In the month of April, I was fortunate to be able to find the time to see seven films in the theater. In a typical year I usually only make it to an actual movie theater two or three times. I watch plenty of other films on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or HBO GO. But two things happened here to bring me to the big screen.
First, I bought MoviePass. When I bought it, the deal was about $8/month. It had to be purchased all up front for a 12-month period. After the small service fee, the total for the year came to $105. And then, it’s all-inclusive. I can use it at local theaters (almost all participate) and “check-in” to the movies with my MoviePass. The only catch: you can’t “check-in” unless you’re 100 yards away from the theater. Once you do, you have 30 minutes to get up to the box office to pick up your ticket, which is done with the MoviePass card provided.
MoviePass is starting to get so popular, that the plans are constantly changing. As of last check, it slightly increased in prices for new customers, but it’s still an amazing deal. So, in April, I saw four movies using MoviePass: Paul, Apostle of Christ, Chappaquiddick, I Can Only Imagine, and A Quiet Place.
The other three films I watched in April, I was privileged to see as part of the Florida Film Festival, which takes place less than 15 minutes from my front door – at both the Enzian movie theater (a classic old-school movie house with one screen, with food and beverages served at your table, along with a bar outside), and the Regal Winter Park Village, which is just my favorite place to watch most major films, with reclining seats and tray tables.
While there were hundreds of short and long form films played during this 10-day festival, I was able to catch two new ones: Won’t You Be My Neighbor and Borg vs McEnroe. Each year the festival closes by playing a classic movie and I also saw that one, Alfred Hitchcock’s Shadow of A Doubt, which is in its 75th anniversary year.
A short description of my thoughts on each of these films is below. I have rated them on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. (5 is EXCEPTIONAL, 4 is VERY GOOD, 3 is GOOD, 2 is POOR, and 1 is VERY POOR). I tend not to see bad films so all below are between 4 and 5.
Paul, Apostle of Christ
This film is what I would call “the story behind the story.” If you’ve ever read the Acts of the Apostles or one of Paul’s many letters (to the Romans, to Timothy, etc) that make up the vast majority of the New Testament, then you have Luke to thank. This film is the story of how he went into the Mamertine Prison in Rome, where the Apostle Paul spent his final days. Luke spent time with Paul and recorded his story and the inspiring letters he sent out to many of the early, persecuted Christian communities. As Luke tells Paul: the People need to hear YOUR story, your witness for Christ. And so, thanks to Luke’s bravery and his encouragement, we have Paul’s story and most of the New Testament. Through this film, we can witness the story behind getting the story. As a side note: my brother Tony and I had the opportunity to visit the remnants of the Mamertine Prison during our 2004 visit to Rome. It was such a holy place and this film really brought it to life.
Rating: 4 stars
Chappaquiddick
This film is the story of a horrific car accident involving Senator Ted Kennedy and one of his former young female aides in 1969. After they plunge into the water, Senator Kennedy escapes but the young woman does not. He also is in a state of panic, and does not report the accident immediately. Most of the film shows how he and the nation dealt with this tragedy, which all also happened during the same week that the Apollo space mission landed the first man on the moon. The film does a great job juxtaposing the inspiration that the Kennedy family gave to the nation and the deep personal flaws they had as well. I thought the film was a very fair account of all that happened and how Senator Kennedy and the nation responded. Following the film, my takeaway is this: All men are flawed, but when the time is right, will you do what’s right?
Rating: 4 stars
Won’t You Be My Neighbor
This film is a documentary about Fred Rogers, known to most of us as “Mister Rogers.” This was a really beautiful film that documents Fred Rogers’ life and impact on the country, and especially children, during his time as host of one of the longest hit television shows for children, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. This film is well timed for our age and a good reminder of the values Mr. Rogers taught us about the importance of treating others with respect and being a good neighbor – and also how to better develop children. With all the horrible messages, profanity, and violence children are exposed to at such a young age through TV and the internet, this film reminds us of what Fred Rogers strived for in using TV (and other media) to helping children be raised better and learn that they are loved, no matter what. By the end of this moving film, there was not a dry eye in the audience.
Rating: 5 stars
Borg vs McEnroe
Unlike soccer or hockey, tennis has always been considered a gentleman’s sport. Thanks to the Florida Film Festival, it was a privilege to be among the first to see this film about one of the most legendary tennis rivals that begged the question: will you be the gentleman or the rebel? In the film, the media asks McEnroe why he can’t control his behavior. He tells them: you don’t know what it’s like to be a tennis player and compete at the highest level. Meanwhile, Borg’s coach reminds him not to let his emotions get the best of him but to just play every match as if it’s a single point, one point at a time. As a longtime competitive tennis player myself, this film really lived up to the hype and matched the drama of the actual legendary 1980 Wimbledon final between these two tennis legends.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Shadow Of A Doubt
This was the first time I viewed this film, which is in its 75th anniversary year. It was a great way to end the Florida Film Festival, with an Alfred Hitchcock classic! It’s about a young woman who discovers that the uncle she adores and admires may not be the man she thinks he is. This is a dark comedy with plenty of drama!
Rating: 4 stars
I Can Only Imagine
If you have ever heard the song, “I Can Only Imagine,” by MercyMe, this is the story of everything that led to that song being created. The film follows the life story of the singer of MercyMe, Bart Millard, who grew up in rural Texas to an abusive father and a mother who left them when he was young. I was also deeply moved by some actions singer Amy Grant did to help Bart walk his path and take on the inspiring song he created – it became the best-selling song in Christian music and went beyond that genre to be played on many mainstream radio stations. An incredible story and an inspiring film of hope and redemption.
Rating: 4.5 stars
A Quiet Place
Sometimes the most frightening thing is having to stay silent. In this “horror” film, we encounter a family who is remaining silent. The film opens up on “Day 89” and we quickly find out that there are creatures who have taken over (presumably all of the planet) but they can only detect us when we make noises. So, there is no talking or loud noises made in order to prevent the characters from being heard and ruthlessly attacked. The family lives in a rural outpost. The film quickly advances a year forward and they have discovered ways to survive, but not yet ways to conquer the creatures, only ways to protect themselves and remain hidden. They must stay quiet. The entire film has no more than 7 or 8 cast members and most of the film features no dialogue. It leave you on the edge of your seat and completely frightened when any noise is made. A very well done film!
Rating: 4 stars