Fighting with My Family (2019)

Genre: Biographical / Comedy / Drama

Directed by: Stephen Merchant

Cast: Florence Pugh, Lena Heady, Nick Frost, Vince Vaughn

Time: 108 minutes

The biographical film, produced by Dwayne The Rock Johnson, chronicles the career of British pro wrestler Paige, from her start in her family’s local company to her rise to fame in World Wrestling Entertainment.

This is a very good film. Even my wife, who knows nothing about pro wrestling and does not care to learn about it, enjoyed it. So, don’t let the subject matter stop you from seeing this if you are not into pro wrestling.

This is a very cool story about daring to dream and fighting to make you dreams come true. The filmmakers managed to rise above clichés and make a heartwarming film filled with loads of laughs.

Rating: ««««

The Way (2010)

Genre: Drama

Directed by: Emilio Estevez

Cast: Martin Sheen, Deborah Kara Unger, James Nesbitt

Time: 123 minutes

After finding out that his adult son was killed in a storm while walking the Camino de Santiago, Dr. Thomas Avery, an American ophthalmologist, travels to France to claim the remains of his departed child. While there, he decides to have his son cremated and to undertake the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage himself, dispersing the ashes along the way.

This is a beautiful film, written and directed by Emilio Estevez. It is quite cool to see real life father and son on screen together. The resemblance is clear. Martin Sheen was perfect for that role, and the supporting cast was good too. It is a nice tribute to the Camino de Santiago, wrapped in a tale of family loss and search for meaning to it all.

Rating: ««««

Love, Gilda (2018)

Genre: Documentary

Directed by: Lisa Dapolito

Cast: Gilda Radner, Amy Poehler, Melissa McCarthy, Bill Hader

Time: 88 minutes

The story of the life and career of the late comic and actress Gilda Radner is told through old recorded interviews, home video footage and Radner’s diary. Other artists that have worked with her or been inspired by her are also invited to share their take on who se was.

This was a magnificent documentary. I have discovered Gilda Radner through the DVDs of the first seasons of Saturday Night Live, originally aired in the late 70’s. I was always fascinated by how funny she was and how sweet she looked. She had a mixture of strength and vulnerability on stage that always got to me. It was great to find out more about her and it is sad to think that she left us so soon.

Rating: «««««

Dirty Grandpa (2016)

Genre: Comedy

Directed by: Dan Mazer

Cast: Robert De Niro, Zac Efron, Aubrey Plaza

Time: 102 minutes

Jason Kelly is a young lawyer who drives his grandfather to Florida during Spring Break, the day after his grandmother’s funeral and a week before his own wedding.

I wanted to love this film so very much, as I am a huge De Niro fan, but the material the actors were given here was weak. The acting was fine for what it was, but the script did not offer much to sink your teeth into. There were a few chuckles-worthy moments and a few touching bits, but, overall, not a good film.

Rating: ««