Netflix and Beyond

Jet lag, a temporary affliction can be cured by a two hour sojourn in a movie theatre; allowing the wizardly of the fantastical to envelop one’s imagination, easing the vicissitudes of deprived slumber; entertainment: the elixir, aphrodisiac for somnolence. It is seventy- five years since visionary Walt Disney’s “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” stunned and captivated audiences; now in ... Read More »

Returning the second week of June! Would love “must sees” upon my return! Thank you for your readership, and inimitable insights! All the best in film and life! Peneflix Read More »

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 »