Vicki Hertz

If you love your dog, watch this film, take this story into your heart, and “be the person your dog thinks you are.”

Over done and underwhelming. Relationships of the two couples are like warm, not believable or empathetic. The dialogue in the scene where Marlon Brando and Jean Simmons meet at the mission office is positively Shakespearean giving the script promise. But the promise expires and most of the time the rest of the way it’s somnambulant. There are a few comedic quips, but eventually I thought the story, so weak and contrived, would go on forever. It’s formulaic, the stuff of Hollywood studio musicals of the era, and the era had run out of gas. Now I know why musicals are not Brandon’s forte, and he can hardly dance, and he doesn't need to. Brando and the camera have a powerful relationship. Any other of his films are the ones to see.

We discovered Upload by accident. The premise is an interesting take on AI and beyond, pun intended. The concept gets a little muddled, but just go with it. The variety of characters add comic relief, tenderness and intrigue, and they play off one another to tell a story fun to follow. Crafty writing inserts techno customer service quirks and frustrations we can all relate to in our modern, ever updated world. It’s just light enough to make you think thoughts you may not have thought yet and touch your heart while making you mad as, well, the opposite of heaven.

A very dear film. Kingsley and cast are sweetly, gently delightful. I’m 72. Watching this film at this time in our lives is a tender experience. It’s not necessarily a popcorn movie, perhaps a nice glass of red wine, or a bourbon, but just a touch. Or perhaps you’d prefer a cup of tea. It calls for your attention at a quiet time in your day or evening. No distractions. It’s well worth it.

Fun Christmassy movie. Bring hot chocolate and don’t forget the cookies! Vince Vaughn is the Vince Vaughn on a role! Giamatti is a top notch Santa. This movie is a ride you will be glad you took! Plenty of fun for kiddos of all ages.