Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma
Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma
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After reading this J.D. Vance novel several years ago, two main thoughts came to mind: first, that the book was two to three times longer than it should have been, or needed to be, to convey the message it did, and secondly, and far more importantly, in spite of that mistake the core message was one of the most forthcoming and realistic portrayals of a deeply embedded life-style and culture that not only persists in America, but one that is thoroughly entrenched – far beyond what many other citizens here may think or are e...
At a time when going to the movie theater to enjoy a great film is virtually impossible, it thus seems a fine opportunity to go back and discuss – though Bridges won an Oscar for best actor and Gyllenhaal was nominated in a supporting role – a still, markedly under-appreciated and vastly under-talked about film: “Crazy Heart.” Released in 2009 – at yet another very difficult historical time – and starring the always gritty Jeff Bridges, as well as the equally talented and ethereal performance of Maggie Gyllenhaal, this film,...
Special to Village News Based on the inspiring true story of car racer and infamous automobile designer Caroll Shelby, played by Matt Damon, and the incredibly gifted and innately talented, British car racer Ken Miles, played by Christian Bale, “Ford v Ferrari” is simply magnetic from beginning to end. The story captures viewers’ attention right out of the gate, combining unprecedented acting portrayals by Damon and Bale, and a superbly written story that pits stodgy corporate America both against, and alongside, the true...
Based on a true story surrounding school desegregation in 1971 North Carolina, “Best of Enemies,” starring Taraji Henson and Sam Rockwell, brilliantly and emotionally portrays those extremely heated and controversial times. After an unexplained or inexplicable event, Rockwell, who is the leader of the local Klu Klux Klan, and Henson, who is a local black activist, are cleverly forced to face each others viewpoints – and demons. Simply divine writing of this nature engrosses the viewer throughout the film. Henson’s gritty,...
Disappointment seems to be the prevailing outcome of most films I see these days, and in spite of what appeared like incredible previews and trailers and though I love Matthew McConaughey, I had mediocre expectations at best when entering to see “White Boy Rick.” But wow, I was surprised and completely overwhelmed however. The true story, which is set in the somewhat ravished city of 1980s Detroit, was spectacular – raw, vivid and brutally realistic at times, while darkly humorous, subtly unnerving and emotionally gripp...
After an unprecedented drought of quality dramas over the past six to 12 months, I was lucky enough to see “Disobedience” on DVD. While the storyline evolves rather slowly and is a bit hard to follow initially, nothing could derail the gut-wrenching story of friendship, family, religion, love and loss. As the film commences, three lifetime friends, played by Rachel McAdams, Rachel Weisz and Alessandro Nivola, reconnect after some years of separation. Divine portrayals by all of them adjoin the heavenly writing that, lay...
With a storyline that would bring tears to most people’s eyes, combined with across the board hair- raising acting - including roles big and small - “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” recounts a mother’s monumental grief regarding her daughter, as well as many deeply complicated subplots, involving discrimination and heavy family themes. This film’s writer and director have the audience on the edge of their seats throughout this harrowing tale - each character drawing the audience further into the tangled web. Fran...
This inspiring and edgy recount of the infamous John Paul Getty, and his grandson, is spun masterfully – combining precious family moments with heartless ones. Christopher Plummer and Michelle Williams ('Manchester by the Sea') mesmerize the audience with cat and mouse-like performances (or should I say lion and seemingly far weaker prey) – the audience feeling the claw marks and scratches of desperation from one side, while witnessing the clever roar and thunder of power from the opposition, it being subtly wielded with “ap...
“Ladybird” details the latter part of a girl’s high school years and all the awkward, complicated and emotional elements such a scenario entails. The two main stars, Saoirse Ronan and Laurie Metcalf, render nothing short of epic, raw and deeply sensitive and prickly performances. The supporting cast was equally impressive, leaving significant emotional marks on the audience. About half of this film contained some of the most brilliant moments I have ever seen in any story, while the other part was fumbled so badly, it was h...
"Wonder", starring Jacob Tremblay, Owen Wilson, and Julia Roberts tells one of the most important stories in our world today: one that reflects the ability of people – in this case, primarily children, and young adults – to have open minds and understanding. This film’s message is critically important and needs to be heard by everyone. Often, films of this nature can be so “hokey” and mushy that an important lesson is lost. Such was not the case here, as this story was beautifully delivered on all fronts. The interacti...
Another film closing out 2016 was "Fences", an extremely creative, edgy and multi layered family drama – filled with a heavenly performance by Viola Davis, as well as her supporting cast (Denzel Washington, his sons and close friend). With somewhat overly simple cinematography (as the film mimicked the Broadway play), this film went round after round tackling many angles of human nature – its frailty, flaws, hopes and dreams (some elusive). Focused on raising a family in a "blue collar" Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania setting – i...
