Welcome to the 976th Edition of my series. I hope everyone is hanging in there in these crazy times. We are not very far from my next play in Connersville, everything is at the bottom of this page. I will shut up now and get on with my selections for the week.
The Line King: The Al Hirschfeld Story (1996): I start the week with this documentary which was directed by Susan Warms Dryfoos. This takes a look at the artist Al Hirschfeld who has made a living for over 70 years by doing caricature work of celebrities. This also goes into his personal life in general starting from his childhood. Interviews and footage include Julie Andrews, Lauren Bacall, Carol Channing, Joan Collins, Betty Comden, Adolph Green, Dolly Haas, and many others. Al was born in 1903 and was still alive while this documentary was being done and has since died in 2003 at the age of 99 so just short of the three digits. He did live quite the life, and this was a very fun and informative documentary. This is available to watch on TUBI, Pluto TV, the Roku Channel, and Shout! Factory TV with a subscription from Prime.
The Banshees of Inisherin (2022): This is part two of my Colin Farrell trilogy. Martin McDonagh wrote and directed this film on an ended friendship. Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson reunite to star as longtime friends Padraic and Colm who live in a remote coast in Ireland. Colm decides that they are no longer friends and ends the friendship. This leaves Padraic very confused and as time goes on, Colm takes extreme measures to ensure their friendship is no more. Kerry Condon, Jon Kenny, Barry Keoghan, David Pearse, Aaron Monaghan, and many others co-star in this film. This has a rather subtle darkness to it and waits for the right moments to get dark. It is hard to really explain further except to convey possible consequences of the kinds of decisions that Colm made.
Standing Up, Falling Down (2019): Matt Ratner directed this film which was written by Peter Hoare. Ben Schwartz stars as Scott who is forced to move back home having failed in L.A. as a stand-up comedian. He forms a friendship with an alcoholic dermatologist named Marty who is having his own issues. Grace Gummer, Eloise Mumford, John Behlmann, David Castaneda, Kevin Dunn, Debra Monk, Nate Corddry, Caitlin McGee, and many others co-star in this movie. The movie centers around a stand-up comedian but the movie is more of a drama with humorous characters in the leads. I felt like this was a pleasant surprise having known nothing about the movie going into it. Schwartz and Crystal are great together as they try to help each other through their struggles.
Excelsior! The Prince of Magicians (1901): This is my short film for the week which I go back a few years. Georges Melies wrote and directed this very early short film. He also stars as the wizard Excelsior who does some very clever tricks in this two-minute film. I suppose Melies is one of the founding fathers of film and managed to do some pretty clever things that hold up pretty well today. This and many other of his short films are available to watch on HBO Max.
Imitation of Life (1959): I suppose this plays into Black History Month. Douglas Sirk directed this film which is based on the novel by Fannie Hurst. Lana Turner stars as aspiring actress Lora Meredith who takes in a homeless black woman named Annie, played by Juanita Moore, and her biracial daughter Sarah Jane, played by Karin Dicker in the younger years and later by Susan Kohner in the later years. Sandra Dee co-stars as Lora's daughter Susie who is ignored a lot as her mom starts getting more successful. John Gavin, Robert Alda, Dan O'Herlihy, Troy Donahue, and many others co-star in this film. This is a movie that takes place in a pretty long period of time. This focuses on a lot of different things but I feel the main part involves the biracial Sarah Jane who is determined to pass as white much to the heartbreak of her mother. This is a remake of the 1934 film of the same name which goes in a little different route but still carries the same messages.
Give 'Em Hell Harry (1975): This one plays right into President's Day from last Monday. Steve Binder and Peter H. Hunt directed this one-man show based on the play by Samuel Gallu. James Whitmore stars as our former president Harry S. Truman in this one-man show. Much of this is about the 1948 presidential election and reflecting on his times. Whitmore was nominated for an Academy Award for best actor and is still the only actor to be nominated for a cast of one. Whitmore is able to carry this movie by himself and still keep our interest. A good double feature could be with SECRET HONOR where Philip Baker Hall plays Richard Nixon in a one-person cast.
Two Minutes Late (1952): This is my Danish Film Noir for the week which was directed by Torben Anton Svendsen. This centers around a troubled marriage between Max, played by Poul Reichhardt, and Grete, played by Grethe Thordahl. When Grete forgets her bag in the store, she learns a murder happens where everyone is a suspect. Johannes Meyer, Bjorn Puggaard-Muller, Karl Stegger, and many others co-star in this Film Noir. This is a pretty intriguing and also very detailed. It is hard to really describe beyond what I have so just give it a shot if possible. This is available to watch on the Criterion Channel.
Solo Mio (2026): Charles and Daniel Kinnane co-directed and co-wrote this romantic comedy along with Kevin James who also stars in the film. James stars as Matt Taylor who is about to married in Rome and is left at the altar. He decides to go on with the honeymoon anyway and along the way he meets the local cafe employee Gia, played by Nicole Grimaudo. They form a connection and liking to one another, but Matt has a hard time coming clean about his real reason for being there. Julie Ann Emery co-stars as Heather who stands up Matt at his wedding. Jonathan Roumie, Kim Coates, Alyson Hannigan, Julie Cerda, and many others co-star in this romantic comedy. Andrea Bocelli and Ed Sheeran have cameos as themselves. This was a very pleasant and fun movie to watch in the theaters. James has come a long way from THE KING OF QUEENS and still shows he can get the girl even if he may not have the conventional looks for a leading man.
The Teacher (1974): Howard Avedis directed and wrote this movie which features a teacher. Angel Tompkins stars as the very hot teacher Diane Marshall who starts a relationship and affair with the recently graduated Sean, played by Jay North. She also has a stalker in Ralph, played by Anthony James, who obsesses over Diane and is very bitter towards Sean. Marlene Schmidt, Barry Atwater, Med Flory, Quinn O'Hara, Sivi Aberg, and many others co-star in this movie. I came across this when looking for something else and was intrigued by the idea of seeing Jay North of DENNIS THE MENACE fame. Also, as Van Halen would say, I was hot for teacher who was on summer break so we never got to see her teach. I did not watch this expecting some big blockbuster, just a little entertainment and an older Jay North who had more of a Mrs. Robinson than a Mr. Wilson as his neighbor. This is available to watch on Netflix.
John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017): Chad Stahelski directed this action sequel which was written by Derek Kolstad. Keanu Reeves reprises his role of the title character in this sequel who is supposed to be retired from being an assassin. Wick returns to the criminal underworld to pay a debt to crime lord Santino D'Antonio. He also finds there is a high price on his head and many are after him. Ian McShane, Ruby Rose, Common, Claudia Gerini, Lance Reddick, Laurence Fishburne, Tobias Segal, John Leguizamo, Bridget Moynihan, Thomas Sadoski, Erik Frandsen, David Patrick Kelly, Perry Yung, Franco Nero, Peter Serafinowicz, Peter Stormare, and many others co-star in this action sequel. Reeves is on the top of his game is this worthy sequel. Lots of violence as expected but is also very deep in the characters and easy to get behind John Wick. I would say watch the original first which like this one and the others are available on HBO Max.
Well, that is it for the week, but continue on for my segment "Holiday Corner" where I look at Valentine's Day, Black History Month, President's Day, and even National Girls and Women in Sports day. Tell me what you like and dislike and stay tuned for the next couple weeks which so far includes Colin Farrell, William Holden, Anna Kendrick, Ron Howard, and many others.
HOLIDAY CORNER
This section plays into Valentine's Day, Black History Month, President's Day, and even National Girls and Women in Sports Day which was February 4th.
The Merry Gentleman (2008): This starts out around Christmas but then plays into Valentine's Day a bit to qualify for this segment. Michael Keaton directed this film which was written by Ron Lazzeretti. Kelly MacDonald stars as Kate Frazier who has left her abusive husband and is trying to start a new life in Chicago. She befriends a man having emotional crisis and is even suicidal in Frank Logan, played by Keaton, not knowing that he is a professional killer. Bobby Cannavale, Darlene Hunt, Tom Bastounes, Guy Van Swearingen, Larry Neumann Jr., Greg Mills, and many others co-star in this film. Lazzeretti was originally going to direct but was having health issues so Keaton stepped up to take the helm in his directorial debut. This is a strangely moving and poetic film in my opinion with MacDonald and Keaton working very well together. This has a really good holiday feel to it, especially the unique way that the characters Kate and Frank meet. This is available to watch on TUBI, Pluto TV, Plex, and Fandor with a subscription with Prime.
The Last Black Man in San Francisco (2019): This plays into Black History Month in my opinion with the cast and references to historical figures and such. Joe Talbot directed and co-wrote this film. Jimmie Fails, who also co-wrote, stars in this film as himself and returns to San Francisco seeing that is not the same place had had left. He tries to reclaim the home his family lost. Jonathan Majors, Rob Morgan, Tichina Arnold, Mike Epps, Finn Wittrock, Danny Glover, Willie Hen, Jamal Trulove, Antoine Redus, Thora Birch, and many others co-star in this film. It is hard to explain this beyond what I already did. I guess this is semi-autobiographical to Jimmie Fails as he is playing himself. It is an A24 movie if that means anything. This is included on Prime, TUBI, Pluto TV, Plex, and the Roku Channel.
Hairspray Live (2016): This live musical plays into Black History Month with the protagonist being a champion for ending segregation. Kenny Leon and Alex Rudzinski directed this live NBC special which is based on the musical by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. Maddie Baillio stars as the teen Tracy Turnblad who dreams of getting on her favorite tv show. This takes place in the '60s where segregation is happening and Tracy tries to end it. Harvey Fierstein co-stars as Tracy's mother Edna Turnblad and originated the role on Broadway. Dove Cameron, Kristin Chenoweth, Garrett Clayton, Ariana Grande, Derek Hough, Jennifer Hudson, Martin Short, Ephraim Sykes, Paul Vogt, Shahadi Wright Joseph, Billy Eichner, Sean Hayes, Andrea Martin, Rosie O'Donnell, Ricki Lake, and many others co-star in this live NBC special. This does have quite the cast and might be the best of the NBC shows. This is a great story about all types of people coming together and how everyone is beautiful in their own way. I know a lot of fans of this musical hate the original John Waters movie from 1988 which was a lot sleazier but still trying to give that same message. I just feel credit music be given where it is due as we would have this beloved musical we have now. This is available to watch on Broadway HD.
Hamilton's America (2016): This documentary plays into President's Day with the musical it is based off of former presidents as the characters and former presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama are featured. Alex Horwitz directed this documentary which delves into the creation of the popular musical HAMILTON. Lin-Manuel Miranda discusses how his vision came to be after reading ALEXANDER HAMILTON by Ron Chernow. This also has interviews with much of the cast and those involved with the production. This is a very well-done documentary on how that musical came to be and the analysis on the historic figures in the show. This is available to watch on the archive.org website.
Newsies: The Broadway Musical (2017): This is another live musical and this one also plays into President's Day as this features our former president Teddy Roosevelt, played by Kevin Carolan, who was Governor during this era. Jeff Calhoun and Brett Sullivan directed this live musical which is based on the musical written by Alan Menken.K Jeremy Jordan stars as the charismatic newsboy Jake Kelly who is the leader of a group of teenage "newsies". When Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst raise the distribution price at their expense, he leads the group in a strike to take a stand for what is right. Kara Lindsay, Ben Funkhauser, Andrew Keenan-Bolger, Steve Blanchard, Aisha De Haas, Ethan Steiner, Michael Dameski, and many others co-star in this musical. This was a movie in 1992 which at the time was a financial failure but has gained a big following since this Broadway musical. This is also something that most community theaters have tackled at some point. This has a lot of great song and dance numbers while also being a very inspirational story of banding together. This is available to watch on Disney Plus.
Is That Black Enough For You (2022): This documentary obviously plays into Black History Month. Elvis Mitchell directed and narrated this documentary which takes a look at the portrayals of blacks in film. This talks some about the early days of film including the stereotypes and the use of blackface makeup. It also takes a look at the progression of blacks in film and takes a good look into the Blaxploitation era. Margaret Avery, Harry Belafonte, Charles Burnett, Suzanne de Passe, Antonio Fargas, Sheila Frazier, Whoopi Goldberg, Samuel L. Jackson, Laurence Fishburne, Billy Dee Williams, Zendaya, and many others give interviews into their own thoughts. This is a very eye-opening documentary and very well detailed. Mitchell gives a very in-depth look to this history. This is available to watch on Netflix.
Air (2023): This plays into Black History Month as the movie centers around NBA legend Michael Jordan, played by Damian Young. Ben Affleck directed this docudrama which was written by Alex Convery. This takes place in 1984, and they let us know with all the music and references to the year. Matt Damon stars as Nike employee Sonny Vaccaro who sees something big with the rookie Michael Jordan. At the time, Jordan and his parents were looking at signing with Converse or Adidas and it took some convincing for Sonny's bosses to take Jordan into consideration rather than look at multiple players. Jason Bateman, Ben Affleck, Chris Messina, Viola Davis, Julius Tennon, Chris Tucker, Matthew Maher, Gustaf Skarsgard, Barbara Sukowa, Jay Mohr, Joel Gretsch, Michael O'Neill, Marlon Wayans, and many others co-star in this film. Jordan was my childhood idol and I will still maintain better than Lebron but that's for another day. I never really thought about the behind-the-scenes element of a lot of Jordan's success with the Nike element. We all know by now he is associated with Nike so I think everyone will know how it ends. I guess this is really a story about the rise of the Nike brand. This also has a great soundtrack for '80s music fans like myself. This is available to watch on Prime and Peacock.
The Mighty Ducks (1992): This is associated with National Girls and Women in Sports day and there were a couple of girls on the teen hockey team. Stephen Herek directed this hockey movie which was directed by Steven Brill. Emilio Estevez stars as attorney Gordon Bombay who gets himself into some trouble and is sentenced to the last thing he would ever want which is to coach a peewee hockey team. Gordon played himself as a kid and is haunted by the memory of his missed shot as well as his authoritarian coach, played by Lane Smith. He finds that the team is terrible and slowly tries to help them get better. Joss Ackland, Josef Sommer, Joshua Jackson, Elden Henson, Shaun Weiss, M.C. Gainey, Matt Doherty, Brandon Quentin Adams, Aaron Schwartz, Garette Ratliff Henson, Margarite Moreau, Jane Plank, Jussie Smollet, Vincent LaRusso, and many others co-star in this sports film. This is nothing new by any means and this could easily be compared to THE BAD NEWS BEARS. This is formulaic but that is what it is supposed to be in my opinion. Also, this inspired an actual NHL hockey team which other sports movies cannot claim. It was also good to see a young Joshua Jackson long before he would be famous on DAWSON'S CREEK. This was a childhood favorite of mine and is great to revisit. This is available to watch on Disney Plus
The Suicide Squad (2021): I decided to associate this with President's Day due to the authoritarian Presidente General Silvio Luna, played by Juan Diego Botto, who is one of the main targets for the Suicide Squad. James Gunn directed and wrote this superhero film. Viola Davis stars as Amanda Waller who runs Belle Reve and gets together a group of supervillains and forces them to become heroes. This mainly consists of Rick Flag, played by Joel Kinnaman, Bloodsport, played by Idris Elba, Harley Quinn, played by Margot Robbie, Peacemaker, played by former WWE champion John Cena, Ratcatcher 2, played by Daniela Melchior, Polka-Dot Man, played by David Dastmalchian, and King Shark, voiced by Sylvester Stallone. Michael Rooker, John Ostrander, Nathan Fillion, Jai Courtney, Flula Borg, Mayling Ng, Pete Davidson, Sean Gunn, Steve Agee, Jennifer Holland, Dee Bradley Baker, Alice Braga, Peter Capaldi, Joaquine Cosio, Lynne Ashe, Taika Waititi, and many others co-star in this film. The 2016 movie of the same name excluding the word "the" at the beginning of the title unfortunately left a lot to be desired. This was a great reboot of what the story should have been. This was a very fun action film with a great blend of action and comedy. The team put together worked together very well and inspired a spinoff series for Peacemaker. This is available to watch on HBO Max.
Send Help (2026): I'm ending with this one which I associate with President's Day with the character Bradley Preston being named president of the company in the beginning. Sam Raimi directed this psychological horror film which was written by Damian Shannon and Mark Swift. Rachel McAdams stars as Linda Liddle who feels very mistreated at work and is upset she was passed over for the Vice President position. Dylan O'Brien stars as the arrogant Bradley Preston who as mentioned becomes the president of the company. On a business trip, the plane crashes leaving Linda and Bradley as the sole survivors on the island. Edyll Ismail, Dennis Haysbert, Xavier Samuel, Chris Pang, Thaneth Warakulnukroh, Emma Raimi, Kristy Best, Francesca Waters, and many others co-star in this psychological thriller. Also, look for Bruce Campbell who is in the photo of Bradley's father. This has a lot of suspense, power struggles, dark comedy, you name it. Some have said there are elements of MISERY, CAST AWAY, LOST, and the popular reality series SURVIVOR which is referenced a lot in this film.
