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“This is Spinal Tap.” / “Spinal Tap II: The End Continues.”

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“This is Spinal Tap” (1984, HBO Max) mockumentary comedy film directed by Rob Reiner . Christopher Guest , Michael McKean , and Harry Shearer are members of the fictional heavy metal band Spinal Tap .         Mr Reiner and the stars wrote the screenplay, though most of the dialogue was improvised. The band (or actors) wrote and performed all the songs.         I didn't see this satire when it was first shown decades ago. Now, I agree Spinal Tap's cult status is justified. Ruthlessly funny, brilliantly edited, loosely acted. Wicked is the word. But wicked-hilarious. 🎥👍📽 “Spinal Tap II: The End Continues” (2025, Amazon Prime) mockumentary comedy film directed by Rob Reiner . The sequel to “ This Is Spinal Tap ” (1984) about the members of the fictional heavy metal band Spinal Tap as they reunite for one final show.           Christopher Guest , Michael McKean ...
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COMEDY DRAMA. “The Roofman.” / “Other People.” / “Thelma.”

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“Roofman” (2025, Apple+) crime film , based on the real-life spree robber Jeffrey Manchester , played by Channing Tatum , who hid out in a toy store after escaping from prison. Critics love this movie, basically due to Mr Tatum as their “eminently likable leading man.” But I ain't buying it. The true to life premise is already a magnet but Derek Cianfrance's direction lacked dramatic allure and overall thrill.         Yes, regardless of the kickass supporting cast: Kirsten Dunst , LaKeith Stanfield , J uno Temple , Peter Dinklage , Ben Mendelsohn , Uzo Aduba , and Jimmy O. Yang. 🎥💻📽 “Other People” (2016, Hulu) comedy-drama . A struggling comedy writer goes home to Sacramento to take care of his mother Joanne, diagnosed with rare leiomyosarcoma .          Not saying that this movie, a debut effort by director Chris Kelly, is an awful movie. In fact, Molly Shannon and Jesse Plemons, as mom and son David a...
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FOREIGN CINEMA. “The Follies.” / “Dream Story.” / “Train to Busan.” / “The Commune.” / “I, Olga Hepnarová.”

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“The Follies” (2025, Netflix) Mexican anthology drama. The film follows a series of people pushed to their limits as they rebel against confinement, self-censorship, and family pressure.  I am not a fan of most of Rodrigo Garcia's work but this one got me.          A series of stories unfold in Mexico City that embrace the intensity and authenticity of human emotions when pushed to the limit, exploring the challenges of family expectations, social pressures, freedom, courage, and the imposition of self-censorship.        Well-crafted, well-acted and unapologetically disturbing. The provocation is more talkative than visual. Still, this is a movie that ignites an intense discourse, or fight, in the living room, LOL! And it's not even political. But I digress. 🎥💻📽 “Dream Story” (2024, Tubi) German psychological (supposedly) thriller. A jealous husband in Berlin who, after his wife admits to fantasies, de...
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HISTORICAL. “Train Dreams.” / “Robert the Bruce.”

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“Train Dreams” (2025, Netflix) drama film based on Denis Johnson's 2011 novella. The film follows the life of a quiet logger in the American Northwest as he witnesses and experiences profound changes from the early 20th century onward, marked by the railroad's advance etcetera. And the tragedy that befell his family.         This film received critical acclaim, with praise going to Clint Bentley's direction and Joel Edgerton's performance. It was also named as one of the top ten films of 2025 by both the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute . For his performance, Mr Edgerton was nominated for a Golden Globe Award .        Neatly-crafted, meticulously photographed, and narrated in articulate earnest, this movie reminds me of Terrence Malick's ruminative films. No way to debate their artistry and sensitivity, and that'd also be “Train Dreams.” But these sorts of features easily put us to sleep...
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DRAMA. “Goodbye June.” / “The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry.” / “Adopt a Highway.” / “The Dish & the Spoon.”

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“Goodbye June” (2025, Netflix) Christmas family drama film directed by Kate Winslet in her directorial debut . Set during Christmas, in which the characters gather around their dying mother, and confront themes of grief, reconciliation, and love. The screenplay was written by Kate's son Joe Anders.        Honest, involved performances punctuate this decidedly tearful Christmas festival. Because of that, the often abused sibling drama or whiny family joust is forgotten.  In one sitting: Helen Mirren, Andrea Riseborough, Toni Collette, Johnny Flynn, Timothy Spall, and of course, Kate Winslet. How could we miss that? 🎥💻📽 “The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry” (2023, Amazon Prime). A heartwarming British story, adapted from Rachel Joyce's novel, about an ordinary retiree, Harold, who walks across England (about 600 miles) to deliver a letter to his dying former colleague, Queenie, believing his journey will keep her alive.    ...
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ROAD DRAMA. “Live a Little.” / “Mags and Julie Go On A Road Trip.” / “The Leisure Seeker.”

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“Live a Little” (2025, Tubi) Swedish road drama film about two best friends who are couch surfing around Europe.         This movie won several awards in Europe, including Embla Ingelman-Sundberg's performance as Laura. But I didn't see anything so remarkable about the film anyhow. Predictable and usual stuff. 🎥💻📽 “Mags and Julie Go On A Road Trip” (2020, Sling) drama/comedy. Two best friends go on a road trip and get more than they bargained for.         Written and directed by Ryann Liebl , a critic described this movie as a heartwarming buddy movie akin to “Bridesmaids” meets “ Grumpy Old M an.” I beg to disagree. Enough said. 🎥💻📽 “The Leisure Seeker” (2017, Hulu) comedy-drama based on the 2009 novel of the same name by Michael Zadoorian . Synopsis: An elderly couple, John and Ella, go on a road trip from Massachusetts to Florida to see Ernest Hemingway 's residence in Key West . On their way, ...
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