tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26437145870477488442024-02-21T04:00:15.806-08:00Fr. Dennis at the MoviesReviews of current films written by Fr. Dennis Zdenek Kriz, OSM of St. Philip Benizi Parish, Fullerton, CAUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1518125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2643714587047748844.post-68062169200332177262022-09-09T14:55:00.017-07:002022-09-12T23:38:01.294-07:00Medieval (orig. Jan Žižka) [2022]<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdL5BPqiydKgYpoS2nVrm1ppC14xg5VBgt-vNrmDv8eW3UaMznMnMp41Syd1kksMd6lO9TuAXXZexvfDbeGic3S-YGywpg7AcRu5xz9Zlge5X9_3sFtMPpBsndFqGZVoiYrGnTrmdmewzTYkNbYGNrNATbM_6ops9kC-CgMw9wT1div2zPfRv6iQ/s400/medieval-jan-zizka-movie-poster-2022.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="276" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdL5BPqiydKgYpoS2nVrm1ppC14xg5VBgt-vNrmDv8eW3UaMznMnMp41Syd1kksMd6lO9TuAXXZexvfDbeGic3S-YGywpg7AcRu5xz9Zlge5X9_3sFtMPpBsndFqGZVoiYrGnTrmdmewzTYkNbYGNrNATbM_6ops9kC-CgMw9wT1div2zPfRv6iQ/s320/medieval-jan-zizka-movie-poster-2022.jpg" width="221" /></a></div>MPAA (R) CNS/USCCB () RogerEbert.com (1 1/2 Stars), AVClub (D+), Fr Dennis (2 1/2 Stars)<p></p><p>IMDb <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8883486/mediaviewer/rm559025409/" target="_blank">listing</a> </p><p>CNS/USCCB review</p><p>LA Times (K. Walsh) <a href="https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2022-09-08/review-medieval-czech-ben-foster-michael-caine" target="_blank">review</a></p><p>RogerEbert.com (S. Abrams) <a href="https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/medieval-movie-review-2022" target="_blank">review</a></p><p>AVClub.com (L. Monson) <a href="https://www.avclub.com/medieval-review-ben-foster-michael-caine-petr-jakl-1849466650" target="_blank">review</a></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8883486/https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8883486/" target="_blank">Medieval (orig. Jan Žižka) [2022] [IMDb]</a><a href="https://www.csfd.cz/film/372834-jan-zizka/prehled/" target="_blank">[CSFD]</a>*(directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1362893/" target="_blank">Petr Jákl [IMDb]</a><a href="https://www.csfd.cz/tvurce/1735-petr-jakl/" target="_blank">[CSFD]</a>*, screenplay by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1362893/" target="_blank">Petr Jákl [IMDb]</a><a href="https://www.csfd.cz/tvurce/1735-petr-jakl/" target="_blank">[CSFD]</a>* and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7030956/" target="_blank">Petr Jákl, Sr [IMDb]</a><a href="https://www.csfd.cz/tvurce/38335-petr-jakl-st/" target="_blank">[CSFD]</a>*, adapted from the original screenplay by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0229665/" target="_blank">Marek Dobeš [IMDb]</a><a href="https://www.csfd.cz/tvurce/8678-marek-dobes/" target="_blank">[CSFD]</a>* and <a href="https://www.csfd.cz/tvurce/162329-michal-petrus/" target="_blank">Michal Petruš [IMDb][CSFD]</a>* is a Czech directed but English language and largely Hollywood financed film that seeks to tell the story of "the early/formative years" of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_%C5%BDi%C5%BEka" target="_blank">Jan Žižka [en-wikip]</a><a href="https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_%C5%BDi%C5%BEka" target="_blank">[cs-wikip]</a>* (played in the film by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004936/" target="_blank">Ben Foster [IMDb]</a><a href="https://www.csfd.cz/tvurce/17579-ben-foster/" target="_blank">[CSFD]</a>*) </p><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_%C5%BDi%C5%BEka" target="_blank">Jan Žižka [en-wikip]</a><a href="https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_%C5%BDi%C5%BEka" target="_blank">[cs-wikip]</a>* was a remarkable (scrappy and supremely innovative), perhaps "<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112573/" target="_blank">Braveheartish</a>," Czech military commander of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hussites" target="_blank">Hussites [en-wikip]</a><a href="https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Husitstv%C3%AD" target="_blank">[cs-wikip]</a>* a proto-Protestant sect that came to dominate <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bohemia" target="_blank">Bohemia [en-wikip]</a> in the early 1400s, one hundred years before <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther" target="_blank">Martin Luther [en-wikip]</a> from neighboring Germany.</p><p>Being of Czech descent and knowing a good part of his story, I would agree that <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_%C5%BDi%C5%BEka" target="_blank">Žižka [en-wikip]</a><a href="https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_%C5%BDi%C5%BEka" target="_blank">[cs-wikip]</a>* would be worthy of a Hollywoodesque film. </p><p>The problem with this film is two-fold: </p><p>First, it is obvious that as scrappy as director/writer/producer <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1362893/" target="_blank">Petr Jákl [IMDb]</a><a href="https://www.csfd.cz/tvurce/1735-petr-jakl/" target="_blank">[CSFD]</a>* was in assembling the Hollywood funding and even the Hollywood actors (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004936/" target="_blank">Ben Foster</a> and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000323/" target="_blank">Michael Caine</a>) to do this film, he really did not have anywhere near the funds to really tell <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_%C5%BDi%C5%BEka" target="_blank">Žižka's [en-wikip]</a><a href="https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_%C5%BDi%C5%BEka" target="_blank">[cs-wikip]</a>* story. </p><p>The second problem is a consequence of the first: All <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1362893/" target="_blank">Petr Jákl</a><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1362893/" target="_blank"> [IMDb]</a><a href="https://www.csfd.cz/tvurce/1735-petr-jakl/" target="_blank">[CSFD]</a>* could do was to introduce the character of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_%C5%BDi%C5%BEka" target="_blank">Žižka [en-wikip]</a><a href="https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_%C5%BDi%C5%BEka" target="_blank">[cs-wikip]</a>*(played in the film by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004936/" target="_blank">Ben Foster [IMDb]</a><a href="https://www.csfd.cz/tvurce/17579-ben-foster/" target="_blank">[CSFD]</a>*) as well as some of the other historical figures of the time: </p><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wenceslaus_IV_of_Bohemia" target="_blank">Wenceslas (Václav) IV [en.wikip]</a> <a href="https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/V%C3%A1clav_IV." target="_blank">[cs.wikip]</a>* (played in the film by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0734558/" target="_blank">Karel Roden [IMDb]</a><a href="https://www.csfd.cz/tvurce/1022-karel-roden/" target="_blank">[CSFD]</a>*) the notoriously weak, morally problematic (drinking but largely melancholy, womanizing) <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bohemia" target="_blank">King of Bohemia</a> of the time, </p><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sigismund,_Holy_Roman_Emperor" target="_blank">Sigismund [en.wikip]</a> (played in the film by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0328828/?ref_=tt_cl_t_6" target="_blank">Matthew Goode [IMDb]</a><a href="https://www.csfd.cz/tvurce/25150-matthew-goode/" target="_blank">[CSFD]</a>*) who was <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wenceslaus_IV_of_Bohemia" target="_blank">Wenceslas (Václav) IV's [en.wikip]</a> <a href="https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/V%C3%A1clav_IV." target="_blank">[cs.wikip]</a>* younger half-brother and King of Hungary at the time and one who _really coveted_ the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Roman_Empire" target="_blank">Crown of the Holy Roman Emperor [en.wikip]</a> that was <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wenceslaus_IV_of_Bohemia" target="_blank">Wenceslas (Václav) IV's [en.wikip]</a> <a href="https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/V%C3%A1clav_IV." target="_blank">[cs.wikip]</a>* for the receiving, if only he could get to Rome, which he never did, and finally </p><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_III_of_Rosenberg" target="_blank">Henry III of Rosenberg [en.wikip]</a><a href="https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jind%C5%99ich_III._z_Ro%C5%BEmberka" target="_blank">[cs.wikip]</a>*(played in the film by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001709/" target="_blank">Til Schweiger [IMDb]</a><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_III_of_Rosenberg" target="_blank">[CSFD]</a>*), who was a powerful, scheming second-tier ("Cromwellish") nobleman, who though he was not a king, had as much power as the weak, often drinking <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wenceslaus_IV_of_Bohemia" target="_blank">Wenceslas (Václav) IV [en.wikip]</a> <a href="https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/V%C3%A1clav_IV." target="_blank">[cs.wikip]</a>*.</p><p>Yes, the cast of these characters, as well as of their advisors and captains of their military guards (one of them played by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000323/" target="_blank">Michael Caine</a>), makes for excellent fodder for an actual _historical_ "<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0944947/" target="_blank">Game of Thrones</a>" like story of intrigue. </p><p>And it was out this crucible of intrigue that the historical <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_%C5%BDi%C5%BEka" target="_blank">Jan </a><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_%C5%BDi%C5%BEka" target="_blank">Ž</a><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_%C5%BDi%C5%BEka" target="_blank">ižka [en-wikip]</a><a href="https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_%C5%BDi%C5%BEka" target="_blank">[cs-wikip]</a>* emerged.</p><p>Yet why the Czechs remember <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_%C5%BDi%C5%BEka" target="_blank">Žižka [en-wikip]</a><a href="https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_%C5%BDi%C5%BEka" target="_blank">[cs-wikip]</a>* to this day as a "<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112573/" target="_blank">Braveheartish</a>" military leader was NOT for ANYTHING portrayed in this film.</p><p>Rather he is remembered for his leadership of a necessarily largely peasant army of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hussites" target="_blank">Hussite [en-wikip]</a><a href="https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Husitstv%C3%AD" target="_blank">[cs-wikip]</a>* warriors, which rose up after the burning at the stake of the proto-Protestant Reformer <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_Hus" target="_blank">Jan Hus [en-wikip]</a> <a href="https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_Hus" target="_blank">[cs-wikip]</a>* at the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Council_of_Constance" target="_blank">Council of Constance [en.wikip]</a><a href="https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_Hus#Husova_sly%C5%A1en%C3%AD_p%C5%99ed_koncilem" target="_blank">[cs.wikip]</a>* by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sigismund,_Holy_Roman_Emperor" target="_blank">Sigismund [en.wikip]</a> of this film (by then the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Roman_Empire" target="_blank">Holy Roman Emperor</a> who he always wanted to become) some 10-20 years later.</p><p>That army led by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_%C5%BDi%C5%BEka" target="_blank">Žižka [en-wikip]</a><a href="https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_%C5%BDi%C5%BEka" target="_blank">[cs-wikip]</a>* REPEATEDLY beat back and humiliated the "Crusading armies" of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sigismund,_Holy_Roman_Emperor" target="_blank">Sigismund [en.wikip]</a> attacking <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bohemia" target="_blank">Bohemia</a> from all sides.</p><p>The closing credits of this film note that <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_%C5%BDi%C5%BEka" target="_blank">Žižka [en-wikip]</a><a href="https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_%C5%BDi%C5%BEka" target="_blank">[cs-wikip]</a>* is remembered to this day as having "never lost a battle" during that remarkable time.</p><p>It is entirely conceivable that writer, director and producer <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1362893/" target="_blank">Peter Jákl [IMDb]</a><a href="https://www.csfd.cz/tvurce/1735-petr-jakl/" target="_blank">[CSFD]</a>* has hoped that the current film will whet enough of an appetite to secure the funding required (perhaps 10-20x as he was able to secure for this one) to tell _that_ succeeding glorious chapter of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_%C5%BDi%C5%BEka" target="_blank">Žižka's [en-wikip]</a><a href="https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_%C5%BDi%C5%BEka" target="_blank">[cs-wikip]</a>* story well. (Honestly, it would require a film with <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0167260/" target="_blank">LOTR</a> sized battle scenes to do the story justice...).</p><p>I do wish him well.</p><p>Unfortunately _the current film_ did not yet tell _that _ much grander story... just the story of a man who came later to do "great (and at times dastardly) things." (besides repeatedly defeating and humiliating <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sigismund,_Holy_Roman_Emperor" target="_blank">Emperor Sigismund's [en.wikip]</a> armies, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_%C5%BDi%C5%BEka" target="_blank">Žižka's [en-wikip]</a><a href="https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_%C5%BDi%C5%BEka" target="_blank">[cs-wikip]</a>* peasant army burned down churches and monasteries all over <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bohemia" target="_blank">Bohemia</a> including the <a href="https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kostel_Zv%C4%9Bstov%C3%A1n%C3%AD_Panny_Marie_Na_tr%C3%A1vn%C3%AD%C4%8Dku" target="_blank">Monastery "na Slupi" [cs.wikip]*</a> (belonging to my religious order, the Servites) just below the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vy%C5%A1ehrad" target="_blank">Vyšehrad Castle [en.wikip]</a> <a href="https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vy%C5%A1ehrad" target="_blank">[cs.wikip]</a>* at the southern outskirts of Prague</p><p>Those chapters of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_%C5%BDi%C5%BEka" target="_blank">Žižka's [en-wikip]</a><a href="https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_%C5%BDi%C5%BEka" target="_blank">[cs-wikip]</a>* story do, in fact, await another film.</p><p>So 2 1/2 Stars for now.</p><p><br /></p><p>ADDENDUM:</p><p>Or if you'd like get a whimsical understanding of who <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_%C5%BDi%C5%BEka" target="_blank">Žižka [en-wikip]</a><a href="https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_%C5%BDi%C5%BEka" target="_blank">[cs-wikip]</a> and the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hussites" target="_blank">Hussites [en-wikip]</a><a href="https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Husitstv%C3%AD" target="_blank">[cs-wikip]</a>* were, try this _adorable_ "Hussites vs Crusaders" game <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=cz.ceskatelevize.husitivskrizaci" target="_blank">[Android Ver]</a> <a href="https://apps.apple.com/cz/app/husiti-vs-k%C5%99i%C5%BE%C3%A1ci/id1509271358?l=cs" target="_blank">[Apple Ver]</a>.</p><p><br /></p><p>* Use the translate option on your browser to read these (Czech) web-pages.</p><p><b>< </b>NOTE - Do you like what you've been reading here? If you do then consider giving a small donation to this Blog (sugg. $6 _non-recurring_) _every so often_ to continue/further its operation. To donate just <a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>. Thank you! :-) >></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2643714587047748844.post-21435153159030503672021-08-29T15:55:00.019-07:002021-08-30T00:24:24.908-07:00The Chair [Netflix Series - 2021]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbkvbYxzkZF0gHZ1MuVmVoI-8ypimcZB1GXwHUpEBCkP2M0388hyphenhyphenI3Zzpj0CKVh01n-YMEjrkbBS8bXTzeI9usnS4SvdudgWyK0rTh028dVMr4oMBI4YoUuCneVdBdMb_zX7FVhK2BtA/s400/The-Chair-2021.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="273" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbkvbYxzkZF0gHZ1MuVmVoI-8ypimcZB1GXwHUpEBCkP2M0388hyphenhyphenI3Zzpj0CKVh01n-YMEjrkbBS8bXTzeI9usnS4SvdudgWyK0rTh028dVMr4oMBI4YoUuCneVdBdMb_zX7FVhK2BtA/s320/The-Chair-2021.jpg" width="218" /></a></div><b>Fr. Dennis 5/5 Stars </b><br /><br /><b style="font-weight: bold;">Netflix <a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/81206259" target="_blank">listing</a> </b>
<br /><b style="font-weight: bold;">IMDb <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11834150/" target="_blank">listing</a> </b>
<br /><b style="font-weight: bold;">LA Times (Nancy Wang Yuen) <a href="https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2021-08-20/the-chair-netflix-sandra-oh-amanda-peet" target="_blank">review</a> </b>
<br /><b style="font-weight: bold;">NPR (Aisha Harris) <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/08/20/1029706937/the-chair-is-yet-another-reason-to-love-sandra-oh" target="_blank">review</a> </b>
<br /><b style="font-weight: bold;">AV Club (Arielle Bernstein) <a href="https://www.avclub.com/sandra-oh-presides-over-the-intellectual-thunderdome-of-1847433132" target="_blank">review</a> </b>
<br /><br /><b style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11834150/" target="_blank">The Chair [TV Series -2021]</a></b> (created by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001605/" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><b>Amanda Pee</b>t</a><b>, </b><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8091876/" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><b>Annie Wyman</b></a><b>) </b>is a six part (30 min each, so three hours in total) television series that premiered on Aug 20, 2021 on<b> </b><a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/81206259" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><b>Netflix</b></a><b>. </b><br /><br />The series follows the life of Ji-Yoon Kim (played by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0644897/" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><b>Sandra Oh</b></a>), a fictionalized tenured English Literature professor at an invented liberal arts college named "Pembroke University" somewhere in the North East, upon her being "bumped up" to become the first woman and first person of color to Chair the school's English Department.</div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yes, while she _may_ have found herself having shattered "the glass ceiling," it feels more like she's been put on "a glass cliff."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The problems come immediately after a gracious "first staff meeting" where she's reminded by a still deferential, still smiling, _older_ faculty member that "the Department Chair sits at the head of the table." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After said meeting where she also gives a clear-eyed, even somewhat Churchillian speech about facing the department's challenges, she makes a visit to her direct boss, Dean Paul Larsen (played by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001556/" target="_blank"><b>David Morse</b></a>). He promptly gives her a "hit list" marking (with yellow florescent highlighter) the three "highest paid, yet least productive" faculty members -- yes, they are all older and, of course, ALL tenured -- who he'd like her to persuade to take the retirement package that the university was offering. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This conflict between the old and the new, the settled and the striving plays out through the whole series, and to the series' credit, the points of view of all concerned are remarkably well presented, indeed honored.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All three of those older, "less productive" professors are white, two of them are male, one female, all three already enduring their "slights." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One, Eliot Renz (played by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000837/" target="_blank"><b>Bob Balaban</b></a>) finds his course "American Letters from 1850-1890" (or something like that) is scheduled at exactly the same time as a far more popular class "Sex and the Novel" taught by a younger, far more dynamic African American professor Jaz(min) McCay (played by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3535066/" target="_blank"><b>Nana Mansah</b></a>). Yet, Eliot had been previously selected to chair Jaz' "tenure review" committee... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another of the older professors, the woman, Joan Hambling (played by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0852466/" target="_blank"><b>Holland Taylor</b></a>), fares even worse finding her office moved to the basement of the University's "Wellness Center" (Gym) with barbells banging on the ceiling above her as she tries to think, take office hours, or otherwise function as the professor that she (still) is.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another professor, Bill Dobson (played by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0243231/" target="_blank"><b>Jay Duplass</b></a>), younger, more Ji-Yoon's age, apparently _once_ "the star" of the Department (as well as its most recent Chair...), but now still reeling from the death of his wife a year before, is again a mix of entitlement and sorrow. Both his college aged daughter and Ji-Yoon beg him at different times: "Get your sh#t together." But he's not ready, or perhaps ... done. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Two lectures into his course: "Death of Modernism" (his first lecture was arguably a fire-able disaster as well...), Bill writes on the chalkboard "Nihilism," above it "Fascism," and proceeds to explain that much of the <b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Existentialism" target="_blank">existential</a> </b>despair (!) of post-WW II, that is, postmodern literature was born of the world's experience of Fascism. To put an accent on this, he clicked his heels and made a Nazi salute in the direction of the word Fascism. Well ... someone in the class captured his Nazi salute, photoshopped an SS cap on him, and posted it on Twitter, and ... much of the rest of the story followed ... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then to try to "save" Eliot's position, Ji-Yoon persuades him (and Jaz) to _combine_ their classes -- they were scheduled at the same time, and arguably covered similar material -- "selling" this to Eliot: "Well you are the chair of Jaz' tenure evaluation committee. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well ... Eliot finds himself foundering in the midst of a lecture on <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herman_Melville" target="_blank"><b>Herman Melville's</b></a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moby-Dick" target="_blank"><b>Moby-Dick</b></a> (it was a _classic example_ of "American Letters from the 1850s," AND certainly "a novel") noting Melville's personal struggles and that "he died penniless" and "never lived to know the enormous success of his seminal novel," to which an exasperated African American student raises his hand to ask: "Wasn't Melville a wife-beater?" (explaining probably in good part _why_ Melville died so ignominiously...). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jaz tries to _save_ the situation by saying "I'll cover some of that in my lecture next time..." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At her lecture then, Jaz allows a group of the students perform _a rap poem_ which summarized _remarkably well_ both Melville's tortured (and self-destructive) life as well as the unattainable "purity" (in 19th century-speak) but frankly _unattainable_ WHITENESS (in current parlance) of the whale.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was all _brilliant_ but one's left with the obvious / unavoidable question of whether someone like Jaz could possibly get a _fair evaluation_ from someone like Eliot. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And yes, it must be noted that _both_ Ji-Yoon and Jaz, arguably still _reflexively_ tried actually to "save" Eliot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's all brilliant and disturbing. What can one say? Five stars! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>< </b>NOTE - Do you like what you've been reading here? If you do then consider giving a small donation to this Blog (sugg. $6 _non-recurring_) _every so often_ to continue/further its operation. To donate just <a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>. Thank you! :-) >></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2643714587047748844.post-79896599999087122852021-04-25T12:50:00.007-07:002021-04-25T13:01:18.782-07:00My Oscar Picks 2021<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVcSwvBkEcJgyNQQnehIL5mARDQDNpl-hUgqmZZuO5oyZnY6CPnJuYoZrg721AZbbeTWGuUd-gF9o3jcS2PHIsaHD7Qvd-sSP13Q5S-vxIrCpCvmuNnGaVC4fh6tgMi3FN-Mpc9Ha3sQ/s750/Oscars2021.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVcSwvBkEcJgyNQQnehIL5mARDQDNpl-hUgqmZZuO5oyZnY6CPnJuYoZrg721AZbbeTWGuUd-gF9o3jcS2PHIsaHD7Qvd-sSP13Q5S-vxIrCpCvmuNnGaVC4fh6tgMi3FN-Mpc9Ha3sQ/s320/Oscars2021.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b>IMDb <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10471902/" target="_blank">listing</a></b><div><b>Official <a href="https://oscar.go.com/" target="_blank">Website</a></b><br /><br />Dear Readers, <div><br /></div><div>This year has, of course, changed (temporarily?) the whole experience of "going to the movies." </div><div><br /></div><div>With the movie houses closed throughout most of the country / world for most of the year, most of us watched the movies through streaming services at home. </div><div><br /></div><div>Further with so much else going on in the world, from the pandemic to several waves of civil unrest in this country, many / most of us found ourselves "distracted by events" during various times of the past year. </div><div><br /></div><div>Nevertheless, both time and the industry have marched forward, and some very excellent films have been released even in this difficult time. Here then are my Oscar Picks for 2021:<br /><b><br /></b><b>BEST PICTURE</b><br /><b>Will Win -- </b><b><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10633456/" target="_blank">Minari</a></b><br /><b>Should Win -- <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1070874/" target="_blank">The Trial of the Chicago 7</a></b><br /><b>Should Have Gotten Consideration -- <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11169050/" target="_blank">Supernova</a></b><br /><br /><br /><b>BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE</b><br /><b>Will Win -- <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000164/" target="_blank">Anthony Hopkins</a> (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10272386/" target="_blank">The Father</a>), </b><b><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000198/" target="_blank">Gary Altman</a> (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10618286" target="_blank">Mank</a>)</b><br /><b>Should Win -- <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11169050/" target="_blank">Stanley Tucci</a> (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11169050/" target="_blank">Supernova</a>), </b><b><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000164/" target="_blank">Anthony Hopkins</a> (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10272386/" target="_blank">The Father</a>), <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000198/" target="_blank">Gary Altman</a> (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10618286" target="_blank">Mank</a>)</b><br /><b>Should Have Gotten Consideration -- </b><b><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11169050/" target="_blank">Stanley Tucci</a> (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11169050/" target="_blank">Supernova</a>)</b><br /><div><b><br /></b><br /><b>BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE</b><br /><b>Will Win -- <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0205626/" target="_blank">Viola Davis</a> (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10514222/" target="_blank">Ma Rainey's Black Bottom</a>), <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000531/" target="_blank">Frances McDormand</a> (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9770150/" target="_blank">Nomadland</a>)</b></div><div><b>Should Win -- <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1659547/" target="_blank">Carey Mulligan</a> (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9620292/" target="_blank">Promising Young Woman</a>), <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3948952/" target="_blank">Vanessa Kirby</a> (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11161474/" target="_blank">Pieces of a Woman</a>)</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b>BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE</b><br /><b>Will Win -- <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0056187/" target="_blank">Sasha Baron Cohen</a> (</b><b><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1070874/" target="_blank">The Trial of the Chicago 7</a>)</b><br /><b>Should Win -- </b><b><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0056187/" target="_blank">Sasha Baron Cohen</a> (</b><b><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1070874/" target="_blank">The Trial of the Chicago 7</a>), </b><b> <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000147/" target="_blank">Colin Firth</a> (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11169050/" target="_blank">Supernova</a>)</b><br /><b>Should Have Gotten Consideration -- </b><b> <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000147/" target="_blank">Colin Firth</a> (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11169050/" target="_blank">Supernova</a>)</b><br /><br /><b><br /></b><b>BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE</b><br /><b>Will Win -- <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000335/" target="_blank">Glenn Close</a> (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6772802/" target="_blank">Hillbilly Elegy</a>)</b><br /><b>Should Win -- </b><b> <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000335/" target="_blank">Glenn Close</a> (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6772802/" target="_blank">Hillbilly Elegy</a>)</b><b>, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1469236/" target="_blank">Olivia Colman</a> (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10272386/" target="_blank">The Father</a>)</b><br /><br /><br /><b>BEST DIRECTING</b><br /><b>Will Win -- <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2125482/" target="_blank">Chloé Zhao</a> (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9770150/" target="_blank">Nomadland</a>), <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000399/" target="_blank">David Fincher</a> (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10618286/" target="_blank">Mank</a>), <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1818032/" target="_blank">Lee Isaac Chung</a> (</b><b><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10633456/" target="_blank">Minari</a></b><b>)</b><br /><b>Should Win -- </b><b><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2125482/" target="_blank">Chloé Zhao</a> (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9770150/" target="_blank">Nomadland</a>)</b><b>, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000399/" target="_blank">David Fincher</a> (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10618286/" target="_blank">Mank</a>), </b><b><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0815070/" target="_blank">Aaron Sorkin</a> (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1070874/" target="_blank">The Trial of the Chicago 7</a>), <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3489851/" target="_blank">Shaka King</a> (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9784798/" target="_blank">Judas and the Black Messiah</a>)</b><br /><b>Should Have Gotten Consideration -- <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0815070/" target="_blank">Aaron Sorkin</a> (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1070874/" target="_blank">The Trial of the Chicago 7</a>), <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3489851/" target="_blank">Shaka King</a> (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9784798/" target="_blank">Judas and the Black Messiah</a>)</b><br /><br /><br /><b>BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY</b><br /><b>Will Win -- <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0003659/" target="_blank">Phedon Papamichael</a> </b><b>(<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1070874/" target="_blank">The Trial of the Chicago 7</a>), <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0090312/" target="_blank">Sean Bobbitt</a> </b><b>(<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9784798/" target="_blank">Judas and the Black Messiah</a>)</b></div><div><b>Should Win -- </b><b><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0003659/" target="_blank">Phedon Papamichael</a> </b><b>(<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1070874/" target="_blank">The Trial of the Chicago 7</a>), </b><b><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0090312/" target="_blank">Sean Bobbitt</a> </b><b>(<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9784798/" target="_blank">Judas and the Black Messiah</a>) </b></div><div><b>Should Have Gotten Consideration -- <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0582081/" target="_blank">Erik Messerschmidt</a> (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10618286/" target="_blank">Mank</a>), <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005836/" target="_blank">Dick Pope</a> </b><b>(<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11169050/" target="_blank">Supernova</a>)</b></div><div><b><br /></b><br /><b>BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY</b><br /><b>Will Win -- </b><b><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0815070/" target="_blank">Aaron Sorkin</a> (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1070874/" target="_blank">The Trial of the Chicago 7</a>), </b><b><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1818032/" target="_blank">Lee Isaac Chung</a> (</b><b><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10633456/" target="_blank">Minari</a></b><b>)</b><br /><b>Should Win -- </b><b><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0815070/" target="_blank">Aaron Sorkin</a> (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1070874/" target="_blank">The Trial of the Chicago 7</a>), <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2193504/" target="_blank">Emerald Fennell</a> </b><b>(<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9620292/" target="_blank">Promising Young Woman</a>),</b><b> <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0077768/" target="_blank">Will Berson</a> / <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3489851/" target="_blank">Shaka King</a> (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9784798/" target="_blank">Judas and the Black Messiah</a>), </b><b><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2982240/" target="_blank">Harry MacQueen</a> (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11169050/" target="_blank">Supernova</a>)</b></div><div><b>Should Have Gotten Consideration - </b><b><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10827638/" target="_blank">Jack Fincher</a> (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10618286/" target="_blank">Mank</a>), <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2982240/" target="_blank">Harry MacQueen</a> (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11169050/" target="_blank">Supernova</a>), <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0970537/" target="_blank">Kata Wéber</a> (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11161474/" target="_blank">Pieces of a Woman</a>)</b><br /><br /><br /><b>BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY</b><br /><b>Will Win -- <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0358960/" target="_blank">Christopher Hampton</a> / <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1725469/" target="_blank">Florian Zeller</a> </b><b>(<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10272386/" target="_blank">The Father</a>) based on the play by </b><b><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1725469/" target="_blank">Florian Zeller</a>, </b><b><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2125482/" target="_blank">Chloé Zhao</a> (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9770150/" target="_blank">Nomadland</a>)</b><b> based on the book by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9572798/" target="_blank">Jessica Bruder</a></b><br /><b>Should Win -- </b><b><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0763650/" target="_blank">Ruben Santiago-Hudson</a> </b><b>(<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10514222/" target="_blank">Ma Rainey's Black Bottom</a>) </b><b>based on the play by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0933025/" target="_blank">August Wilson</a>, </b><b> </b><b><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2125482/" target="_blank">Chloé Zhao</a> (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9770150/" target="_blank">Nomadland</a>)</b><b> based on the book by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9572798/" target="_blank">Jessica Bruder</a>,</b><b> </b><b><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0358960/" target="_blank">Christopher Hampton</a> / <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1725469/" target="_blank">Florian Zeller</a> </b><b>(<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10272386/" target="_blank">The Father</a>) based on the play by </b><b><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1725469/" target="_blank">Florian Zeller</a>, </b></div><div><b>Should Have Gotten Consideration -- <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0763650/" target="_blank">Ruben Santiago-Hudson</a> </b><b>(<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10514222/" target="_blank">Ma Rainey's Black Bottom</a>) </b><b>based on the play by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0933025/" target="_blank">August Wilson</a> </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE</b></div><div><b>Will Win -- <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12888462/" target="_blank">My Octopus Teacher</a></b><br /><b>Should Win -- <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12888462/" target="_blank">My Octopus Teacher</a></b><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br />BEST ANIMATED FEATURE</b></div><div><b>Will Win -- <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2948372/" target="_blank">Soul</a></b><br /><b>Should Win --<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2948372/" target="_blank"> Soul</a>, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6193408/" target="_blank">A Shawn The Sheep Movie: Farmageddon</a></b><br /><br /></div><div><b><br /></b><div style="font-family: "times new roman"; margin: 0px;"><b>< </b>NOTE - Do you like what you've been reading here? If you do then consider giving a small donation to this Blog (sugg. $6 _non-recurring_) _every so often_ to continue/further its operation. To donate just <a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>. Thank you! :-) ></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2643714587047748844.post-20543786444850985762021-02-01T12:02:00.004-08:002021-02-02T09:35:12.213-08:002021 Sundance Film Festival<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgEyCQqi-QvKc44MQLAM-pneVFMDnhZ6lyUO6WpzRV0EZydkm5w9sEmqI3jbayWcebtscKSVHxeRA7Ky5ufOwGdprCSjkrb1ZGsZsXNbOARjCuiCieusZpkVNFC_h4VH7YfPNpTKg-HA/s600/Sundance-Film-Festival-Banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="361" data-original-width="600" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgEyCQqi-QvKc44MQLAM-pneVFMDnhZ6lyUO6WpzRV0EZydkm5w9sEmqI3jbayWcebtscKSVHxeRA7Ky5ufOwGdprCSjkrb1ZGsZsXNbOARjCuiCieusZpkVNFC_h4VH7YfPNpTKg-HA/w400-h241/Sundance-Film-Festival-Banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After nearly a year-long hiatus both work (I've been busy in my day job as pastor of a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/st.benizi" target="_blank">fun / lively multilingual parish in SoCal</a> and confronting quite <a href="https://voiceofoc.org/?s=kriz&sort=newest" target="_blank">head-on the homelessness crisis [1]</a> <a href="https://fullertonobserver.com/?s=kriz" target="_blank">[2]</a> <a href="https://www.latimes.com/search?q=kriz" target="_blank">[3]</a> here in our part of the county / country) and pandemic related, I've decided to put a toe in the water to see I could start writing my blog again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First, I am very happy that a good number of the lovely if more obscure films that I've reviewed over the years have found their way to various <a href="https://spbfullerton-eng.blogspot.com/2020/05/fr-dennis-comedy-movie-selections-for.html" target="_blank">streaming platforms [1]</a> <a href="https://spbfullerton-eng.blogspot.com/2020/07/fr-dennis-pandemic-movie-picks-pt-2.html" target="_blank">[2]</a>. However, I'm most intrigued honestly by the door opened if perhaps only temporarily of being able to attend festivals like the the famed <a href="https://festival.sundance.org/" target="_blank">Sundance Film Festival</a> virtually at home. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At time of much suffering, being able to watch the films of the festival at home was a gift and one that I would honestly ask the movie industry to explore. I had always liked the film festivals though lamented that many of their gems were almost impossible to find afterwards. So I'm very happy to have the chance to both enjoy the films and to share my experiences of them here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Among the <a href="https://festival.sundance.org/" target="_blank">Festival's</a> showings I was able to see:</div>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="simple_man"></a>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11741044/" target="_blank"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11741044/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwss_zBA0rPQkyqYTBSiAL_RCdD41kyk1c5vO4vA1As8zPCELTH1gf2NgtDjqCbw3Zt27xWqs2WtCnM1LLf0p-VbUL62YefxDeTbmlgLQl9cuWITX4qIW2qiIdmOzlZjAjfg4ri9bfYw/s400/I-Was-a-Simple-Man-2021.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="304" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwss_zBA0rPQkyqYTBSiAL_RCdD41kyk1c5vO4vA1As8zPCELTH1gf2NgtDjqCbw3Zt27xWqs2WtCnM1LLf0p-VbUL62YefxDeTbmlgLQl9cuWITX4qIW2qiIdmOzlZjAjfg4ri9bfYw/s320/I-Was-a-Simple-Man-2021.jpg" /></a></div><b><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11741044/" target="_blank">I was a Simple Man [2021]</a></b> (written and directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2794139/" target="_blank">Christopher Makoto Yogi</a>) a gentle personalist tale set in rural Hawaii about Masao Matsuyoshi (played in his youth, as an adult and as an elderly person by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7394722/?ref_=tt_cl_t8" target="_blank">Kyle Kosaki</a>, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1977583/" target="_blank">Tim Chiou</a> and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11194994/" target="_blank">Steve Iwamoto</a> respectively). Born in Hawaii but with Japanese immigrant parents, he has a Chinese Hawaiian girl-friend named Grace (played by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2090422/" target="_blank">Constance Wu</a>) who he marries over objections of his parents. One would think that his life would be more or less set. But then tragedy strikes and repeatedly: his parents and younger brother return to Japan just before the War starts and he never hears from them again. His beautiful wife soon comes down with cancer and dies shortly afterwards, leaving him with children to raise, somewhat. The film itself mostly plays out as he, now elderly, becomes ill and must prepare to meet the end of his life as well. It's a gentle film about yes, a simple man, who nevertheless had a life of both simple pleasures and regrets. -- <b>3 Stars</b> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="how_it_ends"></a>
</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1830380/" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><br /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1830380/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTxaw6BtFflYE_BszjepuvCi_mRdx-JbPRO1_uvMdk8CwHSXWpSIMxh-QiYZ1kdl3ShGHJlEKl3P2trsnRuDRdfj_WyDZQuiUlyaIk3GGFxPiS26gu5y4uMk3yaxPhQk0XLBzxBLlEQ/s400/How+it+Ends+-+2021.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="259" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTxaw6BtFflYE_BszjepuvCi_mRdx-JbPRO1_uvMdk8CwHSXWpSIMxh-QiYZ1kdl3ShGHJlEKl3P2trsnRuDRdfj_WyDZQuiUlyaIk3GGFxPiS26gu5y4uMk3yaxPhQk0XLBzxBLlEQ/s320/How+it+Ends+-+2021.jpg" /></a></div><b><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13648228/" target="_blank">How it Ends [2021]</a> </b>(written and directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1830380/" target="_blank">Zoe Lister-Jones</a> and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0918078/" target="_blank">Daryl Wein</a>) is an apocalyptic comedy conceived and filmed in Los Angeles during the summer of 2020 during the Coronavirus crisis: The story begins on the morning of the Last Day, an asteroid was going to hit and destroy the earth later that evening. Presumably all that could be done, has been tried, and has failed. All that was left to do was to prepare to die. So the story follows "the last day" of Liza (played also by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1830380/" target="_blank">Zoe Lister-Jones</a>) a late 20s early 30-something, Los Angeles residing computer programmer -- she had successfully created some random app a number of years back -- as she walks around the neighborhood, amusingly with "her younger self" (played by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8314228/" target="_blank">Cailee Spaeny</a> who generally only she could see, but perhaps because it was "the last day" others began to see and interact with as well), while Liza tries to "set things right" with various people -- Liza's mom (played by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13648228/characters/nm0000166" target="_blank">Helen Hunt</a>), dad (played by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0925966/" target="_blank">Bradley Whitford</a>), her once BFF Ala (played by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1312575/" target="_blank">Olivia Wilde</a>) and heartthrob Sal (played by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1334869/" target="_blank">Logan Marshall-Green</a>). The scene in which Liza and Ala talk (and set things right) apparently after a long period of time is priceless / probably the best in the film. Otherwise the film is simply a gentle film made under the trying circumstances of COVID. -- <b>2 1/2 Stars</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="in_the_earth"></a>
<br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuGGmpLO_8MuwqVMqMKZxgC9rFhblzOCmxigjBcGrte-T8OC7ynZBnOA79s5bW7eSjHsE70HJayC3hOg-XHHHs8P462uli3F8HDMQLIK9680Z8dXsdlsM0abHH66qaunwXq8aOS5Jgg/s400/In+the+Earth+-+2021.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="269" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuGGmpLO_8MuwqVMqMKZxgC9rFhblzOCmxigjBcGrte-T8OC7ynZBnOA79s5bW7eSjHsE70HJayC3hOg-XHHHs8P462uli3F8HDMQLIK9680Z8dXsdlsM0abHH66qaunwXq8aOS5Jgg/s320/In+the+Earth+-+2021.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13429362/" target="_blank">In the Earth [2021]</a> </b>(written and directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1296554" target="_blank">Ben Wheatley</a>) is a COVID-recognizing horror film -- not directly about COVID-19 but certainly made in its context. The film is about a rather desperate research experiment conducted in the forests of the English countryside in response to a fictionalized deadly pandemic where the increasingly mad scientists involved had made a link between the pandemic and the larger ecological crisis effecting the earth. Basically "Nature had become mad as hell" and communicating through the interconnected root systems of trees had decided to fight back against a humanity that clearly did not respect it. Much increasingly "mind blowing" ensues ;-) Yet as fun as the film's premise was, much more could have been done with it. That may have to wait for a larger budget and filming circumstances far less trying than those experienced in 2020. -- <b>2 Stars</b></div>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="pink_cloud"></a>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbbaFa1VcbH9WoaMIz8ky55mHDa9U9mhL5PFYeKoBGTye0PEkb6-Dpo9Ghsn58RFbCGxIqMsLRxOZcBXTctwqAeOBwcSNAenV2_Z7pNLjI_4DV_Qi_PIfQbsHMgevl1HGee0ubXXsqw/s400/The+Pink+Cloud+-+2021.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="271" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbbaFa1VcbH9WoaMIz8ky55mHDa9U9mhL5PFYeKoBGTye0PEkb6-Dpo9Ghsn58RFbCGxIqMsLRxOZcBXTctwqAeOBwcSNAenV2_Z7pNLjI_4DV_Qi_PIfQbsHMgevl1HGee0ubXXsqw/s320/The+Pink+Cloud+-+2021.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3548874/" target="_blank">The Pink Cloud (orig. A Nuvem Rosa) [2021]</a> </b>(written and directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3548874/" target="_blank">Iuli Gerbase</a>) about a world-wide environmental crisis -- a deadly pink cloud appears driving <i>everyone</i> the world-over into their homes -- was actually conceived and filmed <i>before</i> the 2020-21 coronavirus pandemic. Yet, the film predicts many of the problems (isolation / loneliness) and responses (use of videochats, social media) that we've come to rely on to get by during the COVID-19 crisis. The film focuses on a 30-something couple Giovana (played by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1056455/" target="_blank">Renata de Lélis</a>) and Yago (played by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0579189/" target="_blank">Eduardo Mendonça</a>) who had just met / hooked-up the night before the deadly pink cloud had appeared. Both had responsibilities outside, Giovana to her mother (somewhere), and to a younger sister (capable, of course, of communicating easily via social media), Yago to his aging father (with at least an in house caregiver) in the beginning stages of Alzheimers. Yet now the two were stuck together "for the duration" of the crisis, and ... the crisis seems to extend ... . Yes, the civil authorities come up with a simple if not particularly convincing mechanism of keeping everyone supplied with basic necessities -- food, water, electricity. However, no one is able to go outside without facing quick, certain death. So given the situation "what would you do? ..." -- <b>3 Stars</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>< </b>NOTE - Do you like what you've been reading here? If you do then consider giving a small donation to this Blog (sugg. $6 _non-recurring_) _every so often_ to continue/further its operation. To donate just <a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>. Thank you! :-) >></div></div><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2643714587047748844.post-48718137514675500512020-02-07T21:27:00.002-08:002020-02-07T21:27:33.448-08:00My Oscar Picks 2020<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6xl_IyY2kR_KbwwF8febJCxXcGlpzUzMc2L1MFxos27U1YL8wdPkSK9Pu_oFEWC_VxhajbwRhVQpUC9G27aicg_YipwFq8SZghrqFHDtAnK-WlLcHPSZtdhw8PC0OjHowEK2V_eS6SQ/s1600/92nd_Academy_Awards.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="291" data-original-width="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6xl_IyY2kR_KbwwF8febJCxXcGlpzUzMc2L1MFxos27U1YL8wdPkSK9Pu_oFEWC_VxhajbwRhVQpUC9G27aicg_YipwFq8SZghrqFHDtAnK-WlLcHPSZtdhw8PC0OjHowEK2V_eS6SQ/s1600/92nd_Academy_Awards.png" /></a></div>
IMDb <a href="https://www.imdb.com/event/ev0000003/2020/1" target="_blank">listing</a><br />
Official <a href="https://oscar.go.com/" target="_blank">Website</a><br />
<br />
Dear Readers,<br />
<br />
This past year, I was necessarily focused on events in our <a href="https://voiceofoc.org/tag/fr-dennis-kriz/" target="_blank">community / parish</a>, so I didn't have a lot of time to write here. But I did still see a fair amount of films. We'll see how this goes next year. I have enjoyed writing this blog. It is possible that I'll have more time to write here again. If not, this may be the last set of Oscar Picks that I will be publishing.<br />
<br />
Fr. Dennis<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>BEST PICTURE</b><br />
<b>Will Win --</b> <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6751668/" target="_blank">Parasite</a><br />
<b>Should Win -- </b><a href="https://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2019/10/joker-2019.html" target="_blank">Joker</a>, <a href="https://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2019/08/once-upon-time-in-hollywood-2019.html" target="_blank">Once Upon in Hollywood</a>, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3281548/" target="_blank">Little Women</a><br />
<b>Should Have Gotten Consideration --</b> <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8637428/" target="_blank">The Farewell</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE</b><br />
<b>Will Win --</b> Joaquin Phoenix (<a href="https://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2019/10/joker-2019.html" target="_blank">Joker</a>)<br />
<b>Should Win --</b> Joaquin Phoenix (<a href="https://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2019/10/joker-2019.html" target="_blank">Joker</a>), Antonio Banderas (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8291806/" target="_blank">Pain and Glory</a>)<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE</b><br />
<b>Will Win --</b> Scarlett Johansson (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7653254/" target="_blank">Marriage Story</a>)<br />
<b>Should Win --</b> Scarlett Johansson (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7653254/" target="_blank">Marriage Story</a>), Renee Zellwiger (<a href="https://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2019/10/judy-2019.html" target="_blank">Judy</a>)<br />
<b>Should Have Gotten Consideration -- </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<b>BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE</b><br />
<b>Will Win -- </b>Brad Pitt (<a href="https://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2019/08/once-upon-time-in-hollywood-2019.html" target="_blank">Once Upon in Hollywood</a>)<br />
<b>Should Win -- </b>Brad Pitt (<a href="https://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2019/08/once-upon-time-in-hollywood-2019.html" target="_blank">Once Upon in Hollywood</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b><b>BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE</b><br />
<b>Will Win --</b> Laura Dern (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3281548/" target="_blank">Little Women</a>),<br />
<b>Should Win -- </b>Kathy Bates (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3513548/" target="_blank">Richard Jewell</a>), Scarlett Johansson (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2584384/" target="_blank">Jojo Rabbit</a>)<br />
<b>Should Have Gotten Consideration -- </b>Kate Blanchett (<a href="https://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2019/08/whered-you-go-bernadette-2019.html" target="_blank">Where'd You Go, Bernadette?</a>)<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>BEST DIRECTING</b><br />
<b>Will Win --</b> Quentin Tarrantino (<a href="https://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2019/08/once-upon-time-in-hollywood-2019.html" target="_blank">Once Upon in Hollywood</a>)<br />
<b>Should Win --</b> Quentin Tarrantino (<a href="https://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2019/08/once-upon-time-in-hollywood-2019.html" target="_blank">Once Upon in Hollywood</a>), Todd Phillips (<a href="https://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2019/10/joker-2019.html" target="_blank">Joker</a>)<br />
<b>Should Have Gotten Consideration </b>-- Greta Gerwig (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3281548/" target="_blank">Little Women</a>)<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY</b><br />
<b>Will Win -- </b><a href="https://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2019/08/once-upon-time-in-hollywood-2019.html" target="_blank">Once Upon in Hollywood</a><br />
<b>Should Win -- </b><a href="https://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2019/08/once-upon-time-in-hollywood-2019.html" target="_blank">Once Upon in Hollywood</a>, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8579674/" target="_blank">1917</a>, <a href="https://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2019/10/joker-2019.html" target="_blank">Joker</a><br />
<b>Should Have Gotten Consideration --</b> <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3281548/" target="_blank">Little Women</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY</b><br />
<b>Will Win --</b> <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6751668/" target="_blank">Parasite</a>, <a href="https://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2019/08/once-upon-time-in-hollywood-2019.html" target="_blank">Once Upon in Hollywood</a>,<br />
<b>Should Win --</b> <a href="https://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2019/08/once-upon-time-in-hollywood-2019.html" target="_blank">Once Upon in Hollywood</a>, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8946378/" target="_blank">Knives Out</a><br />
<b>Should Have Gotten Consideration -- </b><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8637428/" target="_blank">The Farewell</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY</b><br />
<b>Will Win -- </b><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3281548/" target="_blank">Little Women</a><br />
<b>Should Win -- </b><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3281548/" target="_blank">Little Women</a>, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2584384/" target="_blank">Jojo Rabbit</a>, <a href="https://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2019/10/joker-2019.html" target="_blank">Joker</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: "times new roman"; margin: 0px;">
<b>< </b>NOTE - Do you like what you've been reading here? If you do then consider giving a small donation to this Blog (sugg. $6 _non-recurring_) _every so often_ to continue/further its operation. To donate just <a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>. Thank you! :-) ></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2643714587047748844.post-43833156770764083732019-10-05T22:02:00.000-07:002021-02-02T09:34:32.903-08:00Downton Abbey [2019]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX-zaLtvWlZp9o4wRD00l3DzfSIYxy5nVSf63h260z5meITsiDhXLC3dPTNrn1yFzUvUzhuRJNgyNEZbr8o2alZBJszLjzBq6YBzehkMP71Ak3h_GRLPJhnaaVooAxPr95Qs65RZy84Q/s1600/Downton-Abbey-2019-movie-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="270" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX-zaLtvWlZp9o4wRD00l3DzfSIYxy5nVSf63h260z5meITsiDhXLC3dPTNrn1yFzUvUzhuRJNgyNEZbr8o2alZBJszLjzBq6YBzehkMP71Ak3h_GRLPJhnaaVooAxPr95Qs65RZy84Q/s320/Downton-Abbey-2019-movie-poster.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
MPAA (PG) CNS/USCCB (A-III) RogerEbert.com (3 1/2 Stars) AVClub (B-) Fr. Dennis (3 Stars)<br />
<br />
<br />
IMDb <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6398184/" target="_blank">listing</a><br />
CNS/USCCB (J. Mulderig) <a href="https://www.catholicnews.com/services/englishnews/2019/downton-abbey.cfm" target="_blank">review</a><br />
Los Angeles Times (K. Turan) <a href="https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2019-09-17/downton-abbey-maggie-smith-review" target="_blank">review</a><br />
RogerEbert.com (M. Zoller-Seitz) <a href="https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/downton-abbey-movie-review-2019" target="_blank">review</a><br />
AVClub (C. Steele) <a href="https://film.avclub.com/the-downton-abbey-movie-is-as-pleasant-as-a-cozy-cup-of-1837999771" target="_blank">review</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6398184/" target="_blank">Downton Abbey [2019]</a> (directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0257554/" target="_blank">Michael Engler</a> characters and screenplay by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0271501/" target="_blank">Julian Fellowes</a>) delivers what it promises ... a two hour visit to a place that millions of viewers across the English speaking world and beyond had come to know and love through the successful television series about "more tranquil times" ... when it was being debated and starting to be settled as to whether paupers, people of darker complexions and foreign tongues, women as a whole, to say nothing of then invisible people like homosexuals were ... worthy of rights.<br />
<br />
And so it is here. And all is regally blessed and proven "fine" at the Abbey as they receive word that the King and Queen were planning a visit to their part of the Realm, were inviting themselves over to the Abbey (I guess, if you're the King, you can do whatever you want, AND "what an honor it would be" in any case), and ... (mild spoiler alert) all turns out well.<br />
<br />
But, then, how could it not...? Directed by the steady guiding hand of the _wisest_ of local patriarchs, Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham (played by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0095017/" target="_blank">Hugh Bonneville</a>) albeit with an American wife Cora (played by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001527/" target="_blank">Elizabeth McGovern</a>) but then with a stable, well-trained, LOYAL abbey staff, what could possibly go wrong?<br />
<br />
Yes, there are the pesky Irish who want to get a shot at the King (played by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0429254/" target="_blank">Simon Jones</a>). But even the King "understands" (and arguably _forgives them_). So ...<br />
<br />
There is a loveliness to all this ... and in the crassness of our time it is certainly appealing, just as long as we realize that when we enter stories like this, we enter a world essentially of "Platonic Forms" about as real as that of <a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-hobbit-unexpected-journey-2012.html" target="_blank">Middle Earth / The Hobbit</a>. That said, we all need stories that give us comfort and peace. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>< </b>NOTE - Do you like what you've been reading here? If you do then consider giving a small donation to this Blog (sugg. $6 _non-recurring_) _every so often_ to continue/further its operation. To donate just <a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>. Thank you! :-) >>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2643714587047748844.post-32534078222877095442019-10-05T10:54:00.000-07:002019-10-05T10:54:06.268-07:00Judy [2019]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNbBWjeZyP8c1bz_3BQRLXPr8XzQqFOmrWpmRGQOkmlzXC9iGKzWJDguDhHmbdlOCMX35azvKHhvrBGfoLEJwYenehC0rvaNhlE53r4GZNqL1iTIGeP5FDo0q7_a9CVRKFvquIvtDhg/s1600/judy-2019-movie-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="259" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNbBWjeZyP8c1bz_3BQRLXPr8XzQqFOmrWpmRGQOkmlzXC9iGKzWJDguDhHmbdlOCMX35azvKHhvrBGfoLEJwYenehC0rvaNhlE53r4GZNqL1iTIGeP5FDo0q7_a9CVRKFvquIvtDhg/s320/judy-2019-movie-poster.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
MPAA (PG-13) CNS/USCCB () RogerEbert.com (2 Stars) AVClub (B-) Fr. Dennis (3 Stars)<br />
<br />
IMDb <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7549996/" target="_blank">listing</a><br />
CNS/USCCB () review<br />
Los Angeles Times (K, Turan) <a href="https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2019-09-26/judy-review-renee-zellweger" target="_blank">review</a><br />
RogerEbert.com (M. Castillo) <a href="https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/judy-movie-review-2019" target="_blank">review</a><br />
AVClub (C. Siede) <a href="https://film.avclub.com/renee-zellweger-zings-in-a-judy-garland-biopic-that-cla-1837970334" target="_blank">review</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7549996/" target="_blank">Judy [2019]</a> (directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3734458" target="_blank">Rupert Goold</a>, screenplay by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3976567/" target="_blank">Tom Edge</a> based on the stageplay "The End of the Raindbow" by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1502455/" target="_blank">Peter Quilter</a>) tells the story of the last year of Hollywood legend <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judy_Garland" target="_blank">Judy Garland's [wikip]</a> <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000023/" target="_blank">[IMDb]</a> life as a troubled but still top-billed night-club singer in ... London. She died there, of an ... accidental barbiturate overdose at 47 in 1969. What happened to the teenage Dorothy of <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0032138/" target="_blank">Wizard of Oz [1939]</a> fame? Well, life ...<br />
<br />
And it was not a particularly good one. We do get to see the costs of fame in Mid-20th Century Hollywood (1930s-1960s). To a large extent therefore, the film follows a well beaten path. One needs only to think of <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0043014/" target="_blank">Sunset Blvd [1950]</a>.<br />
<br />
Still, just because "we've heard the story before," doesn't make it untrue. And it honestly MAY BE USEFUL for people be reminded from time to time what "costs of fame" are.<br />
<br />
Here we see the effects of thirty years of "studio management" on the life of one of its biggest stars, Judy Garland (played as a teenager by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9763285/" target="_blank">Darci Shaw</a> and later as an adult by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000250/" target="_blank">Renee Zellwiger</a>) who "captured America's hearts" as the wide-eyed innocent / naive Alice in Wonderland like teenager Dorothy in the <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0032138/" target="_blank">Wizard of Oz [1939]</a> and yet was even then mercilessly reminded that she could be replaced AT ANY TIME by any number of OTHER wide-eyed, innocent / naive "girl next door" types even arguably more attractive than she was, "So SHUT UP, take the 1930s-era diet and sleeping pills that we're giving you, and just DO WHAT WE SAY..."<br />
<br />
We thankfully live now in the #MeToo era, where the worst of this abuse is being progressively exposed. Yet while there was no indication in the film that Garland was sexually abused by her studio bosses / handlers, the film story makes clear that the Studios and their managers basically _owned_ their "stars" in any case, especially their younger ones, and almost inevitably turned them into the basket cases that we come to read about in the tabloids in their later years. <br />
<br />
Is it worth it? Do these poor people even know what they're getting into? <br />
<br />
Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, here Judy Garland ... Pray for us.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>< </b>NOTE - Do you like what you've been reading here? If you do then consider giving a small donation to this Blog (sugg. $6 _non-recurring_) _every so often_ to continue/further its operation. To donate just <a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>. Thank you! :-) >><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2643714587047748844.post-39579675245246293282019-10-04T14:25:00.001-07:002019-10-04T14:25:38.406-07:00Joker [2019]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE5JYQwA-UvJjuK3xV0uRU8swMtFbBc96Hnwm75s9ngHgv5mG6fKFsBPM6j1S_sLmFKcNW4MJF037IUOeHH5RE53XWsAn679oDTHC4-5KU9OS_PflKRQp9r7_-aouuRI_H_sMKKNFIow/s1600/Joker-2019-movie-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="266" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE5JYQwA-UvJjuK3xV0uRU8swMtFbBc96Hnwm75s9ngHgv5mG6fKFsBPM6j1S_sLmFKcNW4MJF037IUOeHH5RE53XWsAn679oDTHC4-5KU9OS_PflKRQp9r7_-aouuRI_H_sMKKNFIow/s320/Joker-2019-movie-poster.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
MPAA (R) CNS/USCCB (L) RogerEbert.com (2 Stars) AVClub (B-) Fr. Dennis (3 1/2 Stars)<br />
<br />
IMDb <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7286456/" target="_blank">listing</a><br />
CNS/USCCB (K. Jensen) <a href="https://www.catholicnews.com/services/englishnews/2019/joker.cfm" target="_blank">review</a><br />
Los Angeles Times (J. Chang) <a href="https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2019-10-01/joker-review-joaquin-phoenix" target="_blank">review</a><br />
RogerEbert.com (G. Kenny) <a href="https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/joker-movie-review-2019" target="_blank">review</a><br />
AVClub (A.A. Dowd) <a href="https://film.avclub.com/jokers-throwback-vision-is-derivative-but-at-least-it-1838023229" target="_blank">review </a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7286456/" target="_blank">Joker [2019]</a> (directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0680846/" target="_blank">Todd Phillips</a>, screenplay by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0680846/" target="_blank">Todd Phillips</a> and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0798788/" target="_blank">Scott Silver</a>) offers an appropriately dark (and rather credible) origin story for <a href="https://batman.fandom.com/wiki/The_Joker" target="_blank">The Joker [DCC]</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joker_(character)" target="_blank">[Wikip]</a> <a href="https://www.imdb.com/search/keyword/?keywords=joker" target="_blank">[IMDb]</a> (played in this film by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001618/" target="_blank">Joaquin Phoenix</a>) among most unforgettable American comic book super-villains of all time.<br />
<br />
Troubled little man, Arthur Fleck (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001618/" target="_blank">Joaquin Phoenix</a>) -- "fleck" literally means "spot" or "stain" in many central European languages, including German -- tries to make the best of his hard, little life in the troubled, timeless, fallen New York City-inspired Gotham (the people of Gotham drive 1960s-70s era cars, use smart phones, 1970-80s era answering machines and watch 1930s era Charlie Chaplin movies...). <br />
<br />
Brought-up by his similarly beaten-down by life, cheated-upon, abused, single mom (not by choice), "worth no more than change," Penny (played by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0175814/" target="_blank">Frances Conroy</a>) for whom Arthur had been the one source of at least some joy in her life ("he was always such a happy boy...") and then told by said mom to "keep putting on a happy face," Arthur ekes out a living as a "clown for hire" ... and suffers ALL the indignities of being dressed as a clown in a hard / cynical town that is NOT laughing (except at someone's expense) ... and he becomes ... well what can anybody expect?<br />
<br />
The film makes for an inspired, if yes, dark, character study exposing the cruelty of a society that, well, doesn't give a damn. Indeed, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000134/" target="_blank">Robert De Niro</a>, whose breakthrough portrayal of a similarly invisible, troubled titular <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/" target="_blank">Taxi Driver [1976]</a> put him, forever, among Hollywood's greats, plays a significant role in the current story, though NOT as another anonymous loser but rather as a Johnny Carson-like "star", whose career actually feeds on the little losers like poor Arthur and Penny Fleck, who religiously stay-up to watch his show even as he largely makes fun of their difficult lives.<br />
<br />
Brilliant, if scathing and sad. Definitely NOT for pre-teens nor for the weak of heart. But can help us understand some of the madness of our times.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>< </b>NOTE - Do you like what you've been reading here? If you do then consider giving a small donation to this Blog (sugg. $6 _non-recurring_) _every so often_ to continue/further its operation. To donate just <a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>. Thank you! :-) >><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2643714587047748844.post-61138395880348625602019-08-24T10:39:00.001-07:002019-10-04T14:22:56.337-07:00Dora and the Lost City of Gold [2019]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUsTUPYRpkHzNNY_5IWU8TYdwWw_-_EXkDXHktDdodcLG-8xEVFXxJuyO4BmO8jCRbDCmg3vSSnN_zxPeVyCQ9Qj0ah6pscnIVZMclmuh4xtpwIcHl0el1tLvfbmBYWO9dIrWQgy5m8Q/s1600/Dora-and-the-lost-city-of-gold-2019-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="256" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUsTUPYRpkHzNNY_5IWU8TYdwWw_-_EXkDXHktDdodcLG-8xEVFXxJuyO4BmO8jCRbDCmg3vSSnN_zxPeVyCQ9Qj0ah6pscnIVZMclmuh4xtpwIcHl0el1tLvfbmBYWO9dIrWQgy5m8Q/s320/Dora-and-the-lost-city-of-gold-2019-poster.jpg" width="204" /></a></div>
MPAA (PG) CNS/USCCB (A-II) RogerEbert.com (3 Stars) AVClub (B-) Fr. Dennis (3 1/2 Stars)<br />
<br />
IMDb <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7547410/" target="_blank">listing</a><br />
CNS/USCCB (J. McAleer) <a href="https://www.catholicnews.com/services/englishnews/2019/dora-and-the-lost-city-of-gold.cfm" target="_blank">review</a><br />
Los Angeles Times (K. Walsh) <a href="https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2019-08-08/dora-and-the-lost-city-of-gold-review-isabela-moner" target="_blank">review</a><br />
RogerEbert.com (C. Lemire) <a href="https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/dora-and-the-lost-city-of-gold-movie-review-2019" target="_blank">review</a><br />
AVClub (J. Hassenger) <a href="https://film.avclub.com/dora-the-explorer-grows-up-in-the-sort-of-weird-someti-1836952486" target="_blank">review</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7547410/" target="_blank">Dora and the Lost City of Gold [2019]</a> (directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0090386" target="_blank">James Bobin</a>, story by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1117226/" target="_blank">Tom Wheeler</a>, screenplay by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2816668/" target="_blank">Matthew Robinson</a> and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0831557/" target="_blank">Nicholas Stoller</a> based on the series <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dora_the_Explorer" target="_blank">Dora the Explorer [2000-] [wikip]</a> <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0235917/" target="_blank">[IMDb]</a> created by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0317513/" target="_blank">Chris Gifford</a>, V<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0909904/" target="_blank">alerie Walsh</a> and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1332821/" target="_blank">Eric Weiner</a>) is a fun family friendly movie that takes the fun / inquisitive Dora to both high school and the big screen.<br />
<br />
In the film, Dora (played first, briefly, as a precocious 6 year old by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8071629/" target="_blank">Madalyn Miranda</a>, and then ten years later as a teenager by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5097044/" target="_blank">Isabel Moner</a>), is sent by her "Indiana Jones"-like / clearly "field-work" enjoying university professor / explorer parents (played by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0671567/" target="_blank">Michael Peña</a> and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0519456/" target="_blank">Eva Longoria</a>) from the Andean jungles of Peru, where she had grown-up, to her "tios" in Los Angeles, so that she could experience, well, "the indigenous peoples of ... high school" ;-).<br />
<br />
A little disappointed that her parents wanted to send her away just as they seem to have made a breakthrough in their search of a lost Inca city, she nevertheless takes on the challenge of learning "a whole new culture" with the enthusiasm that one would expect of Dora from the TV series (and the daughter of ethnographers). The problem of course is that, at least initially, "the natives" of random Southern California high school are not exactly open to being understood by / much less being friends with someone who seems to have come from another world.<br />
<br />
A plot twist sends both her and a number of her classmates to back to the jungles of Peru where of course ... much ensues ;-), and the classmates get to experience something outside of their day-to-day experience and ... come to appreciate what Dora has to offer.<br />
<br />
Like the TV series that it is based on, the film's got an unabasshedly positive message, reminding us that we all have something to offer, and generally speaking, if at first we don't get along with each other, it's because we still don't really understand them.<br />
<br />
Hispanic families will certainly appreciate the care taken to present the role of the extended family -- the tios (uncles/aunts), primos (cousins) and the wise/respected/saintly/kind abuela (grandma) -- in Hispanic (and actually in most non-North American) cultures.<br />
<br />
Overall therefore a quite excellent family film!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>< </b>NOTE - Do you like what you've been reading here? If you do then consider giving a small donation to this Blog (sugg. $6 _non-recurring_) _every so often_ to continue/further its operation. To donate just <a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>. Thank you! :-) >><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2643714587047748844.post-72820843786972471722019-08-21T22:29:00.004-07:002019-08-21T22:29:52.028-07:00Where'd You Go, Bernadette [2019]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBueCADwp2Ly_n2aDn5Jl_XFHnHMZtjIEBo9wZH7FSv38waG2-OMpVc8Cc7HXd7tHUt2N397n8x0rxYjp97ce9iYvysun0K-8ahDsb5O2TzXh5zVGmAddYXhyHuHZVYOzkFP4ofJFATQ/s1600/where-d-you-go-bernadette-2019-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="270" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBueCADwp2Ly_n2aDn5Jl_XFHnHMZtjIEBo9wZH7FSv38waG2-OMpVc8Cc7HXd7tHUt2N397n8x0rxYjp97ce9iYvysun0K-8ahDsb5O2TzXh5zVGmAddYXhyHuHZVYOzkFP4ofJFATQ/s320/where-d-you-go-bernadette-2019-poster.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
MPAA (PG-13) CNS/USCCB (A-III) RogerEbert.com (1 1/2 Stars) AVClub (C) Fr. Dennis (2 1/2 Stars)<br />
<br />
IMDb <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2365580/" target="_blank">listing</a><br />
CNS/USCCB (H. Rupprecht) <a href="https://www.catholicnews.com/services/englishnews/2019/whered-you-go-bernadette.cfm" target="_blank">review</a><br />
Los Angeles Times (K. Turan) <a href="https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2019-08-14/whered-you-go-bernadette-cate-blanchett-richard-linklater" target="_blank">review</a><br />
RogerEbert.com (M. Castillo) <a href="https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/whered-you-go-bernadette-2019" target="_blank">review</a><br />
AVClub (J. Hessenger) <a href="https://film.avclub.com/in-a-rare-misstep-richard-linklater-botches-his-take-o-1837169377" target="_blank">review</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2365580/" target="_blank">Where'd You Go, Bernadette [2019]</a> (directed and screenplay cowritten by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000500/" target="_blank">Richard Linklater</a> along with <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0313012/" target="_blank">Holly Gent</a> and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0658628/" target="_blank">Vince Palmo</a>, based on the <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13526165-where-d-you-go-bernadette" target="_blank">novel [GR]</a> by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_Semple" target="_blank">Maria Semple [wikip]</a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1588088.Maria_Semple" target="_blank">[GR]</a> <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0783926/" target="_blank">[IMDb]</a>), though marketed as a Comedy is NOT REALLY that. It's a Dramedy, I suppose, but it's serious enough to not really be funny at all.<br />
<br />
The film is about Bernadette Fox (played quite thoughtfully by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000949/" target="_blank">Kate Blanchett</a>) a 40 something once promising young architect (in "sunny Southern California") who for reasons that become increasingly clear, left that world to marry a random if quite successful "development engineer" ("heading his own team...") working for Microsoft named Elgie (played by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001082/" target="_blank">Billy Crudup</a>). So together they live in a rainy but wealthy enclave of Seattle among other highly educated 30 and 40 somethings and the two have a lively and almost necessarily naive teenage daughter named Bee (played by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8625874/" target="_blank">Emma Nelson</a>). <br />
<br />
It's a wet golden cage.<br />
<br />
And after the drip, drip, drip of the torment of clearly somehow previously frustrated dreams, Bernadette is ready to ... well, you get the picture.<br />
<br />
Everything is still presented in a remarkably _gentle_ way (mediated by large amounts of money that most of the film's Viewers will not have), but ... a comedy? No, there are some real issues being lifted up here.<br />
<br />
Further, PG-13 rating notwithstanding, it's not really a film for kids or teenagers either. It's for the Parents and deals with the central challenge articulated by Freud a century ago: balancing the fulfillment of obligation and desire.<br />
<br />
What can religion (not present in the film at all) to the mix? That (1) God does want us to be happy and (2) God doesn't care if we come to be "important" because God does love us all. Finally, (3) as St. John Paul II already noted in his second encyclical <a href="http://w2.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_14091981_laborem-exercens.html" target="_blank">Laborem Exercens (On the Dignity of Work)</a> we were created by God to create. It simply isn't good for us to "do nothing" no matter how rich or poor we are. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>< </b>NOTE - Do you like what you've been reading here? If you do then consider giving a small donation to this Blog (sugg. $6 _non-recurring_) _every so often_ to continue/further its operation. To donate just <a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>. Thank you! :-) >><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2643714587047748844.post-46176795937204494022019-08-21T16:20:00.004-07:002019-08-21T22:30:07.850-07:00Once Upon a Time in ... Hollywood [2019]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1otmFPONS1Zr5xFKPmHQyzzOBxaL3jz5oxJlW6JhFit3NLAwJAAiOqK1STMaglCssQA9r8uXveWc99tXZax6NseAkv5Z3czmfTyZNk7RDVJc8pihJJUZ9uzO2zbdke3xD2E8bfdWJw/s1600/Once-upon-a-Time-in-Hollywood-2019-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="269" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1otmFPONS1Zr5xFKPmHQyzzOBxaL3jz5oxJlW6JhFit3NLAwJAAiOqK1STMaglCssQA9r8uXveWc99tXZax6NseAkv5Z3czmfTyZNk7RDVJc8pihJJUZ9uzO2zbdke3xD2E8bfdWJw/s320/Once-upon-a-Time-in-Hollywood-2019-poster.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
MPAA (R) CNS/USCCB (O) RogerEbert.com (4 Stars) AVClub (B+) Fr. Dennis (4 Stars)<br />
<br />
<br />
IMDb <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7131622/" target="_blank">listing</a><br />
CNS/USCCB (J. Mulderig) <a href="https://www.catholicnews.com/services/englishnews/2019/once-upon-a-time-in-hollywood.cfm" target="_blank">review</a><br />
Los Angeles Times (K. Turan) <a href="https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2019-07-24/once-upon-a-time-in-hollywood-quentin-tarantino-leonardo-dicaprio-brad-pitt-margot-robbie" target="_blank">review</a><br />
RogerEbert.com (B. Tollerico) <a href="https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/once-upon-a-time-in--hollywood-2019" target="_blank">review</a><br />
AVClub (K. Rife) <a href="https://film.avclub.com/once-upon-a-time-in-hollywood-is-quentin-tarantino-s-1836636382" target="_blank">review</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7131622/" target="_blank">Once Upon a Time in ... Hollywood [2019]</a> (written and directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000233/" target="_blank">Quentin Tarantino</a>) is IMHO a well-crafted affair, taking full advantage of writer/director's strengths -- creating and more-to-the-point _extending_ suspense (here through the _entire length_ of the 2 hour and 40 minute movie) even as one _knows_ what is coming, and then his capacity to creatively and IMHO utterly satisfactorily "re-imagine" endings to otherwise well known stories -- and actually / thankfully quite "light" on the most problematic aspect of his films -- violence.<br />
<br />
Indeed, I've mentioned to a number of friends that someone must have sat down with Tarantino and told him:<br />
<br />
"Look the best part of your movies _isn't_ the over-the-top violence. NO, BY FAR THE BEST PART of your films has been _your ability_ to "stretch out the coming of the inevitable" -- One thinks of the ridiculously long but _fascinating_ "bar scene" or even the earlier "cafe' scene" in <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0361748/" target="_blank">Inglorious Basterds [2009]</a> or really the entire film, <a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2016/01/the-hateful-eight-2015.html" target="_blank">The Hateful Eight [2015]</a>, the latter set largely in a random 19th century mountain lodge somewhere "near the Donner Pass in the High Sierras" during a seemingly unending blizzard, when _every time_ the conversation between the bored, but colorful and ever creatively lowlife characters reaches an some critical juncture, and _everyone_ reaches to their sides for their pistols, ... some _new_ interesting but creatively lowlife character comes barreling through the door from the blizzard outside, and ... everyone lets their pistols slide back into their holsters and ... the conversation/story starts anew ;-). SO ... no need to 'push' much less _extend_ the violence. By far the _best part_ of your story-telling is 'getting there.'" <br />
<br />
The current film is _exactly this_. EVERYONE who knows ANYTHING about what this story is about (hint: it's about the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tate_murders" target="_blank">Manson Murders [wikip]</a>), KNOWS ... "what is coming" BUT .... WHEN??? ... AND ... well, "it's a Tarantino film" SO ... ;-)<br />
<br />
To say _anything more_ about the film would do it a great deal of damage, except that all three of the main actors in this film -- <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000138/" target="_blank">Leonardo DiCaprio</a>, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000093/" target="_blank">Brad Pitt</a> and even <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3053338" target="_blank">Margo Richie</a> as <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sharon_Tate" target="_blank">Sharon Tate [wikip]</a> -- are brilliant in their roles. They "earned their pay" and probably had a lot of fun doing it, yes, had fun starring in a film about the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tate_murders" target="_blank">Manson Murders</a>. How?? Well, go see the film ;-).<br />
<br />
And yes, Parents please be sensible. It's a film about the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tate_murders" target="_blank">Manson Murders</a> (!), so do respect the "R" rating. It's deserved. But understanding that, a brilliant film.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>< </b>NOTE - Do you like what you've been reading here? If you do then consider giving a small donation to this Blog (sugg. $6 _non-recurring_) _every so often_ to continue/further its operation. To donate just <a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>. Thank you! :-) >><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2643714587047748844.post-30857494018241473392019-07-16T12:31:00.001-07:002019-07-17T00:16:39.108-07:00Yesterday [2019]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijlD1OiRl2MCa6QAG8kRSQ7JkewALFmUvoPK7IXedbB0qT7Sxzj71kxygNxWbcmB0bAQ7F_ovx9LIQXDugVPric-W4V3Jz1AjBpiQNcNucOzNCJJ3mBt2aJrQEXBhCy_QdV3xQdy96lA/s1600/yesterday-2019-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="252" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijlD1OiRl2MCa6QAG8kRSQ7JkewALFmUvoPK7IXedbB0qT7Sxzj71kxygNxWbcmB0bAQ7F_ovx9LIQXDugVPric-W4V3Jz1AjBpiQNcNucOzNCJJ3mBt2aJrQEXBhCy_QdV3xQdy96lA/s320/yesterday-2019-poster.jpg" width="201" /></a></div>
MPAA (PG-13) CNS/USCCB (A-III) RogerEbert.com (2 1/2 Stars) AVClub (C-) Fr. Dennis (3 1/2 Stars)<br />
<br />
<br />
IMDb <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8079248/">listing</a><br />
CNS/USCCB (J. Mulderig) <a href="https://www.catholicnews.com/services/englishnews/2019/yesterday.cfm">review</a><br />
Los Angeles Times (J. Chang) <a href="https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-yesterday-review-beatles-danny-boyle-20190626-story.html">review</a><br />
RogerEbert.com (S. O'Malley) <a href="https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/yesterday-2019">review</a><br />
AVClub (J. Hassenger) <a href="https://film.avclub.com/danny-boyle-stops-short-of-making-a-musical-out-of-the-1835787178">review</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8079248/">Yesterday [2019]</a> (directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000965/">Danny Boyle</a> story by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0058539/">Jack Barth</a> and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0193485/">Richard Curtis</a> screenplay by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0193485/">Richard Curtis</a>) is a small-ish, independent-ish film about random British born, Indian descended Jack Malik (played <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2797744/">Himesh Patel</a>) a B-or-C-talented, struggling musician who had grown up in "Sussex England," (yes, perhaps "a beach town" but "in the middle of nowhere...") who had exactly one fan, Ellie Appleton (played wonderfully by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4141252/">Lily James</a>) okay maybe he had two fans, there's also "Rocky" (played by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2181128/">Joel Fry</a>). Ellie's loved Jack since the 5th or 6th grade, Rocky's just sort of a bouncer/roadie who's had even less prospects than Jack and thus really, really NEEDED someone, something to "cling onto" to give his life at least some meaning (and in one of the more poignant and utterly natural scenes in the film, he literally says as much... and it makes you want to cry).<br />
<br />
So this is the setup of the film. Jack is a random, perhaps decent enough dude, with nice, random Indian descended parents (played wonderfully by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0080276/">Sanjeev Bakhsar</a> and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0842934/">Meera Syal</a>, that Jack's mom gets kinda funny -- "likes to sing" perhaps that's where Jack's gotten his "talent" ;-) -- after she's had a few glasses of wine is just priceless ;-), with exactly one person who's both his biggest fan and who absolutely loves him (and of course, he's utterly oblivious to the second part...) and ... if not for ... an utterly random event ... he would have lived and eventually died in utter anonymity. Yet ...<br />
<br />
... just as the entire world, utterly randomly went into a single 5-10 second power outage, Jack hits his head (his bicycle is actually hit by a bus) and when he wakes up ... and feeling sorry for himself, he strums the Beatles song "Yesterday." To his astonishment he finds that NO ONE remembered that song. EVERYONE including his biggest fan / "I'll love you till the day I die" Ellie thought he made it up on his own. Nor did ANYONE know who The Beatles were.<br />
<br />
Since he still remembers a number of the other Beatles Songs, conflicted (but honestly NO ONE knows, and EVERYONE EVEN GETS ANGRY AT HIM over his "false modesty" when he tries to tell others that the songs he was playing weren't his own), he eventually records them _as his own_ and ... rest of the story follows ;-).<br />
<br />
It's a fun story about both anonymity and fame. And certainly part of the film's message is that all these "<a href="https://youtu.be/8scSwaKbE64" target="_blank">Nowhere men/women/people</a>" of Jack's "before he hit his head" life were ... arguably MORE INTERESTING than those he started to meet as he became "more and more famous." ;-)<br />
<br />
Yes, the other reviews (above) were not spectacular, but if you like these "small-ish, independent-ish" films and actually enjoy the many, many colorful people in your lives, then you could love this film ;-).<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>< </b>NOTE - Do you like what you've been reading here? If you do then consider giving a small donation to this Blog (sugg. $6 _non-recurring_) _every so often_ to continue/further its operation. To donate just <a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>. Thank you! :-) >><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2643714587047748844.post-65456611925089645032019-07-16T11:04:00.002-07:002019-07-16T12:31:47.990-07:00Spider Man: Far From Home [2019]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPseEaSEp1c1T1GsekFZKqh3sWx9AwdI1p1s4yyOFFnmMDQEzUgkbyVKDE_j8PgzJF3UERQ02HVxdS43A1XBcBZPZkKhsJEMHT2edyHZbGDtL0LErJGxwJbZN-1g2ufLPFHBZMOZGIxQ/s1600/spiderman-far-from-home-2019-movie-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="269" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPseEaSEp1c1T1GsekFZKqh3sWx9AwdI1p1s4yyOFFnmMDQEzUgkbyVKDE_j8PgzJF3UERQ02HVxdS43A1XBcBZPZkKhsJEMHT2edyHZbGDtL0LErJGxwJbZN-1g2ufLPFHBZMOZGIxQ/s320/spiderman-far-from-home-2019-movie-poster.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
MPAA (PG-13) CNS/USCCB (A-III) RogerEbert.com (2 1/2 Stars) AVClub () Fr. Dennis (2 1/2 Stars)<br />
<br />
IMDb <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6320628/">listing</a><br />
CNS/USCCB (J. Mulderig) <a href="https://www.catholicnews.com/services/englishnews/2019/spider-man-far-from-home.cfm">review</a><br />
Los Angeles Times (J. Chang) <a href="https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-spider-man-far-from-home-review-marvel-cinematic-universe-20190624-story.html">review</a><br />
RogerEbert.com (C. Lemire) <a href="https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/spider-man-far-from-home-2019">review</a><br />
AVClub (J. Hassenger) <a href="https://film.avclub.com/spider-man-explores-an-overpopulated-post-endgame-world-1835886707">review</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6320628/">Spider Man: Far From Home [2019]</a> (directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1218281">Jon Watts</a>, written by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0571344/">Chris McKenna</a>, screenplay by Erik Sommers based on the comic book by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10303.Stan_Lee">Stan Lee [GR]</a> <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0498278/">[IMdb]</a> and <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10298.Steve_Ditko">Steve Ditko [GR]</a> <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0228492/">[IMDb]</a>) continues the current incarnation of <a href="https://www.marvel.com/comics/discover/1127/marvels-spider-man">Spider Man [MC]</a> <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6320628/characters/nm4043618">[IMDb]</a> (played by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4043618/">Tom Holland</a>) which remains in-sync with the larger Avengers story, notably that which played out in the last two of its installments <a href="https://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2018/04/avengers-infinity-war-2018.html">Infinity Wars [2018]</a> and <a href="https://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2019/04/avengers-endgame-2019.html">Endgame [2019]</a>. In those two installments, first 1/2 of all sentient life in the Universe was "disappeared" and then 5 years later, thanks to the efforts of the remaining Avengers, "returned." Part of "the joy" of watching this Spider Man installment was the way two strange events were understood by the largely teenage characters of the story -- they called the disappearance / return of their friends and loved ones "The Blip" ;-).<br />
<br />
Returning also are some of the other characters of the current, more teenage oriented incarnation of Spider Man, including <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000673/">Marisa Tomei</a> as Peter Parker's / Spider Man's very, very cool <a href="https://www.marvel.com/search?limit=20&query=aunt%20may">Aunt May [MC]</a> <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6320628/characters/nm0000673">[IMDb]</a>. Then both Peter Parker's love interest MJ (played by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6320628/characters/nm0000673">Zendaya</a>) and BFF Ned Leeds (played by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8188622/">Jacob Batalon</a>) as in <a href="https://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2017/07/spider-man-homecoming-2017.html">previous episodes</a> of this incarnation of Spider Man are "of color" which both makes the story much more inclusive for movie going children and teenagers of color and is reflective of American demographics today.<br />
<br />
Indeed, I only wish that a similar sensitivity had been extended to the people portrayed at the locations in which this film took place -- the story plays out on a High School trip to Europe. For instance, the people portrayed in a bar in Prague looked like "extras/peasants" plucked out of a 19th century rendition of a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anton_Chekhov">Chekhovian</a> play rather than from one of the more fashionable centers of contemporary Europe (I'm of Czech descent, I'm "kinda sensitive" to this sort of thing...). Then if I thought the good people of Prague were being protrayed as being stuck in the time of <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086879/">Amadeus</a> or the Husars from Tolstoy's <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_and_Peace">War and Peace</a>, the portrayal of the Dutch (did they even traditionally wear "lederhosen"?) seemed even more amusing... Next time, honestly ask <a href="https://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2018/08/the-spy-who-dumped-me-2018.html">Mila Kunis</a> or <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117060/">Tom Cruise</a> for some help ;-).<br />
<br />
That said, what's the story about? Well, happily surprised / coming to terms with the repercussions of "all these people coming back" five years after "The Blip" ("Hey even though we disappeared 3 months into the school year 5 years ago, our School Administrators are forcing us to retake THE WHOLE YEAR, what's with that?" ;-), with life returning, sort-of, to normal ... Peter Parker's school is taking a week long trip to Europe. And Peter Parker's hoping to "take a vacation" from being Spider Man as well, but ... <a href="https://www.marvel.com/search?limit=20&query=nick%20fury">Nick Fury [MC]</a> <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6320628/characters/nm0000168">[IMDb]</a> (played AWESOMELY as always by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000168/">Samuel L. Jackson</a>) has other plans for him. Much ensues ... ;-)<br />
<br />
All in all it's not a bad Spider Man / Marvel Comics movie. Certainly the film is focused on bringing back Spider Man back to being "an awkward teenager" (as, for instance, the Ant Man comics are focused on the little kid characters ...). Still, there have been better MC movies than this one.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>< </b>NOTE - Do you like what you've been reading here? If you do then consider giving a small donation to this Blog (sugg. $6 _non-recurring_) _every so often_ to continue/further its operation. To donate just <a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>. Thank you! :-) >><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2643714587047748844.post-953545994198679442019-05-09T11:50:00.002-07:002019-05-09T11:50:26.505-07:00Tolkien [2019]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zoOPWaKBajkGza2Hju1b_YK7Un9OKctnNhHpU7JVeDDMke0bj3wtebVm-6rP7M-L_OkmTiuVG6TVSyZVmcRx2BYMhQ4Fz7LAZCdQjOAiOMvnWXFoOOEVlRPhNOyC9Dk1V3lnNODaPw/s1600/Tolkien-2019-movie-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="262" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zoOPWaKBajkGza2Hju1b_YK7Un9OKctnNhHpU7JVeDDMke0bj3wtebVm-6rP7M-L_OkmTiuVG6TVSyZVmcRx2BYMhQ4Fz7LAZCdQjOAiOMvnWXFoOOEVlRPhNOyC9Dk1V3lnNODaPw/s320/Tolkien-2019-movie-poster.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
MPAA (PG-13) CNS/USCCB (A-II) RogerEbert.com () AVClub (C+) Fr. Dennis (4+ Stars)<br />
<br />
IMDb <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3361792/" target="_blank">listing</a><br />
CNS/USCCB (J. Mulderig) <a href="https://www.catholicnews.com/services/englishnews/2019/tolkien.cfm" target="_blank">review</a><br />
Los Angeles Times (J. Chang) <a href="https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-tolkien-review-lord-of-the-rings-20190506-story.html" target="_blank">review</a><br />
RogerEbert.com () review<br />
AVClub (J. Hassenger) <a href="https://film.avclub.com/tolkien-gives-the-hobbit-author-his-own-shakespeare-in-1834537974" target="_blank">review</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3361792/" target="_blank">Tolkien [2019]</a> (directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3361792/" target="_blank">Dome Karukoski</a>, written by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1216554/" target="_blank">David Gleeson</a> and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0073571/" target="_blank">Stephen Beresford</a>) is a LOVELY, superbly crafted -- the writing (surprise? ;-), direction, cinematography, and acting are all honestly of the highest quality -- YOUTH ORIENTED film about the formative years of famed mid-20th century medieval fantasy (The Hobbit, LOTR) writer <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._R._R._Tolkien" target="_blank">J.R.R. Tolkien [wikip]</a> (played by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7861765/" target="_blank">Harry Gilby</a> as a 12-15 year old, and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0396558/" target="_blank">Nicholas Hoult</a> as an older teen / 20+ year-old young adult), his friends, with whom, yes, he forms "a fellowship" ;-), and his love-interest, fellow _orphan_ and later life-long wife Edith Bratt (played by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2934314/" target="_blank">Lily Collins</a>). Indeed, the story runs like an early 20th century set <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_Poets_Society" target="_blank">Dead Poets' Society [1989] [wikip]</a> <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097165/" target="_blank">[IMDb]</a>, a film about a group of young boys at a New England prep school in the mid-20th century, only in the case with Tolkien, IT WAS BASICALLY TRUE.<br />
<br />
I can not help but stress the beauty of the message of this film directed toward YOUNG PEOPLE. I say this because <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._R._R._Tolkien" target="_blank">Tolkien</a> was portrayed as someone, again, an orphan from the age of about twelve, who could have easily been bitter, complaining that life gave him "a bad hand," first through losing his family when he was young, then _losing most of his friends_ in World War I. <br />
<br />
Instead, both he and his wife used the gifts that he was given, first from his mother (played briefly but in a lovely fashion at the beginning of the film by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1967827/" target="_blank">Laura Donnelly</a>) an enduring love and talent for languages and , of course, storytelling, and then the gift of having had some _very good friends_ in his youth, whom AS THE SOLE SURVIVOR OF THEIR (sort of) "SECRET SOCIETY" the simultaneously quaint and (as an invention of young, teenage minds) appropriately pretentious <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._R._R._Tolkien#Youth">T.C.B.S.</a>, he spent the rest of his life redeeming. <br />
<br />
Midway through the story, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._R._R._Tolkien" target="_blank">Tolkien</a> comes across some old Gothic word for "Dying without Valor," and the four swear that they will never go down that way. Spending the rest of his life speaking and more to the point LIVING for friends who were ripped apart anonymously by German artillery and machine-gun fire in the senseless <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Somme">1916 Battle of the Somme</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._R._R._Tolkien" target="_blank">Tolkien</a> proved that even one man can lift an entire generation to glory when otherwise they would have been taken senselessly from this world in methodical, giant-like bursts of flaming, swirling, unspeakable and mechanical horror. <br />
<br />
As teens, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._R._R._Tolkien" target="_blank">Tolkien</a> and his friends had promised to change the world through their art / creation. Thanks to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._R._R._Tolkien" target="_blank">Tolkien</a>, they still did.<br />
<br />
Excellent story / film.<br />
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<b><< </b>NOTE - Do you like what you've been reading here? If you do then consider giving a small donation to this Blog (sugg. $6 _non-recurring_) _every so often_ to continue/further its operation. To donate just <a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>. Thank you! :-) >></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2643714587047748844.post-74417990012881302622019-04-26T22:52:00.004-07:002019-04-26T23:12:59.680-07:00Avengers: Endgame [2019]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8HPwZslcGRnZNSqRgE075XujZlt1RvZGBwne55JEv_DvYZon155TukcMj4AU7wjBXvNuDb4i5mUB7wh_RH7tJQQdZ-1UVICMS4ckShbGWkata_rVOUJQ67L2tUXukRvE5DW2viyjRg/s1600/Avengers-Endgame-Movie-Poster-2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="269" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8HPwZslcGRnZNSqRgE075XujZlt1RvZGBwne55JEv_DvYZon155TukcMj4AU7wjBXvNuDb4i5mUB7wh_RH7tJQQdZ-1UVICMS4ckShbGWkata_rVOUJQ67L2tUXukRvE5DW2viyjRg/s320/Avengers-Endgame-Movie-Poster-2019.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
MPAA (PG-13) CNS/USCCB (A-III) RogerEbert.com (3 Stars) AVClub (B-) Fr. Dennis (3 1/2 Stars)<br />
<br />
IMDb <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4154796/" target="_blank">listing</a><br />
CNS/USCCB (J. Mulderig) <a href="https://www.catholicnews.com/services/englishnews/2019/avengers-endgame.cfm" target="_blank">review</a><br />
Los Angeles Times () review<br />
RogerEbert.com (B. Tallerico) <a href="https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/avengers-endgame-2019" target="_blank">review</a><br />
AVClub (A.A. Dowd) <a href="https://film.avclub.com/marvels-grand-avengers-experiment-reaches-its-fun-unev-1834261462" target="_blank">review</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4154796/" target="_blank">Avengers: Endgame [2019]</a> (directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0751577/" target="_blank">Anthony Russo</a> and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0751648/" target="_blank">Joe Russo</a>, written by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1321655/" target="_blank">Christopher Markus</a> and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1321656/" target="_blank">Stephen McFeely</a> based on the Marvel comics by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stan_Lee" target="_blank">Stan Lee [wikip]</a> <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0498278/" target="_blank">[IMDb]</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Kirby" target="_blank">Jack Kirby [wikip]</a> <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0456158/" target="_blank">[IMDb]</a> and the comic book by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Starlin" target="_blank">Jim Starlin [wikip]</a> <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4160687/" target="_blank">[IMDb]</a>) brings to a safe and satisfying end this spectacularly successful incarnation of Marvel Comic's Avenger franchise. At twenty plus constituent movies, call this the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_and_Peace" target="_blank">War and Peace</a> of Blockbuster film series and in its own way it offers a similar level of emotional drama. Yes, there were more than a few times that tears welled-up in my eyes.<br />
<br />
Endgame begins where <a href="https://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2018/04/avengers-infinity-war-2018.html" target="_blank">Avengers: Infinity War [2018]</a> ended, with the Universe in tatters as a result of an extraterrestrial giant named Thanos (played by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000982/" target="_blank">Josh Brolin</a>) having collected all six of the Universe's "Infinity Stones" and then proceeded to use their power to ERASE (make disappear) half of all life in the Universe to "bring balance to it."<br />
<br />
Yes, this was an insanely arrogant "project" but there have been similarly insanely arrogant projects proposed by perhaps well-meaning but certainly utterly-convinced-of-their-righteousness fanatics during the century past (when Stan Lee / Jack Kirby were inventing their Marvel characters and writing their Avenger comic). One need only think of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khmer_Rouge" target="_blank">Khmer Rouge</a> who in the aftermath of the Vietnam/Indochina Wars of mid-1940s-mid-1970s set out to _kill_ every single one of their Cambodian countrymen who wore glasses (which indicated that they could read, hence had some knowledge of the past) so as to "begin the creation" of "a whole new society" from "tabula rasa" (from scratch / a clean slate). Any number of radical ideologies of the last century have sought to accomplish similar feats making use of similar horrors.<br />
<br />
So the near the beginning of the film, the surviving Avenger characters find the self-satisfied / "fulfilled" Thanos and yet ... even killing him did not seem to approach doing justice for his Crimes (against all Life across the Universe). What to do?<br />
<br />
Well it turns out that the stories surrounding "Ant-Man" (played in this incarnation of the Avenger franchise by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0748620/" target="_blank">Paul Rudd</a>) revolved around playing with "size" (shrinking a man to the size of an ant, or sometimes blowing him up to the size of a giant). Well, take this oscillation of size to a radical degree, one can enter into "the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_mechanics" target="_blank">quantum realm</a>" where the laws of physics become ... strange. And so while Scott Lang aka "Ant Man" himself is not capable of doing much with the possibilities offered here -- of, in the crudest, sense "going back into time" -- two other Avenger scientists Bruce Banner/the Hulk (played by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0749263/" target="_blank">Mark Ruffalo</a>) and Tony Stark/Iron Man (played by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000375/" target="_blank">Robert Downey Jr</a>) take up Scott Lang's/Ant Man's idea and figure out a way to ... fix all this. To be sure, they make a point of saying that it's NOT really "time travel" (events still happen sequentially, just that in the quantum realm, one could, conceivably "bounce back" to a different place in the time-space continuum, sort of "looping back" to "what once was"). And ... much then ensues.<br />
<br />
It's a fun and, as I've already mentioned above, at times a remarkably moving story, as the various characters are able to "be brave," "meet their destinies" and yes, at times, "fix loose ends."<br />
<br />
It's just extremely good popular story-telling that honestly will be around, certainly in the English speaking world, for generations to come. Great, great job!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><< </b>NOTE - Do you like what you've been reading here? If you do then consider giving a small donation to this Blog (sugg. $6 _non-recurring_) _every so often_ to continue/further its operation. To donate just <a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>. Thank you! :-) >><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2643714587047748844.post-89802490305792296452019-04-12T22:01:00.004-07:002019-04-12T22:01:43.412-07:00Mary Magdalene [2018]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1maR_-8Iz8nKo7Oi1zTnHyTG3wVcgIojSC8o0hdXinddXFz1AqMARjQYRSvgsvxP5igaqdB48u5X_F1i8T0cuvxL6I9mxq5eVIXqB7xDeI5xUrCMUHcssaq9vqx33vPnb9Ja9IaqxlA/s1600/Mary-Magdalene-2018-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="270" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1maR_-8Iz8nKo7Oi1zTnHyTG3wVcgIojSC8o0hdXinddXFz1AqMARjQYRSvgsvxP5igaqdB48u5X_F1i8T0cuvxL6I9mxq5eVIXqB7xDeI5xUrCMUHcssaq9vqx33vPnb9Ja9IaqxlA/s320/Mary-Magdalene-2018-poster.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
MPAA (R) CNS/USCCB () RogerEbert.com (4 Stars) AVClub (C) Fr. Dennis (4 Stars)<br />
<br />
IMDb <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5360996/" target="_blank">listing</a><br />
CNS/USCCB () review<br />
Los Angeles Times (J. Chang) <a href="https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-mary-magdalene-review-20190411-story.html" target="_blank">review</a><br />
RogerEbert.com (Nick Allen) <a href="https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/mary-magdalene-2019" target="_blank">review</a><br />
AVClub (M. D'Angelo) <a href="https://film.avclub.com/rooney-mara-is-mary-magdalene-and-joaquin-phoenix-is-ch-1833913901" target="_blank">review</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5360996/" target="_blank">Mary Magdalene [2018]</a> (directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0204628/" target="_blank">Garth Davis</a>, screenplay by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1779951/" target="_blank">Helen Edmundson</a> and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1514357/" target="_blank">Philippa Goslett</a>), following long standing tradition here in the United States, is coming out in limited release as Holy Week approaches. Last year, the film <a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2018/04/paul-apostle-of-christ-2018.html" target="_blank">Paul: Apostle for Christ [2018]</a> was released at approximately the same time as well. <br />
<br />
Like <a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2018/04/paul-apostle-of-christ-2018.html" target="_blank">Paul</a> of last year, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5360996/" target="_blank">Mary Magdalene</a> here is a high quality product that will relieve many Viewers who may reluctantly come (or even decline coming at all) to see a film such as this, fearing that that the film would somehow seek to be needlessly provocative in its presentation of this extremely important Gospel figure. <br />
<br />
Indeed, I wish to assure Readers here that Mary Magdalene (played in the film by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1913734/" target="_blank">Rooney Mara</a>) is portrayed in the film, not unlike the manner in which she is portrayed in the Roma Downey produced Christ centered film <a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2014/03/son-of-god-2014.html" target="_blank">Son of God [2014]</a>. That is, Mary Magdalene is portrayed as simply a good, competent, devoted disciple of Christ, JUST LIKE ANY NUMBER OF GOOD, COMPETENT, DEVOTED CHRISTIAN WOMEN IN ANY PARISH THAT I HAVE EVER SERVED.<br />
<br />
I find Roma Downey now Rooney Mara portrayals of Mary Magdalene a welcome step forward, as I do believe that past portrayals of her have tended to overly sexualize her as either "a former prostitute" or more recently as in the Da Vinci Code as "Jesus' wife." Did Mary Magdalene "have to be" Jesus' wife? Of course not. To say so would misunderstand countless women in parishes and churches across the world and across time, who like Mary Magdalene have been simply and above all faithful and thoroughly competent "Disciples of Christ."<br />
<br />
So honestly a great job and _thoroughly intelligent_ portrayal of this key Gospel figure.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>< </b>NOTE - Do you like what you've been reading here? If you do then consider giving a small donation to this Blog (sugg. $6 _non-recurring_) _every so often_ to continue/further its operation. To donate just <a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>. Thank you! :-) >><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2643714587047748844.post-29132374038625876692019-03-02T11:28:00.000-08:002019-03-02T11:38:29.034-08:00The 2019 Academy Awards - Review: The year of the "Hollywood Spring"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9WoxXBGyGcfeCN50ypN-gGAH_67r78FTn17xBzNRwVXygPAIDl5GqJWhLsslUfosdh9Nx8uli6zX0WZvKL-IMWKFcwrwlM-F203Vdgm33qKpew46YLGdzRqmEASJzjpSzh8WlH-DVA/s1600/AcademyAwards2019.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="324" data-original-width="576" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9WoxXBGyGcfeCN50ypN-gGAH_67r78FTn17xBzNRwVXygPAIDl5GqJWhLsslUfosdh9Nx8uli6zX0WZvKL-IMWKFcwrwlM-F203Vdgm33qKpew46YLGdzRqmEASJzjpSzh8WlH-DVA/s400/AcademyAwards2019.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Previous Years' <a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/p/awards.html" target="_blank">Reviews</a><br />
IMDb <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9168816" target="_blank">listing</a><br />
<br />
It would seem that The Revolution or at least "Spring" came early to Hollywood this year. After years of #OscarsSoWhite and #MeToo hashtags, and even an Oscar Host, Kevin Hart, thrown to the side (for anti-homosexual comments in his past) a new day, even for this particular year, arrived.<br />
<br />
And I do have to say that as an upper middle aged white guy it has been has not been without its mostly mild surprises / sadnesses.<br />
<br />
Like many have already commented, I too had expected the documentary <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7681902/" target="_blank">Won't You be My Neighbor? [2018]</a>, about the lovely PBS children's program hosted by mild-mannered Presbyterian minister <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_Rogers" target="_blank">Fred Rogers [wikip]</a> <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7681902/" target="_blank">[IMDb]</a> in the time of my youth, to be a shoe-in for a best Documentary Feature nomination and quite possibly / probably win. Instead, not only did it not get a nomination but the youth oriented, adrenaline pumping documentary <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7775622/" target="_blank">Free Solo [2018]</a>, about a young man, Alex Honnold, climbing without rope or gear Yosemite Nat'l Park's 3000 ft El Capitan rock face won. Yea! or "Yea!" But let's face it, had he fallen, it would have been a stupid / pointless way to die... (Folks, I am a Catholic priest after all, and we ought to value our lives more than to risk them in needlessly stupid ways). Of the nominees, I found <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7689964/" target="_blank">RBG [2018]</a> much more constructive ...<br />
<br />
Then I did find it somewhat disappointing (though here, sigh, in an "it's the end of an era" understandable) that Clint Eastwood's <a href="https://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2018/12/the-mule-2018.html" target="_blank">The Mule [2018]</a> about "an old man with family issues," didn't get nominated _for anything_ ;-).<br />
<br />
Finally, even Olivia Coleman, winner of the Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role (for her role in <a href="https://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-favourite-2018.html" target="_blank">The Favorite [2018]</a>), seemed apologetic for beating Glenn Close (nominated for her role in <a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2018/09/the-wife-2018.html" target="_blank">The Wife [2018]</a>). But alas, <a href="https://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-favourite-2018.html" target="_blank">The Fav</a> had a spicier story line than the "justice finally, at the end of a long, seemingly endless life / marriage" plot of <a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2018/09/the-wife-2018.html" target="_blank">The W</a>. <br />
<br />
But at least, in the absence of a host, the Academy didn't bring back a hologram of Bob Hope again ;-).<br />
<br />
And I am happy that Rami Malek, won the award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in <a href="https://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2018/12/bohemian-rhapsody-2018.html" target="_blank">Bohemian Rhapsody [2018]</a> for his portrayal of Farroch Bulsara who became Freddy Mercury, the lead singer of the rock group <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_(band)" target="_blank">Queen</a>. (The Oscars began this year with the surviving members of Queen singing the anthems <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tJYN-eG1zk" target="_blank">We Will Rock You / We Are the Champions</a>). I'm also happy that three African Americans won awards -- Regina King for Best Supporting Actress in <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7125860/" target="_blank">If Beale Street Could Talk [2018]</a>, Mahershala Ali for Best Supporting Actor in <a href="https://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2018/12/green-book-2018.html" target="_blank">The Green Book [2018]</a> and Spike Lee, et al Adapted Screenplay in <a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2018/08/blackkklansman-2018.html" target="_blank">BlacKKKlansman [2018]</a> -- as well as Mexican director Alfonso Cuarón won, count 'em, four Academy Awards (Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Cinematography and Best Foreign Language Film) for b&w cinema verité art piece <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6155172/" target="_blank">Roma [2018]</a>.<br />
<br />
A bone may have been thrown to the old by giving the Best Picture award to <a href="https://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2018/12/green-book-2018.html" target="_blank">The Green Book [2018]</a> reminding us all of "how it was" and that we _have gotten better_ in the decades since. Still, this year seems to have been a celebration of the young and of the new.<br />
<br />
Good on you ;-).<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>< </b>NOTE - Do you like what you've been reading here? If you do then consider giving a small donation to this Blog (sugg. $6 _non-recurring_) _every so often_ to continue/further its operation. To donate just <a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>. Thank you! :-) >><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2643714587047748844.post-70051907347651456262019-02-22T12:29:00.002-08:002019-02-22T12:29:19.443-08:0091st Academy Awards: My 2019 Oscar Picks <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT0Lo2rpOA-ZUIC5f6R0CAe7Wvi-3tNVaDZqtz-XmX0EVqogGFOZymX-8yRv8B1nN6ym8LEPQr39iiJ6uxqtD7U7P34kzeaKkRi-akI46EvGodQkzTYwsAJC_2M3SDz_lFlVX-CiVJbA/s1600/The+Oscars+2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT0Lo2rpOA-ZUIC5f6R0CAe7Wvi-3tNVaDZqtz-XmX0EVqogGFOZymX-8yRv8B1nN6ym8LEPQr39iiJ6uxqtD7U7P34kzeaKkRi-akI46EvGodQkzTYwsAJC_2M3SDz_lFlVX-CiVJbA/s320/The+Oscars+2019.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
IMDb <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9168816/" target="_blank">listing</a><br />
Official <a href="https://oscar.go.com/" target="_blank">Website</a><br />
<br />
Dear Readers,<br />
<br />
It's been for various reasons a busy last several months at the Parish (my day job ;-). I've seen more movies than I've had a chance to write about of late. However, these then would be my Oscar picks for this year.<br />
<br />
<b>BEST PICTURE</b><br />
<b>Will Win --</b> Roma, <a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-favourite-2018.html" target="_blank">The Favorite</a><br />
<b>Should Win --</b> <a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2018/12/bohemian-rhapsody-2018.html" target="_blank">Bohemian Rhapsody</a><br />
<b>Should Have Gotten Consideration --</b> <a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2019/01/on-basis-of-sex-2018.html" target="_blank">On Basis of Sex</a>, <a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2018/12/the-mule-2018.html" target="_blank">The Mule</a><br />
<br />
<b>BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE</b><br />
<b>Will Win --</b> Rami Malek (<a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2018/12/bohemian-rhapsody-2018.html" target="_blank">Bohemian Rhapsody</a>)<br />
<b>Should Win --</b> Rami Malek (<a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2018/12/bohemian-rhapsody-2018.html" target="_blank">Bohemian Rhapsody</a>), William De Foe (<a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2018/12/at-eternitys-gate-2018.html" target="_blank">At Eternity's Gate</a>), Christian Bale (<a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2018/12/vice-2018.html" target="_blank">Vice</a>), Clint Eastwood (<a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2018/12/the-mule-2018.html" target="_blank">The Mule</a>)<br />
<b>Should Have Gotten Consideration --</b> Alden Ehrenreich (<a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2018/05/solo-star-wars-story-2018.html" target="_blank">Solo: A Starwars Story</a>), Clint Eastwood (<a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2018/12/the-mule-2018.html" target="_blank">The Mule</a>)<br />
<br />
<b>BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE</b><br />
<b>Will Win --</b> Glenn Close (<a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2018/09/the-wife-2018.html" target="_blank">The Wife</a>)<br />
<b>Should Win --</b> Glenn Close (<a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2018/09/the-wife-2018.html" target="_blank">The Wife</a>), Lady Gaga (<a href="https://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2018/10/a-star-is-born-2018.html" target="_blank">A Star is Born</a>), Yalitza Aparicio (Roma)<br />
<b>Should Have Gotten Consideration --</b> Felicity Jones (<a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2019/01/on-basis-of-sex-2018.html" target="_blank">On the Basis of Sex</a>), Saoirse Ronan (<a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2018/12/mary-queen-of-scots-2018.html" target="_blank">Mary Queen of Scots</a>)<br />
<br />
<b>BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE</b><br />
<b>Will Win -- </b>Sam Elliot (<a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2018/10/a-star-is-born-2018.html" target="_blank">A Star is Born</a>), Richard A. Grant (Can You Ever Forgive Me?)<br />
<b>Should Win -- </b>Sam Elliot (<a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2018/10/a-star-is-born-2018.html" target="_blank">A Star is Born</a>), Richard A. Grant (Can You Ever Forgive Me?)<br />
<b>Should Have Gotten Consideration -- </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE</b><br />
<b>Will Win --</b> Emma Stone or Rachel Weitz (<a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-favourite-2018.html" target="_blank">The Favorite</a>)<br />
<b>Should Win -- </b>Emma Stone or Rachel Weitz (<a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-favourite-2018.html" target="_blank">The Favorite</a>), Regina King (If Beale Street Could Talk)<br />
<b>Should Have Gotten Consideration -- </b>Margot Robbie (<a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2018/12/mary-queen-of-scots-2018.html" target="_blank">Mary Queen of Scots</a>), Emilia Clarke (<a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2018/05/solo-star-wars-story-2018.html" target="_blank">Solo: A Starwars Story</a>)<br />
<br />
<b>BEST DIRECTING</b><br />
<b>Will Win --</b> Yorgos Lanthimos (<a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-favourite-2018.html" target="_blank">The Favorite</a>) or Alfonso Cuarón (Roma)<br />
<b>Should Win --</b> Yorgos Lanthimos (<a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-favourite-2018.html" target="_blank">The Favorite</a>), Alfonso Cuarón (Roma), Bryan Singer (<a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2018/12/bohemian-rhapsody-2018.html" target="_blank">Bohemian Rhapsody</a>)<br />
<b>Should Have Gotten Consideration </b>-- Bryan Singer (<a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2018/12/bohemian-rhapsody-2018.html" target="_blank">Bohemian Rhapsody</a>), Clint Eastwood (<a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2018/12/the-mule-2018.html" target="_blank">The Mule</a>), Bradley Cooper (<a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2018/10/a-star-is-born-2018.html" target="_blank">A Star is Born</a>), Berry Jenkins (If Beale Street Could Talk), Ron Howard (<a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2018/05/solo-star-wars-story-2018.html" target="_blank">Solo: A Star Wars Story</a>)<br />
<br />
<b>BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY</b><br />
<b>Will Win -- </b>Alfonso Cuarón (Roma), Łukasz Żal (Cold War)<br />
<b>Should Win -- </b>Alfonso Cuarón (Roma), Łukasz Żal (Cold War), Matthew Libatique (<a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2018/10/a-star-is-born-2018.html" target="_blank">A Star is Born</a>)<br />
<b>Should Have Gotten Consideration --</b> Benoît Delhomme (<a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2018/12/at-eternitys-gate-2018.html" target="_blank">At Eternity's Gate</a>), Bradford Young (<a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2018/05/solo-star-wars-story-2018.html" target="_blank">Solo: A Star Wars Story</a>)<br />
<br />
<b>BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY</b><br />
<b>Will Win --</b> Deborah Davis and Tony McNamara (<a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-favourite-2018.html" target="_blank">The Favorite</a>), Alfonso Cuarón (Roma)<br />
<b>Should Win --</b> Deborah Davis and Tony McNamara (<a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-favourite-2018.html" target="_blank">The Favorite</a>), Alfonso Cuarón (Roma)<br />
<b>Should Have Gotten Consideration -- </b><br />
<br />
<b>BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY</b><br />
<b>Will Win -- </b>Berry Jenkins (If Beale Street Could Talk),<br />
<b>Should Win -- </b>Berry Jenkins (If Beale Street Could Talk), Bradley Cooper and Erik Roth (<a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2018/10/a-star-is-born-2018.html" target="_blank">A Star is Born</a>)<br />
<b>Should Have Gotten Consideration -- </b>Nick Schenk (<a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2018/12/the-mule-2018.html" target="_blank">The Mule</a>)<br />
<br />
<b>BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM</b><br />
<b>Will Win -- </b>Mira, <a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2018/04/isle-of-dogs-2018.html" target="_blank">Isle of Dogs</a>, Spiderman into the Spiderverse<br />
<b>Should Win -- </b>Mira, <a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2018/04/isle-of-dogs-2018.html" target="_blank">Isle of Dogs</a><br />
<b>Should Have Gotten Consideration -- </b><br />
<br />
<b>BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM</b><br />
<b>Will Win --</b> Roma, Cold War<br />
<b>Should Win -- </b>Roma, Cold War, Capernaum<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<b>< </b>NOTE - Do you like what you've been reading here? If you do then consider giving a small donation to this Blog (sugg. $6 _non-recurring_) _every so often_ to continue/further its operation. To donate just <a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>. Thank you! :-) ></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2643714587047748844.post-1947449389187683932019-01-05T12:33:00.002-08:002019-02-22T12:29:01.483-08:00On the Basis of Sex [2018]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoNqlFSFhSpr67qxwoVshUyW6Fx5Qx0GVdxbcOKT822UuE1obfS_-FCS5xR3txj3us0rQDmDZkG3QazuG6TeELP7h786iqnLSTmd40NgjA4KnCCcuU52DonOjLnnULpsnV_iK_Z7eC4A/s1600/on-the-basis-of-sex-2018-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoNqlFSFhSpr67qxwoVshUyW6Fx5Qx0GVdxbcOKT822UuE1obfS_-FCS5xR3txj3us0rQDmDZkG3QazuG6TeELP7h786iqnLSTmd40NgjA4KnCCcuU52DonOjLnnULpsnV_iK_Z7eC4A/s320/on-the-basis-of-sex-2018-poster.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
MPAA (PG-13) CNS/USCCB () RogerEbert.com (3 1/2 Stars) AVClub (B) Fr. Dennis (4+ Stars)<br />
<br />
IMDb <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4669788/" target="_blank">listing</a><br />
CNS/USCCB () review<br />
Los Angeles Times (J. Chang) <a href="https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-on-the-basis-of-sex-review-20181221-story.html" target="_blank">review</a><br />
RogerEbert.com (N. Minow) <a href="https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/on-the-basis-of-sex-2018" target="_blank">review</a><br />
AVClub (C. Siede) <a href="https://film.avclub.com/after-a-clumsy-opening-statement-rbg-biopic-on-the-bas-1831150230" target="_blank">review</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4669788/" target="_blank">On the Basis of Sex [2018]</a> (directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001460/" target="_blank">Mimi Leder</a>, written by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1590589/" target="_blank">Daniel Steipleman</a>) is a well-worth-the-view biopic about the early career of U.S. Supreme Court Justice <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_Bader_Ginsburg" target="_blank">Ruth Bader Ginsburg</a> (played in the film by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0428065/" target="_blank">Felicity Jones</a>) who part of the first generation of women to be graduating from Ivy League law schools (she started law school at Harvard, graduated from Colombia) had co-founded the ACLU's Women's Rights Project.<br />
<br />
Among the indignities that she faced was being asked at a dinner hosted by the Dean of Harvard Law School (played by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001832/" target="_blank">Sam Waterston</a>) to stand-up at the dinner table (along with the eight other invited women law students) and "explain" to him and to the other guests why she was at Harvard studying law when her spot could have been given to a male. Then despite having graduated tied for first in her class (at Colombia, after being first in her class at Harvard, prior to her transfer on account of her husband Martin Ginsburg - played in the film by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2309517/" target="_blank">Armie Hammer</a> - one year ahead of her at Harvard Law who had gotten a job in New York) SHE was UNABLE TO GET A JOB in New York except in academia at Rudgers University (despite having graduated tied for #1 in her class she wasn't taken seriously).<br />
<br />
All this serves as an excellent reminder of what it was like to be a woman in the United States in the 1950s-60s, and why a fair number of the changes that have taken place in society since then took place.<br />
<br />
And yes, if <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_Bader_Ginsburg" target="_blank">Ruth Bader Ginsburg</a> had simply "stayed at home cooking dinner" the whole world would have lost a brilliant mind.<br />
<br />
Excellent film.<br />
<br />
<b>< </b>NOTE - Do you like what you've been reading here? If you do then consider giving a small donation to this Blog (sugg. $6 _non-recurring_) _every so often_ to continue/further its operation. To donate just <a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>. Thank you! :-) ><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2643714587047748844.post-87299167059731190652019-01-05T12:00:00.003-08:002019-01-05T12:00:35.513-08:00Welcome to Marwen [2018]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9U1E_VJc3o-19_IlSoYLATxigI-Y1h2fwjDmqgIPnCNlW70DRD4syF0AZ5mL9kwn2qC6I3vPe5QIDGIe7KOlylMvoUdTYKEQwdvua-mZgtzz_bFd91aJb9VGkW-PduPgp3NSdysN1jQ/s1600/Welcome-to-Marwen-2018-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="252" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9U1E_VJc3o-19_IlSoYLATxigI-Y1h2fwjDmqgIPnCNlW70DRD4syF0AZ5mL9kwn2qC6I3vPe5QIDGIe7KOlylMvoUdTYKEQwdvua-mZgtzz_bFd91aJb9VGkW-PduPgp3NSdysN1jQ/s320/Welcome-to-Marwen-2018-poster.jpg" width="201" /></a></div>
MPAA (PG-13) CNS/USCCB () RogerEbert.com (1 1/2 Stars) AVClub (D+) Fr. Dennis (3 Stars)<br />
<br />
IMDb <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3289724/" target="_blank">listing</a><br />
CNS/USCCB () review<br />
Los Angeles Times (J. Chang) <a href="https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-welcome-to-marwen-review-20181220-story.html" target="_blank">review</a><br />
RogerEbert.com (G. Kenny) <a href="https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/welcome-to-marwen-2018" target="_blank">review</a><br />
AVClub (A.A. Dowd) <a href="https://film.avclub.com/the-disastrous-welcome-to-marwen-strands-a-fascinating-1831232884" target="_blank">review</a><br />
<br />
NY Times (P. Green) <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/07/garden/07marwencol.html" target="_blank">article about Mark Hogancamp</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3289724/" target="_blank">Welcome to Marwen [2018]</a> (directed and screenplay cowritten by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000709/" target="_blank">Robert Zemeckis</a> along with <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0003031/" target="_blank">Caroline Thompson</a>) continues a career by Steve Carell of playing characters who often were marginalized, even considered wierdos or freaks, even as they were often simply soft-spoken and nice.<br />
<br />
The current story tells the true story of Mark Hogancamp (played by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0136797/" target="_blank">Steve Carell</a>) from small-town upstate New York whose previous life was largely destroyed in 2000 when he was beaten-up / kicked in the head within inches of his life by five men after, drunk at a bar, he admitted to them that he was a cross-dresser. After he woke up from his coma nine days later, he set about "healing" from this disaster by creating (and photographing) an entire miniature town called Marwencol out of barbie dolls and WW II action figures that symbolically told the story of what had happened to him. The five men who had nearly killed him were portrayed, unsurprisingly, as Nazis, the women who had helped him heal, dressed in various 1940s era pinup costumes, would fight the attacking Nazis back, but they'd always return ... to try to ambush him again.<br />
<br />
It makes for one heck of a story even if perhaps not for the average crowd. It asks us the question: why can't we sometimes just leave nice / quiet people alone.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>< </b>NOTE - Do you like what you've been reading here? If you do then consider giving a small donation to this Blog (sugg. $6 _non-recurring_) _every so often_ to continue/further its operation. To donate just <a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>. Thank you! :-) ><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2643714587047748844.post-37296084684597242502019-01-05T11:33:00.002-08:002019-01-05T11:33:19.252-08:00Second Act [2018]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFNKQNswFENWSP5gWPvW3Jv4VOimJELef_RorJu1JFgrRpXMx9rcGqxQVwOwDTLBTNc0umVaekaZAofK5jwhX3va34RH8iHMQTFk0VlEfnUHQaunajIX5XwCcXDUZoXtWFQ8tJQ7LPg/s1600/Second-Act-2018-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="269" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFNKQNswFENWSP5gWPvW3Jv4VOimJELef_RorJu1JFgrRpXMx9rcGqxQVwOwDTLBTNc0umVaekaZAofK5jwhX3va34RH8iHMQTFk0VlEfnUHQaunajIX5XwCcXDUZoXtWFQ8tJQ7LPg/s320/Second-Act-2018-poster.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
MPAA (PG-13) CNS/USCCB (A-III) RogerEbert.com (2 Stars) AVClub (C+) Fr. Dennis (3 Stars)<br />
<br />
IMDb <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2126357/" target="_blank">listing</a><br />
CNS/USCCB (K. Jensen) <a href="http://www.catholicnews.com/services/englishnews/2018/second-act.cfm" target="_blank">review</a><br />
Los Angeles Times (M. Olsen) <a href="https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-second-act-review-20181220-story.html" target="_blank">review</a><br />
RogerEbert.com (N. Minow) <a href="https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/second-act-2018" target="_blank">review</a><br />
AVClub (C. Siede) <a href="https://film.avclub.com/jennifer-lopez-s-overstuffed-second-act-offers-three-mo-1831059980" target="_blank">review</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2126357/" target="_blank">Second Act [2018]</a> (directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0781842/" target="_blank">Peter Segal</a>, written by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0951698/" target="_blank">Justin Zackham</a> and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0326063/" target="_blank">Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas</a>) may break little new ground for <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000182/" target="_blank">Jennifer Lopez</a>, who plays the lead character Maya, a hard working forty-something New Yorker who finds her advancement at work blocked by her lack of a college degree. Still more than a few Viewers will relate to Maya's plight.<br />
<br />
In the film, her Stanford attending "fairy God son" (not God-mother) invents a resume for her as well as a whole online virtual life to support it ... and ... "barrier overcome" ... but, of course, it's based on a lie ...<br />
<br />
Some of the reviewers above are correct. There is material stuffed into this film that could be unpacked legitimately across 2-3 movies -- Maya had a daughter in her teenage years who she gave up for adoption, who she now runs into (played by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1227814/" target="_blank">Vanessa Hudgens</a>) as a result of her being magically "bumped up" the socio-economic ladder as a result of her "fairy God-son's" action. And there's also the whole question of how to relate now with her previous friends, including lifelong-BFF Joan (played by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0718957/" target="_blank">Leah Rimini</a>) and more recent, though 5 years running Significant Other, Trey (played by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0893257/" target="_blank">Milo Ventimiglia</a>). Yet, transporting anyone from one life into another would produce at least some unforeseen consequences.<br />
<br />
All in all it's a nice film that reminds us that we are all much more than simply our job title.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>< </b>NOTE - Do you like what you've been reading here? If you do then consider giving a small donation to this Blog (sugg. $6 _non-recurring_) _every so often_ to continue/further its operation. To donate just <a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>. Thank you! :-) ><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2643714587047748844.post-57620737371831098852019-01-01T22:02:00.000-08:002019-01-05T12:32:50.638-08:00The Favourite [2018]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2ajXY859FZgWgAv6aUDYhry6ZSauGU-dyvyI_Sv2oWKH1ArlU9VGkJJuwrqDQsghzdT5TNY2pliWpl4sKPdKB00w7dwDWU4P9c-8AjxXxOcaGSozTjMyfrhFe1SR-O8SSUl7iKkXCg/s1600/the-favourite-2018-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2ajXY859FZgWgAv6aUDYhry6ZSauGU-dyvyI_Sv2oWKH1ArlU9VGkJJuwrqDQsghzdT5TNY2pliWpl4sKPdKB00w7dwDWU4P9c-8AjxXxOcaGSozTjMyfrhFe1SR-O8SSUl7iKkXCg/s320/the-favourite-2018-poster.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
MPAA (R) CNS/USCCB () RogerEbert.com (3 1/2 Stars) AVClub (A-) Fr. Dennis (2 Stars)<br />
<br />
IMDb <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5083738/" target="_blank">listing</a><br />
CNS/USCCB () review<br />
Los Angeles Times (J. Chang) <a href="https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-the-favourite-review-20181119-story.html" target="_blank">review</a><br />
RogerEbert.com (T. Laffly) <a href="https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-favourite-2018" target="_blank">review</a><br />
AVClub (K. Rife) <a href="https://film.avclub.com/the-favourite-is-a-sharp-tongued-costume-drama-with-a-d-1830569123" target="_blank">review</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5083738/" target="_blank">The Favourite [2018]</a> (directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0487166/" target="_blank">Yorgos Lanthimos</a>, written by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7629302/" target="_blank">Deborah Davis</a> and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1110111/" target="_blank">Tony McNamara</a>), set in a fictionalized early 18th century England (hence a "period piece" / "costume drama"), the story, appropriately R-rated, runs, so that Readers here know, like a Lesbian-oriented <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harlequin_Enterprises" target="_blank">Harlequin Romance</a>:<br />
<br />
An aging "Queen Anne" (played by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1469236/" target="_blank">Olivia Colman</a>) frankly _relieved_ to be finally widowed after SEVENTEEN MISCARRIAGES "finds comfort" in her childhood BFF Lady Sarah (played by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001838/" target="_blank">Rachel Weisz</a>), who also helps her run the dang country, until ... a YOUNGER, once lesser somebody (lower nobility), now thanks also to the whims of early-unfortunate widowhood, one step from truly becoming a sexualized-nobody turning tricks at some mud-covered road-side brothel somewhere, lucky to use the last of her connections to at least have clawed her way to becoming a chamber-maid in the Queen's Court, Abigail (played by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1297015/" target="_blank">Emma Stone</a>), comes onto the scene ... and much ensues ... :-) or :-|.<br />
<br />
And the story asks us, the Viewers, the question if it really would have been _any more edifying_ if good ole Queen Anne had "found comfort" with some sweaty stable-hand or perhaps a strapping young red-coated officer with a big tall bushy hat and a sabre in hand.<br />
<br />
And actually, it's not an altogether bad question to ask:<br />
<br />
I've often joked that if one put one's characters in period clothes and placed them in some exotic locale then one could have those characters do just about _anything_. As but one (though IMHO excellent) example: In the <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116209/" target="_blank">English Patient [1996]</a>, darling of the Academy Awards that year, set in colonial Egypt/Libya just as World War II was about to break out, the lead characters "finally" consummated highly scandalous / adulterous affair (and then in _bed-board banging fashion_) while the entire British garrison was assembled in the Plaza below singing ... "Silent Night" :-). <br />
<br />
So while I do think that it's fair for Readers to know what they're going to be seeing here -- a lesbian oriented <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harlequin_Enterprises" target="_blank">Harlequin Romance</a> type story -- after that, I'd say that its "morality" (or amorality) is no different than if Queen Anne would have come to share her bed with some early-18th century Scots-Irish <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grigori_Rasputin" target="_blank">Rasputin</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>< </b>NOTE - Do you like what you've been reading here? If you do then consider giving a small donation to this Blog (sugg. $6 _non-recurring_) _every so often_ to continue/further its operation. To donate just <a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>. Thank you! :-) ><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2643714587047748844.post-81983351213545293402018-12-31T10:55:00.001-08:002018-12-31T11:11:02.821-08:00Aquaman [2018]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJAQQtKDJdRx9qrRFI9_ZorUe7o5hkpTNPkmpF5ZV-0VsWvOwy0wXEKqC6e0jrcF2hrENCzLGMAheNRu-cwshaSoS0ly5tmmr0Y_2r83QDLoYMdIRr4bontpgYVjfkzldLsy-u71FUOQ/s1600/Aquaman-2018-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="269" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJAQQtKDJdRx9qrRFI9_ZorUe7o5hkpTNPkmpF5ZV-0VsWvOwy0wXEKqC6e0jrcF2hrENCzLGMAheNRu-cwshaSoS0ly5tmmr0Y_2r83QDLoYMdIRr4bontpgYVjfkzldLsy-u71FUOQ/s320/Aquaman-2018-poster.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
MPAA (PG-13) CNS/USCCB (A-III) RogerEbert.com (3 1/2 Stars) AVClub (B-) Fr. Dennis (1 1/2 Stars)<br />
<br />
IMDb <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1477834/" target="_blank">listing</a><br />
CNS/USCCB (J. Mulderig) <a href="http://www.catholicnews.com/services/englishnews/2018/aquaman.cfm" target="_blank">review</a><br />
Los Angeles Times (K. Turan) <a href="https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-aquaman-review-20181211-story.html" target="_blank">review</a><br />
RogerEbert.com (M. Zoller-Seitz) <a href="https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/aquaman-2018" target="_blank">review</a><br />
AVClub (I. Vishnevetsky) <a href="https://film.avclub.com/like-its-hero-aquaman-is-big-cheesy-and-fun-1831004837" target="_blank">review</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1477834/" target="_blank">Aquaman [2018]</a> (directed and screen story co-created by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1490123/" target="_blank">James Wan</a> along with <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0424315/" target="_blank">Geoff Johns</a> and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3263825/" target="_blank">Will Beall</a> screenplay by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0424901/" target="_blank">David Leslie</a>, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0424901/" target="_blank">Johnson-McGoldrick</a> and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3263825/" target="_blank">Will Beall</a> and based on the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaman" target="_blank">DC "Aquaman" Comic [wikip]</a> <a href="https://www.dccomics.com/search?keyword=aquaman" target="_blank">[DC]</a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&query=aquaman" target="_blank">[GR]</a> <a href="https://www.worldcat.org/search?qt=worldcat_org_all&q=aquaman" target="_blank">[WCat]</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=aquaman&rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3Aaquaman" target="_blank">[Amzn]</a> created by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Norris" target="_blank">Paul Norris [wikip]</a> <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3542504/" target="_blank">[IMDb]</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mort_Weisinger" target="_blank">Mort Weisinger [wikip]</a> <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0918816/" target="_blank">[IMDb]</a>), is one of those films that one has to "enter the story" as a wide-eyed 10 year old (boy) with the pages of an <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaman" target="_blank">Aquaman Comic [wikip]</a> <a href="https://www.dccomics.com/search?keyword=aquaman" target="_blank">[DC]</a> in his hands for the very first time. If you're not willing or unable to do this, you'll neither be able to understand this story nor be able appreciate the film's manifold technical achievements. For the film makers were able to breathe life into those already spectacular / fantastic comic book pages.<br />
<br />
That said, the story-telling here suffers IMHO (!) from the _same deficiencies_ as other adaptations of DC comic book characters (as compared to the storytelling of its Marvel Comics rivals). While the characters of Marvel's comics (both good and evil) have compelling/conflicted, eminently relatable, if perhaps exaggerated ("operatic," well, "comic book" ;-) backstories, character development in DC's universe seems intentionally BESIDE THE POINT. In DC's universe, the superheroes (and supervillains) are above all SIMPLY AWESOME (beyond our reach).<br />
<br />
So in this story, we watch a battle develop between TWO factions of undersea kingdoms who trace their roots to the lost civilization of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlantis" target="_blank">Atlantis</a>, and, again, to ask too many questions (beginning with WHY?) is BESIDE THE POINT / to be almost WILDLY "UNGRATEFUL." We're just invited to be THRILLED by the clash of two factions, one riding elaborate 25' tall sea horses and the other riding on the backs of armored sharks.<br />
<br />
Again to a 10-12 year old boy, especially with all the young women, all quite amply endowed, being dressed in the tightest of formfitting gear, embellished with shiny, mermaid-like scales (and armed with exploding tridents, or underwater laser blasters) WHAT POSSIBLY COULD BE MORE AWESOME THAN THIS?? But ... well ... is there anything more ...?<br />
<br />
As far as I could see ... no.<br />
<br />
So I honestly liked Marvel's development of <a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2011/05/thor.html" target="_blank">Thor</a>, also a demigod, if from "a different realm" so much better than the simple if ... after a while, tired ... AWESOMENESS here.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>< </b>NOTE - Do you like what you've been reading here? If you do then consider giving a small donation to this Blog (sugg. $6 _non-recurring_) _every so often_ to continue/further its operation. To donate just <a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>. Thank you! :-) >Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2643714587047748844.post-10633662550660815822018-12-28T14:47:00.001-08:002018-12-31T11:10:51.331-08:00Bohemian Rhapsody [2018]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkGMDoj-g47M0e3ElsIp8qP_-N_lDmNo72H6HMPeUZs0hsXrP414FXmofIL3lOK5hpCI4abhTWGYmEj_bkSzmqOKoMxAKENRtL2ToCHZzQC_LA_NYFQlXjKdOdQWamwTz5f7HlugZO-Q/s1600/Bohemian-Rhapsody-2018-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="251" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkGMDoj-g47M0e3ElsIp8qP_-N_lDmNo72H6HMPeUZs0hsXrP414FXmofIL3lOK5hpCI4abhTWGYmEj_bkSzmqOKoMxAKENRtL2ToCHZzQC_LA_NYFQlXjKdOdQWamwTz5f7HlugZO-Q/s320/Bohemian-Rhapsody-2018-poster.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
MPAA (PG-13) CNS/USCCB (O) RogerEbert.com (1 Star) AVClub (C+) Fr. Dennis (3 1/2 Stars)<br />
<br />
IMDb <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1727824/" target="_blank">listing</a><br />
CNS/USCCB (J. Mulderig) <a href="http://www.catholicnews.com/services/englishnews/2018/bohemian-rhapsody.cfm" target="_blank">review</a><br />
Los Angeles Times (J. Chang) <a href="https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-bohemian-rhapsody-review-20181029-story.html" target="_blank">review</a><br />
RogerEbert.com (S. O'Malley) <a href="https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/bohemian-rhapsody-2018" target="_blank">review</a><br />
AVClub (J. Hassenger) <a href="https://film.avclub.com/bohemian-rhapsody-sings-when-it-digs-into-queen-s-eccen-1829923657" target="_blank">review</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1727824/" target="_blank">Bohemian Rhapsody [2018]</a> (directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001741/" target="_blank">Bryan Singer</a> screenplay by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0565026/" target="_blank">Anthony McCarten</a> story by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0565026/" target="_blank">Anthony McCarten</a> and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0604948/" target="_blank">Peter Morgan</a>) tells the story of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freddie_Mercury" target="_blank">Freddie Mercury</a> (played in the film by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1785339/" target="_blank">Rami Malek</a>) lead singer of the British 1970s-80s rock group <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_(band)" target="_blank">Queen</a>.<br />
<br />
First some disclaimers (seriously). I realize that for many Readers here -- it's a blog written by a Catholic priest after all -- that the man who came to call himself "Freddie Mercury" came out as gay and later died of AIDS (specifically of AIDS related pneumonia) would be probably all that one would need to know about the film. Indeed, though rated PG-13 (and having, of course, seen the film, I think it basically meets _the technical requirements_ of the rating) I struggle to understand why a teenager today would want to see a film about a rock star who _may_ have been important to his/her parents' (my) generation but who in the mind of a teenager today might as well have been "born before time itself." So I wonder if the true reason for making this film a PG-13 movie rather than an R-rated one was that the necessary sanitization of the material allowed for a more sympathetic portrayal of Mercury and his friends than an R-rated version would have.<br />
<br />
THAT ALL SAID, I do believe that there is a compelling story to be told here ... one in which Mercury's strange, often (WAY, way) "over-the-top" behavior becomes quite understood.<br />
<br />
Born Farroch Bulsara of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parsi" target="_blank">Indian Parsi</a> origin (neither Hindu nor Muslim but <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroastrianism" target="_blank">Zoroastran</a> in religion) and immigrant to London from the former British colony, er, "Protectorate" of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zanzibar" target="_blank">Zanzibar</a> (an island nation off the coast of East Africa), Mercury's life would have been challenging (in London, England, Europe) from the get-go. He survived at least partially by _embracing_ indeed EXAGGERATING his almost "out of this world" origins, dressing flamboyantly (portrayed in the film as almost like a young <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muammar_Gaddafi" target="_blank">Mummar Gadaffi</a>), wearing eye-makeup and speaking with an _exaggerated_ accent. To his parents, Parsis, yes, but CONSERVATIVE (and I don't care what religious background one comes from, Rule #1 of religious conservatism is almost _always_ DON'T STICK OUT) their flamboyantly dressed and extravagantly accented son was growing up to be an abomination. They certainly would have blamed his outward behavior on "(cosmopolitan) London" / "Western values." Yet, to his English friends, his flamboyance actually made him "interesting" as opposed to "scary."<br />
<br />
And so coming out of this background, the rock group Queen's eventual flamboyance (Mercury became its lead singer) makes a lot of sense, even as the group's other, English, members themselves are portrayed as finding Mercury's antics, partying and eventual open hedonistic homosexuality increasingly too much for them as well.<br />
<br />
Is there a lesson there? Boy there is. IMHO it is a reminder to all of us that there's _almost always_ "a story" behind someone's behaving strangely, "outside the norms" and if one knew "the story" one would better understand that person.<br />
<br />
In that regard, truly AN EXCELLENT FILM.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>< </b>NOTE - Do you like what you've been reading here? If you do then consider giving a small donation to this Blog (sugg. $6 _non-recurring_) _every so often_ to continue/further its operation. To donate just <a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>. Thank you! :-) ><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2643714587047748844.post-85304935032458864572018-12-28T12:38:00.000-08:002018-12-28T12:38:08.819-08:00Vice [2018]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmQcHAsZ_Jr5j_1-g1ZAtFn5wZOoTiGY86XA3DLXSiVIxwXj-45dqgKeYYcriUpqDtdyyu8X80mKgS9eUHYVeNTfQ-e-5Ki0URyYnOw3NRBgMB5iOhKLCUiPkk5xbYcvP38EtDKvLRQ/s1600/Vice-2018-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="256" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmQcHAsZ_Jr5j_1-g1ZAtFn5wZOoTiGY86XA3DLXSiVIxwXj-45dqgKeYYcriUpqDtdyyu8X80mKgS9eUHYVeNTfQ-e-5Ki0URyYnOw3NRBgMB5iOhKLCUiPkk5xbYcvP38EtDKvLRQ/s320/Vice-2018-poster.jpg" width="204" /></a></div>
MPAA (R) CNS/USCCB (L) RogerEbert.com (1 1/2 Stars) AVClub (C) Fr. Dennis (2 Stars)<br />
<br />
IMDb <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6266538/" target="_blank">listing</a><br />
CNS/USCCB (J. Mulderig) <a href="http://www.catholicnews.com/movies.cfm" target="_blank">review</a><br />
Los Angeles Times (K. Turan) <a href="https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-vice-review-20181221-story.html" target="_blank">review</a><br />
RogerEbert.com (B. Tallarico) review<br />
AVClub (I. Vishnevetsky) <a href="https://film.avclub.com/christian-bale-s-dick-cheney-impression-is-the-only-vir-1830971498" target="_blank">review</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6266538/" target="_blank">Vice [2018]</a> (written and directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0570912/" target="_blank">Adam McKay</a>) a film about the very private / secretive <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gw_bush" target="_blank">GW Bush-era</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Cheney" target="_blank">V.P. Dick Cheney</a> (played in the film by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000288/" target="_blank">Christian Bale</a>) did not seem to me nearly as coherent in both theme and content as <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0570912/" target="_blank">McKay's</a> previous laser-sharp / damning cinematic exposé (on the 2008 Financial Crisis) <a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/2015/12/the-big-short-2015.html" target="_blank">The Big Short [2015]</a>. <br />
<br />
It seems clear to me that <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0570912/" target="_blank">McKay</a> initially intended the film to be an i-s dotted /t-s crossed damning hatchet job against the former V.P. BUT either he himself flinched as he started to truly understand his subject matter, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Cheney" target="_blank">Cheney</a>, or perhaps he was ordered to stand-down "a bit" by the studios / their lawyers (I'd go with the former explanation, with <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0570912/" target="_blank">McKay</a> realizing that <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Cheney" target="_blank">Cheney</a> was far more human / lamentable, less simply "Evil," than he had initially believed). <br />
<br />
In any case, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Cheney" target="_blank">Cheney</a> here who emerges is something of a human mess, whose decision guiding principles were limited, perhaps quite severely, by his own intellectual and perhaps even physical limitations / short-comings. So ... in an Administration, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gw_bush" target="_blank">GW Bush's</a>, not known for its intellectual prowness, he was one of its brighter lights / beacons, BUT ... that wasn't necessarily saying much, and yet ... could he honestly have done any better?<br />
<br />
Let me explain. We are told that <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Cheney" target="_blank">Dick Cheney</a>, growing-up in the cattle-ranching state of Wyoming, began his young adulthood first getting accepted and then quickly flunking-out of the East Coast Ivy League University of Yale. Why he got there at all was through the help / connections of his future wife Lynne (played in the film by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0010736/" target="_blank">Amy Adams</a>). Lynne, convinced that as a woman still of her 1960s generation she could not "be somebody" on her own, felt that she needed at least her husband to be "somebody." At the time <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Cheney" target="_blank">Dick</a> looked apparently like a lug, but a BIG (homecoming quarterback-like) LUG, so ... she wasn't necessarily choosing her man in this regard badly. He just needed to be encouraged, pushed-forward to ... "become the man" that she hoped for. (This kind of thinking is, perhaps thankfully, becoming "old hat." BUT ... back in the Dick and Lynne Cheney's young adult years, that actually still made a lot of sense. Women back then did become (or at least hoped to become) "somebodies" through their men).<br />
<br />
Through another connection of Lynne and her family, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Cheney" target="_blank">Dick Cheney</a> got an internship in Washington D.C. to work in Congress, and meeting among other people, a young "North shore" Illinois Republican <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Rumsfeld" target="_blank">Donald Rumsfeld</a> (played in the film by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0136797/" target="_blank">Steve Carrell</a>) THIS TIME, HE NEVER LOOKED BACK.<br />
<br />
But ... <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Cheney" target="_blank">Dick</a>, never a particularly sharp tool, came to learn TO PARROT (very well) the ideology and values of the people around him (in his case ... that of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_nixon" target="_blank">Nixonian</a> republicans). As a result his values came to be LOYALTY, SMALL GOVERNMENT, and a questionable increasingly dogmatic belief in the UNITARY POWER OF THE EXECUTIVE (basically that the President simply because he was President could do no wrong or at least could not be held to account, except _perhaps_ by the ballot box). How such a view would work inside a Party "of small government" is remarkable. However one supposes, going back to essentially A KING _could_ make "government" "smaller" ;-).<br />
<br />
And the rest of the story then follows...<br />
<br />
Now fascinatingly, those three pillars of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Cheney" target="_blank">Cheney's</a> political ideology, DON'T necessarily point in the same direction all the time. So there are honestly surprises, moving surprises in this film. And <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Cheney" target="_blank">Cheney</a> was ALSO famously limited by his own health issues.<br />
<br />
The result is ... perhaps a film about a "good old boy" who went, WAY, WAY HIGHER than anyone with his capacities / limitations really should have.<br />
<br />
So ... what to finally say of the film? It's something of a mess, but ... it gives Viewers, perhaps, a lot to think about as they go home. So a decent enough, if not exactly great job.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><< </b>NOTE - Do you like what you've been reading here? If you do then consider giving a small donation to this Blog (sugg. $6 _non-recurring_) _every so often_ to continue/further its operation. To donate just <a href="http://frdennismoviereviews.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>. Thank you! :-) >><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0