Big Eyes (2014)


seen on Netflix October, 2016






This movie was entertaining both for the artwork and the engaging performance of the female lead, Amy Adams (as Margaret Keane). The cinematography was reminiscent of the period (mid 1950's - late 1960's) with bright colors and architecture that reminded me of a life size Barbie-world. The sound track was very much of the period, even including a Beach Boys' song. I cannot judge this movie on specific (biographical) facts. It seems incomprehensible that for 10 years, Ms. Keane supported Walter Keane's lie. However, that support is true. Whether other details of this movie have been dramatized or are actual details, this film still held my attention.  I only have 2 complaints, Christoph Waltz (as Walter Keane) seemed over-the-top in many scenes. Since Mr. Waltz is a talented actor, I can only assume Walter Keane may have been that kind of individual. My other complain is in the courtroom scene which felt rushed. Stay for the closing credits. There is a brief description of what happened after the trial.

CREDITS SPOILER:  Pay attention to the individual sitting on the park bench next to Amy Adams.

I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House (2016)

An original Netflix movie (made in Ontario)






Well this is more of a 2 star movie, but I added a full star for beautiful cinematography, attention to detail (set design and props) and the actors' skill ( Ruth Wilson as Lily and Paula Prentiss as Iris).  However when it comes to plot, script, character motivation and backstory, well....  This is a slow moving movie with only one effective jump scare (towards the end) when the previously sedate soundtrack goes from 1 to 100 in a second.  Ultimately this movie was not bad or awful, just disappointing. The best comparison I can give, is that inadequate but atmospheric short story tucked into an anthology by a frantic editor to enlarge a book.

The Accountant

(2016)

in theater 10/14/2016

I liked this movie, but recognize how its editing mirrored the "issues" of its protagonist. This movie would have made a great 8 - 10 episode series for Netflix. I have had experience with higher level autism behaviors. While I never noticed ninja abilities in individuals with Asperger's Syndrome, Ben Affleck really nailed the facial expression and behavior in social situations.

Raiders! :The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made (2015)
1 hr  33 min NR

Seen on Netflix October 11, 2016





Fun, exciting and well-scored, this documentary kept my attention. The documentary focuses on a fan film of Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) done by a group of boys over a 7 year period (in the 1980's). The boys' film was missing one scene.  This scene was finally added by the now adult participants. Frequent interviews with the now adult participants keep this documentary flowing. The recreated film may end up being thought of as more creative than Gus Van Sant's re-shooting of Psycho (1998) and more relatable than Richard Linklater's Boyhood (2014). The levels of this documentary are like a Russian puzzle doll with a film within a film within a film.  Its message is less complex, believe in yourself, set goals and nurture friendships. However it is also a sometimes funny, sometimes serious story of how a few boys, their families and some famous people connected over one film. While the recreated film may not live on as a classic, its heart, diligence, practical techniques (and just plain luck) should be taught in film schools.  Stay for the end credits to see scene recreations posted with scenes from the actual film.

Luke Cage (2016)

A 13-episode Marvel series on Netflix.

Luke Cage is a series (and a man) for anyone interested in a good action thriller.  This series is not just for Marvel fans.  The soundtrack is almost an additional character with the music adding emphasis and meaning accomplished  simply through audio.  The action is directed well with impact of fists and inorganic objects noted clearly yet not over done.  The standout performances are Mike Coulter (as Luke Cage), Alfre Woodard (as Mariah Dillard) and Rosario Dawson (as Claire Temple), but there are literally no bad performances. Characters have backstories creating 3D personalities.This is a 13 episode series thus was a challenge for my usual binge (took 2 days) watch.  My only negative comment is regarding the last episode.  In a specific scene, it went a little close to the campy-ish effect.  Mike Coulter's gravitas and acting skills prevented that scene from propelling that episode to cartoon. I learned from someone familiar with the comic that the villain's look was reminiscent of Marvel's 1970's-80's illustrations, but somehow it took me out of the scene. Again, watch this series whether Marvel fan or not. This series is exciting, brutal and worth the time.

Women He's Undressed (2015)

(watched documentary on Netflix 10/2016)



I had never heard of the Orry-Kelly.  This documentary accomplished the basic doctrine of its category, it enlightened me.  Orry-Kelly was an Australian was a costume designer for many classic movies from the early twentieth century.  He was also an artist, intelligent and ethical (when sober). Darren Gilshenan acts the part of the narrator who is also the subject of this documentary. Darren Gilshenan's delivery, speaking directly to us, the audience, was involving and almost personal.  It felt as if Orry-Kelly was talking directly to the viewer.  Having celebrities in the designing and acting fields speak about their time with Orry-Kelly was well-edited and not overly long. The soundtrack added to the mood of old Hollywood.  While Orry-Kelly's designs were featured throughout the movie, I wish the final credits could have held even more, including his paintings. Whether or not one is interested in fashion and/or Hollywood personalities , this documentary is worth the view.

The Little Prince (2015)


1 hr 48min

Watched on Netflix, August, 2016





Full disclosure the ending made me cry even thought the ending was relatively upbeat. I very much liked this film. However, this film is not a page by page rendition of the book, although actual illustrations are used on a limited basis. Obviously that book would not fill a typical movie's run time. The message of the book is the engine that runs this movie. The Aviator and Little Prince are the teachers while the little girl symbolizes the passage that all humanity travels. The animation is colorful and charming.  The voice actors (although mostly famous) did not take me out of the story. The editing could have been tighter in the third act of the movie. The music was very cheery, very French, it added to the positive energy of each scene.  The extra scenes in the credits were encouraging as to the fate of the little girl.  The pace might be a little slow for some children.  I would recommend a quick read of (it is a short book) The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.