Netflix and Beyond

Why did this well- written, decently- performed anachronism of a deceased era,  bore me to oblivion? College women in 50’s garb running a suicide prevention clinic; clinging to the mission of saving the sanity, with doughnuts,  of those who have not shown an ounce of intellectual integrity or ingenuity in accomplishing the feat on their own. Or the rescue of …

“Bully” bravely address pubescent tormentors, ten and eleven- year -olds torturing their peers, ultimately, in some cases driving them to suicide. This is an epidemic of epic proportions; a disease that kills, maims permanently its victims and perpetrators. Why? How do we find the root of this groundless cruelty? What toxin to kill the source and fertilize a healthy remedy? …

Kudos to the Film and Cinema Department of Columbia College, Chicago and to the unbiased referee Ronald Falzone for creating a movie, memory moment. Featuring Lars von Trier’s “Melancholia”. Contenders Patrick McDonald (HOLLYWOODCHICAGO.COM) and Penelope Steiner (www.peneflix.com) ducked it out, wounds inflicted, blessedly not fatal; civility reigned and all enjoyed the fun, feisty debate. The real stars were the youthful …

THURSDAY APRIL 12TH;  7PM   FILM ROW CINEMA 1104 SOUTH WABASH AVENUE  8TH FLOOR PRESENTED BY THE FILM AND VIDEO DEPARTMENT OF : COLUMBIA COLLEGE, CHICAGO MODERATOR AND REFEREE: FILM AND VIDEO ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR AND TALK CINEMA HOST, RONALD FALZONE   FILM CRITIC PATRICK MCDONALD LOVED IT! PENEFLIX DETESTED IT!   SEE THE FILM FOR FREE,  DECIDE FOR YOURSELF,  JOIN IN …

There are not enough superlatives to describe this monumental feat of wizardly. James Cameron, Merlin of the movies adds the third dimension to enhance the experience; it is subtle, visceral and so astronomically effective that you loose all consciousness of the mandatory eyewear. It is fifteen years since its initial release and its freshness is as redolent as ever; “Rose” …

“Between the devil and the deep blue sea” originated in the Bible and has been a universal phrase throughout history; its major implication addresses a choice. Beautifully acted, but a morale depressant. “The Deep Blue Sea” revolves around “Hester" and her choice; Rachel Weisz imbues Hester with the intensity needed to portray a woman so blindly, passionately in love, forsaking …

There is nothing more compelling, fascinating, inspirational than watching someone excel at their passion: Julia Child in the kitchen, Bobby Fisher at a chess board, Michael Jordan on the basketball court or Jiro Ono, the sovereign of the sushi bar; at 85 his obsession with his profession eliminates complacency, questing daily for improvement, he is messianic in his devotion and …

Movie Reviews will resume April 2nd! Thank you for your continued readership!!  Peneflix

Deliberately chose not to experience the book but could not resist delving into the film; the seismic popularity surpassing all expectations. Jennifer Lawrence, as “Katniss Everdeen” is riveting and perfectly cast as the tough, savvy  sixteen-year-old heroine; encapsulating the attributes of the mythical Diana, goddess of the hunt. Suzanne Collins’s book has become a Bible for young adults, especially girls, …

This Belgian film was one of the “darlings” of the Chicago Film Festival (October, 2011) and absolutely warrants its plaudits. Glittering copiously with the  gems of a fabulously fine flick: fascinating and original scenario, masterfully unique individuals, pristine, gut-wrenching acting, elements of surprise that clutch your attention in an unrelenting, tenacious grip; never trust the obvious. “Cyril” is an 11-year …