by Sam Juliano
As we approach Christmas Day 2012, many of us with faith and optimism can look ahead to a much better year than the past one has yielded. While we at WitD feel the right candidate won the presidential election and the movies were generally better this year than they were in 2011, the past twelve months brought us far more tragedy than any any year since the 9-11 attacks over a decade ago. Hurricane Sandy inflicted massive damage and human loss, the movie theatre killings in Aurora, Colorado, shocked and traumatized a nation, and just a little over a week ago an unspeakable act of depravity at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut has darkened the holiday season, broke so many hearts, and left many of us feeling guilty for going on with our lives. We must go on of course, and we need to stress the positive and think of all the lovely people we know and interact with, and the knowledge that the vast majority of people are good, loving and supportive. The week’s wrenching funerals in Connecticut have affected so many of us, and while we move forward with our plans, hobbies and interests we do it with the heaviest hearts, knowing that others not so fortunate will be grieving for the rest of their lives, with their babies taken from them. As I stated on last week’s MMD, everything we do is meaningless in the wake of this most horrifying of deeds. I want to again thank the site’s own angel, Dee Dee, for posting the sidebar link on a way to show support for those who survived this unconscionable terror.
The site’s long-running comedy countdown concluded this past week in triumphant form, with some of the finest essays of the 20 week venture appearing appropriately enough right before the final bell. For the second year in a row Wonders in the Dark hosted a highly-successful community project that attracted some of the best film writers out there, and some of those scribe’s finest work. First of all I want to thank Maurizio Roca for his painstaking efforts in compiling and posting the weekly voter placement scrolls that appeared at the end of each individual review. This was a massive undertaking, and was sustained for well over four months. Richard R.D. Finch, one of the net’s finest writers, was incredibly supportive, and typically posted some of the most insightful comments day after day, usually in the very first spot after the review appeared. Jon Warner didn’t miss a single post, and as always his contributions were astute, informative and enthusiastic. Several others were there nearly every day and each have been invaluable at this site from Day One: Judy Geater, Pierre de Plume, Pat Perry, Dennis Polifroni, Frank Gallo, Sachin Gandhi, Peter M. and Shubhajit Lahiri. The writers of course gave this countdown some of the most exceptional writing an analysis the site has ever hosted and posted, and each one should be applauded: Jon Warner, Pat Perry, Judy Geater, Richard R.D. Finch, Ed Howard, John Greco, Tony d’Ambra, Brandie Ashe, Allan Fish, Mark Smith, Marilyn Ferdinand, Sachin Gandhi, Roderick Heath, Joel Bocko, Allan Fish, Shubhajit Lahiri, Maurizio Roca, Jamie Uhler, Pedro Silva, J.D. LaFrance, Dean Treadway, Jaimie Grijalba, David Schleicher, Jim Clark, Samuel Wilson and Bob Clark. I also want to offer my deepest gratitude to my dear friends Laurie Buchanan, David Noack and Frederick for their impassioned support for my own writings on the countdown. Needless to say Dee Dee was there a number of times as well to offer insights, support and vital technical assistance.
Speaking of Dee Dee, I again want to mention that the sidebar link to the “John Garfield petition” continues to attract support, as she just this past weekend has reported in an update. Over at Movie Classics Judy Geater continues her wonderful “Dickens in December” series, one that has treated cineastes to newly-resurrected rarities and some of the great cinematic adaptations from this literature icon.
Lucille and I (with Sammy for two, Broadway Bob for one, and Danny for one) saw five films over the past week, as the movie reasons reached it’s traditionally December climax. Over the coming days, the remainder of the A line releases will be opening: Les Miserables, Tabu and Django Unchained. In any case, I am sure I will catch some flak for this week inordinately high ratings, but heck this is the time of the year all the great films have ben held back for in the hopes of garnering some awards attention.
We saw:
Zero Dark Thirty ***** (Wednesday night) Regal E Walk Cinemas
Amour ***** (Thursday night) Film Forum
Barbara ** 1/2 (Friday night) Angelika Film Center
The Impossible **** 1/2 (Friday night) Landmark Cinemas
The Perks of Being A Wallflower **** (Sunday) Landmark Cinemas
Katherine Bigelow’s extraordinary ZERO DARK THIRTY, a thriller/detective story hybrid that chronicles the real life revenge enacted against Islamic terror master Osama bin Laden can also be defined as a non-partisan intelligence procederal with some serious moral implications. The latter concern, documented with uncompromising and searing authenticity over the first 20 minutes or so of the film chronicles the torture of “Ammar” by American CIA and security operatives, one of whom is “Maya” played with ferocious intensity by Jessica Chastain in one of the year’s greatest performances. Bigelow’s refusal to take sides has attracted the outcry of some politicians, but there is nothing here that leaves one believing that anything has been fabricated or enhanced. And it’s clear this kind of intense interrogation led to the wipe-out of the world’s most wanted figure in a brilliant green-tinted end piece in the Pakistani bunker the world is now familiar with. The film opens with a dark screen, withall the audio panic of 9-11, and contains a speculative period, where lead-in events bring the SEAL teams and the CIA closer to their target. Brilliant script by Mark Boal, and videography by Grieg Fraser. A strong contender for film of the year on a Top Ten list I plan to finalize for publication at WitD on Monday, January 7.
The fragility of life and the inevitability of old-age check out is given austere treatment in an emotionally powerful film by Michael Haneke, AMOUR, which won this past year’s Palme d’Or, and has received some of the year’s most glowing reviews. Haneke makes no judgement on the deterioration of a relationship between two retired musical teachers, brilliantly played by Jean-Louis Trintigant and Emmanuele Riva, and with his customary clinical dissection he keep music out of the equation and leaves bare his examination of the last days of life. This is not a film one would probably want to see more than once, and it immersed in despair and the physical deterioration of old-age. As the daughter the great Isabelle Huppert, a past Haneke collaborator, tries to add some sense into the downward spiral, but the film makes it clear that there can never be a happy ending. There are some jolts here that will leave one disturbed, but there is no question this is filmmaking of the highest order, and one of the most wrenching depictions of old age on the screen.
BARBARA, a critically-praised German film by Christian Petzold that won the director top priced at Berlin, has an interesting visual style and a striking lead performance by Nina Ross as a chain-smoking introvert, but the film is excrutiatingly dull and Ross’ character is extremely detached and unlikeable. Set in 1980’s Germany, there is an accurate air of oppression, but there is nothing to allow for emotional connection, including a resistance to music, which in this case may have helped to establish what was ultimately missing.
THE IMPOSSIBLE, a wrenching drama about a real-life tsunami that delivers a lethal blow to Southeast Asia chronicles the separation and final reunion of five members of a family who miraculously survive, despite the high death doll. Naomi Watts gives a performance of exceeding physical endurance, while newcomer Tom Holland as the 14 year-old son delivers a scene-stealing turn as the pillar of strength in the nearly-apocalyptic aftermath that continues the separation. Spanish director J.A. Bayona pulls off the big set piece near the biginning with effective special effects, and while he uses Caucasians to fill in for a Spanish family (to conform with his preference to shoot the film in English) and thus violates the authenticity, I think it’s the spirit and resilience surrounding separation and the obsession for re-union that he is really after here. The composer Fernando Velazquez has contributed one of the most affecting musical scores of the year, and a vital component to this deeply-moving emotional equation.
THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER, written and directed by Stephen Chbosky is a deeply affecting coming-of-age drama set in Pittsburgh with a trio of exceptional performances by Logan Lerman (as the lead, playing a nervous and isolated high school freshman) Emma Watson and Ezra Miller. The film revolves around the lead’s opening up, after connected with his supportive English teacher Mr. Anderson, and after getting stoned on a spiked brownie. Various revelations and humor come through in the inspired script (a major plot point is revealed at the end) and the film makes excellent use of Bowie’s “Heroes” and the cult film “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Though the film received excellent reviews I still found it a major surprise.
The gang in Cleveland, Ohio back in August.
I have offered up a scroll today of 22 links, each a brand new update! I would have liked to go beyond this total, but I had to stop somewhere, as already the time invested was substantial:
Judy Geater’s magnificent “Dickens December” series continues with a profile of Orson Welles as a radio “Scrooge” at Movie Classics: http://movieclassics.wordpress.com/2012/12/22/orson-welles-as-a-very-young-scrooge-on-radio/
Jon Warner has penned a fabulous review on Melville’s “Le Cercle Rouge” at Films Worth Watching: http://filmsworthwatching.blogspot.com/2012/12/le-cercle-rouge-1970-directed-by-jean.html
At Speaking From The Heart Laurie Buchanan offers up another marvelous post, this one on “The Key of Sea-A Music Playlist to Write By”: http://holessence.wordpress.com/2012/12/18/the-key-of-sea-a-music-playlist-to-write-by/
Pat Perry speaks eloquently about the ‘unspeakable tragedy’ at Doodad Kind of Town: http://doodadkindoftown.blogspot.com/2012/12/this-is-not-post-i-had-planned.html
Samuel Wilson has crafted a terrific essay on Costa-Gavras’ “Z” at Mondo 70: http://mondo70.blogspot.com/2012/12/z-1969.html
At Vermillion and One Nights Murderous Ink has posted a spectacular piece on “Evangelion After Fukushima” (Part 2): http://vermillionandonenights.blogspot.com/2012/12/evangelion-after-fukushima-part-2.html
At Lost It at the Movies Movie Man Joel Bocko offers up a splendid screen capo display of “Leap of Faith”: http://thedancingimage.blogspot.com/2012/12/leap-of-faith.html#more
Fimmaker Jeffrey Goodman has several updates at The Last Lullaby, including his latest a splendid quartet of capsules that includes “The Breaking Point,” “Senna” and “The Edge of the World”: http://cliched-monologues.blogspot.com/2012/12/beau-travail-1999.html
David Schleicher has written a creative essay on Jacques Audiard’s “Rust and Bone” at The Schleicher Spin: http://theschleicherspin.com/2012/12/23/evolutionary-melodrama-and-triumph-of-the-human-spirit-in-rust-and-bone/
Richard R.D. Finch is leading up with his spectacular comedy countdown essay on “Sullivan’s Travels” at The Movie Projector: http://themovieprojector.blogspot.com/2012/12/sullivans-travels-1942.html
Shubhajit Lahiri has penned a superlative capsule piece on Claire Denis’s “Beau Travail” at Cinemascope, claiming ‘style over substance’: http://cliched-monologues.blogspot.com/2012/12/beau-travail-1999.html
John Greco has a marvelous review of 1951’s incomparable “A Christmas Carol” up at Twenty-Four Frames: http://twentyfourframes.wordpress.com/2012/12/21/a-christmas-carol-1951-brian-desmond-hurst/
Roderick Heath’s already legendary mega-essay on “Dr. Strangelove” is presently leading up at Ferdy-on-Films: http://www.ferdyonfilms.com/2012/dr-strangelove-or-how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-love-the-bomb-1964/17040/
Ed Howard’s magnificent review of Jean Rollin’s “Fascination” is leading up at Only the Cinema: http://seul-le-cinema.blogspot.com/2012/12/fascination.html
Craig Kennedy has posted one of his greatest interviews ever at Living in Cinema, with Samantha Barks, the lovely young actress who plays Eponine in “Les Miserables”: http://livingincinema.com/2012/12/20/samantha-barks-flies-the-flag-for-eponine-in-les-miserables/
Tony d’Ambra leads the way at Films Noir.net for a terrific piece on the little-exposed Italian noir ‘La Bionda’: http://filmsnoir.net/film_noir/la-bionda-the-blonde-italy-1992.html
At Overlook’s Corridor Jaimie Grijalba continues his intricate study of Chilean cinema: http://overlookhotelfilm.wordpress.com/2012/12/23/chilean-cinema-2012-16-stefan-vs-kramer-2012/
A moving post at the Creativepotager’s blog celebrates the three years since Terrill and David were marries at a quaint little church on Mayne Island in the Pacific northwest: http://creativepotager.wordpress.com/2012/12/10/celebrating-the-day-we-eloped/
Weeping Sam’s “Fall Film Round-Up No. 3” at The Listening Ear includes superb capsules reviews of “Killing Them Softly,” “Holy Motors” and “Cloud Atlas.”: http://listeningear.blogspot.com/2012/12/fall-film-round-up-3.html
At The Blue Vial Drew McIntosh is leading up with a superb screen cap presentation of Otto Preminger’s “Whirlpool”: http://thebluevial.blogspot.com/2012/12/whirlpool.html
At Patricia’s Wisdom the ever-spirited proprietor offers up “10 Steps to Finding Your Happy Place-My Gift to You”: http://patriciaswisdom.com/2012/12/10-steps-to-finding-your-happy-place-my-gift-to-you/
Dean Treadway’s new post “Cinema Gallery: 30 Scenes of Loneliness” is essential for all passionate film lovers. It’s over at Filmicability: http://filmicability.blogspot.com/2012/11/blog-post_6.html
Click on names for archives
Writers/Founders
Wonders in the Dark 
Hi! Sam Juliano, Allan, WitD writers and readers…
Once again, I too want to send out my condolence to all Of the families affected by the tragedy at Sandy-Hook Elementary School in New-town, Conn…and I want to also Thank-you, for your tireless show Of support in what ever endeavor your online friends ask you to assist them with here on your website.
“The site’s long-running comedy countdown concluded this past week in triumphant form, with some of the finest essays of the 20 week venture appearing appropriately enough right before the final bell…”
Congratulation! on a successful Comedy Countdown…too!
“Lucille and I (with Sammy for two, Broadway Bob for one, and Danny for one) saw five films over the past week, as the movie reasons reached it’s traditionally December climax…”
Sam Juliano, I hope that you, Mrs.Lucille Juliano, your sons, and Broadway Bob…enjoyed the films…However, it appears as if you enjoyed 4 Of the 5 features more so…“Zero Dark Thirty”, “Amour,” “Barbara,” “The Impossible The Perks of Being A Wallflower.”
[It appears as if the film “Barbara,” was the weakest link that broke the chain. Thanks, for sharing!]
Now, when it comes to this post your introduction is thoughtful and covered so many feelings that others may be experiencing at this time in their lives too!…Thanks, for sharing the photographs Of your children, and the image Of Christmas…too!
In the end, life do go on and in the end…I feel that the only thing that we can do is show/or feel empathy and send out our sympathy to each [and every] family member touched by the tragedy in Connecticut.
deedee 😦
Dee Dee–
Thanks you so much for adding your kind words to the awful events of last week, and of linking up to a support site. As always you have come to this deepest sadness with a great big open heart. Thanks too for the compliments and support for the comedy countdown. Your other advice is frankly all anyone can do right now. As terrible as the event was (can there be anything in this life worse than that?) it seems to have destroyed the holiday spirit for many. It’s difficult to re-focus, though we all have done what we usually do over the past week. 2012 has been a year of tragedy, and we can only hope that the New Year will bring some good news of all and any kind. Yes we did see several excellent films this past week (two and probably three are destined to make a year-end top ten list.) Once again I want to thank you for all you have done my friend! And the latest petition report did bring a smile to my face. Happy Holidays to you and yours!!!
Sam, sorry to hear you didn’t like ‘Barbara’ – it’s a few months since I saw it, but I thought it was great, one of my favourite new releases out of those I’ve managed to see in the past year. I felt it was a bit let down by an unlikely ending, but it had me gripped throughout and I thought the lead actors were excellent. Also it really got the atmosphere of the period (late 1970s?)
Thanks so much for the multiple kind mentions, and for all your support of my Dickens film reviews! I’ve enjoyed the comedy countdown a lot and would like to thank you for organising it and inviting me to take part – I haven’t commented on as many reviews as I’d hoped to, but in some cases I haven’t seen the films or don’t really remember them, so I will be returning to some of the reviews in the future!
Anyway, I’m dashing off to work now, but just wanted to say thank you and wish a good Christmas to you and all at Wonders. And let’s hope that 2013 is a much better year than 2012 all round.
Judy, sorry for the late response, but I have suffering from what appears to be a stomach virus (with severe nausea and bloating) over the past days, and my holiday was impacted. I still went to the movie theatres, but i was quite uncomfortable. I wasn’t able to do much at the site unfortunately, not to get over to blogs. You did a fabulous job for the comedy countdown and were incredibly supportive!!! I wish you and your lovely family the best year ever in 2013!!!
Sorry to hear you have been ill over the holidays, Sam – hope you are feeling better soon! Thank you so much and I wish you and your family a wonderful year too.
I’m intrigued by Zero Dark Thirty, especially hearing Mark Boal wrote it, as his contribution to both The Valley of Elah of the Hurt Locker stand out in a past decade not particularly known for grappling with our contemporary war(s) or doing so well when it did. (Elah gets unfairly slated I think, though Locker is better.) Missed an opportunity to attend a preview screening where Bigelow was speaking about a month back, and kicking myself now…
And congrats to all & sundry for the countdown conclusion. Read along with ’em all, though I commented sparingly. (Still have some thoughts kicking around about City Lights in particular, though perhaps it’s too late…) And got a big kick out of it all concluding (with Strangelove no less!) on the day the world ended. Although Sam assures me it was a coincidence. 😉
Hey, we’re all still here!
And of course, merry Christmas to Sammy Claus and his gang of elves…
Joel, as I stated to Judy above I’ve had a difficult week, and even yesterday experienced some terrible bloating after Christmas dinner. Today for teh first time it finally appears to be listing. hence my lateness in getting here. You Joel Bocko will LOVE LOVE LOVE Zero Dark Thirty!!! I would bet the house on it! Yes, Boal’s work has stood out! Yes I do stand by my contention that the STRANGELOVE piece and the world’s reputed end was a coincidence…….or was it! Ha, tru enough, we are all stil here. As always your insights, support and writing were a major component in the venture’s success. Thank you my friend. And 2013 will be your year. Count on it.
Thanks a lot Sam for the kind mention. I know that Beau Travail has received loads of adulation since its release, but I wasn’t as impressed by it as most cinephiles have been.
The marathon Comedy Countdown has indeed reached a triumphant conclusion, thanks to sterling essays by so many writers, and some particularly marvelous pieces on some of the landmark films in the genre (hell, any genre) leading to the finale. It was a pleasure following this gargantuan project though, I admit, I haven’t been able to be as regular in the Comments sections as I’d have wanted to be. Those integrally involved with it will now get a much deserved break. But, that said, I’m already eagerly waiting for the next project that WitD decides to take on 🙂
Great to know you watched & loved Haneke’s Amour – which, I’m sure, would be featuring heavily in year-end lists. In fact, of all the films of this year that I’ve watched so far (which, I concided, isn’t much), it is the best, in my opinion, and would be followed by Killing Them Softly, Like Someone in Love, Holy Motors and Beyond the Hillds, in that order, to round up the Top 5.
Anyway, here’s what I’ve managed to watched in the past week:
– A Bengali film from 3 years back, called Sthaniya Sambaad (Spring in the Colony), made by a Film Prof, that has suddenly carved out a niche thanks to highly positive word of mouth
– Fritz Lang’s much acclaimed first talkie, M, which, unfortunately, hasn’t aged too well methinks
– Lynch’s eerie & macabre post-noir, Blue Velvet
– Yet another marvelous Angelopoulos epic, The Weeping Meadow, which, I feel, would make for an excellent companion piece to his earlier masterworks, The Traveling Players & The Hunters
– The anti-war classic by Renoir, Grand Illusion
– Bela Tarr’s bleak & formally rigorous, Damnation which is sure to impress those who love the Hungarian filmmaker’s works
And here’s wishing WitD’s writers & readers, Merry Christmas!!!
It seems I’ve missed out a fine noir by Siodmak that I also managed to watch during the week, viz. Cry of the City.
M hasn’t aged well? Hmm. It’s the best film ever made in Germany.
I second that Allan. In fact compared to many other 30’s films it feels rather modern. Looking at the discussion the US is trying to have about mental illness and inexplicable behavior, Lang gets to some starting points about what some of these people might be going through.
Quite right. M is just a stunning achievement in every respect. Of old school German cinema only Nosferatu, Joyless Street (in its full version) and Pandora’s Box come close.
Well, there’s no denying the film’s historical value, or its technical accomplishments given the era it was made in. Lang’s anticipation of the rise of Nazism, was particularly laudatory, while its influence on future filmmakers, too, is noteworthy. But, some of the set-pieces & sequences seemed rather melodramatic & theatrical. The acting of some of the cast members, too, was laden with histrionics & was overtly expressive. At times it seemed rather like a silent film, albeit with sound thrown in. These dampened the film’s mood for me, and seemed dated to me. But, as I said, its importance wasn’t lost on me.
Shubhajit—I still need to see TABU (maybe late tonight?) but other than that I think I have seen everything I need to see from 2012 to make my list, which still won’t be published for about another 12 days. I saw Tarantino’s DJANGO UNCHAINED and for the most part (it was far from perfect) was pleasantly surprised. Top Five: No order yet, but LES MISERABLES, THE TURIN HORSE, WAR WITCH, ZERO DARK THIRTY, AMOUR, OSLO AUGUST 17TH, THE LIFE OF PI and LINCOLN are being considered for the FIVE. I am sorry for getting here late, but have suffered from stomach nausea for days. I also am terribly delinquent in getting over to CINEMASCOPE and some other blogs, but will resolve that very soon. You were incredibly supportive during the comedy countdown and offered great comments and some terrific essays. I understand where you are coming from with BEAU TRAVAIL. I also respect your position on M, as you make some fair enough arguments. I do think it’s a great film like the others, but you seem to agree as much. Of curse the Lynch is a masterpiece, and RULES is one of the greatest films ever made. That Tarr is very good too! Haven’t seen the bengali film. Thanks as always my friend for your tireless support and stellar insights!
Sam and everyone at WITD – Good morning and happy holidays!
The Comedy Countdown has been a great achievement, and it is hard to see it end. I would like to offer a blanket apology to all fellow participants for the days that I did not make it to the comments thread for the daily entry (there were several) due to crazy/busy work schedule.
The tragedy in Newtown does continue to haunt us and we still grieve for the many families who will be missing a loved one at the holiday table this year.
On the lighter side, I have heard nothing but good things about THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER, and your glowing review only increases my resolve to seek it out before compiling my own ‘best of year’ list. I don’t agree that 2012 was a greater year for film than 2011 – for me 2011 was the gift that kept on giving as I spent nearly the first half of this year catching up with the many fine releases of the previous year (and could have revised my Best of 2011 list many times over as a result.) However, by the end of 2012, a number of good movies finally started coming our way, and now I am scrambling to catch up with them! On my radar for the coming week are ZERO DARK THIRTY, LES MISERABLES and DJANGO UNCHAINED. AMOUR does not open in Chicago till January 11, and then only in the city, but I”m already mapping out my trip downtown to catch it.
I saw only one new film this week – HELLO I MUST BE GOING, with a lovely performance by Melanie Lynskey, but otherwise the kind of -we’ve-seen-this-before dramedy about a misfit, thirty-something divorcee who’s moved in with her parents and can’t quite get it together. I’ve spent much more time watching the brilliant British documentary series THE STORY OF FILM: AN ODYSSEY with Irish critic Mark Cousins. It’s a 15-part series,and I’ve made it through the first 6 installments so far. – it’s like going back to school and getting a refresher course in film theory and world cinema – and I love it!!!! Makes me want to focus 2013 on filling in the gaps in my viewing of classic films, especially Asian films (there’s a beautiful section on Ozu and how his framing techniques differed from the standard Hollywood films of the same era). The highlight of the series is the trips made all over the world, usually just to capture brief shots and pay homage (for example, we see the Moscow cinema where BATTLESHIP POTEMKIN was first screened, Ozu’s grave where admirers set bottles of whiskey and wine in his honor, and so much more.) The series is newly out on DVD, well worth watching.
Have a wonderful holiday!
Yes – more praise for the Cousins opus! It deserves it!
Pat—
Be rest assured that your involvement in the comedy countdown was extensive and deeply appreciated. Your essays too were all first-rate and attracted effusively positive comments! It was another highly-successful project that won the resounding approval of the overwhelming majority. It is admittedly tough to figure if 2012 tops 2011. You may feel the way I do after you see some key late season releases like LES MISERABLES, ZERO DARK THIRTY, AMOUR, DJANJO UNCHAINED, THE LIFE OF PI, THE IMPOSSIBLE and THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER. The results may tip the scale for you. I loved all of these and was particularly suprised with the solid **** DJANGO, but I recently enjoyed the original and a comprehensive spaghetti western festival. Still, last year has some great films as well, and the top ten was as distinguished as any recent year. I still need to watch THE STORY OF FILM, and am thrilled to get this glowing report from you. Obviously Joel and Allan have been praising it for quite some time now. The section of Ozu alone sounds like one to die for! The geographical tour sounds amazing! God, should I just bite the bullet and order it on amazon now? Ha!
Incidentally, just to let you know I am singing the praises of LES MISERABLES big-time (it could still be my #1 for the year!) and am ready to pen a full review for Monday. As a musical fan your opinion is one I really value here my friend! Hope you had a great holiday, though we have that terrible thought in our mind of the Connecticut tragedy.
Thanks as always!!!
I thought Allan sent it to you. At any rate I can’t wait to hear your reaction. It’s a smorgasbord of cinephilia.
Sam, I would like to extend holiday wishes to you, Lucille and the family. I know the school tragedy has affected you and some others I know profoundly. It has put more than a damper on the holidays. There is no way to make any sense of it. Good that you’ve put your mind on your interests, and have come back to report on some excellent films. I would love to see every one on this week’s re-cap except maybe the German film. (though I see that Judy Geater loved it.) Sue and I will be maintaining tradition tonight by watching the Alistair Sim ‘A Christmas Carol.’ Congratulations to all who helped make the comedy countdown such a rousing success! And to Dee Dee for her resilience with the John Garfield petition.
Frank—Thanks for the kind words. Yes the tragedy in Newtown has been an incomparable downer during this holiday season (then we hear the sad news yesterday from Dee Dee about Lori Moore’s passing) and there will never be any sense. Just grief and heartbreak, no matter what new revelations come of it. Lucille and I (and the family) be be traveling up to Sandy Hook Elementary School on Friday to pay our respects and leave flowers at the site. Yes, the 1951 A CHRISTMAS CAROL is a mainstay for the holidays as always. Hope you and Sue had a great day yesterday. Have a great 2013 my friend, and thanks for your incomparable support all year.
Sam – Your comments on 2012 run deep. We end the year with NRA President Wayne LaPierre wanting to arms all schools. What a sad state this country is in when armed guards are the solution for making our schools safe. Anyway, I am looking forward to seeing ZERO DARK THIRTY and THE IMPOSSIBLE, both of which will open here in January. Hard to say if AMOUR will get any kind of release here. The Comedy Countdown was a great success and a joy to follow. Magnificent contributions from all.
Here’s wishing you, Lucille, the Juliano clan and everyone here at WitD a Merry Christmas.
Watched the following.
The Guilt Trip (**1/2) Streisand and Rogan play off each other well. It’s too bad they had a weak, unimaginative script.
Jack Reacher (***1/2) Cruise has been getting slammed for not matching the physical stature of author Lee Child’s 6’5″ character but that aside this is a decent thriller, more rooted in the 1960’s/70’s crime films of Don Siegel with shade of the conspiracy films so prevalent during the Watergate era (The Parallax View, Three Days of The Condor, etc.). Writer/Director Christopher McQuarrie keeps the film moving and his has some sharp lines.
A Christmas Carol 1938 (***1/2) – Decent enough version but the film lacks bite and way too sentimental for my taste.
A Christmas Carol 1951 (****1/2) Easily the best version of the Dicken’s classic. Superb! I have review currently up at Twenty Four Frames.
Diner (****) I doubt Barry Levinson ever made a more satisfying film (BUGSY may be the exception) than this nostalgic, bittersweet look back at late 1950’s Baltimore. The screenplay is a delight and the characters all too believable. Mickey Rourke is a particular standout and the scene between Daniel Stern and Ellen Barkin where he berates her for lack of passion and concern for his record collection is classic.
Shop Around the Corner (****1/2) Ernst Lubtisch’s charming and sophisticated romantic comedy. Truly, the kind they just don’t make anymore. Delightful performances from James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan supported by a sharply written screenplay.
Strange Love of Martha Ivers (***1/2) Decent noir/melodrama combo. Stanwyck is steely eyed yet alluring. Miklos Rozsa’s excellent score helps. Overall, a mid level noir.
John—
You and I are on the same wave length with the NRA and their demented responses to the tragedy. Your involvement in the comedy countdown again was extensive, high-quality and deeply appreciated. Your support over 2012 was stupendous as well. Quite a holiday round-up of films there! THE SHOP AROUND THE CORNER is a masterpiece for sure, but also love MARTHA IVERS and DINER. As far as the 1951 A CHRISTMAS CAROL my own feelings have been voiced here on anumber of occasions, and they are certainly in tune with yours. (Your review is quite excellent!!) Agreed too that the 1938 is decent enough. Have avoided JACK REACHER and THE GUILT TRIP, but may relent with the former. Look forward to your reactions to ZERO DARK THIRTY and THE IMPOSSIBLE on Monday, and hope AMOUR makes a round down there!
I trust you and Dorothy has a nice day yesterday! I wish you the best year yet inb 2013 my friend! Many thanks for your amazing support and superb contributions all year!
Ho, ho, ho. Did some homework over the weekend for 1971. The Last Picture Show is a fine piece of craftsmanship from director and actors and while I’m not big on the coming-of-age genre the dying-town setting and the sexual frankness keep this fresh and forceful. The Trojan Women is impressive staged by Cacoyannis but K. Hepburn just seems out of place most of the time; the exception being her nasty showdown with Papas’s Helen.Confessions Among Actresses is visually dazzling as usual from Yoshida and his players but I admit to wanting a second viewing before really judging it. Apart from that I did a little catching-up on 2012 with Snow White and the Huntsman. The most I can say is that it’s not the worst of the current fairy-tale cycle, — I;ll even say it’s nowhere near that — but it shares with the lot of them a lack of wonder or true fantasy — though I suppose that may be the point for some people. This one is getting is sequel for some reason; I can only shrug.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone.
Samuel—
I know that “coming of age” films are not your thing, so your strong regard for THE LAST PICTURE SHOW is rather telling. It’s my own favorite film of the 70’s, and it was one of the first films I embraced as a budding cineaste at age 17. I remember I even convinced my parents to see it with me on a re-viewing, and though they liked it well-enough they were a bit turned off by that sexual frankness. But they was the most vital aspect of all. it’s an American masterpiece. You have THE TROJAN WOMAN sized up perfectly as far as I’m concerned. Hepburn is one of the greatest actresses of all-time, but yeah not in this role. I do think CONFESSIONS is a very great film, but understand it’s one to see a second time. SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN? I won’t go there (ha!) but I hear ya!
Hope you had a great holiday my friend, and I wish you the best in 2013! Your friendship and support has been invaluable here!
Thank you for the shout out – it is a great book and helps the autism center in Portland…
Thank you too for an outstanding year in writing about the wonders in the dark…I am hoping to see Les Miserables…but no one wants to go Christmas day and so I am out voted 8 to 1…
I am just wishing for Peace on Earth this year and a healthy, happy new year ahead for each and every one. Just think if everyone was even happy for just one day – what kind of vibrations would that send out?
Best wishes to you and yours….and to all the writers here how share so much of their pearls of wisdom and insight….and all the good readers…Best wishes for a wonder FULL holiday season.
Patricia—
That does most certainly sound like a great book indeed and the cause is a more than worthy one! Many thanks to you for the kind words for the site writers. We’ve completed a major project, another is ongoing, and we plan to review more contemporary films as the months move forward. Some opera and music reviews are also being planned. Well, I know most people would prefer to stay away from the theaters on Christmas, but we have a long-running tradition of seeing a film after all the festivities have concluded. LES MISERABLES was chosen as that film months ago, and it appears we’ll be seeing it at 6:30 P.M. Alas you are dead-on when you call for just one day of happiness. This feeling has been far too elusive over the past year. Holiday wishes to you and yours my friend, and here’s too a some good things in 2013!
I felt that Amour was just as dark and sinister as most other Haneke films, it just focused on an aspect of life people don’t really consider that grisly. The watch Christopher Hitchens described his possible final days of choking on a breathing tube had me thinking of taking up hang gliding lessons in case I ever have a terminal illness and want to fly into a volcano. Very, very good movie.
the way* my bad! damn egg nog …
Yes indeed my friend. It was as dark as any film you can imagine, and consistent with Haneke’s sensibilities. To be sure an exceeding depressing film -and not one likely to be watched very much on repeat- but brilliant and a sure Top 10 finisher. Excellent comparison point by Hutchins. Thanks very much my friend. Have a great 2013!
Sam,
Thanks for the mention!
ZERO DARK THIRTY seems to be gathering many focused debates from various corners of web. Your comment sums up the discussion nicely. As I gather from your writing and reviews by others, the power of the film itself is exceptional, inviting the impassioned debate, regardless which position you take on the issue. I have been skeptical about the effectiveness of the tactics used by U.S. agencies to counter the terrorist activities during the decade after 911, let alone the policy which allowed them to override human rights issues. Also, I’m afraid that such practices, including bin Laden assassination, may have become a ‘moral’ precedent. Retribution should not be a standard mode of operation in diplomacy, or instead of diplomacy, but the ambiguity of the decade-long U.S. foreign policy made me suspect many policymakers around the globe, including those in Japan, are learning new tricks to play. Definitely I am looking forward to this film.
I don’t know if I want to ‘understand’ Haneke’s world, though it has a bizarre irresistible magnetism, .. dark, twisted, but resonant. Every time new Haneke’s film is out, I am sort of torn between “why should I pay ¥1200 to experience that European unpleasantness?” and “that’s the world so unique that no other filmmaker can create, and I need to feel it.” I think I will prepare myself for the unpleasantness.
Congratulations for conclusion of the Comedy Countdown! I personally rate THE GENERAL as the masterpiece of silent comedy filmmaking, but DUCK SOUP is my personal all-time favorite. And of course, DR. STRANGELOVE deserves the first place in any kind of top ten list. I remember one of my friends, who always said anything in B&W “smells mothballs like grandma’s wardrobe”, laughed his head off watching this film for the first time, and declared this was the best film he had ever seen. I just smiled.
Happy Holidays for Sam and all of you at WinD.
MI
MI—
Talk about sizing up something superbly, well you’ve done it here with ZERO DARK THIRTY! The debates do continue to rage, and the whole matter of torture seems to have incurred the wrath from the left, though I believe Bigelow rightly passed no judgement and just presented some well-established facts. Vindictive behavior of course could never meet with approval, though in this instance Bin Laden was targeted for murder right after the 9-11 calamity. ZERO does show that Americans are not beyond using some of the same deplorable tactics that the government has accused others of using. That opening 20 minutes of the film will be discussed passionately for some time into the future. But yes, there are various tricks in this equation, and some people are on to them. I recomment ZERO (one of the best films of the year) for all sorts of reasons, and hope you get a chance to take it in soon enough. Haneke is always a bitter pill to swallow. I rate AMOUR with five stars (brilliant, searing, wrenching filmmaking) but don’t know whether I can sit through it a second time. It practically implies that it’s better to be dead than alive. I don’t think I can embrace Haneke’s philosoph in this films and others, but I can still see the artistic mastery. The two lead performances in this film were overwhelming. I’d definitely be most interested in hearing what you say, after you have seen it.
THE GENERAL is a great choice for #1. Sometimes I concede as much, but it does always come down to Chaplin or Keaton. Nice anecdote there about the friend who was more than skeptical and was won over. Ha, I know a few that fit that bill. Kubrick’s film was certainly a popular choice.
I had a bit of a touch week with stomach nausea, bloating after eating and the usual acid reflux issues, but other than that (LOL!!) I did enjoy priceless time with the family, and a few movie visits. On Monday I will be singing the praises and then some of LES MISERABLES, and will take aim at the naysayers. LOL!!!!
Have the best year ever in 2013 my friend!! You deserve it!
Hello Sam and everyone, wishing one and all a merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Thanks a lot for the wishes and good thoughts as well as the reflections on the year, one that’s been hard for most of us. You seem to have had quite the week at the movies and another great project was finished! The comedy countdown was amazing and I’m really proud of the results, as well as I’m proud of starring in it. Thanks for the opportunity and… what’s next? haha.
Of the movies you’ve seen I’ve only seen “Amour” and while I agree that is strong, I don’t have trouble seeing it again sometime soon, it’s really my favorite film of the year and one that I hope to revisit soon enough.
Well, I had a nice christmas night as I was gifted with… a BLURAY player!!!! and a nice tablet as well! Hahaha, good times.
My week movie wise:
– Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012, Benh Zeitlin) **** I really liked many moments of this film, but at the end it left me a bit cold on the emotional side of it all, maybe the whole fantasy aspect and how it’s all supposed to be seen from the perspective of a fantasy prone little girl, it all makes it a bit distancing in that matter, even though I really liked the storm scenes and how they were performed and staged in some parts. I liked the creatures, even though I didn’t completely understood them, but whatever, it’s a good movie, but the praise may get a bit over my head.
– Hidden in the Woods (2012, Patricio Valladares) *** Also known as “En las afueras de la ciudad” this is a chilean horror drama film that I don’t recommend at all, as its filled with rape, killings and blood of all the sorts, but I kinda dug it even if its a bit amateurish and badly acted, because its a new perspective for chilean cinema, something that is different and never done before, now it’s time for someone to go out and do it better (me, haha).
– The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012, Peter Jackson) ***** I was warm inside at the end, I just love the world that J.R.R. Tolkien and Peter Jackson have created along the years, and this is a great return… of course that no one can compare it to the original trilogy of films, but this is a great great great addition, as well as it makes me excited for the rest of the trilogy that I recon will be bigger and greater. The film works perfectly for me, addendum and all, and while I can’t picture how this can fill three movies, I couldn’t take away any moment of the film without it loosing its charm. One of my favorites of the year.
– El lenguaje del tiempo (The Language of Time) (2012, Sebastián Araya) *** One of those films that have a good concept but you ask yourself again and again why does the art film concepts and tropes infect good ideas in terms of trying to make them look deep when they are not! This is a chilean film that tries to tell the same story three times with weird moments and imagery, but that tries too hard to bring “deep dialogue” and strange camera movements to make you uneasy, I was kinda laughing at the over-direction the whole thing had.
– Minecraft: The Story of Mojang (2012, Paul Owens) ***1/2 This could’ve been much much more interesting, a documentary on the company and the guy who created the most popular videogame today: Minecraft. It just turns into a talking head documentary with some nice and interesting guests, basically telling a story of how they made it so great, god they are so good, instead of bringing up the problems and issues, this one silences them and turns it into a documentary of celebration.
– Touch of Evil (1958, Orson Welles) ***** Wow, I didn’t expect to be so emotionally compelled and enthralled by this movie. I had seen the opening many times in various film classes, but the rest of the film surely holds up to that sense of spiralling confusion and themes of trying to show all and go all places that the first continous shot tries to develop forward. It’s interesting and extremely well acted, a piece of mystery and noir that it’s not easy to forget and that still plays in my mind with its moral shifts and turns.
HAve a good week Sam!
Jaimie—
I am sure you all had a great Christmas Day down there, and with summer upon all Chileans! It was a great honor to have you so active in the comedy countdown, one in which you wrote some excellent essays in the service of. Your MONTY PYTHON piece is surely one for the agres! Your enthusiasm was a vital components throughout the successful four month run! We are taking a break for now, though a project of that length and magnitude for two years in a row has at least a few asking for a very long break. Ha! Some of course have suggested “westerns.” We’ll see. Congrats on the new blu-ray player and best luck with it! I’m sure this will open up a new world, but moderation in the best policy coming from something who is an abuser of that edict. Yes I have had a good movie run, but continued problems with stomach bloating, acid reflux and nausea have really (adversely) affected my own holiday break. Yes it’s been a difficult year in many ways – tragedies – and losses. There isn’t much to do but go on and hope the fortunes change. I share your high regard for AMOUR (which wins five stars from me) but it won’t finish in my #1 position, as it’s the kind of exceedingly depressing movie that won’t be inspiring repeat viewing (not that this is the sole criteria!) I wil published my own Top 10 a week from Monday. I’m sure yours will be ready and up shortly thereafter and I look forward to it! I have stated my position on TOUCH OF EVIL, but it is a venerated classic in the opinion of just about everyone, and you size it up superbly. As I have mentioned to Jon, I also found BEASTS problematic and distancing, and hence overrated. I am not at all ashamed to admit that I too liked THE HOBBIT, and though I don’t have it anywhere near a five-star rating, I do think it’s better than many others have expected, and would love to see it again! Ha, I’ll stay away from HIDDEN IN THE WOODS!! Great round-up! Another wonderful year of association with you my friend! I wish you the best year ever in 2013!
Yeah Beasts of the Southern Wild might be the most overrated film of the year I’ve seen. It’s getting some top 10 or top 5 positions on people’s lists. I don’t buy it.
Yep Jon. I just can’t understand it at all. I’ll take a second look at on DVD at some point, but I found the film a big mess. The young girl (Wallis) was fine, but even the talk of Best Actress nomination and various critics’ awards ring hollow for me.
I’ll join the chorus not entirely won over by Beasts of the Southern Wild. What annoyed me was less the content, which could have been wonderful (as I’ve said in conversations with Bob many times, I love the idea of evoking or creating myths in contemporary, even “realistic” contexts). It was the style, the whole shaky-cam, extreme close-up aesthetic that seems to dominate every independent movie made today, especially those dealing with poverty. I feel like it’s seen as more “authentic” or something. To my eyes it’s just a disappointing misuse of the cinematic tools at hand. I guess it’s the Dardennes influence above all, but I think they tend to use it with a bit more rigor which makes it more effective (although even there, I’m not especially enamored of it – moreover, even if it does work for them why make it the style du jour?).
Meanwhile a lot of blockbusters are shot this way now too – the Bourne syndrome (although maybe that’s dying down a bit in the past year or so). Drives me batty.
Yeah Joel that’s a good point about the shaky-cam. It detracted from the film and wasn’t necessary. I even sometimes get tired of the Dardennes and their approach. I hear it’s used in Zero Dark Thirty? We’ll see how that goes over.
Yes it goes hand in hand with the striking loss of romanticism in today’s film styles which is one of the things that has fostered my sense of disillusionment with contemporary cinema. As for Zero, which I look forward to watching soon, I could see the style working there; ever since Private Ryan war films have embraced the gritty, unsettled feel and I think it’s an effective strategy there. Just not sure why a method appropriate to battlefields must be employed EVERYWHERE. Also kind of ironic that Spieleberg was the harbinger in that genre, since elsewhere his imaginative classicism remains a blessed relief from the one-note shallow stylistics of 00s blockbusters.
Sam –
The word picture you painted here of THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER has definitely captured my heartstrings and will probably hold them hostage until I actually go to the theater and see the film. I’m especially intrigued by your last sentence, “Though the film received excellent reviews, I still found it a major surprise.”
After enjoying a ginormous sit-down meal (thank you, Len) on Christmas day, we take our holiday guests back to the airport tomorrow morning. After which, Len and I have a date to see Les Miserables at our local theater — I can hardly wait!
I love the photograph of the kids you wrapped this post up with — Ohhhhhh, it brings back such lovely memories of your summertime visit.
Happy Holidays to YOU and YOURS, and may your New Year be filled with health and joy!
Laurie—
WALLFLOWER is definitely your cup of tea! This is certain. I was really taken with it and happy I caught it before it finished it’s rounds. So happy to hear you all have a great day yesterday, and with valued guests! Hope you weren’t hit hard with the snowstorm that was making it’s way across the midwest. As far as LES MISERABLES I can hardly restrain myself from telling the world how much I loved the film –how much the whole family in fact adored it. It’s a strong contender for my film-of-the-year honors, and I plan to go to the mat for it on a planned Monday review here at WitD. But I’d love to hear what you think of the film by email or here my friend! Yes that Chicago/Cleveland trip will always be cherished till the time we visit again!
Happy New Year to you and Len, two of the classiest people around! Many thanks as always my friend!
Sam,
Happy Belated Christmas my friend! Hope you enjoyed time with your family over the holiday. We went to Chicago for a few days to spend time with both sides of the family and have now returned to Kalamazoo…..to find 4 inches of snow on the ground! It’s our first snowfall of the season….much later than normal. I go back to work tomorrow. We had a nice Christmas though and enjoyed our visit.
Really pleased to see you liked Amour and Zero Dark Thirty, 2 films I am itching to see for sure and have been seeing these listed on most of the top 10 lists that I am seeing posted. Last night we got to see Silver Linings Playbook finally and my wife and I both loved it. It was a fantastically acted film we felt with so many true moments. It was a well-written script and Miss Lawrence especially is magnificent as always.
Other newer films I saw recently:
2 Days in New York: I remember you not liking this film at all, but we loved it! Wow after seeing several screwball comedies recently, I found this one to be a wonderful modern example of screwball comedy and I was laughing constantly. I really like Julie Delpy and what she did with this film. I had a lot of fun watching it and it’s one of my favorite films of the year.
Once Upon a Time in Anatolia: I liked this film. Didn’t love it though. It is very langorous and very beautiful, but never elevated to any level beyond a mild enthusiasm for me. I kept feeling like this was trying to channel some kind of late career Melville vibe.
Beasts of the Southern Wild: Didn’t like this one. It meandered and was very loose-limbed. I didn’t feel like the magical scenes jived well with the style. I got bored and felt like I’d seen this type of thing before.
As for what looks like your enthusiasm for Les Mis, I am surprised, because I’ve read several scathing reviews over the last few days. Especially from the Chicago Tribune which basically ripped it to shreds due to the over-use of close-ups. Also Django for that matter also got a really poor review in the Trib. I look forward to hearing more about your opinions on these films in the coming days.
Sam also thank you for your kind mentions! I really enjoyed supporting the countdown and being able to contribute! Thanks!
Jon—
Thank you so much and great to hear you had a wonderful Christmas! Andf a white one at that! I’ve had a rough week connected to acid reflux and naysea. I am hoping to resolve these issues soon, but have been uncomfortable. Still I have made some visits to the movie theatres.
Jon, Mike Phillip’s review for LES MISERABLES is one of only TWO (2) negative reviews the film has received on METACRITIC. If you look there today you will find climbing numbers reveal the concensus at 17 to 2 (favorable to negative) and on RT it stands at 109 to 41. (favorable to negative) The New York Post’s Kyle Smith has it #1 on his ten-best list. The point is that most of the fans of the Broadway musical (I am one, and consider it to contain the finest score written in the past 35 years) are responding in a big way. I am seriously considering the film as my #1 for the year. I recommend you check out those sites and other places where people are singing the film’s praises. Phillips complains about the use of close-ups, but that in fact is the intimate game-changer here!!!! Boy the TRIB is having a bad week!!! DJANGO was maybe my favorite Tarantino film, and I’m no big advocate of the director!!
Finally, someone who didn’t care for BEASTS. (Strike that–Maurizio didn’t either) I found it tedious too, and emotionally distancing. True I didn’t care much for 2 DAYS IN NEW YORK nor SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK, but I’m cool with your well-explained regard. I like ANATOLIA quite a bit more too, but fair enough. I look forward to your response to ZERO and AMOUR. The latter is great, but so so depressing, and probably not one to re-visit. But that’s Haneke.
Anyway thanks as always my friend, and have a great 2013!!
Sounds like I am going to have to rethink this, considering you are praising Les Mis and Django so highly. I did look at some other reviews. There appears to be much disdain among those that don’t like it….however for those that do, there is much love. I will have to find time to see them very soon. Thanks Sam!
“Once Upon a Time in Anatolia: I liked this film. Didn’t love it though. It is very langorous and very beautiful, but never elevated to any level beyond a mild enthusiasm for me. I kept feeling like this was trying to channel some kind of late career Melville vibe.”
I don’t think Ceylan was trying to channel Melville at all. I think that viewpoint is basically incorrect. Anatolia is not interested in being a characteristic crime film. A comparison to Tarkovsky is more apt Jon.
I’m not trying to convince you of anything Maurizio. It was what I felt. Okay so you don’t feel it was a characteristic crime film. Except for the fact that it WAS a crime film. Call it whatever kind of crime film you want. It’s still a crime film!….funneled through something I’ve seen before….whether it’s Melville or Tarkovsky. Like I said. I liked it. It wasn’t great.
You know what else? Just because you channel a meditative vibe toward something, doesn’t make it meaningful. I felt the film wanted it both ways…to have a sense of doom and cold foreboading regarding the crime stuff but also to pull me into an existential examination of these men and their lives. But you know what? I didn’t care. I liked the crime stuff, but the characters themselves I was not interested enough in to spend nearly 3 hours with them. I liked the cinematography….I liked the sly dark humor. That’s it.
Furthermore, if Ceylon was trying to channel Tarkovsky then he failed in fact. Tarkovsky is able to create far more of a spiritual mindset and psychological exploration. That didn’t come through at all in Anatolia. Not for me. It was a bunch of guys starting out of car windows and THINKING really hard.
Sam, thanks so much for the great mention. I know it’s great to finally have some new entries on my site. Been one of those years.
I can’t chime in yet on the new Bigelow, but I’m looking forward to seeing it.
The only thing I caught this week was STELLA DALLAS. I’d never seen it before now. Admittedly I’m a sucker for weepies and was quite moved at times by this one. Not sure how you feel about it.
Hope you’re having a wonderful holiday season. A very happy new year to you!