Netflix and Beyond

My fervent regret is that I did not LEAVE after the first twenty minutes, when I realized that the entire “Altman” family was catastrophically boring, self-absorbed, inconsequential; their common denominator, an obsessive, insatiable,  all-consuming focus on their libido. With the exception of a charming child (whose parentage was vague) I woefully sat through the entire dull scenario, which disintegrated scene …

Earlier this year the film “Locke” exploded on the screen; Tom Hardy, the tragic protagonist, is monumentally overwhelming as the unfortunate, but accountable “Ivan Locke’; an isolated, solitary tour de force, rarely seen by movie- goers. Hardy’s scope as an actor has yet to be realized; but once again he excavates his treasure-trove of talent and blesses audiences with “Bob”, …

Earlier this week I viewed an abysmal film about a dysfunctional family in distress (“This is Where I Leave You”: to be reviewed 9/18/14); so it was with minor trepidation that I willingly subjected myself to another family in the throes of a crisis; the difference is remarkable. Kristin Wiig and Bill Hader give performances, resonating with greatness, especially Hader …

  The sport of boxing has never appealed to me: cauliflower ears, brain damage, even death, resulting from the brutality of the game; but I rarely miss a boxing flick; they resonate with profound pathos, the quintessential joy when the underdog champions; possibly because of the agony, the ecstasy of victory is even sweeter. Some of the greats: “The Champ”, …

The film commences in the doldrums and never climbs out of its murky morass; Errol Flynn’s (1909-1950) last salacious affair with fifteen-year-old nymphet, Beverly Aadland, “Woodsey”(1942-2010) monopolized the tabloids when he supposedly died in her arms. Kevin Kline bears a strong resemblance to the iconic raconteur and depicts Flynn’s insouciant charm, dashing flamboyance with aplomb and savoir faire. Unfortunately, Kline …

The only thing “strange” about this film is the title; profoundly realistic, poignantly, plaintively acted by John Lithgow and Alfred Molina; two men, after decades together “tie the knot”; instead of “happily ever after” sink precipitously into dependency, not to each other but family and friends. “Ben” (Lithgow) a painter of little distinction has relied on “George’s” (Molina) paycheck and …

Krakow is achingly, pristinely reminiscent of a city, imbued with the majesty of “Cross & Crown”; unscathed by the military might of WWII, the former capital of Poland, oozes with tales of religiosity and the monarchy; approximately 120 Churches testify to the endurance of the Catholic faith. The Church of Saint Peter & Saint Paul, funded by King Sigismund III …

Three years ago I saw “And Europe Will Be Stunned” at the Venice Biennale; it is a remarkable installation by Israeli artist, Yael Bartana; three utopian, idealistic videos, the most potent segment features a young leader in a vacant Warsaw stadium,  pleading, urging three million Jews to return to Poland, a metaphor for the horrific outcome of WWII;   even more …

Sadly, cannot even flirt with the intelligent, succinct 2010 “The Trip” starring Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon, as themselves; their refreshing, hilarious, dramatic flair for impersonations; keenly exhibiting a sensational “gift of gab” and formidable, stylized improvisational acuity. It ranked as one of the smartest films of the 2010-11 season. Here we have stale leftovers, served in the scintillating, sublimely …

Another wearisome, dystopian, bleak landscape, where “sameness” is genetically manufactured; one blessed, or more aptly cursed, with memories of a world long erased; a world where freedom of choice allowed individuals license to thrive or wither. The archival “giver” (depicted gloomily by Jeff Bridges) is sequestered in a home, tottering on the edge of existence; relegated to burdensome guru, instructor …