Criterion: Housekeeping (*****) – Throw something over her…
It’s a remarkable story that presents the facts with no indication of a position being taken. In doing so, Forsyth allows Robinson’s work to forge its own path through our soul.
Freaky (***1/2) gets in touch with its other self
If you ever enjoyed Vaughn and wondered where his comic chops have gone in the last decade, look here. His skill at evoking laughter from a mixture of intelligence and physical comedy is near top form.
Historical Nugget: The Return of the Living Dead (***) – Be a man, Frank
If you find a way to get into the groove of this film and wend your way through the cheese, it will reward you with some very nice moments.
Bill & Ted Trilogy (***) often takes the easier, funnier route
I appreciate these films more now in hindsight than I ever could when I was younger. With less time to waste, this trilogy finally feels like less a waste of my precious hours.
The Jesus Rolls (**1/2) to nowhere
…the movie just serves to let us know Turturro connects one of his most famous characters to his love of an aimless French film.
Sorry To Bother You (**) Comedy + Woke = Not funny
Riley and company might create a compelling version of his story a few films from now. For now it just feels like something we’re supposed to learn, which is rarely funny.
Forgotten Gem: About A Boy (*****) He’s Expressing You
The list of movies I have been putting off is shrinking by the day. Add another classic to the list.
Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping (***1/2) almost taps it
In all it does what you want good comedies to do by giving several re-watchable moments and leaves a pleasant smile on your face. Great comedy risks more, but these guys have friendships with most of the people they are skewering. That’s okay, though. It’s only a Friday stuck at home in Covid 19 season.
Hulu’s Palm Springs (****) is better than most repeats
This film made me and my wife laugh on a Friday night, when going somewhere isn’t an option. It’s the most ridiculous type of praise to say it’s worth watching again when every day is a copy of the last.
Army of Darkness (****) – Now that’s Groovy
There is nothing here that qualifies as perfect in the film. In truth, this is what makes it better.
Criterion: Yojimbo and Sanjuro – The Masters at play (****1/2)
It’s a pleasant consequence of having the skill to turn above average into the unforgettable. These films should not be important bedrock films. Yet here they are, standing head and shoulders above, almost 60 years later.
Netflix’ Eurovision Song Contest…(***1/2) is spectacularly regular
Director David DobkinScreenplay Will Ferrell, Andrew Steele based on Eurovision Song Contest by EBUStarring Will Ferrell, Rachel McAdams, Pierce Brosnan, Dan Stevens, Melissanthi Mahut The first surprise when watching the […]
Forgotten Gem: Slap Shot (*****) is as good as it gets
The real surprise and the definite treat of the film are the Hansons. They have such an innocence and exuberance for the game of hockey, they carry whatever portion of the film that is not being driven by Newman.
Netflix The Wrong Missy (**1/2) isn’t horrible
This movie should suck, but it doesn’t.
Another Look: Step-Brothers (Unrated) Why did Holmes & Watson fail?
There’s almost enough here to make a movie that’s not half bad.
Forgotten Gem: Superbad (*****) became a classic and we all moved on…
There are so few comedies that are rewatchable. Ethical or not, this is a funny film about people we all knew in high school. None of them possess any sort of genius. Most of them are decent. Each of them were have a series of delightful failures with little victories along the way.
