Maiden

"Maiden" is a documentary  directed by Alex Holmes which tells the story

of Tracy Edwards, a 24 year old sailing vessel cook who, in 1989, together with

her female companions, skippered the first all female crew to compete in the

Whitbread Sail Around the World contest. More than the story of a sailing

contest, it is a testament to the tenacity and vision of this young girl who, despite

the chauvenism of the sailing community, achieved her goal and realized

her dream. This is  film that every young woman should see and appreciate

for it demonstrates that dreams can become reality in spite of the prejudices

of a male dominated society and the obstacles in general that every dreamer

must inevitably encounter. Although the film could just as well have been

exhibited in a much shorter version, the viewer nevertheless experiences and

understands what these adventurous ladies had to encounter and how meaningful

what they accomplished meant to all womanhood far and beyond

the contest they participated in. I give the film 3 stars for it is as inspirational

as it is entertaining.

Last Black Man in San Francisco

“Last Black Man in San Francisco” is a film  starring Jimmie Fails, Jonathan Majors and Danny Glover. Fails, who plays himself in the film, wrote the story which so resembles his own and Director Joe Talbot together with Rob Richert co-wrote the screenplay. This is a tender, warm, well written and well acted story of the city of San Francisco and its diversified and unique group of residents who struggle to survive, recapture and hold on to their past. But the real essence of the film and its story is family history and how difficult it is to remain close to it as the adult years overtake us. I give the film 3 stars and suggest that after seeing the film the viewer will leave more than his or her heart in the city by the Bay.

Late Night

"Late Night" stars Emma Thompson, John Lithgow, Mindy Kaling and a

host of other supporting actors in this film whose screenplay was written by

Ms. Kaling ("The Office", "The Mindy Project") and directed by a very

talented Nisha Ganatra. Well paced and equally well written Ms.

Thompson brings to the role a broad spectrum of drama and comedy as

she portrays a late night talk show host facing personal and professional

issues as she is aided and abetted by Ms. Kaling's character. I give the film 3 stars

and recommend it for a rare and enjoyable movie experience not

available to the viewing audiences during these past few months.

Long Shot

“Long Shot” stars Seth Rogen and Charlize Theron in this rom-com film written by Dan Sterling and Elizabeth Hanna and directed by Jonathan Levine. Although not a noteworthy effort on the part of any of the creative talent, and, despite some raunchy scenes, the film succeeds in holding the interest of the audience as it  enjoys s

some funny lines and scenes. An unlikely pairing of Mr. Rogen and Ms.Theron fortunately does not stand in the way of this being a movie one can simply lean back and enjoy as it moves to its predictable and satisfying conclusion. I give the film 2 and ½ stars for its simple aim is to please the viewer and, indeed, it does.

"Hotel Mumbai” is an Australian film directed by Anthony Maras who co-wrote the film with John Collee. The film tells the story of the invasion and near destruction of the famous Taj Hotel in Mumbai, India by Jihad Terrorists. Starring Armie Hammer, Dev Patel and Jason Isaacs. the characters portray those caught in the midst of this terrorist attack and the efforts of staff and guests to survive. Were it not for the fact that this is a true story of an incident that actually occurred about 11 years ago in the city of Mumbai, India, it could easily be dismissed as simply another action film made to suit the whims and tastes of a modern audience. However, knowing that all of what is depicted in the film did, in fact, take place, coupled with the excellent editing and interjecting of actual voices and newsreel film, it causes the audience to be riveted in their seats as the 2 hour film speeds by with action, drama and suspense.I give the film 3 stars for it gives insight into not only the victims but the perpetrators as well and makes for a powerful theatrical experience.

"Hotel Mumbai” is an Australian film directed by Anthony Maras who co-wrote the film with John Collee. The film tells the story of  the invasion and near destruction of the famous Taj Hotel in Mumbai, India by Jihad

Terrorists.  Starring Armie Hammer, Dev Patel and Jason Isaacs. the characters  portray

those caught in the midst of this terrorist attack and the efforts of staff and guests to survive.

Were it not for the fact that this is a true story of an incident that actually occurred

about 11 years ago in the city of Mumbai, India, it could easily be dismissed as simply another action film

made to suit the whims and tastes of a modern audience. However, knowing that all of what is depicted in the film did, in fact, take place, coupled with the excellent editing and interjecting of actual voices and newsreel film, it causes the audience to be riveted in their seats as the 2 hour film speeds by with action, drama and suspense.I give the film 3 stars for it gives insight into not only the victims but the perpetrators as

well and makes for a powerful theatrical experience.

“Working Woman” is an Israeli film depicting the frustration of a vulnerable  member of the work force as she is victimized by the sexual harassment of her  employer and how difficult it is for her (and for so many other women similarly situated) to cope with the awkwardness of the role in which she has been placed. Foreign by definition both in language and origin, the film is universal in its appeal for what befalls the heroine in this movie could occur anywhere in the world proving that “bad boys will be bad boys” regardless of the language they speak. I give the film 3 stars with special acknowledgment to Michel Aviad who, as director and co-writer of the film, has captured the humanity and plight of its leading character.

Gloria Bell

“Gloria Bell” stars Julianne Moore and John Torturro in the English version of Sebastian

Lelio’s Chilean film entitled “Gloria” which,, like “Gloria Bell”, he also wrote and directed. This film, but for the language and locale is the same film as “Gloria” so American audiences can now see it absent subtitles and with a new leading lady. This is the big difference because although similar in almost all other respects, Ms. Moore dominates this film as only great and talented actresses can. Superficial and non-dimensional, the story is light and thin but what Ms. Moore does with the material makes it a worthwhile theatrical experience.. It’s hard to imagine this movie without her and, as a result,  I give the film 3 stars.