This was the most bizarre film of the year.
Cassius Green (Lakeith Stanfield) is a young guy who just wants a job and he finally finds one in telemarketing, especially after he finds his 'white' voice. But this isn't a typical world. There is a main group, organization called WorryFree which makes basically everything in the world but they use the equivalency of slave labor to do so. But Cash buys into everything as it is finally providing him the steady paycheck he needs to get ahead in life and it finally lets him get out of his scrap of metal car and out of his uncle's (Terry Crew's) garage. Unfortunately, by looking after only himself, Cash has turned his back on his friends, the strike and even his beloved fiance, indy artist Detriot (the amazing Tessa Thompson) dumps him.
It is at a party at the house of WorryFree's founder, Steve Link (Armie Hammer, never more bizarre) when Cash finally sees the light. He is given an offer most would never refuse but fortunately, he does. WorryFree is modifying people to make them, stronger and better workers by turning them into hybrid horse-people, which is disgusting and wrong. He is back on the front lines of the strike and right back to where he started, in his uncle's garage only to have an ending that will knock your socks off, in the most bizarre way possible.
While the plot is wild, it brings up many important issues such as how even assimilating doesn't work to your advantage and how no matter what you do, it will never be enough. You should always be true to yourself, as that is all that really matters. Fortunately, this odd, little film is boasted by its great cast including Steven Yeun as the union leader, Omari Hardwick as one of the other elite telemarketers, Jermaine Fowler as one of Cash's good friends and Danny Glover as the seasoned telemarketer who instructs Cash to use his 'white' voice while making the calls. Still, the film missed the mark as it wasn't funny, just super, super weird but the message was good and the performances were good. Needless to say, I'm glad the most popular show on TV doesn't involve people getting literally punched in the face. Grade: B
Monday, December 31, 2018
Sunday, December 30, 2018
A Very English Scandal (2018): Recap and Reaction
This three-part series covers quite a lot of ground and spans eighteen years before the first accidental meeting of Parliament member of the Liberal Party, Jeremy Thorpe (Hugh Grant) and stable boy Norman Scott (a brilliant Ben Whishaw).
They begin a brief but passionate albeit illegal homosexual relationship and consummate it at all places in his mother's house. Jeremy's mother's house to be specific. But then things fall apart, to no one's surprise and Jeremy doesn't help Norman get back his National Insurance card which he left behind in haste to join Jeremy. This card is necessary so he can gets the benefits he is entitled to as a citizen. In the long run, it would have been far easier to get him a replacement card than to go through all the hassle of paying to keep him silent. But that isn't enough as Norman will not be silenced so Jeremy even wants to have him killed.
This gets blown out of porporation and he even hires people so this can be done, but that plan goes arye when the dog, poor Trinka is killed instead.
Finally, the scandal is forced into the spotlight and Jeremy and the others do stand trial for conspiracy to commit murder. Though Jeremy's career is ruined, he is found not guilty without ever even taking the stand while Norman does and comes off looking like a rose while Jeremy is a coward for keeping his mouth shut.
The series is certainly an interesting one. I do wonder whether the two men were truly in love or not as both eventually married women and each had a son. In fact, Norman wore a wedding ring during his brief marriage while Jeremy never did and his second lasted decades. His second wife was a saint, sticking with him though his trial and then later as he battled Parkinson's disease for the finale two decades of his life.
Norman, unlike Jeremy, is still alive to see his story be told and has all the animals he could ever want as ultimately, he liked animals far more people, which is understandable most days. Also, Norman is a far more interesting character than Jeremy though he has plenty of struggles with drugs and alcohol.
It is undoubtedly an interesting story and is anchored by the tight script which has colorful characters to spare, including a fascinating performance by Alex Jennings from The Crown, great as one of Jeremy's closest friends though in order to save his own skin, he testifies against him at the trial.
There is a very English feel to this whole series but that is what makes easily one of the most well-done series of the year, fully deserving of all the nominations it has received thus far and Emmys, please remember this one next year. There are many twists and turns and I certainly wasn't expecting that ending, which you cannot describe as happy for anyone involved. Next time, just help someone replace their National Insurance card, it will save plenty of sweat, stress, blood and tears later on. Grade: A-
They begin a brief but passionate albeit illegal homosexual relationship and consummate it at all places in his mother's house. Jeremy's mother's house to be specific. But then things fall apart, to no one's surprise and Jeremy doesn't help Norman get back his National Insurance card which he left behind in haste to join Jeremy. This card is necessary so he can gets the benefits he is entitled to as a citizen. In the long run, it would have been far easier to get him a replacement card than to go through all the hassle of paying to keep him silent. But that isn't enough as Norman will not be silenced so Jeremy even wants to have him killed.
This gets blown out of porporation and he even hires people so this can be done, but that plan goes arye when the dog, poor Trinka is killed instead.
Finally, the scandal is forced into the spotlight and Jeremy and the others do stand trial for conspiracy to commit murder. Though Jeremy's career is ruined, he is found not guilty without ever even taking the stand while Norman does and comes off looking like a rose while Jeremy is a coward for keeping his mouth shut.
The series is certainly an interesting one. I do wonder whether the two men were truly in love or not as both eventually married women and each had a son. In fact, Norman wore a wedding ring during his brief marriage while Jeremy never did and his second lasted decades. His second wife was a saint, sticking with him though his trial and then later as he battled Parkinson's disease for the finale two decades of his life.
Norman, unlike Jeremy, is still alive to see his story be told and has all the animals he could ever want as ultimately, he liked animals far more people, which is understandable most days. Also, Norman is a far more interesting character than Jeremy though he has plenty of struggles with drugs and alcohol.
It is undoubtedly an interesting story and is anchored by the tight script which has colorful characters to spare, including a fascinating performance by Alex Jennings from The Crown, great as one of Jeremy's closest friends though in order to save his own skin, he testifies against him at the trial.
There is a very English feel to this whole series but that is what makes easily one of the most well-done series of the year, fully deserving of all the nominations it has received thus far and Emmys, please remember this one next year. There are many twists and turns and I certainly wasn't expecting that ending, which you cannot describe as happy for anyone involved. Next time, just help someone replace their National Insurance card, it will save plenty of sweat, stress, blood and tears later on. Grade: A-
Vice (2018)
This film highlights the life of the largely unknown former vice-president Dick Cheney (an unrecognizable Christian Bale) who comes from what is likely a poor background in Wyoming. It isn't until the love of his life, Lynne (Amy Adams) whips his drunken ass into shape that he finally has some motivation to do something with his life and that he certainly does. He is the youngest chief of staff under President Ford, then State Representative of Wyoming for ten years before becoming Secretary of Defense under the first Bush and then joins the private sector earning vast amounts of money for an oil company. He initially doesn't want to take George W. Bush's (Sam Rockwell's) offer of being the Vice President as it is a thankless job but he manages to persuade George that he wants far more responsibility and along with his lawyer, unearths the doctrine which will give the President absolute power and can make whatever he says law and legal solely because he is President. And after 9/11, he conjures Al Quada in Iraq mainly because he wants Saddam Hussein out of power so the American public is lied to. After accidentally and foolishly shooting a man (fortunately not fatally) he doesn't apologize for being an idiot. Instead, the victim apologizes to the Cheneys for what they've had to deal with.
Now, Cheney tries to be a family man and he does love his daughters dearly, including Mary (Alison Pill, great in a small role) and while he doesn't have a huge problem with her homosexuality, it isn't something he's proud of and will toss her under the bus if it helps him get more power. Ultimately, he's not a Republican, he's for advancing his own agenda and making millions.
The film is a daring portrayal of a man so close to the presidency but doesn't seem to care much about the truth or kind ways others should be treated, torturing others most of whom likely don't deserve it. It is a jarring scene when the Cheney's loving family dinner is interrupted by bombing Iraq. Imagine how it would have been for those innocent civilians in Iraq meaning a death they never deserved all because he wanted one man dead.
The film also has an interesting narrator, Jesse Plemons, who knows so much about this man. I won't tell you how, but that was actually the most jarring and shocking moment of the film, the one that made me gasp.
While the film covers a lot, probably too much, it is nevertheless a great film with great performances including a good Steve Carell as Donald Rumsfeld and a very good Tyler Perry as Colin Powell (a sentence that I'd never thought I'd write). Adams is great as the driving force behind her husband and relishes playing such an unlikable character, scolding other women for burning their bras and telling her daughters that once power is achieved, no one will ever stop trying to take it away from you. Real kind and upbeat people, if you ask me. Still, the imagery of fishing scenes mixed in with other current events is genius and the film is very interesting to watch. I would hardly call it a comedy as there are only about three funny moments scattered throughout but it is a film worth seeing nevertheless and it will you terrified at how absolute the President's power can be. These checks and balances were written for a reason and we can never forget that there existence is a help not a hindrance. Grade: B+
Now, Cheney tries to be a family man and he does love his daughters dearly, including Mary (Alison Pill, great in a small role) and while he doesn't have a huge problem with her homosexuality, it isn't something he's proud of and will toss her under the bus if it helps him get more power. Ultimately, he's not a Republican, he's for advancing his own agenda and making millions.
The film is a daring portrayal of a man so close to the presidency but doesn't seem to care much about the truth or kind ways others should be treated, torturing others most of whom likely don't deserve it. It is a jarring scene when the Cheney's loving family dinner is interrupted by bombing Iraq. Imagine how it would have been for those innocent civilians in Iraq meaning a death they never deserved all because he wanted one man dead.
The film also has an interesting narrator, Jesse Plemons, who knows so much about this man. I won't tell you how, but that was actually the most jarring and shocking moment of the film, the one that made me gasp.
While the film covers a lot, probably too much, it is nevertheless a great film with great performances including a good Steve Carell as Donald Rumsfeld and a very good Tyler Perry as Colin Powell (a sentence that I'd never thought I'd write). Adams is great as the driving force behind her husband and relishes playing such an unlikable character, scolding other women for burning their bras and telling her daughters that once power is achieved, no one will ever stop trying to take it away from you. Real kind and upbeat people, if you ask me. Still, the imagery of fishing scenes mixed in with other current events is genius and the film is very interesting to watch. I would hardly call it a comedy as there are only about three funny moments scattered throughout but it is a film worth seeing nevertheless and it will you terrified at how absolute the President's power can be. These checks and balances were written for a reason and we can never forget that there existence is a help not a hindrance. Grade: B+
Saturday, December 29, 2018
Colette (2018)
This is film is merely another chance to highlight Keira Knightley's talent in a period costume.
She shines as the title character, Colette (originally Gabrielle) a poor peasant girl from the countryside in Paris who marries Willy (Dominic West), a man whom she believes to be the love of her life. Willy marries her despite the lack of dowry but he is having financial struggles himself. Sort of the James Patterson of 1890s Paris, Willy is the idea man with his name on the books but he has minions to do all of the dirty work for him and soon, Colette joins the ranks. She writes about her childhood, more or less and these books make Willy famous and a very wealthy man, which in turn, makes Colette wealthy also. But she is the true writer but very few actually know that, as he is the famous one and is the one who enjoys taking credit for the work of others.
In addition to this being a cause of contention in their marriage, Willy is also not faithful to Colette. Then again, she cheats on him also, but only with women, including the lovely Louisiana heiress, Georgie (Eleanor Tomlinson) who also sleeps with Willy and Missy (Denise Gough), who is struggling with her sexuality.
The film covers a lot of ground, including Colette's time performing on the stage though her true talent rests with her ability to write. It isn't until Willy foolishly sells the rights to Colette's creation, Claudine, that she finally throws him under the bus and files for a divorce. She also decides to write about her experience being a showgirl and publishes under her real name and becomes famous in her own right. The truth does come out in the end. Justice is finally served.
While the ending is a bit squishy, the film nevertheless covers over a decade and details both Colette's professional and personal life. Knightley is excellent and West is also very good and the supporting cast is top-notch. And I do love a period piece. This film would make a great companion piece to this year's other very good film, The Wife, as they both detail how much power husbands can have over their wives. The answer is, they can have as much power as they are given. Grade: B+
She shines as the title character, Colette (originally Gabrielle) a poor peasant girl from the countryside in Paris who marries Willy (Dominic West), a man whom she believes to be the love of her life. Willy marries her despite the lack of dowry but he is having financial struggles himself. Sort of the James Patterson of 1890s Paris, Willy is the idea man with his name on the books but he has minions to do all of the dirty work for him and soon, Colette joins the ranks. She writes about her childhood, more or less and these books make Willy famous and a very wealthy man, which in turn, makes Colette wealthy also. But she is the true writer but very few actually know that, as he is the famous one and is the one who enjoys taking credit for the work of others.
In addition to this being a cause of contention in their marriage, Willy is also not faithful to Colette. Then again, she cheats on him also, but only with women, including the lovely Louisiana heiress, Georgie (Eleanor Tomlinson) who also sleeps with Willy and Missy (Denise Gough), who is struggling with her sexuality.
The film covers a lot of ground, including Colette's time performing on the stage though her true talent rests with her ability to write. It isn't until Willy foolishly sells the rights to Colette's creation, Claudine, that she finally throws him under the bus and files for a divorce. She also decides to write about her experience being a showgirl and publishes under her real name and becomes famous in her own right. The truth does come out in the end. Justice is finally served.
While the ending is a bit squishy, the film nevertheless covers over a decade and details both Colette's professional and personal life. Knightley is excellent and West is also very good and the supporting cast is top-notch. And I do love a period piece. This film would make a great companion piece to this year's other very good film, The Wife, as they both detail how much power husbands can have over their wives. The answer is, they can have as much power as they are given. Grade: B+
Friday, December 28, 2018
Operation Finale (2018)
This film is sort of mix between Argo and Judgment at Nuremberg, both of which are great films.
It is 1960 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. World War II is over, long over but the memories of the Holocaust still hold firm in the minds of many working for Mossad so they discover that Adolf Eichmann (Ben Kingsley), the architect behind many of the mass executions of the Holocaust.
In an epic game of cat and mouse, a secret group of the Mossad led by Peter Macklin (Oscar Isaac) journey to Buenos Aires to extract Eichmann and bring him to Jerusalem for a trial.
The film does meander a bit as once Eichmann is captured, they are unable to board their flight so they need to continue holding him hostage until they can get another plane in and sneak him out of the country. It is during this period of the film that both Isaac and Kingsley can shine and shine they do as the film hinges on their performances.
And Eichmann's family in Argentina is wondering where he is, so the Argentinian police are hot on the Mossad's trail. The scene where they finally have Eichmann on a plane but a landing permit goes missing is no less thrilling than the epic finale of Argo.
In this case, there is no happy ending as nothing can erase the deaths of ten million people in the Holocaust, but Eichmann does stand trial, is found guilty and the whole world is watching. He is hung and his ashes are spread at sea. He claims that he tried to send the Jews to other countries to save them, but nevertheless thought they were the scum of his country and that is a mindset that he has passed onto his children.
Though the two leads shine, the supporting cast including Nick Kroll, Haley Lu Richardson (as a pawn for the Mossad), Joe Alwyn and Melanie Laurent whose character is far more than just a love interest for Peter though she is pregnant at films end without any explanation as to who the father is.
There are some minor problems with the film including the one I just mentioned and it is not mentioned how Peter escapes Buenos Aires, with the police right on his heels. Still, it is a great film nevertheless with a plot that covers a lot of ground, quite literally with a lot of difficult elements coming together in the end. Grade: B+
It is 1960 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. World War II is over, long over but the memories of the Holocaust still hold firm in the minds of many working for Mossad so they discover that Adolf Eichmann (Ben Kingsley), the architect behind many of the mass executions of the Holocaust.
In an epic game of cat and mouse, a secret group of the Mossad led by Peter Macklin (Oscar Isaac) journey to Buenos Aires to extract Eichmann and bring him to Jerusalem for a trial.
The film does meander a bit as once Eichmann is captured, they are unable to board their flight so they need to continue holding him hostage until they can get another plane in and sneak him out of the country. It is during this period of the film that both Isaac and Kingsley can shine and shine they do as the film hinges on their performances.
And Eichmann's family in Argentina is wondering where he is, so the Argentinian police are hot on the Mossad's trail. The scene where they finally have Eichmann on a plane but a landing permit goes missing is no less thrilling than the epic finale of Argo.
In this case, there is no happy ending as nothing can erase the deaths of ten million people in the Holocaust, but Eichmann does stand trial, is found guilty and the whole world is watching. He is hung and his ashes are spread at sea. He claims that he tried to send the Jews to other countries to save them, but nevertheless thought they were the scum of his country and that is a mindset that he has passed onto his children.
Though the two leads shine, the supporting cast including Nick Kroll, Haley Lu Richardson (as a pawn for the Mossad), Joe Alwyn and Melanie Laurent whose character is far more than just a love interest for Peter though she is pregnant at films end without any explanation as to who the father is.
There are some minor problems with the film including the one I just mentioned and it is not mentioned how Peter escapes Buenos Aires, with the police right on his heels. Still, it is a great film nevertheless with a plot that covers a lot of ground, quite literally with a lot of difficult elements coming together in the end. Grade: B+
Monday, December 24, 2018
The Favourite (2018)
This film is truly bizarre but you should see it anyway solely for the three brilliant performances of its leads.
Queen Anne (Olivia Colman) has numerous health problems, namely numerous painful sores on her legs and she is still wallowing in grief having buried all seventeen of her children (most died as newborns, her oldest died at age 8). Her husband is never mentioned, but one can assume he died also. Given her poor health, she relies on her right-hand man, Sarah (Rachel Weisz) for advice and affection. However, Sarah often makes decisions that are not hers to make as she is not the Queen. There is a war going on between France and England and Queen Anne makes her decisions without doing her own research but depending on others to provide her with the whole story which is never the case, everything she is given one-sided only.
Everything changes when Sarah's woebegone cousin, who has fallen from grace and doesn't know the basics of being a scullery maid, arrives. Abigail (Emma Stone) used to be a lady but her father lost her in a simple game of cards but she is determined to fight her way back to the top which is what happens. She is manipulating and filled with evil machinations just as Sarah is. Abigail slowly takes Sarah down as the film progresses and eventually becomes a lady again and the Queen's chambermaid but she will never have the power of Queen Anne and is probably upset that for some time, she will have to spend time petting bunnies (I don't know how the bunny torture scene was done without harming the bunnies.) and rubbing the sores on Queen Anne's legs which despite everything she's gained, still cannot be that fun. Okay, the bunnies would be fine but not rubbing the sores.
Each woman is greedy and power hungry and use the situation to their advantage to mixed results.
While the film may not be the most historically accurate, as both Sarah and Abigail sleep with Anne, it is great to see the men ultimately have very little power, they certainly do have some but everything rests with who has Queen Anne's ear.
Now, the film is absolutely bizarre, like that one ridiculous scene with tomatoes being thrown at a naked guy in a wig for an unknown reason though he does seem to be enjoying it. And the 'c' word is used liberally throughout. The score is often overpowering but the interesting story and performances will always make this film worth seeing. The unique camera angles are also a great surprise. It is a crazy ride but one worth going on. Grade: A-
Queen Anne (Olivia Colman) has numerous health problems, namely numerous painful sores on her legs and she is still wallowing in grief having buried all seventeen of her children (most died as newborns, her oldest died at age 8). Her husband is never mentioned, but one can assume he died also. Given her poor health, she relies on her right-hand man, Sarah (Rachel Weisz) for advice and affection. However, Sarah often makes decisions that are not hers to make as she is not the Queen. There is a war going on between France and England and Queen Anne makes her decisions without doing her own research but depending on others to provide her with the whole story which is never the case, everything she is given one-sided only.
Everything changes when Sarah's woebegone cousin, who has fallen from grace and doesn't know the basics of being a scullery maid, arrives. Abigail (Emma Stone) used to be a lady but her father lost her in a simple game of cards but she is determined to fight her way back to the top which is what happens. She is manipulating and filled with evil machinations just as Sarah is. Abigail slowly takes Sarah down as the film progresses and eventually becomes a lady again and the Queen's chambermaid but she will never have the power of Queen Anne and is probably upset that for some time, she will have to spend time petting bunnies (I don't know how the bunny torture scene was done without harming the bunnies.) and rubbing the sores on Queen Anne's legs which despite everything she's gained, still cannot be that fun. Okay, the bunnies would be fine but not rubbing the sores.
Each woman is greedy and power hungry and use the situation to their advantage to mixed results.
While the film may not be the most historically accurate, as both Sarah and Abigail sleep with Anne, it is great to see the men ultimately have very little power, they certainly do have some but everything rests with who has Queen Anne's ear.
Now, the film is absolutely bizarre, like that one ridiculous scene with tomatoes being thrown at a naked guy in a wig for an unknown reason though he does seem to be enjoying it. And the 'c' word is used liberally throughout. The score is often overpowering but the interesting story and performances will always make this film worth seeing. The unique camera angles are also a great surprise. It is a crazy ride but one worth going on. Grade: A-
Tuesday, December 18, 2018
Christmas in Connecticut (1945)
This is a film that is almost like the Hallmark movies of today but this one is definitely dated.
Nurse Mary (Joyce Compton) falls in love with one of the naval men rescued from the sea and to convince him that the domestic life is truly for him, she enlists the help of magazine editor, Alexander Yardley (Sydney Greenstreet) to let him have an old-fashioned Christmas in Connecticut. Mr. Yardley also enlists sensational food editor and storyteller Elizabeth Lane's (Barbara Stanwyck's) farm. Only, she is a fraud. She isn't married and doesn't have a child so she has to pretend and she does, only to fall in love with Jefferson Jones (Dennis Morgan) instead of her fiance, John Sloan (Reginald Gardner), who can bore anyone with his expertise of his craft of architecture.
Craziness ensues, with a surrounding Christmas theme. And there are good moments, with good performances. Jefferson knows more about babies than Elizabeth but he is also a bit assaulty, following her around when he realizes that she isn't actually married.
However, there are plenty of nitpicks such as Jefferson's claim that he's never had a happy home or a family and later mentions a sister whose children he has helped with. Still, the film was interesting and I couldn't wait for everything to fall apart, which it did, delightful moments sprinkled in. Grade: B+
Nurse Mary (Joyce Compton) falls in love with one of the naval men rescued from the sea and to convince him that the domestic life is truly for him, she enlists the help of magazine editor, Alexander Yardley (Sydney Greenstreet) to let him have an old-fashioned Christmas in Connecticut. Mr. Yardley also enlists sensational food editor and storyteller Elizabeth Lane's (Barbara Stanwyck's) farm. Only, she is a fraud. She isn't married and doesn't have a child so she has to pretend and she does, only to fall in love with Jefferson Jones (Dennis Morgan) instead of her fiance, John Sloan (Reginald Gardner), who can bore anyone with his expertise of his craft of architecture.
Craziness ensues, with a surrounding Christmas theme. And there are good moments, with good performances. Jefferson knows more about babies than Elizabeth but he is also a bit assaulty, following her around when he realizes that she isn't actually married.
However, there are plenty of nitpicks such as Jefferson's claim that he's never had a happy home or a family and later mentions a sister whose children he has helped with. Still, the film was interesting and I couldn't wait for everything to fall apart, which it did, delightful moments sprinkled in. Grade: B+
Saturday, December 15, 2018
Support the Girls (2018)
This film starts out strong but fizzles out and almost makes you forget why its important.
Lisa (Regina Hall) is the manager of a Hooter-like restaurant called Double Whammies. The uniforms are half-shirts and short shorts but nevertheless, they are a family and one member is in trouble. In a scene that is fleshed out enough, Shaina (Jana Kramer) runs over her abusive boyfriend's leg and gets tossed into jail so Lisa needs the girls help so Shaina has money for a lawyer. So they hold an impromptu car wash but there are also other problems including a near theft and some new hires. But it is most important for Lisa to protect the girls and she tells off a customer when he merely implies that a waitress is fat, making her feel uncomfortable. She doesn't take any shit, thank goodness. The film starts to fall apart when the building owner, Cubby (James Le Gros) show up. He is a complete asshole ever but at least he isn't particularly bright, forgetting about the money when he is cut off in traffic and just has to track that guy down. But Lisa didn't tell him about the theft and he threatens to fire her over that. Given that Lisa is going through some stuff, her marriage is falling apart, and the fact that she has to fire one of her employees, Krista (AJ Michalka) over a side belly tattoo, she decides to give Cubby what he wants. She quits, thinking that Danyelle (Shayla McHayle) will have things in hand, which is not the case.
The film gets incredibly awkward after that, which is beyond unfortunate. Lisa, Maci (Haley Lu Richardson, in a pitch perfect performance) and Danyelle will probably all get jobs at The Mancave, which is just like Double Whammies but more commercialized without the family feel and not letting the girls stand up for themselves, which is a bad choice.
It is such a shame that this film loses its strength as it progresses which is a shame. Not to mention, Shaina is making a stupid choice, staying with that jerkface Chris (Sam Stinson) while Maci seems perfectly happy with a guy old enough to be her grandfather but at least he treats her right.
The atmosphere and performances are great but the plot lets them down and that is unacceptable. This film had so much promise and was such a great concept and it ultimately failed. Lisa is a selfish person, though you should take care of yourself before you can take care of others but the film needs her in it just as Double Whammies should have her as manager. She really is the best manager any of us has ever had. Double Whammies isn't worth going to without her and neither is the film. Great first half, pointless second half. Grade: B
Lisa (Regina Hall) is the manager of a Hooter-like restaurant called Double Whammies. The uniforms are half-shirts and short shorts but nevertheless, they are a family and one member is in trouble. In a scene that is fleshed out enough, Shaina (Jana Kramer) runs over her abusive boyfriend's leg and gets tossed into jail so Lisa needs the girls help so Shaina has money for a lawyer. So they hold an impromptu car wash but there are also other problems including a near theft and some new hires. But it is most important for Lisa to protect the girls and she tells off a customer when he merely implies that a waitress is fat, making her feel uncomfortable. She doesn't take any shit, thank goodness. The film starts to fall apart when the building owner, Cubby (James Le Gros) show up. He is a complete asshole ever but at least he isn't particularly bright, forgetting about the money when he is cut off in traffic and just has to track that guy down. But Lisa didn't tell him about the theft and he threatens to fire her over that. Given that Lisa is going through some stuff, her marriage is falling apart, and the fact that she has to fire one of her employees, Krista (AJ Michalka) over a side belly tattoo, she decides to give Cubby what he wants. She quits, thinking that Danyelle (Shayla McHayle) will have things in hand, which is not the case.
The film gets incredibly awkward after that, which is beyond unfortunate. Lisa, Maci (Haley Lu Richardson, in a pitch perfect performance) and Danyelle will probably all get jobs at The Mancave, which is just like Double Whammies but more commercialized without the family feel and not letting the girls stand up for themselves, which is a bad choice.
It is such a shame that this film loses its strength as it progresses which is a shame. Not to mention, Shaina is making a stupid choice, staying with that jerkface Chris (Sam Stinson) while Maci seems perfectly happy with a guy old enough to be her grandfather but at least he treats her right.
The atmosphere and performances are great but the plot lets them down and that is unacceptable. This film had so much promise and was such a great concept and it ultimately failed. Lisa is a selfish person, though you should take care of yourself before you can take care of others but the film needs her in it just as Double Whammies should have her as manager. She really is the best manager any of us has ever had. Double Whammies isn't worth going to without her and neither is the film. Great first half, pointless second half. Grade: B
Friday, December 14, 2018
Juliet, Naked (2018)
This was a decent film, thank goodness.
Duncan Thomson (Chris O'Dowd) is a professor of American films but his biggest obsession is that of cult musician, Tucker Crowe (Ethan Hawke) who had one hit album more than twenty years ago and has since long faded from the limelight. He really needs to get another hobby.
Annie (Rose Byrne) Duncan's girlfriend, doesn't get what the hype is surrounding Tucker Crowe and posts that Tucker's album isn't such hot stuff and Tucker, of all people, agrees with her. They begin a secret email relationship while Duncan actually has the nerve to cheat on Annie.
Sure, the film is somewhat predictable, naturally, Tucker and Annie fall in love but Tucker is a truly fascinating character. He clearly doesn't know what a condom is as he has five children with four different women. The reunion in his hospital room after he has a mild heart attack is an epicly awkward scene.
Still, Annie doesn't have the courage to leave her hometown in England to be together with Tucker and Tucker is still living of his residual checks from his album so he certainly can't support Annie. And though Annie has had a tough life, she longs for a baby while Duncan didn't.
Finally, in the end, she leaves Duncan, for good and leaves for London, begins the process of having a baby on her own, and rekindles things with Tucker. And Tucker finally comes out with a new album, shocking the world by proving he's actually alive but Duncan hates it as apparently, being in love doesn't give Tucker good material to sing about. Thank goodness that isn't the case for everyone.
The plot is actually more complicated than it sounds and it is good, though the ending (the epilogue) does come from out of nowhere but the performances are good, natural performances with realistic dialogue so the film is a delight to watch and should be enjoyed by many. Grade: B+
Duncan Thomson (Chris O'Dowd) is a professor of American films but his biggest obsession is that of cult musician, Tucker Crowe (Ethan Hawke) who had one hit album more than twenty years ago and has since long faded from the limelight. He really needs to get another hobby.
Annie (Rose Byrne) Duncan's girlfriend, doesn't get what the hype is surrounding Tucker Crowe and posts that Tucker's album isn't such hot stuff and Tucker, of all people, agrees with her. They begin a secret email relationship while Duncan actually has the nerve to cheat on Annie.
Sure, the film is somewhat predictable, naturally, Tucker and Annie fall in love but Tucker is a truly fascinating character. He clearly doesn't know what a condom is as he has five children with four different women. The reunion in his hospital room after he has a mild heart attack is an epicly awkward scene.
Still, Annie doesn't have the courage to leave her hometown in England to be together with Tucker and Tucker is still living of his residual checks from his album so he certainly can't support Annie. And though Annie has had a tough life, she longs for a baby while Duncan didn't.
Finally, in the end, she leaves Duncan, for good and leaves for London, begins the process of having a baby on her own, and rekindles things with Tucker. And Tucker finally comes out with a new album, shocking the world by proving he's actually alive but Duncan hates it as apparently, being in love doesn't give Tucker good material to sing about. Thank goodness that isn't the case for everyone.
The plot is actually more complicated than it sounds and it is good, though the ending (the epilogue) does come from out of nowhere but the performances are good, natural performances with realistic dialogue so the film is a delight to watch and should be enjoyed by many. Grade: B+
Thursday, December 13, 2018
The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018)
Well, this film wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I'm not saying it was good but it could have been worse.
Audrey (Mila Kunis) is going through a bad break-up after her ex, Drew (Justin Theroux) abruptly leaves her after a year of dating. Turns out, he works for the CIA and one of the items left in her apartment contains a flash drive with some top secret information on it.
Fortunately, she's not in the fight for her life alone. She has her best friend, Morgan Freeman (Kate McKinnon), with a poor choice of names. It's supposed to be a joke but it falls horribly flat.
There are twists and turns throughout as the two run around Europe (though how they can afford this is beyond me as both have minimum wage jobs) trying not to get killed, unsure of who to trust. Turns out, Drew is actually one of the bad guys as the flash drive doesn't have important information on it, well, it does but not the sort of information that can save lives.
Audrey is finally doing something worthwhile with her life and she dumps Drew this time around, just as he deserved.
However, the most important aspect of the film to me was the strong friendship between Morgan and Audrey and how Morgan had no problem whatsoever with not wanting a serious relationship. McKinnon did a great job of portraying her and Kunis wasn't bad either. Unfortunately, the supporting characters were flat and underdeveloped and the plot was terribly weak with too many plot twists to keep track. Still, not the worst way to spend an evening. Grade: B-
Audrey (Mila Kunis) is going through a bad break-up after her ex, Drew (Justin Theroux) abruptly leaves her after a year of dating. Turns out, he works for the CIA and one of the items left in her apartment contains a flash drive with some top secret information on it.
Fortunately, she's not in the fight for her life alone. She has her best friend, Morgan Freeman (Kate McKinnon), with a poor choice of names. It's supposed to be a joke but it falls horribly flat.
There are twists and turns throughout as the two run around Europe (though how they can afford this is beyond me as both have minimum wage jobs) trying not to get killed, unsure of who to trust. Turns out, Drew is actually one of the bad guys as the flash drive doesn't have important information on it, well, it does but not the sort of information that can save lives.
Audrey is finally doing something worthwhile with her life and she dumps Drew this time around, just as he deserved.
However, the most important aspect of the film to me was the strong friendship between Morgan and Audrey and how Morgan had no problem whatsoever with not wanting a serious relationship. McKinnon did a great job of portraying her and Kunis wasn't bad either. Unfortunately, the supporting characters were flat and underdeveloped and the plot was terribly weak with too many plot twists to keep track. Still, not the worst way to spend an evening. Grade: B-
Saturday, December 8, 2018
Green Book (2018)
An excellent film with two superb performances.
Tony Lip (Viggo Mortensen), real name Frank Vallelonga is a hard-working Bronx Italian. He is not that educated but he does value his wife dearly and just wants to put a roof over his family's heads and food in their stomachs, which is a tall order given his appetite.
After he is forced to take a hiatus from his main job (a bouncer at the Copa), he needs to find a new job. In the end, he takes a job driving a world-famous musician, Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali) to his concerts around the mid-west and the deep south. Though he states he won't have working for an African American, he probably isn't the biggest fan of them as only a few days before, two plumbers fixed the sink at his apartment and he put the glasses in the trash after they finished their drinks.
The two form an odd couple sort of relationship as they go on their journey. Sure, Tony is in it for the money but eventually he grows to truly respect the deep talent Don has in spades. He has to rescue Doc (Donald Shirley has no less than three doctorates) from a bar in Louisville, Kentucky and truly doesn't like how the southerns treat him and no one sums that up better than Don himself. The southerns want him so they can appear accepting, but once he's off the stage he's no better than the help. In Raleigh, Don's asked to use the outhouse and when he states that he'd rather not, Tony needs to take him back to his crappy hotel to do his business.
Tony also has to bribe the police in Atlanta after Don is caught having some sort of relationship with a white man. So that was the true reason his marriage didn't work out, not just because he was a traveling musician. Ironically, Tony probably has less of a problem with that than Don's class status. But when Tony is pulled over for having an African American in the car after dark, Don remains calm but Tony punches the cop out.
Almost until the end, Don tolerates the abuse dished out at him until his last show in Birmingham when he cannot join Tony and his trio partners in the restaurant even though he's the guest of honor and they got a Steinway in all the way from Atlanta just for him. And Tony finally turns down some money in exchange for the right thing.
And this film has a happy ending, Tony arrives home in time for Christmas, and Don changes his mind and takes Tony up on his invitation to the sheer delight of Tony's loving wife, Dolores (a great Linda Cardellini, in a small role). If Don hadn't joined them, he would have been all alone in his shiny apartment filled with exotic trinkets. The best line of the film is actually from Tony, "This world's full of lonely people waiting to make the first move." Something did happen between Don and his brother which caused that relationship to break and not repair for unknown reasons, perhaps because of Don's true self. However, that didn't stop Tony and Don for remaining friends until their deaths in 2013, I'm mildly surprised Tony survived that long given his eating habits and chain-smoking but he was loyal to his wife and adored his children so his heart was always in the right place.
This film is anchored by its excellent performances, sure Mortensen is probably twenty years older than Tony should be but you don't feel like any of them are acting, they inhabit their characters which is always so refreshing to see. The script is tight, though the ending is somewhat abrupt. The score is seamlessly blended into the film along with scenery and set designs. You feel like you are in 1962, as the atmosphere is realistic and brilliant. This is without a doubt one of the best films of the year. Grade: A-
Tony Lip (Viggo Mortensen), real name Frank Vallelonga is a hard-working Bronx Italian. He is not that educated but he does value his wife dearly and just wants to put a roof over his family's heads and food in their stomachs, which is a tall order given his appetite.
After he is forced to take a hiatus from his main job (a bouncer at the Copa), he needs to find a new job. In the end, he takes a job driving a world-famous musician, Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali) to his concerts around the mid-west and the deep south. Though he states he won't have working for an African American, he probably isn't the biggest fan of them as only a few days before, two plumbers fixed the sink at his apartment and he put the glasses in the trash after they finished their drinks.
The two form an odd couple sort of relationship as they go on their journey. Sure, Tony is in it for the money but eventually he grows to truly respect the deep talent Don has in spades. He has to rescue Doc (Donald Shirley has no less than three doctorates) from a bar in Louisville, Kentucky and truly doesn't like how the southerns treat him and no one sums that up better than Don himself. The southerns want him so they can appear accepting, but once he's off the stage he's no better than the help. In Raleigh, Don's asked to use the outhouse and when he states that he'd rather not, Tony needs to take him back to his crappy hotel to do his business.
Tony also has to bribe the police in Atlanta after Don is caught having some sort of relationship with a white man. So that was the true reason his marriage didn't work out, not just because he was a traveling musician. Ironically, Tony probably has less of a problem with that than Don's class status. But when Tony is pulled over for having an African American in the car after dark, Don remains calm but Tony punches the cop out.
Almost until the end, Don tolerates the abuse dished out at him until his last show in Birmingham when he cannot join Tony and his trio partners in the restaurant even though he's the guest of honor and they got a Steinway in all the way from Atlanta just for him. And Tony finally turns down some money in exchange for the right thing.
And this film has a happy ending, Tony arrives home in time for Christmas, and Don changes his mind and takes Tony up on his invitation to the sheer delight of Tony's loving wife, Dolores (a great Linda Cardellini, in a small role). If Don hadn't joined them, he would have been all alone in his shiny apartment filled with exotic trinkets. The best line of the film is actually from Tony, "This world's full of lonely people waiting to make the first move." Something did happen between Don and his brother which caused that relationship to break and not repair for unknown reasons, perhaps because of Don's true self. However, that didn't stop Tony and Don for remaining friends until their deaths in 2013, I'm mildly surprised Tony survived that long given his eating habits and chain-smoking but he was loyal to his wife and adored his children so his heart was always in the right place.
This film is anchored by its excellent performances, sure Mortensen is probably twenty years older than Tony should be but you don't feel like any of them are acting, they inhabit their characters which is always so refreshing to see. The script is tight, though the ending is somewhat abrupt. The score is seamlessly blended into the film along with scenery and set designs. You feel like you are in 1962, as the atmosphere is realistic and brilliant. This is without a doubt one of the best films of the year. Grade: A-
Monday, December 3, 2018
Poldark: Season Four Recap and Reaction
Again, tons of stuff happened this season and not all of it was for the better.
Ross (Aidan Turner) finally accepts a life in politics, meaning he spends most of his time in London, six hundred miles away from the lovely Demelza (Eleanor Tomlinson).
George (Jack Farthing) is still really bad but Oswald (Christian Brassington) is the worst, trying to get his wife, the lovely but meek Morwena (Ellise Chappell) committed to a mental institution.
And then he dies. Sorry, I know I shouldn't sound excited about that but I am. However, Morwena's struggles are far from over. She has her dreadful mother-in-law (Rebecca Front) to deal with, who is convinced that her son is murdered (which he sort of is) and continues his battle to have Morwena committed to an institution. Morwena does suffer from a late-term miscarriage and is strangely okay with that, as she knows that she wouldn't be allowed to love this child and sadly, she's right.
At least her story has a happy ending, mostly because Drake's (Harry Richardson's) a rare saint among men, I mean, he's wretched to his fiance, leaving her at the altar but while they'd be content, they would not be truly happy. I mean, Morwena has deep scars from the constant raping delivered by her jerk-face of a husband but she is getting there as she and Drake have a far deeper connection.
On the other hand, Demelza and Ross aren't in a good place by the end of the season mainly because Demelza is nearly assaulted by the jerk with an inappropriate name of Monk (Max Bennett). He's also in the parliament and preys on the difference in class and background and tries to get Demelza to sleep with him but it doesn't work. Unfortunately, Ross doesn't believe her and things get worse between the two of them and for whatever stupid reason, Ross and Monk Adderly duel and Monk ends up dead, which is just great. Demelza returns home, upset.
The Poldark marriage is not the only one in trouble. The Enys family is also in trouble. Dwight (Luke Norris) and Caroline's (Gabriella Wilde's) baby dies from a heart defect and both are distraught, a familiar position for the Poldarks but they deal with grief in different ways. Caroline needs to the thriving social life of London while Dwight needs his work. But they fortunately seem to be moving in the right direction by the end of the season, thank goodness.
The biggest surprise is that Elizabeth (Heida Reed) dies at the eleventh's hour. She is finally pregnant again, the mere thought of her and George having sex literally makes me want to throw up. However, George still doubts the paternity of Valentine (with good reason) so Elizabeth drinks this gross sounding concoction to induce her labor early, which works but she gets this weird infection and dies. But at least George believes that she just goes into labor early for whatever reason.
The main problem with this season, other than London is just more boring than Cornwall, is the aging of Geoffrey Charles. He's really old now, like sixteen and already boozing and gambling. He should only be around twelve so, yeah, this is an issue. However, I think he will really be able to stand up for himself against George and that is setting up to be an epic battle next season. Also, they need to give Sam (Tom York) a love interest, ASAP.
That all being said, the scenery and acting is excellent, absolutely the best in the business, even though all the men are jerks, except for Dwight and Demelza's brothers. Grade: B+
Ross (Aidan Turner) finally accepts a life in politics, meaning he spends most of his time in London, six hundred miles away from the lovely Demelza (Eleanor Tomlinson).
George (Jack Farthing) is still really bad but Oswald (Christian Brassington) is the worst, trying to get his wife, the lovely but meek Morwena (Ellise Chappell) committed to a mental institution.
And then he dies. Sorry, I know I shouldn't sound excited about that but I am. However, Morwena's struggles are far from over. She has her dreadful mother-in-law (Rebecca Front) to deal with, who is convinced that her son is murdered (which he sort of is) and continues his battle to have Morwena committed to an institution. Morwena does suffer from a late-term miscarriage and is strangely okay with that, as she knows that she wouldn't be allowed to love this child and sadly, she's right.
At least her story has a happy ending, mostly because Drake's (Harry Richardson's) a rare saint among men, I mean, he's wretched to his fiance, leaving her at the altar but while they'd be content, they would not be truly happy. I mean, Morwena has deep scars from the constant raping delivered by her jerk-face of a husband but she is getting there as she and Drake have a far deeper connection.
On the other hand, Demelza and Ross aren't in a good place by the end of the season mainly because Demelza is nearly assaulted by the jerk with an inappropriate name of Monk (Max Bennett). He's also in the parliament and preys on the difference in class and background and tries to get Demelza to sleep with him but it doesn't work. Unfortunately, Ross doesn't believe her and things get worse between the two of them and for whatever stupid reason, Ross and Monk Adderly duel and Monk ends up dead, which is just great. Demelza returns home, upset.
The Poldark marriage is not the only one in trouble. The Enys family is also in trouble. Dwight (Luke Norris) and Caroline's (Gabriella Wilde's) baby dies from a heart defect and both are distraught, a familiar position for the Poldarks but they deal with grief in different ways. Caroline needs to the thriving social life of London while Dwight needs his work. But they fortunately seem to be moving in the right direction by the end of the season, thank goodness.
The biggest surprise is that Elizabeth (Heida Reed) dies at the eleventh's hour. She is finally pregnant again, the mere thought of her and George having sex literally makes me want to throw up. However, George still doubts the paternity of Valentine (with good reason) so Elizabeth drinks this gross sounding concoction to induce her labor early, which works but she gets this weird infection and dies. But at least George believes that she just goes into labor early for whatever reason.
The main problem with this season, other than London is just more boring than Cornwall, is the aging of Geoffrey Charles. He's really old now, like sixteen and already boozing and gambling. He should only be around twelve so, yeah, this is an issue. However, I think he will really be able to stand up for himself against George and that is setting up to be an epic battle next season. Also, they need to give Sam (Tom York) a love interest, ASAP.
That all being said, the scenery and acting is excellent, absolutely the best in the business, even though all the men are jerks, except for Dwight and Demelza's brothers. Grade: B+
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Instant Family (2018)
The plot is fairly simple plot. A couple, Pete and Ellie Wagner (Mark Wahlberg and Rose Bryne) who has launched their own successful house flipping business decide that they do want children after all, after years of putting the subject on the back burner. So they become certified foster parents to the mixed reviews from Ellie's family so they go through with it anyway.
They end up getting a set of three siblings, Lizzie (Isabella Moner), Juan (Gustavo Quiroz) and little Lita (Julianna Gamiz) to mixed results. Things start off great but turn ugly quickly. Lizzie is resentful and longs for reunification with her birth mother while Juan is accident-prone (though not all are his fault) and careless with his actions while Lita throws temper tantrums like many kids her age.
While Juan and Lita adjust, Lizzie still longs for her mother and jumps at the chance to go back and live with her while Juan and Lita go reluctantly.
Things come to a head when Pete and Ellie discover that the adult janitor sent a picture of his penis to Lizzie which was such a dumb move on his part. They beat him up and all three are arrested. The kids are placed back with their mother but that also falls through. The bio mom has relapsed and is not ready to take the kids. Turns out that Lizzie filled out all the paperwork for her mom.
Lizzie once again sacrifices herself, urging them to adopt the younger two while she re-enters the system though Pete and Ellie don't give up on her and the film ends happily with the kids getting adopted by the Wagners.
While this film deals with a serious topic, it still deals with the major issues, getting a child addicted on drugs, sexual molestation of a minor and fear of abandonment among others though it still is too polished. For a more gritty, realistic film on the topic, try 2012's Short Term 12.
However, this film is not to be missed. Wahlberg and Bryne have great chemistry and truly do seem like a real couple and the supporting cast is great from Julie Hagerty and Michael O'Keefe as Ellie's parents to Margo Martindale as Pete's overbearing but loving mother to Tig Notaro and Octavia Spencer as the odd couple social workers who guide Pete and Ellie through the process. The other foster parents are also a bunch of interesting characters including one woman, for reasons never explained, she wants to adopt a athletic teenage boy so he can win a scholarship to a Division I college and that's only one of them, the rest are probably more realistic. Keep an eye out for Charlie McDermott and Joan Cusack cameos.
I certainly had some problems with the film. It is never explained why some described Pete as damaged goods but overall, it is great. Pete and Ellie get Ellie's sister, Kim (Allyn Rachel from the short-lived series Selfie) to get off her high horse of only having a blood child and it shows that there is no such thing as a perfect parent but with enough love and attention, mountains can be moved nevertheless. Grade: B+
They end up getting a set of three siblings, Lizzie (Isabella Moner), Juan (Gustavo Quiroz) and little Lita (Julianna Gamiz) to mixed results. Things start off great but turn ugly quickly. Lizzie is resentful and longs for reunification with her birth mother while Juan is accident-prone (though not all are his fault) and careless with his actions while Lita throws temper tantrums like many kids her age.
While Juan and Lita adjust, Lizzie still longs for her mother and jumps at the chance to go back and live with her while Juan and Lita go reluctantly.
Things come to a head when Pete and Ellie discover that the adult janitor sent a picture of his penis to Lizzie which was such a dumb move on his part. They beat him up and all three are arrested. The kids are placed back with their mother but that also falls through. The bio mom has relapsed and is not ready to take the kids. Turns out that Lizzie filled out all the paperwork for her mom.
Lizzie once again sacrifices herself, urging them to adopt the younger two while she re-enters the system though Pete and Ellie don't give up on her and the film ends happily with the kids getting adopted by the Wagners.
While this film deals with a serious topic, it still deals with the major issues, getting a child addicted on drugs, sexual molestation of a minor and fear of abandonment among others though it still is too polished. For a more gritty, realistic film on the topic, try 2012's Short Term 12.
However, this film is not to be missed. Wahlberg and Bryne have great chemistry and truly do seem like a real couple and the supporting cast is great from Julie Hagerty and Michael O'Keefe as Ellie's parents to Margo Martindale as Pete's overbearing but loving mother to Tig Notaro and Octavia Spencer as the odd couple social workers who guide Pete and Ellie through the process. The other foster parents are also a bunch of interesting characters including one woman, for reasons never explained, she wants to adopt a athletic teenage boy so he can win a scholarship to a Division I college and that's only one of them, the rest are probably more realistic. Keep an eye out for Charlie McDermott and Joan Cusack cameos.
I certainly had some problems with the film. It is never explained why some described Pete as damaged goods but overall, it is great. Pete and Ellie get Ellie's sister, Kim (Allyn Rachel from the short-lived series Selfie) to get off her high horse of only having a blood child and it shows that there is no such thing as a perfect parent but with enough love and attention, mountains can be moved nevertheless. Grade: B+
Saturday, November 10, 2018
Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot (2018)
This was a decent enough film. Sometimes, the worst thing in your life can be the best thing. John Callahan (a good but miscast Joaquin Phoenix) is an alcoholic bastard who is paralized in a car accident as both he and his friend, Dexter (Jack Black) are stone-cold drunk at the time.
Though John knows almost instantly that alcohol is a problem, he doesn't actually try to get sober until he has a vision of his biological mother. He had already joined AA, with Donnie (Jonah Hill) as his sober coach and a bunch of quirky characters in his AA group.
After his finally sobers up, he starts drawing, griping the pen with both hands and creates some controversial cartoons which some find completely hilarious and others find politically incorrect. But this source of income threatens to derail his funding that needs to survive as he can't do anything really by himself, not even pouring himself a glass of water. But he keeps doing that, he keeps staying sober and he comes to terms with his life as is and is a better person for it.
Overall, the film isn't bad though once again, Rooney Mara has a role beneath her talents and Phoenix, though excellent in a difficult role is miscast. He is at least ten years too old. Though the film is labeled as a comedy, there is only one funny moment, when Tim (Tony Greenhand), John's helper), walks in on Annu (Mara) and John having sex.
Still, it was far from a wasted evening. But it failed to live up to its promise. Also, pay attention for a quick Heather Matarazzo cameo; she was so good in The Princess Diaries, but has done nothing since, and that is a real tragedy. Grade: B
Though John knows almost instantly that alcohol is a problem, he doesn't actually try to get sober until he has a vision of his biological mother. He had already joined AA, with Donnie (Jonah Hill) as his sober coach and a bunch of quirky characters in his AA group.
After his finally sobers up, he starts drawing, griping the pen with both hands and creates some controversial cartoons which some find completely hilarious and others find politically incorrect. But this source of income threatens to derail his funding that needs to survive as he can't do anything really by himself, not even pouring himself a glass of water. But he keeps doing that, he keeps staying sober and he comes to terms with his life as is and is a better person for it.
Overall, the film isn't bad though once again, Rooney Mara has a role beneath her talents and Phoenix, though excellent in a difficult role is miscast. He is at least ten years too old. Though the film is labeled as a comedy, there is only one funny moment, when Tim (Tony Greenhand), John's helper), walks in on Annu (Mara) and John having sex.
Still, it was far from a wasted evening. But it failed to live up to its promise. Also, pay attention for a quick Heather Matarazzo cameo; she was so good in The Princess Diaries, but has done nothing since, and that is a real tragedy. Grade: B
Saturday, November 3, 2018
Damsel (2018)
This will be a short blog because there isn't much to say about this film.
You are led to believe that Robert Pattinson as Samuel is rescuing the love of his life, Penelope (Mia Wasikowska) from her kidnapper, but that turns out not to be the case. She loved Anton (whom Samuel shoots right away so he is just a corpse). And Penelope is not to be reckoned with, able to use a firearm just as good any man. The film is grossly mistitled.
While it wasn't bad, I only found a few parts funny or interesting, like the stagecoach being a metaphor for death at the beginning and men comparing the size of their Adam's apples instead of penis size to prove how much a of man they are.
Sure, the performances are good, including one of the directors as Parson Henry who should receive star billing as he's in scenes with both of the main characters throughout the film. Despite the good performances, there is no point to this film, and that's unfortunate that such good performances are wasted with an interesting concept. Grade: B
You are led to believe that Robert Pattinson as Samuel is rescuing the love of his life, Penelope (Mia Wasikowska) from her kidnapper, but that turns out not to be the case. She loved Anton (whom Samuel shoots right away so he is just a corpse). And Penelope is not to be reckoned with, able to use a firearm just as good any man. The film is grossly mistitled.
While it wasn't bad, I only found a few parts funny or interesting, like the stagecoach being a metaphor for death at the beginning and men comparing the size of their Adam's apples instead of penis size to prove how much a of man they are.
Sure, the performances are good, including one of the directors as Parson Henry who should receive star billing as he's in scenes with both of the main characters throughout the film. Despite the good performances, there is no point to this film, and that's unfortunate that such good performances are wasted with an interesting concept. Grade: B
Friday, November 2, 2018
The Hate U Give (2018): The Film
This film was superb and a good transference of the book to the big screen.
The film is rather simple and yet so utterly complex, Starr Carter (Amandla Stenberg) witnesses the police shooting of her childhood friend, Khalil (Algee Smith).
It was during a routine traffic stop, though I will argue that if an officer (Drew Starkey) pulls over someone for failing to use a turn signal, they wouldn't get anything else done (I do wish more would use their signals, it would make driving slightly less stressful) and Khalil doesn't take things seriously. And when he reaches back in for a hairbrush, the white officer shoots him, he dies minutes later without any attempt to save his life. The officer is surprised when a gun isn't discovered on the scene but a hairbrush instead.
When Starr is taken in for questioning, she isn't asked much about the shooting itself but instead is asked about Khalil's life, which was tragically cut short. She does everything right, she testifies, gives a passionate TV interview but it isn't enough. The officer is not charged with a crime. And that's unacceptable. No murder like that is justified. Yes, the officer was just trying to do his job and yes, he probably felt threatened but a young man didn't have to wind up died because of it. The officer couldn't have demanded that Khalil drop whatever it is or tased him instead?
Fortunately for Starr, she does have a good support system with strong parents, still in love after a rough start to their relationship, Maverick (Russell Hornsby) spent three years in prison, but since then he's cleaned up his act and Lisa (Regina Hall), who fights for Starr. Her boyfriend, Chris (KJ Apa) is pretty supportive too, though he hates when she shuts him out of her life. But he didn't break up with her when she wasn't ready to have sex with him and for that, I actually gives him a lot of credit.
But Starr's life isn't always easy, living in the inner city with few options for the youth, many turn to dealing drugs as a source of income and King (Anthony Mackie) rules the roost. This adds another layer to the film but at least this one as a happier ending. King goes down for arson, while he is probably guilty of far more serious crimes.
The largest difference from the book to the film is that in the film, they stay in the city while in the book, they move to the suburbs. I liked the film's ending better.
The film is solid, with an excellent, pitch-perfect cast. Everyone is great, with award-winning performances, especially Stenberg. The set is great, with realistic houses and environments, flawless editing and music. The only problem is how did everyone know that Maverick's store was on fire? I'm glad he knew or else Starr and her older half-brother, Seven (Lamar Johnson) wouldn't have survived and they're the good guys.
Still, this film forces you to think, and hope that change is on the horizon because this cannot keep happening. Khalil was so much more than his death and deserves to be remembered for living, not for his untimely and unnecessary death. Grade: A-
The film is rather simple and yet so utterly complex, Starr Carter (Amandla Stenberg) witnesses the police shooting of her childhood friend, Khalil (Algee Smith).
It was during a routine traffic stop, though I will argue that if an officer (Drew Starkey) pulls over someone for failing to use a turn signal, they wouldn't get anything else done (I do wish more would use their signals, it would make driving slightly less stressful) and Khalil doesn't take things seriously. And when he reaches back in for a hairbrush, the white officer shoots him, he dies minutes later without any attempt to save his life. The officer is surprised when a gun isn't discovered on the scene but a hairbrush instead.
When Starr is taken in for questioning, she isn't asked much about the shooting itself but instead is asked about Khalil's life, which was tragically cut short. She does everything right, she testifies, gives a passionate TV interview but it isn't enough. The officer is not charged with a crime. And that's unacceptable. No murder like that is justified. Yes, the officer was just trying to do his job and yes, he probably felt threatened but a young man didn't have to wind up died because of it. The officer couldn't have demanded that Khalil drop whatever it is or tased him instead?
Fortunately for Starr, she does have a good support system with strong parents, still in love after a rough start to their relationship, Maverick (Russell Hornsby) spent three years in prison, but since then he's cleaned up his act and Lisa (Regina Hall), who fights for Starr. Her boyfriend, Chris (KJ Apa) is pretty supportive too, though he hates when she shuts him out of her life. But he didn't break up with her when she wasn't ready to have sex with him and for that, I actually gives him a lot of credit.
But Starr's life isn't always easy, living in the inner city with few options for the youth, many turn to dealing drugs as a source of income and King (Anthony Mackie) rules the roost. This adds another layer to the film but at least this one as a happier ending. King goes down for arson, while he is probably guilty of far more serious crimes.
The largest difference from the book to the film is that in the film, they stay in the city while in the book, they move to the suburbs. I liked the film's ending better.
The film is solid, with an excellent, pitch-perfect cast. Everyone is great, with award-winning performances, especially Stenberg. The set is great, with realistic houses and environments, flawless editing and music. The only problem is how did everyone know that Maverick's store was on fire? I'm glad he knew or else Starr and her older half-brother, Seven (Lamar Johnson) wouldn't have survived and they're the good guys.
Still, this film forces you to think, and hope that change is on the horizon because this cannot keep happening. Khalil was so much more than his death and deserves to be remembered for living, not for his untimely and unnecessary death. Grade: A-
Saturday, October 27, 2018
The Seagull (2018)
This was certainly an interesting film, adapted from the Anton Chekhov play.
Despite the film occurring in Russia in 1904, they all speak with American accents and seem naive to the world around them, oblivious to the changes around them.
Annette Bening is an aging actress, Irina, visiting the country with her famous author boyfriend Boris (Corey Stoll) who is far younger than her. Irina's son, Konstantin (Billy Howle) is a struggling author and his play is very avant garde and ahead of its time. And his mother has no respect for it. That is a hot summer, and the love triangles are very complicated. Nina (Saiorse Ronan) is Konstantin's girlfriend and aspiring actress but she falls in love with Boris but Irina won't let him go. And Masha (Elisabeth Moss), somehow related to them, is a drunk, depressed woman in love with Konstantin ignoring the love of poor schoolteacher Mikhail (Michael Zegen). She eventually decides to marry him, but isn't happy about it. That couple needs more screen time.
In the end, most of the characters are more depressed than when they started and Konstantin probably finally succeeds in committing suicide. Nina describes herself as the seagull, just like the one Konstantin killed earlier in the film. She's still in love with Boris, even after he tossed her aside. And she's made it an actress despite her rough technique but she's miserable. Most of them are as well.
There are some problems. The performances are great, each character is fully fleshed out but some of them just do not appear enough, besides, when is the last time Mare Winningham appeared in a major film? Still, it was an interesting film and not a wasted evening. But I prefer happy endings. Grade: B
Despite the film occurring in Russia in 1904, they all speak with American accents and seem naive to the world around them, oblivious to the changes around them.
Annette Bening is an aging actress, Irina, visiting the country with her famous author boyfriend Boris (Corey Stoll) who is far younger than her. Irina's son, Konstantin (Billy Howle) is a struggling author and his play is very avant garde and ahead of its time. And his mother has no respect for it. That is a hot summer, and the love triangles are very complicated. Nina (Saiorse Ronan) is Konstantin's girlfriend and aspiring actress but she falls in love with Boris but Irina won't let him go. And Masha (Elisabeth Moss), somehow related to them, is a drunk, depressed woman in love with Konstantin ignoring the love of poor schoolteacher Mikhail (Michael Zegen). She eventually decides to marry him, but isn't happy about it. That couple needs more screen time.
In the end, most of the characters are more depressed than when they started and Konstantin probably finally succeeds in committing suicide. Nina describes herself as the seagull, just like the one Konstantin killed earlier in the film. She's still in love with Boris, even after he tossed her aside. And she's made it an actress despite her rough technique but she's miserable. Most of them are as well.
There are some problems. The performances are great, each character is fully fleshed out but some of them just do not appear enough, besides, when is the last time Mare Winningham appeared in a major film? Still, it was an interesting film and not a wasted evening. But I prefer happy endings. Grade: B
Saturday, October 20, 2018
The Family Stone (2005)
This film might be relatively predictable but it contains an epilogue which raises it and ties up some loose ends, something romantic comedies seldom do.
Sarah Jessica Parker stars as the stiff, overly professional Meredith Morton, dating the eldest Stone son, Everett (Dermont Mulroney) and he brings her home to meet his family for Christmas and to ask for his grandmother's engagement ring so he can propose to Meredith.
Now, his family is pretty laid back and carefree, but they have their secrets so it does not go well with Meredith. She commits a faux pas when she mentions that parents don't really wish for a gay child, creating an awkward moment as Everett's brother, Thad (Ty Giordano) is gay, married to an African American, Patrick (Brian White) and is also severely hearing impaired. Naturally, that doesn't well, and Meredith leaves the dinner in a huff.
And then things get interesting. Ben (Luke Wilson), the last Stone brother, rescues her and finally gets Meredith to relax and gets her drunk. In the meantime, Everett and Meredith's younger, more relaxed and accepting sister, Julie (Claire Danes) look for Meredith and can't find her. You know that Everett doesn't love Meredith, he loves Julie instead. So the couples switch. Sybil (Diane Keaton) tries to set up Julie with Ben but that doesn't work. The most awkward and best moment of the film is when Kelly, the patriarch (Craig T. Nelson) barges into Ben's room and finds Meredith there instead.
Rachel McAdams is also great as the youngest Stone child who hates Meredith more than you can imagine. But Meredith does redeem herself with the most touching Christmas present ever made all the poignant as Sybil is dying of breast cancer.
Sure, this film isn't going to win any awards (and didn't) but it was nevertheless a fully enjoyable way to spend the evening. I loved how effortlessly each member would incorporate sign language as they were talking so Thad would understand what was going on. Grade: B+
Sarah Jessica Parker stars as the stiff, overly professional Meredith Morton, dating the eldest Stone son, Everett (Dermont Mulroney) and he brings her home to meet his family for Christmas and to ask for his grandmother's engagement ring so he can propose to Meredith.
Now, his family is pretty laid back and carefree, but they have their secrets so it does not go well with Meredith. She commits a faux pas when she mentions that parents don't really wish for a gay child, creating an awkward moment as Everett's brother, Thad (Ty Giordano) is gay, married to an African American, Patrick (Brian White) and is also severely hearing impaired. Naturally, that doesn't well, and Meredith leaves the dinner in a huff.
And then things get interesting. Ben (Luke Wilson), the last Stone brother, rescues her and finally gets Meredith to relax and gets her drunk. In the meantime, Everett and Meredith's younger, more relaxed and accepting sister, Julie (Claire Danes) look for Meredith and can't find her. You know that Everett doesn't love Meredith, he loves Julie instead. So the couples switch. Sybil (Diane Keaton) tries to set up Julie with Ben but that doesn't work. The most awkward and best moment of the film is when Kelly, the patriarch (Craig T. Nelson) barges into Ben's room and finds Meredith there instead.
Rachel McAdams is also great as the youngest Stone child who hates Meredith more than you can imagine. But Meredith does redeem herself with the most touching Christmas present ever made all the poignant as Sybil is dying of breast cancer.
Sure, this film isn't going to win any awards (and didn't) but it was nevertheless a fully enjoyable way to spend the evening. I loved how effortlessly each member would incorporate sign language as they were talking so Thad would understand what was going on. Grade: B+
Saturday, October 13, 2018
Adrift (2018)
The film begins in a long shot of Tami (Shailene Woodley) in a drowning boat, dead engine and no fresh water and she doesn't know where her fiance, Richard Sharp (Sam Claflin) is.
The film alternates between flashbacks of how Tami and Richard met, both traveling spirits who have never said no to any adventure. Nothing is too crazy for Tami, I wish I could channel one once of her spirit and fearlessness. Richard loves sailing to many different places even though he gets lonely, sunburned and hungry, but the experience is unlike anything he's ever known before and he loves living his own life.
Richard gets a great opportunity. Some of his friends need to return to England quickly so for a good sum of money, he can sail their boat back to San Diego and he accepts almost immediately. Though Tami isn't thrilled at first, she can't let him. After all, they are in love.
And then, Hurricane Raymond happens and it is devastating. But they survive. Richard's leg is shattered and Tami has plenty of cuts and bruises. Most of the food is gone along with two of three sales. The motor has died. The rubber is bad. But Tami perseveres. She must or else she will die. The food and water is severely rationed as they drift in the ocean but she survives to be rescued.
However, Richard never did. He has all in Tami's mind which feels like such a rip-off. I wanted that couple to make it. Despite Richard being the one to get Tami into this mess in the first place, his spirit and the memory of those two together is what kept Tami alive through those wretched conditions.
While the film is tragically sad, Woodley and Claflin are brilliant and Woodley truly does lose the weight to make Tami look as though she's been lost at sea for over a month. The only nit-picky problem is that Richard's friends who make the offer aren't ever properly introduced. I wish I knew how Richard knew them. Also, this took place in 1983 which makes sense as you never see cell phones or a laptop but you don't miss them.
That being said, the performances are superb and make the film worth watching over and over again. Grade: A-
The film alternates between flashbacks of how Tami and Richard met, both traveling spirits who have never said no to any adventure. Nothing is too crazy for Tami, I wish I could channel one once of her spirit and fearlessness. Richard loves sailing to many different places even though he gets lonely, sunburned and hungry, but the experience is unlike anything he's ever known before and he loves living his own life.
Richard gets a great opportunity. Some of his friends need to return to England quickly so for a good sum of money, he can sail their boat back to San Diego and he accepts almost immediately. Though Tami isn't thrilled at first, she can't let him. After all, they are in love.
And then, Hurricane Raymond happens and it is devastating. But they survive. Richard's leg is shattered and Tami has plenty of cuts and bruises. Most of the food is gone along with two of three sales. The motor has died. The rubber is bad. But Tami perseveres. She must or else she will die. The food and water is severely rationed as they drift in the ocean but she survives to be rescued.
However, Richard never did. He has all in Tami's mind which feels like such a rip-off. I wanted that couple to make it. Despite Richard being the one to get Tami into this mess in the first place, his spirit and the memory of those two together is what kept Tami alive through those wretched conditions.
While the film is tragically sad, Woodley and Claflin are brilliant and Woodley truly does lose the weight to make Tami look as though she's been lost at sea for over a month. The only nit-picky problem is that Richard's friends who make the offer aren't ever properly introduced. I wish I knew how Richard knew them. Also, this took place in 1983 which makes sense as you never see cell phones or a laptop but you don't miss them.
That being said, the performances are superb and make the film worth watching over and over again. Grade: A-
Monday, September 24, 2018
The Wife (2018)
Despite its predictability and cop-out ending, this film is brilliant.
Joseph Castleman (Jonathan Pryce) is one of the most beloved and praised authors in the country and now, he has won the Nobel Prize for literature, and travels to Stockholm to collect. Though he is not the only one being honored, he is the only one who has an entourage. Accompanying him is his long-suffering wife, Joan (the magnificent Glenn Close), whom he lavishes praises on though she insists on him not even wanting him to thank her during his acceptance speech.
Also coming is their son, David (Max Irons, great) who is a young writer who shows promise and rebuffs his mother's praise, wanting only his father to tell him that he's good. And he still smokes despite Joseph insisting that he stop. And there is also his wannabe biographer, Nathaniel (Christian Slater) who does his research.
The film also details the beginnings of Joe's and Joan's relationship, which began when Joan (now portrayed by Annie Starke) was one of Joe's (now Manhattan's Harry Lloyd's) students. For whatever reason, she falls in love with him, drawing him away from his current wife and young daughter and cultivating his extreme love of writing. The scene that sets the whole plot into motion is when Joe and Joan attend an oral reading from a female author of Elaine Mozell and she promptly puts an end to Joan's hopes and dreams, saying that she will never be taken seriously or become a famous author because she's not a man. And this is 1958, apparently Edna Ferber, Pearl Buck and Laura Ingalls Wilder meant nothing.
The truth comes out slowly as the relationship falls apart, in the present time of 1992, when the main plot occurs. She smokes when she shouldn't, he eats too much when he's had past heart attacks and they bicker but reunite when daughter, Susanna (Alix Wilton Regan) gives birth.
It isn't until Joe emphatically thanks Joan during his speech that she returns back to the fancy hotel and starts shoving clothes into her suitcase; she's finally going to leave him. Only she doesn't, he suffers a fatal heart attack.
On the flight home, just before the film ends, Joan warns Nathaniel that if he sullies her husband's name, she'll sue and promises David that she will sit both of them down and tell them the truth.
Despite the issues with it, like how and why does Joan fall in love with Joe? And the fact that Joe's a jerk and acts put upon when he was the one cooking dinner and caring for the children while Joan wrote away, is no catch but nevertheless, she sometimes worships the ground he walks on. And it was too predictable that the book and script simply kills off Joe at the end. But Joan remains ridiculously loyal past the grave. The truth could have come out. Nathaniel would have backed her up, but she chose to honor his memory and she scarified all her dreams for his. She loved him more than she loved herself.
Though Close plays a character who puts the suffering on herself, she is brilliant with her face a glass into her emotions. She better get another Oscar nomination for this as she is breathtaking. The performances make the film and each actor is excellent and none more so than Close. She is what makes this film memorable and superb. Grade: A-
Joseph Castleman (Jonathan Pryce) is one of the most beloved and praised authors in the country and now, he has won the Nobel Prize for literature, and travels to Stockholm to collect. Though he is not the only one being honored, he is the only one who has an entourage. Accompanying him is his long-suffering wife, Joan (the magnificent Glenn Close), whom he lavishes praises on though she insists on him not even wanting him to thank her during his acceptance speech.
Also coming is their son, David (Max Irons, great) who is a young writer who shows promise and rebuffs his mother's praise, wanting only his father to tell him that he's good. And he still smokes despite Joseph insisting that he stop. And there is also his wannabe biographer, Nathaniel (Christian Slater) who does his research.
The film also details the beginnings of Joe's and Joan's relationship, which began when Joan (now portrayed by Annie Starke) was one of Joe's (now Manhattan's Harry Lloyd's) students. For whatever reason, she falls in love with him, drawing him away from his current wife and young daughter and cultivating his extreme love of writing. The scene that sets the whole plot into motion is when Joe and Joan attend an oral reading from a female author of Elaine Mozell and she promptly puts an end to Joan's hopes and dreams, saying that she will never be taken seriously or become a famous author because she's not a man. And this is 1958, apparently Edna Ferber, Pearl Buck and Laura Ingalls Wilder meant nothing.
The truth comes out slowly as the relationship falls apart, in the present time of 1992, when the main plot occurs. She smokes when she shouldn't, he eats too much when he's had past heart attacks and they bicker but reunite when daughter, Susanna (Alix Wilton Regan) gives birth.
It isn't until Joe emphatically thanks Joan during his speech that she returns back to the fancy hotel and starts shoving clothes into her suitcase; she's finally going to leave him. Only she doesn't, he suffers a fatal heart attack.
On the flight home, just before the film ends, Joan warns Nathaniel that if he sullies her husband's name, she'll sue and promises David that she will sit both of them down and tell them the truth.
Despite the issues with it, like how and why does Joan fall in love with Joe? And the fact that Joe's a jerk and acts put upon when he was the one cooking dinner and caring for the children while Joan wrote away, is no catch but nevertheless, she sometimes worships the ground he walks on. And it was too predictable that the book and script simply kills off Joe at the end. But Joan remains ridiculously loyal past the grave. The truth could have come out. Nathaniel would have backed her up, but she chose to honor his memory and she scarified all her dreams for his. She loved him more than she loved herself.
Though Close plays a character who puts the suffering on herself, she is brilliant with her face a glass into her emotions. She better get another Oscar nomination for this as she is breathtaking. The performances make the film and each actor is excellent and none more so than Close. She is what makes this film memorable and superb. Grade: A-
Monday, September 3, 2018
The Miseducation of Cameron Post (2018)
It is 1993 and two girls are found making out in a car leads to one being forced into a religious, gay conversation camp.
Cameron (Chloe Grace Moretz) is the film's heroine, however, she isn't a particularly strong or even interesting character until the final act. At times, she states she wants to get 'better' while not trying to give in the experimental methods used.
Rick (John Gallagher, Jr.) is one of the founders and claims that he used to struggle with same-sex attraction but is now 'cured', and his sister, Dr. Lydia Marsh (a Nazi-like Jennifer Ehle) is the on-site therapist, but in reality neither have any idea what they are doing.
Some kids, like Erin (Emily Skeggs) who struggles with gender-identity really wants to get better and Mark (Owen Campbell) just wants his father's approval while Jane (Sasha Lane) and Adam (Forrest Goodluck) try to parrot back what they like to hear.
The camp includes high school classes, group therapy sessions, art therapy, individual sessions and still has plenty of time for hikes into the woods where Jane is growing pot, which actually is a concerning thought, though not as concerning as their methods to cure the children.
Things come to a head when Mark tries to sever his penis and is taken the hospital. An investigation is opened and finally, Cameron's spirit comes through, she states that this camp is full of emotional abuse as they are programming the kids to hate themselves. Her comments are duly noted. Given the emotions that this camp brings out, you would think this would not be the first time a suicide attempt had happened but they have literally know idea what they are doing and Rick more or less admits that to Cameron.
It is after this that Adam, Jane and Cameron decide that a life on the streets is better than this camp so they hike away and the film ends with them in the back up a random Democratic pick-up truck.
Overall, the film is upsetting and you need to wonder what others are thinking when they believe that people can change their sexual preferences but nevertheless, there is a real feel to the film, from the kids performing office tasks and peeling potatoes for dinner and even taking their bowls away before the hike.
But there are problems, while some of the minor characters are great, some need more explanation including Dane (Christopher Dylan White) who is deeply troubled and I suspect he may have been sexually abused but his outbursts are never explained which is needed. Some of the characters are far easier to figure out bu regardless, your heart aches for all of them and just hope that eventually they will embraced for their differences, not segregated because of them. Grade: B
Cameron (Chloe Grace Moretz) is the film's heroine, however, she isn't a particularly strong or even interesting character until the final act. At times, she states she wants to get 'better' while not trying to give in the experimental methods used.
Rick (John Gallagher, Jr.) is one of the founders and claims that he used to struggle with same-sex attraction but is now 'cured', and his sister, Dr. Lydia Marsh (a Nazi-like Jennifer Ehle) is the on-site therapist, but in reality neither have any idea what they are doing.
Some kids, like Erin (Emily Skeggs) who struggles with gender-identity really wants to get better and Mark (Owen Campbell) just wants his father's approval while Jane (Sasha Lane) and Adam (Forrest Goodluck) try to parrot back what they like to hear.
The camp includes high school classes, group therapy sessions, art therapy, individual sessions and still has plenty of time for hikes into the woods where Jane is growing pot, which actually is a concerning thought, though not as concerning as their methods to cure the children.
Things come to a head when Mark tries to sever his penis and is taken the hospital. An investigation is opened and finally, Cameron's spirit comes through, she states that this camp is full of emotional abuse as they are programming the kids to hate themselves. Her comments are duly noted. Given the emotions that this camp brings out, you would think this would not be the first time a suicide attempt had happened but they have literally know idea what they are doing and Rick more or less admits that to Cameron.
It is after this that Adam, Jane and Cameron decide that a life on the streets is better than this camp so they hike away and the film ends with them in the back up a random Democratic pick-up truck.
Overall, the film is upsetting and you need to wonder what others are thinking when they believe that people can change their sexual preferences but nevertheless, there is a real feel to the film, from the kids performing office tasks and peeling potatoes for dinner and even taking their bowls away before the hike.
But there are problems, while some of the minor characters are great, some need more explanation including Dane (Christopher Dylan White) who is deeply troubled and I suspect he may have been sexually abused but his outbursts are never explained which is needed. Some of the characters are far easier to figure out bu regardless, your heart aches for all of them and just hope that eventually they will embraced for their differences, not segregated because of them. Grade: B
Saturday, September 1, 2018
Tag (2018)
Despite the concept, this film isn't the worst film of the year, far from it.
A group of now grown men, in cities all across the country, still play the childhood game of tag, thus the title of the film.
They go through such extreme lengths, including getting a new job just to bombard another during an interview. And this year, they are all determined to get Jerry (Jeremy Renner) who takes the game to a whole new level, spending way too much time and money to avoid getting caught.
That is the whole concept of the film, there's really not much more to it than that. They keep playing the game to avoid falling out of touch and getting old, though it isn't working. Chili (Jake Johnson) gets high all the time while Sable (Hannibal Burgess) believes his wife is cheating on him.
However, this year, they plan to get Jerry at his wedding to Susan (Leslie Bibb) and to do so, it involves bribery, near torture and careful planning, though Jerry is always one step ahead of the rest, including having his fiance fake a miscarriage (she actually faked the whole pregnancy), and that is unacceptable. You do not do that, ever, period, point blank, end of discussion. That was a low move and the guys absolutely agree with that, though Jerry and Susan aren't especially apologetic about the whole thing. But it turns out that Hogan (Ed Helms) is the one who is actually dying, of liver cancer so he needed this, to get the whole gang together again for one last time. And the film ends with the group playing the game they loved so much.
The craziest thing is that this whole film is based on a true story, and a reporter for the New York Times (Annabelle Wallis, in the film) really does write a story about the whole thing.
Despite the faking of the pregnancy and miscarriage, the film does have funny moments without even trying and the performances are solid, though they are not the most complicated roles. Still, the film could have been far worse and truly dreadful, instead you just wonder why this game means so much to them, when they could have spent the time together just enjoying each other's company. Grade: B
A group of now grown men, in cities all across the country, still play the childhood game of tag, thus the title of the film.
They go through such extreme lengths, including getting a new job just to bombard another during an interview. And this year, they are all determined to get Jerry (Jeremy Renner) who takes the game to a whole new level, spending way too much time and money to avoid getting caught.
That is the whole concept of the film, there's really not much more to it than that. They keep playing the game to avoid falling out of touch and getting old, though it isn't working. Chili (Jake Johnson) gets high all the time while Sable (Hannibal Burgess) believes his wife is cheating on him.
However, this year, they plan to get Jerry at his wedding to Susan (Leslie Bibb) and to do so, it involves bribery, near torture and careful planning, though Jerry is always one step ahead of the rest, including having his fiance fake a miscarriage (she actually faked the whole pregnancy), and that is unacceptable. You do not do that, ever, period, point blank, end of discussion. That was a low move and the guys absolutely agree with that, though Jerry and Susan aren't especially apologetic about the whole thing. But it turns out that Hogan (Ed Helms) is the one who is actually dying, of liver cancer so he needed this, to get the whole gang together again for one last time. And the film ends with the group playing the game they loved so much.
The craziest thing is that this whole film is based on a true story, and a reporter for the New York Times (Annabelle Wallis, in the film) really does write a story about the whole thing.
Despite the faking of the pregnancy and miscarriage, the film does have funny moments without even trying and the performances are solid, though they are not the most complicated roles. Still, the film could have been far worse and truly dreadful, instead you just wonder why this game means so much to them, when they could have spent the time together just enjoying each other's company. Grade: B
Friday, August 31, 2018
Catch Me If You Can (2002)
This was a actually good film about a great con-man. Or con-teenager. Frank, Jr (Leonardo DiCaprio, very natural in this role) is devastated when his larger-than-life father, Frank, Sr (Christopher Walken) gets into trouble with the IRS for tax fraud and his parent's divorce. Not liking his new school, he runs away. But he also wants a lavish lifestyle so he starts to impersonate an airline pilot and then sick of moving around, he fakes his way into a hospital by becoming a doctor, only he's still only eighteen and gets sick at the sight of blood and then, to impress a girl's father, he becomes a lawyer and learns quite a bit from just watching TV.
By the time, he's proposed to young, innocent Brenda Strong, not the actress (Amy Adams), the FBI is well on his tale, and in fact, he's already alluded them several times. But Carl Hanratty (Tom Hanks) is determined to catch him and make him pay. After all, by this time, he's written over four million dollars in fraudulent checks.
But he's caught, on Christmas Eve as he always calls Carl on Christmas Eve. It's France and its snowing, but Frank is caught but then, on the plane ride home, he is told that his father has passed away and devastated, he locks himself in the bathroom and escapes out of the toilet, which has got to be disgusting.
Unfortunately, he finds that his mother has indeed remarried and has a new, young daughter so Frank surrenders and is sentenced to twelve years in prison. However, over the years, he has become such an expert on forgery that Carl turns out to recruit him to work for them. Sure, it's a desk job, but it must be challenging, though Frank quickly tires of the whole thing. He leaves, but does return, to Carl's sheer relief. Now, Frank is an expert in forgeries and is paid a lot of money to help out, instead being a deterrent.
Overall, the film is solid and fascinating, with plenty of material for several films, though the screenplay weaves everything together pretty well, except for the odd introduction of Frank making an appearance on the show To Tell the Truth, which is when he launches into his story and never looks back. That's just weird. The performances make you forget that flaw, DiCaprio is brilliant, an effortless performance and Hanks is also solid, you can't tell when he's telling the truth and when he is trying to trap Frank. Pay attention for some cameos from Elizabeth Banks, Ellen Pompeo and Jennifer Garner. Grade: A-
By the time, he's proposed to young, innocent Brenda Strong, not the actress (Amy Adams), the FBI is well on his tale, and in fact, he's already alluded them several times. But Carl Hanratty (Tom Hanks) is determined to catch him and make him pay. After all, by this time, he's written over four million dollars in fraudulent checks.
But he's caught, on Christmas Eve as he always calls Carl on Christmas Eve. It's France and its snowing, but Frank is caught but then, on the plane ride home, he is told that his father has passed away and devastated, he locks himself in the bathroom and escapes out of the toilet, which has got to be disgusting.
Unfortunately, he finds that his mother has indeed remarried and has a new, young daughter so Frank surrenders and is sentenced to twelve years in prison. However, over the years, he has become such an expert on forgery that Carl turns out to recruit him to work for them. Sure, it's a desk job, but it must be challenging, though Frank quickly tires of the whole thing. He leaves, but does return, to Carl's sheer relief. Now, Frank is an expert in forgeries and is paid a lot of money to help out, instead being a deterrent.
Overall, the film is solid and fascinating, with plenty of material for several films, though the screenplay weaves everything together pretty well, except for the odd introduction of Frank making an appearance on the show To Tell the Truth, which is when he launches into his story and never looks back. That's just weird. The performances make you forget that flaw, DiCaprio is brilliant, an effortless performance and Hanks is also solid, you can't tell when he's telling the truth and when he is trying to trap Frank. Pay attention for some cameos from Elizabeth Banks, Ellen Pompeo and Jennifer Garner. Grade: A-
Saturday, August 25, 2018
On Chesil Beach (2018)
This is a rather simple film but a brilliant one nevertheless.
Florence (Saiorse Ronan) and Edward (Billy Howle) are newlyweds but though they frequently declare that they love each other, the chemistry is lacking. Florence keeps pushing off the inevitable while Edward can't wait to rip off her clothes. Both of virgins and both are terrified but Edward wants the sex while Florence does not and after their first failed attempt, Florence is so disgusted, she flees which leads to the title confrontation. Despite it being love at first sight, Florence is so repulsed by sex, she is okay with him getting that elsewhere just as long as they're together. She gave into that so quickly and immediately wrote herself off as a lost cause when it came to that sort of thing and Edward just let her walk away, just gave up on their fledgling marriage. And Florence is a saint, handling Edward's mentally unstable mother (Anne-Marie Duff) with grace and dignity.
That night effects them for the rest of their lives. While Florence finds success, both professionally and personally, Edward opens a record store and while he has friends there is no one special in his life. Even when Florence's ultimate dream comes true, Edward is there to support her just as he promised he would be decades ago. When Florence catches his eye, both start crying silent tears.
Each main actor is utterly brilliant, each little nuance is captured and they both make the characters come alive off the very pages they were written on. There is nary a false note in this film, though pay close attention to the flashback scene in Florence's mind right after she pushes Edward off of her, that is likely a telling scene and its over too soon. Was she assaulted or just terrified at feeling something real for once in her life? And how does she overcome these feelings with Charles (Mark Donald), the cello player in Florence's quintet. But overcome them she does, eventually having three children with him, while Edward remains alone and bitter.
Naturally, when Florence admits she's not that interested in sex, I don't blame Edward for feeling incredibly betrayed, she had no right to do that to him and shame on them for not being more open with each other before marriage. While Edward is pulling off her underpants, she asks him how many women he'd been with before her. That is something that should have already been discussed. And even after everything falls apart, they still don't talk about it anyone else.
Despite the largely depressing nature of the film, it is nevertheless based on a masterful piece of literature even if it is all my fears personified. Grade: A-
Florence (Saiorse Ronan) and Edward (Billy Howle) are newlyweds but though they frequently declare that they love each other, the chemistry is lacking. Florence keeps pushing off the inevitable while Edward can't wait to rip off her clothes. Both of virgins and both are terrified but Edward wants the sex while Florence does not and after their first failed attempt, Florence is so disgusted, she flees which leads to the title confrontation. Despite it being love at first sight, Florence is so repulsed by sex, she is okay with him getting that elsewhere just as long as they're together. She gave into that so quickly and immediately wrote herself off as a lost cause when it came to that sort of thing and Edward just let her walk away, just gave up on their fledgling marriage. And Florence is a saint, handling Edward's mentally unstable mother (Anne-Marie Duff) with grace and dignity.
That night effects them for the rest of their lives. While Florence finds success, both professionally and personally, Edward opens a record store and while he has friends there is no one special in his life. Even when Florence's ultimate dream comes true, Edward is there to support her just as he promised he would be decades ago. When Florence catches his eye, both start crying silent tears.
Each main actor is utterly brilliant, each little nuance is captured and they both make the characters come alive off the very pages they were written on. There is nary a false note in this film, though pay close attention to the flashback scene in Florence's mind right after she pushes Edward off of her, that is likely a telling scene and its over too soon. Was she assaulted or just terrified at feeling something real for once in her life? And how does she overcome these feelings with Charles (Mark Donald), the cello player in Florence's quintet. But overcome them she does, eventually having three children with him, while Edward remains alone and bitter.
Naturally, when Florence admits she's not that interested in sex, I don't blame Edward for feeling incredibly betrayed, she had no right to do that to him and shame on them for not being more open with each other before marriage. While Edward is pulling off her underpants, she asks him how many women he'd been with before her. That is something that should have already been discussed. And even after everything falls apart, they still don't talk about it anyone else.
Despite the largely depressing nature of the film, it is nevertheless based on a masterful piece of literature even if it is all my fears personified. Grade: A-
Life of the Party (2018)
Overall, this movie was not the worst way to spend a Friday night.
Deanna Miles (Melissa McCarthy) is blind-sided by her husband (Matt Walsh) decides that he's going to divorce her, and sell the house which is his name only. After all, he's been having an affair with the real estate agent, Marcie Strong (Julie Bowen, too pretty for Walsh, making them an unbelievable couple). Upset that she dropped out of college to have her lovely daughter, Maddie (Molly Gordon), she decides to go back to college.
At first, Maddie isn't thrilled to have her mother, but eventually warms to the idea. Even though Deanna is in full Mom mode at first, Maddie eventually forces her to loosen up and soon becomes kind of a party girl and even catches the eye of frat boy Jack (Luke Benward). Though she tries to keep the relationship casual, she can't ignore the huge age difference, and tries to push off his advances. Jack is too clingy for a college guy, leave it to Hollywood to make attractive males too good to be true.
But there is a twist with Jack, he's Marcie's son. Yeah, they managed to slip a genuine surprise into this film. And even after Deanna ruins the wedding reception of Dan and Marcie, Jack doesn't hate her though he probably should have.
In the end, Deanna is able to earn enough money to stay in school with a little help from her friends and does graduate, after all, brains were the one thing she was never missing.
Deanna is absolutely a resilient character and McCarthy does a great job but the rest of the characters aren't nearly as well written. There's Helen (Gillian Jacobs) who was in a coma for eight years, which should never be funny but it is, and Leonor (Heid Gardner), Deanna's odd roommate who hardly ever leaves the room.
Still, the laughs are there and seeing Maya Rudolph is always welcome and boy, am I glad that I never encountered anyone having sex in the library stacks. Grade: B
Deanna Miles (Melissa McCarthy) is blind-sided by her husband (Matt Walsh) decides that he's going to divorce her, and sell the house which is his name only. After all, he's been having an affair with the real estate agent, Marcie Strong (Julie Bowen, too pretty for Walsh, making them an unbelievable couple). Upset that she dropped out of college to have her lovely daughter, Maddie (Molly Gordon), she decides to go back to college.
At first, Maddie isn't thrilled to have her mother, but eventually warms to the idea. Even though Deanna is in full Mom mode at first, Maddie eventually forces her to loosen up and soon becomes kind of a party girl and even catches the eye of frat boy Jack (Luke Benward). Though she tries to keep the relationship casual, she can't ignore the huge age difference, and tries to push off his advances. Jack is too clingy for a college guy, leave it to Hollywood to make attractive males too good to be true.
But there is a twist with Jack, he's Marcie's son. Yeah, they managed to slip a genuine surprise into this film. And even after Deanna ruins the wedding reception of Dan and Marcie, Jack doesn't hate her though he probably should have.
In the end, Deanna is able to earn enough money to stay in school with a little help from her friends and does graduate, after all, brains were the one thing she was never missing.
Deanna is absolutely a resilient character and McCarthy does a great job but the rest of the characters aren't nearly as well written. There's Helen (Gillian Jacobs) who was in a coma for eight years, which should never be funny but it is, and Leonor (Heid Gardner), Deanna's odd roommate who hardly ever leaves the room.
Still, the laughs are there and seeing Maya Rudolph is always welcome and boy, am I glad that I never encountered anyone having sex in the library stacks. Grade: B
Sunday, August 19, 2018
BlackkKlansman (2018)
Directed by the legendary Spike Lee, this film is good but not as good as Do the Right Thing (1989), but you should watch it anyway.
Ron Stallworth (John David Washington) is the only African American on the Colorado Springs Police Force and some do not welcome him. His first job is in the records room but then is forced to go undercover to attend a rally arranged by the Black Student Union President, Patrice (Laura Harrier) from Colorado University. And from there, he continues and decides to infiltrate the local chapter of the Ku Klux Klan, though Klan is not a word that is uttered, instead calling it the organization. The members are downright nasty, hating blacks and Jews. The whole organization is downright disgusting. And Ron's boss is sceptacle about the whole thing. Obviously, a partner is needed. Enter white Ron Stallworth, aka Philip Zimmerman (Adam Driver) who enters this undercover assignment reluctantly but does give it his all, though his own life is potentially in danger as he is Jewish. While Ron watches at a distance, and takes photographs, Philip goes in to the house and meets the guys wearing a wire the whole time. White Ron and Felix (Jasper Paakkonen) argue over the Holocaust, Felix believes the whole thing is a hoax while Ron states that it is the most beautiful thing he's ever seen. Both of which are just awful and the worst. Eventually, Black Ron makes phone contact with David Duke (Topher Grace). David believes that because of Ron's perfect diction, he is speaking with a white man but he is fooled at the very end in an epic scene.
The film gets intense as Felix's wife, Connie (Ashlie Atkinson) goes to plant a bomb at Patrice's house during Ron's induction ceremony, the juxtaposition is epic. But White Ron's cover is nearly blown as one of the fellow members is someone whom Philip arrested a few years ago. Black Ron follows Connie to Patrice's house and as he tries to arrest her, another cop comes along and nearly arrests Ron and then the switch is flipped but the bomb was planted in Patrice's car, killing Felix and Ivanhoe (Paul Walter Hauser) and sending Connie to prison for some time. Ron is freed and then is able to get the corrupt cop, Landers (Frederick Weller) to confess to bigotry, among other things. Unfortunately, the ending falls slightly flat to me. Patrice decides that she cannot date the enemy, in this case, that enemy is Ron as a police officer but stands with him nevertheless as the arm themselves to answer the knocking at the door. Then it cuts to the actual scenes from Charlottesville, Virginia August, 2017 where one person was killed. That actual footage is far more violent than anything shown in the film. And that actually happened. There are still bigots out there.
Despite the film being set in the 70s, with completely accurate clothing, cars, sets and music, the film is shockingly relevant and many of the lines uttered are ones that could be heard in the news and perhaps that is the scariest part.
Now, the film is rather good despite the morbid subject matter, the acting is solid and the script is tight, with both humorous and dark moments, the film shows that sometimes justice is given but other times, it is not and nothing can be done to stop this, except speaking up to give the power to all the people. Grade: A-
Ron Stallworth (John David Washington) is the only African American on the Colorado Springs Police Force and some do not welcome him. His first job is in the records room but then is forced to go undercover to attend a rally arranged by the Black Student Union President, Patrice (Laura Harrier) from Colorado University. And from there, he continues and decides to infiltrate the local chapter of the Ku Klux Klan, though Klan is not a word that is uttered, instead calling it the organization. The members are downright nasty, hating blacks and Jews. The whole organization is downright disgusting. And Ron's boss is sceptacle about the whole thing. Obviously, a partner is needed. Enter white Ron Stallworth, aka Philip Zimmerman (Adam Driver) who enters this undercover assignment reluctantly but does give it his all, though his own life is potentially in danger as he is Jewish. While Ron watches at a distance, and takes photographs, Philip goes in to the house and meets the guys wearing a wire the whole time. White Ron and Felix (Jasper Paakkonen) argue over the Holocaust, Felix believes the whole thing is a hoax while Ron states that it is the most beautiful thing he's ever seen. Both of which are just awful and the worst. Eventually, Black Ron makes phone contact with David Duke (Topher Grace). David believes that because of Ron's perfect diction, he is speaking with a white man but he is fooled at the very end in an epic scene.
The film gets intense as Felix's wife, Connie (Ashlie Atkinson) goes to plant a bomb at Patrice's house during Ron's induction ceremony, the juxtaposition is epic. But White Ron's cover is nearly blown as one of the fellow members is someone whom Philip arrested a few years ago. Black Ron follows Connie to Patrice's house and as he tries to arrest her, another cop comes along and nearly arrests Ron and then the switch is flipped but the bomb was planted in Patrice's car, killing Felix and Ivanhoe (Paul Walter Hauser) and sending Connie to prison for some time. Ron is freed and then is able to get the corrupt cop, Landers (Frederick Weller) to confess to bigotry, among other things. Unfortunately, the ending falls slightly flat to me. Patrice decides that she cannot date the enemy, in this case, that enemy is Ron as a police officer but stands with him nevertheless as the arm themselves to answer the knocking at the door. Then it cuts to the actual scenes from Charlottesville, Virginia August, 2017 where one person was killed. That actual footage is far more violent than anything shown in the film. And that actually happened. There are still bigots out there.
Despite the film being set in the 70s, with completely accurate clothing, cars, sets and music, the film is shockingly relevant and many of the lines uttered are ones that could be heard in the news and perhaps that is the scariest part.
Now, the film is rather good despite the morbid subject matter, the acting is solid and the script is tight, with both humorous and dark moments, the film shows that sometimes justice is given but other times, it is not and nothing can be done to stop this, except speaking up to give the power to all the people. Grade: A-
Monday, August 13, 2018
Blockers (2018)
Well, it finally happened, a film about three oddball parents set out to stop their respective daughters from having sex on the night of their senior prom.
The girls have always been friends, since they were little but the parents have fallen out of touch. Lisa (Leslie Mann) is thrilled that her daughter, Julie (Kathryn Newton) is going to college so close by while Hunter (Ike Barinholtz) is more or less estranged from his daughter, Sam (Gideon Adlon) since his divorce from her mother (June Diane Raphael) but he does figure out her sexuality before she does.
The third member of the unlikely trio is Mitchell (John Cena) who raised his daughter, Kayla (Geraldine Viswanathan) to love sports but he is also deeply sensitive.
Julie is the only one in a solid relationship, with the dreamy Austin (Graham Phillips) and after six months of dating, she's ready to have sex with him. For whatever reason, Kayla decides to join her and then, not wanting to feel left out, so does Sam.
But Lisa discovers this and Mitchell is not going to have his daughter have sex with a guy who has a man-bun (Miles Robbins). So the three set off on this crazy journey, but at first, Hunter wants to stop the other two though this also jumps on board because he wants his daughter to do what is right.
The night takes a million twists and turns some of which are just ridiculous and disgusting, like chugging beer through your butt and barf filling up the rented limo.
And then, it ends at a hotel. Sam ends up not having sex because touching Chad's penis makes her feel nothing and she finally comes to terms with her sexuality. Kayla also doesn't have sex because she just doesn't know Connor well enough yet but they do other stuff.
Julie is the only who loses her v-card and Lisa is okay with it.
Though the film is ridiculous, the teenage daughters strong characters and are anything but the typical damsels in distress. They have control of the situation and fortunately, the guys they pick are good guys but then again, this is a mainstream Hollywood film, so they would be good guys.
And the parents are stronger for letting their daughters go, knowing that they have done their jobs and can sit back and watch their daughters change the world. Lisa's not afraid of growing old by herself and Hunter has no fears whatsoever and Mitchell has decided to spice up his sex life with his wife, Marcie (Sarayu Blue, always great) so the adults are also alright.
The film, as a whole, is merely average, with only a few genuinely funny moments scattered throughout but the acting is decent and it does have a good message through all the grossness. Grade: B
The girls have always been friends, since they were little but the parents have fallen out of touch. Lisa (Leslie Mann) is thrilled that her daughter, Julie (Kathryn Newton) is going to college so close by while Hunter (Ike Barinholtz) is more or less estranged from his daughter, Sam (Gideon Adlon) since his divorce from her mother (June Diane Raphael) but he does figure out her sexuality before she does.
The third member of the unlikely trio is Mitchell (John Cena) who raised his daughter, Kayla (Geraldine Viswanathan) to love sports but he is also deeply sensitive.
Julie is the only one in a solid relationship, with the dreamy Austin (Graham Phillips) and after six months of dating, she's ready to have sex with him. For whatever reason, Kayla decides to join her and then, not wanting to feel left out, so does Sam.
But Lisa discovers this and Mitchell is not going to have his daughter have sex with a guy who has a man-bun (Miles Robbins). So the three set off on this crazy journey, but at first, Hunter wants to stop the other two though this also jumps on board because he wants his daughter to do what is right.
The night takes a million twists and turns some of which are just ridiculous and disgusting, like chugging beer through your butt and barf filling up the rented limo.
And then, it ends at a hotel. Sam ends up not having sex because touching Chad's penis makes her feel nothing and she finally comes to terms with her sexuality. Kayla also doesn't have sex because she just doesn't know Connor well enough yet but they do other stuff.
Julie is the only who loses her v-card and Lisa is okay with it.
Though the film is ridiculous, the teenage daughters strong characters and are anything but the typical damsels in distress. They have control of the situation and fortunately, the guys they pick are good guys but then again, this is a mainstream Hollywood film, so they would be good guys.
And the parents are stronger for letting their daughters go, knowing that they have done their jobs and can sit back and watch their daughters change the world. Lisa's not afraid of growing old by herself and Hunter has no fears whatsoever and Mitchell has decided to spice up his sex life with his wife, Marcie (Sarayu Blue, always great) so the adults are also alright.
The film, as a whole, is merely average, with only a few genuinely funny moments scattered throughout but the acting is decent and it does have a good message through all the grossness. Grade: B
Sunday, August 12, 2018
Eighth Grade (2018)
This was a truly excellent film.
Kayla (Elsie Fisher) is getting ready to finish eighth grade. She is not pretty, with one eye lower than the other and only of average weight, and that's what makes her brilliant. She doesn't have many friends and is begging for followers on her YouTube channel. She is voted most quietest for the yearbook. Now, while that is not a compliment, I would have been thrilled to get voted any superlative in either middle school or high school.
The only reason she gets invited to Kennedy Graves's (Catherine Oliviere's) party is because of some volunteer work her father did. But she goes anyway though no one wants her there. I feel her, she's the only girl there in a one-piece. On the other hand, she meets Kennedy's awkward cousin, Gabe (Jake Ryan) who actually might be the most interesting character in the film.
So the party is a disaster but when she shadows a high schooler, Olivia (Emily Robinson), that goes surprisingly well and Olivia certainly takes a shine to Kayla so much so that they go to the mall to hang out later.
Unfortunately, the night ends in disaster. One of Olivia's friends, Riley (Daniel Zolghadri) goes to drop off Olivia though she wants him to take Kayla home first. It then gets incredibly awkward and painful to watch. Though Riley doesn't rape her, doesn't even touch her, he violates her nevertheless. He is truly one of the biggest dicks on screen this year. He wanted to take her virginity so she would know what to later. He is absolutely dreadful. We never hear from Olivia again and Kayla stops recording videos.
Instead, Kayla and her father (Josh Hamilton) have a nice touching moment, she tells Kennedy for being a bitch and has a delightfully awkward friend hang/date with Gabe and records an inspiring video for her to watch when she graduates high school.
An excellent film with a great soundtrack and gritty scenery, the film is also grounded in its completely solid performances. Fisher will have a brilliant career. The use of voiceovers is strategic and great and the cinematography is shaky but truly great. Bo Burnham gets into the mind of a teenage girl and delivers the best film of the year so far. Grade: A
Kayla (Elsie Fisher) is getting ready to finish eighth grade. She is not pretty, with one eye lower than the other and only of average weight, and that's what makes her brilliant. She doesn't have many friends and is begging for followers on her YouTube channel. She is voted most quietest for the yearbook. Now, while that is not a compliment, I would have been thrilled to get voted any superlative in either middle school or high school.
The only reason she gets invited to Kennedy Graves's (Catherine Oliviere's) party is because of some volunteer work her father did. But she goes anyway though no one wants her there. I feel her, she's the only girl there in a one-piece. On the other hand, she meets Kennedy's awkward cousin, Gabe (Jake Ryan) who actually might be the most interesting character in the film.
So the party is a disaster but when she shadows a high schooler, Olivia (Emily Robinson), that goes surprisingly well and Olivia certainly takes a shine to Kayla so much so that they go to the mall to hang out later.
Unfortunately, the night ends in disaster. One of Olivia's friends, Riley (Daniel Zolghadri) goes to drop off Olivia though she wants him to take Kayla home first. It then gets incredibly awkward and painful to watch. Though Riley doesn't rape her, doesn't even touch her, he violates her nevertheless. He is truly one of the biggest dicks on screen this year. He wanted to take her virginity so she would know what to later. He is absolutely dreadful. We never hear from Olivia again and Kayla stops recording videos.
Instead, Kayla and her father (Josh Hamilton) have a nice touching moment, she tells Kennedy for being a bitch and has a delightfully awkward friend hang/date with Gabe and records an inspiring video for her to watch when she graduates high school.
An excellent film with a great soundtrack and gritty scenery, the film is also grounded in its completely solid performances. Fisher will have a brilliant career. The use of voiceovers is strategic and great and the cinematography is shaky but truly great. Bo Burnham gets into the mind of a teenage girl and delivers the best film of the year so far. Grade: A
Friday, August 10, 2018
Chappaquiddick (2018)
Ted Kennedy (Jason Clarke) would never become president and after watching this, he should have never been re-elected senator.
While most of America has their eyes peeled to the TV as the astronauts are heading to the moon, Ted Kennedy heads to Martha's Vineyard for the annual regatta. That evening, he and his cousin, Joseph Gargan (Ed Helms) host a party for some of the Kennedy secretaries including Rachel (Olivia Thirlby) and Mary Jo Kopechne (Kate Mara) whom Teddy tries to convince to come back and work for the Kennedys. The night ends in tragedy as Teddy has had too much to drink and swerves off a bridge, causing Mary Jo to drown in the pond. How Teddy survives with no more than a scratch is a miracle but then the cover-up and lies surrounding the incident are unacceptable. Teddy doesn't immediately call the cops, instead going back and telling his cousin and the State Attorney General, Paul Markham (Jim Gaffigan) both of whom urge him to report it. But he doesn't. His father, Joe Kennedy (Bruce Dern) mutters "Alibi" and at first, Teddy does try to cover it up in his own odd way, trying to say that Mary Jo was driving. He doesn't stick with that story but instead, he had a concussion, which could have been the truth if they actually consulted a physician. Oh, and you never give sedatives to a concussion victim, sleeping is one of the worst things for them, which all the experts should have known.
They manipulate the story but fortunately the moon landing takes some of the sweat off Teddy, at least temporarily but then it in the front pages for the rest of week. Joe is livid with how this is being handled and nearly leaves until Teddy asks him to draft a resignation speech which he does.
Through the handling, there is no autopsy of Mary Jo but Teddy does go to her funeral and her parents don't appear to blame Teddy, which I don't necessarily understand, though that neck brace was in poor taste. The court date is moved up and Teddy pleads guilty to leaving the scene of an accident but his two month jail sentence is suspended which is not acceptable. And he remains senator for forty more years until he dies. But he doesn't get elected President.
Overall, the film is very well put together and it really shows how the atmosphere was. Now, Teddy would have never gotten away with that, people would have requested his head on a platter. Clarke is pretty good in his role though his accent waivers slightly throughout but he is Australian portraying an America though he absolutely looks the part. It is such a well-done film about a horrible chapter in the Kennedy family legacy. Grade: B+
While most of America has their eyes peeled to the TV as the astronauts are heading to the moon, Ted Kennedy heads to Martha's Vineyard for the annual regatta. That evening, he and his cousin, Joseph Gargan (Ed Helms) host a party for some of the Kennedy secretaries including Rachel (Olivia Thirlby) and Mary Jo Kopechne (Kate Mara) whom Teddy tries to convince to come back and work for the Kennedys. The night ends in tragedy as Teddy has had too much to drink and swerves off a bridge, causing Mary Jo to drown in the pond. How Teddy survives with no more than a scratch is a miracle but then the cover-up and lies surrounding the incident are unacceptable. Teddy doesn't immediately call the cops, instead going back and telling his cousin and the State Attorney General, Paul Markham (Jim Gaffigan) both of whom urge him to report it. But he doesn't. His father, Joe Kennedy (Bruce Dern) mutters "Alibi" and at first, Teddy does try to cover it up in his own odd way, trying to say that Mary Jo was driving. He doesn't stick with that story but instead, he had a concussion, which could have been the truth if they actually consulted a physician. Oh, and you never give sedatives to a concussion victim, sleeping is one of the worst things for them, which all the experts should have known.
They manipulate the story but fortunately the moon landing takes some of the sweat off Teddy, at least temporarily but then it in the front pages for the rest of week. Joe is livid with how this is being handled and nearly leaves until Teddy asks him to draft a resignation speech which he does.
Through the handling, there is no autopsy of Mary Jo but Teddy does go to her funeral and her parents don't appear to blame Teddy, which I don't necessarily understand, though that neck brace was in poor taste. The court date is moved up and Teddy pleads guilty to leaving the scene of an accident but his two month jail sentence is suspended which is not acceptable. And he remains senator for forty more years until he dies. But he doesn't get elected President.
Overall, the film is very well put together and it really shows how the atmosphere was. Now, Teddy would have never gotten away with that, people would have requested his head on a platter. Clarke is pretty good in his role though his accent waivers slightly throughout but he is Australian portraying an America though he absolutely looks the part. It is such a well-done film about a horrible chapter in the Kennedy family legacy. Grade: B+
Sunday, August 5, 2018
Wonderstruck (2017)
This film could have been good, but instead, it was nothing special.
The film interweaves two plots which occur fifty years apart. Rose (Millicent Simmonds) flees her controlling father to head to New York as her favorite actress is there to perform a show. She finds her beloved actress, Lillian Mayhew (Julianne Moore) way too quickly and the twist? Lillian is her mother and none too happy to see her. Rose then heads off to a museum where is the on the run from some guards until her brother, Walter (Cory Michael Smith) finds her and lets her stay with him. However, as Rose is deaf, the world is silent with just the overhead score and few subtitles so while her home life was miserable, you don't get the idea of how she wanted to escape to New York but that move opened doors for her that were previously closed.
Fifty years later, 1977, Ben (Oakes Fegley) is still nursing his grief over the loss of his mother, Elaine (the underused Michelle Williams) when he loses his hearing in a freak accident. During a thunderstorm, he dials the phone and a bolt of lightning strikes the electric pole. That's how his hearing is lost and I just can't believe how would actually happen. Despite his new struggle, he nevertheless sets off to New York City to find his father has the only clue he has in a bookmark with an address and name. His adventure is far more exciting than Rose's and it takes the whole film. He makes a friend along the way and does miraculously run into family. Turns out, Rose is Ben's grandmother, but her son (his father) has since passed away. It was a bit bizarre how Rose pieced that puzzle together. So Ben has found the answers he sought.
Despite the difference of the techniques, the film doesn't tell much. Moore and Williams are not used enough and they are too good to be used so little. However, there is one good quote from the film: Everyone is standing the gutter but some of us are looking at the stars. Watch Hugo instead, that is a much better film. Grade: B
The film interweaves two plots which occur fifty years apart. Rose (Millicent Simmonds) flees her controlling father to head to New York as her favorite actress is there to perform a show. She finds her beloved actress, Lillian Mayhew (Julianne Moore) way too quickly and the twist? Lillian is her mother and none too happy to see her. Rose then heads off to a museum where is the on the run from some guards until her brother, Walter (Cory Michael Smith) finds her and lets her stay with him. However, as Rose is deaf, the world is silent with just the overhead score and few subtitles so while her home life was miserable, you don't get the idea of how she wanted to escape to New York but that move opened doors for her that were previously closed.
Fifty years later, 1977, Ben (Oakes Fegley) is still nursing his grief over the loss of his mother, Elaine (the underused Michelle Williams) when he loses his hearing in a freak accident. During a thunderstorm, he dials the phone and a bolt of lightning strikes the electric pole. That's how his hearing is lost and I just can't believe how would actually happen. Despite his new struggle, he nevertheless sets off to New York City to find his father has the only clue he has in a bookmark with an address and name. His adventure is far more exciting than Rose's and it takes the whole film. He makes a friend along the way and does miraculously run into family. Turns out, Rose is Ben's grandmother, but her son (his father) has since passed away. It was a bit bizarre how Rose pieced that puzzle together. So Ben has found the answers he sought.
Despite the difference of the techniques, the film doesn't tell much. Moore and Williams are not used enough and they are too good to be used so little. However, there is one good quote from the film: Everyone is standing the gutter but some of us are looking at the stars. Watch Hugo instead, that is a much better film. Grade: B
Saturday, August 4, 2018
Big Little Lies: Season One Recap and Reaction
The book is excellent and the mini-series is great too, with one of the best casts ever before seen on the small screen.
Brimming with strong women, the plot starts when Amabella wrongly accuses Ziggy of choking her on the first day of first grade orientation. It sets off a spiral of the secret lives of these women. There’s Renata (Laura Dern) Amabella’s CEO working mother, Jane (Shailene Woodley) the new young single mother whose son was conceived from a horrible abuse of power, not to mention the two main characters: Madeline Mackenzie (Reese Witherspoon) and Celeste Wright (Nicole Kidman) whose life appears just one notch of perfect though that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Brimming with strong women, the plot starts when Amabella wrongly accuses Ziggy of choking her on the first day of first grade orientation. It sets off a spiral of the secret lives of these women. There’s Renata (Laura Dern) Amabella’s CEO working mother, Jane (Shailene Woodley) the new young single mother whose son was conceived from a horrible abuse of power, not to mention the two main characters: Madeline Mackenzie (Reese Witherspoon) and Celeste Wright (Nicole Kidman) whose life appears just one notch of perfect though that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Over the seven episodes, the plot slowly unwinds as the viewer wonders who was murdered and how as the police are doing tons of interviews and learning about the environment that the wealthy community existed. Stay-at-home moms and working moms do not always get along and sometimes, they can be downright nasty to each other.
Madeline also must deal with her ex-husband, Nathan (James Tupper) whose new daughter is in the same class as Madeline’s daughter with her second husband (Adam Scott). There is still plenty of hostility between the two and even Ed and Bonnie (Zoe Kravitz) Nathan’s new wife are not immune. Madeline and Nathan bicker over their shared daughter, Abigail (Kathryn Newton) who eventually moves in with Nathan. And Madeline also has a secret, she cheated on perfect Ed with the director of the local musical production which she may or may not reveal to Ed after her near-death experience in the finale.
But Celeste’s secret life is just dreadful. Her husband is the incredibly wealthy, younger Perry (Alexander Skarsgaard) but he is horribly abusive and way to turned on by her in a way unbecoming for a man of his age.
Jane’s life isn’t great, though she seems to have money though she never seems to be working, which is one of the few problems with this mini-series. However, it comes at a cost. She is still deeply scarred from the rape years ago and wants revenge, even going as far as buying a gun. But things seem to be looking up for her as she scores a date with the local barista, Tom (Joseph Cross).
There are a few problems with this mini-series and the main one is in the finale. Perry discovers Celeste is planning to leave him, after the school gala, as she has finally had enough of his abuse, plus, it is rubbing off on their young sons. Perry is livid and can’t have her leave him. So, for the first time, he starts abusing her in public in front of Jane, Madeline and Renata. Bonnie notices something is amiss and she is the one who shoves Perry down the stairs. But you don’t understand why. Bonnie is a spiritual character who is largely non-violent and the mini-series doesn’t go into her background the way the book does. In the book, you learn that her father was abusive so she is especially sensitive to wife-beatings but the film glosses over that. The mini-series also doesn’t go into Ziggy’s (Iain Armitage) conception scene in which Perry mentions his deep desire for children.
That being said, this series is excellent, superbly written and acted, with each actor truly getting under their respective character’s skins. This show deserved all the awards it was bestowed. Grade: A-
Saturday, July 28, 2018
Sunset Boulevard (1950)
This is one of the top films of all time for a reason.
Joe Gillis (William Holden) is dead. That's no spoiler, it's the opening scene. But lets start at the beginning. Joe is a script writer who is going through a severe dry spell and is broke beyond all reason. On the run from the collection agency, he drives his car into a driveway of what he believes is an abandoned mansion, old and decaying away. However, that's not the case. It is the house of former silent film superstar Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson, a revelation). Her beloved chimp has just died so she mistakes Joe for the coffin guy but then upon discovering he's a writer, she asks if he would read her script. He decides to milk the situation, something he will later come to regret. She offers him the editing job and insists that he move into the guest house, a room above the garage which he does. And soon, he becomes a spoiled prisoner. Her script is awful and dated, just as Norma's whole house is frozen in time. She allows his car to be taken away so he can't really leave and Norma's personality is volatile. Joe hitches a ride to spend time with his friends, she grabs his razor and attempts suicide. Sure, she is depressed, without the cameras surrounding her but she needs attention among other things. But this attempt got him to come back so it served its purpose.
Fortunately, a chance meeting his friend's fiance, Betty Shaffer (Nancy Olsen) inspires him to work on a script which actually has promise. Betty actually met Joe back at the beginning when he was begging for a job. She's a reader (that's a job of some sort) at Paramount and has read one of his old scripts which contains a portion that she feels shows real promise. So Joe sneaks out of the house at night so they can work on it together, and Betty falls in love with him though she's engaged to the nice Artie Green (Jack Webb).
Norma cannot have this, she's a star and no one leaves a star so she tries to sabotage the relationship. But Joe realizes that he's being a tool so he ends things with Betty but decides to leave anyway and tells Norma the truth, her career is history and her fan letters have all been written by her first husband, former director and now butler, Max (Erich von Stroheim) though he won't admit it. So Joe leaves but Norma shots him (I assume she ordered the gun and had it delivered with Max's knowledge) three times and he falls into the newly cleaned out pool to his death. And she breaks with reality. But the TV stations bring in cameras so she perks up and prepares herself for her final close up.
The plot is brilliant, with intricate twists and turns and excellent characters and performances not to mention the excellent cinematography, editing and scenic design (which won a much deserved Oscar). The dialogue is memorable and cannot be forgotten. The role of Norma is utterly perfect for Swanson who has one of the most expressive faces ever on screen. All four stars were nominated for much deserved Oscars though none of them won, which is just a shame though 1950 was a great year for films though this one might just be the greatest. Grade: A
Joe Gillis (William Holden) is dead. That's no spoiler, it's the opening scene. But lets start at the beginning. Joe is a script writer who is going through a severe dry spell and is broke beyond all reason. On the run from the collection agency, he drives his car into a driveway of what he believes is an abandoned mansion, old and decaying away. However, that's not the case. It is the house of former silent film superstar Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson, a revelation). Her beloved chimp has just died so she mistakes Joe for the coffin guy but then upon discovering he's a writer, she asks if he would read her script. He decides to milk the situation, something he will later come to regret. She offers him the editing job and insists that he move into the guest house, a room above the garage which he does. And soon, he becomes a spoiled prisoner. Her script is awful and dated, just as Norma's whole house is frozen in time. She allows his car to be taken away so he can't really leave and Norma's personality is volatile. Joe hitches a ride to spend time with his friends, she grabs his razor and attempts suicide. Sure, she is depressed, without the cameras surrounding her but she needs attention among other things. But this attempt got him to come back so it served its purpose.
Fortunately, a chance meeting his friend's fiance, Betty Shaffer (Nancy Olsen) inspires him to work on a script which actually has promise. Betty actually met Joe back at the beginning when he was begging for a job. She's a reader (that's a job of some sort) at Paramount and has read one of his old scripts which contains a portion that she feels shows real promise. So Joe sneaks out of the house at night so they can work on it together, and Betty falls in love with him though she's engaged to the nice Artie Green (Jack Webb).
Norma cannot have this, she's a star and no one leaves a star so she tries to sabotage the relationship. But Joe realizes that he's being a tool so he ends things with Betty but decides to leave anyway and tells Norma the truth, her career is history and her fan letters have all been written by her first husband, former director and now butler, Max (Erich von Stroheim) though he won't admit it. So Joe leaves but Norma shots him (I assume she ordered the gun and had it delivered with Max's knowledge) three times and he falls into the newly cleaned out pool to his death. And she breaks with reality. But the TV stations bring in cameras so she perks up and prepares herself for her final close up.
The plot is brilliant, with intricate twists and turns and excellent characters and performances not to mention the excellent cinematography, editing and scenic design (which won a much deserved Oscar). The dialogue is memorable and cannot be forgotten. The role of Norma is utterly perfect for Swanson who has one of the most expressive faces ever on screen. All four stars were nominated for much deserved Oscars though none of them won, which is just a shame though 1950 was a great year for films though this one might just be the greatest. Grade: A
Friday, July 20, 2018
The Hollars (2016)
This film had major issues. Sally Hollar (the great Margo Martindale) suffers a seizure and is found to have a brain tumor and must have major surgery as soon as possible. Her situation is so precarious that her wayward son, John (John Krasinski) flies in from New York.
Despite the fact that he never calls home and won't marry his pregnant girlfriend, Rebecca (Anna Kendrick) for whatever reasons, John is far more normal than his older brother, Ron (Sharlto Copley) who stalks his ex-wife and sneaks into her house to spend time with his daughters and is pissed that she's moved on while he hasn't. And the patriarch (Richard Jenkins) is in denial about his plumbing business going bankrupt.
The film is touchingly sweet at times and real but has issues and the ending is devastating and falls flat. Who knows if the business will survive this recession and what was the problem with John and Rebecca's relationship in the first place, I mean, yes becoming a parent must be terrifying, but still, it didn't make much sense to me. Also, Jason (Charlie Day) as Sally's annoying nurse, he was extremely obnoxious and having Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Jason's wife and John's former high school girlfriend and only having her in one scene is just ridiculous, she's too good of an actress to be in so little of the film.
That being said, it had good music and did show a great little snapshot of a family in turmoil. It's just a shame that so many talented good actors were wasted with this flimsy script when it could have been so much better. Grade: B
Despite the fact that he never calls home and won't marry his pregnant girlfriend, Rebecca (Anna Kendrick) for whatever reasons, John is far more normal than his older brother, Ron (Sharlto Copley) who stalks his ex-wife and sneaks into her house to spend time with his daughters and is pissed that she's moved on while he hasn't. And the patriarch (Richard Jenkins) is in denial about his plumbing business going bankrupt.
The film is touchingly sweet at times and real but has issues and the ending is devastating and falls flat. Who knows if the business will survive this recession and what was the problem with John and Rebecca's relationship in the first place, I mean, yes becoming a parent must be terrifying, but still, it didn't make much sense to me. Also, Jason (Charlie Day) as Sally's annoying nurse, he was extremely obnoxious and having Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Jason's wife and John's former high school girlfriend and only having her in one scene is just ridiculous, she's too good of an actress to be in so little of the film.
That being said, it had good music and did show a great little snapshot of a family in turmoil. It's just a shame that so many talented good actors were wasted with this flimsy script when it could have been so much better. Grade: B
Saturday, July 14, 2018
Bend it Like Beckham (2002)
This is a truly great film. Jesminder (Parminder Nagra) is preparing to go to university to become a solicitor but her true love is football (aka soccer) which is simply not allowed but she soon receives an offer, nevertheless to play on a girl's team when she is discovered by Jules Paxton (a very young Keira Knightley) and so she joins, without her parents' knowledge.
The plot thickens as Jess's sister, Pinky (Archie Panjabi, we never learn her real name is engaged) is engaged to a man called Teet (Khuvinder Ghir; that name is enough of a turn-off) but the engagement is called off by his parents when they misinterpret Jess's friendship with Jules as a sexual one, Jules's mother, Paul (Juliet Stevenson) believes the same thing. The Bharmas (Anupam Kher and Shaheen Khan) are furious and no amount of pleading from her coach, Joe (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) can change their minds. Fortunately, at least Jess's best friend and closeted homosexual Tony (Ameet Chana) has her back and comes to her games.
Things go from bad to worse as Jess falls in love with her coach and Jules is livid as she was nursing her own crush and they have a very large argument about the whole thing. But then the wedding between Pinky and Teet is back on but the only day they could schedule the hall is the same day as Jess's big football final with a scout coming all the way from America.
Fortunately, her father lets her go as it appears that she is at her father's funeral instead of her sister's wedding and it is a good call. Jess gets the opportunity of a lifetime, an American scholarship to pay and have a chance to go pro. And even more fortunate, her family is behind her and Joe is thrilled, but she doesn't want to chance it so they don't kiss until right before she leaves for America. Why do kisses actually mean something in Hollywood films? They mean nothing in real life, that's for sure.
Okay, enough venting. In this case, it appears that Joe and Jess are making things work long distance as Joe does get closer to her family at the end of the film and Jess is doing what she loves without any regrets.
Now, I could nitpick this film to death and am thankful that there was that rule in place that coaches can't date their players, though naturally, I was rooting for them to end up together in the end. But it is also unfair that Jess missed all those practices leading up to the final game but was still allowed to play, would that still happen in real life? I doubt it.
That being said, the film is still excellent with a fresh take on a tried-and-true plot with excellent performances all around, interesting editing (good juxtaposition) and great music. It is just a shame that Nagra didn't become a bigger star after this amazing performance. Grade: B+
The plot thickens as Jess's sister, Pinky (Archie Panjabi, we never learn her real name is engaged) is engaged to a man called Teet (Khuvinder Ghir; that name is enough of a turn-off) but the engagement is called off by his parents when they misinterpret Jess's friendship with Jules as a sexual one, Jules's mother, Paul (Juliet Stevenson) believes the same thing. The Bharmas (Anupam Kher and Shaheen Khan) are furious and no amount of pleading from her coach, Joe (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) can change their minds. Fortunately, at least Jess's best friend and closeted homosexual Tony (Ameet Chana) has her back and comes to her games.
Things go from bad to worse as Jess falls in love with her coach and Jules is livid as she was nursing her own crush and they have a very large argument about the whole thing. But then the wedding between Pinky and Teet is back on but the only day they could schedule the hall is the same day as Jess's big football final with a scout coming all the way from America.
Fortunately, her father lets her go as it appears that she is at her father's funeral instead of her sister's wedding and it is a good call. Jess gets the opportunity of a lifetime, an American scholarship to pay and have a chance to go pro. And even more fortunate, her family is behind her and Joe is thrilled, but she doesn't want to chance it so they don't kiss until right before she leaves for America. Why do kisses actually mean something in Hollywood films? They mean nothing in real life, that's for sure.
Okay, enough venting. In this case, it appears that Joe and Jess are making things work long distance as Joe does get closer to her family at the end of the film and Jess is doing what she loves without any regrets.
Now, I could nitpick this film to death and am thankful that there was that rule in place that coaches can't date their players, though naturally, I was rooting for them to end up together in the end. But it is also unfair that Jess missed all those practices leading up to the final game but was still allowed to play, would that still happen in real life? I doubt it.
That being said, the film is still excellent with a fresh take on a tried-and-true plot with excellent performances all around, interesting editing (good juxtaposition) and great music. It is just a shame that Nagra didn't become a bigger star after this amazing performance. Grade: B+
Friday, July 13, 2018
My Man Godfrey (1936)
This was a rather bizarre film, but then again, it is more than eighty years old.
Godfrey (William Powell) is a homeless man picked up by Cordelia Bullock (Gail Patrick) as part of a ridiculous scavenger hunt for rich people who have too much time on their hands. But it is Cordelia's younger sister, Irene (Carole Lombard, eventually the third Mrs. Clark Gable) who falls in love with him and invites him into her home to be their butler. He accepts this offer and does an excellent job though that family is certainly something else. Dizzy is one word but just plain bizarre is another. Who else would steal a horse and lock it in the library overnight? That was very foolish and certainly wasn't very nice to the horse.
But Godfrey has a secret and it isn't that he stole Cordelia's strand of pearls; he's secretly wealthy. He came from a wealthy family but after a disastrous break-up (need more details!), he abandoned his family and found comfort and true meaning by living on the streets in a hooverville. Along with his old college friend, Tommy Gray (Alan Mowbray) he invests his small income in stocks and while he grows richer, Alexander Bullock (Eugene Pallette), the father, loses of his money, after all, this is the depression.
Godfrey has turned the dump into a successful bar/nightclub and resigns from being a butler but will not admit that he loves Irene so she gives him no choice but to marry him, having the mayor show up and everything to marry them.
While they are meant to be together, after all, this is a Hollywood and the main two characters always end up together, no one should be forced and hoodwinked into a marriage, so that isn't right.
Despite the frivolousness of the characters and plot and that you need more details than the Hayes would allow, it still managed to fly by and keep my interest the whole time which is always a relief and I might even watch it again. It is still somewhat timely (though the government doesn't take sixty percent of the wealthy's income in taxes, too bad), as there are so many wealthy people unaware and uncaring about the poverty living under their noses and there is more to these people than meets the eye. Grade: B+
Godfrey (William Powell) is a homeless man picked up by Cordelia Bullock (Gail Patrick) as part of a ridiculous scavenger hunt for rich people who have too much time on their hands. But it is Cordelia's younger sister, Irene (Carole Lombard, eventually the third Mrs. Clark Gable) who falls in love with him and invites him into her home to be their butler. He accepts this offer and does an excellent job though that family is certainly something else. Dizzy is one word but just plain bizarre is another. Who else would steal a horse and lock it in the library overnight? That was very foolish and certainly wasn't very nice to the horse.
But Godfrey has a secret and it isn't that he stole Cordelia's strand of pearls; he's secretly wealthy. He came from a wealthy family but after a disastrous break-up (need more details!), he abandoned his family and found comfort and true meaning by living on the streets in a hooverville. Along with his old college friend, Tommy Gray (Alan Mowbray) he invests his small income in stocks and while he grows richer, Alexander Bullock (Eugene Pallette), the father, loses of his money, after all, this is the depression.
Godfrey has turned the dump into a successful bar/nightclub and resigns from being a butler but will not admit that he loves Irene so she gives him no choice but to marry him, having the mayor show up and everything to marry them.
While they are meant to be together, after all, this is a Hollywood and the main two characters always end up together, no one should be forced and hoodwinked into a marriage, so that isn't right.
Despite the frivolousness of the characters and plot and that you need more details than the Hayes would allow, it still managed to fly by and keep my interest the whole time which is always a relief and I might even watch it again. It is still somewhat timely (though the government doesn't take sixty percent of the wealthy's income in taxes, too bad), as there are so many wealthy people unaware and uncaring about the poverty living under their noses and there is more to these people than meets the eye. Grade: B+
Saturday, July 7, 2018
Love, Simon (2018)
This was a great book and the film is equally as excellent. Simon Spier (Nick Robinson) is a typical high school senior who believes that he is just like everyone else, which isn't entirely true, I didn't get a car on my sixteenth birthday but whatever. However, unlike me, Simon has a huge secret and one that he believes will change everything, also not true. He's gay and no one knows, especially not Leah (Katherine Langford) one of his best friends who he has known since kindergarten as Leah is falling in love with Simon.
The plot kicks into gear when the school's gossip blog confirms that the high school has one closest gay kid and Simon forms a secret online relationship with him. Both are closeted and relatively scared and frightened to come out and both really start to like each other. And then the awkward kid, Martin (Logan Miller), who really is, okay, well, he could be a nice person but he accidentally sees the emails and uses it to blackmail Simon to get Simon to set him up with the new girl, Abby (Alexandra Shipp) who is crushing hard on Simon's other best friend, Nick (Jorge Lendeborg, Jr). Yeah, this is an interesting love hexagon.
But in one of the most embarrassing moments ever on screen, Martin interrupts the singing of the National Anthem and professes his love for Abby and it backfires so he posts the screenshots of the private emails between Simon and his mystery man.
Fortunately, Simon has great parents in Jack and Emily (Josh Duhamel and Jennifer Garner) who are pretty understanding and Jack apologizes for all those jokes he has make throughout the years in one of the best father-son scenes in cinematic history and the best scene of Duhamel's career. But his friends are pissed, as they have every right to be and some of the other kids at school aren't nearly so kind but the awesome drama teacher, Ms. Albright (Natasha Rothwell) puts them promptly in their place.
And finally, Simon posts his own blog, urging his online crush to come forward as life is always better when you have someone to share it with. And, at the eleventh hour, Bram (Kelynan Lonesdale) comes forward as the email buddy and they do fall in love. Nick and Abby start dating and Leah is eventually okay with Simon's homosexuality and things are just as they always were, getting coffee every morning before school and coming up with interesting costumes for Halloween.
Overall, the film is solid, with great performances from both veterans and newcomers and though there are many characters, the personalities nevertheless come across on the screen, which is rare. And there is mid-film musical number for on good reason which is just great. Everyone, please go rent this film. Grade: A-
The plot kicks into gear when the school's gossip blog confirms that the high school has one closest gay kid and Simon forms a secret online relationship with him. Both are closeted and relatively scared and frightened to come out and both really start to like each other. And then the awkward kid, Martin (Logan Miller), who really is, okay, well, he could be a nice person but he accidentally sees the emails and uses it to blackmail Simon to get Simon to set him up with the new girl, Abby (Alexandra Shipp) who is crushing hard on Simon's other best friend, Nick (Jorge Lendeborg, Jr). Yeah, this is an interesting love hexagon.
But in one of the most embarrassing moments ever on screen, Martin interrupts the singing of the National Anthem and professes his love for Abby and it backfires so he posts the screenshots of the private emails between Simon and his mystery man.
Fortunately, Simon has great parents in Jack and Emily (Josh Duhamel and Jennifer Garner) who are pretty understanding and Jack apologizes for all those jokes he has make throughout the years in one of the best father-son scenes in cinematic history and the best scene of Duhamel's career. But his friends are pissed, as they have every right to be and some of the other kids at school aren't nearly so kind but the awesome drama teacher, Ms. Albright (Natasha Rothwell) puts them promptly in their place.
And finally, Simon posts his own blog, urging his online crush to come forward as life is always better when you have someone to share it with. And, at the eleventh hour, Bram (Kelynan Lonesdale) comes forward as the email buddy and they do fall in love. Nick and Abby start dating and Leah is eventually okay with Simon's homosexuality and things are just as they always were, getting coffee every morning before school and coming up with interesting costumes for Halloween.
Overall, the film is solid, with great performances from both veterans and newcomers and though there are many characters, the personalities nevertheless come across on the screen, which is rare. And there is mid-film musical number for on good reason which is just great. Everyone, please go rent this film. Grade: A-
Friday, July 6, 2018
All the Money in the World (2017)
This film is crazy good.
The story is completely bizarre. J. Paul Getty (a very good Christopher Plummer) is the richest man whose ever lived, investing heavily in oil but he is frugal and looks for every loophole possible when doing his taxes, and he had a pay telephone installed in his London mansion so his guests could make calls.
Even when his young grandson, Paul (Charlie Plummer, no relation) is kidnapped, he won't pay the ransom, refusing to give in. His mother, Gail (a brilliant Michelle Williams) doesn't have the money and no one believes her.
She is smart and shrewd but is no match for her former father-in-law. And there are many theories as to who kidnapped the pyrotechnic teenager, who was kicked out of his school for setting it on fire, including one that he staged the whole thing. Which is not the case, as who would arrange to have his ear chopped off?
In the end, all it took when Getty's hunchman, Fletcher Chace (Mark Wahlberg) calling him out for what he is for Getty to pay the ransom so at least the film has a relatively happy ending, proving that money doesn't truly buy happiness.
I cannot believe that this film had numerous scenes redone filmed in just a matter of days. And Plummer did brilliantly as though the role was made for him. Williams and Wahlberg are solid in their roles also and the film has a lovely old-fashioned feel to it which is just awesome and rare. The film, despite being rushed, pays attention to all the little details such as all of Getty's rare artwork which he will spend more on that his family, and he dies surrounded by his artwork, not his family. Grade: A-
The story is completely bizarre. J. Paul Getty (a very good Christopher Plummer) is the richest man whose ever lived, investing heavily in oil but he is frugal and looks for every loophole possible when doing his taxes, and he had a pay telephone installed in his London mansion so his guests could make calls.
Even when his young grandson, Paul (Charlie Plummer, no relation) is kidnapped, he won't pay the ransom, refusing to give in. His mother, Gail (a brilliant Michelle Williams) doesn't have the money and no one believes her.
She is smart and shrewd but is no match for her former father-in-law. And there are many theories as to who kidnapped the pyrotechnic teenager, who was kicked out of his school for setting it on fire, including one that he staged the whole thing. Which is not the case, as who would arrange to have his ear chopped off?
In the end, all it took when Getty's hunchman, Fletcher Chace (Mark Wahlberg) calling him out for what he is for Getty to pay the ransom so at least the film has a relatively happy ending, proving that money doesn't truly buy happiness.
I cannot believe that this film had numerous scenes redone filmed in just a matter of days. And Plummer did brilliantly as though the role was made for him. Williams and Wahlberg are solid in their roles also and the film has a lovely old-fashioned feel to it which is just awesome and rare. The film, despite being rushed, pays attention to all the little details such as all of Getty's rare artwork which he will spend more on that his family, and he dies surrounded by his artwork, not his family. Grade: A-
Monday, July 2, 2018
Game Night (2018)
This film was incredibly cheesy but it had a bunch of actors that I like and Jason Bateman. Max (Bateman) and Annie (Rachel McAdams) are an incredibly competitive couple whose game nights are epic. And when Max's brother, Brooks (Kyle Chandler, always great) comes to town, he decides to kick things up a notch by faking a kidnapping which turns to be real. Things get interesting. Turns out that Brooks isn't the successful person he's led everyone to believe; he really sells crap on the black market and is wanted by several dangerous criminals including the Bulgarian (Michael C. Hall) and this other guy played by Danny Huston.
There is a kidnapping within a kidnapping within a true hunt for a criminal. The Davis's creepy cop neighbor, Gary (Jesse Plemons) is pissed that he was cut out of game night after his divorce so the second kidnapping was his idea but Brooks is really a criminal. And he takes the list of people in witness protection (once he expels it from his body, gross) he sells it to the highest bidder and tips off the people on the list for a price. Yeah, he's a real upstanding guy.
Fortunately, the acting is decent and this film is packed with actors that are better than the film: Lamorne Morris, Kylie Bunbury (nice to see you again), Sharon Horgan, Billy Magnussen and Chelsea Peretti. Unfortunately, the acting is the highlight as the film isn't funny and only mildly suspenseful but it is far from the worst way to spend an evening. Grade: B-
There is a kidnapping within a kidnapping within a true hunt for a criminal. The Davis's creepy cop neighbor, Gary (Jesse Plemons) is pissed that he was cut out of game night after his divorce so the second kidnapping was his idea but Brooks is really a criminal. And he takes the list of people in witness protection (once he expels it from his body, gross) he sells it to the highest bidder and tips off the people on the list for a price. Yeah, he's a real upstanding guy.
Fortunately, the acting is decent and this film is packed with actors that are better than the film: Lamorne Morris, Kylie Bunbury (nice to see you again), Sharon Horgan, Billy Magnussen and Chelsea Peretti. Unfortunately, the acting is the highlight as the film isn't funny and only mildly suspenseful but it is far from the worst way to spend an evening. Grade: B-
Saturday, June 30, 2018
Hearts Beat Loud (2018)
This was a good film. There are only six characters in the whole film. Frank (Nick Offerman) owns a record store despite the lack of business. Sam (Kiersey Clemons) is his only daughter, preparing to go off to UCLA and eventually med school. There is also Leslie (Toni Colette), Frank's landlady and potential love interest, Dave (Ted Danson), Frank's friend and local bartender, Rose (Sasha Lane), an artist and Sam's girlfriend and Marianne (Blythe Danner), Frank's mother who occasionally shoplifts because her mind is going, or is it? She doesn't have many scenes but seems lucid in the few she does.
The plot is also fairly simple. Frank and Sam record a song and Frank puts it online. He also wants them to become a band, while Sam has many reservations, including Frank's extreme lack of funds.
Despite the simpleness of the plot, the film is nevertheless worthwhile with brilliant performances all around and good music.
The ending is solid, with Frank and his daughter still writing songs thousands of miles apart and she does to college. Frank and Leslie mend the fences and he takes over Dave's bar so Dave can go to Woodstock to enjoy the trees and get high.
I do have problems with the film, like why bring up Sam's birth certificate if nothing comes out of it, what is with Leslie and Brian and why do have Marianne shoplift when she appears to not be loosing her marbles.
Thank goodness it is nevertheless a great film and Clemons will have a great career ahead of her. I also liked that race was never brought up (Frank's late wife was African American) and neither was homosexuality. Everything was down with grace, which is so refreshing. Grade: A-
The plot is also fairly simple. Frank and Sam record a song and Frank puts it online. He also wants them to become a band, while Sam has many reservations, including Frank's extreme lack of funds.
Despite the simpleness of the plot, the film is nevertheless worthwhile with brilliant performances all around and good music.
The ending is solid, with Frank and his daughter still writing songs thousands of miles apart and she does to college. Frank and Leslie mend the fences and he takes over Dave's bar so Dave can go to Woodstock to enjoy the trees and get high.
I do have problems with the film, like why bring up Sam's birth certificate if nothing comes out of it, what is with Leslie and Brian and why do have Marianne shoplift when she appears to not be loosing her marbles.
Thank goodness it is nevertheless a great film and Clemons will have a great career ahead of her. I also liked that race was never brought up (Frank's late wife was African American) and neither was homosexuality. Everything was down with grace, which is so refreshing. Grade: A-
Friday, June 29, 2018
Novitiate (2017)
1964: Vatican II has just passed and the Catholic Church seems to be moving forward, but in the Convent of the Rose, time stands still. Here, young women are preparing to take their vows to become nuns. Cathleen (Margaret Qually) is one of them. She is different from most of them, having not been raised Catholic. In fact, her mother (Julianne Nicholson, great) isn't terribly supportive of her daughter's wishes, but loves her fiercely regardless.
Cathleen loves God devotedly and is probably the most devote in the convent. And becoming a nun is not an easy process, the extended periods of silence and those are something that cannot be broken. You walk with your head down and there is not physical contact of any kind. Reverend Mother (Melissa Leo) is also pretty cruel and it only gets worse. She refuses to adapt with the changes, as nuns as no part in making them, and she's right. They were created by a group of men, priests.
Nuns no longer need to wear their habits and are now considered no more holy than a lay person. She is truly devastated when she is forced to enact these changes. Their whole lifestyle is changing.
Cathleen also undergoes some changes when a new novice arrives, Sister Emanual (Rebecca Dayan). She finally has feelings for something in the flesh. Before, she never considered dating or anything and she tries to stave off her feelings. She starves herself, passing out and her mother is concerned when she visits.
It isn't until Cathleen passes out that things come to a boiling point with Emanual. And she finally has much needed human contact and feels guilty, sobbing in the session with Reverend Mother. Nevertheless, she prepares to take her final vows, but she seeks something more and who can blame her?
Though this film is depressing, it is well done and Leo is a force to be reckoned with, nasty and sympathetic all at the same time. Qualley should also have a good career. Dianna Argon is also good in her small role, as a young nun who dares to question Reverend Mother. I just don't understand why Reverend Mother can hand out penances as she is not a priest and no one should speak for God. Grade: B+
Cathleen loves God devotedly and is probably the most devote in the convent. And becoming a nun is not an easy process, the extended periods of silence and those are something that cannot be broken. You walk with your head down and there is not physical contact of any kind. Reverend Mother (Melissa Leo) is also pretty cruel and it only gets worse. She refuses to adapt with the changes, as nuns as no part in making them, and she's right. They were created by a group of men, priests.
Nuns no longer need to wear their habits and are now considered no more holy than a lay person. She is truly devastated when she is forced to enact these changes. Their whole lifestyle is changing.
Cathleen also undergoes some changes when a new novice arrives, Sister Emanual (Rebecca Dayan). She finally has feelings for something in the flesh. Before, she never considered dating or anything and she tries to stave off her feelings. She starves herself, passing out and her mother is concerned when she visits.
It isn't until Cathleen passes out that things come to a boiling point with Emanual. And she finally has much needed human contact and feels guilty, sobbing in the session with Reverend Mother. Nevertheless, she prepares to take her final vows, but she seeks something more and who can blame her?
Though this film is depressing, it is well done and Leo is a force to be reckoned with, nasty and sympathetic all at the same time. Qualley should also have a good career. Dianna Argon is also good in her small role, as a young nun who dares to question Reverend Mother. I just don't understand why Reverend Mother can hand out penances as she is not a priest and no one should speak for God. Grade: B+
Sunday, June 24, 2018
Bad Moms (2016)
This film might be dubbed a comedy, though I didn't find it that funny, but it is important.
Amy Mitchell (a great Mila Kunis) is an overworked, working mom. Both her husband, Mike (David Walton) and younger boss, Dale (Clark Duke) take horrible advantage of her. And she struggles to be perfect and it is all for nothing. Her husband is masturbating with some other woman online, but they got married so young, and their marriage has been having trouble for years. But she finally loses it at another endless PTA meeting run by Gwendolyn James (Christina Applegate), insisting that a bake sale be dairy, nut, egg, sugar and flour free. What is left after all that? Amy is sick of expecting to be perfect.
She goes to a bar afterwards and runs into single, horny mom, Carla (Kathryn Hahn) who is almost universally hated by the moms at school because she flirts shamelessly with their husbands. Kiki (Kristen Bell) a harried stay-at-mom joins them. Kiki is the most underdeveloped character in the film, her husband isn't understanding of what she does and considers her being at home with the kids as her job.
Now that Amy is on Gwendolyn's bad side, Gwendolyn doesn't take it out on Amy, but instead on Amy's over-involved daughter, Jane (Oona Laurence, great), by kicking her off the soccer team and putting marijuana cigarettes in her locker. So this fight is personal.
Everything works out in the end. Amy finally loosens up, though it isn't easy. She finally admits that she doesn't love Mike anymore and has sex for the first time in five years, with the hot widowed father, Jesse (Jay Hernandez). She wins the PTA presidency by urging mothers that it is okay if they aren't perfect as long as no one judges anyone else for their actions. It sends a powerful message in a world where anything other than perfect is unacceptable. But as long as your children are nice, you are doing something right. And while Amy's children are flawed and probably pretty entitled, they are nice and are given compliments as such.
The film is overall solid, with good performances from every nook and cranny of the characters which cannot be overlooked. And some genuine issues are brought up. However, not all of them are solved but enough of them are to make this film worth while. Grade: B+
Amy Mitchell (a great Mila Kunis) is an overworked, working mom. Both her husband, Mike (David Walton) and younger boss, Dale (Clark Duke) take horrible advantage of her. And she struggles to be perfect and it is all for nothing. Her husband is masturbating with some other woman online, but they got married so young, and their marriage has been having trouble for years. But she finally loses it at another endless PTA meeting run by Gwendolyn James (Christina Applegate), insisting that a bake sale be dairy, nut, egg, sugar and flour free. What is left after all that? Amy is sick of expecting to be perfect.
She goes to a bar afterwards and runs into single, horny mom, Carla (Kathryn Hahn) who is almost universally hated by the moms at school because she flirts shamelessly with their husbands. Kiki (Kristen Bell) a harried stay-at-mom joins them. Kiki is the most underdeveloped character in the film, her husband isn't understanding of what she does and considers her being at home with the kids as her job.
Now that Amy is on Gwendolyn's bad side, Gwendolyn doesn't take it out on Amy, but instead on Amy's over-involved daughter, Jane (Oona Laurence, great), by kicking her off the soccer team and putting marijuana cigarettes in her locker. So this fight is personal.
Everything works out in the end. Amy finally loosens up, though it isn't easy. She finally admits that she doesn't love Mike anymore and has sex for the first time in five years, with the hot widowed father, Jesse (Jay Hernandez). She wins the PTA presidency by urging mothers that it is okay if they aren't perfect as long as no one judges anyone else for their actions. It sends a powerful message in a world where anything other than perfect is unacceptable. But as long as your children are nice, you are doing something right. And while Amy's children are flawed and probably pretty entitled, they are nice and are given compliments as such.
The film is overall solid, with good performances from every nook and cranny of the characters which cannot be overlooked. And some genuine issues are brought up. However, not all of them are solved but enough of them are to make this film worth while. Grade: B+
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