Living is a remake of a 70-year-old Japanese film with the setting changed to London. The story is a classic, about a man who, told he only has six months to live, suddenly decides to do something different with his life. Nighy’s acting is “spot on”, and the film is a tearjerker, but ultimately it doesn’t present anything new.
The Whale pulls heartstrings as you navigate a week with a morbidly obese man. The movie explores themes of addiction, relationships, literature, and spirituality with an unexpectedly good performance from Brendan Fraser. (4*)
Elvis (4.5*) In a dazzling production full of sights and sounds, Baz Luhrmann paints the tragic story of a man who struggled to get back to his cultural roots.
Set during the Irish Civil War in 1923, in a very small village on an isolated island (Inisherin) off the coast of Ireland, Padraic (Colin Farrell) finds his lifelong friendship is torn when his older best friend, Colm (Brendan Gleeson) suddenly, and without apparent reason, finds him “dull” and no longer wants to be with him. The change alters both men, and the entire village, both emotionally and physically. Martin McDonagh’s carefully written and directed script is executed by an Irish-born cast with seemingly perfect chemistry. A must-see film for any adult interested in how and why relationships, of any kind, change and, sometimes, end. (4.5*) The Banshees of Inisherin
(4.5 *) The Tragedy of Macbeth is a powerful production that shows the relevance of Shakespeare to today’s modern age.
(4 stars) A little difficult to follow but a great story and some terrific music.
(4 Stars) A wonderful synthesis of the pair – not a documentary!
(3 *) A fun movie until you understand that it isn’t completely truthful.
(4.5 Stars) Quite likely the Best Picture of the Year. Let me explain why.
(4 Stars) An important film that explores the world of sound.
(3 Stars) Powerful Performances from Boseman and Davis, but it is still a play.
(4.5 Stars) A sometimes difficult movie to watch, but with powerful moments. The boundaries between love and hate are thin.
(4 Stars) An intriguing portrait of two men arguing the nature of the Pope, the Church, and society.
(3.5 Stars) A movie Of Hollywood, By Hollywood, and, most importantly, FOR Hollywood!
(4.5 Stars) Difficult to watch, especially right now. But perhaps necessary.
(4 Stars) Subtle and Multi-layered. Almodovar, Banderas, and Cruz at the top of their games.
(3 Stars) Willem DaFoe plays Van Gogh in a movie built much like an expressionistic painting.
(3.5 Stars) Liberals will find humor and lots to support disliking Cheney. Conservatives, well, maybe you should avoid this one.
(4.5 Stars) Best Picture Winner and a compelling tale of two men, unlikely partners in a road-trip through the Deep South. One of the better movies of the year.
(3.5 Stars) In yet another remake, Lady Gaga shows she can act better than Bradley Cooper can sing. Its OK if you’re into sappy romances.
(4.5 Stars) Rami Malek delivers a terrific performance as Freddie Mercury in an excellent film I liked better than the professional critics.
Questa del Rio News: Questa, New Mexico.
Gringo Gazette: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Sierra County Sun: Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.