This week, we feature a classic rom-com with two actors at the top of their game and a touching drama about a pair of later-in-life lovers.
New Release
‘My Sailor, My Love’
When retired sailor Howard (James Cosmo) lets his daughter Grace (Catherine Walker) hire caretaker Annie (Brid Brennan) to care for him, his crankiness causes Annie to quit. Eventually, he comes to appreciate Annie, and the two fall in love, causing Grace to feel neglected.
With understated performances, this emotion-packed drama set against the backdrop of Ireland’s sumptuous coastline never falls into a clichéd schmaltzfest, and it even has some unexpected humor. It also shows that it’s never too late to find true love.
Drama
Release Date: Sept. 22, 2023 (Limited)
Director: Klaus Haro
Starring: James Cosmo, Brid Brennan, Catherine Walker
Running Time: 1 hour, 43 minutes
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Where to Watch: Theaters
Rated: 3.5 stars out of 5
Indie Pick
‘Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai’
A mysterious figure known as Ghost Dog (Forest Whitaker) carries out hits for the local mob. However, when he takes out another made man at his employer’s behest, he becomes marked for death in order to cover things up. Now, the master assassin must rely on his wits to survive.
This is an intriguing cinematic mash up of martial arts and mafia culture that has a distinctive vibe to it. It also diverges from the usual tropes with its oddball characters and quirky humor. It’s a film that takes chances that, for the most part, pay off.
Crime | Drama
Release Date: March 24, 2000
Director: Jim Jarmusch
Starring: Forest Whitaker, Henry Silva, John Tormey
Running Time: 1 hour, 56 minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Where to Watch: The Criterion Channel, Max
Rated: 3 stars out of 5
A Quirky Romantic Comedy that Mostly Works
‘The Goodbye Girl’
Paula McFadden (Marsha Mason) is a dancer who lives in New York with her daughter Lucy (Quinn Cummings). When her former roommate abruptly leaves, she discovers that her apartment has been subleased to a high-strung Chicago actor named Elliot Garfield (Richard Dreyfuss). Will opposites attract?
Aided by a witty and engaging script, Mr. Dreyfuss and Ms. Mason share a special chemistry that really shines. Although the characters they portray are flawed, this is one rom-com that is unpretentious and charming.
Comedy | Drama | Romance
Release Date: Nov. 30, 1977
Director: Herbert Ross
Starring: Richard Dreyfuss, Marsha Mason, Quinn Cummings
Running Time: 1 hour, 51 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG
Where to Watch: Amazon, Redbox, Vudu
Rated: 3 stars out of 5
One of the Greatest Rom-Coms of All Time
‘It Happened One Night’
After spoiled Ellie Andrews (Claudette Colbert) disappoints her millionaire father by marrying a man he disapproves of, she runs away and meets the hard-nosed, good-hearted reporter Peter Warne (Clark Gable).
This is a breezy, likable romantic comedy classic that lives up to its lofty place in film history (winner of multiple Oscars). Colbert and Gable are in top form here and play off each other fabulously.
Comedy | Romance
Release Date: Feb. 22, 1934
Director: Frank Capra
Starring: Clark Gable, Claudette Colbert, Walter Connolly
Running Time: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Not Rated
Where to Watch: Tubi, Amazon, Vudu
Rated: 4.5 stars out of 5
