Freddy's Cine It

Plot Summary: In 1956, Tommy Wilhelm (Robin Williams), a down-on-his-luck salesman, loses his job and marriage. He moves to New York seeking redemption through a risky investment set up by Dr. Tamkin (Jerry Stiller). As his life spirals, debt, family strain, and betrayal, Tommy must face harsh truths about himself and “seize the day.” Director: Fielder Cook Producers: Chiz Schultz, Brian Benlifer Screenplay: Saul Bellow (novel), Ronald Ribman (screenplay) Starring: Robin Williams as Tommy Wilhelm Jerry Stiller as Dr. Tamkin Joseph Wiseman as Dr. Adler (Tommy's father) Glenne Headly as Margaret, Tommy's estranged wife Richard B. Shull as Rojax   ***SPOILER ALERT*** Jerry Stiller Got Me Here Hey everyone, I’m back with a hard-to-find movie featuring the one and only Robin Williams. The reason I picked Seize the Day was actually Jer...

Plot Summary: Beckett, a spoiled and selfish housecat, takes his nine lives for granted. After recklessly losing his final life, he is granted ten more—but with a catch. Director: Chris Jenkins Producers: Karen Wengrod, Ken Cinnamon, Ash Brannon, Ernesto Matamoros, Leland Cox Screenplay: Chris Jenkins, Karen Wengrod, Ken Cinnamon Starring: Mo Gilligan as Beckett Simone Ashley as Rose Ashley Sophie Okonedo as Grace Zayn Malik as Kirk and Cameron Dylan Llewellyn as Larry Llewellyn Jeremy Swift as Happy Bill Nighy as Professor Richard Craven   ***SPOILER ALERT*** Nine Lives Too Many Saturday afternoon with 10 Lives, directed by Christopher Jenkins. Jenkins has been in animation since at least 1988, starting as an effects animator on Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Now he brings us this 2024 film about Beckett, a selfish cat who loses his las...

Plot Summary: Set during China's Cultural Revolution, The King of Children tells the story of Lao Gan, an educated youth sent to a remote village in the Yunnan-Guizhou region to work as a teacher. Director: Chen Kaige Producers: Xi'An Film Studio Screenplay: Adapted from Ah Cheng's novella with the same name Starring: Xie Yuan as Lao Gan Chen Shaohua as Principal Chen Yang Xuewen as Wang Fu   ***SPOILER ALERT*** Jumping Into Chinese Cinema Blindfolded Hey everyone. So, back in January, the internet had a little moment, and suddenly, millions of Americans rushed to a Chinese social media app called Red Note. I got curious, joined in, and ended up discovering a whole new world of culture thanks to some incredibly welcoming Chinese users. Naturally, I decided to ask for movie recommendations, and wow, they flooded in. But despite all the amazing suggestion...

Plot Summary: *Muppet Guys Talking* is a delightful and intimate documentary where legendary Muppet performers come together to share behind-the-scenes stories, their creative process, and heartfelt memories of working with Jim Henson. Directed by Frank Oz, this candid conversation between the original Muppet team offers humor, nostalgia, and a deep appreciation for the art of puppetry and storytelling. Director: Frank Oz Producers: Victoria Labalme, Frank Oz Cast: Frank Oz as Himself Jerry Nelson as Himself Fran Brill as Herself Bill Barretta as Himself Dave Goelz as Himself   Sesame Street and My Childhood Escape To wrap up Frank Oz’s filmography, what better way than with the ultra-casual, heartwarming documentary Muppet Guys Talking? Now, I’ve mentioned before that I was never a hardcore Muppets fan, but Sesame Street? That was a different stor...

Plot Summary: Nick Wells, a veteran safe-cracker ready to retire and settle with his girlfriend Diane, is pulled into one last heist by his fence Max. Partnered with ambitious thief Jack Teller, they aim to steal a priceless French scepter from the Montreal Customs House, facing tension, trust issues, and betrayal. Director: Frank Oz Producers: Gary Foster, Lee Rich Screenplay: Kario Salem (story and screenplay), Daniel E. Taylor (story), Lem Dobbs, Scott Marshall Smith Starring: Robert De Niro as  Nick Wells Edward Norton as Jack Teller/Brian Marlon Brando as Max,  Angela Bassett as Diane   ***SPOILER ALERT*** A Heist Worth the Hype Finally got around to continuing my Frank Oz film journey, and tonight’s pick was The Score. A two-hour-and-forty-minute heist flick that I had been saving for when I had some serious s...

Plot Summary: A stray cat navigates a post-apocalyptic flood, forming unexpected bonds with other animals as they struggle to survive in an ever-changing world. Without dialogue or anthropomorphism, the film delivers an emotional journey of resilience and adaptation. Director: Gints Zilbalodis Producer: Matīss Kaža, Gints Zilbalodis, Ron Dyens, Gregory Zalcman Screenplay: Gints Zilbalodis, Matīss Kaža Starring: No voice cast (dialogue-free film)   ***SPOILER ALERT*** A Video Game or a Movie? And we’re back! Still haven’t finished my Frank Oz filmography (only two movies to go!), but hey, when do I even have time to watch movies alone anymore? So, here we are again with another animated feature. This time, it’s Flow by Latvian director Gints Zilbalodis, a film that has racked up awards and was entirely made using Blender. At first, I was worried. The opening scene ...