Tag: Maggie Gyllenhaal

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40 For 40: Part 2

John Stark

Keeping in line with my 40th birthday this year, here is the second list of films I watched. I’m trying to cast a wide net and bring in multiple streamers, but peacock refuses to host audio description for Universal titles not made in the last 3 years. So just like the first ten, one of these does not have audio description. This list spans films I saw over June and July, so it is possible that some have left the service listed. While there are numbers, this is not a rank of my favorites from best to worst, but rather … Continue reading 40 For 40: Part 2

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The Lost Daughter

John Stark

Starring: Olivia Coleman, Dakota Johnson, Jessie Buckley, Ed Harris, Peter Sarsgaard Directed By: Maggie Gyllenhaal Where I Viewed: Netflix English Audio Description: Yes The Plot: A late 40’s woman (Coleman) is the predominant focus of this story, that jumps through timelines, and explores intimately many details of a persons life, and how they came to be. It tackles everything from motherhood and all that comes with it, and an unhealthy obsession. What Works: Olivia Coleman’s performance. Even though Jessie Buckley does a fine job in the flashbacks, this really a film that lives and dies with Coleman. I can appreciate … Continue reading The Lost Daughter

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Won’t Back Down

John Stark

WON’T BACK DOWN Cast: Maggie Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, Oscar Issac, Holly Hunter, Rosie Perez, Ving Rhames, Emily Alyn Lind, Lance Reddick Written By: Brin Hill, Daniel Barnz Directed By: Daniel Barnz Surprisingly, this isn’t the first film by Daniel Barnz. He previously directed the little-seen Phoebe In Wonderland, and the floptastic Beastly. After the box office for Won’t Back Down, I doubt we’ll be seeing much of him as a feature director. The truth is, that despite the stellar cast, Won’t Back Down never feels like it’s anything more than a made-for-TV movie. It’s a Hallmark “Movie of the Week”. … Continue reading Won’t Back Down