The Cinema Scribe

Comedy-Drama-Character Study “La Grazia” Movie Review

As we approach the finish lines of our lives, we often take time to reflect on how we’ve spent the years of our existence. It’s a process that allows us to take stock of who we are and how we’ve lived, and it frequently provides a means to help us make decisions about any remaining unfinished business we may have. However, such soul-searching may also leave us with more questions than answers at a time when we need such clarity most, the alternative being pervasive indecisiveness that can be crippling. Find out more in a review of the meditative Italian comedy-drama-character study, “La Grazia” (“Grace”), on the next edition of The Cinema Scribe.

"The Chaplain & the Doctor" and "Your Attention Please" Movie Reviews

Social issues frequently provide considerable fodder for documentary features. especially when they address hot-button issues that are on the minds of many of us and have the potential to affect us significantly. That's very much the case when it comes to such subjects as effective, compassionate health care and the impact of electronic technology on our daily lives. Fortunately, both of these topics are effectively and innovatively explored in two new documentaries, "The Chaplain & the Doctor" and "Your Attention Please," reviews of which are featured on the next edition of The Cinema Scribe.

Romantic Comedy-Drama “Is This Thing On?”

No matter how much we may care for our significant others, we sometimes appear to experience issues with them that threaten the future of our relationships. The love between us might still be seemingly present, but the overall tone of the partnership feels ... off, and we’re unlikely to know why. Unfortunately, under those circumstances, we may give up and choose to separate, but is that really the wisest course? Perhaps there’s something more at work here. Find out more in a review of the new romantic comedy-drama, “Is This Thing On?”, on the next edition of The Cinema Scribe

Delightful But Troubling Documentary “Mr. Nobody Against Putin”

Courage comes in many forms, some of them plainly apparent and others seemingly unlikely. Ironically, it’s those emboldened but unsuspecting heroes who often end up achieving the greatest victories in their endeavors, even when up against formidable opponents. And now the makings of such an implausible scenario provide the focus for an insightful first-person documentary, one in which an unassuming, mild-mannered David matter-of-factly takes on a daunting Goliath and does so with an unintimidated sense of aplomb and wry tongue-in-cheek humor. Find out more in a review of the new, delightful but troubling documentary, “Mr. Nobody Against Putin,” on the next edition of The Cinema Scribe.

Oscar-Nominated Documentary "Viva Verdi!"

One of the most inspiring messages I’ve run across in my life maintains that “The greatest joy is in creation,” a message that, ironically, came my way via a Chinese fortune cookie just as I had begun work on my first book. The timing couldn’t have been better, as this sentiment fed directly into my writing. It proved to me at the time – and ever since – that creativity is essential to help keep us feeling young, fulfilled and vital. And that lesson has also been crucial in the lives and well-being of the residents of Casa Verdi, a retirement facility in Milan, Italy for aging musicians established by famed operatic composer Giuseppe Verdi. Find out more in a review of the new Oscar-nominated documentary, "Viva Verdi!", on the next edition of The Cinema Scribe.