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Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1(2024)
Costner is a skill entertainer, and should be able to fix the next Chapters
Director, Writer, Actor, Producer Kevin Costner unfortunately falls into the trap of wearing too many hats in this long (3 hr. & 1 min.) Chapter 1 of 4 Chapters epic western.
Yes, almost everyone loves a good western, but when multiple characters and character storylines are introduced within one major storyline and jumbled around, it leaves the viewer wondering which story to follow and with very little commitment to any of them.
Cinematography by J. Michael Muro is impressive, but so much of it is pushed along by a predictable music score and Costner's staged camera work that the visuals becomes a wash in effects. While a slur of established actors will grace the screen in this epic tale, this first Chapter featured many miss-casted actors (Casting by April Webster and Angela Young), excessive make-up, lots of actors standing around and unnecessary plots that one can only hold ones breathe on what's to come.
Chapter 1 of 4 Chapters may have been a good idea in Costner's head, but he should have seen the issues once pen was put to paper. This is what happens when one person runs the entire ship. Costner is a skill entertainer, and should be able to fix the next Chapters.
Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show(2024)
Self-deprecating isn't pretty
HBO has gone out on the limb recently introducing several "unique" shows: Painting with John, The Rehearsal and now Jerrod Carmichael's Reality Show. Of the three, Carmichael's 2024 Gotham TV Award for Breakthrough Nonfiction Series deserves some attention.
Comedian Jerrod Carmichael (2022 Emmy-wining comedy special "Rothaniel" ) was given an eight-episode series from HBO following his coming out and desire to speak personally about his family relations. Why an individual needs/desires a public format in which to throw their family/friends/lovers under the bus, and why HBO was willing to green light the idea, is baffling.
I don't know Carmichael's comedy, so maybe his self-deprecating, Me, Me, Me style is his thing? If it is, I don't find it funny or interesting.
Throughout the series, he uses the camera to hide behind how poorly he treats himself, his family and his boyfriend. So embarrassed to be part of Carmichael's series, a "friend" will only appear in a mask and altered voice.
Trying to wrap his comedy into the series, he occasionally drops in and out of his stand-up (sit-down) comedy routine. Why his audience would sit through his self-absorbed rambling doesn't make sense. If he wants a therapy session, why invite an audience. Get a therapist and get a room! Supporting his lack of self-respect for himself and his audience, he appears on stage wearing crocks and socks and demonstrates a total lack in taste for his appearance.
Carmichael managed to get his 15-minutes of fame and some. Unfortunately, he took many people down with him.
Apples Never Fall(2024)
Predictable writing and directing...
This Peacock Original TV Limited Series has all the makings of a terrific "White Louts" type series, with its interesting and intertwining storyline and a cast of high profile actors. Unfortunately, that's were it stops.
Based on Liane Moriarty's book of the same name, Melanie Marnich, brings the story to the streaming world. Sharing writing duties with Moriarty and other writers, the series falls short with its predictable writing, staging and directing (Chris Sweeney and Dawn Shadforth).
Annette Benning, Sam Neill play distant parents and are at the heart of the series mystery. Jake Lacy (Season 2 - "White Lotus" ) is one of the several adult children (none who resemble each other of their parents) trying to figure out the "who did it". Through it all, all are left trying hard to make something out of nothing.
While it's easy to stay with the seven episode story, it's equally easy to wonder way you're sticking around.
The Tattooist of Auschwitz(2024)
Streaming at its best!
Heather Morris' debut 2018 novel, #1 New York Times Bestseller and #1 International Bestseller, has been made into a streaming series that all should watch - even the deniers.
Harvey Keitel (where has this guy been?) is Holocaust survivor and Auschwitz-Birkenau tattooist Ludwig (Lale) Sokolov. After years of withholding in his experience, he confides in social worker Heather Morris (the giving Melani Lynskey - "Yellowjackets" ) providing her access to his time behind the barbed wire, what he did to survive and a glimpse into a quiet love story.
Directed by Tali Shalom-Ezer, a relatively unknown director, she has captured the angst of Sokolov, the feel of the period and the camp, the kindness of Morris and the tension of what was the everyday life of survival. Harvey Keitel, Jonas Nay (the stern SS Officer Stefan Baretzki), love interest Ana Próchniak (Gita) and Jonah Hauer-King (young Sokolov) are sure to recognized for their acting contributions.
Several individuals are credited as writers, and each should be recognized for their grace in presenting dialogue that feels genuine and not rushed. Barbra Streisand lends her talents to the final song in the film, a first for her.
This film is both a reminder of just how mean one human can be to another, and that the past has no place in our future.
Baby Reindeer(2024)
There are no little pretty reindeers here...
A sure thing about Streaming... one can find some very interesting programing!
Controversy abounds (read some of the Trivia on the Baby Reindeer site) in this true story about a female stalker (relatively unknown, yet busy working actress - Jessica Gunning) who leaches on to an unassuming bartender/aspiring comedian (creator/actor Richard Gadd). What starts out as an interesting story, featuring a cast of secondary characters equally intriguing, quickly turns into an unhappy psychological cat and mouse game ridden with additional backstories that keep you as an audience member glued to the storyline.
This series comes with a disclaimer, so those with history associated with this type of storyline (don't want to give anything away) may not want to venture into this world.
The series is director by Weronika Tofilaks and Josephine Bornebush, both who slowly, creatively and deliberately draw the audience into the experience. Gadd gets all the credit for the writing (it was his one-person live theatre show), and should be rewarded if the storyline isn't too much for those who nominate. Gunning and Gadd together are the glue here as their histories come crashing down together.
Transgender actress Nava Mau (Teri), bad boy Tom Goodman (Darren) and quirky police office Thomas Coombes are just a few of the memorial actors providing substance to this very sad yet interesting story.
Back to Black(2024)
A nice look back into the life and times of Amy Winehouse
Director Sam Taylor-Johnson ( "Fifty Shades of Grey" "Nowhere Boy" ) along with Writer Matt Greenhalgh ( "Nowhere Boy" ) present yet another musician oriented look back, this time of the life and times of singer Amy Winehouse.
At the heart of this Biography is the age old question: "who was to blame for Amy's downfall into the world of drugs," at the height of her career? Stepping into the sure to be criticized role of Amy Winehouse is Marisa Abela (knowing recently in the TV Series "Industry" ). Playing the bad boy (and in this case the much more handsome) Blake Fielder-Civil is Jack O'Connell ( "2022" Lady Chatterley's Lover ").
Since many know how the film will end, the journey into Amy's upbringing, her relationship with her parents, where and how she grew up, her start in the industry, how she felt about the industry, and the personality she brought to her work is what this film offers. At least in the eyes of director and writer.
While it took me a minute to get into Marisa's Amy, when I was sold, I was sold on her performance. Many may overlook this acting endeavor, but walking the walk, talking the talk and actually singing the songs could place Marisa on the track to a nomination or two. While it's hard to watch a crashing training, this glimpse into what may have been Amy's world is a worthy movie watching experience. Luckily, the on-screen chemistry between Abela and O'Connell is believable and honest, and the sound track brings back great memories of Amy Wineshous'e short time with us.
The Fall Guy(2024)
Stunts, Studs and more in the weak plot action film
Movie Review: The Fall Guy
Stunt person/coordinator and director David Leitch, along with writers Glen A. Larson and Drew Pearce have had their hands equally in many an action packed stunt film and TV series. So, the apples didn't "fall" far from the tree here. That's both good and bad here!
Let's start off by saying "Just because Tom Cruise found some egotistical need to intro his last film before the actual movie, doesn't mean everyone should follow suit! Second, thank you Ryan Gosling for looking so good and acting so silly and Emily Blunt for being the perfect love sick and heart broken co-star. Without your on-screen chemistry, this film could have easily been an over the top stunt emphasized dud of a film like Jack Gyllenhaal's recent" RoadHouse ". I'm not even going to touch on
Hannah Waddingham (" Ted Lasso ") over acting and Aaron Taylor-Johnson terrific physique.
The plot here, stuntman gets hurts and runs from his love of work and female attraction, is thin -very thing. Most folks with broken backs probably never be the same. But this a movie, so let that pass. Yes, the stunts are great and they keep coming and coming and coming. Somewhere along the movie watching experience, I "fell" asleep and work up a bit later to more of the same. A BIG Kudos to all the stunt folks - men and women. Stick around (or wake up in time) for the final scenes, for a "six million dollar" look at a few celebrity cameos and behind the scenes shots.
Far More(2021)
2021?
From the get go, this film looks and feels like a 1989's low budget independent film.
The cuts/editing are bad, the acting by most is substandard and the directing is choppy. There is a story here, if you can get passed all the issues. Very hard to believe this is a 2021 film.
Suited(2016)
Everyone deserves to feel good about themselves
While channel surfing this morning, I came across this 2016 documentary, co-produced by Lena Dunham (HBO- "Girls" ), about the Brooklyn tailoring company Bindle & Keep. B & K specialize in fitting suits for "females transitioning to a male and Q females". At a time when the current administration is turning back time/rights on the transgender community, this film is important and current. The tailors are interesting, the clients are intriguing, and the stories are touching and empowering. Everyone deserves to feel good about themselves - Why is that so difficult!
Abe(2019)
A way to a person (man's) heart is through their stomachs
Just as more citizens are becoming reacquainted with preparing homemade meals, Breaking Glass Pictures brings to DVD (June 2, 2020) an entertaining Indie film about a young aspiring chef - Abe (Noah Schnapp - "Stranger Things" ).
Directed and written by accomplished young LA based Brazilian filmmaker Fernando Grostein Andragde, the film tracks Abe's growth as a chef, while he struggles at home to understand his historic religious beliefs held tightly by his half-Israeli and half-Palestinian head strong family members. If the religious aspect of the storyline seems to heavy for quirky drama-comedy, don't worry, it's just a subtext to the journey Abe goes through on his way to becoming a chef and bringing his family together.
Director Grostein Andragde knows his way around a youth oriented film, enabling the audience to experience young Abe's world from his perspective. Unfortunately, he often keeps the camera on situations or scenes too long, leaving the viewer to wonder if he couldn't find away out of the setting. Noah Schnapp is the key to this production, and he holds your attention throughout with those puppy dog eyes and youthful ambition. The competing family members make for a great tug-of-war, and each ensemble members keeps your attention.
Using the old adage "a way to a person (man's) heart is through their stomachs," Abe hones his craft for a big family meal that will "mix" up the various ethnic foods to create one big happy final family dining experience. If only it was that easy!
If you still rent DVD's, make sure to look for this one.
Natalie Wood: What Remains Behind(2020)
When is enough, enough?
Director Laurent Bouzereau, an established home video/movie documentarian, teams up with Producer/Interviewer Natasha Gregson Wagner (daughter of Natalie Wood and British producer/writer/agent Richard Gregson and step-daughter to Robert Wagner "Daddy Wagner" ) to look back into the life and times of one of Hollywood's early "it girls", the death of her mother, and the publics need to continue to talk of conspiracy regarding Wood's death.
In all, the production is a beautiful tribute Wood's life, providing her many fans an intimate glimpse into Wood's childhood, her personal family dynamics, growing up on screen and her many loves. With several Hollywood's top actors/friends/associate coming before the camera for interviews, it's clear to see Wood's was, is and continues to be loved.
The film eventually becomes personal when Natasha reads from her mom's letter (found after her death), and her sit-down with Robert Wagner ( "R.J." ). With Natasha asking the questions and R.J's recalling the day before, the night of and the days following Wood's death, it's hard to watch because it feel like we're witnessing what should be a personal family discussion, and yet its before the cameras to experience. While there are no new revelations regarding Wood's death, if there are clues to be found, the glossing over of the additional information provided by the boats deckhand, and no interview with Christopher Walken (who was on the boat the night she dead) do little to end this story.
If anything, "Natalie Wood: What Remains Behind" demonstrates that the family, except for Natalie's sister Lana - who has her own theories, have come to terms with Wood's passing, and shouldn't that be enough?
Dave(2020)
Should I be watching this?
Bored with your recorded series, already organized your sock drawer, can't stand to look at your self-imposed haircut? Then, click over to FXX and catch this self-deprecating comedy about comedian Dave Burd's life. DAVE is Lil Dicky, a white Jewish rapper out to prove he is the next best thing to hit the music industry. Featuring a cooky mom and dad (Gina Hecht and David Paymer), best red-hair on TV friend Mike (Andrew Santino), an out of his league girlfriend Ally (Taylor Misiak) and a slue of terrific carefree slackers (Travis 'Taco "Bennett and Gala), this awkward, sometime hard to watch comedy somehow attracts cameos by musicians like Justine Bieber and Macklemore and several celebrities. Yes, lil Dicky has a little..., but that's only of his" things "issue. Written by Jeff Schaffer (Curb and Seinfeld), you feel you're watch something you shouldn't." Dave "is not regular TV watching, and right now that fits the bill.
Favola(2017)
You'll fall asleep to this Fairytale
Coming to DVD/DOV on May 12, 2020 is another LGBTQ comedy-drama from Breaking Glass Pictures. As a 2018 Golden Ciak (Best Production), More Love Award (Festival Mix 2018) and Flaiano Prize Winner (Best first work by Sebastiano Mauri), expectations were high. However, when the star Mrs. Fairytale (Filippo Timi) is the screenwriter whose stage play the film is based upon, and the Director (Sebastiano Mauri) is married to the star/screenwriter, disaster can follow, and follow it does. Mrs. Fairytale is a stay-at-home (beautiful set design by Alessia Anfuso) 1950's housewife (equally good looking loud costumes by Gavio Zabernardi). When her friend Mrs. Emerald (Lucia Mascino) and her find out their triplets boy-toy is sleeping around, mom (Piera Degli Esposti) conjures up a UFO who steals her stuffed poodle (Lady) and the alien presences brings up a change in Mrs. Fairytales sexual desires. Don't get me wrong, over-the-top, female impersonating, loud couture, farfetched storyline and camp can be fun. However, when the subtitles are too low on the screen to read, and the storyline keeps getting dumber and dumber, one has to just say this fairytale needs to end. Director Mauri lost control of this production early on, and actor Filippo Timi did little to help and/or make it fun or funny. This is a Fairytale one can't wait to wake up from, or at least fall asleep during.
15 Years(2019)
It felt like 15 years watching this film...
Breaking Glass Pictures (a globally-connected media company that focuses on finding cutting edge independent films in every genre from around the world) brings to DVD/VOD on 4/28/20 this LGBT film about two Israeli men, the young Dan (Udi Persi) ready for the next step in their relationship and the mature Alpha partner Yoav ( Oded Leopold) who can't get over his past family and settling down demons. With most male gay themed films requiring a good female friend, the beautiful Ruti Asarsai (Alma) does a nice job working amongst the guys. Unfortunately, it is her pregnancy (from someone) that turns Yoav against Dan and all of their relationships. While the story is plausible, the English subtitles move way too fast, and director/writer Yuval Hadadi falls victim to wearing too many hats. He continually presents numerous scenes where absolutely nothing happens and/or is said, Yoav's character isn't explained clearly enough to make the viewer want to care about him, and Alma's pregnancy is quickly pushed to the backstory. The film runs 1 1/2 hours, but felt like "15 YEARS".
Once Upon a Time in... Hollywood(2019)
The Oscar Race has begun!
Best Picture, Director, Actors, Writing, Costume, Screenplay, Score, Production Design and on and on and on! All movies from this point forward will be compared/judged against this film. Don't miss this one.
Grand Hotel(2019)
Cancel my hotel reservation, please...
Eva Longoria ( "Desperate Housewives," "Devious Maids" ) steps back into the Executive Producer role with an event pack, but eventless "Telenovela-isk" series. Demian Bichir ( "Weeds," who also Exec. Producer 2 episodes) is the patriarch Miami Hotel owner forced to sell his hotel following a death of an employee. His hotel management graduate daughter Denyse Tontz ( "The Fosters" TV) and playboy physically challenged brother Bryan Craig ( "General Hospital) are sure the sale was forced by their new step mom Roselyn Sanchez (" Devious Maids "). Add in her own two mischievous daughters, a Rap star, a take no prisoners HR Manager, her nice son, a new hot waiter and a money money who works for the mob, and well, you got yourself too much of nothing. Every character knows something and/or has something on someone else and it never ends. There's eye candy (hotel, pool, beach), and that's at least a reason to initially watch. However, if you think you've seen this before, but in a different version you right -" Devious Maids "! Been there, done that. I'm not checking into this Grand Hotel.
Greener Grass(2019)
The "grass" is not "greener" in this neighborhood or with this film
NY's Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre Alum Jocelyn DeBoer and Dawn Luebbe stretch thier Short Film (of the same name) into a painful 1 hour and 41 minute feature film. While the Short may have been appealing (I didn't see it), more is not better here! DeBoer and Luebbe write, direct and star here, proving once again newbies usually can't wear multiple hats successfully. Trying to bring believability to a silly and farfetched comedy storyline, where cheap/not funny on-camera gags won't end, are crazy woman Helen (wasting the craft of Dot-Marie Jones "Glee" ) and side-kick husbands Nick (Beck Bennett "SNL" ) and Dennis (Neil Casey "SNL). It's downright hard to watch the cast try to make something out of nothing. DeBoer and Luebbe place thier story in an environment that is literary full of plastic plants, plastic non-emotional one level characters, and within scenes that are color saturated for reasons unknown and unnecessary, thus providing little to grab onto for substance, let alone humor. Call this satire, slapstick or purposeful raunch, I say the" grass "is not" greener "in this neighborhood or with this film.
Diamantino(2018)
The occasional nice rear and flat abs does not make for a worthy film
Some film reviews require very few words to explain what a waste of movie viewing time a film can be. "Dimantino," by director/writers Gabriel Abrantes and Daniel Schmidt, is one of those films. Dubbed a "gay film," this subject matter was almost impossible to find anywhere in the film. Sure, Dimantino (Carloto Cotta), with those soccer player flat abs, is a cutie who eventually the audience gets to see nude from the rear, "butt" the occasional nice rear and flat abs does not make for a worthy film. Especially when the storyline includes seeing fluffy puppies on the soccer filed, money laundering, cheesy mean-girl sisters (Anabela and Marardia Moreira), sale of their brothers DNA to Dr. Lamborghini (Cara Maciel), a corny mad scientist lab, adoption of a refugee child (Cloe Tavares) - who is obviously an adult, and a commercial shoot that encourages separation from the EU, and well you get the picture. It's hard to believe this film won 2018 Cannes Film Festival "Critics Week Grand Prize" and Cine Ceara National Film Festival "Feature Film Trophy" Awards. Don't waste you time here!
Echo in the Canyon(2018)
Musical history lesson
Relative new comer to the Director/Writer/Producer arena (Andrew Slater) grabs hold of the 1965-1967 LA (Laurel Canyon) music experience, showing us first hand how and when folk music went electric under the guidance of groups like The Byrds, The Beach Boys, Buffalo Springfield and The Mamas and the Papas. Jakob Dylan (son of Bob Dylan) gathers a group of contemporaries (Beck, Fiona Apple, Cat Power, Regina Spektor and Norah Jones) in a Laurel Canyon home, as they look over 60's albums and discuss how music changed, all in preparation for a future live concert featuring the music of that time. While the contemporaries discuss the past, Dylan interviews the characters who lived the experience (Brian Wilson Michelle Phillips, Stephen Stills, David Crosby, Roger McGuinn, Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, Graham Nash, Jackson Browne, Tom Petty, John Sebastian and Lou Adler). As an interviewer, Dylan is rather and lifeless. However, his list of start studded interviewees are full of intriguing historical music stories that will keep you glued to the screen. Where Dylan succeeds is his live 2015 LA's Orpheum Theatre concert with Jade Castrinos, Beck, Fiona Apple, Cat Power, Regina Spektor and Norah Jones, as they bring the music of the past into the present. If you are at all a music fan, and even better yet you have any relationship with the Laurel Canyon neighborhood, you will not want to miss "Echo in the Canyon". Stick around for the credits as Bob Dylan makes a musical camera appearance.
Red Joan(2018)
No need to rush out and catch this slow historical story
Director Trevor Nunn, known for sound track development and film staging theatrical productions, brings to the movie screen a real-life story of 1930's Melita Norwood (charactered here as Joan Stanley), a Soviet and communist party sympathizer who went undetected for many years, later known as the Granny Spy. Here, the usually terrific Judi Dench, steps into the mature role of Joan Stanley, while Sophie Cookson ( "Kingsmen: The Secret Service" ) leads the film as the younger Stanley. While both do a fine job in their respective roles, Dench has limited screen time/pressence, while Cookson is left to muddle through a very drawn out and rather boring script by Lindsay Shapero. Secondary college friend roles by Tom Hughes ( "TV series" Victoria ") and Tereza Srbova actually have an interesting subplot that really isn't further developed, and Stanley's son Nick (Ben Miles" The Romanoffs "TV series) at least has some soul searching to work through that gives his character some interest. The fault here is in the boring script and pacing, and the rather eventless directing by Nunn. There is an intriguing story here, especially when it comes to if a crime that somewhat promoted peace and was done years ago, is actually a crime. However, that piece of this historical pie is only briefly touched upon and noted at the end of the film. There's no need to rush out and see this one.
Photograph(2019)
A quiet love story that moves slowly along
"The Lunchbox" (2013) director/writer (Ritesh Batra) returns to the big screen with another appealing glimpse inside the busy, traditionally strong world of Mumbi. Here, tourist monument square photographer Rafi (Nawazuddin Siddiqui) plugs away trying to make a living off tourist, sending his money back home to pay off a large family debit. When local resident Miloni (Sanya Malhotra) reluctantly agrees to a quick photo, a harmless meeting quietly sets the plot of the film into motion. Siddiqui and Malhotra, as are most of the actors, are established Bollywood actors. They graciously prove they know their way around an estranged relationship and the history rich traditions of their environment. Where Rafi's world is about working and trying not to get married, Miloni's world is about staying within a given box even though she knows there's more to life. Forcing the two to come to terms with their respective lives is Rafi's quick wit and take no survivors grandmother (Farrukh Jaffar), who's straight forward dialogue brings the two leads to reevaluate thier respective circumstances. Director Batra knows his way around a relationship story, and how to give the audience a look inside an unfamiliar world. However, he does it at a pace that will surly turn off many a viewing audience. If you can stick with the slow pace and don't mind an incomplete ending, you'll walk away with an understanding that somethings/meetings happen for a reason. Don't look for the sparkle and music associated with many a Bollywood film, as this is more a quiet relationship film.
The Mustang(2019)
Interesting story, with terrific acting make this sleeper a must see
When Robert Redford attaches himself to a film as Executive Producer, other than last years "The Old Man & the Gun," one should pay attention. Toss in yet another fine gruff performance by Bruce Durn, an Award worthy lead performance by Matthias Schoenaerts ( "The Danish Girl" ) as convict Roman Coleman, and an equistrian rehabilitation story line that hasn't been presented in this manner before, and you've got a film viewing experience with substance. Director Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre (2015 Aspen Shortfest Special Jury Winner for "Rabbit" and 2015 Sundance NHK Award winner for "The Mustang" ) introduces the viewing audience to wild mustang prison rehabilitation therapy program, via the the incarceration of Roman, who has shut himself off from his daughter (nicely presented by Gideon Adlon "The Society" TV) and life outside of his 12-years in prison. While the story leads the viewer down a somewhat predictable road, Roman's conflicted and reserved journey, along with his various contentious interaction with his horse (Marcus), is hard to look away from. Schoenaerts really steps outside the usual roles he is recognized for, and for this reason his performance places him securely into higher category of actors. One of my favs, Connie Britton ( "Dirty John" TV), has a cameo here that's less than stellar, but it's alway great to see her work, and Jason Mitchell (Henry) and Josh Stewart (Dan) have arrived on the actor radar. The issue with "The Mustang" is that director/writer de Clermont-Tonnerre, and fellow writers Brock Norman Brock and Mona Fastvold, present several interesting side stories (drugs, murder, life in prison) along Roman's journey that are never flushed out. Regardless, "The Mustang" will be the sleeper film you'll want to experience.
Isha Ovedet(2018)
A relevant film worth a look see..
Director/Writer Michal Aviad, primarily a documentarian, brings a worthy #Metoo story to the big screen. Orna (Liron Ben Shulsh) is a wife and mother doing her best to help keep her family a float, as her husband (Oshri Cohen) struggles to keep their new restaurant above water. When Orna obtains a well paying job, she steps into the male dominated world of real estate developer Benny (Menashe Noy). Over time, Benny begins to demonstrate that he believes he not only benefits from her real estate abilities, but her sexual appeal. While Orna does her best to fight him off, while trying to save her job that's helping her family, lines are eventually crossed and all aspects of her life begin to fall apart. When enough is enough, she takes control of the situation and confronts her Boss in front of his wife. While words are sparse, the silence and looks ensure that everyone knows what's happened. Director Aviad is right on here, presenting a realistic look at a plausable situation. The film is subtitled, yet it takes nothing away from the story and pressure presented. While the film opens March 27, 2019, I don't think it will find wide release. But, that doesn't mean it isn't a well made film with relevance.
Stan & Ollie(2018)
Who doesn't love "Laurel & Hardy"!
Scotland's well established Director John S. Baird ( "I'm Dying Up Here" and "Vinyl" TV) joins with Writer Jeff Pope ( "Philomena" ) to bring the true life story of comedic icons Laurel (BAFTA Awards Nominee for Best Actors Steve Coogan) and Hardy (Golden Globe Nominee for Best Actor John C. Reilly) and their final live theatre British tour of 1953. By their sides are their quirky wives Lucille Hardy (Shirley Henderson "The ABC Murders" TV Series) and Ida Kitaea Laurel (Nina Arianda "Florence Foster Jenkins" ). "Stan & Ollie" is a film that received minor attention, but one that should not be missed, especially if you are a fan of classic American cinema. The story picks up at the end of the duo's mass appeal, as they take their stick on the road playing small live theatre's, are forced to do their own publicity/commercials (not heard of in those days) and work toward a final movie. From the minute the duo (Reilly and Coogan) hit the screen, they are Laurel & Hardy, with those familiar faces, classic gestures and familiar sayings. While the film is about the comedy duo, comedy takes a backseat to the story of their lifelong friendship and drive to two sustained relevancy. Cinematography by Laurie Rose both hinders (Berlin's street scenes are visual sets) and helps (the environment places the guys securely in that era). Make-up and Costumes further help transition the audience into believing one is watching once again witnessing the original two on screen. I don't know how many people know the guys final story, but more should. Make sure to stay for the credits, as photos of the guys in their later years, along with their wives, will bring a smile to your face and a tear to your sentimental hearts.
Mary Poppins Returns(2018)
Director Rob Marshall had a blueprint to success and failed here
NOTE: Don't hate! The last time I tried to enjoy a film I was told was great, was the last time I tried to watch the 2017 "The Greatest Showman" three times. While Director Rob Marshall ( "Chicago" 2002) had the blueprint of the makings of a fan favorite to draw from, he's turned this remake into a less than satifying Disney experience that good ol Walt would probably be less than pleased with. Let's start with the casting: Lovely as Emily Blunt ( "A Quiet Place" - a much stronger role for her) and the "do no wrong" Lin-Manuel Miranda ( "Hamilton: An Original Musical" ) can be, the roles of Mary Poppins and Jack aren't their strong suit. Sure, they can sing and dance, but under Marshalls direction (and the sarcastic character writing by David Magee, Marshall and John DeLuca), Blunt comes across prudish and mean, while Miranda's Jack never really seems to settle into a guy one wants to enjoy. Emily Mortimer ( "The Newsroom" TV), Ben Whishaw ( "A Very English Scandal" TV - outstanding!), the adorable kids (Pixie Davies, Nathanael Saleh and Joel Dawson), the always fun Julie Walters ( "Educating Rita" ), the silly Meryl Streep, and the continually devilish Colin Firth are all plausible, yet Marshall has a need to rush his characters around the sets, through the streets and through their dialogue so fast that the viewer is rarely given an opportunity to relax into the colorful and whimsical Disney presentation, let alone clearly understand what the kids are saying. Luckily the Angela Lansbury (the ballon lady) brings some relaxed pace to film in what is probably the only memorable musical number "Nowhere To Go But Up," and fan favorite Dick Van Dyke is merely thrown a camero role and dance scene to satisfy the masses. Yes, the costumes (Sandy Powell) are pretty and colorful, the Art Direction, Sets, Visuals, Animation, and several dance sequences are entertaining, but this "Mary Poppins" put me to sleep several times. Regardless, look for the film to be recognized for several behind the scenes Awards.