oasomera

Some of the scenes in this movie are inexplicable to me. I don't understand how anyone would think they'd work, but they're actually brilliant. Some of the racing scenes are put together as if they were previously tested but in fact I've never seen this kind of framing. It really gave me a connection with racing unlike every other racing film I've ever seen. That alone is worth seeing the movie for.

But there's more to savor including another great performance by Brad Pitt. He speaks to guys in particular, I think. This time he's joined by Javier Bardem. Almost all of the scenes where these two are together, even when only talking, are as good as the racing scenes. That's also inexplicable to me and I was aghast seeing just how natural the acting was. How do these people do it?

Add the score by Hans Zimmer and this movie is going on my list as one of the best I've ever seen. Can't recommend it enough.

And this series, streaming on AcornTV, is no exception. The story is about an old murder case, thought solved coming apart when the serial killings start up again.

Ellen plays DI Lloyd, one of the original detectives, called back to essentially redo the case. She was last seen on AcornTV in The Mallorca Files in a much more light-hearted role which I also enjoyed.

The question is what did they get wrong? And is the wrong man in jail all these 12 years? The story is further complicated because her former partner, now married, is also put on the case, despite their being involved last time around.

Normally I don't enjoy these relationship problems much, but with Ellen doing the acting, I found myself watching her depict what I recognized as real emotions and I had no problem staying glued to the TV.

The performances are all very good and I think most people will be entertained. But hats off especially to Ms. Rhys who is all star in my book.

I'm pretty sure any intelligent movie goer will walk away from this beautifully crafted movie fully admiring it. It deftly pulls off what other films involving the Vatican never even tried and that is depict its logical procedures and politics. And though that may sound dull and boring there isn't a dull moment in this movie.

All the parts are played extremely well starting with a flawless depiction of the main character, Cardinal Lawrence by Ralph Fiennes who if there are rewards to be given out is the surest bet for Best Actor I've seen in many years. I'd swear the man was born a Cardinal which is surprising considering the roles he's more famous for like The Grand Budapest Hotel and Schindler's List.

Of the supporting actors they too were wonderful. I especially liked John Lithgow's portrayal of an ambitious and devious Cardinal who somehow maintains an air of respectability throughout.

As someone who is not a fan of religion I didn't want to see a film about the Vatican. The praise it was getting got me to see it and I have to say that it's well worth seeing. Any complaints I may have are overwhelmed by its virtues.