Some quality films are starting to roll out before holiday and year end, and so add to last months fine HARRIETT and JUDY come some of the better of the year so far-----
DARK WATERS--Director Todd Haynes gives the film a natural, dark look using only available lighting- --which adds to the grim seriousness of this legal thriller when DuPont was sued for poisoning an entire community by disposing of deadly chemicals in and near their water supply. Mark Ruffalo is excellent as the quiet lawyer who takes on a client suing DuPont only because the client knew his mother. The film shows how little wins can finally add up to giant victories over time with patience. The engrossing and intense film keeps us captive through even the most despairing moments. Very well done. GRADE-------------A-
QUEEN AND SLIM---Who'd guess that one of the more moving of this years low budget films was produced, written and directed by a woman and features one of the better women's roles of the year? This magical wonder has two characters on a first date to a simple, "greasy spoon" cafe (he choose it because he likes the down home waitress and it's "black owned.") They don't hit it off real well, but on the way home they get stopped by a white cop with an alternative agenda, and find themselves on the run, meeting and depending on the kindness of strangers and slowly building a trusting relationship between them. It's a simple story and there are not a lot of surprises, except that the film becomes a moving and profound microcosm of racial injustice in America. Daniel Kaluuya (GET OUT, BLACK PANTHER, WIDOWS) and newcomer Jodie Turner-Smith (who previously did some modeling, some TV shows, and music videos) are both sensational together--she is especially compelling. GRADE---------------B+
KNIVES OUT--It's not exactly the best of Agatha Christie, but certainly worthy of her style. This all star murder mystery thriller is full of twists and the obligatory surprises--it's a classy mystery that will keep you guessing. At the half way point you are told what happened, but of course there are some more twists to keep you going. With an entertaining cast including Daniel Craig as a famous detective, Toni Collette, Jamie Lee Curtis, Don Johnson, Michael Shannon and Chris Evans as suspected family members, Christopher Plummer as the deceased who appears in numerous flashbacks, and a dozen other potential murderers associated with the family, all of whom are stylishly and distinguishably played. GRADE----------B+
LAST CHRISTMAS---Written by actor Emma Thompson, who also appears in this romantic comedy/drama, the projectile of this story starts off in typical romantic comedy fashion. A cranky young woman with health problems keeps running into a charmingly handsome but mysterious man just a few weeks before Christmas. Lucky us Anglophiles! The movie is filmed in London at Christmas time, featuring seasonal displays, Christmas music (a lot of great stuff from George Michael, especially the title song) and holiday lights galore, so that it becomes a true pleasure to watch. The cast headed by Emilia Clarke, Henry Golding,Thompson and Michelle Yeoh give it their all. But then it happens--an ethereal scene that changes the whole thrust of the film, changing everything that has come before, and after and it really hit me--in a very nice way. If you're a Scrooge, you probably will be pissed off, but I found a wonderful surprise in my stocking for the holiday season! GRADE--------------B+
FORD VS FERRARI---Here's a solid, technically proficient drama with exciting race car scenes that moves along at a gallop. Race car movies are not my favorite theme to get involved with, but if you give it a chance, you'll find yourself caught up in the mile aux. Based on a true story of two racing competitors who join together with Ford to create a new racing car for the Le Mans race of 1966, Christian Bale and Matt Damon keep us involved in the action. GRADE--------B+
PAIN AND GLORY--Pedro Almodorvo's latest feels the most autobiographical, and as usual with his cinematography, the film is drenched in vivid colors and art pieces. This helps keep the film which deals with his personal issues like his illnesses and drug addiction and homosexuality from feeling like a pity party. It's another triumph from Pedro. GRADE--------B+
THE GOOD LIAR--Two strong performances by Ian McKellan and Helen Mirren (who oddly have never been in the same film together before!) star in this deceptive thriller with a few good twists about revenge, love, trust and memory. The film is a pleasure to watch, satisfying and thoughtful. GRADE------------------B
JOJO RABBIT--This satiric, comedy drama is set near the end of WWII when a young German pre- teen boy is philosophizing with a comedic Hitler, (think Mel Brooks) trying to learn to become a little Nazi (with no idea of what that involves) and must befriend a young Jewish girl who lives in his attic! Some comic scenes are very funny, and as the film becomes more dramatic, the film becomes heartbreaking. It's an odd combination but it's also a unique experience. With Rebel Wilson and Scarlett Johanson as his mother and Sam Rockwell as his Nazi camp leader. Director Taika Waititi plays the wacky Hitler. GRADE-----------B
21 BRIDGES-- This straightforward police thriller has a beleaguered Chadwick Boseman as a top cop assigned to a drug case where 7 cops were killed---his solution is to close down all 21 bridges out of Manhattan to keep the two killers from escaping by car, bus, train or foot, but it becomes clear from the start that he is also dealing with a lot of cops on the take. The cast includes a very tough Sienna Miller, with J.K. Simmons, Taylor Kitsch and others. GRADE---------B
CHARLIE'S ANGELS--I never watched the TV series, and missed the last two movie reincarnations but I was interested because of some positive reviews. I had fun with this film. Lots of double entondres, lots of fist fights and bare knuckle business, lots of spying and special contraptions---this is like a milder version of a high stakes 007 film, and until the next James Bond, this will do just fine for filler. GRADE-------B-
MIDWAY--There are a lot (dozens) of mostly young men in uniform or in cockpits wearing oxygen masks, so sometimes it was difficult to determine who was who, but this telling of the Pearl Harbor attack and the Midway attack during WWII is lifted up by spectacular visuals of air battles and ship attacks that are very realistic and startling. Very strongly thumbs up if interested. GRADE-------------------B-
THE IRISHMAN--I wanted to like this film more than I did, but found nothing new in the gangster category to justify this rehash of other more interesting Martin Scorsese gangster films. The pacing is very leisurely (it is well over 3 hours in the telling) and should have been edited by about 30 minutes without losing anything. The casting was strong, with Al Pacino coming out best as hard headed union rep Jimmy Hoffa, and Joe Pesci is refreshingly low key while still being sinister. Robert DeNiro was the strong but silent type and looks convincing with the aging special effects. Perhaps most annoying in my enjoyment of the film was a woman directly across the aisle from me who had her leg crossed at the knee and exasperatedly rocked her leg up and down for most of the 3hour 40 minute length, as if bored to tears. GRADE------------------------C+
MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN--Written, directed and acted by Edward Norton, the story is the weak point here. Set in the 1950's, it tells of New York City real estate corruption in a moody film noir type of style. Unfortunately, it is nearly 2 1/2 hours and the plot does not sizzle like it should. I did appreciate Norton's characterization of a Tourette Syndrome would be detective who tries to solve the murder of his boss Bruce Willis. He provides much needed levity with his blurted profanities and inappropriate comments and nearly alone becomes the main reason for seeing this film, although other actors including Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Bobby Cannavale are first rate. Unfortunately there is some confusion about what exactly happens at the end and a major post film discussion needed to occur. GRADE----------C
Films viewed on DVD or TV--------------------------
ROSEMARY'S BABY 1967--Some how I never got around to seeing Roman Polanski's first American masterpiece as a whole, although I've read about it and seen enough clips to feel like I've seen it. So it's a real revelation to say, watching it start to finish for the first time that I was really creeped out and disturbed by the film as a whole, and many scenes were very intense. The Satanic rape scene was particularly disturbing, as is the birth and post natal sequence. Scene to scene is skillfully tension building, and the treatment Rosemary gets from her husband in particular and other women in general is very sad indeed. This is not a liberating film for women. Ruth Gordon who plays a noisy neighbor and heads the local Satanic group was amusingly creepy and won a Supporting Actress Oscar for her efforts. She had been nominated three other times for her screenplays. This was a major breakthrough for Mia Farrow--she'd spent a couple years in Peyton Place, a TV soap opera, and a couple TV movies, but became a substantial actor after that (plus her marriage to Frank Sinatra helped.) The film is still amazingly effective today. GRADE-------------A
SLIM 1937--A young Henry Fonda gets a first job as an electrical lineman in the depression under his foreman Pat Obrien, and the two men form a bromance--and they both fall in love with Obrien's sometimes girlfriend. I kept thinking they should form a menage au trois and live happily ever after. Some effective scenes of tension occur on the high wires, and there's a couple of startling moments as men fall to their death. The dialogue is pretty clever and the film kept me entertained one late evening. GRADE-------------B
BEN IS BACK 2018--I don't remember this getting a theatrical screening (in Seattle) last year and I can understand why. Julia Roberts is surprised when her drug addicted son appears on her doorstep the day before Christmas, claiming to have been released for the holiday for good behavior from rehab. Unfortunately, his bad habits lead to lying, revenge, violence and tragedy. This is not the Christmas film you may have been expecting, and although the cast is quite good and the plot keeps building in tension, the over all feeling is one of sadness and resignation. GRADE-------------B
LOVER COME BACK 1962--Doris Day and Rock Hudson star as competing agents from different ad agencies completing for the account of a product that doesn't exist yet. Womanizer Hudson treats Day in a condensending manner, hoping to get her into bed----not til the end of the film does Day get her revenge, and silly though it is at times, there are a number of witty gags. GRADE---------------B-
LEGEND 2015---Twin gangsters (played by Tom Hardy) rule London in the mid 1960's with force and violence. Hardy is pretty good, but the plotting and direction seem vague and predictable. GRADE-------------C
CHAIN LIGHTENING 1950--Humphrey Bogart plays air force pilot who returns after WWII and meets up with woman (Eleanor Parker) he nearly wed before war ended. Part soap opera, part drama about trying to break sound barrier, but actors talk too fast (if feels more like farce) and romantic triangle feels unconvincing. GRADE-----------------C-
Sunday, December 8, 2019
Sunday, November 3, 2019
HARRIET, TERMIATOR: DARK FATE, JUDY, JOKER, GEMINI MAN, WESTERN STAR, THE LIGHTHOUSE, THE CURRENT WAR, MS PURPLE, THE CLIMBERS, ZOMBIELAND: DOUBLE TAP
I was on a trip to visit my granddaughter for a week, and there weren't a lot of movie choices that motivated me to attend the theatre, so October films were slim pickings, but here's what I managed to see at theatres.
HARRIET---Here's a straight forward, engrossing telling of Harriet Tubman who managed to escape slavery by traveling over 100 miles to Philadelphia , then a short time later she returned to her plantation to help eight more travel north, and was ultimately responsible for freeing well over 150 slaves and bringing them to the north. She also helped organize the Underground Railroad, and worked for the army, became a spy and was active as an abolitionist and suffragette. This film doesn't cover all the actions that are attributed to Tubman, but the film is propelled by a committed, stirring performance by British actor Cynthia Erivo, and stimulates ones desire for more information, and should help propel the plan for putting her image on the face of the $20 dollar bill, which should help disgrace the obstructionist stooge Trump flunky Steve Munuchin. GRADE-----------A-
THE TERMINATOR: DARK FATE---This is the sixth sequel or prequel to the original TERMINATOR film, and it is a welcome return to suspense and chaotic chasing. Arnold Schwarzenegger is back, but this time a fierce Linda Hamilton is the lead, trying to protect the teenage Natalioa Reyes and another creature from the future played by a muscular Mackensie Dawes from the deadly creatures trying to change the future. It's often hard to wrap your mind around the past/present/future scenes, but watching this mayhem was certainly a lot of fun for me and is a satisfying return to form. Plus, it's a strong female empowerment tale. GRADE---------B+
JUDY---Renee Zellwegger gives it her all portraying the later in life Judy Garland--at times her character was so fascinating that I felt I was watching a documentary of the real Garland. Set in the last few months of her life, Zellwegger captures the frustrations, insecurities, and moving song styling that makes Garland the legend--it's a career defining performance for Renee.
GRADE--------B+
JOKER---Another top notch characterization comes from Joaquin Phoenix as the start of the neminis of the future Batman, although there are no "superheroes" in the film. Rather, the tone is murky and deadly serious as it explores the mental illness and loneliness of the murderous main character, trying to fit into life while taking care of a dying mother, a thankless career as a street clown, and pursuing a mysterious paternal past. I may want never to see this depressing film again, but I admire the skill and tenacity that go into the stylish telling. Also featuring Robert deNiro and Frances Conroy. GRADE-------------B+
GEMINI MAN---Will Smith plays an assassin who finds himself tracked by a younger assassin who is also played by a younger Will Smith--in a new technique that allows the camera to seemingly take 20 years of aging off Smith in a realistic manner. Director Ang Lee also uses a camera that is clearer and sharper and features many more frames per second to give the film a startlingly vivid image. This 3-D film was so much more effective to watch that I didn't have the headache or eye strain I usually get. Now, if only the plotting was a little more sophisticated. Still I had a great deal of fun watching this film. GRADE------------B
WESTERN STAR---This extended music video features all the new songs from the new Bruce Springsteen album, filmed and recorded in a classic old barn and introduced by Bruce in narration trying to tie in his reasons for the song and some history. If you love Bruce, you'll love this film. If you are curious, you will find yourself enjoying the music. Either way, it's a win win situation for fans. GRADE----------B
THE LIGHTHOUSE---William Dafoe and Robert Pattinson play mismatched lighthouse keepers who try to stay sane during an extended stay on a remote island as weather and fantasies and alcohol turn their minds to madness and murder. This film is like nothing you'll ever see at a suburban cineplex--the passions run wild and weird and sexual (mermaid sex, anyone?), and if you don't go running from the theater, then you'll find yourself aghast as if watching a train wreck in slow motion.
GRADE-------------------------B
THE CURRENT WAR---At the turn of the last century, a struggle between Westinghouse, General Electric and Tesla was waged for the privilege of lighting homes across America. Micheal Shannon, Benedict Cumberbatch and Tom Holland are featured in this fictionalized history lesson, fascinating to watch and learn. GRADE------------B-
MS PURPLE---Set in Los Angeles Korea town, two adult siblings--one a "model" in a sex club, the other a depressed drop dead do nothing--come together to care for their dying father, and manage to find some good in each other. GRADE---------B-
THE CLIMBERS---Based on a true story, this Chinese film has some great photography, but the story of the first Chinese team to climb Mount Everest was unintentionally very funny due to the cornball dialogue and the overly enthusiastic acting of several characters. GRADE---------C
ZOMBIE LAND: DOUBLE TAP---I guess I'm really over zombie movies, because this one felt stale, and for a comedy has precious few laughs --just a lot of familiar heads and limbs
being loped off. GRADE------------D
DVD ON TV
EDGE OF SEVENTEEN 2016--Hailee Steinfeld plays an awkward teen whose only best friend starts to date her annoying older brother, driving her to confide in her hip, beleaguered teacher, played by Woody Harrelson. The film is touching and hilarious. GRADE-------B
MY SISTER EILEEN 1955--This colorful musical comedy drama of two sisters who move to New York City to make it, is mildly amusing, mostly thanks to the cast, Janet Leigh, Jack Lemmon, Betty Garnett and a very young Bob Fosse (it's good he dropped acting and took up choreography and directing, because he isn't very good as a love interest......). GRADE------B-
UNDER THE YUM YUM TREE 1963--This silly, sexist sex comedy seems very out of date, but there was some interest in some moments from the cast---Jack Lemmon tries to seduce all his tenants, without much success, Paul Lynde and Imogene Coco play married gardener and maid in a broad fashion, Dean Jones and Carol Lynley are the young lovers trying to live together but without sex, and Edie Adams is the ex of Lemmon. GRADE---------C
HARRIET---Here's a straight forward, engrossing telling of Harriet Tubman who managed to escape slavery by traveling over 100 miles to Philadelphia , then a short time later she returned to her plantation to help eight more travel north, and was ultimately responsible for freeing well over 150 slaves and bringing them to the north. She also helped organize the Underground Railroad, and worked for the army, became a spy and was active as an abolitionist and suffragette. This film doesn't cover all the actions that are attributed to Tubman, but the film is propelled by a committed, stirring performance by British actor Cynthia Erivo, and stimulates ones desire for more information, and should help propel the plan for putting her image on the face of the $20 dollar bill, which should help disgrace the obstructionist stooge Trump flunky Steve Munuchin. GRADE-----------A-
THE TERMINATOR: DARK FATE---This is the sixth sequel or prequel to the original TERMINATOR film, and it is a welcome return to suspense and chaotic chasing. Arnold Schwarzenegger is back, but this time a fierce Linda Hamilton is the lead, trying to protect the teenage Natalioa Reyes and another creature from the future played by a muscular Mackensie Dawes from the deadly creatures trying to change the future. It's often hard to wrap your mind around the past/present/future scenes, but watching this mayhem was certainly a lot of fun for me and is a satisfying return to form. Plus, it's a strong female empowerment tale. GRADE---------B+
JUDY---Renee Zellwegger gives it her all portraying the later in life Judy Garland--at times her character was so fascinating that I felt I was watching a documentary of the real Garland. Set in the last few months of her life, Zellwegger captures the frustrations, insecurities, and moving song styling that makes Garland the legend--it's a career defining performance for Renee.
GRADE--------B+
JOKER---Another top notch characterization comes from Joaquin Phoenix as the start of the neminis of the future Batman, although there are no "superheroes" in the film. Rather, the tone is murky and deadly serious as it explores the mental illness and loneliness of the murderous main character, trying to fit into life while taking care of a dying mother, a thankless career as a street clown, and pursuing a mysterious paternal past. I may want never to see this depressing film again, but I admire the skill and tenacity that go into the stylish telling. Also featuring Robert deNiro and Frances Conroy. GRADE-------------B+
GEMINI MAN---Will Smith plays an assassin who finds himself tracked by a younger assassin who is also played by a younger Will Smith--in a new technique that allows the camera to seemingly take 20 years of aging off Smith in a realistic manner. Director Ang Lee also uses a camera that is clearer and sharper and features many more frames per second to give the film a startlingly vivid image. This 3-D film was so much more effective to watch that I didn't have the headache or eye strain I usually get. Now, if only the plotting was a little more sophisticated. Still I had a great deal of fun watching this film. GRADE------------B
WESTERN STAR---This extended music video features all the new songs from the new Bruce Springsteen album, filmed and recorded in a classic old barn and introduced by Bruce in narration trying to tie in his reasons for the song and some history. If you love Bruce, you'll love this film. If you are curious, you will find yourself enjoying the music. Either way, it's a win win situation for fans. GRADE----------B
THE LIGHTHOUSE---William Dafoe and Robert Pattinson play mismatched lighthouse keepers who try to stay sane during an extended stay on a remote island as weather and fantasies and alcohol turn their minds to madness and murder. This film is like nothing you'll ever see at a suburban cineplex--the passions run wild and weird and sexual (mermaid sex, anyone?), and if you don't go running from the theater, then you'll find yourself aghast as if watching a train wreck in slow motion.
GRADE-------------------------B
THE CURRENT WAR---At the turn of the last century, a struggle between Westinghouse, General Electric and Tesla was waged for the privilege of lighting homes across America. Micheal Shannon, Benedict Cumberbatch and Tom Holland are featured in this fictionalized history lesson, fascinating to watch and learn. GRADE------------B-
MS PURPLE---Set in Los Angeles Korea town, two adult siblings--one a "model" in a sex club, the other a depressed drop dead do nothing--come together to care for their dying father, and manage to find some good in each other. GRADE---------B-
THE CLIMBERS---Based on a true story, this Chinese film has some great photography, but the story of the first Chinese team to climb Mount Everest was unintentionally very funny due to the cornball dialogue and the overly enthusiastic acting of several characters. GRADE---------C
ZOMBIE LAND: DOUBLE TAP---I guess I'm really over zombie movies, because this one felt stale, and for a comedy has precious few laughs --just a lot of familiar heads and limbs
being loped off. GRADE------------D
DVD ON TV
EDGE OF SEVENTEEN 2016--Hailee Steinfeld plays an awkward teen whose only best friend starts to date her annoying older brother, driving her to confide in her hip, beleaguered teacher, played by Woody Harrelson. The film is touching and hilarious. GRADE-------B
MY SISTER EILEEN 1955--This colorful musical comedy drama of two sisters who move to New York City to make it, is mildly amusing, mostly thanks to the cast, Janet Leigh, Jack Lemmon, Betty Garnett and a very young Bob Fosse (it's good he dropped acting and took up choreography and directing, because he isn't very good as a love interest......). GRADE------B-
UNDER THE YUM YUM TREE 1963--This silly, sexist sex comedy seems very out of date, but there was some interest in some moments from the cast---Jack Lemmon tries to seduce all his tenants, without much success, Paul Lynde and Imogene Coco play married gardener and maid in a broad fashion, Dean Jones and Carol Lynley are the young lovers trying to live together but without sex, and Edie Adams is the ex of Lemmon. GRADE---------C
Sunday, September 29, 2019
DOWNTON ABBEY, THE GOLDFINCH, BRITTANY RUNS A MARATHON, WHERE'D YOU GO BERNADETTE?, AD ASTRA, DORA and the CITY OF GOLD, PEANUT BUTTER FALCON, ANGEL HAS FALLEN, HUSTLERS etc
DOWNTON ABBEY---Most pleasurable film of the week for me and ANY fan of the PBS DOWNTON ABBEY family, this plays like a super sized TV episode (with spectacular costumes, soaring music, glorious photography and) where all the main characters (close to 20 I imagine,) each get a big big scene or 2 or 3. If you are not a fan then you might not know what's going on as the film moves along at breakneck speed, and the ironies of character history maybe tough to follow, but the dialogue is as witty as ever (thank you Maggie Smith) and the asides are amusingly snide and clever. A perfect, enchanting treat. GRADE----------A
THE GOLDFINCH--A novel is not a movie (although it can be imagined in your mind in a cinematic fashion) and a movie is NOT a novel. I've heard or read more than a dozen various critics talking or writing about the film adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize winning novel THE GOLDFINCH and they all had read the novel--I have NOT read the novel though the film makes me want to read it--and they all have the same ridiculous reason for not liking the movie. Using the dismissive phrase, "Well, it wasn't as good as the book" or "it was too long and dull (the book is nearly 800 pages and was a prize winner but the movie is a svelte 2 1/2 hours that whizzed by for me. I was transfixed and engaged by the epic, moving, Dickensonian plotting and I enjoyed the various characters that slip into and out of the young protagonist's life, and the twists had a strong ironic pull to them. The acting is first rate all around, and technically the film looks great. The film does have a few moments where I'm sure some characters or plotting was short shifted, but they are trying to get 800 pages into a manageable format. So I ask, WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT FROM A GOOD MOVIE, PEOPLE? By year's end I'll have seen around 300 films, and I'm confident that this moving film will be in the top ten. GRADE---------A-
BRITTANY RUNS A MARATHON--I saw this originally last May at SIFF and remembered it as being a sparkling comedy, but a recent second viewing felt to me like some minor tinkering and editing had emphasized the more serious and sad aspects of this story. Brittany is a chubby pushing 30 party girl with low self esteem at the start, but when a doctor (and some neighbors) encourage her to take control of her life, she decides to start running because that is cheaper than a gym membership! Comedian Jillian Bell is the best reason for seeing this film, as her self-deprecating humor takes the edge off her depression and low self worth. It's a brave funny/sad performance. GRADE------------B+
WHERE"D YOU GO, BERNADETTE?--Here's another case of a popular novel being transformed into movie that has received many negative reviews from the book readers. Not having read the novel, my only comment is that it is hard to make a difficult, hard to like character sympathetic, but fortunately, you have the amazing Cate Blanchett, who not only makes her inspiring but also very funny. She made me laugh more than any other comic character so far this year, with the possible exception of the above mentioned BRITTANY. GRADE------------B+
DORA AND THE CITY OF GOLD--I'm not too familiar with the Dora the Explorer TV character for kids phenomenon, but the the film makers have wisely aged Dora by 10 years making her a smart, clever teenager, and I found the film to be cheeky and adventurous fun. The occasional injection of fantasy sequences and animated moments made me smile and laugh, and this is one adults may enjoy as much as older kids. GRADE--------------B
PEANUT BUTTER FALCON--A Down Syndrome young man escapes from his group home and hooks up with a drifter and eventually his care giver as he searches for a mythical man to train him to be a TV wrestler. Film works very well until the final 10 minutes when all semblance of reality go out the window when the wrestling fantasy takes over. Shia La Beouf, Dakota Johnson and the newcomer Zach Gottsagen are quite charming together, and John Hawkes, Bruce Dern and Thomas Haden Church give fine support. It's a lovely surprise. GRADE----------B
AD ASTRA---Here's a serious space exploration film that feels at the start to be an adult STAR TREK episode--an astronaut Brad Pitt, who plays it moody and serious, is sent to Jupiter to track down his astronaut father who disappeared 16 years earlier, and who might have discovered a power source that will destroy ALL the universe as we know it (!!!??? all the way from Jupiter!!??) and somehow he manages to get there despite all the hurdles placed in his way, and he is so so serious all the time. There are a lot of holes in this plot that made me go HUH?, but the story should be more affecting than it is. Technically the film looks good, but it moves at a snails pace at times, and by the ending I kept thinking I was watching a condensed version of the lost in space drama GRAVITY with Pitt instead of Sandra Bullock, but GRAVITY is a better film by far. GRADE---------------------C+
ANGEL HAS FALLEN--Gerard Butler is a top secret service agent for president Morgan Freeman but he is set up to appear as the attempted assassinater of the president, and must clear his name even though all government and police are searching for him. Jada Pinkit Smith plays one of the tough agents trying to track him down. We've seen this plot before and the cliches don't help much, but at least the action is continuous and there are lots of chases and gun battles and bombs exploding to keep us awake. GRADE------------C+
HUSTLERS-- Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu play struggling strippers who decide to cheat drunken men out of their money by drugging them. The film plays like a low brow drunken WOLF OF WALL STREET--where you need a shower after watching the film because all the characters are so unlikable and greedy. There's not much fun to be had in watching this play out, but at least Lopez looks impressive on a stripper pole. GRADE--------C
DON'T LET GO--Impressively playing a police detective, David Oyelow ( THE HELP, SELMA, UNITED KINGDOM, LES MISERABLES on PBS)is shocked when he starts to receive phone calls from his recently murdered niece, played well by Storm Reid. Myketi Williamson and Alfred Molina are fine in supporting roles, but someone forgot to make sense of this convoluted plot, which veers wildly from intense action sequences to WHAT THE F*** moments--sometimes within the same scene. GRADE----------C
Viewed the following on TV, Netflix or DVD---------------------------
"MO" 2010--Julie Walters is a startling revelation in this British film based on a true story of Mo Mowlam who served under Tony Blair as Secretary of State for many years until a brain tumor made it apparent she could no longer serve. I wasn't always able to follow the politics (she was instrumental in creating the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, partly by meeting with political prisoners alone without security) but Walters is so riveting in the part that it doesn't matter. It's an eye opening portrayal. Viewed on Netflix. GRADE-------A
O LUCKY MAN--1973--Star Malcolm McDonell came up with the story and part of the script, which was improvised many times throughout the film, so it is amazing that the film holds together so well. It is part satire, road trip, social commentary, and nearly a musical as there are a dozen songs written and preformed by Alan Price and his band. The large cast includes many playing multiple roles, including Helen Mirren, Mona Washbourne, Rachel Roberts and Ralph Richardson. The rambling plot has McDonell as an innocent who because of his cheerful and positive countenance is given major opportunities in advancing his career ( and also at the start of the film has many women falling at his feet so to speak.) It is not easy categorizing this film except to say that it was a funny, charming, wicked, fascinating experience, and I enjoyed this satire very much. DVD from library. GRADE----------------A-
THE SCAPEGOAT 2012--Two doppelgangers (look alike) switch places in 1952 London--one is poor and unemployed, the other is corruptly rich. The results are suspenseful and tragic. Based on a Daphne duMaurier novel, who also wrote REBECCA and THE BIRDS, this story was also filmed in 1959 with Alec Guinness and Bette Davis.
THE BOOKSHOP 2018--Emily Mortimer is a simple woman who starts a bookshop in a small conservative British town that doesn't seem to want one. Also stars Bill Nighy and Patricia Clarkson. The pacing is leisurely but the ending packs a memorable wallop. Viewed on Netflix. GRADE-----B
WHAT THEY HAD 2018-- An excellent cast make this poignant drama sadly hit the target, as the matriarch slips into dementia. Hilary Swain and Michael Shannon are the adult siblings, and Robert Forester and Blythe Danner are the parents. Library DVD. GRADE------------B
HOTEL 1967--Rod Taylor, Melvyn Douglas, Karl Malden, Kevin McCarthy, and Merle Oberon star in this melodrama written by Arthur Hailey and set in New Orleans old class hotel having financial problems. From the first scene you KNOW an elevator accident will feature in the finale! Library DVD GRADE------------B-
FAST COLORS 2019 --Gugu Mbutha-Raw has some strange powers she can't quite control. She returns home to her mother and the child she left behind to build a better life. Interesting take on female empowerment. Good cast includes David Strathairn and Lorraine Tousaint. DVD received as gift. GRADE-------------------B-
I bought a 6 pack of older Spy (cold war) thrillers on DVD--with mixed results:
THE DEADLY AFFAIR--1966--This was the best one, with a classy cast including James Mason, Simone Signoret and Maximilian Scheel, based on a novel by John LeCarre. When a fellow spy is murdered after he interviews him, James Mason must find who would do such a thing. The pacing is leisurely but effective. GRADE------------B
THE EXECUTIONER-- 1970--Agent George Peppard suspects a fellow agent of being a double agent. Joan Collins and Judy Geeson costar. There's some good suspense and a sickening twist. GRADE-------------B-
MAN ON A STRING--1960-- Ernest Borgnine pretends to be a double agent for Russia, wondering when he will be discovered. There's some good suspense towards the end.
GRADE------------B-
OTLEY--1968--A light- hearted romp with Tom Courtney playing an irresponsible sticky fingered roustabout who is accused of murdering a friend. Set in swinging London. GRADE------------C+
A DANDY IN ASPECT--1968--The most stylish looking film, but the final 10 minutes are a messy confusing chaotic blur. Agent Lawrence Harvey wants to defect to Russia but agent Tom Courtney is around to stop him, and Mia Farrow is there to distract him. GRADE---------C+
HAMMERHEAD--1968--There is nothing to recommend this poor James Bond rip-off---including a bad Shirley Bassey song that sounds as close to GOLDFINGER as possible, and a non plot with a race through town in a hearse! Vince Edwards looks the part but his stony expression is no match for any of the previous Bonds. GRADE-----------D
THE GOLDFINCH--A novel is not a movie (although it can be imagined in your mind in a cinematic fashion) and a movie is NOT a novel. I've heard or read more than a dozen various critics talking or writing about the film adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize winning novel THE GOLDFINCH and they all had read the novel--I have NOT read the novel though the film makes me want to read it--and they all have the same ridiculous reason for not liking the movie. Using the dismissive phrase, "Well, it wasn't as good as the book" or "it was too long and dull (the book is nearly 800 pages and was a prize winner but the movie is a svelte 2 1/2 hours that whizzed by for me. I was transfixed and engaged by the epic, moving, Dickensonian plotting and I enjoyed the various characters that slip into and out of the young protagonist's life, and the twists had a strong ironic pull to them. The acting is first rate all around, and technically the film looks great. The film does have a few moments where I'm sure some characters or plotting was short shifted, but they are trying to get 800 pages into a manageable format. So I ask, WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT FROM A GOOD MOVIE, PEOPLE? By year's end I'll have seen around 300 films, and I'm confident that this moving film will be in the top ten. GRADE---------A-
BRITTANY RUNS A MARATHON--I saw this originally last May at SIFF and remembered it as being a sparkling comedy, but a recent second viewing felt to me like some minor tinkering and editing had emphasized the more serious and sad aspects of this story. Brittany is a chubby pushing 30 party girl with low self esteem at the start, but when a doctor (and some neighbors) encourage her to take control of her life, she decides to start running because that is cheaper than a gym membership! Comedian Jillian Bell is the best reason for seeing this film, as her self-deprecating humor takes the edge off her depression and low self worth. It's a brave funny/sad performance. GRADE------------B+
WHERE"D YOU GO, BERNADETTE?--Here's another case of a popular novel being transformed into movie that has received many negative reviews from the book readers. Not having read the novel, my only comment is that it is hard to make a difficult, hard to like character sympathetic, but fortunately, you have the amazing Cate Blanchett, who not only makes her inspiring but also very funny. She made me laugh more than any other comic character so far this year, with the possible exception of the above mentioned BRITTANY. GRADE------------B+
DORA AND THE CITY OF GOLD--I'm not too familiar with the Dora the Explorer TV character for kids phenomenon, but the the film makers have wisely aged Dora by 10 years making her a smart, clever teenager, and I found the film to be cheeky and adventurous fun. The occasional injection of fantasy sequences and animated moments made me smile and laugh, and this is one adults may enjoy as much as older kids. GRADE--------------B
PEANUT BUTTER FALCON--A Down Syndrome young man escapes from his group home and hooks up with a drifter and eventually his care giver as he searches for a mythical man to train him to be a TV wrestler. Film works very well until the final 10 minutes when all semblance of reality go out the window when the wrestling fantasy takes over. Shia La Beouf, Dakota Johnson and the newcomer Zach Gottsagen are quite charming together, and John Hawkes, Bruce Dern and Thomas Haden Church give fine support. It's a lovely surprise. GRADE----------B
AD ASTRA---Here's a serious space exploration film that feels at the start to be an adult STAR TREK episode--an astronaut Brad Pitt, who plays it moody and serious, is sent to Jupiter to track down his astronaut father who disappeared 16 years earlier, and who might have discovered a power source that will destroy ALL the universe as we know it (!!!??? all the way from Jupiter!!??) and somehow he manages to get there despite all the hurdles placed in his way, and he is so so serious all the time. There are a lot of holes in this plot that made me go HUH?, but the story should be more affecting than it is. Technically the film looks good, but it moves at a snails pace at times, and by the ending I kept thinking I was watching a condensed version of the lost in space drama GRAVITY with Pitt instead of Sandra Bullock, but GRAVITY is a better film by far. GRADE---------------------C+
ANGEL HAS FALLEN--Gerard Butler is a top secret service agent for president Morgan Freeman but he is set up to appear as the attempted assassinater of the president, and must clear his name even though all government and police are searching for him. Jada Pinkit Smith plays one of the tough agents trying to track him down. We've seen this plot before and the cliches don't help much, but at least the action is continuous and there are lots of chases and gun battles and bombs exploding to keep us awake. GRADE------------C+
HUSTLERS-- Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu play struggling strippers who decide to cheat drunken men out of their money by drugging them. The film plays like a low brow drunken WOLF OF WALL STREET--where you need a shower after watching the film because all the characters are so unlikable and greedy. There's not much fun to be had in watching this play out, but at least Lopez looks impressive on a stripper pole. GRADE--------C
DON'T LET GO--Impressively playing a police detective, David Oyelow ( THE HELP, SELMA, UNITED KINGDOM, LES MISERABLES on PBS)is shocked when he starts to receive phone calls from his recently murdered niece, played well by Storm Reid. Myketi Williamson and Alfred Molina are fine in supporting roles, but someone forgot to make sense of this convoluted plot, which veers wildly from intense action sequences to WHAT THE F*** moments--sometimes within the same scene. GRADE----------C
Viewed the following on TV, Netflix or DVD---------------------------
"MO" 2010--Julie Walters is a startling revelation in this British film based on a true story of Mo Mowlam who served under Tony Blair as Secretary of State for many years until a brain tumor made it apparent she could no longer serve. I wasn't always able to follow the politics (she was instrumental in creating the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, partly by meeting with political prisoners alone without security) but Walters is so riveting in the part that it doesn't matter. It's an eye opening portrayal. Viewed on Netflix. GRADE-------A
O LUCKY MAN--1973--Star Malcolm McDonell came up with the story and part of the script, which was improvised many times throughout the film, so it is amazing that the film holds together so well. It is part satire, road trip, social commentary, and nearly a musical as there are a dozen songs written and preformed by Alan Price and his band. The large cast includes many playing multiple roles, including Helen Mirren, Mona Washbourne, Rachel Roberts and Ralph Richardson. The rambling plot has McDonell as an innocent who because of his cheerful and positive countenance is given major opportunities in advancing his career ( and also at the start of the film has many women falling at his feet so to speak.) It is not easy categorizing this film except to say that it was a funny, charming, wicked, fascinating experience, and I enjoyed this satire very much. DVD from library. GRADE----------------A-
THE SCAPEGOAT 2012--Two doppelgangers (look alike) switch places in 1952 London--one is poor and unemployed, the other is corruptly rich. The results are suspenseful and tragic. Based on a Daphne duMaurier novel, who also wrote REBECCA and THE BIRDS, this story was also filmed in 1959 with Alec Guinness and Bette Davis.
THE BOOKSHOP 2018--Emily Mortimer is a simple woman who starts a bookshop in a small conservative British town that doesn't seem to want one. Also stars Bill Nighy and Patricia Clarkson. The pacing is leisurely but the ending packs a memorable wallop. Viewed on Netflix. GRADE-----B
WHAT THEY HAD 2018-- An excellent cast make this poignant drama sadly hit the target, as the matriarch slips into dementia. Hilary Swain and Michael Shannon are the adult siblings, and Robert Forester and Blythe Danner are the parents. Library DVD. GRADE------------B
HOTEL 1967--Rod Taylor, Melvyn Douglas, Karl Malden, Kevin McCarthy, and Merle Oberon star in this melodrama written by Arthur Hailey and set in New Orleans old class hotel having financial problems. From the first scene you KNOW an elevator accident will feature in the finale! Library DVD GRADE------------B-
FAST COLORS 2019 --Gugu Mbutha-Raw has some strange powers she can't quite control. She returns home to her mother and the child she left behind to build a better life. Interesting take on female empowerment. Good cast includes David Strathairn and Lorraine Tousaint. DVD received as gift. GRADE-------------------B-
I bought a 6 pack of older Spy (cold war) thrillers on DVD--with mixed results:
THE DEADLY AFFAIR--1966--This was the best one, with a classy cast including James Mason, Simone Signoret and Maximilian Scheel, based on a novel by John LeCarre. When a fellow spy is murdered after he interviews him, James Mason must find who would do such a thing. The pacing is leisurely but effective. GRADE------------B
THE EXECUTIONER-- 1970--Agent George Peppard suspects a fellow agent of being a double agent. Joan Collins and Judy Geeson costar. There's some good suspense and a sickening twist. GRADE-------------B-
MAN ON A STRING--1960-- Ernest Borgnine pretends to be a double agent for Russia, wondering when he will be discovered. There's some good suspense towards the end.
GRADE------------B-
OTLEY--1968--A light- hearted romp with Tom Courtney playing an irresponsible sticky fingered roustabout who is accused of murdering a friend. Set in swinging London. GRADE------------C+
A DANDY IN ASPECT--1968--The most stylish looking film, but the final 10 minutes are a messy confusing chaotic blur. Agent Lawrence Harvey wants to defect to Russia but agent Tom Courtney is around to stop him, and Mia Farrow is there to distract him. GRADE---------C+
HAMMERHEAD--1968--There is nothing to recommend this poor James Bond rip-off---including a bad Shirley Bassey song that sounds as close to GOLDFINGER as possible, and a non plot with a race through town in a hearse! Vince Edwards looks the part but his stony expression is no match for any of the previous Bonds. GRADE-----------D
Friday, August 23, 2019
BLINDED BY THE LIGHT, MAIDEN, THE FAREWELL, THE LAST BLACK MAN IN SAN FRANCISCO, ROYAL THUNDER REVIEW: A BOB DYLAN STORY, ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD, BRIAN BANKS, FAST AND FURIOUS PRESENT HOBBS AND SHAW, WILDROSE, plus other interesting stuff.
BLINDED BY THE LIGHT--Great Britain--I first saw this musical charmer back in May in a packed house that went bananas by the end, and it became one of the best of SIFF for the year. Based on a true story, it tells of a Pakistani family that has immigrated to Great Britain in the 1980's only to find themselves caught up in Thatcher inspired bigotry and cruel jobless statistics. The teenaged son discovers the powerful music of Bruce Springsteen and how it speaks to him in his helpless situation--no jobs and a father who doesn't support his goals, but he remains steadfast in his effort to satisfy his personal dreams. In spite of a few plot cliches, the film is exuberantly dramatic and engagingly entertaining. GRADE--------------A
MAIDEN--Superb documentary of the first all female crew to sail around the world in 1989 in the Whitbread Round the World Race. Organizer Tracy Edwards, the driving force behind this effort is portrayed, warts and all, as determined and empowering, and the director Alex Holmes uses 30 year old interviews of crew members and actual horrifying sailing scenes to keep us entertained.
GRADE---------A
THE FAREWELL----USA/China--Lovely and moving comedy/drama about a family that refuses to tell grandmother that she has terminal cancer, thinking that she should enjoy her last days free of thoughts of death. Instead the family all gathers in China to celebrate a wedding of a young couple that don't seem to be very interested in marriage or each other. GRADE-------A-
THE LAST BLACK MAN IN SAN FRANCISCO---USA--The dynamics of a close male friendship are explored in the face of truth denials and a changing gentrified city. San Francisco itself has never been explored so lovingly, so cinematically, and so much of a main character as in this film. Despite a low budget, the film making is polished and professional, and the first time director is one to watch. GRADE--------A-
THE ROYAL THUNDER REVUE: A BOB DYLAN STORY BY MARTIN SCORSESE--USA--Here's a meandering but fascinating account of the series of concerts begun in 1975 which continued intermittently for several decades, and featured a rotating mixture of talent that included Joan Baez, Mick Ronan, Sharon Stone and other friends. Dylan is in white face for most of the shows. It was interesting for me and it evoked a time and place long past, but if you aren't into Dylan you might not find the film very involving. Still the photography is excellent as is the sound and music, which were all remastered for this film, showing on Demand. GRADE----------A-
ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD--USA--A laid back, comedic look at 1968 in Hollywood leading up to the Sharon Tate murders, offering pleasing performances by handyman/driver Brad Pitt, (sort of reminiscent of his breakthrough early role in THELMA AND LOUISE) and Leo DiCaprio as his actor/boss who is on the down swing of his career. This is mostly about their friendship, but they are neighbors to the up and coming actress Sharon Tate who is pregnant by her husband Roman Polanski. Violence seems to linger around the edges of the film until the final 20 minutes when there's a confrontation with some of the Charles Manson gang--a fatal fantasy of things to come in a couple days. Burstingly filled with 60's pop icons of music, movie posters, hot cars, and numerous movie clips, the film is a pleasure for any film buff to behold, and feels like Tarantino's most generous film to date. GRADE----------B+
FAST AND FURIOUS PRESENT HOBBS AND SHAW--USA--An awkward title to be sure. Like other instalments of the FAST AND FURIOUS franchise, especially the last one (FURIOUS 7)--this one is filled with outrageous fist fights, unbelievable car chases and a preposterous plot--all on steroids. At the time I enjoyed most of the chaos, but in time I will probably forget about the plot, as I did with 7 which I recently saw again and didn't realize I'd seen it until towards the end. Dwayne Johnson and Jason Stratham battle each other, and then team up to battle a genetically enhanced "superman" Idris Elba. There are also some amusing jokes and funny cameos by some famous
names that enliven the proceedings, and there is also a kick ass cohort Vanessa Kirby who plays Stratham's sister. She appeared last year in MISSION IMPOSSIBLE 6: FREEFALL, and on TV on THE CROWN as Queen Elizabeth's sister Margaret. She is hot stuff, to be sure. GRADE-------------B+
WILD ROSE--Great Britain--A young brash, British singer just out of prison is willing to abandon her two young kids (to her mother) to make an attempt at singing in Nashville, TN. Her singing voice is impressive and all the actors are quite good. GRADE--------B+
BRIAN BANKS--USA--Smart bio pic based on true story. Banks is a star foot ball high schooler
with a promising career but he is waylaid by a false sexual accusation and spends 6 years in prison, finally seeking help from a lawyer who works with wrongly accused prisoners. Greg Kinnear is the lawyer, but the whole cast shines. GRADE--------B+
ALADDIN--USA---Colorful and pleasing live action remake of the animated Disney feature , with Will Smith in the unenviable position of redoing the hilariously unforgettable Robin Williams genie role. Thankfully, Smith is good is his own way. Songs like A WHOLE NEW WORLD and YOU NEVER HAD A FRIEND LIKE ME are still highlights, and I enjoyed the set and costume designs. GRADE-----------B
LION KING--USA--Here's another live action remake of the animated Disney musical, though strangely, these creatures talk with unexpressive faces. The cartoon animation took more liberties, and was more effective that way. The songs are all there and nicely done, including CAN YOU FEEL THE LOVE TONIGHT, CIRCLE OF LIFE and I CAN'T WAIT TO BE KING. GRADE-------B
THE KITCHEN--USA--A slow starter, but this gangster film about three wives left to fend for themselves when their husbands are sent to three years of prison gains considerable power by the intense finale. They take over the husband's business of "protection (and collection)"
---and actually do a better job than their men, but they anger other men trying to move in. This being the 1970's when women are supposed to be more subservient, it was interesting to see how they each change as the years go by, until their husband's are all released from prison, and things come to a head. Usually comedians, Melissa McCarthy and Tiffany Haddish are especially good as their styles clash. Elizabeth Moss as the abused wife changes in ways very creepy as she discovers how good she is at "wet" work (disembodiment) taught to her by a handsome but psychopathic young hit man. It is not a perfect film but it goes places that you've never seen before in a gangster setting. GRADE-------B
THE ART OF SELF DEFENSE---USA--A timid man (Jesse Eisenberg, naturally) is attacked one night, inspiring him to join karate classes from a charismatic teacher. When he becomes more secure, he starts the advance night classes, discovering some strange behavior from the instructor and fellow students. The film is creepy and funny, as it explores the dangers of toxic masculinity, although it suffers stylistically in comparison with FIGHT CLUB 1999--a superior film with which it shares some similar themes. GRADE-------B
A FAITHFUL MAN----FRANCE---This odd drama starts with a young man being kicked out of the apartment he shares with his girlfriend because she is pregnant--by another man. Years later when that man dies, the girlfriend comes back into his life--and he let's her! She then requires that he pass a test--fidelity with another woman! I wasn't sure what the motivations were here, but it is played with a straight face by all concerned. Perhaps it is a rift on Woody Allen, French style. GRADE---------B
LIFE IN THE DOGHOUSE--USA--A Netflix documentary about Danny and Ron's Rescue. They house up to 100 rescue dogs a night in their house, bringing sick and abused dogs to health and trying to find homes for all of them (Nearly 10000 in the last 10 years!) Heartwarming and frustrating, dogs have taken over nearly every inch of their home, yet with some volunteer and paid help, they manage to keep a clean and organized home. Moving and inspiring. GRADE-----B
GOOD BOYS--USA--Here's a case where the preview of coming attractions works against the enjoyment of the film. Nearly every decent sight gag and joke appears in the trailer, including the final big guffaw. The tween boys keep coming up with sex situations that they don't know anything about, and sometimes that is funny, but it you've seen it in a commercial, it's not so funny. Over all, the boys are sweet and innocent and well meaning as they try to replace the
broken drone with the help of older teen girls trying to buy drugs (which fortunately the tweens can't open the child proof top.) I wish I could give this smart effort a higher grade, but in the end so many jokes fall flat because of overexposure. GRADE-------C+
CRAWL--Young woman finds her father injured in the basement of his house during a hurricane, with a slew of hungry alligators trying to eat her and dad, while the house slowly fills with backwater from the storm. Ludicrous situation generates some suspense, but there are too many narrow escapes, and a couple knee slapper scenes, and in the end I was hoping the alligators would eat ALL the humans--alas, some escape the chomping. GRADE------C
THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN--USA--You know you are in trouble when the lead of the movie is a dog who narrates the film with more intelligent thoughts in his head and has more to say than all the human characters PUT TOGETHER. That dog talks, talks, talks and it doesn't feel like truth, plus the sentimentality meter goes off the charts by the end. Plus so much plot is projected in advance that there is no suspense as to what will happen next. GRADE-----C-
DANCING ELEPHANT--India--Creative ideas abound but there is not a clear point of view or style. Felt like it was written and directed by committee. A 13 year old ballerina is put in a coma by a car accident---15 years latter she awakes to find she is now 200 lbs. She tries to put together her old dancing group and with the help of a strange teacher tries to put on a show, but we don't really have any sympathy for her and the film makes us wince, a lot. GRADE------D+
WATCHED ON DVD/TV
MEMBER OF THE WEDDING--1952--USA--First film version of Carson McCullers play about a 12 year old tomboy in Georgia angry that her older brother is getting married and moving away without her. Fred Zinnemann sensitively directed, with Julie Harris, Ether Waters and Brandon deWilde. The actors are very effective, but the (poetic prose) dialogue feels mannered and stilted. GRADE--B
THE WILD ONE--1953--USA---Early Marlon Brando film--he's a biker who crashes into a small conservative town with dozens of biker friends, and havoc ensues. He intimidates the older people with his threatening manner but of course underneath he just wants to befriend the girl, daughter of the sheriff. Some of the dialogue is funny today--talking like beatniks and such. Leather jackets and jeans and motor bikes became very popular after this film. GRADE----B
MARVELLOUS 2014--Great Britain--TV film based on a true character who is a "special" man who lives with his mother without any talent or knowledge of money or responsibility, but nonetheless manages to find jobs and meet famous people because of his exuberant personality. He is played to the hilt by Toby Jones, and that makes it worth watching. I think I viewed this on Prime. GRADE----B-
THE SPIRAL STAIRCASE 1945--USA--Dorothy McGuire is a mute girl working in a big fancy house in the early 1900s but there is a wet and windy storm outside, and a village murderer of young women who have physical handicaps, and her life is in danger, so says everyone who works there. Unfortunately, the murderer is clearly identified by a close up of their eye, and if you look carefully it is clear whose eye it is--and this occurs early in the film. Still, it was fun to watch the cast which includes George Brent, Ethel Barrymore, Kent Smith, Elsa Lanchester and Rhonda Fleming. GRADE--------B-
MAIDEN--Superb documentary of the first all female crew to sail around the world in 1989 in the Whitbread Round the World Race. Organizer Tracy Edwards, the driving force behind this effort is portrayed, warts and all, as determined and empowering, and the director Alex Holmes uses 30 year old interviews of crew members and actual horrifying sailing scenes to keep us entertained.
GRADE---------A
THE FAREWELL----USA/China--Lovely and moving comedy/drama about a family that refuses to tell grandmother that she has terminal cancer, thinking that she should enjoy her last days free of thoughts of death. Instead the family all gathers in China to celebrate a wedding of a young couple that don't seem to be very interested in marriage or each other. GRADE-------A-
THE LAST BLACK MAN IN SAN FRANCISCO---USA--The dynamics of a close male friendship are explored in the face of truth denials and a changing gentrified city. San Francisco itself has never been explored so lovingly, so cinematically, and so much of a main character as in this film. Despite a low budget, the film making is polished and professional, and the first time director is one to watch. GRADE--------A-
THE ROYAL THUNDER REVUE: A BOB DYLAN STORY BY MARTIN SCORSESE--USA--Here's a meandering but fascinating account of the series of concerts begun in 1975 which continued intermittently for several decades, and featured a rotating mixture of talent that included Joan Baez, Mick Ronan, Sharon Stone and other friends. Dylan is in white face for most of the shows. It was interesting for me and it evoked a time and place long past, but if you aren't into Dylan you might not find the film very involving. Still the photography is excellent as is the sound and music, which were all remastered for this film, showing on Demand. GRADE----------A-
ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD--USA--A laid back, comedic look at 1968 in Hollywood leading up to the Sharon Tate murders, offering pleasing performances by handyman/driver Brad Pitt, (sort of reminiscent of his breakthrough early role in THELMA AND LOUISE) and Leo DiCaprio as his actor/boss who is on the down swing of his career. This is mostly about their friendship, but they are neighbors to the up and coming actress Sharon Tate who is pregnant by her husband Roman Polanski. Violence seems to linger around the edges of the film until the final 20 minutes when there's a confrontation with some of the Charles Manson gang--a fatal fantasy of things to come in a couple days. Burstingly filled with 60's pop icons of music, movie posters, hot cars, and numerous movie clips, the film is a pleasure for any film buff to behold, and feels like Tarantino's most generous film to date. GRADE----------B+
FAST AND FURIOUS PRESENT HOBBS AND SHAW--USA--An awkward title to be sure. Like other instalments of the FAST AND FURIOUS franchise, especially the last one (FURIOUS 7)--this one is filled with outrageous fist fights, unbelievable car chases and a preposterous plot--all on steroids. At the time I enjoyed most of the chaos, but in time I will probably forget about the plot, as I did with 7 which I recently saw again and didn't realize I'd seen it until towards the end. Dwayne Johnson and Jason Stratham battle each other, and then team up to battle a genetically enhanced "superman" Idris Elba. There are also some amusing jokes and funny cameos by some famous
names that enliven the proceedings, and there is also a kick ass cohort Vanessa Kirby who plays Stratham's sister. She appeared last year in MISSION IMPOSSIBLE 6: FREEFALL, and on TV on THE CROWN as Queen Elizabeth's sister Margaret. She is hot stuff, to be sure. GRADE-------------B+
WILD ROSE--Great Britain--A young brash, British singer just out of prison is willing to abandon her two young kids (to her mother) to make an attempt at singing in Nashville, TN. Her singing voice is impressive and all the actors are quite good. GRADE--------B+
BRIAN BANKS--USA--Smart bio pic based on true story. Banks is a star foot ball high schooler
with a promising career but he is waylaid by a false sexual accusation and spends 6 years in prison, finally seeking help from a lawyer who works with wrongly accused prisoners. Greg Kinnear is the lawyer, but the whole cast shines. GRADE--------B+
ALADDIN--USA---Colorful and pleasing live action remake of the animated Disney feature , with Will Smith in the unenviable position of redoing the hilariously unforgettable Robin Williams genie role. Thankfully, Smith is good is his own way. Songs like A WHOLE NEW WORLD and YOU NEVER HAD A FRIEND LIKE ME are still highlights, and I enjoyed the set and costume designs. GRADE-----------B
LION KING--USA--Here's another live action remake of the animated Disney musical, though strangely, these creatures talk with unexpressive faces. The cartoon animation took more liberties, and was more effective that way. The songs are all there and nicely done, including CAN YOU FEEL THE LOVE TONIGHT, CIRCLE OF LIFE and I CAN'T WAIT TO BE KING. GRADE-------B
THE KITCHEN--USA--A slow starter, but this gangster film about three wives left to fend for themselves when their husbands are sent to three years of prison gains considerable power by the intense finale. They take over the husband's business of "protection (and collection)"
---and actually do a better job than their men, but they anger other men trying to move in. This being the 1970's when women are supposed to be more subservient, it was interesting to see how they each change as the years go by, until their husband's are all released from prison, and things come to a head. Usually comedians, Melissa McCarthy and Tiffany Haddish are especially good as their styles clash. Elizabeth Moss as the abused wife changes in ways very creepy as she discovers how good she is at "wet" work (disembodiment) taught to her by a handsome but psychopathic young hit man. It is not a perfect film but it goes places that you've never seen before in a gangster setting. GRADE-------B
THE ART OF SELF DEFENSE---USA--A timid man (Jesse Eisenberg, naturally) is attacked one night, inspiring him to join karate classes from a charismatic teacher. When he becomes more secure, he starts the advance night classes, discovering some strange behavior from the instructor and fellow students. The film is creepy and funny, as it explores the dangers of toxic masculinity, although it suffers stylistically in comparison with FIGHT CLUB 1999--a superior film with which it shares some similar themes. GRADE-------B
A FAITHFUL MAN----FRANCE---This odd drama starts with a young man being kicked out of the apartment he shares with his girlfriend because she is pregnant--by another man. Years later when that man dies, the girlfriend comes back into his life--and he let's her! She then requires that he pass a test--fidelity with another woman! I wasn't sure what the motivations were here, but it is played with a straight face by all concerned. Perhaps it is a rift on Woody Allen, French style. GRADE---------B
LIFE IN THE DOGHOUSE--USA--A Netflix documentary about Danny and Ron's Rescue. They house up to 100 rescue dogs a night in their house, bringing sick and abused dogs to health and trying to find homes for all of them (Nearly 10000 in the last 10 years!) Heartwarming and frustrating, dogs have taken over nearly every inch of their home, yet with some volunteer and paid help, they manage to keep a clean and organized home. Moving and inspiring. GRADE-----B
GOOD BOYS--USA--Here's a case where the preview of coming attractions works against the enjoyment of the film. Nearly every decent sight gag and joke appears in the trailer, including the final big guffaw. The tween boys keep coming up with sex situations that they don't know anything about, and sometimes that is funny, but it you've seen it in a commercial, it's not so funny. Over all, the boys are sweet and innocent and well meaning as they try to replace the
broken drone with the help of older teen girls trying to buy drugs (which fortunately the tweens can't open the child proof top.) I wish I could give this smart effort a higher grade, but in the end so many jokes fall flat because of overexposure. GRADE-------C+
CRAWL--Young woman finds her father injured in the basement of his house during a hurricane, with a slew of hungry alligators trying to eat her and dad, while the house slowly fills with backwater from the storm. Ludicrous situation generates some suspense, but there are too many narrow escapes, and a couple knee slapper scenes, and in the end I was hoping the alligators would eat ALL the humans--alas, some escape the chomping. GRADE------C
THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN--USA--You know you are in trouble when the lead of the movie is a dog who narrates the film with more intelligent thoughts in his head and has more to say than all the human characters PUT TOGETHER. That dog talks, talks, talks and it doesn't feel like truth, plus the sentimentality meter goes off the charts by the end. Plus so much plot is projected in advance that there is no suspense as to what will happen next. GRADE-----C-
DANCING ELEPHANT--India--Creative ideas abound but there is not a clear point of view or style. Felt like it was written and directed by committee. A 13 year old ballerina is put in a coma by a car accident---15 years latter she awakes to find she is now 200 lbs. She tries to put together her old dancing group and with the help of a strange teacher tries to put on a show, but we don't really have any sympathy for her and the film makes us wince, a lot. GRADE------D+
WATCHED ON DVD/TV
MEMBER OF THE WEDDING--1952--USA--First film version of Carson McCullers play about a 12 year old tomboy in Georgia angry that her older brother is getting married and moving away without her. Fred Zinnemann sensitively directed, with Julie Harris, Ether Waters and Brandon deWilde. The actors are very effective, but the (poetic prose) dialogue feels mannered and stilted. GRADE--B
THE WILD ONE--1953--USA---Early Marlon Brando film--he's a biker who crashes into a small conservative town with dozens of biker friends, and havoc ensues. He intimidates the older people with his threatening manner but of course underneath he just wants to befriend the girl, daughter of the sheriff. Some of the dialogue is funny today--talking like beatniks and such. Leather jackets and jeans and motor bikes became very popular after this film. GRADE----B
MARVELLOUS 2014--Great Britain--TV film based on a true character who is a "special" man who lives with his mother without any talent or knowledge of money or responsibility, but nonetheless manages to find jobs and meet famous people because of his exuberant personality. He is played to the hilt by Toby Jones, and that makes it worth watching. I think I viewed this on Prime. GRADE----B-
THE SPIRAL STAIRCASE 1945--USA--Dorothy McGuire is a mute girl working in a big fancy house in the early 1900s but there is a wet and windy storm outside, and a village murderer of young women who have physical handicaps, and her life is in danger, so says everyone who works there. Unfortunately, the murderer is clearly identified by a close up of their eye, and if you look carefully it is clear whose eye it is--and this occurs early in the film. Still, it was fun to watch the cast which includes George Brent, Ethel Barrymore, Kent Smith, Elsa Lanchester and Rhonda Fleming. GRADE--------B-
Friday, July 12, 2019
TOY STORY 4, 5B (new doc on AIDS care in the 1980s), YESTERDAY, ANNA, MIDSOMMAR, LATE NIGHT, BIGGEST LITTLE FARM, LONG SHOT, JOHN WICK 3, SPIDERMAN: FAR FROM HOME, ALL IS TRUE plus some amusing Mae West classics
"5 B"----USA--Moving, informative documentary of the first USA hospital (in San Francisco, natch) that created a progressive and caring way of treating the crush of patients that came into their hospital during the deluge of the AIDS crisis in the 1980's. Showing footage of nurses and doctors (and some patients) then and now and how they related to these new patients of the then unknown illness is a beautiful statement on how to treat the unknown, with compassion and understanding. GRADE ----------------- B+
TOY STORY 4--USA--Everytime a new Pixar animated feature comes along, specifically in the TOY STORY category, I think that I don't really need to see it since it will be good as usual and haven't I seen it all before. Well, yes, it will be good, and this new episode 4 is as good as ever, with more emotional resonance scene for scene than any film of the new year, along with new adventures, new characters, new ideas and new brilliance. This time I took my nearly five year old grandson to his first theatrical movie, and for the first 70 minutes he was truly spellbound. To be fair, the jittery leg and arm syndrome hit hard during the final 30 minutes (I think he will become a marathon runner when he's older, and is very physical otherwise) but he seemed to enjoy it, even though the final 20 minutes seemed a bit protracted and emotional and he kept asking "Is this the end yet" several times. Still, this is a highmark for Pixar and animation in general. GRADE-----------------A
YESTERDAY--USA--What would the world be like if only one person had ever heard of THE BEATLES?--that's the premise of this charming comedy/drama/romance fantasy featuring nearly wall to wall wonderful Beatle tunes and endearing performances by lovely Brits. Here's a crowd pleaser of the most tuneful kind. GRADE----------- B+
ANNA--USA--Here's a better version of last year's RED SPARROW where a beautiful model is trained to be a deadly Russian spy under the leadership of the tough Helen Mirren, before becoming a double agent. Along with being beautiful and deadly, she manages to juggle three different lovers, one Russian, one American and one from her modeling job. Talented girl! GRADE---------------B+
MIDSOMMAR--USA/SWEDEN---Beautifully filmed with lush photography and music, this tension filled horror film builds some engrossing suspense as some 20-something's are sucked into a seemingly genteel cult in northern Sweden without their knowledge. GRADE----------B+
LATE NIGHT---USA---An older female late night TV host takes on a young female writer to help expand her appeal to a youthful audience. The clever, witty dialouge gives the two leads Emma Thompson and Mindy Kaling some pithy laughs, while landing some tough socially significant
points. GRADE---------------------B
BIGGEST LITTLE FARM---USA---Documentary of new farm created to survive sustainably using all natural techniques of regeneration, showing the highs and lows of their efforts over a seven year span. GRADE--------------B
LONG SHOT--USA--The female US Secretary of State and an immature male liberal journalist---with different personalities, become attracted during her run for the US Presidency, in this slapstick comedy of opposites attracting. Some vulgar crude humor towards the end sours the otherwise sweet premise which at its best plays like a good, director Preston Sturges classic from the 30s and 40s. GRADE--------------B
JOHN WICK 3: PARABELLUM--USA--I think that a bloody, violent body count hits around 250 dead from just one man--John Wick(Kneau Reeves), with a little help occasionally by friends (like Halle Berry), and for better or worse, the film becomes hypnotically spellbinding at times. GRADE----------------B
SPIDERMAN: FAR FROM HOME---USA---Even a class trip to Europe manages to disrupt a vacation for Spidey, so he can save the world from evil monsters. Fortunately, at least there are some witty laughs that helps balance the confusing virtual reality chaotic fighting. GRADE-----------------------B
ALL IS TRUE------GREAT BRIT IAN---William Shakespeare heads home after his beloved GLOBE Theatre in London burns to the ground, only to find many family members unhappy including his wife Anne (what's he been up to for nearly 20 years, and NOW he wants to sleep in her bed) and daughter who's gotten no appreciation from her father, who only wants to mourn his long dead son many years after said death...). Other scandals are brewing. GRADE--------B
STUBER---USA---Reminiscent of the 48 HOURS good cop bad cop comedies, there are some amusing gags and witty bits of dialogue, and I did like the two characters (John Bautista and Kumail Nanjaini)--a temporarily blinded cop who hires a mild mannered Uber driver to try to chase a violent criminal. But the chaos is mindless and numbing at times, and the film seems to evaporate in front of our eyes. GRADE-------------C+
DARK PHOENIX--USA--Another chapter of the X Men characters, this one centers on a woman who can't control the amazing power that she inherits. I thought it was better than expected, but except for a few set pieces (especially a spectacular action filled train wreck) the film is pretty vacuous. GRADE---------C+
CHILD'S PLAY---USA---Modest remake of the CHUCKY horror films, and at least the film tries to be funny, but it is unmemorable. GRADE-------------C
GODZILLA: KING OF MONSTERS---USA--Probably the worst monster film ever, starts the film seemingly in mid sentence, characters jump from location to location as if they were being beamed up and change their allegiances and philosophy at a whim, and the plot seems made up as it goes, as does the logic. It's a boring experience, too. GRADE------------D
Viewed on TV or DVD------------------------
NIGHT AFTER NIGHT--1932--USA--A smooth but depressed would be casino gangster (George Raft) falls for a sophisticated but
strange woman by sight, but his efforts to court her are complicated by an older teacher who is trying to teach him elocution and a vulgar moll who counteracts the teacher. Fortunately the moll is played by Mae West in her first major role, and she lights up the screen for the final 40 minutes of the film with innuendo and outrageous humor. GRADE---------------A-
ALGIERS--1938--USA--Charles Boyer plays Pepe Le Moko, a slick jewel thief who lives unperturbed in the Casbah region of Algiers, but is at police mercy if he leaves that section. He falls for the beautiful Hedy Lemar, and is tempted to leave his enclave for love. A moody, witty, thrilling love story. GRADE-----------------B+
BATTLE OF ALGIERS--1965--French and Algeria--Fast paced drama looks and feels like a documentary, and tells the story of the revolt against the French by the Algerians from 1954--1962. GRADE----------B+
THE TATTOOED STRANGER--USA--1950--Low budget but memorable police procedural film noir (pre CSI TV dramas) about a murdered woman with only an odd tattoo to identify her. GRADE--------------------B
GO WEST YOUNG MAN--USA--1936--Based on a Mae West play, she's a famous actress and her car has broken down in a small town, where she proceeds to seduce the young naive stud Randolph Scott--upsetting the plans of his fiancee and her entourage. Scott plays the part well, but future similar rolls were played with more sophistication by Cary Grant, who for nearly 20 years was partnered with Scott in living arrangements. She lights up all her scenes, bringing this old chestnut of a plot some vulgar fun. GRADE--------------B
FURIOUS 7--USA--2015--Quickly edited action thriller with several very improbable fight and action scenes. The FAST and FURIOUS team must kidnap a computer whiz from a dangerous mountain road while in motion, then fly to the middle east and steal a hot car from the rooftop tower and to escape with it they must drive it from not just one tower, but out the window to another tower to a third. Then there is a massive man hunt in Los Angeles using killer drones, helicopters and cars. Then Dwayne Johnson who was injured in the first scene of the film must break out of the hospital to help his friends, and that includes breaking out of the big arm cast he's been in the whole movie, and just in time, too--but first he must survive a collapsing car park. I was exhausted watching this film, but it wasn't until 2/3 through that I realized I had seen this film a few years back. Spectacular stuff, but so unlikely that you forget you'd seen it. GRADE-----------B
TOY STORY 4--USA--Everytime a new Pixar animated feature comes along, specifically in the TOY STORY category, I think that I don't really need to see it since it will be good as usual and haven't I seen it all before. Well, yes, it will be good, and this new episode 4 is as good as ever, with more emotional resonance scene for scene than any film of the new year, along with new adventures, new characters, new ideas and new brilliance. This time I took my nearly five year old grandson to his first theatrical movie, and for the first 70 minutes he was truly spellbound. To be fair, the jittery leg and arm syndrome hit hard during the final 30 minutes (I think he will become a marathon runner when he's older, and is very physical otherwise) but he seemed to enjoy it, even though the final 20 minutes seemed a bit protracted and emotional and he kept asking "Is this the end yet" several times. Still, this is a highmark for Pixar and animation in general. GRADE-----------------A
YESTERDAY--USA--What would the world be like if only one person had ever heard of THE BEATLES?--that's the premise of this charming comedy/drama/romance fantasy featuring nearly wall to wall wonderful Beatle tunes and endearing performances by lovely Brits. Here's a crowd pleaser of the most tuneful kind. GRADE----------- B+
ANNA--USA--Here's a better version of last year's RED SPARROW where a beautiful model is trained to be a deadly Russian spy under the leadership of the tough Helen Mirren, before becoming a double agent. Along with being beautiful and deadly, she manages to juggle three different lovers, one Russian, one American and one from her modeling job. Talented girl! GRADE---------------B+
MIDSOMMAR--USA/SWEDEN---Beautifully filmed with lush photography and music, this tension filled horror film builds some engrossing suspense as some 20-something's are sucked into a seemingly genteel cult in northern Sweden without their knowledge. GRADE----------B+
LATE NIGHT---USA---An older female late night TV host takes on a young female writer to help expand her appeal to a youthful audience. The clever, witty dialouge gives the two leads Emma Thompson and Mindy Kaling some pithy laughs, while landing some tough socially significant
points. GRADE---------------------B
BIGGEST LITTLE FARM---USA---Documentary of new farm created to survive sustainably using all natural techniques of regeneration, showing the highs and lows of their efforts over a seven year span. GRADE--------------B
LONG SHOT--USA--The female US Secretary of State and an immature male liberal journalist---with different personalities, become attracted during her run for the US Presidency, in this slapstick comedy of opposites attracting. Some vulgar crude humor towards the end sours the otherwise sweet premise which at its best plays like a good, director Preston Sturges classic from the 30s and 40s. GRADE--------------B
JOHN WICK 3: PARABELLUM--USA--I think that a bloody, violent body count hits around 250 dead from just one man--John Wick(Kneau Reeves), with a little help occasionally by friends (like Halle Berry), and for better or worse, the film becomes hypnotically spellbinding at times. GRADE----------------B
SPIDERMAN: FAR FROM HOME---USA---Even a class trip to Europe manages to disrupt a vacation for Spidey, so he can save the world from evil monsters. Fortunately, at least there are some witty laughs that helps balance the confusing virtual reality chaotic fighting. GRADE-----------------------B
ALL IS TRUE------GREAT BRIT IAN---William Shakespeare heads home after his beloved GLOBE Theatre in London burns to the ground, only to find many family members unhappy including his wife Anne (what's he been up to for nearly 20 years, and NOW he wants to sleep in her bed) and daughter who's gotten no appreciation from her father, who only wants to mourn his long dead son many years after said death...). Other scandals are brewing. GRADE--------B
STUBER---USA---Reminiscent of the 48 HOURS good cop bad cop comedies, there are some amusing gags and witty bits of dialogue, and I did like the two characters (John Bautista and Kumail Nanjaini)--a temporarily blinded cop who hires a mild mannered Uber driver to try to chase a violent criminal. But the chaos is mindless and numbing at times, and the film seems to evaporate in front of our eyes. GRADE-------------C+
DARK PHOENIX--USA--Another chapter of the X Men characters, this one centers on a woman who can't control the amazing power that she inherits. I thought it was better than expected, but except for a few set pieces (especially a spectacular action filled train wreck) the film is pretty vacuous. GRADE---------C+
CHILD'S PLAY---USA---Modest remake of the CHUCKY horror films, and at least the film tries to be funny, but it is unmemorable. GRADE-------------C
GODZILLA: KING OF MONSTERS---USA--Probably the worst monster film ever, starts the film seemingly in mid sentence, characters jump from location to location as if they were being beamed up and change their allegiances and philosophy at a whim, and the plot seems made up as it goes, as does the logic. It's a boring experience, too. GRADE------------D
Viewed on TV or DVD------------------------
NIGHT AFTER NIGHT--1932--USA--A smooth but depressed would be casino gangster (George Raft) falls for a sophisticated but
strange woman by sight, but his efforts to court her are complicated by an older teacher who is trying to teach him elocution and a vulgar moll who counteracts the teacher. Fortunately the moll is played by Mae West in her first major role, and she lights up the screen for the final 40 minutes of the film with innuendo and outrageous humor. GRADE---------------A-
ALGIERS--1938--USA--Charles Boyer plays Pepe Le Moko, a slick jewel thief who lives unperturbed in the Casbah region of Algiers, but is at police mercy if he leaves that section. He falls for the beautiful Hedy Lemar, and is tempted to leave his enclave for love. A moody, witty, thrilling love story. GRADE-----------------B+
BATTLE OF ALGIERS--1965--French and Algeria--Fast paced drama looks and feels like a documentary, and tells the story of the revolt against the French by the Algerians from 1954--1962. GRADE----------B+
THE TATTOOED STRANGER--USA--1950--Low budget but memorable police procedural film noir (pre CSI TV dramas) about a murdered woman with only an odd tattoo to identify her. GRADE--------------------B
GO WEST YOUNG MAN--USA--1936--Based on a Mae West play, she's a famous actress and her car has broken down in a small town, where she proceeds to seduce the young naive stud Randolph Scott--upsetting the plans of his fiancee and her entourage. Scott plays the part well, but future similar rolls were played with more sophistication by Cary Grant, who for nearly 20 years was partnered with Scott in living arrangements. She lights up all her scenes, bringing this old chestnut of a plot some vulgar fun. GRADE--------------B
FURIOUS 7--USA--2015--Quickly edited action thriller with several very improbable fight and action scenes. The FAST and FURIOUS team must kidnap a computer whiz from a dangerous mountain road while in motion, then fly to the middle east and steal a hot car from the rooftop tower and to escape with it they must drive it from not just one tower, but out the window to another tower to a third. Then there is a massive man hunt in Los Angeles using killer drones, helicopters and cars. Then Dwayne Johnson who was injured in the first scene of the film must break out of the hospital to help his friends, and that includes breaking out of the big arm cast he's been in the whole movie, and just in time, too--but first he must survive a collapsing car park. I was exhausted watching this film, but it wasn't until 2/3 through that I realized I had seen this film a few years back. Spectacular stuff, but so unlikely that you forget you'd seen it. GRADE-----------B
Thursday, June 13, 2019
Last SIFF Wrapup---Thur June 6--Wednesday June 12--Best of 2019 SIFF---Best of final weekend--SIBEL, A THOUSAND GIRLS LIKE ME plus SECRET LIFE OF PETS 2, ROCKETMAN, THE HUSTLE
AURORA--Finland--Engaging and amusing comedy drama of a serious Iranian refugee and his daughter trying to stay in Finland, and he seeks the help of a flaky, hard partying nail salon worker. They have little in common, so of course you know at the start that they will end up together. Still there are quirky surprises along the way. GRADE--------B+
SIBEL--Turkey--Mute young woman is ostracized by village women, then she finds a strange man deep in the wood who is near death and nurses him, endangering her father's role as town mayor. GRADE---------B+
A THOUSAND GIRLS LIKE ME---Afghanistan--Documentary of young woman who was repeatedly raped and impregnated by her father. She is ignored by local political and religious figures (and her male family members!) until she contacts the media, and becomes the first woman to formally charge her father of sexual crimes. Despite subject matter, the film is hopeful and encouraging. GRADE-----B+
MEMORY: THE ORIGINS OF ALIEN--USA---Well done documentary about making of ALIEN (1979) and specializing on the infamous chest bursting scene. Engrossing, especially for film buffs and sci-fi and horror fans. GRADE--------B
RETROSPEKT--Netherlands--The non linear storyline can be confusing and the odd background music which plays like Gilbert and Sullivan choruses are quite bizarre, but this story of domestic violence is mostly riveting. GRADE----------B
THIS IS NOT BERLIN--Mexico--Older teens and early 20's find growing up tough in 1986 Mexico City as they experiment with politics, sexuality, drugs, and rock and roll. GRADE-----B-
THE CITY OF LAST THINGS---Taiwan/France--Ambitious three part story told in reverse doesn't always hold logic together, but it is intriguingly filmed. GRADE-------B-
PIGEON KINGS--USA--Fitfully interesting documentary from southern California about (mostly) black men from poor communities that have formed clubs that train certain pigeons to fly in formation, and amazingly the pigeons somersault through the air (!!!!!) I wanted more somersaulting pigeons and less talk, but there's a fascinating (at times) film here. GRADE-----------C+
_____________The GOLDEN SPACE NEEDLE Awards were given to certain fine achievements in these SIFF films and were mostly selected by SIFF--and they included TEL AVIV ON FIRE (audience award) and the jury prizes went to HOUSE OF HUMMINGBIRD, EXTRAORDINARY JOURNEY OF CELESTE GARCIA, AWAKENING Of THE ANTS, INTERNATIONAL FALLS and QBALL. WE ARE THE RADICAL MONARCHS (Documentary), SIBEL (Actress) and ALL ABOUT ME (Actor) round out the other awards.
A little less than 200 viewers voted for the Fool Serious (Full Series) group and vote on every film they have seen at SIFF--that ranges from about 25 to 150 films (I saw 118 films this year--more than 165 other voters.) The favorite films for the FOOL SERIOUS group included
SIBEL, THE INVISIBLE WITNESS, YULI, FALL OF THE AMERICAN EMPIRE, YOMEDDINE, REMI-NO BODY'S BOY, OFFICIAL SECRETS, MINUSCULE/MANDIBLES, SONS OF DENMARK and ONE LAST DEAL. Top documentaries include--RAISE HELL: LIFE AND TIMES OF MOLLY IVINS, FOR SAMA, STUFFED, Q BALL, and MAIDEN.
Breaking down the FOOL SERIOUS awards, best film went to HONEYLAND, worst film to CELEBRATION, Best Director to SONS OF DENMARK, Cinematographer to VOLCANO, Script to INVISIBLE WITNESS, Music to BLINDED BY THE LIGHT, Actor to YOMEDDINE, Actress to SIBEL and Guilty Pleasure to SWINGING SAFARI.
If and when these films open for regular runs at theatres or Netflix or cable, I will write a more detailed review of them. Here are the first films I saw this week after SIFF-----
THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS 2--Perhaps even better than the first outing, this animated feature had some great laughs--as last time I especially enjoyed Kevin Hart's voicing of the sarcastic puffy white dog Snowball and Harrison Ford was a world weary sheep dog. I giggled and laughed consistently through the whole film--the perfect first film to follow SIFF! GRADE------B+
ROCKETMAN--This unique way of presenting the life and times of Elton John begs to be called the world's first psychotherapy musical--the story is told as flashback from the group session of the therapy Elton John ended up at during his lengthy stay at a session for drying out from his obsession with sex, drugs, alcohol, and various heartache. As he got more fame and money, he became more miserable, hostile and disappointed in life. and apparently he was deeply conflicted about his homosexuality. Thank god the film and many scenes are presented through the presentation of spectacular song and dance routines, or we'd all need therapy after seeing this visual, creative story. The drug and alcohol abuse become overbearing at times, but the musical numbers help the story go down better. This is more than I ever wanted to know about Elton's personal life, but I feel certain that at long last he has found some comfort from his younger persona, and of course the music is toe tapping and effective. GRADE------B+
THE HUSTLE--This low brow comedy is lifted due to the slapstick humor and mugging of Rebel Wilson, who gets much more to work with here than in her last sequel of films playing "the fat one" in the PITCH PERFECT films. She actually steals the film from Anne Hathaway, who gets stuck with playing the "straight man" part, although she, too. is amusing at times. This is a remake of the Michael Caine/Steve Martin con man film DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS 1988, which itself was a remake of the original film BEDTIME STORY 1964 featuring Marlon Brando and David Niven. The plot is pretty clever, with the cons conning the cons, and one can see why a remake with two women would be irresistible. I only wish it had been funnier and wittier. Still, it was a fun one to watch. GRADE--------------B-
SIBEL--Turkey--Mute young woman is ostracized by village women, then she finds a strange man deep in the wood who is near death and nurses him, endangering her father's role as town mayor. GRADE---------B+
A THOUSAND GIRLS LIKE ME---Afghanistan--Documentary of young woman who was repeatedly raped and impregnated by her father. She is ignored by local political and religious figures (and her male family members!) until she contacts the media, and becomes the first woman to formally charge her father of sexual crimes. Despite subject matter, the film is hopeful and encouraging. GRADE-----B+
MEMORY: THE ORIGINS OF ALIEN--USA---Well done documentary about making of ALIEN (1979) and specializing on the infamous chest bursting scene. Engrossing, especially for film buffs and sci-fi and horror fans. GRADE--------B
RETROSPEKT--Netherlands--The non linear storyline can be confusing and the odd background music which plays like Gilbert and Sullivan choruses are quite bizarre, but this story of domestic violence is mostly riveting. GRADE----------B
THIS IS NOT BERLIN--Mexico--Older teens and early 20's find growing up tough in 1986 Mexico City as they experiment with politics, sexuality, drugs, and rock and roll. GRADE-----B-
THE CITY OF LAST THINGS---Taiwan/France--Ambitious three part story told in reverse doesn't always hold logic together, but it is intriguingly filmed. GRADE-------B-
PIGEON KINGS--USA--Fitfully interesting documentary from southern California about (mostly) black men from poor communities that have formed clubs that train certain pigeons to fly in formation, and amazingly the pigeons somersault through the air (!!!!!) I wanted more somersaulting pigeons and less talk, but there's a fascinating (at times) film here. GRADE-----------C+
_____________The GOLDEN SPACE NEEDLE Awards were given to certain fine achievements in these SIFF films and were mostly selected by SIFF--and they included TEL AVIV ON FIRE (audience award) and the jury prizes went to HOUSE OF HUMMINGBIRD, EXTRAORDINARY JOURNEY OF CELESTE GARCIA, AWAKENING Of THE ANTS, INTERNATIONAL FALLS and QBALL. WE ARE THE RADICAL MONARCHS (Documentary), SIBEL (Actress) and ALL ABOUT ME (Actor) round out the other awards.
A little less than 200 viewers voted for the Fool Serious (Full Series) group and vote on every film they have seen at SIFF--that ranges from about 25 to 150 films (I saw 118 films this year--more than 165 other voters.) The favorite films for the FOOL SERIOUS group included
SIBEL, THE INVISIBLE WITNESS, YULI, FALL OF THE AMERICAN EMPIRE, YOMEDDINE, REMI-NO BODY'S BOY, OFFICIAL SECRETS, MINUSCULE/MANDIBLES, SONS OF DENMARK and ONE LAST DEAL. Top documentaries include--RAISE HELL: LIFE AND TIMES OF MOLLY IVINS, FOR SAMA, STUFFED, Q BALL, and MAIDEN.
Breaking down the FOOL SERIOUS awards, best film went to HONEYLAND, worst film to CELEBRATION, Best Director to SONS OF DENMARK, Cinematographer to VOLCANO, Script to INVISIBLE WITNESS, Music to BLINDED BY THE LIGHT, Actor to YOMEDDINE, Actress to SIBEL and Guilty Pleasure to SWINGING SAFARI.
If and when these films open for regular runs at theatres or Netflix or cable, I will write a more detailed review of them. Here are the first films I saw this week after SIFF-----
THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS 2--Perhaps even better than the first outing, this animated feature had some great laughs--as last time I especially enjoyed Kevin Hart's voicing of the sarcastic puffy white dog Snowball and Harrison Ford was a world weary sheep dog. I giggled and laughed consistently through the whole film--the perfect first film to follow SIFF! GRADE------B+
ROCKETMAN--This unique way of presenting the life and times of Elton John begs to be called the world's first psychotherapy musical--the story is told as flashback from the group session of the therapy Elton John ended up at during his lengthy stay at a session for drying out from his obsession with sex, drugs, alcohol, and various heartache. As he got more fame and money, he became more miserable, hostile and disappointed in life. and apparently he was deeply conflicted about his homosexuality. Thank god the film and many scenes are presented through the presentation of spectacular song and dance routines, or we'd all need therapy after seeing this visual, creative story. The drug and alcohol abuse become overbearing at times, but the musical numbers help the story go down better. This is more than I ever wanted to know about Elton's personal life, but I feel certain that at long last he has found some comfort from his younger persona, and of course the music is toe tapping and effective. GRADE------B+
THE HUSTLE--This low brow comedy is lifted due to the slapstick humor and mugging of Rebel Wilson, who gets much more to work with here than in her last sequel of films playing "the fat one" in the PITCH PERFECT films. She actually steals the film from Anne Hathaway, who gets stuck with playing the "straight man" part, although she, too. is amusing at times. This is a remake of the Michael Caine/Steve Martin con man film DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS 1988, which itself was a remake of the original film BEDTIME STORY 1964 featuring Marlon Brando and David Niven. The plot is pretty clever, with the cons conning the cons, and one can see why a remake with two women would be irresistible. I only wish it had been funnier and wittier. Still, it was a fun one to watch. GRADE--------------B-
Wednesday, June 5, 2019
SIFF Screenings Saturday 1 Jun--Wednesday 5 June---Best Bets---HOUSE OF HUMMINGBIRDS, DRIVEWAYS, HALSTON, AN ALMOST ORDINARY SUMMER, LONG TIME NO SEA, THE GROUND BENEATH MY FEET, FOR SAMA, THE REALM, MAN WHO BROUGHT THE MOON, TIMELESS BEAUTY
HOUSE OF HUMMINGBIRD--South Korea--A much deeper and subtle film than last year's award winner EIGHT GRADE to which this Korean film is being compared, this scores on so many levels dealing with sexuality, abuse, family, friendship, loyalty, etc,----it's a stunning beauty. GRADE-------A
DRIVEWAYS--USA--A moving and subtle surprise had many viewers bursting into tears during the final moments--including myself, as mother and son try to clean out a hoarder's house of a dead relative. GRADE--------A
AN ALMOST ORDINARY SUMMER--Italy--Cheerful, heartfelt comedy/drama with joint families brought together by their patriarchs coming wedding. GRADE--------B+
THE GROUND BENEATH MY FEET--Austria--Pressures of a high profile job, a boss who is her lover, and a psychotic sister in an institution bring stress and paranoia to a stressed out overachiever. GRADE--------B+
TIMELESS BEAUTY--France/China--Lives and careers of older (above age 55) models and how interesting and unique they are. Also profiles are plus sized models and those with unusual faces and skin. GRADE-------------B+
THE REALM--Spain---With it's pulsing disco like instrumental score and fast pacing, this film is engrossing to watch, even if the plot details are rushed by and it's not really clear until near the end what exactly is at stake. GRADE -------------- B+
THE MAN WHO BOUGHT THE MOON--Italy/Argentina--The comic magic realism eventually pulls you into the silliness of the plot and into a strong, satisfying finale. GRADE------B+
LONG TIME NO SEA--Taiwan--Local teacher becomes a surrogate father for lonely boy whose father works far away, with his grandmother helping him survive. GRADE-------B+
HALSTON---USA--Life and death of fashion icon in the 1980's gets a slick, informative outing, especilally fascinating for those interested. GRADE--------B+
FOR SAMA--United Kingdom/Syria--While the film is technically rough due to a hand held camera, there's no denying the power of a young mother with baby and her doctor husband trying to help patients during the six month bombing of Aleppo by the Syrian President, and Russia. Still, it's painful, unpleasant viewing. GRADE--------B
ENAMORATA--Mexico--From 1946 comes this beautifully restored film (by Martin Scorsese) of this epic romance (with humor) of a rich woman being pursued by a vulgar revolutionary. The plot may have been borrowed from Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew.
GRADE--------B
AWAKENING OF THE ANTS--Costa Rica--Simple,charming story of a young family, but wife doesn't want any more children, against husband,s wishes. GRADE--------B
TROOP ZERO-----USA---Oscar winners Viola Davis and Allison Janney and also Jim Gaffigan add some impressive gravitas to this story of misfit girls trying to be scouts and winning a contest that would sent their voices on a record into outer space. Sweet, charming, and sometimes very funny and sad. GRADE--------B
PREMATURE--USA----Good title for this immature script about black teen pregnancy and resolution. I rolled my eyes a lot and tried to keep from talking back at the screen during the banal and frequently profane dialogue. GRADE-------C-
I DO NOT CARE IF WE GO DOWN IN HISTORY AS BARBARIANS--Romania/Czech Republic--Obscure and boring political discussions may be of more interest for Romanians steeped in cultural politics and historical references, but more traditional movie goers may want to flee the theater as myself and several dozen viewers did in the first 45 minutes. GRADE------D
BURNING CANE--USA--Poor technical qualities including garbled sound, photography in dark rooms, and extreme hand held camera scenes, make this one film that had some walkouts, including myself by the 45 minute mark. I realize the filmmaker is only 18, but there's not much to praise in this grim tale of religious and alcoholic abuse. GRADE------------D
DRIVEWAYS--USA--A moving and subtle surprise had many viewers bursting into tears during the final moments--including myself, as mother and son try to clean out a hoarder's house of a dead relative. GRADE--------A
AN ALMOST ORDINARY SUMMER--Italy--Cheerful, heartfelt comedy/drama with joint families brought together by their patriarchs coming wedding. GRADE--------B+
THE GROUND BENEATH MY FEET--Austria--Pressures of a high profile job, a boss who is her lover, and a psychotic sister in an institution bring stress and paranoia to a stressed out overachiever. GRADE--------B+
TIMELESS BEAUTY--France/China--Lives and careers of older (above age 55) models and how interesting and unique they are. Also profiles are plus sized models and those with unusual faces and skin. GRADE-------------B+
THE REALM--Spain---With it's pulsing disco like instrumental score and fast pacing, this film is engrossing to watch, even if the plot details are rushed by and it's not really clear until near the end what exactly is at stake. GRADE -------------- B+
THE MAN WHO BOUGHT THE MOON--Italy/Argentina--The comic magic realism eventually pulls you into the silliness of the plot and into a strong, satisfying finale. GRADE------B+
LONG TIME NO SEA--Taiwan--Local teacher becomes a surrogate father for lonely boy whose father works far away, with his grandmother helping him survive. GRADE-------B+
HALSTON---USA--Life and death of fashion icon in the 1980's gets a slick, informative outing, especilally fascinating for those interested. GRADE--------B+
FOR SAMA--United Kingdom/Syria--While the film is technically rough due to a hand held camera, there's no denying the power of a young mother with baby and her doctor husband trying to help patients during the six month bombing of Aleppo by the Syrian President, and Russia. Still, it's painful, unpleasant viewing. GRADE--------B
ENAMORATA--Mexico--From 1946 comes this beautifully restored film (by Martin Scorsese) of this epic romance (with humor) of a rich woman being pursued by a vulgar revolutionary. The plot may have been borrowed from Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew.
GRADE--------B
AWAKENING OF THE ANTS--Costa Rica--Simple,charming story of a young family, but wife doesn't want any more children, against husband,s wishes. GRADE--------B
TROOP ZERO-----USA---Oscar winners Viola Davis and Allison Janney and also Jim Gaffigan add some impressive gravitas to this story of misfit girls trying to be scouts and winning a contest that would sent their voices on a record into outer space. Sweet, charming, and sometimes very funny and sad. GRADE--------B
PREMATURE--USA----Good title for this immature script about black teen pregnancy and resolution. I rolled my eyes a lot and tried to keep from talking back at the screen during the banal and frequently profane dialogue. GRADE-------C-
I DO NOT CARE IF WE GO DOWN IN HISTORY AS BARBARIANS--Romania/Czech Republic--Obscure and boring political discussions may be of more interest for Romanians steeped in cultural politics and historical references, but more traditional movie goers may want to flee the theater as myself and several dozen viewers did in the first 45 minutes. GRADE------D
BURNING CANE--USA--Poor technical qualities including garbled sound, photography in dark rooms, and extreme hand held camera scenes, make this one film that had some walkouts, including myself by the 45 minute mark. I realize the filmmaker is only 18, but there's not much to praise in this grim tale of religious and alcoholic abuse. GRADE------------D
Saturday, June 1, 2019
SIFF Screenings Tuesday 28 May--Friday 31 May---BEST BETS------MARIA (aka WATCH LIST), SOCRATES, RAISE HELL: LIFE AND TIMES OF MOLLY IVANS, GHOST FLEET, MIDNIGHT FAMILY, and IN FABRIC
MARIA (aka WATCH LIST)--Philippines--Splendid lead actress (Alessandra de Rossi) highlights this intense thriller about woman struggling to support her family after her husband is killed and she must become involved in corruption underground. GRADE-------------A
RAISE HELL: LIFE AND TIMES OF MOLLY IVINS--Political satirist and writer who skewered Texas political idiot conservatives. She has a biting sense of humor. GRADE---------A-
SOCRATES--Brazil---Short but concisely powerful drama of 15year old who wants to make his own way after his mother dies unexpectedly. Some annoying hand held camera work lessens the impact. GRADE---------------B+
GHOST FLEET--USA--Documentary of human rights organization that tries to stop the kidnapping of young men who are enslaved on deep sea fishing boats. Final 20 minutes are among the most moving of any film this year. GRADE--------B+
WIDOW OF SILENCE--India--Her husband has been missing for 7 years, yet the local government official persists in sabotaging the widow's request to have him declared dead so she can continue her life. She rides a taxi weekly with a talkative, poetic driver, and must deal with an ailing mother in law. The ending of this quiet, leisurely film has the the biggest corker (surprise) of
of any film so far this year. GRADE-------------B+
THE BIGAMIST--USA--Director and actress Ida Lupino's best film, about a man who struggles to keep two separate families together, in this beautifully restored drama, which also stars Joan Fontaine, Edmond O'Brien, and Edwin Gwinn. The biggest surprise is the courtroom scene that ends the film where the judge has the last, wisest word. GRADE------A-
STORM IN MY HEART--USA/Scotland--A two for one film! Director Mark Cousins (THE STORY OF FILM: ODYSSEY, EYES OF ORSON WELLS,etc) runs the complete films of SONG IN MY HEART with Susan Hayward and STORMY WEATHER with Lena Horne on the screen side by side, with the sound moving from one film to another to highlight the more interesting music or song or dialogue. Each film was produced by the same Hollywood studio, the actresses were born on the same day in Brooklyn, the films used the same technicians, all to highlight the different projections of the actresses career's. It doesn't always work, but I can testify that STORMY WEATHER gets more screen and sound time---scene for scene it had more entertainment value, and I was spellbound by the this audacious experiment. GRADE--------B+
IN FABRIC--United Kingdom--Here's the ultimate Guilty Pleasure in this lush production of a killer red dress--those that wear it ultimately die!!!!! Droll, sly humor and strong production values make this viewing a kinky pleasure. GRADE-----------B
MEETING GORBACHEV--United Kingdom/Germany--Werner Herzog is the interviewer and one of the directors in this interesting documentary that highlights the career of Gorbachev political
life, especially involving Perestroika and glasnost (openness.) GRADE---------B
MIDNIGHT FAMILY--Mexico--Documentary of family run EMT ambulance service in Mexico City, complete with corrupt cops and a skeptical public that needs the service but doesn't want to pay for it. Filmed in a vivid you are there manner, the film is engrossing. GRADE-------B
WHAT DOESN'T KILL US--Germany--Episodic drama balances a dozen characters and their relationship, some which surround a therapist and other family members. It is a smoothly made film but difficult to keep track of people and relationships. GRADE----B-
PIRANHAS--Italy--The gang members get younger in this violence filled familiar story about shakedown, toxic masculinity and murder. Lots of handheld camera work following characters from behind make watching this film an unpleasant experience. GRADE-------C+
THEM THAT FOLLOW--USA--It doesn't help that the two leading young men look so much alike that it took me 20 minutes to realize that the leading actress had two suitors. This modest drama of religious repression felt underwhelming and familiar. GRADE-----------C+
THE DAYS TO COME----Great Britain--Nine long months in the life of a fetus, from conception to birth is revealed from the parents POV in tedious fashion----Long arguments ensue about is she or isn't she pregnant, should we abort or not, when should family/friends be notified, what name should be used, plus the longest hospital explicit birth scene ever. CALL THE MIDWIFE on PBS does this all in one hour with 2 or more births in each episode, and throws in a lot of more entertaining drama to boot. GRADE-------C+
THE DIVE----Israel--I thought this was a comedy about college boys living in a messy frat house--but it's really about a dysfunctional family living in a kibbutz, dealing with the death of their father, and the having to go back to the military. All three young men (who actually do live in messy rooms) have issues with violence, and spend much of the film yelling at each other. An uneasy and unpleasant film to watch. GRADE---------C
GOOD GIRLS--Mexico--A rich woman slowly, slowly, slowly realizes that her husband is broke and nearly bankrupt as she goes out shopping nearly daily. The film has no style or point of view---is it a satire? or a melodrama? or tragedy. It seems to be nothing at all, and it is boring as well. GRADE---------C
A DOG NAMED MONEY--Ireland/United Kingdom---It works best as an extended music video--P.J Harvey travels the word to appropriate stylistic sounds and lyrics. For Harvey fans only.
GRADE---------C
GREENER GRASS--USA--Unfunny comedy looks bright and colorful but empty humor and lack of coherent plot spoil any satire elements. This might be the worst film I've ever seen at SIFF, but to be fair there were a couple women who giggled through this soulless affair. GRADE------F
RAISE HELL: LIFE AND TIMES OF MOLLY IVINS--Political satirist and writer who skewered Texas political idiot conservatives. She has a biting sense of humor. GRADE---------A-
SOCRATES--Brazil---Short but concisely powerful drama of 15year old who wants to make his own way after his mother dies unexpectedly. Some annoying hand held camera work lessens the impact. GRADE---------------B+
GHOST FLEET--USA--Documentary of human rights organization that tries to stop the kidnapping of young men who are enslaved on deep sea fishing boats. Final 20 minutes are among the most moving of any film this year. GRADE--------B+
WIDOW OF SILENCE--India--Her husband has been missing for 7 years, yet the local government official persists in sabotaging the widow's request to have him declared dead so she can continue her life. She rides a taxi weekly with a talkative, poetic driver, and must deal with an ailing mother in law. The ending of this quiet, leisurely film has the the biggest corker (surprise) of
of any film so far this year. GRADE-------------B+
THE BIGAMIST--USA--Director and actress Ida Lupino's best film, about a man who struggles to keep two separate families together, in this beautifully restored drama, which also stars Joan Fontaine, Edmond O'Brien, and Edwin Gwinn. The biggest surprise is the courtroom scene that ends the film where the judge has the last, wisest word. GRADE------A-
STORM IN MY HEART--USA/Scotland--A two for one film! Director Mark Cousins (THE STORY OF FILM: ODYSSEY, EYES OF ORSON WELLS,etc) runs the complete films of SONG IN MY HEART with Susan Hayward and STORMY WEATHER with Lena Horne on the screen side by side, with the sound moving from one film to another to highlight the more interesting music or song or dialogue. Each film was produced by the same Hollywood studio, the actresses were born on the same day in Brooklyn, the films used the same technicians, all to highlight the different projections of the actresses career's. It doesn't always work, but I can testify that STORMY WEATHER gets more screen and sound time---scene for scene it had more entertainment value, and I was spellbound by the this audacious experiment. GRADE--------B+
IN FABRIC--United Kingdom--Here's the ultimate Guilty Pleasure in this lush production of a killer red dress--those that wear it ultimately die!!!!! Droll, sly humor and strong production values make this viewing a kinky pleasure. GRADE-----------B
MEETING GORBACHEV--United Kingdom/Germany--Werner Herzog is the interviewer and one of the directors in this interesting documentary that highlights the career of Gorbachev political
life, especially involving Perestroika and glasnost (openness.) GRADE---------B
MIDNIGHT FAMILY--Mexico--Documentary of family run EMT ambulance service in Mexico City, complete with corrupt cops and a skeptical public that needs the service but doesn't want to pay for it. Filmed in a vivid you are there manner, the film is engrossing. GRADE-------B
WHAT DOESN'T KILL US--Germany--Episodic drama balances a dozen characters and their relationship, some which surround a therapist and other family members. It is a smoothly made film but difficult to keep track of people and relationships. GRADE----B-
PIRANHAS--Italy--The gang members get younger in this violence filled familiar story about shakedown, toxic masculinity and murder. Lots of handheld camera work following characters from behind make watching this film an unpleasant experience. GRADE-------C+
THEM THAT FOLLOW--USA--It doesn't help that the two leading young men look so much alike that it took me 20 minutes to realize that the leading actress had two suitors. This modest drama of religious repression felt underwhelming and familiar. GRADE-----------C+
THE DAYS TO COME----Great Britain--Nine long months in the life of a fetus, from conception to birth is revealed from the parents POV in tedious fashion----Long arguments ensue about is she or isn't she pregnant, should we abort or not, when should family/friends be notified, what name should be used, plus the longest hospital explicit birth scene ever. CALL THE MIDWIFE on PBS does this all in one hour with 2 or more births in each episode, and throws in a lot of more entertaining drama to boot. GRADE-------C+
THE DIVE----Israel--I thought this was a comedy about college boys living in a messy frat house--but it's really about a dysfunctional family living in a kibbutz, dealing with the death of their father, and the having to go back to the military. All three young men (who actually do live in messy rooms) have issues with violence, and spend much of the film yelling at each other. An uneasy and unpleasant film to watch. GRADE---------C
GOOD GIRLS--Mexico--A rich woman slowly, slowly, slowly realizes that her husband is broke and nearly bankrupt as she goes out shopping nearly daily. The film has no style or point of view---is it a satire? or a melodrama? or tragedy. It seems to be nothing at all, and it is boring as well. GRADE---------C
A DOG NAMED MONEY--Ireland/United Kingdom---It works best as an extended music video--P.J Harvey travels the word to appropriate stylistic sounds and lyrics. For Harvey fans only.
GRADE---------C
GREENER GRASS--USA--Unfunny comedy looks bright and colorful but empty humor and lack of coherent plot spoil any satire elements. This might be the worst film I've ever seen at SIFF, but to be fair there were a couple women who giggled through this soulless affair. GRADE------F
Monday, May 27, 2019
SIFF Screenings Wed May 22--Mon May27th------Best Bets------TOP END WEDDING, BLINDED BY THE LIGHT, #FEMALE PLEASURE, WHAT SHE SAID: THE ART OF PAULINE KAEL, BOTERO, ,
TOP END WEDDING--Australia--It's a slow start for the romantic comedy/drama, but it quickly wins us over with very likeable characters and some consistent laughs. The ending is very moving and funny at the same time. I ended up seeing this twice. GRADE------A
BLINDED BY THE LIGHT---It might help if you are already a Bruce Springsteen fan, but this film feels exhuberat thanks to great music, singing, and a beautiful youthful performance in the lead. It opens wide in August, and deserves to be a mammoth hit. GRADE---------A
#FEMALE PLEASURE--Switzerland--Five different women from five different religious backgrounds find that male repression of female sexuality is universal. Most effective is a scene of a Somali woman who experienced female genital mutilation as a child, and in one scene demonstrates on a large clay shaped vulva how the genitals are cut using a large shears. That scene alone could change the minds of millions around the world. GRADE------------A-
WHAT SHE SAID: THE ART OF PAULINE KAEL--Lovers of film, and fans of Pauline Kael's acerbic criticism for many years in THE NEW YORKER magazine should be in cinematic heaven with this engrossing documentary. The nearly full screening seemed to reignite an interest in reading her reviews. GRADE--------------A-
THE APOLLO--USA--A smart, exhaustive documentary on the history of Harlem's epic theatre which has featured nearly every major African American entertainer since 1934, including the Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, the Temptations, etc. The film was produced by HBO, so we can expect it to show up later this summer on cable. GRADE------A-
BOTERO--Canada--A splendid documentary about Fernando Botero, a painter and sculpturist whose work is admired and recognized world wide, even if the name doesn't ring a bell with you right now. His out put is tremendous, and new work is still being produced. GRADE--------A-
TEL AVIV ON FIRE--France/Israel/Belgium--When I scanned the descriptions, I assumed this film was a documentary. I was so wonderfully wrong. A dim witted man accidentally becomes a writer on a popular soap opera that features a romance between an Israeli and Palestinian couple. He then becomes entangled with an official at a traffic check point who begins to tell him what to write about. It's satire and humor at it's delightful best. GRADE---------B+
WINTER FLIES--Czech Republic--A 15 year old boy steals a car, picks up his 12 year old friend and later a young girl, then have a joyride abound the country is this likable road trip film...the kids are funny, sad, goofy and kind of smart. One scene has them both falling asleep at the wheel in the middle of the night--sort of a magical realism moment. GRADE------B+
ENORMOUS: THE GORGE STORY--USA--Here's a swift, historical documentary on the music/vineyard that is the Gorge, complete with samplings of talking heads and snippets of the many musical greats that have played there including Dave Mathews, Jason Mraz, Bob Dylan, Steve Miller, and many many more. GRADE-----------B
ORANGE DAYS--Iran--She struggles to run an orange orchard in Iran, but all the men, including her husband, her ex-boss, and coworkers are liars, cheats and/or pigs. She's having a tough year. GRADE------------B
MINUSCULE-MANDIBLES FROM FAR AWAY--The backgrounds are real, but the many bugs (mostly ladybugs) are animated in this sometimes tedious story of a stowaway, and the father who tries to track him down. Still, different and mostly interesting to watch in this wordless visual story. GRADE-------------B-
ANOTHER DAY OF LIFE--Hungary/Germany--Another fascinating animated film with realistic visuals set in the Angolan civil war. I didn't know much about the politics of the battles--basically the plot has a reporter making his way to the front, and then back again, but the animation is quite effective at times. GRADE-----------B-
THE INNOCENT----Germany--Weird, spooky, ethereal story of conservative woman who becomes influenced by the devil (who may be her supposedly dead ex-lover?) and experiences a change in her life to include her sexuality. Some scenes don't make a lot of sense, but the film feels like a bad dream at times and is quite hypnotic at other times. GRADE----------B-
CELEBRATION--France--This strange, somber documentary of Yves Saint Laurent's final days should have been called DIRGE---there's no happiness, no fashion on display, he walks around seemingly in a coma, and the odd soundtrack consists of buzzes (like a fire drill) or inappropriate opera. It felt like someone had access to some discarded film clips from other movies and edited them together. Not exactly boring, but not much to celebrate either. GRADE---------C+
FAMILY PICTURE SHOW--This shorts program was geared for kids but I (and I think many of them) was bored with the first 6 selections, so I opted out of the final half. GRADE------C
BEFORE THE VOWS--Ghana--A soon to be married young couple decide that a last fling with their exes would to best for their future relationship--of course this leads to trouble. The look of this film is bright and colorful, and the couple are beautiful actors, but the soap opera dialogue and cliched story become too much to believe. GRADE-------C
WE TAKE THE LOW ROAD--USA--This low budget film has some good ideas--billionaire medical CEO's make millions off the suffering of lower income people, who die early when they can't afford medical expenses, but things go terribly wrong, naturally, when three young adults try to rob a CEO and the trail of blood becomes quite long. It wants to be a modern western (think WIND RIVER or HELL AND HIGH WATER) but the actors aren't quite up to task. GRADE----------C
CRYSTAL SWAN--Belarus--The leading lady is feisty and watchable, but someone forgot to write an engaging script and the story is dull. GRADE---------C-
GLITORIS MAXIMUS----This shorts program, supposedly about female sexuality, was disappointingly dull except for the final short, which has a teen strapping on a strap on (in a public park!) to tease her boyfriend and shock the other friends around. The couple finally goes to a more private area and her boyfriend actually starts to play around with her new toy. GRADE-----------------C- but the final short called F*** You gets a GRADE------B
BLINDED BY THE LIGHT---It might help if you are already a Bruce Springsteen fan, but this film feels exhuberat thanks to great music, singing, and a beautiful youthful performance in the lead. It opens wide in August, and deserves to be a mammoth hit. GRADE---------A
#FEMALE PLEASURE--Switzerland--Five different women from five different religious backgrounds find that male repression of female sexuality is universal. Most effective is a scene of a Somali woman who experienced female genital mutilation as a child, and in one scene demonstrates on a large clay shaped vulva how the genitals are cut using a large shears. That scene alone could change the minds of millions around the world. GRADE------------A-
WHAT SHE SAID: THE ART OF PAULINE KAEL--Lovers of film, and fans of Pauline Kael's acerbic criticism for many years in THE NEW YORKER magazine should be in cinematic heaven with this engrossing documentary. The nearly full screening seemed to reignite an interest in reading her reviews. GRADE--------------A-
THE APOLLO--USA--A smart, exhaustive documentary on the history of Harlem's epic theatre which has featured nearly every major African American entertainer since 1934, including the Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, the Temptations, etc. The film was produced by HBO, so we can expect it to show up later this summer on cable. GRADE------A-
BOTERO--Canada--A splendid documentary about Fernando Botero, a painter and sculpturist whose work is admired and recognized world wide, even if the name doesn't ring a bell with you right now. His out put is tremendous, and new work is still being produced. GRADE--------A-
TEL AVIV ON FIRE--France/Israel/Belgium--When I scanned the descriptions, I assumed this film was a documentary. I was so wonderfully wrong. A dim witted man accidentally becomes a writer on a popular soap opera that features a romance between an Israeli and Palestinian couple. He then becomes entangled with an official at a traffic check point who begins to tell him what to write about. It's satire and humor at it's delightful best. GRADE---------B+
WINTER FLIES--Czech Republic--A 15 year old boy steals a car, picks up his 12 year old friend and later a young girl, then have a joyride abound the country is this likable road trip film...the kids are funny, sad, goofy and kind of smart. One scene has them both falling asleep at the wheel in the middle of the night--sort of a magical realism moment. GRADE------B+
ENORMOUS: THE GORGE STORY--USA--Here's a swift, historical documentary on the music/vineyard that is the Gorge, complete with samplings of talking heads and snippets of the many musical greats that have played there including Dave Mathews, Jason Mraz, Bob Dylan, Steve Miller, and many many more. GRADE-----------B
ORANGE DAYS--Iran--She struggles to run an orange orchard in Iran, but all the men, including her husband, her ex-boss, and coworkers are liars, cheats and/or pigs. She's having a tough year. GRADE------------B
MINUSCULE-MANDIBLES FROM FAR AWAY--The backgrounds are real, but the many bugs (mostly ladybugs) are animated in this sometimes tedious story of a stowaway, and the father who tries to track him down. Still, different and mostly interesting to watch in this wordless visual story. GRADE-------------B-
ANOTHER DAY OF LIFE--Hungary/Germany--Another fascinating animated film with realistic visuals set in the Angolan civil war. I didn't know much about the politics of the battles--basically the plot has a reporter making his way to the front, and then back again, but the animation is quite effective at times. GRADE-----------B-
THE INNOCENT----Germany--Weird, spooky, ethereal story of conservative woman who becomes influenced by the devil (who may be her supposedly dead ex-lover?) and experiences a change in her life to include her sexuality. Some scenes don't make a lot of sense, but the film feels like a bad dream at times and is quite hypnotic at other times. GRADE----------B-
CELEBRATION--France--This strange, somber documentary of Yves Saint Laurent's final days should have been called DIRGE---there's no happiness, no fashion on display, he walks around seemingly in a coma, and the odd soundtrack consists of buzzes (like a fire drill) or inappropriate opera. It felt like someone had access to some discarded film clips from other movies and edited them together. Not exactly boring, but not much to celebrate either. GRADE---------C+
FAMILY PICTURE SHOW--This shorts program was geared for kids but I (and I think many of them) was bored with the first 6 selections, so I opted out of the final half. GRADE------C
BEFORE THE VOWS--Ghana--A soon to be married young couple decide that a last fling with their exes would to best for their future relationship--of course this leads to trouble. The look of this film is bright and colorful, and the couple are beautiful actors, but the soap opera dialogue and cliched story become too much to believe. GRADE-------C
WE TAKE THE LOW ROAD--USA--This low budget film has some good ideas--billionaire medical CEO's make millions off the suffering of lower income people, who die early when they can't afford medical expenses, but things go terribly wrong, naturally, when three young adults try to rob a CEO and the trail of blood becomes quite long. It wants to be a modern western (think WIND RIVER or HELL AND HIGH WATER) but the actors aren't quite up to task. GRADE----------C
CRYSTAL SWAN--Belarus--The leading lady is feisty and watchable, but someone forgot to write an engaging script and the story is dull. GRADE---------C-
GLITORIS MAXIMUS----This shorts program, supposedly about female sexuality, was disappointingly dull except for the final short, which has a teen strapping on a strap on (in a public park!) to tease her boyfriend and shock the other friends around. The couple finally goes to a more private area and her boyfriend actually starts to play around with her new toy. GRADE-----------------C- but the final short called F*** You gets a GRADE------B
Tuesday, May 21, 2019
SIFF Screenings Week 4 May 17-May 21--Top FIlms--INVISIBLE WITNESS, JEAN PAUL GAULTIER: FREAK AND CHIC, FARINELLI, URGENT, A FAITHFUL MAN, ALL ABOUT ME, GOOD KISSER
INVISIBLE WITNESS--Italy--This murder mystery thriller moves like a fast train, with enough twists and turns to populate a half dozen Agatha Christie novels. Big buzz after this one. GRADE-----A-
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER: FREAK AND CHIC--USA--A zippy behind the scenes look at putting on a show about his life--complete with sex, skin and energy. GRADE-------B+
FARINELLI--France/Italy/Belgium--1994--Beautifully restored musical drama about a super popular castrato from the 17th century. Costumes, editing, actors and music all glorious, although the sound became out of sync in the last 10 minutes of my screening. GRADE--------B+
URGENT--Morocco/Switzerland--24 hours of drama and pathos in an overcrowded and understaffed Moroccan urban hospital full of life and death decisions. GRADE--------B+
A FAITHFUL MAN--France--Drama with a bit of absurd comedy about man tested for reconnecting with an ex-lover after she has thrown him out to marry the father of her new baby. GRADE------------B
ALL ABOUT ME--Germany--Biographical film of childhood of a popular comedian, who learns to make his family members laugh to keep them happy. Film felt like the early work of Frederico Fellini when he made his happier biographical films like NIGHTS OF CABRIA and ROMA. GRADE---------------B+
GOOD KISSER--USA--Local Seattle film with surprisingly good actors and smart script--a sophisticated and smooth story about a lesbian threesome that ends differently than expected. GRADE-------B
PITY THE LOVERS--Iceland, but written for Swedish actors and reworked when funding not available in Sweden--Goofy adult brothers can't seem to find the right women, but they are delightfully funny none the less. GRADE--------B
COLD CASE HAMMARSKJOLD--Sweden/Norway/Denmark--While researching the 1959 plane crash that killed the United Nations president, the film makers stumble across several bizarre plots that are too horrible to imagine, including an extreme right wing final solution for Africa................GRADE-------------B
3 FACES---IRAN--Famous actress searches for aspiring teen actress amidst sexism and chauvinism in Iran. GRADE---------------B
MS PURPLE--USA--Very rough around the edges, but this film of two adult siblings who come together to take care of their ailing father (where one works as a sex worker) is tough to watch but there are some strong emotional scenes conveyed, even it some of the scenes don't always technically ring true. GRADE-------B-
WHAT WALAA WANTS--Denmark/Canada--Spirited, determined young woman wants to fight for justice through the Palestinian Security forces, although she is her own worst enemy. GRADE------------B-
FLY ROCKET FLY--Germany/Belgium--Consortium of European rocket scientists build launching pad for their low budget rockets in Zaire, Africa, causing political concern worldwide. This documentary is funny, lively and sad. GRADE-----------B-
THE ANNOUNCEMENT--Turkey--A small group of men are taking over the government by taking control of the only radio station, but that's harder than they thought. Very slow and dry, and not nearly enough laughs for this satire. GRADE----------B-
KNIFE + HEART--France--The film looks good in rare 35 millimeter print, but the silly plot about a man who murders gay porno actors in a grotesque manner is not as fun as it wants to be for a midnight feature. GRADE-----------C+
VOLCANO--Ukraine/Germany--Symbolic visuals and interesting sets can't compensate for complicated political mambo jumbo about a government official who seems to be trapped in a small rural town. I wish I liked this more. GRADE-------------C+
THE THIRD WIFE--Vietnam--Beautifully filmed tale of a young teen girl who is married off to an older man who wants a male heir that his first two wives can't provide. I felt lost with the introduction of numerous other characters (mostly women) and where they all fit into the story. GRADE------C+
ALL MY LOVING--Germany--3 different stories about 3 adult siblings with problems, but they weren't very interesting problems, and the film is 30 minutes too long. GRADE--------C+
SONJA:THE WHITE SWAN--Norway--Stogy, mediocre biographical picture, occasionally enlivened by musical ice skating numbers, about Norwegian skater and actress Sonja Hennie. Two hour film felt like 3 hours to me. GRADE---------------C
NO. 1 CHUNG YING STREET--Hong Kong--The clear black and white photography looks good in this story of Hong Kong breaking from mainland China, but numerous students in white tops and dark pants, and many protesters spouting political slogans keep the action confusing and it was difficult to tell who was who. I watched for one hour before leaving. GRADE------C
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER: FREAK AND CHIC--USA--A zippy behind the scenes look at putting on a show about his life--complete with sex, skin and energy. GRADE-------B+
FARINELLI--France/Italy/Belgium--1994--Beautifully restored musical drama about a super popular castrato from the 17th century. Costumes, editing, actors and music all glorious, although the sound became out of sync in the last 10 minutes of my screening. GRADE--------B+
URGENT--Morocco/Switzerland--24 hours of drama and pathos in an overcrowded and understaffed Moroccan urban hospital full of life and death decisions. GRADE--------B+
A FAITHFUL MAN--France--Drama with a bit of absurd comedy about man tested for reconnecting with an ex-lover after she has thrown him out to marry the father of her new baby. GRADE------------B
ALL ABOUT ME--Germany--Biographical film of childhood of a popular comedian, who learns to make his family members laugh to keep them happy. Film felt like the early work of Frederico Fellini when he made his happier biographical films like NIGHTS OF CABRIA and ROMA. GRADE---------------B+
GOOD KISSER--USA--Local Seattle film with surprisingly good actors and smart script--a sophisticated and smooth story about a lesbian threesome that ends differently than expected. GRADE-------B
PITY THE LOVERS--Iceland, but written for Swedish actors and reworked when funding not available in Sweden--Goofy adult brothers can't seem to find the right women, but they are delightfully funny none the less. GRADE--------B
COLD CASE HAMMARSKJOLD--Sweden/Norway/Denmark--While researching the 1959 plane crash that killed the United Nations president, the film makers stumble across several bizarre plots that are too horrible to imagine, including an extreme right wing final solution for Africa................GRADE-------------B
3 FACES---IRAN--Famous actress searches for aspiring teen actress amidst sexism and chauvinism in Iran. GRADE---------------B
MS PURPLE--USA--Very rough around the edges, but this film of two adult siblings who come together to take care of their ailing father (where one works as a sex worker) is tough to watch but there are some strong emotional scenes conveyed, even it some of the scenes don't always technically ring true. GRADE-------B-
WHAT WALAA WANTS--Denmark/Canada--Spirited, determined young woman wants to fight for justice through the Palestinian Security forces, although she is her own worst enemy. GRADE------------B-
FLY ROCKET FLY--Germany/Belgium--Consortium of European rocket scientists build launching pad for their low budget rockets in Zaire, Africa, causing political concern worldwide. This documentary is funny, lively and sad. GRADE-----------B-
THE ANNOUNCEMENT--Turkey--A small group of men are taking over the government by taking control of the only radio station, but that's harder than they thought. Very slow and dry, and not nearly enough laughs for this satire. GRADE----------B-
KNIFE + HEART--France--The film looks good in rare 35 millimeter print, but the silly plot about a man who murders gay porno actors in a grotesque manner is not as fun as it wants to be for a midnight feature. GRADE-----------C+
VOLCANO--Ukraine/Germany--Symbolic visuals and interesting sets can't compensate for complicated political mambo jumbo about a government official who seems to be trapped in a small rural town. I wish I liked this more. GRADE-------------C+
THE THIRD WIFE--Vietnam--Beautifully filmed tale of a young teen girl who is married off to an older man who wants a male heir that his first two wives can't provide. I felt lost with the introduction of numerous other characters (mostly women) and where they all fit into the story. GRADE------C+
ALL MY LOVING--Germany--3 different stories about 3 adult siblings with problems, but they weren't very interesting problems, and the film is 30 minutes too long. GRADE--------C+
SONJA:THE WHITE SWAN--Norway--Stogy, mediocre biographical picture, occasionally enlivened by musical ice skating numbers, about Norwegian skater and actress Sonja Hennie. Two hour film felt like 3 hours to me. GRADE---------------C
NO. 1 CHUNG YING STREET--Hong Kong--The clear black and white photography looks good in this story of Hong Kong breaking from mainland China, but numerous students in white tops and dark pants, and many protesters spouting political slogans keep the action confusing and it was difficult to tell who was who. I watched for one hour before leaving. GRADE------C
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