One Life tells the story of how Sir Nicholas “Nicky” Winton played a role in saving many Jewish children during the Holocaust. Bleecker Street is handling the American release. Unlike Warner Bros.’ handling of the UK release (more in my interview with James Hawes), the press and marketing materials do not hide the fact that the refugees are predominantly Jewish. I’ve known about the Kindertransport for years. In fact, the Kindertransport would inspire Michael Bond…
"One Life: Saving Jews During the Holocaust"Tag: Jonathan Pryce
George Clooney follows up two very strong films by taking it to the gridiron with a screwball romance in Leatherheads. A romantic comedy in football’s early days is probably not the first thing I’d think of when it comes to following up Good Night, and Good Luck. I’m not sure anyone expected Clooney to go in this direction. It’s certainly an interesting choice and he does a solid job with storytelling. The film probably offers…
"Leatherheads – A George Clooney Retrospective"
The second James Bond movie starring Pierce Brosnan, Tomorrow Never Dies, marks the 25th anniversary of its 1997 theatrical release. This was the first James Bond film that I watched on the big screen. I’ve seen everything else on the big screen ever since. My family saw the film over opening weekend since we saved Titanic for December 25. It’s the film that would lead me to buy the 30 Years of James Bond album…
"Tomorrow Never Dies Marks 25th Anniversary"
An American girl dreams of meeting her father in What a Girl Wants and is born to stand out in this teen comedy starring Amanda Bynes. When you’re hanging around the Roy family for several hours at a time, you need a comedy to wind down from all the drama. The comedy of choice is What a Girl Wants (okay, actually two comedies). It’s been several years but it’s still a fun comedy to watch.…
"What a Girl Wants: Born To Stand Out"
Prior to the release of Snake Eyes: G.I Joe Origins, both G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra and G.I. Joe: Retaliation received upgrades to 4K Ultra HD. Both films come in a 4K UHD/Blu-ray/Digital combo pack and include previously released bonus content. G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra Synopsis Starring Channing Tatum, Marlon Wayans, Sienna Miller, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Rachel Nichols and Ray Park, as well as veteran actors Dennis Quaid and Christopher Eccleston, G.I. Joe:…
"G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, Retaliation Hit 4K UHD"
The Two Popes takes a look at tradition verses reform in this look at the differences in approach from Popes Benedict XVI and Francis. This is a film that features top-notch acting performances from both Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce. Even for a Jewish person such as myself, I didn’t feel that this was a film looking to teach us about religion. Instead, it’s an examination of two people with a differing approach to issues…
"The Two Popes: Tradition vs. Reform"
Maria Altmann’s remarkable true story of recovering stolen artwork from the Austrian government manages to get justice in Woman in Gold. I found myself watching the film again during Tisha B’Av during a double header with Stanley Kramer’s Judgment in Nuremberg. Despite the fact that the Weinstein name is attached, please do not let that stop you from watching this film. Maria Altmann’s (Helen Mirren) story is but one of many Holocaust stories out there. …
"Woman in Gold: A Story of Justice and Redemption"
While depicting the sexism of the 1960s, The Wife proves to be a compelling film purely on the basis of Glenn Close’s performance. To most people, Joan Castleman (Glenn Close) is the wife of her prolific author husband, Joe Castleman (Jonathan Pryce). The two couldn’t be more different. This shows not just during the present day (1992) or the flashbacks to Smith College in 1958 or Connecticut in the 1960s. When the Castlemans learn that…
"The Wife: Sexism at Play"