See You at the Movies

 

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,