onejbj

I was fortunate to watch a screening of Ezra at the Boulder International Film Festival with both Tony Goldwyn and Tony Spiridakis in attendance. This story is a work of love between these two men who are lifelong friends, and tells a loose version of the story of Tony Spiridakis and his son Demetri.

This movie, although humorous, is not a comedy, but instead the story of how far a father's love for his child will take him. It also opens your eyes to the world of Autism, and some of the struggles and tough decions these families are faced with. Additionally you see the importance of friendship, family and small acts of kindness and the difference all three can make.

Bobby Cannavale and William Fitzgerald are outstanding. It is hard to believe this is William Fitzgerald's first acting role! A truly well written and acted story.

Champions is the rare comedy that hits the ball out of the park. The plot moves right along, and the humor is consistent from start to finish. I have not had this many laugh out loud moments in one movie for quite a while.

The cast was magnificently curated. The kids in the movie were all actual Special Olympic basketball players, but incredibly they had no previous acting experience. Unbelievable! They were excellent, and along with Woody, Kaitlin, Cheech and Ernie Hudson, this movie had great chemistry.

If you want a truly fun, enjoyable evening out with your significant other or a group of friends, Champions is it!

Denny Tedesco delivers again. This time, his film beautifully explains the nuances that allowed this group of gifted musicians to become the worst kept secret among the 1970s and 80s music industry. Unlike the era the Wrecking Crew worked in, by the early 70s the musicians who recorded the album got listed on the album. And so brilliance could be discovered.

Kootch Kortchmar, Leland Sklar, Russ Kunkel and Waddy Wachtel became the sound of the seventies, playing both on the albums and on the road with Carole King, James Taylor, Stevie Nicks, Phil Collins, Jackson Browne, Don Henley and many more. Their unselfish, humble approach as well as desire to make the best song possible endeared them to the stars they worked with, and made stars of themselves over time.

Incredibly, their time working with and around each other bound them into a close friendship, which endures to today (along with late comer Steve Postell). A wonderful story beautifully told. Fun to see at a theatre to see everyone smiling and swaying to all the great music!

The plot had potential, but was just not well executed. Truly not funny. Horribly violent, gruesome scene inserted needlessly. Scenery was beautiful, but this was a waste of gas and a clean shirt.