The title of this blog is what I say at the box office. I go to the movies at a random time and I ask ”what is showing next?” and if I have not seen it already I get a ticket and go in. These are the reviews of the random movies I see.
I am Jon Rutledge, a man ,trying to find a little entertainment in-between obligations and life. This Blog is dedicated to movies. I enjoy falling into a really good one.
This series starts off with a bang, The concept is a great one every season is a new true crime story. Its dark and depressing but so real in its story arc. The two heroes start as reluctant partners, then they are enemies, and turn out to be fiends, See my review on Web Wombat.
This film tells the story of Maria Altmann. At the age of 80 she sues the Austrian Government to recover a painting that was stolen by the Nazis. This movie took me by surprise. I have been busy so it kind of snuck in under my radar. I was pleased with the story and the chemistry between the stars. It was an enjoyable watch to see a woman confront her past and bring closure to some of the great wrongs she has suffered. The Woman in Gold gets a green light.
In 1938 Maria Altman (Tatiana Maslany) and her husband, Fritz (Max Irons) escape Vienna, Austria and the Nazis leaving behind her family. She goes to America and builds a new life. Her Uncle knew the famous painter Gustav Klimt who did a portrait of Maria's aunt. When Maria left the portrait and other paintings were taken from her family by the Nazis. In 2000 Maria (Helen Mirren) asks attorney Randol Schoenberg (Ryan Reynolds) to help her recover the family painting from the Austrian Government.
I really like the performance of Ryan Reynolds in this film. He was relatable and moving while bringing the struggle of Mr. Schoenberg to the screen. He chose to leave a promising career at a prestigious law firm to help Mrs. Altmann. He had to fight the Austrian government and had to keep his one and only client motivated to keep fighting. This is the kind of hero role he excels at.
I have been leery of Ryan Reynolds after the debacle that was Green Lantern. I know the poor story was not his fault but he still has the taint of that movie hanging over his head. I don't want to rehash the many reasons why that movie failed-- just know that he reminds me of that film. It was good to see him in a different role and something that reminds me that in his element he is a good performer.
Helen Mirren is majestic on screen and always a joy to watch. I have to admit I am smitten by her talent. No surprise that she can play the strength and determination of this character and also embody the frailty and frustration of the struggle even with her charming senses of humor. Mirren’s performance highlights the subtle but powerful spirit but also the weight of the fight she is in.
There are moments in the film where the story drags a bit because the events didn't happen over a week. The film had to also present the other things in their lives that are going on. It's hard to strike a good balance to keep the story moving along and give it scope. This movie could have been tighter but the strength of story keeps you interested.
If you are in the mood for a biopic you won’t go wrong spending some time with this story. It has some interesting sub plots that are truly touching. Besides… who doesn't love a story that shows that the little guy taking on big government.
Movies that are based on real life events are hard to to do with out taking too much creative license. As Jon Stewart was in a way partly involved in Maziar's incarceration it makes senses that he makes a movie. See my review on Web Wombat.
I had the distinct privilege in being invited to a private screening of this documentary. It's hard for me to watch some documentaries. I find them to be filmed from their own perspective and not looking at the subject objectively. That is really not the case with this one. The focus of this film isn't the personal journey of the film maker it's about St. Hildegard of Bingen.
Michael Conti’s story is really the catalyst for the film. The film stands as an introduction to a nun from the 12th century who is one of the great minds of the church. She was an abbess who blended her faith in with her art, music and science. In her time, she founded two monasteries and wrote extensively on the healing power of stones and spices. A talented musician she wrote one of the oldest surviving morality plays. It was only recently (October 7th, 2012) that Pope Benedict XVI named her a Doctor of the Church.
Saint Hildegard Feast Day, September 17, 2013 - Ebingen, Germany
The filmmaker talks to people who have been inspired by St. Hildegard. Their study of her work has ensured that her legacy will live on. This film focuses on these passionate people and brings her humanity to the 21 century. Listing to people explain who she was with affection gives people of today an introduction to a truly remarkable woman.
I grew up thinking that a Christian wouldn't be involved with healing with stones and the mystical world would be sinful. Hildegard was instructed by God to write down everything she knew about the natural world. She wrote two books on natural medicine and cures. She also illustrated her visions and collected them in the book Scivias. I took a look at them and they remind me of some of the mandala that the Tibetan monks create.
Interview with Sister Lydia at the Hildegard Abbey, Ebingen Germany.
There is so much to learn about her that a single film can't contain all of how remarkable she was. Michael Conti weaves the conversations together to give us the outline of someone who from what we learn would have fit in nicely today. It's that sense of realness that makes her an interesting subject and draws people to her story.
It is really hard to translate one's personal inspirational moment to film and give it the appropriate weight and significance without overdoing and making it self-absorbed and ridiculous. Mr. Conti uses his experience as a framework for the more important introduction to the woman who has inspired him. He opens the door for the viewer to walk away wanting to know more about the Saint of Bingen and perhaps allow her to inspire more people who now know of her existence.
There is something magical about a person talking about their passion. Mr. Conti has brought together people who have a genuine affection for the Saint. I envy his connection with Saint Hildegard and I also thank him for introducing her to me.
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True Detective Season 1
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