Netflix and Beyond

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 …

As we tread through life certain ubitqtious lessons are revealed. One is that grief has no parameters and spares no one;  the second vital, and surprising lesson, is that you do not choose who you love; it can come out of oblivion, tackle your blind side, imprison your heart in a fortress; its duration, ephemeral or eternity. “Delicacy” expertly deals …

With blond hair extensions, torpedoed jeans, six inch platform sandals, and enough makeup to make Cleopatra or Lady Gaga wince with envy, I unsuccessfully tried to blend with the young,  lustful banshees at a screening of “21 Jump Street”. Naively unaware that it had been a television series, starring Johnny Depp. Surprises are often camouflaged and twenty minutes into the …