This new opera, commissioned by the Arizona Opera Company, could not be presented in the 2020-2021 Season. Therefore, a film was made. It is a film... not a filming of a live performance. The cinematography and direction are fantastic; and the acting and singing superb. Dealing with very adult themes (prostitution and violence towards women), it tells the tale of a contemporary woman who is determined to contact a famous ghost, Julia, who is said to haunt the Copper Queen Hotel in Bisbee, Az. The movie opened Halloween weekend in Phoenix. I don't do scary films; and I am glad to report that the paranormal scariness is minimal. However, this powerful film has been haunting my mind ever since.
Reviews
10 Reviews
In the Heights
(2021)
Superb acting, fine script, great cinematography
5 July 2021
Let's just say that this is a film I will see again. I care for the characters- even those that made only short appearances. The actors with more substantial rolls I wanted to know better! The music and coreography are fabulous. And I loved the variety of those who peopled the chorus! As for Abuela Claudia- I am in love- I want to be her when I grow up!!
Cruella
(2021)
Excellent script, acting and, OH, the costumes
20 June 2021
I enjoyed this movie so much that: 1). I have to rewatch 101 DALMATIONS: and 2). I am looking forward to the sequel!.
There was a depth to the acting of all the actors. I particularly enjoyed the young men who helped Cruella In her quest.
The costumes should earn the Academy award - absolutely fabulous.
Be aware that there are some scenes that can set off seizures for folks who are sensitive to flashing lights.
There was a depth to the acting of all the actors. I particularly enjoyed the young men who helped Cruella In her quest.
The costumes should earn the Academy award - absolutely fabulous.
Be aware that there are some scenes that can set off seizures for folks who are sensitive to flashing lights.
Dolittle
(2020)
Thoroughly enjoyable film
2 February 2020
Real laughs and a feel good film make for a lovely break from our bleak world. I particularly enjoyed the script which appeals to both children and adults. As usual, Downey does a great job ... as do the other actors.. both live and as the voices of the animals. Recommended.
Judy
(II) (2019)
Hard to watch at times... and timely
14 October 2019
Renee Zellweger does a fantastic job portraying Judy Garland in her last, most lonely and difficult years. It is difficult to watch and timely in terms of a portrayal of pharmaceutical addiction and its affect the lives of everyone...not just the addict. At the same time it demonstrates the love she had for her children and for performing. I highly recommend this movie.
Late Night
(2019)
Surprisingly good!
17 June 2019
I was expecting a typical fluff summer chick flick...instead I enjoyed a film which, while definitely funny, had some real "meat" to it's plot. I congratulate Kaling on an excellent script. Watching the expert acting of Thompson and Lithgow was a joy.
The Best of Enemies
(2019)
Watching how two people can learn to understand and tolerate each other.
8 April 2019
I will attempt not to have spoilers- but beware- I will be specific. I thought it would be hard to find sympathy for the head of a local group of the Klu Klux Klan, and yet, this film pulled it off. Not because I believe in beliefs and tactics of the KKK (as a liberal former Catholic woman with Jewish friends- oh, no, indeed). Rather because I gained an understanding of the mindset of poor working men in the South for whom seeing the true enemy (the powers in the community (white, male power brokers)) would have been dangerous. The acting in this film was superb with special kudos to Taraji P. Henson who in her wordless scenes expresses the reality of her character's history and the hardships she endures for a cause bigger than herself. I know this sounds like the film is didactic- but it isn't. It is a mini-history lession and one that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Bohemian Rhapsody
(2018)
FIrst time in 68 years when I saw a film two days in a row
3 December 2018
I did not know much about Queen and had no idea who Freddy Mercury was. I recognized the music- in fact I was blown away to realize that so many different sounding pieces were done by the same band.
However, this film is brilliant, both as a piece of storytelling, and as a showcase for the creative process of making music and performance. As a reminder of the early days of the AIDS epidemic it was spot-on.
As the credits rolled at the end of the film, for the first time in my life I wanted to immediately purchase another ticket for the next performance. I compromised and came back to the theater the next day with two friends.
This film touched my emotions in a way that no film has ever done- and no one is more surprised than me. I expected a good film but not a brilliant one. The actors' performances, script, direction editing and cinematography were equally well done.
I highly recommend seeing it on the big screen if you can.
However, this film is brilliant, both as a piece of storytelling, and as a showcase for the creative process of making music and performance. As a reminder of the early days of the AIDS epidemic it was spot-on.
As the credits rolled at the end of the film, for the first time in my life I wanted to immediately purchase another ticket for the next performance. I compromised and came back to the theater the next day with two friends.
This film touched my emotions in a way that no film has ever done- and no one is more surprised than me. I expected a good film but not a brilliant one. The actors' performances, script, direction editing and cinematography were equally well done.
I highly recommend seeing it on the big screen if you can.
Change is not only possible- it is necessary
12 September 2011
This documentary presents the science of personal change. It challenges viewers to imagine of a life of health and happiness and then act upon this belief until the change they seek becomes a reality. The use of imagination to facilitate change is not a woo-woo concept. Rather it is rooted in the modern understanding of human behavior, the human body and the human mind. The film is anchored with the framework of a true story of a man who put in prison for manslaughter. While there he finds that prison is not so much a place as a state of believing. He learns that he built his own behavioral and psychological prison long before he was incarcerated. He finds personal freedom and fulfillment while he is in jail. Various experts including Candace Pert, Thomas Moore, Joe Dispenza, Debbie Ford, and others offer insights into what is happening to change this person's life. I highly recommend this film. It will appeal to the same audience that enjoyed "What the Bleep Do We Know?"
The Help
(2011)
True to the Book
15 August 2011
This movie is true to the spirit of the book which is very important to me. Yet the film also brought to life characters and places that I could not clearly envision until I saw the film. This is one of those rare times when I prefer the film over the book.
The script captures the danger of what the women are doing. Even though I knew what would happen, I still felt anxiety as I wondered what the fallout would be if they,and their "illegal" activities, were discovered. This is a history lesson without being preachy. A film that reveals the history of women that historians in the 60's did not think were important.
As for the acting, many of the other reviewers have mentioned standout performances. Viola Davis and Octavia L. Spencer deserve Oscar nominations for their portrayals as "the help". Cicely Tyson's powerful portrayal of Constantine was truly a standout- she broke my heart. Jessica Chastain's characterization of the "poor white trash" woman who is shunned by the women of the town was luminous. Bryce Dallas Howard does a glorious job of presenting woman driven by ambition to do whatever it takes to hold on to her power and status.
Finally, the costumes and setting were really well done. I was transported me to a time and place I had not visited in a long, long time.
Kudos to all who had anything to do with the making of this film.
The script captures the danger of what the women are doing. Even though I knew what would happen, I still felt anxiety as I wondered what the fallout would be if they,and their "illegal" activities, were discovered. This is a history lesson without being preachy. A film that reveals the history of women that historians in the 60's did not think were important.
As for the acting, many of the other reviewers have mentioned standout performances. Viola Davis and Octavia L. Spencer deserve Oscar nominations for their portrayals as "the help". Cicely Tyson's powerful portrayal of Constantine was truly a standout- she broke my heart. Jessica Chastain's characterization of the "poor white trash" woman who is shunned by the women of the town was luminous. Bryce Dallas Howard does a glorious job of presenting woman driven by ambition to do whatever it takes to hold on to her power and status.
Finally, the costumes and setting were really well done. I was transported me to a time and place I had not visited in a long, long time.
Kudos to all who had anything to do with the making of this film.
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