paul-allaer

As "Spinal Tal II: The End Continues" (2025 release; 84 min.) opens, a crowd is descending on Lakefront Arena at New Orleans, where Spinal Tap is to perform one last gig after a hiatus of 15 years. Marty DiBergi is on site, and he takes us back to what has become of the original Spial Tap members over these last 15 years. At this point we are less than 10 minutes into the movie.

Couple of comments: If you are wondering why it has taken 40 years for a sequel to be made, you will not be surprised to learn that it all evolved around money and contract rights (of course!). Rob Reiner (Marty), Christopher Guest (Nigel), Michael McKean (David) and Harry Shearer (Derek) finally won back the rights to the characters they created for "This Is Spinal Tap" in late 2020. In spirit "Spinal Tap II" is similar to the 1984 mockumentary, but with one big difference: the sequel, as short as it is, never quite hits its stride. Yes, there are moments of brilliance (the Paul McCartney cameo being the best moment), but overall it lacks the originality and the wits and funny bits of "This Is Spinal Tap". Rumor has it that another film, consisting of a full concert at Stonehenge, will be released in 2026, to which I say: "why, oh why?".

"Spinal Tap II: The End Continues" was released in US theaters in September, where it promptly bombed. It is now airing on HBO and streaming on HBO Max, where I caught it last night. The movie is currently rated 66% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, which feels about right to me. IF you liked the 1984 original mockumentary, I'd readily suggest you check this out, with lowered expectations, and draw your own conclusion.

As "Love + War" (2025 release; 95 min.) opens, it is "February 19, 2022", 5 days before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. We follow Lynsey Addario, an American war photographer, as Kyiv is starting to get under attack. We then go back in time as we learn about Addario's roots and upbringing. When the New York Times offered her the opportunity to cover the Ukraine conflict, she comments "I jumped at the opportunity. This is what I do." At this point we are less than 10 minutes into the documentary.

Couple of comments: I must admit I was not familiar with Lynsey Addario at all before watching this. But I am very familiar with the works of co-directors Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, who won a Best Documentary Oscar for "Free Solo", among many other recognitions. I will watch any movie from these veteran documentarians. Here they follow/embed with Lynsey Addario, whom we come to know as a fierce and fearless "conflict photographer" (as she calls herself), but remarkably is also a wife and mother of two boys. Along the way we learn of the sexism that Addario has encountered, how journalists are now being targeted, and how she compartmentalizes being a mother with being a war photographer. The Ukraine invasion by Russia, including war crimes committed by Russia, get more exposure than any other aspect. I was blown away by the entire documentary, to be honest.

"Love + War" premiered at this year's Toronto International Film Festival to immediate and general critical acclaim. This documentary is currently rated 100% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, and there is amply reason form that. After a brief US theatrical run in October, the movie is now streaming on Hulu, where I caught it last night. If you are interested in understanding the extraordinary life and times of a veteran war photographer, or you are simply a fan of the earlier works of co-directors Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

As "Jay Kelly" (2025 release; 133 min.) opens, we are on a film set where mega-film star Jay Kelly films the last scene. Afterward, the entire production set celebrates. Upon getting home, Kelly is seen arguing with his youngest daughter who just graduated from high school. She tells him that she is going backpacking in France and Italy with some friends. Kelly suggests that he join them but she rejects the idea. At this point we are 10 minutes into the movie...

Couple of comments: this is the latest from director Noah Baumbach ("Mistress America", "Frances Ha"). Here he brings the fictional tale of film star Jay Kelly, whose story seems in many parts amazingly similar to that of George Clooney. For good measure, Clooney plays that role as he reflects on a 35 year Hollywood career. Adam Sandler, a regular in Baumbach's films, stars as Kelly's longtime manager (and friend?). Laura Dern is another in Kelly's entourage. This movie is definitely a Hollywood insider movie. "All my memories are movies", reflects Kelly. There are some poignant moments in the movie for sure, but I couldn't help wonder that it somehow all feels so familiar, all a little bit too easy. Dare I say predictable? Then again, who will want to root against George Clooney?

"Jay Kelly" premiered at the Venice film festival in August. The movie had a very brief and limited theatrical run last month, and it started streaming on Netflix this weekend. "Jay Kelly" is currently rated 78% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. If you are a fan of George Clooney or Adam Sandler, or you like the earlier films of Noah Baumbach, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.