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All film posts on Movies All Around
A quiet, slow-burning film about a father and son on a road trip to possibly collect a sweepstakes prize, Nebraska is understated and funny, with a tenderness that peeks through the cracks. I love June Squibb. If someone were to ask me to choose an emotional support animal from the list of actors that I…
A high-energy comedy about the rise of an Irish-language rap trio, Kneecap is as visually inventive and unexpectedly heartfelt as it is full of infectious music. Musical movies are a huge thing for me. I love a proshot like Come From Away and Waitress: The Musical, but I’m also here for straight-up documentaries like the…
An indie comedy about a couple who turn their arguments into songs, Band Aid is a clever and offbeat idea with an execution and tone that never quite connect. My husband and I were big fans of the show Life In Pieces. We loved the ensemble of actors, got a kick out of the humor,…
A light comedy about a man juggling two relationships at once, Micki & Maude is silly and amusing, carried by three strong performances, even if some of its themes haven’t aged well. I remember watching this movie on what must’ve been a VHS tape in around 1985, and maybe multiple times. I was a kid,…
A coming-of-age drama about a teenager trying to find herself while being raised in a Christian fundamentalist community, The Starling Girl is thoughtful yet emotionally restrained. I really enjoy when a film has a focus on religion. It adds an element of culture and expectation that you can’t get quite the same way anywhere else….
A tender Irish drama about a neglected young girl sent to stay with distant relatives for the summer, The Quiet Girl is a gentle and deeply moving film that finds extraordinary emotion in the smallest moments. The older I get, the more grateful I am for the catalog of films that we have access to….
A slow-burning psychological thriller about two brothers raised by a father who believes he’s doing God’s work, Frailty is a morally ambiguous film that cleverly reels you in and never lets go. I love a good psychological thriller, especially when I know nothing about it. I watched Like Minds, The Assessment, and Blink Twice fully…
A visually stunning stop-motion reimagining of the classic tale, Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio offers a darker and more philosophical take on the story. The first time I heard about Guillermo del Toro was in 2006, when Pan’s Labyrinth was released. He has since become one of the biggest names in film, receiving accolades for movies…
An intimate documentary about a teenager navigating life with her developmentally challenged parents, Wildflower is an emotionally honest look at responsibility, identity, and compassion. I recently watched the movie Wildflower, about a teenager who has recently had an accident, is unconscious in the hospital, and is telling the story of her life with her extended…
An upbeat documentary about trailblazing chess champion Judit Polgár, Queen Of Chess blends vibey music, rich archival footage, and an engaging look at the strategy behind her game. While Netflix is an excellent resource for watching films and shows, its own productions can be hit or miss. There are some excellent documentaries like Selena y…
A charming coming-of-age dramedy about a teenager raised by parents with intellectual disabilities, Wildflower balances dry humor with a deeply heartfelt story about love and family. I always enjoy it when a movie lets you know that it’s inspired by a true story. Films about dinosaurs or predator sharks are lots of fun, but when…
An electrifying World War II drama focused on Winston Churchill’s first weeks as Prime Minister, Darkest Hour is elevated by exceptional performances and grand, atmospheric cinematography. There have been dozens of films made about World War II from many different perspectives. Whether it’s The Pianist, Hacksaw Ridge, or The Imitation Game, there are so many…
