Tune in for the latest Cinema Scribe segment on Bring Me 2 Life Radio, beginning Tuesday February 13, available by clicking here. You can also catch it later on demand on Spreaker, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Podchaser, Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict and Jiosaavn ...

“The Zone of Interest” (2023). Cast: Christian Friedel, Sandra Hüller, Johann Karthaus, Luis Noah Witte, Nele Ahrensmeier, Lilli Falk, Anastazja Drobniak, Cecylia Pękala, Kalman Wilson, Imogen Kogge, Stephanie Petrowitz. Director: Jonathan Glazer. Screenplay: Jonathan Glazer. Book: Martin Amis, The Zone of Interest (2014). Web site. Trailer. Given humanity’s tremendous capacity for compassion and benevolence, it’s somewhat hard to believe that we’re also capable of qualities at the opposite end of the spectrum. When we consider the magnanimity we often exhibit in times of crisis, it’s difficult to fathom how we can also demonstrate troubling degrees of callous, uncaring indifference toward our fellow man. Yet, if we examine the scope of human history, we can’t willfully ignore the many instances of cruel disregard and unspeakable atrocities we’ve inflicted on others during such times as the reign of the Third Reich. And, despite what progress we may have made, we even see it today in places like the North Korean regime. It makes one wonder whether we’ve learned anything along the way. That’s why we need to pay attention to our history and ourselves, as depicted in the unnerving but affecting new historical drama, “The Zone of Interest.” Without a doubt, Nazi ...

Join yours truly and show host Frankie Picasso for looks at six new films, as well as a few surprises, on the latest movie review edition of the Frankiesense & More video podcast, beginning Thursday February 1 at 1 pm ET. Tune in on Facebook or YouTube for all the fun and lively discussion! ...

Reviews of “All of Us Strangers” and “Memory,” along with a podcast preview, year-end movie lists and a note of thanks, are all in the latest Movies with Meaning post on the web site of The Good Media Network, available by clicking here ...

“Memory” (2023). Cast: Jessica Chastain, Peter Sarsgaard, Josh Charles, Jessica Harper, Brooke Timber, Merritt Wever, Tom Hammond, Elsie Fisher, Blake Baumgartner, Jackson Dorfmann, Alexis Rae Forlenza. Director: Michel Franco. Screenplay: Michel Franco. Web site. Trailer. How we remember our past is something we can all bank on, right? Or is it? For instance, what happens when mitigating influences impact our memory, potentially causing it to become fallible and untrustworthy? Can we truly rely on our recall then? Those are among the questions raised in the new unconventional romantic thriller, “Memory.” Life hasn’t been easy for Sylvia (Jessica Chastain). She has had to struggle to put her life back together after an apparently very troubled past, something she quietly keeps to herself but that is always with her. The recovering alcoholic diligently keeps it all in balance, though, working as a staff member at a New York City adult day care center. As a single mother, she also attentively tends to the needs of her teenage daughter, Anna (Brooke Timber), and regularly attends AA meetings, a tremendous source of comfort and support. She doesn’t have much of a social life, but that helps to keep her focused on what matters most, ...

With 2023 now in the books, it’s time to look back on the year in movies. In this third of three blogs, I spotlight my Top 10 Documentary releases of 2023 (some of which were produced in prior years), followed by a list of Honorable Mentions. In each case, I’ve included web site and trailer links, as well as links to my own reviews, either those that have been published as full blogs or as summary write-ups in this site’s Quick Cuts section. In addition, I’ve included a short list of disappointments, in descending order, again with links comparable to those that I approved of. In separate blog posts, I examine my Best and Worst Films of 2023. So, with that said, check out what I thought about 2023’s crop of documentaries. You may not agree with me, and I respect your opinions, regardless of whether our views align. I hope you’ll respectfully grant me the same. And your feedback, as always, is welcome. Here goes! The Top 10 Countdown 10. “Framing Agnes” (Canada/USA) Web site Trailer Those who believes that they have a good handle on understanding transgender culture and sensibilities are bound to have their eyes thrust wide ...