The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)

an orignal Netflix film - watched 06/2016

I liked the trailer, but this movie exceeded those expectations. While the road trip or fatherhood challenges are not new movie concepts; the dialogue, plot, acting and even the scenery elevated this movie. The standouts were Paul Rudd (as Ben), Craig Roberts (as Trevor) and Selena Gomez (as Dot). The supporting actors were also very good at portraying characters that seemed familiar and mostly relatable.  Only two characters seemed superficial and two dimensional, Ben's estranged wife and Trevor's runaway father. Perhaps their shallowness were reflective of their roles.The cinematography maintained the action of this film with the layering of both ordinary stops at motels and extraordinary scenery.  I might have shortened 2 scenes slightly (baby scene and urination scene) and added that time to the final scene to include an additional character.  The music and editing were smoothly blended without taking the viewer out of the film.  When the film was over, I wished that I had contact with these people to learn the directions that their lives took.  I think wanting more, is what a good film should produce in the viewer. As a rating I would give this movie a PG-13 due to a minor amount of "language" (which I found hysterical yet necessary) and the general subject matter.

Monster Hunt (2015)

(Subtitled) Chinese Film

Seen on Netflix June, 2016


I found this movie on a search for something new and different. Almost bailed after initial 10 minutes due to dialogue (not because of the captioning) that was rather simplistic. However, I stayed.  Give Monster Hunt a chance. This movie is humorous, charming, has martial arts and really cute monsters.  However, as other reviewers have pointed out this is more of an adult movie. I would tend to rate this movie R due to the violence and treatment of the monsters or maybe a PG-13 that really pushes the bar. While there are some loose ends, such as the fate of the main character's parents, how the monsters acquire their disguises and the end game for the monsters, I am guessing that this movie is intended to be an early part of a series. The soundtrack is typical for a Chinese movie, very noble and dramatic sounding, but did not take me out of the movie.  The human actors and the CGI actors interacted well, without a hint of green screen/ball on a stick-syndrome. I am guess that the 3D probably was impressive in a theater. Do not skip "extras" during the beginning of the credits.

Scatter My Ashes at BERGDORF'S (2013)

Netflix - watched June, 2016


I enjoyed this documentary. While the title seems contrived, it originates from a satirical cartoon of ladies who lunch by Victoria Roberts which appeared in the April 30, 1990 issue of The New Yorker (magazine) with the caption, "I want my ashes scattered at Bergdorf's".  The writer and director used a current (appeared in 2011) 5 window project from planning to glorious completion as a frame for this documentary. Data within this frame is carefully edited to specific topics. I would not advise it, but fast forwarding is an option.  Within the documentary are historical photos, current videos along with interviews of designers whose creations appear at Bergdorf's, designers who wish their creations to appear at Bergdorf's, fashion reporters, Bergdorf corporate officers and staff along with a few Bergdorf clients. The cinematography highlights the fashion and NYC scenery along with a background musical score which, like Bergdorf employees and clients, is fashionable but not strident. While the subject of this documentary, a luxury department store sounds frivolous or not relevant, consider the store's place as a long-lived character of NYC.  This documentary is an excellent view into both centuries (store was founded in 1899) of fashion and fashion merchandising.  The documentary ends with a colorful view of the 5 window themed display "Carnival of the Animals" (brass, paper, wood, mosaic aquarium, polar garden party). In a busy, preoccupied, sophisticated NYC, it was fascinating to see people stop, stare and take photos.

The Champions (2015)

watched on Netflix June, 2016

This is a great documentary.  I almost did not watch for fear that violence or carnage would be shown.  However, it was not, which makes me respect the creators of this documentary. There is mention  of the Michael Vick case in which these dogs were considered evidence, but were this a book that would be the prologue.  The subsequent "chapters" include the rescue, the growth and the forever homes that some of the dogs were able to join.  There is a brief, but descriptive report done by the USDA (2007) that investigated this case with documentation by eyewitnesses.  That report is the most shocking portion of this movie, but is brief. Most of this movie concerns what happened after the 2007 court case. The interviews with the caregivers of the dogs and the adoptive families was edited and filmed expertly.  The scenery was gorgeous and the families were articulate.  This film was released in 2015, with the Michael Vick investigation occurring in 2007, sadly this abuse of animals and breed prejudice continues.  There are several videos in the end credits which should not be missed. The only negative in this documentary is the lack of any interviews or notification of a refusal,  with PETA (which declares that all fighting dogs should be immediately euthanized) and Michael Vick (whom a interviewee in this film tried to get a statement from, but was ignored). One individual in this movie referred to the dogs as champions.  I would like to expand the movie's title to include not only the dogs, but the people who saved them and the adopters who included these dogs as part of their families.

Tab Hunter Confidential (2015)

seen on Netflix

I had heard of Tab Hunter. He was an actor with a name seemingly chosen using a really bad algorithm. I knew he was a movie star from another age whose movies were shown on obscure cable channels in the early morning. This documentary kept my attention, was entertaining and enlightening. Cinematography and editing of this documentary gracefully balanced scenes from old movies and television shows along with a interview done for this documentary. The directing was well-done with neither too quick a cut between scenes or too much information. While many 21st century movie attendees may never  have heard of Tab Hunter, this film still has relevance . This film is also the story about movies and the studio system back when there were not very many options. Even more interesting, this man made it out alive, loves his current life and his longtime partner.  Tab Hunter, both this film and this man should be considered a success.