Netflix and Beyond

If you’ve imbibed and remember Agatha Christie’s novel of the same name, seen 1974’s Sidney Lumet’s  film version, or television’s 2001 interpretation, pass on this slice of redundancy; with the exception of exquisite cinematography (Hans Zambarloukos) and Kenneth Branagh’s (also directed) superb depiction of iconic detective “Hercule Poirot” staleness prevents this “train” from reaching its maximum speed. Fine actors (Michelle …

There is a substantive, grounded sensitivity that saves “Lady Bird” from becoming another formulaic “coming of age” film; Greta Gerwig, more than her acting acuity, is an outstanding writer/director; at the age of thirty-four she’s advanced beyond the Mumblecore genre (hand-held camera technique, low budget, an ad-lib dialogue infused with a plethora of nerve-wracking “like’s”,  hemorrhaging from millennials vernacular, into …

A searing commentary on the milieu of the Catholic Church and its intransigent, grueling dictates, regarding young women (novitiates) in their quest to bind forever, becoming “Brides of Christ”, with a Supreme Being, worthy of a lifetime of silence, sacrifice and prayer. The year is 1964 in the midst of the Vatican II Council (1962-1965); roiling, controversial times which changed …

There is overwhelming beauty in Stephen Cone’s wonderfully crafted “Princess Cyd”; a successful, middle-aged author, “Miranda” (a character inspired by writer Marilynne Robinson); Rebecca Spence’s glowing, breathtaking performance, infused with wisdom and finesse anchors the film. She invites her sixteen-year-old niece, “Cyd” (Jessie Pinnick is equal to the pairing) to spend a portion of the summer in her Chicago home; …

Greek auteur Yorgos Lanthimos’s (“Dogtooth”, “Lobster”) newest, mystifying and cerebral film, resonates with references from Homer’s “Iliad” (8th century BC.);  Iphigenia, King Agamemnon’s daughter sacrificed for the war effort against Trojans; and the inadvertent killing, by same Agamemnon, of goddess’ Artemis “sacred deer”; mythological deities excel in catastrophic vengeance, without boundaries, flowing from Mount Olympus embracing both divinities and earthlings …

Based on the illustrated novel by Brian Selznick and directed by Todd Haynes (“Carol”) “Wonderstruck” defies demographic categorization; required enchantment, escapism for all audiences. It leaves viewers confirmed in film’s absolute, transformative power. Two children, a boy and a girl, at approximately the same age; generations apart, 1927, 1977; “Ben” (Okaes Fegley), (1977) after the loss of his mother “Elaine” …

Rarely do you see a movie that restores complete faith in the transformative element of film, so profoundly imaginative, spiritual, elevating one’s soul and psyche to the realm of “the starry night”; watching this staggeringly beautiful film I experienced wonderment, awe and joy; greatness, love and genuine happiness,  basking in its ingenuity. Sharing, with directors Dorota Kobiela and Hugh Welchman, …

Because you have asked, at the halfway point, here are a few of my favorites:   “THE SQUARE” (SWEDEN, GERMANY, FRANCE). A magnificent, controversial commentary on today’s art world. Will inspire conversations for lovers and detractors on what constitutes and legitimizes an artwork.   “THE CAKEMAKER” (ISRAEL, GERMANY). There are not enough adjectives to describe this achingly poignant love story; …

Thurgood Marshall (1908-1993) is the paradigm, an icon, encompassing the formative years of the civil rights movement; appointed to the Supreme Court by President Johnson in 1967 his influence has grown exponentially through the decades. Chadwick Boseman nails to the core the young NAACP lawyer, traversing the country, defending innocent black men accused of a crime, based solely on their …

There is a compelling, electric magnetism, an aura emanating from Idris Elba, an uncontainable masculinity, captivating, informing his filmic presence; more mesmerizing because he is totally unaffected by its force. An English actor, unknown to me, until  my recent exposure to “Luther”, an enthralling BBC crime series, starring Mr. Elba as a damaged but brilliant detective.  In “The Mountain Between …