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Reviews
Persuasion (2022)
"Based on", people!
If you are a "but that's not how it was in the booooooook!" literature snob, then you should skip this movie "based on" Jane Austen's novel Persuasion. But if you enjoy an irreverent, cheeky take, with plenty of dry wit and fourth-wall breakage, with gorgeous scenery and beautiful cinematography and a lovely score and excellent performances from all the players (especially Dakota Johnson as Anne and Mia McKenna-Bruce as Mary), then this is for you.
The comparisons to Bridgerton aren't entirely wrong, but this one is more nuanced. It's more similar, I think, to Emma. (2020). I loved it.
Elvis (2022)
Beautiful Piece of Art
What a gorgeous, exhilarating, heart breaking film. Austin Butler must be channeling the spirit of The King - his dancing, his voice, his singing, it's all such a beautiful tribute to a legendary performer. The pace of the movie is frantic, in Baz Luhrman's typical style. I got a bit tired of the Colonel's narration, but in a way it adds to the feel of the awful control the man had over Elvis and his career. It's a stunning achievement that could not have been made if Butler didn't perfect his performance. Loved it.
The Deep End (2022)
Should have bailed
This docuseries is billed as provocative, insightful investigation into a controversial spiritual teacher. But my take away is it's just a look at a new agey seminar pendling woman who is pissed off that the ex she has strung along through 5 of her own marriages and divorces had the audacity to find a new girlfriend. It's not necessarily boring, but it's not very interesting, either.
Men (2022)
Ummmmm
I mean ... what the literal bloody hell was that? I love a good jump scare. I love a good fire and brimstone fright fest. But I am completely lost as to what was going on for the 3rd act. I do still love Jessie Buckley, though. And Rory Kinnear is super creepy.
Bridgerton (2020)
Season 2 is So Much Better
I wasn't a huge fan of Season 1. Maybe it was Daphne's baby bangs. Or the cringey sex scenes. I watched the full season, but my reaction raged from meh to ugh. But Season 2 has me hooked. The chemistry between Anthony Bridgerton and Kate Sharma absolutely sizzles. The music continues to amaze (You Oughta Know!). Now I'm in.
Licorice Pizza (2021)
All Over The Place
I usually love movies that are little love notes to the writer or director's childhood. I usually love quirky period movies. I'm a huge Paul Thomas Anderson fan. So I was excited for this one. The music and production design was perfect, but the story just lost me. So much going on. So many characters obviously inspired by real people, but to me, it just didn't make sense. Maybe it wasn't supposed to and I should have just enjoyed the nostalgia.
The Vow (2020)
Not much substance
Started strong, but almost 8 hours in, hasn't revealed much not covered in written articles.
Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (2020)
Eurotasti
Such a fun, entertaining movie. It's a cheeky homage created by people who obviously love the crazy spectacle that is the Eurovision Song Contest. Will and Rachel are hilarious and so is Dan Stevens as the Russian contestant. And, most importantly for a movie about a singing competition, the musical performances are fantastic.
Underwater (2020)
The Abyss, but sticky. (Contains Spoiler).
There was room for both Jack and Rose on the door. And both Norah and Emily could have fit in the pod.
Chernobyl (2019)
Heartbreaking Masterpiece
I finally finished watching Chernobyl (HBO). It took me awhile to gear up for it. Maybe because in April of 1986, I was in 6th grade, living in a small city about 20 miles from a decommissioned plutonium plant and a functioning nuclear energy generator in Eastern Washington State. My town had thousands of scientists, engineers, and clean-up workers not so different from the people depicted in the series. Were we ever on the brink of a life-changing accident? Would people working at the site have been asked to sacrifice their lives to save the rest of us in Washington or the Northwest? I don't know, but it's a crazy question to ponder.
The series is a masterpiece. Sober. Stressful. Incredibly detailed. A heartbreaking depiction of bravery, selflessness, and sacrifice. And a terrifying story of how deception, fear, and the exclusion of truth can wreck havoc on individuals, humanity and our world.
Watching it now, when the dark days of winter and Seasonal Affective Disorder are making me particularly morose, was probably not the best idea. Or maybe it was exactly right. Anyway, if you haven't seen it yet, I definitely recommend Chernobyl.
Once Upon a Time in... Hollywood (2019)
Love Letter to Hollywood
Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood" is an incredible love letter to the Hollywood of the 1960s, the magic of movie making, bromances, the golden glow of youth, the less shiny struggle of aging, Brad Pitt's ageless beauty, almost pathological attention to detail, and the deliciousness of great, messy slasher films. Such a unique idea and so beautifully made. I loved it. I really hope Quentin is lying about retiring, but this would be a pretty great one to go out on.