Theft

Monday Nicole and I's apartment was burglarized. I came home from work and found the kitchen window wide open. I went through the house and noticed that our TV, computers, and Nicole's jewelry drawer were gone. Nothing was damaged or knocked over, there was no mess, it looked like they were in and out in less than five minutes. Our neighbor was also hit.

I couldn't find our cat so my initial reaction was one of concern for her, once I found her(hiding under the bed) and made sure she was alright I had some time to soak in what had happened. I felt inconvenienced and sad about the loss of the photos on my computer but I wasn't angry, I wasn't despairing. I called Nicole and when she got home we called the cops. The officer who came was patient and calm but cautioned us these type of things don't typically have a speedy resolution.

The other big loss was two pearl necklaces Nicole had from her grandmother who has passed. The necklaces along with the photos were the two things that hurt the most because of their sentimental value but the other things- the TV, the computers- didn't bother us that much. They were just things.

A lot of friends have reached out over the past couple days offering support which has been incredibly kind and for which we're both really grateful. It's been odd though because the reaction seems disproportionate to what happened. Perhaps I've diminished it and am not really facing it but I don't really think so. Ultimately what they took were just objects, stuff, that, sure, would cost money to replace but it brought into sharp relief all the really incredible things I, we, have in our lives. I'd like to think Nicole and I are already relatively connected on a day-to-day basis but the burglary solidified and strengthened our partnership, we are handling this situations as a team and there's nothing like adversity to temper a relationship. With all the friends and family reaching out, some people who we haven't heard from in a while, it makes me realize how rich our lives are with those people that care about us. We have decent jobs that pay us well with understanding bosses. Food in the fridge. Our first real Christmas tree. Ms. Kitty(our cat). And simple health. Being alive. Nothing like a crime to make you realize how much you take for granted.

With the energizing care of friends what's a TV? With the unshakable support of family what's a laptop? With your loving partner by your side what can't you face?

'Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them' A Review

Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them is a fantasy film, a continuation of the Harry Potter universe, about British wizard Newt Scamander(Eddie Redmayne) who travels to NYC on his way to Arizona in 1926. Newt quickly encounters Mary Lou Barebone(Samantha Morton) the leader of the ominous anti-magic group New Salem Philanthropic Society, mistakenly exchanges briefcases with baker Jacob Kowalski(Dan Fogler), and runs afowl of Tina Goldstein(Katherine Waterston) a former Auror for the Magical Congress(MACUSA).

Redmayne give a good performance as the eccentric anti-social Newt who displays hidden depths as the film goes on. Waterston is decent as the co-lead but bears the burden of much of the exposition and plot forwarding. Fogler and Alison Sudol as Queenie, Tina's mind-reading sister, are the real stand outs. They give charm, emotion, playfulness, and much needed heart to the film. Morton is somewhat underutilized as the villainous cult leader and Colin Farrell as the suspect chief Auror is good although isn't given material enough to be great.

The real star of the film is the world building. Outside the constraints of the original series author and screenwriter J.K. Rowling and director David Yates have plied their considerable imaginations to bring to life the wizarding world at large with lots of interesting magical creatures and slowly creating the magical mythology of the US. The period setting, beasts, and magic practiced are all writ in sharp and pleasing detail. The magic especially is engaging as the characters are all adults and practice it with substantial more fluidity and grace than in the HP series. Although not exactly narratively tight the film is a fun and entertaining first installment that sets considerable groundwork for what promises to be a rich and interesting expansion of the Harry Potter Universe.

Fantastic magical action, engaging performances, a good start.

See It.

'Christine' A Review

Christine is a biographical drama about Sarasota television news reporter Christine Chubbuck(Rebecca Hall) as she struggles with job fulfillment, romance, and depression. The film opens on Christine doing a fake interview with Nixon ostensibly for her reel, we then follow her as she prepares a segment for that evenings news broadcast. She produces interesting pieces although not in the "if it bleeds, it leads" style the station manager Michael(Tracey Letts) has been asking for. She has stilted but still relatively warm interactions with all her co-workers, volunteers at a local children's hospital where she does puppet shows, and lives with her mother to varying degrees of normalcy. As the film progresses Christine falls short of the high romantic and professional goals she has set for herself which thrusts her into deeper and deeper despair.

Hall gives a tour de force performance, the most meaty and ecstatic of her career, she finds an incredible balance of the mental illness and anti-social nature of Christine with a lively sense of charm, wry humor, and empathy. You never question that her mother and co-workers like her but you understand clearly that they are challenging relationships. Letts gives a great turn as the harrowed boss, he and Hall share some entertaining combative scenes which are underscored by the clear affection and respect between the characters. Michael C. Hall, Timothy Simons, Kim Shaw, and most notably Maria Dizzia round out the news room and give dimension and emotion to the ensemble. Christine although not a success as she would see it is liked and respected by her co-workers, there is no cliched bullying or ill treatment. In reality we seemingly get an engaging look at how a local news room may have functioned during that time and are invited into their seemingly insular club with warmth.

Rich visuals, an eerie foreboding score, and the use of super 8 footage and repeated scenes of the news team manipulating film serve to elevate this already captivating tragedy to real artistry.

A stunning lead, a rich ensemble, sharp  engaging production design.

Don't Miss It.

Restless

We have a long history
of zoomorphizing
applying
fox cunning
dog loyalty
lion regality
housecat fastidiousness
to our fellow humans
but perhaps the most apt,
our most true kin
is the shark
with whom we share
the grave and incessant need
for movement
the only destination
forward
the only moment
the next
and the next
and the next
constantly reaching
never arriving.

'Nocturnal Animals' A Review

Nocturnal Animals is a story-within-a-story melodramatic thriller about the ennui of rich and stylish LA artist Susan Morrow(Amy Adams) as she grapples with the infidelity of her husband Hutton(Armie Hammer) and plunges into the manuscript of her ex-husband's novel also titled Nocturnal Animals. The narrative shifts from Susan dramatically supine on beautiful furniture reading the novel to the actual plot of the novel to flashbacks filling out Susan and her ex-husband Edward's(Jake Gyllenhaal) brief and overwrought marriage.

Adams is stunningly misused as the vapid and emotionally uncomprehending lead. As one of the greatest actors currently working, not to mention her excellent turn in just last weeks Arrival, her terrible performance can be fully attributed to an obvious and spurious script and contrived directing. Gyllenhaal is not awful as Edward/Tony(the father in the novel) but this seems like his latest in a long list of tortured Oscar nomination grabs. Hammer, although given a thankless part, is bland to the point of irritation. As time goes on the promise he showed in The Social Network seems more and more to have been a fluke. Aaron Taylor-Johnson as the novel's villain lacks any menace or dimension, a wasted effort, another "handsome" actor whose early promise(Kick-Ass) has yet to bear fruit. Michael Shannon as the novel's detective is the one bright spot of the entire film, imbuing the character with his always constant immediacy, wry humor, danger, and emotional complexity.

The main problem with the film is that the story is uninteresting, trite, recycling. The Adam's character and its machinations are uncompelling, the character is rich, oblivious, and pretentious. The novel narrative is an overused and off putting plot device- hooligans assault a man's wife and child while he is rendered impotent then seeks revenge. In this day and age that kind of plot device is boring and offensive. The characters lack dimension and emotion and the story in which the navigate we've seen countless times. Everyone looks very good though.

All style, no substance. Worst of the year contender.

Don't See It.

'The Eagle Huntress' A Review

The Eagle Huntress is a documentary about young Mongolian girl Aisholpan who attempts to be the first female eagle hunter. The film opens on an eagle hunter in the mountains releasing his golden eagle after seven years of service. Accompanying this is narration describing the long patriarchal tradition of nomads hunting with golden eagles. For the remainder of the film we follow Aisholpan as she goes to school, is trained by her father to eagle hunt, competes in a eagle hunting competition, and ventures out on the winter ice to hunt for herself.

The landscape is beautiful but what has even more grace is Aisholpan herself who navigates her unprecedented passion with bravery and a quiet assurance, her uncompromising drive to be an eagle hunter pairs with her unwavering confidence that she has the right to do what she wants to do to make her, in a way, transcend the incredible boundary she is breaking. She is a unique and captivating young woman who happens to be doing this thing no one has ever done before. What also becomes clear is the devotion, love, pride, and support of her family which is unflinching in the face of some shockingly brazen sexist posturing.

Although the film focuses mostly on the actual fundamentals and nature of eagle hunting, which is fascinating and majestic in and of itself, the subtleties of the ancient male-only president being broken are what make it so powerful.

An inspiring and poignant true story that affirms the power of the individual.

See It.

Bundled Up

There is comfort
in being prepared-
the warmth
of a sensible jacket,
the snug fit
of a knit cap,
the security
of suitable gloves-
that wondrous equilibrium
when the outfit
both shields
and compliments
the chill breeze,
for a moment
impregnable
and perfect.

Proper packaging bears fruit.

'Tower' A Review

Tower is a documentary about the 1966 shootings at University of Texas at Austin. The film contains archival footage, animated reenactments, and interviews woven together with an artistry which elevates the film beyond the straight-forward PBS style documentary it may at first appear to be. It recounts the 96 minute shooting on 8/1/66 in almost real time from the perspectives of the victims, participants, and onlookers spending almost no time on the identity or possible motivations of the shooter.

What becomes abundantly clear is the confusion and the terror the event provoked and how long it took for what was happening to become clear. In this age of cell phones and instant communication the way not only the event unfolded on campus but throughout the world is fascinating. It creates a stark contrast to the bloated media landscape in which we live today. After the event has been set up the film turns away from the specific circumstances and delves into the numerous acts of human compassion and bravery the tragedy provoked.

The fluid cuts and transitions from animation to real footage create a more visceral recounting of the event than a more cut-and-dry recitation of the events would be. We certainly get substantial who was where when type of information but time and again the film turns away from the specific facts to what the individuals who experienced it were thinking and feeling in the moment. And that focus is what is engaging and heartbreaking and inspiring. It makes the film rise above the historical into something much more potent.

A visually complex and emotionally captivating memorial, emphasizing collective courage over individual cruelty.

Don't Miss It.

'Arrival' A Review

Arrival is a science fiction thriller about government recruited linguist Dr. Louise Banks(Amy Adams) learning and communicating with one of twelve seemingly benign alien envoys spread all around the world. The film opens on a flashback montage of Banks' daughter's childhood, illness, and premature death. when Banks' is pulled into the alien mystery flashbacks reoccur and strengthen as she delves deeper and deeper into the alien language. She is partnered with astrophysicist Ian Donnely(Jeremy Renner) and supervised by Colonel Weber(Forest Whitaker). The team eventually has to race against time to discern the alien's intentions before other governments engage in full on warfare.

Adams gives a nuanced, emotive, definitive lead as she almost always does. Complex and strong she facilitates our engagement not only with the central linguistic mystery and the international tension but provides the sorrow and strength of the individual. Renner is decent as, essentially, the sidekick but doesn't have a ton of screen time, nor is he really needed. Whitaker is the only one to equal the presence of Adams and gives a kind and confident turn as the Colonel in charge without unnecessary macho posturing or authority. The remaining cast are all serviceable but the film is not really about them and so they are, justly, on the periphery.

The cinematography of the film is dark and compelling. There are wide establishing shots that utilize CGI but the majority of the action and the focus is on the intimate. Adam's character entering the alien ship and interacting with the aliens. The effects and visuals employed are engaging not only in their detail and ability to heighten and accent the moment but in their welcome restraint. The effects serve to augment the tension initially but then over time they intensify and clarify the emotional and political stakes. For a film with aliens and smoke writing this melding is especially impressive.

The film is satisfying not only as thriller and science fiction but is inspiring as allegory especially so given our current socio-political climate. Adam's gives us a strong, scientific lead who focuses on the commonalities with the aliens as well as good old human hard work, understanding, and compassion to avoid a potential international crisis.

An important and prescient piece of filmmaking.

Don't Miss It.

Perseverance

The irony is that fatalism is futile. There is no benefit to doom. Certainly a moment of despair or a time of mourning is something we are all entitled to. But remaining in a place of fear, wallowing in ennui does not serve us personally nor does it effect the society in which we remain. We move on by moving forward, we survive by taking action.

Yes, this election has been brutal. Yes, this outcome is heartbreaking and terrifying. But out of this pain, out of this loss there are opportunities. This pain provides an opportunity to come together as compassionate humans. Provides a real and compelling chance to unite. Not only is it a time to reach out to our friends and family for fellowship but it is a time to connect more broadly, rigorously exercise our empathy and understanding, because only by recognizing each other as thinking feeling valued humans can we hope to weather the coming trials. It also allows us an enemy that is distinct. Apathy has slowed progress for years, with hate and aggression writ large and loud on a national scale there are no excuses left, we must and will take action.

On taking action. To men I suggest this is a time to listen and follow more than speak and lead, whatever the conversation, whatever the battle it is not for us to define. What we can all do, the tools of progress and change remain what they have always been- organize, march, vote, donate. Social organizations will need financial support in the coming months and years more than ever. And aside from the philanthropic we vote with our dollars, research the companies you are giving your money to and be discerning about where and what you purchase.

And life goes on. Life endures. The sun will rise and set tomorrow. There'll still be Thanksgiving and 2017 will still come. We still have to commute and go to work and decide what to do on Sunday afternoon. There are still pleasures, large and small, still love and companionship and joy. The future may look bleak but its reality is something we can determine. We have the choice on how to proceed and I suggest moving forward with hope and kindness. For even the smallest act of generosity can make a ripple that becomes a wave. One day at a time, one hour at a time, one moment at a time we can make the choice not to succumb to darkness but to live in the light.

Fear is the mind-killer. Struggle not submission.

Be True

As you wept
in our bed
I did not know
what to do

I could not know
your despair
or the pain
that ran through you

There are things
that can be shared
but others only
to be endured

Sometimes words
cannot heal
and assurances
have no weight

So I gave what I had-
my ears
and the warmth
of my embrace

For today
it was enough.

'Moonlight' A Review

Moonlight is a lyrical and rich coming of age drama set in Miami focusing on the same character, Chiron, over three different time periods. The film opens on Juan(Mahershala Ali) a drug dealer as he checks in on one of his corners. A group of kids chase Chiron in this first act called Little(Alex Hibbert) who eventually hides in an abandoned apartment. Little is later found and befriended by Juan. Little's controlling mother Paula(Naomie Harris) has a burgeoning but object's to Juan's involvement in her sons life. The second act follows the solemn and introspective Chiron(Ashton Sanders) as he navigates high school and develops a deeper connection to his childhood friend Kevin. The third act sees Chiron now called Black(Trevante Rhodes) as a drug dealer in Atlanta as he returns to Miami to reconnect with Kevin(André Holland).

Across the board the entire cast gives incredibly dynamic, layered, passionate performances. All three actors that play Chiron do so with a depth, nuance, and believability that is magnetic. Although there is some physical resemblance between them the three actors manager to each capture the spirit of this compassionate soul. Ali gives one of the most confident and compelling performances of his career with little flash but incredible weight. Harris as Chiron's mercurial mother conveys such complexity in the somewhat limited screen time she has. Holland as the third iteration of Kevin exudes a quiet calm, playfulness, and empathy that is stunning in its beauty. Truly from the smallest to the largest role there is no casting misstep. A perfect ensemble.

The saturated and compelling visuals paired with the affecting at times eerie score serve not to heighten the narrative but meld with it, imparting just as much information and emotion as the characters and dialogue. At times surreal and dreamlike, at times hopelessly real Moonlight is cinema exceeding its potential. Poetic and stirring with a striking human resonance.

One of the best films of the year.

Don't Miss It.

'Doctor Strange' A Review

Doctor Strange is a superhero film about obnoxious genius neurosurgeon Stephen Strange(Benedict Cumberbatch) who's hands are crippled after an auto accident. After modern medicine offers no solution he travels east to delve into mysticism and magic for an answer. Under the tutelage of The Ancient One(Tilda Swinton) and Karl Mordo(Chiwetel Ejiofor) Strange learns of the fight against fallen student Kaecilius(Mads Mikkelsen) and his service to malevolent being from the Dark Dimension Dormammu.

Cumberbatch is charming and wry as the titular hero, offering a pleasing and engaging lead if a character relatively similar to Iron Man's Tony Stark. Rachel McAdams as the love interest is grounded in reality and provides a freshness previously unseen in the MCU. Swinton, Ejiofor, and the villainous Mikkelsen all put in fun turns but depth is sacrificed for visual splendor and action.

The imagery of the film is incredibly rich doubling down on the ascetic of Inception with its kaleidoscoping cityscapes and interiors. The magic is also captivatingly rendered, an original realization of the "mystic arts" helps elevate the playful if relatively formulaic plot.

Fun and likable performances, fresh and stunning visuals, if a somewhat too tried and true origin story.

See It.

A Child's Cruelty

Once like
little beasts
we children
bared our teeth
and bit
to bleed
knowing not
nor caring
whose pain
it guaranteed,
deeds
were done
without
regard
to blame
or shame
or need,
for youth
grasps no
consequence
nor the sting
of empathy,
only time
can reach
and teach
those
necessities.

On Grief

We all grieve in our own way. Whether we commiserate or sit silently, whether we weep or anger, whether we recount memories or distract with humor. We all have our own process we must deal with in order to come to terms with loss. What we cannot do is bottle it up and ignore it. We must engage with our grief, we must feel, we must face it, the pain is ours to be experienced and grappled with and incorporated into ourselves as we move on. It is not some foreign thing to be scorned, as difficult as that can be.

Last week a friend passed away. He was 25. It is a tragedy and it is painful. He was funny and joyful, always grinning with an easy loud near-constant laugh. The fact that he is gone is a shock and as the days go by it still seems unreal, more like a dream or ill conceived prank rather than reality. Like any moment there'll be news there's been some mistake. It will take time.

As I mourn I try to crystallize my memories of James. Our conversations, the time we sat together during shows, the times I saw him perform, our hugs. And more importantly than that I keep in my heart and mind his unbridled joy not only of comedy but of life, his open and relentlessly positive disposition. I will carry that with me forever, as a remembrance and as a guide.

When it comes to death, that frightening and inevitable counterpoint to life, compassion should be our watchword and gratitude our touchstone. The burden of life can be heavy but in sharing it becomes lighter. We all struggle. In reaching out and connecting, in seeking understanding and empathy that struggle is weathered. Each day is precious, each friendship, relationship, family member, success, pleasure, triumph are to be relished and remembered. There is tragedy and cruelty and sometimes it strikes close to home. But there is also love, joy, and companionship. Seek it out and savor it.

The world is capricious. Sometimes life can be fleeting. This is how we go on. One step at a time. One day at a time. Fortifying ourselves with the warmth of friends and family we trudge the road of happy destiny. For today, today we are here.