Love Me Do: A Review of “Backbeat”
I adore this movie. Partly for the simple reason that I believe it is a thoughtful and well crafted meditation on love, destiny, and growth; partly because every viewing experience is coloured by what I know is going to happen, both in the film’s … Read more →
It’s Complicated – And Funny, and Sweet: A Review of “It’s Complicated”
Jane (Meryl Streep) and Jake (Alec Baldwin) have been divorced for ten years. He’s remarried, to a younger woman; she’s still single. His marriage is not going the way he had imagined it would; she’s a little lonely now that the last of their three children has moved out from Mom’s. He still has feelings for her; she’s just vulnerable—well, maybe she still cares for him a little as well.
Movies: In Praise of the “Little Story”
I am aware that most adults go to the movies or watch them at home in order to be entertained, to briefly escape, perhaps, from their stressful or humdrum lives. I spent more than a few years as a member of this group and certainly sympathize with … Read more →
Oh, Henry! A Review of “Becket” and “The Lion in Winter”
These two films—Becket (1964) and The Lion in Winter (1968)—star Peter O’Toole (propelled to the limelight by his stunning big-screen debut as T.E. Lawrence in Lawrence of Arabia) as England’s powerful Norman king, Henry II. In Becket, Henry … Read more →
Divine Decadence: A Review of “Cabaret”
This classic 1972 film is the last of the great musicals. But unlike Singin’ in the Rain, My Fair Lady, and West Side Story, Bob Fosse’s Cabaret is much more than the sum of its memorable tunes. In fact, Cabaret concocts a rich and satisfying … Read more →
“Shall We Dansu?” and “Shall We Dance?”: A Comparative Review
Recently I watched the Hollywood version of Shall We Dance? I had seen the Japanese original a few times and was equally moved by the film on each viewing occasion; seeing the American remake helped me to understand the depth of Masayuki Suo’s … Read more →
Bleak Farm Yields a Courageous Harvest: A Review of Pelle the Conqueror
The opening scenes of this heart-breaking—and ultimately heart-warming—1987 film tell us a great deal about Lasse (Max von Sydow), the father of the title character and about the circumstances under which they are making the sea journey to … Read more →
Country Road to Redemption: A Review of “Tender Mercies”
This 1983 film moves me to tears every time I see it. A masterfully restrained script, naturalistic and unpretentious directing, and the brilliant acting of the entire cast (especially lead Robert Duvall) combine to make this understated—and … Read more →
Floating Serenely on a Sea of Dysfunction: A Review of “Another Year”
Amidst the hype over the “big films” of 2010, including The King’s Speech, The Social Network, and Black Swan, a smaller, quieter movie was practically ignored. Yet for some viewers, British director Mike Leigh’s Another Year was more thought-provoking, deeper and subtler, and thus more satisfying than all the year’s award winners and money-makers.
Life As A Human Goes To The Movies
Life As A Human author Ross Lonergan will be reviewing some of his favorite films and perhaps yours from the past forty years … or so!
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