Movie #3228 ........................."The Wonderful World of Henry Sugar" (oscar-nominated live-action short, theatre/netflix)

 Movie #3228 "The Wonderful World of Henry Sugar" (oscar -nominated live-action short, theatre/netflix)    All I really have to say is this is a creation from an outlandish, but detailed story from the pen of Wes Anderson based on the Roald Dahl story.  I could never tell you everything that happened in the film --- It runs 40 minutes non-stop with a wealth of words and situations that build like a domino effect --- a style West Anderson is very well known for (his latest was "Asteroid City").  We have seen all of his films, and as he ages, he seems to fill the screen with more story and images  --- Well, he found the story from Roald Dahl, quirky but fascinating in its telling ---- I must say, I think Anderson has found his style more complimentary in a shorter amount of time, like in this film.  For my money, it could be even shorter because it really tests the attention span of the viewer.  Check it out on netflix --- it's a hoot!  Hard to watch because it is a challenge to stay  focused on this film  through the 40 minutes.    I'd give it 4.5, but not sure it will win this category.  But like I said, Anderson seems to be getting closer to the right conveyance of his style of storytelling --- a live-action short,  but I'd suggest even shorter!

"THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF HARRY SUGAR"  - 40 MINUTES, 2023   PG

Chronicles  variety of stories, but the main one follows Henry Sugar, who is able to see through objects and predict the future with the help of a book he stole.

Director:  Wes Anderson

Writers:  road Dahl, Wes Anderson

Actors:  Ralph Fiennes, Benedict Cumberbatch, Dev Patel, Ben Kingsley, and more!

Movie #3227 ........................."Invincible" (oscar-nominated live-action short)

Movie #3227 "Invincible" (oscar-nominated live-action short) This is  a Canadian short about a teen's last 48 hours --- He's a kid in prison, a tough kid, a kid who likes plants and poetry, and he is very smart.  It is a nice story and it is dedicated to this kid who committed suicide.  There didn't seem to be a lot of answers, but that happens a lot in this sort of situation.  Makes you want to learn more about him and what we could do to prevent it.  I'd give it a 4 out of 5.

"INVINCIBLE"   oscar-nomianted live-action short ---   2022     30 minutes

Inspired by a true story, the film recounts the last 48 hours in the life of Marc-Antoine Bernier, a 14-year-old boy on a desperate quest for freedom

Director:  Vincent Rene-Lortie

Writer:  Vincent Rene-Lortie

Actors:  Leokimn Beaumier-Lepine, Ella St-Pierre, Isabelle Blais  

Movie #3226 ........................."Knight of Fortune" (oscar-nominated live-action short,)

 Movie #3226 "Knight of Fortune" (oscar-nominated live-action short)  This took a while to set up (in comparison to the previous one) --- It's about grief, with a quirky story to go along with it.  It took a while to get across, but I was with it the whole time --- from Denmark.  4 out of 5

"KNIGHT OF FORTUNE"     2022 26 minutes      oscar-nominated live-action short

The Loss of a loved one, the grief, the risk of yellow skin, and a coffin, that is too much for Karl to face.

Director:  Lasse Lyskjaer Noer

Writer:  Lasse Lyskjaer Noer

Actors:  Lefi Andree, Jens Jorn Spottag, Jesper Lohmann

Movie #3225 ........................."Red, White and Blue" (oscar-nominated live-action short, theatre)

 Movie #3225 "Red, White and Blue" (oscar-nominated live-action short) This is so topical because of the subject matter ---- abortion.  It has a huge turn around toward the end of the film --- so well done, acted, filmed --- a compact story with a true message to our world today!  I hope it wins because it was a WOW FILM  to me  a 5 out of 5.

"RED, WHITE AND BLUE"      2023     23 minutes   oscar-nominated live-action short

A poor single mother must go out of state for a necessary abortion

Director:  Nazrin Chowdhury

Writer:  Nazrin Choudghury

Actors:  Brittany Snow, Juliet Donenfeld, Redding Munsell

Movie #3224 ........................."The After" (oscar-nominated live action short, theatre/netflix)

Movie #3224 "The After" (oscar-nominated live- action short, theatre/netflix) This is an emotional film from the get go  --- it's a film about grief and how we can and cannot deal with it.  And how people can pull us out , if given the chance.   It is very well-acted with David Oyelowo in the lead role.  So much packed into the 19 minutes that I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.  Well done --- 4.

"THE AFTER"      2023    19 minutes    oscar-nominated live action -- netflix

In this intense short film, a grieving rideshare driver picks up a passenger who helps him confront the past.

Director:  Misan Harriman

Writers:  John Julius Schwabach, Misan Harriman

Actors:  David Oyelowo, Jessica Plummer, Amelie Dokubo 

Movie #3223 ........................."War Is Over" (oscar-nominated animated short - theatre, Prime Video)

 Movie #3223 "War Is Over"  (oscar-nominated animated short - theatre/Prime Video) This film was inspired by John Lennon and Yoko music, and it compares War to a chess game between the two opposing forces.  The movie shows a bird delivering messages from one side of the war to the other, all the while being shot at.  The message includes moves on a chess board.  It's Christmas and they quit fighting in a dream world --- the war is over, says the note.  Nicely done and I would give it 4.8 out of 5.

"WAR IS OVER"      2023    11 mins    oscar-nominated animated short

At a World War Front, a carrier pigeon delivers moves messages between two soldiers playing a chess game, unaware they are on opposite sides.

Director:  Dave Mullins

Writers:  Dave Mullins, Sean Lennon   

Movie #3222 ........................."Ninety-Five Senses " (oscar-nominated animated short from US)

 Movie #3222 "Ninety -Five Senses"  (oscar-nominated animated short from the US)  I missed the point of this one --- and it's American!?  This is not my favorite genre --- you get a few minutes to try to figure out the point of the film --- Tim Blake Nelson's voice going through senses, which you evidently have more when you are about to die?

"THE NINETY-FIVE SENSES"    oscar-nominated animated short --- 2022  14 minutes

An ode to the body's five senses delivered by a man with little time left to enjoy them.

Directors:  Jared Hess, Jerusha Hess

Writers:  Chris Bowman, Hubbel Palmer

Star:  Tim Blake Nelson

Movie #3221 ........................."Pachyderme" (oscar-nominated animated short)

 Movie #3221  "Pachyderme" (oscar-nominated animated short)  Well, this was another one that was challenging to the viewer, but i think i got it by the end -- the visuals were more helpful.  Parents leave their 9 year old daughter with Grandma and Grandpa for 10 days and girl doesn't want to be here --- the movie suggests abuse.  Ichy subject to handle in animation, but sometimes easier to tell in disguise?  

"PACHYDERME"  2022     11 mins    oscar-nominated animated short

Like every summer, Louise stays at her grandparents' in the countryside for a few days during the holidays.  It will snow at the height of summer and a monster is going to die.

Director;  Stephanie Clement

Writer:  Marc Rius

Stars:  Michelle Brunch, Christa Theret

Movie #3220 ........................."Letter to a Pig" (oscar-nominated animated short)

 Movie #3220 "Letter to a Pig'  (oscar-nominated animated short)   This film missed me --- I can't recollect any effective visuals --- I love holocaust films, but until I read the synopsis here, I didn't know it was about the holocaust,.  

"LETTER TO A PIG"        2022      17 mins    oscar-nominated animated short

A Holocaust survivor reads a letter he wrote to the pig who saved his life.  A young schoolgirl hears his testimony in class and sinks into a twisted dream where she confronts questions of identity, collective trauma, and the extremes of human nature.  huh?

Director:  Tal Kantor

Writer:  Tal Kantor

Stars:  Moriah Emerson, Alexander Peleg, Ayelet Margalit

Movie #3219 ........................."Our Uniform" (oscar-nominated animated short )

 Movie #3219 "Our Uniform" (oscar-nominated animated short) This one was the most unusual film because all the images are shot on uniform fabric while telling a short story about how Iran uses its uniforms to constrict the girl's actions,.  Hard to explain, but cool to watch it unfold.  The cloth shows roads, shows people, shows the whole story in the film.  I'd give it a 4 for how it dazzles the eyes.

"OUR UNIFORM"   oscar-nominated animated short     2023    7 minutes

An Iranian girl unfolds her school memories on the wrinkles and fabrics of her old uniform

Director;  Yegane Moghaddam

Movie #3218......................... "The Last Repair Shop" (oscar-nominated short doc, theatre/ you tube)

 movie #3218 "The Last Repair Shop" (oscar-nominated short doc, theatre/you tube)  In LA since 1959 there's a shop that repairs musical instruments and then given to needy kids, kids who can't afford the instruments.  What a great idea!  Theme:  Not all broken items should be thrown out --- a popular attitude in our society.  These instruments have mostly been made from scratch and there's such respect for them from those who repair them.  They take 5 repair men/women and go through their history (they each narrate their story) and while they are talking the film shows the intricate work they are doing repairing the instruments --- in addition, all the while, gently music plays in the background.  All lovers of music should see this film!  I didn't write down the 4 or 5 types of instruments they show being worked on but I remember violin, a brass instrument, a wood wind, and piano.  Very cool idea, but I felt the narration ran too long --- I would have wanted to know more about the history of the instrument and how it was being fixed instead of the history of the repair people.  But that's probably just me.  I'd give it a 4, but it is well filmed and might win!

"THE LAST REPAIR SHOP"      2023    39 mins  might find it on prime video? 

Tells the story of four unassuming heroes who ensure no student is deprived of the joy of music.  It is also a reminder of how music can be the best medicine, stress reliever and even an escape from poverty.

Directors:  Kris Bowers, Ben Proudfoot

Stars:  Dana Atkinson, Duane Michaels, Paty Moreno

Movie #3217 ........................."The ABC's of Book Banning" (theatre, oscar-nominated doc short, Paramount)

 Movie #3217 "The ABC's of Book Banning" (theatre, oscar-nominated doc short, Paramount0  This is the one I most enjoyed --- I loved this one because of the blurb at the beginning that says that we have heard a lot about book banning, but usually from the banners.  So let's hear from those most     affected, the kid readers.  What a great idea, and these kids are so articulate and intelligent in their comments ( some are funny, too)  The film compares the book burning during Hitler's regime to what is happening today... and through the film I got a big list of books that I have started reading already that are on the list that have been banned since this movement has taken off like a house afire.  "To ban a book is to give it power' -- theme of the film!  I also learned the three areas of banning;  restricted, challenged and banned.  And in all the transitions of the film and any gaps, there's a book's image put on the screen and labelled one of those three.  Very powerful film and my favorite,.  I would like to see it win next Sunday and I'd give it a 5!

"THE ABC'S OF BOOK BANNING"    2023     27 mins     oscar-nominated short doc, theatre/Paramount

Reveals the voices of the impacted parties of books banned from school districts, inspiring hope for the future through the profound insights of inquisitive youthful minds.  Amen!

Directors:  Sheila Nevins, Trish Adlesic, Nazenet Habtezghi

Stars:  Adler, Ruth Anne, Arianna, and all the rest of the kids 

Movie #3216 ......................... Island In Between" (theatre, oscar-nominated short doc, you tube)

Movie #3216 " Island in Between" (theater, oscar-nominated short doc, you tube)  I ended up taking a lot of notes on this one because I found it fascinating about Taiwan, the titled place.  Only a waterway separates Taiwan from China mainland, but huge differences exist between their  countries and their long disputes.  It remains a frontline for the war against communism for the Taiwanese.  Taiwan  since being exiled from China believes that someday with the help from the US they will take over China from communism.  They broke off with China in 1949 and since then this country wants to be affiliated with US and not China.  There's just a short ferry ride to China but that ride didn't exist until 2005.  The guy who put this film together goes for work from Taiwan to US and to China, and he says it is easier to go from US to China than to Taiwan--- China makes the cooperation between the two places unbearable and difficult,.  US feels that if Ukraine falls to Russia that China will go after Taiwan, but Taiwan still believes they will be saved from China by the US --- The ferry recently broke down from China and Taiwan, and this documentarian couldn't get this film through customs for a long time, and China is recently starting to send military planes into Taiwan space and they consider Taiwan to be their property, their province.  Ironically, because there are many Taiwanese that think China would never try to annex them,  they want the US to back off.  I would give a 5 to this movie for the amount of info it gives; it makes us care about this tiny but very mighty and important  place.  

" ISLAND IN BETWEEN"   2023   20 mins     osxca-nominated short doc, theatre/ you tube)

S. Leo Chiang reflects on his relationship with Taiwan, the United States and China from the Islands of Kinmen, just a few miles from mainland China.

Director: S. Leo Chiang

Writers:  S. Leo  Ching, David Teague

Movie #3215 ........................."The Barber of Little Rock, USA" (theatre, oscar-nominated doc short)

 Movie #3215 "The Barber of Little Rock, USA" (theatre, oscar-nominated doc short)  this is a documentary on Arlo Washington, truly an economic warrior, bound and determined to not only be worried about the generational poverty problem, but eager to do something about it.  So he starts up a loan company that lends money to people (esp. blacks) who can't get  loan from a bank because of past hardships.  He convinces us in the film this is the way to go because he can see in Arkansas, where he works and lives, that we are all economically segregated.  I loved the theme and in full support of this program ---- the film was a tad too long, but well done.  I'd give it a 4 out of 5.

"THE BARBER OF LITTLE ROCK"    2023     35 mins.    oscar-nominated doc short  (you tube)

The Barber of Little Rock expires America's widening racial wealth gap through the story of Arlo Washington, a local barber whose visionary approach to a just economy can be found in the mission of People trust, the nonprofit community bank he founded.  Experiencing the effects of generational poverty and structural racism firsthand, Arlo understands his hometown of Little Rock, Arkansas, and the profound mistrust of financial institutions that have historically excluded his community from financial stability and economic mobility.  Operation g as the sole bank within a ten-mile radius, Arlo's People's Trust fosters economic progress for underserved and underbanked residents, providing an economic beacon of hope that could reshape the future of banking.

Directors;  John Hoffman, Christine Turner

Stars:  Cocoa Broadway, Arlo Washington

"Movie #3214 ......................... "Nai Nai and Wai po" (Doc Short, Oscar-nominated) theatre

Movie #3214   "Nai Nai and Tai Po'  (Doc Short, oscar-nominated, in theatre)  It is tough to take notes IN the theater, and the only thing I wrote down for this one was "adorable".  It is about two mothers-in-law who live together in their waning years -- a mother of the husband, and mother of the wife.  The short film shows how well they get along -- kind of ying/yang,  and the they do on a daily basis, which includes:  cooking together, dancing, arm wrestling (hysterical), visiting and just sitting and enjoying each other's company --- one is 83 and the other is 94, so I guess there is a little caretaking of the younger to the older, but it seems to work well for both of them.  I'd give this a 5 out of 5, but I don't think with the heavier subjects that it is a shoo-in to win the award.  But it's a great idea and well shown.

"NAI NAI & WAI PO                 2023     17 mins...... hulu/disney but I saw it in the theater

A personal love letter from director Sean Wang to his Nai Nai and Tai po, a grandma super team that dances, stretches, and farts their sorrows away.  (I forgot to mention the "farts" --- too funny)

Director:  Sean Wang

Stars;  Yi Yan Fuel, Zhang Li Hua

Movie #3213 ........................."20 Days in Mariupol (amazon)

 Movie #3213 "20 Days in Mariupol " (Amazon)  This documentary every one should see!!! It is well done, very powerful, important, topical, and I think should win the Oscar for best documentary this year.  Why?  It is just one piece of the Ukraine War they are fighting right now.  I don't know how anyone would be against any funding we would send to them right now if they would just see this film.  If I were the makers of the film, I would send every Republican congressman a copy of it to watch and learn!  It is solid proof (as if we need it, but some of us do, I guess) that Putin is targeting hospitals and civilians.  The makers of the film are journalists who happened to be in the right time, right place for the beginning of the 30 day siege on this area in the Ukraine and they run with their cameras from one tragedy to the next.  It is awful to watch but a must see --- the unbelievability of it is that they are there observing and then managing to send footage out to CNN and then we watch it on CNN, so we feel like we, the audience, are right there.  We don't want to be there, but what footage they get!  As russia destroys communication abilities in the area, it becomes extremely difficult for them to send the footage to the powers that be who will put it on the air all over the world  --- it gets so bad, and so dangerous for these journalists, that one guy is able to find the correct route and get them out in time.  EVERYONE SHOULD SEE THIS!  And then we need to do something about it RIGHT NOW  and not wait until this is all over!  Charge Putin with war crimes immediately!  I give this a 5 -- it was a wow film to me.

"20 DAYS IN MARIUPOL"    1 hour and 35 minus      2023     Amazon {Prime

As the Russian invasion begins, a team of Ukrainian journalists trapped in the besieged city of Mariupol struggle to continue their work documenting the war's atrocities.

Director:  Mstyslav Chernov

Writer:  Mstyslav Chrnov

Journalists in film:  Mstyslav Chernov, Evgeniy Maloletka, Liudmyla Amelkina

Movie #3212 ........................."Her Pen Pal" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3212 "Her Pen Pal" (Hallmark  This one had me at PARIS!  I loved being there again, at least watching the film that takes place in it!  And the French guy was well done! Good looking and sensitive in comparison to her oaf of an ex-boyfriend.  The girl is the same as a previous movie that I didn't like her in --- too quirky --- but here, she was much better, so I'd give this a 4.

'HER PEN PAL"        2021        1 hour and 26 mins

 Event planner Victoria can't wait to attend and plan her best friend's wedding in Paris.  But when she finds out her ex is bringing a date, Victoria reconnects with her French childhood pen pal 

Director:  Clare Niederpruem

Writers:  Joie Botkin, Kim Askew, Amy Helmes

Ators:  Mallory Jansen, Joshua Sasse, Lachlan Nieboer

MOVIE #3211 ........................."Sun, Sand, and Romance" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3211 "Sun, Sand, and Romance" (Hallmark)  this just like the above one, has a girl constantly saying she isn't adventurous and the guy pulling her along to make her be more whimsical -- and that got boring, along with her , in this one, telling him he needs to settle down, and him telling her a number of times she is a good writer...... but one of them is Paul Campbell, and that's what kept me watching this one --- and all the island activities they offer people who go to these all-inclusive places.  Looks like fun.  I'd give this 3.5.  

"SUN, SAND, AND ROMANCE        2017     1 hour and 24 mins

Kate reunites with an old friend when her boyfriend spends too much time working during their vacation.

Director:  Mark Rosman

Writrers:  Rich Tabac, Jennifer Barrow, Gregg Rossen

Actors:  Tricia Helfer, Paul Campbell, Scott Elrod 

Movie #3210 ...................................."Paging Mr. Darcy" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3210 "Paging Mr. Darcy" (Hallmark)  never warmed up to the woman in this film, and her not being adventurous and him dragging her along got tedious, but I loved the Darcy costume and his playing it, and the end speech.  I'd give it 3.8 out of 4.

"PAGING MR. DARCY"  2024     1 HOUR AND 24 MINS

A love of Jane Austen's stories helps two people to o0vercome their pride and admit to their belief in love.

Director:  Peter Wellington

Writer:  Reina Hardy

Actors:  Mallory Jansen, Will Kemp, Lillian Coucet-Roche

Movie #3209 ........................."June in January" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3209 "June in January" (Hallmark)   This movie's stage business is planning a wedding that June has always dreamed about having (along with her mother who is no longer with her to see it to the end) , and the big conflict is the future mother-in-law, who seems to be taking over --- nothing new here, but Brooke delivers a nice emotional job on her end --- and the guy is very relatable and helps her through the conflict.    There's a lesson here that the wedding itself doesn't have to break the bank and can still be memorable.  I'd give it a 4.

"JUNE IN JANUARY"       2013       1 hour and 27 mins

A newly engaged bride's dream wedding is threatened by her scheming future mother-in-law, when a sudden change in plans pushes her perfect outdoor June wedding up to a wintry January date.

Director:  Mark Griffiths

Writers:  Jean Abonader, J. B. White

Actors:  Brooke Dorsey, Wes Brown, Marilu Henner

Movie #3208 ........................."The Boy and the Heron" (theater)

 Movie #3208 "The Boy and the Heron" (theater)  okay, so I went to the theater today to see this film, thinking this is going to win the Oscar for best animation, and I left thinking the same thing --- I haven't seen all of the others, except for "Elemental" which I didn't personally like, but this one was well done.  But don't ask me to retell the story...........I understood the opening and followed along, and then about  a third of the way in, the heron comes to life and takes the kid to another universe full of pelicans who try to eat people, and military parakeets (who reminded me of the "Oreo" soldiers in "Wizard of Oz."  Since I was the only one in the theater, while continuing to watch, I thought I would check out the synopsis to see if it would help me along as to where the film was going............after reading about 5 sentences into a rather lengthy synopsis (go ahead, look it up --- it's quite convoluted), I decided i would just accept any strange thing that came across the screen, much like "Wizard of Oz" and hope it would lead me to some sort of message ---- and I think it did.  The film deals with rather heady subjects for a little kid --- grief over his mom dying and a big move as a result of his dad marrying his mom's sister, who is pregnant.  (yep, this isn't a cartoon for kids, in my opinion) So I am interpreting this trip the heron takes him on is  a dream that leads him to a better goodbye with his mom, and more acceptance of his new stepmom and little brother.  But what a trip it is!  This film is in the hands of one of the greatest animators of all times and as I understand, it is one of his last.  I am not a fan of anime, but he's a biggie in the genre and his films have been adored for years.  I'd give it a 4  out of 5 for the message and the outstanding tech work done here...... scary in some parts, wondrous in others, but a wild ride all around.  Why not have a story that is a little easier for the viewers to watch?  That doesn't seem to be the mantra for this year's batch of films.  

"THE BOY AND THE HERON"      2023    PG-13     2 hours and 4 minutes

A young boy named Mahito yearning for his mother ventures into a world shared by the living and the dead.  There, death comes to an end, and life find a new beginning.   (Huh? I didn't get that at all - story is convoluted) 

Director:  Hayao Miyazaki

Writer;  Hayao Miyazaki

Actors:  Soma Santoki, Masaki Suda, ko Shibasaki

Movie #3207 ........................."Teachers' Lounge" (theater)

 Movie #3207 "Teachers' Lounge" (theater)  This is nominated for an Oscar for  best foreign film, and I found it quite intriguing, and frustrating to watch.  It is really treated like a thriller, which is ironic since it centers on a bit of stealing in a classroom in Germany.  A new,  naive and idealistic teacher worries how kids are being forced to "tell" on each other when there is a robbery, and  she's uncomfortable the way the school is handling the problem, so she decides to use her computer to set up the perpetrator.  When she gets evidence, she goes directly to the person she thinks has done wrong.  And that's when things start to work against her --- it's like watching dominoes fall one by one, as we watch her try to deal with angry parents, kids, administration who are trying to straighten things out in their own  way, other teachers, and then the school newspaper gets involved.  We watch her idealism unravel, and we can't do anything to prevent it.  All the while she tries to do what she thinks is best for the children, but in the confines of a school system she learns that's not what is utmost in everyone's minds.  This film is packed with powerful emotion --- I know I felt like exploding several times, but that's because I am a former teacher.  I wonder how parents and kids would react to the film --- it's one worth watching, for sure, and talking about afterwards.  We stuck around in the theatre and talked to some of the people afterwards.  Very thought provoking and emotional to watch, and i would give it a 5.  And it would make me happy to see it win best foreign film this year, but I'm thinking given the critical acclaim the 'Zone' picture has gotten, that might beat it out.  But of the two, this one spoke more to me. (once again because of my love for teaching and respect for teachers/students)

"TEACHERS' LOUGE"    2023     PG-13     1 hour and 38 mins

Wen one of her students is suspected of theft, teacher Carla Novak deices to get to the bottom of the matter.  Caught between her ideals and the school system, the consequences of her actions threaten to break her.

Director:  IIker Catak

Writers:  Johannes Duncker, IIker Cat

Actors:  Leonie Beseech, Anne-Kathrin Gummich, Rafael Stachowiak

Movie #3206 ........................."zone of Interest" (theater)

 Movie #3206 "Zone of Interest" (theater)  Where to begin with this one...... I have talked with a group of friends i saw this film with (and a few in the theatre as we were walking out), and it's mind-boggling how one film can mean so many different things to so many different people.  I look at the rotten tomatoes high scores from critics and audience and I wonder....what did I miss?  Didn't I find this movie, on a subject I usually find so fascinating and am so passionate about, dull, annoying and a waste of my time watching it?  I can't be the only one who has felt this way after seeing this movie, and yet I am told in several reviews that this is a movie that should be seen by all, that it has so much deep meaning in its passionless take on these people who live right next door to Auschwitz and yet never mention it, hardly acknowledge it, and all we do is sit and watch, waiting for something other than daily life to come on the screen.  But  after thinking hard about it, I think that is the point of the film.   I think most everyone will get the  juxtaposition of the daily life on one side of the wall, and the death and destruction of human beings on the other.  I got the point after a few minutes.  It's that the film goes on and on for a long period of time, with story line dissolving into just observation as we watch them sanitize their lives. We wait for conflict to intervene --- occasionally we'll see the little boy checking out the gold teeth he found in the ground outside of his house, the little girl who can't sleep because we guess she might have a hint what is going on?  But the big conflict becomes a house move that the mother demands shouldn't  happen because they deserve the dream house they have worked so hard for and now live in ---  and by the end of the film, don't expect any change of character here, from dispassionate to empathy, because there won't be any --- More  the "banality of evil"  is shown (as one review i found put it).  It is a modern day reminder to us who are viewing the atrocities of what is going on right now in the Ukraine and Israel, and how complicit we can be by just moving on in our lives and not giving a care of what is going on in others' lives.  I guess my reaction to this film is  in the horror of it all;  These people, whom I would consider pure evil going about their daily lives doing human activities (like celebrating birthdays, and having parties, and going hiking, and reading books to their kids, etc.).  I have never liked horror films, so I disliked this film.  But then I realize that because it is a piece of art, many people will get other interpretations of this film and that's the way it should be.  And isn't a piece of art worthwhile if it is thought provoking?  If you believe that, then you might want to see this film.  And since it is nominated for best film and best foreign film this year, many people will see it --- I just don't think they will like it.  But they don't have to like it, to respect it or get something out of it.     I found it long and drawn out, with pacing problems, and i disliked the style of the piece.  But I did a lot of thinking about it  as a result of watching it, and i am glad I saw it.  And I respect what i think its message was.  But I would never pick it as best picture.  I'd give it a 3 out of 5.  and I'd love to get your take on it, if you see it....... 

"ZONE OF INTEREST"       PG-13     2023        1 hr and 45 mins

Auschwitz commandant Rudolf Hoss and his wife Hedwig strive to build a dream life for their family in a house and garden beside the camp.

Director:  Jonathan Glazer

Writers:  Martin Amis, Jonathan Glazer

Actors:  Christian Friedel, Sandra Huller, Johann Karthaus

PS -- I read this sentence in a review ,  and I also thought there was a similarity of this film and "Oppenheimer."  Here is the quote:   "Like another technically brilliant Oscar favorite, Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, this  movie comes to feel less an insight than an illustration."

Movie #3205 ........................."Past Lives" (Amazon Prime, $5.99)

Movie #3205 "Past Lives" (Amazon Prime, $5.99)   This  is the only one so far (I have not seen "Zone of Interest" yet)  that I would question why it is on the Best Picture  list ---- somebody BIG must like it?  I'm not sure why.  Romance is a genre I can safely say I have seen a lot of, and yes, the ending is what can emotionally draw a romantic in, but up until the end, gosh, it's a tedious watch.  It is LONGGGGGGGGG, as life and  the time ticks away ---- long passages of just staring.  Not my kind of movie at all.  I really don't get the big deal about it.  I have seen a number of South Korean films that were better than this one, and they have never been nominated.  And what makes me angry, is that one of the most beautiful films this year, "The Color Purple" is not in this list and should be!!!!!!!  The people in here are awkward, quiet, reserved, non communicative, what's new?  I guess we are supposed to be able to relate to them because of that?  hmmmmm.  But what do you learn from that?  There were a few moments (like I said, the ending) that I valued, and so I would give it a 3 ---- it wasn't a 2, really.  But I don't recommend it.  Bottom line?  Life is too short to watch this long movie. (it isn't really that long in comparison to some others on this list, but......it seemed that way)

"PAST LIVES"   PG-13          2023       1 hour and 45 minutes

Nora and Hae Sung, two deeply connected childhood friends, are wrested apart after Noras family emigrates from South Korea.  Twenty Years later, they are reunited for one fateful week as they confront notions of love and destiny.   (maybe if they did, it would have been a better movie?)  

Director:  Celine Song

Writer:  Celine Song

Actors:  Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, John Magaro

P.S.  I wonder how many pages this script was?  

Movie #3204 ........................."Anatomy of a Fall" (Amazon Prime, $4.99)

 Movie #3204 "Anatomy of a Fall" (Amazon Prime)  This is a long film, but to me very engrossing.  I loved the location, the acting, the courtroom drama ( taking place in France, so different rules), the little boy and the mother and the court-appointed nanny, and how the story changes point of view.  I am a sucker for courtroom drama --- I think I could watch it all day when everyone is put to the test to be as eloquent as they can be with their words...... I delight on how one lawyer asks a question to get the witness to answer in a certain way, and then the other lawyer asks a question to get the witness to dismiss the answer he/she just gave.  To me, it's a "game," and when it is artistically done in this way, it can be likened to a well-executed tennis game or chess..... And rarely do you see a film take so much film time JUST in the courtroom.  I thought the high point was well done, and there was a nice build to it.  I could see why it was nominated  ---- I'm not sure it has a chance, but it belongs in the list, I feel.  The film did such a fine job of making a viewer like me go back and forth on whether I felt the wife killed her husband or not.  I would give it a 4.  PS the female lead in this film is also a lead in "Zone of Interest " another film nominated for Best Picture.  What a year this actress has had!

"ANATOMY OF A FALL"         2023      2 hours and 31 mins

A woman is suspected of her husband's murder, and their blind son faces a moral dilemma as the main witness.

Director:  Justine Trier

Writers:  Justine Trier, Arthur Harari

Actors:  Sandra Huller, Swann Arlaud, Milo Machado Graner

Movie #3203 ........................."American Fiction" (theatre)

 Movie #3203 "American Fiction" (theatre)  There are lots of very mediocre films out this year, in my opinion, but this is NOT one of them, and it deserves to be honored by the academy in some way.  It would be nice if it were for the very hardworking Jeffrey Wright, but looking at the competition, I'm not sure he has a chance --- in fact, he is probably on this list because they snubbed Leonardo DiCaprio.  But I am thinking the script might have a chance because the dialogue is funny, smart, and makes you think.  It tackles black and white issues, but it comes at you in a bunch of different ways, and uses an antihero, a grumpy professor (much like Holdovers) in the lead. Then, the film is full of quirky secondary characters like his new girlfriend, his brother, and a panel of judges for contemporary books.  The film starts with a powerful opening, and I just wish the ending was tweaked a bit more.  I can't really be specific without giving away too much about the film, but I guess I can say, I think there should have been one more ending tacked on (not at the very end, but in between the ones offered) that addressed very clearly his reasons.  And that's just because one of the biggest problems on the issues that are addressed in the film is that they aren't usually clearly addressed in our lives.  Well, that's a big point made here and that is that education is lacking on these issues, and if we better understood each other, we wouldn't treat each other the way we do.  Well, that being said, I feel we needed to be educated more here..... and I feel instead, the film depended on a "roll of the eyes,"  approach, addressing those who are in the know already, with a smarmy disdain --- still, the film has so much more to say, and I'd give it 4.5.  

"AMERICAN FICTION"     2023       R     1 hr and 57 mins

A novelist who's fed up with the establishment profiting from "Black" entertainment uses a pen name to write a book that propels him into the heart of hypocrisy and the madness he claims to disdain.  

Director:  Cord Jefferson

Writers:  Cord Jefferson, Percival Everett

Actors:  Jeffrey Wright, Erika Alexander,Issa Rae, Sterling K. Brown

 

Movie #3202 ........................."Nichols & May" (TCM)

 Movie #3202 "Nichols & May" (TCM)  This was a special on TCM about the comedy duo Mike Nichols and Elaine May , whom  we so  lovingly respected because of their scripts that we used quite often on stage and in speech team.  There were tons of people in here saying how wonderful they were, but we knew that already.  And we expected more about their personal relationship, instead of business one, and more about how they came up with ideas.... So I'd give this a 3 out of 5.  Just wanted more information, but it was fun watching them doing improv --- esp. their first date one in a car.  I had never seen that one before.  Talk about AWKWARD!

"Nichols and May"   a documentary on TCM

Movie #3201 ........................."Loving Leah" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3201 "Loving Leah" (Hallmark)  Every once in a while a special film comes along on the Hallmark channel, and this one was one for me.  It was knee deep in Jewish tradition, which I found very intriguing and one in which I learned quite a bit about.  Bear with me because the set up is a bit different for Hallmark (and a bit involved).  A very successful, hardworking doctor who is somewhat distant from his family because of their conservative Jewish traditions, is called back to his home for his brother's funeral --- we get the impression the brothers were close when growing up, but they separated their ways --- and the brother was a rabbi married to Leah.  Well, as part of this very strict tradition, since the doctor brother is not married, he is expected to marry his sister-in-law widow.  Huh?  Leah is not expecting this at all, but the family is --- the living brother is completely turned off by the idea --- and leaves...... But due to circumstances you would need to see to understand, they end up sharing an apartment in NYC where he works and she is going to go to college.   It sets up a very interesting story line, and I really enjoyed it --- it was a powerful film and I'd give it a 4.5 ---- just a couple of things I had to suspend my belief about, but otherwise, a winner in my books.  I recommend this one, if the story sounds interesting to you.  It was to me.

"LOVING LEAH"      2009    1 hour and 35 mins    

A quirky love story revolving around the unexpected wedding and unconventional married life of a 26-year-old widow and her late husband's brother, a handsome 30 year-old cardiologist.

Director:  Jeff Bleckjner

Writer:  Penh Goldstein

Actors:  Lauren Ambrose, Adam Kaufman, Susie Essman

Movie #3200 ........................."Betty's Bad Luck in Love" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3200 "Betty's Bad Luck in Love" (Hallmark)  Title should be changed because at seeing the title, I was going to take a pass, but then I thought, with that title, maybe, just maybe it was better than average?  and it was.  Goofy, but enjoyable, about a girl who thinks back in high school this other girl put a curse on her......and this curse has followed her into her adulthood and into her relationships with men!  If you can buy that, you'd probably like the movie.  She has to go through so many tribulations until she/he  almost dies, to be convinced that the curse is nonexistent --- or at least gone from her life.  I must say, the guy was pretty easygoing about her all around, and by the end he worked hard to get her on his side.  It was cute and I'd give it a 4 --- whimsical, offbeat, and different for Hallmark -

"BETTY'S BAD LUCK IN LOVE"     Hallmark      2024    1 hour and 24 mins

Cursed from childhood to fail at romance, Betty's relationships have always ended in disaster.  But when she meets Alex, she's tempted to try once more.  Can true love prevail over a curse?

Director:  Linda-Lisa Hayter

Writer:  Cameron Johann

Actors:  Laci J Mailey, Marco Grazzini, Meghan Heffern

Movie # 3199........................."A Scottish Love Scheme" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3199 "A Scottish Love Scheme" (Hallmark)  This film slogged around but in some beautiful locations, which made it more bearable.  The guy and girl are believable and quite normal, but quite dull.  The kid is cute, but film is same ol, same ol ---- but in Scotland.  However, I didn't see any location that looked familiar to me.   What put a little life into it is the two mothers scheming to get the guy and girl together..... But stage business was so dull --- it was just about her helping him out in a publicity job for his business (which he never really looked like he was doing because he was showing her around most of the film)....... I'd give it a 3, and mostly for the location.

"A SCOTTISH LOVE SCHEME"    2024       1 hour and 24 minutes    Hallmark

Lily travels to Scotland with her mother and reconnects with Logan, a childhood family friend.  Unbeknownst to Lily and Logan, their meddling mothers have come up with a plan to set them up.

Director:  Heather Hawthorn Doyle

Writer:  Gina Azzi

Actors:  Erica Durance, Jordan Young, Jo Cameron Brown

Movie #3198 ........................."Passing Strange" (Pluto)

Movie #3198 "Passing Strange" (Pluto)  Since Colman Domingo was recently nominated for his work in the  outstanding film "Rustin" (which you can stream on netflix) and also does a great job as MR. in "The Color Purple" (the musical film in theaters right now, and snubbed by the Academy, in my opinion), we recalled seeing him on stage in various roles.  And the one in particular we saw was a little known musical entitled "Passing Strange" -- with a little researching, we discovered that none other than Spike Lee filmed the play when it was on Broadway.  We had seen it there and were very impressed, but now knowing a bit more about Colman Domingo, we thought  we'd see Spike Lee's film and found it on Pluto.  I must say, the live presentation was a bit better ---- it usually is --- but this is well done, too.  And more importantly, with the subtitles that we could put on, we now understood every word that was sung/said.  It focuses on a mother/son relationship, with the mother quite conservative and religious  and the son trying to be his own person.  He decides to leave and go on his own, traveling to various places in Europe, one being Amsterdam, where he lives for a time period abusing drugs.  It is a story probably told before in a show, but in this one  the musicians are on stage --- the lead musician narrates the story -- and it is a very powerful show.  I'd give it a 4, and if you are interested in seeing something different that you missed in the theatre the first time it was around, you might want to check this out.

"PASSING STRANGE"         2009    2 hours and 15 minutes     

Director Spike Lee's passionate adaptation of the thrilling Broadway musical about a young bohemian who experiences sewx, drugs and rock and roll on his journey to selfhood.

Director:  Spike Lee, Annie Dorsen

Writers:  Annie Dorsen, Stew

Actors:  Stew, D'Adre Aziza, Elsa Davis, Colman Domingo