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Under the Same Sun
Under the Same Sun (I) (2013)
9/10
Seemed so real I thought it was a documentary
19 November 2014
I loved this film. I loved the story line, the acting etc. Every character was so believable, and the story line made such sense to me, that I actually thought this was a documentary film.

Every Palestinian and Israeli should watch this film.

Sometimes, good is a byproduct of not terribly altruistic intent. It's the story of an Israeli guy who sees an opportunity for making some money on a need that the Palestinian's have and knowing that he can't work with them, finds intermediaries. He contacts a Palestinian who does not want to work with an Israeli but sees a need of his people.

Both are met with incredible opposition from friends, family and business associates and a strange but tenuous relationship begins to develop

I think this film should be shown in classrooms around the world.
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Child of God
Child of God (2013)
5/10
Academy award winning performance in a disgusting disturbing movie.
30 July 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Everyone leaving the theater agreed that this was a disgusting, disturbing, nauseating movie. There were many times I wanted to get up and leave but there was a thread of compassion for this person which is what the director James Franco wanted you to feel.

He was brave for presenting a film so outside of anything you've ever seen before and with an actor so brilliant and convincing, yet my recommendation is to avoid this movie.

It's the story of a man who's last family died when he was 9, and when he is older, the bank takes his home so he is lost and alone living in the woods and turning into a feral animal. It's graphic about defecation, mucus, and necrophilia, but the fact that no one left the theater is a miracle.

Scott Haze who played the lead, went into the woods of Tennessee to prepare for the role and spent much of his time living alone. He ate only fish and apples and lost 35 lbs to prepare for this sad, haunting, disturbing performance. Most of the time you can't understand what he says and he is on screen for most of the movie with little human communication.

James Franco wanted to convey (In an interview after the movie) how all people have the same needs, and this was done. I thought that his direction was brilliant. Yet, it is so wrong to put his name on the film as one of the actors when he has what really amounts to a cameo appearance.

In summation, cheer on Scott Haze if he is nominated, as he should be for an academy award and also James Franco for direction. Don't miss any of his next performances, but avoid this movie unless you have a very strong stomach.
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Life Itself
Life Itself (2014)
9/10
Brilliant documentary of a fascinating life
13 July 2014
This is a brilliant documentary of the fascinating life of Roger Ebert. There is so much more to him that you would ever know from the show that made him well known as a movie critic.

There is an amazing piece that he wrote about the 5 little black girls killed in church when he was only 21 that will stick with me.

Rober Ebert was the sort of man that you wouldn't really like, in many ways he was so enormously narcissistic and self-serving that he wouldn't make a good friend but he was so interesting, brilliant and quick that he would be someone that you'd want to hang out with.

Since he was part of the film making process, I'm sure that his sharp edges were filed down, but in the end, his disease turned him into someone much different, and nearly everyone cried when he died.

Every single person coming out of the movie theater liked this film. For movie buffs, it has it all. Lots of movie information, the fascinating relationship of Siskel and Ebert, and a incomparable love story, but be prepared for seeing the horror how how he had to be carved up to survive.

It is a great tribute to his love of movies, that the movie about his life should be so well made. A fascinating film.
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Cold in July
Cold in July (2014)
9/10
Perfectly paced, taunt and suspenseful thriller.
13 July 2014
This is a very well made film, It's taunt, suspenseful and has you sitting on the edge of your seat. It's a story thats believable with twists and unexpected turns.

Michael Hall was wonderful as the gay undertaker in 6 Feet Under, then as the emotionless killer in Dexter. He is excellent as the caring, protective father who accidentally kills an intruder and is unwillingly to be given the mantle of hero.

When Sam Shepard comes after him, it's easy to think that logical consequences should play out but compassion steps in and that's where the story takes off in a different direction.

You will be glued to your seat and with the music perfectly and simply building the tension, in walks the fabulous character, and much needed comic relief of Don Johnson. I never thought much of Don Johnson that this role is outstanding. I think that often there is a role in a movie that is so unusual and outstanding that you should see the whole movie for it, and his role is such a role.

He really should get a supporting actor nominee for his perfect portrayal of this offbeat character.

The movie is a puzzle and the pieces all fit together. There are three great performances of the male leads, and the performance of the wife is very good as well. There were some clever touches to create a film noir feel to this film when certain scenes would subtly go to black and white.

This is a well crafted, well acted, not to be missed film, though if you're seeking light and breezy, this isn't it.
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Third Person
Third Person (2013)
9/10
Great acting, artsy film, unique and very interesting
10 July 2014
This is not the movie for everyone, but I loved it. The acting is superb and the story is not your formula Hollywood blockbuster. It is a unique and interesting story, that will hold your interest the entire time, always unsure of the outcome.

The subject matter is a bleak but the characters are true and real. Kim Basinger after hearing something that would drive most women away, asks her husband to come home. Twists, turns, but in the end, it all makes sense.

Not the movie for just anyone. If you want a schlock Hollywood feel good movie, go see the delightful new Rob Reiner film 'And so it goes'

but as for me, this is head and shoulders over that.

Phooey to the bad reviews
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