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Reviews
Nobody (2021)
Really well done for the genre
This is a well-made movie if you like this genre. That's not meant as a slam, but only to prepare the viewer. It's violent; not like a superhero sci-fi film, but in a far more believable way. It is sickening in the sense that you can feel the brutality and the devastating injury that is inflicted. It's not truly realistic, since the main character sustains injuries that no real person could just walk away from, but it's close enough that I couldn't watch the whole thing. If nothing else, the fight scene on the bus early on is a remarkable set piece, unlike any other. If you get that far and want more (a lot more) then this movie is for you. You won't be disappointed.
Apollo 13 (1995)
Remarkable Story Telling!
Twenty-nine years after its release, Apollo 13 remains a remarkable drama about the real challenges of space flight and what is possible when people lay aside personal differences and go all in to help each other. It is of course based on a true story, and its authenticity is enhanced by clips from actual radio and TV broadcasts that reported on the event as it unfolded. We can watch it now knowing that it has a happy ending, but imagine what it was like for the nation, and especially the families of the crew, to live through it not knowing what would happen. Sadly, the nation no longer has space exploration to rally around, and we are worse off for it.
Barbie (2023)
Much better than expected.
I decided to rent Barbie to see what all the fuss was about. My sister had a Barbie and Ken growing up, and so I understood many of the references. What I wasn't expecting was how the movie addressed the deeper issues that girls face as they transition into adulthood, and how they struggle to find their place in what is still a man's world in some ways. What is particularly touching is the song "What Was I Made For" (Billie Eilish) which poignantly speaks to female identity. The Barbie movie isn't perfect, but I can forgive the uneven parts. It's a brilliant collage of nostalgia, fashion, cultural references, and women's issues wrapped in special FX and dance numbers.
A Tail of Love (2022)
Flawed, yet heartwarming.
Britanny Barstow and Chris McNally are likeable actors, and I found their mutual attraction believable. The subject of military service dogs is also heartwarming. On the other hand, there is a lot of lazy writing in the script. For instance, the notion that the dog rescue center doesn't have a deed to the land it sits on is ridiculous. Everyone is looking for the deed all through the movie, and then when it is mysteriously found, the rescue center is not notified immediately. Instead, it's kept until the next day and revealed during a PR event. Also, the "bad developer" character who wants to take the land and build condos on it (or whatever) is portrayed as a borderline psycho who takes and hides a copy of the deed, so her land grab can go through. As expected, the couple follow their hearts and true love triumphs at the end, but I've seen both of these actors handle that moment in a more natural way. Along with better writing, this movie would have benefited from focusing more on the military service dogs, who are the real stars in the story. Over all, it's watchable if you can ignore the flaws.
A Biltmore Christmas (2023)
Romance draped in 40s elegance.
There are many Hallmark movies that use the time travel trope to create "what if" scenarios, and A Biltmore Christmas uses it to good effect, i.e., it takes us back to the 1940s golden age of elegant movies. It is reminiscent of a Merchant Ivory period piece, with its exquisite attention to the details of clothing, hairstyles, decor, automobiles, etc. Bethany Joy Lenz looks great as a 40s movie star, and Kristopher Polaha quietly steals the show as the gentleman who puts aside disbelief and follows his heart. We can trust Hallmark to provide a happy ending, but the circumstances are unusual, and I didn't see it coming. There are some obvious plot holes, but they're not hard to overlook once the movie has you engaged. HIghly recommended!
Next Stop, Christmas (2021)
Heart warming and funny!
Next Stop Christmas is a clever fusion of the standard Hallmark romance and the Back To The Future movies. Christopher Lloyd plays a mysterious conductor on a train that travels through time, and Lea Thompson reprises her role as the mother of the time traveler. Lyndsay Fonseca animates her character with warmth and great comedic timing as she travels through time trying to figure out her life lesson. Chandler Massey does a great job playing her childhood friend who has always "loved from a far", and Eric Freeman makes the "mister wrong" boyfriend a likable guy who just has misguided priorities. The whole cast did a great job. I was completely "on board" with this Hallmark Christmas movie.
Christmas at the Plaza (2019)
Lovely scenery and decorations, but no chemistry
As you can expect from a Hallmark Christmas movie, Christmas at the Plaza is beautiful to look at. The locations inside and out are chosen with care and the Christmas decorations are perfect. Unfortunately, there is little to no chemistry between the leads. Chemistry is the defining quality in Hallmark movies that makes it possible to overlook how predictable they are. I never came to care about these characters or looked forward to their happy ending. Everyone just went through the motions. Anyway, if it's enough to look at beautiful scenery and decorations, then you will enjoy this movie. But if you need more there are other Hallmark Christmas movies that do it better.
My Christmas Guide (2023)
Better than average Hallmark Christmas Movie
This movie deviates somewhat from the usual Hallmark formula, and portrays the relationship between a sight impaired professor and his guide dog trainer realistically. Ben Mehl actually is sight impaired, and so his acting is natural and credible. Amber Marshall is excellent in the supporting role of guide dog trainer and love interest, and Ava Weiss is very likable as the professor's daughter. The process of them getting together and ultimately becoming a family never feels forced. On the other hand, the "Mr wrong" boyfriend is just a snake and doesn't provide any reason for the female lead to care about him. Also, the portrayal of bullying in school, and access for people with disabilities is just wrong. Blatant bullying is not tolerated, and the ADA guarantees safe access. The administrator would not have tried to force the professor to leave his position because of construction around the school. I guess the writers couldn't figure out a better way to provide some additional dramatic tension? Fortunately, the relationship between the primary characters carries the movie to a heart-warming conclusion.
The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008)
Enjoyable, and true to the original theme
I liked this remake of The Day The Earth Stood Still. There are some changes to the original storyline, but it remains true to the central theme that humans are threatening the survival of the planet. Why is there so much criticism of the actors? I thought Reeves was perfect as the alien who observes and doesn't quite understand humans. Jennifer Connelly and John Cleese were both good in their roles. Jaden Smith's character is more problematic; Jacob Benson is a wounded child whose behavior makes him unlikable, but that's on the director Scott Derrickson, not the actor. Perhaps Jaden played the character exactly as he was asked to, and people should take it up with the director if they don't like the characterization? I found KIaatu's journey to gradually understand humans believable. I also really liked the special effects, which served to support the movie instead of taking it over as often happens in Sci-fi films. The Day The Earth Stood Still rises above the current crop of Sci-fi movies, which are little more than Special FX and comic book slug-fests.
The Martian (2015)
Realistic treatment of space travel.
Most sci-fi largely comes down to what I call "Cowboys in Space" aka Shootouts in spaceships. The Martian is different in that it portrays the challenges of space travel more realistically, which makes the film more accessible and believable. It manages to show how dangerous things can get while also providing moments of humor to keep things from getting too dark. Matt Damon, as the marooned astronaut, has a lot of screen time, and his performance largely carries things, but there are also good performances from all the supporting actors that add a lot of color. The movie is eight years old now, but it holds up well. The writers were careful not to place it precisely in time, so that it wouldn't become dated by things like current events or music. Highly recommended!
Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
Remarkable once you get the rhythm of it
At first I was thrown off by the frenetic pace, but once I understood and settled into the rhythm I appreciated where the film was taking me. It touches on many issues such as family estrangement, the plight of immigrants who struggle with the rules & laws of their adopted country, and in particular how we view and judge our past choices and contemplate "what ifs". This is not the film for when you want something easy and relaxing. It's a wild ride with a purpose and an ultimately satisfying ending. Congrats to Michelle Yeoh who still has her martial arts chops and all the supporting cast (shoutout to Stephanie Hsu). I recommend this to those viewers looking for an adventure and willing to put up with a little confusion until the movie reveals itself.