“Remember” (2015 production, 2016 release). Cast: Christopher Plummer. Martin Landau, Bruno Ganz, Dean Norris, Jürgen Prochnow, Heinz Lieven, Henry Czerny, Liza Balkan, Peter DeCunha, James Cade, Sofia Wells, Jane Spidell, Stefani Kimber. Director: Atom Egoyan. Screenplay: Benjamin August. Web site. Trailer.When does the cause of justice cross the line into the pursuit of vengeance? Even if the outcome in both instances turns out to be the same, doesn’t the intent leading to such a result make a difference? Those are thorny issues, to be sure, and they come center stage in the gripping suspense thriller, “Remember,” now available on DVD, Blu-ray disk and video on demand.Zev Guttman (Christopher Plummer) and Max Rosenbaum (Martin Landau) have much in common. The two [...]

“Florence Foster Jenkins” (2016). Cast: Meryl Streep, Hugh Grant, Simon Helberg, Rebecca Ferguson, Nina Arianda, Stanley Townsend, Allan Corduner, Christian McKay, David Haig, Brid Brennan, John Kavanagh, John Sessions, Davis Mills, Nat Luurtsema, Mark Arnold. Director: Stephen Frears. Screenplay: Nicholas Martin. Web site. Trailer.Passionately following one’s dreams, no matter what the cost, is a noble endeavor, to be sure. Pursuing what gives us joy is truly an undertaking to which we should all aspire. But what if the pursuit of that goal has the potential for public humiliation – should we continue under such circumstances? What’s more, what if others deliberately shield us from such criticism – are they really doing us any favors, even if they seem to have [...]

Reviews of "Florence Foster Jenkins" and "Remember" and a preview of a special David Bowie movie screening are all in the latest Movies with Meaning post on the Blog Page of The Good Radio Network available by clicking here.Perpetually off-key vocalist Florence Foster Jenkins (Meryl Streep, left) prepares for her Carnegie Hall debut with her accompanist, Cosmé McMoon (Simon Helberg, center), and husband, St. Clair Bayfield (Hugh Grant, right), in director Stephen Frears’ latest offering, “Florence Foster Jenkins.” Photo by Nick Wall, courtesy © 2016 by Paramount Pictures.

“Gleason” (2016). Cast: Steve Gleason, Michel Varisco, Rivers Gleason, Mike Gleason, Scott Fujita, Blair Casey, Paul Varisco Sr., Kyle Gleason, Gail Gleason, Jim Eutizzi, Drew Brees, Kurt Warner, John Elway, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Mike McCready, Eddie Vedder. Director: Clay Tweel. Screenplay: Clay Tweel. Web site. Trailer.What makes a hero? Many of us probably think of comic book figures, first responders or combat vets. Those examples are certainly inspiring, and their contributions (especially those of the real world figures) are definitely laudable. But, as the new documentary “Gleason” illustrates, heroes sometimes come in the unlikeliest of forms.Former NFL player Steve Gleason didn’t really fit the profile of your typical football star. He was a little undersized, and his cerebral, somewhat reserved [...]

Reviews of "Gleason" and "Mediterranea" and a podcast preview are all available in the latest Movies with Meaning post on the Blog Page of The Good Radio Network, available by clicking here.Former NFL star and ALS patient Steve Gleason cradles his son, Rivers, in director Clay Tweel’s candid, heartfelt documentary, “Gleason.” Photo courtesy of Open Road Films.

“The Family Fang” (2016). Cast: Justin Bateman, Nicole Kidman, Christopher Walken, Maryann Plunkett, Kathryn Hahn, Harris Yulin, Jason Butler Harner, Mackenzie Brooke Smith, Taylor Rose, Jack McCarthy, Kyle Donnery, Marin Ireland, Linda Emond, Grainger Hines, Frank Harts, Edward Mitchell, Patrick Mitchell. Director: Justin Batemen. Screenplay: David Lindsay-Abaire. Book: Kevin Wilson, The Family Fang. Web site. Trailer.Our parents always have our best interests at heart, right? Are you sure? What if they have agendas riddled with unusual, self-serving plans and schemes? What kind of impact would such undertakings have on impressionable young minds? Would the effects be detrimental or beneficial (or possibly both)? Questions like these are at the core of the offbeat comedy-drama-mystery, “The Family Fang,” now available on DVD [...]

“Don’t Think Twice” (2016). Cast: Keegan-Michael Key, Gillian Jacobs, Mike Birbiglia, Chris Gethard, Kate Micucci, Tami Sagher, Ben Stiller, Seth Barrish, Erin Darke, Sondra James, Maggie Kemper, Kati Rediger, Steve Waltien, Emily Skeggs, Gary Richardson. Director: Mike Birbiglia. Screenplay: Mike Birbiglia. Web site. Trailer.Striving for success in the world of entertainment is full of hopes, dreams, challenges and frustrations. When we pursue it on our own, it can be terrifying, bewildering, exhilarating and, above all, lonely. But, when we aspire to greatness as part of a group, we at least have the support of others to make the struggle more tolerable and, one would hope, creatively fulfilling. Of course, being part of a collective is also fraught with the competition [...]

Reviews of "Don't Think Twice" and "The Family Fang" and two podcast previews are all available in the latest Movies with Meaning post on the Blog Page of The Good Radio Network by clicking here.Members of the Commune improv comedy troupe (from left, Tami Sagher, Gillian Jacobs, Keegan-Michael Key, Mike Birbiglia, Chris Gethard, Kate Micucci) seek to make it big in “Don’t Think Twice.” Photo courtesy of Jon Pack/The Film Arcade.

“Captain Fantastic” (2016). Cast: Viggo Mortensen, George McKay, Frank Langella, Kathryn Hahn, Steve Zahn, Ann Dowd, Samantha Isler, Annalise Basso, Nicholas Hamilton, Shree Crooks, Charlie Shotwell, Trin Miller, Elijah Stevenson, Teddy Van Ee, Erin Moriarity, Missi Pyle. Director: Matt Ross. Screenplay: Matt Ross. Web site. Trailer.Getting away from the crush of the world’s worries undoubtedly holds tremendous appeal, particularly for those seeking to support and raise their families in a natural, healthy environment untainted by the corruption, perils and concerns of everyday life. But does this kind of retreat from mainstream society truly live up to the promise of paradise found? That’s the question examined in the new family drama, “Captain Fantastic.”Ben Cash (Viggo Mortensen) has rejected the evils of [...]

Join me and host Frankie Picasso today for this month's Movies with Meaning segment on the Frankiesense & More radio show! We'll discuss some of the summer season's inspiring new releases, among other topics. Tune in at 1 pm ET by clicking here.