kc bob: MOVIEREVIEW

Showing posts with label MOVIEREVIEW. Show all posts

Nonnas | ★★★★★★★★☆☆

True stories are sometimes the most endearing. Nonnas is a great example of that. Set in my hometown of Staten Island, New York, the plot revolves around Joe Scaravella, a guy who grew up in a loving Italian family in Brooklyn. The story really begins at his mom's funeral. As he grieves, he discovers an abandoned place across the waters and decides to open an Italian restaurant dedicated to his mom and grandma (his Nonna). He enlists two Nonnas, a Nun and a hair stylist to share their cooking and become his chefs.

I got pulled into the story. I liked the Nonnas and enjoyed watching the ways that they grew to like each other. I thought that Vince Vaughn did a credible job of bringing the main character to life. I thought that the plot was warm but not too schmaltzy. It was great to see older folks given new purpose and meaning. I think that the Nonnas were really the stars of the show. It reminded me, at age 76, that life is not over when your are older and fresh starts can begin at any age. A great message, and movie, for everyone.

I found the movie to be so heartwarming. I loved it and, on a scale of ten, give it ★★★★★★★★☆☆.

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Jesus Revolution | ★★★★★★★★☆☆

Watching the beginnings of this spiritual awakening took me back to the beginnings of my own faith journey. Deep emotions were awakened in me as I was reminded of how simple and pure those times seem to be. I was also reminded of how religion and institutional faith seemed to overwhelm and overcome that simplicity. I related to the story and the struggles on a very personal and somewhat uncomfortable level.

I loved the telling of how Calvary Chapel got started. I remember most of the major players. Except Lonnie Frisbee - I had not heard of him or the major role that he played. Watching him and seeing how he wanted the movement to stay free and messy brought back a few memories. In reality, back then I was more like Chuck Smith - I wanted order and structure. I wonder how it would have gone if they listened to Lonnie?

I thought that Jonathan Roumie did a great job in playing Lonnie Frisbee. I also loved Kelsey Grammar's interpretation of Chuck Smith. I thought that the first half of the movie was better than the last - the second seemed to drag a bit. Even so, the baptism scenes at Pirate's Cove really moved me - watching lives change for Jesus moved me deeply. I think that the movie was authentic and realistic.

I really liked the movie and, on a scale of ten, give it ★★★★★★★★☆☆.

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Summer of Soul | ★★★★★★★★★★

Caught this documentary streaming on Hulu. Was not really sure if I would enjoy it because I am more of a bio pic, rather than a documentary, kind of viewer. The first few minutes dragged a bit but I was soon pulled in. Using original footage, and augments from recent interviews with folks who were there, the film documents the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival that was held between June and August.

The movie, especially the music, brought me back to my childhood growing up in New York City. I loved watching the crowds gather. Thrilled to hear the gospel being presented in word and song. More than that I enjoyed seeing so much life in Harlem. I think my favorite segment was when the Fifth Dimension took the stage sing Aquarius - Let the Sunshine In. I found the documentary to have so much life.

I really enjoyed Summer of Soul. I recommend it to you. On a scale of ten, give it ★★★★★★★★★★.

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Beirut | ★★★★★★★★☆☆

John Hamm, of Mad Men fame, brings a great portrayal of a man whose life fell apart when he was thirty. Ten years later he is called back to the city of his devastation to help an old friend. He really does not want to go but goes anyway. The movie is about his return and finding closure when he does.

I found the movie to be suspenseful. The story was really good. The before and after images of Beirut were heartbreaking. The scenes in this 2018 movie were a lot like what we are seeing in Ukraine these days. War is hell and lives are destroyed in many ways. I liked this flick and, on a scale of ten, give it ★★★★★★★★☆☆.

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CODA | ★★★★★★★★★☆

Emilia Jones, Troy Kotsur, Marlee Matlin and Daniel Durant in CODA

CODA (Child Of Deaf Adults) is first and foremost a thumbnail of what it is like for a deaf family living in a hearing community. And what it is like for the youngest member of the family, the only hearing member, to bear the responsibility of being the voice for the family.

I really liked the way that the family dynamics developed. The familial love and the care was endearing. The story really showed the challenges and sacrifices that parents and kids make for each other. I loved the acting and the casting of three deaf actors in supporting roles.

I found the movie heartwarming. The way that the story unfolded was thoughtful and realistic. It helped me to better understand the challenges of the deaf and how the world is not friendly to people who are different. It is a great movie to watch as a family. I really liked it and, on a scale of ten, give it ★★★★★★★★★☆.

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A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood | ★★★★★★★★☆☆

This movie surprised me. It was not so much about the TV persona of Mr Rogers but about the healing power of relationships. It is based on the true story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Lloyd Vogel.

I really liked the vulnerable way that the co-stars, Tom Hanks and Matthew Rhys, embraced their characters. The roles gave us a peek into way that faith and love can affect our lives. The story was heartwarming and really spoke to me.

The movie was not so much of a biopic but a glimpse into how Fred Rogers lived and loved. It was more of a story of how a hurting man found healing. I really liked this inspiring flick and, on a scale of ten, give it ★★★★★★★★☆☆.

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Nomadland | ★★★★★★★★★★

This movie touched me at a deep level. Maybe it is just timing? Perhaps it is because I resonated with so many characters who were people, like me, in their 'senior years'. Or maybe it is because I live in an urban community where houselessness is epidemic. I am not sure why but Nomadland really moved me like few movies ever have.

The story revolves around Fern, a senior citizen type person, who has experienced great loss. Her husband has recently died. Her town has died - lost their zip code and became a ghost town. The factory closed and her job is gone. She lost her house and is now living in a van.

As she travels about the country she encounters many who, like her, are living on the road in RVs, vans and trailers. These folks are loving people who, in their deep pain, always seem to be caring, giving, loving and helping. Their compassion for each other affected me. I longed to know them.

Frances McDormand, the actress who played Fern, was simply amazing. She has already won a Golden Glode for her performance and she has to be a lock for the Oscar. Her performance was one of the best that I have ever witnessed. She played Fern with beautiful tenderness and transparent brokenness.

Hard to know what else to say. I think that some might see it as a downer - for sure it is not sushine and roses. Yet some I think will be touched, as I was, by the honest portrayal of this hidden part of America. I heartily recommend Nomadland to you. Beware though. Watching it might change your life.

The movie overwhelmed me and, on a scale of ten, give it ★★★★★★★★★★.

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The Trial of the Chicago Seven | ★★★★★★★★☆☆

This is the story of 7 people on trial stemming from various charges surrounding the protests at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois. You may enjoy it if, like me, you are a fan of courtroom dramas. I remember that turbulent time and honestly I had not viewed any of the defendants in positive light at all. In that sense I found the movie to be a bit educational. Here are a few quotes from it.

We want to underscore again, that we’re coming to Chicago peacefully, but whether we’re given permits or not, we’re coming. -Tom Hayden

We carried certain ideas across state lines. Not machine guns or drugs or little girls. Ideas. When we crossed from New York to New Jersey to Pennsylvania to Ohio to Illinois, we had certain ideas. And for that, we were gassed, beaten, arrested, and put on trial. -Abbie Hoffman

This is the Academy Awards of protests and as far as I'm concerned it's an honor just to be nominated. -John Froines

The Riots Were Started By The Chicago Police Department. -Ramsey Clark, former US Attorney General

I'm the head of the Black Panthers, Sondra. When the hell am I not gonna be in trouble? -Bobby Seale

There are civil trials, and there are criminal trials. There's no such thing as a political trial. -William Kunstler

It's almost hard to believe the seven of us weren't able to end a war. -Lee Weiner

Since This Trial Began, 4,752 Us Troops Have Been Killed In Vietnam. -Tom Hayden

Found the movie to be thought provoking. I liked it and, on a scale of ten, give it ★★★★★★★★☆☆.

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The White Tiger | ★★★★★★★★☆☆

This is a dark movie with dark themes and dark characters. It showcases the hopelessness of growing up in the poorest areas of India where, as the main character says, there are two visible castes - “men with big bellies, and men with small bellies”. The film is a story about the haves and the have-nots.

The way that the poor live in India was absolutely heartbreaking but the resiliency of Balram Halwai, the lead character played wonderfully by Adarsh Gourav, was darkly beautiful. Balram was the rare white tiger of the story - a rare Indian who broke the rules, and the law, to succeed.

Though the story, from the novel of the same name, is fictional, I think that the theme is a relevant one. Images of coercion and manipulation by the powerful over the powerless is compelling. I think that it could be a movie that awakens hearts and minds to the suffering of the poor among us.

I liked the movie and, on a scale of ten, give it ★★★★★★★★☆☆.

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Hillbilly Elegy | ★★★★★★★★☆☆

A friend disliked this one and I almost skipped it. Glad that I watched it. I found the story about a young boy's experiences growing up in a dysfunctional family both refreshing and depressing.

I thought that the performances by a-lister actresses were dwarfed by the actual story. I found the plot from the memoir by JD Vance (nicely portrayed by Gabriel Basso) to be engaging and endearing.

You might like Elegy if you enjoy watching movies with interesting characters and challenging themes. I liked the movie and, on a scale of ten, give it ★★★★★★★★☆☆.

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Crip Camp | ★★★★★★★★★★

I am really not a fan of documentaries so I was not sure if I was up for a dry telling of facts - Crip Camp is not such a film. Full disclosure, my wife has used a wheelchair since 2007. So I had more than a casual interest in the movie and the message. The story chronicles the journey of a group of disabled people from their beginnings at Camp Jened, a summer camp for people with disabilities in upstate New York, to the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. I think that these quotes from the movie speaks to the heart of its message.

“I wanted to be part of the world but I didn’t see anyone like me in it.” – Jimmy Lebrecht

“I don’t think I felt, really, shame about my disability. What I felt more was exclusion.” – Judith Heumann

“The world doesn’t want us around and wants us dead. We live with that reality, so there’s always gonna be, uh, ‘Am I gonna survive? Am I gonna push back? Am I gonna fight to be here?’ that’s always true.” – Corbett O’Toole

“If I have to feel thankful about an accessible bathroom, when am I ever gonna be equal in the community?” – Judith Huemann

“The ADA was a wonderful achievement. But it was only the tip of the iceberg. You can pass a law but until you can change society’s attitudes, that law won’t mean much.” – Denise Sherer Jacobson

Not sure what you will think of the movie. Might get you a bit out of your comfort zone. Then again, it might open up your eyes, as mine were opened, to the struggle and courage that so many disabled folks have showed. Their sit-in the the HEW headquarters in San Francisco was so inspirational. Watching their long journey from camp in the 1970s to adulthood was beyond inspirational.

I loved the movie and, on a scale of ten, give it ★★★★★★★★★★.

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the midnight sky | ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

This is one of the worst movies I have ever seen.

A few IMDb review titles (that I saw too late) with my commentary:

+ 2020. The Movie. || definitely sums up the year of covid

+ Insult to General Intelligence || illogical in a bizarre sort of way

+ Nothing Happens. Ever. || seems to drone on forever

+ Appalling Waste of Time || even for a retired person

+ Clooney Cures Insomnia || nothing there to keep you awake

+ A Flaming Pile of Pointless Drivel || just rambled on and on

+ Robinson Clooney || Young Crusoe had more sense that Augustine

+ I like him in ER. That is all. || have never seen ER but I agree

+ I love Clooney...But this...Why? || Why could be the plotline

I really disliked the movie and, on a scale of ten, give it zero stars.

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Harriet | ★★★★★★★★★★

I love how this movie deals with Southern Slavery. The complex images of life as a slave is on display. It gives us an insightful view of the faithless cruelty of plantation owners and the magnificent faithful courage of slaves.

Harriet Tubman, played beautifully by Cynthia Erivo, emerges as a woman of faith and courage. I was fascinated by the ways that the Lord guided and directed Harriet as she led slaves to freedom in pre-Civil War America. God would often give her prophetic visions and speak to her as she acted so boldly.

My admiration of Harriet, as an American and as a Christian, swelled as I watched her inspiring story. I think that her story, and that of the underground railroad, should be extolled as one of the greatest in American history.

I really loved this movie and, on a scale of ten, give it ★★★★★★★★★★.

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Knives Out | ★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Ann and I are fans of the detective-sleuth genre. This movie plays in that arena. We should have liked it more than we did. I thought that the story-line was a tad predictable and sluggish at the beginning but picked up steam midway into this two hour flick. It had some pretty good twists and turns in the second half. Thought that Daniel Craig, the lead actor in this ensemble cast, may not have been best suited to play a part that involved speaking would a southernish drawl - can you imagine him saying Bond, James Bond with a twang?

Even so. I did like the movie and, on a scale of ten, give it ★★★★★★★☆☆☆.

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Just Mercy | ★★★★★★★★★★

Pictured to the right is Bryan Stevenson and actor Michael C Jordan - the subject and the star of the movie "Just Mercy". Bryan is an amazing person. His book of the same name (reviewed here) is a heartbreaking account of injustice in Alabama. The movie takes the books main narrative and creates a compelling look at systemic racism in the South.

The movie was hard to watch but communicated such a strong message of how one person with passion can impact society and change lives. I thought Jamie Foxx did a great job playing Walter McMillian, a man falsely imprisoned for 6 years. I consider the movie a must watch.

On a scale of ten, give it ★★★★★★★★★★.

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Rocketman | ★★★★★★★★☆☆

Elton John is one of the most iconic performers of my lifetime. His music is legendary. His sound is unique. Even so, this movie surprised me. I was not ready to watch a movie that was so transparent and so revealing.

The flick takes us on a journey. Beginning with childhood Reginald Kenneth Dwight, Elton's name before he changed it, showed somewhat of a musical genius. He played his grandmother's piano at age 7 and won a junior scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music when he was 11.

His life trek continues as he meets his life long song writing partner Bernie Taupin and finds success and eventual fame in Rock and Roll. Yet Elton's life is fraught with pain. And the pain morphs into addiction. John reveals a lot about himself as he uncovers his painful past.

I thought that Taron Egerton did a great job playing Elton. I loved that he sang the songs himself and didn't try to copy John's voice while keeping true to his sound. The film was a good mix of music and drama. I really liked the movie and, on a scale of ten, give it ★★★★★★★★☆☆.

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Judy | ★★★★★★★★★★

This movie is heartbreakingly beautiful. It tells the story of the last months of the life of Judy Garland as she worked a residency at a club in London. The plot revolved around Judy's brokenness and the irreparable damage from her experiences at the hands Hollywood moguls and big-shots.

It was really difficult to watch a Hollywood movie mogul manipulate and bully Judy when she was so young and impressionable. Seeing her fed a stream of drugs to lose weight, to sleep and to stay awake was like a kick in the gut. My emotions were heightened throughout the film as I felt some of her pain.

Yet there was this beautiful person that emerged from the awful childhood. A broken individual for sure. Yet such a sympathetic one. I mean who cannot relate to being broken. Even more when the wounds came in childhood.

Renée Zellweger was simply amazing as Judy. Her voice was beautiful. Her acting even more so. Her portrayal helped viewers see Judy as more than a diva. The actor brought Judy's inner beauty to life.

I loved the movie and, on a scale of ten, give it ★★★★★★★★★★.

Green Book | ★★★★★★★★★★

I loved everything about this movie. It is based on a beautiful true story about two guys on the road for 8 weeks. The dialogue and interactions between them was spectacular. I loved that it was based on the beginnings of a lifelong friendship between Tony "Tony Lip" Vallelonga and the brilliant classical pianist Dr Don Shirley.

Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali both got well deserved Oscars for playing Tony and Don. Their acting was simply brilliant. I think that the movie drew you into the tensions of the Deep South in 1962. What I loved most was the way that each character challenged and transformed the other. In the end it was a story of love winning the day and the birth of an authentic friendship.

I loved the movie and, on a scale of ten, give it ★★★★★★★★★★.

Cats | ★★★★★★★☆☆☆

My friend Missy saw Cats. She gave me permission to post her review here:

1) It seems there are several critical “articles” circulating on FB about problems with CGI, which are absolutely false! The digital animation was incredible!

2) If you don’t like the musical, specifically the music, you won’t like this. While abridged and having some additional dialogue, it is the musical.

There are some character changes that make act 1 far more coherent and add more theatrical tension as well as better character development in my opinion. The decisions weren’t all my favorite, but they work!

I did not like Rebel Wilson in this interpretation of Jennyanydots, particularly her added dialogue, but she’s physical and hilarious. James Corden is tolerable as Bustopher Jones, but easily my least favorite scene. Both of these guys take the humor a bit to far for the tone of the show but their scenes are fun.

Taylor Swift is purrfect as Bombalurina. Even better is the original song she wrote with ALW for Victoria (whose elevated character in the story is very good!)

Macavity is quite a bit more evil in this interpretation, and rather dark-magicky.

Jennifer Hudson is an incredible Grizabella, even as an alto. She is heart-wrenching!

Mr. Mistoffelees is my favorite interpretive character change. I love his development.

Judi Dench and Ian McKellen were cast just right.

The dancing was terrific, especially Victoria’s ballet and an exciting tap rendition of Skimbleshank’s Railway cat scene. Both of these characters are played by incredibly talented dancers.

The singing is great. I have an affinity for the soundtrack because my kids loved it so much when they were little. I really enjoyed the music.

The set is so much fun and more interesting than the staged version.

Overall, I really enjoyed it. If you like Cats the Musical, I suspect you will like this very much.

On a scale of ten I give it ★★★★★★★☆☆☆. Would be 8 stars without Corden and Wilson.

The Two Popes | ★★★★★★★★☆☆

This Netflix papal biopic is worth the two hour viewing time. The casting was perfect. Anthony Hopkins playing Benedict and Jonathan Pryce playing Francis. I loved the vulnerability offered and the peek into papal personalities and operations.

I have to admit that I was concerned that this might be a hit job on one of the popes as they are somewhat polar opposites and have loyal followings. Even so, I felt that a message of brotherly love trumped papal politics and personalities.

I really liked the movie and, on a scale of ten, give it ★★★★★★★★☆☆.

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