Avengers: Infinity War

Not perfect, but well done.

Avengers: Endgame

Not perfect, but good enough.

1917

Stellar casting, ground-breaking camera work, and visionary. From the very first scene, the film grips the viewer and does not let go of its hold. I felt as if I had to catch my breath after every scene. I was completely devastated by the time the credits started rolling.

The Tree of Wooden Clogs

This unique film was awarded the Palm d'Or in 1978 and France's Cesar Award for Best Foreign Film in 1979. The Tree of Wooden Clogs (L'albero degli zoccoli) is Ermanno Olmi's masterpiece on Bergamasque peasant life in the Lombardy region of Italy. Olmi cast locals and, with no professional actors in a film lasting three hours and six minutes, it may seem like a documentary. It's not. It defies definition but watching it may be described as an experience that is both physical and metaphysical. It is hypnotic, visceral, mind-blowing, heart-breaking, and more. Is it entertainment or is it a meditation on life?

Solo: A Star Wars Story

I think this 'origin story' for Han Solo is one of the stronger Star Wars films since Return of the Jedi. There was great chemistry among the leads, a crazy caper worthy of the main character's chutzpah, and joy and humor that pull the viewer in. Unlike anything in the Star Wars genre, this really left me wanting for a sequel but it's not in the cards, is it?

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

Not perfect, but good enough. The two leads, Daisy Ridley and Adam Driver, elevated the material for me. And, no, it isn't about Luke, Leia, and Han Solo; but there is some form of closure and I'll take it.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Not perfect, but well done.

The Last Valley

Beautifully shot film with two very good leads in Omar Sharif and Michael Caine. It's not the best film of either one, but it's worth a viewing if you are a fan of one or of both. Bonus points for having Florinda Bolkan in the lead female role. A beautiful blonde is well-cast in the only other female role. The film is set during the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648) in a southern German town. And yet the focus falls not on the war itself but on how to survive the cold German winter. The film might seem slow when judged by today's standards but the plot moves along while raising an interesting question or two for the viewer.

Lady Bird

Brilliant, quirky, funny, sad, touching, and personal.

Little Women

Perfectly cast and even better than how I remembered the 1994 version to be. Greta Gerwig schools other directors on how to update a classic, and for a 'measly' budget of 40 million US dollars. I can't wait to see her next film.