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The Forty-Year-Old Version (2020)
What a gem!
People hate to go to the movies with me because it's rare that I have anything good to say -- most movies disappoint me with contrived and predictable plots. I have to admit that I was also shocked to see exactly how much Radha contributed to the film because "creative control" often turns into self indulgence -- but in this case it's just an affirmation of talent. How have I missed out on this brilliant, funny, honest, heartbreaking voice? I'm a newly minted fan.
It's a coming-of-age film for adults, particularly those that work in the creative arts. It's easy to relate to the experiences of Radha's character, no matter who you are. If you want to be entertained, enlightened, and delighted, make sure you check this film out.
Take Me Home (2011)
A smart, modern, romantic comedy
This is without a doubt one of the best romantic comedies I've seen in a long while, probably because it didn't come out of the Hollywood mill. With interesting, developed characters, a quirky, fun plot and twists that keep your brain alive, Sam Jaeger did a fine job writing a first class screenplay that doesn't rely on sex, animals, excessive profanity or outrageous antics to keep the laughs coming. Instead it relies on the quirks of the human condition, which is infinitely more funny than over-the-top pranks. The perfect date movie, it would rock the box office if it gets a chance, just by word of mouth. At the premier, a man with a kidney stone tried to tough out his pain just to see the end. Who can beat that for an endorsement?
A Light in the Dark: The Art & Life of Frank Mason (2011)
Whether you love art or not, you'll love Frank Mason
Documentaries are usually thought provoking and informative, but this one is also uplifting. If you didn't have the pleasure of being touched by the genius of Frank Mason in mortal life, his spirit lives on in the frames of this beautiful and touching documentary that shares his joy of life and his masterful accomplishments in the art world. Beautiful photography and a balanced view of the elements of his personality keep the film moving. There's not a wasted frame. If you do have a interest in art, this film is a must, from casual observer to ardent student. When you leave, you'll feel like you knew this very special man, and I warn you that you'll see things with a painter's eye, whether you can capture that with a brush or not.
Michael Clayton (2007)
Big disappointment
I was eagerly awaiting the release of this movie only to be dropped flat. Excellent actors, lousy parts. I didn't get attached to anyone in the movie, except for George Clooney's son, who was more of a plot device prop, than a character. There are extra, pretty useless characters, like the drunk brother that waste the viewers time and don't really pay off in the end. The same set up could have existed without the extra family. I'll allow one coincidence to every screenwriter, but this movie is chock full of them. Clooney just happens to have a brother on the police force. He just happens to run into the lunatic lawyer who's hiding from everybody. He just happens to pull over to look at horses when his car blows up. And so on. We have to see this stupid scene not once, but twice. Why does he stop to look at the horses for crying out loud? The first time I see it I think surely its a set up that will pay off later. But no. Not to mention, the writer would have been wise to sit up for an all night marathon of CSI to think we would buy that his throwing a watch, wallet and cell phone in a burning car would equate to somebody thinking he was dead. Hello? the most basic forensically challenged would realize these items would burn up. Yet the absences of a corpse, well, that wouldn't throw anyone off. And the killing of the lunatic lawyer, well, gee, an "apparent suicide" for overdose would include an examination of his stomach contents, which, surprise, would not have included all those pills since his killers injected him with the drugs that kill him. Somewhere in all the hacked, arty story telling there was a half way decent plot that got wasted on this dreary, boring, annoying product. I was so far ahead of everyone in it, I wanted to just stand up and announce what was going to happen so we could all go home. Everybody in the theater groaned at the end. Maybe a few simple people that are in love with George Clooney will enjoy it, but I'd rather watch repeated reruns of ER.
The Thing About My Folks (2005)
If you've ever been a part of a family, this is a must see.
Paul Reiser's intuitive ability to find humor in everyday life has never been displayed more profoundly than in this warm journey through life circumstance that we've all faced in some degree. Peter Falk's impeccable comic timing steals the show, although Reiser turns in an equally stellar performance. Laugh, cry, but most of all feel the emotions these characters experience in their journey to answer questions we all harbor. If you loved Grumpy Old Men, you'll love The Thing About My Folks. How nice it would be if a few Hollywood executives would get the hint that there's a huge audience for strong character driven narrative. There's nothing more entertaining.
If you have the chance to catch this at an indie film festival, it's worth the price of admission. Mark it a must see. I'm crossing my fingers for a DVD.