City Island

“City Island” was written and directed by Raymond DeFelitta and stars Andy Garcia, Julianna Margulies, Steven Strait, Emily Mortimer and Alan Arkin. Well written, edited and directed, the film takes place on City Island, a location hardly known to most New Yorkers but yet existing almost in the heart of its number one city, and proceeds to tell the story of this middle class family and the problems (unique and not so unique) that its members encounter and attempt to resolve. This is an uncomplicated and pleasant film to view with splendid performances by Mr. Garcia, Ms. Margulies and Ms. Mortimer. Filled with pathos and humor, the film holds our interest and helps us experience the issues and frustrations of the characters in the film and their ultimate resolution. I give the film 3 stars with a strong recommendation that it be seen. The 100 minutes will pass rather quickly for as the adage says: “Time flies when your having a good time”.

Multiple Sarcasms

“Multiple Sarcasms” stars Timothy Hutton, Mira Sorvino, Stockard Channing, Dana Delany, Chris Sarandon and Mario Van Peebles. Co-written by Brooks Branch and Linda Morris and directed by Mr. Branch, it is a long, tedious effort to explore in a much too wordy manner the life of its hero played by a disheveled and unsympathetic Mr. Hutton.
The “falling asleep test” proved how uncomfortable a movie it was to sit through and watch. Ms. Sorvino and Ms.Delany perform admirably with the little the script offers them and one wonders how such a fine cast could be assembled to play in this mediocre project. I give this film 1½ stars with a recommendation that you wait until it appears on cable so you can change the channel.

The Art of the Steal

“The Art of the Steal”is a documentary film directed by Don Argott and tells the story of Dr. Albert C. Barnes, a physician and, more notably, one of the foremost art collectors of the 20th Century. Dr. Barnes, over the years amassed one of the world’s finest collections of French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings. The paintings were located in Dr. Barnes’ home in Lower Merion, Pennsylvania (5 miles from downtown Philadelphia) since he intended that they be displayed and viewed only for educational purposes insisting that they would never fall prey to the commercial art scene in Philadelphia. To protect this goal and safeguard the paintings which have been conservatively valued in excess of $25 billion dollars, Dr. Barnes created a foundation and trust to insure that his wishes would be honored. Upon his death (as a result of a car accident) key moneyed and political interests sought to challenge and disrupt the plans made by this unique collector They promptly commenced efforts to move the collection to the Philadelphia art museum so that “the general public would have access to it“. This film is the story of that battle, both legal and moral, and how the wishes and desires of one testator/trustor can be stifled and destroyed when powerful interests take positions opposite from the original benefactor.. Philanthropists and lawyers will appreciate the machinations that can occur when a decedent passes away with no relative or next of kin to attempt to safeguard his or her interests. Everyone generally interested in the world of art and public charity will find fascinating the methods and tactic employed by those seeking to cater to their own aims and needs even though they may be totally opposite from those of the original owner. I give this documentary 3 stars for its entertainment value, for its insight into the world of charity and art and for the lessons which can be learned for those seeking to protect their post death intentions

The Yellow Handkerchief

“The Yellow Handkerchief” is a movie starring William Hurt, Maria Bello, Kristen Stewart and Eddie Redmayne. Written by Erin Digman and directed by Udayan Prasad, this is a movie of 102 minutes duration that, unfortunately, seems like it is much longer.
Although beautifully acted and photographed, the film moves along at too slow a pace.
It is unique to fall asleep in a movie that deserved my undivided attention but unfortunately, I did. Perhaps better direction and a script with less unanswered questions might have prevented it. More like a short story than the material for a full length feature, I still must say that the entire experience was positive in spite of the abovementioned shortcomings. I give the film 2 and ½ stars because, when all is said and done, it is a good picture. Nevertheless having a strong cup of coffee as you enter the theater is definitely recommended.