Danny Collins (2015) & Ricki And The Flash (2015)

Danny Collins (2015)

C. – 106m
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 - Widescreen
A.K.A.: Imagine, Idol
Starring: Al Pacino, Annette Bening, Jennifer Garner, Bobby Cannavale, Christopher Plummer, Katarina Cas, Melissa Benoist, Josh Peck and Scott Lawrence.

An aged Rocker’s manager finds a letter to his client from John Lennon and shares it with his client. The rocker then decides to reconnect with his family. Inspired by a true story, this film is not exactly a feel good film but it has an interesting story. What it lacks in subplot plot points it makes up for with heart and good performances. This film should be on a double bill with the very similar film Ricki And The Flash (2015).

Trivia: Al Pacino agreed to do the movie but only if Bobby Cannavale played his son in the film. Originally Sir Michael Caine was cast in the role of the manager but had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts. And in a deleted scene Gene Simmons taught a group of background actors how to sing backup vocals.

Rated: [R] – Language, Drug Use & Some Nudity
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Ricki And The Flash (2015)

C. – 101m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Ricki & The Flash
Dir.: Jonathan Demme. Writer: Diablo Cody
Starring: Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline, Mamie Gummer, Rick Springfield, Ben Platt and Diablo Cody.

An aged rocker who is in a complicated relationship moves in with her ex-husband temporarily to help her daughter get back on her feet during her divorce after finding her just married husband cheating on her. While the premise sounds depressing, the film is actually intelligent, funny and moving. The material brings Diablo Cody back into the swing of things after her 2013 clunker, Paradise (2013). Everyone is in top form form here! Would be good on a double bill with the similar Danny Collins (2015).

Trivia: Meryl Streep and Mamie Gummer are mother and daughter in real life too. This was Jonathan Demme’s final film before his death in 2017.

Rated: [PG–13] – Thematic Material, Brief Drug Content, Sexuality & Language
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.

Mothers & Daughters (2016)/Fathers & Daughters (2016)

Mothers And Daughters (2016)

C. – 90m
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Mothers Day
Starring: Selma Blair, Luke Mitchell, Christina Ricci, Ashanti, Sebastian Siegel, Courteney Cox, Sharon Stone and Susan Sarandon.

Interwoven vignettes of motherhood seen through the eyes of a photographer who is herself, pregnant. Typical run of the mill tapestry film has a few funny and touching moments. The pacing is slow and it takes time to get started but there is a satisfactory conclusion to it. If for no other reason, it is worth watching because of the cast.

Rated: [PG – 13] / [NOT RATED] – Some Mature Thematic Elements & Brief Drug Use.
Available on DVD & Digital Copy

Fathers And Daughters (2015/2016)

C. – 116m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
Starring: Russell Crowe, Amanda Seyfried, Aaron Paul, Diane Kruger, Bruce Greenwood, Jane Fonda and Octavia Spencer.

A Pulitzer Prize winning author struggles with being a widower and a father after a nervous breakdown, while, 27 years later his daughter struggles to forge connections of her own. Ultimately a sad story is an interesting character study and a strong contender for showing to psychology, psychiatry and social worker students. Fine acting by a great cast and an interesting set of characters make this a film worth watching.

Rated: [R] – Some Sexual Content / References
Available on DVD & Digital Copy

The Beguiled (1971 & 2017)

The Beguiled (1971)

C. – 105m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
Dir.: Don Siegel
Starring: Clint Eastwood, Geraldine Page, Elizabeth Hartman and others.

While imprisoned in in a Confederate girls’ boarding school, an injured Union soldier works his way into all their hearts only to have them turn on him. The question is: Who is conning whom?

This is the classic and dark version of the story that everyone has come to know since 1971. Eastwood and the women are in great form here. More than anything else, this plays as a drama with a sexual edge (which in a couple of ways is a bit creepy in and of itself) up until the final twenty minutes. Then it is out and out thriller. While very little happens in terms of location changes, there is an array of verbal and non-verbal communication to read from some masterful performances by the actors. See if you can figure out who is conning whom before the film tells you outright. Part of what makes this film great is the sense of mystery behind the cons. Clearly the film favors the man’s prospective. A must watch!

Rated: [R] – Perverse Sexual Content Including Nudity, Some Violence, Adult Drinking & Frightening And Intense Images.
Available on DVD, Blu–ray & Digital Copy.

The Beguiled (2017)

C. – 93 Minutes
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 – Widescreen
Dir. / Screenwriter: Sophia Coppola
Starring: Colin Farrell Nicole Kidman, Kristen Dunst & Elle Fanning.

An unexpected arrival of a wounded Union soldier at a girls’ school in Virginia during the American Civil War leads to jealousy and betrayal. Sophia Coppola is back in the saddle with this feminist version of the classic Clint Eastwood starring film. The film is toned down and frankly lacks the mystery that made the original so haunting. Given the omission of that aspect of the story makes this less riveting and more an interesting character study. The feminist approach to the story that originally favored the man’s perspective makes this worth watching. It is different enough to make it more of a companion film than a remake. It should also be noted that this was beautifully filmed on film and then finished in 4K digital with a wonderful visual outcome. Extra credit for Coppola for adding film noire – ish lighting effects! A pop classic here!   

Rated: [R] – Some Sexuality - Note: There is also violence and language that was not mentioned as reasons for the rating.
Available on DVD, Blu–ray & Digital Copy. 

The Last Word (2017)

The Last Word (2017)

C. – 108m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: In Memoriam
Starring: Shirley MacLaine, Amanda Seyfried, Philip Baker Hall, Thomas Sadoski and Anne Heche.

A old and retired business woman who is a control freak wants to write her own obituary. She hires a local writer to do the task and put together something that is reflective of her in her opinion. Along the way, an unlikely friendship forms. There is more plot and emotion here than meets the eye, which is a nice surprise. The cast is in top form and the material is elevated because of it, not that the material wasn’t good to start with. An agreeable film to view. 

Rated: [R] – Language
Available on Blu–ray DVD & Digital Copy.

Murder On The Orient Express (1974 & 2017)

Murder On The Orient Express (1974)

C. – 128m.
Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1 – Widescreen
Dir.: Sidney Lumet.

Starring: Albert Finney, Lauren Bacall, Ingrid Bergman, Martin Balsam, Jacqueline Bisset, Jean–Pierre Cassel, Sean Connery, John Gielud, Wendy Hiller, Anthony Perkins, Vanessa Redgrave, Richard Widmark and Michael York.

Detective Hercule Poirot must solve a murder that occurred on the train that he is traveling on. As with most film or television adaptions of Agatha Christie’s works, the film is better than the book in this reviewer’s opinion. A great cast with stalwart performances and richly decorated sets make this a must. Slight complaint though: The pacing could have been quickened a bit.    

Trivia: Agatha Christie, 84 years old at the time, attended the premier. It was the only film that was adapted from her works that she liked, though she was note pleased with Hercule’s moustache. Sadly it was her last public appearance. She died 14 months later on January 12, 1976. Ingrid Bergman won an Oscar for her performance in this film. The basis for the win was from a nearly five minute long interrogation she had from Hercule (Finney). Director Sidney Lumet thought that if he signed the biggest star first, the rest would follow. At the time it was Sean Connery. Lumet and Connery previously teamed on three films: The Hill (1965), The Anderson Tapes (1971) and The Office (1973). Sean Connery was in two films that feature murders on The Orient Express: From Russia With Love (1963) and this one. Richard Widmark agreed to do the film just so he could meet the other actors. As in Psycho (1960), Anthony Perkins plays a man who lost his mother and has issues with trying to have a relationship with women. And finally: The final scene required multiple takes to get all the close-ups of the actors, since the set only made it possible for one camera to be set up in the space. 

Rated: [PG]

Out Of Print on VHS & Laserdisc but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy. 

Murder On The Orient Express (2017)

C. – 114m.
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1
Dir.: Sir Kenneth Branagh. Book By: Agatha Christie.
Starring: Sir Kenneth Branagh, Penelope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Josh Gad, Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer and Dame Judi Dench.

Detective Hercule Poirot must solve a murder on the train he is traveling on. While the cast is just as good as the original’s cast, this adaption of the Agatha Christie novel suffers quite a bit. The makeup isn’t believable, the hair colors on Branagh and Pfeiffer lack continuity, and why is no one breathing clouds of steam while they breath in a cold setting? This showed a lot of promise in the trailers but ultimately comes up muddled. If one considers this a chance to watch a game cast in an expensive play and can look past the aforementioned issues, and then some, one may stand a chance of liking this film. Even the C.G.I. is obvious! It is never dull, but not something recommended in place of the original. 

Trivia: This was Sir Kenneth Branagh’s second film to be shot on 65mm film. The first was Hamlet (1996). While this was shot on 65mm film, it played in theaters on 70mm film and it was the forth film since 2010 to do so. The Master (2012), The Hateful Eight (2015) and Dunkirk (2017) were the others. That is Michelle Pfeiffer singing “Never Forget” over the end credits. The song was written by Patrick Doyle and Kenneth Branagh. Angelina Jolie and Charlize Theron were originally in line for Pfeiffer’s role but ultimately Pfeiffer got it. And finally: Both Johnny Depp and Dame Judi Dench were in films about the Jack The Ripper murders. Dench was Sally in the Sherlock Holmes VS Jack The Ripper film: A Study In Terror (1965), while Depp was in From Hell (2001).

Rated: [PG–13] – Violence & Thematic Elements.

Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy. 

Churchill (2017) & Darkest Hour (2017)

Movie Poster for Churchill (2017)

Churchill (2017)

C. – 105m
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Churchill: The Untold Story Of D–Day

Starring: Brian Cox, Miranda Richardson, John Slattery, Richard Durden, Martin Landau, Ella Purnell. 96 hours before the World War II invasion of Normandy, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill struggles with his existing status, which appears to be rapidly marginalized. Cox and the rest of the cast are in fantastic form here. One cannot look away for fear of missing any number of nuances that enrich every screen performance. Wonderful cinematography, direction and script help make this a winner for the ages. A MUST WATCH! This reviewer would like to see the film get some award nominations!

Trivia on the film: This is one of Martin Landau’s final films, though he is not credited in it and his credit on IMBD.com was quickly removed upon his death in July 2017 at age 89. Also, this was the first of two Winston Churchill films from 2017. The other was Darkest Hour (2017), with Gary Oldman as Winston Churchill. A similar occurrence happened in 2005 when two films were made about Truman Capote: Capote (2005) and Infamous (2006), though the latter film was released the next year to avoid confusion with it’s unrelated predecessor. It occurred again in 2012 when two films were made about Alfred Hitchcock: Hitchcock (2012) and The Girl (2012). Two similarly themed story films were made in 2015: Danny Collins (2015) with Al Pacino and Ricki And The Flash (2015) With Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline; written by Diablo Cody and directed by Jonathan Demme. This film, Churchill (2017) and Darkest Hour (2017) are the fourth such occurrence. 

Rated: [PG] – Thematic Elements, Brief War Images, Historical Smoking Throughout, & Some Language. Note: Although the film is rated PG, viewers may not that Brian Cox as Winston Churchill yells the, “F Word,” while knocking his breakfast off the table in one scene. The start of the word is audible but the voice track is quickly cut while the sound effects are boosted for good measure. This may prove objectionable to some. Judge for yourself.

Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.   

Darkest Hour (2017)

C. – 125m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
Starring: Lily James, Gary Oldman and Kristin Scott Thomas.

Sir Winston Churchill arrives in office to find himself in a rough place, have to see about a peace treaty with the Nazis or rally his country to send the troops to battle them. Strong acting is the film’s major asset. However the makeup job given to Gary Oldman is similar to the one given to Sir Anthony Hopkins in Hitchcock (2012). In short, you can tell it is the actor under the makeup. Most people this reviewer has talked to about the film, or have read reviews by about the film say that, “Gary Oldman is unrecognizable under the makeup.” This reviewer never escaped the knowledge that it was Gary Oldman under the makeup. Oldman is a more than capable actor and is never less than stellar with his performance here. However, this film suffers from being the second Winston Churchill film of 2017. While it is the better known of the two, mostly due to Oldman’s presence, it is also the lesser of the two in the writing for a lack of stirring speeches. Still, there is enough to like here for general viewers and this reviewer will reiterate the point: Gary Oldman is never less than stellar in his performance.   

Trivia: Sir John Hurt was supposed to play Neville Chamberlain in this film. Chamberlain was the Prime Minister who was on his way out due to dying from cancer. When Hurt was cast he too was dying of cancer. At the time of his death he never was able to make a script reading or shoot a scene. The film is still dedicated to him though since it was his final cinematic project.

Gary Oldman won a Golden Globe for Best Actor – Motion Picture – Drama for his performance as Sir Winston Churchill.

Rated: [PG–13] – Some Thematic Material

Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables Trilogy

Movie Poster for L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables (2016)

L.M. Montgomery’s Anne Of Green Gables (2016)

C. – 90m.
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 – Widescreen

From The Novel: Anne Of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery.

Starring: Ella Ballentine, Sara Botsford, Martin Sheen, Julia Lalonde, Kate Hennig, Stefani Kimber, Linda Kash and Drew Haytaoglu.

Anne Shirley, an orphan has been knocking around various homes and orphanages until she finally finds a home at Green Gables in Avonlea with Matthew And Marilla Cuthbert, a brother and sister of advanced ages. This like the 1934 film version deviates from the first part of the first novel in the Anne series. What it lacks is the spunkiness of the character that the other film versions captured. Still a sweet story and a film worth watching – beautiful scenery as well. Followed by L.M. Montgomery’s Anne Of Green Gables: The Good Stars (2016 / 2017) & L.M. Montgomery’s Anne Of Green Gables: Fire & Dew (2017 / 2018).

Available on DVD & Digital Copy.

L.M. Montgomery’s Anne Of Green Gables: The Good Stars (2016 / 2017)

C. – 90m
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A. L.M. Montgomery’s Anne Of Green Gables Part II

From The Novel: Anne Of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery.

Starring: Ella Ballentine, Sara Botsford, Martin Sheen, Julia Lalonde, Drew Haytaoglu and Stefani Kimber.

Anne hits tweenhood and has a rush of emotions about a number of topics: Matthew’s failing health, Gilbert Blythe and Diana Barry, not to mention her own self-image. As with the first part of the trilogy that comprises the Anne Of Green Gables novel, this one deviates from the novel. Once again: not entirely necessary, but still watchable. Once again the scenery is beautiful. Followed by: L.M. Montgomery’s Anne Of Green Gables: Fire & Dew (2017 / 2018).

Available on DVD & Digital Copy. 

Kevin Sullivan's Anne of Green Gables Series

Anne of Green Gables (1985)

Movie Poster for Anne of Green Gables

Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1 – Fullscreen (Original) / 1.78:1 – Widescreen (Re-Mastered).
C.-200m

Writer – Dir.: Kevin Sullivan. From The Novel: Anne Of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery.

Starring: Megan Follows, Colleen Dewhurst, Richard Farnsworth, Patricia Hamilton, Marilyn Lightstone, Schuyler Grant, Jonathan Crombie, Charmion King and Rosemary Radcliffe.

After being in and out of orphanages Anne Shirley comes into her own as she settles in with Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert. Along the way she makes friends and has a rivalry crush with Gilbert Blythe. Long but splendidly adapted version of the L.M. Montgomery novel, boasts of fine performances and beautiful scenery. The re-mastered copy is even more vibrant. Though some film purists will argue the point. Filmed in Montreal, Canada.  Followed by 3 sequels: Anne Of Avonlea (1987), Anne Of Green Gables: The Continuing Story (2000) & Anne Of Green Gables: A New Beginning.

Out Of Print on VHS. Available on DVD in Fullscreen and Widescreen and Blu–ray & Digital Copy in Widescreen. 

Anne of Avonlea (1987)

C. – 230m.
Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1 – Fullscreen (Original) / 1.78:1 – Widescreen (Re-Mastered).
A.K.A.: Anne Of Green Gables: The Sequel 

Writer – Dir.: Kevin Sullivan. From The Novels: Anne Of Green Gables, Anne Of Avonlea & Anne Of Windy Poplars by L.M. Montgomery.

Starring: Megan Follows, Colleen Dewhurst, Marilyn Lightsone, Schuyler Grant, and Jonathan Crombie.

Anne Goes to university and becomes a teacher as her relationship with Gilbert comes to a head. Not quite the smash of the first entry in the series since it has more slow parts to it than the first film. However, it still is a masterpiece in its own right. Once again: Fine performances and beautiful scenery – particularly in the re-mastered edition. Followed by 2 sequels: Anne Of Green Gables: The Continuing Story (2000) & Anne Of Green Gables: A New Beginning (2008). 

Out Of Print on VHS. Available on DVD in Fullscreen & Widescreen and on Blu–ray & Digital Copy in Widescreen.

Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story (2000)

C. – 185m.
Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1 – Fullscreen (Original) / 1.78:1 – Widescreen (Re-Mastered).
A.K.A.: Anne Of Green Gables III

Writer – Dir.: Kevin Sullivan. Inspired From The Works Of L.M. Montgomery.
Starring: Megan Follows, Nicole Peters, Jonathan Crombie, Schuyler Grant, Patricia Hamilton.

Anne’s and Gilbert’s complicated married life during WWI. They want to return to Canada from NYC, NY, USA but everything appears to be working against them on that point. An interesting concoction of events using the Gables series characters. Only a master like Sullivan and a cast like this could make this work, and they all did! This complete the Kevin Sullivan Anne Trilogy with Megan Follows as Anne. Followed by a sequel: Anne Of Green Gables: A New Beginning (2008).

Out Of Print on VHS. Available on DVD in Fullscreen & Widescreen and on Blu–ray & Digital Copy in Widescreen.

Anne Of Green Gables: A New Beginning (2008)

C – 144m
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 – Widescreen
Characters By: L.M. Montgomery
Writer – Pro. – Dir.: Kevin Sullivan
Starring: Barbara Hershey, Rachel Blanchard, Shirley MacLaine, Hanna Endicott–Douglas, Natalie Radford, Ben Carlson, Vivien Endicott Douglas, May Walker, Jim Chad, Colleen Dewhurst and Ian Matheson.

Anne still hurting from the recent loss of her husband in her middle age returns to Green Gables to write a play and discovers letters that rewrite her life story. This is a far cry from the Green Gables that everyone knew and loved from 1985, however this reviewer will argue that this is not the turkey that other reviewers have made it out to be. Pacing is slow, sets are a tad fake looking and there are a few instances of miscasting but it one can look past those flaws this is well done. If John Cassavetes had lived past age 59 and had be introduced to the L.M. Montgomery novels and stories, I am fairly certain this would have been the film version he would have made. To that end what Kevin Sullivan was able to pull off here is on par with the above average work of John Cassavetes in the director’s chair. The aforementioned hampering elements aside, the cinematography is wonderful as are a fair amount of the performances, not the least of which was MacLaine, and the back and forth story that add up to the complete tale, tying up some loose threads from the other films, this one is a nice final chapter in the Green Gables saga. Sadly underrated by others, as, sadly, is most of John Cassavetes’ directorial work. Though I hasten to emphasize this IS NOT actually a Cassavetes film.

Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy.