Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Sex But Were Afraid To Ask

Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Sex But Were Afraid To Ask (Woody Allen, 1972)

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Rating: Q=5, P=4 / Average OJ

Scale 1=2, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=2

Comedy,

I'd seen parts of this film before--it's hard to go through graduate school gender studies courses without seeing the famous sperm skit. Woody Allen is at his goofiest in this collection. Some of the slapstick is a little too much for my tastes (Sleeper and Bananas are better) and some of the jokes don't translate into the 21st Century, but it is still a classic.

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The Hour Season 1

The Hour Season 1 (Abi Morgan, 2010)

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Rating: DSQ=11, SP=6 / Can't Get Enough

Scale A=4, Scale B=4, Scale C=3, Scale D=3, Scale E=3

Miniseries, 1950s, Drama, Journalism, Mystery, Crime, Complex Relationships, Politics

We need more shows like this one--it is equal parts social commentary, romance, and film noir. It has an extremely inviting style and look. Captivating, in a word. This is a show about journalists trying to find the truth (about the world and themselves) and who are determined to share unbiased news of the world to the public. But it is not easy to find truth. And it's even harder to break down the many barriers that prevent knowledge from being shared.

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The Rabbi's Cat

The Rabbi's Cat (Antoine Delesvaux and Joann Sfar, 2011)

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Rating: Q=6, P=4 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=2

Animation, Based on Graphic Novel, Religion, Adventure, Philosophical

What makes someone religious? And should the definition of a Jew or Christian or Muslim change depending on who is asked? This film is a wonderful tale about the meaning of existence, religion, and life. Some very tough questions are dealt with in a humorous and adventurous way. Talking cats are always a plus, too.

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A Cat In Paris

A Cat In Paris (Jean-Loup Felicioli and Alain Gagnol, 2010)

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Rating: Q=5, P=4 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=2, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=2

Animation, French, Crime, Grief/Coping

There are many recent films out there with a narrative that explores loss and grieving that coincides with coming of age. This beautifully illustrated animated film falls into the category. I wasn't impressed by the story line, to be honest. Even though film is a fantasy world, I just couldn't believe in the mother or the criminals. It was a little too eccentric (and I usually love eccentric!). But I liked the movement, color, shadows, and overall design.

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Ernest and Celestine

Ernest and Celestine (Stéphane Aubier, Vincent Patar, and Benjamin Renner 2012)

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Rating: Q=8, P=8 / Obsession

Scale 1=4, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=4, Scale 4=4

Animation, Children's Story, Feel-good, Animals, Misfits, Prejudice

I was crying at the end of this film. So happy. This beloved children's book has now become (I think) a classic children's film. Such an important moral, beautifully told through a colorful and imaginative animated style. I've often imagined living in a mouse world underground. And what could be better than having a bear as your best friend?

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The Lunchbox

The Lunchbox (Ritesh Batra, 2013)

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Rating: Q=7, P=8 / Obsession

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=4, Scale 4=4

India, Romance, Philosophical, Complex Relationships, Uplifting, Coping

"Sometimes the wrong train will lead you to the right station." How true is this concept. A beautiful film with color, poetic dialogue, real-life woes and dreams, and food. I loved this film so very much. If you feel stuck in a rut, if you feel suffocated by capitalistic/money-driven society, if you are lonely, if you are a romantic, if you are imaginative...watch this movie.

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