Rate The Last Movie You Saw

1917 (2019)

This is an old fashioned suspense war drama with a single linear dramatic objective-- the type of film that was made in the 1930s. It's likely that the majority of the audience who watches this film already knows its premise --an assignment given to two soldiers which would prevent a massacre-- but are happy to experience the drama and suspense.

But it is the phenomenal photography, settings and filming techniques that subtly draw in the viewer to the protagonists' dangerous task. Cinematographer Roger Deakins will surely be a good bet for an Oscar.

Frankly this was a film which I admired and was impressed by more than one that I savored. Yet the two hour running time was never boring, and always held one's interest. Despite its R rating, director/writer Sam Mendes did not junk up the narrative with either gore or social issues. The movie stuck to the plot and laid it out for the viewer in an unusual and fresh manner.

The acting by the principles George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman with good supporting players was first rate, and the picture sported first rate cameos by Benedict Cumberbach and Colin Firth.

Even for those who shy away from "war" films, this is a picture that can be viewed and amazed by without getting one's hair mussed.

Doc's rating: 8/10

Even for those who shy away from "war" films, this is a picture that can be viewed and amazed by without getting one's hair mussed.

Doc's rating: 8/10

The Art of Self-Defense (Riley Stearns, 2019)

Loved this meshing of martial arts film and dark comedy. Jesse Eisenberg couldn't have been more perfect here and Alessandro Nivola is the epitome of a McDojo sensei, but Imogen Poots is great as a strong woman fighting for equality, especially by beating the living [censored] out of a black belt who gained rank before she did and yet she is more experienced than he was. The third act has a lot of shocking moments but I can't help but root for both Eisenberg and Poots here. Can't wait to see them reunite in Vivarium.