Saturday, July 14, 2018

Leave No Trace, The Rider and Elvis Presley: The Searcher

Leave No Trace
A father and daughter live in a forest near Portland, Oregon.  They are discovered and go on the run.  He's a war veteran with a syndrome and she's a budding teenager.  She's helpful and mostly under his thumb but is managing steps toward independence.  Great performances by both, especially the daughter, Thomasin Harcourt McKenzie; plus there's a perfectly suited soundtrack.
The Rider
The story of a rodeo rider who has had a devastating accident while riding but can't resist what he knows so well, the rodeo.  The role is played by Brady Jandreau, who actually had such an accident in real life.  His real father and sister are also in this engaging film, which portays the country and horses in a most beautiful and alluring way.  My mother would have loved it.
Elvis Pressley: The Searcher
A compelling 2 part HBO documentary series on Elvis from his early life right through to the end.  A lot of great music that you've probably never heard before.  A thoroughly engrossing saga that no one should miss.