A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD – International Trailer

This film is rated PG. In cinemas January 23. 109 minutes.

Lloyd Vogel is an investigative journalist who receives an assignment to profile Fred Rogers, aka Mr. Rogers. He approaches the interview with skepticism, as he finds it hard to believe that anyone can have such a good nature. But Roger's empathy, kindness and decency soon chips away at Vogel's jaded outlook on life, forcing the reporter to reconcile with his own painful past.

"'A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood' isn't so much a biopic as it is a way to look at the way Mr. Rogers affected generations of children, young and grown."

Originally published in The Washington Post, November 20 2019.

Who doesn’t love Mister Rogers? That’s both the rationale and the challenge for any filmmaker attempting to make a movie about the beloved icon of children’s television. Where is the narrative tension in a character so universally cherished? How can you make a Mr. Rogers movie that isn’t a mere nostalgia trip or heaping dollop of cloying sentiment? Perhaps most daunting: Why even try when there’s a documentary — last year’s “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” — that told Fred Rogers’s story so splendidly?

“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” answers all those questions with style and smarts, proving that, with the right cast, script and astute direction, even the most familiar story can feel new — and, given the tenor of these times, urgently needed.

From the miniature village and gentle tinkling music that greeted young viewers of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” back in the 1960s, “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” gets to the point with forthrightness and simplicity that Rogers himself would have admired: Here’s Tom Hanks, tossing his loafers, smiling at the camera in that cozy low-tech Pittsburgh set, inviting us into a world where his persona has ineffably fused with Rogers. “Hello, neighbor.” Just like that, we’re in.

And we’re laughing. Because what looks like a Mr. Rogers show is actually a meta-show-within-a-show, in which we’re introduced to Lloyd Vogel (Matthew Rhys), a magazine writer who actually may be the one person on the planet who doesn’t love Mr. Rogers. Based on the real-life journalist Tom Junod, who wrote a profile of Rogers for Esquire in 1998, Lloyd may be more dysfunctional (and violent) than the real-life guy, but his psychological defenses are basically the same: Assigned to write a brief encomium to an American hero (“400 words. Be nice,” says his editor), Lloyd travels to Pittsburgh with elbows out and eyebrows skeptically raised.

The ensuing interview turns into something more: an enduring friendship and spiritual awakening that ambushes Lloyd and continually subverts his most cynical efforts to dismiss it. Faced with Rogers’s directness and honesty — too often confused with naivete — Lloyd puts up a flummoxed, fruitless fight. Each time they encounter each other he turns into the angry, rejected child that crouches inside him, and walks away confounded, skeptical and a little bit changed.

Of course, Lloyd is the proxy for the audience in “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” which happily accepts the odd eye roll, even as it leans in to Rogers’s own sincerity and moral clarity. Artfully dodging over-sweetness and sanctimony, screenwriters Micah Fitzerman-Blue and Noah Harpster frequently give us permission to laugh, usually in the form of Lloyd’s dumbstruck disbelief at Rogers’ most saintly qualities. Brilliantly directed by Marielle Heller, “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” is enlivened by a witty and clever production design that uses the TV show’s toy-box aesthetic as a transition device and within the narrative itself, allowing viewers to enter Rogers’s world and, sometimes, to gently parody the hokiest aspects of the show.

Hanks’s performance is entirely of a piece with those insightful, imaginative flourishes. If most viewers consider it a no-brainer that Hollywood’s nicest actor — for whom honesty, wholesomeness and kindness is a personal brand — would play Rogers, they’d be mistaken to think his performance is technically easy. Rather than imitate his character’s soft, singsong cadences, Hanks simply slows down his own genial and measured voice. His Rogers is thoughtful, open and emotionally attuned. The “can you say?” caricature is almost instantly banished by the Presbyterian pastor whose power lies in focusing on the person in front of him and simply listening, with compassion and genuine care.

As his relationship with his subject deepens, Lloyd is disarmed enough to come to terms with his own fears as a new parent, as well as with his own estranged father, played by Chris Cooper (the plot line involving Cooper’s character will culminate in a scene that is perfectly orchestrated for both laughs and a few tears). Balancing pathos, humor and Rogers’s practice of radical Christian love and acceptance, Heller lends “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” a light touch and depth of feeling that play off each other in near-perfect balance.

The film’s finest scene — reminiscent of a similar moment in “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” — is the work of a filmmaker of superb judgment and confidence, who knows exactly what her movie is about: not a cuddly figure from baby boomers’ collective past or the “emotional arc” of a flawed protagonist, but those moments of grace — vagrant, unearned, numinous and liberating — that can turn everyday life into a miracle. In an era that seems fatally mired in fear, anger and mistrust, “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” arrives as something more than a movie. It feels like an answered prayer.

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A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood - Reviews and Info

The Biggest Little Farm (Official U.K. & EIRE Trailer)

This film is rated PG. In cinemas January 16. 92 mins.

Documentarian John Chester and his wife Molly work to develop a sustainable farm on 200 acres outside of Los Angeles.

A testament to the immense complexity of nature, THE BIGGEST LITTLE FARM follows two dreamers and a dog on an odyssey to bring harmony to both their lives and the land. When the barking of their beloved dog leads to an eviction notice from their tiny LA apartment, John and Molly Chester naively make the choice to move to the country to build a sustainable farm. The land they’ve chosen, however, is utterly depleted of nutrients and suffering from a brutal drought. THE BIGGEST LITTLE FARM chronicles eight years of daunting work and outsized idealism as they attempt to create a utopia of 10,000 orchard trees, over 200 different crops and animals of every kind – including an unforgettable pig named Emma and her best friend, Greasy the rooster. As their plan to create perfect harmony takes a series of wild turns, they realise that to survive they will have to reach a far greater understanding of the intricacies and wisdom of nature, and of life itself. Beautifully capturing the remarkable scale of the journey and featuring unforgettable characters of both the two and four-legged variety, THE BIGGEST LITTLE FARM is an inspiring and educational story for the whole family.

Originally published in The Guardian, 28th November 2019.

A lovingly made documentary about a couple who move out of LA to farm the land using traditional, environmentally friendly methods.

Those interested in farming, adorable animals and environmentally friendly lifestyles will swoon over this lovingly made documentary made by John and Molly Chester, a pair of Los Angeles-based workers from the media salt mines who upped sticks and bought a farm.

John is a director-cinematographer specialising in wildlife photography, and Molly a chef and food blogger interested in rediscovering traditional farming methods as opposed to the large-scale, pesticide-intensive agriculture that’s highly profitable but ravishes the land. With advice and guidance from biodynamic farming guru Alan York, they bring a large plot with mostly avocado and lemon trees on a dusty sod of exhausted soil back to life, farming a wide variety of fruits and flocks of chickens and ducks whose eggs go down a storm with foodies.

Over the nearly 10 years covered in the film they expand into sheep, cows, and an endearing sow who becomes best buddies with a greasy-looking rooster, all of which John films with great skill and empathy. But it’s to the film’s credit that it doesn’t just become a self-congratulatory, highly professional home movie; Chester responsibly explores the downside and many challenges inherent in their agrarian methods. The couple have to decide whether they should go to war with the coyotes when their fowl flocks are decimated; meanwhile, their pro-diversity approach duly stimulates the bird and mammal population but that also means damaged fruit crops. Then there’s the growing threat from wildfires.

Ultimately, the film opts to accentuate the positive to an almost annoying extent, with sappy backing music and TV-doc-style production values; and some might wonder how exactly, for instance, they managed to raise enough to move out of a Santa Monica apartment and then suddenly buy what looks like a sizeable chunk of real estate. But, like Isabella Tree’s inspiring memoir Wilding, about the rehabilitation of the West Sussex Knepp estate, this might just inspire some to go full on Tom and Barbara Good and get back to nature.

The Biggest Little Farm - Reviews and Info

1917 - Official Trailer [HD]

Two British soldiers embark on a dangerous mission to save 1,600 men from certain doom during World War I.

This film is rated MA15+. Strong war themes.

[For the full review (and others like this) go to Reeldialogue.com]

The combination of talents like director Sam Mendes (American Beauty) and cinematographer Roger Deakins (Blade Runner 2049) should make all fans of film sit up and take notice. A story that is based in the stories from Mendes grandfather and using the one-shot formatting of Deakins will draw fans to 1917. The expectation is high for this project and it manages to deliver on a scale that will leave audiences in awe as the credits roll. 

Even with names like Benedict Cumberbatch, Colin Firth and Mark Strong in the title credits, this is a personal and immersive journey of two young British Corporals on 6 April, 1917. Schofield (George MacKay) and Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) are asked to go on an impossible mission across the Hindenburg Line to stop the Operation Alberich. An assault that is being undertaken to take advantage of an apparent German retreat. Corporal Blake is motivated to get this message through to the front line because his brother is amongst the soldiers slated for this catastrophic attack. 

The two men must cross the battlefield that is strewn with dead bodies, traps and unexpected obstacles. During their covert excursion into enemy territory they must trust one another with their lives and determine if they have the courage to see the assignment through to completion. The Germans give the impression that they have left all behind and are preparing for a final standoff. These forces leave behind destruction as they move across the French countryside. Land that is filled with despair and danger that await the two infantrymen as they must traverse the war-torn country to deliver their message of salvation for 1600 men. 

From the opening scene of the French landscape, the innovative filmmaking technique and storytelling will draw audiences into this compelling mission. A fictitious tale that is based on the stories told to Mendes by his grandfather could lead viewers to think this journey really occurred. The immersive nature of the filming provides an intimate element that will cause many to believe they are in the trenches with the soldiers. MacKay and Chapman deliver the performances of their careers. They provide an experience that shows the soldiers camaraderie and tenacity to make everyone sit on the edge of their seat yearning for them to accomplish their goal. 

Similar to Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk, this is a film that will sweep the audience into the action in a grand panoramic fashion. The visual experience is mesmerising, but this does lead to slow and anaemic development of the characters. Though each step of the journey does provide glimpses into the hearts of these men. This investment in the soldiers takes time and may cause some to find it hard to care about their experiences. Both actors provide visceral and raw performances that offer empathy for their various plights. Still, it is not until the end of each of their journeys that we are allowed to really know their motivations and backstories. Not that this diminishes the value of the film. It is merely acknowledging that this film does contain a small chink in its armour. 

The Mendes / Deakins pairing is a brilliant combination of two artists whose works should have come together long ago. This is a film that should be experienced only in cinemas to truly be appreciated for what it has done to move the film into another realm. A film that will garner deserved award recognition in the coming months and is a celebration of two masters working well together to deliver a masterwork. 

For more great movies go to Movieschangepeople.com

1917 - Reviews and Info

JOJO RABBIT | Official Trailer [HD] | FOX Searchlight

Jojo is a lonely German boy who discovers that his single mother is hiding a Jewish girl in their attic. Aided only by his imaginary friend - Adolf Hitler - Jojo must confront his blind nationalism as World War II continues to rage on.

If you're a parent looking for info about this film try the review in COMMON SENSE MEDIA.

[For the full review (and more reviews like this) head to Reeldialogue.com]

Reminiscent of the child-like viewpoint portrayed in The Book Thief and The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, this comedic vision of Taika Waititi provides a glimpse into the confusing world of the children of the Third Reich. From the opening credits which use the Beatles music overlaying the crowds that celebrated Hitler’s rise to power, the director manages to depict the mindset of the German people and how they were swept up in the ‘stardom’ of their messianic leader. Then to provide this personal and often humorous journey into the soul of Jojo makes for a poignant story of a boy discovering the realities of life and how to navigate through this disconcerting world. 

Like most comedies, this method of storytelling is used to deliver a darker and harsher message of the human heart masked by lighthearted means. The New Zealand director manages to cut that fine line between humour and dramatic tension with a style that will make audiences laugh while considering the truth of this horrific time in human history. 

Johansson and Rockwell deliver amazing performances that capture the comedic and sobering elements of the final stages of the war. While Waititi provides some of the best one-liners of the film and proves to be the support his little star needs. It is his young cast that delivers the heart of this film and is allowed to grow-up on screen without becoming cliched in the process. Davis and McKenzie prove that they can carry this film through to the end and manage to capitalise on the stellar supporting cast that surrounds them. 

Jojo Rabbit sits in a fascinating place in the cinematic world. The story is a bittersweet expression of the human journey. A mixture of humour, fantasy, realism and relationships that is rarely captured in such a manner in film. Like The Hunt for the Wilderpeople and Thor: Ragnarok, Taika Waititi has managed to make his unique mark on this film and the world. Proving that it is possible to laugh and cry while wrestling with the messiness of this world. 

For great films from MOVIES CHANGE PEOPLE head to movieschangepeople.com

Jojo Rabbit - Reviews and Info

JUMANJI: THE NEXT LEVEL - Official Trailer (HD)

In Jumanji: The Next Level, the gang is back but the game has changed. As they return to Jumanji to rescue one of their own, they discover that nothing is as they expect. The players will have to brave parts unknown and unexplored, from the arid deserts to the snowy mountains, in order to escape the world’s most dangerous game.

If you're a parent looking for info, try the review in COMMON SENSE MEDIA.

[For the full review (and more reviews like this) head to Reeldialogue.com]

Kasden (director) and the team continue to show why we love this team of adventurers. A group of people that the world can relate to and who we look forward to joining on a new adventure. This next chapter provides the right number of new characters to keep the franchise fresh while maintaining the elements that made the magic in the original. Things take some time to get started as they need to develop the backgrounds of the new players and show what has come of our heroes over the past few years. Yet, once they enter the game, things move into high gear until the closing credits. 

The challenge for the central characters within the game is that they must take on new personas from the original film. At different points Dwayne Jonson must take on the demeanour of Devito and Kevin Hart must represent Glover to make for a new level of hilarity that adds some spice to the hijinks.

Karen Gillan gets to remain as Ruby Roundhouse for most of the film. She is allowed to develop her role into more of a leadership position. While Jack Black’s Professor Sheldon “Shelly” Oberon must contend with being inhabited by Fridge’s personality which he manages to take on with delight. All of these make for great challenges for the cast, and they all manage to meet the expectations. The highlight of the new characters has to be Awkwafina who mixes into the team seamlessly and adds a whole new level of personality to the franchise. 

Despite the slow start, this is an excellent addition to this franchise and one that the whole family can enjoy. The magic remains for this next chapter and the audience will need to buckle up because it is going to be a fast-paced and bumpy ride to the finish. 

If you need a brush-up on the previous installments/iterations of Jumanji, check this out: 

Watch This Before You Go See Jumanji: The Next Level

For more great films head to movieschangepeople.com

Jumanji: The Next Level - Reviews and Info

Little Women Offical Trailer #1 | In Cinemas Sept 5 | Starring Lea Thompson

This article was originally published by Laura Bennett on 21/8/19 for Hope 103.2.

We may be stuck in a cycle of regurgitated entertainment, but in so many ways Little Women’s modern adaptation is worth it.

Looking back on the 1994 flick, it was quintessential 90s: Winona Ryder led the cast, Clare Danes and Kirsten Dunst were baby-faced sisters, and a young Christian Bale had the middle-part of a Backstreet Boy. The March sisters taught us about the passage from childhood to womanhood, and how to cope with the challenges of love, family and responsibility that followed. Although they were doing it post-Civil War America, Little Women was our adolescent guidebook.

Now, to mark the 25th anniversary of the movie, its story is being brought back to screens. First with this Heritage Films retelling, and then in December with Emma Watson and Meryl Streep’s straight remake.

In bringing Little Women in to the 21st Century, the March sisters still feel the effects of war, with their father serving out of country in the military. Jo is a college graduate trying to get published, and Amy is still her hyper-involved little sister. Meg and Beth are there, but you already know Meg’s kind of an outcast, and Beth is busy playing piano.

Personally I was also pleased to see Ian Bohen (Yellowstone, Teen Wolf) playing Jo’s English professor Freddy. I always found Gabriel Byrne a bit creepy, but Ian is perfectly charming and aloof, while also interested and respectful. I think I have a crush.

“Lucas Grabeel (High School Musical) as Laurie probably helps. He’s not all about the show tunes ya’know.”

That a book written 151 years ago still resonates with audiences today, says a lot about author Louise May Alcott’s perceptive insight into family dynamics and the bond between sisters. She captures the love siblings have for each other, but also the need for space and independence as they grow up.

In a word, Heritage Films' Little Women is delightful. Even though their life is messy and sad at times, you want to sit on the couch with the March sisters and join in on their attic adventures. They remind us that valuing family is important, and you feel like everything will be okay, even when they make you angry.

Lucas Grabeel (High School Musical) as Laurie probably helps, throwing in a little Disney and – surprisingly – some endearing credibility. He’s not all about the show tunes ya’know.

For all you’ll love about Little Women though, it’s worth noting its non-linear approach to the timeline is confusing. The movie switches between the past, present and future continuously. Even with some visual ‘swooshes’ to cut between scenes, I did think the past was the present for a good third of the movie. Suddenly it all made sense when I worked that out.

Also – Jo’s (Sarah Davenport) emotional arc is a little puzzling. Early on she’s painted as the confident family-loving sister. She orchestrates cubbyhouse building and reciting plays, and leads the girls in making pacts to follow their dreams and champion each other on. As she gets older, we know Jo’s writing struggles and her love life gets complicated, but she suddenly gets flighty and aggressive and really mean. Our likeable lead quickly becomes unlikable for no apparent reason—other than stress. Which I guess can do that to a person.

Little Women is great for a girl’s night, and the perfect remedy for rekindling your love for family. If they happen to be *uncharacteristically* annoying right now.

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A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood - Reviews and Info

The Biggest Little Farm - Reviews and Info

1917 - Reviews and Info

Jojo Rabbit - Reviews and Info

Jumanji: The Next Level - Reviews and Info

Little Women - Hope 103.2 Review

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