the smart way across the Bay

 Heidi and I hopped on the ferry to Larkspur yesterday where we met Shelley who kindly drove us to lunch and then to this GREAT movie about James McNeill Whistler. So interesting to learn about this American artist who was so prolific and a bit of a showman. Ridership on our ferry systems has increased dramatically now that gas is so very expensive. 

a glorious movie

 Damn, I can't remember who recommended Tuner to me, but I sure owe them an email of gratitude. So nice to see Dustin Hoffman again and I loved the rest of the cast so much too. It's way more than a film about a piano tuner. I rented this on Prime and that was very smart of me. 

a sweet sister story

 Yes, this is a Kleenex-worthy movie set here (mostly) in San Francisco. Voicemails for Isabelle tells the story of a young chef who leaves voicemails for her sister who died and these end up on a young man's phone and though it all sounds a bit romantically predictable, there are some lovely twists and turns that Annabelle and I appreciated. With thanks to Netflix and always colorful SF.

well worth the rental price

 May I recommend The Christophers? I missed this on the big screen, but it certainly works nicely as an at-home treat. Two artists, London, eccentricities and humor. On Prime ~ enjoy!

a big screen must see

 Friends, readers, movie lovers. Get up and out of your comfy chairs and head to see this feel-good movie of 2026. I thank Terri for meeting me yesterday at the Alamo for Project Hail Mary with the amazing Ryan Gosling and all sorts of technical and ethereal wonders from Hollywood. A lovely afternoon indeed.

Valentine's Day 2026

 

A sweet Saturday at home featuring tulips, popcorn, tea, a devoted cat and a really fine movie. Hamnet tells the story of William and Agnes Shakespeare as they grapple with grief in olde England. Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal are terrific and then what a nice surprise to see Emily Watson again. And yes, I do recommend this film. 

back to 1987

 I rented 84 Charing Cross Road on Prime TV the other night because the story is a favorite of Virginia Evans, the author of The Correspondent, which I recently finished. I have a couple of friends who prefer old movies, but I like the new stuff so I don't do this very often. It is a sweet movie, tender. Anne Bancroft and Anthony Hopkins were excellent choices here, in my opinion.

coffee and a movie

 I met Amy at the Apple (no connection with Tim Cook & gang) movie house on Van Ness. But first a latte at the new Emerald coffee shop which reminded me of posh European hang outs. Marty Supreme is based on a true story about a NYC character who becomes a phenomenal ping pong player. It's a good movie, but not great, in my insignificant opinion.

and not one xmas carol

 I read about Relay on Instagram (I think) and since I am a big fan of Riz Ahmed I watched it on the Flix® last night. He does not disappoint in this cat-and-mouse thriller. Riz helps whistleblowers fight big old nasty corporations. Thumbs up.

if it takes forever I will wait for you

 Oh, my. Three exhausted older folks headed over to the Berkeley Art Museum to see the 1964 movie The Umbrellas of Cherbourg last night. First a bit of Chinese food before this French film. Doug and Barb were kind enough to include me in this outing which we all frankly thought about canceling and thank god we didn't. This is really an opera with nice big subtitles and so many beautiful colors and yes, dated, but in a good way. What a wonderful experience and I'm not one of those people who love old movies, but this is not to be missed, especially on the big screen. And now Annabelle is sick of me singing the title song...

a three hour battle

 I treated myself to the Alamo's bargain movie day and was mesmerized (and at times puzzled) by One Battle After Another with just about the best cast ever. Non-stop action for almost three hours. So nice to have Sean Penn back and Leonardo DiCaprio was fabulous as an aging revolutionary. I recommend this movie to everyone, it is amazing. 

Eddington, New Mexico

 Yesterday I met Nicole at the Alamo for this very strange, too violent movie Eddington. Anything with Emma Stone is worth seeing, in my opinion, but I don't really recommend this one, although I am glad I saw it. That makes little sense. A major role is played by the Covid Pandemic as the world comes to terms with those really strange times. 

The Phoenician Scheme

 Amy is a huge Wes Anderson fan and the Alamo Drafthouse was all decorated with fun merchandise and quirky decor to highlight The Phoenician Scheme starring Benicia del Toro, Michael Cera, Benedict Cumberbatch, Scarlett Johansson ~ just to name a few. This film is fast paced and funny but not really a must see, unless you too worship Wes Anderson.

back to the Alamo

 Yesterday I met Terri at the Alamo because several people had recommended Sinners, produced and directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan. It's called a "black musical horror movie" and indeed the sound track was fabulous. Southern gothic vampires, all set in 1932 when the KKK was supposed to be gone forever. Haha. I loved the dance/party scenes ~ Terri and I avoided some of the bloody business by staring at our laps. But yes, I'm so glad I saw this spectacular movie on the big screen.

another dinner party

 We meet six spies at this posh dinner party in London. Of course I approved of that. Cate Blanchett, Michael Fassbender, Tom Burke and Pierce Brosnan were all quite wonderful in Black Bag which Amy and I saw yesterday at the Alamo. Yes, an excellent film. Enjoy.

dinner and a movie

 Nicole brought a delicious pulled pork dinner last night, complete with salad and sides. I provided cookies and tea. The Apprentice was well worth renting for $6 and we were especially impressed with Jeremy Strong as Roy Cohn and Sebastian Stan as tRump. How this dreadful man became president repulses me. But you already know that...

a cat and her friends

 Last night I streamed Flow on HBO Max and even though not a word was spoken, I stayed wide awake during this delightful animated film that was nominated for an Oscar. Thumbs up from this sort of reviewer and movie lover.

this borders on porn

 I streamed Anora yesterday and, like almost everyone, I have mixed reviews. Great acting and all in all, a very touching story about lost young people with lots of sex, drugs and rock and roll in New York. I'm looking forward to the Oscars tonight, as always, and this film has quite a few nominations including Best Picture.

Universal Language

 This was a strange little film that IMDB says "takes place somewhere between Winnipeg and Tehran." Universal Language was playing at Alamo Drafthouse yesterday where I met Amy and we both enjoyed this creative and whimsical movie that somehow makes sense at the end. We are all connected, that much came through loud and clear. Entered by Canada for Best International Film on Sunday at the Oscars.

rainy day, movie day

 I bundled up with blankets and snacks and hot tea yesterday afternoon to sign up on Peacock once again to watch Conclave and yes, it was well worth the effort. I do suggest subtitles for this film and expect some glorious photography, great acting and a fabulous ending. Religion is politics. People are flawed.