Author: Jeff Mitchell

Movie of the Week: ‘Sea of Love’

Jeff Mitchell

“Sea of Love” (1989) – New York City Police Detective Frank Keller (Pacino) reaches 20 years on the force, and his colleagues start whispering, “Retirement.”  Hey, let’s face it, no one murmurs in NYC, so yes, he hears their calls.  Walking away with his pension has its appeals, but Frank’s a homicide detective through and through.  He has no plans to open a B&B in Clearwater Beach because solving murder cases is his life’s work, and he’ll have to roll up his sleeves for this puzzling new one. In director…

‘Father Stu’: Stuart Long’s story is inspirational, but the film isn’t divine

Jeff Mitchell

“Father Stu” (2022) – Stuart Long might remind you of Rocky Balboa.  Rocky’s early days, anyway.  Well, Stuart never fought Apollo Creed, Clubber Lang, or Ivan Drago.  He didn’t win the Heavyweight Championship of the World, nor did he get his start in Philadelphia.  Stuart grew up in Montana, and he boxed his way to the state’s Golden Gloves Heavyweight Title.  Like Mr. Balboa, Mr. Long took his share of punishment in the ring, and Stu and Rocky also offer advice at times.  For instance, in “Rocky” (1976), The Italian…

Movie of the Week: ‘Brooklyn’

Jeff Mitchell

“Brooklyn” (2015) – Saoirse Ronan shines in a beautifully-filmed movie about a young Irish woman starting a new life in the bustling streets of New York City while struggling with the emotional pulls of home in County Wexford.  Along with Eilis’ (Ronan) homesickness, writer Nick Hornby pens several amusing and warm moments with her boarding housemates and a new love interest, and with the film’s throwback vibe to pictures of yesterdecade, “Brooklyn” is the most graceful and lovely cinematic experience of 2015. “Brooklyn” was nominated for three Oscars: Best Picture,…