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Sefardicus
Reviews
His Only Son (2023)
A Gift: Inspiring, Relatable and Touching
I have not seen a movie at this level since the Passion and Risen. There's something otherworldly about the cinematography and the storytelling is so original, weaving in prophesy and the life of Jesus in a spiritually smart and provocative way.
I have not been this blessed at the movies for almost 10 years. I am never going to look at the story of Abraham, Sarah and Isaac w/God ever the same way again. What sacrifice, obedience & love. Your heart will ache, and go out to these characters, as if they were everyday people from today's world, friends, neighbors.
These characters have come to life for me; what a fresh way to show this story!
This a sneaky powerful movie, which I'm going to see again tomorrow and tell everyone I know about it.
The Audrey Hepburn Story (2000)
Ok Script, Jennifer a Believable Hepburn
While I enjoyed this movie, the pace could had been better. Jennifer Love Hewitt was a very convincing Audrey Hepburn. Jennifer's accent was a great ode to the Transatlantic accent, though I think this accent was more natural, than rehearsed.
Hewitt's genius, was in that she was able to emulate Hepburn's grace, charm and vulnerability. Hewitt was very likable in this film, and has raised my interest in Miss Hepburn's work and life.
Gabriel Macht was sensational as Holden, and McCormack was a triumphant Mel Ferrer. Frances Fisher played a layered, complex, but extremely likable Baroness. I truly hope Audrey's mom was like Frances played her.
I cannot believe that I hadn't seen this film. While this movie is by far riveting, it is a respectable must for Audrey Hepburn fans, and a Hollywood who could remember what class is.
Before I Fall (2017)
An Delightful, Underrated Gem
In a Hollywood full of formulaic, and empty retelling of "second verse, same as the first," very seldom does a story's message, the unfolding of a film's aspiration take you by surprise...
Most of us say it, or give mental ascent to the concept of: "making every minute count;" very few of us truly understand what that really means. It isn't until something is taken away, such as eye-sight, or the ability to walk, or an important relationship that we come to realize the wonder and mystery of how lucky any of us truly are, at any moment.
Lauren Oliver, the author of the novel on which this film is based, is a true, and refreshing philosopher of our modern times. Maria Maggenti, with her screenplay of the novel, has concocted a delicate and haunting offering of said novel. Zoey Deutch gives a gorgeous and thought-provoking performance, that I believe, at the very least, establishes her as one of our generation's leading actresses. Special mention to Logan Miller, and Elena Kampouris, for "right on the spot" performances! Ty Russo-Young directed a cinematic gem, worthy of its own subgenere, which I would like to see more of.
The most important message comes at the end of the story, on the last line. Yet, to understand that last line, you have to watch the entire movie. But, that's part of the magic, evolution and secret of this beautiful film: make the most of every moment, "Becoming Who You Are..."
Night Sky (2022)
Curious, Fresh and Enthralling
This gem of a Sci-Fi thriller is a unique telling of the possibilities of the universe. Carried by a stellar, award-winning cast, Night Sky tells a story of the redemptive power of love, healing and courage.
Our protagonists slowly shed their long-held beliefs that kept them earth-bound, wounded and stuck. As the series progresses, they realize that they must take a leap of faith to accomplish their destinies.
Sissy Spacek, K. K. Simmons and Chai Hansen are masterful at keeping on engaged. The pace was a tad slow, but the story is so good, you won't want to stop watching, wanting more!
Looking forward to next season...
Love and Monsters (2020)
Film About Finding Courage & a New Life
A must-see, light-hearted film about discovering that the monsters in our lives are conquerable, and that courage is closer than we really think. A new life is as close as fighting for those we love. These are the themes of this wonderful, under-the-radar little film, with a giant heart.
Being the Ricardos (2021)
Nicole Kidman & Javier Bardem Were Pure Gold
How did Nicole, or Javier not win the Oscar!? What a performance!!! Well-researched, nuanced, tasteful, fun, but realistic portrayal of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.
J. K. Simmons and Nina Arianda my new favorite actor's actors! The Entertainment Industry is so hard... I have so much more respect for the tenacity and character it takes to make it in Hollywood as a real talent after watching this film.
Reacher (2022)
Worth the Wait
This genre, in which Jack Reacher resides, is full of cliches, and nauseating hollywood tired drivel; not so with Reacher.
Reacher's arch never let down my curiosity, and kept me interested at every moment. The characters were well-developed, and Ritchson shined as a complex, rough around the edges, but very likable tortured hero.
There are three great series, which will prove, in time, to be classics in their universe: Bosch, Goliath, and now this iteration of Reacher.
My only complaint: a couple of more episodes would have been better. Can't wait for season two!
The Tomorrow War (2021)
Perfect Message of Hope
Best movie of the summer, so far, and a winner in the genre. In a world with a saddening amount of "one-another suspicion," the simple message of this movie is filled with hope for a better tomorrow. Aside from it's message... great special effects, and compelling dramatic performances from a great cast, and subtle but genius comedic performance from Sam Richardson. Chris McKay delivered a film worth seeing multiple times!
Control Z (2020)
A Superbly Acted Hi-Tech, Visceral Thrill Ride
Control Z (Ctrl + z), aka shortcut command keys for undo, is one of the most thrilling, titillating and socially-relevant series I have seen in a long time.
Unapologetically visceral, the director and prodigiously talented cast deliver a thrill ride, full of unexpected plot twists. The Control Z story transcends culture, nationality and language leaving us, the viewers, addicted and wanting more! Be careful what you have in your phone, least your secrets find you out...
El Cid (2020)
A Gutsy Retelling, With a Stellar Cast
The Legend of El Cid is a gutsy, and powerfully epic depiction of the legendary El Cid, a hero torn between two worlds, as masterfully told by directors: Castillo, Cuevas & Martínez-Perez.
Jaime Llorente, as El Cid, delivered a provocative, gutsy and beautifully-layered performance, in what can be classified as an "origins" story of one humanity's greatest heroes of the "people."
A stellar and brilliant cast in Alicia Sanz, José Luis García-Perez,Carlos Bardem, Lucía Guerrero, Jaime Olías, Elia Galera, Juan Echanove, Juan Fernández & Ginés García-Millán, deliver the Spanish version of Masterpiece Theater-caliber series performance s. Where have these actors been hiding, my God, they are unbelievably talented!!
One bone to pick: more episodes per season, please... I mean: don't tease like that!
I highly recommend the series, and look forward to season 2, which, I can tell, promises to only heat up.
Please bring more quality, historic-dramatic content like this, from a country and area of the world that is rich with legend and practically begging to be rediscovered!
The Last Kingdom (2015)
Courage, Betrayal, Hope, Perseverance & Honor
Cannot wait for s ason 5!!!
Exactly what we need during this pandemic! It is faith-building to see that a person can chose their destiny; to remain still, or to fight. This courage can inspire a people, forging a heart worthy to pursue, to imitate.
A talented cast, great storytelling, beautifully crafted.
Fight for love, fight for honor... Destiny is all!!
Divination (2011)
Eye-Opening
These kind of films always walk a fine line between opening up the eyes of those who want to see, and shutting up these of those who do not believe.
For those who wish to see, and are spiritually-inclined, it is a film from where you can extract the ounce from the pound and see!
I believe...