The Experience Driven Life

Beautiful, moving film. A must watch. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10265034/

Nomadland is a tour de force by McDormand. It's also a bleak indictment of our times (American capitalism), a deep reflection on the meaning of life, and a really sad psychological mystery.  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9770150/

Absolutely loved this film, which is a tearjerker in the end -- but this requires patience. A poignant remake of the groundhog day theme. Kathryn Newton and Kyle Allen are both headed for brilliant careers. My fav film so far in 2021.  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11080108/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0

  This is the quintessential 80s movie. Arguably one of Sandler's best roles. I'd forgotten that he had two romantic leads with Barrymore, the second with 50 First Dates. She was terrific here as well. The soundtrack was phenomenal. What a fun, uplifting film. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120888/

  This one was even better than I remembered from nearly a decade ago. Features two of my favorite actors: Watts and McGregor. Hard to watch at times, but frequently uplifting morally. It is profound and dramatic from start to finish. Highly recommend.  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1649419/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3

An intense, beautiful indie film that has redemption in the end. I'll just say that blood is a theme. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9016016/

This was a very smart, fast-paced yet understandably troubling thriller. Isabel May was spectacular -- look to see her have a bright future.  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11456054/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3  

  Ron Howard does it again. Adams and Close were both brilliant. A really moving story about getting out of Dodge (and educated). A must see.  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6772802/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_4

This was a beautiful, haunting post-civil war western. It reminded me of The Road by McCarthy. Hanks was at the top of his game. The message about news is very relevant. Highly recommend. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6878306/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0

  Anya Taylor-Joy. Without her, this series would not be the masterpiece that it is. I absolutely loved this series from the first scene to the last, and the last one may have been the best. The final words, "Let's play" was the perfect poignant bookend. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10048342/

This was a lovely but at times dark western. Diane Lane and Kevin Costner were both magnificent. Thomas Bezucha's screenplay was practically flawless. The scenery was both breathtaking and haunting. Highly recommend. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9340860/reviews?ref_=tt_urv

  This is a lovely, absolutely charming classic romance/comedy film. Sandra Bullock sparkled throughout. I mean she was at the top of her game, but her acting seems seamless. Bill Pullman came in as a close second. Definitely put at the top of your list of oldies (sort of) but goodies.  ttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114924/

One of the best, most creative indie films to land just shy of the turn of the millennia. This one has actually improved in the test of time. I'm a Bartok fan, so the film had me glued with the first scene. I suspect that the release in 1999 was censored v. the one available now, because of the sexual content, but not sure. Cameron Diaz fans should be thrilled by her performance. The Malkovich dance scene was absolutely brilliant. Do see this one again. It's mindbending.  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120601/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3

  This drama/romance has a light, epic yet credible quality to it. There was a lot of good acting (I liked Antonio Banderas as Mr. Saccione especially), and the plot was satisfyingly unpredictable right up to the end. Recommend.  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5989218/

This extremely dark indie masterpiece is seared into our cultural unconscious. Billy Bob Thornton won an Oscar for best screenplay but arguably should have won for his nomination as best actor as well. The film is profoundly unpredictable, and there are moments of understated brilliance. Second time viewing; first time in 1996 I missed a lot. Darker than dark, though.

This was a really powerful, inspiring story about Jackie Robinson who in 1947 despite opposition became the first African-American to play in Major League Baseball. Chadwick Boseman who recently passed away was pefect in the role of the brave 1st baseman, but I thought that Harrison Ford stole the show with maybe his best perfromance ever as Branch Rickey, the forward-thinking manager of the Dodgers who signed Jackson. Great, timely movie for the whole family.  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0453562/?ref_=tt_mv_close

This was excellent and moving. Directed by the guy who brought us American Beauty. Wonderfully acted all around, but I especially appreciated Peter Macdissi who brought exceptional energy to the film. Highly recommend.  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11327514/

This Netflix series was not perfect, but I rank it as one of the best ever. You will be addicted, and it will stick with you. Was Sam Shepard's last role, and it was a good one.  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3520702/

  Scary low budget thriller. A little like Misery. I recommend.  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8633478/

Enjoyed this more than expected. It has a social conscience/clash of generations edge to it. Patrick Schwarzenegger was pretty good, but Michael Shannon really ruled the film. Recommend. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4353270/