Author: James Hathaway

Movie 1: Crooked House

Originally released in 2017, this Agatha Christie Mystery/Drama/Thriller is already a classic. It’s rated PG-13 for Sexual Content and Thematic Material. It’s a throw back to other mystery/drama films with lots of “who dunnit” moments. If you like Agatha Christie, you will enjoy this film. Run time is just under 2 hours. NETFLIX.

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Movie 2: The Angel

Another Mystery, Thriller, Drama from Netflix earns high marks from viewers and critics a like. It’s based on true events in the 1970s between Egypt and Israel. This was a fascinating peek into the Mideast conflict. English with some Arabic and English subtitles.

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Movie 3: The Zookeeper’s Wife

It’s listed as a War/Drama set in 1939 Nazi occupied Warsaw Poland. Arguably one of the best WWII films to date. Add a wartime ghetto, numerous characters, a powerful resistance and the survival of the local zoo. A not to be missed Netflix film!

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Note:  All movies below can be found on Netflix.

Movie 1: Operation Hyacinth

This is considered a neo-masterpiece with exceptional writing and cinematography. It’s set in the 1980’s under Poland’s communist regime where the Secret Police rounded up homosexuals to torture, imprison or blackmail. Based on true events. Original is in Polish; we watched the dubbed English version.

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Movie 2: Official Secrets

(We first reviewed this film in September 2019.) This film is based on true events from the Bush and Blair administration. The US and British Intelligence ensnare UN Security Council members with blackmail to approve the invasion of Iraq.

It’s masterful film making and a reminder of a dark chapter in global events. Keira Knightley is superb.

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Movie 3: Yara

This Italian film is based on a true kidnapping story that gripped the nation. It’s not easy to watch but well worth the time. It’s intriguing, heart breaking and sometimes difficult viewing. It’s listed as a crime drama. Italian with English subtitles.

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Movie 1: The Tragedy of MacBeth

This is an exceptional film about one of the most spectacular plays Shakespeare ever created, Macbeth! That said, an understanding of its story, themes and characters will enhance audience experiences. The cast is expansive with Denzel Washington as Macbeth, Frances McDormand as Lady Macbeth, Corey Hawkins as Macduff and so on… It’s listed as a Drama/Thriller with a run time of 1 hour, 40 minutes. The black and white cinematography, sets and costumes are stunning!

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Movie 2: Sing 2

In the mood for something a bit lighter?!? This computer-animated musical comedy is the sequel to the 2016 hit. Animated character Buster Moon (Matthew McConaughey) the All-Star host manages to attract the most talented guest acts to perform for a world wide audience. It’s a PG Comedy/Musical running just under 2 hours!

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Movie 3: G Storm

Just released Thriller/Action/Mystery from Hong Kong. A smuggling case accidentally overlaps into a murder mystery. Think of it as a Chinese version of CSI. Cantonese with English subtitles.

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Movie 1: Licorice Pizza

This Drama/Comedy is set in 1970s where Alana and Gary grow up in the San Fernando Valley of California. It was in the era of pinball machines, waterbeds and gas shortages. It has a great sound track and bit parts by folks like Sean Penn, Bradley Cooper, and Alana Haim. If you are in the mood for a flash back, don’t miss this two hour film. Rated R.

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Movie 2: Drive My Car

This film is a 2021 release of a Japanese drama based on a short story by the same name. It’s a unique but simple story about the loss of a wife, followed by a need for a new chauffeur. It’s a fascinating story about love lost and moving on with life. It’s one minute short of three hours. Well worth it! Could very well win the Oscar for Best Foreign Film. Japanese with English subtitles.

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Movie 3: Death to 2021

What a fitting way to end the year!! In the mood for a dark ‘mockumentary’?? Here’s a comedic reflection with talking heads and comedic retrospectives. It’s on Netflix and has an all star cast including Hugh Grant, Lucy Lui and Tracy Ullman! All in one hour!!

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Movie 1: The Tender Bar

Here’s an intriguing film based on the Pulitzer Prize book by the same name. It’s set in 1972 when a 9 year old J.R. moves in with his bar tender Uncle Charlie. It’s listed as a Comedy, Drama. It’s rated R for Language and Sexual content. (It’s not suitable for children.) George Clooney does a good job of directing.

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Movie 2: A Boy Called Christmas

The title is a bit misleading. The Boy’s name is Nicolas. He’s an ordinary boy with a pet mouse and a reindeer. It’s a simple story supported by a hefty cast. Maggie Smith, Jim Broadbent, Toby Jones and several others. It’s based on the 2015 book by the same name. This movie can be found on Netflix.

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Movie 3: The King’s Man

First…it’s an odd plot…tyrants and criminal masterminds from around the world want to kill millions of people around the world (for no seemingly logical reason). It’s listed as an Action /Adventure running just over two hours. This is the prequel to the highly rated Kingsmen movies. Rated R.

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Movie 1: The Guilty

This R rated film is listed as a mystery, thriller, crime, drama. The acting is pretty good. Jake Gyllenhaal, a 911 operator, and Ethan Hawke deliver believable characters. It’s currently available on Netflix.

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Movie 2: Red Rocket

This film is listed as a Comedy/Drama. It’s rated R for graphic nudity, drug use and sexual content. It’s about an aging LA porn star who goes home to Oklahoma to his aging porn star wife! Critics loved this film. We don’t think it’s worth the two hour run time.

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Movie 3: The Matrix Resurrections

Clearly the best film of the week! Don’t be distracted by the language and violence. It will all make sense in time and place. Lots of surprises from Neo (Keanu Reeves). We do not recommend this film for younger children. It appears to be intended as the ending of the Matrix franchise…we’ll see…!

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Movie 1: Nightmare Alley

Note, this 2 hour and 30 minute film is rated R for nudity, language, sexual content and violence. It’s a pretty good dramatic thriller! It’s directed by Guillermo del Toro. There is a “side show” aspect that grows and grows. A great cast with powerful concepts.

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Movie 2: Swan Song

Here is another unique concept! The husband and father becomes ill with a terminal illness. It’s a great production with unique twists when he decides to replace himself with a clone. It’s listed as a Sci-Fi Drama. Great acting!

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Movie 3: The Lost Daughter

This psychological drama takes us on a wild ride when a vacation to Greece turns unsettling and downright unnerving! There’s Oscar written all over this production!! Olivia Coleman delivers an amazing performance.

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Movie 1: Writing With Fire

This documentary is the story of India’s only women run newspaper. Led by Chief Reporter Meera, co-reporters collect and write documentaries about day to day life issues and the challenges local women must overcome. It’s an eye opening film. It should be an Oscar contender. Hindi with English subtitles.

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Movie 2: Spider-Man: No Way Home

This is another Marvel Comics Superhero film with more than a hefty amount of violence, action and adventure. It’s listed as an Fantasy. Parents should be aware there are “brief suggestive comments, some violence”. Currently, only in theaters.

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Movie 3: Hive

It’s listed as a Drama/Narrative. Its based on a true story about women in Kosovo (after the break up of the former Yugoslavia). Local women bonded together to launch a business selling a local food product. It’s insightful history. A bit tough to watch. Albanian with English subtitles.

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Movie 1: Being the Ricardos

This film is set in 1952 Hollywood when Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz confront personal and professional challenges that threaten their careers and relationship. It’s rated R for language. Critics didn’t like the actors (even with the A-list!). Pay no attention to the naysayers. It’s beautifully told, acted and directed!

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Movie 2: C’mon C’mon

This is an interesting drama about a child and his uncle. It’s about the bond that ultimately molds their relationship. It is revealing and touching at the same time. It’s rated R for language, but nothing offensive. Joaquin Phoenix delivers an excellent performance.

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Movie 3: Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time

This is an unconventional documentary film about an unconventional man that spans three decades of time. He’s the author of Slaughterhouse Five and Breakfast of Champions. It’s an interesting story about a lifetime of creative writing. It’s an intriguing look at an authors life, if nothing else.

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Movie 1: Hand of God

This film is rated R. It has some sexual content, some drug use, and a bit of nudity. It takes place in Naples, Italy in the 1980s. Best of all, it’s a peek behind the scenes of Italian life. It feels personal and unsentimental. Emotions range wildly from character to character. There’s a bit of seductive drama and a few surprises. In theatres and available on Netflix. Italian with English subtitles. This film was just nominated for a Golden Globe in Best Picture Non-English Language category.

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Movie 2: Red Notice

The FBI are after the world’s most wanted art thief! Interpol agents are also on the hunt! Equally important, the cast includes Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, and at least a dozen more. The chemistry of this cast is core to the viewers entertainment. It’s available on Netflix.

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Movie 3: West Side Story

This is a spectacular film directed by Steven Spielberg. It’s a remake of the 1957 musical by the same name. The remake/reproduction of the original is certain to satisfy new and old audiences. That said, there are numerous differences between the original and the current production. Great acting, great story, great film!

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