A Castle for Christmas

— I suppose there’s a reason so many Christmas movies are formulaic—holiday films strive to touch your heart more than your mind. The script for this one could be better, but it is a step up from many similar films. As winter sets in and we careen toward a new year, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a bit of romance and s a bit of escapism. It's nice to see Brook Shields too. [Netflix streaming.]

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[2021. 98 min. Directed by Mary Lambert. Starring Brooke Shields, Cary Elwes, and Lee Ross.]
https://variety.com/2021/film/reviews/a-castle-for-christmas-review-1235119436/

The Beatles: Get Back (Part 1)

— I spent 2½ hours yesterday watching the first part of “The Beatles: Get Back” on Disney+. I knew what it was, but I wasn’t really prepared. The 3-part series, directed by Peter Jackson, was edited from 60 hours of restored, unseen footage shot in January 1969 by Michael Lindsay-Hogg and 150 hours of unheard audio recorded over 21 days. The Beatles hadn’t performed live in over two years, Brian Epstein had died 14 months earlier, all four had spouses and near-spouses, and tensions were high. Everyone came together to create their twelfth and final album, “Let It Be,” on which the song "Get Back" is included, and to prepare for what turned out to be their last ever concert on January 30, 1969. The film got off to a slower start than I would have liked, but I think that’s because the four Beatles were fairly dysfunctional at that point, making the viewer as skittish as they were around each other. That hesitancy as they dealt with each other may have been uncomfortable, but day by day you could see a shift, ever so slowly, as sparks of the cohesion, creativity, and core friendship returned. The change may not have been permanent, but the past and the music were a strong glue in the present. It’s fascinating to see an album evolve, particularly when it includes songs like “Let It Be” and one that almost seems more current today like “Get Back”. I’m really enjoying it and looking forward to 173 minutes more today and, tomorrow, to seeing the entire 42-minute, lunchtime show performed on Apple Corps’ freezing rooftop, their final public performance. I’m sure not every viewer will want to see the minute-by-minute process, but for those who do, it’s wonderful. [Disney+ streaming.]

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[2021. 3 Parts. 468 min. 3 parts (157, 173, & 138 min respectively). Directed by Peter Jackson. Archive footage: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, George Harrison, Yoko Ono, Linda McCartney, Maureen Starley, Bill Preston, George Martin, and Michael Lindsay-Hogg.]
https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-beatles-get-back-movie-review-2021

tick, tick…Boom!

— If you enjoy musical theater at all, you may like this Jonathan Larson biopic. Larson’s the creative force behind “Rent” who died at age 35, and before his genius was fully recognized. It’s quite the homage to him, looking at his life and friends in New York, peppered with events from his early life, and filled with song. It’s rousing and stirring, and obviously something of a thank-you from director Lin-Manuel Miranda. Andrew Garfield is always good, but he’s exceptional as Larson. I really enjoyed it but I’ll admit there’s a lot of music and Miranda’s touch, so it may not be for everyone. [Netflix streaming.]

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[2021. 115 min. Directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Starring Andrew Garfield, Alexandra Shipp, and Robin de Jesus.]
https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/tick-tick-boom-movie-review-2021

King Richard

— An inspiration story and a charasmatic actor make for an engaging sports biopic. Will Smith fully takes over the role of Richard Williams, father and coach of Venus and Serena, managing to remain a hero even when some of his tactics could be questioned. I wouldn't mind a sequel, focusing on the rise and rivalry, except that kind of film might result in less screen time for Smith's wonderful acting. [HBO Max streaming.]

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[2021. 144 min. Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green. Starring Will Smith, Aun Juanue Ellis, Saniyya Sidney, Demi Singleton, and Jon Bernthal.]
https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/king-richard-movie-review-2021

Love Hard

— . [Netflix streaming.]

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[2021. 104 min. Directed by Hernan Jimenez. Starring Nina Dobrev, Jimmy O. Yang, and Darren Barnet.]
https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/love-hard-movie-review-2021

The Electrical Life of Louis Wain

— . [Amazon Prime streaming.]

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[2021. 111 min. Directed by Will Sharpe. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Claire Foy, and Andrea Riseborough.]
https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-electrical-life-of-louis-wain-2021

The Harder They Fall

— . [Netflix streaming.]

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[2021. 130 min. Directed by Jeymes Samuel. Starring Idris Elba, Zazie Beetz, Jonathan Majors, Regina King, LaKeith Stanfield, and RJ Cyler.]
https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-harder-they-fall-movie-review-2021