Movie #3142 ........................."Where Are You, Christmas?" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3142 "Where Are You, Christmas?" (Hallmark) - fun idea for this one that makes it stand out --- a woman whose job is to market Christmas all yea, grows tired of it and makes a wish that it doesn't exist!  By that wish, all the decorations in her small home town (in which she is visiting) go away, alll the Christmas food her mom has been preparing goes away, and even color goes away --- the film for a time period is all in black and white.  She is in a car accident and so for a long time everyone thinks she talks about Christmas, and it's just babble.  Then, they discover, one by one, that if they are passionate about a Christmas memory, their color will come back.  And, of course, she's the last that changes back and just in the nick of time on Christmas eve!  Whew!  The black and white idea reminded me of a great film entitled "Pleasantville" --- but that got black and white for a different reason.  It was kind of hoaky how the main woman has to get back by falling in love with the gas station owner --- really, while other people were having memories, so was she, so she should have turned earlier, but it's a movie, and it has a story to tell, and this one did a good job!  and the actors were genuine!  I'd give ir 4.5 --- one or the better ones so far this season for Hallmark.

"WHERE ARE YOU CHRISTMAS?"  Hallmark   2023     1 hour and 24 mins

Addy wishes for a year without Christmas and she wakes up in a world of black and white.  She must work together with the town mechanic to restore Christmas.

Director:  Dustin Rikert

Writers:  Michael Reisz, Timothy Kuryak

Actors:  Lindsay Fonseca, Michael Rady, Julię Warner

Movie #3141 ........................."Never Been Chris'd" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3141 "Never Been Chris'd"  (Hallmark)  Two minutes into this one and I was ready to turn it off because the two "girls" seemed so shallow and immature, giggling, constantly looking at their phones and being really pretentious about everything.  But I soldiered on because I knew the "Chris" guy in the title was going to be Tyler Hynes, and he usually does good stuff.  Then, I kept watching because it seemed he was wooing both girls ----- at least they both liked him at first, and had crushes on him in high school, where he now teaches at.  And he seems to be really flirty with both of them.  I still just kept watching to see how this all turned out, and by the end, I really didn't have to.  Yes, there was more to the girls than at the beginning of the film, but the parents were so cartoon-like, and all the secondary people overused their arms and facials and were really pushing in this film to be likable and watchable --- too much here!  But the one line that really really bothered me was when Tyler Hynes (Chris) told one of the girls that he was disappointed in his life because he was "just an English teacher" --- not buying that one!  I'd give it  a 3 and not recommend it. It was all pretentious, for the most part, except for Tyler.  P.S.  This film is a little different from other Hallmark pictures, because like "Frozen" the relationship between the two women comes out even more important than the one between the guy and the girl. that pushed it from a 2.8 to a 3 for me.

"NEVER BEEN CHRIS'D"       Hallmark    2023

Best friends, Naomi and Liz, return home for the holidays and simultaneously enter a love triangle when they both reconnect with their high school crush, Chris Silver.

Director:  Jeff Beesley

Writer :  Joie Boykin

Actors:  Tyler Hynes, Pascal Lamothe-Kipnes,  Janel Parrish

Movie #3140 ........................."Joyeux Noel" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3140 "Joyeux Noel" (Hallmark)  There's a foreign language film with the same title is soooooooo sooo much better -- about a ceasefire in December 1914 (true story) , unofficial Christmas truce on the Western Front that allowed soldiers from opposing sides to gain insight into each other's way of life by celebrating the holiday.  Greta film!  This one?  not so great.  The story the two journalists in this film are looking for turns out to not go anywhere; so the film depends on these two very awkward, stoic, stick- like actors/people to fall in love in order for the magic of the xmas market to work --- the little french girl and the gnomes are the best part of the movie.  2.8.  

"JOYEUX NOEL"    HALLMARK  2023     1 hr and 24 mins

When a romantic painting of a Christmas market captures the imagination of copy editor Lea, she is sent to France with pragmatic reporter Mark to uncover the mystery behind the artist.

Director:  Jessica Harmon

Writers:  Brant Daugherty, Kimberly Daugherty

Actors:  Juicy Elliot, Brant Daugherty (hmmm, the guy in it wrote it --- he seemed so cold through the whole thing)

Movie #3139 ........................."It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3139 "It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas" (Hallmark)  This title does not fit the movie --- there isn't a cute tie-in or anything to it.  That being said, it concerns two rival parts of town - Eastside and Westside, and the mayors are old school chums and rivals themselves so they are set to win the town competition for the Christmas season, and hopefully get that factory they so need for more jobs, etc.  The contest falls apart when the two rivals start to fall in love and no longer want to compete -- but even though the contest start to fail, everyone seems to enjoy the holiday season even more by working together.  Everyone in our congress should watch this movie!  The theme is good, but the rest?  not so good.  I'd give it a 3 for trying to do something different here, but the stage business is boring.  

"IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS"     Hallmark  2019   1 hour and 23 mins

When a New England Christmas decorating competition searches for the town with the most Christmas spirit, the mayors of East and West Riverton go all out to get their towns to the top of the holiday heap.

Director:  David Weaver

Writer:  Rick Garman

Actors:  Eric Mabius, Tricia Helfer

Movie #3138 ........................."Matching Hearts" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3138 "Matching Hearts" (Hallmark)  this was not a xmas movie but a Valentine's Day one that they were showing on the Hallmark channel a few weeks ago and I caught it --- it was cute about a matchmaking service, where the lady matchmaker  discovers she's the best match for her tough client who isn't really sold on using the service --- he owns a dog service and the dogs were adorable.  They were a cute couple with very helpful secondary people with small jobs --- stage business was filling out info on the service and trying to match people and then going to the restaurants and checking out how they are doing -- it was okay, but I enjoyed the dog parts better.  There ended up to be a lot of time with just looking into each other's eyes in this one - 3.8 out of 5.

"MATCHING HEARTS"     Hallmark     2020    1 hour and 24 mins

As Valentine's Day nears a matchmaker is tasked by her mentor to find a match for an entrepreneur who believes staying single is the key to success.  

Director:  Siobhan Devine

Writers:  Zac Hug, Sarah Wise, Laurence Walsh

Actors:  Taylor Cole, Ryan Paevey

Movie #3137 ........................."Mystic Christmas" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3137 "Mystic Christmas" (Hallmark)  This one had an adorable couple, fast and funny dialogue -- the story was a little scattered but a good strong film overall.  There was a surprise at the end to the solution of the conflict the two leads had.  Very enjoyable and I highly recommend this one.  4.5 out of 5

"MYSTIC CHRISTMAS"       Hallmark    2023    1 hour and 24 mins

An animal expert answers a call for help from an old friend and that puts her in the path of an ex at Christmas.

Director:  Marlo Hunter

Writers:  Nicole Drespel, Christy O'Connor, Andrew Bernhard

Actors:  Jessy Schram, Chandler Massey, Patti Murin

Movie #3136 ........................."Ms Christmas Comes to Town" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3136 "Ms Christmas Comes to Town" (Hallmark)  There isn't a lot of action in this film --- an older, well respected woman has a repurtation for being Ms Christmas and runs a show about it, but now she is retiring, and as her last hurrah she decides to take it on the road to small towns --- give gifts, have auctions for charity, etc.  She takes a young girl with her whom she wants to take her place --- she also brings a male nurse --- and it's hallmark, so they are the two we are watching get together, trying to help this lady with her last hurrah.  Not much action in this one --- but it leaves you with a warm feeling about Christmas and what we are supposed to be getting out of the season.  The 2 leads never seemed to get past the stiff, awkward stage of saying their lines --- Barbara Niven (daughter in law of David Niven) held her own as the matriarch --- I'd give it a 3 out of 4.  

"MS. CHRISTMAS COMES TO TOWN"      Hallmark     2023

A shopping channel host known as Ms Christmas receives a terminal diagnosis, which inspires a multi-city excursion set to spread Christmas cheer before her farewell broadcast.

Director:  Jason Bourque

Writer:  Brook Durham

Actors:  Barbara Niven, Erica Durance, Brennan Elliott

Movie #3135 ........................."The Best of Youth Cinefest" (Chicago Film Fest)

Movie #3135 "The Best of youth Cinefest" (Chicago Film Fest)  I wish I would not have lost my notes on this shorts program because I can't recall the title of the only one that we liked --- it was the first one, and it was a powerful documentary of this husband and wife who work with foster kids --- they offer their own kind of foster program for kids in the neighborhoods, and it looked really well done.  A very heartwarming short --- the rest?  Not even worth writing about --- sorry to say.  This wasn't a good choice on my part of what to see.  And if this was the "best,"  the festival was in a bit of trouble here in this competition.  

 "THE BEST OF YOUT CINEFEST"      about 110 minutes of 5 shorts 

Movie #3134 ........................."A Happy Day" (Chicago Film Festival)

 Movie #3134 "A Happy Day" (Chicago Film Festival)  This is kind of a typical Chicago film festival foreign entry, where it is very indie in style, and one that we don't always understand completely what is going on because not enough is told to us --- a little blurb at the beginning might have helped to set the scene.  I picked it out because it was labelled a comedy, and right from the get-go you know that was an incorrect label -- there was a little bit dry humor, but not enough to label it a comedy in our eyes.  Actually, the subject matter is far from it.  These 20 year old did something wrong and they are now being sent to some remote place to wait to be thrown out of the country --  they might be refugees, though that word was never mentioned -- but they are in a prison like existence and it shows their daily activities, and they wait until it's their time to go --- but we get the impression once they are let go, it will eventually result in an afterlife because they are sent in the snow  with very little on and very few rations.... There were very few highs and lows in the film, a lot of stoic actors, and less dialogue than we would have wanted.  But the photography was really good.  We would give this a 3 out of 5.  Don't bother looking for it.

"A HAPPY DAY"     Chicago Film Festival   2023    1 hr and 53 mins     (Norway)

Three teenage friends stuck in a frozen, hopeless place come up with a plan to escape over the mountain to a world where their dreams can be fulfilled.  But when one of them falls in love, their plan begins to unravel.

Director:  Hisham Zaman

Writer:  Hisham Zaman

Actors:  Salah Qadi, Ravand ali Taha, Mohamed Salah

Movie #3133 ........................."ToTem" (Chicago Film Festival)

 Movie #3133 "Totem"  As usual, we went to the Chicago Film Festival this year a few weeks ago, and instead of seeing our usual 10 shows in one day between the two of us, we ended up seeing only 6 -- (3 each and they matched --- they usually don't).  The Festival was a big disappointment -- they had to move it because the AMC by Navy Pier is being remodeled so the festival had to find another venue for this year --- I hope they move it bak because this was too crowded, too small with only one bathroom.  They also had trouble sticking to their schedule so we were running from one film to the other, which we shouldn't have had to do --- and if we wanted to do Rush tickets, we had to stand in line on a different floor than where the film was --- strange.  And because of all the rushing, and less to choose from, we never got to hear a director speak on his/her own film, which is part of the reason for festivals!  Anyway, I chose this one to see because it is the Mexican offering for Oscar competition --- not sure it will make it, but it was interesting to watch.  It's a pretty simple story told through the eyes of a little girl who is watching her dad being taken away from her due to his illness.  And the event is his birthday, but you get the impression it is kind of a goodbye party with all of his friends and family.  There's lots of emotion shown in between the hustle and bustle of putting on a party, and the little girl many times has to fend for herself, trying to find things to occupy her attention while the adults are too busy "adulting" --- Like I said, it kept my interest, but it didn't wow me like some film I have ween at this festival before.  I'd give it a 4 out of 5 and hope it does get the attention it deserves.  

"TOTEM"       2023     1 hour and 35 mins

Sever-year-old Sol is spending the day at her grandfather's home, for a surprise party for Sol's father, Tonatiuh.  As daylight fades, Sol comes to understand that her world is about to change dramatically.

Director:  Lila Aviles

Writer:  Lila Aviles

Actors:  Naima Senties, Montserrat Maranon, Marisol Gase

Movie #3132 ........................."Sex Education" Season 4, Finale (Netflix)

 Movie #3132 "Sex Education" Season 4, finale (netflix)  We have enjoyed this show throughout the 4 seasons, and we were sorry to see this one end, but we also realize that the show was full of young , talented and vibrant young actors who have many more things to do and say with their work.  What a diverse cast --- one we weren't used to seeing when it first started.  It took place in a high school the first 2 seasons, and then to college for the last two.  The cast changed just a little from one year to the next, so there was a staple of young actors that really ran the show, except for one very strong adult actor, Otis's mom, played by the always competent Gillian Anderson (from X-files and the Crown).  This was a British show with bawdy and sometimes silly comedy, that was never afraid to tackle intimate sex that was running rampant in the kids' teen and  college ages.  So this show was not for everyone --- and the 4th season has a death the kids were dealing with, that made the show a tad darker than it usually is, but what it most competently did is tackle the subjects that are oftentimes ignored between parents and their kids, or amongst their kids.....all the highs and lows of first falling in love, dealing with sexual problems as they come about, breakups and startups  in relationships, getting along with siblings, getting along with exes, dealing with bullying by parents and other teens..... all the mucky subjects that those teen years bring and the show  tackled them so well.  There's much written if you google their final show because they decided to handle the love story between Maeve and Otis contrary to what most people wanted --- but it is done  so very delicately and authentically that I found it quite acceptable.  A big thanks to the creators of this show, in its quality and courage to tackle all of these hard topics that teens go through, esp. on the subject of sex.  I would give this season 4.5 out of 5, and it ended up to be my second favorite, just behind the 1st season.

"SEX EDUATION"    season 4, the finale     netflix     2019-2023     45 min episodes    32 episodes

A teenage boy with a sex therapist mother teams up with a high school classmate to set up an underground sex therapy clinic at school.

Creator:  :  Laurie Nunn

Actors:  Asa Butterfield, Gillian Anderson, Ncuti Gatwa, Emma Mackey

Moview # 3131 ........................."Falling for You" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3131 "Falling for You" (Hallmark)  -- I liked the leads in this one, but the stage business was like so many other movies I have seen --- the only idea I liked that seemed new to me was the lantern activity.  The conflict is popular, too --- technology vs. small town life and the leads portray two people who are both married to their jobs -- "all work and no play"  so you watch until one or both show a sign that they are willing to change their priorities.   There was a decision made by the end of the film, but I wondered.....now what?  How will this go?  where will they live and work?   I'd give it a 3.5.  

"FALLING FOR YOU"       Hallmark    2018     1 hour and 24 mins

Radio host Lacey (Taylor Cole) is hosting a bachelor bake-off to raise money to save her radio station.  When her star bachelor backs out, she enlists Zac (Tyler Hynes) a visiting businessman to fill the spot.

Director:  Peter DeLuise

Writers:  Joie Botkin, Jessica Gilmore

Actors:  Taylor Cole, Tyler Hynes

Movie #3130 ........................."On the 12th Date of Christmas" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3130 "On the 12th Date  of Christmas" (Hallmark)  I had to watch this one because one of my favorite Hallmark actors was in it (Tyler Hynes) -- but I think I would have enjoyed it anyway because of two other things:  1)  it talks about Chicago because it was supposed to have been filmed there (only outdoor shots, I think, were from here, but, still...) 2) the stage business was in game form -- a scavenger hunt --- which sounds lame but it the job of the two leads was to be creative in tying in the 12 days of xmas to the neighborhoods in Chicago --- a good storyline, I thought.  And it was good --- not powerful, or emotional or any wow words, just "good."   The female lead was a bit stiff, but Mr. Hynes was able to soften her up to make her more believable.  Nice feminist sub theme, with the two leads vying for the same job, but the male saying she is the better of the two.   I'd give it a 3.5  out of 5 and moderately recommend it.

"ON THE 12 DATES OF CHRISTMAS"      Hallmark  2020     1 hour and 24 mins 

Two game creators, both vying for a promotion, must team up to create a Christmas scavenger hunt.

Director:  Gary Yates

Writers:  Christine Conrad, Jamie Pachino

Actors:  Mallory Jansen, Tyler Hynes

Movie #3129 ........................."A Very Venice Romance" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3129 "A Very Venice Romance" (Hallmark) I love Venice,  and I love seeing Venice on film so that's the one positive I came out with after watching this movie.  I could identify all the places, and memories came rushing back to me whenever the actors were shooting in a certain place.  However this story was kind of dull;  just a walk through Venice with two good-looking people isn't going to cut it for a 2 hour block of time to watch it (even if I was on the computer and checking mail through most of it).  You can see Rick Steves do that and get more info on the place, in my opinion.  The food was of great emphasis here since she comes all the way from the states to hire this Italian cook, who from the get go says he doesn't want to leave Venice --- who would, right?  The conflict played out just in the last couple of minutes, and through the whole film I feel the girl was very manipulative and I was rooting for him to tell her no by the end of the film!  The subtitle for this film should have been:  how many times can he say "not interested!"  I'd give it 3 out of 5 --- just photography of Venice and food held this one together!

"A VERY VENICE ROMANCE"      HALLMARK       2023    1 hour and 24 mins

Amy searches for a chef to help guide the venture she works for.  She tries to woo an Italian chef, but he turns her down, so she enrolls in his cooking school to try to persuade him.  (Note:  I thought manipulate was the more correct word to use here.)

Director:  Liz Farrer

Writers:  Joelle Sellner, Alex Wright

Actors:  Stephanie Leonidas, Raniero Monaco Di Lapio

Movie #3128 ........................."Notes on Autumn" (Hallmark)

 Movie "Notes on Autumn" (Hallmark)  Two stories are going on here, much like the popular xmas film "Holiday," where two women switch houses and each finds meaning and love in the new surroundings.  Voila!  Same idea here, except it is two best friends - one a woman, the other a man.  So we have not only a guy/girl relationship, but a guy/guy one, too.  This is an important change for Hallmark movies, and I welcome it.  (there are a few actors/actresses that don't welcome the changes being made so they have jumped ship so goodbye to them, and hello to freedom ---  freedom to write  even more romantic/comedies and inspirational films for the Hallmark channel that more people in this world can relate to.    This film used a split screen for that first kiss, obviously suggesting the similarities (equality)  we all have in that special moment in a relationship and lots of humor to move the stories along. The stage business deals with music and writer's block, both subjects interesting to me.    The conflicts are relatable and believable, and the ending was fine.  I'd give it a 4.5 and encourage you to watch this step into the future for Hallmark.  It has been long coming.

"NOTES ON AUTUMN"     Hallmark       2023        1 hour and 24 mins

Ellie, a pianist gave up her passion and works for a hotel.  Leo, a famous author with writer's block who can't finish his highly popular book series.  They both decide to swap places ending up with some big decisions to make.  

Director:  Troy Scott

Writer:  Rick Garman

Actors:  Ashley Williams, Luke Macfarlane, Marcus Rosner

Movie #3127 .........................""Three Bed, Two Bath, One Ghost" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3127 "Three Bed, Two Bath,  One Ghost" (Hallmark) This was one I was looking forward to because it seemed to be a more creative of an idea than some of the other Christmas fare being offered this season, but it really fell flat with me.  The ghost had more life than the leading couple who just quietly said their lines through the whole movie --- the final kiss was good, but the rest?  ugh!  It was a cute idea to show the importance of the house, but I never really felt that as I watched it --- I just felt what a loss with this young girl/ghost and how much life and energy she had that was snuffed out --- and I guess that is supposed to be part of the themes that the film was trying to present, but I just felt it was a waste of time to watch it.m  Stage business was boring (just refining the house?  and having confrontations with her father?  and the ghost's  conflict was somehow tied to the two modern lovers.    I'd give it 2.5 --- I'd like to see that young ghost in more Hallmark films --- she was really good!

"THREE BED, TWO BATH, ONE GHOST"    Hallmark    2023     1 hour and 24 mins 

The house that Anna, a new real estate agent, has listed has a spirit from the 1920s that won't go.  Even worse, the ghost is afraid she won't be able to "pass over" unless she reconciles Anna with her ex.

Director:  Kevin Fair

Writers:  Gregg Rossen, Brian Sawyer, Joie Botkin

Actors:  Julie Gonzalo, Chris McNally, Madeleine Arthur

Movie #3126 ........................"Wedding of a Lifetime" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3126 "Wedding of a Lifetime" (Hallmark)  This started out differently from all the others in that the two leads start out as a couple already, and get this......LIVING TOGETHER ALREADY, which seems to be a no-no in Halmarkian world.  So the conflict is shown in the first couple of minutes:  the excitement and togetherness feelings seem gone to both of them --- they go to family dinners together, friends doing a barbecue together, but really they each have activities and jobs they are doing individually and don't seem to make time to do the together things, just the two of them, anymore.  They share a house but not married.  And after the first couple of minutes, they decide to separate but not tell anyone.  Well, little do they know that their family and friends have signed them up for a Today-show like competition with the ending a big wedding on the tv show.  The stage business then includes competitive games between 4 couples and through those, changes ensue in relationships.  For the differences this movie provides for Hallmark, I applaud it --- and the two leads are very congenial, and this ending shows one of the best weddings played out in the Hallmark world.  I give it a 4 out of 5 and very much recommend it if you ever see it on the Hallmark calendar  again.

"WEDDING OF A LIFETIME"   2022     1 hour and 24 mins

A recently separated couple rekindles their romance when they are inadvertently entered into a nationally televised contest competing for an all-expenses-paid for wedding.

Director:  Anne Wheeler

Writer:  Greg Baldwin

Actors:  Jonathan Bennett, Brooke D'Orsay, Robyn Bradley

Movie #3125 ........................."My Christmas Guide" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3125 "My Christmas Guide" (Hallmark)  Once in a while a special film is shown on the Hallmark Channel that challenges us to think differently about life and love, and this one is one of them.  A blind professor is raising his daughter alone and navigating to and from work at his university through new construction and finds it so much a challenge that when his daughter convinces him he should use a guide dog, he takes the suggestion ---- he doesn't want to because he's worried about taking on still another member of the family to take care of , but the guide dog trainer convinces him that the dog will becomes a great friend and danger avoider for him.  You probably can guess the rest, since it's a Hallmark film.  But I feel I learned so much about what a guide dog does, how the dog is trained, and what someone goes through when blind and faces with all the obstacles that are thrown his way.  But after watching him a while, we, the audience, realize that he can navigate through it, and we can help by helping....in small ways, like verbalizing an answer instead of nodding.  But he really CAN DO pretty much everything, if given the chance.  Many people should see this film to get the messages here.  The only complaint I had is that the director used a picture of the house, the street or the school/university for EVERY transition (fade in/fade out).  It was kind of funny after a while.  I would give it a 4 out of 5 --- good message, information and emotions here!

"MY CHRISTMAS GUIDE"       Hallmark       2023       2 hours

A college professor connects with a guide dog trainer after losing his eyesight and adopting a seeing eye dog.

Director:  Max McGuire

Writer:  Keith Hemstreet

Actors:  Amber Marshall,   Ben Mehl,  Ava Weiss, Justin Nurse

  

Movie #3124 ........................."A Royal Winter" (Hallmark)

Movie #3124 "A Royal Winter" (Hallmark)  Well, there are so many "royal" Christmas movies that it is a genre in itself on the Hallmark channel, and many of them are lame and not good (I just turned one off right now called "Christmas Royal Crush" -- all it took was 15 minutes.  But this one, the girl seemed so sincere and the guy was so quirky that I thought I would enjoy it --- and I did.  The conflict was a bit different --- it usually is that the girl is too lowly to ever be good enough to marry into the royal family, but the conflict was more between mother and son --- he was hiding his true self and his quirkiness from her --- and that made the story more enjoyable to be --- this new girl brought out his real self -- and we all know that is a true definition of a soulmate.  I'd give this a 4 out of 5 and recommend it.  It is one of the good "royal" hallmark christmas films.

"A ROYAL WINTER"   2017       1 hour and 24 mins.

While on a last-minute European holiday, a young woman finds herself in the middle of a real-life fairy tale when a chance meeting with a handsome local leads to something more.

Director:  Ernie Barbarash

Writers:  Ernie Barbara's, Mark Amato

Actors:  Meerritt Patterson, Jack Donnelly, Samantha Bond

Movie #3123 ............................"Killers of the Flower Moon" (movie theater)

 MOVIE #3123 "Killers of the Flower Moon" (Movie Theater)  This is an important movie to see for a number of reasons.  It is a story that needs to be told and to everyone - it involves the serial killing of a number of Osage native Americans in the Osage county, mostly women.   Ironically, it occurred about the time the land these native Americans were on had several discoveries of oil,  and the land was all of a sudden rich with oil  (translation; more  money and worth.  You can tell Scorsese dotted all the i's and crossed all the t's for this one, not wanting to insult the people and their land, and it truly is a very well-made film.  It is based on David Gran's well written novel  of the same name.  I read the book, and even though it is non-fiction and not my favorite genre, I loved all the forensic research in it, the story line, and the birth of the FBI told in such detail.  Note that the focus is changed for the movie and much less on the FBI and more on the native american woman and her  husband, who  has a hand in her sisters' deaths, and possibly her poisoning.  Therefore, the FBI is in the background, and we see the murders set up, rather than the research the police have to sift through to see who did it.   But the themes are the same -- native americans are  considered animals and at the hands of white men.    Women are especially targets for the brutality.  Men in the county  are complicit with the evil doings.  Community members are bamboozled by a Trump- like leader who charms and manipulates  them on the outside, but is evil in his thoughts and actions.    Another reason you might want to see it is because it is sure to be lauded with   number of academy award nominations - the acting is superb, and the photography is so well done, that you can see how meticulously each shot is in the hands of this master director.  It really teaches us what the osage native culture is really like, and it does it with a diverse cast that shows us the customs, songs and dances in almost every frame.  It is a long film, like many of the other ones that have been good and oscar-worthy this year, but this one didn't seem slower because the story was really tight and always moving forward.  And the ending was superb --- but I don't want to say more about it in fear of saying too much --- don't want to spoil it for you.  But I strongly urge you to see this one --- it'll go down in movie history as one of the best ever done.  I give it 4.5 out of 5. 

"KILLER OF THE FLOWER MOON"   2023     R     3 hours 26 mins

When oil is discovered in 1920s Oklahoma under Osage Nation land, the Osage people are murdered one
-  until the FBI steps in to unravel the mystery.

Director:  Martin Scorsese

Writers:  Eric Roth, Martin Scorsese, David Grann

Actors:  leonardo Di Caprio, Robert De Niro, lily Gladstone