Thoughts on 5 Films

1. Deadpool 2 - A little bit disappointing. Certainly not as funny as the first one, but I knew that it would have been a difficult task anyway. *spoiler* I DO NOT like that they killed Vanessa. First, such a cliche; second, I love Morena Baccarin (and she's married to Ben McKenzie so I *should* hate her, but I don't. Seeeee...it's possible). I do, however, love the addition of Zazie Beetz as Domino, and I think it's hilarious that her superpower is luck (and it was definitely "cinematic"). I also love Josh Brolin, as Cable. He's just always so perfect. Actually, I can't really fault anything specific in the movie - the cast is great, it has some funny moments, the plot is full of heart (like the first one), and the action is really fun. I think I just expected better - I expected to be crying with laughter like I did the first one. I am a bit confused by the end-credits sequence - if he went back in time, does that mean the whole movie doesn't actually happen? Also, I kept hearing about Deadpool going back in time and killing Hitler, but that wasn't in the version I watched. Are there different cuts? Hmmmmm....

2. Overboard - Better than I expected, and actually not terrible. I thought the gender swapping was a dumb idea, but it worked. Anna Faris does the same character from her tv show, Mom, but she does it so well (she deserves the same amount of awards as Allison Janney). The best aspect of it, though, is the casting of several Hispanic actors and having them ACTUALLY SPEAK SPANISH. The film brilliantly embraces different cultures and languages and does it so effortlessly - it feels authentic. It's kind of a big deal, but the film wasn't good enough for it to gain such positive attention. It's unfortunate that they couldn't also get "single mom with 3 kids and no money" correct (poor people don't live in gorgeous houses in the suburbs with fresh flowers on their table). Why didn't they refer to original for figuring out what "poor" looks like? Very disappointing. However, there were a few great moments - mostly the ones that nod to the original - the Arturo and Caterina story is continued and utilized at the end (side note - is it Caterina? I googled it for spelling and some people seem to think it's Catalina). Yet, the end still felt fresh (and it's really funny when he hesitates and then tries to negotiate). I love the scene where Anna Faris wears the denim jacket with her hair up (direct nod to Goldie). I also laughed at the line "Have a garlic knot, it makes everything a little bit better" - TRUE STORY. Garlic knots are pure bliss.

3. Tully - First, I don't have kids. I can not relate to what this woman is dealing with at any level at all. But I do want to say, this movie definitely makes me not want to have kids EVER. I'm already susceptible to being super depressed, I think I would end up exactly like her. The main reason is that I've realized that I absolutely need at least 7 hours of sleep every night. I can function on 3 hours just fine, but I notice that anything less then 7, the depression sets in. So, the idea of a Night Nurse sounds brilliant! Does this actually exist? I understand not wanting to have someone else take care of your baby - but this way you get sleep and then you can be a better mother during the day. Anyway, that's the concept of the movie - only that *spoiler* she doesn't actually exist. Tully is just a figment of her imagination; a younger version of herself. It's quite obvious from the beginning, so I'm a bit concerned about people talking about how great the twist is. While watching it I wrote in my notes - about 15 minutes after Tully's introduction - "she doesn't exist, does she?". It's still wonderful even if it's not "a twist". It's a beautifully written story about a woman who is trying to cope, and "Tully" helps her do that. I think a lot of mothers will be able to relate to this story. Charlize Theron is fantastic and I adore Mackenzie Davis - she is perfectly cast here.

4. Rampage - This is a seriously terrible movie. I don't even know where to begin - the concept, the plot, the acting, it's all TERRIBLE. I will be highly surprised if it doesn't end up as my worst film of the year. The plot is so dumb, but the weird part is - it doesn't have to be. It could have been, at least, cliched & average. Instead, there are villains who accidentally (?) create gigantic, killer animals and then call them into a major city (where they are residing - essentially killing themselves) for absolutely NO REASON. It's just silly. However, it's an action-packed, city-destroying, brainless, blockbuster. If I was a 14 year old boy, I would probably enjoy the Hell out of it.

5. Tomb Raider - I know I watched the original Angelina Jolie version, however I don't remember it at all, but I do believe that it is terrible. I thought that maybe this would be a good idea - maybe they would get it right this time? Casting Alicia Vikander, was certainly a step in the right direction (although, I'm a big fan of Jolie - so that wasn't a dig at her). I think Vikander serves the story well - it felt grittier, a bit more realistic, and down-to-earth. She kept me invested - even though I could have done without the origin story. This is the problem I find with most reboots. Filmmakers should understand that audiences already know the story, why not skip ahead? Or condense it down to just the first 20 minutes. This is ultimately the reason that this movie fails. It's actually a 3 star movie (which is much higher than I was expecting), it just doesn't get to the actual "tomb-raiding" until the end, and by then, we are bored. Imagine if we got this fantastic female action-hero solving puzzles, finding ancient artifacts, killing evil men, saving the world, etc., for the whole film? We would want to see more. Instead, we're left disappointed and certainly not wanting a sequel.

Fall Movie Preview: 17 Films That I'm Excited About

1. Peppermint (9.7) - FINALLY Jennifer Garner is back! She hasn't actually gone away, but I'm so sick of her doing cutesy, side-roles. This seems like the perfect role for her - a woman seeking revenge for the murder of her husband and daughter. I can't wait for Jen to kick some murderous ass.

2. A Simple Favor (9.14) - I'm intrigued by Blake Lively. She's given some strong performances (The Town, The Shallows). Her and Anna Kendrick in a "Hitchcockian comic thriller" directed by Paul Feig definitely has my interest.

3. Hold the Dark (9.28) - While I wasn't as obsessed with Green Room as everyone else, I still found it interesting. Jeremy Saulnier is definitely perfecting the slow-burn genre, so I'm interested in his next project. Also, I really liked Riley Keough in Logan Lucky. I want to see more of her.

4. A Star is Born (10.5) - I thought this movie was a joke when it was first announced. Then when I realized it was real, I thought "oh Bradley, WHAT are you thinking?!". Then the trailer came out and now it's all I can think about. It's going to be a HUGE movie. Like Oscar nominated and everything. I should never doubt my Bradley.

5. First Man (10.12) - And speaking of Oscars...Can you imagine being 33 years old and having your first 3 feature films nominated for Oscars? I'm already assuming this will be because it has Oscar written all over it. Also, I didn't know Chazelle wrote the screenplay for 10 Cloverfield Lane! What a talented guy.

6. Bad Times at the El Royale (10.12) - This movie looks like a lot of fun. I'm a big fan of Drew Goddard. I like the vibe of the trailer, and the cast is ridiculous.

7. The Hate U Give (10.19) - I'm a big believer in films as a highlighter for social injustices - films can change the world. Police brutality and racial tensions (and to be blunt - unarmed black people being shot by police) is a huge issue in our country right now, and I'm not sure how to get through to people who claim "all lives matter" (fucking duh!), but a film can't hurt.

8. Halloween (10.19) - Does this really need an explanation? I can't believe the first Halloween came out 40 years ago.

9. Suspiria (11.2) - I know this makes me a terrible cinephile, but I've never seen the original Suspiria. I should probably watch it before this remake. I kind of only want to see this because so many film geeks are upset by it. Oh and Tilda Swinton.

10. Bohemian Rhapsody (11.2) - How great is the casting of Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury? I can't wait to see how awesome he is. It's weird that they still list Bryan Singer as the director. I assume that he had most of it finished before he got fired?

11. Boy Erased (11.2) - The cast is great - Lucas Hedges, Nicole Kidman, Russell Crow and Joel Edgerton. Directed by Edgerton based on the memoirs of Garrard Conley - a boy sent to a gay conversion therapy camp. It's going to be a hard watch, but another necessary story.

12. The Girl in the Spider's Web (11.9) - I wasn't a big fan of Fincher's The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, so I'm ok with him stepping away from the series. I'm also interested in Claire Foy as Lisbeth Salander because that is such a "what the fuck" casting, but I have a feeling she is going to kill it.

13. Widows (11.16) - Steve McQueen is doing a heist movie?? Um, ok. I'll obviously watch it.

14. Robin Hood (11.21) - I'm not a big fan of the many reincarnations of Robin Hood, but Taron Egerton is so hot, so I will watch this. *shrugs shoulders*

15. Ralph Breaks the Internet (11.21) - Wreck-It Ralph was super cute, so I'll watch the sequel (although I'm really waiting for a sequel to Big Hero 6). The whole Disney princess thing was a great marketing tool.

16. Green Book (11.21) - All I needed was that image of Mahershala Ali and Viggo Morensen in that old-fashioned green car from the 60s. It's just perfect.

17. The Favourite (11.23) - First, Yorgos Lanthimos. Second, it stars Rachel Weisz, Emma Stone AND Olivia Colman. That's like the Holy Trinity of actresses.

Thoughts on 5 Films

1. The Shape of Water - Shockingly, this movie doesn't come close to my Top 10 of 2017. And it's not just because ***spoiler*** the monster horrifically eats a cat (someone should have warned me!). It's just sooooo derivative. You can call it "inspired by" if you want, but that doesn't change the fact that it basically takes parts of Creature from the Black Lagoon, E.T., The Little Mermaid, and Beauty and the Beast and made a very beautiful, but very unoriginal film. Also, while again, it's very beautiful, it reminded me of the film Amelie which I haven't seen in probably a decade, but that was the clear vibe that I got from the whimsical set design, cinematography, and adult fairytale storyline. It felt very French. This apparently isn't a coincidence - as the director of Amelie is suing Guillermo del Toro for copying parts of his films (I had no idea while watching it. Afterward, I googled "The Shape of Water Amelie" and was satisfied that I wasn't crazy in my comparison). I'm not really a fan of Sally Hawkins - she's not terrible, but I think she's very overrated. I'm also aggravated by her because while watching an awards show, my boyfriend pointed to her and said "wow who's that? She's like your twin", which I DID NOT take as a compliment. She's so pale and skinny and awkward and...oh wait...FINE I guess she's my twin. UGH. ANYWAY. Michael Shannon has done this role before (many times), but he's just so damn great at it. I could have watched a two hour movie that just revolved around his character alone and it probably would have made my Top 10. 

2. Unsane - You guys what the Hell happened to Steven Soderbergh retiring??? Did I imagine that? I mean, I'm glad he's still going because I tend to love his films. Unsane is no different. It is currently in my Top 10 of this year (but if it's still there by the end of the year, it will be a sad year for movies). There's a lot to unpack in this movie - the entitlement of men, the American Healthcare system (or lack thereof), how we, as a society, treat patients with mental health problems, the lack of protection for women being stalked/abused, etc. Everything is very black & white, with little subtlety, but maybe that's necessary? The ending is a very typical over-the-top, unbelievable mess with several plot holes, but overall, I really connected with the story. It helps to have such a fantastic actress carrying the film - Claire Foy is just absolutely stunning. She keeps your attention through the whole movie, and really sells the plot - even the dumb parts. Also, I had NO IDEA this film was shot on an iPhone. That's insane! Or...unsane? Side-note: Is this Matt Damon's new thing? To just show up in movies without warning? It's kind of weird.

3. The Glass Castle - Very forgettable film, which is sad because it could be incredible. The potential for greatness is all there. Two of the best actresses working right now - Naomi Watts and Brie Larson (Larson doesn't have the quantity that Watts has, but she is in two of my favorite films of the last decade - Room and Short Term 12), and an incredibly nuanced story based on the memoir of Jeannette Walls - a book that was recommended to me years ago, but I didn't make the connection until after I started watching the movie. The film is super melodramatic and predictable, and the ending is terrible - so I hope the book is better (it's still on my list). ***spoiler ahead*** I'm a big fan of forgiveness as a form of catharsis, but the fact that she "forgives" her father, which is implied by her visiting him on his deathbed, is horrifying. Ultimately, a big part of the story (that is kind of swept under the rug) is that her father was molested by his mother, but then as an adult he leaves his kids in her care for several days. WHAT?! Why would you ever do that? Only out of desperation...right? But then we also find out that they were never really desperate because they had access to money THE WHOLE TIME. How could you ever forgive your parents for that? Putting you in danger, causing you the mental and physical anguish of being poor, just for the adventure. Because...it's FUN TO BE POOR. Okay..now that I'm actually thinking about it, this film makes me downright angry. I don't even want to think about it anymore. I will just say two more things - Woody Harrelson is fantastic. I love when he actually tries (not hating, but sometimes he's clearly there for a paycheck). And who is the Emma Stone lookalike? I honestly did a double-take.

4. The Florida Project - Speaking of being poor...wow. This film gets it so right where most films fail so miserably. So often the words "poor" and "poverty" are thrown around in movies and then they depict a very romanticized middle-class life. Even if it's lower middle-class, it's still not poor (Lady Bird is a perfect example of this). This is a depiction of a young mother truly living in poverty. It's the "wrong kind of poor", meaning it's more realistic in its depiction of drug-use, prostitution, and terrible parenting. There's also no redemption. Or hope. I wasn't expecting to like this movie because I hated Tangerine. Like, really, really hated. This film has a lot of similarities (loud, rude, terrible people being loud, rude and terrible), but it has some redeeming qualities - the acting for one, and the clear advantage for me, is that I can connect with it. I also just really love the juxtaposition of these children living in poverty right outside of Disney World. It's tragic and beautiful. It's a stunningly realistic view of Florida. I don't understand why ANYONE willingly goes there. I think this movie will stay with me for a while, simply because I will always wonder what happened to Moonee. Does she break the cycle?

5. Wonder Wheel - Woody Allen has fallen back into the depths of mediocrity again. He hasn't reached his genius level since Midnight in Paris (Blue Jasmine was only good because of Cate Blanchett). This movie is one of his worst recent films. The cast is just...off. If you told me 20 years ago that Justin Timberlake and Kate Winslet would be in a Woody Allen film, I would have laughed hysterically. They are just not right for Allen's dialogue, plus Justin trying to do a NY accent is painfully hilarious. Also, Juno Temple is the worst (she was also terrible in Unsane). The film felt very stagey, and inauthentic. I get what Allen was trying to do - but in the end it's a typical 'women are jealous and crazy, men are cheating liars' territory (even though she is the cheater), with a little bit of 'women are incapable of aging gracefully' thrown in. Is it weird that I've never been to Coney Island? I've never even had the urge to go. I equate it with the Jersey shore (and I hate the Jersey shore, although everyone around me tells me of these mystical parts of the shore that I will like - but I've yet to experience these places). On a side-note, all 5 of the films in this post are female-driven stories - a total coincidence, but also probably a first? The best thing about this is how incredibly different these films are, and how unique these characters are. It's wonderful.