Fabulous performances, especially from Douglas and Arkin. This is a noble work of art that feels thoroughly genuine. Touches the heart. Solid gold that demands to be enjoyed. Alan Arkin's delivery is hilarious and dry as ever. I thought this first episode is going to be a very hard act to follow. (But was pleasantly surprised that the superior quality was continued through its three season run.) What a cast !! Cameos are a who's who list. The script writing is top notch. The acting is stellar, on point, engaging, believable. And funny !! Don't overlook this show, or dismiss it at first glance, you will be missing out on something special.
Reviews
41 Reviews
You People
(2023)
The movie you need to see
9 February 2023
Thanks, I needed that, Eddie Murphy! Thank you Jonah Hill, Kenya Barris, Lauren London, et.al. Yes, You People made everyone uncomfortable at times, but it dealt with some of life's truly stressful areas. The medicine was bitter, too, but you put a sugar coating on it to make it palatable. OK, so the denouement was rather facile, so what? You got hard truths across in an effective, and entertaining way. Some viewers were disappointed they did not see the funny Eddie Murphy here. But he was very effective in playing the role in a more serious tone. And Jonah Hill has balls! Way to go, Jonah! Your chemistry with Lauren was strong. That chemistry was fostered by each of your characters showing strength. (But who wouldn't fall for those dimples?!) The harmonizing of those strengths made the chemistry memorable. The movie comes at a time when it is needed to help further the healing of the nation. Tikun olam. Hakuna matata.
The most troubling aspect of the movie is that the situations it depicts are still happening today.
1 December 2022
This drama is a study in power, progress, greed, religion, and one man thinking he can change the world. I was blown away by acting of the actual Indian inhabitants of the Amazon. How in the world the producers and directors of this amazing film got them to act so convincingly is some sort of miracle - or, at least, a great achievement in human interaction. Plus, the all-star cast shines with brilliant performances. Tom Berenger is simply superb, and Kathy Bates proves once again that she is one of the world's most talented actresses. The most troubling aspect of this extraordinary movie is that the situations it depicts are still happening today. And that is precisely why it needs to be seen by a wide audience these days.
Vertigo
(1958)
Far-fetched
25 November 2022
You probably don't want to take my word for it, but in spite of good acting, good cinematography, good music score, I found the "reveal" too far-fetched, and the coincidences highly unlikely. Maybe you should read Roger Ebert's insightful review; he loved the nuances of the film; I did not find them capable of overcoming what I see as a basic phoniness to the story. Also, the final scene did not have enough clarity; I had to watch it a second time to understand what actually transpired. I attribute that to the fault of the director, not the actors. The film is often considered Hitchcock's best; I've seen others I prefer.
Snow Cake
(2006)
Rickman, Weaver & Moss - WOW!
3 November 2022
It's a triumphant performance from incredible actors. I just watched it for a second time and it held up to my high esteem. The three leads were fabulous. And all the supporting actors were quite good, too. Sigourney Weaver is convincing as the autistic young woman - I noticed in the film's credits that Dr. Temple Grandin assisted in the movie's production. She is the famous autistic who was the subject of the great movie with her name as its title; so you can rest assured that Weaver's performance was a genuine reflection of the life of an autistic. Too bad this movie did not get the widespread recognition it deserves.
Elvis & Nixon
(2016)
Adroit sweet comedy
15 August 2022
I was really pleasantly surprised by this picture. Totally enjoyed myself with lots of laughs and a few poignant moments. Saw it for free on Youtube. Shannon as Elvis was sweet acting. Spacey as Nixon was a comic joy.
October Sky
(1999)
It Hit Surprisingly Close To Home
13 April 2022
I was surprised by how close to my own experience of my relationship with my father is echoed in this very fine movie. I was eight years old when Sputnik was launched, so the movie had that added appeal for me. Also, I co-founded a rocket club when I was about 15 years old, so, again, the movie had added relevancy to my life. But I don't think these elements are necessary for anyone who believes in following their dreams. The acting is very good (anything I've ever seen with Laura Dern in it has appealed). Kudos to the musical soundtrack which hit all the right notes for me. And if the idea of soaring to the heavens captures your imagination, you will likely find this movie time very well spent.
The Perfect Game
(2009)
A work of love
1 February 2022
The love put into this amazing film about an amazing real life event shines through. It is for all ages, not just kids. I hope a lot of kids see it - very good values are conveyed. High production values. Some terrific acting (especially Clifton Collins Jr. In the lead role). Great period piece... really evokes the Eisenhower presidency time. There is one baseball scene that blew this baseball fan's mind. Don't miss the photo shown during the film credits of Ted Williams with one of the real kids. Very good weaving in of the real life footage of the team. This film has many important themes dealt with very well. It transcends the ordinary baseball stories. It's a gem that richly deserves its place among the best baseball movies.
King Richard
(2021)
Okay, I am biased in this review
21 November 2021
I met Richard Williams about five years ago outside of the Delray Beach Open Tennis Tournament. He was walking towards me but I did not immediately recognize him as the father of my favorite tennis player, Venus, and the GOAT, Serena. But there was something deeply familiar about him; it was as if I was reuniting with some very dear old friend. We wordlessly grabbed onto each other's hands and just enjoyed the moment of what I would call "communion". Then I asked "Are the girls here?" "No." I then gave him some information about a program that would help their tennis, but more importantly, their lives. Will Smith's portrayal of Richard was eerily spot on!
The tennis action in the film was also amazingly convincing! How did they do that? CGI? The performances are all top-rate. But, as you can see, I am very emotionally attached to the subject, so you might not have a similar love for this movie. But you might!
The tennis action in the film was also amazingly convincing! How did they do that? CGI? The performances are all top-rate. But, as you can see, I am very emotionally attached to the subject, so you might not have a similar love for this movie. But you might!
Bajrangi Bhaijaan
(2015)
More than just a great movie!
19 November 2021
How could this be more than just a great movie? I have seen it three times now (I'm an American who lived in India for four and a half years) and it seems to get even better with each viewing. But, more than that, the film is a blessing from heaven that substantially neutralizes the enmity between India and Pakistan, between Hindus and Moslems. And it comes at a most important moment in history, when the likelihood of nuclear war in the world has its highest probability between these two neighbors. And the people who put this all together seemed to rise to the cosmic importance of the film. Certainly the chemistry between Salman Khan and the adorable Harshaali Malhotra, who plays the lost mute child, is something very special. With its airing on TV as well as in theatres, (not to mention DVDs) this film, I have read, became the most-watched film in Indian history. Deservedly so!
Table for All
(2019)
Rare and well-done!
30 October 2021
What an inspiring project! The film engagingly shows world-class chefs from around the world (including the world's #1 ranked chef, Massimo Bottura) setting up world class dining for people who are, it seems, basically homeless, in Rio de Janeiro. There are many obstacles to realizing this audacious dream, and they are shown with the courageous attempts to overcome them. The film is nourishing to mind, soul and spirit. I stumbled upon the film because I loved the work of its director, Kiko Ribeiro, who directed the Brazilian TV series Brilhante F. C.
Secondhand Lions
(2003)
Those sainted actors Robert Duvall and Michael Caine
25 October 2021
Roger Ebert said: "They are two completely inexplicable and unlikely characters, and we doubt we can believe anything we learn about them, but in the hands of those sainted actors Robert Duvall and Michael Caine, they glow with a kind of inner conviction even while their stories challenge even the kid's credulity." Right on, Roger! They are treasures and make the film. Haley Joel Osment portrays an interesting character and works well with the masters.
Bernie
(2011)
Jack Black's Genius Performance
22 September 2021
Whoa! I had never even heard of this film until I saw the photo of the title along with the three main actors, all of whom I admire so much: Jack Black, Shirley McLaine, Matthew McConaughy. So I looked up my trusted movie critic, Roger Ebert, and read his review. He gave it 3 1/2 stars out of four. And referred to the casting of Jack Black as "genius". That is a word Ebert does not use without very good reason. And after seeing the film, I agree wholeheartedly. The film is based on a true story, and many of the actors are townspeople who were actually part of the real story. But they interact seamlessly with the professional actors in this movie. Amazing achievement, this one had me hooked from the start. Black power!
Still terrific!
24 June 2021
When the show had the Alan Arkin (who I love and have had the pleasure of meeting) character, Norman Irving Newlander, die off, I was afraid I would no longer love it. Not to worry! Kathleen Turner (and throw in Morgan Freeman!) pick up the slack beautifully. Nice to see Barry Levinson, too. The writing continues to charm.
News of the World
(2020)
Time with Tom
2 June 2021
Time with Tom Hanks is time very well spent here. There is something intangible and salutary about his presence which is in almost every frame of this absorbing drama. He seems to be at the height of his maturity as an actor, but beyond that, as a man. And much praise is due, I surmise, to the director who must have been instrumental in eliciting such a fine performance from the co-star, young Helena Zengel. (There is something very Zen about her performance.) A beautiful, subtle on screen chemistry between these two. It has a real feel of authenticity of setting; a very fine production all-around.
Meeting the Beatles in India
(2020)
A deeper appreciation of the Beatles' music & personalities
13 March 2021
So many great Beatles tunes were written during their stay at the ashram in India, and this film made me feel a deeper connection to those songs. And to the Fab Four themselves. The filmmaker lived what many of us Beatles fans only dream of...real day in and day out living with them - even if only for a week. And his telling is very down to earth, and straight from the heart - a work of love - told from his direct experience - not from the point of view of a filmmaker looking from the outside in. A richly rewarding film for any Beatles fan an/or spiritual seeker.
That Thing You Do!
(1996)
Liv Tyler makes it special
25 February 2021
Critic Roger Ebert wrote a review which begins: '"That Thing You Do!" is the first film written and directed by Tom Hanks, and not surprisingly it is as sunny and guileless as many of the characters he's played: The movie may be inconsequential, but in some ways that's a strength. Without hauling in a lot of deep meanings, it remembers with great warmth a time and a place.'
Well said, Roger. But I would add that Hanks has assembled a perfect cast. All the stars shine brightly, but it would be a travesty to not single out the supernova of a performance by Liv Tyler. Although she is low-key for much of the film, there are at least two of her scenes which are truly amazing. In one of them she displays more pure unbridled joy than I can ever recall seeing in a movie. The other scene is very subtle and moving. What would otherwise be a solid 7.0 rating for this movie, in my book gets bumped up to a strong 8.0 because of her performance.
The Lovely Bones
(2009)
The Whole Is Less Than The Sum Of Its Parts
7 February 2021
I loved the book, as did millions of other readers. Tucci, Ronan and Sarandon are among my favorite actors. Peter Jackson is Peter Jackson. But what a letdown this movie was for me! Stanley Tucci states in an interview posted here on imdb, that he almost did not accept this role. That reticence is perhaps what I was picking up on in this movie. He is a great actor, but this role as a rapist-murderer does not suit him. He even balked, during the making of the movie, at having his character assault his victim. But there is much more contributing to the disappointing quality of this film. I just read Roger Ebert's very negative review of the film. He nails my feelings perfectly. Read it. Read the book if you haven't yet read it. But the movie....
The In-Laws
(1979)
I loved it 40 years ago, and now....
20 January 2021
Now, even more than when I saw it in the theater 40 years ago, I love it. "The artist strikes from the transcendent", and there is one moment in particular in this gem of a movie where that strike is very pronounced...but I won't spoil it for you by telling you what it was for me. Falk and Arkin are fabulous. It is a very funny movie, but even more than that is the humanity it reveals.
PK
(2014)
Cut it some slack and enjoy its many virtues
17 January 2021
High production values, good actors, fine choreography of the dance scenes, good music; as an American who lived in India for four years I had to cut the film some slack with regards to its "message", but overall found it quite worthwhile. The English subtitles need improvement, but are passably OK.
The Secret Garden
(2020)
Slow and steady wins the race
16 August 2020
If you need lots of stimulation from your movie, then this might not be your best bet. But there is a slow and sweet pace here that allows you to soak up its artistry. The kids are terrific actors, even though their characters are initially arrogant brats. The young lead actress is especially fine. The 1993 version is excellent, and this one is quite worthwhile viewing.
Yesterday
(I) (2004)
It will break your heart, as it should.
4 April 2020
The world is my family, and therefore, as uncomfortable as this movie made me feel due to the suffering it portrays, it needed to be seen in order to engender compassion for my fellow humans. It is one of those rare movies that will not be possible to ever forget. I only learned after seeing it that it was nominated for an Academy award for best foreign language film. It will break your heart, but isn't that what hearts are for? The love will flow....
Dunston Checks In
(1996)
Sam the orangutan deserves an Oscar!
1 April 2020
The main reason to see this movie is Sam the orangutan, who, of course, plays Dunston. It's sad that so many reviewers failed to appreciate how this one feature overrode the many flaws of the movie. Sam deserves an Oscar! If you let your heart be open to his charms you will be rewarded, I promise. Oh, and seeing Faye Dunaway, even at an age way past her prime (Chinatown, Bonnie and Clyde, etc.), is still a treat for this man's eyes. Jason Alexander is always dependable; the little boy who plays his younger son, shines; and throw in wack-job Paul Reubens (Pee Wee Herman) and you will forgive the obvious frailties of the script. For kids of all ages.
Brilhante F.C.
(2011–2013)
Addictive!
18 March 2020
I just stumbled upon this series, and, not knowing at all what to expect, was totally, delightfully surprised at how engaging it is. I was hooked! Once in a great while all the pieces seem to magically coalesce and produce an amazing work of art; this is one of those. Unfortunately there is no season two! I speak Portuguese as a second language, and that was a definite plus, but I don't think you need Portuguese to enjoy this marvelous series.
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