Iris

"Iris"is a documentary chronicling the life of Iris Apfel, one of the most flamboyant and creative figures in the New York fashion scene. The film is more than just the history of this 93 year old icon, it is the story of the relationship with Ms. Apfel and Albert Maysles, her  Director/Photographer,  and with her and her 100 year old husband Carl. Iris, as a film and as a person, is an inspiration to all for this dynamic lady's originality and spontaneity knows no bounds. Although she  affectionately refers to herself as an old starlet, she is really a star without equal. I thought the film would be a "ladies"flick" since it dealt with costumes, fabrics, accessories and the like but it is much much more. It is a life lesson on how to maximize one’s assets and innate talents and take them to whatever height you desire. More than anything, Ms. Apfel’s ad lib comments and philosophical utterances are priceless and give food to those needing the strength to follow the untraveled road and to seek to attain the difficult goals. I give the film 3 and ½ stars and urge that it be viewed by all who wish to see that age is only a number and, in Ms. Apfel's case, not even close to a liability.

The Film Critic

"The Film Critic" is an Argentinian film written and directed by Herman
Guerschuny. It stars Rafael Spregelburd and Dolores Fonzi and tells the story of a depressed and unhappy middle aged film critic who dislikes most of the films he spends his work days viewing until he encounters a love interest that he hopes will change his life. To complicate this rather dull film is the fact that there are double subtitles, i.e. English and French, in addition to the Spanish actually spoken by the cast. Following the relationship of each of the characters to the other is not easy and, though the second half of the film gains some momentum and interest, the movie as a whole does not offer a good viewing experience. I give the film 2 stars and suggest that it be put at the bottom of your bucket list, especially if it has a leak.

I'll See You In My Dreams

"I’ll See You In My Dreams" was directed by Brett Haley who, together with Marc Basch, co-wrote the film. The movie stars Blythe Danner in her role as a widow in her 70’s facing life with her similarly situated friends and additional and varied male encounters. Ably supported by Rhea Perlman, May Kay Place and Sam Elliott, this is a charming film played beautifully by Ms. Danner who, at 72, portrays the widow with the sensitivity and intensity that only someone who has experienced in her real life that which  the script has dictated for her. The widow of the late Bruce Paltrow and the mother of Gwyneth, Ms. Danner evokes in the viewer the honesty of her character so that the audience is seeing more than an actress simply performing a role. Ms. Danner has lived the reality of the film character in her personal life and one cannot feel that she is bringing much of that to the screen. This is a film worth seeing if, for no other reason, the fine performance of this wonderful actress who dominates every scene she is in and keeps the audience in the palm of her hand. I give the film 3 and 1/2 stars and urge that it be seen by young and old alike for its message is universal and true.

About Elly

"About Elly" is an Iranian film from master director Asghar Farhadi who with Azad Jafarian  co-wrote it. Farhadi, the director of the Academy Award Best foreign film of 2011, The Separation, takes us into the world of young professionals in a country we know very little about and are, of course, surprised as these 30 somethings rent a villa for a weekend in a sea resort far from their homes in Teheran. There is a really good film somewhere in these reels but the viewer will be hard pressed to find it amidst women who look alike and couples where one cannot easily identify who goes with whom. In addition to this, the subtitles and the grating manner of the members of the cast,  the film is just too long and could easily have told its story in half of the actual 2 hours it took. I give the film 2 and ½ stars although with the right editing and writing, it could easily have earned many more.