Movie #3603 ........................"Retirement Plan" (theatre)

 Movie #3603 "Retirement Plan" (theatre)  This was the last oscar-nominated animated short 2026 film we watched.   This was too simplistic for me, but possibly very universal --- just a list of what should be in your retirement plan.  Stick figure animation.  I'd give it a 3.  Some were funny.

"RETIREMENT PLAN"       2024   7 minutes   prime video

In the throes of his overstimulated, energy poor midlife, Ray fantasies about everything he'd love to do in retirement, once he finally has the time.

Director:  John Kelly

Writers:  John Kelly, Tara Lawall

Actor's voice:  Domhnall Gleeson

P.S.  it looks like if you good Awardswatch.com you can see most of these.  Just a thought.

Movie #3602 ........................."Butterfly" (theater)

 Movie #3602 "Butterfly" (theater)  This is the 4th oscar-nominated animated short 2026, and I didn't like it much -- hard to follow.  Here's what a critic said about it on Awardswatch.com:

If this category were only about rewarding the most innovative style of animation, Butterflywould be the unquestionable winner. The dreamy film tells the true story of Alfred Nakache, a Jewish competitive swimmer who competed at the 1936 Berlin Summer Olympics, survived being separated from his family at Auschwitz, and went on to compete in the Olympics once again, this time in London in 1948. 

To bring this extraordinary tale to the screen, director Florence Miailhe made the unique choice to use animated oil paintings. This gives the film a swirling, fantastical energy, which not only calls to mind the movements of water that were so familiar to Nakache, but it also feels like watching someone else’s memory somehow brought to visual life. The transitions between moments are particularly stunning, flowing from one image to another in stylish, unexpected ways. It’s simply a gorgeous experience, using animation to tell its story with an emphasis on the unique qualities that are only possible in this medium.  

Now that I read the above, I respect the film more --- I'd give it a 4 and maybe root for it at the academy awards ceremony.

Director:  Florence Miailhe and Ron Dyens

Movie #3601 ........................"The Girl Who Cried Pearls" (theater)

Movie #3601 "The Girl W@ho Cried Pearls" (theater)  This is the third oscar-nominated animated short 2026 we watched and it was weird and gothic like.  And the animation was of a style I have never seen before, where doll's heads are on animated bodies.....dark sets.....not for kids really to watch.  A little girl is crying and a little boy sees that and discovers her teats turn to pearls --- he takes them to a pawn shop to get money for her, but things go awry.  The ending is up in the air because it is a story within a story -- a sobbing little girl is being told this by her grandpa and she asks him a question :  Did the crying girl exist?  the grandfather didn't answer the girl --- as if she didn't get the story was a metaphor?  Is it a comment on how some people feel about fables and storytelling?  If the story is't based on reality, is there still a lesson to be learned?  Maybe I missed the boat, but that's what I got out of it.    It kept my attention and made me think  so I'd give it a   4.

"THE GIRL WHO CRIED PEARLS"     2025    17 mins   prime video

A haunting fable about a girl overwhelmed by sorrow, the boy who loves her, and how greed leads good hearts to wicked deeds (didn't get that from the film)

Directors:  Chris Lavis, Maciek Szczerbowski

Writers:  same as above + Isabelle Mandalian

Movie #3600 .........................."Forevergreen" (theater)

 Movie #3600 "Forevergreen " (theater)  This is the second oscar-nominated animated short 2026 that we watched, and I thought it was the best.  It is just a quiet, calm nice picture about a giant tree taking care of a baby cub --- and through some fire the cub actually starts, the cub is left on his own.....until the tree does a very brave thing.  Its focus I think was on how nature gets along with each other if left alone.  Once mankind interrupts with our greed and consumerism, we bring on destruction of nature.  I'd give it a 5.

"FOREVERGREEN"    2025    13 mis   prime video

an orphaned bear cub finds a home with a fatherly evergreen tree, until his hunger for trash leads him to danger.

Directors:  Nathan Engelhardt, Jeremy Spears

Writers :  same as above

Movie #3599 ........................."The Three Sisters" (theater)

 Movie #3599 "The Three Sisters" (theater)  the first oscar-nominated animated short we saw was "The Three Sisters" --- very basic animation, usually a style used by Nordic countries, but this time it was Israeli/Cypress/Russia -- straight lines in black for houses, and that's what we see in the opening shot -- 3 houses, actually, like a casita on a big snow bank on top of water, where 3 sisters live - each to her own house -- when they move around, they are small to tall from left to right.  They move around and the food boat comes and this particular day, they lose their pocketbook into the water and the gulls take their big fish they just bought.  bad Luck!  But then a big burly man rows his boat up to shore and you see the sisters competing for his attention.  It is a cute movie, bull of humor ,  but I thought a bit shallow in theme . I'd give it a 4.

"THE THREE SISTERS"    2024      14 minutes  amazon prime

no synopsis

Director:  Konstantin Bronzit under pseudonym Timur Kognov.  

, 

Movie #3598 ........................"Children No More.....Were and Are Gone" (theater)

 Movie #3598 "Children No More....Were and Are Gone" (theater)  This was the last oscar-nominated short doc 2026 that we saw, and it was very powerful...... the first few minutes had a woman who was in charge of this campaign talking about not getting info on where these kids were killed, and how old they were and their names..... and I wouldn't have started the film that way at all.  Once we got into reminding us that we were in Israel and  these people were holding these signs up about Palestinian kids being killed then we saw the real story --- how some of the israeli people were supportive because yes, thee are kids and they shouldn't be killed vs,  what about our hostages?  we should be protesting that!  the rest of the film shows silent protestors holding these signs up while others yell at them and tell them they should worry about the hostages..... it tugs at your heart.  It's just that in a film sense,  it had a tough start and then was static after a while, and a bit longer than it needed to be, and could be clearer over all, but it is powerful  I'd give it 4.5.  

"CHILDREN NO MORE...WERE AND ARE GONE"    (theater)2025  36 min   amazon prime

In Tel Aviv, activists gather weekly to demonstrate their opposition to the war in Gaza with a silent vigil for the children killed in Israeli attacks.

Director:  Hilla Medalia

Movie #3597 ........................"All the Empty Rooms" (theater)

 Movie #3597 "All the Empty Rooms" (theater)  I had seen this oscar-nominated short doc 2026 on CBS Sunday Morning, and seeing it on the big screen made it even more powerful.  This film came about when Steve Hartman had to cover all the school shootings and at the end of the week, he was supposed to put a positive turn on the event --- and he found it more and more difficult to do, and he felt he and the viewing public  was becoming numb to all the school shootings .  So he set out to film the rooms these parents were leaving untouched in homage to their kids.  In this short film, he covers 4 of them, but never forgets to let us know of the many others that still exist.  The film shows the expert photographer he gets to do this ---- how in respect he takes his shoes off before he enters, he and Steve listen to the stories about the kids, and he goes around and takes pictures of the little valuables in each of the rooms -- when done, they give a photo book  to the family.  One moment I remember out of the film was the little notes this one girl wrote to herself in the future.  Crushing image.  What a way to prove these kids were loved and they were real and now they are gone.  So sad and so well done --- I am thinking this is the winner of this batch.  I'd give this one a 5 and a high recommendation - you need to see it if you haven't already.  

"ALL THE EMPTY ROOMS"    34 mins     PG13     34 mins   I think this is on netflix

Follows correspondent Steve Hartman and ph0tographer Lou Bopp as they embark on a seven year-long project to document the empty bedrooms of children killed in school shootings.

Director;  Joshua Seftel

Movie #3596 ........................"Armed Only with a Camera: The Life and Death of Brent Renaud" (theater)

Movie #3596 "Armed Only with/a Camera: the Life & Death of Brent Renaud" (theater) This was the third oscar-nominated doc short 2026, and I thought it was the best.  I had heard of the Renaud brothers on MSNBC, brothers who were war journalists, and of the death of brother Brent, and this movie shed more light on the situations he stepped into while covering various wars in the years he lived.  He was a documentary filmmaker for 20 years, and they took the footage he had taken and made a final documentary in tribute to all his work covering Iraq, Ukraine (where he got shot in the face, illegal to do that to a journalist - supposed to be shot in the journalist's vest) Somalia, Palestine,  Haiti, hurricanes, Chicago, and the list goes on --- I couldn't write down all the places he covered.  He always showed how the civilians have been caught in the middle of all of these wars --- the way the film was edited, it followed his life growing up, how he started in Arkansas force, and worked his way up, and then ends on his funeral and all the eulogies made about him --- the film would cut from a eulogy and show you how he would talk to the oppressed and injured .  One man lying on a cot being treated for his wounds turned to Brent and said:  "I can tell you care about what you do --- the way you hold the camera, you can change the world. "  That line got me --- very powerful, and put into words what the film was trying to say.  Here this guy (who was autistic) put his life on the line so these stories would be told --- and now he's dead, but his stories still need to be told over and over until we listen and make changes.  This film got me --- had several moments I will always remember.  I would give the award to this one  - but I usually don't pick the winner.  But I still would give this one a 5.   (maybe on HBO Max)

"ARMED ONLY W/ A CAMERA:  THE LIFE & DEATH OF BRENT RENAUD"  37 MINS, 2025 

an intimate chronicle about documentary filmmaker Brent Renaud, the first American journalist killed while reporting on the Russo-Ukrainian War.  

Directors: Brent Renaud, Craig Renaud

 

Movie #3595 ........................"The Devil is Busy" (theater)

Movie #3595 "The Devil is Busy" (theatre)  The second oscar-nominated doc short 2026 was this one centered on a typical day at an women's wellness center/abortion clinic ---- way out in the country, where you get the idea that several women are traveling all day to get to.  Now that things have changed thanks to our conservative Supreme Court, things have become even more dangerous at these clinics, so we are introduced right away to the woman who heads the security and opens the doors and sets up each of the rooms, not to mention organizes all the security outside with the cars that start to come even before sunrise.  It is interesting to note that she is very religious and starts and ends the day with a prayer.  The film is clear on a few things:  they hav 46 visitors on the list of arrivals for the day, if a woman is even 1 day past the 6 weeks, she will be sent away, they will be greeted by protesters who come every day, just like the security people (and they know each other by name, etc.) , the narrator says it's a shame that her daughter who is 25 now has less rights than she had when she was growing up, the protesters' constant chanting pervades the air ...............we've seen a lot of abortion clinic fits but this one is a big different because of the point of view of the religious security woman who says she is working for women's freedom.  It's nice to know how much some of these people care and how much they do for these young girls who come to the clinic.  I would give this a 3.5 because it doesn't give a good idea of the people who actually come to the clinic --- they are on the phone when told they are a day over the deadline, they are in line outside the door --- we see them very little, and I think if they entered the film a bit more, it would be a better film.'

"THE DEVIL IS BUSY   2024       31 mins    HBO Max

At an Atlanta abortion clinic besieged by protesters, the director of operations takes necessary risks to safeguard staff and patients. 

Directors:  Greeta Gandbhir, Christalyn Hampton  

Movie#3594 ........................."Perfectly a Strangeness" (theater)

Movie #3594 "Perfectly a Strangeness" (theater)  Here are the oscar-nominated documentary shorts 2026, and this was the first one we saw.  And true to its title, it was perfectly strange.  Well, maybe not "perfectly" but indeed strange.  No dialogue, it is a sensory point of view of three donkeys as on a normal every day walk right before sunset  they pass some kind of astronomical observatory  --- (Note: I didn't guess it was astronomical until we saw all the stars toward the end of this short --- thought it was a nuclear site with all the broken up rocks the animals had to traipse by or jump over)  Anyway, it's what they hear and see --- so if we have a hankering to see one of these, you don't need to after watching this film because we see it through their eyes, and they probably see more than John Q. Public might see on his walk  It's beautiful but it never drew me in --- and it never came across as "perfect" to me.  Maybe that we are able to feel so close to the stars at a place like this?  I'd give it 4 for its beautiful photography.

"PERFECTLY A STRANGENESS"    20224     15 mins    (prime video)

In a dazzling incandescence of an unknown desert, three donkeys discover an abandoned astronomical observatory and the universe.  A sensorial, cinematic exploration of what a story can be.

Director:  Alison McAlpine

Writer:   same as above

Actors:  Palomo, Ruperto, Palaye    

 

MOVIE #3593 ........................."Jane Austen's Period Drama" (theater)

Movie #3593 "Jane Austen's Period Drama" (theater)  The very last one was very funny, and if you get a chance to watch any of them, this would be the one --- it might be a tad too light-hearted for the academy, but we enjoyed it quite a bit.  The joke surrounds the word "period" --- when a young woman starts to bleed in front of her suitor (this is all Jane Austen time period, including costumes, location, dialogue, etc.)  he thinks she is in dire help from a doctor.  Pretty funny idea on a subject not talked about a lot, so it's esp. funny when the guy has to be taught from the ground up what is common knowledge to all women, and we rarely have to put it into words.  I gave this a 4 out of 5 -- and just sat back and enjoyed this one.

"JANE AUSTEN'S PERIOD DRAMA"     2024        13 MINS         (prime video)

England, 1813.  In the middle of a long-awaited marriage proposal, Miss Estrogenia Talbot gets her period.  Her suitor, Mr. Dickley, mistakes the blood for an injury, and it soon becomes clear that his expensive education has missed a spot.

Directors:  Julia Aks, Stee Pinder

Writers:  same as above

Actors:  Julia aks, Ta'imua, Samantha Smart

Movie #3592 ........................."Two People Exchanging Saliva" (theater)

Movie #3592 "Two People exchanging Saliva" (theater)  There always has to be a way out one, and this one is --- once again live-action short, oscar-nominated 2026.  This one was way far out there for me to figure out completely.  This is what I saw:  in a society not of our own, kissing is punishable by being put in a box and thrown into the river.  When people pay for items they buy, they get slaps, and so many slaps brings on more of a stigma.  I saw only women punished, and so it may be a comment on a society that mistreats women (wow, consider that idea!).  And it is two women that the film focuses on who have a physical attraction to each other  - one buys clothes from the other.  A possible comment on the importance of outward appearance in women?  I had a thought that with diseases like Covid that a society might suggest that you can't exchange saliva with another --- which seems farfetched, but then we live in a society today that is getting rid of vaccinations that have kept some diseases controlled for decades.  So?  I'm sorry I can't say more about this, and because of that I would have to complain that there just wasn't enough info given -- but maybe that was just me, and the group I was in.  I would give it a weak 3 because of that, but I also found it intriguing in parts.  But I would be surprised if it gets the big award in this category.  

"TWO PEOPLE EXCHANGING SALIVA"   2024          36 mins   (might find it on hulu/disney)

In a society where kissing is punishable by death, and people pay for things by receiving slaps to the face, Angine, an unhappy woman, shops compulsively in a department store.  There she becomes fascinated by a playful salesgirl.  Despite the prohibition of kissing, the two become close, raising the suspicions of a jealous colleague. 

Directors:  Natalie Mustafa, Alexandre Singh

Writers:  same as above

Actors:  Zar amir Ebrahimi, Luana Bajrami, Vicky Krieps  

Movie #3591 ........................."Butcher's Stain" (theater)

Movie #3591 "Butcher's Stain" (theater) This is the third live-action oscar-nominated short 2026 that we viewed, and I found it to be very engrossing --- We feel for the hardworking Arab Israeli butcher right away from the start of this short film -- he works hard, tries to mind his own business in Tel Aviv.  One worker seems outwardly nice to him, but the others just ignore each other and work.  When he is blamed for taking down hostage posters in the break room, the story takes us into a world of suspicion for those whom we don't treat as our equals.  It is very topical (with our own country's treatment of immigrants) and a worthwhile watch.  I'd give it a 4 out of 5.  

"BUTCHER'S STAIN"    2025     26 mins     theater (might be watched on amazon prime)

Samir, an Arab Israeli working in a supermarket in Tel Aviv , is accused of tearing down hostage posters in the break room.  He sets ut to prove his innocence to keep this job  that he desperately needs .

Director:  Meyer Levinson-Blount

Writer:  Meyer Levinson-Blount

Actors:  Omar Sameer, Meyer Levinson-Blount, Rona Toledano

Movie #3590 ........................."A Friend of Dorothy" (theater)

Movie #3590 "A Friend of Dorothy" (theater) The second oscar-nominated live action short of 2026 happens to be my favorite --- will it win?  Don't know, but it was a feel good film with a lot to say about loneliness in our seniors, loneliness in our youth who are left alone to make tough decisions, theater, art, acceptance of all, seeing the good in people and supporting them, caretaking, what's more important than money, and the list goes on.  I esp. enjoyed watching Dorothy, the elderly actress who has been in many movies and tv shows in the past, and here she takes the stage, encouraging this young black boy that he has the talent to go on in acting.  And the ending clinched it for me --- it got to me emotionally, and that moment added to the woman's acting and the messages in this film, gave it a 5 out of 5 for me.  (I think this is available on prime video)  PS -- I like that which is NOT said in the film, like the importance of the play"Bent" that he chooses to read.

"A FRIEND OF DOROTHY"      21 minutes      2025

Director:  Lee Knight

Writer:  Lee Knight

Actors:   Miriam Margoles, Alistair Nwachuk, Stephen Fry

Movie #3589 ........................."The Singers"(theater)

Movie #3589 "The Singers  (theater)  First oscar-nominated Live Action Short we watched  at the theater for 2026, and it was well done.  With a strong theme :  that musics binds us all, it was one of the feel good live action shorts offered to the viewer this year that was nominated.  In a dark setting of a bar with little light, full of beer drinking macho men talking about war things and slamming down their bottles and glasses, they were ready for competition --- this time, at what?  Singing!  Good ending.  I'd give this a 4 out of 5, and after seeing all the others, this could be a strong contender.

"THE SINGERS"   2025    18 MINS.         theater (I think you can see it on netflix)

An impromptu sing-off decides the best singer in the bar tonight.

Director:  Sm A Davis

Writer:  Ivan Turgenev (note,  based on an old short story)

Actor:  Chris Smither, Will Harrington, Judah Kelly

Movie #3588 ........................."Blue Moon" (netflix)

Movie #3588 "Blue Moon" (netflix)  This is mostly  an all dialogue story that  unfolds in one set --- small number of actors come into the scenes, Ethan Hawke stays in that place through the whole film (one visit to the bathroom).  The film is nominated for his acting, and he really takes on this role very passionately --- changes the way he walks, sits, talks, etc.  This film made me so interested in learning even more about this composer --- what a quirky , intelligent, narcissistic alcoholic this Lorenz Hart is shown to be in this film.  And what a sad person , at a very sad time in his life --- the beginning of the end.... the opening night of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Oklahoma!" the first show Rodgers does without Hart as his partner for several decades.  Rodgers proves he can do it without Hart, but both Hart and Rodgers and many others in the bar know that Hart is the better lyricist --- probably one of the best there ever was.  Even Hammerstein knows he can't do better than Hart.  And that is very sad.  This movie drew me in emotionally, and I would give it 3.8, but if I just judged it on Hawke's acting, it would have been a 5.  This movie is not for everyone, but I found it very different from what we usually see in our films.

"BLUE MOON"     2025 r    1 hour and 40 mins    netflix

Tells the story of Lorenz Hart's struggles with alcoholism and mental health as he tries to save face during the opening of "Oklahoma!" 

Director;  Richard Linklater

Writers;  Robert Kaplow, Lorenz Hart, Elizabeth Weiland

Actors:  Ethan Hawke, Bobby Canavale, Andrew Scott

     

Movie #3587 ........................."Secret Agent" ( Amazon Prime)

Movie #3587 "Secret Agent" (Amazon Prime)  This was a disappointment -- I expected it to be much better, being oscar- nominated 2026 for two awards:   best international film and best picture.  In my opinion, it isn't worthy of all that acclaim.  i haven't seen the other movies in international category, but i have seen all of them in best film category, and it ranks pretty low.  Why?  story is scattered full of lots of wasted screen time, unconnected things happening, not an easy story to follow and the lead guy is meh in it.  There are far too many bad guys , and really there's no one we like except his son (who is in it very short time).  And many unanswered questions left.  3 out of 5, and I don't recommend it. 

'SECRET AGENT"  2025 R   2 hours and 41 minutes    Amazon Prime (for a price)

In 1977, a technology expert flees from a mysterious past and returns to his hometown of recife in search of peace.  He soon realize that the city is far from being the refuge he seeks.

Director;  Kleber Mendonca Filho

Writer:  Kleber Mendonca Filho

actors:  Robson andrade, Rubens Santos, Licinio Jauario 

Movie #3586 ........................."Come See Me in the Good Light" (Apple)

Movie #3586 "Come See Me in the Good Light' (apple)  This is another oscar-nominated documentary 2026.  The documentary focuses on a poet/comedian  dying of cancer from the get go, and how her lesbian partner and friends help her through it.  A very long documentary, but beautifully done  --- mostly hard to watch but her attitude and words shine through to make this a worthwhile watch.  I'd give it 3.8 out of 5.

"COME SEE ME IN THE GOOD LIGHT"       Apple   2025, 1 hr and 44 mins

Facing an incurable diagnosis, two poet lovers embark on a poignant yet unexpectedly humorous exploration of love, mortality, and life's moments.

Director:  Ryan White

Writer:  Ryan White

Megan Falley, Andrea Gibson, Tig Notaro

Movie #3585 ........................."Agatha Christie's Seven Dials" (Netflix)

Movie #3585 "Agatha christie's Seven Dials" (netflix)   This quite talky , but i loved the turns.  Those turns and the interesting characters kept us watching until the very end -- well acted, and loved the spunky female lead and the creepy ending.  I'd give it 4 out of 5 and recommend it.

"AGATHA CHRISTIE'S SEVEN DIALS"     tV-miniseries,  3 episodes, 55 mins each 

In 1925, a country house party prank turns deadly.  Lady Eileen "Bundle" Brent investigates the chilling murder plot.  Lady Caterham and Superintendent Battle assist in solving the country house mystery that changes Bundle's life.  

Creator:  Chris Chibnall

Actors:  Mia McKenna-Bruce, Edward Bluemel, Martin Freeman

Movie #3584 ........................."Perfect Neighbor" (Netflix)

 Movie #3584 "Perfect Neighbor" (Netflix)  This is an oscar-nominated documentary 2026, and it recently won Critics' Choice award and a nomination for a  Bafta award for best documentary .  It was the easiest for me to get to first since it is on netflix for free and I'm glad I watched it.  I am not a huge documentary fan mostly because I feel they are sometimes very very slanted, and they usually are too long, but this one was neither in my opinion.  It presents through police body cams several times the police were called to this one block in Florida with shouting, throwing things, swearing, name calling, etc. between a white woman and several black little kids and their parents.  The complaint was that they were on her lawn and making too much noise.  She was just renting, and she wasn't there that long of a time and she seemed really finicky and easily ticked off by little kids, so the police were trying to tell her to have more patience, and trying to tell the black families to respect her area.  Well, it escalated and someone was shot -- a black mother was shot by this white lady through a metal door.  The police took her in, and we watch her cross examined, and the situation just escalates.  The note at the end indicates why the film probably was made --- the white woman in this situation was using the "stand your ground  law" in that particular state, and how it is now gone probably because of problems like this one.  I'd give it a 3 out of 5 --- I found the body cam filming annoying, but when it was held still and they were interviewing her, I found that part intriguing.

"THE PERFECT NEIGHBOR"        2025 R    1 hour and 36 mins     netflix

A minor disagreement between neighbors in Florida takes a lethal turn, with police body camera footage and interviews probing the aftermath of the state's controversial "stand your ground" laws.

Director:  Geeta gandbhir 

Movie #3583 ........................."The Best You Can" (Netflix)

Movie #3583 "The Best You Can" (Netflix)  I liked this movie, especially the pairing of  Kyra Sedgwick with real hubby Kevin Bacon.  And it seemed to deal with caretaking in a humorous way, which would be tough to do.  The set up is that Kyra is a young woman married to a much older man --- he was her mentor, she respected him and now she has to be the main witness to his slowing down with dementia.  Enters a patient she has (she is a urologist) that is a security man who is unhappy with his life  - he feels he could do more, esp. with his estranged daughter --- he is kind of trying to caretaker, too.  They both are lonely in their lives and find comfort in talking to each other, for misery loves company.  The two stories aren't exactly alike, but both the wife and the father are trying to do the best they can.  I'd give this a 4 out of 5 and recommend it.  Once again, some humor in dealing with some very serious problems.

"THE BEST YOU CAN"  2025        R     1 hour and 43 mins        netflix

Stan Olszewski, a security guard foils a home robbery attempt at Cynthia Rand's residence.  A charged friendship develops starting with late-night humorous texts.  Their deepening bond shakes up both of their lives.  

Director:  Michael J. Weithorn

Writer:  Michael J. Weithorn

Actors:  Kevin Bacon, Kyra Sedgwick, Judd Hirsch    

Movie #3582 ........................."Fly Me to the Moon" (apple)

 Movie #3582 "Fly Me to the Moon" (apple)  I went by this film a couple of times because I had heard the subject was the conspiracy theory about the Moon landing being fake -- ridiculous premise, I thought.  But to see this idea used rather smartly to make fun at that theory and showing how difficult it was to do the actual moon landing in comparison to the fake one makes the watching of this film worthwhile.  The actors aren't outstanding, but they do whaat they have to do, and it was nice to see Woody Harrelson do his particular part in such a humorous way.  i moderately recommend it --- it is a light-hearted dealing of a serious subject, but like I said I thought most people would enjoy the way it is done.  It's a cute script and a couple of hours of amusing story.  I'd give it 4 out of 5.

"FLY ME TO THE MOON"       PG-13     2024     2 hours and 12 mins     apple

  Brought in to fix NASA' s public image, sparks fly in all directions as marketing maven Kelly Jones (Johansson) wreaks havoc on launch director Cole Davis's already difficult task. When the White house deems the mission too important to fail, the countdown truly begins .  This films is a sharp, stylish romantic comedy set against the high-stakes backdrop of NASA's historic Apollo 11 moon landing.  

Director : Greg Berlanti

Writers:  Keenan Flynn, Bill Kirstein, Rose Gilroy

Actors:  Scarlett Johansson, Channing Tatum, Woody Harrelson. 

Movie #3581 ........................."Hamnet" (Theatre)

Movie #3581 "Hamnet"   Well, I was waiting to see something Wow about a movie this year, and I found it in this one.  This movie has one of the best endings I have ever seen in a film, and it is worth watching the rest of the movie.  I don't want to set this film up with such high expectations  that it lets you down, but I do want to point out that even if you have a hard time getting into it in the first few scenes, or find it is slow paced in the middle and getting hard to follow at times, that you should keep plowing through because the end was worth it.  One other thing that might prevent you from liking the film at the beginning (like it did for me) is that it seemed there were a lot of times the actors were whispering or not clear in every word they said.  While watching, I was wishing that I had streamed it so I could read what they were saying, but then the ending wouldn't work as well;  being in a theater with a big screen/ being  so close to the action (practically  ON  the stage)  is   needed for the ending to work its power on the viewers.   Therefore,  see it IN the theatre if you can.  But here's the irony --- I might not have understood everything that was heard in every scene (and it might be me or the theater or where I was sitting (variables I could not control) , but the acting is soooooo good by everyone in the film, that the lines weren't always necessary.  And from the moment Jessie Buckley enters the film, her presence is known and "attention must be paid."  She really soars in every scene --- and a lot does not depend on what she says.  It's hard to describe, but that's what happens, and I'm quite sure she will win the AA, and she should.  I give this movie a 4.5 and highly recommend it.  But I'm a sucker for the whole idea that if Shakespeare did indeed write "Hamlet" himself  that his little son would have been his  muse. 

"HAMNET"                        2025      PG-13      2 hours 5 mins

After losing their son Hamnet to plague, Agnes and William Shakespeare grapple with grief in 16th-century England.  A healer, Agnes must find strength to care for her surviving children while processing her devastating loss.  

Director:  Chloe Zhao

Writers:  Chloe Zhao, Maggie O'Farrell

Actors:  Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, Zac Wishart

Movie #3580 ........................."If I Had Legs I'd Kick You" (Amazon Prime)

Movie #3580 "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You" (Amazon Prime)  I don't think I have ever seen a movie quite like this...........If you have suffered at all with anxiety and are easily stressed, I would suggest you skip this one because seeing what she goes through on the screen might just push you over into the abyss~!  That being said, the film is truly about caretaking and how in order to be a good caretaker, one must take care of himself/herself first! --- Rose Byrne plays a mother of a daughter  with some unknown disease that deals with nutrients  being put into her through a port during the night.  Mom  wants to pull it out because that would mean progress for her little girl (and for her!)but it's not a decision that she can easily make.  And this is only one problem in her life -- she has a husband who keeps calling her from far away and telling her what she should be doing, a medical person who keeps giving the mother ultimatums about her daughter's condition, &  her daughter who is unhappy no matter what mother tries to do.  Along with that, the mother has become addicted to alcohol and some drugs to get her through the day.  Throw in that something happens to her house which sends her and her daughter and her daughter's nightly machine into a small hotel room --- And there's more!  She's a therapist, trying to take care of all of her patients while her life is crumbling around her, and she doesn't get along with her own  therapist....and there's more but if the above hasn't given you angst , I don't know what will --- I had to watch this in parts because it was too overwhelming to me at times.  I can't imagine seeing it in a movie theater when you are forced to sit there and take all this in at one time!  Well, the above seems like negatives, but it really isn't --- you need all of that to get across what her life is like --- and not just hers, but many people (caretakers)  walking around every day, carrying around baggage that we know nothing about.... so this film  makes you think about them.    Anyway, Rose Byrne is amazing, and if I hadn't seen Jessie Buckley in "Hamnet" I would think it's rose's turn this year, but..... Another plus is that this film is really one of the few I've seen this year that makes me keep thinking about it, especially.  the end scene -- I'm still working on it, and if you saw this film and you want to share what you thought about it here or personally message me, please do.  It's a good think piece, and I respect the amount of bravery it took to do this film by everybody.  I'd give it a 4, and moderately recommend. (but note that  I think it might drive a lot of people crazy)

"IF I HAD LEGS I'D KICK YOU"     2025    R   1 hr and 53 mins

While trying to manage her own life and career, a woman on the verge of a breakdown must cope with her daughter's illness, an absent husband, a missing person, and an unusual relationship with her therapist.

Director:  Mary Bronstein

Writer:  Mary Bronstein

Actors:  Rose Byrne, Conan O'Brien, Danielle Macdonald

Movie #3579 ........................."Train Dreams" (netflix)

Movie #3579 "Train Dreams" (netflix)  This is a slow moving film that goes thro0ugh a logger's life, who is looking for his purpose.  He finds it when he meets his future wife , they build a cabin of their own on private land in the great northwest, far from the city.  When tragedy occurs, he is searching again.  The film is well photographed, acted (although it is pretty flat through a lot of the film because Joel Edgerton is playing such a quiet character.) I liked the film, and I didn't mind the pace -- but I wanted the ending to be a bit ore rewarding -- it kind of fizzled out for me.  I can see a little why it was nominated this year for AA for best picture, but after seeing more than one that I think is a bit better, I don't think this one has much of a chance;.  I do respect it, but because of the pacing, I don't think it is for everyone  I'd give it a 4.

"TRAIN DREAMS"        2025      PG-13     1 hour and 42 mins

Based on Denis Johnson's belov3ed novella, this film is the moving portrait of Robert Grainer, a logger and railroad worker who leads a life of unexpected depth and beauty in the rapidly-changing America of the early 20th Century.

Director:  Clint Bentley

Writers:  Clint Bentley, Greg Kwedar, Denis Johnson

Actors:  Joel Edgerton, Clifton Collins Jr., Felicity Jones

Movie #3578 ........................."Champions" (Peaccock)

Movie #3578 "Champions: (Peacock, Apple,  but also on cable occasionally)  Woody Harrelson , where have you been?  His career kind of mirrors the one the coach has in this film....i.e., a coach is good at what he does, but he isn't going anywhere, and he gets in one tough situation and the powers that be send him to be a coach for disabled adults.  Woody as an actor who has lately done some pretty good dramatic films , but then we don't see him for a long time, and he pops out in a movie like this; however, the movie is actually well done, and isn't disrespectful to these young adults, who all establish excellent quirky characters that we will remember long after the movie is over.  It has passion, and a minimal amount of basketball --- nice formula for me, and I'd give it a 4.

" CHAMPIONS"  2023   PG-13 2 hours, 4 mins

A former minor-league basketball coach is ordered by the court to manage a team of players with intellectual disabilities.  He soon realizes that despite his doubts, together, this team can go further than they ever imagined.

Director:  Bobby farrelly

Writers:  Mark Rizzo, Javier Fesser, David Marques

Actors:  Woody Harrelson, Kaitlin Olson, Matt Cook  

Movie #3577 ........................"Lee" (Hulu)

Movie #3577 "Lee" (Hulu)  We saw a "60 Minutes" segment on the real photographer Lee Miller, and it piqued out interest to watch the film.  We have seen plays and other films on photographers in war zones, but they were easier to follow.  This was edited without giving  much information on the woman, herself.  And sometimes what her job was, and what it involved.   I didn't think it gave her work much justice --- and it had a turn it was shooting for, but by the time we got to it, it was anticlimactic.  So I would give this film just a 3, and not recommend it.

"LEE"        2023      R         1 hour and 57 mins

War correspondent Lee Miller travels to the front lines of WWII to embark on a mission to uncover the hidden truths of the Third Reich.  But in the wake of betrayal, a reckoning will come over the truths of her own past.  

Director:  Ellen Kuras

Writers:  Liz Hannah, Marion Hume, John Collee

Actors:  Kate Winslet, Andy Samberg, Alexander Skarsgard  

Movie #3576 ........................."Song Sung Blue" (theatre)

Movie #3576 "Song Sung Blue" (theatre)  This was quite a good story, not a biography of Neil Diamond, but a story with twists and turns about a guy who is is in a cover band for Neil Diamond --- a Neil Diamond wanna-be, and his story of falling in love with his muse (played so well by Kate Hudson).  She does the whole gamut of emotions here , and she is truly a marvel to watch, but....I felt the movie had way too much music  --- for example,  I wanted to get to know the kids even more..... but I would give this a 4 out of 5 and recommend it.  I think most people would enjoy the passion for music shown here!

"SONG SUNG BLUE"   2025     PG-13     2 hours and 12 minutes

Lightning and Thunder, a Milwaukee husband and wife Neil Diamond tribute act, experience soaring success and devastating heartbreak in their musical journey together.

Director:  Craig Brewer

Writers:  Craig Brewer, Greg Kohn

Actors:  Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson 

Movie #3575 ........................."Bringing Christmas Home" (GAC)

 Movie #3575 "Bringing Christmas Home" (GAC)  This is a search for  Orin and Alice --- two people obviously in love before he went to war.  His uniform shows up in an antique shop -- the dealer is moved by the love letters he found in Orin's uniform and joins up with a WWII expert to find Orin to give him back his uniform.  Most of the stage business in this film is searching, and that is okay, but it could have been shorter.  I'd give it a 4 out of 5. 

"BRINGING CHRISTMAS HOME"       GaC    2023     1 hr and 30 mins

A professor of military history teams with an antique store owner to find the original owner of a historic WWII uniform and the love letters left in its pockets.

Director:  Mike Rohl

Writers:  Casie Tabanou, Ali Spuck

Ators:  Jill Wagner, Paul Greene, Jess Brown 

Movie #3574 ........................."Eleanor , the Great" (amazon prime)

Movie #3574 "Eleanor, the Great" (amazon Prime)   We are fans of June Squibb, and we just heard she is on stage on Broadway 90% of the time in her new show, and she's still going strong in her 90s, and we wanted to show support by seeing this film.  And we are glad we did.  Scarlett Johansson directed her in this little gem, which is a character-driven study of two women who share an apartment until they no longer can.  Well acted, with  lot of heart.  I'd give it a 4 and recommend it , esp. if you are a June Squibb's fan, too.

"ELEANOR, THE GREAT"    Amazon prime  2025    PG-13    1 hour and 38 mins

After a devastating loss, witty and proudly troublesome Eleanor Morgenstein, 94 tells a tale that takes on its own dangerous life.

Diretor:  Scarlett Johansson

Writer:  Tory Kamen

Actors:  June squibb, Erin Kellyman, Chiwetel Ejiofor 

Movie #3573 ........................."Frankenstein" (netflix)

Movie #3573 "Frankenstein" (netflix)  Did we really need another one of these? Maybe....  Story here seems even closer (and morbid) to the original, and there's a push to get some real acting out of the "creature" to help balance out the overacting by Dr. Frankenstein, but it never pulled me in.  There was some creepiness in moments (especially. the room full of body parts), the sets were beautiful, and they were all set on fire at one point, which was amazing.... The theme is even more topical with the influx of A.I. into our culture these days so it was well worth watching  to enable us to think of the consequences of our actions.  But like I said above,  it never pulled me in ---and I think that is important to have the audience get pulled in to feel for the "creature."  Not enough time in the film for us to get to do that. (too much emphasis maybe on the accoutrements? )   I'd give it 3.8 out of 5.  

"FRANKENSTEIN"  2025      R   2 hours and 29 mins    Netflix

Director:  Guillermo del Toro

Writers:  Guillermo del Toro, Mary Shelley

Cast:  Oscar Isac, Jacob Elordi, Christoph Waltz, Mia Goth

 

Movie #3572 .........................""The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry" (netflix)

 Movie #3572 "The Storied Life of A.J.Fikry" (netflix)  This is another book my book club really enjoyed made into a movie that is available for streaming on netflix. I liked this book better than the film --- just didn't like or believe the guy playing A.J.  but the little girls who played his adopted girl were wonderful.  The book came across more whimsical , and A.J. more warm of a character once the little girl was around.  But this movie still has some powerful moments, like the book, and I would give it a 4 out of 5.  The lead character ws a bit flat --- the girl was memorable in her role.

"THE STORIED LIFE OF A.J. FIKRY      netflix     2022     PG-13      1 hr and 45 min

A. J. Fakery's wife has died, his bookstore is in trouble, and now his prized rare edition of Poe poems has been stolen.,  However, when a mysterious package appears, its arrival gives him the chance to start his life over and see things anew.

Director:  Hans Canosa

Writer:  Gabrielle Zevin

Actors:  Kunal Nayyar, Lucy Hale, Christina Hendricks 

Movie #3571 .........................."The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry" (netflix)

Movie #3571 " the Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry" (Netflix) I had read and enjoyed this book for book club several years ago, and then I saw the film based on the book was streaming, and so I made sure to see it (in between all the Academy award -nominated films I need to watch in the next couple of weeks).  I loved this movie as much as the book, but it isn't for everyone because there's not that much action in the film .  It is indie in spirit and sparse on story.  It is about a man who gets a note from a person in his past, and when he writes her a note back and takes it to the mailbox, he decides to just take it and deliver it himself --- by walking 350+ miles to her.  That's pretty much the plot, and it's difficult to explain just how the book and film are able to conduct the story and keep the interest of the viewer while he is just walking..... but it happens.  There are a couple of suprises along the way, but this film is truly character-driven, and the two wonderful English actors who play Harold and his wife do the film justice -- they are amazing to watch and they really draw us in to this "little" story.  I would give it a 4.5  because it drags a bit in the middle, but rewards the watcher with a powerful ending.  

"THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY"  2023   1 hr & 48 mins netflix

Harold is an ordinary man whoo has passed through life, living on the side lines , until he goes to post a letter one day...and just keeps walking.

Director:  Hettie Macdonald

Writer:  Rachel Joyce

Actors:  Jim Broadbent, Penelope Wilton 

 

Movie #3570 ........................."Eternity" (movie theater)

 Movie #3570 "Eternity" (movie theater)  I loved this movie -- a rom-com with several twists.  First, the twist that the movie, after the first couple of minutes, follows someone who ha died and is experiencing the first part of the afterlife --- the junction to the future eternity.  You thought you had tough decisions to make on earth, wait to see what this film's suggestion is for eternity.  And because of the difficult decision that has to be made, it affects the rest of the movie.  Telling you more would just give away the rest of the twists and turns in this  very funny, very natural (which is ironic because it deals with death), very winning film that is not getting much advertisement, but I'm here to tell you that everyone who went with me to see it found it a very good film.  And much easier to watch and enjoy and still feel deep emotions and ask yourself complex questions about your life, than many of the films that are out there now.  I highly recommend it and give it 4.8 .  (Not quite a 5 because I was asking  questions on the plot line by the end , that I felt could have been answered within the confines of the story if it was a bit clearer.  Otherwise, go see it if you can, or look for it when it's streaming probably on Netflix.

"ETERNITY"    2025     PG-13       1 hour and 54mins

In an afterlife where souls have one week to decide where to spend eternity, Joan is faced with the impossible choice between the man she spent her life with and her first love who died young and has waited decades for her to arrive.

Director:  David Freyne

Writers:  Patrick Cunnane, David Freyne

Actors:  Miles Teller, Elizabeth Olsen, Callum Turner (from Boys in the Boat)

   

Movie #3569 ........................."One Battle After Another" (Max)

 Motive #3569 "One Battle After Another" (Max)  Since this movie is being touted as one of the best of 2025, and since it is starring one of my favorite actors Leonardo DiCaprio, we streamed this the other night.  If we judged it on just the first 20 minutes, we would have turned it off.  Not a good start for us at all --- lots of shooting, people in tense situation yelling at each other, at times incoherently, using words we weren't familiar with, and a weird sex scene (possibly two or 3, stopped counting).  It didn't look like we were going to like any of these people, and given the violent climate in our world today with protestors vs. Ice people, it looked like the film was going to make a statement , with two extremes fighting each other.  The "Ice" like people were in military garb with huge numbers fighting with huge weaponry, and the other side was risking their lives, with their own big guns and explosives, but there were far less of these --- so we tend to side automatically with the underdog --- but they come across so extreme, it's hard to do that.  That attitude stayed with me through most of the film, but as the military side headed by Sean Penn continued with their tactics, it was a little easier to side with the underdogs moreso.  That's kind of the political reaction I had of the film -- this film is  a topical one that considers what if the protestors got more violent?  And if they don't, what happens to the peaceful protesting in the streets?  Will that be enough? But the film is more layered than that.  Once Leo is followed for the remainder of the film, it becomes more about raising a kid is this crazy world, and trying to raise her with your parental values but just so far so she isn't in danger.  As a parent you start to see the world a little more differently -- you owe it to your child to keep him/her and yourself  safe because the kid is relying on that.  I don't want to give too much more away, but the film does have the whole gamut --- we experienced fear, anger, sadness, humor, excitement, contemplation, etc. while watching the film, so I guess that's good enough to rank it high in today's film world.  It sure is a different watch, so add that to the mix.  But ......and this is a big but.... this film is not for anyone.  But then last year's and the year before weren't either.  My next blog will be on a movie I enjoyed much more, but it isn't probably quite as daring. I'd give this one a 4.  Good acting, good chase sequences, and for all the above.  But it didn't quite go far enough to say, "Yes, this is the best" --- but I'm not sure anything will this year.  At least, so far, "Marty Supreme" and this one do more than just tell a good story.  They try to tackle more worldly themes.

"ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER"    R         2 hours and 41 minutes        2025

When their evil enemy resurfaces after 16 years, a group of ex-revolutionaries reunite to rescue the daughter of one of their own.

Director:  Paul Thomas Anderson

Writers:  Paul Thomas Anderson, Thomas Pynchon

Actor:  Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benecio Del Toro, Teyana Taylor, Regina Hall, Chase Infiniti

Movie #3568 ......................."Emily in Paris" Season 6 (netflix)

 Movie #3568 "Emily in Paris" Season 5 (Netflix)  Well, this one rates in the middle --- not quite as good as the first couple, but much better than 4 AND 5 -- the idea here is to travel a bit more to show the drop-dead scenery, and to entangle her in as many problems of the heart and in business and is believable --- sometimes it gets crazier than believable, but we liked this one --- enough action, some funny moments, and she looks more and more like Aubrey Hepburn, who was always fun to watch.  And Gabriel is back!  I'd give it 4.5 out of 5 and recommend.

"EMILY IN PARIS     SEASON 6    NETFLIX    2025

Movie #3567 .........................."Lost in Paradise" (hallmark)

 Movie #3567 "Lost in Paradise" (hallmark)  The story is weak for Lacey Chabert to head it, but the guy and the island itself kept my interest --- end kind of fizzled out, but antics gave some humor.  I'd give it 4 out of 5.

"LOST IN PARADISE"        2026     1 hour and 24 mins

When the founder of a high-end fashion company gets marooned on a "deserted" island with a chef, romance blossoms as they work together to survive.

Director:  Dustin Rikert

Writers:  Stephanie Jackson, Zach Lewis

Actors:  Lacey Chabert, Ian Harding, James Trevena

Movie #3566 ........................."A Witness to Murder -- A Darrow Mystery" (Hallmark)

Movie #3566 "A Witness to Murdr -- a Darrow Mystery"  (Hallmark)  winning cast, dumb script --- clunky at times -- major negative:  the bad guy overacts something awful.  I'd give this a 3 out of 5 and don't recommend.

"A WITNESS TO MURDER:  A DARROW MYSTERY:  2019   1 hour and 24 mins

Claire Darrow defends a woman accused of murder, who used to be a friend of her mother, Joanna Darrow. with Claire's love interest, Miles being the district attorney in the case, there is another layer of complication in the matter.

Director:  Michael Robison

Writer:  Phoef Sutton

Actors:  Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Tom Cavanaugh, Wendie Malick