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Reviews
The Kindergarten Teacher (2018)
Creepy
I saw the trailer and was really looking forward to seeing this movie once it was available on Netflix. Unfortunately, it was not only disappointing but disturbing.
The textbook grooming of this young boy was hard to watch. Maggie Gyllenhaal did a good job with the role, but it was hard to not just write her off as psycho. Without giving away the ending, I will say she redeemed herself (kind of) in the final few moments of the film.
I watched it with my teenager (who left the room during the completely unnecessary and gratuitous sexual scenes). The one good thing to come of this movie was it allowed us to have a good conversation about appropriate boundaries between kids and adults (even seemingly trustworthy adults like teachers) and she is now more aware of behaviors that may cross the line.
In addition to the creepy subject matter, some details of the film made it disingenuous (super straight sweet kind kindergarten teacher who, when off work drinks, smokes, uses profanity).
Bummed. I really wanted to like it more than I did.
Bigger (2018)
Excellent, Uplifting True Story that will inspire you.
This movie is a must - see. It is a true story about how the Weider brothers, originally from the "Jewish Ghetto" in Montreal, overcame poverty, antisemitism, ridicule, and a general lack of opportunity to help build the sport of bodybuilding and popularize the principles of physical fitness worldwide. Joe Weider became a legendary figure in bodybuilding, and the brothers created the Mr. Olympia contest and discovered Arnold Schwarzenegger in Austria along the way.
This film isn't just for fitness fanatics or bodybuilders though. It is a film about overcoming obstacles and believing in a dream, with some wonderfully developed characters that you can't help but cheer for (or hate, in the case of bad guy Bill Hauk brilliantly played by Kevin Durand).
What was particularly surprising, is how this film will resonate with women. It is not just a "get pumped" body-building muscle film. One of the most remarkable performances is by Julianne Hough who plays Joe's wife, Betty Weider FKA Betty Brosmer, a gorgeous 1950's pin-up girl (google it). Betty plays a central part in this story, and Joe Weider's reliance on her and obvious respect for her intellect and willingness to treat her as his equal is refreshing to see (esp considering the era in which these events took place and against the backdrop of the current #metoo movement).
The other reviews rave about Australian Calum Von Moger, who is an absolute dead ringer for a young Arnold Schwarzenegger (discovered by Joe Weider in the 1960's) not just physically but with his accent and attitude. All of the praise is well deserved, he nails it.
Joe Weider is played by Tyler Hoechlin, and tbh his voice / inflection is a little hard to get used to at first. But you realize, as the film develops, that the hesitation and stammering reflect his lack of experience and insecurity (fear?) and as he becomes older and more successful, he morphs into a confident man and the stuttering falls away.
The film starts a little slowly, but by the time you get to the scene in Murray's (sp) Restaurant you will be hooked.
Best movie I've seen in a long time, and I plan to see it at least once more.