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Reviews
The Idea of You (2024)
Good Ideas
I really liked this film. I honestly has no idea what to expect but since I liked the leads, I decided to go in open minded and give it a go. I was very pleased. It's a very slice of lives lived and the paths not taken. It's soft and fluffy and funny in all of the right places. And when it goes deeper, you feel the conflicting "ideas" the characters each face. Without spoiling the ending, I really liked the choice in the way the film ended. Too many other films in this genre take the easy, and frankly tired, drop off before credits roll. I'd certainly watch this film again. Excellent and unassuming performances by both Hathaway and Galitzine.
The Marvels (2023)
See it for yourself, judge for yourself.
Personally, I liked this little film. Were there flaws? Sure, but every film has them. It wasn't supposed to be Endgame or Infinty War. It served the purpose of being a tidy little piece of conjunctive tissue phases 4/5 have long needed. Was it fun and funny and little over the top? Sure but thank goodness it wasn't as dark and bleak as other film companies make when building out their superhero universes. Thank goodness for that I say. My largest challenge were equally two of my favorite things in the film. For those who don't watch Disney+ two (more actually) of the primary characters were unknown to theatre audiences. While a bit of help was given explaining the backstory of one, even less was given to the other (and her lovable family). I also found (again an issue derived from the streaming shows) Nick Fury's solitary leadership and different character (from his series) might have had the reverse effect for those who had watched Disney+. I have no way of knowing if this was a film where a committee overruled the film's Director or what happened in those areas. For what did work, I enjoyed a good deal. Somewhere in here was a much stronger film than we, the audience, were able to see. I realize much of the hate the film received came far before its theatrical debut as the usual crybabies who hate anything led with women or people of color were ready and waiting to review bomb the film no matter what loose ends might have been satisfactorily tied up. And for whatever reason the primary lead continues to draw their ire is ever a mystery to me. I enjoyed the performances of all of the cast. And even when the script was a wee bit wonky, it was still somewhat on track and eventually got where it needed to logically go.
Argylle (2024)
Argylle's full on send up of the spy genre works
From beginning to end, this roller coaster of a film gives both a tongue firmly planted in cheek send up of the spy genre while presenting a pleasant, almost action filled rom com vibe. Every character delivers on their foray into the often double sided, entendre laden ride along the way. While some may say they saw some twists coming, I for one cannot imagine anyone seeing them all before they are rolled out proper. Matthew Vaughn once again shows his genius as he's crafted both a script and direction that few could match. I'll certainly be going back to enjoy this film again. One last thing, the music, especially by Ariana Dubose, Boy George and more only up the ante on the spy film feel.
Cinderella (2021)
Crybabies are going to cry but the film is Fun
While I realize for every update of something beloved and classic there will be those who cannot help themselves from comparing the new, contemporary version on the older piece, there are also those, who for simple sake of a tale being told with present day sentiments, feeling overwhelmingly compelled to hate the new. It's not the cast, the music, the new interpretations of the original characters or plot points. No. It's the fact that time moves on and a classic tale is told with present day folkways and mores. Either roll with society as it evolves or get out of the way. This version of Cinderella is fun in all sorts of ways. Honestly, it had hints of Ever After here and there which certainly never received the vitriol this version has received. Was it a perfect film? Of course not. Very few are, be they old or new. But did it deserve the all out cry baby treatment this one received? No. Let's be clear, most of these people really hated a non white titular character and Porter's turn as the Godmother. It's a fairy tale people! Get a grip!
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Was there a story here?
I have to admit, after hearing positive things, and still a long time lover of Thunderdome, I sat down expecting... something, different, something else. While effects and visuals were seemingly spot on and no one gave a poor performance, I never once felt there was a through line story. The best I could see was a plot device to go from point a to b and then, because that was a wash, to turn around and do it all in reverse. I barely got to know this Max character. The Furiosa and Nux characters seemed to have more development. Color me baffled. If it weren't for the noise, and even sometimes when there was, paying attention to what little there was presented here took some real work.
Blue Beetle (2023)
Blue Beetle Flies High
Despite an overwhelming lack of support from both the Snyderverse and even the film's easily identifiable demographic, this positively delightful and extremely well done film simply didn't get the box office love it so richly deserved. Despite a tenth of the star power, and no doubt much, much less spent on its budget, Blue Beetle was easily the better film than the other DC films immediately preceding it (Flash, Shazam 2, Black Adam). I really hope if folks don't wake up to it in it's short theatrical run, they'll get on board with its digital and physical media releases (as well as the all too integral toy and other ancillary market products).
In extremis (2000)
Extreme longing leads to further loss.
While this was an interesting French film, it was both visually curious and emotionally unsettling throughout. The cast did an excellent job with what they were given to work with but therein lies the challenge. The script bounced about and the lighting was so dark, it made following a bit much at times. The ending left much to be desired as it resolved so little. So many plot points had been created but infinitely neglected. I didn't dislike the film. It simply left me hoping for a more substantial denouement. Still, I'd recommend this film if asked. But I would make the viewers aware it's more thoughts and feelings (for all of the characters) than a fully fleshed out story.
Don Jon (2013)
Love, Lies, Internet Porn and the Ne zoning of Age Film You Didn't Know You Needed
As a fan of Gordon-Levitt, Johansson, Moore as well as others in this cast, I was pleased to check out this film. I don't really know if I expected a Rom Com, a dopey comedy, or some artsy elite thing. As Gordon-Levitt's directorial debut, it perhaps could have taken any of those well trodden paths. But instead, much to my happy surprise, this film was none of those things. From script to screen, shot by shot, this was a much needed fresh of cinematic air.
As comedies go, it hit every beat. As characters go, the work had been put in to subtly establish and make plain the people in this world. The twist away from the tried and true but trite and tired came without a warning a proved the ultimate "truth" of something new and fresh could still come so organically. Bravo!