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jmbaloha
Reviews
Frybread Face and Me (2023)
Young Navaho Boy - Coming of Age Story
I loved this film. Building on a great script, the acting seemed true to the Navaho life it was portraying. The pacing of the film was perfect - each actor was given time to tell their story and grow their character. The cinematography was first-rate using lots of negative space to keep focus on the action while simultaneously inviting the viewer to enjoy the expansive landscape. When I travel I like to go on "immersive" trips where it is less about the famous attractions and more about getting to know the locals in conversation and shared activities. "Frybread" is like taking that same type of trip without having to back a bag or buy a ticket.
Mine vaganti (2010)
A Hidden Gem in the Italian Countryside
I am going to Puglia Italy in a couple of weeks and my friends, who are familiar with the area, said I should watch Loose Cannons (Mine Vaganti). I am so glad I did. I was not easy. I could not find it playing anywhere on streaming. So, I had to find a DVD, purchase it, and learn how to hook the DVD player up to my TV. Mission accomplished and it was worth it. The actors were all wonderful and worked well together in a very engaging ensemble. The story is part fantasy, part drama, and part romantic comedy. The dialogue is first-rate (with English subtitles) and there are plenty of scenes of Lecce and the surrounding countryside. Although the film was released almost 15 years ago - the story has not aged and it is still moving, thoughtful and relevant. Please someone stream this for easier access.
Red, White & Royal Blue (2023)
Movie First, Then the Book
After reading the many reviews that said the book was better, I am glad that I saw the movie first. You are never going to get a word-for-word movie of a book. Instead, I think of a movie of a book as a video "cliff note." Perhaps since I had not read the book, I enjoyed the movie more. There was character development. There was good dialogue - more times than not. And, there was chemistry between two leads. It also did not hurt that both of them were handsome and had great smiles. There were also a few surprises. So, it was not completely predictable. I wish there had been this type of movie when I was growing up. The movie whetted my appetite for more - I just ordered the book.
Glass Onion (2022)
The Movie Was Less a Who Done It and More a Who Cares
I fear I will never get back the time that I wasted watching this movie. I had hoped it would build on the success of the "Knives Out" franchise. So, I watched it till the end and rooted for its success. But, it let me down. The location was meh, the script was flat, and the cinematography underwhelming. I also had high expectations for the actors, but even they could not save the overly-complicated and aimless script. In fact, the actors seemed to have permanent thought bubbles above their heads saying things like, "remind me again why I agreed to do this movie?" and "how do I get off this island?" Unfortunately, for them, the island was very remote and there were no boats coming - at least not in time to rescue them from this spectacularly unsuccessful and disordered film.
My Policeman (2022)
Great Script, Great Acting, Great Cinematography
This film was a very pleasant surprise and much better than its current 6.5 rating. The perfectly paced story masterfully portrays the characters as prisoners of their time. A time when homosexuality was a crime. It made me sad to think how different the policeman's life would have been had he been able to live his true life from the start with his true love. And, how different it would have been for his wife. Homosexuality is not a choice, but homophobia is and the movie seems to understand that. The pleasant surprise for me was that the end of the movie was hopeful. In the last very poignant scenes the policeman and his wife both realize that It is never too late to be what you might have been.
Potato Dreams of America (2021)
Real Story Told Like A Fantasy
Young Russian boy dreams of going to America. He thinks based on what he sees on TV, that America must be like American movies - everyone gets a happy ending. And, he desperately wants a happy ending for himself and his mother. Both of them are living a hard life in Russia. His mother is being pressured to go against her principles at work and her son "Potato" is being forced to hide who he is. The movie stands for the proposition that If you wish hard enough, dreams sometimes come true. Great performances hold your attention including a comedic cameo by Jesus Christ. Sit back and enjoy the ride with a bit of buttered popcorn and a beverage. Potato Dreams of America is a real gem.