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Reviews
The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)
What's the Irish Word for Disappointing?
I had such high expectations for this film, given the actors, setting and premise. It is beautifully filmed, with the sea as backdrop and the fog setting the overall tone of loneliness and loss. In that way, it's a perfect pandemic story, but that's also what makes it such a disappointment. It's just too sad. Despite the many touches of dark humor, the narrative lacks direction and motion - there's no story at all, really, only atmosphere, and one that is just too dark and heavy to raise the film out of the bog from which it originated. Enjoy the cinematographyand the vintage simplicity of a poor, remote village. Just don't get your hopes up.
Smilla's Sense of Snow (1997)
Tense and Beautiful
A taut dramatic mystery with an intriguingscript, , beautifully filmed.
Frozen River (2008)
A beautiful, bleak yet ultimately gratifying film
I love Melissa Leo's face every crease, every unaltered line and freckle. Leo plays Rae, a newly single mom struggling to put more on the table than popcorn. Rae is a proud, aggressively noble, emotionally battered working class icon who is absolutely fierce in her love for her two sons -- one old enough to want to help earn, one young enough to believe in Santa and happy endings. Leo's performance is a masterpiece of subtlety and understated strength; there isn't a shred of scenery chewing or over-emoting, just raw, real humanity. When Rae becomes entangled in an immigrant smuggling operation through Mohawk territory, she reaches a whole new level of desperation, and we watch as she claws her way to redemption. This beautiful, bleak yet ultimately gratifying film by Courtney Hunt created a stir at Sundance, and rightly so. Let's hope it finds a much wider audience.
Nothing Sacred (1995)
gone but not forgotten
It's been 8 years since this amazing program has graced the airwaves, and it still ranks as the best show on television...ever. This is to issues of spirit and personal conscience what "The West Wing" is to political consideration -- an amazing combination of intellect and passion. If ever this program were to become available on DVD, I'd buy 50 and pass them around.
I'll never understand what the conservative Christian groups were so afraid of -- this was easily the most spiritual program on television. It was honest, and unafraid to go to the dark places where religion is most needed. I know members of the church who struggle with the very issues these characters deal with, and such burdens only make them closer to their God. I can only pray that we shall see the likes of "Nothing Sacred" again someday.
Transamerica (2005)
Film of the Year
I admit to being a little freaked out by the whole concept of trans-gender surgery. That shameful preconception on my part did not in the least keep me from being completely bowled over by this wonderful movie and naming it my #1 film of 2005.
The trans-continental journey undertaken by Bree/Stanley and her/his son Toby is, of course, a metaphor for the road to self-discovery, and every single stop is touching and utterly true, in the deepest, most personal sense. This is a recommended ride for every movie lover.
Felicity Huffman is flat-out amazing in the lead, and the supporting cast is just right. This is not the story of why someone feels compelled to seek sexual reassignment; this is a story of one person making peace with her past, and re-connecting with the people inhabiting her history, in order to move forward toward who she really wants to be. The script is compassionate and strikes just the right balance of struggle, compassion and humor. It's just so very human.
Prey for Rock & Roll (2003)
A vital, visceral flick
I liked this movie a lot, despite a couple of violent scenes. I've been involved with music, and women making music, for a long long time, and this film rings true to everything I've experienced. Gina Gershon and Drea DeMatteo are terrific -- good casting job all around (although Lori Petty comes off more like folksinger Jill Sobule than a punk guitar goddess). Not sure whether Gina sings the songs or if they're dubbed (I suspect the latter), but she's got great rock star moves and is even believable as a tattoo artist. Drea is dead on as a party-hearty rock chick guarding her vulnerable side. And, oh, yeah, they're also kind of hot. There are a lot of DIY-type full-length songs, most of which are enjoyable, if not quite ready for prime time. If you've ever grooved to Joan Jett's "I Love Rock and Roll" -- you'll appreciate this movie.