Uncut Gems

Adam Sandler, Lakeith Stanfield,

Julia Fox, Kevin Garnett

NETFLIX

There is something to be said for comedians who are also good in dramatic roles. Adam Sandler proves it is possible.  As Howard Ratner, Sandler digs deep and shines as a compulsive gambling, jewelry store owner in New York. Always in a rush to score the big one, even going as far as buying some rare opal from Africa, which he considers his lucky charm. These type of hustlers always attract shady characters and in this movie there is no shortage of them.

The hustle and bustle of New York's diamond jewelry stores serves as the backdrop. Howard is a nervous gambler, always on the go type. wheeling and dealing. He is also having an affair with one of his employees. Yet fulfills his family and religious duties, obediently.  The plot is fast paced  and tend to use colorful language.  

Sometimes it is difficult to keep up with Howard's chaotic and sleazy lifestyle. Yet at the same time, we can't help but commiserate with his situation and root for him. He strikes as a tragic figure, we all love to hate but we also wish the best for him. For him to be successful in his business. For him to sanely handle his hectic lifestyle. For him to hit it big so maybe, just maybe he is less stressed and panicky.

Adam Sandler is in his 'Jewish' elements. From his wardrobe, to his accent and his manner of doing business.  His realistic portrayal deserves an award for this larger than life role. The haywire plot can be confusing but there is only one reason to watch his dramatic film - Adam Sandler. 

Our Souls at Night

Jane Fonda, Robert Redford

NETFLIX

This tender love story stars two truly talented actors. Both of them in their twilight years but still have great chemistry given that this is their 4th pairing in a movie. Jane Fonda and Robert Redford are legends in the film industry and in this intimate movie, they continue to prove their mettle and their durability in a solemn movie about finding love in one's later years.

Widow Addie Moore (Jane Fonda) knocks on widower Louis Water's door. She has a proposal for him. She wants Louis go to her house and sleep in her bed at nights. Purely platonic as she finds it difficult to fall asleep, when she is all alone at nights. At first, Louis (Robert Redford) was hesitant but then he would show up at the back door of her house as he didn't want any gossip. Eventually, he would show up at her front door and didn't care if they became the talk of the small town.

They have a nice set up until Addie's son Gene shows up. He leaves his little son, Jamie with her as he needs to sort out some marital problems. Jaime is shy but he eventually warms up to his grandmother and Louis. A minor accident leaves Addie disabled but she can still walk with clutches. Gene then decides Addie must live with them so they can take better care of her. Addie is reluctant but soon enough agrees so her little 'agreement' with Louis is permanently cut. But their communication continues through the help of the ever reliable cellphone.

This small town romance is the perfect vehicle to showcase Fonda and Redford's on screen chemistry. Veteran actors which uplifted this otherwise average romance, relying on their acting skills to personify their characters. It is rare that movies feature senior citizens in lead roles and "Our Souls at Night" is a gem in this age of CGI filled superhero blockbusters.

Paddleton

Ray Romano, Mark Duplass

"A comedy Of dramatic Proportions"

NETFLIX

This buddy drama is one of the saddest movies I've seen.  Andy (Ray Romano) lives on the apartment on top of Michael's (Mark Duplass) flat. An unlikely friendship develops between them. 

They are both loner types lacking in social graces but their bond is solid. They even invented their own game which they named "paddleton", a variety of squash, the racket and ball game. They also always watch an old kung fu movie called "Death Punch", together. 

Michael finds out he has liver cancer and decides to take his own life before the disease turns 'messy'. So they go on a short road trip to another town where the (euthanasia) medicines Michael needs are available. Apparently, not all pharmacies sell these kind of medicines, for moral reasons.

Andy and Mark's friendship is purely platonic and I have to emphasize they are definitely not gay. I never got that vibe even though I have read reviews that imply they were. Their bond is endearing because it seems they only have each other as there are no mentions of family or other friends.

The last 20 minutes was intense and quite emotional. It is the scene where Michael decides to end his life. Much to the chagrin of Andy yet he doesn't stop his best friend, either. Mark Duplass did a great job in showing the effects these medicines have on one's body. There was no blood or anything gory involved. In fact, it was quite peaceful to see but it was also tragic and very sad. 

On the other hand, it was refreshing to see Andy move on with his life without Michael, even making small talk (his pet peeve) with his new neighbors (a mother and son) moving into Michael's former apartment.

I don't believe in euthanasia. This film doesn't really justify it. It was portrayed as an option offered to cancer patients so they can get a good quality of life. I may not like it but I do understand and respect their decisions.

"Paddleton" does not aim to be an existential movie and was ranked 186th in the 250 best Netflix movies. It is a simple narrative about an affinity between two people who may not have anything in common but are drawn to each other and have a lasting brotherly relationship. It is powered by great and credible acting from Mark Duplass and Ray Romano. Romano is  quite a revelation because even though he is  a comedian, he can equally shine in dramatic roles. Just be ready with some tissues, when you see this movie.

The Kindergarten Teacher

Maggie Gyllenhaal, Gael Garcia Bernal,

Parker Sevak

"A Fine line Between nurturing And obsession"

NETFLIX

This remake of a 2014 Israeli film is ranked 163 in the 250 best films on Netflix. It stars the talented Maggie Gyllenhaal as a 40 something kindergarten teacher named Lisa Spinelli. It seems that Lisa is stuck in a rut. 

Her grown children are always busy with their studies and constantly prefer social media over some family bonding times. Her husband Grant is solid yet there is an invisible wall between them.  Lisa is enrolled in a writing class so she can revive her lost dream, a life filled with poetry, supports art, or language. In short, being an intellectual in a world where social media has invaded every single aspect of our lives.

Enter Jimmy, a student in her kindergarten class who can recite his own poetry without any effort. Lisa becomes so fascinated with Jimmy's artistic talent, she even passes his poems as her own in her writing class. It climbs to an obsession as she hounds the little kid to come up with more poems, even giving him her cellphone number so Jimmy can call her up each time he comes up with a poem.

This very simple movie tackles with good precision the really thin line between nurturing pure talent and obsessing over it. For me, Lisa means well. She is part of a dying breed of individuals who prefer books, poetry and anything artistic than be caught up in a world of mediocrity. So I do understand her frustration, and her anguish, but her questionable method of harnessing Jimmy's talent is quite stalker-like and very creepy, indeed.  

On the other hand, there is no doubt that Jimmy is a genius. Even at such a young young, his brain is wired differently. I don't think he can even process just how talented he is. But this does not mean that Lisa can just 'invade' his brain and literally kidnap him, to hold him hostage as what happened towards the open ended conclusion. Mind you, even Jimmy realized that fact when he called the police and told the authorities, he was kidnapped. 

Maggie Gyllenhaal is brilliant in any role and as Lisa, she is very good in capturing the teacher's soulful and spirited persona. The little boy who portrays Jimmy is equally good, given that it is very difficult for child actors to look natural on screen. 

"The Kindergarten Teacher" is a slow burn but also very provocative. My advise is to watch it without being highly judgmental towards Lisa. Instead dig deep, and even though it is difficult, please try to fully understand where she is truly coming from. In these arduous times, tolerance goes a long way. I end with  a quote from Lisa which is sad yet very accurate.

Talent is so fragile and so rare. And our culture does everything to crush it. I mean even at four or five, they're coming into school attached to their phones, talking only about TV shows and video games. It's a materialistic culture, and it doesn't support art, or language, or observation. Even my own children, who are great, they don't read. You know, you think maybe it's just a phase. But I worry that it's something larger. A lack of curiosity. A lack of reflection. No one has space for poetry.