Peneflix MOVIE REVIEWS BY PENEFLIX

Without a doubt the finest film of 2012 ( midway through the year). It conquers, surpasses, breaks the barometer of perfection. Based on a true story combining pathos, pain, humor, levity but primarily a portrait of love, acceptance, inclusiveness; it sings and dances joyously to your spirit; rarely do you leave a film feeling enriched, enhanced, a better person because ... Read More »

“TAKE THIS WALTZ”; Dull, pathetic portrayal of a floundering marriage. Ridiculous scenario starring Michelle Williams and Seth Rogen. Civility prevents me from suggesting what should be done with this “waltz”.   “DETACHMENT”; Had some potential but fizzled.  Adrien Brody looses his way as a substitute teacher. Sad, his piano days have waned.   “2 DAYS IN NEW YORK”; Julie Delpy ... Read More »

Hysteria, a derivative of the Greek word “hystera” meaning uterus, a malady uniquely female; symptoms included fainting, nervous disorders, erratic behavior, in essence a euphemism for sexual frustration. “Hysteria” addresses the ageless epidemic, and its cure, focusing on women in late nineteenth -century, Victorian England. Hugh Dancy  is “Dr. Mortimer Granville”, perpetually fired from hospitals because of his revolutionary ideas ... Read More »

Jack Black is reason enough to see “Bernie”. With subtle nuances he completely and compellingly grasps the depth of  assistant mortician, “Bernie Tiede” in 1998 Carthage, Texas; commencing with a devotional master-class on the pristine treatment of a corpse: unwanted hair removal, makeup, creative use of Elmer’s Glue in fastening eyelids and lips; his sculptor’s hands compassionately, wizardly transform the ... Read More »

An outstanding film, pivotal in addressing the magnetism of the classical world of ballet, is “The Red Shoes” made in 1948 and starring Moira Shearer and Anton Walbrook; why pursue an art form that cripples, deforms, eliminates childhood, loves; rewards: fleeting, ephemeral? Bess Kargman’s “First Position” answers the question as she delves into the the lives and psyches of seven ... Read More »

This stunning, exhilarating film based on Norway’s most popular fiction writer, Jo Nesbo’s novel, of the same name, is gruesome; a feast for cravers of guts and gore will have a gluttonously good time. Squeamish beware, you will be groaning and covering your eyes 25% of the film.  “Headhunters” defies boredom; it is horrific and hilarious simultaneously, and staggeringly well-constructed. ... Read More »

Watching this film, Karl Marx’s  decree “religion is the opium of the people” kept galloping through my mind; religion can be addictive, controlling, destructive, resulting in anything but perfection. Kathleen Turner is “Eileen Cleary”, nominated for “Catholic Woman of the Year”; her every neurotic breath is informed by her obsessive/compulsive desire to follow the rules of the Church, eventually attaining ... Read More »

There are times when a few lines are enough to achieve “brevity”, with a dash of “soul”, a smattering of “wit”. “MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS”,  The perfect recipe comprised of every iconic, universal savior: “The Iron Man” (Robert Downey, Jr.; “Captain America” (Chris Evans); “The Incredible Hulk” (Mark Ruffalo); “Thor” (Chris Hemsthorth) the Norse god of thunder and lightening, wields his ... Read More »

“India, India, India, five letters, three syllables flows off the tongue, adheres to the mind, is an aphrodisiac for many, venom for a few”; India, a country of extremes, either embraces or repels; neutrality, anathema.” I wrote this summary after my third visit to this country that has imprisoned my spirit and continues to lure me back to its  infinitesimal ... Read More »

Wins the first round of the playoffs as one of the worst films of 2012. Two fine actors, Emily Blunt and Jason Segal are “Violet and “Tom” , excruciatingly saccharine, superficial lovers unable to exchange vows. Why did the audience have to be crucified on their cross of ineptitude?   They mew, fawn, babble endearments (at tooth- ache intensity); she refers ... Read More »