Year: 2018

‘The 15:17 to Paris’, a less than ordinary trip about an extraordinary story

Jeff Mitchell

“The 15:17 to Paris” – “Heroes are ordinary people who make themselves extraordinary.” – Gerard Way Spencer Stone, Alek Skarlatos and Anthony Sadler are 20-something Americans.  Friends since childhood, the three decided to travel to Europe on a semi-impromptu whim, but they never thought that their lives would be forever-changed during a Thalys train ride from Amsterdam to Paris. Specifically, the 15:17 on Aug. 21, 2015. Director Clint Eastwood tells Spencer’s, Alek’s and Anthony’s story on this particular train ride, but also their personal tales outside of the 15:17 in…

Hall’s performance gives us ‘Permission’ to appreciate this relationship drama

Jeff Mitchell

“Permission” – The definition of permission is consent; authorization; an official document giving authorization. For Anna (Rebecca Hall) and Will (Dan Stevens), a happy, New York City couple in their early 30s, they have been together forever and own solid plans for their future.   They are not yet engaged, but a permanent commitment is a foregone conclusion, as they live in a nice apartment, while also renovating a spacious brownstone, presumably to house a number of kids someday.  Anna is finishing up her academic work and Will owns a lucrative…

‘The Insult’ offers more than words

Jeff Mitchell

“The Insult” – “Lebanon is a peculiar place, so bicultural, it goes along with you.  There is a Western influence, an Eastern influence.  Most people are fluctuating between those identities.” – Director Ziad Doueiri Tony (Adel Karam) and Yasser (Kamel El Basha) productively work and fruitfully live within the vibrant heartbeats of Beruit, Lebanon.   Tony owns a busy auto repair shop and enjoys his happy marriage with Shirine (Rita Hayek), who is pregnant with their first child.  Yasser is a hardworking construction company foreman and meticulously hones his chosen profession…