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.
Women Talking is exactly what the title suggests. What you get is a journey what it is like to be a woman in a man’s world, and how that is changing. It is a fascinating conversation. (4*)
Top Gun: Maverick is this year’s most popular movie. It tells a relatively simple story well, bursting with visual and aural excitement. First of this year’s “popcorn movies” and worth every kernel. (4*)
A German production, All Quiet on the Western Front re-adapts the 1928 novel of the same name, adding some distinctive scenes and commentary to the story of a young German man, and his friends, thrust onto the “Western Front” to fight the French in the final months of World War I. Accompanied by some stunning cinematography, dominating sound and music, and visceral visual effects, the film reaches new heights in presenting the horror of war. It also adds another, very important message about how events are felt differently depending on where you stand on the social ladder.
(3.5 Stars) A flawed but intriguing look at the psychology of an ‘Unnatural Mother’.
(4.5 *) A simple tale, simply told. But delivers a big emotional payoff.
(5 Stars) A stunning sensory experience and quite likely the next Star Wars.
(4.5 Stars) Quite likely the Best Picture of the Year. Let me explain why.
(3.5 Stars) An Indian tale of ambition and an indictment of Western capitalism.
(1 Star). You’ve been warned – watch only if you really like this kind of thing.
(4 Stars) A captivating evening with four icons of history.
(4.5 Stars) In addition to what you expect, it shows that old folks still have huge creative talent. Still one of the best pictures of 2019.
(5 Stars) A wonderful feminist approach that is perfect holiday entertainment. A well crafted movie.
(4 Stars) An intriguing portrait of two men arguing the nature of the Pope, the Church, and society.
(3 Stars) Some good moments. But the movie doesn’t quite come together.
(4.5 Stars) Difficult to watch, especially right now. But perhaps necessary.
(4.5 Stars) A wonderful romance with terrific music. Another one of the better movies this year.
(4 Stars) This surprising little gem will leave a mark on your heart.
(4.5 Stars) A Coen Brothers film and a collection of six stories, each of which will puzzle and amuse.
(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.
(5 Stars) One of my favorite movies of the year, a black man joins the KKK. Although it sounds like a comedy, this is a Spike Lee movie full of important messages.
Questa del Rio News: Questa, New Mexico.
Gringo Gazette: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Sierra County Sun: Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.