jdianahall

I am pretty certain that during my 70 years I have watched almost every major religious film ever released. The Chosen is the most enjoyable blend of scripture, interpersonal relationships, significant message depicted in words and actions that I have ever seen. I have watched all three seasons of the film which have been released to date. And I have begun again with season 1 to determine whether this film has the power during the re-watch that it had during the first watch. What is difficult is to limit myself to watch any one episode at a time. The "cliffhangers" are so compelling that I want to see the next episode as soon as possible. Join me in savoring this unique blend of faith and works and see where it will take us in our life journey.

How many gangster films can you recall? Too many are just repeats of the same megalomaniac themes and trite get-rich-quick schemes. This series is different because it examines motives, both the idealistic dreams and the realistic disappointments of characters with well-explained personalities. I enjoy disliking one character only to find redeeming qualities in him or her in later episodes. I enjoy the strong female roles competing for our attention along side of the typically-dominant male roles. I enjoy the sometimes expedient friendships and the often long-lasting friendships described in detail among the characters. These are complex characters who are faced with dilemmas within episodes and between seasons. I could praise individual actors but the list would be so long that I invite new series watchers to keep the actors' list nearby in order to fully appreciate them by name. I have watched every episode of all seasons and thus arrive at my rating fully informed and greatly appreciative of an outstanding series.

Cage and Pascal made great film for the audience to enjoy without taking either of themselves too seriously. For viewers of a certain age, like me, it is always delightful to watch the seasoned actors play against each other with a mixture of bravado and caution. The clever dialogue between the men and the self-talk of each man with himself added interest and vital information to the plot. The ladies roles were limited but added to the characterizations of the fellas as caring persons. This film is one to enjoy more than once which I intend to do. My only complaint arose from the extensive use of the car chase scenes which I found to be a mere distraction from the storyline.

I enjoyed this film immensely. I smiled and laughed and thought about how significant this film will become within a few decades when folks are still smiling and laughing and talking about it. Every possible stereotype is illustrated: racial, religious, intergenerational, cultural, manner of speech, mental health, socioeconomic status, sexist, and more that I have forgotten to mention. Once introduced into the film, each stereotype is examined and shown to be irrational and hilarious, simultaneously. In every scene, I imagined how the actors must have reacted when they first read the scripted dialogue. How excited they must have been to be cast in a film with such contradictions among characters and contrasts within worldview. I will be watching this film again in order to savor the cleverness of the dialogue and to replay the craziest of human reactions to our individual differences.

This film carefully and respectfully explains the issues surrounding the construction of an oil pipeline across Sioux Tribal Lands. The characters are acted in such manner to be worthy of our attention to their individual viewpoints and life circumstances. There is more than a documentary here because the moral struggle of persons deciding for themselves what to believe and how to act is always compelling. This is no black and white depiction of good guys or bad guys in this film since everyone intends good things to result from the pipeline. But good is a relative concept, depending upon one's priorities, as is well illustrated by this film with its excellent and diverse cast members.

Wes Studi demonstrated his romantic side in this film. Dale Dickey showed her ability to bring humor and tenderness to her side of the film relationship. The other characters added to the humor and humanity. Even the wildlife and flora and starlit nights contributed to the fine feeling conveyed. This is a rare combination of music and many other joys that can lift us up, if we allow them.

This film underscores the challenge of taking a brilliant Broadway production to general consumers of cinema: the average viewers just don't get it. The actors get it and deliver the classic story of unrequited love, set to beautiful words and music. Spectacular costumes and scenery enhance our auditory experience. Ratings are mere numbers. Watching this film creates immediate and lasting personal enjoyment.

I waited for this film and was not disappointed. The music is incredible. It includes the backstory development of these favorites.

Jennifer Hudson delivers the music (with a little help from Audra McDonald and adorable Miss Skye). Whitaker's depiction of a loving but controlling father was spot on. The other gentlemen actors display both the helpful and unhelpful aspects of male management for female talent.

Since the film begins with Aretha, age 10, it could not possibly cover every aspect of Miss Franklin's life or career. The challenges for a great African American female talent to be realized during the 60's (and beyond) are demonstrated well. Relevant historical conditions are depicted. I cannot speak for accuracy. But I found this film to be an outstanding introduction to the Queen of Soul.

The characters of Jackman and Ferguson make a quick connection in this film. Later in the film their sincerity is called into question. Does he seek to re-live his memories out of love or obsession or avoidance of prison time? Does she use lost keys as an excuse or as an adventure or as a desperate cry for help? There are several layers to this film which is why the viewer needs to give it at least two viewings to discover them all. Follow this advice and you will enjoy the results.

This film is a fine example of mythology. The actors understood the extremes of mythological characters and played their parts well. The tenuous relationships between mortals and gods and among gods are portrayed consistently with the Greek, Roman and Egyptian classics. If you do not enjoy this film, it is on you, not the film-makers.

Young actors tried their best to make this film relevant and inviting. The subject matter of pain medicine addiction was important. But the script was just too tedious to warrant my connection to the storyline or the characters. Cullen's performance was the bright spot near the end of the film which justified my determination to watch to the ending.

I admit that I watched this film twice in order to see Cullen's most recent character portrayal. His acting did not disappoint. The other actors did well with the twists and turns of their characters. Main character Katherine kept asking character Dan if he was good and he responded that he was. I do not understand why this dialogue was repeated because the storyline was so convoluted that I could not connect with it.

I admit that I watched this film noir because I am a Bill Pullman fan. His scenes are puzzling but interesting at the same time. Patricia Arquette carries the viewer into several different phases of the film with her skilled portrayal of two different characters. Robert Blake was truly mysterious; yet seemed more likable as the film progressed. Balthasar as Pete was as confused as Pullman's Fred had been but he paid the price of losing two girls. Robert Loggia was a great gangsta guy while his character began to explain some of the other weirdness. Nick Nolte deserves mention as a totally uncharacteristic concerned father. When the film ended, my confusion had lifted although there are neither winners noir (pun intended) losers--just entertainers.

If you have studied African American history, then you will recognized many truths depicted in this film. First understand that the railroad described here is only a metaphor. However, the individuals who provided safe houses for runaways faced great danger, as generally illustrated in this film series. The actors were credible in their portrayals. The sets were convincing. The worst of human behavior was replete throughout the series. My criticism is with Chapter 6 because the long journey containing so much cruelty did not add anything to the story and became tedious to watch. But I will watch this series again to become more familiar with the fine actors.

These are two of my favorite actors--McGregor and Pullman. What fascinated me about their performances here is the range of emotion that both evoked within me. I rooted for Halston's success; then despised his lack of moral fiber; then adored his love for the important persons in his life in the end. With Pullman's businessman character, I loved his wooing of Halston to be his creative client; then detested his sell-out for personal gain. My favorite actors made me laugh and cry as I sat transfixed for all 5 episodes in rapid succession. That is my definition of a 10-star film. The other actors were excellent--bravo and brava. I will watch all episodes again and again.

As a fan of Omar Sheriff, I was delighted to find this 2005 film in which he portrays a confused, penitent and endearing Peter. Yes, the film is long. But the length enables us to get to know the early followers of Jesus that are named in the Gospels/Acts. And we meet other imagined followers with whom we can identify in experiencing their fears and frustrations. The vast array of characters can become somewhat confusing since they are intermixed with events depicted in biblical stories through flashbacks into differing time periods. But the whole film succeeds in drawing us into the personal challenges of the earliest Christians.

This film has beautiful daylight scenery contrasted with the nighttime expanse of the cosmos. But occupying the center of the universe for a brief time are Firth and Tucci. Let their talent draw you into this story of male bonding. Feel them release you slowly and lovingly from its embrace.

I enjoyed every minute and smiled throughout the whole film. Murphy and Hall re-created their beloved characters from Coming To America with new flair. The new characters, including the Prince's daughters and his Baby Mama and son, were delightful. Cameo appearances made by so many talented actors were funny and too numerous to mention. This is one film that I will be watching again whenever I need a good laugh.

I stayed with Season 1 and liked the result very much. I liked the contrast between smooth-talking Melanie (Connelly) and rough-around-the-edges Layton (Diggs). I was excited to learn that Willford would be played by one of my favorite actors Sean Bean in Season 2. After watching Season 2, Episode 4, I am waiting for more plot development. The class conflict seems to have abated temporarily while Wilford appears to have become the contented CEO. We need Melanie to return from her dangerous mission and the other characters to show their dedication (or dissension) to the success of both trains.

I almost gave up watching after first three episodes out of confusion. But I was fascinated by the actors and decided to watch their well-crafted performances even if I did not yet understand where the story was going. By the last episode, I was very content that I had stayed with the series. These episodes make one think more broadly about religious belief and its role in our lives--both from the perspective of the believers and non-believers. Underlying all of the characters' stories are the political realities that are impacted by religious beliefs. Throughout the series, we are left wondering whether the main character is a sincere non-sectarian leader or a simple fraud. My only complaint is that more background for the story lines would have been helpful to highlight the nuances and underlying political conflicts.

During its lighter, comical moments, this film distracts us well enough from reality. But when the mood darkens due to greed and self-serving desires, the film lost momentum for me. Gadot, Pascal, Pine and Wigg were enjoyable to watch in the early scenes. The catastrophic, save -the-world ending did not place our starpower into their finest acting moments.

Acting at every age level in this film is exceptional from C.K. Simmons on down. Cute kids offset the struggles of their parents in this story. Tender couples scenes and family moments help soften the extreme regrets and personal isolation depicted to have resulted from alcoholism. There is no happy, heroic rehabilitation shown here. But the human foils and frailties are worth watching.

Humor is the best teacher and this film abounds with humor. Sadness touches the heart; I struggled to keep from crying during the "Last Words" episode. Ethan Hawke portrays John Brown to be a loving but not always lovable fanatic. Other very memorable characters, including Brown's family, display both attraction and rejection toward his compelling leadership. The pro- and anti-slavery attitudes shown in this film during the years just before the Civil War give us much to consider about pro-BLM and anti-BLM attitudes of the present days.

I watched this twice and enjoyed it about 70 percent of the time. The film kept my attention. The story held my curiosity. The scenery is gorgeous. The acting is solid from the lead to many of the supporting characters. My sole reservation was the one outlandish costume that appeared, disappeared and re-appeared without any continuity or explanation. There must have been a more convincing way to conceal the identity of the bad guy(s).

Charlie freely talks to Pete the horse about his past life before age 15. We start rooting for Charley pretty quickly while he struggles to learn new work and new realities. We cheer for Pete the horse, too. Their collective challenges seem insurmountable. Yet if we persist along their journey, there is a good resolution. Charlie Plummer gives an excellent performance in the lead role. Several actors convincingly support his coming-of-age character: Fimmell as his dad; Buscemi as his first employer; Sevigny as his friend; Pullman as a kind stranger. Be ready for a good kid's adventure, meeting interesting folks (and a horse) along the way.