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Roma Movie Review

December 6, 2018 (updated December 6, 2018) Published by JMcNaughton

“ROMA” is a fantastic voyage back into the memory of Writer and Director Alfonso Cuarón. It is a lovingly filmed remembrance of his childhood, growing up in Mexico City. His family had a live-in housemaid who becomes an essential member of the family. He pays honor to her, and also to his own mother – both were strong women faced with difficult circumstances. But he has done so by creating this movie, which is an artistic bonanza of talent and beauty. Alfonso Cuarón has already won an Oscar, actually two (2014 “Gravity” – Academy Award for Best Director and Best Film Editing). So he did not have to prove anything. But Cuarón was busy with “ROMA”, working as Writer, Director, Co-Producer, Co-Editor, and Cinematographer.

Beginning back in 1970 and going through 1971, “ROMA” follows a middle-class family in a section of Mexico City named Roma. The mother Sofia (Marina de Tavira) and the father Antonio (Fernando Grediaga) have several young children. To help them with this unruly brood, they employ a young woman named Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio). She comes from a poor family out where the indigenous native Spanish live. But Cleo has been around with the family for many, many years, and she deeply cares for all of them. Also living with them is Teresa (Verónica García), who is Sofia’s elderly mother.

Antonio leaves on a ‘business trip’ to Canada, but the tears from Sofia show that there is a much more ominous reason. They have had marital problems, and he is leaving the family. Cleo steps up to be more supportive, and Sofia needs that support. But Cleo has a boyfriend problem. She has met Fermin (Jorge Antonio Guerrero) who is a very blunt and tough-talking guy. He has big plans for his future, and she woos Cleo with his martial arts skills. But Cleo becomes pregnant, and soon Fermin disappears. She makes a trip out her native village one day, to try and contact him and let him know her situation. But he rebuffs her, and says he has better things to do.

There are exams in the hospital for Cleo, where an earthquake rumbles the entire area. There is a New Year’s outing to Sofia’s relative’s house. It is fun time, until there is a forest fire near the house, and everyone runs out to help stop the fire. There is even help from a man in bear costume who sings a Mexican folk song. There is Cleo and Teresa who go out one day to purchase a crib for Cleo’s soon-to-be-born infant. However, there are street protests and some students are injured and killed. Some of the pursuers chase some people into the store, and Cleo sees that one of the thugs is Fermin.

Cleo is about to give birth during the street riots. The hospital is complete chaos. Cleo finds out that her baby is stillborn, and never had a chance to live. Sofia decides to take all of the kids and also Cleo out on a vacation to the ocean. She lets the kids know that their father Antonio will not be back home to live with them. Cleo is sad about her lost baby, but it is even more difficult for Sofia right now. The kids play in the ocean, but get caught in a strong current. Cleo, even with no ability to swim, goes into the water to make sure they are safe. Cleo becomes even more important in the lives of this family who live in Roma…

This movie is filmed in black and white, and it is almost 100% Spanish language. Many parts are very languid and easy-going. There is a simple story structure and it does not have a whole lot of details in the plot or the delivery. But each scene is constructed in such an artistic way that the movie is beautiful to watch. The sound design is very precise and detailed. A scene of Cleo in the ocean is overwhelming when the waves come in higher and higher. You can hear the roar of the ocean bringing more and more danger to her character. There are some scenes where small details in the background just seem to be astonishing. Such a man shot out from a cannon at a small village fair. Or the scene where the family is eating ice cream, but the main action is in the back where there is huge wedding reception. Or the look out of a window at small store, and seeing hundreds of people fleeing and fighting in the streets. The attention to every detail is very impressive.

Alfonso Cuarón has used “ROMA” to make a statement about the two special women who had raised him as a child. He is taking the memories of his childhood and giving them new life on the Big Screen. But soon, it will be also on the Not-So-Big Screen. After a limited release in theaters, he will also get it released to streaming service Netflix. Some people are not too happy with that. But it will give many more people the chance to see this movie. Perhaps that will gain him the following and the goodwill to spark another Oscar. This time for Best Picture.

Opens December 6th – in Phoenix area, exclusively at Harkins Camelview

The Favourite Movie Review

November 30, 2018 (updated November 30, 2018) Published by Shari K. Green

I recommend you drop everything and see this on the big screen immediately! There’s a reason why so many films come out toward the end of the year. Often that logic is based upon the fact that they’ve saved the best for the last. That would be the case here. ‘The Favourite’ is a significant contribution to the films of 2018. It even far surpassed my expectations in fact. It’s masterfully crafted and incredibly well written. The three lead actresses are exceptionally strong in this, the latest work from the skilled raconteur of ‘The Lobster’ and ‘The Killing of a Sacred Deer,’ Yorgos Lanthimos.

‘The Favourite’ does have an altogether different spirit from either of his previous films. If you do have a strong opinion of his earlier work, you shouldn’t necessarily base your decision on whether or not to see this on your opinion of them. One reason to sit down and give this a watch that stands out above the others is that those films didn’t have this exceptional trio of women in their cast. These same actresses will now be giving the Academy a difficult choice over who to choose for an award and for which award. Not a bad pickle to be in but one they’ll be in to be sure.

The script by Deborah Davis and Tony McNamara was more comical than I had expected it to be which was quite a pleasant surprise. Getting to know the women and fully coming to realize the rivalry between them for the favor of the Queen was as delicious as waiting for a steak to cook that had been marinating all day. The performances undeniably complement the script. That said, some accents can make it hard to understand exactly what they’re saying at times, but this doesn’t distract from your overall enjoyment of the film. You won’t miss the sharp intellect written into the dialogue and the keen wit it took to come up with the story in the first place.

The film is set in England, early in the 18th century. Olivia Colman plays ailing Queen Anne who finds more than just a friendship in Lady Sarah, played by Rachel Weisz. With the position she has put herself, Lady Sarah is essentially running the country. The Queen fully trusts her and makes no decision without her input. Enter young Abigail (Stone) who’s fallen on hard times. She hopes, since they are cousins, Lady Sarah will give her a position in the palace. Jealous of the beautiful young woman, yet enamored with her charms, Sarah gives her work and a place to stay and proceeds to get to know her. With more than kitchen work on her mind, Abigail uses her position with Sarah to get to know the Queen more. Soon, she finds herself in the catbird seat where she accidentally learns more about Sarah and Anne’s relationship than she had bargained for. Being in the right place at the right time, Abigail sees that they’re lovers, as well. She then decides to use this knowledge to her full advantage.

As Abigail moves her piece on the chessboard of life, Sarah starts to get suspicious. The music, politics, relationships, and discourse build from there. The story is impressively structured, and it’ll keep you riveted throughout, enough that I feel confident you’ll walk away possibly considering ‘The Favourite’ one of your favorites for 2018. The ending is pure Lanthimos. When Sarah questions Abigail about whether she thinks she has won, you’re eventually shown what winning would be if she does. A life of being at the queen’s beck and call to rub her ‘leg’ at a moments notice doesn’t sound fun. Is this the life she was looking forward to?

Moroni for President Movie Review

November 22, 2018 Published by Shari K. Green

‘Moroni for President’ is about diversity and a shift in thinking as much as it is about someone throwing their hat into the ring to be considered president of the Navajo Nation. Being that I live in Arizona and have lived near a reservation I took great interest in seeing if a young man can challenge his elders and be the change that he, himself, seeks in the community. At the beginning of this gorgeously shot film, we learn some facts about the Navajo’s themselves. The Navajo Nation is the largest Native American Nation in the United States as it spans across Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico. Like the U.S., they have a presidential election every four years. Because of their size, the Navajo president is the most influential and powerful tribal leader in the country.

Here we meet several candidates as well as get to know Moroni Benally, the subject of the film. In 2014, the president is Ben Shelly. When we are introduced to him, he tells us of how much complaining and bellyaching he hears. He explains that people blame him for everything, even everyday problems that he can’t control. You can see it pains him that people don’t see what he does accomplish. This may be the case but he wants to run again.

Joe Shirley Jr., who has held the position before, wants to try again, as well. If he’s successful, he would be elected into a third term, something not allowed for a U.S. president. Ben Shelly was Joe Shirley’s Vice President. Learning all of this, you can see appreciate where Moroni is coming from. It’s past time for some change. He feels leaders past and present, who walk around in jeans, wear cowboy hats and boots, are bound by the old way of thinking and of doing things. They certainly don’t like to be questioned. Moroni doesn’t dress like, as he refers to them, the ‘old guard’ and sees they aren’t always truthful. They’ve continued to try and sell the Navajo people the ‘American Dream’ when it’s not possible to achieve. Not only would he like to bring a fresh perspective on things by getting youth involved but by challenging the United States.

This being the case, something fascinating and disheartening you hear is that their tribe isn’t allowed to build buildings because the land they live on isn’t theirs. They’re only allowed to use it. Moroni wants everyone to wake up to the fact that there will be no reaching the ‘good life’ that the elders have always sold them on unless they’re allowed to control their own resources. The question now is, can they confront the United States government and arrive at a better agreement than what’s currently in place? He tells young people who’ll listen that they should at least try. Their future is in their hands. Do they want to live in shacks or something better? Can they truly be a sovereign nation? Moroni believes they can.

Not only is this about his candidacy for president but something perhaps even bigger for Moroni. He’s an ex-Mormon who struggled terribly with the fact that he’s gay. In fact, he felt it was a cancer in his body. He confesses to those of us watching this documentary that he pleaded with God to be healed. It took him until the age of twenty-seven until he came to terms with who he was and accept it. In that time, he learned how to work a crowd, in fact, many older ladies who supported his candidacy fell in love with him instantly. He jokingly ruminates on how much money he could save his community by not having a first lady.

Moroni’s an extremely likable person, which is one of the things you’ll most enjoy. This documentary unfolds in a way that reveals so much more than just a bid for a chance to lead. Sadly, Moroni isn’t elected but he does accomplish something very important. The film gives many heartbreaking, staggering statistics that I’d like to see addressed in another documentary, but this ends on a light note about what he did for the Navajo Nation as a whole. He may not be able to speak the language as well as some, he may not have been elected their president, that honor went to Russell Begaye, but Moroni sheds light on the LGBTQ community and welcomes them, giving them a safe place, to finally come out and be counted. It was wonderful to see that they, no matter who they loved, were supported… as was Moroni himself. Again, the cinematography is breathtaking. The filmmakers take full advantage of the grounds Moroni walks and shows you an exceptionally beautiful area of the country. You’re going to admire Moroni but watch this also for the glorious and breathtaking landscapes.

Creed II Movie Review

November 21, 2018 (updated November 21, 2018) Published by JMcNaughton

“Creed II” picks up after the movie called “Creed”, which picks up after the movie “Rocky Balboa”, which picks up after… well you probably get the picture. This is another in the long line of “Rocky” movies and sequels. But this is a strong brand, when first created by Sylvester Stallone several decades ago. Now the mantle, or rather the Championship Belt, has been picked up by Michael B. Jordan. Jordan carries it aloft with a lot of respect and with dignity, and that helps to make this movie special.

Adonis “Donnie” Creed (Michael B. Jordan) is the massively talented boxer who is the son of Apollo Creed. Creed the Older was the first major opponent of young and rising boxer named Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), but that was decades ago. Rocky had many major fights (read that, “Rocky” had multiple sequels). Then at one point – there was a huge bout between Apollo Creed and Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren). Drago was a Soviet boxer, and his cruel tactics in the ring ended the life of Apollo Creed. But then Rocky fought Drago and beat him at his own game.

Now quite a few years later, “Donnie” Creed has become a new major fighter, and he has Rocky as a ring-side trainer and mentor. Creed has a new girlfriend named Bianca (Tessa Thompson) who has become quite a singer-songwriter star on her own. After the events of the “Creed” movie, Donnie and Bianca have made a new life, and Creed is best in the world.. They are married and have new child, and Creed is the world Champion. Nothing can go wrong…

Except that Ivan Drago has been training his giant bear of a son named Viktor Drago (Florian Munteanu). Ivan gets word to Creed that there needs to be a rematch. He wants a new match up of Drago versus Creed, but this time it will be the son against the son. And perhaps nobody will be killed this time out. But with this fight, Rocky refuses to help, because he knows that Viktor will have nothing to lose. Creed might possibly lose the title, but the fight goes on, and Creed does not lose the title. But he also does not win the fight. Drago beat up on Creed so badly that Donnie needs a lot of rehab. But Vicktor is not an experienced fighter, and with a couple of cheap shots, he was disqualified.

So before you can say “will there be family drama”, and “Rocky is out as trainer and is now back in”, and before you can see training montages that are in the desert and in swimming pools, Adonis “Donnie” Creed will train and strain and grunt and groan until he is in perfect shape. Now he is ready to take on Viktor Drago again, so that both the trainers can be Rocky versus Ivan. Just like before. But much older…

If you understand that some things need to be predictable, like the rising and setting of the sun, then you know that there will be a final major fight. And in that fight, there will be a number of slow-motion shots of punches to the face (of either boxer). Also at some key moment, there will be stirring first notes of the “Rocky” theme music. And that will lead into the blaring notes of the song playing as the underdog fighter gets up off the ring floor and delivers some major knockout blows.

Just because some parts are predictable does not mean they are not enjoyable to watch. It is especially fun when it is done with such good actors. Such as Michael B. Jordan, who is jacked up and beefed up to play Creed. He does a very believable job in the training and fight scenes. Tessa Thompson is very gracious performer in this movie. She acts like Beyonce-like star, and she pulls it off. Heck, even Sylvester Stallone mumbles less than he normally does in this movie…

To mix some sports metaphors: “Creed II” does not land in the gutter, and it does not score a grand slam. But it does reach the finish line without a fatal spinout. Great actors keep the aging “Rocky” series from fumbling in the end zone.

Ralph Breaks the Internet Movie Review

November 21, 2018 (updated November 21, 2018) Published by JMcNaughton

“Ralph Breaks the Internet” proves that Disney Animation can make a sequel based on its legacy of great movies, and does not “Wreck-It”. “Ralph” is a follow-up edition to “Wreck-It Ralph”, which introduced some arcade video game characters. It had a smart story line and large group of quirky, yet lovable, characters. This new update to the continuing “Ralph” story takes two main characters beyond the walls of Litwak’s Arcade. They venture out into the Internet, which Ralph promptly breaks… The online community is not ready for the big, lovable doofus of Ralph, so he takes the Internet by storm.

In the first movie (“Wreck-It Ralph”), Ralph (John C. Reilly) has a job in an arcade game called “Fix-It Felix Jr.” Felix (Jack McBrayer) has met his true love Sergeant Calhoun (Jane Lynch). Ralph’s best friend is Vanellope von Schweetz (Sarah Silverman), who is go-kart racer from “Sugar Rush”. Vanellope has a ‘glitch’, which gives her unusual functions. She is tired of her life in the Sugar Rush game, and she would like to see much more of the world. Ralph is very content with the state of things, while Vanellope needs to expand her horizons.

After a part breaks on the Sugar Rush game, Mr. Litwak (Ed O’Neill) is forced to unplug this game. All the characters rush out and now are homelessa. Litwak has just installed a router that connects to the Internet, so Ralph and Vanellope find their way into it. They have heard that a new part can be purchased on-line for the Sugar Rush game. They intend to go to that website and bid for that part. But when they bid way too much, they need to find a way to get money to pay for it. Ralph finds a site called BuzzTube, and it is run by an algorithm named Yesss (Taraji P. Henson). She explains that Ralph can become an Internet sensation by creating viral videos. That could get the money they need.

Vanellope and Ralph also find an online video game called ‘Slaughter Race’. It is dirty and grungy and there are no rules. Vanellope thinks it is the perfect world for her racing future. The best racer in that game is named Shank (Gal Gadot), and she has the best car and best skills. She and her crew raise havoc with all the online gamers, because she always wins. Vanellope has met her match with Shank, and she wants to stay in Slaughter Race forever to race her heart out.

When Vanellope goes to a Disney website and meets with all the other Disney Princesses. She likes them all, and they accept her as another real Princess – but she does not feel at home there. Ralph just wants to buy that part to fix Sugar Rush, and then get home to his game. But Ralph begins to worry that his best friend Vanellope will not be coming with him.

Ralph lets his worry and his doubt take over, and he does something really dumb. He wants to convince Vanellope that she should come back to the arcade with him. But Ralph’s plan backfires, in a really big way. The Internet is threatened by the bone-headed move that Ralph makes, and Vanellope is in real danger. Shank tries to help Vanellope, and also later on the Disney Princesses come to her rescue. Ralph finally learns a big lesson that friendship is stronger than distance. Vanellope can still be his best friend, even if they are in two different places. The Internet is saved, and Sugar Rush gets repaired…

“Ralph Breaks the Internet” takes the characters from the first movie and gives them a new and expanded universe to explore. Getting the two main game characters (Ralph and Vanellope) into the Internet-at-large is a terrific concept. Ralph is a ‘fish out of water’ type, while Vanellope embraces all that the new horizons can offer to her. Because this is a Disney movie, all of the properties they own (Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars, Disney Princesses, Winnie-the-Pooh, and others) all make a brief appearance.

John C. Reilly does the voice of Ralph, and he proves himself to be a work horse, not a show horse. He is a steady and reliable character voice for the big lug, and it fits him perfectly. Gal Gadot does the voice of Shank, the attractive and super-cool driver in the ‘Slaughter Race’ online game. She is strong and capable, and she becomes a new friend to Vanellope. Taraji P. Henson plays Yesss, and her character is quite quirky. She searches for the next huge viral video, and she encourages Ralph to become a video star.

But then we come to the weakest part of this movie. Sarah Silverman does the voice of Vanellope. But her character’s voice is such a whiney, nasally and annoying voice that it can grate on your nerves. In the first movie, this character was introduced about midway into the stroy. So Vanellope’s voice gets a LOT more screen time in this movie. Vanellope is supposed to be cute and precocious character. But she leans heavy into being more annoying than sweet. However, her character and Ralph are the main two roles, so you get much, much more of the least enjoyable voice in the bunch.

A Private War Movie Review

November 16, 2018 Published by Shari K. Green

After viewing ‘A Private War’ I was surprised to find out who produced it. Not that it was a woman producing such a serious in-depth look at war but that she could have given herself this significantly challenging role but didn’t. The character was uncommonly rich and would have given her more than an off chance at grabbing another Oscar. It was produced by Academy Award®-winning actress/producer, Charlize Theron (Monster, Tully). Charlize has nineteen producing credits to her name and with five projects at this moment in either pre or post-production, it doesn’t look as if she’s planning on stopping anytime soon.
‘A Private War’ is about a journalist and the very idea of journalism being under attack in times of war. Often times what journalists shed light on isn’t appreciated by the people being exposed. These particular regimes are covered extensively through who the film focuses on. It highlights the work of Marie Colvin, played by Academy Award®-nominee Rosamund Pike of ‘Gone Girl.’ Marie Colvin was one of the most powerful reporters we’ve ever seen. She was always brave in the face of danger. Colvin knew that it wasn’t only her responsibility to but took it as an honor to tell the stories of those who could not speak and be a voice for the dead. She wanted to tell the truth when no one else cared enough to and no one else would.

Whether you think it’s a necessary evil or you believe that war is simply sanctioned murder (perpetrated by old men and their egos who send young men and women off to die), there’s no missing the fact that this film is impressive. ‘A Private War’ takes direct aim at both of those points significantly well. And the script not only makes you feel great respect for Colvin, but you also grow frustrated with her stubbornness as you get to know her. First and foremost in her life is the job she has to do. Though she sees and feels an obligation to those she loves, the loyalty to her job of reporting the facts will always take precedent. Who is she if she isn’t injecting those principles into her work and out to the world? She must describe, for her readers, the pains of others. She feels a duty to tell those who might make a difference of the terrible ills she sees. Once she absorbs the suffering and grief, she narrates it for the rest of us. As she puts it in the film, ‘I see it, so you don’t have to.’

On assignment in Iraq, she meets renowned war photographer Paul Conroy (Dornan). She enlists him to help her and, working together from there on out, he never leaves her side. They see a lot of death and it eventually takes its toll. Her time on the frontlines has revealed its scars both inside and out. She’s almost killed while in Sri Lanka but instead suffers an injury. Due to the injury she’s forced to wearing an eyepatch for the rest of her life over her now blinded left eye. She’s bothered by it but you can also see she views it as a symbol of her work and of her own struggles. And perhaps by some, knowing she’s endured the wounds of battle, she’ll be taken more seriously.
The film also affirms the deep trauma that you can’t see. Colvin’s a chain-smoking alcoholic who’s finally pressured into taking time off when she can no longer tell what’s false from what’s real. She suffers from PTSD. Admitting that alcohol quiets the voices in her head, realizes the time away is indeed needed. Paul understands what she’s going through more than anyone and knows she’s addicted to the adrenalin rush. Colvin is in a relationship with a man named Tony Shaw (Tucci) but Paul seems to be the one she reveals more to. He knows she hates war but has to see it… has to reveal it. He’s there with her when she goes to the Syrian city of Homs. Homs is getting more dangerous for them by the minute. He pleads with her but can’t convince her to leave. Armed with her story of profound anguish, she connects with Anderson Cooper of CNN and gives her final interview.

‘A Private War’ is directed by critically acclaimed documentary filmmaker Matthew Heineman who lovingly tells her story with the utmost respect and dignity. It’s entertaining and heartfelt and honest in how it acknowledges her defects but classy in making it known to all of humanity that she loved her work. I highly recommend it for the cinematography, directing, performances and for the Annie Lennox tune at the end. Don’t miss it.

Instant Family Movie Review

November 16, 2018 (updated November 16, 2018) Published by Shari K. Green

‘Instant Family’ is about Pete (Wahlberg) and Ellie (Byrne) who want a family but aren’t exactly young. They’ve both had a lot of fun and experience in their lives, lives they’ve lived very well mind you, and have a lot to offer. They have a great business and a beautiful home but look around one day and realize they have no one to share it with. With this acknowledgment, they’re suddenly struck with an idea. At their age, instead of having a baby, they decide to adopt. This is also the true tale of where the narrative was born.

The film is an important take on children, both young and old, in the country’s foster system. I applaud its good intentions but it’s full of contrived jokes that feel labored rather than spontaneous. I do like the story behind the story as much as I enjoyed watching what foster parents Pete and Ellie felt compelled to do but the movie was somewhat excessive at times.

Based on their own experiences with adoption writers Sean Anders and John Morris want you to know the truth of things. They want you to see that teenagers are neglected by people looking to adopt. Unfortunately, more often than not, this leads to building resentments. Their attitudes grow bitter and a teenager in the system will find it harder to be placed somewhere they can call home.

This effort is more than admirable. Nonetheless, Anders and Morris went overboard and stuffed everything they went through or witnessed into one film. The movie is respectable, but this wasn’t necessary for the audience to pick up on their message, leading to it being a lot to take in at times. Another miscalculation from the team was slapping into the script pranks and antics to force the comedic side of awkward moments with their new family. The sillier things became made genuine moments feel phony.

Pete and Ellie adopt a teenager, Lizzie (Moner), who comes with two young siblings named Lita and Juan. Lizzie is your typical angst-filled fifteen-year-old but put in this position has taken on the role of mama bear to the younger cubs. Shifting from home to home, with bags full of ‘court bears,’ she doesn’t believe, or is incapable of believing, she’ll ever be loved. She likes Pete and Ellie, sees how lucky she is, but has been disappointed before. Lizzie has been hurt so often that she won’t allow Lita and Juan to go through it, too, so she creates barriers in the guise of being helpful… at first. Then she drops the charm. When she shows her guarded side, Pete and Ellie almost give up but, coming to terms with the fact that being parents isn’t easy, they resist the urge to send the children back.

Sadly, they have the added pressure of competing with their real mother who shows up when it’s most convenient for her. Of course, you were expecting this to happen, but it is moving when it does. That said, it’s mostly because of Moner’s performance more than anything else. For a brief moment, you see her heart. The biggest highlights of the film come from its smallest moments. At its most basic and what Anders fixates on the least, is when the film is at its best.

You’ll love performances from Octavia Spencer and Tig Notaro as their counselors. Bringing in Margo Martindale and Julie Hagerty as dueling grandmothers was a nice touch, you’ll appreciate. However, Anders goes too far with a good thing with adding Joan Cusack’s nosey neighbor. Her character starts out well but ends with you shaking your head. ‘Instant Family’ is ultimately worth watching but paying matinee price is best for you and yours.

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The Ballad of Buster Scruggs Movie Review

November 16, 2018 (updated November 16, 2018) Published by Shari K. Green

Before I get into the meat of this review, let me tell you a few things about the movie for which I reviewed. ‘The Ballad of Buster Scruggs’ is a flick with several short stories within the two hour and twelve-minute film. The first short introduces the fabulously subtle Tim Blake Nelson as ‘Buster Scruggs’ in the segment called ‘The Ballad of Buster Scruggs’ which, by the way, is fantastic! It’s everything you could possibly hope for. It felt to me very much like one of my favorite Coen Brothers movies, their 2000 hit, ‘O Brother, Where Art Thou?’ Once it started, I could see I wasn’t going to be disappointed so I settled in my seat, ready for another gem which, luckily, I was getting. I’m watching Scruggs on his horse and I’m loving it. This is what I came here for!

Buster’s scenes are about a singing cowboy and within the songs, some of the most shrewd and imaginative narration develops from this extremely exaggerated character and the situations he finds himself. His self-confidence makes it even funnier.

You’re a tad rattled when that segment ends, and we move onto the next. This one is called ‘Near Algodones,’ which stars James Franco. Very creatively and artistically, each segment is treated as a chapter book. It’s clever how it prepares the mind for something special. I watched. I waited and was rather disappointed when that extraordinary tale didn’t quite pan out as I had hoped. It was passable but what the film has already given, you look for here… and it just isn’t there. Its narration and some of the humor fairs well enough but it felt too short to allow you any real time with the characters. You can’t know or care much for them so ending it so abruptly doesn’t work. Perhaps the next will be better. No one’s perfect after all. Well, to my dismay, it wasn’t any better. It wasn’t tragic, but it does lead one to wonder what time it is. We want to and need to learn more about these characters before we move on… but we don’t. This is a sizeable lapse in judgment throughout the feature.

The third story is called ‘Meal Ticket.’ It stars Liam Neeson and, to be honest, doesn’t feel much like it fits. It’s about a man taking advantage of another man who’s in desperate need of help. When he can be easily replaced, he is… and it the most horrible way. It’s quite depressing and sad. And it gets altogether boring as it repeats itself. I can’t think of a single thing about this section that could be especially celebrated. However, I did enjoy some of the next narrative. It could be seen as dismal but portions of it made me smile. ‘All Gold Canyon,’ starring Tom Waits as a prospector panning for gold, is visually relaxing. A common theme in each film, though they’re separate from one another, arises. You realize that the lead character in each of the segments dies. However, with this piece, the scenery is so beautiful. As the prospector tears up the land looking for his ‘Mr. Pocket’ of gold, you find that the lead isn’t quite as easy to pick out. With what he’s doing, and what will happen to this paradise, it’s the land itself that will die.

There are more chapters, but I’ll end by saying this. Have no fear. Throughout the film, there does appear bits of sparkling brilliance that I have come to expect from the Coen’s. When these moments come the film couldn’t be better. Each of the stories has proficient and competent hands writing and directing them so why wouldn’t we see their unquestionable talent?! We do but that’s also the unfortunate question. Why didn’t we see it more often? These were anticlimactic. With the way most unfolded, it’ll leave you feeling cheated to a degree.

I’ll boil it down for you as to why. The trailer seemed to have promised so much more. Your sheer disappointment in the film as a whole is evident in how much you cling to hope that each tale improves. Your love for their storytelling will keep you hanging in, which I did, do and always will with their work. I believe the biggest and most obvious problem with this is there wasn’t enough time for development. Each story is GOOD and you want MORE so what was the point in leaving everyone hanging? If they make separate films or a series, which could very well be what’ll happen, I’m invested 100%!! And I sincerely hope they do.

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald Movie Review

November 16, 2018 (updated November 16, 2018) Published by JMcNaughton

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” is the newest “Wizarding World” magical spell created from the boundless mind of J.K. Rowling. It takes a close look at the Wizarding community in the pre-Harry Potter years. The Hogwarts school plays a much smaller part of this story, but it does make a welcome appearance. After the first movie in this sequence (“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”), this next chapter follows along with the main character of Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne). Newt will figure prominently into the new story line, along with the other people he meets.

In the first movie, Newt was the one who captured the criminal Gellert Grindelwald (Johnny Depp) while Grindelwald was hiding in New York City. Newt met many magical people in New York, and one “Non-Maj” (non-magical person, in England they are called ‘muggles’).While in New York, Newt made very close friends with Tina (Katherine Waterston) and her sister Queenie (Alison Sudol). There is also Jacob Kowalski (Dan Folger), who is a non-magical type, but shares a bond of love with Queenie. Jacob was supposed to have his memory wiped out at the end of the first film, but he still remembers everything.

Newt’s brother Theseus (Callum Turner) is a high-ranking fellow in the British Ministry of Magic, and he attempts to convince Newt that he needs to be on their side. Grindelwald has gotten his followers to break him out of the jail cell he was being held in for three years, located in New York City. Grindelwald is out on the loose, and he is hunting the person who created much destruction in New York. He is looking for Credence Barebone (Ezra Miller), since he controls something called an Obscurus. This is a powerful Dark Magic object that Grindelwald wants to use to destroy the non-magical world, so he can take over.

Newt, Tina, Queenie and Jacob wind up in France to also look for Credence, because he is the key to finding Grindelwald. Newt has also had a visit with a Professor from Hogwarts named Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law). Dumbledore has a keen interest in stopping Grindelwald, however there is a close personal bond between Grindelwald and Dumbledore. Dumbledore is prevented from moving against Grindelwald, and he implores Newt to find Credence and then Grindelwald. Creedence has been located, and he is employed at a magical Freak Show with a close friend named Nagini (Claudia Kim). Nagini has a curse that turns her into a large snake (shades of Harry Potter movies that are set in the future!). There is also Leta Lestrange (Zoë Kravitz) who is an old Hogwarts BFF to Newt, but she is now engaged to Newt’s brother Theseus. Oh, and don’t forget Yusuf Kama (William Nadylam), who is also on a separate quest to find and kill Grindelwald, for personal and family reasons…

Yikes, there are a lot of characters and plot points to try to keep straight. Rowling screenplay creates a very rich and deep Wizarding World. Yet the incredible number of overlapping plot and interwoven characters make it hard to track of all of them. There a whole mess of characters, and the main ones are very well defined. But there are a huge number of side characters that get introduced and get such limited screen time that you do not know why they are important or what their ultimate purpose might be in the series. However, director David Yates does a fantastic job to take a complex story and give it a calm and steady push to the screen.

Also, the productions, sets and physical designs are all amazing and leap out from the screen and make the story come alive. Plus, getting the right actors to inhabit these roles make a major difference. Eddie Redmayne is true genius at making an oddball character come alive. Dan Folger has also just the right amount of comic relief and sense of wonder at seeing the Wizarding World up close and personal. Johnny Depp is creepy and charismatic as Gellert Grindelwald. And Jude Law is a perfectly cast Albus Dumbledore, the future Headmaster of Hogwarts.

Even if it is long movie with a lot going on, this is still a magical experience. Thanks to J.K. Rowling and the entire team that put this together, it is a “Fantastic Beast” of a production. It assumes that you are up to speed on all the Wizarding World goings-on, so it is best to see the prior movie (“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”) before your put your effort into this one. The special effects are very seemless and help to drive the story. A couple of the sequences are exciting to watch and keep you energized for the next one.

Oh, and then that FINAL reveal of the secret identity and background of THAT character! And how they are related to that OTHER character! OH – WOW! How can they keep all that a secret???? What does all this mean for the future of Newt and of future movies? You will just need to see for yourself…

The Front Runner Movie Review

November 16, 2018 (updated November 16, 2018) Published by JMcNaughton

“The Front Runner” invites you to come and ride on the campaign bus with the leading Presidential candidate in the 1988 Democratic primary. Gary Hart (Hugh Jackman) is a US Senator from Colorado, who is smart and well-spoken. He came in second during the 1984 Democrat race, so his star is rising in the party and with people in the country at large. He is from the West, and he believes that the future will be based on leaders from the Western states. He is well-read when it comes to politics, trade policies and economics.

But when it comes to his personal space and his family, Hart is aloof and distant. He is a Democratic fresh face, attractive and ready to lead. However, he does not know that he has created a big target on his back. The press has become more aggressive and intrusive on the past four years. Hart makes personal decisions and mistakes that take his campaign from ‘Front Runner’ status to drop out, all in a matter a few weeks.

Gary Hart and his wife Lee (Vera Farmiga) have gone through the campaign wringer before, and they expect more of the same. Hart has a campaign manager named Bill Dixon (J.K. Simmons), who is ready to gather an army of young people that will handle Hart’s march on Washington. Hart plans to do things his way, and not follow the stale old advice of consultants and party bosses. He plans for a Presidential run declaration up high in the foothills of the Rockies. The press starts to grumble that Hart is not keeping with the usual traditions. There are some reporters who start to whisper of Hart having a troubled marriage. Hart continues to concentrate on policy and protocol, proclaiming the first and ignoring the latter. But there is a meeting with a large donor and fund raiser in Miami. He takes a trip on the donor’s yacht, called – of all things – the ‘Monkey Business’.

He meets a very lovely young woman named Donna Rice (Sara Paxton). She is looking for a job with Hart’s campaign, but she winds up catching Hart’s eye. They spend some time together, and he later invites her up to his townhouse in Georgetown. She flies up from Miami, but the Miami Herald catches wind of something going on. A group of reporters and a cameraman camp out outside Hart’s place near Washington. They see various people who come and go, including Hart and an unidentified young woman. The reporters start sending up red flags to the Herald editors. They must run with this story, even if they do not know all the details or the facts surrounding the young woman. They meet Gary Hart in an alleyway near his place, and he demands to know why they are trailing him. He wants his privacy and they do not have his permission to snoop. But they tell him it is a free country and the First Amendment gives them the right to write and publish the news, even if it seems to have become the trashy tabloid variety.

In the next week, the press is all over this story. They are staking out Lee Hart, out in her country home in Colorado, in a tiny, out-of-the-way place called Troublesome Gulch. It becomes an apt description, because soon the towering pines on the dirt road stand next to TV satellite dishes and large antennas. The Press, especially the TV media, have planted themselves there to report that Lee has not left the building. Other reporters chase down Donna Rice for an exclusive story about her time with Gary Hart. Hart is still on the campaign trail and stops to make a speech about economic policy.

But the only thing the press wants to know about is Hart’s relationships. Is he faithful to his wife? Is he in the middle on an adulterous affair? Can he continue to be Front Runner with all these unanswered questions surrounding him? The media and press turn into paparazzi and Hart undergoes scrutiny unlike any other candidate. Even the Washington Post gets into the examination, led by Ben Bradlee (Alfred Molina). The boxing gloves had come off and it became bare-knuckle fighting…

Jason Reitman has created, in terms of directing and co-writing, a powerful story of what can happen when the Press decides to pull out all the stops. Before anyone come up with calling the press “Fake News”, they held a powerful grip on the political system and who was able to get to the top. Hugh Jackman does a fine job playing Hart, who is caught up in his own position papers that he doesn’t realize that he put himself into a compromising position. Vera Farmiga and Sara Paxton play the two women in Hart’s life that lead him into the abyss. J. K. Simmons is also good as the campaign manager that cannot believe his campaign is falling apart around him.

“The Front Runner” gets you into a wild and crazy world of campaigning. It is a world that is made even crazier when Hart goes from being “The Front Runner” to “Front Page News”…

Category: Reviews