Thoughts on 5 New TV Shows

1. Calls - Not something that I expected to enjoy as much as I did. I saw the cast list, not knowing anything else about it - but once I started watching it, I was instantly put off by the fact that it's all phone calls, which means you never actually see any of the actors. I have such a hard time with this concept because listening to people talk without any visuals gives me a headache - I can't listen to podcasts, or audiobooks, or talk radio, and it's really hard for me to talk on the phone. I just have to have something for my eyes to focus on. So, for this, I really spent a lot of energy watching the sound waves that flow as the conversations take place throughout each episode and it definitely helps (as in, I didn't get a headache). The imagery becomes really mesmerizing. But, it's really the intensity of each "call" that holds it all together. The way it starts off so intense, but still increases that intensity throughout the series is just really spectacular and quite chilling. It's amazing how such short conversations (they are all less than 20 minutes each, I think) can convey so much. And I really love how the story all comes together in a really unexpected but completely coherent way. It's just put together really well. 

2. Mare of Easttown - There's still one more episode left (that I think airs tomorrow night?), but overall, this mini-series is very solid. I have to admit, though, I was not sold after the first episode. I heard a lot about it before I started watching it, but after the first episode I was sort of left with this feeling of "is that it?". I didn't really connect with any of the characters, and I thought the acting was a bit rough (yes, even Kate Winslet). It all just felt really forced. But then after the second episode, I felt like it found its groove and everyone seemed to be a little bit more comfortable in their roles. They created a really strong character study within this murder mystery story. There's a lot of little intricate details that I really love. I'm still not sold on Winslet in the role - in one scene, she'll give the performance of a lifetime, then the next she'll sound like a cartoon version of a tough detective. Evan Peters makes the show for me. What a snack. It's totally the character and haircut, because I've seen him in multiple things and have never been attracted to him before, but he is yummy in this. I like that they spend each episode convincing you that you *know* who the killer is, and then they drop a bomb at the end of the episode that kills every theory. I'm still going with my gut (which is one of the earlier theories). Ok, now enough of my thoughts on the show - let's discuss *that* moment in episode 5 because I can't just ignore it. ***HUGE SPOILER ALERT*** Was killing off the best character really necessary? I had a feeling something bad was going to happen because I saw a few twitter reactions that were upset and I feel like he's the only person that people would be upset about (or Jean Smart because she's awesome - always and forever). But I was not expecting it to be so sudden. So emotionless. So definitive. I hate it. 

3. The Underground Railroad - I've watched the first two episodes and I'm intrigued. I think the first episode moves a little slow and it feels like every other project about slavery. But, then the end shows the exploration and imagination that is exciting to witness. Then the second episode really takes it to another level. Barry Jenkins is really doing something special here. I liked Moonlight and If Beale Street Could Talk, but not as much as everyone else seems to. But Jenkins is an exciting voice in the industry right now, and I'm interested in seeing what he accomplishes with this. Based on the 2016 novel, it's an alternate history type story that (so far) imagines an actual train that transports slaves towards freedom. I think it's important to continue to tell these stories that exemplify the harrowing history of slavery - I think younger people engage far more with films/tv than they do with books (I'm not saying that's a good thing...). I remember as kid being horrified by Roots, Mississippi Burning and Amistad - and I think I learned a lot more by these projects than by what I was taught in school. I also appreciate that Jenkins is actively trying to avoid the "torture porn" aspect that occurs when depicting slavery. I know it's difficult, but you can show the consequences and aftermath of a violent tragedy without showing the actual violence. I think it all depends on the project and the intent, but in this case, I think the implications are far more effective. Especially with such a strong lead actress - Thuso Mbedu is a star. She conveys everything that's needed for the scene. I think my only criticism of the series so far is the jarring music that plays during the credits. It doesn't fit the series at all. 

4. Halston - I'm only a few episodes in and it's exactly as expected - I can't wait for Ryan Murphy to actually surprise me like he used to, but this is not it. It's exactly what you expect from a Murphy production about a famous fashion designer and his famous friends. Ewan McGregor is satisfying in the role of Halston (admittedly, I don't know much about him which is embarrassing because I work in fashion retail, and am fairly knowledgeable about the topic. But I find myself watching this and going "holy shit, did Halston invent the use of ultrasuede in fashion?", "Did Halston make Kaftans cool?" and, honestly, if I were rich and famous I would wear every single one of his designs). But THE reason to watch this is simple: Krysta Rodriguez as Liza Minnelli is mind-blowing. She's so good - and I feel like Minnelli is such a strong personality that it's really easy to over-do it. But she doesn't. There is something about the performance that is very understated, delicate, but then bursts with energy when she's on stage. It's really beautiful. I can't say that anything else about the show has really stood out, but if you are an acting enthusiast, I highly recommend watching this for this performance alone. 

5. Tell Me Your Secrets - Such a trashy show, but I was highly entertained for the whole thing. I put it on more as background noise while I painted and redecorated my den (turned it into a game/media room), but I found myself fully engaged with the story which I wasn't expecting. The cast definitely elevates it - Lily Rabe, Amy Brenneman, Hamish Linklater, etc. all keep the story flowing, the tension thriving. I quite like the story arc for each character - all have moments where you root for them fully, but then you are are also left questioning which ones are actually evil people (all of them?). I think it's expected that there is a twist, but the twist in this actually makes sense and is really strong which is unexpected for a series like this. Overall, it's not something I would recommend to everyone - but if you like Lifetime movies/tv shows, then you will probably like this. 

Thoughts on 5 Films

1. Stowaway - I like this movie even though it wasn't what I was expecting. I thought it was going to be a bit more...sinister, I guess. I kept waiting for something evil to happen; some big twist that changed everything. But instead it's a very quiet, slow-burn story about sacrifice. It's weird because I felt disappointed and a little bored while watching it, but after it was over it stayed with me, and the more I thought about it, the more I like it. I do think that some of the acting is a bit questionable (I like Anna Kendrick in some things, but definitely not dramatic roles), but both Toni Collette and Daniel Dae Kim shine as expected. The biggest fault that I have with the movie is something that I don't usually complain about, but the music is way too overwhelming. It is just so oddly noticeable and it outweighs every scene. I also think that there is this expectation that it should be a bit more "sci-fi" in its story-telling, but instead it's a "drama set in space". Once you wrap your head around that, I think it's a very strong movie. There's a lot of depth and thought put into the moral dilemma that is the heart of the story. 

2. Uncle Frank - I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. Written and Directed by Alan Ball (which could go either way for me because Six Feet Under is my favorite show ever, but I absolutely loathe True Blood), featuring a stellar performance from Paul Bettany, I think it encapsulates a relatable tale of self-loathing, guilt, and family dysfunction very well. It also feels very realistically in its time - set in the early 70s, it never feels over-the-top in its styling. There are a lot of small moments that will stay with me - like when his aunt very sweetly said "you're all going to Hell, you know" after finding out that he's gay. It reminded me of when my boyfriend's very religious, very Cuban grandmother came to his gay brother's wedding and we all remarked how well she was handling things, and then she came up to my boyfriend and in the sweetest voice said "I guess I only have one grandson now". It was jarring because she didn't say it in a hateful way, just a matter-of-fact. Anyway, I think a lot of people can relate to this, even if it is a story from almost 50 years ago (how devastating is that to process?). 

3. The Woman in the Window - I've said it before, but I don't think Joe Wright will ever do anything as stunning as the first half of Atonement, but I have hope every time I hear of a new project. You seemingly can't go wrong with Amy Adams and Julianne Moore in a Rear Window inspired story with a fittingly Hitchcockian style. But somehow this goes just so wrong. It's somewhere between serious drama and hilariously camp, but I'm not quite sure which one it's supposed to be. It's also extremely Obvious with a capital O. If you didn't figure out every twist within the first 40 minutes, then hopefully it's because you just lost interest in the plot. The biggest surprise for me is that it's Anthony Mackie that she's married to! His voice is featured in the beginning, and I recognized it but I couldn't place it. It's weird that him and Wyatt Russell are in a movie together (two Captain Americas in one movie?? It would have been hilarious if Chris Evans had a quick cameo for shits and giggles). I wasn't that bothered by the movie until the end. I thought it was "fine" until the "reveal" of who the killer is (which is already Obvious) and then they overly explain everything and is just flat out insane - it reminds me of the killer reveal in the first Scream movie, but that was supposed to be camp and hilarious. The tone of this is just wildly inconsistent. But it's beautifully shot, because of course it is. Also, the whole thing could have just been avoided if people had WINDOW COVERINGS. They are like "stop watching our house or I'll call the police!", ummmmm just cover your fucking windows. Just so dumb. 

4. Those Who Wish Me Dead - I think this is a solid little thriller - very much in the same vein as The Client (UGH I LOVE The Client so much - still quote the line "I don't want a laaaawyer, I said I neeeed a laaaawyer" pretty regularly, and no, nobody ever gets it). And I really missed movie star Angelina Jolie. I think the only projects she's done recently are the Maleficent movies, right? And she was excellent in them. I don't know when it became cool to hate her, but I think she's great. She's wonderful in this, but surprisingly takes a backseat to an ass-kicking pregnant woman. Her name is Medina Senghore and I'm pretty sure this is the only thing I've ever seen her in, and HOLY SHIT she is awesome. I absolutely love that she does not fall into the cliche of the innocent victim. Outshining Angelina Jolie seems like an impossible thing to do, but she fucking does it. I also really like the chemistry/comradery between Aidan Gillen and Nicholas Hoult. I would love a spin-off tale featuring these two assassins - like a prequel that shows how they got partnered together. I just really liked this whole thing; there isn't necessarily anything special about it, but it's extremely watchable and interesting with fully engaging characters and tension. Sometimes that's all that's necessary. Also, what a great title. 

5. The Personal History of David Copperfield - I think my expectations were just a little too high for this - I read a few really good things about it (it has a 92% critic score on RT!), but overall I think it's just "ok". It's a satisfying re-telling of David Copperfield, but there's nothing particularly memorable about it. I think they realized that the story is just really...boring (I don't mean that in a mean way, just that it's such a classic story, it's hard to make it feel modern and interesting again), so they do these odd scenes to spruce it up a bit (like the fast-forwarded "to the theater!" scene), but it didn't really work at grabbing my attention. Dev Patel is charming enough and it took me the whole movie to recognize Morfydd Clark (from Saint Maud! What an incredible performance), but the rest of the cast seems wasted to me. I also feel like the way critics described it as "whimsical", "energetic" and "sharp-witted", I thought it was going to be more like the style of the apple+ show Dickinson, which is a brilliant show, and this pales in comparison. 

Thoughts on 5 Films

1. Without Remorse - *spoilers* Truly the epitome of a forgettable, mediocre action thriller. I *think* that I've read this book because the plot seems very familiar, but it could also be that it's just so generic that it feels that way. I like Michael B. Jordan (a whole lot), but I think he's been miscast lately (I hated him in Black Panther - like it genuinely makes me angry to think about). I think he's one of those actors who gained popularity very quickly and they just put him in everything without any regard to if he's actually right for the role. I also, suddenly, really like Jamie Bell. I watched Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool a few days before this movie and I almost fell in love (it was the dancing bit that did it. Help!). But his character is way too obvious as "the bad guy" that you obviously know that he's not "the bad guy", and then Guy Pearce shows up and you're like "obviously he's the bad guy because...duh". It's all just so...unoriginal. And I actually laughed out loud when the one guy in the beginning got hit by the van, and I'm certain that it wasn't supposed to be funny. And I cheered when Volchok dies because fuck that guy (poor Cam Gigandet will never overcome his O.C. fame, for me at least). It's just never a good sign when you're rooting for pretty much everyone to die. There is also no real sense of time, which is always frustrating for me. It would have taken him years to recover from those kinds of bullet wounds, but it seems like he's ready for action within a months time. They were definitely trying to set up a new franchise with this, akin to the Bourne movies, but they did a really poor job. It will likely be among my worst films of 2021. 

2. The Mitchells vs. The Machines - What an unexpected delightful surprise of a movie. It's just wonderful. It's not only just a super cute, family friendly film; it's also genuinely funny with so many visual gags and jokes (the kind where you end up missing the next joke because you're laughing so hard at a previous joke). I'm considering a rewatch, but it is unnecessarily a full two hours long. And, yup, I'm still that person that complains about runtimes, but it will always frustrate me when something should have been shorter and is stretched out. It would have only benefited the story to tell it in a slightly more concise way - and there is definitely some nonsense in this that could have been cut. But that's really the only fault I can find - otherwise it's pretty perfect. My favorite gag is probably the scene where everyone loses their wifi and chaos ensues, but also the furby scene had me crying with laughter. The other hugely positive aspect is that it's a nice step forward in representation, but it never feels forced. I highly recommend it; definitely the best animated movie that I've seen in a long time. It will likely make my Best of 2021 list, but it's obviously super early for that. 

3. The Nest - So I started finally watching the Young Pope show and I hate it but it forced me into a Jude Law spiral (I've been here before like 15 years ago...). He's another one of those actors that is just consistently overlooked, but always good (he does have 2 Oscar nominations under his belt, at least, which is more than some actors of his same caliber). And the show isn't bad, necessarily, but it's just really not my thing. It is really stunningly beautiful, though. Anyway, I was excited about this movie because it's him and Carrie Coon, who is also an incredible actress. They have great chemistry together, the story is really strong, and I love how quiet and subtle it is. It's also a really believable struggle that happens within a marriage - there's this pressure on men to not only "provide" for their family, but to also constantly have "more", causing so many people to live above their means and it's so scary to watch it all fall apart. There are so many moments that will live in my memory forever, and that happens so rarely now. Like the moment when he tells the taxi driver "I had a million dollars once". Can you even imagine having that much money and spending it all just to show off? It reminds me of this woman that I met a few years back when I was telling her about traveling to London and how I was planning a trip to Iceland and she said "I wish I had money to do stuff like that", while wearing a Van Cleef & Arpels matching diamond necklace, earrings and bracelet (the necklace alone cost $15k, yes, you read that right), a Louis Vuitton handbag, and a gigantic diamond engagement ring. Not to mention her hair, nails and tan were all professionally done. I added up how much she was literally worth in that moment and I guestimate that it was about 60k. We were at a very fancy dinner, to be fair, but I highly doubt my worth even broke a thousand. And yet she doesn't have money to travel?? It's just weird what people prioritize. Anyway, sidetracked, but my point is that I feel like this movie is unfortunately very realistic. I also loved Carrie Coon's whole vibe - the way she calls him on his shit - it's just perfect. I did not need to ever see how they bury a horse, but other than that I enjoyed this movie very much. 

4. The Midnight Sky - *spoilers* I knew Clooney was in this, but I didn't realize that he directed it, too. I was actually interested by that because I feel like his previous directorial efforts were very much just copies of the Coen brothers, but with this sci-fi drama it seemed like he had to break away from that mold. And he does - it's very quiet and it's beautifully realized, but unfortunately it's....soooo...boring. And it makes me seriously sad to see how old Clooney is now. My best friend in high school was OBSESSED with him back in the 90s. We used to watch episodes of E.R. on repeat and that movie with Michelle Pfeiffer - One Fine Day, which I actually remember liking. I wonder if it holds up? Anyway, he was old then (like waaaay too old for her at the time), but now...it's just...like I feel exhausted just looking at him. But, anyway, back to the movie. I liked most of the bits with the group, but I felt like the timeline was really jumbled - none of it flowed smoothly. The bits with George were just painful to get through - it's obvious that the little girl doesn't exist, and it's obvious that he's projecting his own guilt etc. But, again, some of it is really beautiful and just downright cool for a space movie. I feel like Clooney did something really personal, which is always appreciated. I just wish it had more of an interesting hook that moved quicker. Or at least, had some interesting characters to care about? I don't know...it's just missing something. Felicity Jones, though, delightful as always. 

5. Monster - I jumped on the Kelvin Harrison Jr. train last year and I never looked back. He's so good, and severely underrated. I've been waiting for this movie to be released because it was just sitting on the IMDB page without any updates for what seemed like months. Technically released in 2018 (at Sundance), it's wild to me that it took 3 years for this to see the light of day. I usually follow the "technical" release dates (for the U.S), but I'm going to count this as a 2021 film since there has been no way for a general audience to see it at all until now. Overall, it's not great, but there are things about it that I like. Specifically, I really love how grey the movie is - it's kind of a morality tale, but it has a lot of complicated pieces. Also, the performances definitely elevate it. John David Washington is in it too, and I've been up and down with his performances, but he's strong here. I was actually looking down when he first appeared and I legitimately thought it was Denzel. They just sound identical, it's so crazy to me. I have a mini crush on Kelvin, even though I know he's too young for me (born in the 90s...), but his youth was really drilled into me having Jennifer Hudson, who is my age, play his MOTHER. I also think the ending is wonderfully unexpected. But, as much as I did like in this movie, there are equally things that I didn't like - the VO is absolutely unnecessary and a bit overdone. I also think the story is fantastic, but they just didn't make it as interesting as it should have been. 

Thoughts on 5 Films

1. Most Wanted (FYI: apparently in most places, this movie is called Target Number One) - I watched this movie for Josh Hartnett (obvi); I am really he makes a big comeback. I think I liked this movie, but I watched it a few weeks ago and I am struggling to remember it, so that's never a good sign. The story is a little bit "been there, done that" territory - journalist investigates a cover-up, but I like the way it is told a little bit out of order. But it definitely could have been told within a 90 minute time-frame and it would have been far more intense. The best part of the movie is Antoine Olivier Pilon - he does an incredible job, plus, bonus, he's such a cutie! Especially when he's dancing around to "Respect" (Sadly, he was born in the 90s which means he's too young for me. And before you ask, my love, Taron Egerton was born in 89 so he makes the cut...just barely). Anyway, that's all I got. It reminded me of that Jeremy Renner movie (I think it was called The Messenger?) - not in plot, but just the way if feels dated but it's still a well-told story. 

2. Lost Girls & Love Hotels - I LOVE Alexandra Daddario and I've been bitching for her to do something that doesn't rely on her looks, but sadly this isn't it. I mean, she doesn't run around in a wet t-shirt in this and the role is a lot darker than her previous characters, but she still gets naked (again, not complaining, I just feel like she can do more). Plus, it's really weird that she doesn't show her tits through the whole movie - even noticeably hides them during sex scenes, only for her to show them in the end. It felt like a reward for sitting through this shitty movie, and that is even more objectifying than anything else she's done. This movie is basically Lost in Translation mixed with 50 Shades of Grey, which is certainly not *my* thing, but it's definitely someone's (?). I think this whole movie can be boiled down to the scene at the end where she is tied up for like 5 minutes, and then the line "it doesn't make you special or interesting that you like this" happens - because IRONY. First, she's literally the main character and the film is telling "us" that she's not interesting, but also, if it's not interesting then why the fuck are there so many movies about it? Where are all the movies about women who enjoy sex without violence? The film also never tells us anything else about her. So what exactly is the point? I can't quite find one, and I have no interest in thinking about this movie any further.  

3. Kajillionaire - I don't know why, but I had really high hopes for this movie even though I haven't really loved any of Miranda July's previous movies. She's still someone I root for. And just because I didn't *love* them, doesn't mean that I don't admire them. She's got this quirky original style that seems really authentic (and it's something that I think a lot of people in the industry fake - I'm not naming names...). I've also always been a huge fan of Evan Rachel Wood, so it's really unfortunate that I did not like this movie. It's well-made, has some wonderfully nuanced performances, and has an interesting story - overall another solid 3 star movie. But there is also some things that made it very hard for me to enjoy - the biggest one being Wood's unnaturally low voice. I was also very confused by her age and also how much time passes during the course of the movie. Wood looks young, but certainly not teenager young which is what is implied in the beginning, but then suddenly she seems much older about an hour in. It's just really jarring. But there are also three things that are wonderful - (1) I literally screamed out "holy shit...is that...Debra Winger??!!" because I haven't seen her in ages and I adore her. It's wonderful seeing her onscreen again. (2) I've never seen Gina Rodriguez in anything before and she is DELIGHTFUL. Definitely the best part of the movie. I just instantly fell in love with her. (3) The last scene with the kiss is just stunning. 

4. Godzilla vs. Kong - First, team Kong, always and forever. Second, I've actually never really seen many Godzilla movies aside from the most recent ones. I've only seen bits and pieces, and I've really never had any interest in seeing more. Third, am I missing a Kong movie with Rebecca Hall? It feels like I'm supposed to know who these people are - so I assumed I missed a movie, but afterwards I looked it up and I couldn't find anything. I really liked this whole part of the story - with the young girl bonding with Kong using sign language. I'm slowly teaching myself ASL, so this was a good test for me (I failed. It's actually much harder for me than I expected because I learn by writing things down  - and it's impossible to write down hand movements so it's all based on memorizing and I have a really, really terrible memory. But I'm not giving up. It's just going to take me a long time). Anyway, I think this is definitely one of the better monster movies to come out in recent years - the plot was decent, even though it is pretty obvious as to how it will all play out. The cast is fantastic - Hall, Alexander Skarsgard, Eiza Gonzalez (lover her, even though she didn't have much to do), and Brian Tyree Henry all kept me interested in the story. And most importantly, the destruction and the fight scenes are glorious. 

5. Wolfwalkers - I'm not quite sure I understand all the buzz about this movie, but it's still really cute and sweet. It's just not anything amazing or Oscar-worthy. I did really love how it's animated - it's so beautiful with the muted colors and it feels classic and timeless. I just think the plot is very paint-by-numbers fairytale - there are no surprises or interesting plot-lines. And I didn't even really feel any connection to the characters. I honestly struggled to pay attention to it. I know I'm in the minority, obviously, but it's just...cute. I don't even really have anything else to say. I can't imagine that I'll remember anything about it a few years from now.