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Year: 2021

‘House of Gucci’ warns of the dark side of ambition

‘House of Gucci’ warns of the dark side of ambition

“House of Gucci” (2021). Cast: Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Al Pacino, Jeremy Irons, Jared Leto, Jack Huston, Salma Hayek, Camille Cottin, Alexia Murray, Vincent Riotta, Youssef Kerkour. Director: Ridley Scott. Screenplay: Becky Johnston and Roberto Bentivegna. Story: Becky Johnston. Book: Sara Gay Forden, The House of Gucci: A Sensational Story of Murder, Madness, Glamour and Greed. Web site. Trailer. Ambition is a dual-edged sword. On one hand, it can drive the fulfillment of tremendous noteworthy and beneficial accomplishments. On the other hand, however, it can get out of control when left unchecked, taking us places that are better left unexplored. Given that, then, we must ask ourselves, “What will it be – a path to achievement or a road to ruin?” That’s the central question raised in the pulpy, fact-based domestic drama, “House of Gucci.” In 1978, Maurizio Gucci (Adam Driver) is about to become embroiled in a perilous scenario he never saw coming. The conservative, mild-mannered law student and one of the heirs to the family fortune of the House of Gucci, world-renowned Italian designers of high-end leather goods, clothing and accessories, goes about his life unassumingly, diligently pursuing his studies and dutifully attending to the needs of his ...
This Week in Movies with Meaning

This Week in Movies with Meaning

Reviews of “Spencer” and “Julia,” as well as a film festival wrap-up, are all in the latest edition of Movies with Meaning on the web site of The Good Media Network, available by clicking here ...
‘Julia’ celebrates living a life of one’s passions

‘Julia’ celebrates living a life of one’s passions

“Julia” (2021). Cast: Interviews: Alex Prud’homme, Jacques Pépin, Charles Gibson, Marcus Samuelsson, José Andrés, André Cointreau, Barbara Fairchild, Ina Garten, Ruth Reichl, Sara Moulton, Dorothy Zinberg, Alex Pirie, Paul Bogaards, Susy Davidson, Jane Friedman. Archive Footage: Julia Child, Paul Child, Simone Beck, Louisette Bertholle, Judith Jones, John McWilliams, Jr., James Beard. Directors: Julie Cohen and Betsy West. Books: Bob Spitz, Dearie: The Remarkable Life of Julia Child, Julia Child and Alex Prud’homme, My Life in France, and Alex Prud’homme, The French Chef in America: Julia Child’s Second Act. Web site. Trailer. It’s been said that life is too short to spend it doing things we dislike, something that many of us can probably attest to. The thought of living out our days engaged in what gives us pleasure is one that far too many people speculate about but never see through. But it is possible if we put our hearts and minds to it, as evidenced by the life experiences of someone who followed her own path and believed in fulfilling her dreams, a story told in the delightful new documentary, “Julia.” Who would have thought that a middle-aged woman with a lilting voice, an eccentric demeanor and looks that ...
Take 'Action' and Get a Free Gift!

Take ‘Action’ and Get a Free Gift!

Coming up with great ideas — and the beliefs needed to back them up — is one thing, but they don’t amount to much if there’s no action to see them through. Those looking for inspiration on how to make this happen should consider turning to the movies for ideas. And you can read more about this in “Adventures for Taking ‘Action!'” in the latest edition of Modern Warrior magazine, available by clicking here. But wait — there’s more! In the spirit of holiday generosity, readers can now get a copy of this month’s issue for free by clicking here. Check it out to see all that’s in store in this uplifting online publication! ...
Wrapping Up the 2021 St. Louis Film Festival

Wrapping Up the 2021 St. Louis Film Festival

The Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival recently completed its 2021 edition in its first-ever hybrid format with theatrical and virtual screening options. This flexible approach made it possible for viewers to screen over 90% of its more than 400 feature films and shorts in the traditional manner at multiple locations or from the comfort of their own homes. While some of the virtual presentations were available in Missouri and neighboring Illinois only, many others could be streamed nationwide, making it possible for movie fans to see some excellent films without being in metro St. Louis, an increasingly popular viewing option for many film festivals (and one that I heartily applaud). Thanks to this format, I was able to screen a great number of films – 23 in all. The festival’s 30th edition had its share of fine offerings (especially in the documentary genre), but there were also some that could have been better. Below are my summary reviews of the releases I watched. Full reviews of select films are to come. “The Berrigans: Devout and Dangerous” (USA) (5/5) Web site Trailer In times of war and great social challenges, it can be difficult to remain devoted to one’s principles ...
A Film Fit for a Princess

A Film Fit for a Princess

Tune in for the latest Cinema Scribe segment on Bring Me 2 Life Radio, Tuesday, November 23, at 2 pm ET, available by clicking here. And, if you don’t hear the show live, catch it later on demand on Spreaker, Spotify, Apple, iHeartRadio, Google Podcasts, Castbox, Deezer, Podchaser and Jiosaavn ...
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