Sunday, March 17, 2024

Thoughts on 5 Films

1. Napoleon -
I really didn't like this at all, mostly because I think Joaquin Phoenix is horribly miscast. I actually think this is the worst I've ever seen him, and I KNOW that he's an amazing actor, but this role just doesn't fit him at all. His line delivery during certain scenes are WILD, too ("You think you're so great just because you have boats!" WHAT IN THE WORLD?! Why does he say it like that???). And it will ALWAYS bother me when a story that takes place in France that is about the history of France and they don't even bother to at least do a French accent? I would actually prefer it was just in French and subtitled but I understand why that's not an option (financially), but the fact that every actor has a different accent is so awkward. And Napoleon was, obviously, not French, but Italian - and I think that distinction should have been part of the movie because when he spoke French he was clearly an outsider. Plus, focusing on the love story is a weird choice especially for someone who is responsible for the deaths of, like, 3 million people (at least!). I don't give one tiny fuck that he was in love with a woman who cheated on him regularly. Vanessa Kirby is decent in the role (aside from the haircut in the beginning), but they have zero chemistry together - and this is one of those films in which I question if they even filmed together because the line of sight is off during quite a few of their interactions. It feels a little bit like Ridley Scott was attempting a Sofia Coppola Marie Antoinette style, but it just doesn't work at all. There are some stunning looking shots, though. There's no denying that. The battle scenes are spectacular (the almost colorless one with the really ominous music certainly had my attention). But otherwise, it's an absolute chore to sit through. 

2. The Pod Generation -
This is basically an episode of Black Mirror. And not one of the good ones. I've said my piece on Emilia Clarke (I don't think she's a good actress at all, but she seems like a lovely person and didn't she have a brain aneurysm or something? Poor woman!). But I love Chiwetel Ejiofor! Unfortunately, he's very bland in this and they have terrible chemistry. It's a big mistake putting this in the "comedy/romance" genre that its given, because it screams "sci-fi/drama". There's nothing funny about it, and the romance is non-existent. I will never understand stories in which couples argue about whether to have kids after they've been together for years and are married. It's just not very believable (at least I hope), because it's quite literally the biggest decision you'll have to make as a couple and if you don't agree, then you're not compatible. Period. It's not something that can be negotiated or compromised. They just don't seem like they belong together at all and she has no respect for his interests or work (he's a botanist, which is a SUPER cool profession - if I have one regret in life it's that I didn't get into plants and nature earlier in life. I always found it so intimidating because I didn't grow up around plants or gardens and we never spent any time in nature. But now I have a home full of plants, I grow my own veggies and herbs (indoors & outside seasonally), and I even have a lemon tree! Plus, my husband and I go hiking regularly. It has had a significant impact on my health (both mentally & physically). If only I had known all of this in my 20s!). Anyway, as I said, this is definitely not a comedy - I laughed a total of ONE time (when the cat growls at the pod), and I found it amusing when he's first trying to bond with the pod, but that's it. It's a good sci-fi/futuristic story, and if it was told more in this way, instead of trying to be a rom-com, then it might have been good.  

3. BlackBerry -
I read some really great things about this movie, but I'm not sure I see the hype? It's good (I rated it 3.5 stars - slightly above good), but people were banging on about it being ignored for awards and that makes my brain hurt. Especially, when NOBODY talked about Tetris or Taron Egerton's performance, which is a similar movie (for the record - Egerton gave a better performance than FOUR of the nominated Lead actors and yet, not one peep from anyone. But there was massive hype for Glenn Howerton in a supporting role. He's good! But....Oscar-worthy??? COME ON!). I did like a lot about this, though. First, the nostalgia of it is done really well - using real footage of news clips, Oprah, etc. is a great touch. It brought back a lot of memories (especially the line "we call them crackberries" because I TOTALLY remember that), even though I never had a BlackBerry. They came out around the time I was graduating high school. All this technology was exploding right as I became an adult, which I am very thankful for because I would not want all this tech as a teenager. I remember my mom had a car phone for work purposes and we thought that was super fancy. My first cellphone came a little later (it was 2001 - I was 20) and it was a Nextel phone (the one that did that annoying "boop-boop" sound and you could use them as walkie-talkies - it gives me ptsd even thinking about that fucking noise LOL, but back then I thought it was super cool). Second the dialogue is really smooth and quick, which I enjoy. There's some great lines to ruminate on - in particular, I think the line "men will no longer commute, but communicate" is interesting because that didn't happen. I think technology has had a reverse effect on our ability to communicate. I also like "Well, 'good enough' is the enemy of humanity" because that's sort of true - it's definitely a part of our current culture to just do "enough", but it's so essential for there to be people in the world who go above and beyond to advance humanity. I love dialogue that sticks, and this definitely does. Other than that, I do think it's about 20 minutes too long, causing the ending to feel a little repetitive and a bit of a letdown. It starts to get really intense with the introduction of the iPhone, and it's actually really funny to watch their reaction to it - and how he really convinced himself it was going to fail (has there ever been anyone else in the history of the world this wrong??), but then they just keep going with it a little too long. It's soul-destroying to watch this epic fail, though - him selling out to China is such a big representation of where we are now culturally and technologically. It also does the whole Succession style camera zooms way too many times. It becomes a little grating (I found it grating on Succession too, which will be why I never consider the show a masterpiece that some claim). 

4. Monica -
Another movie that I don't see what all the fuss was about. It's a good movie! That's it! I saw SO MANY articles listing Trace Lysette as a snub, but I very much disagree (better than Carey Mulligan in Maestro, though). I think the more interesting aspect of this is that so many cisgender actors are often praised for trans roles (like Eddie Redmayne & Hillary Swank - who WON Oscars for their portrayal of trans characters), and it's hard not to wonder if a cisgender actor played in this movie, would it have received more attention? We will never know the answer, but I think that's what people are responding to with their disappointment at Lysette being ignored. I also think that release date determines, like, 70% of the nominations (and I question if this was even in the release window for the Oscars this year because it played at several film festivals in 2022??? I'm too lazy to look up what the release window dates were, but that could definitely be a factor, too). The story is a little one-note, as well. It's obviously not something I can relate too, but also, I just don't understand the need to have this connection to people who've abandoned you. I don't care if they are "family"; I'm not a hateful person by any means, but I can cut people out of my life so easily. And I just don't understand how others find that hard. If someone treats you like shit, move on. I'd rather be alone than have someone in my life that made me miserable. Anyway, the story here, is that this woman goes to take care of her dying mother, a mother who abandoned her after she came out as trans, and now her mother doesn't recognize her after she has transitioned. It just wouldn't be me. I would never take care of someone who abandoned me! I don't care if they're dying. The story never really goes anywhere - it's very slow, boring, and seems a bit pointless after its initial "she doesn't recognize me" reveal. I didn't really love Lysette's performance - and I really question the accent (it sounds like she's trying to sound Latina at some points??? WHY? It's weird.). I do love Emily Browning though. She should be a much bigger star after Sucker Punch

5. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom -
Again, I think there's some big elaborate joke being played on all of us to see just how much worse comic book superhero movies can get. A decent one seems to appear every now and then (Guardians 3), but overall, I think they've just been on a steep downhill decline for the past 8 years (both Marvel & DC). This is truly awful, but I rated it 2 stars because I have to save the 1 star ratings for movies like Morbius and Madame Web (I'm assuming as I haven't seen it yet). Also, I feel like Momoa is having a BLAST in this, and that has to count for something. And I laughed at Patrick Wilson attempting to run for the first time. But other than that, it is pretty painful. It also looks terrible. I appreciate that this is going for the more ridiculous side of superhero stories, but, as the same with the most recent Ant-Man, I felt like I should be high to understand it. I fell asleep for like 10 minutes and woke up to some Transformer looking ape robot thing...WTF?! I also hate that they keep trying to redeem the bad guy. Give him depth, sure (like in Daredevil), but stop making them into heroes!! It's so stupid. And never in my life have I ever heard the phrase "a slice of za"...is that a thing people say? Because the word "pizza" is too difficult? Just kill me. 

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Thoughts on 5 New TV Shows

1. The Woman in the Wall - I really liked this miniseries - it's mysterious and creepy, really emotional, and has a devastating plot. Plus, Ruth Wilson is incredible (she was obviously great in Luther, but I loved her in The Affair too - I know a lot of people didn't like that show, but I thought the first season was BRILLIANT, and the rest of the show was solid). And the hot guy from that movie about him being a male escort (sorry, I'm being lazy so I don't feel like looking up his name or the movie, but he is fucking HOT and that accent makes him even HOTTER). There are a few episodes that drag a little, but overall, I was fully invested in this mystery - *spoiler* not just the mystery of what happened to all these children, but the mystery of what the fuck happened to THE WOMAN IN THE WALL?! How did she disappear? When they gave us that reveal, my mouth dropped open! The shot of the empty wall is stunning. I think the show does a good job of showing empathy for this woman, while also making us question her sanity - it's pretty well established that she sleep walks and is capable of dark things (due to dark things happening TO her). I feel like it's likely based on a true story (the convent trafficking children part), but I don't feel like depressing myself, so I'm not looking into it. But I know there was that movie called The Magdalene Sisters, which was about this convent, so I feel like there's truth to it. How awful. 

2. Masters of the Air - I'm just going to say it - I hate this show. I'm on the 4th episode, actually maybe the 5th? I've lost track between my naps, because I literally have fallen asleep during every episode. It's mind-numbing and I couldn't care less about every single character. The most interesting part is Barry Keoghan's accent because it's hilarious hearing him pronounce every single word ("heees onda controwles"). I made a comment about it on Twitter, and was told by an Austin Butler fan account very matter-of-factly that his accent is "New York Irish", as if I'm not from NY and my grandfather's family weren't Irish immigrants from Shannon, County Clare, and he wasn't in the army during WWII. But these things are all true, and I can tell you very matter-of-factly that he sure as fuck didn't sound like that. LOL. I love Keoghan, though, so he'll always get a pass from me. Butler on the other hand is wearing on my last nerve. I praised a lot of his performance in Elvis. But what the fuck has happened to him? What's wrong with his voice? He claimed that he got stuck in his Elvis voice and had to have a voice coach help him (*cough* bullshit *cough*), but in this he's so mumbly, I can barely even understand what he's saying. And he's also really stiff. Like, not a single emotion has appeared on his face, it's sort of creeping me out. I also don't like Callum Turner and I'm annoyed that he just *happens* to start dating Dua Lupa when they both have big projects to promote (I can smell a fake romance/publicity stunt a mile away). I'm sort of fascinated by my dislike of this because I usually love stuff like this (Band of Brothers, Dunkirk, etc.). I will say that it looks *very* good. 

3. Expats - This series has its ups and downs - and some of those ups are sky high, but overall, the series isn't great. First, I think Nicole Kidman needs an escape from these types of series (every single series she's been in over the last few years have been about privileged white women - this, The Undoing, Nine Perfect Strangers, Big Little Lies...I'm tired, Nicole, move on! Please, I beg of you!). The show follows the lives of 3 women after a tragedy has occurred, but Nicole is given the more interesting role and the other women are sort of awful. The pilot and second episode that set the whole thing up are very interesting - and I love that it seems like it's going to be about the people who "cause" tragedies. Sort of like A Good Person, which I really liked. The emotions and guilt that never go away after shattering someone else's life (by accident) is something I would definitely like to see explored more. The tragedy that occurs is also set up in a really interesting way because this little boy that goes missing is clearly a child that misbehaves and is hard to take care of - it shows his mother (Kidman) losing track of him twice in the episode leading up to his disappearance. And yet, she trusts a young woman who she doesn't know to watch him in a very busy outdoor market (KNOWING that he's a wanderer and not warning the girl of this fact). I don't really blame this girl at all, but I understand why she blames herself. However, instead of focusing on that - they have this girl sleep with the neighbor's husband (because he's "nice" to her), destroying another life in the process. I don't normally blame the woman when a husband cheats, but I do question this girl's life choices. Anyway, the third woman that the story focuses on is the neighbor who is a miserable woman who is given no likable qualities whatsoever (of course your husband is going to cheat if you're a miserable shrew all the time...). It's a shame because Sarayu Blue is the highlight of the show, acting-wise, but the character is just...UGH. The show is also just filmed really well - beautiful shots all around, the pace is slow - but in a good way, it presents a sort of loneliness that occurs, even when you're surrounded by people, that I think a lot of people can relate to. There's just some stuff in there that isn't explored enough - like how the neighbor's husband is a suspect at some point??? But they never explain why or what kind of motive he would have? And he's never really given any character development at all. AND it took me two WHOLE episodes to realize that it was Jack Huston in the role! He looks very different. I would have also appreciated some insight into Kidman's husband - who is barely in it - but seems to forgive the whole situation a little too easily?? If my husband LOST our child, that forgiveness would be hard to come by (and interesting to explore!). I think there's an attempt to focus on these 3 woman and have the men around them used as props (how women have so often been portrayed in the lives of complicated men), but I find it frustrating. 

4. Criminal Record - I'm only 4 episodes into this, but so far, I really like it. I LOVE Cush Jumbo (from The Good Wife and I've just finished the first season of the spin-off, The Good Fight - it's so good!). Peter Capaldi is really good too - and they have really solid energy together (it's not exactly chemistry - it's like an anti-chemistry, but it works so well for the story). I like the story that is set up in the first episode - basically she finds out that someone is in jail for a murder they may not have committed, and she's trying to figure out how/why it happened (and it's all leading to Capaldi's character being a slimy, corrupt police officer - he's a bit too good at covering his tracks though.). It moves very quickly and has some surprising twists (although as soon as they said the woman was on the 9th floor - I knew exactly how that scene was going to play out. I still winced, though). I always forget that police in the UK don't carry guns, but...uh...it would have been quite useful in multiple situations she gets herself in?? I'm not a gun advocate by any means, but police should have them (and also face consequences if they use them incorrectly or unjustly). ANYWAY, I'm excited to watch the rest of this series! And I think it's going to be a series and not a miniseries?! That would be great! I feel like producers are too scared to invest in tv shows anymore so they make miniseries' and if they are successful, they go "ohhhh okay, we'll make more!" (*ahem* Beef  *cough*). But it is kind of left on a cliffhanger (I don't mind if that's the end though - life is a cliffhanger!). 

5. Mr. & Mrs. Smith - This is FAR better than I was expecting. First of all, I'm ecstatic that Phoebe Waller-Bridge (is it Bridge or Bridges? Don't care) dropped out (she would have definitely ruined the show for me). I'm not sure that I like the new woman much better (again, lazy, don't feel like looking her name up but I think it's Maya something), but she does do this role of cold, introverted assassin very well. But I love Donald Glover so much. He's one of those actors that can be outwardly hilarious, but also maintains a subtle, dry humor in smaller scenes. I definitely remember liking the movie version with Brad and Angelina, but I don't remember much about it - just that they are sexy as fuck and that they are assigned to kill each other. This series explores more of the "how they got there" story, and it's just a whole lot of fun. The guest stars are incredible (PARKER POSEY!! Literally, when they ask the question if there's anyone who "got cooler as they got older", I screamed "she's right there! Her name is Parker Posey!". She's the coolest!), even if some are too short-lived. I laughed quite a bit in every episode - some of my favorite lines are: when he refers to the young white guy as "American Psycho" for no real reason other than he's young and white. When she's describing how he eats and he says "like Stomp" LOL. But my favorite is when he says "I can be cool, too" and then pulls his hat to the side - it's such a dumb dad joke, but Glover pulls it off in such a funny way. I do feel like they move too quickly between each episode - like they meet in the first episode, but by the third, they are a full-blown bickering couple. And then a few episodes later the relationship is already dissolving. It's never really clear how much time has gone by. But I could also argue that it keeps it moving fast, which is interesting. I do hate the bickering, though. I just don't find it entertaining at all (and why do they always make the woman character the bitch in these situations? She's awful to him, even making fun of how much he cares for his mom??? That's like the biggest GREEN flag there is, bitch!). The ending is really action-packed and a ton of fun (even though *spoiler* THEY KILL HER CAT! WHAT THE FUCK!). This is rumored to have a second season, too, so I'm crossing my fingers that it's true!

Monday, March 11, 2024

3 Thoughts on The Oscars

1. The Show - HOLY FUCKING SHIT JIMMY KIMMEL JUST HOSTED ONE OF THE BEST OSCARS IN YEARS!!! I'm stunned into disbelief. I've never been a fan of Jimmy, and I've hated every one of his hosting gigs. But I actually laughed a few times at his opening monologue, and even throughout the rest of the show. There were SEVERAL highlights that I thought couldn't be topped but then Ryan Gosling brought the fucking house down with his performance of "I'm Just Ken". I knew Gosling was going to have a blast performing this. Someone commented on Twitter that the thing that makes him great is that he takes the work seriously, but not himself - and that is exactly it! He is definitely in on the joke and he realizes how fucking ridiculous this song is and that he's performing it on the Oscar stage, but he went for it anyway - and gave one of the best Oscar performances in history. From the head to toe pink sparkly suit, to the "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend" reference, to fucking SLASH coming on stage, to handing the mic to his co-workers for a quick sing-a-long, it was all just perfect. Other highlights of the show were Messi the dog not only sitting in the audience like a good boy, but giving a better reaction shot than most actors, and then CLAPPING for Best Supporting Actor (I DIED). John Cena doing a bit about being a streaker - walking out on the stage with nothing but the envelope covering him and then his voice shakily says "costumes...". I clapped for the Twins reunion, but laughed hard that instead of making it about Twins, they talk about how they both "tried to kill Batman" - leading to a funny moment with Michael Keaton in the audience. Also, Gosling gave another highlight as presenter, along with Emily Blunt, in which they discuss their Barbenheimer feud, and now I can't wait for The Fall Guy, because they have CHEMISTRY. There are a few things that didn't work for me, like the past winners presenting the acting awards - in theory, it's a good idea, but the show is already too long and having each one of them speak just takes forever. And it just feels a little self-congratulatory. Also, the rest of the live performances were pretty terrible (what even was that with the flames and the kids dressed in white & red? Just awful). 

2. The Winners - There were no surprises. I repeat - no surprises. So many film enthusiasts, awards pundits, whatever you want to call yourselves, seemed shocked by Emma Stone's win, and I don't understand why. It was between Stone and Lily the whole season - either one of them had a good chance of winning (the "shock" would have been Sandra Huller - who had my vote, if I were allowed to vote). I think Lily's mistake was campaigning for Lead Actress, to be honest. She's definitely in a Supporting role (some argue she's the "lead female", but that would make Carey Mulligan the "lead female" in Maestro and yet she went for Supporting (**** correction, I posted this and then realized today that Mulligan did in fact go for Lead, and she definitely shouldn't have either!). I think it comes down to screen time. I would argue that some films don't even have a lead performance, but that's a whole other topic at hand). The other thing is, even if you're upset about Lily losing, and you didn't like Poor Things (I liked it, I'll post my thoughts on it soon), you can't possibly argue that Stone doesn't deserve this win??? She's incredible in it. She's been nominated for an Oscar FIVE times at the young age of 35 - and I would argue the best actress of her generation. As for the other wins - all expected, but shockingly, all deserving (as someone stated "we broke the Best Actor curse" because the actual best actor won, as opposed to, you know, Rami Malek and company). I've said my thoughts on Da'Vine's performance (I can't get past the accent, sorry), but she still gave a lovely performance (I think Brooks should have had the bigger buzz and if The Color Purple performed better in the theater, I think she would have had it). I guess there was some sort of surprise wins - like American Fiction beating out Barbie and Oppenheimer in Adapted Screenplay. And Poor Things getting Production Design AND Costume Design over Barbie?! But I got the sense that Barbie was not going to perform well once the nominations were announced. What I do like most about this Oscar season is that several films were recognized instead of one big film sweeping (that's always boring) - so Anatomy of a Fall, American Fiction, Poor Things, Oppenheimer, etc. all shared the love (and Maestro and Killers of the Flower Moon were shut-out, but I'm not mad about it...). 

3. The Fashion - The only real disappointment is the fashion. Not one shocking dress. And why did so many wear black??? I'll take black dresses over the big white gowns that so many wear to these events, but it just made for a really dull red carpet. The only one wearing a black dress that stood out was Issa Rae because she looked GORGEOUS. But I can't even really pick out a Best Dress - maybe Zendaya? At least the dress was interesting. I think America Ferrera looked very beautiful (not my style of dress, but she wore it well). Same for Greta Gerwig (she usually misses in her fit, but this dress fit her perfectly). Da'Vine brought some much needed glamour, but overall, what a boring day for designer fashion. There isn't really any "Worst Dress" contenders - just all boring. I don't like the structural shoulder strap dresses making the rounds (both Emily Blunt and Florence Pugh wore the trend....booooo). I also hate that peplum dresses are making a comeback (Emma Stone, whyyyyyyy???). Even Colman Domingo disappointed in black! 

Saturday, March 9, 2024

Thoughts on 5 Films

1. Cat Person -
I like this movie - there's a lot of good ideas within it, and I like Emilia Jones (she's the girl from CODA). But, it should have been 90 minutes, the ending goes WAY over the top, and I'm not really a fan of Nicholas Braun in this role. I'll focus on the good first, though. The specific ideas that I like about this movie is that I think it does a good job of reacting to the cultural shift in dating. It's always been a scary thing for young women, but I think with social media and our huge focus on true crime (between podcasts, films, docuseries, etc. - it's overwhelming), young women have become way more paranoid than they actually need to be and are having trouble forming healthy relationships. While this girl does do some pretty stupid things in the film (as most 22 year old girls do), she also thinks every little thing this man does is some sort of warning sign ("red flag") and convinces herself that he's basically a serial killer. The film starts with the quote "Men are scared women will laugh at them. Women are scared men will kill them.", which apparently is a Margaret Atwood quote??? I've heard it so many times, but never knew where it came from. It's interesting that it's an Atwood quote, though, because I think some of her stories (like The Handmaid's Tale) have caused some of this paranoia as well. *some spoilers ahead* I also think they do a good job of keeping him sort of creepy, but certainly not a serial killer. Most of his "red flags" turn into completely normal behavior (of a pathetic, insecure, loser) once explained. The way it's all executed is done really well, I think. I also like most of the cast - Jones is great. The girl from Miracle Workers is a hoot. And ISABELLA ROSSELLINI! I will never forget seeing her with that huge beaded necklace with her side boob showing in Death Becomes Her - just about the hottest an actress has ever looked (only second to Salma Hayek in From Dusk Till Dawn, I think). There's also an extremely awkward sex scene that is so real if you've ever been a woman who realizes too late that you don't really want to have sex with the guy, but feel bad to stop, so you just go with it (we've all been there). But unfortunately, there's a lot of bad stuff mixed in - first, it's hard to get past the casting of Braun. There's similar allegations against him that there are against Ansel Egort, and yet, he continues to have a successful and popular career, which is baffling. And the allegations are about him and teenagers, so I cringed when he has sex with this girl and then asks her how old she is. I don't feel like it's supposed to be meta, but unfortunately it is and not in a good way. And as I stated above - this girl does and says some of the dumbest things I've ever seen and heard, so she kind of deserves this wake up call, before someone actually does murder her. She's scared she's being stalked so she decides to walk home in the dark WITH HEADPHONES ON???? Plus, I would immediately demand to be introduced to his cats as soon as I walked in the door. She's also just a dumb-dumb (she doesn't know what ACE means? A 22 year old? She also calls her hometown the "suburbs" as if her school town isn't in the suburbs too? Her school is literally in the suburbs of NYC. Does she not know what the word means?). And why wouldn't she just plainly state that she doesn't want to go to her place of work as a date? That's a completely understandable ask. She's just, like, braindead and it makes me really hate her. And that isn't the intent. Also, on a sidenote, where was the script supervisor when they talk about Krogers (the grocery store), which doesn't exist in NJ? She goes to school at FDU in Teaneck (I lived in the next town over for 2 years when I first moved to NJ). And lastly, the ending is WILD. It's just such a shame because there is a good movie in here, with some decent editing, and a script supervisor who actually did their job (maybe point out all the stupid things she does, too?). 

2. The Last Voyage of the Demeter -
Soooo boring I thought I was going to die (or fall asleep, if you want me to be less of a drama queen). I like some things about it - as a Dracula origin story, the horror vibe is very strong; it's just never as scary as it should be. I also like the cast - the little boy, in particular is fantastic. Corey Hawkins was bland in the 24 reboot, but I've liked him in everything else (Straight Outta Compton, and some smaller films). He's really good in this - and he does a fantastic British accent, I think (I don't think I would have known he wasn't British if I didn't already know it. That's how I judge accents!). It's just SO SLOW and nothing really happens for long periods of time, you know already how it's all going to play out, and I don't feel like they play up the suspense of it all enough. It's also mostly filmed at night, so it's really hard to see...anything. I just could not get into it at all, and that's surprising because I love vampire stories! 

3. The Color Purple (2023) -
I really liked this quite a bit. And I've thought about it a lot since I watched it a few weeks ago. Mostly because of the production quality of the musical numbers and for Danielle Brooks' phenomenal performance - how she isn't the frontrunner for Supporting Actress this year, is INSANE (especially when the lock is a performance that consists of a BAD Boston accent - I love Da'Vine, but this performance is not my favorite). Brooks was one of my favorites on Orange is the New Black, as Taystee - and that's saying a lot because that entire cast all shined at some point during its run. But Brooks made me cry during a very specific series of events on that show, that I will remember forever. And she almost made me cry in this too! I didn't realize she could sing, but the "Hell No!" performance is stunning, and I haven't stopped thinking about it since I watched this. I also didn't realize that she was in the Broadway show, too. If she ever reprises the role, I AM THERE. I think the rest of the supporting cast are really strong too (Taraji, Halle Bailey, Colman Domingo, and Corey Hawkins!!! Two movies in a row!), but unfortunately, I don't think I like Fantasia? I've never seen an episode of American Idol, so I don't really know much about her, but I really don't like her voice and I think her acting is the weakest link of the whole movie. She also looked like she was playing dress up for the whole movie - like she never fell naturally into this role. I also think the film feels a little too stagey, and the emotional beats aren't executed as well as they should be (aside from Brooks who has several emotional moments that ALL hit). I do wish the musical numbers were actually longer because they are spectacular, but they are edited down too much. It's weird because I've never seen the 90s film (it's on my list!), but I've read Alice Walker's novel when I was in middle school, and I never imagined it as a musical. I didn't realize that this was the Broadway version as a movie (which seems to be a popular idea nowadays), so the musical numbers took me by surprise, but a welcomed one. 

4. Thanksgiving -
This is actually a really fun slasher flick. It's a really good premise that focuses on America's obsession with Black Friday shopping (which isn't actually that bad anymore - it was becoming wild, but then the pandemic hit and I haven't experienced a crazy Black Friday since. Most people shop online for deals now. I don't think it will ever get to that point of stampedes and such that are featured in this movie), plus the kills are FUCKING GORY AS FUCK AND I LOVE IT. It sort of reminds me of I Know What You Did Last Summer, which is a movie that I absolutely loved as a teenager in the 90s (and I was obsessed with Ryan Phillippe and I still am a little bit), but I also feel like it might not have aged very well so I'm scared to watch it again and realize that it's terrible. I think it's funny that when Patrick Dempsey starts to talk I literally rolled by eyes and said "not Dempsey attempting a Boston accent" only to learn that that is his natural accent. LOL. I just feel like sometimes actual Bostonian actors lean into the accent a little too much and the only ones that getaway with it are Ben and Matt. Ohhh and Marky Mark, too. I also knew pretty much *instantly* who the killer is. But that doesn't really matter because it's more about the kills and the vibes, and I had a great time with it. 

5. All of Us Strangers -
I liked this a lot, but it definitely was far different than what I was expecting. I did go into this with the expectations that Paul Mescal might be in my favorite movie two years in a row (Aftersun is one of the best films of the last decade). It's a very beautiful film, and there are some really stunning shots. It's also something that I've sat with and thought about and reassessed a few times, which I always love (as opposed to forgetting about it instantly and racking my brain trying to muster up a paragraph of thoughts). But, the reason that it's not what I was expecting is because it's quite literally a ghost story, when I was expecting something more tangible. I also feel like the ending is very obvious (we've all seen The Sixth Sense....right???), so it didn't really hit me as hard as it probably hit others (I saw a lot of people saying the ending "broke" them and they even cried?!). But I do really, really love how this movie presents loneliness - we don't see much of the main character outside of his apartment or visiting his parents (who are dead - I don't think this is much a of a spoiler because it's obvious as soon as the audience meets them as they are the same age, so he's visiting them as he remembers them), but we get the sense that he's very introverted and obviously has suffered a lot of trauma. He's also a screenwriter, and that's an isolating profession in and of itself. It becomes a story of identity and saying the things he never had the chance to say - there is a really beautiful coming out scene that I will think about for a long time. Claire Foy is STUNNING in this scene, but also the dialogue is just *perfect* ("If I'm lonely, it's not because I'm gay"). There is a focus on a "stranger" coming into his life, but I think the bigger focus is on how he is a stranger to himself, as we all are just trying to figure shit out. It's a constant process, and I think there is this overwhelming need that some people have to feel like they are known and understood (I don't have that need. I could care less if anyone knows who I am. Especially my mom?? She definitely doesn't know me very well and I don't care). I love the eeriness of the film, some stand-out scenes (the lighting in the club kissing scene is spectacular and the last shot of them on the bed with the camera above them?!! A masterpiece!). The acting is wonderful - Foy is probably my highlight (she definitely should have been in more awards conversations - she's consistently the highlight of great movies, First Man comes to mind instantly). I'm not the biggest Andrew Scott fan (and I do think I might have liked the movie more if Mescal and Scott switched roles??), but I can see why a lot of people were upset by his Oscar snub. It's just a far quieter performance that what was nominated this year, but I would definitely put this performance over Cooper, Giamatti and Domingo (I haven't seen American Fiction yet - might watch it tonight!). On a somewhat related note - this might be my favorite movie poster of the year! I can stare at it for hours. This is definitely up there among my favorite films of 2023 (it will probably land in the 3rd or 4th spot), and I imagine that it will stick with me for quite a while. 

Monday, March 4, 2024

Thoughts on 5 New Shows (Anthology Edition)

I realized with my "Thoughts on 5 New Shows" posts, I often exclude anthology shows because they are technically not new! So I thought I would do a separate post for anthology shows since it's such a popular concept right now. 

1. Feud: Capote vs. The Swans -
So, I've only watched the first 2 episodes of this, but so far, I'm not really a fan. I don't know much about Truman Capote - I've seen In Cold Blood with the late, great Phillip Seymour Hoffman, but I've never read the book. Hoffman was great in this role, but Tom Hollander is really annoying the fuck out of me - which might have been truer to who Capote was (I don't know), but it's hard watching an entire miniseries with a character this annoying. Ryan Murphy is, once again, showing us how to cast a show, though. He just pulled every great actress of the last 40 years - Naomi Watts, Demi Moore, Calista Flockhart, Diane Lane, Chole Sevigny, Molly Ringwald (did I get them all??? It's a truly mind-blowing list of women). Plus, Russell Tovey (I adore him) and Treat Williams (when I saw him, I honestly said to myself "oh...I thought he died, I must be thinking of someone else" and then I saw him in the In Memoriam section during the SAG awards and was like "WAIT he DID die?!" I guess this was his last role? How incredibly sad). Anyway, the reason I don't really like it so far, aside from Capote being unbearable, is because I don't really care about any of these assholes. Everyone is unlikeable. I don't know this story at all, but I can guess how it's all going to end, and I just don't care. I'll keep watching, though, because maybe I'm wrong and something will shock me. 

2. Fargo (Season 5) - This is one of my favorite seasons of television of the last decade! I wasn't too keen to even watch it because season 3 and 4 of Fargo have been huge letdowns. I remember how excited I was for the cast of season 3 (Mary Elizabeth Winstead & Ewan McGregor! Who are now married (I think) and have a child together, AND Carrie Coon!), and then all that excitement came crashing down with the first episode. And then the 4th season with Chris Rock trying to act?? Be real. I saw the ad for this and that it starred Juno Temple and Jon Hamm with a cowboy hat on, and I thought "oof...it's going to be another rough one", but I was SO WRONG. First of all, I have never really liked Juno. She kind of won me over in Ted Lasso because I thought she really shined when showing Keely's vulnerability, but I still just thought it was a really well-written role, and not necessarily due to Juno's acting (she has always been an over actor in past things I've seen her in - the Sin City sequel, that Justin Timberlake movie, Horns, that other Justin Timberlake movie, Unsane, should I keep going???). But HOLY SHIT SHE'S INCREDIBLE IN THIS! It helps that I just really, really love the character, but she gives this character the same vulnerability as Keely, but also she's so much more of a fighter. There is an air of mystery surrounding her character for the first few episodes, but once you learn her backstory, it will be hard to not fall in love with her. And Jon Hamm, in that cowboy hat, is one of my favorite villainous television characters ever. There's a few supporting actors that absolutely steal the show at essential moments, too (my favorite is Richa Moorjani and her whole story - I love that she's so smart and strong, and then we see her home life and it makes you question just how she got there? How did she let this man manipulate her into being the provider while he lives off of her hard work?). I also think Joe Keery does a good job in a few scenes (I was honestly surprised!). The best part of the whole show, though, is that every episode gets better! Like, it starts off really good and then the next episode is even better, and it just continues this upwards momentum through the finale! I don't think I can say that about any recent series - there is always a dip or an unnecessary episode. Always. And it has a really satisfying ending. I just loved everything about it. 

3. American Horror Story: Delicate - Yes, I still watch AHS. And, no, it's definitely not good. You can't argue that some of the seasons have been incredible though (the first one, Asylum and Coven are probably tied for my favorite, and Freakshow had it's moments. I also think Hotel and Roanoke have some good ideas, just executed poorly. However, the rest of them have been horrid - I barely even remember them. Like, Apocalypse?? I don't remember a single thing about it!). This one stars an AHS regular, Emma Roberts, who is not a great actress. I tried really hard to like her, but she's been a disappointment more and more with every project. She also shopped in my store a few years ago and was RUDE to one of my nicest employees! I wasn't there to witness, but most of the employees who witnessed the interaction described it as racist, so I wasn't really that surprised when stories started to come out about her being a bully (to a black trans actor). Anyway, she's horrendous in this. Like, worse than I've ever seen her. Also, I rolled my eyes hard at all the good reviews that Kim Kardashian received for her acting here, but I think with most of her scenes shared with Roberts, anyone would look like they can act. I was still hopeful that one of my faves, Matt Czuchry, would save the show for me, but it's too awful - there's no saving it. And unfortunately, I feel like Matt plays the role a little too...evil. Like he has this evil grin on his face from the very first episode so it's Obvious (with a capital O) that he's a bad guy. I like the idea of the series, as a play on a modern version of Rosemary's Baby (which I just watched for the first time last year! How fitting!). They could have easily just shown this whole story in the amount of time they spent on "part 1"; I have no idea when "part 2" is being released, but I'm not looking forward to it. 

4. True Detective: Night Country - While I do remember liking the first True Detective, I don't really remember much about it - so that's a big fail, for me. If something doesn't stick with me, it doesn't really matter how good it was at the time. I know I'm in the minority on that (I still see a lot referring to the first season as one of the greatest shows of all time. Maybe it is. *shrugs shoulders*). But, I think we can all agree that the second and third season sucked ass. So it's very weird to me to read that the creator of the series, Nic Pizzolatto, is reposting articles about how this season ruined the franchise. I mean, aside from it being unprofessional, he is allowed to share his thoughts on the show and be upset if he feels like it diminished his hard work, but it just doesn't make sense to me because the second and third season were horribly reviewed, and this one, whether you like it or not, is actually getting a lot of buzz and is fairly well-reviewed (even with the review bombing). It's certainly not ruining his creation, it's adding to it??? I think a lot of people surmise that Pizzolatto was not the success of the show, but Cary Fukunaga (the director of season 1) was. Anyway, I don't like the show either, but I think it's heaps better than the past two previous seasons, so I guess that's why I'm confused by his outrage. I haven't finished it yet (I think I have 2 more episodes that I'll try to make it through this week), but so far, it's been all very obvious. And it feels like it's stealing from so many other projects that it certainly can not be touted as well-written or original. The highlight, as expected, is Jodie Foster, but I also think that the dialogue is so poorly written that even Foster (one of the greatest living actresses of all time) feels like a disappointment. Also, it keeps hinting at the supernatural, but I feel like its too scared to fully commit to it. Maybe the ending will change that, but I feel like they're going to cop out on this whole part of the story. 

5. Dr. Death (Season 2) - I was not expecting this to be an anthology series, but unfortunately and apparently there are enough "Dr. Deaths" that they could go on with this concept for years! I liked the first one enough, but it wasn't anything to rave about. Just a satisfying watch with some actors that I really like (Pacey!, Christian Slater!). Season 2 is more of the same - Mandy Moore, Edgar Ramirez, Luke Kirby, etc. I think they did a good job of not just telling the same story, so this is told mostly from the point of view of Moore's character, a journalist who falls in love with him and becomes engaged to him, only to find out that he's a fraud. She's also the one who made him a famous doctor (she's wrote a story on him as a "miracle" doctor), so there's this guilt there that makes it interesting. I think he got away with it for so long because he was in such high demand that he was able to move from patient to patient, so when they eventually died because of his recklessness, the patient was already in someone else's care so he wasn't being connected to it. It wasn't until some brave doctors put the pieces together and spoke up. It's really sickening that there are DOCTORS who are more concerned with their image and celebrity status than actually helping people, but that's the world we live in. But also, this man is a legitimate psychopath and a pathological liar - and I always wonder if people like this even know they're crazy? Like, how did he think he was going to get away with this?? His lies to his fiancé are so ginormous - there is now way it was going to work itself out. Anyway, overall, I liked this second season too. It moves quickly and is interesting (even if it's obvious how it's all going to go), and I like all the actors. 

Sunday, March 3, 2024

Film Retrospective Part I: Thoughts on 10 Films (pre-1980)

1. The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974) - [blind spot] I've seen the remake with Denzel and I liked it (from what I remember) - it's a proper action 90s action flick (but apparently made in 2009?? Why did I think it was a 90s movie? Weird!). But this is something else entirely! NYC in the 1970s is one of my favorite film settings - there's something so gritty, raw & cool about it. It just feels alive. And I think this movie showcases this very well. It's also very funny, which I wasn't expecting (like the mayor with the man-flu LOL). It's a little ridiculous, at times (like, do they really believe that they can go 28 blocks in 50 seconds? Also, why didn't they use motorcycles from the beginning? Obviously would be more useful getting through NYC traffic? Kinda dumb if you ask me), but mostly has the right amount of tense moments mixed in. And that ending might be one of my favorite movie endings OF ALL TIME. I died laughing. I'm going to give that look to anyone who sneezes for the rest of my life (and nobody will get it but that's fine, I amuse myself). 

2. Mean Streets - [blind spot] A Scorsese film that I've never seen! Surprisingly, there are quite a few - Kundun, The Age of Innocence, After Hours, RAGING BULL, Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore. Honestly, I thought I would like this more. Harvey Keitel is just one of the best to ever do it, and this is one of De Niro's first roles. Plus it's also another NYC 70s aesthetic, and Scorsese always gets that vibe right. But, it's just not that interesting and the red lighting that persists through a lot of the movie really bothered me. There are a few really good scenes, though. It's just not something that will stick with me. 

3. Cinderella (1950) - [rewatch] I remember way more of this that I did with Snow White. And I literally still sing the "Cinderelly, Cinderelly" song as I clean my house. Gus was always one of my favorite animated characters, and probably the reason that I've never been freaked out by mice. Why are people so scared of them? They're so cute! I was never really the biggest Cinderella fan growing up, but I think as I grow older, I appreciate the character more and more because her main attribute is kindness. She's kind to literally everyone around her - not only her evil step-mother & step-sisters, but also to Lucifer (the bitchy cat). It's really inspirational. Something else that really stood out to me during this re-watch, too, is that the prince really has, like, zero dialogue. It's definitely a weird story, romance-wise, because she doesn't even know him, but we're supposed to root for them as a couple because he's rich & handsome, I guess? But if you just focus on her, and who she is and what she stands for, then I really like it. 

4. The Exorcist - [rewatch] I rewatched this before I watched the new one as a refresher because I didn't remember much about it, other than it being kind of stupid and not scary at all (plus I always get this, The Omen, and Poltergeist mixed up!). But on this rewatch I definitely appreciated a lot about it (even though I stand firm that it is kind of stupid and not scary at all). I'm not necessarily a Friedkin fan, as most film buffs are, but would probably include Bug as one of my favorite films of the last 20 years (I even stole one of the original screenplays from the production office that I worked in right after this film was released. Shhhhhhhhhh!!!!). I have The French Connection on my list to rewatch this year, and maybe Sorcerer too (which I've never seen). I am a big fan of Ellen Burstyn, though (and one of my favorite acting performances ever is her in Requiem for a Dream - just a sublime performance!). She's incredible in this, and so is Linda Blair. I just don't really connect with religious stuff (neither the heaven; nor the hell stuff - just all a bit ridiculous and I don't believe any of it). I also didn't realize that the guy in this (Jason Miller) is Jason Patric's dad! (Also on a side-note, as I was looking up what Jason Patric has been up to lately, bc I haven't seen him in anything for a while and he was a favorite actor of mine back in the day - Sleepers is one of my favorite films!! Anyway, I saw that apparently his brother was hit by a bus in NJ last month very close to where I used to live and he died! How sad!). Well, I'm happy to report that this rewatch really enhanced my feelings for this film because it is actually quite excellent. Almost a masterpiece - the shots are stunning, the way the story builds is perfect, and the shock of watching this young girl become possessed is really engrossing. I can see now why it's always been hailed as such a classic. I love when that happens. 

5. L'Avventura - [blind spot] So I've seen La Notte (and loved it), not even realizing that it's part of a trilogy (more of an anthology, really, but called the "trilogy of decadence" along with L'eclisse as the third film. This is a beautiful film - I really instantly fell in love with it from the beginning, but especially the shot when she opens up that door and the sun is setting. Such a gorgeous shot. It also helps that Monica Vitti and Lea Massari are stunning women. I like that the story really focuses on "absence" - at first, it's about this long distance relationship and how when you're apart you can imagine so much about your relationship, but when you're together that imagination disappears and reality sets in, and sometimes it doesn't live up to what's in your head. Then it becomes about the disappearance of this woman, and the eventual love story that happens through the search for her. It definitely takes a few twists and turns that I wasn't expecting, and has some genuinely funny moments. Also, the scene in which Vitti shows up in that Italian town and all the men start staring at her is brilliant, but SO familiar and then I realized that this is the scene that The White Lotus copied in season 2. I remember a lot of film people freaking out about the scene, but I never read about why. It's actually super, duper cool that they did that. I like little nods to film history in modern cinema/television - that added layer is always fun to discover. 

6. The Manchurian Candidate (1962) - [blind spot] Sort of weird that Denzel was in the remake for this movie too! But I don't think I've seen either version (I thought for sure that I had seen the remake, but once the story started going, I realized that I definitely haven't, unless the remake is wildly different than the original???). I think this is definitely another disappointment for me. Sometimes these classic films are just too hyped and my expectations are too high. I just was kind of bored for most of it. Stunning cast though - I love seeing Angela Lansbury in a more villainous role, plus Frank Sinatra AND Janet Leigh! I think it's very weird that this came out before JFK was assassinated. What an eerie coincidence - and also probably added flames to the conspiracy theories surrounding his death. 

7. Chinatown - [blind spot, mostly] "Forget it, Jake. It's Chinatown", is perhaps one the most famous lines of dialogue in film history, so I know it's absolutely crazy that I've never seen this movie in its entirety. I've definitely seen most of it here and there, but never all in one sitting (similar to Mary Poppins! Just never sat and watched the whole thing from beginning to end, but I think I've seen the whole movie by now). I loved it! Obviously, the blue print and inspiration for a lot of film noir that came afterwards, but it's also just a really strong thriller. And I did not see the twists coming ("my sister! my daughter! my sister!" WHAT?! My eyes popped right out of my head at that twist!) - it's paced perfectly so that you focus on the drama, even knowing that something isn't adding up but you're never distracted or bored enough to over-think it. I'm not sure that sentence made sense, but I just mean I was so focused on the story being told that I didn't have time to think about the possibilities, so it all hit me as a shock. And Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway have so much chemistry together that it's felt when they aren't even sharing a scene together. I just loved it. Such a shame that Polanski is such a garbage human. 

8. A Woman Under the Influence - [blind spot] I'm shocked by how ahead of its time this film is. Gena Rowlands is incredible - a performance of a lifetime. I immediately googled to see if she won the Oscar for this, but unfortunately she was up against some strong contenders in 1974 (Ellen Burstyn ended up winning for Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore). This is just such a strong story about mental illness, but specific to the role of the "housewife". It's never really made clear what exactly is wrong with her, as she grows more and more unstable, but also, in the 70s nobody really understood PPD like we do now, and I think a lot of women went through undiagnosed PPD which led to an unstoppable spiral. Her children are older, but I think it probably stemmed from that. And also just the loneliness that comes with being stuck in your house while your husband is at work. It's like she doesn't know how to act around other people because she's stuck in her own head. I also love how much they show her husband loving her - he just adores her and wants her to be herself, but also is worried about her safety. It's heartbreaking and I think really relevant to modern day relationships that are dealing with a partner with mental illness. I definitely think this is one of those films that I would have loved a stronger editing - if they cut down a few scenes that linger too long, and made it 120 minutes, it probably would be a masterpiece. Instead, it's 155 minutes, so it feels overly long and a little repetitive. 

9. Blazing Saddles - [rewatch] I watched this as a kid, and I assume that most of the jokes went over my head, so I was excited for this rewatch. I love a Gene Wilder, Mel Brooks and Richard Pryor (who was a producer on this) combo. Just three of the funniest people to ever exist. I also assumed that there's probably a whole lot of offensive humor, but I'm fine with offensive humor. I miss it, actually. I think everyone's so terrified of offending, but It's Always Sunny is going on its 17th season and it's still a very popular show, so I don't know what everyone is so scared of it. Anyway, this is just as funny as I was expecting. I immediately started laughing with them singing to "Camptown Races", and then the whole quicksand thing is hilarious. I love that meme that goes around every once in a while about how as kids we definitely thought quicksand was going to be a problem as an adult. I remember even learning about how to get out of quicksand in gym class???! Why the F did they teach us that? Baffling. There's also an ongoing joke about Hedy Lamarr (but his name is Hedley Lamarr). I looked into this, and apparently she sued Mel Brooks for this joke and he was happy about it because it meant he got to interact with her. LOL. Surprisingly, the standout performance in this is Harvey Korman (I mean that's not surprising - he's a funny guy, but compared to Wilder and Brooks, I just wasn't expecting it). 

10. The Philadelphia Story - [rewatch] I actually watched this film for the first time fairly recently (about 3 years ago, I think) and I really enjoyed it. I don't really know why I was in the mood to watch it again, so I figured I would watch it for this retrospective. It just has such a great cast working on all cylinders - the dialogue is snappy, the chemistry is off the charts, and the screen presence of Katherine Hepburn, Jimmy Stewart AND Carey Grant in the same movie is incredible. I, like a lot of people, do think she ends up with the wrong guy at the end, but otherwise it's a very cute rom-com. Hepburn shines during her "drunk" scene. I got really distracted by the fact that her character name is Tracy Lord because it reminds me of the late 90s porn actress, Traci Lords (I googled to see if she named herself after this movie, but couldn't find anything - just that it's obviously not her real name). Anyway, I know I get distracted easily, as you can tell by my very chaotic writing. I's surprised this story hasn't been remade and updated - so I looked that up too - and APPARENTLY High Society is a musical remake of this movie. LOL. I've seen that movie multiple times and I never fucking realized it. I can be really dumb sometimes. It's so obvious!!! It's literally the same story. 

Thursday, February 22, 2024

3 Thoughts on Argylle




1. Matthew Vaughn, never change -
I know he's not for everyone, but I just love him to death. This movie is so over-the-top, I don't even know where to begin. But it's also filled with scenes that you would never imagine in your wildest dreams! So, I AM HERE FOR IT. I can just picture him thinking out loud and saying "what if we have her ice skate on oil while she fights the bad guys", to a room full of suits looking at him like he's insane. Nothing can top the first Kingsman movie - especially the church scene, and I remember laughing my ass off during the end when all of the brain implants are activated and they all blow up but instead of showing actual heads being blown to smithereens, they just have the heads turn into this stunning firework display. I honestly still get a kick out of it. It's just so funny (and I think about that scene all the time with Musk announcing his brain implants! Why would anyone do that? He could blow your head up into a firework!). But, I think there's good effort in this for Vaughn to top himself, and I appreciate it. Some of the CGI is a little wonky, so it doesn't look as good as it should. And the CGI cat is kind of annoying (I like the idea of the cat - with him in that backpack joining the action! So funny! But, unfortunately, it just looks like a fake cat the whole time). But otherwise, I had a good time and was entertained. I think reviews were overly harsh - most just taking this movie way too seriously. It's supposed to be ridiculous, that's what makes it fun. 

2. That hair! - We all knew Henry Cavill was going to have that ridiculous haircut once the first images of the movie were released. I assumed there would be a reason for it...but there's not? That's just how he looks? I know he's a figment of her imagination, but why is she imagining him like that? But, I actually want to talk about a different hairstyle - Bryce's blonde makeover during the last act of the film??? Why did they do that to her? They, like, try to make her "sexy" for the 3rd act, but I think any man (and woman) would tell you she is waaay sexier before the new look. They do the same thing to Sam Rockwell, too, by giving him frosted tips for the ending. It's all just really hard to look at, and I think the reason is because, in movies, spies are supposed to be hot and aspirational, and in this, they are all...not (due to styling, not actual hotness). It's just a weird choice, and definitely the worst part of the movie. I'm also not the biggest fan of this group of actors. Aside from Sam Rockwell, I don't rate any of them very highly. I like Bryce Dallas Howard a lot, but I don't think she picks the best roles for her acting ability (and she's an awesome director! Stick with that!). But I do think this is the best I've ever seen her. I've said my thoughts on Cavill before (dead behind the eyes), and thankfully Dua Lupa and Ariana DeBose are not in it enough to effect the movie. Luckily, two other actors who weren't advertised as much (Bryan Cranston & Catherine O'Hara) are in it way more than I was expecting. That being said, I do think part of Vaughn's charm is to cast people in roles that others might not think of (like Julianne Moore as an evil drug lord or Colin Firth kicking ass and taking names in the Kingsman movies). Someone posted on Twitter how great it was to see Howard, a curvier actress, in a role like this, and OF COURSE, a lot of people had opinions ("stop reducing women to their body shape!" and "this isn't new, she was in a huge blockbuster franchise already!"). BUT, BUT...but...it IS a great thing to witness??! And, yes, she was in the Jurassic World franchise, which is an action movie, but it's mostly here running away and escaping dinosaur carnage. This is her as a successful spy - in detailed fight sequences, fucking up the bad guys! The only comparison I can think of is Angelina Jolie who was often touted as being "curvy" but if you look at pictures of her from Tomb Raider- she's a STICK! Look how skinny her arms and legs are! I just found Howard, in this role, to be incredibly refreshing and extremely sexy. Both women and men want to see more of this, so let's make this the first step into a change in Hollywood and action films! *crosses fingers & toes for a Christina Hendricks led action movie*

3. The "twist" - I may have already spoiled part of the twist with the last paragraph, but this part will obviously contain spoilers. If you remember when the film was first announced, then you already know the twist too. I pay attention to Matthew Vaughn films, so I already knew that it was about "a spy who has amnesia and becomes an author to regain her memory" or something like that, because it was part of the logline (I think Deadline reported it like that). But the amnesia part is supposed to be a big twist. For the first half of the film, the audience is supposed to think that she's an author (of spy novels) who is thrown into this world. I think part of the problem with the film is that....maybe they reworked it so that it would be a twist, but it wasn't originally meant to be? Because assuming I didn't already know, the whole beginning doesn't really work - it's just not believable at all. And the thing is, there are other twists in the movie that make it great, so why not focus on that? I think it would have worked better if in the beginning when she "meets" Rockwell's character, he tells her the truth and she just doesn't believe it. Then we the audience would know (because we already do know!), and we wouldn't have that long wait for the reveal. I just feel like something happened in the editing process to provide more twists and surprises and it just wasn't necessary. It's very over-cooked. Also, when it was announced, I assumed that Vaughn was going to make another spy franchise that could also be connected to Kingsman, and the after-credits scene sure does elude to that, but if that's the case then he shouldn't have cast Kingsman actors like Sam Jackson and Sofia Boutella?? And in roles that can't be connected!!  - I guess Sofia's could, possibly, but I think the timeline would be off (it would have to take place before Kingsman because they both die in it..., although, Kingsman has brought back major dead characters before, so who knows!). Anyway, I just want the third Kingsman movie, that's supposed to be the final Eggsy story (Taron said he only wants to do one more to give Eggsy an ending) - it keeps getting pushed back (Covid, then Taron was booked for other things, then the writer's strike, then Taron was booked for other things! It's like a never ending cycle of rescheduling). I NEED IT NOW!

Sunday, February 18, 2024

Thoughts on 5 Films

1. Priscilla -
I've said it before, but I want to like Sofia Coppola's films, yet I rarely do. I like Marie Antoinette and The Virgin Suicides, but all of her other films I rate 2.5 stars or less (eeek! I know!). I think this might be her best film, though?? I really enjoyed it, although I did have some major issues with a few things. I'll start there - first, Jacob Elordi in this role is a big miss for me. I just don't think he's a good actor, unfortunately. I could feel his thoughts in every second of the film (his thoughts, not Elvis'), I don't think charisma and screen presence come naturally to him. And Elvis is all presence. Also Elvis was tall, sure (6ft), but Elordi is really tall (6'5") and he is lanky, and Elvis definitely wasn't. Just visually it doesn't work. Second, the ending is extremely rushed and it's the most interesting part. The film, thankfully, moves extremely quickly so I certainly think it could have tacked on another 15 or so minutes to show us this new Priscilla. And third, the lighting is a little wonky. She's literally in a shadow for the entire movie - and if this was done on purpose (like if she was literally, as well as figuratively, in Elvis' shadow) that would have been a genius visual element, but she's always really poorly lit from beginning to end (even on the poster!). But otherwise, I really like the story that Coppola tells here. I often say that not everyone is interesting enough to make a movie about, and I think that's the point here - this seemingly glamorous woman who is married to the biggest star in the world and...she's boring. Her isolation and loneliness bleeds into every scene. I think it's interesting that the real Priscilla is a producer in this and had a say in the story, and yet the Presley estate denounced the film. Obviously this film doesn't show Elvis in the best light - he is manipulative, emotionally abusive, and controlling. He wants her to literally just sit in this huge house by herself and wait for him ("when I call you, I need you to be there for me"). There are adult women who don't realize they are in abusive/controlling relationships like this, so it's understandable that a teenager fell for this. It's also bold to show such an icon as a predator (sorry, but he was very aware of her age and may have been physically respectful, but he also knew that because of her age she would be easier to manipulate), and I understand that his family does not want to think of him in this light. However, I think it's been well-documented that this is how their relationship was, and we have to allow women to tell their stories. The very clear highlight of the film is Cailee Spaeny. I know she's been in a few things recently but this is her first starring role (I think?) and she is incredible. I don't quite think it's Oscar-nomination worthy (some included her in the snubs this year), but she is one to watch for sure. There's a quietness to her performance that is quite beautiful - from the pure joy of having the biggest star in the world interested in you, to seeing that joy deflate more and more with every scene. It's a huge success. 

2. Self Reliance -
I liked this movie a lot. I think, mostly, because it's very original and I had no idea how the story was going to play out. I spent the entire film going back and forth in deciding if the whole thing was real or if he's actually a schizophrenic or suffering a mental breakdown. It's like Beau is Afraid, but as a 100 minute comedy. The catalyst to the story is that this man (the loveable Jake Johnson who wrote & directed this), is offered the chance to play a deadly game, but if he wins the game he wins a million dollars. The rule of this game is that he has to survive 30 days being chased by professional assassins. He learns of a "catch" though, that the assassins can't approach him if he is with other people (in order to ensure no innocent people get hurt), so he thinks "easy-peasy" as long as I'm not alone for the next 30 days, I get a million bucks! I would definitely take that deal in a heartbeat. It seems easy enough - I would just rent a hotel (like he does at one point) and just bunker down for 30 days with a friend or family member. The problem, though, in his case, is that he's had previous issues with mental illness so his family don't believe him and because he's a loner, he has no trust-worthy friends. So the film becomes more about him trying to make connections with other people. He hires a homeless man to accompany him everywhere, but that proves to be unreliable, and he meets someone else who may or may not be playing the game too. It's all really well done and interesting. Plus, it's laugh out loud funny more than a few times (the Andy Samberg parts are hilarious, as is his mom calling him Sandy Amberg). *spoilers ahead* The end is left a little open, with him surviving and therefore winning, but we're still left with this feeling that the whole thing was in his head. I think it's meant to be real, though. And the twist is that the "million dollars" is actually in Greenlandic currency which equates to $145k in American dollars (still a nice chunk of change, but not enough to change his whole life - unless he moves to Denmark!). 

3. The Burial -
Jamie Foxx and Tommy Lee Jones starring in a courtroom drama sounds like it's a move from the 1900s (that's what the kids call it!). It definitely has that feel, like A Time to Kill vibes. Although the case at hand, is not that interesting and revolves around contract law (snoozefest). The cast keep it alive, though. I love Jamie Foxx and I'm happy that he's healthy - I respect that he wants to keep his medical issues private, but I'm also super curious as to what happened to him?! Everyone was so worried! I also love Jurnee Smollett (it took me way too long to realize that she was Denise on Full House. Like, an embarrassing amount of time). Foxx and Smollett have great chemistry as adversaries. It's also interesting that something like contract law, that should have absolutely nothing to do with race, still somehow has to do with race. It's crazy that they turn down the settlement offer of 75 million (I would never! I realize that they ended up with a lot more than that by winning the case, but nobody needs 500 million dollars?! 75 and peace would do me just fine). I did enjoy his little "feels good" at the turn down though. And it is satisfying that they won and got so much money from this big corporation that was screwing people over, but it's just very idealistic. And as the "bad" guy states - it's not really going to effect him at all. That's why I find it so weird when all these guys like Trump, Giuliani, Alex Jones, etc. are losing all these cases and ordered to pay millions, everyone cheers as if any of these cases are going to ruin their lives. Literally nothing happens to them. They still have millions, they still are in the media spewing hate and lies, and ultimately they are still going to be successful. I don't even pay attention to any of it anymore because it's all so infuriating. Anyway, this movie is exactly what you might expect. Solid 3 star courtroom drama, with fantastic performances. Can't complain. 

4. You Hurt My Feelings -
This is a cute movie. Completely forgettable, but cute. I love Julia Louis-Dreyfus so much, so it's odd that I hate the show Seinfeld. I'm talking hate. I've tried watching it multiple times and I find it so grating (and I've seen most of the episodes because it used to play on Thursday night "must see tv" along with Friends). The premise of the film is that this woman, an author, overhears her husband (with whom she seems to share a very solid relationship with) talking shit about her latest book behind her back. She feels hurt and betrayed because she cares so much about what he thinks of her and want him to be proud of her. I like that it explores the "truth" within relationships, and also how you don't always have to like everything your partner does, but you can still be proud of them. I don't think I would be upset if my husband didn't like something I worked on creatively (like a painting or something - I paint a lot of flowers & trees and they are simply not his taste), but I would be upset if he was talking about it in a negative way to someone else? Anyway, I like the supporting cast a lot, too. Amber Tamblyn and David Cross (a couple in real life) play a troubled couple seeking therapy to repair their relationship (my take: she's a bitch and they hate each other. Divorce is the only answer. The answer certainly is not spending 33 THOUSAND DOLLARS in TWO YEARS on therapy. Do you know how much you can do with 33k??? Maybe take a nice vacation together? That would repair a relationship more than therapy). Michaela Watkins plays Julia's sister (weird that they are a decade apart, Julia just looks so good for being in her 60s!), which is good casting - they have great comedic chemistry together. But, the guy that plays the son is TERRIBLE. It's so weird that I just watched the new version of The Stand, that came out a few years ago and this guy is one of the main stars and he is unbearable to watch. Just over-acts in every single scene, and he does the same here. I don't even want to look up his name. He also plays just a really annoying, entitled character - he literally gets upset that he's a "third wheel" because his parents are happy and love each other. Can you even imagine feeling like that? What a fucking narcissist. Ugh. Anyway, there are a few cute, funny moments ("I don't have cleavage, why would I wear a v-neck?"). It does feel a little longer than it actually is because there are quite a few unnecessary scenes. Also, it's really dumb when the pot store gets burglarized and the dumb son just hands the box of money over. Sorry, WHAT? My father-in-law owns a recreational marijuana store and that shit is secure because it's an all cash place. The money is in a locked safe and you can't just take the product from the shelves - you order it and they give it to you through a window. I think most places are like that? They couldn't function any other way. 

5. The Marvels -
I like how we keep thinking these comic book movies can't possibly get any worse and then we keep getting worse movies. It feels almost purposeful at this point. I think the biggest issue with this movie is that it's not accessible at all. If you didn't sit through the absolute pain of Ms. Marvel or WandaVision (which was good, but came out 3 years ago and I have a terrible memory), then you'll have no idea who 2 of the main 3 characters are. Plus, obviously you have to watch Captain Marvel as well (at least that's more of an expected ask, though. Asking people to sit through whole tv shows is a little bit much). They do a little quick recap in the beginning, but it feels rushed and just made me realize that I don't care about any of these characters. And then they start switching bodies so quickly and it feels so chaotic I can't even follow what is happening. For the record, I hated Captain Marvel, too. I thought it was so...cheesy and Larson is not made for blockbusters. I can't wait until her run with this character is over because she needs to go back to small quiet dramas like Room and Short Term 12 (she's also great in the Apple show Lessons in Chemistry). I hate her in this role - I think she's supposed to be funny, but she comes off as snarky and mean. But, Iman Vellani as Ms. Marvel is an absolute joy to watch. She's having a ton of fun and that counts for something. I just can't find the fun in anything else. They certainly try - like with the singing planet, but instead of being fun it's just...hard to watch. And it looks terrible! Like when Monica flies - just terrible visual effects. The only part that is sort of funny is the whole cat part, but it also...looks really bad. The idea of it is just so ridiculous that it becomes entertaining. It's kind of weird that Zawe is a villain in this (a very unmemorable, one-note villain) when she's dating another Marvel villain in real life (Loki will always be a villain to me no matter how many times they try to redeem him). It's also weird that Monica is the same age as Captain Marvel because that doesn't make sense, but I looked it up and apparently Captain Marvel ages slower so she's actually like 50 years old??? Did they tell us that and I just wasn't paying attention, or is that something we're just supposed to know? I did like the end though, with the new young team being formed because I like Ms. Marvel, I just didn't like the show or this. And I really like Kate Bishop. They need to appeal to the next generation, so I get why they are going that route. I'm interested to see who else joins them?

Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Thoughts on 5 Films

1. John Wick: Chapter Four -
I was a little skeptical going into this, only because the fourth film of a franchise is usually never actually good. But this is probably the best one after the first one! Is it waaaay too long? God Yes. But was I entertained?? Also, God Yes. Some of the action scenes are stunning, and it feels like its very high stakes - so I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I do think the entire storyline with "Nobody" could have been cut completely??? Who is he and why do I care about him? Just because he has a dog?? I don't get it. Other than that, though, I don't have many complaints. Although I do wish this were the final film. It ends perfectly and continuing it is a mistake, I think. Unless they do spin-offs (which they did with The Continental, and I didn't really like that). Some of the scenes are so ridiculous, but also really, really beautifully filmed (specifically the part where they have their duel in the middle of a rave - it takes way too long for the ravers to notice them fighting and gunshots. It's kind of hilarious, but also really beautiful to look at). And the poker scene is also hilarious - they each have, like, impossible hands and then, of course, the one guy has an actual impossible hand (a five-of-a-kind with no wild cards...LOL). I laughed for like 10 minutes after that scene. And Donnie Yen is such a fun addition, but him being blind is also soooo ridiculous. A blind assassin? Wick could just hide behind something instead of fighting him. Overall, though, I really liked it. 

2. The Exorcist: Believer -
I recently rewatched the original, because I never really rated it very highly in my mind, but I definitely forgot how brilliant it actually is. I've never watched any of the sequels, but I plan on it one day. It's a shame that Friedkin was so against this one being made - it was inevitable, and sometimes I think directors feel too much ownership over their projects. It's not like he created the story, or even produced it (I think that would allow for more of the "ownership" feeling, but he was just a hired hand, in my opinion. It's not "his"). Why not get involved and make it live up to the original, instead of fighting against it? Anyway, as many reviews have stated, this movie does, in fact, suck. But, it has a good plot, and it could have been good if it didn't fall into so many cliches and had a less predictable plot. Although, I was surprised by something, but it's a huge part of the story that I found hard to stomach, so it ruined the film even more for me. *Major Spoilers Ahead* In the beginning of the film, this man, played by Leslie Odom Jr. (who somehow has an extreme talent for picking the worst films to star in), has to choose between the life of his wife or the life of his unborn child, and then it fast-forwards to him being a single father with a pre-teen daughter. And I WAS LIVID that he picked his unborn child!!! I rooted for his death for practically the whole film, and then it's revealed that he did, in fact, pick his wife, but things went awry. That makes so much more sense, but also, I feel like it just creates a very unlikable character for 75% of the film??? Big mistake, in my opinion. I love that Ellen Burstyn reprised her role 50 YEARS (!!!) after the first film, but I think they under-utilized her. And THEN, *more spoilers ahead*, Linda Blair appears for a literal millisecond. What in the actual fuck? If you're going to put Blair in the movie the PUT HER IN THE MOVIE!! It just felt like a stunt, instead of a thoughtful storyline. I just didn't care about anyone, especially the bickering parents. The one girl is a really strong actress, though (I recognize her from Nightbooks). And Ann Dowd is always brilliant. That's probably the only nice thing I can say about it. 
 
3. The Kitchen -
Big, big Daniel Kaluuya fan here. I wish he were starring in this, too, but it's super cool that he co-directed this. I've been sort of hoping he started doing more behind the scenes stuff again (he co-wrote some of Skins back in the day). It is quite weird though that this is listed as a 2023 release even though I heard literally zip about it until the day it was released on Netflix in January of this year. Apparently it had a very limited release in the U.S in December, but I never saw anyone review it or anything. I'm going to count this for this year, because, well...I do what I want. I like this movie, and I think it's incredible for a directing debut. It is a little light on story, though, I felt like I was waiting for something to happen for the entire movie. But I like the focus on this "father" figure/son relationship - I just felt like nothing really happens with it until the final 30 minutes. I also like this future world that is created, because it feels very real, very scary, and very possible. And the soundtrack is great (I totally forgot about the song "Candy" by Cameo. I LOVED that song as a kid). Plus, even though I'm disappointed that Kaluuya isn't the star, Kane Robinson (aka Kano), is really strong in the lead role and the bond that he forms with this boy feels really genuine. I definitely got emotional when he inquires about a "double occupancy", but then realizes he might end up being screwed. It's a tough decision, for sure, and it's heartbreaking that he chooses his own success (but understandable). The final 30 minutes are really great - but I just wish the whole film was this strong. And I loved the ending, even though it was expected. I saw a few reviews comparing this to Attack the Block, but I got a completely different vibe than that (they are actual hooligans in Attack the Block, that's not the case here - they are fighting authority, but it's become an oppressive police state, so the fighting is necessary). 

4. Dumb Money -
This was a bit more entertaining that I was expecting, but also something that is completely forgettable. It's definitely trying to be The Big Short, and it fails. I like that it tries to explain the whole GameStop vs. Wall Street thing that happened during the pandemic because I did not understand it at all. And I still don't, really? Because if it's that easy to do, then why don't people who invest in the stock market just continue to do stuff like this? Like, why don't they just form groups and agree to all put money into one specific stock until it reaches a certain point, cash out, and then pick a different stock?? Right? So, maybe I just don't understand it? Also, once it hits the point where I'm making 6 figures, I would have cashed out. I get why that's a mistake, but I could do so much with 100k (I don't want millions. People with millions become bad people, mostly). Anyway, it's still interesting that these normal people took down billionaires. The film focuses on the main guy, who apparently was some sort of internet personality (I'm old, this is another thing I don't get - and also the whole ape thing and crypto), along with the insane people who took his advice (including a nurse, two college students, and a GameStop employee). They did a great job with casting really likeable people (Paul Dano, America Ferrara, Myha'la, Anthony Ramos), so I felt really emotional seeing all these people beat the system and change their lives. There's also Seth Rogen, Pete Davidson, Nick Offerman, Shailene Woodley, and SO MANY MORE - just an incredible cast of people. Oh AND Dane DeHaan! I didn't even recognize him at first because he wears a mask the whole time. Anyway, I've said it before, but I do think that we need to wait a while longer before turning news stories into movies. We need longer to reflect and see the full impact (this story *just* happened in 2021!). I think a lot of the parts that were supposed to be "cool" or this whole "fuck you" attitude it tries to pull off, just come off as desperate and made me role my eyes. Like playing "WAP" in the beginning or when Davidson drinks out of the cup before delivering food (which is dumb because in 2021 all restaurants doing deliveries were Covid conscious and would definitely not put your straws in your drink before delivery - everything was sealed). It would have been better if they focused more on the nurse and maybe the GameStop employee? People who felt more real. 

5. Passages -
I thought this was going to be one of those sneaky films that ended up on my Top 10 of the year list, but it didn't quite get there. It's very good, but just not excellent. It's a solid story about the complexities of marriage, relationships, sexuality, jealousy, etc., and it feels very authentic and tangible. I really like the exploration of sexuality, because I tend to think sexuality is very fluid - which is a popular opinion, but it also recently feels unpopular a lot of the times because people are so focused on "identity" nowadays. I think people are attracted to people, not gender, although you might have a "type" and that "type" might be someone of the opposite gender, which would make you typically straight (although, I, for one, would never be attracted to a man wearing that many sheer tops....LOL). Anyway, I like that the lines are blurred here, but also that it's not really even the point of the story. I really like Adele Exarchopoulos but her character wasn't really developed very well, and it would have enhanced the story so much more if she were. I really wanted to understand her and her side of the story, but alas, we are only really given one point of view - and that point of view is from a master manipulator. Just a real asshole that upends the lives of others around him because he's a narcissist and also extremely insecure at the same time. People like that don't change. Franz Rogowski and Ben Whishaw (why did I always think his name was Ben Winshaw? I just looked up how to spell it and was like, wait, where's the n???) have incredible chemistry together and there is a very necessary sex scene (all sex scenes are necessary! I'm so exhausted by the discourse). I like a lot about this movie but I don't think it's something that's going to stay with me for very long.