Month: July 2017

Five excellent Donald Sutherland performances to watch at home

Jeff Mitchell

Every Monday, ArtHouseFilmWire looks for movies for you to watch at home, and since Donald Sutherland celebrates his 82nd birthday on July 17, let’s turn to the man who is much, much, much more than President Snow of “The Hunger Games” series. He has starred in over 100 feature-length films to date and just completed filming “The Leisure Seeker” (2018) with Helen Mirren, so Mr. Sutherland is not slowing down. Let’s look back at some classic Sutherland performances!  There are so many to choose from, but here are five of…

‘War for the Planet of the Apes’ prefers less combat, more drama

Jeff Mitchell

“War for the Planet of the Apes” – Lions may be the kings of the jungle, but apes are the animal rulers of dystopian civilization cinema.   Hands – with opposable thumbs – down.  Six films and two television series donned the big and small screens, respectively, before director Rupert Wyatt resurrected the franchise in 2011 with “Rise of the Planet of the Apes”.   Wyatt did not monkey around (sorry, I couldn’t resist), as he opened a prequel-door to reveal key moments that led to the apes’ rise.  The pronounced bond…

Georg Elser’s biopic ‘13 Minutes’ is more than worth your time

Jeff Mitchell

“13 Minutes” –  Johann Georg Elser (Christian Friedel) lived a content, happy existence in Germany.  Born in 1903, this carpenter and accordion player embraced life and seem to enjoy small moments, like playing music near a lake in the summertime and spontaneously dancing the tango with a pretty woman.  Something dark and spooky, however, began encroaching on his easy going days, as this particular form slowly changed minds within the local, modest neighborhoods in which he inhabits.  Comparable to “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” (1956), some friends, acquaintances and many…