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With the new restrictions in place and the Omniplex closed, James Finnegan checks out some offerings on Netflix…
Unfortunately, the Tralee Omniplex is closed due to the Level Three Covid restrictions. Like all businesses affected by this global pandemic, there is an industry reaction in terms of productions halted and film releases delayed or postponed.
However, I am also aware of those who work in the local cinemas, who help make the cinema experience so special and who worked so hard to make the return to live screenings as safe and enjoyable as possible. Our thanks and appreciation goes out to them. I hope to see you again soon.
Continued below…
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In the meantime, we once again turn to Netflix to keep us going during these strange times and darker evenings.
This first film I would like to recommend is The Peanut Butter Falcon. This independent film got a limited release but is a truly life affirming story of how there is no such thing as impossible.
Zak (Zack Gottsagen) has Down syndrome and is in an assisted living facility. He has aspirations and ambitions to become a Pro Wrestler, like his hero, the Salt Water Redneck, who also runs a Wrestling School.
‘The Peanut Butter Falcon’
Naturally, his Carers, including Nurse Eleanor, played by Dakota Johnson, do not think this is an attainable goal. So when Zak escapes the facility, with the help of his roommate Carl (a glorious cameo by the legendary Bruce Dern), there is some understandable panic.
Meanwhile Tyler, played by Shia La Beouf, a young man beginning to throw his life away, is on the run after greatly upsetting a group of crab fishers by trying to muscle in on their territory.
So with Zak and Tyler on the run, and with Eleanor in pursuit, it will come as no surprise that their paths cross over and back in this Huckleberry Finn style adventure.
Directed in their first feature by Tyler Nilsson and Michael Schwartz, the story behind the making of this film is almost as inspiring as the story itself.
They met Zack Gottsagen during a workshop they ran, and were so moved by Zack’s desire to become an actor, they refused to do the film with anyone else, despite various Studio demands.
The final cherry on the top of this story is that the presenters of the Academy Award for Best Short Film at this years Oscars were no other than Shia La Beouf and, more importantly, Zack Gottsagen.
This is a wonderful, life affirming film, and I strongly recommend it for your consideration.
The second film I recommend is the documentary RGB. The recent passing of Ruth Bader Ginsberg has had ramifications in current US political events. However, we are not truly aware of her full back story on this side of the Pond.
If I tell you that her appointment as only the second woman to the US Supreme Court, is far from being her most fascinating accomplishment, I will not be giving away any surprises. This is not some dry, boring political story. Enjoy and stay safe!
