Movie #1865 ........................."Wonder Wheel"

"Wonder Wheel"  --- yikes, this is a bad film by Woody Allen.  Many of you reading this are probably saying, well, of course --- it is Woody Allen.  But that would be not taking into consideration that he has been a leading director in US film industry for decades, directing some of the best films in various genres with many , many top notch actors who used to beg to be in his films, and at least they'd consider it an honor to be asked to work with him.  This film suggests that he needs to quit, because it is that bad.  I had to watch it because I wanted to see what Kate Winslet would do with this part, and she actually seems to be doing a different film from the others --- she is playing it like she's in a Tennessee Williams' film like "Streetcar" or "Glass Mengaerie" or "Rose Tattoo" and steals the film, followed by Juno Temple who seems to be passionately involved.  But Him Belushi and Justin Timberlake do not fit with the film and when they have monologues, I just cringed.  One of JT's lines kind of describes this debacle of a film:  "we seem to be going annoyingly from one drama to the next."  Amen.  Don't need to see it.  I rented it from Netflix (not streamable) and immediately sent it back, so it wouldn't tain any other films that I would next put in my DVD.  2 stars out of 5.  The women were strong, but with very little script --it seems he is still trying to explain why he married his wife when she was raised by his lover Mia Farrow.  Ugh!


"WONDER WHEEL"    2017   1 hour and 41 mins      PG-13

On Coney Island in the 1950s, a lifeguard tells the story of a middle-aged carousel operator, his beleaguered wife, and the visitor who turns their lives upside-down. (the husband's daughter)

Director:

 Woody Allen

Writer:

 Woody Allen

Stars:

 Justin Timberlake, Juno Temple, Robert C. Kirk 

Movie #1864 ........................."Pain and Glory"

Movie #1894 "Pain and Glory" - watched this because 1) it was awarded at Cannes for best actor (antonion Banderas) 2) it is an Almodovar film, and I have liked his films in the past, and 3) it is nominated for best actor for Oscars.  This is a don't bother film.  Yes, he is good, but he doesn't do the whole gamut at all.....he isn't in the whole film because it is full of flashbacks so he is played by others, and in the present he is sickly and trying to find out what is wrong, so he is very laidback and quiet and resigned.  So I'm surprised he is nominated among all these really good actors that are nominated --- he is taking up a place that I think should have gone to  Matthew Rhys ("The Americans").  And then as far as the film, it was compared to Felini's "8 1/2 "and I can tell you it is no Felini's "8  1/2 " --- in pacing, intrigue, photography, etc.  I'd give it a 2.8 with the best part Banderas's acting -- but that isn't saying much.   If you want to see this, it can be found at Redbox.




"PAIN AND GLORY"    1 hour and 53 minutes       R rated      2019

A film director reflects on the choices he's made as past and present come crashing down around him.

Director:

 Pedro Almodóvar

Writer:

 Pedro Almodóvar

Stars:

 Antonio Banderas, Asier Etxeandia, Leonardo Sbaraglia

Movie #1863 ........................."My Favorite Wedding"

Movie #1863 "My Favorite Wedding" --- saw this on Hallmark channel , but it wasn't a Christmas movie --- this is a rarity for me, and after watching this film, I was reminded that I don't need to watch Hallmark movies that aren't Christmas films.  period.   Because this was boring......I actually missed the snowball throwing, building snowmen, singing Christmas Carol scenes, and this one was just filled with a lot of talking.   And I liked the two leads --- but it wasn't good 2 out of 5.
But it did its job and lulled me to sleep late at night.




"MY FAVORITE WEDDING"    2017      1 hour and 24 minutes

Tess is paired with the best man in her best friend's wedding to save it from disaster. But by the time the couple say "I do," Tess realizes that her own longtime boyfriend may not be the right guy for her "to have and to hold" after all.

Director:

 Mel Damski

Writers:

 Keith Calabrese, Gregg Rossen  | 1 more credit »

Stars:

 Maggie Lawson, Paul Greene, Christine Chatelain 

Movie #1862 ........................."1917"

Movie # "1917" --- this is one AMAZING film, and I really respected it and its craftsmanship.  The story is straightforward and simple --- two young men during WWI are given one clear job --- to get info to a squadron ahead to not get caught into a trap that is being set up for them --- what makes it important esp. to one of the soldiers is that his brother is one of the members of the group he must warn --- so they charge ahead.  The filming of the  first part of the trip uses very few edits (you really have to search for them,) as they traipse  through one trench after another, filled with all sorts of doughboys doing all sorts of activities that would have to be set up long before the two main actors get there, with all their props, including minor explosions., etc.  It's something the viewer  doesn't  think about, but  I went in knowing that about the film so one scene after another, I sat with my mouth open wondering "now how did they do that?"  There's a scene with rats that do particular actions -- are we expected to think they were trained?  or thrown from above?  Amazing.  The guys are watching a plane in the distance flying overhead and then all of a sudden it takes a turn and comes toward them and keeps coming and coming  and crashes right in front of their eyes (and ours ---once again AMAZING! the way it is filmed).  The photography is wonderful and no wonder --- the great Roger Deakins is at the helm, and could there be another academy award for him after not winning for several films he was nominated for?   DGA saturday night gave the Best Director award to Sam Mendes for this film, which sets him up to possibly win another Oscar this year ("American Beauty" was the previous one) , and my first reaction to seeing this movie is ---- finally, a movie that I would be proud of winning the Oscar for this year , which I wasn't too sure about with the others (though "Jojo Rabbit" is my very favorite this year, I realize it wouldn't be liked universally because humor is tough to bottle and sell ---- I realize for example,  laughing at a Hitler character might not be everyone's cup of tea).  I see the merits in the other films that are nominated this year, , and I DO understand why the others are nominated, but this is the one that has everything in a nice neat package --- good script, terrific cinematography, unbelievable acting from two young kids (along with some secondary work, like the priest from "Fleabag" in a small but wonderfully funny scene).  This one moved me to tears, such a tender ending ----- and it left visual images for me that I will remember forever.  I give this a 5 out of 5 and have a new film to be rooting for now.  I highly recommend it (and I am NOT a war picture fan at all, but I am sure glad I put that prejudice aside and saw it).


"1917"     1 hour and 59 minutes           rated R

April 6th 1917. As a regiment assembles to wage war deep in enemy territory, two soldiers are assigned to race against time and deliver a message, that will stop 1,600 men, from walking straight into a deadly trap.

Director:

 Sam Mendes

Writers:

 Sam Mendes, Krysty Wilson-Cairns

Stars:

 Dean-Charles Chapman, George MacKay, Daniel Mays 

Movie #1861 ........................."Parasite"

Movie #1861 "Parasite"  - On my quest to see everything that was nominated this year for an oscar (or at least what I am able to see because a few of the shorts and foreign language films are not available), we went to see the much talked about "Parasite:" today ---- and found it to be really very good.  I was worried it would be a let down like "Roma" was to me last year because it , too, was nominated for both best picture, best foreign language film and best director.  But this one is much more deserving than "Roma" was.  It bas a lot of laughs, esp. in the first part of the film, until it takes a dark turn --- but there's a tenseness throughout that enables the film to take the viewer on this adventure without a clear "plan" (when you see the movie, you'll get that comment even more so --- right now, it just means that the film keeps you wondering where it is going next) It shines in directing, editing, and cinematography, but especially script.writing.   And it would be wrong for anyone to tell you more than what IMDB wrote below  --- I recommend you see the film, but  go into it with very little background.  I think you will find it quite entertaining and worth your while.  4.5 out of 5 from me.


"PARASITE"   2019     2 hours and 17 mins

All unemployed, Ki-taek and his family take peculiar interest in the wealthy and glamorous Parks, as they ingratiate themselves into their lives and get entangled in an unexpected incident.

Director:

 Bong Joon Ho

Writers:

 Bong Joon Ho (story), Bong Joon Ho (screenplay)  

Stars:

 Kang-ho Song, Sun-kyun Lee, Yeo-jeong Jo

Movie #1860 ........................."Kim's Convenience" (t.v. show, streamable on netflix, Season 1)

Movie #1860 "Kim's Convenience" Season 1:  Filmed in  Toronto, the t.v. comedy (with no laughtrack) follows the family of 4 South Koreans who run the local convenience store.  There's quite a diverse group  of people who walk in and out, and the papa (Appa here) is an Archie Bunker type businessman who has a great work ethic and thinks everyone else should do the same and has no patience with loud kids, and people who come to muss up his store.  Unlike Archie, this head of the household does not have a weak wife like Edith --- Umma is very set in her standards as well, and a pretty complex character with an interesting past --- the daughter spends a lot of time working at the place while trying to get her degree in photography (which her father doesn't understand, unless he can sell her pictures in the store!)  and the son is estranged from the dad (for several years now they haven't spoken) and the family tries to deal with that problem.  We watched the whole season 1 n two days and love the scripts and situations they get into, and we plan to watch the rest.  We highly recommend this sit-com.  4.5 out of 5.


"KIM'S CONVENIENCE"    22 mins/each show      2016

The misadventures of a Korean-Canadian family running a convenience store.

Stars:

 Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, Jean Yoon, Andrea Bang 

Movie #1859 ........................."Operation Finale"

Movie #1859 "Operation Finale" (netflix disc)  I had this disc for a month but because of watching all the hallmark movies, and it being Christmas, I just didn't fit in a happy (being sarcastic) holocaust film until yesterday when I sat down to finally watch this.  I had wondered about Adolph Eichmann, the designer of the final solution, and what would be his thinking, being a human being and all, to think of ways to get rid of millions of people.  And how he could live with himself.  and how others felt about him, etc.  And this film covers all of that...albeit very slowly.  It tries to be like an "Argo" picture with the big moment of chase at the very end , but it really fails in keeping much attention throughout because of the length of time it takes to break down barriers between Oscar Isaac (who plays a spy agent based on the actual guy) who kidnaps and holds as prisoner Ben Kingsley (Adolph) --- they need to get his signature to get him on a plane -- I thought that was a feeble reason given because they themselves said they couldn't fake the signature because not many people could identify his handwriting --- so why didn't they fake it and at least try?  because while they are waiting, and waiting,  and waiting.... Adiolph's son has gathered a bunch of antisemites (there's a club in Germany at the time) to FIND HIS FATHER, the hero of the holocaust to them and someone who supposedly was dead, but he wasn't.  I just didn't like the script, and it went way too long.  I did like the powerful ending, but up until  tbat point, it was a tough watch and I wouldn't recommend it.  I didn't;'t even think there were great moments between Oscar and Ben that were worth watching.  So I give this a 3.5 and say you can skip it.


"OPERATION FINALE": 2 hours and 2 minutes     2018     PG-13

A team of secret agents set out to track down the Nazi officer who masterminded the Holocaust.

Director:

 Chris Weitz

Writer:

 Matthew Orton

Stars:

 Oscar Isaac, Ben Kingsley, Mélanie Laurent

Movie #1858 ........................."Berlin, I Love You"

Movie #1858 "Berlin, I Love You" --- This is one of those vignette-filled kind of films (like Paris, Je t'aime (see below for others) with each vignette taking place in the location --- here, Berlin --- and with its own cast and director and writer(s).  It becomes a fluid piece when one actor of one scene walks in the background of the other --- and  like here, for the ending, at least actor from each of the vignettes shows up at a concert taking place at the end of the picture and so there is a nice curtain call for each scene at the very end.  I like the set up, and I really like seeing the location from different angles.  Never having gone to Berlin, it was fun to see the various parts of the city in this way while watching a good, or not-so-good story being played out ---- if the story didn't work or didn't have much to it, at least the location was beautifully filmed!  hah!  I esp. liked the Helen Mirren story with Keira Knightly --- of course, with the two high-powered actors the scene worked better than others, but then I also liked one where a female uber driver picks up a guy unknowing to her who is in a run for his life --- and he leaves papers of importance in the uber when he gets taken from her cab.  the stories varied in tone and action, but I found it to be a nice two hours to watch while I was exercising in the background.  I didn't;t have to concentrate all that much and I was up for that.  I'd give this a 3.5 out of 5.   (and for those Noah Baumbach fans, he penned one of these (the Mickey O'Rourke one)  and it was quite emotion-packed to me).

"BERLIN, I LOVE YOU"    2019      2 hours

Latest installment of the Cities of Love series (Paris, je t'aime / New York, I Love You / Rio, Eu Te Amo), this collective feature film is made of ten stories of romance set in the German capital.

Directors:

 Dianna Agron, Peter Chelsom  | 11 more credits »

Writers:

 Fernando Eimbcke, Justin Franklin  | 6 more credits »

Stars:

 Keira Knightley, Helen Mirren, Luke Wilson, 

As you can see, each of the 10 vignettes had its own cast, crew, writer and director.  

Movie #1857 ........................."Just Mercy"

Movie #1857 "Just Mercy" -- Bryan Stevenson, whom this movie is based on, is deserving of this film  --- and we are truly blessed to have a man like this in our midst --- such a selfless human being, intelligent, graduate of Harvard Law School, who gives all the opportunities he has to make lots of bucks, and moves himself down to Alabama to help  wrongly accused prisoners on  Death Row.  We have seen films set up this way quite a bit, esp. prison films (Shawshank, Green Mile, Dead Man Walking are a few that come to  mind) but none of them show such a self sacrificing  black hero as this who risks his life to seek the truth.  It is so inspiring to see someone care so much about truth and justice and mercy, esp. in this day and age when you start to think these are just  things of the past.  The script has some clunky moments (even though it has an oscar nod in the  adapted screenplay category  (which I think Gerwig has a lock on at this point in time), but then there are some strong moments (when the music isn't pushing to drive all the emotion into a scene) that really work.  Michael B. Jordan is pretty steady here and doesn't really have a breakout moment to shine (which is why he probably isn't nominated) but i was surprised Jamie Fox didn't get a nod for supporting actor because I think he does more here than most of the actors nominated in that category this year. Brie does a nice supporting role, but once against doesn't have  that big  moment --- she is just a steady right hand gal for Bryan, but she is definitely playing a different character than other films I have seen her in.  The stats at the end of the film and the real footage of the real hero are enlightening ,  and I'm glad I got to see this film.  It was very insightful into one of the many problems with our prison system.  I'd give it 4 out of 5 and worth a watch.



"JUST MERCY"     2019       2 hours and 17 mins.     PG-13

World-renowned civil rights defense attorney Bryan Stevenson works to free a wrongly condemned death row prisoner.

Director:

 Destin Daniel Cretton

Writers:

 Destin Daniel Cretton, Andrew Lanham  | 1 more credit »

Stars:

 Brie Larson, Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx 

Movie #1856 ........................."The Two Popes"

Movie #1856 "The Two Popes" --- if you are up for a real talkie, but insightful film, this one is streamable on netflix and up for a couple of academy awards.  It was amazing to see how these two wonderful actors embody the two popes of our time --- Pope Benedict, very conservative and on his way out, and Pope Francis, very liberal (and a dancer, to boot!)  on his way in.  It is a turning point in both of their lives and in the life of the church --- Pope Benedict says he doesn't hear God any more, and Francis  has recently sent the pope a letter of resignation because he's ready to leave.  There's lots of disagreement between the two who see life very differently, but there's some common ground they find to discuss, and they share secrets and confessions with each other --- both hiding big secrets they need to convey to someone else they can trust.  I wish I knew Argentinian history a bit more to understand Cardinal Francis's plight, but I could still enjoy the relationship here that is shown in this huge discussion (takes up more than half the film) between the two of them and their coming of minds.  I recommend it to viewers who are patient and interested in a lengthy discussion.  I give it 4 out of 5 stars.


'THE TWO POPES"   2019     2 hours and 5 minutes  

Behind Vatican walls, the conservative Pope Benedict and the liberal future Pope Francis must find common ground to forge a new path for the Catholic Church.

Director:

 Fernando Meirelles

Writer:

 Anthony McCarten

Stars:

 Anthony Hopkins, Jonathan Pryce, Juan Minujín 

Movie #1854 ........................."Bombshell"

Movie #1854 "Bombshell" is a film we should all take a look at and discuss after we see it --- I heard Charlize Theron interviewed, and she pointed out something I lost sight of when I was watching --- she reminded me that the heroes are a squad of women from Fox news, and that's a good thing to point out in this divisive society we live in today... It's so hard to recognize the actresses we know so well underneath the makeup (prosthetics, etc.) that are applied to esp. Charlize Theron and Nicole Kidman. (and John Lithgow as Roger Ailes) A lot of the names are real so it was fun to look for people we might have seen on t.v. in the past decade. The story is ripped right from the headlines, and we remember some of the key points and it is intriguing to see the story play out --- more disgusting, I would say. Meghan Kelly's story is not as clear as I wanted it to be, but I heard she said in an interview that she wishes she had done more --- the movie isn't clear just what she does......but it sure elevates Gretchan Carlson (Nicole Kidman) to hero status. It's amazing how long of a reign that Roger Ailes had. And it's good to be reminded that Fox news once was much more balanced in their news footage until it became a political tool. That will be the next Bombshell movie, right? I give this 4 stars out of 5.

"BOMBSHELL" 2019 1 hour and 49 minutes rated R

A group of women take on Fox News head Roger Ailes and the toxic atmosphere he presided over at the network.
Director: Jay Roach
Writer: Charles Randolph
Stars:
Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, Margot Robbie

Movie #1855........................"Star Wars: Rise of Skyuwalker"

Movie #1855"Star Wars :  Rise of Skywalker" ---- I have seen them all, but I'm not a purist fan at all. I have heard a lot of complaining about this one, but I liked it and found it a good ending to the saga.  I could follow the story pretty much, all the main characters (even if they had died) came back, there was a fun bar scene, a good amount of chasing in between narrow obstacles (which is to me signature to this franchise), a good amount of humor, and great visual effects. It was a nice send off to anna the fun I've gotten watching this franchise , and I am glad I saw the finale on a big screen.  There was a lot of heart, too.  And a strong female, and I esp. found poignant the last moments.  I give this a 4 out of 5, and I'll miss the force being with me.

"STAR WARS:  RISE OF SKYWALKER"  2019         2 hours and 22 mins     PG-13

The surviving members of the resistance face the First Order once again, and the legendary conflict between the Jedi and the Sith reaches its peak bringing the Skywalker saga to its end.

Director:

 J.J. Abrams

Writers:

 Chris Terrio (screenplay by), J.J. Abrams (screenplay by) | 5 more credits »

Stars:

 Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Adam Driver

Movie #1853 ........................."Uncut Gems"

Movie #1853 "Uncut Gems" --- THIS IS NOT A GEM AT ALL!  Don't believe the critics, this film is a mess ---- it's ugly, no one is redeemable, it meanders something AWFUL! and as far as "great acting" by Sandler , he is playing Al Pacino --- honest to goodness, he looks and acts like Al Pacino --- but Al Pacino was too smart to be in this part.  And don't be fooled --- these directors have a lot of learning to do to be getting any laudits for this film --- they have very little credited to them  ---- they haven't broken into the mainstream yet, and if this is their entrance, yikes!  I can't remember seeing a movie so bad that the critics liked so much, since "No Country for Old Men" --- when that won any awards, I took my oscar ballot and threw it out the door --- I will do the same with this one --- Seriously, John Q. Public will NOT like this movie !!!! so why not say that in their reviews? you can tell I am not the only one --- check out rotten tomatoes, and critics are giving it in the 90s , but audience is giving it in the 50s.  This film is all about betting -- and betting money you don't have because it depends on the bet you just made, over and over and over again, so anyone watching this (like his wife, etc.) gives up following and can't wait until it's over.  One saving grace!  Julia  Fox --- she enters as a "ditz"  but becomes  a chameleon who learns the ropes fast and is very loyal to the lead, Sandler.  She was the only one reason the film was worth watching for me --- I honestly looked at the people around me in the theatre for most of the film --- I give this a 2 (would be 1 if not for Julia)


"UNCUT GEMS"    2019    2 hours and 15 wasted minutes    rated R

A charismatic New York City jeweler always on the lookout for the next big score makes a series of high-stakes bets that could lead to the windfall of a lifetime. Howard must perform a precarious high-wire act, balancing business, family, and encroaching adversaries on all sides in his relentless pursuit of the ultimate win.

Directors:

 Benny Safdie, Josh Safdie

Writers:

 Ronald Bronstein, Josh Safdie  |

Stars:

 Adam Sandler, Julia Fox

Movie #1852 ........................."The Report"

Movie #1852 "The Report" -- this is an important film, but very difficult to watch.  It can be streamed on prime video, and I am glad I did because I found it so informative.  That's after you can get past the beautiful Annette Benning playing senator Diane Feinstein.  Enough said about that.  The film  pretty much uses  "that's the facts, ma'am" kind of style --- Adam Driver doesn't move his face or body much, and Diane Feinstein doesn't flinch much --- I didn't know Dan Jones' name and I should (and everyone should) because this staffer worked on this story for years and years and years.  The powers that be put him in a small room with two other people and a bunch of computers and then when he resurrects with a story, one of the people quits and everyone tries to muzzle him and the other guy.  The story is very cold, but if you are in it for the information, I would recommend it.  I'd give it 4 out of 5.  Important story to know, but geez, not sure I wanted to see waterboarding in action.  But I guess that's the point!, isn't it? 

"THE REPORT"    2019     1 hour and 59 mins      rated R (shows torture techniques)

Idealistic Senate staffer Daniel J. Jones, tasked by his boss to lead an investigation into the CIA's post 9/11 Detention and Interrogation Program, uncovers shocking secrets.

Director:

 Scott Z. Burns

Writer:

 Scott Z. Burns

Stars:

 Adam Driver, Annette Bening, Jon Hamm 

Movie #1851 ........................."Marriage Story" (2019)

Movie #1851 "Marriage Story" --- I really got into this film --- I think I have seen most of Noah Baumbach's work, and usually like what I see, but this one I really absorbed.  There is so much to like --- how real it is, how the  audience can go back and forth in the arguments that are presented, how universal the discussions are, how good the acting is, how good the script is.....BUT this is not an action movie --- and if you dislike watching confrontational discussions (and I realize a lot of people do not), I would not recommend this movie to you.  I recently found out that Noah's partner in life is Gerta Gerwig (I sensed it earlier, I think, because she acted in so many of his films, but now that she has moved into directing, I forgot it!  duh!)  and I can see the influence they have on  each other's work and I'm glad they are both succeeding so much lately (I like to think with each other's help)  It does help Noah  that he has cast two formidable actors who have great chemistry together here --- (well, let me amend that --- I think Adam Driver is helped by being cast with Scarlett J, because up until now, I have been very unimpressed with his work --- he doesn't use his face much, but he is working on that, I think)  I was hooked from beginning to end here, observing that these two people seem to "get" each other artistically, but are stifling each other together (kind of the opposite of what I just said with Gerwig and Baumbach, above).  At least , it looks like these two being portrayed work together, fall in love, continue working together, produced  together, esp. a child whom they both adore, but then slowly grow apart.  It is so hard to watch.  They have two "Big" monologue moments (well, his is a song "being Alive") that will probably earn them an oscar nod each, but it just tears you apart at how much is really being said, without saying it.  Does that make sense?  Anyway, the little details in the film have a crushing blow on the whole vast scheme of things (example, the tying of a shoe at the end) and I just enjoyed he complexity of the characters, their lives together and apart and the effect on their families and the complexity of life and love itself (and the complexity of that sentence, I guess!)  Anyway, I'd give it 4.5 out of 5 and am rooting for it for oscar nominations!

"MARRIAGE STORY"   2019    2 hours and 17 mins      

Noah Baumbach's incisive and compassionate look at a marriage breaking up and a family staying together.

Director:

 Noah Baumbach

Writer:

 Noah Baumbach

Stars:

 Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, Julia Greer

Movie #1850 ........................."The Irishman"

Movie #1850 "The Irishman" refers to Frank Sheeran, played by Robert DeNiro, friend/upfront witness to Jimmy Hoffa's mob  life (played by  Al Pacino).  This very long (3 hours and 20+ minutes) film goes back and forth in time to show us the "possible" beginning and ending of Jimmy Hoffa's career as Teamster Union president and his ties to the mob.  Joe Pesci is the go between who introduces them both --- their first phone call is very telling when DeNiro introduces himself as a great "painter" of houses --- code word for assassin.  It's tough to like anyone in the film, knowing what they are all capable of doing, but this saga does follow Frank, since it is based on his deathbed confession to a journalist.  (that's why I put quotation marks around "Possible" interpretation of his demise --- no one is sure --- it's amazing how closed mouth these mobsters were on this particular subject!)  It shows glimpses of his family (wish there was more --- why pay for Anna Paquin's casting of his daughter  (who likes Hoffa) for her to just give looks occasionally?  The wives are weak and of the times --- they are windowdressing, sitting by the pool sunbathing, or making the men stop so often on long journeys to use the bathroom, or cooking up a big Italian dinner while their men figure out how to "paint people's houses" and bully the other men (men, men, men)  into falling into line.  Maybe that's why I don't care for mobster films any more ---  And if you have seen "Godfather" you have seen the best, in my opinion, but this one was a bit better than the others because I (among many others) always wondered what the heck happened to Jimmy Hoffa --- so this helped me answer that question.  I also liked how it showed Frank slowly getting drawn in to the mobsters' way of life ---- because at first, he was just driving a truck and making  deliveries.....and then it escalates to much more.  I was also interested in the makeup that so many people/critics have complained or delighted in ---- I thought it was an innovative way to use the actors you are most comfortable  working with and put them all in one film.  However, I don't see a reason why Scorsese couldn't have put more up and coming actors on the payroll to play their younger counterparts -- like De niro did for Marlon Brando in "The Godfather" --- but when you look at how many people that would involve, perhaps Scorsese made the correct decision --- film would have been even more confusing with the amount of people you need  to tell this story.  There are some beautiful shots, much of the dialogue is pretty terrific (thanks to Zaillian) , the acting is outstanding, esp. DeNiro and Pesci (who plays a quiet, but powerful mob head here), but it is long --- Marty needs someone over his shoulder to "paint houses" to some of the characters and subplots here!  I'd give it 4 out of 5.  And I usually don't like mob movies! (oh, I said that already!  )



"THE IRISHMAN"   2019    3 hours and 29 mins.     rated R
a mob hitman recalls his possible involvement with the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa.

Director:

 Martin Scorsese

Writers:

 Steven Zaillian, Charles Brandt (book) 

Stars:

 Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci

Movie #1849 ........................."Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" Season 3

Movie #1849 "Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" Season 3 was marvelous again.  How does this show bat 1,000 every season?  How does it rank with the other two?  A tad better than Season 2 for me, I think, but even steven with 1.  8 episodes and so much growth, so much humor, so much of promises of new stories.  Why did I like this one so much?  The opening episode I had to watch twice because there was so much going on, I couldn't take it all in on one session.  She was performing in  a USO type activity, and it's where we meet the whole SHI world ---- he's a black singer I liken to Johnny Mathis --- his wonderfully smooth voice, with female backup singers, and one female musician we get to know even better than the others.   Mrs. Maisel is much less blue now that she has crawled out from the basement (having -to -prove -herself) type places...... Susie, or what Mom refers to as "the little guy with the plunger," has a lot of stress in this season and really shares the best acting time with Midge as they travel from one place to another (the Florida scenes in the pool were my favorite).  Sterling K. Brown (from This is Us) joins the cast here as Shi's agent, Jane Lynch appears quite a bit and she's always a welcome, Cary Elwes (Men in Tights) does a stint, too, Lennie Bruce has some great scenes, esp. with Dad, Mom and Dad share a house with Midge's in-laws (hoy vey!) and even come for a visit with Midge in Florida.  The Productions Value of this show is out the wazoo with Costumes, props, sets, etc.  Meanwhile, the kids stay with their dad and Midge's folks and folks-in-law, while she is traveling, and her ex is building a nightclub that shares property with a Chinese gambling casino --- and that presents problems and several laughs.  There's so much going on, and for sure, there's another season, because it can't end like that, can it?  (the reason I say that is I just read that  Fleabag creator is thinking of just ending her show with season 2, and it beat Mrs. Maisel last night at the Golden Globes, so who knows......but I was confused if Season 2 Fleabag beat season 2 Mrs. Maisel  or season 3?  .......which I don't think could happen because Season 3 just came out in December for Mrs. Maisel, but it gets confusing, and as much as I liked Season 2 Mrs. Maisel, I could see Fleabag 2 beating it because of that Catholic priest story!)  But I digress --- I'd give this a 5 out of 5.  Loved it and want more and can't wait for Season 4.  If you are interested in reading what a Mrs. Maisel script would look like, here's a link to the pilot:   http://www.zen134237.zen.co.uk/The_Marvelous_Mrs_Maisel_1x01_-_Pilot.pdf