Edith in her 90s has met up with Eddie in his 90s and they've been living together. All but one daughter says they are worried about their mother and want her out of Eddie's house and closer to them in a nursing home --- one daughter accuses them of just being worried about Eddie trying to get ThEIR money if mom goes first (which looks like it might happen because she is more fragile). It would tear you apart to see them pulling that mom away from Eddie....... very emotional film. I would give it 4 out of 5, and very topical for many people in this day and age. Oops, forgot to say they were interracial, which probably bothers the daughters, as well. I didn't even think that was an important part of the film, but IMDB summary points that issue out --- missed it.
"EDITH + EDDIE"
"EDITH + EDDIE"
Movie #1504 ........................."Heroin(e)"
Movie #1504 "Heroin(e)" -- I liked everything about this film --- the title is spot on and creative, the length is just right, it mixes 3 women's storylines amazingly well, and we never get them confused, it confronts the West Virginia opioid crises with some answers to the problem(yes!), and it is done in an understated, matter -of- fact- kind of style ---- and it has a female director! Now, why this wasn't chosen as the best short documentary, I don't know because it was the best, in my opinion, and it had a female director which would have given a big boost to the awards ceremony, but nope.......anyway, the film follows 3 women: a fire chief , a judge, and a street missionary as they help people, very lovingly and carefully, who are dealing with the struggle to get off of drugs and the hold drugs have on them! I give it a 4.5 out of 5. So sorry it didn't win, but you can stream it on netflix, and I think it's worth your while!
"HEROIN(E)" 2017 39 minutes USA
"HEROIN(E)" 2017 39 minutes USA
Movie #1503........................."Knife Skills"
Movie #1503 "Knife Skills" was a documentary short I watched in my Oscar prep last week, and this was very interesting to me. I like the idea of training these prisoners for a culinary job and giving them a possible future career, or just a purpose to get up in the morning on a daily basis. It looked challenging (learning french, not to mention all the sauces, etc.) , taught life skills , and most importantly gave them a family of people to work in. All of these make the film's theme very worthy to watch, and possibly follow with other programs like this. I give it a 3.8 out of 5. I felt it could have explained even more what happened to these people afterwards, etc. But it was fun watching them prep for their jobs in this swanky restaurant.
"KNIFE SKILLS" 2017
What does it take to build a world-class French restaurant? What if the staff is almost entirely men and women just out of prison? What if most have never cooked or served before, and have barely two months to learn their trade? We follow the hectic launch of Edwins restaurant in Cleveland. In this improbable setting, with its mouth-watering dishes and its arcane French vocabulary, we discover the challenges of men and women finding their way after their release. We come to know three trainees intimately, as well as the restaurant's founder, who is himself haunted by his time in jail. These men and women all have something to prove, and all struggle to launch new lives, an endeavor as pressured and perilous as the ambitious restaurant launch of which they are a part.
DIRECTOR: Tom Lennon
"KNIFE SKILLS" 2017
What does it take to build a world-class French restaurant? What if the staff is almost entirely men and women just out of prison? What if most have never cooked or served before, and have barely two months to learn their trade? We follow the hectic launch of Edwins restaurant in Cleveland. In this improbable setting, with its mouth-watering dishes and its arcane French vocabulary, we discover the challenges of men and women finding their way after their release. We come to know three trainees intimately, as well as the restaurant's founder, who is himself haunted by his time in jail. These men and women all have something to prove, and all struggle to launch new lives, an endeavor as pressured and perilous as the ambitious restaurant launch of which they are a part.
DIRECTOR: Tom Lennon
Movie #1502 ........................."The Breadwinner"
Movie #1502 "The Breadwinner" -- animated full length film -- did not win the Oscar (though I think I would have voted for it instead of "Coco" -- not a big fan of that one) but one that shows another culture, much like the one that won. This culture is Muslim, and it is rather dramatic --- the topic is a different one to put in animation, but hopefully, it will teach tolerance for others who are not like us to the kids of the world. It's tough for this little girl, whose father is hauled off to jail, and now she finds that she has to be the breadwinner --- but not without covering up (literally and figuratively) the fact that she's a girl! So it fits right in with the feminism of the times, and I liked this a lot. The graphics aren't as good as "Coco" and there's no music to push the story along, and it does go a bit too long for me, but to me the topic was the most valid of all the animated nominees. I gave it a 3.8 out of 5, and I hope it finds an audience. You can stream it on netflix right now, but not sure how long that will be.
"THE BREADWINNER" 2017 PG-13 (because of mistreatment of women and her dad) 93 mins
"THE BREADWINNER" 2017 PG-13 (because of mistreatment of women and her dad) 93 mins
In this animated tale based on Deborah Ellis' best-selling novel, life under Taliban rule in Afghanistan is already hard for 11-year-old Parvana, but with her father in jail, she's forced to don male clothing and become the family breadwinner.
Movie #1501 ........................."Heaven is a Traffic Jam on the 405"
Movie #1501 "Heaven is a Traffic Jam on the 405" -- just won the 2018 oscar for short documentary category, and it was a fun watch (you can see it on you tube right now) -- It is about this very creative and very brilliant artist who suffers from depression and anxiety but who makes life-size sculptures (for want of a better word) of various people and things she comes upon. It shows a time span in her life and in her creativity. Though I did not agree with the academy on the choice for "best" in this category, it was a good watch , and I would rate it 4 out of 5 stars. Short and sweet. Incidentally, the artist is Mindy Alper from L.A. who has a family who has had several mental health issues. This movie suggests an outlet for these issues.
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