Kristin Urbinati

Hands down heartwarming, rich and just gives you the feels. I’d probably still rave about this movie since it celebrates family and food, an ode to my childhood growing up with Italian American aunts, uncles and cousins nearby, many holidays and gatherings around the dining room table. The fact that this is based on a true story makes it even more special. The roles are well cast, especially Lorraine Bracco and Brenda Vaccaro as the hilarious feuding nonnas. Well worth a watch. Nicely done Vince Vaughn.

Was ready to hate this since I fondly remember the movie with Allan Alda and Carol Burnett. Well, I’ve been pleasantly surprised. This series provides fresh, updated storylines using the same premise. The series offers more time to explore characters and challenges of relationships. Colman Domingo is a stand out as Danny, Tina Fey once again pulling double duty as the sardonic Kate and writer/executive producer. Will there be a season two? Also, nod of respect to Alan Alda for his csmeo.

Wow, what an understated character and performance by Gene Hackman in this Francis Ford Coppola film. Subtle yet gripping, the film centers in Hackmans role as a surveillance expert, who becomes obsessed by a job, fueled by guilt and paranoia regarding the impending consequences of his work. The cast also includes Cindy Williams, Harrison Ford, John Cazale, Teri Garr and Robert Duvall. Bonus to see 1970’s San Francisco and long gone landmarks. Well worth a watch.

Five episodes in and I’m loving this show. Jimmy Yang is fantastic as the younger brother yearning for life beyond work at his uncles restaurant in Chinatown, and quickly gets caught up seeking the truth behind his late brothers double life. Ronnie Chieng as always is hilarious, this time as Fatty, the iconic angst-ridden waiter. This comedy drama is a gem, a quirky, twisty unexpected surprise, and must see.

Loved this! Ted Danson turns as a charming elder widower hired as a beard in a high end retirement home to investigate a theft. Seriously, the location and resources available at Pacific View are over the top. The residents he befriends are sweet, kind, joyful, grumpy and depressed, who capture themes of loss, loneliness, death and mortality. A funny and moving series, and looking forward to season 2!

Overall enjoyed the quirky characters and evolving twist leading to the resolve. Downside was the greed and deceit displayed, disappointing at times but I know that’s an element of black comedy. The portrayal of different forms of grief was honest and painful.. A highlight? Linda Lavin as the classic nosy neighbor. Entertaining for sure.

Well done Tyler Perry. Thank you for bringing this little known information to light. Well acted by Kerry Washington, as she plays the relentless Charity Adams, fighting a daunting task assigned to her in the military, leading her all Black female batallion with fearlessness and compassion, fighting barriers in addition to the racist white patriarchy. 60+years later we are still here as exhibited by the election. A little predictable in a Disney-like manner, yet well worth watching.

Just meh. I had no emotional investment in any of the three main characters, mainly because was no redeeming value in anyone portrayed in this twisted tennis love triangle. The time jump back 13 years, then to the present, then back again, then last night, … was frustrating and annoying. Some of the tennis shots were well done, as was the music. Loved that many scenes were shot at my Alma mater, a nice surprise. But if that’s my takeaway, that’s all you need to know about this film.

I’m a fan of Japanese history, and intrigued that this current depiction won a bunch of Emmys. I had a hard time following the various feudal lords and who was loyal to whom. Character development of Mariko and Anjin the easiest to follow. They didn’t hold back on the graphic violence regarding seppuku (self disembowelment and beheading). The scenery was stunning, though likely mostly CGI. Costumes were gorgeous. Worth a watch.

Had high expectations given the cast (Hader, Wiig, L. Wilson and Burrell). Seemed to skim the surface regarding depression, and peppered with comedic moments that overshadowed some deeply flawed characters, especially Kristen Wiig’s Maggie. Climax was the lip sync performance to Starship, which albeit enjoyable a little out of place. Sorry, this movie just didn’t work for me.