Tag: Blythe Danner


The Tomorrow Man

May 15th, 2019 — 5:56am

***

The Tomorrow Man

Noble Jones is an experienced cinematographer who wrote the screenplay for this movie and which he was given the opportunity to direct. He also chose to take the dual job as cinematographer of it. The movie was beautifully filmed and it was visually close to a work of art.

The storyline was quite original and the two star roles could not have been better chosen. John Lithgow and Blythe Danner played two now single folks “on the wrong side of 60.” He is self-identified as a “planner” who also might be called a “survivalist” as he accumulates all sorts of things in preparation for some future cataclysmic event. She is a “hoarder”, as she saves nearly everything because she cannot part with anything. In a post-film discussion, Jones, the writer/director, pointed out that the only difference between these personalities is “neatness” which he has and she doesn’t possess.

It is nice to see senior folks falling for each other, but we felt that there was no real development of the back story of the characters. We only learned a little bit about their past lives later in the film and there are no great insights or interesting complications in the plot. We are sorry to say that we felt that the story dragged on with a mildly interesting ending, but we didn’t feel it was worth the ride. (2019)

 

Comment » | 3 Stars, Drama, Romance

The Chaperone

April 3rd, 2019 — 12:46am

*****

The Chaperone-sp

Elizabeth McGovern not only played the role of the chaperone in this movie but she actually chaperoned this film project to fruition after reading the book by Laura Moriarity showing it to Julian Fellowes and Michael Engler who were the writer and director of Downton Abbey and who then took on these roles with this movie.

The story opens in 1922 in Wichita, Kansas, where a talented teenage dancer (Haley Lu Richardson) from a well to do family has the opportunity to go to New York City and study with a prestigious dance school for a few months. Her family requires that a chaperone should accompany her and a neighbor, Mrs. Norma Carlisle (Elizabeth McGovern), is ready to take a break from her husband and volunteers for the job.

A cross country train trip sets the mood for their exciting time in New York City where well-dressed people parade in midtown Manhattan, the Prohibition laws are disregarded behind closed doors at various clubs and romance appears in unexpected places. In addition to being a delightful view of New York City about 100 years ago, the story reflects meaningful psychological issues that both the chaperone and her charge have to confront. Surprises, along with some in depth insight into the two main characters all add up to an excellent movie. (2019)

Your comments on this review or the movie are always welcome in the section below

Comment » | 5 Stars, Drama

Hearts Beat Loud

June 26th, 2018 — 10:54pm

****

Hearts Beat Loud-rm

There is something very special about a relationship between a father (Nick Offerman) and daughter (Kiersey Clemons) especially when it is a single dad who is raising his kid after the mother died at an early age. We meet such a duo just as the girl is getting ready to go away to college. There is another element which makes this relationship even more special and that is that the father and daughter make music together. They write, play, sing and edit their own songs. It is even more poignant since the deceased mom and dad were once a music duo themselves hoping to make it big. If you have ever seen the passion and joy that budding musicians have for their band even when they are just playing and it is “not a band”, you will appreciate and be moved by this film Director Brett Haley handled his cast quite well and especially brought out the musical talents of teenager Kiersey Clemons. The supporting cast was topnotch and included Ted Danson, Toni Collette, Sasha Lane, and Blythe Danner. This musical trip should appeal to teenagers as well as those of us who can remember how we felt about the music that moved us when we were young. (2018)

Comment » | 4 Stars, Uncategorized

I’ll See You in My Dreams

May 11th, 2015 — 6:11am

***
Screen Shot 2015-05-10 at 10.56.17 PM

I’ll See You in My Dreams – sp

Brett Haley wrote this screenplay at age 29 with Marc Basch. They initially kick-started the funding of this independent film. Two years later, Mr. Haley brought this story to the screen as director and then film editor. This young man was able to empathize with senior citizens who realize that it isn’t over until it’s over. In this all star cast led by Blythe Danner, we experienced the universal human desire to have meaningful relationships at any age. Carol Peterson’s (Danner) interactions with an older man (Sam Elliott) and with a younger pool guy (Martin Starr) are touching and quite believable. When topnotch actors and actresses sign on to a low budget film, you know that they see something quite special in the material. That must have been the case as Malin Akerman, June Squibb, Rhea Perlman, and Mary Kay Place rounded out this outstanding cast. The storyline allowed one scene to take place in a karaoke bar where Ms. Danner was able to provide a special treat by singing “Cry Me a River.” It should also be said that the film will probably also allow you to shed a few tears.(2015)

Comment » | 3 Stars, Drama, Romance

Waiting for Forever

February 4th, 2011 — 8:09am

****

Waiting for Forever: This is a quirky but very well done film, which will completely touch you or you will write it off as in implausible fairy tale. Very early in the film you understand that Will Donner (Tom Sturridge) lost his parents in a train crash when he was 10 years old and moved away from his home to live with an uncle, leaving behind his best friend and life long playmate, Emma (Rachel Bilson). Now here is the tricky part. When he gets older Will follows Emma from city to city just to be near her. He has great trouble approaching her and reintroducing himself to her, so this goes on for several years while she ultimately becomes a television actress. Will is content to be a street juggler/clown and gets by. Inevitably things happen. The key to the movie is the acting of Sturridge as he inhabits the character of Will and projects him as likable, sincere guy with a good heart. He doesn’t come across as a psychopathic stalker and doesn’t seem to be psychotic, although he would have to be somewhat damaged by his childhood trauma. You may find yourself rooting for him as he ultimately approaches the love of his life. While Will is certainly an unusual person who lives an atypical life, the other characters in the story demonstrate complexities and realism. Veteran actors Richard Jenkins and Blythe Danner are terrific as Emma’s parents as they deal with the anticipated death of Jenkins’ character. Bilson as Emma struggles with this event as well as her own love life.  Scott Mechlowicz is excellent as the Will’s older brother, now a successful banker. He is frustrated at his brother’s behavior but understanding and loving him as well as having shared the family tragedy. James Keach, veteran actor/producer/director who directed this movie was the guest at our screening. He clearly had an affinity for this story and he described it as a labor of love for which he took no money up front. In his role as director/producer he completed the film in 24 days with a relatively tiny 3 million dollar budget . It will open in one theater in Los Angeles 10 days before Valentine’s Day, which may be just the occasion to draw in people who will spread the warm feelings about the movie.

Comment » | 4 Stars, Romance

The Last Kiss

September 6th, 2010 — 3:07am

* * *
The Last Kiss
– nf – This is a movie that tries to examine the nature of love as well as marital and impending marital relationships in young people close to turning 30. The main focus is a couple confronting parenthood and the need to get married. Michael (played by Zach Braff who is a perfect younger Ray Romano look alike) realizes he is frightened about his future prospects with Jenna his lovely girlfriend (Jacinda Barrett)of three years who is now pregnant. He allows himself to get drawn into a brief affair with younger very tempting college student. His close buddies are dealing with their own variations of the relationship theme. One can’t get over a breakup, another married guy with small child ( played by Casey Affleck) walks out on his wife and still another can’t figure out what to do even though he is successful in seducing women. At the same time Jenna’s parents (played very well by Blythe Danner and Tom Wilkinson) are examining their 30 year marriage. All the main characters ultimately confront their vulnerabilities, are insightful and try to be honest with their partners and themselves. That is the strength and the somewhat refreshing component of the film. However, the movie is a cliché. The storyline is shallow and old hat. The comedy component is average TV sitcom material. We liked the characters but weren’t moved by them. It probably isn’t worth your time unless perhaps you are under 30. 2006

Comment » | 3 Stars, Comedy, Drama, Romance

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