Echo in the Canyon

The Echo in the Canyon fades quicker than you’d like.

Jakob Dylan wonders what happened in Laurel Canyon, California in the 1960s. So he asks around. And music legends answer: folk mixed with rock and roll; bands mixed with bands; just about everything mixed with drugs. The time was one of optimism and experimentation.

It is special to hear such personal stories from such influential people. But take note, this movie is more homage than history. Song covers feature as heavily as the interviews with their original performers. The movie is informative and fun, but nothing as special as the time it contemplates.

Peterloo

There is power in Peterloo.

The working families of Northern England are more tired and poor than ever. And yet, employers and the government would rather punish than help. It’s not fair.

So, a movement begins. At home, at the pub, and in the fields, the people talk about change. For better or worse, these talks culminate in a massive rally called Peterloo.

This movie can drag for the same reason it can be powerful: It is authentic. There is no montage set to music, just scenes of real life. A long day’s work. A kiss goodnight. A simple discussion that doesn’t seem important—until the ideas mentioned spread like wildfire throughout the community.

Lady J

There’s something about Lady J.

The Marquis is an infamous womanizer. Madame knows this, and isn’t falling for his charms. He does seem to be a gentleman, though. And patient and thoughtful…

Madame gets dumped, of course. And when she does, the gears start turning in a revenge machine as impressive as it is heartbreaking.

Warning: This is a French period piece with flowery dialogue about love and life; it can be hard to keep up with the subtitles, let alone the substance. But, the fancy reminds us that we’re in the past—which highlights how extraordinary Madame’s plan really is.

Careful use of color and superb acting by Madame oil the engine.

Studio 54

The stars that burn brightest, burn fastest.

Studio 54 wasn’t just the nightclub of 1970s New York. For those lucky enough to be allowed in, it was a safe haven from the crime, sexism, and homo/transphobia of the outside world. At Studio, the famous mingled with the oddballs, and people were too happy to judge one another.

Its creators pushed the limits, which made for legendary parties. But this also drew scorn from those turned away at the door, and caught the eye of law enforcement…

In the end, this is a story of humanity. It’s about the yearnings, weaknesses, and strengths that make us who we are.

Stan & Ollie

Without a doubt, Stan and Ollie will make you smile.

Stanley Laurel and Oliver Hardy reached the height of fame in the 1930s. And for years afterward, this comedy duo continued creating and delighting—even as audiences dwindled. This movie follows the two on a tour meant to rekindle their popularity. We get to watch their (still) funny acts, as well as their creative method and off-stage relationship.

This may be the perfect family movie. It is light-hearted and pretty, even as it explores drama within the duo. The acting and chemistry between the leading men and their ladies is superb.

Mary Queen of Scots

This movie is based on a true story.

Mary is many things: determined, young, beautiful, smart—the list goes on. And good thing it does; Mary has inherited the Scottish throne amidst strong opposition to her Catholic faith. Many people look to her Protestant cousin, Queen Elizabeth of England, to make a change. But it’s not that easy.

Though some violent scenes add nothing to it, this movie shines at showing just how formidable Mary is. The same can be said of the actress who plays her.

The Favourite

The Favourite is a feast fit for a queen.

Abigail has fallen far from her position as a Lady in 17th Century England. Desperate, she seeks a job from her cousin Lady Marlborough—Queen Anne’s best friend and counselor. Outside the palace, England seeks to end its war with France. Inside, a war begins for the Queen’s affection.

This movie is gorgeous in every way. From beginning to end, it is thoughtful, stimulating, and bitingly funny.

At Eternity's Gate

To artist Vincent Van Gogh, life was bursting with beauty. If only people had taken the time to notice…

We take in Van Gogh nice and slowly, as he takes in the world. Then things change. He’s got to move, to paint fast, now. Maybe he’s going crazy. Or maybe, he has a profound reason for it all.

This movie was shot with an artist’s eye. The image can be beautiful and unsettling all at once.

Outlaw King

Outlaw King is based on true events.

The Scottish and the English have feuded for years, at great cost. An uneasy peace now exists, with England in charge. But for how long will the Scots allow a foreign tyrant to rule?

The sets and settings will transport you to medieval Scotland. Some (though not all) of the acting will, too.

First Man

Neil Armstrong was the first human to set foot on the moon. First Man is the story of what it took to get there.

Neil was a hard worker and a family man. But rocket science was difficult work—for him, his family, and countless others. While we already know the ending to this story, we now get to learn a bit more about the journey.

This is a movie made tenderly, and with respect. Though it’s a simple story, it is beautiful, and makes us think about the big questions: Why do we do what we do? Who do we do it for?

Lincoln

In Lincoln, the famed president and his supporters struggle through difficult decision-making during the latter part of the American Civil War.

President Lincoln has a very high approval rating, and wants to leverage it. He hopes that the American people will approve a thirteenth constitutional amendment freeing the slaves. Even with such a high approval rating, the road to persuasion is long and treacherous.  

The movie can drag, and lay on the sentiment thick. But more often than not it feels raw and real.