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Film reviews

C’mon C’mon Review

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There are times where life seems unfair and too hard, and where navigating life’s struggles is a real challenge. Some issues in life may seem unresolvable. There are many of those scenarios in C’mon C’mon as director Mike Mills brings us a black and white film that is brilliant and touching, and relatable to life in so many ways.

Joaquin Phoenix delivers a knockout performance in C’mon C’mon, as does Gabby Hoffmann as his sister and Woody Norman as his nephew. Phoenix plays Johnny, an introverted radio journalist who is close with his sister Viv, played by Hoffman. Viv’s husband Paul, played by Scott McNairy, is having serious problems, and Viv is struggling to care for her son Jesse, played by Norman. To help out, Johnny takes Jesse on a cross country trip that becomes the focus of the film.

Joaquin Phoenix is one of those actors who can play all kinds of characters with interesting personalities and a wide range of emotions. The connections between Johnny and Jesse in C’mon C’mon are heartwarming, and though there are moments of grief and frustration between the two, Phoenix keeps a laid-back persona throughout the film. Mills use of monochromatic cinematography mirrors Phoenix’s persona.

I found C’mon C’mon relatable in many ways, and I loved the film. I believe this was a role for the ages for Phoenix, and his performance will draw Oscar buzz. And C’mon C’mon may be one of the best films yet for Mike Mills, who really knows how to direct films that centers on life issues. Four stars for C’mon C’mon.

Film reviews

The French Dispatch Review

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Whenever I watch a film by Wes Anderson I ask myself several questions. Who is the antagonist? Who is the one with the ego? Who benefits from the inevitable conflict? Somehow, in Anderson’s films the answers to these questions always seem to come together in the most eccentric and artistic fashion. His newest film, The French Dispatch, is no exception.


The French Dispatch is set in twentieth century France and it follows several stories revolving around a newspaper of that name. It tracks the health issues of Arthur Howlitzer Jr., the editor of the newspaper, played by Bill Murray. There is a story about a cycler named Herbsaint Sazerac, played by Owen Wilson. Another story focuses on Moses Rosenthaler, played by Benicio Del Toro, who is an artist in prison. Rosenthaler is trying to work out a deal for one of his paintings with art dealer Julien Cadazio, played by Adrien Brody. Rosenthaler also has a secret relationship with prison guard Simone, played by Lea Seydoux. And there is a story about a student protest involving a woman named Lucinda Krementz, played by Frances McDormand, and student Zeffirelli, played by Timothee Chalamet.

These stories at first don’t seem related, but they somehow coalesce. The placement of the various characters creates strange illusions, but Anderson always helps his audience put together the pieces of where his eccentric world is going. He also gives us hints before his films are even released, via the trailers and advertisements. The worlds Anderson creates are ones of glamour, the wealthy, and criminals.

Anderson’s character development is unparalleled. He is brilliant, an auteur director of the highest order, and he digs deeper and brings more emotion than usual in The French Dispatch. It is a true masterpiece. I give The French Dispatch four stars.

Film reviews

Dune Review

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Dune is a mesmerizing visual masterpiece. And the visuals, along with Director Denis Villeneuve use of top-notch scoring and sound effects, adds up to sheer brilliance.


Dune is based on the sci-fi novel by Frank Herbert. I remember reading a condensed versions of the book in school, but experiencing Villeneuve’s film version in IMAX is a whole different world.

In Dune, set far in the future, we meet Paul Atreides, played by Timothee Chalamet. He is the son of a prominent and accomplished family around the galaxy. His parents are Lady Jessica Atreides, and Duke Leto Atreides, played by Rebecca Ferguson and Oscar Isaac. Paul is given the power to protect his people, and mankind, from the dangers of their universe. But with little experience and not being able to handle his powers properly, the journey for Paul and the people he loves becomes quite treacherous. With help and inspiration from Gurney Halleck and Duncan Idaho, played by Josh Brolin and Jason Momoa, Paul may have a chance, but there is more to the task than anticipated.


Dune is not your typical sci-fi flick. It is an in-depth experience offering realism and continuity that is spellbinding. In fact, Dune may be one of the best immersive sci-fi experiences of 2021. Watching it in IMAX certainly added to the experience, and is definitely worth the additional cost. We always think of the visuals with IMAX, but the sound in that format is just incredibly crisp and clear as well. There is no better way to get into the mind of director Villeneuve. Seeing it in normal large cinema format would be the next best thing, but watching it at home on HBO Max just wouldn’t do it justice.

I truly enjoyed this film. Three and a half stars for Dune.