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For starters all three of these films receive FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)! This should pique your interest. “WELCOME TO THE RILEYS” is a jewel of a movie starring James Gandolfini, Kristen Stewart and Melissa Leo. It centers around irreparable loss, the myriad ways to heal, and love. Doug (Gandolfini) is a nice man, searching for affection in the most …

With massive trepidation I willed, steeled myself to see, experience this film.  Knowing the remarkable story of mountain climber Aron Ralston I dreaded the scene that the movie revolves around, the sole reason for its existence; without giving a “spoiler” it was gruesome. Danny Boyle (“Slumdog Millionaire”) creates a visual, fantastic feast for the eyes; he slashes, slices, vivisects the …

This is the second posting for “Black Swan” one of my favorites in the 46th Chicago Film Festival. Directed by Darren Aronofsky it is explosive, searing, agonizing and prodigal in its conception; those yearning for the metaphysical, philosophical, dynamic, unusual will be gluttonously satiated. If you lust after the ballet, studied it, acknowledge its commandments, relish its punishments; you will …

Many of you have requested a mini synopsis of the most recent films; answering a simple question; “see it or skip it”? “Unstoppable” is pulsating entertainment; a true story of a runaway train without the “terrorist” angle; a heart -arresting ride that keeps you cheering for two unlikely heroes; significantly portrayed by veteran and award winning actor, Denzel Washington and …

In the week since my re-entry from another flavorful, flirtation with the foreign I have seen five films, two operas and one play. And yes, I do have a life, a rather charmed one at that! The above two films are diametrically opposed in content and theme. Their core revolves around India; whether cuisine, celluloid, conventions or traditions its illusive …

This is the second posting. Reminder you must go to www.peneflix.com to read the reviews!  October 1st, 2001 was my original departure date but “the best laid plans of mice and men go oft astray”; the world and my itinerary, irrevocably altered, September 11th, 2001. Having just returned from a twelve day excursion, my mind in turmoil, I had to …

Mythology, its lore and gore, Greek, Roman, Biblical has had a lifelong, lustful fascination for me; the gods interfere with us mortals, toying with us, impregnating us then withdraw, and watch with divine gratification the theatre of the absurd they have produced and directed, vociferously proclaiming, “what fools these mortals be”! Viewing Alex Gibney’s Documentary (a term I use gingerly; …

This is a eulogy.  Watching  the third and final 2 1/2 hours of the life and perils of Lisbeth Salander, realizing this was “so long, farewell, Auf Weidersehen, goodbye” I felt the ache and nostalgia of loss, the loss of a difficult but cherished friend.  The movie is not as good as the previous two; it lacks the action, passion, …

If you are in the mood for mindless, unchallenging entertainment this joyous romp of a flick is the perfect infusion for addicted movie aficionados . Watching veteran actors prancing across the screen, slaying bad guys, foiling fiendish plots, uncovering subterfuge in the government is candy for an audience satiated with negative  campaigning, political obfuscation, and pervasive terrorists plots. Bruce Willis …

As I watched this remarkably well made film based on the true life story of Betty Anne Waters and her miraculous quest to save her brother Kenny from life imprisonment, the words of John 15:13, “greater love hath no man (woman) than this”, galloped continuously through my mind. This is a love story, eighteen years in the gestation process, shorn …