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Reviews
Zaytoun (2012)
A quiet, well-paced, thoughtful film
Zaytoun is one of those gems of a movie no one I know has watched. I first caught it about six years ago when I discovered Stephen Dorff, The American actor who plays captured Israeli pilot Yoni. I have since watched every one of Dorff's movies. I have also consumed a good deal of "conflict" films involving Israel, Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine. I watched Zaytoun for the second time today as the current conflict between Hamas and Israel rages on in real life. Oddly, Zaytoun offered "a place" for contemplation.
Zaytoun is a movie with heart. A study in what motivates various factions in both their aggression and pacifism. It is also about the mutuality of need. Bless Fahed, the young Palestinian "terrorist" who is driven in his commitment to finding his family's ancestral home. He set out to honor his family by planting there an olive tree in their memory. Along the way, Fahed and Yoni made peace with eachother -saw life through the eye's of the other. Yoni ceased to speak of Palestine as though it didn't exist while Fahed demonstrated a certain admiration for Israeli ingenuity. Fahed and Yoni lived world's apart and yet were neighbors. Separated by thin, contrived borders. The gap between this unlikely pair was bridged as Yoni and Fahed navigated the impossible to reach their respective destinations.
Suspending disbelief, particularly in the last 10 minutes of the movie, I wanted badly to sit with the Fahed and Yoni under the stars that final night together. It seemed to me that in the heart of Zaytoun, all things were possible.
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)
Hardly
I'm not sure why I've given Birdman a six when I really think it merits a four. Maybe it's because of my appreciation for the ensemble and their prior work. No doubt, Keaton, Norton, Duncan, Watts, Riseborough, Stone, and Ryan, brought their A game to Birdman, which h is why I watched 'to the end.. No, it wasn't the quality of acting. It wasn't even the script or creative storyline. No, I think I just couldn't get past the dark, dingy rat infested rooms, men in underwear, and the constant and unnecessary drumming. The mix put me on edge.
I can't enjoy trying on new clothes when I have to pee bad. Neither can I enjoy a movie when my eyes and ears are assaulted.
His Only Son (2023)
A Beautiful, Faithful, Authentic Film
I'm so grateful for the making of His Only Son. I was both moved and entertained, as well as, edified. The script, acting, and filming are among the best I've seen, especially in the Faith genre. While being true to scripture, His Only Son uses clever flashbacks and likely conversation to help make sense of the difficult aspects of the Abraham story. The thru line is: "G-d always keeps His promises," which is to say, never would Heavenly Father actually expect Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, as it was to be through Isaac -per an earlier covenant- that Abraham would become the Father Of All Nations.
Believability was helped along too by the extraordinary cast; the costuming and film locations.
My only "difficulty" with His Only Son came at the end. For me it was confusing and unnecessary to have "Abraham" and "Isaac" re-emerge 2,000 years later as witnesses to the Nativity and the Crucifixion. These two principals didn't just kinda look like the actors playing Abraham and Isaac, but in fact we're them. It came off as though the filmmaker was pointing toward reincarnation when I believe he was saying, after watching the end three times, that descendants of Abraham and Isaac, as members of disparate nations, were present at the most important moment in human history.
I will long remember this film and the importance of faith. Thanks to everyone involved in the making of His Only Son.
Take This Waltz (2011)
Film fails to realize potential
I watched this movie as I like the lead actors, Michelle Williams in particular. There are good things to be said of it. The acting is good. The sets, colors, and cinematography are excellent. Still, Unfortunately, Take This Waltz is not top shelf. In fact, it's as annoying as hell. The character of Margot seems stunted emotionally at the age of 14.. Her baby talk, silly games, and inability to keep herself occupied all point to someone who is functioning in the adult world but as a child. In fact, the light of Margot's life is another child, her neice. Though Margot says she wants to be a writer, we see her in one scene only and writing for about a minute, her attention easily turned to the shiny new thing. Whatever happiness and "entertainment" Margot achieves comes from others. Lou uses Margot as a perpetual hostess while Aaron diminishes her innocence through seduction and three ways. In the end, we find Margot returned to a carnival ride getting lost in Video Killed The Radio Man. She is alone. Has she left yet another man, or is she simply soothing her child within? No doubt she brought the coinage to ride the scrambler over and over again.
Men (2022)
The Green Man Heals?
Evidentially I watched a different film than most expressing a view here. Let's agree first, the acting was superb and the story original. Let's set aside too grief and healing from a psychological perspective. HERE's MY TAKEAWAY. I saw The Green Man as the through line in MEN. It was the art motif in the carved pedestal of the baptism font in the village church. Our heroine, Harper, poured out her soul before this font, at which point The Green Man became her intercessor personified in the naked stalker, and becoming much more as the story developed.
To "help" Harper recover, The Green Man brought forth all the "types" of men women most fear: The clergyman with his lust-filled thoughts - blaming Harper for bewitching his mind. The adolescent Peter Pan - The immature boy that doesn't know how to relate to women so instead pulls her hair. The hapless protector (homeowner) looking after a "damsel in distress". The misogynist person in power (policeman). The stalker and exhibitionist (naked man). And, finally the excessively needy man who projects his failings onto his partner (the husband).
BUT WHO IS THIS GREEN MAN? The Green Man is a legendary symbol of rebirth, earthy and mysterious just like earth goddesses. His appearance in the village, with an eye on Harper, is inevitable and familiar to those in Great Britain and the European continent. The image of the leafy icon is found in churches across Europe and is found in many literary efforts. He also is at the center of many cultural events throughout the ages, like dancing around a maypole.
FOR ME, the last scene was the most perplexing. We are shown that Harper didn't just imagine all the creepy stereotypes she endured alone in the country house to which she'd retreated following her husband's suicide, as we saw blood at the front entrance. Harper herself is sitting among the foliage, oddly calm and with a leaf in her hand, her gaze at the trees. When Harper's friend shows up we find that she is pregnant -again offering a sign of birth/rebirth, and next in-line behind all the nauseating "births" we witnessed the MEN deliver the night prior. The camera zooms in and Harper gives us an uneasy smile.
... Has she become a Green Man acolyte? Was it the forbidden fruit Harper plucked from the apple tree on arrival the night before? Or is it merely a recognition that life goes on? Harper's husband is dead but the circle of life is restored anew? Only The Green Man knows.
Missing 411: The U.F.O. Connection (2022)
Tittilating, but ...
Missing 411: THE UFO Connection is as titillating as it is interesting. Who doesn't llove a good Bigfoot/alien/mystery film? The quality of this film is on par with David's other projects. I am a fan, generally speaking. But more the skeptic when it comes to details.
With regard to the claims and innuendos, I think some are over-reaching. Paulides does not make his case, for me. I'd love to hear what a statistician might have to say about the number of Elk hunters and people with a Germanic surname going missing are in comparison to the wider pool of missing persons in North American forests and public parks. The statistician's *paychecks should NOT be signed by David or any of his associates in order that people get a complete, uncompromised picture. More often than not, the opinion of "experts" is in line with their paymasters.
And, I have to ask ... Why would inter-dimensional beings, or extraterrestrials, prefer German elk hunters? -Or German scientists, per another Paulides suggestion. I mean, really?!?
Beast (2022)
In Need Of A Re-Write
I wanted to really like this movie but only did so marginally. The daughters were annoying as all hell, from the word action. Three characters only gave The Beast some credibility with the Lion being one. Question, did the screenwriters have a clue about big cats and hunting? Even I knew when the dad getting to "higher ground by stretching out the roof of the Range Rover left him vulnerable to the cat pulling up on the ledge behind him.
Establishing the problem of poaching, and the dangers of village life on the edge of wilderness, would have helped. I'm anxious for a rewrite. I like the concept of The Beast just not this rendition. Ps. Leave the daughters home.
Chosen (2022)
Never Have I Ever
I rated Chosen a 3 and I was being generous. Never have I ever rated a film or series so low. The worst part is I gave it two episodes to redeem itself though it was obvious from the very first scene it wasn't worth viewing. How could no one scripting, producing, directing, edition the mess not realize how completely bad it is? Chosen gets my vote for worst dialogue in film history.
These Foolish Things (2006)
Thank Heaven For Terence Stamp
Terence Stamp (the butler) and Anjelica Huston (Lottie) saved this movie. It was flat and drenched in pretense until these two incredible, larger than life, personalities peppered it with personality. It was great to see actress Lauren Bacall in These Foolish Things as well. Overall I felt like I'd seen this movie many times. Predictable.
Spencer (2021)
Superb Acting. Ok Movie.
Kristen Stewart delivered the best portrayal to date of the late Diana Spencer, Princess Of Wales. Not only did she get Diana's body movements and mannerisms right, but her voice. More than once I heard Diana not Kristen, and this just off of listening to six hours of audio Diana produced for author Andrew Morton, as well as, rewatching the BBC interview with Martin Bashir. Unfortunately, the story itself (a fable based on true events), left a lot to be desired. The "slice of life" producers chose as Exhibit A of what it was like to be in a loveless marriage/cold family/gilded cage, was not entirely compelling. In short, the acting was superb while the movie/story, overall, was lacking.
King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017)
Good flick.
Good flick. Just go with it.
Excellent cast. Creative retelling. Recognizable elements. Could have done without the snakes9, but, oh well. The fact that they gave the Monk from Marco Polo a part makes up for the nasty reptiles
I do hope we will see a sequel.
Halloween Kills (2021)
What a mess
Halloween Kills is a hodgepodge of a mashugana of a meh of a film. A real mess.
But for the presence/acting contributions of Jamie Lee Curtis, Judy Greer, and Will Patton, there would be nothing nice to say.
Val (2021)
Deconstructing the layers
For many years Val and I were shadows passing each other in the New Mexico wilderness. His 6,000 acre ranch northeast of Santa Fe abutted my father's property. Dad held pipe ceremonies and sweat lodges on his land regularly. This drew a steady stream of seekers from all walks of life. In time, it drew the attention and interest of Val as well. When Val tells us in "Val" that he studies and appreciates all forms of spirituality, viewers can believe him. There is nothing about Val that isn't thoughtful, complex, and multi-dimensional.
I was a fan of Val's acting ability ever since I saw him in Top Gun. Until "Val," I'd believed his most iconic role was that of Jim Morrison in The Doors. As it turns out "Val," unvarnished and stripped of pretense, is Val's crowning achievement. With "Val," movie mavens like me get a glimpse inside the craft. More importantly, young aspiring actors witness the pluridimensional way of being to which one must submit if they are to ascend to true artistry. It is the deconstruction of the layers that is most fascinating in "Val".
Scenes from a Marriage (2021)
Some things you cannot unsee, unfortunately
I tuned in to Scenes From A Marriage as I am a great fan of the two lead actors. I could hardly get through the opening scene with the college thesis interviewer. ... Absolutely nauseating, followed by the whole discussion "does cheating make a marriage stronger" idea. No, I am not politically or socially conservative, but neither am I "progressive". The far left and far right are equally beyond the pale.
I gives Scenes From A Marriage a five only for the casting and only reluctantly so. I wish I'd never watched. I'll never get that time back.
Starstruck (2021)
Fun, Refreshing and Familiar
Starstruck is easily reminiscent of Bridget Jones' Diary, but unique enough to be its own series. The lead actress is a breath of fresh air and the character's friends are a delightful
mess. Favorite line: "Look at us, I'm 28 ... I would have expected to be divorced by now!"
Season 1 /HBO Max is a great start. I'm looking forward to Season 2.
Lucy in the Sky (2019)
A Coarse Unraveling On All Fronts
There were moments with this film when I was uncertain as to what I was watching. I got it in the beginning, lost it a bit in the middle, then felt a somewhat disjointed in the end. *At one point I thought the film was masquerading the 2007 true life story of Astronaut Lisa Nowak who wore space diapers so she could travel from Houston to Orlando, without bathroom breaks, in order to confront her astronaut lover's astronaut girlfriend. Yet every scene that allowed for a closeup of Lucy's (Natalie Portman) eyes, reminded me that what was really going on was intelligent filmmaking. The delivery of a story from the inside out, rather than outside in. Viewers are invited to experience a tightly wound, highly accomplished woman, struggle to make sense of the incomprehensible. We were intimately privy to Lucy's psyche as she slowly unraveled; first -professionally, then spiritually, then emotionally, and finally, mentally.
Lucy's inability to reconcile the perspective she gained as a spacewoman, with the reality of being a virtual housewife, was palatable. I too was going "mad" watching the juxtaposition from my lounger. I felt for Lucy. I saw someone akin to an addict, desperate for another hit -her very being unable to cope without a "fix".
All in all I enjoyed "Lucy In The Sky". It annoys me that anytime a film involves "space," viewers are looking for rocket launches, laser beams, and aliens. How about just accepting the occasional character study? I mean, really, put yourself in the shoes of an astronaut. How completely transcendent must it be to see your world from 100,000 miles? Your home reduced to a sparkling blue marble in an ocean of darkness? How greatly must one's perspective be changed on all fronts? How does one breathe simple air, accept marginalization, when they've bathed the mysterious unencumbered? -Go from "weightlessness" to the weight of everyday life? Deafening quiet, to noise.
On his return to earth, Apollo 14 Astronaut Alan Shepard said, "I realized up there that our planet is not infinite. It is fragile ...
"We look pretty vulnerable in the darkness of space," he said, while Astronaut Edgar Mitchell, who underwent a spiritual enlightenment in space, said, "My view of our planet was a glimpse of divinity."
The Dinner (2017)
All Star Fail
The Dinner is an all star cast performing an all star fail. I watched as I liked members of the ensemble but quickly came to feel I was the victim of a switch and bait scheme. Far from dialogue intended to build a compelling story, The Dinner was all about giving each actor more than a moment to demonstrate their acting chops. Far too contrived.
Another Life (2019)
Rewrite, recast, reshoot, and Another Life could be good
The first twenty minutes of the opening episode makes Another Life hopeful. The sad thing is, it could be a good to great series. Lead actresses playing Niko, Cas and Harper bring a lot of credibility to their roles and manage through some ridiculous scenarios with real moxie. Crew, awoken later in the voyage, helped, as did the character of William. Toss out the gratuitous sex, gender bending, and lack of professionalism from those whom we are to believe are elite, and you have your first step toward a season 2. In fact, I'd rewrite, reshoot, and recast much of Season 1 material and start again. A do over!
The Predator (2018)
... With an open mind
It's a little bit campy; It's a little bit rock and roll. Three generations, including myself, watched The Predator this past weekend and loved it. No, The Predator is not in keeping, per se, with the franchise in its original form, but it is worthwhile viewing nonetheless. Keep in mind an open mind and you too will enjoy it. The Predator is a solid movie standing on its own "reimagined" legs while serving up a storyline that is consistent with those which have gone before.
Polar (2019)
Worth the repulsion
This is a hard movie to watch, with all the blood and mayhem; the degenerates and in your face death, but it is well worth the watch due Mads Mikkelson.
Mr. Church (2016)
Sweet and authentic
Mr. Church is sweet and authentic from the first word to the last. It is well-paced and devoid of drag with steller performances turned out by all players. Mr. Church demonstrates that while we may be on a linear path from birth to death, within that trajectory are full circle loops taking us from one gestalt to the next. It reminds us too how we make a difference in the lives of others and they in ours. Mr. Church was Eddy Murphy's movie to deliver and that he did. Unlike books which are meant to be read from beggining to end, sometimes the stories are better understood when we start from the end and work our way back.
Aquaman (2018)
A fantastical mashup of mythology, legend and science fiction
The Arthurian legends play prominently in Aquaman as do the Mythologies of Zeus, Hades, Poseidon and Perseus. Not only is a mythological sword released in Aquaman but a variety of "Crackins," aka Liam Neesom style. The movie could have buckled under the weight of trying to be all things to all fictions, but instead, was all the better for it. Add to that, a decent storyline, solid acting, incredible special effects, and a few important messages from the ecology.
See Aquaman but see it on the big screen.
Enas allos kosmos (2015)
Impactful
I rarely cry as the result of a good story. I cried at the end of Worlds Apart. When I cried I felt sadness and joy at the same time.
By way of the lives of three individuals, we learn about the psycho-socio impacts of the refugee crises (and new world order) on the country and people of Greece. Interwoven are the philosophies of Ancient Greek philosophers and the study of Eros and Pathos. What of these mythologies in a modern world? Will the good angels within us prevail?