The Solzy Awards for Documentaries in 2019

Rather than wait a few more days until the month of December, The Solzy Awards for Documentaries are being honored this month for 2019. Earlier this month, I voted in my first-ever Critic’s Choice Documentary Awards. Some of these awards do match how I voted during the CCDA. However, there were some instances in which my preferred documentary was not a nominee earlier this month.  In other instances, some of my categories were not a…

"The Solzy Awards for Documentaries in 2019"

Thanksgiving: A Few Movie Essentials

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles is a Thanksgiving staple but a few other films deserve to be included when it comes to Thanksgiving viewing. Moviegoers got lucky in 2018 because not one but two Thanksgiving options were released: Most Likely To Murder and Lez Bomb.  The two films may be comedies but they couldn’t be more different.  However, what is important is that both films take place during Thanksgiving weekend. In Most Likely To Murder, concierge…

"Thanksgiving: A Few Movie Essentials"

The Solzy Awards for Short Films in 2019

Sticking more or less to last year’s schedule, I’m presenting the Solzy Awards for Short Films prior to the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. It’s been a great year for film.  When it comes to short films, I’ve seen some films that have blown me away.  I’ve seen some films that I don’t think that anyone could have possibly imagined.  Without any further adieu, here are the winners of this year’s Solzy Awards for Short Film. Best…

"The Solzy Awards for Short Films in 2019"

The Two Popes: Tradition vs. Reform

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"

Queen and Slim: A Thought-Provoking Thriller

Queen and Slim is a thought-provoking thriller that will have movie goers looking at the outlaws-on-the-run in a different perspective. Tonally, there is a lot to say about this film.  The film starts out with us sitting in on a Tinder date between a retail employee (Daniel Kaluuya) and a criminal defense attorney (Jodie Turner-Smith).  That she is a criminal defense attorney lends an extra layer to what unfolds shortly thereafter.  Take it as what…

"Queen and Slim: A Thought-Provoking Thriller"

Film Independent Spirit Awards: Nominations

The nominations were announced for the 35th Film Independent Spirit Awards to be held in Santa Monica on February 8, 2019. Winners of the Spirit Awards Filmmaker Grants will be announced at the Film Independent Spirit Awards Filmmaker Grant and Nominee Brunch on Saturday, January 4, 2020. Marriage Story was selected to receive the Robert Altman Award, which is bestowed upon one film’s director, casting director and ensemble cast. The Altman Award was created in 2008…

"Film Independent Spirit Awards: Nominations"

Dark Waters: A Warning For All Americans

Dark Waters is a warning for All Americans and shows what happens when the federal government allows corporate regulation to go unchecked. A corporate environmental defense attorney from Taft Stettinius & Hollister is probably the last person to take on Big Chem.  Yet this is exactly what Rob Bilott (Mark Ruffalo) did.  While he was originally doing something as a favor to an acquaintance of his grandmother’s it became bigger than anyone could ever have…

"Dark Waters: A Warning For All Americans"

Blinded by the Light Is Now Available

Blinded by the Light, featuring a heavy Bruce Springsteen soundtrack, is now available for fans to bring home following January’s Sundance premiere. Going into Sundance this year, I knew that I wanted to see the Gurinder Chadha-directed film.  It was just a matter of finding time in my schedule.  The beauty of staying the entire time at Sundance is being able to see as many films as possible.  By the end of the week, I…

"Blinded by the Light Is Now Available"

DOC NYC 2019: Golda

The biggest selling point on Golda is newly discovered footage of the late Israeli prime minister taped just a few months before her passing. Long before Margaret Thatcher was the Iron Lady, the title belonged to Golda Meir.  Born in Ukraine and later living in Milwaukee, Meir would eventually make aliyah.  While she would later be active in Israeli politics, ill health forced her to retire in 1966.  Retirement would be short-lived as Meir would…

"DOC NYC 2019: Golda"

Tom Cullen talks Pink Wall

Tom Cullen spoke with Solzy at the Movies over the phone about the recently released Pink Wall, which premiered in March at SXSW. The film marks Cullen’s directing debut and stars both Tatiana Maslany and Jay Duplass.  1091 Media released the film on Digital and VOD on November 12, 2019. How honored were you to premiere Pink Wall at SXSW in March? Tom Cullen:  Oh my G-d.  Such an honor.  It’s a festival that’s really…

"Tom Cullen talks Pink Wall"