Hachi: A Dog’s Tale 2009

     Commuting by train, music professor Parker Wilson finds an Akita puppy.  The cage broke open and it was unnoticed during shipping and his destination is unknown.  The station can't care for the dog and the local dog catcher warns even such cute puppies may not be adopted in the two weeks allowed time space.  Parker decides the only answer is to take the dog to his home.  Parker’s bossy and jealous wife Cate initially makes Parker swear the dog won't be staying!!  Over time, it is clear the dog will not be claimed and when an adoption candidate is found, Cate agrees to keep the dog.  Their daughter Andy and her fiance Michael were in love with the dog at first sight.  Parker's Japanese college friend Ken suggests naming the pup Hachi(ko).  Ken is pleasantly surprised when Parker successfully tackles the challenge to get Hachi to fetch because Akitas don't usually fetch.  Hachi makes a habit of waiting for Ken, his equally doting master at the train station every evening.  After a cardiac crisis, Parker suddenly dies.  Hachi refuses to accept the death of his master!!  Hachi is moved to Michael’s house because Cate has moved out of the home she shared with Ken.  Every day Hachi waits for Parker to come home!!

     This film is the story of great love and respect between a college professor and the puppy he rescues on a snowy night.  It's a very gentle film that quickly engages the audience as it introduces a heroic dog, a man with a loving heart and an idyllic setting.  This engagement intensifies emotions which later carry the story through the years to its bittersweet conclusion.  The movie is based the story of a dog who lived in Japan in the 1930s and a statue of the real Hachi remains in the Shibuya train station.  

Spoiler Alert:  A major character dies, this is heartbreaking and likely to upset most children and parents.  Though the film has a "G" rating, it's best for older children who are more comfortable with very sad events.  This includes a death, the grief that follows this event and the devotion of a special dog.  5* (I really liked this movie)

Note:  Imdb 8.1* out of 10* with 253,070 reviews, Rotten Tomatoes 64% with 28 critics 84% with 14,412 audience scores, Common Sense Media Joly Herman, 4* out of 5* age 10+, 1* sex, drinking, drugs & smoking, 2* violence, 5* positive messages, positive role models, Amazon 4.8* out of 5* with 11,434 reviews, Letterboxd 3.7* out of 5* with 206 fans, The Guardian 2* out of 5* review by Cath Clarke.  I was very surprised at the very low review rating given by Cath and her claim of tears either of boredom or slushy emotions??

Special Note:  Hachi is played by three different dogs, Chio, Layla and Forrest.  On May 19, 2012, a bronze statue of Hachi was unveiled at the train depot at Woonsocket Depot Square where this movie was filmed.  It is an exact replica of the bronze statue of Hachiko residing in front of Shibuya Station in Japan.  Hachi is a Japanese Akita/Akita Ainu from the mountainous northern regions of Japan.  To age Hachi in years as time goes by, in addition to using makeup to dull the colors of his coat, tiny weights were used to make his ears and tail droop.  After Hachiko's Master died, Hachiko was taken in by the gardener of the Ueno family.  Richard Gere said "These are not the kind of dogs you can buy with treats, they either like you or they don't.  An Akita makes a connection or it doesn't make one.  Akitas are very discerning, particular dogs and the trainers were very apprehensive about Gere meeting the dogs before filming because these dogs make up their mind right away!!  If they don't like you, there is no going back!!" 

Little Ashes 2008

      In 1922, Madrid is on the edge of change as traditional values are challenged by the dangerous new influences of jazz, Freud and the avant-garde.  Salvador Dali arrives at the university, he is 18 years old and determined to become a great artist.  His blend of shyness and exhibitionism attracts the attention of two of the university's social elite.  Federico Garcia Lorca and Luis Bunel.  Salvador is invited into their youthfully decadent group.  For or a time Salvador, Luis and Federico become a formidable trio, the most ultra-modern group in Madrid.  As time passes, Salvador feels an increasingly strong pull towards the charismatic Federico.  He is unaware of the attentions he is getting from his beautiful writer friend, Magdalena.

     In the face of the preoccupations of his friends plus the growing the renown as a poet of Frederico, Luis sets off for Paris in search of his own artistic success.  Federico and Salvador spend the holiday in the sea-side town of Cadaques.  Both the idyllic surroundings and the warmth of the Dali family sweep Federico off of his feet.  Salvador and Frederico draw closer, sharing their deepest beliefs, inspirations and secrets.  They are convinced that they have found a new kind of love not dreamed of by others.  It is more than a meeting of the minds, it is a fusion of souls.
 

     Even though this drama stars Twilight star Robert Pattinson, it is a mature film for mature audiences.  It deals with sexual exploration and suppressed homosexual behavior in a restrictive society.  Scenes depict sex, homosexual awakening, full nudity, bare breasts and self gratification.  There's also strong language, references to bodily functions and sexual slurs directed at homosexuals.  Several violent scenes show death by firing squad, the beating of a gay man, authentic wartime footage with dead bodies and a graphic close-up shot of an eye being sliced!!!  All of this onslaught is a bit much for the intake of my mind!!  2* (I didn’t like this movie)

112 min, Biography directed by Paul Morrison and written by Philippa Goslett with Javier Beltran, Robert Pattinson, Matthew McNulty, Marina Gatell, Bruno Oro, Esther Nubiola, Marc Pujol, Arly Jover, Simon Andreu, Vicky Pena, Ruben Arroyo, Diana Gomez, Pep Sais Joan Pico.

Note:  Imdb 6.4* out of 10* with 8700 reviews, Rotten Tomatoes 24% with 70 critics 49% with 79,214 audience scores, empireonline.com 3* out of 5* Helen O’Hara, Roger Ebert 3*, The Guardian 2* out of 5* Xan Brooks, Common Sense Media Renee Schonfeld, 3* out of 5*, age 17+, 2* positive messages, 3* violence, language, drinking, drugs & smoking, 5* sex.

A Woman in Berlin 2008

     This film is also titled Anonyma - Eine Frau in Berlin.  It is based on a novel by Marta Hillers.  A nameless woman keeps a diary as the Russians invade Berlin in the spring of 1945 during the closing days of WWII.  She is in her early 30s, a patriotic journalist with international credentials.  Her husband, Gerd is a writer and he is an officer at the Russian front.  She speaks Russian and for a day or two after the invasion, keeps herself safe but then the attacks on women begin.  She resolves to control her fate and invites the attentions of a Russian major, Andreij Rybkin.  He becomes her protector of sorts subject to the pressures from his own fellow soldiers and officers.  Dramas play out in the block of flats where she lives.  Is she an amoral traitor?  She asks, "How do we go on living?" And what will become of her husband Gerd and her diary?
     
     The source novel was virtually banned in West Germany and the writer was anonymous when it was first published in the late 1950s.  Marta Hillers' requested that the publishers delete the name of the author for her safety.  When it was republished in 2003, it became a huge bestseller and nationwide sensation in a reunified Germany.  The writing is about what is going on in Berlin between April 29, 1945 and June 22, 1945.  In the four months that the Soviet army occupied Berlin, the soldiers attacked an estimated 95,000 to 130,000 women.  A Soviet war correspondent reported that soldiers were attacking every German female "between 8 and 80 years old."  This information is horrible and astonishing!!!  3 1/2* (I liked this movie)

131 min, Biography directed and written by Max Farberbock with Nina Hoss, Evgeniy, Sidikhin, Irm Hermann, Rudiger Vogler, Ulrike Krumbiegel, Rolf Kanies, Jordis Triebel, Roman Gribkov, Juliane3 Kohler, Samvel Muzhikyan, Aleksandra Kulikova, Viktor Zhalsanov, Oleg Chernov.

Note:  Imdb 7.1* out of 10* with 6046 reviews, Rotten Tomatoes, Roger Ebert 3*, Letterboxd 3.3* out of 5*, Metacritic 74 out of 100 with 16 critic reviews 7.1 out of 10 with 7 user scores, Slant Magazine 1 1/2* Ryan Stewart, Amazon 4.4* out of 5* with 231 reviews.

Christy: A Change of Seasons 2001, Episode 1, 2001

      This miniseries is based on a novel written by Catherine Marshall and it is the follow-up to Christy 1994 and Christy: Return to Cutter Gap 2000.  The first night of this series centers on a deadly typhoid epidemic.  This event is the most pivotal point in the novel's adaptation.  This disease preys upon the mountain folk in isolated Cutter Gap.  It causes enormous terror, suffering and leaves great tragedy in its wake.  For many generations, superstition has caused the isolated mountain folk to believe that all real danger comes from outside the Cove.  Doctor MacNeill exhausts himself caring for the people and trying to get them to see that their own water and lack of sanitation is making them sick.  The tragic death of her cherished friend, Fairlight Spencer affects Christy in a cathartic and intimate way.  It sends her into an emotional tailspin, catapulting her into a primal crisis of faith.  She begins to question the fairness and even the existence of God.  She leans heavily on the faith of David Grantland and accepts his marriage proposal.

     This is a good movie for both children and parents.  The entire Christy series, the movie and the mini-series are good.  This story was aired on television in a two parts starring Lauren Lee Smith as Christy Huddleston.  The beginning starts out on a wonderful night in Cutter Gap.  All the residents gather in the Mission House to watch a movie that Christy borrowed for Miss Alice Henderson's birthday.  But as the story moves on, not everything is so peaceful and happy.  A few days later, Doctor Neil MacNeill gives exams to some of the residents.  He discovers that typhoid has come to the good people of Cutter Gap.  Almost everyone becomes ill, except for David Grantland, the young mission preacher.  Christy throws herself into helping Dr. MacNeill care for the ill patients and she tries not to think about her losses.  Miss Alice also tries to help Christy through her troubles.  Miss Alice is battling problems of her own.  Dr. MacNeill soon finds out about Christy's choice to marry David and he decides to leave the Cove?  He would rather leave than see the woman he loves marry another man!!  5* (I really liked this series)

 
87 Min Drama directed by George Kaczend and written by Philip Gerson with Lauren Lee Smith, Stewart Finlay-McLennan, James Waterston, Andy Stahl, Dale Dickey, Bruce McKinnon, Ingrid Torrence, Jacob Witkin, Mike Hickman, Gillian Barber, Sheila Moore, Shea Hampton, Olivia Kelly, Justin Chatwin, Bryce Hodgson.

Note:  Imdb 7.3* out of 10* with 68 reviews, Amazon 4.5* out of 5* with 107 ratings, swapadvd.com 3* out of 5* with 17 reviews, eBay.com 5* out of 5* with 17 ratings.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button 2008

     On the day that Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, elderly Daisy Williams (nee Fuller) is on her deathbed in a New Orleans hospital.  At her side is her adult daughter, Caroline.  Daisy asks Caroline to read aloud to her the diary of Daisy's lifelong friend, Benjamin Button.  Benjamin's diary recounts his entire extraordinary life, the primary unusual aspect was his aging backwards??   He was diagnosed with several aging diseases at birth and given little chance of survival.  Unusually, he does survive and he gets younger with time.  He is abandoned by his biological father, Thomas Button after Benjamin's biological mother died in childbirth.  Benjamin was raised by Queenie, she is a black woman and caregiver at a home for seniors.  Daisy's grandmother was a resident at this home and it is where she first met Benjamin.  Although separated through the years, Daisy and Benjamin remain in contact throughout their lives.  They reconnect in their forties when they finally match up in age??

     Born 80 years old, Benjamin Button Brad Pitt ages backward instead of forward in time.  He is weak and wrinkled as a toddler, unlined and unencumbered as a grandfather.  His life moves against everyone else's current, including that of Queenie.  She found him abandoned on the steps of a New Orleans nursing home.  She mothers him and Daisy, the love of his life.  She is a young girl when they first meet.  Benjamin moves toward the moment when he and Daisy can finally meet as equals in the middle of life.  He makes friends, takes to the seas and falls in love with a British expatriate. But, it's Daisy he ultimately seeks, despite the challenges that loom. They must continue their journey in a preordained and sadly in opposite directions.
     
     This moving and memorable film is a compelling exploration of life, death and the enduring power of love.  Despite such weighty subjects, older teens and those who may initially be interested in star Brad Pitt, will likely find it engrossing and even touching.  Younger viewers could be overwhelmed by the mature themes.  Expect some sexual innuendo and non-explicit clinches, swearing, a sequence that includes a bit of bloody violence and period-accurate moments of smoking and drinking.  5* (I really liked this movie)

166 min, Drama directed by David Fincher and written by Eric Roth, Robin Swicord and based on a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald with Cazte Blanchett, Brad Pitt, Julia Ormond, Faune Chambers Watkins, Elias Koteas, Donna Duplantier, Jacob Tolano, Earl Maddox, Ed Metzger, Jason Flemyng, Danny Vinsonj, David Jensen, Joeanna Sayler, Taraji P. Henson, Mahershala Ali, Fiona Hale, Patrick Thomas O’Brien, Marion Zinser, Peter Donald Badalamenti II.

Note:  Imdb 7.8* out of 10* with 588,053 reviews, Rotten Tomatoes, 71% with 258 critics 80% with 690,774 audience scores, empireonline.com 5* Ian Freer, Common Sense Media S. Johanna Robledo, age 15+, 4* out of 5*, 1* positive role models, 2* positive messages, violence, sex, 3* language, drinking, drugs & smoking,

Special Note:  The hummingbird is the only bird in the world that can fly backwards.  Hurricanes spin counter-clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. There are backward motifs involving clocks and other items.  They tie in with the major thematic elements related to Benjamin Button living life in reverse.  Brad Pitt said that it took five hours each day to complete the makeup required for his role. 

Mistakes:  In 1945 when Daisy and Benjamin are having dinner, Daisy is smoking a filter cigarette.  Filter cigarettes were not available until several years later.  There are several shots of Daisy dancing.  The execution of the ballet is very modern and athletic, with long extensions and high arabesques.  It was not appropriate for this time period since ballet had a very different style.  In 1935 Benjamin walks out onto the street pursued by young Daisy.  A modern day fire hydrant (with the anti-turn valve on top) can be seen on the street?
 

A Beautiful Mind 2001

     This film was awarded Oscars in 2002 for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress (Jennifer Connelly), Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Director (Ron Howard).  It is a human drama inspired by events in the life of John Forbes Nash Jr. and in part based on the biography "A Beautiful Mind" by Sylvia Nasar.  From the heights of notoriety to the depths of depravity, John Forbes Nash, Jr. lived it all.  A mathematical genius, he made an astonishing discovery early in his career and stood on the brink of international acclaim.  But, the handsome and arrogant Nash soon found himself on a painful and harrowing journey of self-discovery due to mental illness.  After many years of struggle, he eventually triumphed over his tragedy. Finally, late in life received the Nobel Prize.
     
     There are difficult aspects of John Forbes Nash Jr.’s life.  There is also the horrible reality of his professional and personal life ruined by insanity due to schizophrenia.  This film smoothes away his very rough edges but tells a story of the messy realities of his life.  There is also a sense of manipulation and dishonesty since this is not a documentary?  The facts can be inaccurate and details embellished?  During this time period, society was not kind to people who lacked social skills, had paranoid hallucinations, were bisexual, had a child out of wedlock and a divorce. 

     Some material might be very upsetting for children or for anyone who has relatives with mental illness.  Also, those who know very little about this subject may struggle with this topic.  There are some strong scenes of family filled with tension and peril.  This includes a child in jeopardy, scuffles and potential domestic abuse.  There are graphic scenes of shock therapy and self-destructive behavior.  There is a character in danger involving a shooting.  There is also some crude language with sexual references.  5* (I really liked this movie)

135 min, biography directed by Ron Howard and written by Akiva Goldsman, based on a book by Sylvia Nasar with Russell Crowe, Ed Harris, Jennifer Connellym, Christopher Plummer, Paul Bettany, Adam Goldberg, Josh Lucas, Anthony Rapp, Jason Gray-Stanford, Judd Hirsch, Austin Pendleton, Vivien Cardone, Jillie Simon, Victor Steinbach, Tanya Clarke.

Note:  Imdb 8.2* out of 10* with 847,207 reviews , Rotten Tomatoes 64% with 213 critics 93% with 491,007 audience scores, empireonline.com 3* out of 5* Adam Smith, reelviews.net 3 1/2*, The Independent 3.5* Richard Propes, Common Sense Media Nell Minow, age 14+, 5*, 3* violence, sex, language, drinking, drugs & smoking, 4* positive role models & representations.

Special Note:  In the scene towards the end of the film, where John Nash contemplates drinking tea, is based on a true event when Russel Crowe met the real John Nash.  Crowe spent fifteen minutes deciding whether to drink tea or coffee?  The equations seen on the classroom chalk boards are actual equations written by the real life John Nash.  Nash visited the set and Russell Crowe said later that he had been fascinated by the way he moved his hands.  Crowe tried to do the same thing in the movie.  He thought it would help him get more into the character.  John and Alicia Nash were killed in a car accident on May 23, 2015.  The driver of a taxi they were riding in lost control of the car and collided with a guard rail and a second car on the New Jersey Turnpike.  The New York Times said that the two drivers suffered only minor injures but the Nashes were ejected from the cab and pronounced dead at the scene.  John was 86 and Alicia was 82.

Mistakes:  The aerial view of the Pentagon includes the modern-day helicopter landing pad.  In 1951, Nash drinks from a paper cup with the "recycled" symbol on it.  The student's "bad" tie shows stars and double helices.  Although someone might have drawn those patterns before the late 1940s when this scene takes place, the double helix as scientific symbol had its breakthrough in 1953.  In the first scene in his dorm room at Princeton in 1947, Nash listens to a recording by the early-music ensemble Gothic Voices featuring soprano Emma Kirkby.  Emma Kirkby was not born until 1949.  The recording, of Hildegard von Bingen’s "Columba aspexit," was not done until 1981.   

Dear Viola 2014

     Katie Minor (Kellie Martin) works as an accountant at a newspaper office.  She submits replies to a "Dear Viola" letters to the editor sent to the newspaper where she works.  She has a real knack for writing to people and getting to the heart of the matter.  Soon the whole town is involved in the romantics and problems in the column.

     I man’s wife has died and he writes to Dear Viola.  He needs advice on moving on and taking care of his eight year old daughter.  A new addition to the town is Jamie Estevez and she begins by asking who is the most eligible bachelor in town.  That would be Russ Mitchell and he has been writing to Dear Viola.  Jamie has her sights set on Russ!!  It doesn’t matter to Jamie that she doesn’t get along with Russ’s daughter Meredith.  That issue will change when Jamie has Russ wound around her little finger!!

     This is a charming movie the entire family can watch and be entertained by.  I like Kellie Martin as an actress.  Russ and Katie know each other because everyone knows everyone in a small town. Little do they know that the town wants them together.  Everyone in this town knows everyone’s business almost before they know it themselves!!  Katie wants to be with Russ and she loves is daughter Meredith.  But, she doesn’t want to come between Russ and Jamie until she learns what is really going on between Jamie and Meredith!!  

     Dear Viola has its hilarious moments while featuring a serious side to the story.  It is really a family night movie and it was awarded the Dove “Family-Approved” Seal for all ages.  4* (I liked this movie)

87 min, Drama directed by Laurie Lynd and written by Lee Rose and Kathleen McGhee-Anderson with Kellie Martin, Jefferson Brown, JackieRichardson, Kira Gelineau, Arnold Pinnock, Adamo Ruggiero, Robin Fanfair, Stephen Park, Neil Crone, Justin Rutledge.

Note:  Imdb 6.1* out of 10* with 385 ratings, Rotten Tomatoes 38% with 13 audience scores, dove.org 1* sex, drugs, other, Letterboxd 3* out of 5*, Amazon 4.4* out of 5* with 165 reviews.

Curse of the Golden Flower 2006

     This film is based on a play written by Yu Cao titled Thunderstorm and written in 1934.  During China's Tang dynasty, the emperor has taken the princess of a neighboring province as his wife.  She has borne him two sons and raised his eldest son.  Now his control over his dominion is complete, including the royal family itself.  The setting is the Imperial court in ancient China, Later Tang Dynasty, 10th Century.  On the eve of the Chong Yang Festival, golden flowers fill the Imperial Palace.  The Emperor returns unexpectedly with his second son, Prince Jai (Jay Chou).  His reason for his return is to celebrate the holiday with his family.  Because of the chilled relations between the Emperor and the ailing Empress, this seems disingenuous.  

     For many years, the Empress and Crown Prince Wan (Liu Ye), her stepson, have been having an illicit liaison.  Feeling trapped, Prince Wan dreams of escaping the palace with his secret love Chan, the Imperial Doctor's daughter.  Meanwhile, Prince Jai, the faithful son, grows worried over the Empress's health and her obsession with golden chrysanthemums.  Could she be headed down an ominous path?  The Emperor harbors equally clandestine plans and the Imperial Doctor (Ni Dahong) is the only one who knows about his plans.  When the Emperor senses a looming threat, he relocates the doctor's family from the Palace?

     This film is the latest action extravaganza from Zhang Yimou.  It is a a festival of intrigue, court plotting, vast battles and sexual obsession during imperial China a millennium ago.  It really is sensational to look at!!  There are some stunning settings and interior designs with intricacy and lush color.  They can trigger sensory overload on your eyes!!  The director is not exactly challenging himself with releasing another movie tailored to appeal to western audiences who were interested in Hero and House of Flying Daggers??  Actress Gong Li steals her scenes with her charisma and beauty as the queen.

     Children who liked Hero or House of Flying Daggers will want to see this movie.  But, while Zhang Yimou directed all of them, this new film is very different.  It is less focused on the martial arts action and contains adult themes like betrayal and revenge.  Violence includes poisoning, sword fights, knife fights and armies of assassins involved in combat.  As a consequence, there are plenty of bloody results all around.  5* (I really liked this movie)

114 min, Action directed by Yimou Zhang and written by Zhihong Bian, Yu Cao, Nan Wu Yimou Zhang with Yun-Fat Chow, Li Gong, Jay Chou, Ye Liu, Dahong Ni, Junjjie Qin, Man Li, Jin Chen, aaron C. Shang, Liam O’Brien, Yuri Lowenthal, Wisen Ai, Xiaoyi Chen, Xinhua Chen.

Note:  Imdb 7* out of 10* with 42,212, 65% with 126 critics, 65% with 126 critics 65% with 51,060 audience scores, reelviews.net 3*, The Guardian 3* out of 5* Peter Bradshaw, Common Sense Media Cynthis Fuchs, 3* out of 5*, age 16+, 5* violence 3* sex, Letterboxd 3.3* out of 5* with 24 fans, Amazon 4.7* out of 5* with 1299 reviews, Metacritic 70 out of 100 with 32 critics 7.5 out of 10 with 100 user scores.

Special Note:  Some of the costumes weighed more than 88 pounds!!  The Dragon Robe and Phoenix Gown, worn by the Emperor and Empress during the festival, were handcrafted by 40 people who took over two months to create it.  The emperor's headdress is a historically accurate Tang dynasty replica.  There us also the largest set ever built for a movie in China.  More than 1000 real soldiers were used in the final battle.

Mistakes:  When the Empress is dressing for the Chrysanthemum festival.  Bobby pins and hair pins are visible in her hair.  They were not produced until 1916.  The Chinese are noted for using other decorative adornments to hold their hair in place such as combs and other trinkets seen in this movie.  An opening scene states the story takes place in 928 A.D. China during the latter part of the Tang Dynasty, but the Tang Dynasty lasted from around 618 to 907 A.D. 

The Snow Walker 2003

     This film is based on the book Walk Well 1953 by Charlie Halliday.  A former WWII fighter pilot is now a Yellowknife based bush pilot.  Like many of the white residents in the area, he does not associate with the Inuit people except for getting what he needs from them in bartering.  On a personal plane trip, he runs across a small family of nomadic Inuit people.  There woman in the group and her name is Kanaalaq.  Charlie suspects that she has tuberculosis?  In exchange for some ivory, Charlie agrees to fly her to a hospital in Yellowknife.  During their trip back to the city, Charlie is forced to make a crash landing when the plane develops mechanical problems.  Although both Charlie and Kanaalaq are unharmed by the crash, the plane is totaled and they are in the middle of nowhere.  The radio doesn't seem to be working and they have a meager amount of supplies.  Charlie's whereabouts are probably unknown to others since they made a detour from his original route.  Also, they can't communicate with each other as Kanaalaq only knows a few words of English.  Charlie doesn't know any words in Kanaala’s language.

     Search parties try to find the downed plane but Charlie decides to trek overland.  He promises Kanaalaq he will return with help.  Despite her weakened conditions, she follows Charlie and nurses him back to health when insects, cold and starvation threaten to kill him shortly after he leaves.  Kanaalaq teaches him the skills he will need to survive and he comes to respect her wisdom and love her valiant spirit as they continue into the wilderness.  Each person will find a startling and solitary destiny in the beautiful and stark tundra.  This is a moving and inspiring adventure.

      Farley Mowat's writing is his quest to understand the often-forgotten native people of this vast arctic wilderness.  He allows the people to describe in their own words the adventures they experience as they struggle to survive in an isolated and untamed land.  Stories of survival and courage, superstition and fate, uncompromising loyalty to family and tribe are shown.  This offers a vivid portrait of a people whose existence is often beyond the comprehension of modern man.  5* (I really liked this movie)

103 min, Adventure directed, written by Charles Martin Smith and also written by Farley Mowat with Barry Pepper, Anabella Piugattuk, James Cromwell, Kiersten Warren, Jon Gries, Robin Dunne, Malcolm Scott, Michael Buble, Brad Sihvon, Greg Spoittiswood, Samson Jorah, William MacDonald, Mariano Aupilardjuk, Peter Henry Arnstsiaq, Peter Ipkornerk.

Note:  Goodreads gives the book 4.04* out of 5* with 685 ratings and 57 reviews, Imdb 7.3* out of 10* with 10,120 reviews, Rotten Tomatoes 86% with 14 critic 78% with 4641 audience scores, Amazon 4.5* out of 5* with 1143 ratings, dove.org sex 3*, language 5* violence 3*, drugs 2*, nudity 3*, survival issues dealing with death 1*.

Special Note:  James Cromwell in the role of Walter Shepherd began his carer in theater and he did everything from Shakespeare to experimental plays.  He began appearing on Television in 1974 and he had a recurring role as Archie Bunker’s friend Stretch Cunningham on All in the Family 1971.  Some of his more noted film roles have been in Revenge of the Nerds (1984), Star Trek: First Contact (1996) and the surprise classic about a charming pig in Babe (1995).  He received some of the best reviews of his career for his role as a corrupt and conniving police captain in L.A. Confidential (1997).

Trivia:  A tame reindeer herd stood in for the wild caribou during the hunt scene.  Winter scenes were shot in -28 C (-18 F) weather -45 C (-49 F) with the wind chill.  Annabella Piugattuk in the role of Kanaalaq the Inuit woman speaks Inuktitut as her first language.  James Cromwell and Barry Pepper both appeared in The Green Mile 1999.
 

March of the Penguins 2005

      At the end of each Antarctic summer, the emperor penguins of the South Pole journey to their traditional breeding grounds.  It is a fascinating mating ritual that is captured in this documentary by  filmmaker Luc Jacquet.  The journey across frozen tundra proves to be the simplest part of this event.  After the egg is hatched, the female must delicately transfer it to the male and make her way back to the distant sea.  She must nourish herself and bring back food to her newborn chick.  When she returns, the male will go to the sea to get food.

     Jacquet and his cinematographers Laurent Chalet and Jerome Maison, have done an impossible task in capturing the penguins in their own habitat.  The conditions that seem to be almost impossible to sustain life??  Also, how was this this team able to film it for viewers with all its splendor and bleakness??  Antarctica, is an icy white vastness at the end of the world and it seems very majestic in this documentary.  Emperors endure and survive under the worst possible conditions and they remain graceful figures.  It feels like being at the ballet watching a magical dance performed by these flightless birds.  They manage to look so dignified all the time while doing their amazing dance of trying to survive!!

     This film is an unforgettable nature documentary that includes stunning but also occasionally disturbing imagery of penguins walking, mating and also dying.  Some penguins unfortunately die along their journey.  Others freeze during the long winter as they huddle to protect pregnant females, the eggs and babies with still others killed by predators.  5* (Except for the peril, I really liked this movie)   

80 min, directed and written by Luc Jacquet, adapted by Michel Fessler and narrated by Jordan Roberts with Charles Berling, Romaine Bohringer, Jules Sitruk, Morgan Freeman, Amitabh Bachchan, Jose Coronado, Sky du Mont, Gotta Ekman, Fiorello and Sofie Grabol.

Note:  Imdb 7.5*out of 10* with 55,836 reviews, Common Sense Medai Cynthia Fuchs, 5*, age 6+, 5* educational value, 3* positive messages, 2* violence & scariness, Rotten Tomatoes 94% with 184 critics 81% with 99,893 user ratings, Roger Ebert 3 1/2*, reelviews.net 2 1/2* out of 4*, empireonline.com 3* out of 5*, Amazon 4.7* out of 5* with 1540 reviews.

Special Note:  By the time of the 2006 Academy Awards, this Best Documentary winner had grossed more than all 5 Best Picture nominees ($77 million vs. $75 million for Brokeback Mountain 2005).  The Emperor Penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri) is the tallest and heaviest of all living penguins and the only one to breed during the winter in Antarctica.  Morgan Freeman almost passed on narrating this film?  He told his agent that he was tired of being typecast as a narrator and to stop sending him those offers.  He was persuaded to take a look at this film and he quickly changed his mind.

Trivia:  As the closing credits roll, footage is shown of the photographers dragging their equipment across the ice, setting up their cameras and shooting film as the penguins walk around them. The original French version features dialog for the penguins and a pop music soundtrack.  

Red Eye 2005

     This movie is the story of a young resourceful heroine, Lisa Reisert.  She is afraid to fly but the terror that awaits her on a night flight to Miami has nothing to do with the fear of flying!!  Lisa is traveling to her home after her grandmother’s funeral.  Upon boarding the plane on a red-eye flight Lisa is trapped sitting next to a creepy villainous, handsome and charming man, Jackson Rippner.  He’s a middle-man in the plot to assassinate a Homeland Security official.  He's also got Lisa’s father pinned down by another killer.  He uses that advantage to coerce Lisa into phoning the luxury resort where she works.  She is instructed to move the target into a specified room number.

     This film focuses on a scary man threatening a young woman.  She fights back with ingenuity and some violence.  Directed by Wes Craven (Nightmare on Elm Street, Scream).  It adopts a basic slasher movie structure with jump scenes, clever framing, ominous lighting, music, and camera angles.  All of these elements can be scary for younger viewers!!  Characters use harsh language, drink, smoke briefly and commit various forms of mayhem.  There is hitting, stabbing with a pen, shooting, slamming with household items, crashing cars and shooting a shoulder-mounted missile.  This is stressful at times but very good.  5* (I really liked this movie)   

85 min, Thriller directed by Wes Craven and written by Carl Ellsworth and Dan Foos with Rachel McAdams, Cillian Murphy, Brian Cox, Laura Johnson, Max Kasch, Jayma Mays, Angela Paton, Suzie Plakson, Jack Scalia, Terry Press, Robert Pine, Carl Gilliard, Mary Kathleen Gordon, Loren Lester, Philip Pavel.

Note:  Imdb 6.4* out of 10* with 112,851 reviews, Rotten tomatoes 79% with 1932 critics 64% with 436,262 audience scores, reelviews.net 2* out of 4*, Roger Ebert 3*, Metacritic 71 out of 100 with 36 critics 8.7 out of 10 with 495 user scores, letterbox 3.1* out of 5* with 24 fans, Amazon 4.4* out of 5* with 1598 reviews

Special Note:  Both Wes Craven and Carl Ellsworth filmed cameos as airline passengers in the airport terminal.  You can see them about 15 minutes into the film.  Wes Craven couldn't keep a straight face with his script supervisor Sheila Waldron!!  Their cameo wound up on the cutting room floor.  Ellsworth's cameo remains in the final cut.  Three women are sleeping on the terminal seats and they all have their heads resting on the next woman's shoulders.  The last woman is sleeping on a man's shoulder.  This man is Carl Ellsworth wearing a green sweatshirt promoting the band Outkast.

Mistakes:  When Jack sees Lisa in the airport, she is reading a magazine while hiding from the police??  There are two men sitting at a table having drinks but when Jack starts to chase Lisa, the men and the table are both gone?  One of the stickers on the cab's windshield expires 04/02.  The Department of Homeland Security did not exist until March 1, 2003.  Cabs are regulated closely at airports and it seems unlikely for the cab to get by for so long with an expired registration or inspection??  The truck carrying the fish at the beginning of the film has an out-of-date Florida license plate.  It is the type that was issued between 1978 and 1985 and has long been obsolete??

SpongeBob Square Pants Movie 2004

     After King Neptune's crown is stolen, SpongeBob and Patrick go on a quest lasting 6 days to retrieve his crown.  On the way, SpongeBob and Patrick defeat many evildoers using their brains and brawn.  While this is happening, someone is taking over Bikini Bottom?  SpongeBob and Patrick must defeat this mastermind!!

     This movie based on the TV character SpongeBob has cartoon violence with some mature elements.  Including drunken knife fights that some parents may not feel comfortable with in a cartoon.  Also, expect crude humor, name-calling and many commercial tie-ins.  Bikini Bottom seems to have an economy that is entirely fast-food-driven and this may pose a problem for families trying to teach children to eat sensibly.

     Supposedly, Mr. Krab, the owner of Krusty Krab restaurant has been framed for stealing the crown.  Shell City is the destination for SpongeBob and Patrick on their search for the crown.  Numerous obstacles stand or float in their way to a successful mission!!  I thought this was a very funny film!!  5* (I liked this movie)

87 min, Animation, directed and written by Stephen Hillenburg and Mark Osborne with the voices of TomKenny, Jeffrey Tambor, Rodger Bumpass, Bill Fagerbakke, Mr. Lawrence, Jill Talley,Carolyn Lawqrence, Mary Jo Catlett, Scarlett Johansson, Alec Baldwin, Kristopher Logan, D.P. FitzGerald, Cole S. McKay.

Note:  Imdb 7.1* out of 10* with 79,005 reviews, Rotten Tomatoes 68% with 129 critics 78% with 245,234 audience scores, Common Sense Media Nell Minow, 3* out of 5*, age 6+, 1* sexy stuff, language, 3* violence & scariness, drinking, drugs & smoking, 4* consumerism, Roger Ebert 3*, Metacritic 66 out of 100 with 32 critics 8.3 out of 10 with 284 user scores, Amazon 4.8* out of 5* with 3533 reviews, Letterboxd 3.6* out of 5* with 576 fans.

Special Note:  This film was intended to be the series finale of SpongeBob SquarePants 1999.  But the show was renewed for a fourth season due to the film's success and the show's popularity.  An 11-foot long David Hasselhoff figure was built so cameramen could film without straining the real Hasselhoff.  Hasselhoff’s part was written before the actor was approached for this role!!  He readily agreed without reading the script and largely at the behest of his daughters.  The original "cover-up" plot of the film had SpongeBob going to rescue Patrick from a fisherman in Florida. This was an obvious reference to the film Finding Nemo(2003).  It was later revealed by Tom Kenny to be just a "joke" plot that he made up to keep fans interested.

Mistakes:  At the end of the movie, SpongeBob tells  Squidward that his "fly" is down.  Yet Squidward doesn't wear any pants?  Towards the end of the movie, the bucket head people walk through the windows of the Krusty Krab, breaking them.  In the very next shot you can see the windows are fixed.  King Neptune puts a lock on the door to make sure Mindy does not get back in but when the bucket heads break through there is no lock on the door?  When Mr. Krab and King Neptune listen to Plankton's fake message, at the end we hear the click of the phone hanging up?  When King Neptune bellows with rage a few minutes later, Plankton is still on the phone and he is able to hear it.

Trivia:  There is also The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run 2020 and The Spongebob Squarepants Movie: Rehydrated 2021.

Hope Gap 2019

     This film is based on William Nicholson’s own life experiences and also expanding on his late 1980’s stage play titled The Retreat from Moscow.  The marriage of his own parents broke down after 33 years together.  The intimate, intense and loving story of Hope Gap charts the life of Grace.  She is extremely shocked to learn her husband is leaving her for another woman after 29 years of marriage.  There is also an emotional fallout from the breakup on their only grown son.  Unraveled and feeling displaced in her small British seaside town, Grace ultimately regains her footing and discovers a new and powerful voice.

     It is the couple’s 29th wedding anniversary and Edward has decided it’s finally time to tell Grace he’s leaving her.  He has invited their son, Jamie to see them for the weekend.  He can help serve as a buffer for Edward and support system for Grace.  The steadily tense conversation itself is the film’s highlight with Edward delivering the news at the kitchen table along with tea and toast.  In her stunned disbelief, all Grace can do is repeat his words back to him.  Edward explains that he’s met someone else and has been in love with her for the past year.  All this information is a huge surprise for both Grace and Jamie!!  

    This is a very moving film about a long term marriage falling apart.  Married people and other people intending to marry may find insight from this film.  I think the value of the marriage and the relationship of the couple has lost its importance.  One of the partners realized this, believed this and the other did not.  The scenery of this area is very beautiful and it is also one of the characters. 

100 min, Drama directed and written by William Nicholson with Annette Bening, Bill Nighy, Josh O’Connor, Alysha Hart, Ryan McKen, Joe Citro, Sally Rogers, Nicolas Burns, Steven Pacey, Derren LItten, Rose Keegan, Finn Bennett, Nicholas Blane.

Note:  Imdb 6.7* out of 10* with 2443 reviews, Rotten Tomatoes 63% with 84 critics 68% with 19 audience scores, Metacritc 58 out of 100 with 23 critic reviews 6 out of 10 with 5 user scores, Roger Ebert 2* Christy Lermire, The Guardian 3* out of 5* Leslie Felperin, RollingStone 3* out of 5* Peter Travers, Letterboxd 3.1* out of 5* with 4 fans, Amazon 4* out of 5* with 3254 reviews. 

Special Note:  Filmed in part on location in Seaford East Sussex.  Bill Nighy & Josh O’Connor also collaborated on Emma 2020.  Nicholson has said that he likes to view the story as a mid-point between the films Brief Encounter and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf.

Mistakes:  Grace’s British accent comes and goes??  There is a jar of Marmite (a savory spread popular in the UK) on a shelf in the kitchen.  It alternates between two orientations, it is side-on when Bill Nighy is in close-up but when Annette Bening is also in view the back of the jar is turned to the camera.
 

Blackbird 2019

     Lily is dying and by the end of this weekend she will be dead.  She suffers from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and is planning to pursue euthanasia with the help of her doctor husband Paul.  They invite her family and her longtime best friend Liz to the house so they can spend her final days together.  There's tension between her daughters, the uptight Jennifer and the wayward Anna.  This threatens to destroy Lily’s perfectly laid-out plans?

     Both of Lily’s daughters confront their mother about her decision.  They wonder if their Dad is using too much influence on Lily and could he be wrong about her life expectancy?  Blackbird is an English-language remake of the 2014 Danish film Silent Heart directed by Bille August, produced by Jasper Morthors, starring Ghia Nerby and written by Christian Torpe.  It follows a family gathering to celebrate a terminally ill woman's life before her soon to be assisted death.  

     Starring Susan Sarandon is Lily, the ill woman, Sam Neill is her husband, Kate Winslet and Mia Wasikowska are her daughters.  It's an intimate family drama that deals with mature and complex themes. There's a lot of wine drinking and a couple of scenes of marijuana use (including by a teen) but it's all part of the dying woman's wishes.  There is strong language, three different couples kiss and one couple has a funny love scene (the man's bare back is visible before the camera cuts away).  Families who watch together will be able to discuss their views about assisted dying, advanced directives, the importance of being truthful and loving with family and friends.  5* (I liked this movie)

97 min, Drama directed by Roger Michell and written by Christian Torpe with Sam Neill, Susan Sarandon, Anson Boon, Kate Winslet, Rain Wilson, Lindsay Duncan, Bex Taylor-Klaus, Mia Wasikowska.

Note:  Imdb 6.4* out of 10* with 1603 reviews, Rotten tomatoes 60% with 88 critics, Metacritic 53 out of 100 with 18 critic reviews 6.8 out of 10 with 4 ratings, Common Sense Media Sandie Angulo Chen, 3* out of 5*, age 15+, 1* violence, 2* sex, 3* positive messages, role models, 4* language, drinking, drugs & smoking.

 
Special Note:  Diane Keaton was in initial negotiations to star but Susan Sarandon was cast.  Sarandon also played a terminally ill mother preparing her children, ex-husband and his new fiancé prior to her death.  The title was Stepmom 1998 with Julia Roberts and Ed Harris.

Herself 2020

      This is the story of young mother Sandra and she escapes from her abusive husband and fights back against a broken housing system.  She sets out to build her own home and in the process rebuilds her life and re-discovers herself.  Sandra has two daughters, one six years old, another eight years old and a very controlling husband.  He mistakes possession for affection and uses force to keep his family together.  Gary discovers a stash of money that Sandra has been saving to be able to leave him.  For this action, she receives some punches and he stomps on her hand.  Her girls are there to witness every frightening blow.  Sandra has permanent nerve damage in her hand!!

     Herself is an inspiring Irish drama about a woman who escapes her abusive husband and attempts to rebuild a life for herself and her two daughters.  The police are called after Gary leaves.  Sandra and her children are temporarily housed in an airport hotel.  Sandra is hoping for a place in Ireland’s social housing but there is a three-year waiting list.  She is working two jobs to support herself and her daughters.  Sandra learns from computer information that she could build a modest home for them for about $38,000.  

     First, they would need a small plot of land and a way to get the money??  Is there any way this dream could come true??  This movie includes adult themes and shows incidents of domestic violence including kicking, punching and stomping.  Some of the injuries sustained include cuts and broken bones.  There are scenes involving the benefits and failures of legal systems and a custody hearing.  Strong language is used, alcohol and cigarettes are featured occasionally.  The story is bleak in places and could be distressing for younger viewers.  It also has lighter moments that bring warmth and hope to the situation.  5* (I liked this movie)

97 min, Drama directed by Phyllida Lloyd and written by Malcolm Campbell and Claire Dunne with Molly McCann Ruby Rose O’Hara, Ian Lloyd Anderson, Clare Dunne, Shadaan Felfeli, Cathy Belton, Art Kearns, Sarah Kinlen, Ericka Roe, Anita Petry, Lorcan Cranitch, Tina Kellegher, Donking Rongavilla, Ger Carey, Damien Kearney. 

Note:  Rotten Tomatoes 92% with 77 critics 77% with 31 user ratings, Imdb 6.8* out of 10* with 561 reviews, Metacritic 71 out of 100 with 18 critics, Roger Ebert 3 1/2* Sheila O’Malley, decider.com Anna Menta stream it, Amazon 4.7* out of 5* with 180 reviews, Common Sense Media Kat Halstead, 4* out of 5*, age 15+, 5* positive messages, violence, language, 3* role models, consumersism, drinking, drugs & smoking.

Special Note:  Filmed in Ireland.  Nothing comes easy for Sandra, she has daily stress and obstacles.  She learns that there are people out there for her and willing to help her!! 

The Constant Gardener 2005

     This film is based on a novel written by John Le Carre.  In a remote area of Northern Kenya, activist Tessa Quayle is found brutally murdered.  Tessa's companion, a doctor, appears to have fled the scene and the evidence points to a crime of passion?  Members of the British High Commission in Nairobi assume that Tessa's widower, their mild-mannered and unambitious colleague Justin Quayle will leave the investigation to them?  They could not be more wrong!!  Haunted by remorse and jarred by rumors of his late wife's infidelities, Quayle surprises everyone by embarking on a personal odyssey that will take him across three continents.  Using his privileged access to diplomatic secrets, he will risk his own life and stopping at nothing to uncover and expose the truth.  The reality is a conspiracy more far-reaching and deadly than Quayle could ever have imagined!!

     This movie begins with an abrupt and violent car crash scene resulting in two deaths.  There are complex betrayals (personal, corporate and political) that will be difficult for younger viewers to follow.  Also, includes images of impoverished and ailing individuals in Kenyan villages and hospitals, violent men on horseback chase after villagers, there are other chase scenes and brief sexuality (a soft-filtered, love scene with a couple nestled in white sheets).  Some language (uttered in anger) and a lot of discussion about disloyalty, lies and greed on the part of British government officials and international drug corporations.  5* (I really liked this movie)

129 min Drama directed by Fernando Meirelles and written by John le Carre with Ralph Fiennes, Rachel Weisz, Hubert Kounde, Danny Huston, Daniele Harford, Packson Ngugi, Damaris Itenyo Agweyu, Bernard Otieno Oduor, Bill Nighy, Keith Pearson, John Sibi-Okumu, Donald Sumpter.

Note:  Goodreads gives the book 3.81* out of 5* with 21,870 ratings and 1360 reviews, Imdb 7.4* out of 10* with 131,907 reviews, Rotten Tomatoes 83% with 193 critics 82% with 217,608 audience scores, Common Sense Media Cynthia Fuchs 4* out of 5*, age 16+, 3* violence, sex, language, consumerism, drinking, drugs & smoking, Roger Ebert 4*, The Guardian 4* out of 5* Peter Bradshaw, Amazon 4.5* out of 5* with 734 reviews, Letterboxd 3.5* out of 5* with 32 fans.

Special Note:  When Tessa walks through the slum, numerous children ask her "How are you?"  She responds "I'm fine, how are you?" This scene was unscripted.  The children are actual residents  living in Kibera and not extras.  Director Fernando Meirelles lobbied to have the movie shot in Kenya since this is where the story is set, instead of in South Africa where most of Africa's film industry is located.  Ralph Fiennes held and operated the camera for Justin Qualye's point-of-view shots.  Fiennes is billed in the closing credits for "Justin Quayle POV Camera.”  At the end of filming, The Constant Gardener Trust was set up to help the inhabitants of the slums near Nairobi.  This is the area where the crew had been filming.  The Wikipedia website states:  "The poverty so affected the film crew that they established The Constant Gardener Trust to provide basic education to those areas."  John le Carre is a patron of this charity.

Mistakes:  Berlin Main Station opened in June 2006, the building took more than 10 years. Before this. Trains only passed through the station, but did not stop there. So, Justin Quayle cannot have arrived at Berlin Main Station in 2004, when the movie is set, as it is implied. Also, long distance trains only stop underground. The tracks above ground are reserved only for regional trains.  When the turbo prop plane is making a drop into the village, the two pilots push the yoke forward. That would cause the plane to pitch down, however, the plane is clearly climbing when the drop is made.  After Tessa’s, death when Justin is searching between her items, he finds a piece of paper that Wanza Kiluhu's (the girl who died in hospital where Tessa had a miscarriage) death date is written on it which is 29/8/04.   A few scenes later, when Justin goes to London searching about Tessa's death, the station's security monitor shows the date 25/05/04, three months before Wanza's death and actually before Tessa's which occurred later.  

My Month with Mrs. Potter 2018

      Ryan is a small time criminal on the run after a diamond heist goes wrong.  He is caught breaking into a cottage by the owner Mrs. Potter.  She appears to be a bitter, unsociable, self isolated old lady and she has been given just a month to live.  The other titles for her aren't true except for just a month for her to live.  She is confronting the young man who has broken into her house and broken a vase?  He would also like to steal money from her if he can find any!!  

     Although, from very different worlds, the two realize they can help each other and agree to spend the month working together.  It's a hasty decision that turns into the most extraordinary month of both of their lives.  It is a month that changes everything!!!  Some people do deserve a second chance!!

     This film is not self-indulgent and it turns out to be exactly what it was supposed to be.  A nice quiet film and character study.  The writing is good, the performances are good and I loved the setting.  The scenery of this area is very beautiful.  There are not very many reviews for this film and it is easy to get it mixed up with the film Miss Potter 2006 with Rene Zellweger.  3 1/2* (I liked this movie)

88 min, Crime directed and written by Christopher Norton with Jane Hayward. Frankie Fiarbrass, Daisy Tonge, Gareth Lawrence, Tim Cullinworth-Hudson, Fred Gallo, Dean Kilbey, Megan Lockhurst, Tyrone Nestor, Jamie Robinson, Alexa Tewkesbury.
Note:  Imdb 5.4* out of 10* with 59 reviews, Amazon 4* out of 5* with 17 reviews.

Special Note:  Filming was completed in three weeks.

The Man Who Knew Too Little 1997

     This film is based on a novel written by Robert Farrar.  American Wallace Ritchie (Bill Murray) gets a ticket for an audience participation game in London England.  Then, he gets involved in a case of mistaken identity.  As an international plot unravels around him, he thinks it's all part of the act.  Wallace is in London to see his brother.  He is a banker and he is throwing a big business dinner.  He doesn’t want Wallace to be at the dinner and he buys him a ticket to the “Theater of Life.”  This is a troupe that works on the city streets and involves one audience member at a time in a real-life drama.  Wallace answers a pay phone at the beginning and he finds himself involved in a real spy drama instead of a fake theatrical one.  

     There are a LOT of times that this movie is not funny??  There are instances where conversations can be taken two ways.  Wallace means one thing and the spies believe he means something else??  This is a continuous merry-go-round!!  Bill Murray is a funny comedian but he needs something to work with and he can’t just invent the comedy??  3* (this movie is OK)  

94 min, Comedy directed by Jon Amiel and written by Robert Farrar with Bill Murray, Peter Gallagher, Joanne Whalley, Alfred Molina, Richard Wilson, John Standing, Simon Chandler, Geraldine James, Anna Chancellor, Nicolas Woodeson, Cliff Parisi, John Thomson, Janet Henfrey, Terry O’Neill, Isabel Hernandez.   

Note:  Imdb 6.7* out of 10* with 30,113 reviews, Rotten Tomatoes 39% with 33 critics 69% with 34,499 audience scores, Roger Ebert 1*, Amazon 5* with 1261 reviews, avclub.com, Letterboxd 3.1* out of 5* with 9 fans. 

Special Note:  One of the Agents at the end has the last name of Venkman just like Bill Murray's character in the first two Ghostbusters movies.  In the hotel after the interrogation, Boris "The Butcher" Blavasky walks out of the room to call Dr. Ludmilla Kropotkin.  He says, pointing to Wallace Ritchie, "Uri, get the rubber sheets... and watch that man." "Watch That Man" is the title of the novel on which this movie was based.  The movie that Consuela (Isabel Hernández) is watching in the kitchen is Copycat  (1995), also directed by Jon Amiel.  Wallace has a happy mundane existence as a Blockbuster clerk in Des Moines Iowa.  As a hick from the sticks, he wants to see and try everything in London!! 

Mistakes:  When Wally is on the ledge at the Plaza, he yells down to Jimmy several times.  Several of the times when he yells, his mouth actually isn't moving.  When Wally first points the revolver at Lori, you hear a sound as though he is cocking the hammer but the revolver he is holding is a hammer-less model.  There is no hammer to cock and make this sound.  At Jimmy's dinner party, when Lori slaps Wally's face, the sound of the slap happens before her hand hits his face.  At 53:08 into the film, the shadow of the microphone can be seen on an actor's forehead.
 

Death to 2020

     A highly sarcastic take on current events around the world with quite a few witty puns.  Death to 2020 is a comedy that tells the story of the dreadful year that was and perhaps still is?  This landmark documentary-style special weaves together some of the world's most (fictitious) renowned voices with real-life archival footage spanning the past 12 months. 

    Producer Charlie Brooker and co-producer Annabel Jones have used their balance of commentary, news footage and spoof to pull together this documentary.  They also made a coronavirus program, the Antiviral wipe for BBC in May 2020.  Earlier, there was a 2016 Wipe that won a Bafta.  Usually Brooker serves as the acerbic, sometimes zany, ringmaster but he is only heard in glimpses behind the camera.  The question is?  It also cannot make up its mind if it is for British or American audiences??   There are funny elements and moments in this film.  3 1/2* (I liked this movie)

70 min, Comedy TV Special directed by A Campbell, Alice Mathias and written by Charlie Brooker and Anabel Jones with Samuel L. Jackson, Hugh Grant, Lisa Kudrow, Kumail Nanjiani, Tracey Ullman, Samson Kayo, Leslie Jones, Diane Morgan, Cristin Milioti, Joe Keery.

Note:  Imdb 6.9* out of 10* with 20,501 reviews, Rotten Tomatoes 37% with 19 critics 62% with 652 audience scores, cinemaexpress.com 2.5* out of 5*, Decider see 48.4% skip it 41.6% Joel Keller, independent.co.uk 1* out of 5* Ed Cumming, NME 5* out of 5* Dan Stubbs.

Special Note:  Wipe refers to a transitional technique or optical effect/device in which one shot appears to be "pushed off" or "wiped off" the screen by another shot replacing it and moving across the existing image.  Also called a push-over, a flip-over or flip-wipe, this is when one scene rotates or flips-over to the new scene.  Wipes were very commonly used in the 30s.

Still Breathing 1997

     There are two lost souls, the woman is a con-artist in L.A.  The man is a a puppeteer in San Antonio.  They have the same dream linking each other.  He travels to L.A. to find the woman he has become obsessed with.  She resists, afraid of his kooky ideas until she travels with him to San Antonio and meets his wise grandmother.  This is the story of two desperate people linked by "fate" and it gets increasingly interesting as it rolls along.

      Rosalyn believes there are two things she always wanted to believe in but didn't dare.  One is that there was one man out there somewhere who was made just for her.  The other is that she just might deserve him.  Fletcher believes that he has this terribly archaic notion that art should be about beauty and passion and well, redefining an imperfect world in a perfect way.  Rosalyn and Fletcher see each other in dreams and now they just need to find each other in real life?  The problem is, will this really work??  3 1/2* (I liked this movie)  

   
109 min, Drama directed and written by James F. Robinson with Lou Rawls, Brendan Fraser, Joanna Going, Steven Lambert, Chao Li Chi, Ann Magnuson, Paolo Seganti, Wendy Benson-Landes, Katie Hagan, Celeste Holm, Toby Huss, Jeff Schweickert, Bill Gundry.

Note:  Imdb 6.6* out of 10* with 2341 reviews, Rotten tomatoes 62% with 13 critics 78% with 3074 audience scores, Amazon 4.2* out of 5* with 162 ratings, Austin Chronicle 3* out of 5*, Letterboxd 3* out of 5*.

 
Special Note:  The stone crafter story that Fletcher tells to Roz is a local legend about La Ventana de Rosa (the Rose Window) at the Mission San José in San Antonio.  Filmed in San Antonio and San Marcos Texas and Hollywood, Los Angeles California.

Mistake:  Fletcher McBracken, after loosely and raggedly cutting out a women's picture, goes to throw it in a basket and when it lands in the basket the cut out picture is perfectly and roundly trimmed right up to the image of the women.
 

The Queen’s Gambit 2020

      This TV mini-series is based on a novel by Walter Tevis published in 1983 and it is fiction but inspired by real-life events.  Beth Harmon is placed in an orphanage after the death of her mother due to a car accident.  Nine year-old orphan Beth Harmon is quiet, sullen and by all appearances she is unremarkable.  That is, until she plays her first game of chess.  Her senses grow sharper, her thinking clearer and for the first time in her life she feels herself fully in control.  By the age of sixteen, she's competing for the U.S. Open championship.  But, as Beth hones her skills on the professional circuit the stakes get higher.  Her isolation grows more frightening and the thought of escape becomes all the more tempting.

     Viewers do not need a knowledge of chess to enjoy this series.  Anyone who has ever felt lost, rejected or underestimated can feel a kinship with Beth.  She nurtures a fierce hope that something residing deep within her might somehow save her from her life at the orphanage.  This series became the Netflix streaming platform’s No. 1 show in 63 countries and its most-watched limited scripted series ever.  It also seems to be responsible for a pandemic-induced chess boom!!  This event has been measured by online chess activity and sales of chess sets and accessories. 

     This film deals with themes including mental illness, suicide and addiction.  Young children in an orphanage are shown being given tranquilizers (apparently legally) but they also take them recreationally.  The lead character struggles with drug and alcohol abuse, an issue that is furthered when her adoptive mother turns her into a drinking buddy.  There are some simulated sex scenes but no nudity.  Occasional harsh language. 

 

7 episode series, total 6 hours and 33 minutes with Anya Taylor-Joy, Chloe Pirrie, Bill Camp, Marcin Dorocinski, Marielle Heller, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Moses Ingram, Harry Melling.
Note:  Imdb 8.7* out of 10* with 203,462 reviews, Rotten tomatoes 97% critic 95% audience Roger Ebert 3 1/2  Allison Shoemaker, Common Sense Media Jenny Nixon, 4* out of 5*, age 16+, 1* positive messages, 2* violence, sex, 3* positive role models, 4* language, Drinking, drugs & smoking, Metacritic 79 out of 100 with 28 critic reviews, 7.4 out of 10 with 1297 ratings. Letterboxd 4.3* out of 5* with 639 fans, goodreads.com gives the book 4.25 average rating, 17,127 ratings, 2,228 reviews. 5* (I really liked this series)

Special Note:  During an October 2020 interview with National Public Radio's Scott Simon on "Weekend Edition Saturday,” show runner Scott Frank said that he first asked Grandmaster Garry Kasparov to play the role of Borgov and Kasparov refused.  But, Kasparov did agree to serve as a consultant on the show.  Frank said that Kasparov provided advice on designing the chess games during the tournaments.  He also contributed valuable insight into how a chess prodigy might feel.  There is a lot of conversation in the story that comes straight from Kasparov.  Including, the Russians discussing how she can't lose because if she lost, you know, she's an orphan?  She's like us.  What would she have?  

Mistakes:  Much of the music played on the piano is by French composer Erik Satie.  Although Satie died in the 1920s, his music went into obscurity until it was rediscovered in the mid-1960s.  It is highly unlikely that this character would have been able to find his music in a Kentucky music store in the 1950s?  Between two strong chess players, by far the most common result is a draw, however draws are rarely even referred to throughout the series and Beth is never shown as drawing a game.  When Beth returns to her house from various travels, her suitcases seems empty?

Additional Note:  As Beth’s chess career took off, it was interesting to see where her new recognition took her.  This became drab gymnasiums, grand Midwest Hotels and grander international hotels.

Must Love Dogs 2005

      Preschool teacher Sarah Nolan (Diane Lane) has been divorced for eight months.  She is still grieving the divorce and the end of her marriage.  Although, she didn't see it as being perfect, she probably would have stuck it out.  She believed in the "for better or worse" obligation of the wedding vows.  But her ex-husband Kevin ended the marriage by leaving her for a younger woman.  She is urged by her over-supportive family including her many siblings, their partners and her widowed father to get back into the dating scene.  This is something she has been reluctant to do because she doesn’t feel ready.  Her most proactive sister in the matter, Carol (Elizabeth Perkins) sets her up on an Internet dating site.  Despite her less than prepared state, Sarah does go along with meeting men by exploring her options.  Sarah is also given unique perspectives on the whole issue of dating and commitment by her father, Bill (Christopher Plummer) since he is also exploring dating??

     Included in the credits, two Newfoundlands are shown with this caption: "No animals were harmed during the filming of this movie. Though we were petted within an inch of our lives."  I thought Diane Lane was realistic, vulnerable and more beautiful than ever (even without make-up at times).  The chemistry between her and John Cusack was truly believable.  Although the story line is slightly predictable, hey this is a romantic comedy, the dialog is good as well as the plot.  And, you cannot help but LOVE the dogs!!!

  
     There are repeated references to dating, body descriptions such as voluptuous and sexy.  There are a couple of scenes in bed and one in a shower with a naked woman with her back to the camera.  She is alone and upset and there is some party drinking.  A woman ends up on a very unfortunate blind date with her father!!  There is some mild profanity.   As the focus is on Internet dating, this film also shows how it involves performing, deceiving and self-deluding others.  A middle-aged woman chats with and attracts the attentions of a 15-year-old teen and she sends home immediately!!! 
5* (I really liked this movie)

158 min, Comedy directed and written by Gary David Goldberg with Diane Lane, John Cusack, Elizabeth Perkins, Christopher Plummer, Dermot Mulroney, Stockard Channing, Ali Hillis, Brad William Henke, Julie Gonzalo, Glenn Howerton, Ben Shenkman, Jordana Spiro, Kirk Trutner, Victor Webster, Michael Spound.

Note:  Amazon gives the book 4.7* out of 5* with 5900 reviews, Imdb 5.9* out of 10* with 30,537 reviews, Rotten Tomatoes 36% with 151 critics 50% audience score with 197,847 ratings, Roger Ebert 2*, Common Sense Media Cynthia Fuchs, 3* out of 5*, age 13+, 3* sex, language, drinking, drugs & smoking.

Special Note:  According to writer, producer, and director Gary David Goldberg, he gave the script to John Cusack and encouraged him to change any of his character's dialogue to better suit his acting style.  Goldberg was surprised by Cusack's response because he later sent him about thirty-five pages of new dialogue for his character!!  The dog, "Mother Theresa" was played by two six-month old Newfoundland puppies named Molly (who did most of the work) and Maeve (who performed the water scene).  Both of the puppies appeared at the end of the movie together.  Writer, producer and director Gary David Goldberg adopted both puppies at the end of filming.

Tristan & Isolde 2006

     An affair between the second in line to Britain's throne and the princess of the feuding Irish spells nothing but doom for the young lovers.  The dynamic between Marke, Isolde and Tristan is similar to Arthur, Guinevere and Lancelot.  Some scholars believe that they originated from the same source story and then split apart into two versions.  In some King Arthur books, Marke's kingdom coexists with Arthur and Camelot, Lancelot meets Tristan and they compare notes.  The first known written version of the Tristan and Isolde story was done in France around 1235 by two men calling themselves Luce de Gat and Helie de Boron.  Scattered references have been found to a lost older source brought to France by English exiles.  In some versions of the story, Tristan is called Tristram and Isolde is called Iseult or Yseult among other spellings. 

     This film includes several fierce medieval battle scenes featuring swords, mallets, spears, knives and arrows.  The combat results in dead and bloody/wounded bodies.  The young lovers appear in various states of undress and throes of passion, kissing, embracing and hiding from authorities.  In one scene, two women strip to lie next to the naked and just washed-ashore Tristan in order to warm his body.  The young lovers engage in an adulterous affair after she is married and characters drink during party scenes.  5* (I really liked this movie)

125 min, Action directed by Kevin Reynolds and written by Dean Georgaris with James Franco, Sophia Myles, Rufus Sewell, David O’Hara, Mark Stron, Henry Cavill, Bronagh Gallagher, Ronan Vibert, Lucy Russell, JB Blanc, Graham Mullins, Leo Gregory, Dexter Fletcher, Richard Dillane, Hans Martin Stier.

Imdb 6.8* out of 10* with 50,410 reviews, Rotten Tomatoes 31% with 121 critics  71% with 220,957 audience scores, reelviess.net 3*, James Beradinelli, Roger Ebert 3*, Common Sense Media Cynthia Fuchs, 2* out of 5*, age 14+, 3* sex, drinking, drugs & smoking 5* violence, Metacritic 49 out of 100 with 30 critics 7.9 out of 10 with 52 user scores.

Special Note:  Originally Ridley Scott was to direct this film in the late-'70s right after his debut film The Duellists (1977).  He put the film aside to direct Alien(1979).  James Franco stated it was his most regrettable role.  Sophia Myles’ (Isolde) wedding gown costume was previously used in Arabian Nights (2000), worn by Mili Avital (Scheherezade).  The last movie to be released by Franchise Pictures before the company went bankrupt. 

Flight of the Concords 2007-2009

     Two New Zealander friends experience life, love, friendship, all the usual stuff, while trying to make their living as a rock band.  This is a rock band that can only schedule a performance at the local aquarium, it is run by an eager and overambitious New Zealand buddy and it only has one fan.

     This show has all the elements of a great comedy.  The supporting cast is consistently hilarious, just view episode 10 and listen to Murray's commentary on rock and roll and threesomes.  Mel is another gem of a character who has a husband but lives and breaths the FOTC band.  Arj always has some sort of admonition and advice for these unsuspecting guys and it makes for a hilarious misconstrued view.  The writers take an idea and spin it in the other direction.  As an example, the episode where the woman objectifies the man.  No one knows what wild and crazy situation these guys will get into next??  I was actually amazed about how many reviews I found for this program!!

     This musical comedy about a faux folk duo is pretty mild for HBO.  The language is uncensored but it's nowhere near the levels of shows like Deadwood and Six Feet Under.  Some scenes show social drinking and touch on drug use.  The storylines typically revolve around dating attempts and most of them fail.  There's probably nothing here that mature teens haven't seen or heard before.  Song lyrics occasionally insult women but they're more intended to poke fun at traditional pop music.

Special Note:  Before Flight of the Conchords was made into a HBO series, it was mainly an improvised radio series on BBC Radio 2.  This was similar to the TV series where Bret and Jemaine were band members and they were trying to make it big in London.  Rhys Darby (he plays Murray in the TV series) was their manager and Jimmy Carr played their fan Kipper.  The radio series was popular and in 2006 they were awarded the bronze Sony Radio Academy award for comedy.  In episode 2.1, Murray says the Grammys the guys won were fake but in real life the band won a Grammy for best comedy album.  At a photo-shoot, Murray says Bret looks so small next to Jemaine that he looks like he could be in Lord of the Rings.  Bret McKenzie actually appeared in minor roles in both The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring 2001 and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King 2003.  Filmed at 28 Henry Street, New York City, New York.

28 min each episode, 2 seasons created by James Bobin, Jemaine Clement, Bret McKenzie with Rhys Darby, Kristen Schaal, Art Barker, Frank Wood, Eugene Mirman, David Costabile, Jemaine Clement, Bret McKenzie. 

Note:  Imdb 8.5* out of 10* with 54,847 reviews, Rotten Tomatoes 95% with 38 critics 100% with 39 audience scores, Metacritic 68 out of 100 with 15 critics 9.1out of 10 with 215 ratings, Amazon 4.7* out of 5* with 1933 ratings, The Guardian 5* Brian Logan, Common Sense Media Sierra Filucci, age 15+, 1* positive, role models, 3* sex, drinking, drugs & smoking 4* language.

 
Episode Titles:  Sally, Bret Gives Up the Dream, Mugged, Yoko, Sally Returns, Bowie, Drive By, Girlfriends, What Goes on Tour, New Fans, The Actor, The Third Concord.
 

Cinderella Man 2005

      During the Great Depression a common man’s hero, James J. Braddock, a.k.a. the Cinderella Man became one of the most surprising sports legends in history!!  By the early 1930s, the impoverished ex-prizefighter was seemingly as broken-down, beaten-up and out-of-luck as much of the rest of the American populace who had hit rock bottom.  His career appeared to be finished, he was unable to pay the bills, the only thing that mattered to him was his family, they were in danger and he was forced to go on Public Relief.  But deep down inside, James J. Braddock never relinquished his determination.  Driven by love, honor and an incredible dose of grit, he willed an impossible dream to come true.  In a last-chance bid to help his family, Braddock returned to the ring.  No one thought he had a shot.  However, Braddock was fueled by something beyond mere competition and he kept winning.  Suddenly, the ordinary working man became the mythic athlete.  He was carrying the hopes and dreams of the country!!

     The boxing scenes are intense, featuring slam-cuts, close-ups, brutal sound effects, images of bloody and beaten flesh.  The boxer and his family (including three young and adoring children) suffer poverty and cold winters with no heat and hunger.  Characters smoke, drink, use some language and argue, sometimes vehemently.  One character dies from a beating during a scuffle with police.  The boxer and his wife kiss earnestly.  The film's focus however, is on its inspiring message, namely that the underdog fighter is not, too old, too small and too out of practice.  He returns to the ring, triumphant as if by sheer will and determination.  5* (I really liked this movie)

144 min, Biography directed by Ron Howard and written by Cliff Hollingsworth and Akiva Goldsman with Russell Crowe, Renee Zellweger, Craig Bierko, Paul Giamatti, Paddy Considine, Bruce McGill David Husband, Connor Price, Ariel Waller, Patrick Louis, Rosemarie DeWitt, Linda Kash, Nicholas Campbell, Gene Pyrz, Chuck Shamata.

Note:  Imdb 8* out of 10* with 175,368 reviews, Rotten Tomatoes 80% with 214 critics 91% with 282,229 audience scores, Metacritic 69 out of 100 with 40 critics 8.9 out of 10 with 315 user scores, Roger Ebert 3 1/2*, Common Sense Media Cynthia Fuchs, 3* out of 5*, age 14+, 3* drinking, drugs & smoking, 5* violence, Amazon 4.8* out of 5* with 2519 reviews, Letterboxd 3.6* out of 5* with 101 fans, RollingStone 3 1/2* Peter Travers, dove.org language 5*, violence 2*, drugs 2*, nudity 1*.


Special Note:  Rosemarie DeWitt (Sara Wilson) is the granddaughter of the real James J. Braddock.  She is the daughter of his daughter Rosemarie who is portrayed by Ariel Waller in this movie.  Professional boxers played as James J. Braddock's opponents.  They were told to land their blows as close to Russell Crowe’s body as possible.  Unfortunately, they sometimes couldn't pull back in time and ended up injuring Crowe.  He suffered from several concussions and cracked teeth during the fights.  To film the final fight, the seats were filled with 15,000 blow-up dummies with masks and hats as the audience.  In real life, after Max Baer knocked out Frankie Campbell in the ring he stayed by Campbell's side for thirty minutes.  He waited for the ambulance to arrive and spent time with him and his family at the hospital.  He told Frankie's wife how sorry he was.  The next day Frankie Campbell was pronounced dead. When Baer heard this news, he broke down in tears. 

Mistakes:  In 1933, Jimmy Braddock reports a dream of dining at the Ritz with Mikey Rooney.  In 1933, Rooney was 13-year-old Mickey McGuire and he starred in a series of comedy shorts.  Rooney became a major star and household name in the late 1930s.  In the dock yard working scene, a modern-day crane delivers the sacks that Jimmy Braddock loads.  When Mae and the kids are stealing wood and see a man leaving his wife, the man walks past a modern blue USPS postal collection box.  In the 1930s, the boxes were olive drab colored and more square in shape.  When the Braddocks enter the fancy restaurant, the band plays a version of Opus One and this song came out in 1944?

Johnny English 2003

     When the funeral service of a British spy is attacked, almost all of the remaining spies are killed.  Only one spy is left and this person is now Britain's last hope.  Johnny English and his sidekick Bough have been assigned the task of investigating the theft of the British Crown Jewels.  The prime suspect is a mysterious French entrepreneur known as Pascal Sauvage.  English and Bough soon find out the horrifying truth behind the theft and Sauvage.  And, it's not going to be an easy job to bring him to justice!!

     Rowan plays a character who became famous in Britain as the star of a long-running series of credit card commercials.  Johnny English is a low-level functionary in the British Secret Service.  He’s pressed into active duty and his assignment is to foil a plot to steal the Crown Jewels.  His actions show how dangerously incompetent he really is!!  He lectures on how the thieves got into the Tower without noticing he is standing on the edge of a tunnel opening.  He can't even be trusted to drive during a chase scene and spends most of one chase in a car suspended from a moving wreckers' crane. 

     This film is a slapstick comedy with a few strong words and some bathroom jokes.  There is some spy adventure peril including guns but no blood or intense violence.  Kids not familiar with the long-term French-English political and cultural clashes may be confused by the animosity between the French and English characters?  This is a hilariously funny movie!!  Johnny English cannot do anything correctly!!  5* (I really liked this movie)

87 min, Action directed by Peter Howitt and written by Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and William Davies with Rowan Atkinson, Tasha de Vasconcelos, Ben Miller, Greg Wise, Douglas McFerran, Steve Nicolson, Terence Harvey, Kevin McNally, Tim Pigott-Smith, Nina Young, Rowland Davies, Natalie Imbruglia, Philippa Fordham, John Malkiovich, Tim Berrington.

Note:  Imdb 6.2* out of 10* with 147,769 reviews, Rotten Tomatoes 33% with 122 critics 50% with 401,954 audience scores, Common Sense Media Nell Minow, 2* out of 5*, age 8+, 1* drinking, drugs & smoking 2* violence & scariness, sexy stuff, language, Roger Ebert 1 1/2*, Amazon 4.5* out of 5* with 1203 ratings, Letterboxd 2.8* out of 5* with 16 fans.

Special Note:  Rowan Atkinson is also known as Mr. Bean, the star of Bean 1997 and also as the star of the PBS reruns of The Black Adder.  He's the master of looking thoughtful after having committed a grievous breach of manners, logic, the law, personal hygiene or common sense!!

Sylvie’s Love 2020

      A young woman meets an aspiring saxophonist while she is working in her father's record shop in 1950s Harlem New York.  Their love ignites a sweeping romance that transcends changing times, geography and professional success.  Sylvie’s Love is an old-fashioned love story set in the late 1950s and early 1960s with mainly Black characters and a great jazz soundtrack.  The main love interest is a talented saxophone player who falls in love with a young woman who is engaged to another wealthier man. 

 
     The couple flirts, dances, kisses and eventually have a scene where they undress to their undergarments.  Other male and female characters also dance and kiss but the sexual content is mostly discussed in euphemisms.  There is one raunchy joke that will likely fly over younger viewers' heads.  An unplanned pregnancy results and some extramarital affairs take place.  A man says his wife should only work if she can keep up with her responsibilities in the home.  Characters smoke cigarettes and drink beer and cocktails in social settings consistent with this era.  A woman reveals her own bias and racism in a conversation.

     I found this to be an interesting and engaging film.  I really loved the cars of this time period and the music as well.  The values of the characters are very rigid with some fluctuations.  Slyvie’s mother teaches posture, social standing and decorum to young girls in her apartment.  She uses Slyvie as an example and she tells Slyvie that she must marry within her station and not below.  She considers Robert to be beneath Slyvie’s social status and she doesn’t want Slyvie to see him again.  Slyvie tries to separate herself from Robert but their attraction to each other is too strong.  Separation does happen when Robert and the band are invited to travel to France to perform.  Robert invites Slyvie to travel with him but she refuses.  5* (I really liked this movie)   

114 min, Drama directed and written by Eugene Ashe with Tessa Thompson, Nnamdi Asomugha, Evea Longoria, Aja Naomi King, Jemima Kirke, Tone Bell, Rege-Jean Page, Alano Miller, Raquel Horsford, Tucker Smallwood, Erica Gimpel, Ryan Michelle Bathe, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Lotus Plummer, Lance Reddick.

Note:  Imdb 6.5* out of 10* with 1384 reviews, 94% with 84 critics 85% with 84 audience scores, Metacritic 74 out of 100 with 15 critic reviews, Roger Ebert 4* Tomris Laffly, RollingStone 3* out of 5* David Fear, Amazon 4.8* out of 5* with 215 reviews, Common Sense Media Jennifer Green, 3* out of 5*, age 13+, 1* violence, 2* consumerism, drinking, drugs & smoking, 3* positive messages, role models, sex.

Submarines, Steel Boats and Iron Men 1989

     A civilian film crew goes along on a routine sea patrol of the United States nuclear-powered attack submarine USS Hyman G. Rickover (SSN 709).  This is the first time in nearly 20 years that the US Navy has allowed a film crew aboard a submarine!!  Also, retired submarine commanders and military experts discuss the tactics and strategy of undersea warfare from the early days of World War I to the revolutionary changes brought on by atomic power.  Interviews with the crew of the Rickover help viewers understand more fully why they endure the danger, loneliness and confinement of submarine service.

     Unusually, I have personally been aboard a submarine but I have never gone to sea in one.  I also know people who have worked as crew members on submarines.  There are 25 museum submarines located across the USA.  5* (I really liked this movie)  

   
57 min, Documentary directed by David Hoffman and Kirk Wolfinger, written by William E. Duggan Jr. with Edward L. Beach, Tom Clancy, Robert Lansing.

Note:  Imdb 7.5* out of 10* with 30 reviews, Amazon 3* out of 5* with 40 ratings, videolibrarian.com 4*,  alibris.com 5*.

Special Note:  This submarine was launched on August 27, 1983.  It was sponsored by Rickover’s second wife Eleonore.  Commissioned on July 21, 1984 and deactivated on December 14, 2006.  In 2015, the Navy announced a Virginia-class submarine with the name USS Hyman G. Rickover (SSN-795) in his honor.  Also, there is a Rickover Naval Academy and Rickover Junior High School.

Additional Note:  Hyman George Rickover was born 1/27/1900 in Makov Russia and he died 7/8/1986 in Arlington Virginia.  He was an American naval officer and engineer who developed the world’s first nuclear-powered engines and the first atomic-powered submarine the USS Nautilus launched in 1954.  Later, he supervised plans to harness nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.