I love going to the
movies. While the world is still applying an abundance of caution and avoidance
of public spaces, I hope people will start returning to the movies. Nothing
replaces the movie going experience - not digital streaming or any of a host of other home entertainment options. As
I gear up for the Academy Awards next month, I’m glad I made my way a few
notable fine films.
BABYLON is a tale of
outsized ambition and outrageous excess, Babylon traces the rise and fall of
multiple characters during an era of unbridled decadence and depravity in early
Hollywood. Brad Pitt and Margoe Robbie. This big screen production is a
treat for anyone interested in reflecting on the motion picture business over
the last 100 years.
Set on a remote island
off the west coast of Ireland, THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN follows lifelong
friends Pádraic and Colm, who find themselves at an impasse when Colm
unexpectedly puts an end to their friendship. A stunned Pádraic, aided by his
sister Siobhán and troubled young islander Dominic, endeavours to repair the
relationship, refusing to take no for an answer. But Pádraic's repeated efforts
only strengthen his former friend’s resolve and when Colm delivers a desperate
ultimatum, events swiftly escalate, with shocking consequences. Movie goers
are treated to a powerful story of the personal dynamics of human interaction
in a remote but beautiful corner of the world.
ELVIS played by Golden Globes Best Actor
winner. The film explores the life and
music of Elvis Presley (Austin Butler), seen through the prism of his
complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Tom
Hanks). The story delves into the complex dynamic between Presley and Parker
spanning over 20 years, from Presley's rise to fame to his unprecedented
stardom, against the backdrop of the evolving cultural landscape and loss of
innocence in America. Central to that journey is one of the most significant
and influential people in Elvis's life, Priscilla Presley (Olivia DeJonge). This
movie looks at Elvis in the context of his career decisions. Elivs’ only
daughter died, at age 54, just a few days after the actor in the title role won
a Golden Globe for his performance.
TOP GUN: MAVERICK fast
forwards us on a narrative of Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise) pushing the
envelope as a courageous test pilot and dodging the advancement in rank that
would ground him. Maverick encounters Lt. Bradley Bradshaw (Miles Teller), call
sign: “Rooster,” the son of Maverick’s late friend and Radar Intercept Officer
Lt. Nick Bradshaw, aka “Goose”. Maverick is drawn into a confrontation with his
own deepest fears. This is movie making with ambition to leverage a
franchise/story with box office draw.
THE FABLEMANS finds
young Sammy Fabelman who falls in love with movies after his parents take him
to see "The Greatest Show on Earth." Armed with a camera, Sammy
starts to make his own films at home, much to the delight of his supportive
mother. Steven Spielberg, creator of “Jaws” and pioneer of blockbuster
filmmaking shares why he is compelled to be a storyteller.
Based on the comical and moving New York Times bestseller, A MAN CALLED
OTTO tells the story of Otto Anderson (Tom Hanks), a grumpy widower whose only
joy comes from criticizing and judging his exasperated neighbors. When a lively
young family moves in next door, he meets his match in quick-witted and very
pregnant Marisol, leading to an unexpected friendship that will turn his world upside-down.
Tom Hanks is powerful in a personal and great story that challenges us to
consider how we view each other in
