Indy movie reviews

  Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game This is a true story as told by Roger Sharpe who took on the NY establishment to reverse the law against pinball machines in 1976. Yes, you heard that right, there was a law banning pinball machines for over 40 years. The film is part documentary/mockumentary with actors recreating 1976. I liked this film because it is a true story about pinball but there is an underlying love story that will pull you in. The film isn't afraid to make fun of the times and watching real Roger inserting himself into a scene and saying, "It didn't really happen this way" and then seeing the scene redone to how it really happened. 4 out of 5 stars Best actor, Crystal Reed

  You hurt my feelings We finally ventured out to a indy movie theater to watch anything. We should have been more discriminating.  The whole premise is based on Beth (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) overhearing her husband disparage her new book. Her husband, Don ( Tobias Menzies ) explains that he  doesn't  like the book but said he did it to encourage her.  The film is basically one trick pony with subplots that go nowhere. All I can figure is Julia Louis-Dreyfus if friends with writer/director. 1 out of 5 stars Best Actor  Tobias Menzies

  Living Mr. Williams, played by Bill Nighy, lives a very orderly life in London as a lifelong civil servant. Mr. Williams, widowed many years before, has a set routine in his professional and personal life, all rather uneventful. After a terminal medical diagnosis, he asks himself the question, I'm alive but am I living. His search for answers leads him to 3 characters, Rusbridger (an unabashed rogue), Peter (new employee under Mr. Williams) and the young Margaret Harris. All three characters help to enlighten Mr. Harris, but in the end, he knows it's up to him to make himself happy. I liked this film because all the office characters accurately portrayed the pomp and stiff bureaucrats of the time, which contrasted with the new generation represented by Peter and Margaret. The dialogue is impeccable. Our brothers across the Atlantic do have a gift for the English language.  Favorite Actor Bill Nigh as Mr. Williams  Bill Nighy is a good actor but he dialed it up for this ...

  Delicious This is a French film that takes place on the eve of the French revolution. Pierre, the head chef of a nobleman, has been dismissed for serving a new dessert, Délicieux. Despondent, Pierre returns to his family home with his son, Benjamin. Benjamin is an avid supporter of new ideas and equality which French revolutionaries promote.  When a woman with a mysterious past shows up and asks to be his apprentice, Pierre slowly and begrudgingly starts to cook again.  Louise and Benjamin introduce the idea of individual tables and a menu of food which Pierre embraces, thus starting the first-ever restaurant.  Pierre rediscovers his passion for cooking and love. Favorite actor: Gregory Gadebois as Pierre  5 out of 5 stars  I rated this 5 stars because the film hit all the high notes for me, good plot, great characters, perfect cinematography and a historical backdrop. Most of all, I love foodie films.

 The pandemic is over and it's time to see independent films again, even if I have to enter a movie theater.  The Bookshop   The story revolves around a widow, Florence, from World War II trying to find purpose in life by opening a bookstore in a small township outside of London. Her business starts to flourish with her passion and her newly self-appointed precocious helper, a 12 year old girl. Soon, the bookshop comes between the town's richest woman who is also the unofficial power broker of the area. Florence's only ally is a local recluse who spends the majority of his time reading, played by the great Bill Nighy. The film's climax is hinted at early on but there is no cliche ending. This movie is a character actors dream. Favorite actor: Patricia Clarkson as Violet 3 1/2 out of 5 stars