Category Archives: Could Be Sad

2016, Acceptable for children, Based on a Book, Comedy, Could Be Sad, Drama, Feel Good For All, Gay theme, Interest in automobiles, Interest in cats, Journalist, Love Story, Senior citizens, Suicide, Swedish, Trains

A Man Called Ove (2016)

Leave a comment

From Netflix:

Despite being deposed as president of his condo’s resident association, 59-year-old misanthrope Ove continues to plague his neighbors with dictatorial demands. But when Ove’s new neighbor runs over his mailbox, the old crank finds he’s met his match.

Beginning December 2016 Netflix will offer the DVD for this Swedish film with English subtitles.

Based on the book by Fredrik Backman first published in 2012, the film adaptation, according to wife Kathy who read this very popular book with her book club, is faithful to the original plot.

Although the film begins when Ove is 59 years old, the films spends a lot of time in flashbacks to his younger years. In a nutshell, Ove has suffered many personal losses in his lifetime, and is now so lonely he contemplates suicide, although his comic attempts never succeed. What saves Ove are all the new neighbors moving into his housing development.

Although the film has many sad points, it also has just as many funny spots.  For example, Ove’s competition with a close friend is based on the fact that  Ove drives  Saabs whereas the friend drives Volvos.

Here is one of those films for the entire family that you could describe as “feel good.” If you want to get away from sex and violence and nasty politics, this is the film for you.

 

2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, Abduction, Acorn TV, Ambiguous Conclusion, Bloody scenes, British Mystery Series, Child custody, Confusing Plot, Could Be Sad, Detective, Divorce, Eccentric Detective, Emotional abuse, Ethical struggles, Extramarital Affair, Family Conflict, Forensics, Gritty, Lawyers, Made For TV, Murder Investigation, Orphans in Foster Care, Revenge, Spousal Abuse, Suicide, Suspense, TV Series, Violent

Vera (2011)

Leave a comment

From AcornTV:

Two-time Oscar nominee Brenda Blethyn stars as DCI Vera Stanhope a solitary, obsessed, caustic, brilliant investigator, and a bit disheveled; think female Columbo.

From AcornTV you can stream 6 years of this British TV series which first started in 2011 and went on for 7 years through 2017. AcornTV does not offer 2017. Each year, or “set”, consists of 4 episodes. Surely 24 episodes will keep you busy for awhile (binge – anyone ?). Each episode is approximately 1.5 hours.

DCI Vera is as personally distant as her sidekick DS Joe Ashworth (played by David Leon) is personable. An important thread in the series is their relationship. For example, Vera’s refusal in one episode to even consider being the Godmother to Joe’s latest newborn child is really hurtful. But Joe seems to understand her aloofness and accepts it begrudgingly. In one episode Joe insists on taking Vera for a doctor’s visit because of her sudden stress-related faintness.

Just remember that British police procedurals are not for the faint of heart. Could that be why I enjoy them so much?

2014, Brother-Brother relations, Cancer theme, Could Be Sad, Divorce, Drama, Family Conflict, Father-son relations, Lawyers, Melodrama, Murder Trial, Small Town, Violent, Well developed plot, Wonderful acting

The Judge (2014)

Leave a comment

From NetFlix:

Big city lawyer Hank Palmer returns to his childhood home where his father, the town’s judge, is suspected of murder. Hank sets out to discover the truth and, along the way, reconnects with his estranged family.

Robert Downey Jr., Robert Duvall, Vera Farmiga, Billy Bob Thorton, and Vincent D’Onofrio put together a well-written, well-acted, well-plotted 2 hours and 21 minutes. Potentially a tear-jerker, the dialog was competently restrained to project all the conflicting emotions without adding syrup.

At least Robert Downey Jr. is not a super-hero or super-sleuth. He is, however a super-lawyer who earns hefty fees defending guilty clients. As he puts it, “Innocent clients cannot afford me.” He goes home after many absent years only because his mother dies. Part of the film’s charm are all the clever sarcastic quips delivered by Robert Downey.

As with most films of this nature, as the story develops we learn more about the family history: Why did the father Judge Palmer seem to reject his middle son the super-lawyer? What happened to the elder son who was on track to be a great baseball player? Who will care for the youngest somewhat retarded youngest son? Who is Carla’s father?

Judge Palmer is dying of Stage 4 cancer but still an active judge. One night he hits and kills a man with his auto. Most of the film is about the trial and how that trial is complicated by the family relations, especially the ongoing resentment between Downey and Duvall.

DO NOT MISS this well-done melodrama.

2012, Abduction, Computer geeks, Could Be Sad, Detective, Divorce, DO NOT MISS, Drama, Dysfunctional Lives, Father-daughter relations, Father-son relations, Irish, Netflix Streaming, Prison, Prostitutes, Suicide, Teenagers, TV Series

Amber (2012)

Leave a comment

From Netflix:

Recently separated, Ben and Sarah Bailey find their lives turned upside down when their daughter Amber fails to return home one evening.

Because I watched “Hinterland” Netflix suggested that I stream, among others, “Hidden” and “Amber”. “Hidden” has been reviewed.

“Amber” is one season, 4 episodes, streamable only. Never before have I seen used the “time gimmick” in this Irish TV series. As the story progresses, we often see on the screen only a calendar page telling us what day of the search for Amber we have reached. Do not be confused by the fact that the story repeats over and over. Hence, you may see the same day more than once. No, you haven’t gotten the episodes confused. But at each repeat you see some old scenes repeated but with some new addition, giving you the distinct impression of deja vu.

Acting, writing, personal connections and plot are all good. HOWEVER … usually I don’t include spoilers (i.e. giving away some part of the plot). In this case I feel compelled to do so. But I have made this page long so that you should have to scroll up to read the spoiler in case you don’t want to “spoil” the plot.

SPOILER: In season one (the only available season) Amber is never found. Many viewer/reviewers screamed in pain.

But it is definitely worth watching.

2013, AIDS, British, Catholic culture, Could Be Sad, DO NOT MISS, Emotional child abuse, Ethical struggles, Feel Good Not For Children, Gay theme, Journalist, Quiet, True Story, Wonderful acting

Philomena (2013)

Leave a comment

From Netflix:

Floundering BBC journalist Martin Sixsmith and aging Irishwoman Philomena Lee form an unlikely bond when they pair up to find the son Philomena was forced to give up for adoption 50 years ago.

If I had not already known the story of Philomena I would have finished watching this marvelous film in a really upset and angry mood. Never mind that this outrageously true story has as happy an ending as is possible given the situation.

Judi Dench (Philomena) and Steve Coogan (Martin Sixsmith) play off one another perfectly as in ying versus yang, as in a Catholic believer versus an atheist, as in simple down-to-earth versus a sophisticated Oxford educated journalist. Much of the charm of the story is seeing each of them change over the course of the film: he softens into compassion, she forgives the evil nuns but finally feels the need to let the world know what happened to all those unwed young mothers.

No more will I say. Just enjoy the plot twists. One surprise (this is not a spoiler) is that at one point seemingly simple Philomena shows that she understands in blunt terms quite a bit about contemporary mores. Somehow that fact just did not ring true with me.

As a culture-vulture side note: Peter Hermann (Pete Olsson) is married to Mariska Hargitay (“Law and Order”) who is the daughter of Mickey Hargitay and Jayne Mansfield. Just remember that for your next game of Trivial Pursuit.

DO NOT MISS!

Alzheimer's disease, Comedy, Could Be Sad, Crude Talk, DO NOT MISS, Dysfunctional Lives, Father-son relations, Greed, Human spirit, Possibly depressing, Quiet, Sad small town, Senior citizens, Sensitive treatement of emotions, Wonderful acting

Nebraska (2013)

1 Comment

From Netflix:

When a cantankerous old boozer thinks he’s won a magazine sweepstakes prize, his son reluctantly takes a road trip with him to claim the fortune. As they drive from Montana to Nebraska, they visit friends and relatives to whom the dad owes money.

Ignore the misleading Netflix blurb. In summary, this is a wonderful film – HOWEVER …

When the movie began I did a lot of squirming, as in:

  • Who wants to watch a concentration of losers all in one desolate spot?
  • In fact who wants to visit such desolation? (Somehow the towns reminded us of Herkimer in upper state New York where Kathy grew up.)
  • Why would the sons of such a hateful father turn out to be such kind men?
  • How could that old boozer have lived with such a bitch all those years?
  • Who wants to watch incipient Alzheimer’s disease?
  • Who wants to watch greedy cretins?

Even if your initial response is a complete turn-off, please stick with the film. For one thing, the acting is so superb that it can be depressing. Will that be us in a few years? If so, let me off the planet right now!

Eventually I was cheering for “the bitch” of a mother. Dave (played to affectionate perfection by 44 year old Will Forte) was almost too good to be true. His final gestures toward his failing father are almost tear-jerkers. Bruce Dern turns in a solid performance at the tender age of 78.

Sometimes you have to get past momentary discomfort to earn a really good watching experience. DO NOT MISS!

2013, Black History, Civil Rights, Could Be Sad, Dancing, Documentary, Human spirit, Musical, Popular Singers

20 Feet from Stardom (2013)

1 Comment

From Netflix:

Winner of the 2014 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, this film takes a behind-the-scenes look at the world of backup vocalists, weaving together interviews with legendary singers with the voices that support them.

If you are a fan of popular music from the 60’s onwards, you will rock to this documentary. You will hear many old songs that you probably know and also hear interviews not only with the backup singers but also with famous entertainers such as Sting, Bruce Springsteen, Ray Charles and many more.

There is a sad theme that runs through the film: these backup singers were talented women that deserved their own individual moments of fame but the results here were mixed. Some reached the limelight and others did not. In interviews with this women we can hear exaltation, resignation, defeat, and other emotions. Sting explains how difficult it is to get to the top.

Civil rights play into this history.

While possibly not for everyone, this film may strike a resonant chord with you and you might have a happy nostalgic experience.

2012, Addiction, Amusing banter, Bicycles, Could Be Sad, Drama, Drugs, Dysfunctional Lives, Ethical struggles, Explicit sexual discussion, Father-son relations, Flirting, Human spirit, Marital Infidelity, Masturbation, Medical Theme, Mostly About Sex, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Optimistic, Psychological Drama, Sex Scenes, Thought provoking, Violent

Thanks for Sharing (2012)

Leave a comment

From Netflix:

While making his way through a support group for sex addicts, Adam dips his toe in the dating pool to embrace a meaningful relationship. But the woman he’s attracted to has sworn off addicts altogether.

Sex addiction is the sole topic of this serious, thought-provoking, well acted, and hopeful film. Originally AA helped just alcoholics, but the idea of mentor-mentee organized group therapy involving public acknowledgement of one’s problems has expanded to all sorts of addictions. Plot line centers around four addicts and their associates. Expect very little comic relief from the problems of the various characters:

  • Mark Ruffalo (Adam) compulsively engages in all manner of sex acts. After a successful period of recovery he meets…
  • Gywneth Paltrow (Phoebe) who is both seductive and has her own set of eating and exercise compulsions.
  • Tim Robbins (Mike) is Adam’s mentor. In addition to his own personal demons, Mike was not a good father to …
  • his now drug-addicted son Patrick Fugit (Danny).
  • Josh Gad (Neil) is a young mother-smothered MD who loses his hospital job due to his compulsion to touch women in public. He helps and is helped by fellow sex addict …
  • Alecia “Pink” Moore (Dede) who needs sex following any emotional stress.

Each character during the course of the film suffers some setback (“falling off the wagon”) followed by a recovery. Hope and mutual support rather than a feeling of despair makes this film somewhat inspiring. Nobody is perfect. Good flick!

2013, Amputee, Based on a Book, Born Again Christians, Could Be Sad, Crude Talk, DO NOT MISS, Drama, Gay theme, Human spirit, Religious Theme, Small gem of a film, Thought provoking, Wonderful acting

C.O.G. (2013)

Leave a comment

From Netflix:

Based on a short story by David Sedaris, this comedy follows the brash young author as he travels to Oregon to work on an apple farm. The journey exposes him to all sorts of culture clashes, but what awaits him at the farm is far worse.

In this small gem of a film, Jonathan Groff is perfect for the part of a naïve and searching young man taking a break from his parents and Yale. His character David is so vulnerable to all the questionable influences that you could sit and worry about what might befall him. And many unpleasant but possibly forming tribulations do come his way. Here is a sensitive film so close to reality that you might cringe when something possibly not violent but at least hurtful happens to David. You can watch Wolverine slice someone into pieces and not bat an eye. But when a supposed friend turns viciously against David you feel the ugliness in a very personal way. Jonathan Groff has a short resume, but be on the lookout for more of his performances.

Hats off to some wonderful villains.

Denis O’Hare (the born-again jade artist) is one of our most established support actors, which is to say you recognize him even though you might not know his name (no matter how many episodes of “Law and Order” you have watched). His performance offers one of the most devastating and hateful betrayals I have ever seen.

Exactly the same can be said for Corey Stoll (apple packing plant manager) in every aspect. You might remember him as Rep. Peter Russo from “House of Cards”. His character is no less sinister than that of Denis O’Hare.

Escape from the trash. Here is a wonderful gem that YOU SHOULD NOT MISS!

2013, Acceptable for children, Alzheimer's disease, B-movie, Could Be Sad, Drugs, Dysfunctional Lives, Father-son relations, Feel Good For All, Mediocre, Melodrama, Optimistic, Plot Twist, Quiet

Straight A’s (2013)

Leave a comment

From Netflix:

Seeking redemption, family outcast Scott returns to his hometown, only to throw everyone’s lives into disarray. It’s particularly troubling for his sister-in-law, who was once his high school sweetheart.

Give this “Straight A’s” a rating of a Straight B.

However, it is (except possibly for many uses of the F-Word) a feel-good film suitable for children. Since it was a 2013 film made immediately available for Netflix streaming, you might suspect this film is not Oscar material.

Sorry, but for me Anna Paquin will always be Sookie Stackhouse from that TV vampire-fest “True Blood”. Ryan Phillipe played Louis Roulet in “The Lincoln Lawyer“.

There is nothing really wrong with this predictable melodrama except for its mediocrity. In fact, if you are watching while doing something else constructive, this is not a bad diversion.