phoBos42

Okja (2017 - Netflix) What's the best pig movie since "Babe"? Easily, it's the new Netflix release, "Okja", a fairy tale with an ominous message. Rated MA-TV, this film is clearly not for young children, due to language and violence. But, ten-year-old's and up will enjoy this, especially with the scatological humor coming from the star's frequent flatulism and ability to poop on demand. While, at times a bit sophomoric for adults, the flick holds its own, gaining from an excell

82 _41%

Moonlight (2016) - Rated 12 Jun 2017

"Moonlight" (2016) When I rented this DVD, I was excited to sit in my recliner, in my "man-cave" to watch the Best Picture of last year, according to The Academy Awards and The Golden Globes. I had read so much positive hype about this film; Metacritic gave it a score of 99. Geez Louise, that rarely happens! I knew very little about the movies, including most of its cast and crew. So, I went into "Moonlight" with pretty much an open mind, but came out of utterly confused; this could

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The Founder (2016) - Rated 10 Jun 2017

"The Founder" (2016) Many of us know the story of how Ray Kroc acquired McDonalds, but this film really delves into how the McDonalds brothers re-engineered the restaurant industry and invented "fast food". These guys were geniuses. Their vision and persistence was extraordinary. Unfortunately, Richard and Maurice simply didn't have the business savvy to turn a revolutionary food service location into a national enterprise. Enter Ray Kroc, who was highly motivated and had the guts to

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Separate Lies (2005) - Rated 17 Oct 2016

Separate Lies (British - 2005) It was 1:30 AM CDT and I could not sleep. So I did the worst possible thing, according to sleep experts and turned on the TV. After a brief search of on demand fare, I noticed the British film starring two actors whom I greatly admire: Tom Wilkinson and Emily Watson. My interest was also tweaked by the fact that this was Julian Fellowes directorial debut. He is a much lauded writer and actor, known best for Downton Abbey, Gosford Park and From Time to Time. James

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Matinee (1993) - Rated 15 Oct 2016

"Matinee" (1993) I recently happened upon this likable comedy directed by Joe Dante (Gremlins, Innerspace, The Howling) and set in 1961 during the Cuban Missile Crisis. The young protagonist Gene, a recent resident of Key West, FL, finds himself in a small community with no friends, unhappy and forlorn. When word gets out that his Navy dad is on a ship blockading Cuba, he becomes something of a high school celebrity, who gains acceptance by a small circle of friends. Eventually he hooks up w

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Sully (2016) - Rated 09 Oct 2016

Sully (2016) An excellent bio-pic of the events of Nov. 14, 2014, "Sully" employs the back-story of the hearings by the FAA and the NTSB with both real-life footage and re-enactments of those same events. Director Clint Eastwood weaves an interesting story where one stays focused and involved. Very fine acting by Tom Hanks (Capt. Chesely "Sully" Sullenberger), Aaron Eckhart (as first officer Jeff Skiles), Laura Linney (Lorrie Sullenberger, the pilot's wife) and a good supporting cast h

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Brooklyn (2015) - Rated 29 Sep 2016

"Brooklyn" (2015) Beautifully shot in Ireland, Canada and NYC, Brooklyn tells the tale of a quiet, young Irish woman, Ellis, who emigrates to NYC in search of a job and a new life, as sponsored by a kindly priest (Jim Broadbent). Living quarters are arranged for; an all-female boarding house, run by the motherly and helpful Mrs. Kehoe, effectively played by Julie Walters. A job is found for her as a sales clerk in an upscale department store, supervised by the stern Miss Fortini (Jessica Par

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The Danish Girl (2015) - Rated 29 Sep 2016

"The Danish Girl" (2015) Tom Hooper's period piece is based on a novel by David Ebershof and adapted by Lucinda Coxon's screenplay. Set in Copenhagen in 1926, this complex love story starts as married couple Elnar, a landscape artist and wife Gerda, a struggling portrait painter, attempt to get their careers going, hoping for acclaim and recognition. Elnar (Eddie Redmayne), first finds moderate success, as Gerda is met with disappointment after disappointment. However, after Gerda paints

81 _37%

Joy (2015) - Rated 29 Sep 2016

"Joy" (2015) Written and directed by David O. Russell, who gave us critical and box office hits "American Hustle" and "Silver Linings Playbook", he falls short of those successes with "Joy", a bio-pic starring Jennifer Lawrence as the title character. "Joy" follows the trials and tribulations of a young, single, under-achieving mother, who has dreams of making it big with a household cleaning invention. Her efforts are stymied by an incredibly dysfunctional family, including

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I Origins (2014) - Rated 29 Sep 2016

"I Origins" Director Mike Cahill takes us into the realm of a scientist, Ian (Michael Pitt), who is researching the optical DNA and genetics of humans and all sorts of other creatures in an effort to synthesize eyes for organisms who have none. Or, eventually, to give otherwise unsighted humans their own eyes. Based on the proven truth that no two humans have exactly the same retinas, Ian continues his research. A breakthrough is actually achieved by his brilliant lab assistant, Karen (Britt