Movie #1551 ........................."The Boss"

Movie #1551 "The Boss" --- this was an awful movie --- I don't need to spend any time on it in this blog.  I don't recommend it --- didn't laugh at all --- not sure what audience would enjoy it --- do not recommend it at all.  Very disappointing because I love the two women leads:  Kristin Bell and Melissa McCarthy.  1 star out of 5.

"THE BOSS"         2016       1 hour 39 mins.

After serving time in lockup for insider trading, corporate tycoon Michelle Darnell sets out to reshape her public image. But her hilarious attempts at forgiveness make it difficult to find redemption.

Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Peter Dinklage, Kristen Bell....,

Movie # 1550 ........................."To the Bone"

Movie #1550 "To the Bone"  was very intriguing to me.  I don't know if I was just in the mood, or what, but I just watched the film, never flinching --- I found the subject matter and the characters so engrossing.  The subject of anorexia nervosa is a popular one for research papers from high school students, so I thought I knew a lot on the subject, but what I didn't know is what it is like to live with AN on a daily basis, and this film reveals that by showing Lily Collins (amazing performance) trying  to live in a halfway house for her 10th attempt with dealing with her eating disorder.  The people that she meets there are all very real, and I recommend it to people who want to know more about the subject.  I know there are some very good documentaries on the subject  out there, more than likely, but to be put the audience  up in front watching kids we've gotten to know  tackling the issue --- well, that approach  pulled the audience into the film giving  an emotional point of view on the topic.  I recommend it --- 4.5 out of 5.   P.S.  Keanu is not a selling feature in the film --- I felt he just mumbled through this picture --- it makes me wonder why I ever really thought he was capable in the past --- maybe "Speed"?  that character seemed to suit him so well!   This one, not.

"TO THE BONE"      2017      

 Long struggling with anorexia, 20-year-old Ellen enters a group recovery home, where she encounters a doctor with an unusual approach: He suggests that her disorder may stem from her conflicted feelings about whether life is worth living.

Cast: Lily Collins, Keanu Reeves, Carrie Preston

Movie #1549 ........................."It's Kind of a Funny Story"

Movie #1549 "It's kind of a funny story" was a nice adaptation of a good book on the subject of mental illness --- the main character is a teenage boy who, when very close to committing suicide, decides to commit himself to a place for help --- the place is where he finds all kind of people, esp. Bobby, who has been a screwup through most of his life, and now finds himself here, with a daughter in the outside world who needs him  to be her daddy.  The characters, some appearing to be actual patients with mental health problems, are well characterized, and the film brings forward some info as to how people cope with their mental health struggles.  I enjoyed the book, too., but both are very indie in spirit -- ie., if you expect a lot to happen in a book, don't pick this one up.  It's more like a week in the life of this young man, nothing more, nothing less.  I enjoyed it and would I've it 4 stars out of 5.

IT'S KIND OF A FUNNY STORY    2010,   1 hour and 52 minutes

Being a teenager is too much for 16-year-old Craig, who shocks his parents by checking himself into a mental health clinic for a little R & R. But when the youth ward is unexpectedly closed, he's forced to live among the adult patients.

Cast: Keir Gilchrist, Emma Roberts, Lauren Graham, Zach galfinakis

Movie #1548 ........................"Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee" (with Jerry Seinfeld)

Movie #1548 "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee" --- We sat down and watched about  6 of these --- we intend to watch more, but we started by picking out the people we thought would be interesting or funny with Jerry Seinfeld:  the character Kramer (Michael Richards), John Oliver, Trevor Noah, Tina Fey, Seth Meyers, and Stephen Colbert.  The premise here is that Jerry picks out a car that he feels suits the guest, and then he takes him or her to a hot now or classic place for breakfast or a sweet, and they sit down and talk bout comedy and anything else.  It was esp. nice to see Michael Richards back with Seinfeld after his breakdown in a club --- Jerry seems to back him in every way.  John Oliver is a very quick witted comedian and to see him pitted opposite the slower Jerry is fun to watch.  This is a fun watch and the episodes go by very quickly.  Was never bored with any of them.  I give this 4 out of 5.

"Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee"  2017       4 collections

Movie #1547 ........................."Veronica Mars" (the movie)

Movie #1547 "Veronica Mars" (the movie, 2014) -- I was not a constant watcher of this show, but I did watch many episodes and enjoyed the premise.  For those not acquainted with the franchise, Veronica (Kristin Bell) was a high schooler whose father was a detective --- she had a special bond with him and she would help on his cases.  She had a slew of very interesting h.s. friends that came in and out of her life, and the film here seems to gather them together for one final time (although, there is a rumor of doing another one)  Anyway, it seems like a gathering of a family because they all look happy to be working again together --- this time on another case, but one very important to them all.  Veronica's ex boyfriend is accused of murdering his ex-wife.  There was a lot good about this franchise ---- and it was different from the other family dramas out there on t.v. at the time (and actually even now) so I welcomed a good weekly mystery --- and the characters weren't dumb in it --- no worries with Kristen Bell in the show!  And this did not disappoint me -- good mystery.  I'd give it 3.8 out of 5.  Just believability sometimes gets in the way --- can all of this happen in such a small group of people we get to know?

"Veronica Mars"  2014     PG-13       1 hour and 48 minutes

 When former teen sleuth Veronica Mars's ex-boyfriend is accused of murder, she suddenly finds herself becoming drawn into the case. The past she wanted to forget comes back with a vengeance in this feature-length continuation of the hit series.

Cast: Kristen Bell, Jason Dohring, Enrico Colantoni

Movie #1546 ........................."Paris Can Wait"

Movie #1546 "Paris Can Wait" --- this review will be short and simple because why waste time on a waste of time film!  Which this was!  The premise is much too familiar --- husband (Alex Baldwin, not a surprise) seems only slightly attentive to his lovely wife (has girlfriend on the side, is our guess?) in beautiful Paris, and work takes him away from her so they hire a driver to take her through the beautiful and romantic countryside to meet up with him eventually...... and guess what happens?  She starts to fall in love with the escort.  But one can only wonder why?  he seems arrogant, loud, pushy , manipulative, etc.  I felt sorry for her through the whole film.  And I also kept waiting for something to happen.  Well, I am here to save you from seeing this film  and let you know....nothing happens.  But Diane Lane is always interesting to watch, so I give it a 2 out of 5.  A Don't Bother rom-com.


"PARIS CAN WAIT"     2017      1 hour and 32 minutes     PG (hmmm!  was this the problem?)

With her daughter at college and her workaholic husband perpetually absent, Anne Lockwood is ripe for the wooing when one of her spouse's associates offers to give her a lift from Cannes to Paris -- a seven-hour journey that turns into two days.

Cast: Diane Lane, Arnaud Viard, Alec Baldwin

Movie #1545 ........................."Won't You Be My Neighbor"

Movie #1545 "Won't You Be My Neighbor" --- I am not usually a fan of documentaries, but there are two excellent ones to see at this point in time (summer doldrums!)  The first one is about Fred Rogers.  I was never a fan of his; after all, he came around when I was in college so when he popped up on tv. when I was turning the channels, I would roll my eyes and make fun of him.  How wrong was I!!!! What a wonderful man!  Except for one dark thing --- being a product of his times, when he guessed that the policeman on his show was gay, he told him that it must never come up or he'd lose his job.  Considering Fred Rogers was singing songs about being yourself and how wonderful YOU are, that seemed hypocritical!  And the viewer (well, I, the viewer)  wondered if he ever made amends with that policeman.  Since the film just says it in passing, I dropped my review to 4.5 --- I just wanted more on this pertinent subject.  However, the way the film unfolds and goes through his life, in every way, he comes across as nothing but kind, sweet, intelligent, tolerant of others, lover of kids....You can't help but cheer him on ---- and there are some moments that brought me to tears --- esp. his interview with this little kid in a wheel chair.  oh my.  I highly recommend this, and if you are like me, it may persuade you to see more documentaries in the future.  Esp. if they are as good as this.  (should be nominated for AA?  that's my guess!)


'WON'T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR"   2018      PG-13

Touching on the many facets and talents of a unique and beloved personality, this affectionate documentary profiles ingenuous and kindly Fred Rogers, host of the children's show "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood" for more than 30 years.

Cast: Fred Rogers