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Bombshell!

Plot! 

‘Bombshell’ tells the story of the downfall of Roger Ailes as the CEO of Fox News during the summer of 2016. When one of his anchors, Gretchen Carlson (played by Nicole Kidman) sues him for sexual harassment, it sets off a firestorm within the media and television worlds. When the film starts, you immediately hear Megyn Kelly’s (Charlize Theron) voice as it takes on the sort of ‘narrator’ of the film. You get a tour of the facility, a daily dive into what the office is like, and introduction of all the characters right off the bat. There’s a tear down of the 4th wall, as Theron talks directly to the camera and ‘breaks it all down’ for us. For a brief moment, it felt like the film might take a parody type of view to the story. Both Kidman and Robbie also talk to the audience directly in the film and also have their narrator cameo per se. However, those parts are quickly intertwined within the complexity of the story. As the plot thickens, tension rise, and situations become more intricate, everyone takes sides. There’s a rallying cry by some anchors to gather those to Ailes’ side. Whispers, forced smiles, and longer gazes overtake the office environment; everyone’s on high alert. It all comes to a halt when it’s noticeable that Fox News’ most prolific female anchor, Megyn Kelly, has said nothing in defense of her boss. Kelly’s silence itself speaks volume and others start noticing. It culminates when Kelly finally breaks her silence, thus sealing Ailes’ fate. 

Performance

Margot Robbie- Memorable and palpable. Margot Robbie portraying Kayla Pospisil stays seared into your mind. She’s the new girl trying to make it into the media world who doesn’t want to just be on tv, but rather wants to be on Fox. She fits the mold as the young, blonde bombshell (ha) with good looks and bold ambition. Throughout her character arc, Robbie evokes vulnerability when she’s harassed by Ailes, perfectly emotes the regret and stigma that comes afterwards, and the inner conflict that inarguably happens after said incident. She’s transformed from a sort of naive doe, to a woman who knows her worth in a male dominated business. 

Nicole Kidman- Kidman does a great job at portraying Gretchen Carlson. She comes off as a fighter, as someone who can play along, albeit begrudgingly, and a strategic, smart woman. She pushes boundaries at Fox for example by doing some shows without makeup and then by pushing against her viewers on gun control. She has convictions and regardless of who her boss is, she’ll stick to them. You can’t help but empathize with Kidman as Carlson. She’s trying to make her own way in a world that doesn't take kind to what she values and cherishes. Kelly’s confession may have led to the eventual fall of Ailes at Fox, but Carlson’s voice was the catalyst for such a thing to happen; the real bombshell.

Charlize Theron- Oscar worthy. From the voice, to the makeup and prosthetics, to the demeanor that Theron takes on, you’re actually looking at Megyn Kelly. It’s uncanny. From Theron’s portrayal as Kelly. you see an exposed lower profile celebrity who’s caught up in all the mess. She struggles internally to do the ‘right thing’ and the tension for her character reaches an all time high when people start questioning her loyalty to Ailes and Fox. From behind the scenes clips, to the Trump debate debacle, to more intimate moments with her family and husband, you see all sides of Theron as Kelly. There’s that Megyn Kelly stare that Theron captures perfectly and let’s it speak for itself in many scenes throughout the film. Again with Kate McKinnon’s character, you can’t help but root for her and empathize with her situation. Everything is at stake if she speaks up, and after Fox, what’s next? Is there a next? The internal struggle radiates off screen because of Theron’s performance. She achieves becoming Megyn Kelly and then some. Magnificent job, Charlize! 

John Lithgow/Kate McKinnon- Both of these actors give phenomenal performances in the supporting roles. John Lithgow as Roger Ailes comes off as conniving, vindictive, prone to outbursts, and just really sleazy. He’s a man with power, dominance, and name recognition that opens doors wherever he goes. Lithgow’s eerily deception and revenge lies in his eyes from scene to scene. He’s predatory in every consideration. In some regard, for those who have seen him portray Winston Churchill in “The Crown”, its very reminiscent of that. This portrayal of a very powerful man fighting for his domain. Even though Churchill and Ailes characters are polar opposites, Lithgow’s portrayal remains similar to both men. 

Kate McKinnon plays the token funny liberal lesbian at work who’s only working there because that’s where she got hired; and for that same reason why no one else will hire her, because she works at Fox. She’s endearing, humorous, and beautifully charming. Regardless of your political affiliations, you wanna root for her character, her job, and her success. Even though she has limited screen time, she absolutely stands out and that’s a testament to her craft. 

Poignant Moment(s)!

Here’s a few from the film. 

There’s an endearing screen between Kayla (Margot Robbie) and Jess (Kate McKinnon). The chemistry between them feels so natural and fun.

When Kayla’s in Roger’s office, whew...

When Gretchen Carlson’s bombshell of a suit goes public.

When Megyn and Kayla have a talk in Kayla’s cubicle. 

To see or not to see!

Definitely to see! It’s an important story that begs the audience to see the relevance of the power dynamics between men and women in the workplace. Plus, they all give phenomenal performances. 

#bombshell #margot robbie #nicole kidman #charlize theron #megyn kelly #gretchen carlson #fox #fox news #roger ailes #20th centery fox #movie review #moviereview #Movie blog

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1917!

Cinematic masterpiece!

Plot!

In short, two young British soldiers must venture into enemy territory to prevent their fellow comrades from falling into a trap. While the plot itself isn’t very complex, the intricate, complicated, and traumatizing events that take place as the soldiers try to complete their mission, provide the audience a brief look at war’s ugly face in the early 20th century. The trenches; a staple in WWI for both sides, dominate the beginning and end of the film. They’re essentially huge mazes that all the soldiers must encounter and ‘complete’. Whether made out of stone, mud, or wood, they seemed to symbolize ‘walls of war’ that surrounded the soldiers. Tension saturates the entirety of the film. Moments of complete silence, followed by war planes flying over, bombs exploding, men screaming, and the list goes on and on gives the audience a glimpse of the trauma that comes with war. The color play with hues of blue, pale green, white, amber, and browns seem strategically placed showcasing that the director wants you to view the film as artwork. There’s numerous scenes where colors and shadows displayed on bombed out ruins give the impression of haunted mansions or silhouettes of specters making their presence known. Sharp contrasts between land and sky, fire and mud, shadow and light as the soldiers carry on their journey, really exhibit all aspects of the war. In what can only be described as genius, long periods of the film are shot in single shot takes! You notice it about 15 minutes in when you see the director hasn’t cut away from the action or actors. The director brings you alongside the characters as if you’re experiencing this war with them. It’s truly phenomenal and such a great cinematic achievement.

Performances!

Dean-Charles Chapman- Chapman plays “ Lance Corporal Blake” who, at the beginning of film, comes off as the main protagonist. Not only must he and Schofield (George Mackay) complete their mission, he must do so to save his brother, who is part of the battalion they’re trying to reach. Chapman seems to be cast as the ‘little brother’ in many of the features he’s in. Tommen Baratheon in ‘Game of Thrones’, as Thomas in Netflix’s ‘The King’ and in ‘1917′, the younger brother of Lieutenant Blake (Richard Madden). At 22, he’s mastered the little brother type of character who’s naivete tends to lead to his downfall. In ‘1917′ you root for him to succeed and accomplish the monumental task set before him. Chapman brings an undeniable energy and ‘little engine that could’ vibe with him. He’s determined, tenacious, and a whole-hearted kid who’s just trying to save his brother. Chapman does a good job committing to the character on screen.

George Mackay- Mackay excels at portraying the resolute, loyal, and persistent “Lance Corporal Schofield”. Schofield finds himself in an interesting predicament. Tasked with accompanying Blake, he initially keeps asking Blake why he chose him of all people to go with him on this mission. Very quickly the reality of the mission hits Schofield as he then he tries to convince Blake on a ‘smart’ strategy to get to other battalion. In the end, Schofield relents and allows Blake to ‘lead the way’ per se. In the two hours Mackay’s on screen, you see real character growth. Initially immensely cautious at the beginning of the mission, by the end of the film, Schofield takes control over everything with grit and determination. The vulnerability of his character walking through enemy territory is palpable. At any minute, he could lose his life; by bullet, by bombing, by airplane, sniper, etc. He’s watchful as he’s on the move while still showing compassion to those who he encounters on his dangerous journey. Both Blake and Schofield run into helpless and menacing characters as they try to complete their task. He beautifully emotes his vulnerability that’s equally measured in his tenacity. To the very end, he’s an indelible character. Mackay deserves an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Schofield.

Poignant Moment(s)!

In reality, the entire film is a poignant moment, especially in regards to the cinematography. However, there are lots of cringing, nail biting, and clinching my fists in these moments particularly…

The initial journey into ‘no man’s land’ AAAHHHHH!! 😳😳 (I can’t imagine the emotions embarking on such a flawed journey)

the rat!

getting out of the mine shaft! (phew)

Probably the MOST BEAUTIFULLY shot part of the film is when Schofield starts his journey after falling down the stairs. You’ll notice it because there’s a fire in the background and flares are shot into the sky; absolutely mesmerizing.

To see or not to see!

Absolute MUST see! I would recommend watching it in IMAX because of the brilliance in cinematography that’s captured. Plus, it’s a war film, so you watch the full immersion experience: sight, sound, and all the feels associated with it.

#1917 #1917 movie #sam mendes #benedict cucumber #benedict cumberbatch #george mackay #richard madden #colin firth

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Knives Out! 

Plot!

“Knives Out” follows the story of the Thrombey family immediately after the mysterious death of the family patriarch. After his 85th birthday party, Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer) is found dead amid suspicious circumstances. Originally ruled a suicide, conditions change when famed detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) comes onto the scene hired to investigate by an anonymous source/party/person. The film opens up by giving the audience a robust tour of the Thrombey mansion. Room by room filled with intricate furnishings, numerous books and trophies, and in one of the main rooms, a wheel of knives; literally. Interrogations take place in front of this serrated and ornamental decor, which of course plays to the title of the film while automatically giving the impression of guilt to anyone who sits in front of it. Twist and turns follow as the ‘whodunit’ process begins and each person is thoroughly examined including caretaker, Marta Cabrera (played by Ana de Armas). The story centers around Marta and her whereabouts when the crime was committed. Considered ‘family’ by the Thrombey’s, Marta is a safe spot for the majority of the family until they decides she’s not. Befriended by Ransom Drysdale (Chris Evans), one of the patriarch’s grandsons, they take on the unfortunate task of figuring out what exactly happened to Harlan Thrombey. Guessing to the very end of who specifically committed the crime and why certain events took place,  I honestly didn’t think it would end the way it did. Still, the director takes the audience on a fun and frequently hilarious journey that’s enjoyed by all. 

Performances!

Daniel Craig-

Daniel Craig plays the super Southern, sly, and cheeky detective, Benoit Blanc. His character in the film has name recognition and a knack for solving unsolvable mysteries. Craig attempts at a deeply Southern and very reminiscent of an Alabamian type accent. Honestly, it’s weird seeing James Bond trying his best to come off Southern. Perhaps that’s why he took the role; to try and distinguish himself as a versatile actor in a comedic role. Either way, it doesn’t really play off too well. The character already itself has comedic elements to it but trying to add that very distinguishable accent to the detective doesn’t really do it justice. In the end, Craig gives off the impression of a parody of the character rather than the character itself. It simply doesn’t work. He has funny parts for sure, but they’re eclipse but the attempt at the accent. 

Ana de Armas-

Ana de Armas who plays Marta Cabrera as the nurse for Harlan, really shines in this performance. She evokes depth at the death of her friend, comedic timing in hiding specific things from the detective, and empathy while grieving with the Thrombey family. Overall, she’s a solid character and gives a great performances that really shows her range as an actress.

Chris Evans-

Chris Evans plays Ransom Drysdale, the mischievous and cheeky nephew of Harlan Thrombey. Ransom comes off as a malevolent character with a high sense of entitlement. The slight movements in his eyes in numerous scenes really give off the sense that he’s the mastermind of this whole operation and his gears are working nonstop. Evans really commits to the bad boy image, cultivating a character that deserves no respect. He barges in, makes a scene among his family members, then leaves on his own terms answering to no one. Given all that, obviously there’s a history with Evans and his trademarked Marvel character so of course it’s kinda hard to not look at him in different scenes and think, well this is just Cap being a bad guy, haha. Overall, Evans delivers a solid role as Ransom and I commend him on his work and hope he continues to venture out into more devious roles. 

Poignant moment(s)!

There’s two worth pointing out!

When they read the will of Harlan Thrombey! I kind of saw this coming, but there’s lots of twists and turns associated with it.

When the family/detective/cops ‘figure it all out’. Again, lots of twists and turns with this one, but obviously I’m not gonna give it away. I also had my own ending that I thought would happen but alas, I got it wrong. 

To see or not to see!

To see! It’s a fun family film (minus a few cuss words) that’s enjoyable for most people to see. Go see for yourself. :)

#knives out #chris evans #daniel craig #jamie lee curtis #toni collette #hannah baker #movie review #movie blog #ana de armas

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The Good Liar!

Talk about a godsend of immense talent! Here we go...

Plot!

“The Good Liar” tells the story of con artist Roy Courtnay (Ian McKellen) as he preys on his next victim, Betty McLeish (Helen Mirren). Roy finds a goldmine in the vulnerable, endearing, and trusting Betty. However, the relationship between the two isn’t as simple as it may seem and both are in for the ride of their lives. Both parties become familiar with each other through their online dating profile. They immediately bond over the ridiculousness of online dating on their first meeting and share an affection for companionship. Their relationship first comes off as normal: drinks, dinner, tea, and an occasional sleepover at Betty’s house in her guest bedroom. Schemes quickly come to fruition as you encounter scene by scene each characters true intention. Courtnay intends to con McLeish for all her fortune, but McLeish may not be as foolish or naive as she comes off. Only in the final scene of the film will you see who comes out on top. 

Performances!

Ian Mckellan-

Brilliant. In true Mckellan fashion, he brings it in this maniacal yet charismatic role. You believe him in every scene, with every line, and with every gesture he makes. He’s sincere yet a magnificent liar, he’s endearing while impulsive, gently intentional with the wrong intentions. He’s two sides of the same coin and he pulls it off beautifully. Mckellan’s range varies from the super villain Magneto in ‘X-Men’ to the captivating wizard, Gandalf in ‘LOTR’, so I guessed ahead of time that playing a con man would impose no threat to his acting ability.

Helen Mirren- 

Helen does a magnificent job at portraying the vulnerable yet coy Betty McLeish. She’s alluring and yet appears hopeless, creating a space for Roy to rescue the day. She’s smart and also charismatic and ‘plays’ well with Roy in various scenes. There’s numerous parts in the film where both characters give a longing stare at each other and that alone begs the audience to guess each characters true objective. Sometimes you can figure it out, but most of the time you keep guessing: just WHO is the good liar? At times I found myself infuriated with Mirren’s character because there’s just no way someone can be that senseless in a brand new relationship with another person who’s clear motive involves financial settlements. But as you’ll see, Betty has a few tricks up her sleeve. 

Russell Tovey-

As McLeish’s grandson, Steven, he’s a loyal, caring, and cautious character simply looking out for the well being of his nan. He antagonizes Roy and his motives and tries to make sense of the whole situation with his grandmother’s new companion. He’s a solid character that goes out of his way to protect his family. Tovey does well as the faithful grandson who’s cautious of his nan’s new situation at home. Out of all the characters in the film, his makes the most sense and most logical. Tovey comes off tried and true in his performance. 

Poignant moment(s)!

The first heist! You get an idea of how Roy Courtnay and his whole operation do their dirty work. 

The scene in the apt in Berlin with Roy, Betty, and Betty’s grandson, Steven.

Dinner scene where she points out the ‘lilies’.

The end! (not gonna give it away) And honestly didn’t think they’d take the direction that they did, but I feel like it works!

To see or not to see!

Definitely to see! With a superb cast and intriguing plot with fun twists and turns, it’ll keep you in a thrilling suspense all the way to the end. 

#helen mirren #ian mckellen #russell tovey #the good liar #movie review #movie blog #jim carter

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Ford v Ferrari!

This was a blast to watch!

Plot!

“Ford v Ferrari” tells the true story of American automotive designer Carroll Shelby and fearless British driver Ken Miles as they try to win the infamous 24 Hours of La Mans sports car race in 1966. Teaming up with the struggling Ford Motor Company, they embark on a difficult, dangerous, and exhilarating ride together. The goal set before Shelby/Miles and Ford comes down to this: beat Enzo Ferrari and his team in the upcoming Le Mans no matter the cost. From the get go, you get a who’s who of automotive celebrities from that era in history. Carroll Shelby who himself won Le Mans in 1954, Ken Miles, a rough and tumble race car driver who broke numerous records, the American pioneering institution Ford Motor Company (led by Henry Ford II), and of course Enzo Ferrari, founder of the infamous Ferrari race car company. Initially offering to buy Ferrari, Ford gets turned down and then it’s time to ‘go to war’ as Henry Ford II says in the film. Numerous scenes throughout contain so many classic car shots. I found myself looking across the screen all the time trying to see how many I could find. There’s brilliant cinematography combined with excellent still shots and many picture perfect moments. The sunset in the background with a classic car, the lighting hitting the right spot on the curves of the cars, and the use of color really come together to provide many picturesque memories. The revs and roars of all the engines synchronize so well with the soundtrack of the film. For any car enthusiast, hearing the raw power of a classic car engine invigorates the soul and puts you on the edge of your seat and lets you know; something good is about to happen. Once the audience knows the goal is set in defeating Ferrari, buckle up because the ride is so sweet!

Performances! 

Christian Bale-

Christian Bale perfectly emulates the confident, brash, and cheeky race car driver, Ken Miles. Throughout the film, you see him come off as cocky and very self-assured; and for good reason, he knows what he’s talking about. Sometimes racing cars but mostly devoting his time to his auto shop, he’s surrounded by the mechanics of the industry while passionately involving himself in races that he can participate in. The intensity in Bale’s eyes as he drives a new car, the immediate attention to detail he focuses on when developing a new model, and the passion his body language shows in many scenes absolutely resonate with the audience. There’s an unmistakable intensity Miles has towards this passion of his; Bale perfectly demonstrates this in his performance. In relation to his son, Bale shows such a deep affection and tenderness. You see the father figure nurturing and deeply building that bond only a father and son can have. From taking him to the tracks with him, giving his son advice, and essentially keeping his son involved in the process, you see the intimacy Bale showcases. Bale displays this devotion towards his son beautifully. 

Matt Damon-

Matt Damon does a solid job portraying Caroll Shelby. From the beginning of the film you have a sense of respect for Shelby since he’s already won the Le Mans race and has built a reputation for himself in the American automotive industry. Damon portrays Shelby as a stand up guy who will fight for his buddy Miles. He goes to bat for Miles against Ford on more than one occasion and usually comes out on top. There’s a scene at the end of the film that showcases Damon’s range in his acting abilities and conveys the deep sense of brotherhood Shelby and Miles must have had for each other. All in all Damon does a good job.  

The supporting cast was exceptional! Let’s go through them real quick. 

Noah Jupe as Peter Miles was so endearing and definitely a scene stealer. As Ken Miles’ son, his personality is electric and he’s given ample screen time to develop his character. Excellent job, Noah!

Tracy Letts- does a fantastic job portraying Henry Ford II. He evokes power and frustration equally trying to lead the Ford Motor Company during a transitional period. His presence carries weight and he takes control of any room he enters into. His name, family, and legacy means something and he’s not going down without a fight. 

Caitriona Balfe- as Ken Miles’ wife, she’s supportive, confrontational when she must, deeply encouraging, and challenging at times. Her character isn’t just a stand by kind of wife. She’s involved in the process and has a say in Miles’ future in racing. With the limited screen time she has, Balfe creates a formidable presence on screen. 

Josh Lucas-as a villain of sort, Lucas does a good job at creating tension and conflict between Ford and the Shelby/Miles team. He has a mission: to make Ford win at any cost. He’s the Ford team lead and has to make the Ford image stand out. Regardless of who’s involved, Ford must come out on top with all the publicity, photo ops, and marketing schemes. Lucas creates a tenacious character that doesn’t steer away from his goal. 

Poignant moment(s)!

we have a few here...

There’s an amusing, ‘boys will be boys’ fight scene; it’s funny and something to look forward to. 

 It’s a car racing film, pay attention to the crashes and the lessons learned from them. 

The car scene with Carroll Shelby and Henry Ford II; so great!

And of course, the WHOLE Le Mans moment; so epic. 

To see or not to see!

Definitely to see! Extremely well done film, you learn a lot about the sport and its fun and unique history, combined with fantastic shots and sound editing. It’s a compelling story and both the lead and supporting cast contribute to the well roundness of the film. 

#ford v ferrari #Christian Bale #matt damon #ferrari #ford motor company #ford mustang #gt #carroll shelby #ken miles

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Midway

This one was troubling, to say the least, here we go....

Plot!

“Midway” tells the story of the decisive ‘Battle of Midway’ naval battle that took place in the Pacific during World War II. Trying to assert dominance in the Pacific after Pearl Harbor, the Japanese Empire seeks to again destroy U.S. Navy morale, confidence, and tactical equipment. The film starts off by showing the relevance of the Pearl Harbor attack. You see the tremendous loss of life, the vulnerability of the American fleet, and the heaviness that followed after the surprise attack. This scene at the beginning of the film seems vital to understanding America’s entrance into the war in addition to the gravity that weighed on the battle of Midway. After that, we encounter major issues that I’ll try to unpack. Overall, the script does not match the relevancy of the situation at hand. It comes off gimmicky, unrelated most of the time, and just ‘off’. I literally wrote down in my notes, ‘is that how people talk to each other?’. In correlation to that, the characters talk ‘at’ each other rather that ‘to’ each other. It’s not a matter of deep conversations that they have, but rather here’s the next line I have to say so I’m just gonna say it. Relationships between characters aren’t established. For most of the characters, I had no idea why I should root for them or what their relationship was to each other. You have a slew of great actors and potential characters with no depth and no coinciding relationship other than their Naval brotherhood. As the battle begins, it feels like YouTube clips were posted together to make some sort of timeline that’s hard to keep up with. And as far as the ending....anti-climatic describes the ending at best. 

Performances!

The film has an incredible cast, both supporting and in lead roles. However, no one stood out. If they did stand out, it’s because of poor performance. Ed Skrein who plays Lieutenant Best comes off emotionless, unbelievable, and lacking depth. Randomly, almost all lead characters had some sort of American accent. From New York to Southern to Brooklyn....maybe? Hard to distinguish and even more difficult to pull off, I guess the director decided to make these characters come to life, each one needed a distinct accent. It ends up coming off as phony and unnecessary. Patrick Wilson does a decent job with a bad script. Mandy Moore probably comes off as the most real person in the film even with her awful lines. Woody Harrelson isn’t bad but his voice and demeanor remains so trademarked that I wish he would play with that a little bit in regards to serious roles like this one playing Admiral Chester Nimitz. Dennis Quaid on screen seems like he’s having a stroke every time he talks. Mainly due to a horrendous script, there’s no performance worth noting, which is sad considering the amount of talent in the cast. 

Poignant moment(s)!

I had to really think about this. There weren’t really any moments that blew me away or I felt evoked real emotion. The bombardment of Pearl Harbor probably came close to one of those moments. But this is Midway, my attention should’ve been diverted elsewhere to this other battle. No moments here. 

To see or not to see!

As you can already guess, but verdict stands at not to see. It’s a sad verdict given the potential with the cast, director, and incredible story, but combined, there’s not enough here to warrant the time, effort, and money to see this film. 

#midway #mandy moore #nick jonas #roland emmerich #movie review #movieblog #movieblogger

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Jojo Rabbit!

Definitely one of the more fun and exciting screenings I’ve seen lately; a personal fave so far. Let’s go!

Plot!

“Jojo Rabbit” tells the story of a young boy growing up in Nazi Germany who’s imaginary friend happens to be an aloof and satirical Adolf Hitler. Life becomes complicated when he finds out his mother has hidden a Jewish girl in the attic of their home. While attending a sort of Hitler youth camp, he must confront, at 10 years old nonetheless, the relentless indoctrination of his upbringing vs the reality of war in his home and heart. 

From the very beginning of the film, the audience is pummeled with propaganda videos and pictures entangled with pop culture references and music. You’re sort of sitting there wondering what feelings to have as Nazi’s flash across the screen while listening to The Beatles sing, ‘Komm gib mir deine Hand!! (I Want to Hold Your Hand). It’s quite tantalizing and fun. “Jojo” emanates satire. From the character interaction, to the verbiage used, costumes, and just overall script, it’s pretty blatant and so well done. Witty, ingenious, funny, and clever all come to mind in describing “JoJo”. 

Performances!

Yall! Everyone (sans Scarlett Johansson; to me she can’t pull off comedy; referencing ‘Rough Night’ and any ‘SNL’ skit) was soooo great! Superbly impressed even with the smallest of parts certain actors played! Let’s go through them. 

Roman Griffin Davis-

As the title role, Roman does a great job. His cues, slight movements of his hands, mouth, eyes all add up to great comedic timing while invoking both mature and immature reactions for whatever’s necessary in the scene. You see a boy desperately trying to become a man and prove himself during a time where he should be playing toys, not learning how to throw grenades. You see development in his character from deep interactions with his mother, funny moments with his best friend, Yorki, satirical liaisons with Adolf, and contemplative moments with Elsa, the Jewish girl hiding in his attic. It might be too early to predict, but there may be an Oscar nomination in there for him. 

Thomasin McKenzie-

Thomasin does a great job at playing Elsa who’s hiding in the walls from the Nazi’s. She’s vulnerable yet strong; coy, sly, and knows how to conduct herself around Jojo. Their relationship flourishes because she knows how to engage with her little man friend. She plays up the whole misconceived notions about her people and their customs playing to Jojo’s indoctrination by confirming that yes Jews are telepaths, love jewelry and money, and have horns on their heads. Gracefully reminiscent of Anne Frank, McKenzie creates an endearing and admirable character who’s voice, while cut off temporarily from the world, will have much to say once the war ends. 

Taika Waititi-

Taika as the make believe Adolf is fun, slightly scary, and easy to laugh at. At first, I didn’t know it was him! Surprisingly, all the make and maybe prosthetics really helped transform his look! It’s a bit strange because you’re looking at Adolf Hilter act like a child, with funny inside jokes and cheeky behavior at times and laughter in the background. In other instances you see the fiery orator come out and the audience isn’t laughing anymore. There’s a mix of pity and ridiculousness that Waititi conveys; you sincerely want to have fun with this guy but at any minute, he can flip and embody his true nature. The juxtaposition of his character and the true uniqueness of how he’s portrayed is really a testament to the ingenuity of Waitit’s writing and acting. 

Sam Rockwell-

He’s just brilliant. Very funny performance, steals the screen every time he’s on, and you end up loving his character in the end; even if he is a Nazi (whoops). 

Archie Yates- 

And probably my favorite performance of the film goes to Archie Yates who plays Jojo’s best mate, Yorki. The lovable sidekick to Jojo, his character stood true to the end. This kid lit up the screen. You could hear the audible smiles coming from the audience as soon as he showed up. His demeanor, comedic timing, the way he carries himself, costume, and just overall presence was just brilliant. Even as I type this, a smile is on my face. He’s the little kid you just want to hug and save from all the hurt in the world. He’s endearing, lovable, inspiring, and leaves a mark on the heart of the audience. I hope he gets recognized for his performance! 

Poignant moment(s)!

I feel like this whole film could’ve been a very well done poignant moment, but I’ll condense it to just three scenes. 

The ‘German Shepherd’ scene. Got such immense laughter from the audience, so funny. 

Pay attention to his mom and the shoes....

Elsa makes a drastic decision Nazi’s are investigating the house and it pays off.

To see or not to see!

Absolute MUST see. It’s a brilliant film, uniquely written and acted and hilariously funny! 

#Yall #jojo rabbit #movieblogger #movieblog #scarlettjohansson #taika waititi #sam rockwell

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Ad Astra!

So this screening was super unexpected and quite an adventure! I entered to win tickets to the screening that day, was notified that I had won, and then proceeded to the venue where paparazzi were gathering! I had no idea that some of the movie stars would be there, and definitely didn’t plan on seeing anyone that night. However, getting to see Brad Pitt and Tommy Lee Jones introduce the film was definitely a treat! A night to remember for sure. :)

Plot!

“Ad Astra” tells the story of Major Roy McBride (Brad Pitt), an astronaut sent on a professional as well as personal mission to contact his father who may or may not be alive near Neptune. Nearly 30 years after leaving Earth, NASA discovers that Clifford McBride (Tommy Lee Jones) may indeed still be alive after leading Project Lima into the relative unknown to find potential lifeforms elsewhere in the universe. Government officials suspect that Clifford could be using technology from his ship by Neptune to negatively affect the Earth and its climate in what they’re calling ‘bursts’. As a result, they tap Roy as the best suitable option for them to reach his father and hopefully stop his malicious actions.

The complex relationship between father and son complicates the story. 30 years is a long time to be without a father and to one day wake up and find out he may be alive after all this time, is quite the emotional roller coaster. You assess from the required daily psych evaluations Roy goes through that his relationship with his father wasn’t the best to begin with. The melancholic monologue that continues through the entirety of the film also adds to this notion. Roy carries on with his monologue explaining his side of the story, expounding upon his relationship with his father, and his hopes for the future.

Overall, you get a glimpse into a complicated relationship between father and son that correlates with his journey into space and the beyond. Visually, the movie is stunning and the graphics are gorgeous. The vivid colors, use of dark and light shadows, and overall cinematography definitely leaves an impact.

Performances!

Brad Pitt-

Brad does a pretty good job at playing an emotionally stunted man with ‘daddy issues’ (for lack of a better term). You see his character progress with the story line and film. The complexities of his relationship with his father are explored with required psych evaluations mandated by the government as well as with the monologue throughout the film. The monologue part reminded me a bit of all other the other monologues in “Sin City” or even Rorschach’s constant commentary in “The Watchmen”. It’s a bit monotone but deeply expressive. I believe the director/writer wanted the audience to not only go on a cosmos type journey, but also a cerebral one as well. Brad’s performance helps in that effect.

Tommy Lee Jones-

Tommy Lee Jones exemplifies the character of a literal distant father whose mind has slowly (or maybe not so slowly) eroded over time. Although not given too much screen time, Jones comes off as bothered, malevolent, and cold. I’m guessing time and space can do that to a person? Ha. Although one digital recording exists of Jones’ character saying goodbye to his son and you can see the hope he has for the future. Pitt’s character time and time again looks at this recording to remind himself of a father he once knew and maybe will soon know again. Again, as with most performances I’ve seen him in, Jones commits to and achieves a solid performance.

Poignant moments!

I got three for ya and they’re pretty action packed and exhilarating! (Although #3 may be a spoiler alert, so don’t read that one if you don’t want. However, it’s pretty clear what’s going to happen by the end of the film, so….take that as you will).

There’s a ‘car’ chase on the moon! With guns and maybe lasers? It looked and came off as pretty epic!

There’s a scene where Roy McBride (Pitt) commandeers the ship going to his father on Neptune and the astronauts fight! Astronauts fighting in space! I don’t think I’ve seen that before..

The scene where he finally meets his father. It’s kinda what the whole film leads up to. Tension filled, suspenseful, and has you begging for a happy ending.

To see or not to see!

Definitely to see! I would say view it in IMAX because of the visual effects and cinematography! At parts, it may come off as slow paced but the action scenes and overall story of relationship between father and son make up for that. It keeps you engaged, wondering what may happen next, and the performances by both actors captivates the audience. It’s a well done film, go see! :)

#ad astra #bradpitt #tommy lee jones #movie review

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The Goldfinch!

Aaaaand we’re back! After a sizable hiatus and many unreviewed movies later, I’m finally able to start up again. Plus, Oscar season is just around the corner! So let’s get right to it!

Plot!

“The Goldfinch” tells the coming of age story of a boy who survives a terrorist attack at an art museum and the grief, pain, self-discovery and the new subsequent life he now has to lead without his mother who dies in the attack. After the attack the little boy (Theodore Decker) roams the area looking for his mother and instead finds and takes the famous painting The Goldfinch by Rembrandt pupil, Carel Fabritius. How he goes about taking this painting and why he does exactly will have further explanation in my ‘Poignant moments’ section. In short, he grows up with the painting by his side, as it has so much relevance to him, and it reminds him of a pivotal moment in time where his life forever changed. It’s a constant reminder of the drastic turn his life took that day and repeatedly becomes a source of comfort while in numerous moments of grief and instability. 

So I have NOT read the book that the movie is based on and can only go on what I saw on screen and I have to say, I was not that moved nor really knew what they were trying to portray on screen. At times, it felt like a kids movie seeing young Theodore grow up and the witty banter between him and his friends all while coping with the aftermath of this tragedy. You see him struggle to find his place again in a whole new world without his mom but has some help with the camaraderie of some really great friends. At other times, it felt like a thriller when older Theo had to deal with the loss of his painting and try to get it back through some shady business dealings. The musical score, which while beautifully composed, added to this ‘thriller’ aspect in the sense that so many conversations had many pauses, were tension filled, and the long gazes the actors had with each other on screen made you question so many motives for each of them. Many scenes had an air of oddity and unrest that resonated with the audience. And of course lastly, there’s at times it felt like a drama which felt most appropriate but then seemed to stray off the course of what the film was really about. Which was.....? Still trying to figure that part out, ha. All in all the plot strayed, felt uncomfortable at times and didn’t really stick to one theme. 

Performances!

Kids-

By far, the child actors in the film stole the show and really showcased so much talent. From Oakes Fegley who plays young Theo to Ryan Foust who plays Andy, one of Theo’s good friends, to the great cameo by Finn Wolfhard! (most notably Mike from ‘Stranger Things’) There’s real depth of emotion in all of these parts, they really dedicate themselves to their roles, and the comedic timing and witty banter between the kids is dynamic and fun. Kudos to all of them. The rest of the performances were just average. 

Sarah Paulson/Nicole Kidman-

The only actor that really stood out to me was Sarah Paulson who took on the role of a sort of step-mom figure to young Theo after he moved to be with his dead beat dad (Luke Wilson) in Las Vegas. She epitomized that ‘Vegas’ type feel with gaudy clothes, constantly smoking, party-hard mentality and shows very little concern for her new potential step son. With her raspy voice and nonchalant manner towards all things except her boyfriend, Paulson achieves pure Vegas status on screen. 

Nicole Kidman’s character comes off as ominous, slightly annoyed by Theo, and cautiously parental. I’m not quite sure what the director asked of her or the choices she made on her own, but she by far was the most mysterious character. I didn’t understand her motives or what her goals were in the film. 

Poignant Moments! 

After seeing the trailer, I thought the film would contain many more beautiful moments, but most were convoluted and didn’t quite stick to a theme, from what I could tell. But there were at least two!

Right after the blast at the museum, you see young Theo looking for his mom in this dusty cloud of destruction. As he roams, an injured figure appears on the ground and gives him motivation to take the painting and in addition, another item. It’s quite eerie and kinda explains why Theo holds on the painting for so long.

Grown up Theo and his friend Boris finally reunite after many years of being apart and the bombshell revelation that Boris drops on Theo shook me. I think I might’ve audibly gasped, ha ha. 

Overall!

Overall with its confusing plot, not sure what type of movie its trying to become, and the overall lackluster acting, I would recommend to not see this film. If you’re a fan of the book, I believe you’ll be disappointed; and if you’re looking forward to the acting in the film because of the stellar cast, there’s not much to see here. Not to see. 

#the goldfinch #ansel elgort #movie review #oakes fegley #movies #nicole kidman

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Green Book!

Plot! 

‘Green Book’ tells the story of African-American classical pianist Dr. Don Shirley and his hired help, Italian-American Tony Lip, as they navigate through the segregated south for a concert tour in 1962. The story between these two men and their work relationship turning into a life long friendship and how it translates on screen, can only be described as simply remarkable. You see such a juxtaposition between class, race, and cultural issues of the day. The Bronx vs. Carnegie Hall, white vs. black, classical music vs. Motown, etc. Each character needs and must have what the other naturally has, they just don’t know it yet! It comes off that both men see the potential in each other, even if they don’t recognize it themselves. You don’t quite notice it at first, but slowly a chemistry builds up between the two and manifests into a deeper knowledge and desire for the best of each other. Tempers flare, lessons are learned, appreciation and eventually affection occurs between the two men as they drive across numerous friendly but mostly non-friendly states. You see a class and race struggle, not only with the two men directly, but also in their own personal circumstances without each other. Tony, displaying his own racism when he throws away two perfectly good glasses that two black plumbers drank from after they fixed his sink. Dr. Shirley, while he stays in a ‘color approved’ hotel, fails miserably while trying to mingle with the local African-American community simply because it’s not his usual surroundings. In the end, you see so much growth and character development from both men by them simply being honest with each other and themselves. It takes some time and there’s bumps and bruises along the way, but the knowledge gained, the trust acquired, and the mutual affection they end up having for each other transcends both the time, and the screen.  

Performances!

Mahershala Ali- Ali as Dr. Don Shirley came off as an uppity type of man who definitely used his status and position as a defense mechanism against those who he simply cannot “understand”. In the first scene with both men as Tony interviews for the position, you see a penthouse (on top of Carnegie Hall for that matter), surrounded by lavish relics and ornate gifts from what one can assume are from around the globe. Shirley comes out decked out in lavish garb and sits on his ‘throne’; which is really a nice chair that is elevated above the rest of his home, while Tony sits in front of him while being interviewed. And this is their first scene together! This definitely sets a dynamic for the beginning of their relationship. At first, Shirley comes off as a man who ‘can’t be bothered’. Someone who must have all their demands met because they’re civilized. You get the sense that he’s hiding something and can only stick to what he knows and will not venture outside of that. That is until Tony gets a hold of him. :) Overall, Ali does a magnificent job at portraying a man struggling to find his own in a segregated world; the only world he’s ever known. Through this relationship with another man who he at first views as his inferior, he begins to realize that in a cruel and unfair world, moments of tolerance, cultural revelation, and a very personal bond with someone the world views as your exact opposite can make all the difference. 

Viggo Mortensen- Mortensen delivers a endearing and moving portrayal of a family man trying to do what’s best given his circumstances. Throughout the film, you really feel for Mortensen as Tony Lip. Going from job to job and trying to make things work for his family remains top priority for Tony throughout the film; especially after taking the chauffeuring job and promising to be back by Christmas Eve. Mortensen portrays Tony as a rough and tumble kinda guy. Italian man from the Bronx with a great heart but who also has some learning to do. Compared to Dr. Shirley, Tony has never left the Bronx; sees no reason to, and can adapt to any scenario. He has street smarts compared to Shirley who has none. Tony is one of those ‘stand up’ guys and Mortensen perfectly represents that. You root for Tony and his mission; while also wanting him and encouraging him to learn from the dangerous situation he’s in by driving a black man in the segregated South who just happens to be his boss. From the ‘Italian-ism’s’ and accent, to the family man aspect, to the evolution of his character while spending time with Dr. Shirley, Mortensen does a remarkable job.   

Poignant moment(s)!

There’s soooo many in this film! But i’ll just name a few. 

The subtle racism Tony displays at the beginning. Once with black plumbers in his house and another time when he encounters an Indian man doing the interviews for Dr. Shirley. 

When they eat KFC together! :) 

While jailed in Mississippi, Dr. Shirley makes a fun/interesting phone call. 

Numerous scenes where people recognize a white man is driving a black man around town.

When given the choice to go indoors for the parties or stay outside with the help, Tony learns a valuable lesson. 

There’s so many more, but these stood out to me!

Overall! Absolute must see! And my pick so far for Best Picture. :) (still have two more to see)

#green book #viggo mortensen #mahershala ali #movie #movie blog

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Six Shorter Reviews!

So I’ve seen this 6 films and just wanted to give my recommendations for some of them in a short, sweet way.

Bohemian Rhapsody- Absolute must see! Rami Malek gives an incredible performance! It’s a fun film that tells the origin story of Queen and all their ups and downs that ultimately leads to their 1985 Live Aid performance that Rami Malek actually performed move by move from watching Freddie Mercury’s performance over and over again; such brilliant artistry. To See!

If Beale Street Could Talk-’Beale Street’ tells the story of a young black couple trying to ‘make it’ in the early 1970′s Harlem. He gets falsely accused of assaulting a woman who then flees the country, leaving his family trying to prove that he’s not guilty. It’s a well done film that’s vulnerable and exudes copious amounts of innocence. It’s a bit slow at times and the ending gave a sense of false closure (even though given the era of when the film takes place, this may be the most realistic ending), but I would still recommend it. To see!

The Favourite-’The Favourite’ tells the story of two women vying for the love, affection, and loyalty of England’s (soon to be Britain’s) Queen Anne during the early 18th century. There’s controversy, back stabbing, manipulation, war, sexual undertones and overtones, and rabbits! It’s a well done film that has its own little tweaks and fun camera shots, and the costumes look quite brilliant. If you can handle the sexuality displayed in the film, then I would recommend it. 

Spider-man: Into the Spider-verse-What a super fun film! The animation, characters, and overall story of the film really resonated with me. I would say this is fun for all ages and definitely a must see!

Roma-’Roma’ tells the story of a middle class family in Mexico during the 1970′s. It mainly focuses on the character of Cleo as a maid for a doctor, his wife, and the kids. It explores the complexity of a ‘normal’ middle class woman trying to make it in the society that deprives her of so much. The cinematography is gorgeous, the acting well done, and it’s definitely a unique story; I just kinda got bored from time to time in it. I believe I was expecting a lot more than what I got. But let me know what you think! I would recommend it based off the fact its a Best Picture nominee and that it’s free on Netflix! Good job, Netflix! :)

Glass-’Glass’ is the last of a trilogy of movies that include ‘Unbreakable’ and ‘Split’. Essentially all the super heroes and villains from the past two films are finally all together in one big ‘final’ battle. I have to say, was definitely disappointed in this one. It’s slow and I actually fell asleep in part of it. M. Night Shyamalan’s formula that he had in the early 2000′s simply doesn’t work for this film. It’s about 10 years too late. The shock factor that usually comes to fruition at the end doesn’t quite have the same effect like it would have before. I would have to say, Not to see!

#movie review #movie blog #bohemian rhapsody #if beale street could talk #roma #netflix #glass movie #spiderman

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Ben is Back!

Plot!

“Ben is Back” tells the story of drug addiction affecting the Burns family through their son Ben who shows up on Christmas Eve on��‘break’ from rehab. Tension immediately surfaces. Similar to ‘Beautiful Boy’, if you trade out Steve Carell for Julia Roberts and Timothee Chalamet for Lucas Hedges, you get a very familiar story with two different outcomes. There’s a very interesting family dynamic in this story simply because Julia Roberts character, Holly Burns, is in a interracial marriage with Courtney B. Vance’s character, Neal, that include two offspring. When Ben shows up, Neal immediately takes charge of the situation and makes it known that it’s ‘too soon’ for Ben to visit. You see him rise up as protector of the family and clearly reiterates that if Ben were black, he would indeed not be in rehab, but rather in jail or on the streets. The plot really thickens when the family comes home from church service to find their house broken into and their dog Ponce, missing. This leads to Holly and Ben’s long search for the lost pup that leads to numerous obstacles courses all over the town. Through this scavenger hunt, various revelations about Ben’s past come to light and Holly becomes more aware just how deep into the drug scene Ben really was. Through this desperate journey, mother and son become separated but eventually reunite at the end of the film. I remember holding my breath in the last scene of the film and having uneasy sense of closure as the film ended. 

Performance(s)!

Julia Roberts- Julia Roberts, as always, delivers a brilliant performance as the emotionally torn mother, Holly Burns. When you she grieves, you grieve with her, when she’s hopeful and conveys that, you’re uplifted, when she screams and yells and tries to protect her children, you want to stand in the gap with her. It’s very easy to explore empathy with the character she displays on screen. In the first scene in which Ben returns, you see the flood of emotions take over Holly as she anxiously rushes to embrace her son. Her character has to protect and love all her children. Julia Roberts executes this with grace, vulnerability, and love.

Lucas Hedges- Another favorite performance from Lucas Hedges. He does a solid job in every performance I’ve seen him in. “Manchester by the Sea”, “Boy Erased”, “Lady Bird”, are all great performances by him. In this film, I detected a slight lisp, but I can’t tell if maybe that’s how he talks or if that was a character choice. IF it was a character choice, then it was brilliant, because he comes off even more vulnerable and even more in need of a parental figure to guide him. You see the struggle in his face and emotions when he makes it back home for an unexpected visit and a variety of options are explored by his family as to what should happen next. When he confronts his demons all over town while looking for the family’s dog, you step back into his past and see the courage it takes to encounter these people and situations all over again. Overall, he does a great job. :)

Poignant moment(s)!

When at the mall, Ben runs into a friend who he hasn’t seen in a while and the friend exclaims, ‘I thought you were dead!’. Can you imagine someone saying this to you? Wow!

Also at the mall, you discover Ben’s introduction to drugs and where the addiction began. It’s pretty remarkable. 

At an AA meeting, Ben runs into a girl and she reveals that Ben used to be her dealer. He has no recollection of ever being her dealer. :(

Julia Roberts takes her son to a cemetery so Ben can pick the spot where he wants to be buried because that’s where he’ll end up if he doesn’t change his ways. “Where do you want me to bury you?” is repeated over and over again to Ben. 

Overall!

It’s a great film with strong acting and a very vulnerable story. To see!

#ben is back #julia roberts #lucas hedges #movies #movieblog

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Vice!

Plot!

“Vice” tells the story of Dick Cheney’s rise from utility pole worker in Wyoming,  to U.S. Congressional member, to eventually the Vice President of the United States, and everything else in between. You start off seeing a young Cheney struggling to make ends meet for his family, drunk and getting into bar fights, and being scolded by his wife, Lynne. You learn a lot about Cheney’s life before becoming Vice President. From personal stories such as his daughter coming out as gay to the family (to which his reaction, if true, is incredibly encouraging), to major accomplishments like becoming the Chief of Staff to President Ford, you get glimpses into the life and times of the Cheney family. The film itself is surprisingly funny! The juxtaposition of the seriousness of the topics discussed and the way they are humorously approached is uniquely refreshing. There are a few title slides in the film containing funny content, and then there’s a mock ‘ending’ that had the audience rolling. The film also contains a narrator that’s there for the majority of the film (if you see it, you’ll see what I’m talking about). The narrator part of the film, I thought, was genius, especially how they incorporate him into the film and ultimately how they reveal his identity. There’s also a few notable appearances of the late George H.W. Bush, which I thought was endearing, mostly likely because of his very recent passing. The film shows a driven young man who, with the help of his ambitious wife, becomes tyrannical, takes on the ‘Darth Vader’ type persona he is most known for, and almost rules the world. 

Performances!

Christian Bale does a pretty great job embodying Dick Cheney. From the weight gain, to the Cheney stature, to the dedication it took to talk in that low register and timbre of his voice, while speaking out of the side of his mouth, he does a great Dick Cheney. In typical Christian Bale fashion, he goes all out for his roles. Gaining 40 lbs for the role in “Vice” even though it wasn’t needed, shows his dedication to his roles. Of course there’s speaking in an American accent since Bale is English (although born in Wales), in addition to really studying the movements and presence that Cheney carries. I was particularly impressed with how well he handled speaking out of the side of his mouth and the hunch that Cheney tends to have. When I saw Bale speaking on screen, I was reminded of dozens of interviews that Cheney had done in the past, and what was on the big screen, pretty much reminded me of what I had seen on the small screen at home. You see a growing cutthroat attitude or malice towards others as the years flow by through Bale’s performance. There’s a particular ‘Darth Vader’ like scene that I’ll talk about further below that's particularly eerie with hints of malevolence. I would say it's worthy of an Oscar nomination, though not sure if he’ll win. 

Amy Adams does well as Lynne Cheney. Simply based on what I saw in the film, Lynne thrives on power and ambition. She serves as the main source of motivation for Cheney and really encourages him to finally provide for his family and to achieve something bigger in his life. Simply, she’s the powerhouse of the family. Not entirely sure if it’s Oscar worthy, but we’ll see. 

Steve Carrell HAS to do something different with his voice when he plays more serious roles. Any time there’s a more heated scene where serious words are exchanged or especially when he laughs, it’s Michael Scott! His higher pitched voice takes away from any scene because I’m immediately drawn back to Scranton, Pennsylvania. He looks, at times, like Donald Rumsfeld; although when I think of Rumsfeld, I am reminded of someone who always looks like they’re overthinking and squinty-eyed. Carrell could’ve played more with stature in emulating Rumsfeld. 

Poignant moment(s)!

A few to briefly highlight!

When they reveal the identity of the narrator! Such a treat!

When Mary Cheney comes out to her mom and dad. Both of her parents reactions are important; I loved seeing that side of Cheney; very endearing. 

The title slides/early ‘ending’.

When Cheney finally makes it to the White House after he and Bush win the 2000 election. Absolute ‘Vader’ moment when you see the door to the Oval Office open ever so slowly with menacing music in the background; it’s very well done. 

There’s a brilliant dinner scene with Cheney and the crew ‘ordering’ stuff off the menu. Ordering things such as ‘Guantanamo Bay’, ‘War Powers’, ‘waterboarding’, etc. It’s quite bone chilling and quite magnificently pulled off.

Overall!

To see! If political films are your thing, but I realize that’s not for everyone. However, it’s still a well done and pretty funny film!

#vice #christian bale #steve carell #amy adams #movie review #movie blog #dick cheney #movies #Movie Recommendation

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Boy Erased

Plot!

“Boy Erased” tells the story of a young man who’s sent to a gay conversion therapy center to help ‘fix’ his problem. Based on the memoir by Garrad Conley, it retells his story through the fictional Eamon family. As you can imagine, the intricacies of this film reach far and wide. The film starts by showing a young Jared Eamon, (played by the amazing Lucas Hedges) before he leaves for college. He’s hanging out with friends, attending church with his family, and of course, spending time with his girlfriend; very typical, very standard, very teenager type of stuff. While his feelings are alluded to in the beginning scenes of the film, they’re not really addressed until he’s living on campus at college. He’s quickly befriended by a boy and they start spending lots of time together by jogging and playing video games; typical college boy activities. This friendship takes an ugly turn once Jared is taking advantage of in the most cruel way (will not go into detail here). A distraught Jared comes home, word gets out what happened on campus, and it ultimately comes out that Jared has ‘always had these feelings’, and has no idea what to do with them. Immediately his pastoral father, Marshall Eamons, (played by Russell Crowe) swings into action. Marshall calls in support from church elders who suggest they enroll Jared in a therapy center to help him with this ‘problem’. Numerous drop off’s and pick up’s occur from the therapy center, courtesy of his mother, Nancy (played by Nicole Kidman). Jared encounters various types of therapy sessions while at the center. From aggressive verbal excercises, to chart-making; in which participants have to write down all the sins of their family members to really figure out why they have ‘these feelings’, to physical abuse from a bible, Jared sees it all. Forced to do an exercise he cannot committ to, Jared eventually storms out and calls for help from mom; she gladly comes and picks him up. I won’t spoil the ending, but there’s redemption in Jared’s relationships with both parents. 

Performances!

Lucas Hedges As seen in “Manchester By The Sea”, “Lady Bird”, and “Three Billboards”, Lucas Hedges gives another electric performance. He’s becoming another favorite of mine like Timothée Chalamet! There’s an easy vulnerability that he’s able to showcase in all of his performances, especially this one. You see the doe-eyed naïveté he gives off in each and every seen. Immediately you’re drawn to the complexity of the situation this young man is in, and the innocence he displays through his performance. It’s a complicated situation, the relationship’s between parents and child are strained, and the luxuries of a ‘normal’ Christian upbringing dissipate. While checking in for the first time at the center, the scene shows a sterilization of feelings. There’s no individualization as personal items are taken away or deemed unworthy by staff and everyone attending wears a bland uniform consisting of khakis and white button down shirts. You see helplessness in Jared’s eyes, juxtaposed with an eagerness in willing to try and fix his problem. In scenes with his mother, he achieves empathy. In scenes with his father, he gains some respect and stands his ground for who and what he is. Overall Lucas Hedges does an amazing job and I hope he’s recognized for it. 

Nicole Kidman & Russell Crowe  Both of these veteran actors do a great job in their performances. They’re both given a certain Christian stereotype that they emulate. Kidman, the dolled up southern mom with a lot of charm, Crowe, the stand up preacher-father who runs a tight shift in his Christian household. I found myself recognizing for the screen, that these type of stereotypes existed for the purpose of the film, but also, I felt I could see past that character type to see the struggle the real parents would have encountered. You see a struggling mom trying to help her son in Kidman’s performance. She’s overcome with empathy for son from scene to scene but you get a sense of conviction from her that she’s doing what's right for her son. Ultimately, Jared gets to leave the therapy center because of her actions, so kudos to her and the real mom! Russell Crowe also does a great job at emulating the loving but steadfast head of the house hold. You really get a sense that the dad is trying! He loves his son and wants him to live his best life. In one of the final scenes, Crowe lightens up the screen with an overflow of emotion for his son when Jared finally stands up and tells his father who he really is and that he’s not changing for anyone. You see the various stages of anger, grief, remorse, and love all over Crowe’s face; it’s very moving. 

Poignant moment(s)!

A few moments stuck out in this film to me, but I won’t go into too much detail here because it's definitely better to see in person.

There’s a unnerving scene while Jared’s at college that made me cringe while I watched it. It’s not that graphic, but you know exactly what happens. :-/

When Jared realizes he has church elders coming to his house for help, he asks his mom ‘what're they gonna do to me?’. She replies with a motherly ease, that the men are here to help and brings up how they helped out someone else in a very similar situation. Her exact response to his question was, ‘They didn’t do anything to him, but for him”. This stuck a chord with me for so many reasons. Already having an idea as to what would happen to Jared once he attended ‘therapy’, Nancy’s response to her son showed her ignorance and naïveté towards this issue. Watching this small 25 second clip in the film, I immediately felt defeated for Jared. I felt the air sucked out of the room, and knew what gross negligence lie ahead for Jared’s physical, emotional, and mental health. It’s a small but very poignant scene to me because it alludes to his immediate future that's already planned for him as well as his parents mishandling of a delicate situation. 

Lastly, when Jared’s had enough of the therapy center, his exit had me on the edge of my seat. I had no idea what was going to happen because it seemed the situation could easily take a turn for worse or better. It’s very dramatic and has you rooting for Jared entirely.

Overall!

To see! (IF you can handle the subject matter).

#movies #movieblog #moviereview #boy erased #lucas hedges #nicole kidman #russell crowe

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A Private War

Plot!

“A Private War” tells the story of war correspondent Marie Colvin’s life in and out of the fields of warfare. From Sri Lanka, where she receives an injury that causes her to wear her iconic eye-patch, to Iraq where one of her more infamous stories of a Kuwaiti mass grave is shown, to Libya, where in the midst of the civilian uprising, an arrogant Muammar Gaddafi has the time to be interviewed by none other than Marie Colvin. It’s a fascinating look at her life specifically; but more generally, how stress, anxiety, and trauma take a toll on the human psyche. You get a two hour glimpse into the conviction and courage Marie Colvin had by time and time again entering areas, villages, cities, and towns ravaged by war and reporting on it. Through her correspondence and reporting featured in the film, Colvin’s beliefs, convictions, and persuasions radiate. The film ultimately culminates in showing Colvin’s untimely and tragic death by Syrian bombs dropped on the city of Homs. You get a sense from watching the film, that Colvin knew in her heart these stories had to be told. These were people’s lives and stories devastated by war and the world needed to know what was happening. After watching the film, I believe she achieved that goal. 

Performance!

As the title role in this film, Rosamund Pike truly shines. Having watched and listened to some of Marie Colvin’s correspondence, Pike undoubtedly embodies Marie Colvin’s conviction, beliefs, and overall character. Pike does so well at embodying Colvin, that their voices are almost indistinguishable. There’s a throaty and distinct lower tone to Colvin’s voice that Pike pulls off with key precision; and she’s British! (I love how British actors can pull off American accents so well, while American actors struggle so much with their British accents, haha.) In the film, there’s a Colvin quote used at the beginning and the same quote is used at the end. I know 100% that the one used at the end is Marie Colvin herself speaking, however, at the beginning, I cannot tell if its Pike or Colvin. Pike personifies Colvin’s voice that well. Maybe you can tell me who is speaking at the beginning! Other than her voice, Pike captures Colvin’s tenacity, spunk, conviction, and compassion throughout. From her emotionally visible strength shown while interviewing Gaddafi, to her fight-like stance displayed while stopping soldiers from preventing her from digging up the mass graves in Iraq, to her relentless pursuit of reporting truth in war, Pike seamlessly pulls off an award-worthy performance. 

Poignant Moment(s)!

As you can imagine, there were a few memorable moments in a film like this. I’ll highlight a few, but will only elaborate on one. 

Sri Lanka, 2001, Colvin’s hit by grenade shrapnel and from then on has to wear her iconic eye-patch. 

Libya, 2011, interview with Colonel Gaddafi; absolutely fascinating to watch. 

The most moving moment of her correspondence was when she discovers the mass graves in Iraq near Fallujah. First off, she finagles her way through border check by showing off her gym card that simply reads ‘Health’ on it and passes through as a ‘doctor’. (brilliant!) The caravan is finally let through after some push back. Once they reach the site, they’re greeted by a man hired to dig for the graves and his excavator. After a brief introduction of parties, the digging begins. Slowly they’re greeted by local residents who rush to tell their stories of lost loved ones. Wives bring pictures of their husbands who never came back from their travels. A man talks about his relative who he believes is buried at the sight. You see and feel the desperation of these people looking for some answers and maybe even closure. Significantly potent with emotion, the scene builds up as time and time again the excavator brings up nothing but dirt and rock. For a few moments, the team is interrupted by what I believe were soldiers who tried to get them to stop the digging. They’re eventually drowned out by the wails and cries of the villagers present. You suddenly see bone and random pieces of clothing pulled up from the ground. More and more cadavers emerge from the rocks and dust. Tears, wailing, cries, yelling all ensue. The excavator keeps digging as more and more bodies are pulled up. Villagers immediately rush together to pick up the bodies and lay them out to possibly be identified. Mourners throw ashes on their heads, beat their chests, and cry out to God. Tears form on Colvin’s face, while her photographer takes pictures of the scene. It’s a tremendously moving part of the film that shows the hideous face of war. 

Lastly, pay very close attention to the very first picture shown on screen. You’ll see a correlation at the end. :)

Overall!

Absolute must see! Support this film and learn about this truly remarkable woman. 

#movieblog #rosamund pike #aprivatewar #movies #movie review #movie recommendation #marie colvin

[toseeornotosee]

First Post! “Beautiful Boy”

Sooo first off, let me say that this has been a long time coming. I’ve always been interested in movies and film ever since I can remember. The films, cinema, the movie stars and the roles they play can transport you into a whole different realm, dimension, an array of emotions, fun adventures, and overall a new experience to which you may have never encountered had you not seen the film. At least, this has been the experience for me!

Having said that, there’s also many films in which I have watched and have left feeling completely unmotivated, very uninspired and asking the question, “why?” or “how?” or even just, “REALLY?!”.  “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets”, “Now You See Me 2″, and “Downsizing” fit that category, just to name a few. In fact, even though I had free passes to see “Downsizing”, I almost left halfway through the film, that’s how bad it was; please do not see. (I even told friends that I would pay them not to see this film, ha). So this leaves us here. I will do my amateur film critic best, and try to act as a guide to let you know which films to see or not to see, hence the title, get it!?! (shout out! you know who you are). I’ve divided this into three parts: Plot, Performances, and Poignant moments, I think that should sum up a movie well enough. :) And first on the list we have “Beautiful Boy”; which actually inspired me to write this blog because it’s so great! Here we go...

Plot! 

“Beautiful Boy” is a raw, emotionally elevating, and relevant look at a father/son relationship in the midst of horrendous drug abuse. The film is actually based on the best-selling pair of memoirs from father and son David and Nic Sheff; to which I have not read them, yet. Incorporated through the film, flashbacks show the depth of love between David Sheff (Steve Carrel) and his son, Nic (Timothee Chalamet) (sidenote: how does one get the little asterisk on the ‘e’ in tumblr? hmm).  Various moments from being dropped off at the airport as a little boy about to board an airplane to more simpler scenes in which dad and son are talking in Nic’s bedroom show the dynamic relationship they have for each other. In one flashback scene where Nic is dropped off at college, David learns that his son is addicted to and has tried many drugs including heroine and LSD. Numerous counseling sessions, rehab check ins and checkouts, as well as various relapses occur, taking a toll on every character involved. From David’s new wife, (Maura Tierney) saying Nic can no longer come home, to the little kids that are home constantly asking where their big brother is, to David himself reaching his wits end, your heart is pulled in so many different directions depending on which character you empathize at that moment. It ultimately culminates in a desperate call from son to father asking for ‘one more chance’ and ‘this time will be different’. David simply responds with ‘no’. Too many lies, broken promises, and overall distrust has soured the beautiful relationship these two once had. However, there’s a redemptive ending; don’t worry! You’ll just have to see it to know what happens, I won’t give it away. :)

Performances!

Timothee Chalamet’s performance, much like in “Call Me By Your Name”, is breathtaking. The tension, angst, fear, anxiety, are all wrapped in a emotional blanket that you can’t help but wear; it’s that palpable. I caught myself thinking, ‘how does he do this???”. You can’t help but empathize and feel for this child, who, despite what he says, absolutely needs help. It’s a whole other level, and definitely Oscar worthy. 

As for Steve Carrell, I thought he did a pretty good job in this serious role as a very loving, devoted, nurturing, and undeniably frustrated father. In the more frustrating scenes where he raises his voice, it immediately reminded me of an angry Michael Scott, haha. If you were to close your eyes while he was yelling, you would be transported back to Dunder Mifflin where Michael is yelling at Dwight for some reason. I wish he would’ve played more with his voice projection/inflection a la Daniel Day Lewis in “Lincoln” or “There Will Be Blood”  or even Meryl Streep in “The Devil Wears Prada” (maybe a stretch, but it’s still applicable!). 

Speaking of, ‘Office’ fans will love that Holly and Michael are back together in this film! (sorta) Amy Ryan, who played Holly in ‘The Office’, plays a small but pivotal role as the mother of Nic and ex-wife of David. It’s quite funny to see them “together” again, but in such dramatic roles; makes me wonder about the casting choice for the film. People will immediately think of Holly and Michael from ‘The Office’. Only once do they share a scene on screen, but I can’t help but wonder how fun the set must’ve been that day. :)

And lastly, the pivotal performance of the film is undoubtedly TIMOTHEE CHALAMET’S HAIR. I already knew from “Call Me By Your Name” how magnificent it was, but in this film, it truly is NEXT LEVEL. So much so that after seeing the film, one of the first comment’s my friend and I said to each other went something like, “HIS HAIR THO”. It’s like a Finesse, Vidal Sassoon, and Pantene commercial came together and made a voluminous, curly, and luxurious child that’d be the envy of anyone alive. Definitely jealous. 

(this gif doesn’t do it justice, but just a small preview)

Poignant moment(s)!:

I’ve found two moments that I loved or stood out to me the most. Fans of the amazing film, “Mr Holland’s Opus” will love the wave of nostalgia that hits them when there’s a “beautiful beautiful beautiful, beautiful boooyyyy” moment between father and son. Be on the lookout for it! 

There’s another moment when David and his wife show up to a meeting of some sort, I believe either AA or something along the lines of that, but more focused on drugs. A woman talks about a friend that she has just “lost”. However, she goes on to explain how she’s been in mourning for some time, and it’s not a new feeling by any means. She’s been in mourning for years as she’s seen her friend slowly slip away, does not recognize her, and is literally dying in front of her eyes. The person she once knew became a clam shell, a ghost of her former self. Her friends constant drug abuse had prepared her for her death. This scene was very touching and extremely moving; and to have that perspective made so much sense because the film truly shows the effects of constant drug abuse. 

Overall!

To See! Definite See! Must See! 

#movie #moviereview #beautifulboy #timotheechalamet #stevecarrell #movieblog