Author: James Hathaway

Movie 1: Invisible Life

The full title of this movie is The Invisible Life of  Euridice Gusmao.  Two sisters are separated continents apart, each believing the other is half the world away.  The good news is the quality of the production is beautifully executed by Writer/Director Karim Ainouz.

That said, the film is ultimately confusing, emotional, spanning decades all for some unknown purpose or explanation.  Note:  We do not recommend this film for youngsters.    Portuguese with English subtitles. 

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Movie 2: Cunningham

This is an extraordinary behind the scenes experience about New Yorker Merce Cunningham and his post war emergence of avant garde modern dance.  This documentary spans over three decades of rare footage.

Some parts are puzzling, others bewildering, all of it both intriguing and courageous.  Some of the performances are concurrently stunning and thought provoking.  It’s in limited release but well worth seeking out.

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Movie 3: Clemency

Where to begin…death row inmates, the emotional and moral burden, concurrently austere and resonant…  It’s gut wrenching, complicated and reeks from collateral fallout.

At times this film is incredibly difficult to watch and, overall, the acting is world class.   That said, Alfre Woodward’s performance is especially compelling, powerful and personal.  It’s sure to be an award season favorite.

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Movie 1: The Song of Names

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Movie 2: 63 Up

Interestingly enough this documentary film chronicles 14 subjects of the United Kingdom every seven years over their lifetime.  It’s a fantastic peek at then opinions that have evolved into the currant fabric.  

It relies heavily on historical footage.  The concept has morphed into a continuing saga bridging the youth and aging population waiting for the next chapter of life.

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Movie 3: The Grudge

Let’s get right to it…this film is based on a Japanese film Ju-On.  It’s an old, tired series with a creepy haunting theme.  It’s the 20th film to receive an F on CimemaScore.  Save your time and money and skip this one!!

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Movie 1: Uncut Gems

 

Oye!  Not only was this unique film difficult to watch, it’s an uncomplimentary look behind the curtain of the Manhattan diamond district.  It’s not a pretty site!  The wheeling and dealing comes with dangerous consequences.  That said, the acting is what makes this film work.  Industry insiders loved this film.

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Movie 2: 1917

Here is a film based on true events of WWI’s ‘Third Battle of Ypres, Belgium’ where two British solders become trapped behind enemy lines.  When they are given valuable information that might save multitudes of lives, they struggle to get their message to their commanders.

This is arguably the best film about WWI.  It is concurrently intense, horrific and emotional.  Don’t miss this film because Oscar won’t!!                       

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Movie 3:  The Kingmaker

It’s listed as a documentary but it also might qualify as a murder mystery, a horror film, or our favorite, “a hagiography”.  (Keep that word for Scrabble.)

That said, it’s a horrid collection of ego, corruption, greed and violence that seems destined to continue.  Consider Imelda Marcos’ recent 90th birthday party where 260 guests were hospitalized with food poisoning.

Our suggestion…bring you own snacks!!

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Movie 1:  The Two Popes

This is a fascinating peek at the monumental power and influence of today’s Catholic Church.  It’s beautifully filmed.  The story is laser focused on the liberal Pope Francis and the arch conservative Pope Benedict.  Together they collaborate and find common ground.

It’s a “MUST SEE” if you have any interest in the topic or genre.  This film is in very limited release in very few theaters.  It’s also available on Netflix.  English, Latin, Spanish and Italian with English subtitles.

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Movie 2:  Little Women

Finally a screen version of the 1868 classic by Louisa May Alcott that is worthy of the novel.  Exceptional cinematography, set in post Civil War, four very different sisters find strength and support in each other.

It’s occasionally confusing but well worth the investment of the 134 minute run time.  It’s sure to be an Oscar contender.

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Movie 3:  A Hidden Life

Wow!  This film is set in 1907 and spans into the 1930’s when Adolph Hitler dominated Austria and its surrounding areas.  But the focus of the film is a poor rural Austrian family entangled in the Nazi goal to overtake Austria and its surrounding areas as its territory.

It makes a riveting film experience on many levels.  If you haven’t already seen this, seek it out and see it as soon as possible.  (Golden Globes are coming January 5th!)    

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Movies 1: Bombshell

With three Academy Award winners and two Academy Award nominees, this film targets the Fox News Leader Roger Ailes’ perverted approach to female News Anchors and other women journalists.

It’s painful to watch.  It’s impossible to justify.  It is not surprising given the current political landscape and the minefield that is today’s reality.

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Movie 2: Cats

This movie rendition of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s classic London and Broadway productions will not win over most movie goers.  It’s a shame because there is a lot of innovation and inventive film making on the screen.  That said…I defy you to view the finale by Jennifer Hudson without tears.

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Movie 3:  Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker

 

 

Movie 1: Jumanji:  The Next Level

This newest rendition mixes old characters and new stars.  The good news is the new cast’s performances are an upgrade.  On the down side, the old story line has new twists that are a bit hard to follow.  If you are already a fan, see it.  If you are new to the franchise be prepared to be confused or confounded.

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Movie 2: Black Christmas

We were surprised to learn this was a remake of 1974 and 2006 films by the same name.  What begins as a holiday celebration evolves into a series of stalkings and murders in a local college.  We think it wants to be a message about women’s empowerment but it’s actually the exact opposite.  

Note:  We were the only two people in a very large theater.  Now we know why!

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Movie 3:  Richard Jewell

This is a fact based Drama set in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.  It’s a fascinating look at the bombing and its aftermath by the press, the FBI, the public at large and the legal labyrinth.  See it for the acting, the behavior of the press, FBI and Clint Eastwood’s Direction.

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Movie 1:  Knives Out

This “good, old fashioned whodunit” with an A-list cast is both clever and serious at the same time.  Both the plot and the production do not take themselves seriously which adds to the entertainment value.  

We are on the fence if youngsters should see this film.  That said, there were plenty of children in our theater, most with parents or other adults in tow.

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Movie 2:  Queen & Slim

This is a most unusual film.  It’s concurrently a road movie, a fantasy, and a revenge story all at the same time.  That said it all weaves together in a way that adds rather than detracts.

The film is a visual delight.  The focus is racial justice during a period not so long ago.  It’s unique and revealing.  It’s a “must see”.

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Movie 3:  Dark Waters

The cast and their performances make this film work.  It’s a lawyer movie but it’s anything but boring.  It’s unique, relevant, and another based on true events.  Shame on you DuPont!

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Movie 1:  21 Bridges

The reviews of this just released film are stunning given the commentaries are as biased and off target as the accusations.  The bottom line is the good guys are as bad as the bad guys are good.  Confusing? Yes, by design.

What makes this film worthwhile is it stimulates the viewers thought processes.  Generally the acting ranges from fair to excellent.  While imperfect, it’s still a riveting film about crime, corruption and civility.

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Movie 2:  Waves

It’s an interesting title.  It seems to imply an accumulation of very poor or bad decisions impacting one or more members of the family.  But that grows in intensity as the plot unfolds.

Without giving too much away, it is also a deep dive into family dysfunctions on multiple levels.  To be fair, it’s a unique and fascinating observation of family love, acceptance and forgiveness.

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Movie 3:  Frozen II

This sequel to the first Frozen blockbuster is truly new territory for the Disney franchise.  That said, this newest rendition is stunningly beautiful filling in dozens of loose ends from the first film.  Naysayers are already nitpicking petty aspects as some form of blasphemy.  At our viewing the roughly 50% children in the audience loved it, got all the humor and cheered at all the right times.  It makes sense to us!  We loved it too.

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SPECIAL NOTE:  Starting Tuesday, November 26, we will be in Wisconsin with family,  returning to San Francisco December 28.  We will be accessible by mobile phone and or e-mail.   We wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, a joyous Christmas and a healthy Happy New Year!  J&J

Movie 1:  Honey Boy

It’s not an easy watch.  But it is an insightful experience nonetheless.

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Movie 2:  The Good Liar

It’s well worth a watch, especially when two great actors deliver such worthy performances.

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Movie 3:  A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

That said, do not miss this newest release featuring Tom Hanks as Mister Rogers.  His performance is brilliant.  There is a lot to learn about Mr. Rogers in this newest film.

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