Here's what I saw the first week of screenings:
CHAVELA--USA/Mexico---Riveting profile of Mexican singer Chavela Vargas, a popular lesbian, alcoholic singer, who with the help of director Pedro Almodovar makes an amazing comeback at age 72. Many friends and lovers provide intimate details of her biography, bringing her story to captivating life. GRADE-------A-
ETHEL AND ERNEST--Luxembourg--Based on a graphic novel by Raymond Briggs, this animated film is a tribute to his parents, which captures slice of life existence in London from the 1920's through the 1970's as they meet, marry, have a son, struggle through the WWII blitz, etc. Voiced by Brenda Blethyn and Jim Broadbent, this gentle film brought a continuous smile to my face. Although animated, this is more of an adult film, suitable for teens and up. GRADE----B+
FOOD EVOLUTION--US--This is a thoughtful, balanced documentary about the issues involving GMOs, trying to explain what it is and why some are fanatically against it. Excellent food for thought! GRADE--B+
PYROMANIAC---Norway---Decent drama about the son of the local fire chief who becomes fascinated with starting fires. (In case you think I'm giving away any secrets, this is known early in the film.) Film tries to show the psychological effects on the small town and different characters.
GRADE-------B
A DRAGON ARRIVES--Iran----No one I talked to seemed to know what the hell was going on in this story of a police inspector who is trying to understand a political murder amidst blackouts, ghost appearances, earthquakes and a baby born beneath the earth surface! Still, watching it was a curious experience, not entirely unpleasant. GRADE-------B
AFTERIMAGE--Poland--The final film of Polish director Andrzej Wajda, this tells the story of Polish artist Wladyslaw Strzeminski, who is persecuted by the the new government because he will not embrace the Socialist Realist movement. The film looks very good, the actors effective, but the film suffers from a one note feeling from scene to scene--the artist suffers increasing degradation from month to month, and the total effect is grim. GRADE-------B
LEMON---USA---A SIFF audience is a tough one for comedies. This absurdest comedy takes some getting used to and there are precious few laughs in the first half, but about half way through I started some giggling during a delightful family sing fest of "A Million Matzaballs" and ended up enjoying the film by the end, although perhaps too little too late. GRADE------C+
THE BLOOM OF YESTERDAY----Germany---This comedy/drama about a cranky Holocaust researcher and a new opinionated intern who have a love hate relationship is well acted and cleverly directed, but I didn't like any of these characters, and I found the plotting to border on the distasteful. I was grateful when this long unpleasant film was finally over. GRADE-----C+
HELLO DESTROYER---Canada--In a climate of violence, a minor league hockey player injures a fellow player, and is "shoved under the bus" by coaches and fellow players. This is a worthy subject, but the first hour features mostly EXTREME closeup scenes with a hand held camera, and mostly filmed at night in dimly lit locals. I couldn't get a look at the characters faces, and there were only two establishing shot in the first hour. It was so unpleasant and frustrating to watch that I walked out after one hour and ten minutes. GRADE----------D
Sunday, May 7, 2017
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
THEIR FINEST, GET OUT, ZOOKEEPERS WIFE, GIFTED, GHOST IN THE SHELL, THE CIRCLE, KEDI, THE LURE, DON'T BREATHE, A QUIET PASSION
The British film industry loves World War II films and TV, and fortunately they do it very well. Case in point is the new, small gem called THEIR FINEST, set during the bombing of London during WWII when many beleaguered citizens are just trying to go about their normal lives under dangerous war conditions, including the creative talent of the British film industry. A young woman is hired to work on a studio film to bulk up women's dialogue, and she's pretty good, but faces a lot of prejudicial discrimination at the studio. The film is comic and romantic (there are some love conflicts) and suspenseful, and the mundane everyday activities become very fascinating and dramatic. (The film plays a lot like the PBS Masterpiece Theatre production of HOME FIRES currently showing on Sunday evenings. ) My main objection to this fascinating slice of life is that the film was projected very darkly--nearly every scene seems filtered through a night time screen, or in a bomb shelter, or at night. It was difficult at times to see the faces of the characters. I don't know if that was the director's intent, but I always feel that if you go to all the trouble, time and money to make a feature film, that you would want your audience to be able to clearly watch it. GRADE----------A-
This new fantasy comedic/suspense drama is clearly the most unique film of the year so far. GET OUT features an interracial couple that goes to visit her parents on their rich country estate for the weekend, and the black man starts to get weird vibes from mostly white inhabitants, but also from the few black characters--from the hired help and other guests during a large party. The film is very curious and suspenseful, but my only main complaint is the denouncement which, although satisfying, feels like a let down which degenerates into violence. Maybe you could say this is a cross between GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER and THE STEPFORD WIFES, but without the cloying condescending feeling of GUESS WHO'S.....Still, GET OUT is very creative and engrossing and the cast is very good. GRADE---------B+
There are a lot of problems with the new science fiction film GHOST IN THE SHELL, which is based on the Japanese animated film from 1995, but being dull is not one of them. The gung ho Scarlet Johannson portrays the main character who is "reborn" as a human robot--part machine with the mind of a human, and she is confused by conflicting memories of her past. She works for the company that created her, and seeks to find an evil corporation that is trying to infiltrate and destroy said company. The film is set far into the future, and has a unique set design that reminded me of a more intricate remake of BLADERUNNER 1982. There are some giant plot holes and sometimes it feels the rules keep changing from scene to scene, but I was engaged and appreciated the special effects and the actors, including well known Japanese actor Beat Takeshi Kitano (you'll at least recognize his grizzled face), newcomer Pilou Ashaet as her hunky assistant, and Oscar winner French actress Juliette Binoche as her doctor. GRADE----------B
Based on a best selling Dave Eggars novel, THE CIRCLE is a science fiction novel about privacy in the future. A young woman played by Emma Watson (HARRY POTTER fame) joins this high tech social progressive company, soon to find her self rapidly promoted, and offered a chance to be completely transparent to the world. She soon realizes that that is not always a good thing. Tom Hanks plays the head of the company who befriends her. I've not read the book, so I was engrossed in the story, and enjoyed some of the ethical dilemmas that occur. In one of his last films, the chameleon like actor Bill Pullman plays her father--as usual I didn't recognize him until the final credits. The film feels a bit underwhelming and anti climactic, but I had a good enough time. GRADE------B
This leisurely fascinating documentary features 6 or 7 cats that hang around the ancient city of Istanbul--they represent the thousands of homeless cats that the citizens put up with ---feeding them, playing with, and petting them as they roam the neighborhoods. The photography in KEDI is beautiful, the music score is exotic, the dozens of cats in the background are lovely and cute to watch. Not much happens in this film, and nothing very new is learned, but the old city Istanbul is intriguing, the film is easy to watch, and most definitely, this is for CAT (KEDI) fans. GRADE------B
There are some grotesque plot devices that might break the mood for you in the intense film DON'T BREATHE, but basically this is a straight forward thriller about three stubborn and spoiled young adults who decide to break into a house in a derelict part of Detroit and steal a small fortune from a blind vet. This proves to be harder than they thought, and the blind vet is, of course, no fool, as he can maneuver better in the nighttime darkness than the thieves. Unfortunately, this film has four main characters who do not claim our sympathies since the actions of all four are rather deplorable and cruel. Still, the film is very intense and watchable, and in spite of being a decent popcorn movie, you won't feel much like eating. GRADE-----------B-
I've seen a lot of WWII films about Nazi occupation, and this one is very decent, if a bit civilized. Jessica Chastain portrays THE ZOOKEEPERS WIFE, an animal lover who is devastated when Poland falls to the Nazi occupation, and her animals are shipped away to German zoos or killed outright. She and her husband offer to start a pig breeding farm to supply pork for the war effort but in reality they are appalled by what is happening to the Jews in their country, and use the zoo to hide and transfer Jewish inmates to safety. The film looks good, the actors are fine and the plot keeps moving without becoming saccharine. It may be a poor man's SCHINDLER'S LIST but there are worse problems a WWII film can have. GRADE-------------B-
Pleasant enough film of child genius being fought over by her uncle who has raised her since her mother's suicide, and her estranged grandmother who was unwilling to raise her then, but now wants to cultivate the child's incredible mind. GIFTED has a charming cast with Chris Evans as the uncle, McKenny Grace as the gifted child, Jenny Slade as a teacher, Octavia Spencer as her caretaker, and Lindsay Duncan as the grandmother. GRADE---------B-
Anne Hathaway has a lot of fun playing a party girl in New York City who is kicked out by her boyfriend Dan Stevens because she parties all night and sleeps all day and has no job. She ends up in her old home town and reconnects with an old school friend Jason Sudeikis, then discovers that a horrible monster COLOSSAL in Seoul seems to be connected to her movements, causing death and destruction in the morning whenever she has a night of drinking. It's a clever conceit, but the film drags on and on in a predictable manner, the only explanation coming at the end, and it is unconvincing and disappointing. GRADE----------C+
Made in 2015 but only recently released in the US is the bizarre Polish film THE LURE which got mixed reviews at SIFF 2016 from various film goers. This science fiction fantasy musical (!) film features female mermaids who come ashore to mate with humans, but there are many rules that must be followed for successful mating to occur. Unfortunately, the rules for such mating seem to change from scene to scene, and the motivations of these undersea creatures seem to become murky, to say the least. The special effects/costumes are quite sensual and effective in a spooky manner, and the characters speak in metaphors when they are not breaking into song. (The "enchanted" men appear in a nightclub cabaret band of sorts, and the mermaids fit right into the milieu) When jealousy occurs between the two mermaids, violence erupts, but again, what exactly are the rules and consequences? By the end I was frustrated and confused although the film is curious enough to sustain interest most of the time. GRADE------------C+
A new film by Brit Terence Davies, A QUIET PASSION, about the life and times of poet Emily Dickinson is a total and frustrating bore. The austere film making which worked well in his previous films SUNSET SONG 2015, DEEP BLUE SEA 2011 and HOUSE OF MIRTH 2000 seems dull and uninspiring here, and Cynthia Nixon (from TV's SEX AND THE CITY) is so stringent and angry throughout the film that it is hard to muster much sympathy, even when some lovely poems are read on the soundtrack. The long tiresome film is a chore to watch, and I wanted to exit the theatre after 20 minutes, but didn't because the screening was packed and I was in the middle of a long row. There were a lot of nasty complaints overheard in the aisle as we departed. GRADE--------D
______________________________________________________
THE FOLLOWING FILMS WERE VIEWED ON DVD------
MAGGIE'S PLAN 2016--The disarming charms of Greta Gerwig enliven the romantic comedy drama--she wants to have a baby on her own, but then falls for a married man (Ethan Hawke), causing him to divorce his intelligent wife (a fabulous Julianne Moore), then has second thoughts. The film feels much like a Woody Allen film, set in academia, and the characters act obtusely without much considered emotion. Written and directed by Rebecca Miller. GRADE-----B+
SUMMERTIME 1955--Katherine Hepburn is a single woman on her way to becoming an "old maid" when she unexpectedly falls in love with an older Italian man against her better judgment. The affair perpetuates the myth that Italian men cannot be faithful, and/or need to have the love of a mistress as well as a wife. David Lean directed, and Hepburn is fascinating to watch, natch. The photography lovingly details the glories of Venice in the 1950's. GRADE-----B+
FAMILY PLOT 1976--Alfred Hitchcock's last film is not one of his classics, but contains many of his trademark pleasures and suspense twists. The often campy actress Karen Black is nicely restrained as the mystery blond wigged kidnapper and she makes a good foil to the smoothly sinister William Devane as her partner. They cross paths with a wacky fake medium (a wacky Barbara Harris) and her cab driving boy friend (Bruce Dern) who are on the trail of a lost heir to a fortune. That talky scene starts FAMILY PLOT--unusual because Hitchcock was usually a very visual story teller, but once that is set up, the visuals, sexy humor and suspense take over and the film swishes along in classic fashion. I hadn't seen this film for over 20 years and it seems better to me and more well constructed, than ever. GRADE--------B
MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT 1959--The first of three Kim Novak films I watched in a row. Written by Paddy Chayefsky, Novak plays a young divorced woman who falls into an affair with her much older boss, played subtly by Fredric March, and they must battle the ageism and sexism of their friends and family. GRADE------B
JEANNE EAGELS 1957--Novak stars in this film biography of theatre and silent film star Jeanne Eagels, who got on the fast lane to fame but didn't learn how to handle the attention, burning on drugs and alcohol by age 39. Jeff Chandler was good as the Italian average Joe who tried to love her, but she kept rejecting him when something better came along. (Every time I see Chandler I keep thinking of him as an Indian--he was so effective in many Westerns in his career.) GRADE-----B
A MURDER OF QUALITY 1991--A stand alone murder mystery from the BBC based on a novel by John le Carre, with Denholm Elliott as George Smiley, and one of the final appearances by the great Glenda Jackson, with Joss Ackland, Billie Whitelaw and a young Christian Bale. GRADE------------B
PAL JOEY 1957--Kim Novak starred with Frank Sinatra and Rita Hayworth in this wide screen technicolor trifle. She plays a good girl trying to keep Sinatra out of her panties. This is a film for the Trump/Fox generation, where men can come on to woman continually in an obnoxious manner just because they can, and it should all be OK. There's a lot of sleazy moments in this film, but it is redeemed, barely, by some wonderful classic songs, including THE LADY IS A TRAMP, MY FUNNY VALENTINE, and BEWITCHED BOTHERED AND BEWILDERED. GRADE------------B-
LAZY EYE 2016--A lonely, partnered gay man meets up with his ex-lover 15 years after their break up and tries to figure out what went wrong in this basically two character chamber drama which explores sexual attraction, jealousy, loyalty and friendship, in a small cabin near Joshua Tree California. In a small way, the film works, and the two leads are convincing. GRADE-----B-
WILD IN THE STREETS--1968--This independent, cheaply made drama caused a stir upon release with the wild premise that 14 year old teens should be given the vote, and "old" people over the age of 35 should be forced to retire. The film features a lot of music, the only memorable song is THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME which was a hit for Paul Revere and the Raiders in 1971 and again for the Ramones in 1993. The cast is willing, including Christopher Jones, Shelley Winters, Richard Pryor, Hal Holbrook and Ed Begley, but the script is not developed, and the dialogue borders on camp, but not in a good way. GRADE--------C+
Other film that I watched were made for TV by the BBC. They included 11 episodes of FOYLE'S WAR, at 90 minutes each, 3 episodes of Agatha Christie's MARPLE also 90 minutes each, and about 12 episodes of MIDSUMER MURDERS at 90 some minutes each. Most of them were of superior quality for television in general.
I have usually watched that much programming per month, I just don't write about it because this blog is especially for FILM, although much of what I watch is better than about half the films I see. In the previous months I've watched most of Agatha Christies's POIROT series from the BBC. I also almost always watch whatever is on Masterpiece Theatre on Sunday evenings--now I'm involved in CALL THE MIDWIFE as I've watched for several years. Also HOME FIRES and WOLF HALL, and I was a passionate watcher of DOWNTON ABBEY for all of it's run.
----------------
Starting this week begins the 2017 version of the SEATTLE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL. I will write briefly of the films screened each week and give more info as each film opens for an official run later in the summer through spring. Because I see about 130 films in the next six weeks, I am going to try to write twice a week, with shorter blogs. Thanks to all my friends and fans for reading.
This new fantasy comedic/suspense drama is clearly the most unique film of the year so far. GET OUT features an interracial couple that goes to visit her parents on their rich country estate for the weekend, and the black man starts to get weird vibes from mostly white inhabitants, but also from the few black characters--from the hired help and other guests during a large party. The film is very curious and suspenseful, but my only main complaint is the denouncement which, although satisfying, feels like a let down which degenerates into violence. Maybe you could say this is a cross between GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER and THE STEPFORD WIFES, but without the cloying condescending feeling of GUESS WHO'S.....Still, GET OUT is very creative and engrossing and the cast is very good. GRADE---------B+
There are a lot of problems with the new science fiction film GHOST IN THE SHELL, which is based on the Japanese animated film from 1995, but being dull is not one of them. The gung ho Scarlet Johannson portrays the main character who is "reborn" as a human robot--part machine with the mind of a human, and she is confused by conflicting memories of her past. She works for the company that created her, and seeks to find an evil corporation that is trying to infiltrate and destroy said company. The film is set far into the future, and has a unique set design that reminded me of a more intricate remake of BLADERUNNER 1982. There are some giant plot holes and sometimes it feels the rules keep changing from scene to scene, but I was engaged and appreciated the special effects and the actors, including well known Japanese actor Beat Takeshi Kitano (you'll at least recognize his grizzled face), newcomer Pilou Ashaet as her hunky assistant, and Oscar winner French actress Juliette Binoche as her doctor. GRADE----------B
Based on a best selling Dave Eggars novel, THE CIRCLE is a science fiction novel about privacy in the future. A young woman played by Emma Watson (HARRY POTTER fame) joins this high tech social progressive company, soon to find her self rapidly promoted, and offered a chance to be completely transparent to the world. She soon realizes that that is not always a good thing. Tom Hanks plays the head of the company who befriends her. I've not read the book, so I was engrossed in the story, and enjoyed some of the ethical dilemmas that occur. In one of his last films, the chameleon like actor Bill Pullman plays her father--as usual I didn't recognize him until the final credits. The film feels a bit underwhelming and anti climactic, but I had a good enough time. GRADE------B
This leisurely fascinating documentary features 6 or 7 cats that hang around the ancient city of Istanbul--they represent the thousands of homeless cats that the citizens put up with ---feeding them, playing with, and petting them as they roam the neighborhoods. The photography in KEDI is beautiful, the music score is exotic, the dozens of cats in the background are lovely and cute to watch. Not much happens in this film, and nothing very new is learned, but the old city Istanbul is intriguing, the film is easy to watch, and most definitely, this is for CAT (KEDI) fans. GRADE------B
There are some grotesque plot devices that might break the mood for you in the intense film DON'T BREATHE, but basically this is a straight forward thriller about three stubborn and spoiled young adults who decide to break into a house in a derelict part of Detroit and steal a small fortune from a blind vet. This proves to be harder than they thought, and the blind vet is, of course, no fool, as he can maneuver better in the nighttime darkness than the thieves. Unfortunately, this film has four main characters who do not claim our sympathies since the actions of all four are rather deplorable and cruel. Still, the film is very intense and watchable, and in spite of being a decent popcorn movie, you won't feel much like eating. GRADE-----------B-
I've seen a lot of WWII films about Nazi occupation, and this one is very decent, if a bit civilized. Jessica Chastain portrays THE ZOOKEEPERS WIFE, an animal lover who is devastated when Poland falls to the Nazi occupation, and her animals are shipped away to German zoos or killed outright. She and her husband offer to start a pig breeding farm to supply pork for the war effort but in reality they are appalled by what is happening to the Jews in their country, and use the zoo to hide and transfer Jewish inmates to safety. The film looks good, the actors are fine and the plot keeps moving without becoming saccharine. It may be a poor man's SCHINDLER'S LIST but there are worse problems a WWII film can have. GRADE-------------B-
Pleasant enough film of child genius being fought over by her uncle who has raised her since her mother's suicide, and her estranged grandmother who was unwilling to raise her then, but now wants to cultivate the child's incredible mind. GIFTED has a charming cast with Chris Evans as the uncle, McKenny Grace as the gifted child, Jenny Slade as a teacher, Octavia Spencer as her caretaker, and Lindsay Duncan as the grandmother. GRADE---------B-
Anne Hathaway has a lot of fun playing a party girl in New York City who is kicked out by her boyfriend Dan Stevens because she parties all night and sleeps all day and has no job. She ends up in her old home town and reconnects with an old school friend Jason Sudeikis, then discovers that a horrible monster COLOSSAL in Seoul seems to be connected to her movements, causing death and destruction in the morning whenever she has a night of drinking. It's a clever conceit, but the film drags on and on in a predictable manner, the only explanation coming at the end, and it is unconvincing and disappointing. GRADE----------C+
Made in 2015 but only recently released in the US is the bizarre Polish film THE LURE which got mixed reviews at SIFF 2016 from various film goers. This science fiction fantasy musical (!) film features female mermaids who come ashore to mate with humans, but there are many rules that must be followed for successful mating to occur. Unfortunately, the rules for such mating seem to change from scene to scene, and the motivations of these undersea creatures seem to become murky, to say the least. The special effects/costumes are quite sensual and effective in a spooky manner, and the characters speak in metaphors when they are not breaking into song. (The "enchanted" men appear in a nightclub cabaret band of sorts, and the mermaids fit right into the milieu) When jealousy occurs between the two mermaids, violence erupts, but again, what exactly are the rules and consequences? By the end I was frustrated and confused although the film is curious enough to sustain interest most of the time. GRADE------------C+
A new film by Brit Terence Davies, A QUIET PASSION, about the life and times of poet Emily Dickinson is a total and frustrating bore. The austere film making which worked well in his previous films SUNSET SONG 2015, DEEP BLUE SEA 2011 and HOUSE OF MIRTH 2000 seems dull and uninspiring here, and Cynthia Nixon (from TV's SEX AND THE CITY) is so stringent and angry throughout the film that it is hard to muster much sympathy, even when some lovely poems are read on the soundtrack. The long tiresome film is a chore to watch, and I wanted to exit the theatre after 20 minutes, but didn't because the screening was packed and I was in the middle of a long row. There were a lot of nasty complaints overheard in the aisle as we departed. GRADE--------D
______________________________________________________
THE FOLLOWING FILMS WERE VIEWED ON DVD------
MAGGIE'S PLAN 2016--The disarming charms of Greta Gerwig enliven the romantic comedy drama--she wants to have a baby on her own, but then falls for a married man (Ethan Hawke), causing him to divorce his intelligent wife (a fabulous Julianne Moore), then has second thoughts. The film feels much like a Woody Allen film, set in academia, and the characters act obtusely without much considered emotion. Written and directed by Rebecca Miller. GRADE-----B+
SUMMERTIME 1955--Katherine Hepburn is a single woman on her way to becoming an "old maid" when she unexpectedly falls in love with an older Italian man against her better judgment. The affair perpetuates the myth that Italian men cannot be faithful, and/or need to have the love of a mistress as well as a wife. David Lean directed, and Hepburn is fascinating to watch, natch. The photography lovingly details the glories of Venice in the 1950's. GRADE-----B+
FAMILY PLOT 1976--Alfred Hitchcock's last film is not one of his classics, but contains many of his trademark pleasures and suspense twists. The often campy actress Karen Black is nicely restrained as the mystery blond wigged kidnapper and she makes a good foil to the smoothly sinister William Devane as her partner. They cross paths with a wacky fake medium (a wacky Barbara Harris) and her cab driving boy friend (Bruce Dern) who are on the trail of a lost heir to a fortune. That talky scene starts FAMILY PLOT--unusual because Hitchcock was usually a very visual story teller, but once that is set up, the visuals, sexy humor and suspense take over and the film swishes along in classic fashion. I hadn't seen this film for over 20 years and it seems better to me and more well constructed, than ever. GRADE--------B
MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT 1959--The first of three Kim Novak films I watched in a row. Written by Paddy Chayefsky, Novak plays a young divorced woman who falls into an affair with her much older boss, played subtly by Fredric March, and they must battle the ageism and sexism of their friends and family. GRADE------B
JEANNE EAGELS 1957--Novak stars in this film biography of theatre and silent film star Jeanne Eagels, who got on the fast lane to fame but didn't learn how to handle the attention, burning on drugs and alcohol by age 39. Jeff Chandler was good as the Italian average Joe who tried to love her, but she kept rejecting him when something better came along. (Every time I see Chandler I keep thinking of him as an Indian--he was so effective in many Westerns in his career.) GRADE-----B
A MURDER OF QUALITY 1991--A stand alone murder mystery from the BBC based on a novel by John le Carre, with Denholm Elliott as George Smiley, and one of the final appearances by the great Glenda Jackson, with Joss Ackland, Billie Whitelaw and a young Christian Bale. GRADE------------B
PAL JOEY 1957--Kim Novak starred with Frank Sinatra and Rita Hayworth in this wide screen technicolor trifle. She plays a good girl trying to keep Sinatra out of her panties. This is a film for the Trump/Fox generation, where men can come on to woman continually in an obnoxious manner just because they can, and it should all be OK. There's a lot of sleazy moments in this film, but it is redeemed, barely, by some wonderful classic songs, including THE LADY IS A TRAMP, MY FUNNY VALENTINE, and BEWITCHED BOTHERED AND BEWILDERED. GRADE------------B-
LAZY EYE 2016--A lonely, partnered gay man meets up with his ex-lover 15 years after their break up and tries to figure out what went wrong in this basically two character chamber drama which explores sexual attraction, jealousy, loyalty and friendship, in a small cabin near Joshua Tree California. In a small way, the film works, and the two leads are convincing. GRADE-----B-
WILD IN THE STREETS--1968--This independent, cheaply made drama caused a stir upon release with the wild premise that 14 year old teens should be given the vote, and "old" people over the age of 35 should be forced to retire. The film features a lot of music, the only memorable song is THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME which was a hit for Paul Revere and the Raiders in 1971 and again for the Ramones in 1993. The cast is willing, including Christopher Jones, Shelley Winters, Richard Pryor, Hal Holbrook and Ed Begley, but the script is not developed, and the dialogue borders on camp, but not in a good way. GRADE--------C+
Other film that I watched were made for TV by the BBC. They included 11 episodes of FOYLE'S WAR, at 90 minutes each, 3 episodes of Agatha Christie's MARPLE also 90 minutes each, and about 12 episodes of MIDSUMER MURDERS at 90 some minutes each. Most of them were of superior quality for television in general.
I have usually watched that much programming per month, I just don't write about it because this blog is especially for FILM, although much of what I watch is better than about half the films I see. In the previous months I've watched most of Agatha Christies's POIROT series from the BBC. I also almost always watch whatever is on Masterpiece Theatre on Sunday evenings--now I'm involved in CALL THE MIDWIFE as I've watched for several years. Also HOME FIRES and WOLF HALL, and I was a passionate watcher of DOWNTON ABBEY for all of it's run.
----------------
Starting this week begins the 2017 version of the SEATTLE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL. I will write briefly of the films screened each week and give more info as each film opens for an official run later in the summer through spring. Because I see about 130 films in the next six weeks, I am going to try to write twice a week, with shorter blogs. Thanks to all my friends and fans for reading.
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, LOGAN, UNITED KINGDOM, PERSONAL SHOPPER, plus STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN, EDDIE THE EAGLE, MARGARET, DODSWORTH, DIE DIE MY DARLING w/Tallulah Bankhead
Early on in the new Disney live action musical film BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, the main character Belle is running up a floral mountain meadow, flinging open her arms to start singing THE HILLS ARE ALIVE WITH THE SOUND OF MUSIC, or so I sang, aloud, in the crowded theatre, and all I got was elbowed by my wife. I thought it was pretty funny myself, for that moment and some others are stolen from other great, iconic movie musicals. Just to be certain, I don't really care if they were stolen consciously or not, but the makers of this new BEAUTY/BEAST have given this new film the energy, creativity, exotic looks and romantic texture that has graced many a classic, and this one will be remembered as well. There's a bit of slowness about 3/4th the way through, but the ending is absurdly exuberant, and the film received a hearty applause at the ending. The film follows closely the plotting and musical interludes of the animated success from 1991, but includes such new for Disney themes as an amusing homosexual bromance that ends in a same sex dance by the finale, along with some interracial pairings, although those are not clear until the final scene where everyone turns back into a human form from their magically induced teapot, candlestick, wardrobe, etc that has kept their racial identity secret until the end. I liked this new film. GRADE------------A-
The British have a way of making true historical events blessedly clear minded and entertaining, and such is the case for the new film UNITED KINGDOM, which tells of the interracial romance and marriage between the prince of Botswana--an African nation trying to break from British rule, who has been studying in London, and his bride to be, a white secretary/clerk who is willing to give up her British life to be the wife of a king as his father dies forthwith. Set in the late 1940's to the early 1950's, the marriage causes a scandal in both Botswana and England, and there is a lot of political drama and personal conflict on display here, but the overall effect is one of progress over prejudice with right (love) triumphing over wrong (hate and suspicion.) The straight forward direction is beautifully framed and filmed by director Amma Asante who also directed the beautiful story of a mixed race woman who is raised by her dead father's aristocratic uncle in 18th century England, called BELLE (2013). Even my non-movie going brother in law thought that UNITED KINGDOM was fascinating and excellent! GRADE------A-
Watching the magnetic, elegant thriller PERSONAL SHOPPER, I realized that suddenly, with this film and her last film CLOUDS OF SILS MARIA, Kristen Stewart has become the best actress of her generation--serious, vacant, melancholic, compelling, fascinating, sometimes all at the same time. Here is a film about a bored young woman working a possible dream job of buying clothes for a rich, though absent, actress, while riding her motor bike around Paris looking for clues that will lead her to connect (metaphysically) with her recently deceased twin brother. The film plays like a psychological mystery, with vacant, shallow exteriors and interiors, creepy stalkers, shocking murders, and beautiful clothes. It didn't really dawn on me until the finale that this was also a love story and a ghost story--there are so many different moods afoot. Appearing in nearly every scene is the fascinating Stewart who continues to impress us with each great performance. The film reminded me of Hitchcock at his most esoteric (ie VERTIGO), and Nicholas Roeg's classic DON'T LOOK NOW--this one is for the serious adult movie goer. This film has been floating around my mind since I saw it at VIFF last October. GRADE----------B+
Part of the X MEN franchise, this film brings back Hugh Jackman as LOGAN, a mutant that grows long deadly knives from his knuckles that he uses to slash his enemies whenever he is provoked. He has long taken to drink, and he is the helper/care giver to Patrick Stewart, an elderly Professor X who has a deadly mind control that paralyzes those around him, and his "gift" is starting to get out of control. They team up with a young girl who also has some powers similar to Logan--in fact--she is ----well I can't give away any more secrets---but you'll figure it out in the first 30 minutes. The actors are effective even if the plot is one long violent kill scene after kill scene. In fact, I don't think I've seen a film with a bigger body count in the last 5 years! GRADE--------B
_____________________________________________________
Viewed on TV/DVD
MARGARET---Filmed in 2005, then finally shelved in 2007 due to lawsuits over length and endings, this film written and directed by Oscar winner (for MANCHESTER BY THE SEA) Kenneth Lonergan clearly illuminates his skillful writing style, and is now available on DVD. Teenage Lisa witnesses a tragic accident as a bus runs over and kills a woman, and she becomes obsessed with transferring the blame to the bus driver, yet she also feels guilty that she may have had something to do with distracting the driver. When she tries to set the record straight, she finds that the adults in her life want her to play it safe and avoid getting involved. She becomes hostile to her parents, family, friends and teachers, all of whom seem to have alternative motives. The film is bookended by beautiful music from tragic operas as she tries to come to emotional terms with adulthood. This is a demanding film for an audience to watch, but it is nonetheless thought provoking and disturbing. The lead is played by the excellent Anna Paquin, and the effective adults in her life are played by J. Smith-Cameron, Jean Reno, Allison Janney, Matthew Broderick, Mark Ruffalo, Matt Damon, and Jeannie Berlin. It is a fine, ambitious film. GRADE-------A-
THE SPY WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD (1965)--Based on the cold war spy novel by John le Carre, this drama was a grim counter point to the flashy James Bond films that were being made in the early 60's like DR NO, FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE and GOLDFINGER. Richard Burton gives a solid performance as a tired spy who wants to retire but takes on one last job, inadvertently involving his new girl friend Claire Bloom. Filmed in dreary black and white, the film is a more realistic vision of spy work, and deserves to be remembered for it's naturalistic approach and tragic ending. Director Martin Ritt went on to make HUD 1963, HOMBRE 1967, MOLLY MAGUIRES 1970, SOUNDER 1972, THE FRONT 1976, NORMA RAE 1979, and MURPHY'S ROMANCE 1985 among others. GRADE-------B+
STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN 1946, aka A MATTER OF LIFE OR DEATH---Directed by Michael Powell, this odd dramatic fantasy featured David Niven as a World War II pilot who somehow escapes death when he lands in the ocean from his burning plane, and is nursed back to health by Kim Hunter. But DEATH is stalking him, and he must defend his life before the almighty being if he wants to keep living. There is literally a huge staircase to heaven that he climbs to have his philosophical discussion with other dead souls. Odd but not boring. GRADE--------B
NIGHT CRAWLER (2014)--It took me a few scenes to realize that a supporting character in this thriller was portrayed by the late Bill Paxton, who had died just a few days earlier--he had climbed so completely into his character of a sleazy ambulance chasing photographer. Jake Gyllenhall is effectively creepy as a shiftless man who stumbles onto a career of filming horrific accidents to sell to the evening news. Rene Russo is also effective as a news producer willing to do anything for a great video to show on the evening news. GRADE-------B
THE WAVE (2015)--This Norwegian catastrophic drama deals with mountain slides that fall into a fjord that can send a wall of water (much like a tsunami) into the unsuspecting citizens of small villages that exist at waters edge, with only 10 minutes of warning. The film is predictable for the first half--no one will believe him when he predicts a pending catastrophic event, but the film is effective when the inevitable does occur, with powerful special effects, and the aftermath is also riveting. GRADE----------B
DODSWORTH (1936) William Wyler directed this moving drama about a wealthy man (Walter Huston) who retires, only to find that his long time wife (Ruth Chatterton) would rather live without him. Then he reconnects with a friendly woman (Mary Astor) he met on a cruise with his wife. I was interested to see this film since I'd just read a book called Mary Astor's Purple Diary. Apparently she got around in Hollywood quite a lot, and kept a running tally and ratings of all her lovers and encounters. This caused a giant scandal at the time as her husband tried to get full custody of their daughter because if it. The diary was ultimately destroyed by a judge, so this biography only guesses what it said based on newspaper clippings and interviews at the time. Astor's most famous film is MALTESE FALCON, but she was a solid, calm performer in a number of character roles. DODSWORTH is a fine drama even if the plot is a bit predictable. GRADE--------B
EDDIE THE EAGLE (2016)--Based on a true story of the only British ski jumper who attended the 1988 Olympics and ended up in 73rd place out of 73 jumpers. The film is a charmer--a true audience pleaser. Taron Edgarton plays Eddie, and Hugh Jackman plays his washed up coach out to redeem himself. GRADE------B
BUCHANAN RIDES ALONE (1955)--Western director Budd Boetticher film with Randolph Scott--he loses all his money in a corrupt town he passes through and stays to get it all back. Subtle, thoughtful western, heavier on charterizaton than on action. GRADE-------B
RIDE LONESOME (1959)--Another Budd Boetticher western has Randolph Scott as a bounty hunter--he uses his bounty to lure the brother into his control. Psychological twists with some surprise plotting. GRADE--------B
THEIR EYES WERE WATCHING GOD (2005)--TV movie based on Zora Neale Hurston's classic novel features a miscast Halle Berry, who is a little too beautiful to be believed. The film feels edited and skimpy in detail. GRADE----------B-
INTRODUCING DOROTHY DANDRIDGE (1999)--Another TV movie based on a biography about the life of Dandridge, the first black woman to become an Oscar nominated actress in a leading role for CARMEN JONES (1954). She was also a well known night club singer, yet suffered many indignities due to racial discrimination even at the hotels where she preformed. (She had to enter the hotel through the back kitchen door, and wasn't allowed to use the pool--the one time she dipped a leg into the pool, it was drained and cleaned that night.) Halle Barry is much more effective here, and Brent Spiner as her faithful friend and one time manager is also quite good. GRADE--------B-
BANDITS (2001)--Bruce Willis, Billy Bob Thornton and Cate Blanchet are bank robbers on the run, and they form sort of a menage a trois. The dialogue is witty and the threesome are all engaging together, even if we think we know what will happen since the ending plays first chronologically. But the film does have a surprise up it's sleeve. Enjoyable, if minor, entertainment. GRADE--------B-
BERLIN EXPRESS (1948)--It took me 30 minutes to remember that I'd seen this film noir mystery in the last couple years. Director Jacques Tournier (CAT PEOPLE) creates some moody, slick moments. Several international peace makers from around the world meet on a train where one of them is killed by Nazi spies, just after World War II. The chase is on to find the murderer and keep the others safe. With Merle Oberon, Robert Ryan and others, the best part of the film is that much of the action after the first half on the train,was filmed in war torn Berlin with shocking scenes of bombed out buildings creating a moody, tense feel. GRADE-----------B-
PIRATES OF PENZANCE (1983)--This is the filmed Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera, with glorious music well sung by a lively, lovely cast which includes Kevin Kline, Angela Lansbury, Linda Rondstad, George Rose and Rex Smith. Fans of the opera will be pleased, but for the uninitiated, the silly, slapstick action can at times become tiresome. GRADE-------B-
THE CARPETBAGGERS (1964)--Loosely based on the life of Howard Hughes, this film from a novel by Harold Robbins features sleazy men, loose women, cruelty, violence and lurid (although strangely chaste) sex scenes---and oddly this is only rated PG!!!!!!!! George Peppard is rather effective as a very unlikeable "hero" who takes over his father's business in a flurry within minutes of his father's death (while the corpse lays on the sofa!), and that includes a sexual encounter with his father's sexy widow Carroll Baker--a woman his own age. He treats women, business partners, family and friends with heartless disdain, tossing them out when he gets what he wants (reminded me of a young Trump), all the while buying up companies and airlines and finally a movie studio with all his billions. In his final film, Alan Ladd plays his only friend from the old days, sort of a father figure, but why he stays around I don't know. Perhaps the best, most satisfying scene has the two leads come to blows. This is trashy drama, but it does get a hold on you if for no other reason than the pleasure of watching him self destruct. Also featuring Lew Ayers, Elizabeth Ashley as his long, long suffering wife, and Robert Cummings as an (gay?) ex friend. GRADE--------B-
DIE, DIE MY DARLING (1965)--OK version of young woman (Stephanie Powers) imprisoned by the mother (Tallulah Bankhead) of her dead fiance. One of the first films of Donald Sutherland who plays somewhat of a mentally stunted farm hand. Powers-- unfortunately named--is anything but, as she whimpers and quivers through her role, bested by every odd character in this creepy house. The film is watchable mainly for the final leading role of Tallulah Bankhead without makeup as the repressed, religious crazy lady. She keeps our attention like no other character in the film, despite some predictable plotting, She doesn't even appear to be the eccentric, bisexual, outrageous character who called everyone "Darrrlinh"in a deep sexual voice (because she said she could never recall any ones name) that she was notorious for in real life. GRADE----------C+
ODDS AGAINST TOMORROW (1959)--Director Robert Wise (THE SOUND OF MUSIC) film that I wish was better, this is a typical caper film with film noir trappings. Harry Belafonte is a young musician (he gets to sing!) who is seriously in debt to a gangster due to his compulsive gambling, and he joins two other men (Robert Ryan and Ed Bagley) to rob a bank in another town--(one last deal before retirement say them all!) but there is conflict because Ryan is a severe bigot and that affects his actions. Shelley Winters is a desperately in love girlfriend to Ryan, and as always she knocks her two scenes out of the park. A young Cicely Tyson has an uncredited scene in a bar. GRADE----------C+
The British have a way of making true historical events blessedly clear minded and entertaining, and such is the case for the new film UNITED KINGDOM, which tells of the interracial romance and marriage between the prince of Botswana--an African nation trying to break from British rule, who has been studying in London, and his bride to be, a white secretary/clerk who is willing to give up her British life to be the wife of a king as his father dies forthwith. Set in the late 1940's to the early 1950's, the marriage causes a scandal in both Botswana and England, and there is a lot of political drama and personal conflict on display here, but the overall effect is one of progress over prejudice with right (love) triumphing over wrong (hate and suspicion.) The straight forward direction is beautifully framed and filmed by director Amma Asante who also directed the beautiful story of a mixed race woman who is raised by her dead father's aristocratic uncle in 18th century England, called BELLE (2013). Even my non-movie going brother in law thought that UNITED KINGDOM was fascinating and excellent! GRADE------A-
Watching the magnetic, elegant thriller PERSONAL SHOPPER, I realized that suddenly, with this film and her last film CLOUDS OF SILS MARIA, Kristen Stewart has become the best actress of her generation--serious, vacant, melancholic, compelling, fascinating, sometimes all at the same time. Here is a film about a bored young woman working a possible dream job of buying clothes for a rich, though absent, actress, while riding her motor bike around Paris looking for clues that will lead her to connect (metaphysically) with her recently deceased twin brother. The film plays like a psychological mystery, with vacant, shallow exteriors and interiors, creepy stalkers, shocking murders, and beautiful clothes. It didn't really dawn on me until the finale that this was also a love story and a ghost story--there are so many different moods afoot. Appearing in nearly every scene is the fascinating Stewart who continues to impress us with each great performance. The film reminded me of Hitchcock at his most esoteric (ie VERTIGO), and Nicholas Roeg's classic DON'T LOOK NOW--this one is for the serious adult movie goer. This film has been floating around my mind since I saw it at VIFF last October. GRADE----------B+
Part of the X MEN franchise, this film brings back Hugh Jackman as LOGAN, a mutant that grows long deadly knives from his knuckles that he uses to slash his enemies whenever he is provoked. He has long taken to drink, and he is the helper/care giver to Patrick Stewart, an elderly Professor X who has a deadly mind control that paralyzes those around him, and his "gift" is starting to get out of control. They team up with a young girl who also has some powers similar to Logan--in fact--she is ----well I can't give away any more secrets---but you'll figure it out in the first 30 minutes. The actors are effective even if the plot is one long violent kill scene after kill scene. In fact, I don't think I've seen a film with a bigger body count in the last 5 years! GRADE--------B
_____________________________________________________
Viewed on TV/DVD
MARGARET---Filmed in 2005, then finally shelved in 2007 due to lawsuits over length and endings, this film written and directed by Oscar winner (for MANCHESTER BY THE SEA) Kenneth Lonergan clearly illuminates his skillful writing style, and is now available on DVD. Teenage Lisa witnesses a tragic accident as a bus runs over and kills a woman, and she becomes obsessed with transferring the blame to the bus driver, yet she also feels guilty that she may have had something to do with distracting the driver. When she tries to set the record straight, she finds that the adults in her life want her to play it safe and avoid getting involved. She becomes hostile to her parents, family, friends and teachers, all of whom seem to have alternative motives. The film is bookended by beautiful music from tragic operas as she tries to come to emotional terms with adulthood. This is a demanding film for an audience to watch, but it is nonetheless thought provoking and disturbing. The lead is played by the excellent Anna Paquin, and the effective adults in her life are played by J. Smith-Cameron, Jean Reno, Allison Janney, Matthew Broderick, Mark Ruffalo, Matt Damon, and Jeannie Berlin. It is a fine, ambitious film. GRADE-------A-
THE SPY WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD (1965)--Based on the cold war spy novel by John le Carre, this drama was a grim counter point to the flashy James Bond films that were being made in the early 60's like DR NO, FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE and GOLDFINGER. Richard Burton gives a solid performance as a tired spy who wants to retire but takes on one last job, inadvertently involving his new girl friend Claire Bloom. Filmed in dreary black and white, the film is a more realistic vision of spy work, and deserves to be remembered for it's naturalistic approach and tragic ending. Director Martin Ritt went on to make HUD 1963, HOMBRE 1967, MOLLY MAGUIRES 1970, SOUNDER 1972, THE FRONT 1976, NORMA RAE 1979, and MURPHY'S ROMANCE 1985 among others. GRADE-------B+
STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN 1946, aka A MATTER OF LIFE OR DEATH---Directed by Michael Powell, this odd dramatic fantasy featured David Niven as a World War II pilot who somehow escapes death when he lands in the ocean from his burning plane, and is nursed back to health by Kim Hunter. But DEATH is stalking him, and he must defend his life before the almighty being if he wants to keep living. There is literally a huge staircase to heaven that he climbs to have his philosophical discussion with other dead souls. Odd but not boring. GRADE--------B
NIGHT CRAWLER (2014)--It took me a few scenes to realize that a supporting character in this thriller was portrayed by the late Bill Paxton, who had died just a few days earlier--he had climbed so completely into his character of a sleazy ambulance chasing photographer. Jake Gyllenhall is effectively creepy as a shiftless man who stumbles onto a career of filming horrific accidents to sell to the evening news. Rene Russo is also effective as a news producer willing to do anything for a great video to show on the evening news. GRADE-------B
THE WAVE (2015)--This Norwegian catastrophic drama deals with mountain slides that fall into a fjord that can send a wall of water (much like a tsunami) into the unsuspecting citizens of small villages that exist at waters edge, with only 10 minutes of warning. The film is predictable for the first half--no one will believe him when he predicts a pending catastrophic event, but the film is effective when the inevitable does occur, with powerful special effects, and the aftermath is also riveting. GRADE----------B
DODSWORTH (1936) William Wyler directed this moving drama about a wealthy man (Walter Huston) who retires, only to find that his long time wife (Ruth Chatterton) would rather live without him. Then he reconnects with a friendly woman (Mary Astor) he met on a cruise with his wife. I was interested to see this film since I'd just read a book called Mary Astor's Purple Diary. Apparently she got around in Hollywood quite a lot, and kept a running tally and ratings of all her lovers and encounters. This caused a giant scandal at the time as her husband tried to get full custody of their daughter because if it. The diary was ultimately destroyed by a judge, so this biography only guesses what it said based on newspaper clippings and interviews at the time. Astor's most famous film is MALTESE FALCON, but she was a solid, calm performer in a number of character roles. DODSWORTH is a fine drama even if the plot is a bit predictable. GRADE--------B
EDDIE THE EAGLE (2016)--Based on a true story of the only British ski jumper who attended the 1988 Olympics and ended up in 73rd place out of 73 jumpers. The film is a charmer--a true audience pleaser. Taron Edgarton plays Eddie, and Hugh Jackman plays his washed up coach out to redeem himself. GRADE------B
BUCHANAN RIDES ALONE (1955)--Western director Budd Boetticher film with Randolph Scott--he loses all his money in a corrupt town he passes through and stays to get it all back. Subtle, thoughtful western, heavier on charterizaton than on action. GRADE-------B
RIDE LONESOME (1959)--Another Budd Boetticher western has Randolph Scott as a bounty hunter--he uses his bounty to lure the brother into his control. Psychological twists with some surprise plotting. GRADE--------B
THEIR EYES WERE WATCHING GOD (2005)--TV movie based on Zora Neale Hurston's classic novel features a miscast Halle Berry, who is a little too beautiful to be believed. The film feels edited and skimpy in detail. GRADE----------B-
INTRODUCING DOROTHY DANDRIDGE (1999)--Another TV movie based on a biography about the life of Dandridge, the first black woman to become an Oscar nominated actress in a leading role for CARMEN JONES (1954). She was also a well known night club singer, yet suffered many indignities due to racial discrimination even at the hotels where she preformed. (She had to enter the hotel through the back kitchen door, and wasn't allowed to use the pool--the one time she dipped a leg into the pool, it was drained and cleaned that night.) Halle Barry is much more effective here, and Brent Spiner as her faithful friend and one time manager is also quite good. GRADE--------B-
BANDITS (2001)--Bruce Willis, Billy Bob Thornton and Cate Blanchet are bank robbers on the run, and they form sort of a menage a trois. The dialogue is witty and the threesome are all engaging together, even if we think we know what will happen since the ending plays first chronologically. But the film does have a surprise up it's sleeve. Enjoyable, if minor, entertainment. GRADE--------B-
BERLIN EXPRESS (1948)--It took me 30 minutes to remember that I'd seen this film noir mystery in the last couple years. Director Jacques Tournier (CAT PEOPLE) creates some moody, slick moments. Several international peace makers from around the world meet on a train where one of them is killed by Nazi spies, just after World War II. The chase is on to find the murderer and keep the others safe. With Merle Oberon, Robert Ryan and others, the best part of the film is that much of the action after the first half on the train,was filmed in war torn Berlin with shocking scenes of bombed out buildings creating a moody, tense feel. GRADE-----------B-
PIRATES OF PENZANCE (1983)--This is the filmed Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera, with glorious music well sung by a lively, lovely cast which includes Kevin Kline, Angela Lansbury, Linda Rondstad, George Rose and Rex Smith. Fans of the opera will be pleased, but for the uninitiated, the silly, slapstick action can at times become tiresome. GRADE-------B-
THE CARPETBAGGERS (1964)--Loosely based on the life of Howard Hughes, this film from a novel by Harold Robbins features sleazy men, loose women, cruelty, violence and lurid (although strangely chaste) sex scenes---and oddly this is only rated PG!!!!!!!! George Peppard is rather effective as a very unlikeable "hero" who takes over his father's business in a flurry within minutes of his father's death (while the corpse lays on the sofa!), and that includes a sexual encounter with his father's sexy widow Carroll Baker--a woman his own age. He treats women, business partners, family and friends with heartless disdain, tossing them out when he gets what he wants (reminded me of a young Trump), all the while buying up companies and airlines and finally a movie studio with all his billions. In his final film, Alan Ladd plays his only friend from the old days, sort of a father figure, but why he stays around I don't know. Perhaps the best, most satisfying scene has the two leads come to blows. This is trashy drama, but it does get a hold on you if for no other reason than the pleasure of watching him self destruct. Also featuring Lew Ayers, Elizabeth Ashley as his long, long suffering wife, and Robert Cummings as an (gay?) ex friend. GRADE--------B-
DIE, DIE MY DARLING (1965)--OK version of young woman (Stephanie Powers) imprisoned by the mother (Tallulah Bankhead) of her dead fiance. One of the first films of Donald Sutherland who plays somewhat of a mentally stunted farm hand. Powers-- unfortunately named--is anything but, as she whimpers and quivers through her role, bested by every odd character in this creepy house. The film is watchable mainly for the final leading role of Tallulah Bankhead without makeup as the repressed, religious crazy lady. She keeps our attention like no other character in the film, despite some predictable plotting, She doesn't even appear to be the eccentric, bisexual, outrageous character who called everyone "Darrrlinh"in a deep sexual voice (because she said she could never recall any ones name) that she was notorious for in real life. GRADE----------C+
ODDS AGAINST TOMORROW (1959)--Director Robert Wise (THE SOUND OF MUSIC) film that I wish was better, this is a typical caper film with film noir trappings. Harry Belafonte is a young musician (he gets to sing!) who is seriously in debt to a gangster due to his compulsive gambling, and he joins two other men (Robert Ryan and Ed Bagley) to rob a bank in another town--(one last deal before retirement say them all!) but there is conflict because Ryan is a severe bigot and that affects his actions. Shelley Winters is a desperately in love girlfriend to Ryan, and as always she knocks her two scenes out of the park. A young Cicely Tyson has an uncredited scene in a bar. GRADE----------C+
Friday, February 24, 2017
I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO, plus HOME FROM THE HILL, SONS AND LOVERS, LOVE AMONG THE RUINS, MARGUERITE, plus------OSCAR TIME---TOP FILMS FROM 2016!!!!!!!!!!!
The documentary film I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO is a challenging, thoughtful, disturbing film that deals with race, race relations in America (and in other countries, too), and bigotry, all using author James Baldwin's words (narrated by Samuel L. Jackson) and featuring Baldwin in clips from his speeches and interviews, notably from appearances on the Dick Cavett show among others. Emphasis is placed on Baldwin's relationships with three assassinated black leaders--Medgar Evers, Martin Luther King Jr. , and Malcolm X. It is eye opening material, and there are some stinging revelations. It has received an Oscar nomination for best feature length documentary, and is one of several documentaries that I found to be very fine this year. See OSCAR comments below. GRADE------B+
___________________________
The following films were viewed on DVD.....
LOVE AMONG THE RUINS-- 1975--The great Katherine Hepburn and Lawrence Olivier play ex-lovers, reunited decades later when she seeks help from lawyer Olivier to defend herself against
a young man who is trying to marry her for her money. Basically a two character play, these two actors are both at their peak, and it is a pleasure to watch them battle wits and wills. I watched an inferior faded copy of the film, but was still so impressed that I couldn't stop from watching. GRADE-------B+
HOME FROM THE HILL --1959--This movie was part of a Robert Mitchum package with five other films and I'd never heard of it, although it was directed by Vincente Minnelli and featured Eleanor Parker, George Peppard, George Hamilton (still very tanned so early in his career!) and Everett Sloane. Based on a novel by William Humphrey, the film image on the poster boasted "When you talk about GREAT Motion Pictures you will talk about this one!" and the first 20 minutes played like a melodramatic pulp entertainment without the humor. But I have to say that by the end (a long 150 minutes later) I was quite involved with the characters and the (melo)drama, and there were some snippets of humor that also helped keep me awake and entertained. Hamilton, shyly: "I'm dyin' to kiss you!" Girlfriend, coyly: "Don't die!" Mitchum is the wealthy, hard headed patriarch who has tried to seduce every woman in the small Texan town, Parker plays his long suffering wife who has long since refused to sleep with him because of his behavior, Hamilton is their son, torn between allegiance between his father and mother, and Peppard in the more difficult role, is Mitchum's bastard son. who works as a farm hand even as Mitchum refuses to acknowledge the kinship. The two Georges are both terrific--you can really see why they both became famous in the next few years--in fact, they've possibly never been better. For what it is, it was a pleasing pleasure to watch.
GRADE----------B+
MARGUERITE--2015--This French film with Catherine Frot is based on the story of Florence Foster Jenkins, but the name, place and time frame has changed , and she is not quite the amusing, obtuse clown that Meryl Streep portrayed this past year. She is more sympathically portrayed, and in a way that has lowered the entertainment and humor value. Still, both films are generally faithful in ways to the F.F.J. story. I just finished reading a current biography about her life titled FLORENCE! FOSTER! JENKINS! and in spite of the differences, both films can claim accuracy in many ways.
GRADE-------B
SONS AND LOVERS---2003--This is a beautifully filmed British TV four hour movie that plays much like a Masterpiece Theater version of the D.H. Lawrence novel, which I thought I had read, or seen as a film before, but this was all new to me. It features some bold sex scenes, and contains the provocative themes that make Lawrence famous, including exploring the Oedipus complex, parental hatred, spiritual searching, pantheism and others. It is a solid film, well acted and directed. GRADE----------B
FROM TIME TO TIME--2019--Just prior to his writing DOWNTON ABBEY, Julien Fellows wrote and directed this British film which featured Maggie Smith in the leading role as the grandmother who lives in a large house that seems to have ghosts from 30 years earlier that visit her grandson when he comes to stay. It was written as a "family" film, but the film is quite serious and mature in nature as the time frame switches back and forth to tell the story of a missing fortune in jewels and tries to clarify the twisted relationships of the boy's father who is currently missing in battle during WWII, and other relatives. It has some complicated scenes, and I think would appeal mostly to fans of Maggie Smith and Julien Fellows. It also features some other actors who a year later showed up with Smith in DOWNTON ABBEY including Hugh Bonneville and Allen Leech. GRADE---------B
THE FBI STORY--1959--Episodic film about long time agent James Stewart and his faithful wife
Vera Miles who move around the country working on different FBI cases like an airplane bombing, a Klu Klux Klan organization killing Indians in a small town, catching famous gangster, and capturing Communist spies. Highlights of his personal life are also illuminated. Each episode is fairly self contained, so the total effect, although interesting and well acted, softens the dramatic impact of the entire film in general. GRADE--------B
THE PARENT TRAP--1961--Walt Disney film featuring a young Haley Mills who plays identical twins, separated at one year old when their parents divorce, who meet at summer camp, and then plot to bring their parents back together. The plot is leisurely and logical (to a point) and the actors, including Brian Keith and the feisty Maureen O'Hara as the parents are lovely to watch. I even remembered the song "Let's Get Together (What do you say, We could have a swinging time....)" literally word for word. GRADE--------B-
GUMSHOE--1971--Albert Finney is the title character, in a film that feels a little too clever for its own good, both in dialogue and in plotting. Billie Whitelaw, Frank Finlay and Janice Rule also appear, with Stephen Frears directing (FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS, PHILOMENA, THE QUEEN, THE GRIFTERS, ETC...). GRADE--------B-
ST. IVES--1998--aka ROBERT LEWIS STEPHENSON'S ST. IVES--Modestly entertaining film based on a novel and set in the Napoleonic Wars, this low budget production never got released in the U.S. as far as I know. In the vein of TOM JONES 1963, the humor keeps your attention, even if the intrigue and action scenes miss their mark at times. Featuring Richard E. Grant, Miranda Richardson, Jason Isaacs and French actor Jean-Marc Barr, amusing in the lead. GRADE-------B-
KRAKATOA EAST OF JAVA -1969--One of the first disaster films, this film is mostly a disaster itself, the first problem being the title---Krakatoa is actually west of Java, but the producers thought east sounded better than west--and the film was widely ridiculed for that geographical error. Filmed in 70 millimeter for showings at Cinerama theatres, the film did poor business, mostly because the characters in true "GRAND MOTEL" fashion, are not convincing, and given little to do . If you do watch it, you might want to fast forward through much of the first 45 minutes until the special effects start up, although they are repetitious and numbing. A ship sails out nearby Krakatoa to locate a sunken ship that carries a treasure of pearls. On board are 30 prisoners, a diving expert Brian Keith with bad lungs and addicted to drugs, father and son balloonists Rossano Brazzi and Sal Mineo, who have nearly nothing to do, a depressed woman searching for her son (Diane Baker), the captain Maximilian Schell, who single handily drives the 30 prisoners off the ship when they attempt to take control!!!!!!, and the singing wife of Keith, who sings a song about an Old Fashioned Girl while doing a strip tease in front of him. Yes there are a few (unintentional laughs). Lots of terror awaits them, including a long long volcano, fire on board the ship, flying lava and rocks, boiling waters and dead fish, and a big big tsunami. GRADE------D+
OSCAR SHOW SUNDAY 26 FEBRUARY---5pm PST--------
TOP FILMS OF 2017
No particular order--following films rated A or A-
AQUARIUS
CAPTAIN FANTASTIC
HELL AND HIGH WATER
HIDDEN FIGURES
I, DANIEL BLAKE (yet to open in Seattle)
INDIGNATION
THE INNOCENTS
JACKIE
LA LA LAND
LIFE ANIMATED (documentary)
MIDSUMMER IN NEWTOWN (documentary)
MOONLIGHT
SING STREET
SOUTHSIDE WITH YOU
TOWER (documentary)
ZOOTROPIA
Following films rated B+ but in no particular order
MAN CALLED OVE
I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO (documentary)
FINDING DORY
CAPTAIN AMERICA
FENCES
LION
EYE IN THE SKY
A BIGGER SPLASH
HOLDING THE MAN
MUSIC OF STRANGERS: YO YO MA AND THE SILK ROAD (documentary)
BILLY LYNN'S LONG HALF TIME WALK
DR. STRANGE
PEOPLE VS FRITZ LANG
JULIETA
FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS
MANCHESTER BY THE SEA
HANDMAIDEN
BLOWN AWAY BY GREAT ACTING
VIGGO MORTENSON--CAPTAIN FANTASTIC
MERYL STREEP--FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS
HELEN MIRREN--EYE IN THE SKY
DENZEL WASHINGTON--FENCES
VIOLA DAVIS--FENCES
EMILY BLUNT--GIRL ON A TRAIN
BURGHART KLAUBNER--PEOPLE VS FRITZ LANG
JEFF BRIDGES--HELL OR HIGH WATER
GIL BIRMINGHAM--HELL OR HIGH WATER
NATALIE PORTMAN--JACKIE
SONIA BRAGA --AQUARIUS
SALLY FIELDS--HELLO MY NAME IS DORIS
RUTH NEGGA--LOVING
JESSICA CHASTAIN--MISS SLOANE
LINDA EMOND--INDIGNATION AND THE LAND
TRACEY LETTS--INDIGNATION
RALPH FINNES--A BIGGER SPLASH
CASEY AFFLEC--MANCHESTER BY THE SEA
DELIGHTFUL GUILTY PLEASURES
ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY
MISS SLOANE
CLOSET MONSTER
GIRL ON A TRAIN
BAD MOMS
THE MEDDLER
HELLO MY NAME IS DORIS
DEAD POOL
ZOOTROPIA
FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS
DR. STRANGE
PRESENTING PRINCESS SHAW (documentary)
A BIGGER SPLASH
THE BOSS
SING
MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 2
OTHER GOOD STUFF
IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER-rated B or B-
JULIETA
SULLY
BAD MOMS
COME WHAT MAY
OTHER PEOPLE
UNDER THE SHADOW
TANNA
ALLIED
MISS SLOANE
LOVING
MISS PEREGRINE'S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN
LIGHT BETWEEN TWO OCEANS
PASSENGERS
STRANGE BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM
GHOSTBUSTERS
BFG
DON'T THINK TWICE
THE LAND
FREE STATE OF JONES
LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP
THE LOBSTER
WIENER
EVERYBODY WANTS SOME
MIDNIGHT SPECIAL
WHISKY TANGO FOXTROT
ROCK THE CASBAH
HAIL CAESAR
RACE
SING
HOLOGRAM FOR A KING
FILMS I HATED OR VERY DISAPPOINTED BY
LOVE WITCH, THE FIFTH WAVE, ZOOM, BATMAN VS SUPERMAN, MORGAN, COMPLETELY UNKNOWN, JASON BOURNE
OSCAR TALK........
For ACTOR--I'd love to see Viggo Mortenson win for CAPTAIN FANTASTIC, but the film was not widely seen. I liked Casey Afflect for MANCHESTER BY THE SEA, but DENZEL WASHINGTON pulls out the stops for FENCES, and he also directed it.
For ACTRESS--Even though I haven't seen it yet, I'd love Isabelle Huppert to win because every French film I've seen her in (more than a dozen) she's been amazing. Emma Stone seems to be the favorite for LA LA LAND. She was fine, and STREEP was very funny in FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS.
SUPPORTING ACTOR--Mahershala Ali added gravitas to MOONLIGHT--my favorite, but Jeff Bridges stole the show in HELL OR HIGH WATER.
SUPPORTING ACTRESS--Just about the only sure thing----Viola Davis for FENCES.
DIRECTING--Will probably go to Damien Chazelle for LA LA LAND, but Barry Jenkins for MOONLIGHT could surprise. Either is fine with me.
DOCUMENTARY FEATURE-- I've only seen two of the nominees--I'd give it to LIFE ANIMATED over I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO----but my favorite documentary was not even nominated----TOWER . Check it out--you will be spellbound.
WRITING--Adapted----MOONLIGHT is my favorite here, but they may give a posthumous award to the late, great playwright August Wilson for FENCES.
WRITING--Original---LA LA LAND seems a lock but Kenneth Lonergan's masterful drama MANCHESTER BY THE SEA feels much more textured. I liked Lonergan.
MUSICAL SCORE--I loved the score for JACKIE and MOONLIGHT, but the musical LA LA LAND will be the deserved winner.
SONG-- Justin Timberlake had a monster hit this summer with CAN'T STOP THE FEELING (DANCE DANCE DANCE) from TROLLS, but MOANA had music written by the hot song writer Lin-Manuel Miranda of HAMILTON (on Broadway) fame. Then there's City of Stars from LA LA LAND--the most memorable of the two nominated songs, which might cancel them out. What a contest!!!!!! My favorite--dance dance dance......
TECHNICAL AWARDS may go to a popular film that missed out of some major nominations but scored many technical mentions---ARRIVAL.
SHORTS remain an unknown quality for me---all unseen.
BEST PICTURE----My favorite is MOONLIGHT, but I also love LA LA LAND. There might be a big surprise here, with nine popular titles in the running, I'm guessing if there is a giant twist, it will be in favor of a great audience pleaser------HIDDEN FIGURES, and I wouldn't be disappointed.
Last weekend to catch a nominee. Still playing in Seattle theatres----HIDDEN FIGURES, MOONLIGHT, LA LA LAND, I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO, LION, MANCHESTER BY THE SEA, FENCES, ARRIVAL---and a couple theatres are featuring all 9 Best Picture nominees on Saturday and Sunday. See you at the movies.
___________________________
The following films were viewed on DVD.....
LOVE AMONG THE RUINS-- 1975--The great Katherine Hepburn and Lawrence Olivier play ex-lovers, reunited decades later when she seeks help from lawyer Olivier to defend herself against
a young man who is trying to marry her for her money. Basically a two character play, these two actors are both at their peak, and it is a pleasure to watch them battle wits and wills. I watched an inferior faded copy of the film, but was still so impressed that I couldn't stop from watching. GRADE-------B+
HOME FROM THE HILL --1959--This movie was part of a Robert Mitchum package with five other films and I'd never heard of it, although it was directed by Vincente Minnelli and featured Eleanor Parker, George Peppard, George Hamilton (still very tanned so early in his career!) and Everett Sloane. Based on a novel by William Humphrey, the film image on the poster boasted "When you talk about GREAT Motion Pictures you will talk about this one!" and the first 20 minutes played like a melodramatic pulp entertainment without the humor. But I have to say that by the end (a long 150 minutes later) I was quite involved with the characters and the (melo)drama, and there were some snippets of humor that also helped keep me awake and entertained. Hamilton, shyly: "I'm dyin' to kiss you!" Girlfriend, coyly: "Don't die!" Mitchum is the wealthy, hard headed patriarch who has tried to seduce every woman in the small Texan town, Parker plays his long suffering wife who has long since refused to sleep with him because of his behavior, Hamilton is their son, torn between allegiance between his father and mother, and Peppard in the more difficult role, is Mitchum's bastard son. who works as a farm hand even as Mitchum refuses to acknowledge the kinship. The two Georges are both terrific--you can really see why they both became famous in the next few years--in fact, they've possibly never been better. For what it is, it was a pleasing pleasure to watch.
GRADE----------B+
MARGUERITE--2015--This French film with Catherine Frot is based on the story of Florence Foster Jenkins, but the name, place and time frame has changed , and she is not quite the amusing, obtuse clown that Meryl Streep portrayed this past year. She is more sympathically portrayed, and in a way that has lowered the entertainment and humor value. Still, both films are generally faithful in ways to the F.F.J. story. I just finished reading a current biography about her life titled FLORENCE! FOSTER! JENKINS! and in spite of the differences, both films can claim accuracy in many ways.
GRADE-------B
SONS AND LOVERS---2003--This is a beautifully filmed British TV four hour movie that plays much like a Masterpiece Theater version of the D.H. Lawrence novel, which I thought I had read, or seen as a film before, but this was all new to me. It features some bold sex scenes, and contains the provocative themes that make Lawrence famous, including exploring the Oedipus complex, parental hatred, spiritual searching, pantheism and others. It is a solid film, well acted and directed. GRADE----------B
FROM TIME TO TIME--2019--Just prior to his writing DOWNTON ABBEY, Julien Fellows wrote and directed this British film which featured Maggie Smith in the leading role as the grandmother who lives in a large house that seems to have ghosts from 30 years earlier that visit her grandson when he comes to stay. It was written as a "family" film, but the film is quite serious and mature in nature as the time frame switches back and forth to tell the story of a missing fortune in jewels and tries to clarify the twisted relationships of the boy's father who is currently missing in battle during WWII, and other relatives. It has some complicated scenes, and I think would appeal mostly to fans of Maggie Smith and Julien Fellows. It also features some other actors who a year later showed up with Smith in DOWNTON ABBEY including Hugh Bonneville and Allen Leech. GRADE---------B
THE FBI STORY--1959--Episodic film about long time agent James Stewart and his faithful wife
Vera Miles who move around the country working on different FBI cases like an airplane bombing, a Klu Klux Klan organization killing Indians in a small town, catching famous gangster, and capturing Communist spies. Highlights of his personal life are also illuminated. Each episode is fairly self contained, so the total effect, although interesting and well acted, softens the dramatic impact of the entire film in general. GRADE--------B
THE PARENT TRAP--1961--Walt Disney film featuring a young Haley Mills who plays identical twins, separated at one year old when their parents divorce, who meet at summer camp, and then plot to bring their parents back together. The plot is leisurely and logical (to a point) and the actors, including Brian Keith and the feisty Maureen O'Hara as the parents are lovely to watch. I even remembered the song "Let's Get Together (What do you say, We could have a swinging time....)" literally word for word. GRADE--------B-
GUMSHOE--1971--Albert Finney is the title character, in a film that feels a little too clever for its own good, both in dialogue and in plotting. Billie Whitelaw, Frank Finlay and Janice Rule also appear, with Stephen Frears directing (FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS, PHILOMENA, THE QUEEN, THE GRIFTERS, ETC...). GRADE--------B-
ST. IVES--1998--aka ROBERT LEWIS STEPHENSON'S ST. IVES--Modestly entertaining film based on a novel and set in the Napoleonic Wars, this low budget production never got released in the U.S. as far as I know. In the vein of TOM JONES 1963, the humor keeps your attention, even if the intrigue and action scenes miss their mark at times. Featuring Richard E. Grant, Miranda Richardson, Jason Isaacs and French actor Jean-Marc Barr, amusing in the lead. GRADE-------B-
KRAKATOA EAST OF JAVA -1969--One of the first disaster films, this film is mostly a disaster itself, the first problem being the title---Krakatoa is actually west of Java, but the producers thought east sounded better than west--and the film was widely ridiculed for that geographical error. Filmed in 70 millimeter for showings at Cinerama theatres, the film did poor business, mostly because the characters in true "GRAND MOTEL" fashion, are not convincing, and given little to do . If you do watch it, you might want to fast forward through much of the first 45 minutes until the special effects start up, although they are repetitious and numbing. A ship sails out nearby Krakatoa to locate a sunken ship that carries a treasure of pearls. On board are 30 prisoners, a diving expert Brian Keith with bad lungs and addicted to drugs, father and son balloonists Rossano Brazzi and Sal Mineo, who have nearly nothing to do, a depressed woman searching for her son (Diane Baker), the captain Maximilian Schell, who single handily drives the 30 prisoners off the ship when they attempt to take control!!!!!!, and the singing wife of Keith, who sings a song about an Old Fashioned Girl while doing a strip tease in front of him. Yes there are a few (unintentional laughs). Lots of terror awaits them, including a long long volcano, fire on board the ship, flying lava and rocks, boiling waters and dead fish, and a big big tsunami. GRADE------D+
OSCAR SHOW SUNDAY 26 FEBRUARY---5pm PST--------
TOP FILMS OF 2017
No particular order--following films rated A or A-
AQUARIUS
CAPTAIN FANTASTIC
HELL AND HIGH WATER
HIDDEN FIGURES
I, DANIEL BLAKE (yet to open in Seattle)
INDIGNATION
THE INNOCENTS
JACKIE
LA LA LAND
LIFE ANIMATED (documentary)
MIDSUMMER IN NEWTOWN (documentary)
MOONLIGHT
SING STREET
SOUTHSIDE WITH YOU
TOWER (documentary)
ZOOTROPIA
Following films rated B+ but in no particular order
MAN CALLED OVE
I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO (documentary)
FINDING DORY
CAPTAIN AMERICA
FENCES
LION
EYE IN THE SKY
A BIGGER SPLASH
HOLDING THE MAN
MUSIC OF STRANGERS: YO YO MA AND THE SILK ROAD (documentary)
BILLY LYNN'S LONG HALF TIME WALK
DR. STRANGE
PEOPLE VS FRITZ LANG
JULIETA
FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS
MANCHESTER BY THE SEA
HANDMAIDEN
BLOWN AWAY BY GREAT ACTING
VIGGO MORTENSON--CAPTAIN FANTASTIC
MERYL STREEP--FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS
HELEN MIRREN--EYE IN THE SKY
DENZEL WASHINGTON--FENCES
VIOLA DAVIS--FENCES
EMILY BLUNT--GIRL ON A TRAIN
BURGHART KLAUBNER--PEOPLE VS FRITZ LANG
JEFF BRIDGES--HELL OR HIGH WATER
GIL BIRMINGHAM--HELL OR HIGH WATER
NATALIE PORTMAN--JACKIE
SONIA BRAGA --AQUARIUS
SALLY FIELDS--HELLO MY NAME IS DORIS
RUTH NEGGA--LOVING
JESSICA CHASTAIN--MISS SLOANE
LINDA EMOND--INDIGNATION AND THE LAND
TRACEY LETTS--INDIGNATION
RALPH FINNES--A BIGGER SPLASH
CASEY AFFLEC--MANCHESTER BY THE SEA
DELIGHTFUL GUILTY PLEASURES
ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY
MISS SLOANE
CLOSET MONSTER
GIRL ON A TRAIN
BAD MOMS
THE MEDDLER
HELLO MY NAME IS DORIS
DEAD POOL
ZOOTROPIA
FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS
DR. STRANGE
PRESENTING PRINCESS SHAW (documentary)
A BIGGER SPLASH
THE BOSS
SING
MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 2
OTHER GOOD STUFF
IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER-rated B or B-
JULIETA
SULLY
BAD MOMS
COME WHAT MAY
OTHER PEOPLE
UNDER THE SHADOW
TANNA
ALLIED
MISS SLOANE
LOVING
MISS PEREGRINE'S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN
LIGHT BETWEEN TWO OCEANS
PASSENGERS
STRANGE BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM
GHOSTBUSTERS
BFG
DON'T THINK TWICE
THE LAND
FREE STATE OF JONES
LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP
THE LOBSTER
WIENER
EVERYBODY WANTS SOME
MIDNIGHT SPECIAL
WHISKY TANGO FOXTROT
ROCK THE CASBAH
HAIL CAESAR
RACE
SING
HOLOGRAM FOR A KING
FILMS I HATED OR VERY DISAPPOINTED BY
LOVE WITCH, THE FIFTH WAVE, ZOOM, BATMAN VS SUPERMAN, MORGAN, COMPLETELY UNKNOWN, JASON BOURNE
OSCAR TALK........
For ACTOR--I'd love to see Viggo Mortenson win for CAPTAIN FANTASTIC, but the film was not widely seen. I liked Casey Afflect for MANCHESTER BY THE SEA, but DENZEL WASHINGTON pulls out the stops for FENCES, and he also directed it.
For ACTRESS--Even though I haven't seen it yet, I'd love Isabelle Huppert to win because every French film I've seen her in (more than a dozen) she's been amazing. Emma Stone seems to be the favorite for LA LA LAND. She was fine, and STREEP was very funny in FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS.
SUPPORTING ACTOR--Mahershala Ali added gravitas to MOONLIGHT--my favorite, but Jeff Bridges stole the show in HELL OR HIGH WATER.
SUPPORTING ACTRESS--Just about the only sure thing----Viola Davis for FENCES.
DIRECTING--Will probably go to Damien Chazelle for LA LA LAND, but Barry Jenkins for MOONLIGHT could surprise. Either is fine with me.
DOCUMENTARY FEATURE-- I've only seen two of the nominees--I'd give it to LIFE ANIMATED over I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO----but my favorite documentary was not even nominated----TOWER . Check it out--you will be spellbound.
WRITING--Adapted----MOONLIGHT is my favorite here, but they may give a posthumous award to the late, great playwright August Wilson for FENCES.
WRITING--Original---LA LA LAND seems a lock but Kenneth Lonergan's masterful drama MANCHESTER BY THE SEA feels much more textured. I liked Lonergan.
MUSICAL SCORE--I loved the score for JACKIE and MOONLIGHT, but the musical LA LA LAND will be the deserved winner.
SONG-- Justin Timberlake had a monster hit this summer with CAN'T STOP THE FEELING (DANCE DANCE DANCE) from TROLLS, but MOANA had music written by the hot song writer Lin-Manuel Miranda of HAMILTON (on Broadway) fame. Then there's City of Stars from LA LA LAND--the most memorable of the two nominated songs, which might cancel them out. What a contest!!!!!! My favorite--dance dance dance......
TECHNICAL AWARDS may go to a popular film that missed out of some major nominations but scored many technical mentions---ARRIVAL.
SHORTS remain an unknown quality for me---all unseen.
BEST PICTURE----My favorite is MOONLIGHT, but I also love LA LA LAND. There might be a big surprise here, with nine popular titles in the running, I'm guessing if there is a giant twist, it will be in favor of a great audience pleaser------HIDDEN FIGURES, and I wouldn't be disappointed.
Last weekend to catch a nominee. Still playing in Seattle theatres----HIDDEN FIGURES, MOONLIGHT, LA LA LAND, I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO, LION, MANCHESTER BY THE SEA, FENCES, ARRIVAL---and a couple theatres are featuring all 9 Best Picture nominees on Saturday and Sunday. See you at the movies.
Friday, February 3, 2017
MIDSUMMER IN NEWTOWN, MOONLIGHT again, JULIETA, UN PADRE NO TAN PADRE, LITTLE MEN, SILENCE, plus MONSEIUR VINCENT, WHERE ANGELS FEAR TO TREAD, FALLEN ANGEL
My goal this year is to write about films before I get to 15 in number so that the blogs are not so long, so this blog features just 9 films.
One of my favorite films from last spring's SIFF is the documentary MIDSUMMER IN NEWTOWN--somewhat of a tongue twister of a title--about children (and a few adults) putting on a production of MIDSUMMER'S NIGHT DREAM with songs--and done in a family style. The kicker is that the location is Sandy Hook and the great number of amateur performers were personally affected by the massacre that took place exactly one year earlier in the elementary school. The production deals with the aftermath, showing how kids and adults dealt with losing their siblings, parents, friends or teachers, and trying to proceed with their lives. The film is not grim or depressing (although perhaps a little sad and melancholy at times) and yet it can produce tears of joy in viewing.
I thought so at the time, and again yesterday after the Republican congress voted to allow guns, guns, guns to be sold to any mentally ill person that wants one, without background checks!!!!, that EVERY PERSON VOTING ON GUN CONTROL should be REQUIRED to view this extraordinary film MIDSUMER IN NEWTOWN. GRADE------------A
I saw MOONLIGHT again with some friends who hadn't seen it yet, and they reaffirmed my feeling that this film is a unique and moving experience. You haven't seen many characters like this who live in poor parts of town displayed with the dignity, frustration, love and honesty that is on display here. Watching a second time I was especially impressed with the music score and the cinematography and screenplay, all of which have been Oscar nominated. In a few ways, this film could be a "companion double feature" with PRECIOUS (2009), an award winning film that features an abused black teen who is fighting to get herself out of her miserable existence. GRADE-----A
Viewed last October at the Vancouver International Film Festival, Pedro Almodovor's newest film is the lush, colorful, engrossing JULIETA. This melodrama starts with an older woman running into a old friend of her daughter--a daughter she hasn't seen for many years, and this starts her search for the reasons why her daughter won't contact her mother. There are a lot of flash backs and flash forwards, and as always, Almodovar uses style and substance to engage our interest, and he seems to specialize in showing the mystique of womanhood in moving ways. GRADE-----------B+
Occasionally when possible (and not during SIFF) I make an effort to see a foreign film that will appear at my local cineplex out of the blue. Last week I decided on UN PADRE NO TAN PADRE, a Spanish comedy/drama that has all the right moves to be remade into an American comedy that could have some general appeal. Nearly 90 years old and quite mean and stubborn, our hero's father is kicked out of his senior living, so the son, who lives with about 8 others in a communal situation takes him in, where father's cranky disposition rubs the others the wrong way, although they are remarkably patient. Of course he becomes changed after many amusing adventures...but the thing about this film is a strong vein of realism and unsentimentality that makes this film work--something Hollywood wants to avoid when remaking these type of films. I hope you get a chance to see this one in the Spanish language (with English subtitles, of course) before it is ruined by a remake. GRADE-----------B
I've always considered director Martin Scorsese to make profound, intelligent films, whether I liked them or not as subject matter. His new film SILENCE falls squarely into the NOT LIKING category. Based on a a true story, and one that he has personally been interested in telling for many years, SILENCE tells of the persecution of two Jesuit priests and thousands of believers who were persecuted and murdered for many years in the 17th century Japan. Unfortunately, at two hours and forty five minutes long, this dry, dull film repeats the torture, degradation and murder of the two main characters and the people they are trying to preach to in a prolonged and torturous manner. Believe me when I say I felt their pain, and it wasn't pleasant or enlightening, just repetitious and glum. I got the religious symbolism and Christ like symbols--all rather obvious. There are a lot of positive reviews out there, but in spite of some lovely photography, I never want to see this film again, which I can't say for just about every other Scorsese film he's made. GRADE-----------C
VIEWED ON DVD-------------------------------------------
WHERE ANGELS FEAR TO TREAD 1991--Helen Mirren gives a forceful portrayal of a British free spirited , widowed woman in the late 1800's who marries a much younger Italian man, then dies in childbirth, leaving her ex-brother and sister in law and a female friend (Rupert Graves, Judy Davis and Helena Bonham-Carter) to try to wrest the baby away from the young husband. This adaptation of E. M. Forster's novel is a tragedy, of course, but the performances are always interesting, the settings and photography (mostly in Italy) are sumptuous, and the story carries the gravitas of history and class conflicts to the forefront. GRADE----------B
LITTLE MEN 2016------Two young teen age boys find their friendship tested when their parents clash over the cost of rental property that one set of parents inherit, and they want to raise the rent on the mother of the other boy. It is a small, subtle film, but made with heart and sensitivity. With Greg Kinnear and Jennifer Ehle, and directed by New Yorker Ira Sachs in his usual unassuming manner--see his LOVE IS STRANGE 2014 and KEEP THE LIGHTS ON 2012. GRADE-----B
MONSIEUR VINCENT 1947-French film based on the life of St. Vincent dePaul, who created a life of service to homeless and jobless persons, this film shows how he came to create what is currently known as St. Vincent de Paul thrift stores and other services, While engaging, there are a number of big skips in time that seem jarring, and make you wish the film was smoother in historical progression. Voted an Honorary Oscar in 1948. GRADE-------B
FALLEN ANGEL 1945--I tried to watch this several months ago, but kept falling asleep. Second try was more successful. Directed by Otto Preminger, this film features Dana Andrews who tries to marry a rich women so he can steal her money and then marry a shallow good looking woman--all from the same town. It's a weird plot, and there are some odd turns, and not always successful. GRADE----------C+
COMING NEXT BLOG-------FAVORITE FILMS OF 2016 and OSCAR COMMENTS!!!!!
One of my favorite films from last spring's SIFF is the documentary MIDSUMMER IN NEWTOWN--somewhat of a tongue twister of a title--about children (and a few adults) putting on a production of MIDSUMMER'S NIGHT DREAM with songs--and done in a family style. The kicker is that the location is Sandy Hook and the great number of amateur performers were personally affected by the massacre that took place exactly one year earlier in the elementary school. The production deals with the aftermath, showing how kids and adults dealt with losing their siblings, parents, friends or teachers, and trying to proceed with their lives. The film is not grim or depressing (although perhaps a little sad and melancholy at times) and yet it can produce tears of joy in viewing.
I thought so at the time, and again yesterday after the Republican congress voted to allow guns, guns, guns to be sold to any mentally ill person that wants one, without background checks!!!!, that EVERY PERSON VOTING ON GUN CONTROL should be REQUIRED to view this extraordinary film MIDSUMER IN NEWTOWN. GRADE------------A
I saw MOONLIGHT again with some friends who hadn't seen it yet, and they reaffirmed my feeling that this film is a unique and moving experience. You haven't seen many characters like this who live in poor parts of town displayed with the dignity, frustration, love and honesty that is on display here. Watching a second time I was especially impressed with the music score and the cinematography and screenplay, all of which have been Oscar nominated. In a few ways, this film could be a "companion double feature" with PRECIOUS (2009), an award winning film that features an abused black teen who is fighting to get herself out of her miserable existence. GRADE-----A
Viewed last October at the Vancouver International Film Festival, Pedro Almodovor's newest film is the lush, colorful, engrossing JULIETA. This melodrama starts with an older woman running into a old friend of her daughter--a daughter she hasn't seen for many years, and this starts her search for the reasons why her daughter won't contact her mother. There are a lot of flash backs and flash forwards, and as always, Almodovar uses style and substance to engage our interest, and he seems to specialize in showing the mystique of womanhood in moving ways. GRADE-----------B+
Occasionally when possible (and not during SIFF) I make an effort to see a foreign film that will appear at my local cineplex out of the blue. Last week I decided on UN PADRE NO TAN PADRE, a Spanish comedy/drama that has all the right moves to be remade into an American comedy that could have some general appeal. Nearly 90 years old and quite mean and stubborn, our hero's father is kicked out of his senior living, so the son, who lives with about 8 others in a communal situation takes him in, where father's cranky disposition rubs the others the wrong way, although they are remarkably patient. Of course he becomes changed after many amusing adventures...but the thing about this film is a strong vein of realism and unsentimentality that makes this film work--something Hollywood wants to avoid when remaking these type of films. I hope you get a chance to see this one in the Spanish language (with English subtitles, of course) before it is ruined by a remake. GRADE-----------B
I've always considered director Martin Scorsese to make profound, intelligent films, whether I liked them or not as subject matter. His new film SILENCE falls squarely into the NOT LIKING category. Based on a a true story, and one that he has personally been interested in telling for many years, SILENCE tells of the persecution of two Jesuit priests and thousands of believers who were persecuted and murdered for many years in the 17th century Japan. Unfortunately, at two hours and forty five minutes long, this dry, dull film repeats the torture, degradation and murder of the two main characters and the people they are trying to preach to in a prolonged and torturous manner. Believe me when I say I felt their pain, and it wasn't pleasant or enlightening, just repetitious and glum. I got the religious symbolism and Christ like symbols--all rather obvious. There are a lot of positive reviews out there, but in spite of some lovely photography, I never want to see this film again, which I can't say for just about every other Scorsese film he's made. GRADE-----------C
VIEWED ON DVD-------------------------------------------
WHERE ANGELS FEAR TO TREAD 1991--Helen Mirren gives a forceful portrayal of a British free spirited , widowed woman in the late 1800's who marries a much younger Italian man, then dies in childbirth, leaving her ex-brother and sister in law and a female friend (Rupert Graves, Judy Davis and Helena Bonham-Carter) to try to wrest the baby away from the young husband. This adaptation of E. M. Forster's novel is a tragedy, of course, but the performances are always interesting, the settings and photography (mostly in Italy) are sumptuous, and the story carries the gravitas of history and class conflicts to the forefront. GRADE----------B
LITTLE MEN 2016------Two young teen age boys find their friendship tested when their parents clash over the cost of rental property that one set of parents inherit, and they want to raise the rent on the mother of the other boy. It is a small, subtle film, but made with heart and sensitivity. With Greg Kinnear and Jennifer Ehle, and directed by New Yorker Ira Sachs in his usual unassuming manner--see his LOVE IS STRANGE 2014 and KEEP THE LIGHTS ON 2012. GRADE-----B
MONSIEUR VINCENT 1947-French film based on the life of St. Vincent dePaul, who created a life of service to homeless and jobless persons, this film shows how he came to create what is currently known as St. Vincent de Paul thrift stores and other services, While engaging, there are a number of big skips in time that seem jarring, and make you wish the film was smoother in historical progression. Voted an Honorary Oscar in 1948. GRADE-------B
FALLEN ANGEL 1945--I tried to watch this several months ago, but kept falling asleep. Second try was more successful. Directed by Otto Preminger, this film features Dana Andrews who tries to marry a rich women so he can steal her money and then marry a shallow good looking woman--all from the same town. It's a weird plot, and there are some odd turns, and not always successful. GRADE----------C+
COMING NEXT BLOG-------FAVORITE FILMS OF 2016 and OSCAR COMMENTS!!!!!
Saturday, January 21, 2017
LA LA LAND, HIDDEN FIGURES, JACKIE, FENCES, LION, SING, plus the magnificent HOWARDS END, and Hitchcock for the new year--SPELLBOUND, I CONFESS, WRONG MAN, TORN CURTAIN
Since I saw it in October, MOONLIGHT has been hovering on the top of my year end list for being lyrically ambitious and emotionally captivating in ways that are not obvious given the subject matter and setting (covering 15 some years in the life of a child growing up to adulthood) amidst poverty and the destructive drug culture of a decaying southern Florida slum). When I watched the new LA LA LAND I almost forgot about MOONLIGHT altogether. Completely different and captivating, this LA LA LAND is a sweet valentine to Los Angeles, and specifically Hollywood as the "city of dreams", where a young man and young woman who are both dreaming of making it big can meet, dance, sing and fall in love all the while pursuing their fantasy of the big time. This is hardly a unique plot device, but the very game actors (Ryan Gosling as the want to be jazz pianist and Emma Stone as the want to be ingenue com film star) are so pleasing even though neither is a fantastic singer or accomplished dancer that we can easily succumb to this fantasy. Actually, the fact that they sing and dance like normal people adds to the charm and adds a touch of realism. Unfortunately, the plot ends with the predictable, cynical ending for such a story. Still, getting there is a lot of fun, and the new music is memorable, the sets and design are effective, and the film gurgles along in a happy mood. Talk about the opposite of mood coming from MOONLIGHT, which despite some humor and feel good moments, more often ends scenes with thoughtful, disturbing, or wistful feelings. These films are worlds apart, but I heartily recommend both. LA LA LAND GRADE---------------A-
The 1960's had a couple major themes, among them the race to space versus the Russians, and the burgeoning civil rights acts toward equality for people of all races, and these are smoothly blended into an engrossing and entertaining true story about three very talented black women (among others) who were hired by NASA in different departments, but their race limited their advancement, in the rousing comedy drama HIDDEN FIGURES. NASA becomes symbolic of the discrimination in the rest of America at the time, but just as these character's stories become intimate and revealing, the walls of discrimination start to crumble for their careers. Very fine characterizations come from Taraji P. Henson as a math genius facing resistance from her direct supervisor (Jim Parsons) but finding more sympathy from the boss man (Kevin Costner), Oscar winner Octavia Spencer teaches herself about the new "computers" and as the de facto supervisor already wants a permanent position, and Janelle Monae wants to become an engineer, but is held back because these courses are only taught at a whites only college. HIDDEN FIGURES is a major crowd pleaser, with an empowering message, and figures to be the sleeper critical film of the year, along with the emotional LION, below. HIDDEN FIGURES GRADE----------A-
Covering a week from just before JFK's assassination to the time of his burial procession, the new film JACKIE is an intimate portrait of Jackie Kennedy's experience and her point of view that tells her side of that fateful week. (My only criticism: JFK came from a large family, yet the only family member given any time or dialogue is Bobby....possibly the result of an incredibly low-but expertly used-- budget.) Natalie Portman portrays JACKIE with the breathless Marilyn Monroe voice and coy femininity as she takes an interview with a persistent reporter, plans her son's birthday party, argues with executives about the funeral arrangements and discusses her unhappiness with a priest. I've never seen Portman so uniquely displayed (or the real Jackie, as a matter of fact)--her performance is so riveting that I was transfixed, and it would be a surprise if any other actress this year takes the acting Oscar from her. It is her career high. JACKIE GRADE------A-
Based on a popular stage drama written by August Wilson, the new film version FENCES is a well acted, if a bit claustrophobic, experience with excellent performances by director/actor Denzel Washington and Viola Davis as his long suffering wife. His best friend and co worker, his mentally disturbed brother and his two sons also feature prominently. The film captures the love and longing between characters, the anger and frustrations of each character, and the way life can lock you into a path that is not what you expected. Davis seems a sure bet to win the Supporting Actress Oscar this year, having been nominated twice before, for DOUBT (2008) and THE HELP (2011) FENCES GRADE-----B+
Exotic scenery, a powerful story, fine actors and an emotional punch ending make LION another sleeper film (like HIDDEN FIGURES above) to contend with at year's end critical reviews. A lost child from a small Indian village ends up thousands of miles away, having "misplaced" his brother at a train station. After some harrowing experiences among the poor and homeless, he is adopted out to a loving Australian couple, but as a young adult becomes obsessed with finding his biological mother, although he doesn't even know her name or the name of his village. Scenes of his searching seem to end in dead ends for the viewer as well, but the film is well intentioned and it is easy to forgive any dreary moments, knowing that this true story will have a somewhat happy ending. LION GRADE---------B+
It took me about 30 minutes to warm up to the musical comedy animated feature (featuring over 60 popular pop tunes) but the film SING became more likeable as it went along--possibly because nearly all the scenes featured in the ubiquitous trailer come from the first 25 minutes. The plot is that old chestnut of "let's put on a show to make some money" but all the characters are animals, and each has some marvelous attributes (along with wonderful singing voices) and each has a mostly funny back story. SING GRADE---------B
FOLLOWING FILMS VIEWED ON DVD/TV-----------------------------------
HOWARDS END 1991--A new 25th anniversary 4K restoration Blu ray version of the Merchant Ivory production reminded me of what a magnificent film this is, with beautiful photography, costumes, sets, music and other production values. Emma Thompson won a Best Actress Oscar, and Anthony Hopkins, Vanessa Redgrave and Helena Bonham Carter all give career high performances. Based on a novel by E.M. Forster with a smart screenplay by frequent collaborator writer Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, this story of two sisters who become involved with two different couples, one rich and conservative, and one tragically downwardly mobile, with the lovely country estate called HOWARDS END connecting them all. Brilliantly realized and filmed. GRADE-----A
STEVE JOBS 2015--Expertly written by Aaron Sorkin and directed by Danny Boyle (127 HOURS 2010, SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE 2008, TRAINSPOTTING 1996, etc), this bio picture of the computer giant features amazing performances by all especially Michael Fassbender as Jobs, Kate Winslet with an amazingly natural Polish accent, Seth Rogan and Jeff Daniels. Structured as a three part tale, the film deals with the messy relationship with his daughter he wants to ignore, his ex-partner Wozniak he wants to forget, and others who are in his way to getting what his enormous ego wants. Well done. GRADE--------A
NATIONAL VELVET 1944--Elizabeth Taylor gives a glowing portrayal of a girl obsessed with her horse, and Mickey Rooney is the orphaned young man who helps her train her horse. Best of all is the actors who play her parents--Donald Crisp and Anne Revere, who won the supporting Oscar for her role. Their witty, loving banter steals every scene they are in. GRADE------A-
GUNS OF NAVARONE 1961--The World War II story about a small group of men set out to demolish some large guns operated by the Nazis on a small Greek island. Even though the film is handled like an intense docu-drama, the actual story is all fiction. Still gripping entertainment, nonetheless.
GRADE--------B+
TORN CURTAIN 1966--Alfred Hitchcock thriller about a scientist who defects to East Berlin because the USA won't allow his research to continue. Paul Newman is the scientist and Julie Andrews is his assistant/girl friend, who is shocked that he would do this, but follows him anyway, unaware that he is a secret agent trying to steal scientific material, and has now put his job in jeopardy, and their lives in danger. The film got mixed reviews (after MARY POPPINS and SOUND OF MUSIC audiences expected Andrews to break into song) but I like this one--lots of suspense, and some excellent tension, including a belabored scene showing just how hard it is to kill someone, a scene where Newman is followed through an echoing museum reminiscent of VERTIGO, a bus ride on a fake bus with the fear of being discovered at any moment. Lila Kedrova has a wonderful sequence as a woman desperate to immigrate to the USA so she tries to blackmail Newman and Andrews into being her sponsors and there's an amusing running gag about a scored ballerina! GRADE------B+
SPELLBOUND 1945--I didn't think I'd seen this one, but a few scenes jogged my memory, especially the dream sequence featuring a Salvador Dali set design with weird psychological symbols, and the tragedy of Gregory Peck's brother, although I didn't remember the story at all, and the ending was a surprise to me, too. Peck tries to impersonate a psychiatrist/doctor, and a radiant Ingrid Bergman is a psychoanalyst who tries to break through his amnesia to uncover the mystery of what happened to the real doctor. There are a number of excellent Hitchcock scenes, especially as the two leads start to fall in love, and many scenes where they just miss being captured by the police. Whether you believe in all the psychoanalytical mambo jumbo might affect your enjoyment, but it is still a smooth, engrossing mystery thriller. GRADE------B+
THE WRONG MAN 1956--I had never seen this film, a serious, documentary like story based on truth, which features a deadly serious Henry Fonda as a man picked up and arrested for mistakenly looking like a robber. The film slowly builds some tension, but I found the most interesting thing is what happens to his marriage to Vera Miles, as the stress and guilt turn her nearly mentally catatonic. This film is perhaps the most untypical "Hitchcock" film I've seen, as he strives more to be faithful to the story, and not to his famous flourishes. GRADE------B
I CONFESS 1953--It had been awhile since I'd seen this film, another film based on a true story, of a priest (Montgomery Clift) who is accused of murder, because the real murderer confesses to him, and he can't confide to the police what was confessed to him in private. His relationship with an old girlfriend further complicates his actions--he doesn't want to betray her trust, and she doesn't want to reveal something sordid in her past. Not the most dynamic Hitchcock film, but engaging nonetheless. GRADE-------B
HOW TO STEAL A MILLION 1966--A light William Wyler comedy, this trifle stars Audrey Hepburn as the daughter of an art dealer dealing in fakes--he paints his own copies!--but when she finds Peter O'Toole (as an art investigator), she falls for him and asks him to steal back a statue that might just be found to be fake that her father is selling. O'Toole is surprisingly amusing--this was his first comedy after LAWRENCE OF ARABIA and he was relatively new to film although he had a number of TV roles before that. Hepburn for course plays herself in her charming, sophisticated fashion. GRADE-------B
SOFT SKIN 1964--Francois Truffaut French film--a romantic drama about a husband having an affair with younger flight attendant, which leads to tragedy. Truffaut admitted that Hitchcock was greatly influencing his style of film making at this time, but this film feels rather glib and inconsequential compared to other films from Hitchcock's canon. SOFT SKIN is watchable, but I was not convinced about the relationship between the two adulterers. GRADE------B
HYDE PARK ON THE HUDSON 2012--Bill Murray is actually quite effective as president Franklin Delano Roosevelt but the film which documents the affair he had with his cousin Daisy, played by Laura Linney (in addition to several other women) feels awkward and unconvincing. GRADE-------B-
THE SELLOUT 1952--The lurid poster reads "How much does it take to sell out her man?!? Unfortunately this has nothing to do with the plot! An honest news reporter Walter Pidgeon tries to break a story of corruption in a small town, but becomes compelled to kill the story for personal reasons. The reason is the twist, and it is OK, if not great. With John Hodiak and AudreyTotter. in a film noir that is watchable if not quite lurid enough. GRADE-------B-
BLADES OF GLORY 2007--When I first saw this film in 2007 I thought it was pretty mediocre and rather offensive. Years later I found it to be rather amusing in a vulgar sort of way. Maybe in another 8 years it might become a classic comedy. After being kicked out of professional skating competition, two highly competitive male skaters (Will Ferrel and John Heder) find that if they skate as a couple they can compete again. Comedians Will Arnet, Amy Hoehler, Jenna Fischer and Craig T. Nelson are also very funny at timed, if you are in the mood for such silliness. GRADE-----B-
CRUSH 2001-- British film has three women best friends all turning 40 nearly torn apart when one of them starts to date a 25 year old man. It's an odd mix of friendship, desperation, comedy, revenge and sex, but it lacks the sophistication and lightness that might have made this a better film. The leads are nicely played by Andie MacDonald, Imelda Staunton and Anna Chandler, but the uneven tone and odd plot twists leave a bad taste in the mouth. GRADE-------C+
The 1960's had a couple major themes, among them the race to space versus the Russians, and the burgeoning civil rights acts toward equality for people of all races, and these are smoothly blended into an engrossing and entertaining true story about three very talented black women (among others) who were hired by NASA in different departments, but their race limited their advancement, in the rousing comedy drama HIDDEN FIGURES. NASA becomes symbolic of the discrimination in the rest of America at the time, but just as these character's stories become intimate and revealing, the walls of discrimination start to crumble for their careers. Very fine characterizations come from Taraji P. Henson as a math genius facing resistance from her direct supervisor (Jim Parsons) but finding more sympathy from the boss man (Kevin Costner), Oscar winner Octavia Spencer teaches herself about the new "computers" and as the de facto supervisor already wants a permanent position, and Janelle Monae wants to become an engineer, but is held back because these courses are only taught at a whites only college. HIDDEN FIGURES is a major crowd pleaser, with an empowering message, and figures to be the sleeper critical film of the year, along with the emotional LION, below. HIDDEN FIGURES GRADE----------A-
Covering a week from just before JFK's assassination to the time of his burial procession, the new film JACKIE is an intimate portrait of Jackie Kennedy's experience and her point of view that tells her side of that fateful week. (My only criticism: JFK came from a large family, yet the only family member given any time or dialogue is Bobby....possibly the result of an incredibly low-but expertly used-- budget.) Natalie Portman portrays JACKIE with the breathless Marilyn Monroe voice and coy femininity as she takes an interview with a persistent reporter, plans her son's birthday party, argues with executives about the funeral arrangements and discusses her unhappiness with a priest. I've never seen Portman so uniquely displayed (or the real Jackie, as a matter of fact)--her performance is so riveting that I was transfixed, and it would be a surprise if any other actress this year takes the acting Oscar from her. It is her career high. JACKIE GRADE------A-
Based on a popular stage drama written by August Wilson, the new film version FENCES is a well acted, if a bit claustrophobic, experience with excellent performances by director/actor Denzel Washington and Viola Davis as his long suffering wife. His best friend and co worker, his mentally disturbed brother and his two sons also feature prominently. The film captures the love and longing between characters, the anger and frustrations of each character, and the way life can lock you into a path that is not what you expected. Davis seems a sure bet to win the Supporting Actress Oscar this year, having been nominated twice before, for DOUBT (2008) and THE HELP (2011) FENCES GRADE-----B+
Exotic scenery, a powerful story, fine actors and an emotional punch ending make LION another sleeper film (like HIDDEN FIGURES above) to contend with at year's end critical reviews. A lost child from a small Indian village ends up thousands of miles away, having "misplaced" his brother at a train station. After some harrowing experiences among the poor and homeless, he is adopted out to a loving Australian couple, but as a young adult becomes obsessed with finding his biological mother, although he doesn't even know her name or the name of his village. Scenes of his searching seem to end in dead ends for the viewer as well, but the film is well intentioned and it is easy to forgive any dreary moments, knowing that this true story will have a somewhat happy ending. LION GRADE---------B+
It took me about 30 minutes to warm up to the musical comedy animated feature (featuring over 60 popular pop tunes) but the film SING became more likeable as it went along--possibly because nearly all the scenes featured in the ubiquitous trailer come from the first 25 minutes. The plot is that old chestnut of "let's put on a show to make some money" but all the characters are animals, and each has some marvelous attributes (along with wonderful singing voices) and each has a mostly funny back story. SING GRADE---------B
FOLLOWING FILMS VIEWED ON DVD/TV-----------------------------------
HOWARDS END 1991--A new 25th anniversary 4K restoration Blu ray version of the Merchant Ivory production reminded me of what a magnificent film this is, with beautiful photography, costumes, sets, music and other production values. Emma Thompson won a Best Actress Oscar, and Anthony Hopkins, Vanessa Redgrave and Helena Bonham Carter all give career high performances. Based on a novel by E.M. Forster with a smart screenplay by frequent collaborator writer Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, this story of two sisters who become involved with two different couples, one rich and conservative, and one tragically downwardly mobile, with the lovely country estate called HOWARDS END connecting them all. Brilliantly realized and filmed. GRADE-----A
STEVE JOBS 2015--Expertly written by Aaron Sorkin and directed by Danny Boyle (127 HOURS 2010, SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE 2008, TRAINSPOTTING 1996, etc), this bio picture of the computer giant features amazing performances by all especially Michael Fassbender as Jobs, Kate Winslet with an amazingly natural Polish accent, Seth Rogan and Jeff Daniels. Structured as a three part tale, the film deals with the messy relationship with his daughter he wants to ignore, his ex-partner Wozniak he wants to forget, and others who are in his way to getting what his enormous ego wants. Well done. GRADE--------A
NATIONAL VELVET 1944--Elizabeth Taylor gives a glowing portrayal of a girl obsessed with her horse, and Mickey Rooney is the orphaned young man who helps her train her horse. Best of all is the actors who play her parents--Donald Crisp and Anne Revere, who won the supporting Oscar for her role. Their witty, loving banter steals every scene they are in. GRADE------A-
GUNS OF NAVARONE 1961--The World War II story about a small group of men set out to demolish some large guns operated by the Nazis on a small Greek island. Even though the film is handled like an intense docu-drama, the actual story is all fiction. Still gripping entertainment, nonetheless.
GRADE--------B+
TORN CURTAIN 1966--Alfred Hitchcock thriller about a scientist who defects to East Berlin because the USA won't allow his research to continue. Paul Newman is the scientist and Julie Andrews is his assistant/girl friend, who is shocked that he would do this, but follows him anyway, unaware that he is a secret agent trying to steal scientific material, and has now put his job in jeopardy, and their lives in danger. The film got mixed reviews (after MARY POPPINS and SOUND OF MUSIC audiences expected Andrews to break into song) but I like this one--lots of suspense, and some excellent tension, including a belabored scene showing just how hard it is to kill someone, a scene where Newman is followed through an echoing museum reminiscent of VERTIGO, a bus ride on a fake bus with the fear of being discovered at any moment. Lila Kedrova has a wonderful sequence as a woman desperate to immigrate to the USA so she tries to blackmail Newman and Andrews into being her sponsors and there's an amusing running gag about a scored ballerina! GRADE------B+
SPELLBOUND 1945--I didn't think I'd seen this one, but a few scenes jogged my memory, especially the dream sequence featuring a Salvador Dali set design with weird psychological symbols, and the tragedy of Gregory Peck's brother, although I didn't remember the story at all, and the ending was a surprise to me, too. Peck tries to impersonate a psychiatrist/doctor, and a radiant Ingrid Bergman is a psychoanalyst who tries to break through his amnesia to uncover the mystery of what happened to the real doctor. There are a number of excellent Hitchcock scenes, especially as the two leads start to fall in love, and many scenes where they just miss being captured by the police. Whether you believe in all the psychoanalytical mambo jumbo might affect your enjoyment, but it is still a smooth, engrossing mystery thriller. GRADE------B+
THE WRONG MAN 1956--I had never seen this film, a serious, documentary like story based on truth, which features a deadly serious Henry Fonda as a man picked up and arrested for mistakenly looking like a robber. The film slowly builds some tension, but I found the most interesting thing is what happens to his marriage to Vera Miles, as the stress and guilt turn her nearly mentally catatonic. This film is perhaps the most untypical "Hitchcock" film I've seen, as he strives more to be faithful to the story, and not to his famous flourishes. GRADE------B
I CONFESS 1953--It had been awhile since I'd seen this film, another film based on a true story, of a priest (Montgomery Clift) who is accused of murder, because the real murderer confesses to him, and he can't confide to the police what was confessed to him in private. His relationship with an old girlfriend further complicates his actions--he doesn't want to betray her trust, and she doesn't want to reveal something sordid in her past. Not the most dynamic Hitchcock film, but engaging nonetheless. GRADE-------B
HOW TO STEAL A MILLION 1966--A light William Wyler comedy, this trifle stars Audrey Hepburn as the daughter of an art dealer dealing in fakes--he paints his own copies!--but when she finds Peter O'Toole (as an art investigator), she falls for him and asks him to steal back a statue that might just be found to be fake that her father is selling. O'Toole is surprisingly amusing--this was his first comedy after LAWRENCE OF ARABIA and he was relatively new to film although he had a number of TV roles before that. Hepburn for course plays herself in her charming, sophisticated fashion. GRADE-------B
SOFT SKIN 1964--Francois Truffaut French film--a romantic drama about a husband having an affair with younger flight attendant, which leads to tragedy. Truffaut admitted that Hitchcock was greatly influencing his style of film making at this time, but this film feels rather glib and inconsequential compared to other films from Hitchcock's canon. SOFT SKIN is watchable, but I was not convinced about the relationship between the two adulterers. GRADE------B
HYDE PARK ON THE HUDSON 2012--Bill Murray is actually quite effective as president Franklin Delano Roosevelt but the film which documents the affair he had with his cousin Daisy, played by Laura Linney (in addition to several other women) feels awkward and unconvincing. GRADE-------B-
THE SELLOUT 1952--The lurid poster reads "How much does it take to sell out her man?!? Unfortunately this has nothing to do with the plot! An honest news reporter Walter Pidgeon tries to break a story of corruption in a small town, but becomes compelled to kill the story for personal reasons. The reason is the twist, and it is OK, if not great. With John Hodiak and AudreyTotter. in a film noir that is watchable if not quite lurid enough. GRADE-------B-
BLADES OF GLORY 2007--When I first saw this film in 2007 I thought it was pretty mediocre and rather offensive. Years later I found it to be rather amusing in a vulgar sort of way. Maybe in another 8 years it might become a classic comedy. After being kicked out of professional skating competition, two highly competitive male skaters (Will Ferrel and John Heder) find that if they skate as a couple they can compete again. Comedians Will Arnet, Amy Hoehler, Jenna Fischer and Craig T. Nelson are also very funny at timed, if you are in the mood for such silliness. GRADE-----B-
CRUSH 2001-- British film has three women best friends all turning 40 nearly torn apart when one of them starts to date a 25 year old man. It's an odd mix of friendship, desperation, comedy, revenge and sex, but it lacks the sophistication and lightness that might have made this a better film. The leads are nicely played by Andie MacDonald, Imelda Staunton and Anna Chandler, but the uneven tone and odd plot twists leave a bad taste in the mouth. GRADE-------C+
Saturday, December 31, 2016
MANCHESTER BY THE SEA, BILLY LYNN'S LONG HALFTIME WALK, LOVING, ROUGE ONE; A STAR WARS STORY, PASSENGERS, MISS SLOANE, STRANGE BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM, plus a modern day classic DVD---EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE.
I'm trying to catch up on all the flood of year end films, so hopefully in the next couple of weeks I can publish my top films of 2016. Here's what I've seen this last month of the year.
Painful guilt and regret steep the well acted MANCHESTER BY THE SEA, as a sudden death forces a young middle aged man (an excellent Casey Affleck) back to his hometown to organize his older brother's funeral, and face his demons. He is also named the guardian of his teen aged nephew, a task that he vehemently rejects, and must also confront his ex-wife (a translucent Michelle Williams.) As his history unfolds, it becomes evident what ghosts haunt his past. The film is written and directed by Kenneth Lonergan who wrote and directed the moving film YOU CAN COUNT ON ME (2000) but I'm partial to his last nearly unseen film MARGARET (2011) about a teen who witnesses a tragic accident and tries to set thing right but is met with road blocks by the adults around her. That film is some kind of masterpiece which has haunted me for nearly five years...............GRADE-------B+
The great two time Oscar winning director Ang Lee has once again impressed me with BILLY LYNN'S LONG HALFTIME WALK, adapted from a best selling novel about a young soldier home on temporary leave who is showered with praise for his role in a horrible battle in Iraq and must tour the country to accept the (sometimes) vacant praise of his public. The story makes a number of vivid, shocking points regarding the pointlessness of war and the abuse soldiers can receive from the public. Ang used a higher frames per second technique and has been criticized for using it for what is basically a drama (not a science fiction blockbuster, apparently) but in most theatres that technique is not so noticeable (only three theatres in the world were equipped to project it to greatest effect) , and I give him kudos for experimenting such a potentially important visual effect. Kristen Stewart is very effective in a small role as his sister, and the film, which has not done much business in the United States, is about the trials of veterans of the Iraq war--not a popular subject for Americans. Too bad, because it is a smart, engrossing, disturbing film. GRADE--------B+
Based on a true story, LOVING is a well acted, low key telling of an interracial couple in the early 1960's who must fight for the right to marry in Virginia just prior to the equal rights laws that were adapted shortly thereafter. The chemistry between Ruth Negga and Joel Edgerton really keep the viewer involved. GRADE------------B+
Watching the new Star Wars Story ROGUE ONE, it felt like wrapping up in a warm soft blanket by a fireplace, reading a lovely old novel. The film is just as engaging as any other STAR WARS film, and of course, the pacing, editing, music and set design are all first rate. Fans will be happy. GRADE-----------B+
The new science fiction film PASSENGERS plays like a deep space chamber drama for four people, with some humor and romance thrown in for good measure. The first half works the best, as traveler Chris Pratt is accidentally woken from what was supposed to be a 90 year nap while traveling to another world, but he finds his life aboard the empty vessel to be very lonely. A year later when another passenger (Jennifer Lawrence) wakes, the two begin what seems like an idyllic life together, until the truth about how they were awaken threatens their love and life. It is a small film, but I enjoyed the special effects and tension created by the lonely life in deep space. GRADE----------B+
Some of it may feel a bit calculated, but there is no denying that Jessica Chastain inhabits her new role as MISS SLOANE, a high profile lobbyist who wins a lot. When she starts a new high profile case, the film twists and turns in a very entertaining fashion and the thriller ends in a surprising manner. GRADE-----B
Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard are pretty, movie star like characters in the slick, World War II thriller ALLIED that is easy to watch, but I wish it was even better. Soldier Pitt suspects his wife may be a German spy, and the action and suspense keep you watching this lovingly photographed film. GRADE--------B
This odd, amusing tale set in pre-Harry Potter times and set in New York City features Eddie Redmayne as a wizard who is a care taker for lots of strange animals. The fanciful tale, STRANGE BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM, was written by the author of the Potter novels, J.K. Rowlings, and it is fitfully wondrous. I am mildly curious to see another chapter of this story. My main complaint is that nearly every scene is filmed at night or in a darkened room, or in rainy or snowy weather. I had a headache trying to watch the perpetually darkened screen. GRADE----------B
When a Chinese taxi driver hits a motorcyclist due to his drunken passenger, he helps the injured man to the hospital, but finds himself liable for his medical bills, plunging his family into a desperate downward spiral of destitution, in this film noir thriller that becomes bloodier as it progresses, in OLD STONE . This is a first feature from Johnny Ma and one looks forward to seeing what else he can do. GRADE---------B
She may have a colorful way with costume design and make up, but the LOVE WITCH director needs a better story and better actors. Director/writer Anna Biller certainly creates a look--a pop Technicolor tribute to the hippie 70's, but the story has a woman who uses potions and magic to seduce men into loving her, but this was dull--the men become tiresome to her so she kills them off. Yawn.
GRADE----------D+
______________________Viewed on DVD___________________
EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE 2011---Nominated for best picture and best supporting actor (Max von Sydow), this clever, moving drama about a child trying to understand the sudden death of his father during 9/11 turns into a mystery as he tries to find the owner or lock for a key that he thinks his father (Tom Hanks) left for him, since they always played mind games with each other. His desperate mother (Sandra Bullock) tries to break through, as the kid scours New York City, meeting new people and making friends. Wonderfully creative and moving. GRADE-----A
UP 2009---Superior Walt Disney animation with a moving, sentimental story, helped along with dollops of humor by the cranky old man (voiced by Ed Asner.) GRADE-------A
CRIME IN THE STREETS 1956--The promotional cover of the DVD is quite lurid--so that I forgot that I'd seen this film about 2 years earlier. James Whitmore plays a social worker who tries to defend and defuse some angry teenagers in a very poor part of town. They are well played by a young John Cassavettes, future director Mark Rydell and the wonderful Sal Mineo as "Baby." GRADE----B+
RANDOM HARVEST 1942--Sentimental drama about a man who wakes up after an accident having had amnesia, returns home to his wealthy lifestyle, forgetting all about the family he had started with Greer Garson for many years earlier. Pleasant enough tear-jerker. GRADE------B
SARAH'S KEY 2010--A young boy is left locked in a closet when the Nazis pickup his family. Decades later, the new owner (Kristen Scott Thomas) of the apartment feels compelled to trace the family roots and discovers some disturbing issues, including her own reservations towards her family. GRADE-------B
THE RAT RACE-2001--When I first saw this 15 years ago, I remember laughing a lot, but I couldn't remember anything about the plot or characters except Rowan Atkinson's weird Italian accent. Watching it recently, the first 20 minutes is deadly dull, but if you stick around to the start of the race (all contestants are racing to get to a bag of 2 million dollars first) things pick up for some zany slapstick fun. The funny ensemble cast includes Breckin Meyer, Amy Smart, Whoopi Goldberg, Cuba Gooding Jr. Seth Green, John Cleese, Jon Lovitz, Kathy Nijamy, Dave Thomas, Wayne Knight, and many more, and most of them have some very very funny slapstick moments. If you get in the mood, the last hour is a hoot. (It is sort of a funnier, shorter version of IT'S A MAD MAD MAD MAD WORLD....) GRADE-------B
THIS CHRISTMAS 2007--A smooth comic version of the family gathering for a Christmas celebration with the son with a secret, another son with a secret talent, the mother with a decision to make, a daughter with an unfaithful husband, etc, and it is all blended together with some copious Christmas carols and hymns in the background. With Chris Brown (singing the title song, natch) and Idris Elba, Delroy Lindo, Loretta Devine, Regina King, Lupe Ontiveros and others, all likeable and charming at times. GRADE--------B
STARTING OUT IN THE EVENING 2007--An older writer with a mental block (Frank Langella) befriends a young scholar who wants to write his biography (Lauren Ambrose), while his daughter (Lili Taylor) has her own issues. Set in academia, this is a smart thoughtful character study. Langella is superb. GRADE----------B
THE INVITATION 1952--Father tries to buy a husband (Van Johnson) for his ailing daughter (Dorothy McGuire) but friend (Ruth Roman) tries to block the deal. Not bad, although the title didn't remind me of the plot. GRADE-------B
WHY DIDN'T THEY ASK EVANS? 1985--Made for British TV, this Agatha Christie thriller is mildly interesting and intriguing for a murder mystery. GRADE-------B-
CLUE 1985--This old murder mystery chestnut based on the board game has some fun with the characters, and this version featured all three ending. Martin Mull, Madeline Kahn, Colleen Camp, Micheal McKean, Eileen Brennan and Tim Curry as well as others all seem to be having a very funny time. GRADE---------B-
THE REVOLT OF MAMIE STOVER 1956--Jane Russell is run out of San Francisco (!) in the mid-40s for prostitution (!) and ends up in Honolulu where she works as a "dancer" and falls for writer Richard Eagan, who treats her with respect, while also keeping another respectable woman friend on the side. All this just before the Pearl Harbor attack. Pic looks good in CinemaScope and Technicolor and is not exactly boring. Agnes Moorhead plays the "Madam" of the dance club, and the film is quite watchable, if a bit peculiar. GRADE--------B-
SEA WIFE 1957--Richard Burton and Joan Collins survive a sinking ship during wartime and end up on a raft together with two other men. Burton falls for her and nick names her "sea wife"--not realizing that she is a nun. The big surprise here is that Collins steals the movie from Burton! GRADE-------C+
ARMORED CAR ROBBERY 1950--A nifty film noir outing with a ruthless cop on the trail of heartless thieves. Minor but effective. GRADE-----C+
THE MACKINTOSH MAN 1973---Low key spy thriller with Paul Newman and Dominique Sanda and James Mason, with an unfortunately dull ending. Considering the talent and the director John Huston, this film is easy to watch, but a let down nonetheless. GRADE------C+
HOLIDAY HEART 2000--A good hearted drag queen takes in a drug addicted woman and tries to help raise her daughter. Alfre Woodard has some fine moments as the mother, but the film made me wince at times, and Ving Rhames singing as a drag queen--just not believable!!!!!!
RALLY ROUND THE FLAG BOYS 1958--Based on a popular novel at the time, the first 45 minutes of this film bored the tears out of me, and I kept watching mainly because Joanne Woodward, Paul Newman, Joan Collins, Tuesday Weld and Jack Carson have all been better in other roles. Finally the film started to gain some humor and wit and there were some goofy, funny scenes to be sure, but I hope never to watch this one again. GRADE------------C
SEVEN KEYS TO BALDPATE 1947--This murder mystery has been filmed three times, but I'm not sure it was worth being filmed once. The action is flat and comically odd. Nothing really memorable occurs, and the actors, though pleasant, were unmemorable. GRADE------C
AS YOUNG AS YOU FEEL 1951--Based on a stage play, this "comedy" felt more like a vanity role for Monty Wooley, who is fired from his job at age 65, so he contacts the president of the company that owns his company, and manages to get his job back. Yawn. Even the charm of an early Marilyn Monroe, and David Wayne and Thelma Ritter couldn't breathe much life into this one. GRADE----------C
Painful guilt and regret steep the well acted MANCHESTER BY THE SEA, as a sudden death forces a young middle aged man (an excellent Casey Affleck) back to his hometown to organize his older brother's funeral, and face his demons. He is also named the guardian of his teen aged nephew, a task that he vehemently rejects, and must also confront his ex-wife (a translucent Michelle Williams.) As his history unfolds, it becomes evident what ghosts haunt his past. The film is written and directed by Kenneth Lonergan who wrote and directed the moving film YOU CAN COUNT ON ME (2000) but I'm partial to his last nearly unseen film MARGARET (2011) about a teen who witnesses a tragic accident and tries to set thing right but is met with road blocks by the adults around her. That film is some kind of masterpiece which has haunted me for nearly five years...............GRADE-------B+
The great two time Oscar winning director Ang Lee has once again impressed me with BILLY LYNN'S LONG HALFTIME WALK, adapted from a best selling novel about a young soldier home on temporary leave who is showered with praise for his role in a horrible battle in Iraq and must tour the country to accept the (sometimes) vacant praise of his public. The story makes a number of vivid, shocking points regarding the pointlessness of war and the abuse soldiers can receive from the public. Ang used a higher frames per second technique and has been criticized for using it for what is basically a drama (not a science fiction blockbuster, apparently) but in most theatres that technique is not so noticeable (only three theatres in the world were equipped to project it to greatest effect) , and I give him kudos for experimenting such a potentially important visual effect. Kristen Stewart is very effective in a small role as his sister, and the film, which has not done much business in the United States, is about the trials of veterans of the Iraq war--not a popular subject for Americans. Too bad, because it is a smart, engrossing, disturbing film. GRADE--------B+
Based on a true story, LOVING is a well acted, low key telling of an interracial couple in the early 1960's who must fight for the right to marry in Virginia just prior to the equal rights laws that were adapted shortly thereafter. The chemistry between Ruth Negga and Joel Edgerton really keep the viewer involved. GRADE------------B+
Watching the new Star Wars Story ROGUE ONE, it felt like wrapping up in a warm soft blanket by a fireplace, reading a lovely old novel. The film is just as engaging as any other STAR WARS film, and of course, the pacing, editing, music and set design are all first rate. Fans will be happy. GRADE-----------B+
The new science fiction film PASSENGERS plays like a deep space chamber drama for four people, with some humor and romance thrown in for good measure. The first half works the best, as traveler Chris Pratt is accidentally woken from what was supposed to be a 90 year nap while traveling to another world, but he finds his life aboard the empty vessel to be very lonely. A year later when another passenger (Jennifer Lawrence) wakes, the two begin what seems like an idyllic life together, until the truth about how they were awaken threatens their love and life. It is a small film, but I enjoyed the special effects and tension created by the lonely life in deep space. GRADE----------B+
Some of it may feel a bit calculated, but there is no denying that Jessica Chastain inhabits her new role as MISS SLOANE, a high profile lobbyist who wins a lot. When she starts a new high profile case, the film twists and turns in a very entertaining fashion and the thriller ends in a surprising manner. GRADE-----B
Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard are pretty, movie star like characters in the slick, World War II thriller ALLIED that is easy to watch, but I wish it was even better. Soldier Pitt suspects his wife may be a German spy, and the action and suspense keep you watching this lovingly photographed film. GRADE--------B
This odd, amusing tale set in pre-Harry Potter times and set in New York City features Eddie Redmayne as a wizard who is a care taker for lots of strange animals. The fanciful tale, STRANGE BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM, was written by the author of the Potter novels, J.K. Rowlings, and it is fitfully wondrous. I am mildly curious to see another chapter of this story. My main complaint is that nearly every scene is filmed at night or in a darkened room, or in rainy or snowy weather. I had a headache trying to watch the perpetually darkened screen. GRADE----------B
When a Chinese taxi driver hits a motorcyclist due to his drunken passenger, he helps the injured man to the hospital, but finds himself liable for his medical bills, plunging his family into a desperate downward spiral of destitution, in this film noir thriller that becomes bloodier as it progresses, in OLD STONE . This is a first feature from Johnny Ma and one looks forward to seeing what else he can do. GRADE---------B
She may have a colorful way with costume design and make up, but the LOVE WITCH director needs a better story and better actors. Director/writer Anna Biller certainly creates a look--a pop Technicolor tribute to the hippie 70's, but the story has a woman who uses potions and magic to seduce men into loving her, but this was dull--the men become tiresome to her so she kills them off. Yawn.
GRADE----------D+
______________________Viewed on DVD___________________
EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE 2011---Nominated for best picture and best supporting actor (Max von Sydow), this clever, moving drama about a child trying to understand the sudden death of his father during 9/11 turns into a mystery as he tries to find the owner or lock for a key that he thinks his father (Tom Hanks) left for him, since they always played mind games with each other. His desperate mother (Sandra Bullock) tries to break through, as the kid scours New York City, meeting new people and making friends. Wonderfully creative and moving. GRADE-----A
UP 2009---Superior Walt Disney animation with a moving, sentimental story, helped along with dollops of humor by the cranky old man (voiced by Ed Asner.) GRADE-------A
CRIME IN THE STREETS 1956--The promotional cover of the DVD is quite lurid--so that I forgot that I'd seen this film about 2 years earlier. James Whitmore plays a social worker who tries to defend and defuse some angry teenagers in a very poor part of town. They are well played by a young John Cassavettes, future director Mark Rydell and the wonderful Sal Mineo as "Baby." GRADE----B+
RANDOM HARVEST 1942--Sentimental drama about a man who wakes up after an accident having had amnesia, returns home to his wealthy lifestyle, forgetting all about the family he had started with Greer Garson for many years earlier. Pleasant enough tear-jerker. GRADE------B
SARAH'S KEY 2010--A young boy is left locked in a closet when the Nazis pickup his family. Decades later, the new owner (Kristen Scott Thomas) of the apartment feels compelled to trace the family roots and discovers some disturbing issues, including her own reservations towards her family. GRADE-------B
THE RAT RACE-2001--When I first saw this 15 years ago, I remember laughing a lot, but I couldn't remember anything about the plot or characters except Rowan Atkinson's weird Italian accent. Watching it recently, the first 20 minutes is deadly dull, but if you stick around to the start of the race (all contestants are racing to get to a bag of 2 million dollars first) things pick up for some zany slapstick fun. The funny ensemble cast includes Breckin Meyer, Amy Smart, Whoopi Goldberg, Cuba Gooding Jr. Seth Green, John Cleese, Jon Lovitz, Kathy Nijamy, Dave Thomas, Wayne Knight, and many more, and most of them have some very very funny slapstick moments. If you get in the mood, the last hour is a hoot. (It is sort of a funnier, shorter version of IT'S A MAD MAD MAD MAD WORLD....) GRADE-------B
THIS CHRISTMAS 2007--A smooth comic version of the family gathering for a Christmas celebration with the son with a secret, another son with a secret talent, the mother with a decision to make, a daughter with an unfaithful husband, etc, and it is all blended together with some copious Christmas carols and hymns in the background. With Chris Brown (singing the title song, natch) and Idris Elba, Delroy Lindo, Loretta Devine, Regina King, Lupe Ontiveros and others, all likeable and charming at times. GRADE--------B
STARTING OUT IN THE EVENING 2007--An older writer with a mental block (Frank Langella) befriends a young scholar who wants to write his biography (Lauren Ambrose), while his daughter (Lili Taylor) has her own issues. Set in academia, this is a smart thoughtful character study. Langella is superb. GRADE----------B
THE INVITATION 1952--Father tries to buy a husband (Van Johnson) for his ailing daughter (Dorothy McGuire) but friend (Ruth Roman) tries to block the deal. Not bad, although the title didn't remind me of the plot. GRADE-------B
WHY DIDN'T THEY ASK EVANS? 1985--Made for British TV, this Agatha Christie thriller is mildly interesting and intriguing for a murder mystery. GRADE-------B-
CLUE 1985--This old murder mystery chestnut based on the board game has some fun with the characters, and this version featured all three ending. Martin Mull, Madeline Kahn, Colleen Camp, Micheal McKean, Eileen Brennan and Tim Curry as well as others all seem to be having a very funny time. GRADE---------B-
THE REVOLT OF MAMIE STOVER 1956--Jane Russell is run out of San Francisco (!) in the mid-40s for prostitution (!) and ends up in Honolulu where she works as a "dancer" and falls for writer Richard Eagan, who treats her with respect, while also keeping another respectable woman friend on the side. All this just before the Pearl Harbor attack. Pic looks good in CinemaScope and Technicolor and is not exactly boring. Agnes Moorhead plays the "Madam" of the dance club, and the film is quite watchable, if a bit peculiar. GRADE--------B-
SEA WIFE 1957--Richard Burton and Joan Collins survive a sinking ship during wartime and end up on a raft together with two other men. Burton falls for her and nick names her "sea wife"--not realizing that she is a nun. The big surprise here is that Collins steals the movie from Burton! GRADE-------C+
ARMORED CAR ROBBERY 1950--A nifty film noir outing with a ruthless cop on the trail of heartless thieves. Minor but effective. GRADE-----C+
THE MACKINTOSH MAN 1973---Low key spy thriller with Paul Newman and Dominique Sanda and James Mason, with an unfortunately dull ending. Considering the talent and the director John Huston, this film is easy to watch, but a let down nonetheless. GRADE------C+
HOLIDAY HEART 2000--A good hearted drag queen takes in a drug addicted woman and tries to help raise her daughter. Alfre Woodard has some fine moments as the mother, but the film made me wince at times, and Ving Rhames singing as a drag queen--just not believable!!!!!!
RALLY ROUND THE FLAG BOYS 1958--Based on a popular novel at the time, the first 45 minutes of this film bored the tears out of me, and I kept watching mainly because Joanne Woodward, Paul Newman, Joan Collins, Tuesday Weld and Jack Carson have all been better in other roles. Finally the film started to gain some humor and wit and there were some goofy, funny scenes to be sure, but I hope never to watch this one again. GRADE------------C
SEVEN KEYS TO BALDPATE 1947--This murder mystery has been filmed three times, but I'm not sure it was worth being filmed once. The action is flat and comically odd. Nothing really memorable occurs, and the actors, though pleasant, were unmemorable. GRADE------C
AS YOUNG AS YOU FEEL 1951--Based on a stage play, this "comedy" felt more like a vanity role for Monty Wooley, who is fired from his job at age 65, so he contacts the president of the company that owns his company, and manages to get his job back. Yawn. Even the charm of an early Marilyn Monroe, and David Wayne and Thelma Ritter couldn't breathe much life into this one. GRADE----------C
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