Sunday, March 10, 2024

Poor Things (2023)

 Pros: Emma Stone delivers another brilliant, transcendent performance as Bella Baxter, a woman who attempts suicide to flee her almost comically cruel husband, Alfie (Christopher Abbott) but instead is found by the experimental doctor, Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe) and her unborn daughter's brain is placed inside her own head. The film details her growth, learning more words and how the world works, in addition to discovering what makes her happy. Sure, the film takes some odd turns but it is oddly feminist and shows true genuine character growth.

Cons: Margaret Qualley is completely wasted as another science experiment for Dr. Baxter. Sure, she's good in her few scenes but she's too good of an actress for such a small role. 

Recommend: Yes, though trigger warnings should be included

Grade: A-

Side Notes:

-Mark Ruffalo is great as the buffoon who somehow apparently develops actual feelings for Bella and is livid when she rejects him. He's the closest character is a villain in this film. 

-Ramy Youssef is the opposite as the gentle-hearted genuine Mr. Max, Dr. Godwin's protégé. 

-The film begins in black and white but changes to an odd color pigment.

-The film also has great mechanics, great score, editing, mise-en-scene, set decoration and cinematography. 

Friday, March 1, 2024

9 to 5 (1980)

 Pros: Well, the cast is solid and you can tell that they such a good time with the material, such as it is. And it does deal with still relevant topics, including sexism in the workplace. 

Cons: While the film started off, it took a crazy turn, including the office mole, Roz (Elizabeth Wilson) uncovering that Violet (Lily Tomlin) accidentally poisoned the nasty and cruel boss, Franklin Hart (Dabney Coleman) when that isn't why he was injured and thus, a crazy amount of blackmail and law breaking on both sides occurs. I wanted Hart to be destroyed, I didn't want them to break the laws and be so cruel in the process.

Recommend: Maybe

Grade: B

Side Notes:

-Judy's (Jane Fonda's) ending of marrying the Xerox salesman is supposed to be funny but it rings hollow.

-Dolly Parton is great and her fantasy of getting back at Mr. Hart is the best as it really turns the table on him.