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evelynrae
Reviews
Blue Jasmine (2013)
Cate's Great, the Movie, Not So Much
Cate Blanchett's performance is fantastic, but I couldn't buy into poorly written characters like Chili, played by Bobby Canavelle. He's a good actor. I think that Woody Allen can't hide his contempt for lesser beings. I've grown tired of his ridicule for his fellow human beings. Are we supposed to hate Jasmine for turning a blind eye? Blame her for her husband's suicide and for everyone losing their money in her husband's scams? I can't help but think he's alluding to his former partner's painful position of public humiliation upon her finding out he was sleeping with her daughter. Throughout the movie people keep repeating the accusation that she should have known and therefore was as guilty as her husband. I used to laugh at Allen's writing but then I grew up and realized that ridiculing others is simply cruel and shouldn't be considered entertainment. True, this isn't a comedy but to me it unnecessarily belittles some of the characters.
Easter Sunday (2022)
Good Time Had By All
I enjoyed this screwball family get-together. A fun, entertaining summer movie. I recognized many of the cast members from other projects. It was nice to see them in a predominantly Asian project instead of having small parts that are mostly stereotypes.
Wild Indian (2021)
Well Done Story for Native Viewers
I can see where non-native viewers may not understand the narrative. As an Indian I felt it on a cellular-level. After generations of trauma and violence to our people, one cannot escape the effects that are with you everyday. Of course each person is affected to varying degrees. I thought all the actors did a great job. Thanks to everyone who made this film possible. The history, stories and lives of native peoples need to be told. This is just one story. Looking forward to seeing more work from the writer/director.
Licorice Pizza (2021)
Weird? Maybe no...
I read the complaints about the improbable relationship between the 15-year old and the 25-year old lead characters, but I found the situation very possible. I was a 13-year old girl in 1973, and lived in a male dominated world where a 25-year old woman was treated as a child. Women back then couldn't have a bank account, credit card, etc., without the backing of an adult male. I hated being a girl back then because I had to get approval from a male authority (father, teacher, clergyman, businessman, etc.) to make day-to-day and life decisions.
Alana asks her sister if she thought it was weird that she spent most of her time with a bunch of male teenagers. It is weird, but really at that point in history Alana and the boys are in many ways equal peers.
She can't really establish a life of her own without the consent and aid of her father. She has a job but has to live at home like a child. Back then she would be expected to marry someone of the same faith who met her father's approval, then leave home. She's looking for love but there aren't many candidates in her social sphere.
She recognizes Gary as just a teenager. She's attracted to him not as a romantic or a sexual partner, but mainly as someone who has a lot to offer: adventure, new experiences, financial opportunities, meeting interesting people. Her family and jobs have little to offer.
Gary is naturally interested in her sexually. She views him as a boy. As she gets to know him better she does become jealous of his attention to other females. It is a very weird relationship between the two because of the age difference, but to me it makes sense. Is it a viable relationship? Probably not. Which is why the movie naturally ended where it did.
Loved this movie! Fun, original, and great soundtrack!
Innocent Blood (1992)
A bloody disappointing mess
SIGH! So many great actors wasted in such a dismal movie. Top notch talent, high production values, great special effects unfortunately are not enough to make a good movie. Lots of gratuitous female nudity. Not being attracted to females really wasted on this viewer. No reason to rewatch this movie.
The Many Saints of Newark (2021)
Well drawn background of Tony Soprano
I haven't seen all the Soprano episodes, but am well acquainted with the major characters. I wasn't too concerned about whether or not the"movie" characters perfectly fitted the "television" characters from the show. I was impressed that the movie nicely expressed the violence, uncertainty, and ugliness of the era that nurtured the teenage Tony. I grew up during the same period far from Newark and in a "normal" dysfunctional American family. The horrors of the Vietnam War were becoming known to average Americans, the political assassinations of the Kennedys & MLK rocked the nation with riots and protests, and lengthy, profound destruction caused by the drug trade all created an unhealthy frightening environment. Dickie Moltisanto's efforts to look after Tony were commendable but a lost cause. Young Tony really didn't exactly have the option of having a good future. I really liked Ray Liotta's performance as the jazz aficionado inmate and his relationship with Dickie. Yes, the movie is horribly violent. I had to close my eyes on more than one occasion. Looking back I remember enjoying very violent movies of the late 60's and early 70's. As a child I was unable to see how disgusting those images are because violence was a normal element in my day-to-day existence as an American. I thought The Many Saints of Newark did a great job of showing me how Tony was logical product of his environment. Well done.
My Days of Mercy (2017)
Good story, honest emotions
The Death Penalty issue is secondary to the developing relationship between Ellen Page and Kate Mara. I liked the slow evolution of their feelings. Like any relationship there are no absolutes, rarely "happy-ever-afters." Nicely done.
Shuttlecock (1991)
Unfortunately Did Not Engage This Viewer
I had no expectations about this film. I am a fan of Alan Bates, but there's only a shadow of a performance. I understand there was supposed to be a 'mystery' about him, but I figured it out in the first hour. I didn't learn enough to about the lead characters (Bates, his son or the grandson) to be engaged in the story or to be emotionally or mentally invested. The film has high production qualities but the story lacked substance. I started watching but gave up half way through. I watched the entire film the following week to give it a fair assessment. I can't recommend this to most. It definitely isn't a 'thriller.' Boring? Not sure. Not sure what this thing was supposed to be. As I stated, I knew what the 'secret' was so there was no big reveal at the end. Too bad Mr. Bates didn't have something better to work with.
Make Up (2019)
Good Movie for the Right Audience
Most viewers may not like the slow pace and sparse dialogue but I thought overall it was quite effective in telling a good story. I'm a fan of Eric Roehmer. The slow everyday-pace set a tone of mystery. The young woman is trying to figure out what's going on as are we. I hope to see more from the director-writer. The lead actress is exceptional.
First Reformed (2017)
Beautiful Film on Redemption and Salvation
Mr. Schrader distilled his contemplation on redemption and salvation
to its pure essence. "First Reformed" continued themes from his earlier films like Light Sleeper. Although the plot line was familar, I embraced every moment of pain, despair, hopelessness and indecision. My understanding of the movie was not dependent on my religious view. It is a simple story of the human condition. I was certain of the movie's ending. Still I waited anxiously for its execution. I wasn't disappointed. I was so grateful to witness a remarkable piece of work. They are few and far between for cinephiles like myself. I added it to my Top Ten List of Best Movies of all time.