Netflix and Beyond

Hysteria, a derivative of the Greek word “hystera” meaning uterus, a malady uniquely female; symptoms included fainting, nervous disorders, erratic behavior, in essence a euphemism for sexual frustration. “Hysteria” addresses the ageless epidemic, and its cure, focusing on women in late nineteenth -century, Victorian England. Hugh Dancy  is “Dr. Mortimer Granville”, perpetually fired from hospitals because of his revolutionary ideas …

Jack Black is reason enough to see “Bernie”. With subtle nuances he completely and compellingly grasps the depth of  assistant mortician, “Bernie Tiede” in 1998 Carthage, Texas; commencing with a devotional master-class on the pristine treatment of a corpse: unwanted hair removal, makeup, creative use of Elmer’s Glue in fastening eyelids and lips; his sculptor’s hands compassionately, wizardly transform the …

An outstanding film, pivotal in addressing the magnetism of the classical world of ballet, is “The Red Shoes” made in 1948 and starring Moira Shearer and Anton Walbrook; why pursue an art form that cripples, deforms, eliminates childhood, loves; rewards: fleeting, ephemeral? Bess Kargman’s “First Position” answers the question as she delves into the the lives and psyches of seven …

This stunning, exhilarating film based on Norway’s most popular fiction writer, Jo Nesbo’s novel, of the same name, is gruesome; a feast for cravers of guts and gore will have a gluttonously good time. Squeamish beware, you will be groaning and covering your eyes 25% of the film.  “Headhunters” defies boredom; it is horrific and hilarious simultaneously, and staggeringly well-constructed. …

Watching this film, Karl Marx’s  decree “religion is the opium of the people” kept galloping through my mind; religion can be addictive, controlling, destructive, resulting in anything but perfection. Kathleen Turner is “Eileen Cleary”, nominated for “Catholic Woman of the Year”; her every neurotic breath is informed by her obsessive/compulsive desire to follow the rules of the Church, eventually attaining …

There are times when a few lines are enough to achieve “brevity”, with a dash of “soul”, a smattering of “wit”. “MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS”,  The perfect recipe comprised of every iconic, universal savior: “The Iron Man” (Robert Downey, Jr.; “Captain America” (Chris Evans); “The Incredible Hulk” (Mark Ruffalo); “Thor” (Chris Hemsthorth) the Norse god of thunder and lightening, wields his …

“India, India, India, five letters, three syllables flows off the tongue, adheres to the mind, is an aphrodisiac for many, venom for a few”; India, a country of extremes, either embraces or repels; neutrality, anathema.” I wrote this summary after my third visit to this country that has imprisoned my spirit and continues to lure me back to its  infinitesimal …

Wins the first round of the playoffs as one of the worst films of 2012. Two fine actors, Emily Blunt and Jason Segal are “Violet and “Tom” , excruciatingly saccharine, superficial lovers unable to exchange vows. Why did the audience have to be crucified on their cross of ineptitude?   They mew, fawn, babble endearments (at tooth- ache intensity); she refers …

This enchanting, compelling film is a slice of reality served poignantly by writer and director Philippe Falardeau, based on the play by Evelyne de la Cheneliere addressing  loss, trauma, guilt; young and mature souls , seeking a curative redemption. “Monsieur Lazhar” (magnificently and sensitively portrayed by Mohamed Fellag) an Algerian immigrant, is hired as a substitute teacher after a beloved …

Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) has fascinated me my entire life; an attraction/repulsion whose tentacles have permanently enslaved my lust for the macabre.  His ghoulish, gruesome tales; the “stuff” of nightmares, reflecting his tortured spirit are offset by poetry so magnificently beautiful, spiritual that huge passages have resided comfortably in my memory bank. John Cusack is credible as the crazed, alcoholic, …