Author: James Hathaway

Movie 1: No Time To Die

This 2021 action/adventure production rambles on for almost three hours!! The good news is the plot is crisp and unfolds in a series of action filled pace. Bond fans have been somewhat disappointed with this rendition.

All that said, this storyline is jammed with all the action, suspense, innovation and surprise we have come to expect. Critic reviews vary significantly. Just saying…we loved it!

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Movie 2: The French Dispatch

Oy! This Wes Anderson film is a choc-a-bloc story that asks a lot from its audiences. Parents be warned…be prepared for nudity, sexuality, strong language. We were surprised it is listed as a comedy/drama. Overall, disappointment left us expecting a better experience.

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Movie 3: Encounter

This film was marketed as a Sci-fi Thriller…but it is really a story about mental health. The good news is the cast is talented and the concept is quite unique. It’s clever and thought provoking. It’s just a shame the plot wasn’t as sturdy as the acting.

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Movie 1: The Power of the Dog

This is an intriguing Western Drama written and directed by Jane Campion. It’s based on the 1967 novel by the same name written by Thomas Savage. The film has been recently released in theaters and Netflix. It’s beautifully filmed with an excellent cast. That said, there is a lot of prolonged conflict and angst. This movie is garnering lots of Oscar buzz.

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Movie 2: The Starling

Here’s a film that just lets one relax and enjoy the ride. It’s listed as a Comedy/Drama. Critics have been tough on this film but we think there is so much more to absorb from the storyline. Some viewers may balk a bit at the slow pace. On Netflix.

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Movie 3 : The Unforgivable

This film has an impressive cast! Sandra Bullock is the headliner. Next is Viola Davis, Richard Thomas and a dozen more actors. It’s often difficult to watch with strong language and violence.

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Movie 1: Julia

Here’s a documentary worth waiting for! This film features the life of Julia Child. She was a world class French trained chef from California who pioneered women chefs, first in France and eventually in the States. It’s insightful, charming, often funny and a nice way to spend 90 minutes!

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Movie 2: House of Gucci

Who knew?! It’s based on the book: The House of Gucci: A Sensational Story of Murder, Madness, Glamour, and (of course) Greed. It’s listed as a crime drama. It has a great cast: Lady Gaga, Jared Leto, Adam Driver, Salma Hayek, Al Pacino (and more). Beautiful cinematography, costumes and sets.

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Movie 3: Encanto

Disney’s Encanto is a charming music/comedy production that is sure to satisfy audiences of all ages. It’s fantasy, comedy, music and so much more. The run time is just over two hours.

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Greetings to all!  Especially to our long term audience.  And a warm welcome to our newest friends from our recent Italy and Sicily adventure.  [More to come in a separate post!]

Movie 1: Dune

It’s rated PG-13 with some violence, disturbing images and suggestive material. Stunningly weird says one critic. Pay no attention to that. The production is packed with treachery, politics, stunning visuals and thought provoking concepts!

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Movie 2: Belfast

Many critics are calling this the best movie of the year! It’s set in the tumultuous 1960s Belfast, Northern Ireland. The cinematography, in black and white, is stunning! The dialog can be a bit challenging to follow but worth the effort. Judi Dench gives an excellent performance.

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Movie 3: Eternals

This Fantasy Action Adventure is listed as PG-13. Parents should know there is violence, sexuality and some strong language. Overall the film is beautifully crafted. The plot is filled with heroes and villains. Well worth the 2 hours, 37 minute run time.

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Movie 1: Freedomland

First, it boasts a great cast: Julianne Moore, Samuel Jackson and Edie Falco. That said, the film is focused on racial and social inequality especially in urban areas. Some scenes are not easy to watch. The topics vary wildly, each seemingly its own self contained story. Listed as a Thriller/Drama.

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Movie 2: Together

A timely film about a European couple struggling with re-evaluating work and their relationship during months of Covid lockdown in London. It’s listed as a comedy but the similarity with today’s pandemic landscape is inescapable.

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Movie 3: Worth

This film is focused on the 2001 World Trade Center attacks and its aftermath. It’s a chronicle of legal processes intended to provide financial aid to the surviving people impacted by the horrific event. It’s not easy to watch.

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Movie 1: The Eyes of Tammy Faye

Based on a 2002 documentary by the same name, this film is a biographical drama about the controversial televangelists Tammy Faye Bakker and Jim Bakker. Intriguing at best. That said, Jessica Chastain (also the Producer) morphs into the Tammy Faye character with a stunning performance.

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Movie 2: The Card Counter

This film is rated R for nudity, sexuality, language and violence. That said, its a riveting tale of casino professionals, serious gamblers and revenge drama. Somewhat challenging to watch, but definitely worth the effort.

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Movie 3: Mogul Mowgli

Wow! Where to begin?! Riz Ahmed delivers an extraordinary performance that takes place in London. It’s also a unique reflection on life threatening health issues. English/British English/Pakistani with English subtitles.

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Movie 1: Language Lessons

This is a fascinating and unique film. Initially tragic, it incrementally blossoms into a heartwarming story, sometimes funny, sometimes bittersweet. Ultimately a melodrama that offers much more. Spanish and English with subtitles.

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Movie 2 Blue Bayou

WOW! This is a powerful story about immigration, family, perseverance. Some elements of the story are based on real events (i.e., US immigration policy between 2001-2009). Often painful to watch but ultimately touching.

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Movie 3: Cry Macho

Clint Eastwood is “Back”! It’s described as a neo-Western drama. It’s based on the 1975 novel of the same name. After over 10 years in development it was released with “under performing results”. We liked it and found it more than satisfying.

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Movie 1: Ma Belle My Beauty

It’s set in the bucolic south of France. This film is focused on three main characters, past passions, and jealousies. One critic described the film as a polyamorous romance in the dog days of summer. Ultimately it is a drama/romance well worth watching. English and some French with English subtitles.

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Movie 2: On Broadway

The cast is a virtual who’s who of New York’s Broadway! It’s actually a documentary on the history of Broadway, its celebrities, investors, super stars and its impact on the film industry. It’s an excellent overview and well worth its audience.

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Movie 3: Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

If you haven’t already seen this film, do make an effort to see it on the big screen. It’s worth the effort and time. It’s arguably one of the best martial-arts film in years! Be aware there are sequences of violence, strong language and extensive action. Awkwafina is a standout. Stay thru the credits for the final scene!

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Movie 1: The Vault

If you are in the mood for an Action, Drama, Mystery, Crime Thriller, don’t miss this movie! It’s set in Spain during the World Cup. It’s quite an interesting concept with clever characters and several unique scenes. Available on Netflix.

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Movie 2: Nine Days

This Drama, Fantasy is quite unusual in concept. Five unborn souls compete to see which one is chosen to be given life on Earth. (You won’t see that concept very often!) All in all a very confusing 2 hours.

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Movie 3: Annette

Comedian (Adam Driver) meets Opera Star (Marion Cotillard) who become a loving couple. It’s an interesting concept once their first child is born. Some nudity, language and a few surprises. Great cast, but it just didn’t work for us. 2 hour, 20 minute run time seems much longer.

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Movie 1: Swan Song

This is a unique film about a retired hairdresser featuring a best performance by the German character actor Udo Kier. It’s charming, witty, uplifting and heartbreaking at the same time. Ultimately uplifting.

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Movie 2: Suicide Squad

One critic characterized this film as an irreverent comedy. Others described it as a rollercoaster without brakes. Others claim it’s the best superhero film in years! We felt it was an over the top super villain film that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

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Movie 3: Coda

What a charming film set in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Ruby is the only hearing member in a family struggling to save the family fishing business. Sometimes quite funny, occasionally heartbreaking, ultimately uplifting. English subtitles throughout.

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