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Vivarium (2019)
Vivarium Film Review - Lorcan Finnegan Directs Imogen Poots & Jesse Eisenbeg Buried Alive In The Scary Reality Of A Magritte Surrealist Suburbia
We watched while our government threw money at builders to get them to build identikit homes on identikit estates for those desperate to get on the housing ladder. In Vivarium, Lorcan Finnegan shows us the sci-fi horror of the dystopian reality for a young couple who believed the hype of boring box like suburbia.
Imogen Poots and Jesse Eisenberg want a home of their own and somehow wander into an estate agents staffed by Martin. Jonathan Aris is like the big bad wolf tempting Gemma and Tom to come and visit Yonder. It's a Goldilocks sort of place, just near enough, and yet far enough, and just the right distance. From nowhere? Run away as fast as you can. It clearly isn't what they want looking around the Monopoly green identikit houses in the shop, but they follow Martin out to the estate where No 9 is available. And inside it's everything you expect a show house to be, with the artfully placed lamps, bed throw and welcome pack with champagne and strawberries in the fridge. And a spare bedroom already painted blue. They do want children one day Gemma explains, as they explore the plastic grassed garden. And then they're alone. So they leave too.
Except every turn leads back to No 9 in this Escher style estate. And as luck (?) would have it, they run out of petrol right outside No 9, as they drive past once again later that same evening. So they go inside. The strawberries have no taste so I guess they must be Spanish out of season.
When Tom climbs on the roof next day he sees nothing but more roofs, so they decide to follow the sun and find their way out. The comedy is black watching them cross garden after garden, always climbing on the same white plastic chair they've dragged across the same manicured green grass, until they finally find a house with lights on. No 9. This is clearly a Truman Show never ending set with Magritte surrealist clouds in the sky.
Fortunately a box is always left outside with the same tasteless provisions, for our, let's call them self-isolators of today. Or live lab rats given the actual meaning of vivarium. But tomorrows box is a bit of a kicker. With a baby inside. 'Raise the child and be released' is the included instruction. Maybe all new babies should come with this get out clause. But this alien, the cuckoo in the nest we are forced to accept, is a fast grower and as day 96 passes he is already 7. Played by Senan Jennings he screams at Gemma and Tom until he is fed, like the poor birds dealing with the actual cuckoo in the nest, and watches the only tv channel with its black and white puzzles, even though they tell him to turn it off. And in reality this is actually how some poor parents live.
After taking refuge in their car Gemma and Tom are amazed to find the radio still works and dance with joy until their 'son' joins in. Copying their movements he is quite fascinating as all children copy their parents to learn. But with a creepy robotic style voice that immediately makes you wary. They could be any young family dancing crazily in the empty street. In a few months the UK will look like this again.
But Tom is the first to snap after these long months. He deals with the monotony by digging a hole in the plastic garden. Their relationship reduced to a few words here and there. With Tom continuously hearing noises further below, maybe a way out if he can only dig deep enough. It becomes a full time job of futility as he grows weaker. While Gemma struggles with maternal issues for the parasitic thing tied to them, and sits by the washing machine that washes the clothes they don't have.
It's an absolutely fascinating film, in months the child grows into a cookie cutter callous young man, now played by Eanna Hardwicke, who Gemma follows when he goes out for his Escher style daily walk. She's literally walking around the bend. As our loving young couple fall further into their suburban nightmare.
The ending is brutal, a shocking Alice In Wonderland fall to other unseen Gemma and Toms in equally trapped desperate circumstances. What an idea and script by Lorcan Finnegan and Garret Shanley. But I think in this cookie cutter film I would have liked to know who is behind this, and why? And then it all starts again.
Now streaming online, or is that screaming online? I watched it on BFI Player.
Military Wives (2019)
Military Wives Film Review - Peter Cattaneo Keeps The Home Fires Burning With Kristin Scott Thomas & Sharon Horgan Challenging The Vocal Chords - Now Streaming
Pre the coronavirus cinema shutdown I saw Military Wives, and it is now streaming. I roughly knew the story with Gareth Malone, the title gives it away, but this is a spirited retelling by director Peter Cattaneo of how a war bound squadron's loved ones at home find ways to keep their spirits up.
Kristin Scott Thomas is perfect as Kate, the very proper wife of Greg Wise's Colonel being checked in at the gate to the Garrison her husband is in charge of. You can never be too careful on military bases. When I watched Kristin in Only God Forgives she was a revelation. But Kate is her natural habitat, the top lady on base, and slightly put out that Sharon Horgan's Lisa will be running the wives activities as the Sergeant Major's wife, when their husbands (and wife!) are away. The pair are the ying and yang to each other. Lisa who runs the NAFFI store also has to deal with her daughter flexing her wings and testing the base boundaries. But India Ria Amarteifio's Frankie is still game to watch Rocky with her mother on nights in. They are a blast.
But the activity ideas are fairly pedestrian fun for the girls. Coffee mornings, knitting and wine. Until Amy-James Kelly's Sarah suggests they start a choir. Only if it's pop music and not hymns adds Lisa. But can any of them sing?
Apparently not according to Jason Flemyng, reaching for the headphones. But it doesn't matter as they are only having a laugh, while watching Kate and Lisa battle it out out front. And yet slowly the women come together, Kate and Lisa not so much, in the feel good film that adds a drop of everything to the mix; accent, colour and class. And all the while the wives are shopping at the NAFFI, they are praying that they don't get the call. At the forefront of every family's thoughts in the military.
Here Kate provides sensitive support to one of the young girls, exploring her own heartbreak at the recent loss of her own son. Kate's method of handling her emotions is to buy off the tv shopping channels. Hilarious. I thought what was sad, and something I had never considered before with life on base, is that if you lose your serving partner, then you have to leave the base too. Given many couples probably don't actually have another home, this must be doubly hard for the bereaved.
The film doesn't have that many surprises given we know it will end at the Royal Albert Hall, but script writers Rachel Tunnard and Rosanne Flynn take a gentle comedy route to get there. As well as the sadness there are moments of pure delight, when we find Jess, played by Gaby French, can actually sing. Well obviously she can, she's Welsh. You in the back just open your mouths. And even Lara Rossi's Ruby who is tone deaf gets a vocal classification, it's not soprano!, and a line of her own to sing. She's thrilled and everyone is included here.
And when Lisa decides to write their own song for the Festival of Remembrance, using the actual lines from their letters, it is their personal emotions that are wrote bare. Apparently this was actually true and it was a touching idea. But there will be tears in the carpark before the first chorus is sung.
A great fun watch from Kristin Scott Thomas & Sharon Horgan and a largely unknown cast to me having the best and worst of times.
Onward (2020)
Disney Pixar Onward Film Review - Dan Scanlon Directs Chris Pratt & Tom Holland On A Boy's Own Adventure In A Time Without Magic
I saw Disney Pixar's Onward when it opened this month at the movies, now streaming it was described potentially as Frozen for boys. And there are no pretty Disney princesses in Dan Scanlan's quest, nothing is pretty, not even the feral unicorns. Chris Pratt & Tom Holland are blue elf brothers living in a land where as technology has advanced, the need for magic has reduced. Policemen centaurs drive around town, instead of feeling the wind in their hair galloping at 70mph, light is provided by electricity, you get the idea, and Gandalf is out of a job. Dragons make good trained house pets though. Small ones anyway.
Chris Pratt's Barley Lightfoot is let's say a bit of a doofus. I'm sure his younger brother Ian voiced by Tom Holland would agree. Like everyone in New Mushroomton, Barley is a squib - non magical. But he loves the old ways, plays the equivalent of Dungeons and Dragons, saves mythical old monuments and his clapped out old van is even called Guinevere, riffing on the days of Yore. Chris must have had a hoot with his character.
Ian lacks a father figure since his father died when he was a baby, he's always felt insecure and carries around a checklist of things he still wants to achieve. If he only had the courage. As his 16th birthday approaches he is even too timid to ask his friends to the party. But Barley is there for him. His memories of Dad are all Ian knows. Except for a recording Ian has of his Dad that he sweetly knows by heart. And now it's time for Barley to anoint Ian a man. Not so fast there Barley, Ian isn't into all the old ways loved by his embarrassing older brother and his Quest of Yore role playing game. But Julia Louis-Dreyfus's Mum has something special for both the boys now they are 16. Turns out their accountant dad was into magic too and the gift is a wizard's magical staff. Plus matching Phoenix jewel to cast a visitation spell to bring him back to life for one more day.
And with learned magic coursing through his veins, brave fearless warrior Barney prepares to weald the mighty staff...and nothing happens. But when weedy Ian takes the staff it's abracadabra, as the spell backfires and a half body with just legs magically appears. But how the hell are they to get the rest of dad materialised before the day is done? Looks like Barley's magical knowledge might come in useful after all, as Ian reluctantly follows him. Leaving a message for Mum, with high kicking Dad in disguise trailing along behind.
Let's start with fire breathing Octavia Spencer as The Manticore, folklore tells she has a map to another jewel in her tavern lair. But her lair is now a family dining 'The Tavern' restaurant with tricks and karaoke. But on the wall is the map, unfortunately Manticore inadvertently sets it on fire. But our elves manage to grab a paper kids menu 'map' that gives some clue to the treasure, just as the restaurant burns. In the interest of Health & Safety no-one is hurt. Except maybe Manticore's pride.
Onward is a blast with the Lord of the Rings style quest, biker pixies and Lena Waithe's policewoman cyclops, Officer Spector if you please, gets a girlfriend. She co-wrote it so not so much a surprise, but I still did a double take. Kids who live in countries with much stricter laws on sexuality will really miss out on the fun here. Director Dan Scanlan who wrote the film in relation to the loss of his own father early in his life, creates emotions that are heartfelt but not in a mawkish way. There's plenty of comedy, vibrant animation and dad dancing hilarity in the boys own adventure. Even the character names are amusing with Officer Spector and Officer Bronco.
A magical gem of good honest fun that helps you realise that what you were looking for all along was in quite the most unexpected place.
Bloodshot (2020)
Bloodshot Film Review - Dave Wilson Directs Dead Man Walking Van Diesel As He Takes The Bad Men Down - Available To Download March 24
I caught Bloodshot on opening day, the last movie in the old style of showing in a cinema, before they closed down for Coronavirus. Directed by Dave Wilson and based on the Valiant Comic character, it is available to download March 24 with Van Diesel playing a tough marine taking down the bad guys. Of course he is, because Van Rambo is a hero.
And when he comes home to his lovely wife, played by Talulah Riley, the hard man is loving and romantic. Until it's payback for his last job, with a dancing mercenary leader prepared to kill to find out what classified info Ray knew. Ray had his orders and followed them. He doesn't have the info. But the baddie doesn't take No for an answer. As Ray warns him that he'll track him down and take him out.....
When Ray wakes up he's transformed. Literally. He's now Bloodshot, a walking talking super soldier. Guy Pearce's Dr. Emil Harting, I want to call him Dr Evil, it trips off the tongue so nicely, has created his own Frankenstein army, with Ray the newest member of the Elite team. The let's call them the T-, for tin soldiers Team, include Eiza González's Katie, Sam Heughan's Jimmy (it's the accent), and Alex Hernandez's Tibbs. One cannot breathe, one cannot walk and the other cannot see. But with Dr Emil's help our former Navy swimmer, Seal and Army Ranger are the future of military hardware. And we're talking the sci-fi of the future with Ray's blood now crawling with microscopic online robots, repairing any incoming damage. Of course Ray doesn't believe the Project Rising Spirit set up, until he sees the damage he can do. And what he can bench press. The man is an invincible machine.
The only thing missing from this crack team is Ray's memory, until one day there's a flicker of something, a face and a name. And because Ray's supercharged blood has the online ability to find his target, he's off. Dr Emil's multi million dollar prototype is live, and on the loose. In Budapest. Revenge wasn't in the program! But Ray will always comes back.
Dave Wilson's Bloodshot is a fun comic fantasy of violence that gets the job done. They had it coming, with pulsing special effects, and CGI that in slow motion lets you appreciate the stunts, unlike the wham bam blur of films and their what just happened. If you know Jake Gyllenhaal's Source Code you get the idea of where we're going, but Ray's not in a box. And while Van Diesel can handle the action I cannot really appreciate him as a romantic lead, so that always takes a little getting used to. Sam Heughan is Outlander's romantic lead Jamie, and here he flexed his muscles but his character was a bit boring and didn't get the pulse running either. Tibbs doesn't even have a character. Eiza González apparently missed out on being Robert Pattinson's Catwoman. I would have liked to see her in the role after seeing her work here. Lamorne Morris was fun as an unexpected geek techie. While Guy Pearce had a ball as Dr Frankenstein with an agenda.
We know it's not King Lear, it's fluffy comic book action, so jus rol with it. While costume design for Van Diesel always economically runs to army fatigues and white vests, it was fun in the age of coronavirus when you need a distraction.
The Invisible Man (2020)
The Invisible Man Film Review - Leigh Whannell Directs Elisabeth Moss In Blumhouse's Cracking Horror
In your average horror movie I am continuously scanning the background, but in Leigh Whannell's adaptation of The Invisible Man the horror is right behind you. You just cannot see it. The film is part of the Universal Dark Universe franchise, but reimagined by Leigh. Elisabeth Moss creeps around the gorgeous house, great production design by Alex Holmes, we are led to believe she has drugged her wealthy boyfriend Adrian played by Emerald City's Lucas; Oliver Jackson-Cohen. And in those few moments you could cut the tension with a knife.
Barely escaping from this gilded prison with her sister's help, Cecilia finds refuge with her friend James and his daughter Sydney, but always feels someone is watching her. Attempting to beat her agoraphobia she eventually makes it out of the door to the mail box. A small victory. But when Adrian commits suicide, Cecilia's fears are over. With her and Harriet Dyer's sister Emily both amazed when he leaves $5 million to Cecilia, with a few unlikely codicils. But Adrian's lawyer Tom, his own brother, played by For All Mankind's Michael Dorman, assures her everything is fine.
And it is. Using Adrian's $10,000 a month will allowance Cecilia sets up a Parsons College fund for Sydney, Storm Reid playing thecool daughter of Aldis Hodge's policeman James. And Cecelia feeling confident enough to work again, but why are her architectural drawings suddenly gone from her case during her interview?, and why is Diazepam suddenly on the bathroom counter?, the same medicine she used to drug Adrian, as she passes out. The hospital results show she had high levels of the Diazepam in her blood. She never took the pills.
But Cecilia starts to wonder what if tech billionaire Adrian isn't actually dead, what if he created a way to make himself invisible? Could the man who abused her while he was alive, still be psychologically, and worse, terrorising her in his 'death'? We can see the duvet slipping off the bed, we know someone's there, as the photo is taken, but we cannot see him. Maybe just a foot outline on a sheet.
I don't know HG Wells's The Invisible Man, other than there was a series with David McCallum when I was a kid. But Leigh Whannell has created a monster who question's Cecilia's sanity and in a shocking OMG moment ultimately robs her of her family. If no one can see her tormentor, then no one can help. But Cecilia has survived worse when living with Adrian, the painful admitting to James and Emily of the awful life she had is heartbreaking. Apparently self harm scenes were cut from the UK version which would have showed even more the psychological harm he caused her. And I cannot think of a better actress to play Cecilia than Elisabeth Moss, we are willing to invest in her as the abused woman who takes the fight to her abuser. With Tom offering Cecilia a menacing option we're totally up for it. Especially as Cecilia has an ace up her sleeve in this chilling sci-fi thriller.
A terrific script and big success for Blumhouse. They are really having a moment with three of their films currently in cinemas. With an impressive score by Benjamin Wallfisch and haunting cinematography by Stefan Duscio that together builds up the suspense. As a horror fan this was superb from Leigh Whannell. The loft scenes were fantastic but it isn't relying only on the jumpy moments. Far too sophisticated a piece of work for that. Well done to the cast and crew.
Downhill (2020)
Downhill Film Review - Nat Faxon & Jim Rash Direct Will Ferrell & Julia Louis-Dreyfus In A Marriage Avalanche
In a picture perfect Austria, Julia Louis-Dreyfus's Billie is on a skiing holiday with husband Will Ferrell's Pete and their two kids. Pete cannot quite leave his phone alone as he follows the holiday of his unmarried co-worker Zach played by Zack Woods. Let's say he's pining for the free as a breeze #. But the family do manage to get in some prime skiing on the slopes. The beautiful cinematography by Danny Cohen is worth the price of admission alone. Until a controlled avalanche comes crashing around them as they lunch alfresco. Well not quite around them all as Pete grabs his beloved phone and staggers off as quickly as his snow boots can carry him.
Nat Faxon & Jim Rash direct what initially I thought was a comedy but is in fact a brutal dissection of a marriage, with comedy on the side. As Billie brushes snow off herself and their boys on the cafe veranda, Pete comes back and calmly orders soup. While we are still in awkward shock of this moment the couple make a complaint but they are told by Kristofer Hivju that they aren't in America anymore where you can sue when the coffee is too hot. Kerching. Warnings had been posted all over. Pete thinks he might have seen them! So why didn't Billie the attorney not notice them I wondered if we're placing blame?
When the family arrived Billie and Pete shared a sink in their lovely suite, but there's no room for Pete now to share with Billie, and he is banished to the other side of the mirror with his own sink. You could say the mirror is cracked in this frosty new environment. The simple facade of a happy marriage was sorely tested when the family were left to fend by themselves. And the event is painfully acted out when Zach and his girlfriend Zoe Chao's Rosie arrive unexpectedly. At Pete's invitation! With Pete stressing how you cannot run very quickly in snow boots. But as far as Billie was concerned this was the moment that Pete saved himself rather than his family. With the avalanche controlled the Austrian authorities were expecting no casualties, but she didn't know.
Taking time out Billie gives us the comedy with Miranda Otto's man hungry hotel manageress, providing Billie with a ski instructor we can all fall for. Giulio Berruti could be the traumatised Billie's comfort break, but not recommended for solo play in a bathroom afterwards, wearing ski gear and those damn ski boots that get in the way of everything. But Pete doesn't fare any better in the family friendly resort with the two boys. Already ashamed of him, he over enthuses with the boys, and gets thrown off the toboggan ride. A very funny comic moment for him comes when he is flattered by a woman via her friend, oops sorry wrong man. But Will Ferrell's comedic talents are used more as the embarrassing Dad. And disappointing husband, as eventually cutting the 'I'm fine' tension, Billie can no longer hold in her feelings at Pete's failure to care for his family.
The film is a remake of a Swedish film Force Majeure that won a prize at Cannes 2014 and the 86 minutes is perfectly timed to give you the trauma of the avalanche moment, and the more devastating after effects. The whole holiday was a disaster in the adult resort where the kids would have enjoyed more the nearby family one. All that way for the boys to be on their devices. And not just the kids. But I did have some sympathy for Pete and the heliskiing trip that was a disaster.
I was pleased that the film wasn't purely a comedy, with Will Ferrell and Julia Louis-Dreyfus raising the dramatic tone, and elevating it to a very awkward, in a good way, and interesting watch in how a marriage can fall apart in just one moment. You'll leave feeling a little shell shocked with what just happened.
The Call of the Wild (2020)
The Call Of The Wild Film Review - Chris Sanders Directs Harrison Ford & Omar Sy In A Charming Shaggy Dog Story
Buck is a naughty puppy in The Call Of The Wild who enjoys his Californian life of leisure. He's never seen snow, until a dognapping sees him trafficked north, to the frozen Yukon and the Klondike Gold Rush, where strong dogs are in demand. Chris Sanders directs a CGI epic with Harrison Ford joining Buck on his journey to the wild.
Cara Gee's Françoise with Omar Sy's Perrault are the lovely French-Canadian postal team in the frozen wild, and Buck is bought by Perrault to complete his dog sled team. Our St Bernard is no husky and being at the back of the sled he isn't so much a team player either, more keen to independently explore his new surroundings. But Perrault explains to him they are all tied together, if he goes they all go. A salutary lesson for the spoilt family dog. But Buck has a black wolf spiritual guide in these wild Indian territories, and he's keen to learn. And when an opportunity comes to lead the sled team, the vicious aptly named husky Spitz is challenged, and loses. With Buck their new leader the sled carries the mail lickety-split, finally on time, as the Northern Lights dance among them.
Originally written by Jack London in 1903, and with the story narrated by Harrison Ford, the film is an enjoyable trek with Buck guided by his spirit to safety across the frozen land. At times I even felt emotional over the shaggy CGI dog story, especially when Dan Stevens takes on the team. His mad eyed adventurer Hal is willing to risk the safety of everyone, especially his new team of dogs, for the lure of gold. Flogging them onwards as the snow turns to mud, and the frozen ice starts to crack.
Harrison Ford's character is a great one for him, his John Thornton is a grieving father who chooses to live alone, a shaggy dog himself, but he finds something in Buck's companionship that grounds him. I don't know how closely the film follows the book, but Buck also gives John the courage to give up his drinking, and finally take the road less travelled. The unexplored wilderness where his late son suggested there could be gold. And it is so plentiful that Buck can just nose along the river bed and pick up nuggets as big as his head. But we've all seen Wall-E and his diamond... Still there's enough there to buy groceries for a lifetime and even a railroad. If that's what John wanted.
But what Buck wants is to explore. With a gorgeous white timber wolf. It's such a great film for kids with emotional moments, comedy and pure happiness as Buck explores how close he is to the wild, and eventually finds his wild side. Sorry if that's a spoiler! Long forgotten is the Californian easy life.
I know critics have criticised the film's CGI, but if this wilderness is all CGI then it's a beautiful job by the team. Cinematography was by Janusz Kaminski, with Buck played in motion-capture by Terry Notary. And I bet the CGI animals were easier to control than real ones. You couldn't have created this film without them, okay action! 'pop your head up out of the snow just after Fido'. But they came at a CGI price.
I guess The Call Of The Wild is a boy's own story, but there was plenty for girls to enjoy too, right from the naughty antics of Buck's early life, well you know that laden picnic table was just asking for it. Great fun for all.
Emma. (2020)
Emma. Film Review - Autumn de Wilde Directs Anya Taylor-Joy, Bill Nighy & Miranda Hart In A Manners & Matchmaking Romp
Jane Austen's well loved heroines including Elizabeth Bennett, Fanny Price and Ann Elliot are mainly gentlewomen, without large dowries, and therefore in need of a good marriage. Anya Taylor-Joy relishes the period role of the tightly curled Emma Woodhouse, being neither in need of a dowry nor a husband, preferring instead to matchmake her friends. But unhappily happy with her success as she watches her own governess Miss Taylor marry Mr Weston, a nearby wealthy widower. With Rupert Graves and Gemma Whelan the happy couple.
Autumn de Wilde directs Emma. with Bill Nighy as her father, hilariously suffering from chills, and keeping his men busy around the house moving screens to continuously keep them from him. They were an unscripted hoot, and the film highlighted the idleness of the wealthy of the time.
In dire need of a project Emma embarks upon finding her giddy new friend a suitable husband. Mia Goth is terrific as the red cloaked naive schoolgirl Harriet Smith. And Emma sees local vicar Mr Elton as the perfect candidate. With toady Josh O'Connor, Jane Austen definitely had a thing against vicars, writing such odious characters, but sadly in 1815 they were considered a catch.
Emma's neighbour and conscience Mr Knightly is the lovely Johnny Flynn, although sadly a little lacking in height when lined up to dance. But he's rich and single. And having known Emma since childhood is not afraid to tell her off when she needs it. I enjoyed seeing more of Mr Knightley's home life rather than him just arriving and leaving. And loved how Autumn de Wilde updated her Emma to include Christmas visitors Mr Knightley's brother and Emma's sister as a married couple struggling as new parents. We haven't seen such domestic strops before. I have to say I think Oliver Chris's John was getting the rougher end of his marriage to Chloe Pirrie's Isabella. Mr Knightley has been warned.
A subsequent Christmas dinner at the Weston's home was a real farce, being rudely interrupted by the threat of snow and a comedic dash to the carriages by hypochondriac Mr Woodhouse and Isabella. Leaving the Westons spinning in their empty dining room and Emma facing a carriage ride home with the oily Mr Elton. It does not end well for Harriet!
But this is Emma's story and Mr Knightley watches all her movements from the side lines. He has the measure of their friends and acquaintances even if Emma herself cannot see them. Chief amongst them is Frank Churchill. Callum Turner plays the scandalous cad who intrigues and catches Emma's eye. And while Knightley tries to dissuade her from falling for him, after all he didn't even have the courtesy to come to his father's marriage to Miss Taylor, Knightly implores, but Emma will take no notice. And Mr Elton, who Knightley knows will never marry Harriet with no fortune or name, but his tenant farmer Connor Swindells's Mr Martin would make an admirable husband. And they do seem to love each other, even if Harriet spurns him, when Emma turns her snobby nose up at the decent farmer. Obnoxious Mr Elton does of course end up with the perfectly awful and rich wife he deserves, played by the game Tanya Reynolds.
The score by Isobel Waller-Bridge and David Schweitzer was witty, with almost Gilbert & Sullivan like comedic tunes with the genteel Regency dancing mixes. I love the Regency period so Kate Quinn's production design was divine with sumptuous Georgian Palladian mansions and the local haberdashery store, a purveyor of fancy goods, a veritable Aladdin's cave. And the colourful sugar iced Regency costumes by talented Alexandra Byrne were beautiful.
Into this gorgeous comedy of manners drops Jane Fairfax to set the cat amongst the pigeons. Emma has already had quite enough of her with Miss Bates excited descriptions of her niece. Miranda Hart added the comedy to the genteel unmarried Miss Bates fallen on hard times with her deaf mother. But Jane is her source of satisfaction and comfort. And would Miss Woodhouse like to hear what is happening in Jane's most recent letter?
Well Jane is here now and Miss Bates is eager for them to meet, and maybe be great friends. Jane is poor, pretty and accomplished, whereas Emma is rich and pretty so has no need to be truly accomplished. But she is jealous. Especially when Mr Knightley pays attention to Jane, duets with her, and lends her his carriage afterwards. To be honest I thought Amber Anderson's Jane was an insipid character, Polly Walker played her with more spark, but she may have been scripted that way by Eleanor Catton. The script overall was sparkling with zingers and Frank Churchill adding catty comments for Emma's amusement. All coming to a head at a picnic where everyone is having a good time, until Emma insults Miss Bates, to everyone's discomfort. Gwyneth Paltrow did it way better. There was so much cruelty in her dripping words, Anya was far too sweet. But Mr Knightley is quick to chastise her.
And realising her callousness Emma does try to grow, eating humble pie and making amends with those she has wronged. And even accepting that Mr Knightley may love someone. Who isn't her. Just as she realises that all their sweet nothings were actually something after all.
Well done to Autumn de Wilde for her first directing gig and a very entertaining cast and crew.
Like a Boss (2020)
Like A Boss Film Review - Miguel Arteta Directs Girl Power Tiffany Haddish & Rose Byrne As Childhood Friends & Beauty Partners Facing Up To Salma Hayek's Big Breasts
Salma Hayek must have one hell of a marriage, imagine having all that fashion to hand. And we see lots of Gucci on screen in Like A Boss. Directed by Miguel Arteta, Rose Byrne and Tiffany Haddish are childhood friends with big ambitions. And they created their own successful beauty company, Mel and Mia.
Tiffany's Mia is the creative while Rose's Mel worries about the bottom line. And it isn't good. So when Salma Hayek's Claire Luna, a beauty mogul, takes an interest in the company, it seems their hard work has finally paid off. And their doubting friends no longer think they're lightweights. But Claire is the Disney villain of the film. And she is bad and she's drawn that way. That's angry carrot, but a little Sophia Lauren to be honest. Salma is way too gorgeous to be a caricature. Claire sees her business as inspiring the ugly people to buy their way to gorgeousness. At least she's honest. Never a truer word spoken by a beauty company.
The girls eventually accept the offer of their debts being paid off and keeping 51% of their company. But if they fall out and the partnership ends, then Claire Luna takes their 51%. Of course that is never going to happen as Mel and Mia have each other's backs.
But Claire is determined that she will win control of Mel and Mia. She had a partner too when she started, but she soon got rid of her. And she plays the girls off each other and pitches them up against Ryan Hansen and Jimmy O. Yang. Two straight guys who have their own company called Get Some. Both are in the forthcoming Fantasy Island (are they a double act?), and have wildly different views on beauty to the girls. But they are actually very good on stage and women do want to look hot.
Billy Porter was great as mixicologist Barrett, with beauty assistant Jennifer Coolidge's Sydney, like Mia, having the measure of Claire. I enjoyed the beauty side and the friendship of the film and a couple of women near me were roaring with laughter as they ploughed their way through their own weight of snacks, so a great one for a raunchy date with the girls.
I really enjoyed Tiffany Haddish in recent drama, The Kitchen, her first dramatic role, but also in Girls Night Out. I think like horror, comedy is very difficult to get right. Bad Boys For Life did it well recently. But you could see that everyone involved was trying to get this one right. And although it didn't always come off there were some moments, including a spectacularly bad birthing cake that horrified me as much as Mel and Mia. But it's no What Women Want with Taraji P. Henson. That was a laugh out loud funny movie for women. And if at times it felt a little like Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion, then just wait for the returning Friend punchline.
The Rhythm Section (2020)
The Rhythm Section Film Review - Reed Morano Directs Blake Lively In An Assassin's Trail Of A Murderer
When Stephanie Patrick didn't get on the plane, it sets in motion a trail that sees her chase down those responsible for her family's deaths. Blake Lively goes grunge for director Reed Morano and the Mark Burnell screenplay of his novel The Rhythm Section. Never knowing why she didn't get on the plane with her family, but Stephanie's life was one of love and happiness with them.
But coping with survivor's grief sent Stephanie into a downwards spiral of self-loathing, eased by heroin addiction and paid for on her back in a brothel. And that's where Raza Jaffrey's freelance journalist Kevin Proctor finds her. Her family were not killed in the tragic air crash he tells her, but by a bomb. With the truth, and killer, hidden by our government. Let's pretend our government doesn't have any evidence that Tawfeek Barhom's Reza built the bomb, so he is at large, or maybe they just don't have enough police to follow him. Anyway they vehemently deny it was a bomb. Who are they protecting? If indeed it actually happened. And initially Stephanie doesn't believe it either. But when she sees detailed research in Kevin's flat, it fires her up, and armed with a seriously ill advised illegal gun, she stalks Reza in his university cafeteria. After making eye-contact, but unable to take the shot, Reza escapes.
If Stephanie is going to track this gone to ground killer down, she needs serious training with Kevin's source at MI6, B, played by an off grid Jude Law in the Highlands. Producer Barbara Broccoli suggests Stephanie is possibly a female Bond for women, but if so she needs to toughen up. Our heroin addicted prostitute has some hard training ahead of her before she can pass herself off as an assassin. And meet with B's contact, ex-CIA operative Serra, played by Sterling K. Brown. It has shades of Bond when the marks take Stephanie around the world. Her kick-ass ineptitude is endearing, but she's no Baby Driver, instead the Rhythm Section is suggested by B to control her breathing during her hits. But in this new profession, indecision is likely to get you killed. Or someone else.
I have enjoyed watching Blake Lively since The Age Of Adeline, and here she is equally watchable with Jude Law, and gives her all. But the story line went a bit AWOL midway, with who did what, when and why, and in between the great stunt work by Blake and the stunt team, the big reveal was a bit of a let down. Casting my eye over the book tends to imply that there is much more to the story than the film run time allowed. And if the books continue to be filmed then I'm all up for more Stephanie Patrick. And the ending did leave an opening for more.
Birds of Prey and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn (2020)
Harley Quinn: Birds Of Prey Film Review - Cathy Yan Directs Margot Robbie Tripping As A Badass With Glitter Bombs & Egg & Bacon Sandwiches
Cathy Yan directs Birds of Prey and...Harley Quinn, and who knew that Harley Quinn was a PhD, certainly not me. Our girl as a bonafide psychologist. I remember how she talked down the fire eating Diablo of Suicide Squad in the trailer - no alcohol for you. And it's a great asset in bat crazy Gotham. I saw the film opening day, before the name change, and I didn't know the DC Birds of Prey so think switching the name around is the right move. It's Margot Robbie's movie. And in the wild weather of half-term a trip to see Harleen Quinzel may be just what the doctor ordered.
Even if Harley is having a hard time getting over Mr J. She narrates how they met when she was his doctor in Arkham and pledged their love in a vat of acid. But when Joker dumped our girl she took matters into her own hand and blew up the very spot where they had once celebrated said love. Take that Joker, and don't acid rain on Harley's parade! Ever again. Except she's all alone now, apart for her hyena Bruce. After Wayne of course. And he's so adorable, in crazy world of course.
So Harley starts her cartoon life with a whimper; slurping cheese from a can, chopping her hair and getting plastered while ordering the shots. Even taking up roller derby as a (non-contact!) sport. Ice-skating seems so tame now. But because she's Joker's girl she's untouchable outside of her apartment. But what if the bad boys of Gotham found out Harley is flying solo now? Chief among them being Ewan McGregor's Roman Sionis, a big Gotham crime lord. And it's a wild ride of a story with his nom de plume Black Mask. I'm not sure where the name came from (DC history and all that) but Roman likes his African antiquities.
But Harley isn't the only bird in Gotham with attitude. And in need of emancipation. Rosie Perez is a tough talking detective in the Gotham PD, but her Montoya never gets the credit for any of her busts. She finds Harley's necklace just after the acid blast and realises Harley is on her own. As do all the Gotham criminals on the grapevine. Harley has a target on her back. But Monoya is already chasing a killer who just took out a crew with a crossbow. Execution style. Someone really didn't like those bad boys. Turns out Mary Elizabeth Winstead's Huntress has a ton of history with Gotham. Her real name is Helena Bertinelli, and her family were slain in an eye popping display of blood when she was a child. She understandably wants those involved dead. And Jurnee Smollett-Bell is Dinah Lance, the Black Canary with the killer voice who sings for her supper at Roman's club. She was awesome with a roundhouse kick.
Throw in the Bertillini diamond that Roman could make his fortune with, Ella Jay Basco's young pickpocket Cass finds it all very easy to swallow. Although it will be harder to recover. Roman has an idea, but Harley's option is the non lethal route. And comes with a Marilyn riff that was totally fantastic in an out of mind experience.
There's plenty of glitter and colourful smoke bomb style violence. Harley is nothing if not stylish. Armed with her beloved bat. But at the end of the day she's just a girl who wanted to be loved. And when the chips are down with Roman calling out for Gotham's worst to come do their finest to recover his diamond, she and the girls know how to get the job done in a riotous fun house. And it's a wrestlemania with choreographed mayhem. And maybe just maybe they can blow the whole Kerpow style comic book of psychopaths to their mutual, and a tasty egg and bacon sandwich, with cheese, satisfaction.
You go girls. With a great cast Cathy Yan passes the Bechdel test, these women don't need men, and Matthew Libatique makes the screen fizz with his cinematography and K.K. Barrett production design. That fun house was awesome.
But does anyone really die in Gotham? Stay tuned.
Underwater (2020)
Underwater Film Review - William Eubank Directs Kristen Stewart In A Claustrophobic Deep Sea Drill That Went Too Deep
In Underwater William Eubank directs a life with artificial light and the clock the only way to tell night from day. Kristen Stewart is an engineer, Norah, but let's call her Ripley for now, lost in her own thoughts, but shaken into reality when a catastrophic underwater earthquake hits the drilling station she is on board. Barely making it out alive with Mamoudou Athie's Rodrigo, they are forced to close off their wing to save the rest of the platform, and make a claustrophobic attempt to escape across the debris, picking up TJ Miller's rubble covered Paul on the way. Hundreds were on board, some managed to escape via pod subs, but now only six are left alive. With seemingly no way out.
7 miles down in the Mariana Trench with no communications, Vincent Cassel, the Captain of the rig stayed behind after those who could leave left, and assesses the best chance for the six is to walk across the seabed to another part of the site, where there might be other pods. A one mile walk. Let's hope their helmets survive the pressure underwater.
William Eubank doesn't allow time for second thoughts with everything moving so fast in Underwater. The beginning showed newspaper headlines and I missed some of them so I wasn't sure if they were describing pre-film events or after. I guessed after, as they continued in the end credits. But again so fast.
But time is indeed of the essence in Underwater, with John Gallagher Jr's Smith, and the aforementioned Paul, adding light relief to the watery greyness. I thought TJ Miller's stream of novel puns was fun, and who on board drew the sea monsters on the walls I wondered. Pretty accurate actually! Bizarrely with the team suited up for their underwater walk there's no room for pants girls. Not in those one size fits all mega suits anyway, as Kristen and Jessica Henwick's Emily both strip down to their undies.
But that is the least of their problems as after spotting a distress call from a previously released pod, Smith and Paul go for a deep see walk to investigate. And in the murky half light of what just happened, they manage to bring aboard a big pink prawn like creature that just happened to be eating, I think, an unfortunate crew member. Now dead but he's not alone. You can hear others banging the outside of the station. Did they happen to bring a baby onboard they wonder. One that has teeth. Ominous music by Marco Beltrami and Brandon Roberts. Walking a mile in their shoes is going to be a nightmare.
I want to say that out there is a colony of mermaids and mermen released from the depths by the drilling company, but I don't think there are any singing Ariels. The filming took place from inside the helmets so we see what they see, the distance no more than a few feet. Although the usual horror rules didn't apply either as the sediment was so thick you could barely make out what was just about to grab you. Until it was too late. Still keeping the fear factor up though.
Underwater is a disaster/horror/'ecological' movie that skips by in a deep breath of 95 minutes or so. Cinematography by Bojan Bazelli became clear when you realise the horror of the big prawns matched the tension of the deep. The aliens just added the extra, extra-terrestrial dimension of the need for speed. And walking underwater is slow. Maybe in space no one could hear you scream but here we are way out of our depth. And know so little about what is down there. What have we released in our need to exploit the earth's resources? Although the teeth are just as big as those other Alien Space beings. And as one of the big prawns was going for an even bigger mouthful, well thank god for the, I guess, stick of dynamite or similar. But that isn't the big bang, no there's something much bigger waiting in the wings.
Even as the film was highlighting the potential dangers of drilling too deeply, it wasn't preachy and that usually kills a film for me. Such as Disney's Tomorrowland and Downsizing. So a lot of bang for your buck with a movie that gets straight to the action and keeps the menace high. Even for the future, as I think there was a headline in the credits about Iran continuing the research? Maybe that was the screenwriting wags? The details of the disaster obviously being kept top secret - there be monsters.
Dolittle (2020)
Dolittle Film Review - Stephen Gaghan Directs Robert Downey Jr Talking To The Animals With Fun For All The Family - There's Even A Dragon
It seemed such a good idea I suppose to have Robert Downey Jr play Dolittle, talking to the animals, with Stephen Gaghan directing and a host of comedic voices to spar with the good doctor. Living alone, except for the CGI animals, in his manor bequeathed by the young Queen Victoria, played by Jessie Buckley. But now Victoria is gravely ill, and Carmel Laniado's sweet Lady Rose requests the good doctor's services to attend her. But Dolittle is no suave Rex Harrison. Uncombed and unkempt he has shunned human contact since the death of his explorer wife. And that unusual accent!, which I assumed was Scottish is Welsh, although you get used to it. But, and here I'm not sure that critics realised it, the film is for children. And half-term is this week.
And Dolittle is a very colourful blast of comedy, the human actors ham it up gleefully for their roles, including lovely Antonio Banderas. And the animal voices include the talents of Emma Thompson as good mate and conscience, Polly, Rami Malek as Chee-Chee the timid gorilla and John Cena as the always cold polar bear Yoshi. They all play their big parts in Dolittle's life.
The day Lady Rose arrives Polly saw Harry Collett's Tommy inadvertently shoot a squirrel. She intimates he follow her to the manor, the poor orphan boy maybe can be Dr Dolittle's apprentice he suggests, after the doctor and his animals have saved the poor squirrel, voiced by Craig Robinson. I think Kevin Hart could equally have been the squirrel. And they do call him Kevin. Tommy is looking for a new home as his Uncle is a hunter and there are only so many times you can miss. But Dolittle refuses, so Tommy sneaks a ride to the palace anyway. The doctor eventually persuaded to attend the Queen, because if she dies he loses the manor, and it is everyone's home
After his examination, and a chat with an octopus, Dolittle determines Victoria has been poisoned, and the cure is the unknown Eden fruit from an equally unknown island that only his wife knew of. A Pirates of the Caribbean style journey must be undertaken, but Jim Broadbent's Lord Badgley implores Royal doctor, Michael Sheen's Dr Müdfly, a former classmate and rival of Dolittle, to follow them. With ammunition. Victoria the young Queen must not get well. And after a daredevil ride Tommy also makes it onboard the ship, and the adventure to foreign shores begins.
Stephen Gaghan has packed the film with stunning scenery, and plenty of action and fun that kids should enjoy. And with cinematography by Guillermo Navarro and music by Danny Elfman there is a wealth of talent involved on and off screen. The CGI menagerie of animals are terrific, all with their own skills and wisdom to impart. Even Barry the tiger with a sore head, and voiced by Ralph Fiennes, plays his part.
Watch out for the bats though mid credits. They don't speak our language.
Gisaengchung (2019)
Parasite Film Review - Bong Joon Ho Directs An Oscar Winner That Trump Dismisses
Parasite won Best Film and Best Director for Bong Joon Ho at the Oscars this month, also winning International Feature Film and Original Screenplay. Neon the distributors suggested that Donald Trump, (leader of the free world) unsurprisingly didn't like it as he cannot read. Harsh. My only gripe with subtitles is I cannot always watch the screen action as I don't want to miss the words. You get used to them of course but like Pedro Almodovar's Pain And Glory I missed some of the beautiful designs. Caught that on demand prior to the Oscars as it wasn't available anywhere locally. But missing out on world cinema and tv because of subtitles is very sad.
To be honest Paradise is a horrible film. With horrible characters living a horrible life. A black comedy, horror tragedy that reeks of the class divide between a successful South Korean family and their poor contemporaries. And the living conditions are startling, with the poor living in a basement with a window on a street that is regularly urinated in. Just in front of them. And piggy-backing off their upstairs neighbours internet connection. We take pleasure in laughing at their hovel while our wealthy family live in the most architecturally perfect modern home we all would imagine living in. Bravo to the Production designer Lee Ha-jun for realising this on a sound stage.
So while our wealthy Park family smell of money, the poor Kim family smell of whatever you can imagine poverty and that bug infested basement smells of, and it isn't nice. Old radish our rich husband played by Sun-kyun Lee suggests. But things are finally looking up for the loving Kim family. Not with the pizza boxes they construct for minimum wage though. Instead son Ki-woo played by Woo-sik Choi is recommenced for a tutoring job with the wealthy Park family. His rich friend who currently tutors the young daughter wants to romance her when she goes to college. We can see where that might go.
And for Ki-woo the Park family live in another world, as he climbs out of the basement. Mrs Park played by the lovely Yeo-jeong Jo goes about her day supported by terrific housekeeper Moon-gwang. To be honest Lee Jeong-eun keeps the house running as Mrs Park is a little on the ditzy side, but in awe of her young son's 'artistic' talents. He needs an art tutor for sure, and once saw a ghost she confides, although his sister sees right through him. But what are the chances that Mi-Woo knows of an art tutor, very in demand and just returned from Chicago I think. So So-dam Park's Ki-jeong also climbs out of the basement and spins the gullible Mrs Park a line of Google babble that wins her the job. Mrs Park even spins herself the lines as she accepts Ki-jeongs. Although the Park family are really lovely. But as these two chancers have managed to begin feathering their nest, they are actually good at what they are doing. And with the right opportunity both wasters could have aspired to the same roles, without the deception.
But deception is what they do and Ki-jeong sees an opportunity for her Dad played by Kang-ho Song, to be the new driver to Mr Park. Her actions in getting him the role left a bad taste in my mouth. Getting her art tutor job didn't hurt anyone. But after a wash and brush up Mr Kim can actually drive, cornering without spilling a coffee in the hand of Mr Park. And now our three hustlers spy even more opportunity for Mum to get in on the action when Moon-gwang's peach allergy is discovered, and Mrs Kim's Hye-jin Jang is recruited as the new housekeeper. All the Park's money for staff now goes directly into the Kim's pockets.
But with all the family out of the basement their smell has followed them. Something that the Park's son notices. All are perfectly capable of doing their jobs but with their bad odour they pollute the beautiful home. Where do they go from here then? How do they grab this beautiful life for themselves? Well one dark and stormy night the poor cross the line. The veneer of respectability can disappear in an instant and ghosts can materialise from basements long gone.
But all actions have consequences as Bong Joon Ho directs the poor fighting over scraps from the table of the rich, when they could have shared instead. But why should they share the scraps we ask? If his first film was called Barking Dogs Never Bite, Parasite will show us that with enough antagonism they will. But I don't blame the Park family who gave employment to the poor to facilitate their comfortable lives. They are incapable without them. Each class living off the other.
And there is no answer of course to the film's questions, only the international language of morse code desperation to decipher, and never be able to respond to.
Queen & Slim (2019)
Queen & Slim Film Review - Melina Matsoukas Directs Daniel Kaluuya & Jodie Turner-Smith Star In A Road Trip Across America On The Underground Railway
Melina Matsoukas directs possibly the worst Tinder date in history when Daniel Kaluuya & Jodie Turner-Smith share a not very memorable diner dinner one night. What happens afterwards in Queen & Slim goes down in folklore history, names don't matter on the greatest road trip since Bonnie & Clyde. Except our unexpected heroes are on the Underground Railway to freedom.
The stunning Jodie Turner-Smith as Queen is the cool and lonely lawyer who knows her legal rights, Slim is the black guy who knows to co-operate. A botched traffic stop ends in a fatal shooting of a white policeman and a split second decision to make a run for it. With religious Slim not quite convinced, and always wanting to phone his Dad. But Queen blew me away with her abrupt turn from law abiding lawyer to a fugitive on the run. They will otherwise spend the rest of their lives in jail. She does the maths.
They decide to make a run for Cuba. The music is great and the rum is cheap. And so snowy Ohio opens out to the sweet sound of New Orleans and Queen's Uncle. He owes her as her first case when called to the Bar was defending him after the death of her mother. His sister. That's family right there. And Bokeem Woodbine's Uncle Earl is so pleased to see them! Of course they need to be a little less conspicuous as the black Bonnie & Clyde, so Earl's house guest Indya Moore lends Queen some clothes. Beyoncé liked the style, and what do you know that track suit Slim is wearing is a dead ringer for her Ivy Park collection. These killers on the run are soo gangster stylish!
Winner of the Black Film Critics Awards for Best Original Screenplay, Lena Waithe writes the story of help across the dreamy miles, sometimes unexpectedly with Gregory Keith Grainger. Good for him. And we first realise how the community is looking out for them in a live music bar. The woman serving tells Slim they are among friends there. They are the poster couple for Black Lives Matter. And from this 'second date', the romance starts to build. Slowly because Slim is a noisy eater. And he's shorter than Queen. You know 5 minutes later that night and he would have dropped Queen off and they would have gone their separate ways. Is it luck they they are together or is it their destiny? With both having an opinion. But MFEO? probably not.
When the Pontiac Catalina borrowed from Uncle Earl breaks down, a dry mechanic repairs it while his son Jahi Di'Allo Winston's Junior, so excited that Queen & Slim are actually there, takes a photo of them. Proof of their existence. It made the film poster! You could say that Queen and Slim are actually oblivious to what is going on around them, but they are the catalyst for protests and shocking unexpected violence. But there is comedy with a Glock. Daniel Kaluuya's Slim is not really cut out to be a gangster.
The pursed lipped Chloë Sevigny with husband Flea provide shelter as Uncle Earl said they would, Mr Shepherd and he served time together. And he is as good as his word hiding them when the local busybody calls the police. But life on the road has to end somewhere as cinematographer Tat Radcliffe rolls us into Florida. The jumping off point to Cuba and just a plane ride away. Rum and salsa freedom a quick hop across the water.
And there they are now, metaphysically speaking, as their images adorn the sidewalks of black America. It's funny how I have to consciously write black to describe a character, like in Queen & Slim. And yet normally in films it doesn't really matter as long as the actor tells the story. I described Queen as a lonely lawyer. But Melina Matsoukas's Queen & Slim shows just how far from reality that really is with Black Lives Matter. The fact Queen was black changed everything in a terrifically sad but joyous story.
Bad Boys for Life (2020)
Bad Boys For Life Film Review - Directors Adil El Arbi & Bilall Fallah Bring The Fire Power With Will Smith & Martin Lawrence's Miami Iced
Down Mexico way a prison break out sees hot Mama Kate del Castillo as the wife of a Mexican drug lord out for revenge on the law enforcers who took down her husband. Isabel has a secret weapon with son Armando, played by Jacob Scipio, ready to party in Miami like there's no tomorrow. For those on the hit list! But two old cops are limbering up for the fight. Right to the hospital, as Martin Lawrence's Marcus becomes a granddad, and fancies life in the slow lane of retirement. While his partner, Will Smith's Mike, wants to see more miles on the Porsche before he's ready to settle down and call it a day.
Directors Adil El Arbi & Bilall Fallah have created a really funny cop film with Bad Boys For Life. I didn't see the two previous but I'm guessing they follow the same pattern.
Isabel now suited and booted in Victoria Beckham designer gear gives Armano, let's call him Junior for now, the hit list. And Mike just happens to be on it. But instructed to kill him last. Of course Junior has a will of his own, he quite happily finishes off the local drugs lord, his family is in charge again now that Isabel is back. And Mike is taken out too. Not exactly in the right order, so Isabel is pissed.
While he's is in the Twilight Zone Marcus prays that if Mike makes it he will hang up his holster for good. A vow he makes good on, and spends his days getting in his wife's way and blowing things up! He's up to date on the soaps, but people are still getting killed out there. And Mike back in the Porsche is trying to figure out who the sharp shooter in black is, and who will be next. When he discovers a lead, Joe Pantoliano's Miami PD Captain Howard lets him sit in on a gig run by Paola Nuñez's Rita. Mike's previous girlfriend on the force, and there's no love lost. She has a crack team of newbies including Charles Melton, Vanessa Hudgens and Alexander Ludwig. The first not impressed by Mike and the last totally intimidated by him. He's built like a tank but has anger issues so does the nerdy computer stuff. Their team codename is AMMO, although occasionally they use plastic bullets. Not very rock and roll. And although he's an 'adviser' to the team. Mike sometimes has to make executive decisions. That guy will really get himself killed. With Howard suggesting he like Marcus might think about retiring soon too. Marcus needs glasses and Mike dyes his goatee for heaven's sake! But there's still life in the old dogs yet and when the shooter gets too close to home, they are ready to saddle up one last time. Motorbike and sidecar style. With a big dog!
It's a terrifically funny script by Chris Bremner, Joe Carnahan and Peter Craig, with plenty of firepower and heat. Miami is a riot of colour with cinematography by Robrecht Heyvaert and the non stop action directed by Adil & Bilall never lets up. It was totally not what I was expecting and I had a blast. Will and Martin still got it.
Richard Jewell (2019)
Richard Jewell Film Review - Clint Eastwood Directs Sam Rockwell Calling Time On Jon Hamm When The FBI Case Doesn't Add Up Against Paul Walter Hauser
Everyman Richard Jewell, played by the convincing Paul Walter Hauser, noticed things, and is keen to join the police, so takes security jobs, including campus 'policeman', but sometimes gets carried away with the power of the uniform. Something that later goes against him in background character interviews.
Clint Eastwood directs the story of the security guard who helped avert a disaster during the 1986 Atlanta Olympics and then found himself on the hook for the bombing. Richard is loving his job doing security at the Centennial Park celebrating the Olympics with nightly rock shows. Handing out bottled water to a pregnant lady who comes to watch. Like an all round nice guy would. One night he notices a rucksack under a bench. The police think it's nothing but he tries to clear the area as a bomb disposal expert comes to take a look. Meanwhile a call is received at Control that a bomb has been placed in the park and they have 30 minutes. It's not clear whether this was relayed to the park police but inspection of the rucksack shows it's a pipe bomb. And the area is cleared asap. But not quickly enough as it detonates, killing and injuring many people.
Richard saved lives that night and is a hero, with everyone praising and wanting to talk to the unassuming guy. Even wanting him to write a book. So he phones the only legal friend he has; Watson Bryant who he met as the office supply guy in a previous job. Sam Rockwell has moved into private practice with the hilarious Nina Arianda as his assistant Nadya. Don't sign anything until he's let him read it first, Watson tells him. While the law enforcement agencies fight over who has the biggest dick, Jon Hamm's FBI agent Tom Shaw wins, obviously!, saying it's federal jurisdiction.
Mum Bobi, played by the Best Supporting Actress Oscar nominated Kathy Bates, is understandably so happy seeing her son (the real Richard Jewell) on tv. But the FBI are already making a case. Richard fits the lone wolf sociopath who is either in the forces, or wants to be, a would be hero, and socially awkward character who likely lives with his Mum. Richard practically wrote the psych profile. While Tom and his partner played by Ian Gomez, follow up the call about Richard's time on campus, a sneaky move by the at the time outplayed college principal. But now they are convinced that he is their man. He made the bomb call and then played the hero. Olivia Wilde plays the ball breaking Atlanta journalist Kathy Scruggs who pillow talks out of Tom that the FBI are investigating Richard Jewell. She makes the headline splash and suddenly Richard is public enemy number one. From hero to zero in three days. With the media camped outside the Jewell home for months, but no arrest.
Richard couldn't have made the call, he didn't have time. A mere trifling matter for the FBI, and if you would like to come along with us we want to make a training video of what to do if you find a suspicious package, with Richard in the starring role. And Richard is anxious to help the legal authorities. He's a naive innocent, and they actually want to film him signing the confession they have prepared, just for the authenticity of the recording you understand. For real! Now Richard isn't the sharpest tool in the box but he knows that he should be talking to his lawyer. And leaves a message for Watson, well you never know says Nadya, three more cases just like this will probably pop up in the next few days. She's a hoot. And they need the work.
With a lawyer on the ball the FBI aren't going to easily railroad Richard now, but god do they try. Getting him to read out the bomb warning when Watson's back is turned. Quite how they would have slipped this in I dread to think. And stripping the apartment of anything that may be linked to bomb making. Bobi is really upset about her tupperware, and quietly having a breakdown in the bugged apartment. While Richard, nightly reliving the slow motion bomb blast, watches his mother as his blood pressure boils as far as his meekness will allow. And finally ready with Watson to go to town and clear his name. When he takes an independent lie detector test he passes with flying colours. And Kathy at the tv press conference starts to realise that her nationwide scoop now shows the FBI are clutching at straws, as Bobi breaks down in front of her. Watson and Nadya walked the route, as does Kathy, and they know Richard couldn't have done it. As do the FBI who even hassle his friend because the timing doesn't fit the lone wolf profile now, so Richard must have had an accomplice. His gay boyfriend. Unlikely in gun toting Georgia with Richard's impressive collection. Plus Richard said he wanted the Security spot by the media tower to look at the pretty women.
Is Clint Eastwood shining a light on the disgraceful practise of the FBI?, then yes. They had the perfect suspect and wanted to make the crime fit him. Does the media come out well? No. But they can be like a braying pack of wolves. Meghan? But Richard had nothing to hide, and they couldn't find anything on him that could make the case. And he knows it so he walks. His parting shot that next time a security guy may not respond to the threat, and just get the hell out, in case he becomes another Richard Jewell. The FBI have no answer.
A terrific film and cast, I saw Jonah Hill was a producer and had been the original Richard, but Paul Walter Hauser walked away with the role. Sam Rockwell builds on his stellar career, I remember when he was a lifer on The Green Mile. Olivia Wilde and Jon Hamm played well opposite each other and Kathy Bates was a loving mother, totally ground down over the months of the case. Of course the story has been spiced up for Hollywood so certain things may not have happened quite as shown, but the incredible story is true enough.
The Turning (2020)
The Turning Film Review - Floria Sigismondi Directs The Hauntings With Mackenzie Davis & Finn Wolfhard
I read Henry James' The Turning of the Screw as a teenager, with the young governess not knowing if she is fighting the supernatural, or whether it is all in her own head. Floria Sigismondi's new version The Turning takes us further down the rabbit hole of mental health, with Mackenzie Davis as the 90's hip governess. We begin with the death of Kurt Cobain on the radio!, and a plum job looking after a little poppet in a big old gothic style house. The poster below gives us a hint of horror and Joely Richardson as the mother in a psychiatric hospital spins the mental health theme.
Miss Mandell isn't the first governess to the 'thoroughbred' children though; as housekeeper and all round scary Barbara Marten's Ms Grose, tells Kate. And sadly for little Flora, Miss Jessel left without saying goodbye. But did she ever leave? We know from the opening that something happened to Miss Jessel, but Floria Sigismondi, just like Henry James himself, is not going to make it easy for us to figure it out. And as Kate promises not to leave Flora we know she is here for the long haul. And loving it. Although the life-size mannequin of Flora's great grandmother in Kate's room has a life of her own, and is hurriedly banished to the sewing room which seems to enjoy the new resident. And strange disturbing images keep appearing in the window and mirrors for our jump scare enjoyment. Plus Kate found Miss Jessel's diary which describes dark things going on with the former riding instructor. Things that unsurprisingly Kate is now starting to dream about. And hear the ghostly cries. I loved the mournful cello music but a bit bizarre mixing with the modern Grunge. Kurt's influence on Nathan Barr I guess.
When older brother Miles unexpectedly returns from boarding school (after being expelled), Brooklynn Prince's Flora is thrilled to have her big brother home, for Ms Grose Miles can do no wrong. But Kate is wary of the privileged boy played by the talented Finn Wolfhard, in the typically left of centre character. And Miles does have a mean streak. The Peter Quint character of the original novel has been replaced with the riding instructor who recently died, not particularly scary we think. But he has his moments in said windows and mirrors. And maybe those are his hands in the poster. With Miles apparently having picked up some of his unappealing habits. Or has he?, boys like spiders. But whipping a horse so gleefully when he teaches Kate to ride? That doesn't seem normal.
This to me is Kate's time to leave and her former roommate suggests she should too, let's say any sane person might. But she still refuses to leave Flora as she understands the little girl's trauma of being left alone. A trip to get ice cream ends in disaster as Flora seems unable to leave the grounds. Maybe PTSD associated with her parent's death just outside the gates.
But it is after a ghostly meeting in a supposed drowning joke by the children, that Kate really starts to fall apart, and starts putting the light on when she goes to sleep. Ms Grose hopes that Kate's mother's 'condition' doesn't run in the family, when her mother sends her bizarre artwork. Ouch. Does Ms Grose not notice the once bouncy Kate is now an unravelling shadow of herself. This is the turning point for me in the film.
A note to future Nannies, don't play hide and seek by torch in the forbidden wing of the creepy house. Or else don't be surprised when things go bump in the dark.
The film poses several points of view but settles on none. We discover that Miles's friend thinks Kate's tattoo is sexy, and wonder is Miles just being himself or being controlled by Quint? The age old question that Henry James posed. In all honesty I found Miles a stroppy teenager, with the adolescent boy fancies the nanny etc. But a subsequent sequence could explain the hauntings and what Ms Grose's involvement in the story was, until it is ripped away from us and we are just left to wonder if it was all in Kate's disturbed imagination. Or were those artworks a black view of Kate's reality and future. Floria invites us to wonder when, or if, psychosis becomes haunting. And is psychosis just a view into the paranormal that maybe only those with second sight, and children, can see. I like to think so as it would give Joely Richardson a bigger role in the film.
But maddeningly Floria is not letting us know either way. Even as we wallow in the swimming pool of what just happened and how did we get here. Paki Smith created some interesting production design and David Ungaro took advantage of the haunted house and mist filled estate with the cinematography. But it still needs more horror along with the psychological.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019)
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood Film Review - Marielle Heller Directs A Charming Tom Hanks Playing Puppets With Matthew Rhys - We All Need A Little Mr Rogers
In the UK we generally wouldn't know Mr Rogers and his children's tv programme, but Marielle Heller has directed the Best Supporting Oscar Nominee Tom Hanks in A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood, a whimsical film about the eponymous tv presenter. Her previous film Can You Ever Forgive Me? also saw Melissa McCarthy achieve a Best Actress Oscar nomination last year. Pretty impressive in her short list of Director gigs.
When I first saw the trailer for the film I expected the worst, an expose of a beloved children's hero, tarnished with tell all gossip. But instead while watching the film I reassessed my cynicism and anger of the last few years, as much as Matthew Rhys's character Lloyd Vogel does. And I came away humming the theme tune like I had known it my whole life. A little of Mr Rogers magical philosophy had rubbed off on me.
I loved how the tv sets and models merged into real life, with Mr Rogers introducing his new friend Lloyd, who is looking a little worse for wear on the picture board. Lloyd's relationship with his father played by Chris Cooper having been strained for many years. But there is humour in Lloyd's life, starting with his sister's third marriage. He'll just use the previous speeches and insert the appropriate name.
But the prizewinning journalist is surprised next day when his Esquire editor wants him to write a 400 word article on Fred Rogers for their Hero issue. To be honest the only 'Hero' in the article who will be interviewed by Lloyd! And is inspired by the actual 4000 word article written by Esquire writer Tom Junod. But now as then, Lloyd considers it beneath his hard hitting journalism, although Christine Lahti's Ellen will not take no for an answer. And Susan Kelechi Watson as wife Andreas begs him not to ruin her childhood.
And meeting Mr Rogers on the Pittsburgh set he seems too good to be true. Loved by everyone and fiercely guarded by his tv staff. Just like Tom Hanks himself I guess. But you can see why Lloyd might make a character assassin of the genial guy in cardigan and sneakers. But instead of interviewing Fred Rogers, it's Lloyd that finds himself on the couch. How his father leaving at an early age informed his own thoughts of parenthood, and how his mother's death affected him and his sister. All without even realising he has been analysed.
And the more times that Lloyd interviews Fred, or to be honest the other way round, the more that Fred's goodness and kindness is filling Lloyd's cynical shell. Allowing his rage to be replaced with peace, and sharing a minute's silence together is deeply spiritual, for everyone in the restaurant, and audience too I guess. The children singing to Mr Rogers in the subway carriage was a joyous moment in a colourful life, as Lloyd looks on in wonder. The man on screen is the man he meets, there is no acting. And Mr Rogers might be just the nicest person Lloyd has ever met.
As I had no preconceived view of Mr Rogers, the film perfectly presented a man completely at ease with his own being, and allowed Lloyd's broken character to be the star of his own episode in a surreal dream. A hint of Mr Rogers darkness did occur with the ending crescendo of the piano, and I understand a recent documentary may have gone further. But here Marielle Heller uses Fred Rogers and his tv programme that looked at adult themes from a child's perspective, as the catalyst to change Lloyd's outlook on life. And I can assume there was plenty of sadness when Fred Rogers died in 2003, and perhaps as it says, we could all use a little of the Mr Rogers style of kindness now. Although we're not particularly religious in the UK it was a thoughtful film with note perfect cast and directing.
The Personal History of David Copperfield (2019)
The Personal History of David Copperfield Film Review - Armando Iannucci Directs Dev Patel In A Riotous Retelling Of The Charles Dickens Tale
Dev Patel stars in The Personal History of David Copperfield, a multicultural riches to rags, and back to riches dramatisation of the Charles Dickens classic tale. I let director Armando Iannucci lead as I didn't know the story, and he took us on a merry dance through Victorian England. The story gets going with adult David a fly on the wall as we watch his birth, with Aunt Betsey Trotwood arriving to see the girl being born. Tilda Swinton is very disappointed when she is a boy! But David's childhood is filled with his loving mother and nursemaid played by Morfydd Clark and Daisy May Cooper. What a scream she was. But sent away from those idyllic times, as most Dickens children must be, by his harsh new stepfather and equally harsh sister.
David is to lodge in London with Peter Capaldi's Mr Micawber and his wife played by Bronagh Gallagher. His first night dinner is a meal of riches for the family who are just about in front of the debt collectors, although they literally are at the door. As we watch the baby is being pulled hilariously along on a rug that's on it's way under the door. Fortunately Armando is good at the comedy as David's bottling factory job is particularly Dickensian! With fabulous production design by Cristina Casali of the grim side of London. With gorgeous cinematography by Zac Nicholson.
After a family tragedy and the debt collectors finally catching up with the Micawbers, David makes his barefoot way to his wealthy Aunt Trotwoods's country home. Her lodger Mr Dick played by the affable Hugh Laurie, with a fascination for Charles I, he thinks when Charles was beheaded all of his thoughts flew into his own. High as a kite, but with his head rightly fixed on when it's needed. And the two of them make a lovely, if chaotic, new home for David. Donkey riding is not on the playlist. We are introduced to Aunt Trotwood's lawyer, the genial, but ever thirsty Mr Wickfield, played by Benedict Wong, with Rosalind Eleazar his sharp daughter Agnes.
But when school beckons David again leaves those he loves, to board at The Strong's school near the Wickfords. With Anna Maxwell Martin as the inappropriate, but funnily lascivious Mrs Strong, and Ben Whishaw playing what must surely be one of the most awful Dickens characters ever, Uriah Heap. Weasling his way into peoples lives with his mother and her heavy cakes. Well done to Ben for playing such an odious toad with such relish.
Amando gives us a whistle stop tour through David Copperfield with a top class cast and bite size scenes that tell us everything we need to know. The scenes are set with the colourful characters as they weave through David's life and times, just the way Dickens intended, while fashioning his career around the writings jotted down over the many fruitful years. Maybe not quite as Dickens himself lived, but he would have found the whole spectacle a hoot. Like a wander through Wonderland. Characters appear onto the set quite by accident, not quite sure why they are there, and David doesn't always quite fit in the rooms. But when Aunt Betsey and Mr Dick find themselves in reduced circumstances they pack themselves into a room the size of a cupboard, and there's still room for more. And the Micawbers sad tale is always told with a spring in their step, homelessness is but an alfresco picnic, and if they're always short of a pound or two themselves, they marvel that writing a 'Personal History' can bring such riches. With David happily sharing his life with those who helped create it.
And surely now there may be donkey rides after all.
The Grudge (2019)
The Grudge Film Review - Nicolas Pesce Directs Andrea Riseborough In A Japanese Curse That Won't Go Quietly
January is a cold grey month and this is the first of the horror season. The Grudge reboot directed by Nicolas Pesce, and produced by horror master Sam Raimi, sees a woman return from Japan to the US, and the curse we met in the original comes with her. Created in sorrow or rage the violent Japanese spirit happily continues until the whole family ends up dead. Well almost the whole family, as someone needs to stay around as a parasite for the next host.
The Grudge continues feeding off those who enter the haunted house, with the detective who investigated unable to shake off the case, and his religious partner, who didn't enter the house, trying to keep him safe. While a grisly new discovery invites us to look anew at the case.
Terrific Andrea Riseborough is Detective Muldoon, the newly widowed partner of Demián Bichir's Detective Goodman. It was his partner who investigated the original murder/suicide at 44 Reyburn Drive, and he never speaks of it now. But Muldoon is drawn to the house after they discover the body they found, had stayed there. We expect the house to be empty but horror regular Lin Shaye is living there. Or just about living there. And so it begins again, with Muldoon investigating the subsequent deaths associated with the house, each suffering an emotional loss or trauma, and being haunted by the original family. Hanging on the back of Muldoon's own loss is just plain cruel, although we never see her grieving. She has a son to look after. But this spirit is ruthless!!
With plenty of creaks, croaks and shadows (put the lights on!!), from cinematographer Zack Galler, and clever gore from the make-up and special effects. To be honest there were not enough jump-scares for me, but Nicolas Pesce introduces just enough dread to keep it interesting, I like the supernatural, with a top notch cast game for the shocks.
Just Mercy (2019)
Just Mercy Film Review - Destin Daniel Cretton Directs Michael B Jordan & Jamie Foxx Walking Closer To God On Alabama's Green Mile
Destin Daniel Cretton directs a true story you couldn't make up, and in the process makes a mockery of the civil rights that the town, where Harper Lee wrote To Kill A Mocking Bird, are so proud of. In Monroeville, Alabama when a white woman is murdered in the late 80s, the police are looking for a quick result and Walter McMillian is ideal. Of course Walter was at a party miles away when the event took place, but the testimonies of the black party goers don't count, because he fits the profile; he's black and once had a relationship with a white woman. Found guilty and now on Death Row, 'Johnny D' expects his only way out is via the Green Mile.
Meanwhile after graduating from Harvard, Michael B. Jordan's Bryan Stevenson wants to represent those at the bottom, and you cannot get any further down than Death Row. Bryan is also black, and in an unshowy role, Brie Larson's Eva Ansley cannot even find anyone to rent them office space, so the newly created Equal Justice Initiative, works out of Eva's home. There are threats from the locals, but Eva accepts the challenges to her family, standing up for the truth. And there is plenty of work, with the Death Row inmates describing their cases to Bryan, but Johnny D's is fascinating.
To even get into the prison Bryan is treated disgracefully by a warder, played by Hayes Mercure. And when Bryan finally meets Jamie Foxx's Johnny D, he is unsurprisingly resigned to his future and has heard it all before. Plus his family have already spent all of their money on previous legal help. But Bryan goes to visit them anyway. His legal counsel will not cost anything, and they still have hope that Johnny may be released one day. Even if he himself is just waiting for his execution date.
The testimony that the court relied on in Johnny's case was by a known felon Ralph Myers, who (under duress himself), plea bargained to reduce his sentence. Tim Blake Nelson as Ralph, Michael and Jamie were all sensational.
Bryan also works on the case of Herbert Richardson. Rob Morgan, again award nomination worthy, compelling as the traumatised veteran who did commit the crime and feels he deserves his punishment, but has genuine mitigating PTSD circumstances that haven't been fully exploited. Johnny D's is the middle cell between Herbert and O'Shea Jackson Jr.'s, Anthony Ray Hinton, another miscarriage of justice, and there is so much camaraderie between the quietly desperate men. As the scent of burning flesh wafts over them when another inmate is brought closer to God. The electric chair scene was brutal, and I wasn't the only one who felt discomfort. You could see it among some of the warders faces, and how it subsequently affects them.
But white Alabama isn't subtle, and the institutionally Public Prosecutor played by Rafe Spall is no ally to Bryan. Even when he knows the new evidence casts doubt on Johnny D's case. But have a look at the Mocking Bird museum on your way out! With Michael Harding as the local Sheriff, they are nothing if not loyal to each other. But not sympathetic characters. And truth appeared not to matter, as long as a conviction was secured, and the good people of the town feel safer that someone is in jail. It doesn't matter if it's the wrong person. Often poor, but not exclusively, the film based on Bryan Stevenson's book, A Story of Justice and Redemption, shows us. And the same good people who then went along and re-elected the Sheriff, several times, so obviously didn't care about the important miscarriage of justice that stemmed from the blatant racism so shockingly displayed in this small town.
It would be lovely to say that this was the start of change, but while crimes do demand punishment, 30 years on Bryan Stevenson would say there is still far to go for both African and poor white American justice. A sobering film.
Bombshell (2019)
Bombshell Film Review - Jay Roach Directs The Popsicle News Girls To Strap On The Spanx Pants, Slip Into The Heels & Keep Your Salty Mouth Shut
Bombshell directed by Jay Roach depicts and dramatises events that came to a head in 2016, when Donald Trump was on the campaign trail, although to be honest but for the film publicity I had no idea here in the UK who the identikit (ie. replaceable!) women depicted are. First World problems for the beautiful people of American TV. But strap on the Spanx, slip into those vertiginous heels Tv is visual and you need good legs, with trowels of make-up. And to get ahead girls you need to give a little head. And if you want to play with the big boys you have to lay with the big boys. Toxic for the audience to hear this in the MeToo era. But it all seems so long ago. 4 years that's all!
Like The Big Short the film employs the fourth-wall to let us eavesdrop on the action. Oscar nominated Charlize Theron as Megyn Kelly sets the scene for us. John Lithgow is Roger Ailes, the then CEO of Fox News, although the real power behind the throne is the Murdoch family. But they don't get their hands dirty here, while Roger's hands are full, and his trousers are bursting. With his assistant, Holland Taylor's Faye, pimping for him in their office suite.
Nicole Kidman plays an ace as Fox News's Gretchen Carlson. She did her homework as she sweats her way through menopause with no make-up live on air. Nice one Roger. And while Gretchen was happily playing along with the guys everything was fine, nice boobs!, but when she's had enough with the sexist comments, she is effectively demoted down the schedule of Anchor, and her hackles rise. Her firing over assault rifles!, naturally she's against them, is the touch paper that sees her file a sexual harassment claim against Roger.
And surrounding himself with his wife played by Connie Britton, lawyer played by Allison Janney, and Gotham's Richard Kind as Rudy Giuliani (I knew him), Gretchen gives Roger just enough rope. And when she presses play, it's all over.
While Megyn is the Anchor who takes on Trump during the Republican presidential debate, using the real TV footage, and wins plaudits from Roger, but is then sidelined for the bigger story that is Donald Trump himself, in right-wing Fox News. Of course they provide protection for her against the assault rifle carrying haters. But she still has $15 million reasons not to join Gretchen's action. Although she is undoubtedly the star witness. Interesting to see Mark Duplass as her husband. Giving the newsroom a wide berth after The Morning Show!
And Margot Robbie, also Oscar nominated, plays Katya Pospisil - are they kidding here? She's from a good Fox watching Christian family, a Jesus Influencer (whatever that is), a Republican naturally, and the writers must have had a field day riffing on popsicle and creating this wide eyed ingenue. Honestly I'm surprised they could keep a straight face. And as she gets more popsicle, the dresses get shorter and the make-up gets thicker. And the office notices. She's Anchor Barbie, Kate McKinnon's colleague Jess suggests. But Katya's not feeling comfortable about it. For a keen young woman her first meeting with Roger makes the skin crawl.
Jess is the only one who comes out well in the office. It's a given that everyone at Fox is a Republican. And as a smart journalist she knows her best chance of survival is to keep quiet when you're a lesbian Democrat supporter. Imagine the horror.
And there is complicity in the office, the women who came before and kept quiet, like Gretchen and Megyn themselves, and the men who knew. But that's the way it worked for women to get ahead. He's upfront about his likes and dislikes. No orange, but he would have looked good in that colour!, and no trousers.
I'll believe all the plaudits for the hair and make-up, you cannot imagine Charlize Theron in the prosthetics or Nicole with wrinkles, all created by the Oscar Nominated Kazu Hiro, Anne Morgan and Vivian Baker. Although the costumes by the great Colleen Atwood were also spot on. The Roland Mouret Galaxy dress is perfect. But why do women who already look like that feel they need control pants?
For the viewer Bombshell sounds like a heavy subject but Jay Roach balances it with lighter moments. John Lithgow seems a sweet guy so his portly sleaze ball must have been tough, but what a role. And all kudos to the three leading ladies characters; Charlize plays her smart operator at the height of her power but afraid to use it, Nicole didn't have many of the lighter lines being the chief accuser, but she caught every word of Roger's come-ons. While Margot Robbie at the start of her Fox career was the one we see on her knees, metaphorically speaking. And as I said I didn't know most of the characters, but the story was gut wrenching. And no doubt will always go on. Discretion versus ambition. Until the balance of power changes.
Seberg (2019)
Seberg Film Review - Benedict Andrews Directs Kristen Stewart In Her Stylish Support For Black Civil Liberties & The Black Panther Movement
I didn't know much about Jean Seberg, thinking she was French and had starred in Saint Joan. But she was actually from the US Midwest, but became one of France's own. Benedict Andrews directs Kristen Stewart as the actress who would have been perfect for now, fighting for civil rights with Black Lives Matter. But in 1968 and Hoover in charge of the FBI, Jean's support for Black Civil Liberties and the Panther movement was revolutionary as a white woman. And not at all welcomed.
When she meets FBI Person of Interest, Muslim convert, and member of the Black Panthers, Hakim Jamal, in the First Class section of her flight back to audition in the US; played by Anthony Mackie, he is intriguing. And not allowed to sit in First, with Malcolm X's widow, even though they can pay! Afterwards Jean inserts herself into a press photo with Hakim's Black activist group on the tarmac. A publicity stunt maybe, although Jean had supported political causes from youth. But a visit to his home and subsequent affair put her firmly in the fair game category. Jack O'Connell plays Jack Solomon, a new FBI agent, conflicted with the FBI actions and falling in love with Jean from afar, while Vince Vaughn's Carl Kowalski is his, of the time, bigoted partner. A tough character for Vince to play, compared to Jack's good cop. With Colm Meaney the Chief wanting more scoops to discredit Jean. Directions come all the way from Hoover.
The film was shot in 35mm film so had that gorgeous period style by cinematographer Rachel Morrison. With fantastic costume design by Michael Wilkinson. Interestingly Margaret Qualley, like Kristen a face of Chanel, played Linette, Jack's wife. A progressive couple with her training to be a doctor and hating the wifely get togethers. But feeling at times like the other woman in her marriage as Jack. Not sure if any of the costumes were Chanel, but Jean, a famous actress of the time based in Paris would likely have worn Chanel, and Kristen's costumes definitely looked like they had the styling. The production design by Jahmin Assa, with the gorgeous house and retro furniture by set designer Christy McIrwin perfectly captured the style of the time. Always love the Tulip chairs, the E-type was beautiful, and so that's where Monica and Chandler's punch bowl ended up. You know the one they got for their wedding. From the people who obviously didn't like them!
As Jean gets more involved in supporting the Black Civil Liberties and Black Panther politics, and with Jamal, the FBI more closely follow and monitor her life. Bugging her home and telephone until she is reduced to a state of paranoia, ripping the house apart, and not trusting people she's working with, as she becomes even more vulnerable. But she was right as this was Hoover's COINTELPRO project against 'Un-Americans'. A project that turned out to be unsurprisingly illegal. But they got the job done. Destroying Jean's life and credibility. Casualties along the way include Jamal's wife Dorothy. Played by the lovely Zazie Beetz she didn't deserve the fall out after the affair was outed. Her school was an inspiring place for children. And financially supported by Jean who thought she was making a difference. But the FBI are out to burn Jean, just like her first film role where she accidentally got burnt on the Joan of Arc set. And their tactics aren't pretty.
Jean Seberg would have been such an inspiring woman today. The luminous Kristen Stewart inhabiting her as the bright young actress, standing up for what she thinks is, and what actually is, right, as she is systematically destroyed by unseen forces. But if Jamal says that Jean got in the way of the war against black people in the US, then Jean was naive as to the fallout of her actions, for herself, and for those around her. Including Dorothy and her own husband Romain Gary who stood by her, played by Yvan Attal.
But as Jean inspired the young girls of the time with her pixie crop, then Kristen today is just as inspiring, that haircut was of course gorgeous, and she is always compelling to watch, either alone and vulnerable, or surrounded with the strong cast. A timely film for today, with script by Joe Shrapnel and Anna Waterhouse. And if it's not a faithful retelling of Jean's story, then it never set out to be a documentary. Why invent Jack's FBI character? Because it's a movie, and I very much enjoyed it.
1917 (2019)
1917 Film Review - Sam Mendes Directs A Desperate Game Of Life Across The No Man's Land Of WWI
The Battle of the Somme is long gone in the stark April sunshine of 1917, as Sam Mendes directs a desperate dash through No Man's Land, with the historic still images of the Western Front vividly brought to life. Colin Firth's General Erinmore has an urgent message to send to the Devonshire regiment further up the front line. Do Not Attack, he has seen aerial footage that shows they are walking into a trap. But the German have cut the telegraph wires, and the only way to get through to Écoust-Saint-Mein is on foot.
The orders are given to the boyish Dean-Charles Chapman's Lance Corporal Blake, and he picks George MacKay's Lance Corporal Schofield to accompany him. The Germans have retreated out of their trenches, and the path will be clear, but the two young soldiers are given hand grenades in their pack. Just in case! In The Lord of the Rings, Frodo and Sam's chances of reaching Mordor were slim. 1600 men's lives depend on Blake and Schofield's game of life to get the message through. But like our Hobbits, their chances are equally slim, and to add urgency to the journey, one of the soldiers due to go over the top is Blake's older brother. They have until dawn to stop the attack. And will have to cross No Man's Land in daylight.
As they force their way through the trench to the front line, the camera follows at their shoulders, Andrew Scott's Lieutenant thinks the journey it's madness. Fighting for every inch of the land and then to suddenly have the Germans pull back. But he 'blesses' the two soldiers with his whiskey, riffing on the 'Hot Priest', and tells them to send a flare up if they make it. Otherwise they'll try and pull them back when night falls!
Cutting the way through the hostile barbed wire, cinematographer Roger Deakins sweeps the camera across the stinking mud. But the landscape is silent as Blake and Schofield creep their way across. While the words of the WWI poets ring distantly in our ears. What tolling bells for those who die as cattle. Wilfred Owen's lament, past the bloated soldiers submerged in mud, past the horses unable to outrun the guns, past the ghosts of once trees. As clouds of flies fill the air and scurrying rats feast on the dead.
The action plays as a single shot of the day, immersing the viewers in the real time carnage of the story. The pock marked battlefield is the star, with Production Design by Dennis Gassner, as Blake and Schofield face the eerie horrors, and eventually tumble into the German trenches. These were well made for the men to dig in, but now empty save for a lovers photograph. But the Germans have not made their retreat easy, with leaps of faith in the pitch black booby trapped potential tomb. And a later aerial dogfight brings the fight to the ground, with an act of mercy that leads to catastrophic results. Sam Mendes isn't afraid to show the PTSD among the men, with George Mackay particularly good at looking shellshocked. I've followed his career since Sunshine On Leith, in that joyous musical he was happy! But here his face is perfect for misery.
But the message must get through, with the camaraderie along the way of those brave young men and boys going off to fight who knows where. Mark Strong almost unrecognisable, but full of support and help as his men are also headed towards the Devonshires, but must divert when a blown up bridge bars their vehicles route. A sniper taking shots halts the rhythm of the film, throwing us into darkness, until we stagger round for the final push. Écoust-Saint-Mein is within reach just downstream, but in a nightmare town Germans are blowing up the remains in their retreat. The camera following any way they can as we run to the river, bullets whizzing past while red flares half light the ruined town. And with dawn breaking the tension is relentless. In exhausted relief we hear the sound of silence and a lone singer. Jos Slovick and his soulful Wayfaring Stranger.
But it really is a final sprint to deliver the message, with Deakins incredible filming again and shells exploding over men just to our left, and the force knocking us down in those last moments of urgency to stop the whistles blowing.
Among the terrific ensemble cast were cameos including Daniel Mays, Richard Madden and Benedict Cumberbatch. No one stealing the limelight though, just getting on with the job in those precious hours, and hoping to live another day. Watching the film felt like a lifetime in the blink of an eye. All those lives that didn't grow old, and those that grew old far too early, but came home. Very poignant with a tight crew that deserve all the awards coming their way.