THE LOST WEEKEND – A LOVE STORY – John Lennon’s famous lost weekend which was actually a year and a half is well documented in this film produced by May Pang, his assistant and lover during that time. Forced into accompanying him to L.A. by Yoko, she paints a very different picture of John’s marital relationship, his bond with the other Beatles, his friendships with other musicians and reconnecting with his son, Julian. Previously unknown private details and events are revealed with honesty and love. As a lifelong Beatles fan (and of John in particular) I found it a bittersweet, truthful testament to John the man. Cheers!! Boyfriends – 1 (John of course). Girlfriends – 1 (Kinda liked May Pang too).

NOSFERATU – Bleak, dismal, weird, graphic, dull, long variation of the original vampire story. John hated it and left in the middle for a smoke. Sage said it was strange and she couldn’t understand it. Mike was more forgiving because he likes the director, but still not a fan. I hated it. Watch any other vampire/Dracula story and skip this one. Cheers! Boyfriends/Girlfriends – 0.

MOBLAND – Superb English mobster story with a stellar cast at the top of their game. Pierce Brosnan in his best role ever as the villainous, sadistic head of the family. Helen Mirren as the equally villainous, sadistic and traitorous real head of the family is magnificent. Tom Hardy soars in his role as the family fixer….think Tony Soprano who is as charming and good looking as he is ruthless and cruel. Naturally lots of action and twists, too. It’s a great series. Don’t miss it! Cheers mates! Boyfriends – 2; Girlfriends – 1.

THE STONES AND BRIAN JONES – I never knew the whole back story of why Brian Jones was ousted from the Rolling Stones….especially since he was the founder of the band. This documentary does an excellent job of revealing Brian’s personal struggles, the dynamics within the band and the atmosphere of music in the 60s. A great watch for any Stones fans. Cheers! Boyfriends/Girlfriends – 0.

A REAL PAIN – Kieran Culkin’s character definitely lives up to this description and so does the film. I found it exhausting and annoying to watch because of this role, which I guess is the point. I had heard there was lots of comic relief in it, but I found none. Kieran has since won the SAG award for his performance. He did a decent job of being obnoxious, the problem is I didn’t see any difference between this character and the one he played on Succession. Jesse Eisenberg’s character is equally annoying with his passive/submissive personality. The two characters are cousins on a Holocaust tour in Poland where they are seeking the long-ago home of their grandmother who has passed. The only interesting part of the film for me was the actual footage of their walk through the concentration camp which I believe is the only one where all the structures still stand. It was sobering and horrid as they entered the gas chamber, but it was the only part of the film which stirred my emotions. Cheers! Boyfriends/Girlfriends – 0.

A COMPLETE UNKNOWN – This film of Bob Dylan’s early musical career covers the years from literally being a complete unknown to the controversial folk concert where he committed the horrid sin of playing electric guitar instead of acoustic. I’ve never been a Dylan fan although I like many of his songs when they are covered by other artists. I was interested in his journey though from point A to point B. Being an actor myself, I always find the arc of other artists’ career travels informative and often inspiring. If the film accurately depicts Dylan’s true character, he apparently was quite funny and also an asshole. He had that snarky, acerbic wit about him. Timothee Chalamet does a great job capturing the trademark gravelly voice and cadence. Ed Norton also shines as Pete Seeger. John liked it, but said it isn’t a film for everyone. He’s probably right. Definitely worth a view if you’re a Dylan fan or interested in Oscar nominations. This movie will probably win in several categories. Cheers! Boyfriends/Girlfriends – 0.

CONCLAVE – A masterpiece! Worthy of all the Oscar nominations and destined to win quite a few. Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci turn in compelling performances as two priests among the entire flock congregated to select a Pope in an ancient clandestine ritual fraught with secrets, deceit and treachery. The shrouded process of choosing a Pope in itself was fascinating to me. That aside, it’s a marvelous film on its own and I loved every minute. So did Francine. Don’t miss it! Cheers!! (With blessed wine, of course). Boyfriends & Girlfriends – 0.