Reviews

The Book of Henry is an unpredictable story that comes together in the end. Like another person said, it's better not to know what happens beforehand. It mixes sweetness, drama and suspense. It starts out with the relationship between two brothers, Henry and Jacob, the first who is a gifted student to say the least. I had a hard time with the character of the mother but the boys seemed devoted to her so I had to go along. Henry's thing is he can't just sit by and watch when others are taken advantage of. He uses his genius to right wrongs. I recommend watching the whole movie even though you may be tempted to turn away at some point. I kept in mind this is PG 13 which helped.

I enjoyed watching this movie about a girl, Madeline, who has SCID (severe lack of resistance to disease) and can never leave the sealed house she lives in with her mother. She meets the new neighbor boy via window gazing and text and how that romance works. I like these 'young adult" movies and books for whatever reason. Pros - good acting by Amanda Sternberg (main character) and Anika Noni Rose (her mother). the setting is very soothing (very wealthy home in southern California with lots of windows) and draws you into a sensual mood, how the special effects reveal Madeline's imagination to go places, and of course some good music, also Madeline's clothes/costumes are fascinating. Cons - not too much of a plot, almost no development of the boy's character.

I enjoyed watching Solo for the same reason I like Star Wars - I like watching the band of characters work together to either save their skins or overcoming evil. Solo adds more to Han, Chewbacca, and Lando, and their general good-guy trying to look like a bad guy personas. I'm no Star Wars expert or fanatic - I just like it. I enjoy the humor and camaraderie. There is an epic action scene when they are trying to capture a train car going through the mountains. There are just enough rifts of Star Wars music and at the end refers to Tatooine. A good movie on its own and an easy fit into what we have seen already.

I overheard a student where i work mentioning that all her friends were asking for more Korean program suggestions on Netflix and I was intrigued. I've already enjoyed a few subtitled shows and when I heard her discussing them I knew I had to see for myself. While one of the suggestions wasn't really my cup of tea, Moon Embracing the Sun is one of those series you can only hope you find another like it. I'm on Episode 13 of 20 of Moon Embracing the Sun and it is one of the most enjoyable experiences I've had on television in years. It's a Korean period piece set in the distant past with a little bit of everything. The drama and romance (not sex) between the main characters is so intense. I love looking at their faces, their clothes, everything they do and the places they go. I find myself staring at the screen. It's a story about lovers who are subject to the events around them living in the royal palace and city. There's some political intrigue. There's the shaman culture and Confucian philosophy. There is a point where without warning the characters are replaced by older actors in a passage of time so I was a little confused at first but soon caught up. Love the actors who play the King - young and old. I'm thinking I want to know more about Korea now.

I viewed this movie from the standpoint of a parent of an adult child as is the main character, Jackie. In my view this is what the story is about, how a parent lets go and enjoys watching her child make their way as an adult. In doing so, she is able to move on to becoming a more authentic person as well. I've always been a fan of Helen Hunt and although her appearance has changed, she still brings us her ability to make us feel we are watching a woman bravely dealing with what life is bringing her way. The film present a great contrast between their lives in New York and California. The son, Angelo, travels to CA to visit his dad. I'm a little surprised at how quickly the son, Angelo, adapts to the different lifestyle. Luke Wilson as Jackie's love life is a good match. His calmness contrasting with her franticness plays well.

The other "love it" reviews pretty much say it for me too. The thing I love most is that I identify with Grace and Frankie both. What a pleasure to see women of my age taking on the changes that life brings. I just watched the scene where Fonda is getting ready to have sex with Nelson and jiggles her underarm flab. For a woman who is in prime condition for age 70 (did you see her put her feet up on the kitchen counter?!)this is heartening. I restrict myself to one or rarely two episodes a weekend (I'm on S1 E9 today) because I am afraid they are going to end it. I know all good things do, but I making it last as long as possible.

I just finished watching the third episode of Stitchers. I read the bad reviews above and don't agree. This show is interesting. Each episode so far has promised something more to be revealed about the plot. The premise, that a group of young scientists working for a secret organization that can probe the minds of the recently deceased, is an interesting one. If only the dead could talk.... I've enjoyed all the episodes so far - fast-paced goal centered, not a lot of drama (too much drama irritates me), some humor and characters that are slowly being revealed and getting to know each other. I like that there is not a lot of "meaningful conversation", but just the banter that normally passes between coworkers. No it's not philosophically deep or scientifically accurate - but it's entertaining.