Peneflix MOVIE REVIEWS BY PENEFLIX

The populace thrives on competition; contests abound in all areas of life; commencing with spelling bees, science fairs, essays, dancing, singing, debating; but it is in the world of sports where the lust for victory exceeds all other fields; possibly because of the universal appeal, the devotional aspects of the fans and feeding frenzy of the press; nothing quenches satisfaction ... Read More »

2011, debuted director Steve McQueen’s compelling “Shame” starring Michael Fassbender; still in theatres: “Thanks For Sharing”  with inimitable Mark Ruffalo; excellent films focusing on sex addiction, kept alive and fed by internet pornography. “Don Jon” is a pathetic imitation on the same theme: Joseph Gordon-Levitt (a talented actor) stars and directs this sad, and insipid scenario of a pumped -up ... Read More »

By the time I read J.D. Salinger’s “Catcher in the Rye”, published in 1951; much of the mystique had waned; I met my share of “Holden Caulfield” wannnabes; testosterone oozing from every pore, using “phony” intelligence to avoid the regulations of structured academia; boasting of tortured souls, being misunderstood by the mundane masses; destined for mediocrity and a premature obituary. ... Read More »

Quintessential Bollywood, fanciful fluff, rises above the benign; is pleasantly entertaining because the leading actors are so adorable: Shahid Kapoor and Ileana D’Cruz as “Vishwas” and “Kajal” sing, and with liquid elasticity, dance to some of the most innovative choreography (Caesar Gonsalves, Bosco Martis) spewing from the contemporary fountain of Bollywood ingenuity. The soundtrack, by innovative Pritam Chakraborty, and lyrics ... Read More »

A triumphant thriller packed with enough psychological twists to keep one riveted to the screen; terrific acting imbues director Denis Villeneuve’s taut, beautifully- structured scenario about the abduction of two little girls; always a disturbing, problematic theme. Handled magnificently by excellent writing (Aaron Guzikowski) and actors: Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Terrence Howard, Viola Davis, Maria Bello, Paul Dano, and Melissa ... Read More »

I have a friend who was poetically flawless, sumptious to behold: tall, pale, luminous Nordic beauty, thin and voluptuous simultaneously (before the image could be manufactured); everything she aspired to, she miraculously accomplished; honor roll, debate teem, cheerleader; legendary achievements, perpetually astounding all who revered her; even worshipped her. Until she tasted the fruit that would doom and consume her, ... Read More »

Watching this remarkable film by Saudi director Haifaa al-Mansour (first full- length movie filmed in Saudi Arabia) realizing we are almost fourteen years into the twenty-first century and that millions of women live in restricted, reduced environments: individuality denied, erased, censored by scripted clothing; unable to vote, drive or control their finances; divorced by simple sentences; birthing vessels, castoff when ... Read More »

I’m so grateful for all of my loyal subscribers and have exciting news to share with you! I have listened to my followers and now have implements some new features to add to your reading pleasure. New Additions to Peneflix.com New Logo New Web Design with more visuals Sections for Hollywood, Bollywood & Foreign films 5-Star Rating System Opt-in Email ... Read More »

It has been a long time since such profound honesty has been depicted on the screen. “Short Term 12”, written and directed by Destin Daniel Cretton focuses on a care center; troubled children under the age of eighteen; castoffs, abused, shunned by family and society; struggling for autonomy, dignity within the boundaries of mainstream dictates. “Grace” and “Mason” are a ... Read More »

Jennifer Hudson is superb as “Winnie Mandikizela-Mandela” (1936-) the sixth daughter of a teacher and  second wife of Nelson Mandela (1918-); her feistiness as a youngster and intellectual alacrity wins her a scholarship and enlightenment in Johannesburg; she is courted and returns the affections of revolutionary, anti-apartheid/lawyer Nelson Mandela (Terrence Howard’s  interpretation is infused with frustration and the agony of ... Read More »