Netflix and Beyond

Based on Carolyn Briggs’ 2002 nonfictional book,  “This Dark World: A Memoir of Salvation Found and Lost”. This is a story of religious indoctrination so intransigent so indivisible that individuality is squelched in the name of God. Vera Farmiga (also directs) is the adult “Corinne” who as a teenage ( Taissa Farmiga) wife and mother suffers a religious epiphany when …

Loosely based on the 2007 Israeli film with the same title.(“Ha,Hov”)   This wonderfully cast film might not rank as the best movie of the summer but is terrifically entertaining; a unique story spanning over thirty years, (1966-1997) three people constituting a ménage a trois; members of Israel’s Mossad, searching for a diabolical physician who experimented on concentration camp inmates. …

At first I felt the “idiot” for chancing this film but due to the remarkable performance by Paul Rudd “Our Idiot Brother”  won my affection and admiration. Coming from a family of four sisters and one brother (who was not an idiot, but the baby of five) I could relate to the dynamics of three females dominating one male.  But …

Why? My other unseen choices were “The Smurfs” or “Spy Kids”; hence a desire to fulfill my  weekly quota;  desperation led me into the world man and mammals. Actually they are one and the same and the film leaves the unanswered question of how much they differ. The 1968 version starring Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall and Kim Hunter, was a …

Dear SUBSCRIBERS after two years ‘PENEFLIX’ is going viral!!!!!!! It is because of you that my site is going through a complete make over; or to the more youth conscious a “face lift”! Please be patient and by Friday you should be able to access my reviews. In the meantime, my latest post “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” …

This weary, boring movie starring the good- looking Anne Hathaway as “Emma" a rather plain (proof of my mantra that no matter the beauty every woman needs makeup to enhance it) nerdy, needy type;  and Jim Sturgess as  “Dexter”  also pretty,  was an endurance test for the audience. I envied the fortunate few who slept and snored through the tedium; …

You have to applaud the courage of Rachel Weisz. She sinks her talented teeth into and becomes whom ever she is portraying, whether “Tess” in “The Constant Gardner” ( Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor); “Evie” in “The Mummy”, “Hypatia” in “Agora” and now Kathryn Bolkovac in “The Whistleblower”. Kathryn Bolkovac’s story is one of overwhelming fortitude and fearlessness in …

(Not to be confused with John Boorman’s 1967 film “Point Blank”) The French have done it again! After seeing “Mesirne: Killer Instinct” and its sequel, “Public Enemy Number One” it has become natural to expect the thrills and adrenaline- pumping action from this nation of master filmmakers, in this scenario Fred Cavaye. “Point Blank”  seethes with kaleidoscopic fury from one …

Without question this is a FIVE STAR documentary; an inspirational, awe-inspiring film about making a difference; all the protagonists are worthy of the Nobel Peace Prize. This should be required viewing for public school students, universally. Steve James (“Hoop Dreams”) and Alex Kotlowitz (“There Are No Children Here”), Oak Park, Illinois residents, have given birth to a monument, celebrating a …