The end of the year is upon us and I have been away from the blog for most of this month.
Holidazing.
So, I thought I would do a little catchup regarding films I watched this month. Most of the films were for the Fall Film challenge (here) that I turned into a self-challenge. I was not able to finish them by today. But I like the picks, so I will continue to watch the rest of them next year.
I got one holiday movie in the mix which I loved :-)
Watched: on Netflix
Director: Stephanie Laing
Writer: Bess Wohl
Stars: Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Michiel Huisman, Steve Coogan, Christopher Walken
Comedy, Drama, Romance | imdb | my rating: 2
A couple who have known each other since 8 are destined to be together until death do them apart.
FELT flat.
Director/Writer: Greg Pritikin
Stars: Chevy Chase, Richard Dreyfuss, Andie MacDowell, Chris Parnell
Comedy | imdb | my rating: 2
When retired talent manager Al Hart is reunited with his first client, Buddy Green, a comic who quit show business 50 years ago, he convinces Buddy to escape their retirement community and hit the road for a cross-country comedy tour.
JUST okay funny.
Director/Screenplay: Jeff Baena
Based on book: The Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio
Stars: Alison Brie, Dave Franco, Kate Micucci, Fred Armisen
Comedy, Romance | imdb | my rating: 5
In the Middle Ages, a young servant fleeing from his master takes refuge at a convent full of emotionally unstable nuns. Introduced as a deaf mute man, he must fight to hold his cover as the nuns try to resist temptation.
HILARIOUS. Funny witchery moments.
Director/Writer: Noah Baumbach
Stars: Adam Sandler, Grace Van Patten, Dustin Hoffman, Ben Stiller
Comedy, Drama | imdb | my rating: 5
An estranged family gathers together in New York City for an event celebrating the artistic work of their father.
LIKED the individual storylines and relationship growth.
Director/Writer: David E. Talbert
Stars: Forest Whitaker, Keegan-Michael Key, Madalen Mills
Family, Fantasy, Musical | imdb | my rating: 5
An imaginary world comes to life in a holiday tale of an eccentric toymaker, his adventurous granddaughter, and a magical invention that has the power to change their lives forever.
FUN with steampunk aesthetic. Has become one of my favorite Christmas films.
aka Mr. Pig
Director/Writer: Diego Luna, Augusto Mendoza
Stars: Danny Glover, Maya Rudolph
Drama | imdb | my rating: 4
A beautiful road movie, and a chance to talk about love for Mexico through the eyes of an American.
TOUCHING. Despite the imdb description, the pig is also an integral part of the story.
Director/Writer: Chris Kelly
Stars: Jesse Plemons, Molly Shannon, Bradley Whitford
Comedy, Drama | imdb | my rating: 3
A struggling comedy writer, fresh off a breakup and in the midst of the worst year of his life, returns to Sacramento to care for his dying mother.
SAD, but opportunity for the characters to bond.
Director: Cindy Chupack
Screenplay: Mark Andrus, Cindy Chupack
Based on book: Whatever Makes You Happy by William Sutcliffe
Stars: Angela Bassett, Patricia Arquette, Felicity Huffman, Heidi Gardner
Comedy | imdb | my rating: 4
A grounded, soulful, celebratory comedy about three mothers and their adult sons. The film explores the stage after motherhood, Otherhood, when you have to redefine your relationship with your children, friends, spouse, and most importantly, yourself.
INTERESTING exploration of an aspect of motherhood.
Watched: virtual theatre
Director/Writer: Francis Lee
Stars: Kate Winslet, Saoirse Ronan, Gemma Jones
Biography, Drama, Romance | imdb | my rating: 5
LOVELY and sad take of the times. Beautiful scenes and sights.
