The Little Mermaid (****) swims eloquently
This post is for subscribers Type your email… Subscribe
Ticket to Paradise (***1/2) finds its two
The cast, director and writers all work to express a respect for the material.
In Between (*1/2) is not far enough
They have a debate on the authenticity of Titanic, because of course they would.
Marry Me (**1/2) Thanks, but no thanks
Marry Me is a romantic comedy without the comedy. It’s Notting Hill without the depth of character.
Voyagers (**1/2) Lord of the skies
If you ever wanted to see Lord of the Flies in space, then Voyagers is for you.
The Photograph (****) Things that go to make up a life
In this time of endless Hallmark style romances, it’s nice to see two beautiful people fall in something that looks, feels and hurts like real love. The Photograph is a lesson from one generation to another.
Criterion: Muhomatsu, the Rickshaw Man (****) – Life in your own lane
See this film if you want to smile, but don’t expect to go away with the idea that stoicism is easy. Even if Mifune makes it seem that way.
Criterion: Samurai I: Musashi Miyamoto (****) begins a great adventure
This is definitely a star turn for Mifune, if there ever was one. His performance is exceptional and layered.
Cocktail (**) For a movie, it is a good soundtrack
See it if you want to see the kind of film Cruise made before he completely took control of his career. It’s not worth sitting through otherwise, just to hum along.
Little Women (*****) paddle their own canoe
There are so many moments that inspire tears in Little Women. These tears are happy as well as sad. They are a reminder that life is short and it’s the quality of life that matters. In controlling their reactions to challenges, Jo and their sisters begin to own their stories. It’s our luck that they allowed us to share in the glory of their lives. This is one of the year’s best.
Last Christmas (***) pulls a few heart strings…
“Overall, the Last Christmas is a nice story that is better than most romantic films one might see on the Hallmark channel this time of year. I would not see it again, but it wasn’t wasted time. “
Forgotten Gem: Jackie Brown (*****) – Robert Forster lives on
The ending sends chills through me every time. Especially today, knowing that the end of El Camino is the last time I will ever see the deep story told within the eyes of Robert Forster.
Always Be My Maybe (***1/2) more comedy than romance
“Romantic comedies too often forget the second part of that description. Wong and Park put the emphasis on the comedy and leave the romance to fend for itself.”
Golden Sombrero: The descent into decent – Cameron Crowe and Elizabethtown (**1/2)
The film doesn’t fail big. It only does so politely.
Crazy Rich Asians (***1/2) leaves you wanting…happily
Like anything, though, it’s a vote to see better films of a various cultures when one supports a variety of films from those different cultures. I enjoyed learning a bit about the history of Singapore and I look forward to discovering more. At some point, perhaps we’ll get more epic stories. For now, I will settle for being entertained, a bit more educated…and happy.
Home Again (**1/2) is a fantasy for grown women
It’s a Lifetime film with more accomplished actors, but #HomeAgain is still okay.
Ebert Did It Better: Gasbag Reviews 