Penny Thoughts ‘15—Frank (2014) ***½

R. 95 min.

Director: Leonard Abrahamson

Writers: Jon Ronson, Peter Straughan

Starring: Domhnall Gleeson, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Scoot McNairy, François Civil, Clara Azar, Michael Fassbender

OK. So, tonight is the Grammy’s. “Frank” is a movie about a band that would most likely never win a Grammy or even be invited, for that matter. But, let’s give it a whirl anyway.

So, there’s this kid who dreams of being a musician. He works his cubicle job during the day and waits in his room for inspiration to write songs whenever he’s not at work. I don’t think that’s really how it works, and from the fact that most of the songs he’s inspired to write are actually other songs that he’s heard from popular bands, well… I’m guessing I’m right.

Fargo, season 1 / **** (TV-MA)

Lorne Malvo: Billy Bob Thornton

Molly Solverson: Allison Tolman

Lester Nygaard: Martin Freeman

Gus Grimly: Colin Hanks

Bill Oswalt: Bob Odenkirk

Lou Solverson: Keith Carradine

Greta Grimly: Joey King

Mr. Wrench: Russell Harvard

Mr. Numbers: Adam Goldberg

Chaz Nygaard: Joshua Close

Stavros Milos: Oliver Platt

MGM Television and 20^th Century Fox Home Entertainment present a television series developed and written by Noah Hawley. Directed by Randall Einhorn, Adam Bernstein, Colin Bucksey, Matt Shakman, and Scott Winant. 10 episodes, 2 90-min., 8 60-min. Rated TV-MA (for occasional mild to moderate sexual references throughout, violence & gore, mild language, drinking and some frightening/intense sequences).

We are now deep in the Television Renaissance. Who could’ve predicted the Golden Age of TV would bring zombies to the forefront? Perhaps if anyone could’ve, they’d have also predicted that one of the greatest independent films of the 90’s would find its revival here and be so successful in retaining the original’s spirit, while expanding it’s ideas into a longer running format. “Fargo” is easily the best new television series of 2014.

Penny Thoughts ‘14—The Fountainhead (1949) **

NR, 114 min.

Director: King Vidor

Writer: Ayn Rand (also novel)

Starring: Gary Cooper, Patricia Neal, Raymond Massey, Kent Smith, Robert Douglas, Henry Hull, Ray Collins

I suppose I can see how at one point in time the philosophies of Ayn Rand might’ve held appeal to some, but at this point, her narrow minded ideals seem like a pretty tough sell to me. Back when King Vidor made her novel “The Fountainhead” into a film, with Gary Cooper and Patricia Neal as her idealized leads, maybe her ramblings didn’t sound quite so elitist, although I would guess she wouldn’t have a problem with that term. That’s what is hardest to swallow from her for me, the way she sees “the people” as something lesser than her characters.

Penny Thoughts ‘14—The Final Member (2014) ***

R, 75 min.

Directors: Johan Bekhor, Zach Math

Featuring: Sigur∂ur Hjartarson, Tom Mitchell, Páll Arason

“The Final Member” is not a documentary for those with weak stomachs. It really doesn’t try to be gory or gratuitous, but frankly I didn’t ever want to see the body part of its subject in the way we see it here.

“The Final Member” is a documentary about the world’s only penis museum. Sigur∂ur Hjartarson founded the Icelandic Phallological Museum from his own personal collection of penises. It features an amazing variety of penises, from some of the largest phalluses in the world to some of the smallest, but until recently the one species he couldn’t seem to obtain a specimen from was a human. This movie documents his efforts to obtain one.

Penny Thoughts ‘14—Force 10 from Navarone (1978) ***

PG, 118 min.

Director: Guy Hamilton

Writers: Robin Chapman, Carl Foreman, Alistair MacLean (novel)

Starring: Robert Shaw, Harrison Ford, Edward Fox, Carl Weathers, Franco Nero, Richard Kiel, Barbara Bach, Alan Badel, Michael Byrne, Angus MacInnes, Philip Latham

My wife and I have always been pretty protective of our children when it comes to exposing them to mature content in movies. I believe it depends on the person as to what they can handle by which age. Some kids will handle things better at an earlier age than others. By this point both of our older boys (13 and 9) have long since been exposed to all sorts of violence through video games and playing with their friends. Seeing “Fury” recently, I was reminded how much war movies helped to form my tastes as a cineaste and I realized that I have never shown my boys a real war movie. So, I decided to start them on the one I believe my father started me on, Alistair MacLean’s follow up the “The Guns of Navarone” and early Harrison Ford flick “Force 10 from Navarone”.

Fury / **** (R)

Don ‘Wardaddy’ Collier: Brad Pitt

Norman Ellison: Logan Lerman

Boyd ‘Bible’ Swan: Shia LaBeouf

Trini ‘Gordo’ Garcia: Michael Peña

Grady ‘Coon-Ass’ Travis: Jon Bernthal

Captain Waggoner: Jason Isaacs

Columbia Pictures presents a film written and directed by David Ayer. Running time: 134 min. Rated R (for strong sequences of war violence, some grisly images, and language).

“Ideals are peaceful. History is violent.”

                                   —Sgt. Don Collier, “Fury”

French filmmaker Francois Truffaut is often cited as having said, “There is no such thing as an anti-war film.” I’ve always had a problem with this notion. I’ve been a fan of war films almost my entire life. I suppose it’s a statement like that one that would inspire Truffaut’s belief that to make a war film is to glorify war. Most critics of war films cite Hollywood’s insistence upon some sort of sentiment as the glorifying factor. But it is sentiment that allows us an entry into the human aspect of war. While war films have given me an appreciation for what it takes to be a soldier and a pretty good appreciation of history, what they have never done is make me want to be a soldier or experience war in even the most peripheral way. There is a degree of sentiment to the new war film “Fury”, but it would be hard for anyone to argue that it glorifies war.

Penny Thoughts ‘14—A Field in England (2014) ***

NR, 90 min.

Director: Ben Wheatley

Writer: Amy Jump

Starring: Julian Barrett, Peter Ferdinando, Richard Glover, Reece Shearsmith, Michael Smiley, Ryan Pope

Voice: Sara Dee

“A Field in England” is one of those movies that is probably enhanced by watching under the influence of a serious hallucinogen. It’s shot in black & white so your mind can fill in the colors. That being said, it also takes place in a setting that seems very non-psychedelic. It takes place amid the Civil War in 17^th Century England. Before this film I knew nothing of any Civil War in England in the 17^th Century, and now I still don’t. I think the setting probably has some significance that would be lost on most Americans, myself included, but it is of little importance when all is said and done.

Penny Thoughts ‘14—Free Birds (2013) ***

PG, 91 min.

Director: Jimmy Hayward

Writers: Scott Mosier, Jimmy Hayward, David I. Stern, John J. Strauss

Voices: Owen Wilson, Woody Harrelson, Amy Poehler, George Takei, Colm Meaney, Keith David, Dan Fogler, Jimmy Hayward

“Free Birds” is a perfectly enjoyable family movie. In fact, I’ll give it extra points for its irreverent humor, which rears up even before the movie starts with a pre-movie disclaimer that states there my be some historical inaccuracies found within its tale, but the talking turkeys are totally historically accurate. Also one of the lead turkeys is clearly insane, which is always a nice quality in a turkey for the adults in the crowd. We like those less predictable elements in our family films.

The Fault In Our Stars / *** (PG-13)

Hazel: Shailene Woodley

Gus: Ansel Elgort

Frannie: Laura Dern

Michael: Sam Tremmell

Isaac: Nat Wolff

Van Houten: Willem Dafoe

20^th Century Fox presents a film directed by Josh Boone. Written by Scott Neustadter & Michael H. Weber. Based on the novel by John Green. Running time: 125 min. Rated PG-13 (thematic elements, some sexuality and brief strong language).

You’ve seen this story before. A young person is diagnosed with a terminal illness. She hasn’t had a chance to live life or even grow up, and she’s already facing death. She meets someone who not only changes her life, but her perspective on life, and she can face her fate with more dignity than before. Yes, it’s been done before; but here, it is not only done well, but it contains a surprising twist and touches upon something that these stories often don’t. The afflicted person is not the only person in her scenario. There are others in her life that care for her and adjust their own lives for her affliction, and the most important thing for the person who is dying is that her death affect those around her as little as possible, which is just simply not possible.

Penny Thoughts ‘14—The Fisher King (1991) ****

R, 137 min.

Director: Terry Gilliam

Writer: Richard LaGravenese

Starring: Jeff Bridges, Robin Williams, Mercedes Reuhl, Amanda Plummer, Michael Jeter, David Hyde Pierce

“The Fisher King” contains one of the single most astounding bits of acting I’ve seen. It isn’t performed by the Oscar-nominated Robin Williams for his role. No, this piece of acting is provided by the equally talented, but overlooked for this performance, Jeff Bridges, who plays the actual lead of the film. Yes, Bridges, as Hollywood royalty, has had the industry’s heart for quite a while and has gained more nominations than Williams and was finally honored by the Academy with his award winning role as a country singer in “Crazy Heart” in 2010, but at the time it was Williams who was the bigger name despite the fact that Bridges carries the story. What Bridges pulls off in the first five minutes of this film, however, is nothing short of remarkable for any actor.

Penny Thoughts ‘14—From One Second to the Next (2013) ****

NR, 34 min.

Director: Werner Herzog

I’m not going to say much about this one because the movie should speak for itself. I must, however, mention that fact that renowned filmmaker Werner Herzog has directed this short documentary about texting and driving. It’s remarkable how a master craftsman and artist can draw power into what is essentially a public service or educational movie. Every driver should be required to watch this movie.

Penny Thoughts ‘14—A Fantastic Fear of Everything (2014) ***

R, 100 min.

Directors: Crispian Mills, Chris Hopewell

Writer: Crispian Mills

Starring: Simon Pegg, Alan Drake, Clare Higgins, Paul Freeman, Amara Karan, Golda John, Tuyet Le, Tamzin Griffin, JJ Stanness, Jacqui Chan

It appears that playing Scotty in the “Star Trek” movies hasn’t gone to Simon Pegg’s head. He’s still willing to run around in disgusting looking underwear and make an all around arse of himself in a British indie comedy. While “A Fantastic Fear of Everything” opened in British theaters in the summer of 2012, it didn’t make it to the states until this February in a very limited theatrical run. Now, it’s available on Netflix Instant and makes for a surprisingly enjoyable Brit-humor horror/comedy.

Penny Thoughts ‘14—Frozen (2013) ****

PG, 102 min.

Directors: Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee

Writers: Jennifer Lee, Chris Buck, Shane Morris, Dean Wellins, Hans Christian Anderson (story “The Snow Queen”)

Voices: Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Goff, Josh Gad, Santino Fontana, Alan Tudyk, Ciarán Hinds

“Frozen” is a remarkably entertaining instant animation classic. I know that’s not exactly news, but as the father of boys—and one girl who has no interest in movies—“Frozen” wasn’t exactly on anyone’s must see list in theaters. And yet, somehow everybody seemed to nonchalantly vote to see the movie for our family movie night this week. Imagine the boys. “Whatever. I don’t care,” as they stared intently at the screen.

Penny Thoughts ‘14—Footloose (1984) ***

R, 107 min.

Director: Herbert Ross

Writer Dean Pitchford

Starring: Kevin Bacon, Lori Singer, John Lithgow, Dianne Wiest, Christopher Penn, Sarah Jessica Parker, John Laughlin, Elizabeth Gorcey, Frances Lee McCain

So, Friday was the 30^th anniversary of the theatrical release of the 80s classic “Footloose”. I’m sure anyone who cares has already seen Kevin Bacon’s reenactment entrance on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon from Friday’s broadcast. Here’s the thing. Although I watched the Tonight Show Friday, and knew what they were doing, I’d never seen the original context they were honoring. Gasps abound. A child of the 80s who never saw “Footloose”? Heaven forbid!

Penny Thoughts ‘14—From Up On Poppy Hill (2012) ***½

PG, 91 min.

Director: Goro Miyazaki

Writers: Hayao Miyazaki, Keiko Niwa, Tetsurô Sayama, (original story and comic), Chizuru Takahashi (comic)

English voices: Sarah Bolger, Anton Yelchin, Charlie Saxton, Gillian Anderson, Jamie Lee Curtis, Beau Bridges, Chris Noth, Aubrey Plaza, Emily Osment, Ron Howard, Christina Hendricks, Isabelle Fuhrman, Bruce Dern, Emily Bridges, Jeff Dunham

I didn’t know much about last year’s Studio Ghibli film “From Up on Poppy Hill”, when I decided to screen it for my Family Movie Night this week. I didn’t even know that it would tie in with my Olympic themed movies over the two weeks of the Sochi Olympics, but it does. I did know that Goro Miyazaki, son of the Japanese animation master Hayao Miyazaki, directs it. I did know that it is co-written by Hayao. I knew it didn’t involve the spirit magic that often occupies much of Miyazaki’s work. I knew it involved a human drama of sorts. I didn’t know if my kids would like it.

Penny Thoughts ‘14—Firefox (1982) ***

PG, 136 min.

Director: Clint Eastwood

Writers: Alex Lasker, Wendell Wellman, Craig Thomas (novel)

Starring: Clint Eastwood, Freddie Jones, David Huffman, Warren Clarke, Ronald Lacey, Kenneth Colley, Klaus Lowitsch, Nigel Hawthorne, Stefan Schnabel, Thomas Hill, Clive Merrison, Kai Wulff, Dimitra Arliss

I’ve loved “Firefox” from the first time I saw it. Much of that has to do with the fact that my father was a fighter pilot and he loved it. He pointed out almost immediately to me that the Firefox wasn’t really a Russian MiG, but looked like a suped up North American XB-70 Valkyrie, although it was described as looking like a MiG-25 in the book. My father read many military based novels, so I’m guessing he had read Craig Thomas’s 1977 book before seeing the movie.

Holiday Thoughts ‘13—The Family Man (2000) ***

PG-13, 125 min.

Director: Brett Ratner

Writers: David Diamond, David Weissman

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Téa Leoni, Don Cheadle, Jeremy Piven, Saul Rubinek, Joseph Sommer, Makenzie Vega, Jake Milkovich, Ryan Milkovich, Lisa Thornhill, Harve Presnell, Mary Beth Hurt, Amber Valletta, Francine York, Ruth Williamson

I’m pretty sure I’ve written this before, but like many, I wasn’t thrilled with “The Family Man” the first time I saw it. It was kind of a let down. It wasn’t as funny as I’d hoped. It wasn’t as happy as I’d expected. I think that’s because it never lets its main character off the hook.

Penny Thoughts ‘13—Frances Ha (2013) ****

R, 84 min.

Director: Noah Baumbach

Writers: Noah Baumbach, Greta Gerwig

Starring: Greta Gerwig, Mickey Sumner, Adam Driver, Michael Zegen, Charlotte d’Amboise, Grace Gummer, Patrick Heusinger

You’ll hear a lot of comparisons to Woody Allen when people speak of the Noah Baumbach and Greta Gerwig movie “Frances Ha”. Certainly there must have been some conscious choice on the filmmakers’ parts to have their fresh film match the look and feel of some of Allen’s films, especially his black and white “Manahattan”. Gerwig is also one of the closest things in the female form to Allen in her ability to just let her self go and yet convey a self-consciousness that informs her comic being. But, I hesitate to leave this wonderful film at Woody Allen comparisons alone. It deserves more credit than homage.

Penny Thoughts ‘13—The Forward Pass: A Football Life (2013) ***

TV-PG, 45 min.

Featuring: Chuck Klosterman, Boomer Esiason, Bill Walsh, Joe Namath, Steve Young

Narrator: Josh Charles

I’ve now reviewed three of NFL Network’s episodes of “A Football Life”. The first two I did out of my fanaticism for everything involving the New York Football Giants. This one I do out of love for the game, and this one seemed to be the most informative of any of the documentaries I’ve seen from the NFL. I actually learned a thing or two about football watching this doc.

Penny Thoughts ‘13—Flashdance (1983) **

R, 95 min.

Director: Adrian Lyne

Writers: Tom Hedley, Joe Eszterhas Jr.

Starring: Jennifer Beals, Michael Nouri, Lilia Skala, Sunny Johnson, Kyle T. Heffner, Lee Ving, Rob Karabatsos

I’ve been doing this thing lately where I just can’t resist catching up on iconic movies available on Netflix instead of keeping up with more recent releases to home video. Notice I used the term “iconic” rather than “classic”. The latter term implies a degree of quality that I’m not necessarily seeking out in my retrospective viewing. So, I’m not necessarily consuming great cinema, but I am catching up on movies that made some sort of impact in my youth that I never had the chance to see for myself.