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ONE LIFE (in theatres)

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 37a): “Whoever saves a single life is considered by scripture to have saved the world.” Director James Hawes introduces audiences to Sir Nicholas Winton (1909-2015), played with inimitable force by Anthony Hopkins, a man who saved 699 children from the incendiary clutches of the Holocaust. Johnny Flynn with iconic dignity depicts “Nicky” as a young stockbroker who ... Read More »

CABRINI (Italian & English) in theatres

In a century long ago, I attended a party, primarily of strangers; as we entered the venue, a person of renown was taped to our backs; we were required to give hints to other attendees as to the personage whose name they bore; it was a stunning way to make new comrades, but alas I never guessed who steadfastly remained ... Read More »

PENEFLIX 96TH OSCAR REVIEW: A FOUR STAR!!!! PRODUCTION

Surpassing the previous years in spades! Flawlessly groomed, styled, coiffured and glamorous presenters, nominees; absolutely absent, fashion flubs; Emma Stone’s sliding dress served as “Bella’s” redundancy, revealing no surprises. Jimmy Kimmel, as host, perfected his timing, eliminating blatant, below the belt sarcasms; but struck a humorous jab to the inimitable, predictable, brassy belligerence of D.T.; adding only humor, not “greatness” ... Read More »

DUNE: PART TWO (IN THEATRES)

MAGNIFICENT! Here is a film of such overwhelming beauty, strength, majesty nothing short of envy resonates for the mind behind the vision; director Denis Villeneuve focuses, with glorious acuity, on the science fiction novels of Frank Herbert (1920-1986), generating a reverence rarely visited upon the screen. As a neophyte and poorly schooled (by choice) in the realm of Jules Verne, ... Read More »

PENEFLIX 96th OSCAR PREDICTIONS

2023 was a spectacular, banner year for films. Never have I given so many Five Star credits, or rarely have I visited movies more than once; 2023’s products were more than worthy of multiple exposures. Without listing all the choices in each category, I will gift you, faithful readers, my number one picks in the myriad of classifications: BEST PICTURE: ... Read More »

PENEFLIX OSCAR PREDICTIONS

2023 was a spectacular, banner year for films. Never have I given so many Five Star credits, or rarely have I visited movies more than once; 2023’s products were more than worthy of multiple exposures. Without listing all the choices in each category, I will gift you, faithful readers, my number one picks in the myriad of classifications: BEST PICTURE: ... Read More »

THE TASTE OF THINGS (French: English subtitles) in theatres

Today’s internet is gorged with photographs, videos, of gastronomical feats, posted by the well-traveled bourgeois, those divorced from their kitchens, feel obliged to secure a memory of a dish whose remarkability is beyond their culinary comprehension.  “The Taste of Things” is a symphony, a harmonious composition of an art still vibratingly redolent, thriving, throbbing universally; we revere Escoffier, Robuchon, Ducasse, ... Read More »

PERFECT DAYS (Japanese:English subtitles) in theatres

How many of us have experienced perfect days? Days where all our stars are aligned; physical, emotional, psychological health are in sublime harmony; without aches, longings or unrequited dreams; we have imbibed in the daily, luscious delights of living, revering those minimal flawless days.  German director Wim Wenders (“Paris, Texas”, “Anselm” ) resplendently in tandem with actor Koji Yakusho has ... Read More »

THE PROMISED LAND (DANISH, GERMAN: ENGLISH SUBTITLES) IN THEATRES

There is something pungently powerful about the actor Mads Mikkelsen’s countenance; silent or loquacious he kidnaps viewers’ attention, releasing its hold only after he has maneuvered his intent, frightening and satisfying simultaneously. Commencing in 1755 Denmark, Captain Ludvig Kahlen (Mikkelsen) receives grudgingly, permission to cultivate the sterile landscape of Jutland heath, in hopes of founding a settlement and a titled ... Read More »

ORIGINS (in theatres)

You do not have to have read Isabel Wilkerson’s 2020 “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents” to grasp the intensity and legitimacy of her nascent premise; it is not about color, it is “about dividing society into hereditary classes”: born a slave, progeny, slaves; born a Jew, destined for discrimination; born an untouchable (Dalit) children distinguished as polluters of society; ... Read More »

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