This film wasn't that great nor that bad. It was merely middle of the road.
Detailing the events that led up to the Battle of Midway which occurred on June 4, 1942 and was a major turning point in the war in the Pacific. Detailing the paths of many, namely a couple American Naval pilots, but also some officers, intelligence agents and the Japanese.
Though the film is largely watchable, the suspense and air sequences seem weak and lack the necessary gravitas to make the film something real special. Still, the acting is solid, the dialogue is adequate and mechanics are solid, but there was something missing. And Mandy Moore's role is utterly thankless except for that one scene where she's finally allowed to show some fire. Grade: B
Side Notes:
-Ed Skrein and Luke Evans are great, portraying Americans when they are actually British.
-It is nice seeing Luke Kleintank (The Man in the High Castle) in a film.
-Patrick Wilson, Dennis Quaid and Woody Harrelson portray the men in command.
-There is a great subplot with director John Ford trying to catch some real action.
-The Japanese killed quite a lot of innocent Chinese throughout the course of war.
-Once again, war is a terrible waste of good men.
-Oxygen matters, and don't forget it.
Friday, June 26, 2020
Sunday, June 21, 2020
Norma Rae (1979)
Sally Field is utterly amazing in this role, truly inhabiting Norma Rae Wilson (later Webster).
She's an ordinary woman who works in a textile mill. Some might even call her white trash. Her first husband died in a bar fight, of all things. She was never married to the father of her son. While she hates her job and thinks that the workers (including her parents) are mistreated, she knows that it is the only job in town.
So when the union organizer, Reuben Warshowsky (Ron Liebman) comes in, she finds a new spark to her life. She eventually gives in and starts trying to get the union started, despite the misgivings of her new husband, Sonny Webster (Beau Bridges). He isn't thrilled with blacks coming over to his house, though Norma promptly puts him in his place.
The film gradually shows the mill workers coming around to the idea of the union, and does eventually unionize, thanks to Norma's tireless efforts, but the problem arises when the mill owners post a sign trying to get the whites and blacks against each other and Norma jots down the memo, note for note and gets the workers to realize that the power rests with them, and winds in jail and fired because of her actions.
There is also a very real feel to the film, including the loudness and shrilling of the mill machines, not to mention a fearless performance from Field. She's brilliant and won almost every award under the sun for her role and she deserved every one of them.
However, the film is not perfect. The nasty mill owners never face legal action or consequence for that false memo or for firing Norma. Still, the film is a marvel nonetheless, with a grittyness seldom seen in films and a simple, but effective anthem. Grade: A-
Side Notes:
-Sonny is actually mostly a supportive husband, though he has his moments where he gets upset when he doesn't get laid.
-Norma's father's (Pat Hinkle's) death deserved more attention considering he likely died because he couldn't take a break when he needed to.
-This is likely one of the earliest films that mentions a woman's period and I commend the film for being bold.
-In addition to being a hard worker, Norma is also devoted to her kids, her own two children and her stepdaughter.
She's an ordinary woman who works in a textile mill. Some might even call her white trash. Her first husband died in a bar fight, of all things. She was never married to the father of her son. While she hates her job and thinks that the workers (including her parents) are mistreated, she knows that it is the only job in town.
So when the union organizer, Reuben Warshowsky (Ron Liebman) comes in, she finds a new spark to her life. She eventually gives in and starts trying to get the union started, despite the misgivings of her new husband, Sonny Webster (Beau Bridges). He isn't thrilled with blacks coming over to his house, though Norma promptly puts him in his place.
The film gradually shows the mill workers coming around to the idea of the union, and does eventually unionize, thanks to Norma's tireless efforts, but the problem arises when the mill owners post a sign trying to get the whites and blacks against each other and Norma jots down the memo, note for note and gets the workers to realize that the power rests with them, and winds in jail and fired because of her actions.
There is also a very real feel to the film, including the loudness and shrilling of the mill machines, not to mention a fearless performance from Field. She's brilliant and won almost every award under the sun for her role and she deserved every one of them.
However, the film is not perfect. The nasty mill owners never face legal action or consequence for that false memo or for firing Norma. Still, the film is a marvel nonetheless, with a grittyness seldom seen in films and a simple, but effective anthem. Grade: A-
Side Notes:
-Sonny is actually mostly a supportive husband, though he has his moments where he gets upset when he doesn't get laid.
-Norma's father's (Pat Hinkle's) death deserved more attention considering he likely died because he couldn't take a break when he needed to.
-This is likely one of the earliest films that mentions a woman's period and I commend the film for being bold.
-In addition to being a hard worker, Norma is also devoted to her kids, her own two children and her stepdaughter.
Saturday, June 20, 2020
Waves (2019)
This film kept me guessing until the end.
Tyler Williams (Kelvin Harrison, Jr, always great as an asshole) is a star wrestling student struggling with a secret addiction and perfectionist father (the brilliant Sterling K. Brown). And he is facing a potentially career ending shoulder injury and pregnant girlfriend, Alexis (Alexa Demie) who decides against getting an abortion. Though Tyler loves her and is supportive, he's only supportive when she goes along with his 'plan'. He is livid when she decides that she can't get an abortion. But no one could have seen what was going to happen next. Somehow, he gets his hands on some alcohol and more painkillers and drives to a party, where he accidentally ends up killing Alexis by pushing her onto the garage floor. He pleads guilty to second-degree murder where he will likely spend the rest of his life in prison, leaving his broken parents and younger sister, Emily (Taylor Russell, in what should be a breakout role) to pick up the pieces.
The second half of the film focuses on Emily and her struggles. She is mostly a loner and her parents are fighting, buried in their respective grief. But she nevertheless catches the eye of one of Tyler's old teammates, Luke (the always great Lucas Hedges) and the two start dating. She helps Luke reconcile with his estranged father before the father dies and lets her parents know how much they mean to her before the film somewhat abruptly ends.
So, my main issue with the film is that Tyler and Emily's biological mother died of a drug overdose and their father's new wife, Catharine (Renee Elise Goldsberry, solid) is the woman who raised them. That was just one of the plot twists this film had to offer. Now, because their biological mother died this way, why would the father just keep his Oxycontin out in the open? That made no sense. And if there is ever a time to snatch keys out of your child's hand, this film was it.
Brilliant performances also grace the film, everyone is superb and Drew Daniels was robbed of an Oscar nomination for cinematography as there are plenty of great transitions and circular motions in this film. The soundtrack is also solid. In short, this is the underrated gem of 2019 to be viewed by all. Grade: A-
Side Notes:
-Condoms are great, when they're used, for the record.
-I don't know I'd be able to get out of bed in the morning given the fact that my brother's a murderer.
-The cat plays a somehow important role in the film.
-Given how these teenagers drive, it's amazing that they don't get into a car accident.
-The pastor's words in the beginning sort of circle around toward the end of the film. Love is stronger than hate. Too bad Tyler fell asleep during the sermon.
Tyler Williams (Kelvin Harrison, Jr, always great as an asshole) is a star wrestling student struggling with a secret addiction and perfectionist father (the brilliant Sterling K. Brown). And he is facing a potentially career ending shoulder injury and pregnant girlfriend, Alexis (Alexa Demie) who decides against getting an abortion. Though Tyler loves her and is supportive, he's only supportive when she goes along with his 'plan'. He is livid when she decides that she can't get an abortion. But no one could have seen what was going to happen next. Somehow, he gets his hands on some alcohol and more painkillers and drives to a party, where he accidentally ends up killing Alexis by pushing her onto the garage floor. He pleads guilty to second-degree murder where he will likely spend the rest of his life in prison, leaving his broken parents and younger sister, Emily (Taylor Russell, in what should be a breakout role) to pick up the pieces.
The second half of the film focuses on Emily and her struggles. She is mostly a loner and her parents are fighting, buried in their respective grief. But she nevertheless catches the eye of one of Tyler's old teammates, Luke (the always great Lucas Hedges) and the two start dating. She helps Luke reconcile with his estranged father before the father dies and lets her parents know how much they mean to her before the film somewhat abruptly ends.
So, my main issue with the film is that Tyler and Emily's biological mother died of a drug overdose and their father's new wife, Catharine (Renee Elise Goldsberry, solid) is the woman who raised them. That was just one of the plot twists this film had to offer. Now, because their biological mother died this way, why would the father just keep his Oxycontin out in the open? That made no sense. And if there is ever a time to snatch keys out of your child's hand, this film was it.
Brilliant performances also grace the film, everyone is superb and Drew Daniels was robbed of an Oscar nomination for cinematography as there are plenty of great transitions and circular motions in this film. The soundtrack is also solid. In short, this is the underrated gem of 2019 to be viewed by all. Grade: A-
Side Notes:
-Condoms are great, when they're used, for the record.
-I don't know I'd be able to get out of bed in the morning given the fact that my brother's a murderer.
-The cat plays a somehow important role in the film.
-Given how these teenagers drive, it's amazing that they don't get into a car accident.
-The pastor's words in the beginning sort of circle around toward the end of the film. Love is stronger than hate. Too bad Tyler fell asleep during the sermon.
Friday, June 19, 2020
Hitch (2005)
This was a solid rom-com, and a fairly clean at that, without any blatant sex scenes. Alex Hitchens (Will Smith) is a matchmaker, of sorts. He takes ordinary men and gives them the confidence for things to work out with their dream girl, who is certainly way out of their league.
Currently, his current client is boring, awkward accountant, Albert Brennaman (Kevin James) whose in love with Allegra Cole (Amber Valletta) who is rich and famous, though it never specifies what for.
While she falls for him, Hitch also unexpectedly falls in love with gossip columnist and romantic cynic, Sara Melas (Eva Mendes). Both are great love stories and both have tons of ups and downs, including some of the worst dates, including Hitch having an allergic reaction to some food, which causes his face to swell up.
Naturally, his profession is outed, but everything works out in the end, both couples end up together and happy though know what Hitch is doing now.
There are plenty of good lines and funny moments and the acting is superb, which is always refreshing to see. This is not a romantic comedy to be dismissed. That all being said, it is also unrealistic, people don't fall in love that quickly, but wouldn't be nice if they did. Grade: B
Side Notes:
-Pay attention to cameos from Joe Lo Truglio and Kevin Sussman.
-Hitch's greatest line is "Don't count your breaths but rather the moments that take your breath away."
-Eight of ten women know how a relationship will work after the first kiss. I guess that's true for me.
-Hitch has standards and his goal is get two people to fall in love, not get the guy into the woman's pants. Which adds to the unrealisticness of film, sadly.
-If you can't drive stick, don't drive stick.
-I feel bad for Hitch's shirt, it goes through a lot.
Currently, his current client is boring, awkward accountant, Albert Brennaman (Kevin James) whose in love with Allegra Cole (Amber Valletta) who is rich and famous, though it never specifies what for.
While she falls for him, Hitch also unexpectedly falls in love with gossip columnist and romantic cynic, Sara Melas (Eva Mendes). Both are great love stories and both have tons of ups and downs, including some of the worst dates, including Hitch having an allergic reaction to some food, which causes his face to swell up.
Naturally, his profession is outed, but everything works out in the end, both couples end up together and happy though know what Hitch is doing now.
There are plenty of good lines and funny moments and the acting is superb, which is always refreshing to see. This is not a romantic comedy to be dismissed. That all being said, it is also unrealistic, people don't fall in love that quickly, but wouldn't be nice if they did. Grade: B
Side Notes:
-Pay attention to cameos from Joe Lo Truglio and Kevin Sussman.
-Hitch's greatest line is "Don't count your breaths but rather the moments that take your breath away."
-Eight of ten women know how a relationship will work after the first kiss. I guess that's true for me.
-Hitch has standards and his goal is get two people to fall in love, not get the guy into the woman's pants. Which adds to the unrealisticness of film, sadly.
-If you can't drive stick, don't drive stick.
-I feel bad for Hitch's shirt, it goes through a lot.
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
When They See Us: Recap and Reaction
So, the police failed this case on all levels. They failed to properly and thoroughly investigate this case from the onset and they failed to bring Patricia Meili's perpetrator to justice.
Initially, the dozens of teenager boys are brought down to the police station because there was a bunch of craziness which happened in Central Park, but then Meili is found, near death and in desperation to get her case solved, they coerce the boys into telling a lie, which will haunt them for years. Despite the extreme lack of physical evidence linking the five boys to the crime, they are all nevertheless found guilty, which is ridiculous. It isn't until the actual rapist confesses that the convictions are overturned. So yes, the police officers failed. There were five boys charged, only two of whom knew each other beforehand, so that one hole. Then, there is the bigger issue of the scene DNA didn't match any of the boys and the boys didn't even have the location of the crime correct. Yet, a jury nevertheless found them guilty.
Now, the series focuses on the trial to some extent but I would have liked more, including jury deliberation, which took several weeks to come to the verdict, but it also focuses heavily on after the boys are released, now young men, probably portrayed by actors slightly too old. Finally ending on a happy note, with the convictions being expunged and the boys being awarded the largest settlement in state history, a small price to pay for all incompetence in this case.
While voice overs are used heavily, the acting is impeccable, which is no small feat and most of the cast did receive Emmy nominations, which are fully deserved, Jharrel Jermone winning for inhabiting Korey Wise, the only one who was sixteen and tried as an adult.
Though I do feel race played a large role in why these boys were found guilty (four are African American, one is Hispanic), I also feel that the police wanted an easy conviction and manipulated the timeline to attempt to fit the story they were hearing, which is unacceptable and the officers are taking statements without the boys having a parent or lawyer present, which is illegal. This show is another example of why police need more training before they should become officers. Grade: A-
Side Notes:
-Don't buy or read any of Linda Fairstein's books, as she is one of the main reasons the boys were found guilty, and even when overwhelming evidence told her otherwise (such as the confession of Mr. Reyes), she still refuses to believe that she was wrong.
-It is nice seeing Kylie Bunbury in something again.
-Vera Farmiga is almost unrecognizable in her role as the DA, who is conflicted about her role in the matter.
-Fortunately, Meili survives the attack.
-There is also jabs at Trump throughout the show, as he had some strong and disproportionate views on the case.
Initially, the dozens of teenager boys are brought down to the police station because there was a bunch of craziness which happened in Central Park, but then Meili is found, near death and in desperation to get her case solved, they coerce the boys into telling a lie, which will haunt them for years. Despite the extreme lack of physical evidence linking the five boys to the crime, they are all nevertheless found guilty, which is ridiculous. It isn't until the actual rapist confesses that the convictions are overturned. So yes, the police officers failed. There were five boys charged, only two of whom knew each other beforehand, so that one hole. Then, there is the bigger issue of the scene DNA didn't match any of the boys and the boys didn't even have the location of the crime correct. Yet, a jury nevertheless found them guilty.
Now, the series focuses on the trial to some extent but I would have liked more, including jury deliberation, which took several weeks to come to the verdict, but it also focuses heavily on after the boys are released, now young men, probably portrayed by actors slightly too old. Finally ending on a happy note, with the convictions being expunged and the boys being awarded the largest settlement in state history, a small price to pay for all incompetence in this case.
While voice overs are used heavily, the acting is impeccable, which is no small feat and most of the cast did receive Emmy nominations, which are fully deserved, Jharrel Jermone winning for inhabiting Korey Wise, the only one who was sixteen and tried as an adult.
Though I do feel race played a large role in why these boys were found guilty (four are African American, one is Hispanic), I also feel that the police wanted an easy conviction and manipulated the timeline to attempt to fit the story they were hearing, which is unacceptable and the officers are taking statements without the boys having a parent or lawyer present, which is illegal. This show is another example of why police need more training before they should become officers. Grade: A-
Side Notes:
-Don't buy or read any of Linda Fairstein's books, as she is one of the main reasons the boys were found guilty, and even when overwhelming evidence told her otherwise (such as the confession of Mr. Reyes), she still refuses to believe that she was wrong.
-It is nice seeing Kylie Bunbury in something again.
-Vera Farmiga is almost unrecognizable in her role as the DA, who is conflicted about her role in the matter.
-Fortunately, Meili survives the attack.
-There is also jabs at Trump throughout the show, as he had some strong and disproportionate views on the case.
Saturday, June 13, 2020
Tootsie (1982)
This is truly an hilarious film, and despite having seen it twice previously, it is still utterly hilarious.
Michael Dorsey (Dustin Hoffman) is a method actor but is struggling to find work. On a whim, he somehow finds a dress and reads for a woman's role, frustrated that his friend, Sandy (the great Teri Garr) wasn't given the opportunity to read for. And by some miracle and by sheer wit and refusal to take no for an answer, he wins the role on the daytime drama, and inhabits his alter ego, Dorothy Michaels, being a strong female character, refusing to kiss the older male doctor, just because it is always written into the script. And then there is the added complication of Michael developing a crush on the soap opera star, Julie Nichols (Jessica Lange) while her father, Les (Charles Durning) falls in love with Dorothy.
So yeah, everything is complicated. But Dorothy shows women how to stand up for themselves and is a great role model for them, too bad she's not actually a woman. Dorothy's reveal is easily one of the funniest moments in cinema history and Hoffman is a revelation. Grade: A-
Side Notes:
-Bill Murray is delightfully droll as Michael's roommate, Jeff, who is writing a screenplay about a couple who moves next to a waste plant.
-The director, Sydney Pollack, is brilliant as Michael's tireless agent.
-Just listening to Michael discuss not having a great handbag, you can't help but chuckle.
Michael Dorsey (Dustin Hoffman) is a method actor but is struggling to find work. On a whim, he somehow finds a dress and reads for a woman's role, frustrated that his friend, Sandy (the great Teri Garr) wasn't given the opportunity to read for. And by some miracle and by sheer wit and refusal to take no for an answer, he wins the role on the daytime drama, and inhabits his alter ego, Dorothy Michaels, being a strong female character, refusing to kiss the older male doctor, just because it is always written into the script. And then there is the added complication of Michael developing a crush on the soap opera star, Julie Nichols (Jessica Lange) while her father, Les (Charles Durning) falls in love with Dorothy.
So yeah, everything is complicated. But Dorothy shows women how to stand up for themselves and is a great role model for them, too bad she's not actually a woman. Dorothy's reveal is easily one of the funniest moments in cinema history and Hoffman is a revelation. Grade: A-
Side Notes:
-Bill Murray is delightfully droll as Michael's roommate, Jeff, who is writing a screenplay about a couple who moves next to a waste plant.
-The director, Sydney Pollack, is brilliant as Michael's tireless agent.
-Just listening to Michael discuss not having a great handbag, you can't help but chuckle.
Saturday, June 6, 2020
Roma (2018)
This was a delightful, but sad little film, with a cinema verite sort of feel to it.
The film follows the year in the life of young maid, Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio) who works for the wealthy family in Mexico City and becomes pregnant out of wedlock, and is abandoned by the baby's father and her mistress is likewise abandoned by her wealthy, doctor husband. Sofia (Marina de Ravin) both treats Cleo with terrible kindness and terrible rudeness, on occasion.
Told in connected vignettes, the film moves along, with a slightly optimist ending after the devastating scene of Cleo's baby being stillborn, which, as it turns out she's relieved about, though she's certainly not acting like it. Personally, I thought she was fine with being pregnant despite her boyfriend turning out to be an asshole.
The film transports you back to a time long ago, with completely natural performances and Aparicio is a revelation, completely brilliant, acting as though she is Cleo. This is clearly a labor of love for Cuaron, and he does everything perfectly, the writing, the directing, the editing and the cinematography. This film is a must see for everyone and is probably better than Green Book. Grade: A-
Side Notes:
-It would have been nice to some background on Mexican history as there is a riot and violent shooting scene toward the end of the film.
-There is an edit in the hospital scene so we don't know if Cleo has insurance or not.
The film follows the year in the life of young maid, Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio) who works for the wealthy family in Mexico City and becomes pregnant out of wedlock, and is abandoned by the baby's father and her mistress is likewise abandoned by her wealthy, doctor husband. Sofia (Marina de Ravin) both treats Cleo with terrible kindness and terrible rudeness, on occasion.
Told in connected vignettes, the film moves along, with a slightly optimist ending after the devastating scene of Cleo's baby being stillborn, which, as it turns out she's relieved about, though she's certainly not acting like it. Personally, I thought she was fine with being pregnant despite her boyfriend turning out to be an asshole.
The film transports you back to a time long ago, with completely natural performances and Aparicio is a revelation, completely brilliant, acting as though she is Cleo. This is clearly a labor of love for Cuaron, and he does everything perfectly, the writing, the directing, the editing and the cinematography. This film is a must see for everyone and is probably better than Green Book. Grade: A-
Side Notes:
-It would have been nice to some background on Mexican history as there is a riot and violent shooting scene toward the end of the film.
-There is an edit in the hospital scene so we don't know if Cleo has insurance or not.
Monday, June 1, 2020
Marriage Story (2019)
Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson are at the top of their game in this film, brilliant as sparring couple Charlie and Nicole Barber. Nicole wants a divorce because she's sick of always doing what Charlie wants which means living in New York and always acting in his plays. He refuses to consider returning to her hometown of LA where she can easily find better jobs.
At first, they decide to be civil but then Nicole gets ballbuster lawyer, Nora (Laura Dern) who is fiery but nasty and turns the divorce into something far worse than it needed to be. Charlie didn't see Nicole while they were married and now, she's the difficult one. And their young son, Henry (Azhy Robinson) is the pawn. Charlie is forced to constantly fly back and forth across the country just because he wants 50/50 custody of their son. In the end, Charlie ends up taking a job in LA even though he had previously turned some down so they're divorced but Nicole ended up with everyone back in LA anyway. Now, while I was initially upset that this was another film about acting, that is only a backdrop and done differently and the dialogue is brilliant, sharp and snappy. And Driver and Johansson deserved far more than their nominations. However, I have a problem with Dern. While she's great and delivers another natural performance, I find her to be playing basically the same role she won an Emmy for in Big Little Lies so yeah, that's an issue. Still, the film is nothing short of miraculous and Baumbach should have won an Oscar for his screenplay. Grade: A-
Side Notes:
-Alan Alda, Julie Hagerty and Merrit Wever are great in small roles as is the unknown, downtrodden Martha Kelly as the social worker who observes Charlie and Henry spending time together.
-Charlie also shouldn't have slept with Mary Ann (Brooke Bloom), the stage manager and set designer of his plays.
At first, they decide to be civil but then Nicole gets ballbuster lawyer, Nora (Laura Dern) who is fiery but nasty and turns the divorce into something far worse than it needed to be. Charlie didn't see Nicole while they were married and now, she's the difficult one. And their young son, Henry (Azhy Robinson) is the pawn. Charlie is forced to constantly fly back and forth across the country just because he wants 50/50 custody of their son. In the end, Charlie ends up taking a job in LA even though he had previously turned some down so they're divorced but Nicole ended up with everyone back in LA anyway. Now, while I was initially upset that this was another film about acting, that is only a backdrop and done differently and the dialogue is brilliant, sharp and snappy. And Driver and Johansson deserved far more than their nominations. However, I have a problem with Dern. While she's great and delivers another natural performance, I find her to be playing basically the same role she won an Emmy for in Big Little Lies so yeah, that's an issue. Still, the film is nothing short of miraculous and Baumbach should have won an Oscar for his screenplay. Grade: A-
Side Notes:
-Alan Alda, Julie Hagerty and Merrit Wever are great in small roles as is the unknown, downtrodden Martha Kelly as the social worker who observes Charlie and Henry spending time together.
-Charlie also shouldn't have slept with Mary Ann (Brooke Bloom), the stage manager and set designer of his plays.
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