A few reviews

[Zaharoff]

Two Of Us - 2000 - 7/10



In 1976, Paul drops in on John at the Dakota.
The story "speculates" on what they discuss, later do.
Film omits two other persons who are there that day, Linda and Yoko.
This smacks of a small play, but is enjoyable and well acted.
Aiden Quinn has, perhaps, the tougher part playing Paulie.
His Paul is well grounded, worldly, and not merely the "cute Beatle."
John, holed up in his Dakota fortress, is troubled by demons, though when they go outdoors, the prankster emerges.
Few tunes, by the way.

[njhorror]

Jimmy Buff's large combo at Kenilworth, N.J. location

Solid 4/5 stars

[Zaharoff]

Good Ol’ Freda - 2013 - 6/10



Feel good movie about one of the forgotten inner-circle members of The Beatles entourage.
Freda Kelly, Brian Epstein’s secretary and head of the official fan club.
What secrets Freda knows, she keeps. This is not the doc for dirt or scandal.
Shows her early introduction to group via the Cavern Club, getting the job offer, being accepted by individual Beatles as well as their families.
Vintage photos, different speakers. Perhaps better for older Beatles fans, particularly fan club members.

[Zaharoff]

Snodgrass - 2013 - 6/10



1991, John Lennon is behind in rent and applying for a lowly job.
Some still remember him. “You’re the guy who quit the Beatles!”
This version of the Beatles, however, without Lennon, never quite made it.
Lennon views those around him as dim fools, the man, the wad - - - Snodgrasses.
Angry, sarcastic, bitter, venting when no one gives a damn.
Ian Hart excels as 50 year old washout, spitting rage, cocksure that the lads never ought to have compromised and agreed to sing that “How Do You Do It” trifle.
Unpleasant “what if” story - except - this John still breathes in 1991.

[Zaharoff]

Paul McCartney Really Is Dead - 2009 - 8/10



Where or where to begin with this masterpiece?
In 1999, George Harrison was attacked at his Friar Park estate by a deranged fan.
Except it wasn't a crazy person, this was a hit ordered by MI 5. The same group who offed John Lennon in 1980.
Alarmed, George taped two microcassettes of a dark secret.
Paul McCartney, as we know him today, is a fake.
The real Paul died in 1966 in a car crash after picking up a lovely young fan named "Rita."

This insane "documentary" was one of the funniest things I've watched in years.
After Paul died, a MI 5 operative (Maxwell) installed a substitute to prevent millions of teenage fans from committing suicide. During interviews with random fans, I scoffed at the screen, "Those are American accents."
My bride was more specific, "Brooklyn."
That was one of countless errors and preposterous claims. George on the cassette does not sound like the real George. The Liverpool accent drifts in and out. Sometimes he pronounces his handler Maxwell, other times Mockswell.
If you are past your 40s you likely remember all this crap when it was current. I Was - 28 IF - O.P.D. and other clues. This film was a treasure trove of conspiracy whispers, including a whopper revealed at the end that I will not disclose here.
Paul McCartney Really Is Dead was gloriously, spectacularly awful! A must for fans of bad cinema.

[Zaharoff]

Youth - 2015 - 8/10



Striking visuals enrich a series of vignettes, compact yet powerful, not so much about old age, but more about the ability to recharge. Not to succumb, to stay invigorated in Life.
Michael Caine and Harvey Keitel play very old friends, renowned composer and acclaimed director, relaxing at what can only be defined as an exclusive health spa.
One is in self-imposed retirement, the other struggles to stay relevant.
Multiple characters drift in and around them.
Over the film, one gets an image of who many of the characters were, where they are now, and where they may be going.
Not really an “old fogy” film, as I think many fear. Wonderful feast for film buffs.

Scoring more for visuals: cinematography, set design, colour schemes.
Storylines range from sublime to pedestrian.

[Zaharoff]

Dorian Gray - 2009 - 7/10



Stylish retelling of the Oscar Wilde classic.
Young man who never ages no matter how many sins he commits.
Dark, sexy, perfumed with decadence.
Stunning set design, a high point being Dorian’s house which has a palpable presence.
Insightful audio commentary, as well.
Stars Ben Barnes, Colin Firth, the Witanhurst House in Highgate.
Yes, the house is very much a character.
Decadent rather than Horror, cynicism over splatter.

[Zaharoff]

Code Inconnu: Récit Incomplet de Divers Voyages - 2000 - 7/10
AKA - Code Unknown



Closer translation might be “Unknown Code: Incomplete Stories of Diverse Voyages.”
Brilliant, if challenging film, with scant attempt at linearity.
Tangled storylines weave in and out, clash, or disappear abruptly.
Characters do not listen, do not want to listen. are distracted, are absorbed in their glorious selves.
Communication, human’s so-called forte, is near-impossible. (Deaf children open and close the movie.)
Haneke turns us (cinema viewers) into clueless onlookers.
We can assume backstories, fabricate motivations, or tune out and scroll the phone.

[Zaharoff]

The Art Of The Steal - 2009 - 6/10



Documentary on how Philadelphia politicians, charitable institutes, and foundations, colluded to disregard the stipulated will of mega collector Albert C Barnes, and shift stewardship of a priceless collection to the Philadelphia Museum.
Why? Tourist money in the millions.

The group I viewed this with were appalled.
I argued theft is in our DNA. I referenced the Elgin Marbles, the Hermitage, loot taken by Caesar, Napoleon, Goering, and untold wealth grabbed by Conquistador Spain from Central and South America.
The group chastised me for being cynical. I declined to point out that living room outrage is the equivalent of the social media “Dislike.” The protesting sheep is still mutton.

[Zaharoff]

Auschwitz: The Nazis and the Final Solution - 2005 - 8/10



Outstanding six part documentary of infamous camp.
Digging deeper than the usual horror parade, this shows the early role of the camp, before its metamorphosis into a killing machine.
At first it was intended for political prisoners, then Russian POWs, eventually Jews and all enemies.
Actors employed, as well as reenactments, though producers restrained themselves.
One unforgettable sequence is a lengthy photo montage of children heading into annihilation.
Another sequence is of a camp survivor, returning to her village, finding her home and possessions appropriated by neighbors.
Pointed reminder for idealistic birds who declare such things shall never happen again!