FULL SPOILER-FREE REVIEW @ https://www.msbreviews.com/movie-reviews/other-films-watched-spoiler-free-review-sundance/#jane "Call Jane presents a compelling premise focused on women's rights, remarkably elevated by excellent performances from Elizabeth Banks, Sigourney Weaver, Chris Messina, and Wunmi Mosaku. An interesting, engaging first act quickly grabs the viewers, featuring a well-written screenplay and clever use of witty songs. However, the story gradually loses momentum, becoming repetitive and dull. Practically every meaningful point is made during the first half, so the last hour feels a bit redundant and irrelevant, except for one particular development. Pacing issues arise to the overlong runtime and Phyllis Nagy's attempt to cover too much ground. Also, the emotional attachment with the protagonist and the narrative itself is on-and-off throughout the film. A good effort, nonetheless." Rating: C-
Elizabeth Banks ("Joy") and her husband "Will" (Chris Messina) are rather joyfully expecting a late arrival into their 1960s family when it transpires that she has an heart condition that her doctor suggests could prove extremely perilous so long as she remains pregnant. Desperate, she turns to "Jane" after reading a billboard that suggested there may be help at hand. $600 and a visit to "Dr. Dean" (Cory Michael Smith) and all may be dealt with? Not if "Virginia" (Sigourney Weaver) has anything to do with it for she is the facilitator of a small group of women determined to help others who find themselves in a similar predicament. Of course it's all illegal - and the film now takes on a frequently darkly humoured trip that sees this initially rather reticent (and innocent) woman realise that more needs to be done, and to take some, frankly, rather innovative and courageous steps so to do. As far as the integrity of the medical science goes, I suspect this is massively over-simplistic, but in light of current events in the United States, it does shine a light on the difficulties families (single or otherwise) have in obtaining adequate and affordable medical care when they are faced with the unpleasant realities of an unwanted pregnancy. There is the odd bit of politicking going on - the prioritisation of victims getting support proving quite a potent source of debate and that, too, does offer food for thought. Banks reminded me of Elizabeth Montgomery from "Bewitched" for much of this; Weaver, though not exactly prominent here, offers a bit of depth and there is a strong effort from both the increasingly bamboozled Messina and from Wunmi Mosaku's "Gwen". It does begin to recycle itself a little towards and ending that didn't make a great deal of sense to me and the conclusion, despite this being over 2 hours long, seemed a bit rushed - but it is still an entertaining piece of cinema with an underpinning message that is probably more relevant now that for many a year.
This Canadian made comedy/drama, set in Hamilton, Ontario in 1954, is a sweet and - at times - goofy story that becomes increasingly poignant as the minutes tick by. It's the fictional tale of a wayward 9th grader, Ralph (Adam Butcher), who is secretly living on his own while his widowed, hospitalized mother remains immersed in a coma. Frequently in trouble with Father Fitzpatrick (Gordon Pinsent), the principal of his all-boys, Catholic school, Ralph is considered something of a joke among peers until he decides to pull off a miracle that could save his mother, i.e., winning the Boston Marathon. Coached by a younger priest and former runner, Father Hibbert (Campbell Scott), whose cynicism has been lifted by the boy's pure hope, Ralph applies himself to his unlikely mission, fending off naysayers and getting help along a very challenging path from sundry allies and friends.
Movie Star Rating : 6.8 Read More
She is a scientist. He is a Lebanese doctor. They meet at a banquet and fall into a carefree, passionate relationship. But difficulties abound because of his heritage and her loveless marriage. She flies to Havana to sort things out on the beach and in the cabarets. She sends him a ticket, but harbors no illusions that He will join her in this Caribbean melting pot.
Movie Star Rating : 6.1 Read More
David Wiseman is eleven years old and mad about cricket. He has all the kit but none of the skill. When a Jamaican family moves in next door the father starts giving cricket lessons to David, and becomes close to David's mother. But this is 1960's London, and when the locals start making life difficult for the new arrivals, David has to choose between fitting and and standing up for his new friends
Movie Star Rating : 7 Read More
Based on a true story, The Blue Butterfly tells the story of a terminally ill 10-year-old boy whose dream is to catch the most beautiful butterfly on Earth, the mythic and elusive Blue Morpho. His mother persuades a renowned entomologist to take them on a trip to the jungle to search for the butterfly, leading to an adventure that will transform their lives
Movie Star Rating : 6.7 Read More
In the '70s, young Màrja leads a hippie lifestyle in Finland. During a peace march, she meets Fortunato, a young Sicilian, and falls in love with him. They marry and start a family, happily raising two daughters. However, times become hard and Fortunato suggests they move to his old town, where he can find work easily. Màrja accepts, but she'll have to clash with a close-minded and malicious environment as a foreigner in Southern Italy.
Movie Star Rating : 10 Read More
Ellen Burstyn stars as Joan Walker, a mother whose college student son vanishes while traveling from Canada to Colorado. When police fail to investigate, Walker takes matters into her own hands. She and her ex-husband begin a search, but when their son's van is found in Maine brandishing stolen plates, they fear the worst. Now, it's up to a private detective to uncover the chilling truth in this absorbing drama based on a true story.
Movie Star Rating : 7.2 Read More
'Bucket List' is a story of a woman trapped in the confines of her own choices and her journey to self discovery. Madhura Sane is a 40 y.o housewife (by choice) belonging to a quintessential middle/upper middle class family in Pune. One fine day, through a chance encounter, Madhura comes face to face with a choice that could potentially change her whole life. And that choice involves...a Bucket List.
Movie Star Rating : 6 Read More
New York City, October 10, 1965. A group of wooden giant figures from Pamplona, representing Basque culture and traditions, parade down the street; but the local authorities have not allowed the appearance of all of them: due to the racial prejudices that persist in many sectors of society, the participation of two black giants has been banned.
Movie Star Rating : 6.3 Read More
True story about a rape victim who took a stand that rape is never the victim's fault and inspired many other victims who felt shame about what had happened to them to speak out.
Movie Star Rating : 6 Read More
The Beautiful Game 2024 - Movies (Mar 29th)
Heart of the Hunter 2024 - Movies (Mar 29th)
Madu 2024 - Movies (Mar 29th)
The Settlers 2023 - Movies (Mar 29th)
Lousy Carter 2023 - Movies (Mar 29th)
Godzilla x Kong The New Empire 2024 - Movies (Mar 28th)
Winnie-the-Pooh Blood and Honey 2 2024 - Movies (Mar 28th)
Even Hell Has Its Heroes 2023 - Movies (Mar 28th)
Falling in Love in Niagara 2024 - Movies (Mar 28th)
Silent Night 2023 - Movies (Mar 28th)
Double Soul 2023 - Movies (Mar 28th)
Haunting of the Queen Mary 2023 - Movies (Mar 28th)
Uproar 2023 - Movies (Mar 28th)
Peter Five Eight 2024 - Movies (Mar 28th)
Windcatcher 2024 - Movies (Mar 27th)
The Truth vs. Alex Jones 2024 - Movies (Mar 27th)
Easter Evil 2024 - Movies (Mar 27th)
The Iron Claw 2023 - Movies (Mar 26th)
Kung Fu Panda 4 2024 - Movies (Mar 26th)
The Book of Clarence 2023 - Movies (Mar 26th)
Molli and Max in the Future 2023 - Movies (Mar 26th)
Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly - (Mar 29th)
Home of the Year - (Mar 29th)
Deal or No Deal - (Mar 29th)
The 11th Hour with Stephanie Ruhle - (Mar 29th)
The Last Word with Lawrence ODonnell - (Mar 29th)
The Kelly Clarkson Show - (Mar 29th)
Renters - (Mar 29th)
Motorway Patrol - (Mar 29th)
The First 48 Presents Critical Minutes - (Mar 29th)
Theresa Caputo- Raising Spirits - (Mar 29th)
The Cook Up with Adam Liaw - (Mar 29th)
ROH On HonorClub - (Mar 29th)
Taking the Stand - (Mar 29th)
The Trades - (Mar 29th)
Family Guy - (Mar 29th)
We Were the Lucky Ones - (Mar 29th)
Royal Crackers - (Mar 29th)
Summer House - (Mar 29th)
The Nature of Things - (Mar 29th)
Manhunt - (Mar 29th)