Art School Confidential (2006) **

Satire is extremely difficult to pull off on film and this one's no different. Comes close with some nice star performances.

Blondie & The Beastly E.C. Tour: 2019-08-08 Concord, CA

Blondie comes out the winner in this battle of the bands, thanks to an excellent sound mix and pleasing song mix. Elvis on the other hand, suffered from a very poor sound mix with massive drum/bass and almost inaudible vocals. This did not help his eclectic set list with some not so familiar tunes. Also, the man is losing his singing ability it is obvious. He can keep it together when he focuses but he was losing the melody quite often and strained in the lower registers. He can still belt out the high notes but not always.

Bay of Angels (1963) ***

Jeanne Moreau and the French Riviera in 1963. Both are spectacular.

Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood (2019) **

Another Tarantino exercise in redemptive nostalgia. Enjoyable if you like vintage cars being driven in vintage LA while listening to vintage songs.

The Lion King (2019) **

The realism of the animation makes the talking and singing animals seem strange and surprisingly silly. Still, some impressively done CGI.

Vagabond (1985) **

In the mode of Wanda, a bleak, uncompromising look at an aimless young woman and her misadventures featuring a compelling central performance. Excellent use of non-actors and well composed shots.

Late Night (2019) *

Rigidly formulaic office comedy commits the most grievous sin: it's not funny. Disappointing waste of Ms. Thompson.

Absolution (1978) **

Combination whodunit and Canon law exercise, maintains interest throughout with superb production design and a good, film carrying performance by Sir Richard.

The Lady Vanishes (1979) **

Ms. Shepherd is the only reason to watch this well meaning remake, but that's reason enough.

Bad Lieutenant (1992) *

A waste of the talents of Mr. Keitel.

Apollo 11 (2019) ****

Well directed doc about the Apollo 11 mission made with high def NASA found footage. Fascinating document of 1969 America and the incredible effort of thousands of people.

Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice (1969) **

Superlative showcase for the lovely Ms. Wood and a so-so social satire about changing 60's relationship mores.

Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese (2019) ***

Three stars for the original footage of the Revue and the factual reconstruction of the time. However Mr. Scorsese adds a number of fictional elements and disguises the fact that they are fictional and only astute viewers with knowledge of 1980's era HBO will be in on it. This is probably in keeping with Mr. Dylan's attempts to obscure his own facts and fictions from way back.

Across the Universe (2007) ***

With any other songs this would be a hardly worth it flick. But it is worth it thanks to The Beatles and Ms. Taymor's directing abilities. Could have been cut by about 30 minutes though.

Kissed (1996) ***

Very well made character study about a young woman with unusual habits let's just say. Well paced and doesn't flinch from the logic of the story.

The Player (1992) ***

Altman is always good, but even better when he has a tight script and that's the case here thanks to Michael Tolkin. The only problem is Tim Robbins in the lead and since he has to carry the picture... Despite that, a terrific eff you to Hollywood execs and producers featuring many stars in cameos.

Autumn Sonata (1978) **

Bleak yes, that's to be expected of Ingmar, but so in the thrall of psycho-babble as to be laughable. Ms. Bergman is beautiful and wonderful as is also to be expected.

The American Friend (1977) **

Was all set to give this 3 stars then the last 30 minutes goes off the rails. Great role for Bruno Ganz and Mr. Hopper is used very effectively.

The Romantic Englishwoman (1975) **

If there was a "tell" between the film's reality and dream reality I missed it. Seemed like a straightforward romantic triangle tale of jealousy with a bit of thriller thrown in. An unsatisfying mish-mash but love the scenes of '75 Europe.

Bottle Shock (2008) **

Just when you think they can't top the last cliché, here comes another even worse. Poorly written but with an appealing cast and some lovely shots of Northern California vineyards. You'll be thirsty before it's over.