2023 Movies

 

I keep a list of the movies that I watch since I do so many... Between the library, Prime and my own collection I try to watch at least one movie a day. It was more than that before I started working again. The challenge now is trying to remember what the movies were about. Some stand out and others not so much. I am going to work my way backwards according to the slips from the library and see what I can remember and give a rating and you can judge for yourself. I don't like giving away stories or saying something is bad, but I will say if something is really good. I love films and movies in general. It takes a lot of work to get a project done let alone trying to get distribution. There are many movies that never see the light of day for many reasons. I keep hoping with the Internet things would pop up and then again maybe its best they stay hidden.

 Actor David Tennant

The Guilt Trip stars Seth Rogen and Barbra Striesand, I had seen part of it on television and I decided to see if the library had it since there were some things bleeped out on tv. Sometimes actors just want to work together so they put a project together that sounds good and reads good on paper, but then doesn't always work out. I guess I was expecting it to be funnier. It is an interesting movie and depending on the connection you had with your parents you can definitely relate to the story. Its worth a look.

Nowhere Boy is the story of John Lennon and how the Quarreymen eventually became the Beatles, but the movie doesn't take us that far because it is about John Lennon's up bringing. If you love any of the Beatles you will love this move. The only Beattle we don't get to see if Ringo Starr.

Beast stars Idris Elba, who just seems to be everywhere these days. There had been a lot of people that wanted him to play Bond, but I just feel they can just turn The Take into a franchise and just keep it original. Daniel Craig made Bond rogue and that's Idris' character in The Take. It's full of excitement, but back to the Beast. I was recommending this to someone and it's like Cujo, but better. Idris Elba has to protect his girls and a friend from a lion. The scenes are so realistic. I am hoping the DVD has some special features to explain how they pulled off the sequences. I have seen it twice and now I will watch it a third time since I had put the DVD on hold with the library and had forgotten. It's rare that I watch a movie 3 times is such a short period of time. If you are a fan of Idris Elba I highly recommend the film and that you check out The Take.

The Following is one of the scariest series I had ever seen. It stars Kevin Bacon as an FBI agent trying to put an escaped serial killer back behind bars. Some of the sequences when the series first aired were actually happening. I always worry about how people process what they are seeing, but if a person doesn't know they have a mental health issue they don't really think they are doing anything wrong. I watched all 3 seasons. When it was on television I didn't see every episode probably because of the work schedule or there was something else I was watching and since it was on FOX I don't always remember. If you are a fan of Kevin Bacon you will enjoy the series. If you like psychological thrillers this will keep you interested.

The Mountain Between US, this is part love story, part survival story as Idris Elba stars opposite Kate Winslet. Every actor wants a chance to shine and doing a film or movie with minimal characters allows them to show just how good of an actor they are. I think Tom Hanks did it best in Castaway and James Franco pulled it off in 127 Hours and Leonardo DeCaprio in The Revenant. In The Mountain Between Us Idris and Kate must work together to survive the elements and whatever else comes there way in hopes that they will be rescued after the plane they are on, with Beau Bridges at the wheel crashes. If you love stories of people against the odds or people falling in love, this is definitely the film for you. The camera shots are really great and there are some action moments.

The Power of The Dog, after a comment supposedly made my Sam Elliot I wanted to see the movie for myself, but first I decided I would read the book by Thomas Savage. This book is supposed to be award winning, etc. I wonder sometimes if there is something wrong when I don't see what everyone else sees. I found the book boring. Maybe it was my moof, but I normally read before I go to bed. Perhaps now that I am older I need to try a different approach. When the DVD was ready at the library I just decided to go for it and see if it would be different. The movie is no different. The cinematography is excellent with a lot of wide angle shots, but the characters all who are flawed don't say much. It's all in their demeanor and the way the look at each other. I love many of the actors in the movie and so that made it watchable. It's rare that I will turn something off or walk out of a movie theater. Benedict Cumberbatch, Kristen Dunst, and Jesse Plemons who is her real life husband play opposite each other as husband and wife and Benedict is his smart over masculine brother, who may or may not be hiding a secret. I am curious now to go back and read the book just to see how it deals with certain things. If you like Jane Campion this is different for her as the men are the main focus and the women are in the background. She exploits the men somewhat, but its in a normal way as men would bath and frolic in the lakes and rivers. Kodi-Smith McPhee the tall actor who has been in the industry since age nine gives an interesting performance, but his androgynous features add to that.

Elvis also features Kodi along side rising star Austin Butler who channels Elvis very well, but it is Tom Hanks' performance that really makes the movie. I have talked about this before. It's a long one, but I will watch it again.

Des is a series starring Dr. Who star David Tennant as a serial killer. If you like David Tennant, you will enjoy seeing him in this. Is definitely different then his other roles.

Thanks for stopping by and do come back again as I list more from my viewing experiences. Remember to keep an open mind.

Darkest Hour

The podcast is now up on podbean it's call Films Versus Movies. It'll soon be on itunes and stitcher soon. Check it out and follow me on social media. It's still a work in progress as I am not in the studio when we record. So that's the reason my voice may fade in and out.

I had pretty much decided that Timothee Chalamet would walk away with the Oscar even before I saw the film Call Me By Your Name. I saw Darkest Hour and now I am rethinking my decision. Gart Oldman's performance as Winston Churchill is great. There are several times I forgot I was watching Gary Oldman. The film should definitely win for best makeup.
I am sure I had seen Gary Oldman in a few films, but it wasn't until he did the film The Professional aka Leon that I was hooked. Of course like most actors his choices weren't always appealing so I didn't see them or add them to my collection.

Kirsten Scott Thomas plays Churchill's wife Clementine. I hadn't seen her in anything for quite some time. I think she should have been nominated for her role in the film. It was brought to my attention that Darkest Hour is the prelude to Dunkirk. Getting inside the head of a historical figure is always interesting. Churchill was not very well liked because he wasn't afraid to speak his mind.

"Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts." -Winston Churchill from the film Darkest Hour.

I'm going to try to see Dunkirk. There are still quite a few movies that I haven't seen, but eventually I'll get around to them. Maybe I'll find them at the library once they are released on DVD or Blu Ray.

Most of the people I talk to regarding films and movies are having mixed opinions as well so I'm not alone.

I'm trying to see if I'll be able to see Dunkirk and Three Billboards before next Sunday.


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My take on the Oscars 2016

(Edith Head was one of the top Hollywood costume designers. I just wanted to have a picture from film here. The sketch was for Sweet Charity.)

The 88 Academy Awards took place last night- Let’s start from the beginning… So, your husband didn’t get an Oscar nomination and you make a split decision to cause some friction. It’s time to boycott.
Of course the point could be valid, but you have to look at all of the films being made. Just because a film makes a lot of money at the box office doesn’t mean its good enough to be nominated.

If you know me, you know movies have always been a big part of my life. There are a lot of great movies that never see the light of day. Having been a part of several film festivals I’ve gotten to see some of them. Now with the Internet films pop up from time to time that didn’t get theatrical releases. It's a good thing and I aplaude the film makers no matter what it is, especially when its done right.

I used to dream of winning an Oscar. Although that dream hasn’t faded, I probably won’t win it for acting.

As I had written in another entry, I didn’t feel it was right to boycott the Oscars. There was a black man hosting and a black man was producing the show. I’m sure there are many black people that feel the way I do, but it’s not easy going against the grain. People have to learn to think for themselves.

No one who is getting paid would walk away from a paying gig. It’s always the people who aren’t capable of doing what is required that want to tell you to step back.
Kerry Washington spoke so eloquently, making a statement as why she chose to attend the Oscars. Some people make a bigger statement then they come to the table. The important thing to understand about the Oscars is that it’s political. There is campaigning involved and if you’re not willing to do the work… It’s a process.

I couldn’t believe Charlotte Rampling had never been nominated for an Oscar. I saw a few black faces, including Common who won for the song Glory from the film Selma. I’m still trying to catch up on the films from last year. Hollywood is a world of make believe and though some progress has been made, like everything else it takes time.

Lou Gossett, Jr. who I’ve always admired, also spoke well on the red carpet. Kevin Hart came to support Chris Rock and he was a presenter wearing a Dolce and Gabbana tux. Quincy Jones was in attendance, John Legend and his wife.

I made a note on Facebook that Straight Outta Compton was the only film I had seen, but I had also seen Ex Machina which I really enjoyed. So SOC was the only film I saw in the theater last year.

My Top best dressed - Lady Gaga, Brie Larson, Charlize Theron. AliciaVakander, Jennifer Garner, Sophia Vagara and I’m not sure who designed Kerry Washington’s dress, but it reminded me of the alien from the film The 5th Element.

In case you didn’t watch the Oscars and haven’t had a chance to search the Internet, The Oscar went too Spotlight for best screenplay. The Big Short won for best adaptation.
Whenever I see Sam Smith I think of Boy George. He had an interesting acceptance speech.
I had hoped that Jennifer Jason Leigh would get best supporting actress, it went to Alicia Vikander, it was her first nomination for The Danish Girl.

Best costume, hair and makeup, film editing- Margaret Sixel, sound editing and sound mixing went to Mad Max Fury Road which I must add to my collection. I didn’t see the film because I thought it was a remake.
Cinematography went to The Revenant Emmanuel Lubrezki.
Visual Effects went to Ex Machina

The Oscars were very long, but I miss those days when there were these great musical numbers and someone hosted that made you laugh constantly. The Weekend performed ‘Worth It‘ from the film 50 Shades of Grey which was nominated for best song. Lady Gaga performed a powerful song from the film Spotlight. Sam Smith was quite entertaining with his song from the James Bond film, Spectre. I think Sam may be the first male to ever sing a bond song. I’ll have to look it up.

Chris Rock’s opening was not what I expected, but he spoke the truth. For a lot of people it was, do I laugh or what? There were jabs at Will Smith and at Jada, after all she started it all.

Animated short went to Bear, the story was by Gabriel Osorio and Pato Escala. Inside and Out won best Animated feature, Pete Docter and James Rivera. It’s a film I’ll have to see.
I loved the line in his acceptance speech where he said, “Make stuff, draw, write, it’ll make a difference.”

The Oscar for supporting actor went to Mark Rylance in Bridge of Spies. Documentary short winner A Girl in the River- The Price of Forgiveness (Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy)
Documentary feature went to Amy ( About the late singer Amy Winehouse) I want to see the film Whatever happened to Nina Simone.

I’m surprised Spike Lee would join the boycott since he won an honoree Oscar as did Debbie Reynolds and Gena Rowlands.

The memoriam allows me to see who passed away. Some people we don’t see and we think they have already passed away. I didn’t know Wes Craven had passed away. Christopher Lee, Jerry Weintraub, Jerry L. White, Robert Loggia, Maureen O’Hara, Omar Sharif, Dean Jones, Alan Rickman, Cinematographer - Haskell Wexler, Alex Rocco, Holly Woodland, David Bowie and Leonard Nimoy. I’ll have to watch Lawrence of Arabia, Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence and Madly, Truly, Deeply to honor Omar Sharif, David Bowie and Alan Rickman and some horror film that Wes Craven has done.

Live action short went to Stutter, Foreign language film from Hungary, went to Laszlo Nemes for Son of Saul. Pharrel Williams and Quincy Jones were presenters for original score which went to Ennio Marricone for The Hateful 8.

Common and John Legend who won Oscars for their song Glory from the film Selma were presenters for original song Writings on the Wall which went to Jimmy Napes and Sam Smith from the film Spectre.

The award for best director went to Alejandro G. Inarritu for The Revenant.
The best Actress award went to Brie Larson for the film Room.
The best Actor award went to Leonardo DiCaprio for The Revenant.
I am really happy that he won the award. It’s long over due. He also had a great speech.
The best picture award went to the film Spotlight.

There are a few films I’ll hope to add to my collection.

Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind and do come back again.


The rating system - (d) it’s okay, if you like the stars (D) worth a look, especially if you are a fan of the stars (DD) Great cinematography and costumes (DDD) good script, cinematography, (DDDD) Not to be missed (DDDDD) I highly recommend this film


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Nebraska

Here is my rating system. DDDDD highly recommend. DDDD It should be watched. DDD Entertaining DD So, so if you like the stars. D Just out of curiosity watch it.
(I like all movies. Even those that most people don’t like, it makes for great conversation. Just the idea that someone was able to get a film made is an accomplishment.)

Nebraska - DDDD Some people are fortunate to have parents who will do anything for them. Some parents are fortunate to have kids that will return the favor.

As most of you know, the majority of films in my collection are there because I’ve met an actor, or I can relate to the film on a personal level. Both of my parents were very important to me. They did things I never expected them to do. I did my best to make sure I took care of them the best that I could.

That is what I loved about the film Nebraska. Although the family was more dysfunctional than mine, I understood how a son could put his life on hold to help out his father. The son, played by Will Forte, goes out of his way for his father to ease his conscious when he believes he has won a million dollars. We meet a lot of interesting characters along the way as the son takes his father back to reunite with family he hadn’t seen in many years.
The film is about family, sacrifices, and making people happy. There are moments that will make you laugh, feel sentimental and think.
The film stars Bruce Dern, Will Forte, June Squibb, Stacy Keach and Bob Odenkink.

1-28-15 Movies

Impossible - DDDDD Last night I watched this powerful film. I had no idea what it was about. I don’t even remember if this film played in the theaters, just went straight to DVD or if it was made for cable. When I was a part of the film festivals I knew the films that were being made. Which ones had distribution; the ones that wouldn’t see the light of day.

 When the opening credits rolled it said it was based on a true story and it repeated it as if it would be so unbelievable that no one could comprehend that something like this could happen. The story is about a family that goes from Japan to Indonesia in 2001. That was the year of the earthquake and tsunami. This is a story about survival, family and love. This film is not for the squeamish as there are scenes that are very intense. I was in awe at how well the effects were done.
It was as if someone had taken a camera and actually experienced what was going on. I really, really enjoyed this film.
The film stars Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor and Tom Holland.

Once again I got inspiration that I should continue writing my Katrina story.

A Better World -DDDD This is a Swedish film, which some of it takes place in Kenya. The first few months have some English dialogue. This is another film I had never heard of. My film friends know what I like so I trust their judgment and when they are clearing out their collections it just doesn’t matter. As I’ve mentioned many times before, I love film. If I don’t have to pay to see it, I will watch anything. It’s an art form so you either like something or you don’t. It is not for everyone. I know some people that watch a film once and they never watch it again. I watch films over and over. The first time I watch it for the purpose of the story. Depending on what I take away from it then it is either going to become a yearly watch or one of those that I watch every so many years.

A Better World is one I will probably watch again before the year is out. Although I don’t particularly like films that I can figure out, this one is an exception because the ending was not what I would have liked to have seen. This is the story of two families and two boys dealing with the life of teenage boys. Being the new kid in school and being picked on. Wanting to fight back, but not sure how to do it. This is a film about communication, family, friendship, betrayal, compassion, survival, revenge and love.

The film is directed by Susan Biehr and stars Mikael Persbrandt, Trine Dyrholm, Ulrich Thomsen, William Johnk Juel Nielson and Markus Rygaard

Here is my new rating system. DDDDD highly recommend. DDDD It should be watched. DDD Entertaining DD So, so if you like the stars. D Just out of curiosity watch it.
(I like all movies. Even those that most people don’t like, it makes for great conversation.)

Coming soon: 12 Years A Slave, The Butler, Django Unchained, Lincoln and The Counselor

Return to Movies 2014

(This is not a photograph from the film. I just decided I'd start adding photos and I'll try to tie them into the theme.)

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) DDDDD This film stars Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell, directed by Howard Hawk. I had never seen this film before. Only clips when they do those specials. This has to be one of Marilyn Monroe’s funniest films. The film has a few musical numbers, Including the infamous ‘Diamonds Are A Girls Best Friend.’
Marilyn plays a woman obsessed with men who have money and diamonds. Jane Russell is the best friend just looking for love. When ever Marilyn is on the screen she commands it. My focus was always on her. Jane Russell has one interesting musical scene surrounded by a bunch of scantily clad men. She also does a rendition of the classic song impersonating Marilyn who she nicked named Blonde during the making of the film. If you’re not a fan of musicals, this one doesn’t break out into song every five minutes. There are about six musical numbers, but its worth it to see Marilyn Monroe who I don’t think ever looked sexier.

Quest for Fire (1982)  DDDD I’ve not seen this film since the 80’s. It’s an interesting film about a small group of men surviving in the prehistoric era as they search for fire. I didn’t remember how brutal and graphic this film was. I had remembered one rape scene, but there are many. We are not sure how they discovered fire. The film opens with fire and we see smoke and fire, but it isn’t until about thirty minutes before the film is over that we see them make fire, but how did they learn?
The film stars Ron Perlman, Rae Dawn Chong, Everett McGill and Nemeer El-Kadi
The cinematography is interesting as well as the unique dialogue. This is a visual piece of art. It’s like watching a foreign film as we are left to make our own conclusions.



Here is my new rating system. DDDDD highly recommend. DDDD It should be watched. DDD Entertaining DD So if you like the stars. D Just out of curiosity watch it.
(I like all movies. Even those that most people don’t like, it makes for great conversation.)


Thanks for stopping by and keep an open mind. Become a follower while you are here.

Lights, Camera, Action!!!

This weekend was another great weekend for watching movies and seeing a few I had never seen before. Moviestvnetwork is my new best friend.

 (This is a banner from the Disney exhibit that took place at the New Orleans Museum of Art, NOMA a few years back)

I think the only Audrey Hepburn film I ever saw was Gigi if my memory serves me right. I was a baby, but I remember the black and white dress. Perhaps that was part of the reason I was enthralled with black and white in the 80’s. I was also getting into the Asian way of doing things, Feng Shui, looking for balance, etc.

This weekend I saw Sabrina with Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart and William Holden. I had seen the remake, with Julia Ormond, Harrison Ford and Greg Kinear. I don’t remember it very well, but I will remember the original. It’s an interesting tale of love, money, class and business politics.

Next month Moviestvnetwork will run two other films starring Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Funny Face which I’ve never seen either. I can’t wait.

Absence of Malice (DDD) was an interesting film starring Paul Newman, Sally Field, Bob Balaban, Wilford Brimley, and Melina Dillon. It’s a story about freedom of the press and politics. Once something is written its hard for people to change their mind.

I decided to stay up to see Come Back Little Sheba. This film stars Burt Lancaster and Shirley Booth in her Oscar winning performance. This was quite the film. I was really immersed into the characters. Shirley Booth’s performance as well as Burt Lancaster was excellent. Other than the film being in black and white I don’t feel the film is very dated. People are still getting married because they make a mistake. Perhaps the pressure isn’t as prevalent, but it happens. They hold on to the person they are with because they feel they are too old to find someone else or just don’t want to hassle of getting back into the dating scene. There are a lot of people that just feel that no one else will love them.
I highly recommend this film if you have never seen it. DDDDD





Here is my new rating system. DDDDD highly recommend. DDDD It should be watched. DDD Entertaining DD So if you like the stars. D Just out of curiosity watch it.
(I like all movies. Even those that most people don’t like, it makes for great conversation.)


Thanks for stopping by and keep an open mind. Become a follower while you are here.

Moonrise Kingdom

I am learning that just like you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, you should judge a film by its title. A friend gave me a copy of the film Moonrise Kingdom. I had remembered the title from the Oscars, but didn't know anything about the film. I thought it might be a serious film or perhaps a documentary. Usually I have to be in a certain mood to watch certain movies. Foreign films, documentaries and any thing over two hours, I reserve for Sunday afternoons. That way they have my full attention and I don't miss anything important.
Moonrise Kingdom is directed by Wes Anderson and stars, Edward Norton, Bruce Willis, Frances McDormond, Bill Murray, Bob Balaban, Tilda Swinton and Harvey Keitel. I didn't know what to expect from this film, but it was quite a surprise. It was funny, sad and it made a statement. There are some amazing visuals which is a signature of Wes Anderson. The film is about young love, trying to fit in, abandonment, infidelity,mental illness, forster care and social services.

If you are a fan of any of the actors or the director, check out this film.

Thank God It's Friday

There are some people that choose to call films that they don't think they should enjoy guilty pleasures. I am not one of them. I love all films. The fact that a person can put something together is quite an achievement and if they succeed in telling a great story that's even better.

There are certain things that are hard to capture on film. Thank God It's Friday attempts to capture what happens in a night at a Disco in California called the Jungle. An up and coming Diva flirts and lies her way into the DJ booth to get her song played. The club owner places a bet to sleep with a first time patron to the Jungle and the DJ's career is on the line as he prepares to go live with the Commodores performing, but their instruments haven't arrived. Love is lost, and found and dreams are shattered and some come true.
The clothing will make you laugh and for those of you who remember the 70's you'll ask yourself why did I ever wear that? What was I thinking?

It's an interesting film and if you don't like it, you'll love the music just the same. The soundtrack includes many songs by Donna Summer including the 1978 Oscar winning song "The Last Dance" and songs by other singers including The Commodores, Patti Brooks, Diana Ross and Paul Jabara. The films Theme song Thank God It's Friday, by Love and Kisses sets the pace for a musical experience.

The film introduced some up and coming stars, Jeff Goldblum, Debra Winger, the Late Raymond Anthony Vitte who plays DJ Bobby Speed. (He passed away at the age of 33.) Singer Paul Jabara also has a part in the film and his song trapped in a stair way plays in the background. There were a number of comedic talents in the film as well as great dancers.

Coming up:  Another letter to the Levee Board, Selling Stuff, It’s all about Survival, What if we’ve seen each other for the last time,  Behind the Photograph (Models) (Go to http://ArtbyDlonzo.blogspot.com)

Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind. Why not become a follower while you’re here.

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmgUzGZGt98

The above link is a video for an organic flutist in New Orleans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hciIcHFm3Yw&NR=1

The above is a link of a performance from Oz in New Orleans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-qcybZsUzc

The above link is for a promo of a DJ in New Orleans.

http://www.myspace.com/darqueleight/music/songs/d-bohemian-31098704

Computer generated music.

The Help revisted

With all of the talk about The Help and the Oscar nominations, I decided to watch the film again. Sometimes I’ll watch a movie and I just won’t be all that into it. Perhaps it had to do with all the hype. Maybe it was my mind set about it being a film about maids. I don’t see where it is a classic film, but it was good. The cast is remarkable. Sissy Spacek is great. I definitely feel Octavia Spencer’s nomination is warranted. I feel the Oscars may go to Viola Davis for best actress and Octavia Spencer for best supporting actress, but since I’ve not seen the other actresses that they are up against I can’t be sure.
Seeing the movie a second time made me see it differently. It was a very interesting film. I really enjoyed it and I do recommend it. There are two actresses from New Orleans that also appear in the film.

I’ll be watching the Oscars to see what wins and what doesn’t. I was disappointed that Leonardo DiCaprio was not nominated for J. Edgar. I’m happy that Billy Crystal is back so it should be an interesting show.

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