A Journal for Jordan

The more Hollywood produces biopics, the more we are offered films about the everyday person being put in an amazing and impossible situations. It was common--and still is--to see films based on true stories about famous people, but now, the importance of witnessing true stories about everyday people in all walks of life in difficult situations has practically become vogue. Films like "The Impossible", "Lion", "The Butler", and the like were all about people that we had never heard of, but seeing what events they persevered through were captivating. Now we have "A Journal for Jordan" to add to that ever growing list. 

This is based on the true story of First Sergeant Charles Monroe King (Michael B. Jordan), a soldier deployed to Iraq who begins to keep a journal of love and advice for his infant son. Back at home, senior New York Times editor Dana Canedy (Chante Adams) revisits the story of her unlikely, life-altering relationship with King and his enduring devotion to her and their child. Before he is killed in action in Baghdad, he authors a sweeping account of a once-in-a-lifetime love for his son Jordan (Jalon Christian) so he can refer to it through life to show him how to live a decent life despite growing up without a father. The film is a powerful reminder of the extreme importance of family and the the realization that besides faith, family is, or at least should be, what life is all about. 

Others to round out the cast are Robert Wisdom as Sgt. T.J. Canedy, Tamara Tunie as Penny Canedy, Jasmine Batchelor as Gwen Canedy, Marchant Davis as Mike Canedy, Susan Pourfar as Miriam, Vanessa Aspillaga as Robin, Grey Henson as Ciro/friend, Johnny M. Wu as Manny, David Wilson Barnes as Schaefer and Spencer Squire as Rosenblum.

This film was incredibly well detailed in its direction by Denzel Washington ("Antwone Fisher" '02, "The Great Debaters" '07, "Fences" '16) plus TV. Although Washington doesn't have a plethora of theatrical film experience in the director's chair, what he misses in quantity, he more than makes up for quality. Assuredly, the reason for this is that he is an actor's director, especially since he is an accomplished actor himself. He truly knows what it takes to empathize with an actor to know what it takes to get them to emit that certain emotion that needs to happen to convey to the audience what's definitely happening given a certain scene. His "Fences" was not only well acted by him and Viola Davis, it was brilliantly helmed by him as well. This was crafted well by writer Virgil Williams ("Mudbound" '17) plus a ton of TV, based on the personal journey by Charles Monroe King and the book by Dana Canedy. This was told by Dana as a series of flashbacks detailing her meeting Charles, their dating, and subsequently baring a child, whose name is Jordan. It goes from present, then goes back to the past, and then back again to present, etc. In creating this writing, which is not totally a new concept, there were a couple of very small issues with continuity within the scope of the script, otherwise this screenplay was spot on. The performances by both Michael B. Jordan and Chante Adams were strong with great chemistry. With this being the only feature this writer has under his belt, I am amazed that this displayed the quality that it did, and with this he will certainly receive more work. 

This is an amazingly well crafted film about love, family, sacrifice and compassion all with a military backdrop. Washington shows us how important family is, or certainly should be. In this day and age, family has become not as important as it used to be, but after watching this, it should give anyone a shot in the arm convincing them how imperative the family unit actually is. 

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                               Rated: PG-13                                              131mins.

American Underdog

As I've mentioned in several reviews prior, we have seen many biopics on the silver screen, but even more to the point, there have been many sports biopics in which to ponder over, i.e. "Knute Rockne All American" '40, "Brian's Song" (TV movie) '71, "Remember the Titans" 2000 "Invincible" '06, to mention a few. Now, we have the quintessential underdog film appropriately called "American Underdog". 

"American Underdog" tells the inspirational true story of Kurt Warner (Zachary Levi), who went from a stockboy at a grocery store to a two-time NFL MVP, Super Bowl champion, and Hall of Fame Quarterback. The film centers on Warner's unique story and years of challenges and setbacks that could have derailed his aspirations to become an NFL player--but when his dreams seemed all but out of reach, it is only with the support of his wife, Brenda (Anna Paquin) and the encouragement of his family namely Zack, his son (Hayden Zaller), coaches, namely Jim Foster (Bruce McGill) and Dick Vermeil (Dennis Quaid), and teammates, namely Mike Hudnutt (Ser'Darius Blain) that Warner perseveres and finds the strength to show the world the champion that he already is. 

Others to round out the cast are Chance Kelly as Coach Mike Martz, Cindy Hogan as Sue Warner, Adam Baldwin as Terry Allen, Danny Vinson as Larry, McKylin Rowe as Marshall and Brett Varvel as Steve "Mooch" Mariucci.

This was delineated with clarity by directors Andrew Erwin ("The Cross and the Towers" (documentary) '06, "Alumni" (TV movie) '09, "October Baby" '11, "Moms' Night Out" '14, "Woodlawn" '15, "I Can Only Imagine" '18, "I Still Believe" '20, "The Jesus Music" (documentary) '21) plus TV and videos, and Jon Erwin (the above resume plus "Fully Alive" '12). Whether these two brothers direct films based on true stories or are fiction, they are able to clearly demonstrate the emotion of the characters they are having their actors to emit--this film is absolutely no exception. I always know that when I see one of their films, it will be an incredibly well crafted film. It was heart-wrenchingly written by Jon Erwin, David Aaron Cohen and Jon Gunn, based on the inspirational book "All Things Possible" by Kurt Warner with Michael Silver. It was written with such pathos, grit, determination and heart that it will leave you cheering for this football player. The script was concise, cohesive and tight while tugging on the audiences' hearts without getting mired down with sentimentality. These writers having the amount of feature film experience as they had certainly helped in this screenplay being the film it wanted to be. These directing and writing brothers simply rock!

Whether football films are your thing or not, this film will captivate your attention as we learn that much more of this football legend. Zachary Levi as Kurt and Anna Paquin as Brenda were amazingly believable in their respective roles. This is a great family film, because of the values, compassion and redemption this story exudes. Go see this film--you won't be disappointed!

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                        Rated: PG                                                     113mins.

The Matrix Resurrections

Who knew that when the Wachowskis wrapped up the "The Matrix" trilogy in 2003, we would see yet another 'Matrix' to offer us? After all, the trilogy neatly summed up the films by the end of the last film of the trilogy. But, I guess that the Wachowskis had more to say with a new film of the franchise, so they gave us "The Matrix Resurrections". 

To find out if his reality is a physical or mental construct, Mr. Thomas Anderson aka Neo (Keanu Reeves) will have to choose to follow the white rabbit once more. If he's learned anything, it's that choice, while an illusion, is still the only way out of--or into--the Matrix. Because of what Neo has gone through since, mentally and psychologically, at the end of "Matrix Revolutions", he is under a psychologist care (Neil Patrick Harris), and then Morpheus (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) reenters Neo's life to confront him in order for him to choose: the blue or red pill. Morpheus' crew including Bugs (Jessica Henwick), Sequoia (Toby Onwumere), Sheperd (Max Riemelt), Berg (Brian J. Smith), and others, help Neo to seek out Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) in order to fulfill what they need to combat the 'agents', one named Smith (Jonathan Groff). Neo already knows what he has to do, but what he doesn't yet know is that the Matrix is stronger, more secure and far more dangerous than ever before.

Others to round out the cast are Jada Pinkett Smith as Niobe, Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Sati, Christina Ricci as Gwyn de Vere, Lambert Wilson as the Merovingian, Andrew Lewis Caldwell as Jude, Joshua Grothe as Punktlon, Brenda Ibarra as Lexy, Michael X. Sommers as Skroce and L. Trey Wilson as Hanno. 

This was directed with the same intensity and fervency as with the trilogy by Lana Wachowski (Bound" '96, "The Matrix" '99, "The Matrix Reloaded" '03, "The Matrix Revolutions" '03, "Speed Racer" '08, "Cloud Atlas" '12, "Jupiter Ascending" '15) plus TV, video games and a video short documentary. This wasn't as much of a stretch for this filmmaker, since when the trilogy was produced and the Wachowskis were then male and since are female, so he merely relied on the format of the past trilogy to make this film work as well as it did in the directing. Why another Matrix? Not sure, except maybe since they had such a success with the trilogy and haven't been as profitable since, it's called 'let's do it again'. Certainly the actors were effective, especially since both Reeves and Moss were reprising their roles. It was effectively written by Lana Wachowski, David Mitchell and Aleksandar Hemon, based on characters created by the Wachowskis. Since the Wachowskis wrote the trilogy, and only one of them co-wrote this with two relative newcomers to feature film writing, this had a tendency to get bogged down with some choppiness and lack of continuity. After about two-thirds the way through, the story started picking up and the story then started to fall into place. It was a bit long-in-the-tooth to convey what was going on--about 10 minutes plus could've been cut. It did have some interesting twists in it which did add to the interest, but I feel both Wachowski siblings should write the next one. And, oh yes, not to spoil, but it does leave it open-ended for yet another installment assuming this makes money. And, of course, the visual effects,predominantly created by Framestore, Double Negative and One of Us were seamless and definitely one could get that 'Matrix' feel as with the past films. 

Certainly if you're a 'Matrix' fan, the sheer nostalgic feeling this gives which can take you back to 1999 when "The Matrix" was released,  you'll be in Matrix heaven. If you like your film up, close and personal, this is also presented in an IMAX format. This does look like it would be killer in that format. 

Out of 4 Stars: 3                                               Rated: R                                                       158mins.

Sing 2

Being in the middle of the end of year film season, there usually is, at least, one animated film in the offing. And with that, Hollywood has offered an amazing follow up to the original "Sing" by giving us "Sing 2" to sink our teeth into. Usually sequels are not as well crafted as its predecessor, however in this case, the opposite has definitely occurred.

This holiday season, the new chapter in Illumination's smash animated franchise arrives with big dreams and spectacular hit songs as the ever-optimistic koala, Buster Moon (Matthew McConaughey), and his all-star cast of performers including Rosita (Reese Whitherspoon), Ash (Scarlett Johansson), Meena (Tori Kelly), Johnny (Taron Edgerton), Gunter (Nick Kroll), plus others, in the glittering entertainment capital of the world. There's just one hitch: They first have to persuade the world's most reclusive rock star, Clay Calloway (Bono) to join them. 

Others to round out the cast are Bobby Canavale as Jimmy Crystal, Adam Buxton as Klaus Kickenklober, Garth Jennings as Miss Crawley, Nick Offerman as Norman, Halsey as Porsha Crystal, Jimmy's daughter, Chelsea Peretti as Suki, Jennifer Saunders as Nana and Julia Davis as Linda Le Bon. 

This was electrifylingly well crafted by director Garth Jennings ("The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" '05, "Son of Rambow" '07, "Sing" '16) plus video shorts, TV and a ton of music videos. As with "Sing" Jennings was able to entertain his audience with a show that was funny, entertaining and heartfelt all in one. He knows how to get his actors in that frame of mind when it comes to telling a story. It was also equally well written by Jennings ("Son of Rambow" '07, "Sing" '16) plus TV, a video short and a short. Even though this film and its predecessor were basically referenced to the show "America's Got Talent" along with the background of the show, it was still written with an electrifying, but whimsical element. "Sing" introduced us to the characters, whereas this film dwelled more on bringing these characters to an all new level. The characters are delineated with such individualized personalities, whether they be main characters or those that don't have a huge role. This is writing at its best. And the animation by Illumination Mac Guff was simply superb. Kudos to them!

If you're looking for a great Christmas, family film that's fun for all that's well written and directed all with a great message, this will be the film to see. It is also presented in an IMAX format as well. Grab the popcorn and enjoy this gem. I certainly did!

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                              Rated: PG                                               110mins.

The King's Man

There are American films, and then there are English films, and not that it's unlike seeing a Brit film in the U.S., but this is the "The Secret Service" franchise that has spanned over the last five years. What's more is that "The King's Man" is basically the prequel to the other two previous films of the franchise. 

One man, Orlando Oxford (Ralph Fiennes) must race against time to stop history's worst tyrants, including Grigori Rasputin (Rhys Ifans) and Kaiser Wilhelm (Tom Hollaner), and criminal masterminds as they get together to plot a war that could wipe out millions of people and destroy humanity. Oxford decides to work with King George (Tom Hollander) in order to convince the American president, Woodrow Wilson (Ian Kelly) who actually didn't want to enter WWI. So, between Oxford's son Conrad (Harris Dickinson), Polly (Gemma Arterton) and Shola (Djimon Hounsou), concoct a plan to overthrow a devious plot implemented by Rasputin of Russia. 

Others to round out the cast are Matthew Goode as Morton, Charles Dance as Kitchener, Alexandra Maria Lara as Emily Oxford, Orlando's wife, Daniel Bruhl as Erik Jan Hanussen, Alexander Shaw as young Conrad, Todd Boyce as Dupont and August Diehl as Vladimir Lenin.

This was equally directed as tight and slick as the preceding films of this franchise all by Matthew Vaughn ("Layer Cake" '04, "Stardust" '07, "Kick-Ass" '10, "The Debt" '10, "X-Men: First Class" '11, "Kingsman: The Secret Service" '14, "Kingsman: The Golden Circle" '17). As opposed to many other directors, this filmmaker certainly can't be pigeon-holed if his resume says anything. This film, being the third installment of the franchise, is directed with the same flair and panache as with the previous films where it's easy to be able to recognize that the the same director helmed them all. He has an uncanny ability to get his actors to emit that droll, British presence and humor that has become the trademark of this franchise. If you like his brand of directing, his "Argylle" is being filmed now and will have a 2022 release date. It was certainly effectively written by Vaughn ("Stardust" '07, "Kick-Ass" '10, "The Debt" '10, "X-Men: First Class" '11, "Kingsman: The Secret Service", '14, "Kingsman: The Golden Circle" '17) and Karl Gajdusek ("Trespass" '11, "Oblivion" '13, "The November Man" '14, "Blood Brother" '18, "The Last Days of American Crime" '20) plus TV, based on a story by Vaughn which is based on the comic book "The Secret Service" by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons. Even though this film was based in several locales,it was written in a tight and cohesive way. Other than a couple of very small slow places in story as the story builds, this script was spot on and both Vaughn and Gajdusek deserve kudos for their ability to produce a story that is as riveting as this was. 

With all the films that Hollywood is throwing at the multiplex at this time, there are almost too many films to choose from, but this film is certainly worthy of viewing on the large screen. In fact, it is also presented in an IMAX format if you like that up, close and personal feeling. Enjoy this nice escapism film which we all could use today. 

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                            Rated: R                                                131mins.

Spider-Man: No Way Home

Marvel Studios is practically in a world all their own with a plethora of franchises culminating in a multitude of films--too numerous to name all of them. Just the Spider-Man franchise alone covers many films which, like many other Marvel characters meld into one another. So, now we have "Spider-Man: No Way Home" which continues where "Spider-Man: Far from Home" left off at. 

For the first time in the cinematic history of Spider-Man/Peter Parker (Tom Holland), our friendly neighborhood hero's identity is revealed, bringing his Super Hero responsibilities into conflict with his normal life and putting those he cares about, including his girlfriend MJ (Zendaya), his aunt May (Marisa Tomei) and friends Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau) and Ned (Jacob Batalon), most at risk. When he enlists Doctor Strange's (Benedict Cumberbatch) help to restore his secret, the spell tears a hole in their world, releasing the most powerful villains, including Max Dillon (Jamie Foxx), Dr. Otto Octavius (Alfred Molina), Norman Osborn (Willem Dafoe) and others, who've ever fought a Spider-Man in any universe. Now, Peter Parker will have to overcome his greatest challenge yet, which will not only forever alter his own future but the future of the Multiverse. 

Others to round out the cast are Benedict Wong as Wong, Tony Revolori as Flash Thompson, J.K. Simmons as J. Jonah Jameson, Angourie Rice as Betty Brant, Arian Moayer as Agent Cleary, Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock, Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker/Spider-Man, Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker/Spider-Man, Thomas Haden Church as Flint Marko/Sandman and Rhys Ifans as Dr. Curt Connors/The Lizard. 

This was effectively directed by Jon Watts ("The Scariest Show on Television" (TV movie) '08, "Eugene!" (TV movie) '12, "Our RoboCop Remake" (segment "Scene 06") '14, "Clown" '14, "Cop Car" '15, "Spider-Man: Homecoming" '17, "Spider-Man" Far from Home" '19) plus TV, shorts and music videos. Certainly this filmmaker knows his way around a big-budget film hence his resume, and with that, he simply just carried the character development, which is already established, and staged and paced his actors accordingly. This doesn't mean that his job was easy--he's over every aspect of the film which covers many people and units, but he simply carried that similar style of directing he brought from the past films he had already completed. It was adequately written by Chris McKenna ("Igor" '08, "The Lego Batman Movie" '17, "Spider-Man: Homecoming" '17, "Ant-Man and the Wasp" '18, Spider-Man: Far from Home" '19) plus TV and Erik Sommers ("Cuz-Bros" (TV movie) '14, "The Lego Batman Movie" '17, "Spider-Man: Homecoming" '17, "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle" '17, "Ant-Man and the Wasp" '18, "Spider-Man: Far from Home" '19) plus TV, based on the Marvel comic book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. Even though there is a plethora of information in which to implement in any of the Marvel 'comic book films', repeatedly, the films can and do get mired down with enough of inconsistencies and meandering because they've created stories that end up splitting into so many tributaries. I could go into the choppiness and what's meandering, however it would then approach a spoiler alert. Suffice it to say, the script became bogged down at about two-thirds the way through, then, all of a sudden, the pace and continuity picked up and it became the film that the writers truly meant it to be. Certainly these writers are honed artists--their "The Lego Batman Movie" was uproarious and well written, but other than maybe comedy being more their genre, I'm not sure what happened--bad day at the laptop? Not sure, but maybe their "Bermuda" that is in preproduction will be a better effort. And, as usual with these big-budget films, the visual effects predominantly designed by SPI (Sony Pictures Imageworks), Digital Domain and Framestore were seamless, but one has to recognize this before walking in the door. 

Certainly if one is a Marvel geek, they will be in Marvel heaven, However if you're looking for something a bit meatier, you might want to pass on this. If this type of film isn't the genre you're into, just by the title it should keep that particular demographic away. It's not terrible--certainly the visual effects look amazing on the large screen, but there are parts where it jumps around too much and then becomes frustrating until it picks up then is very interesting. It is also presented in an IMAX format as well.

Out of $ Stars: 2.5                                            Rated: PG-13                                           148mins.

Nightmare Alley

As with the 1947 original of "Nightmare Alley" with Tyrone Power and Joan Blondell, this version of the same name with Bradley Cooper and Cate Blanchett is simply a much different film, mostly because of the extreme wide years between films when the societal culture was definitively different. 

When charismatic but down-on-his-luck Stanton Carlisle (Bradley Cooper) endears himself to clairvoyant Zeena (Toni Collette) and her has-been mentalist husband Pete (David Strathairn) at a traveling carnival, he crafts a golden ticket to success, using this newly acquired knowledge to gift the wealthy elite of 1940's New York society. With the virtuous Molly Cahill (Rooney Mara) loyally by his side, Stanton plots to con a dangerous tycoon Ezra Grindle (Richard Jenkins) with the aid of a mysterious psychiatrist (Cate Blanchett) who might be his most formidable opponent yet. 

Others to round out the cast are Willem Dafoe as Clem Hoatley, Ron Perlman as Bruno, Mary Steenburgen as Mrs. Kimball, Peter MacNeill as Judge Kimball, Holt McCallany as Anderson, Tim Blake Nelson as carny boss and Mark Povinelli as the major. 

This was crafted well by director Guillermo del Toro ("Cronos" '93, "Mimic" '97, "The Devil's Backbone" '01, "Blade II" '02, "Hellboy" '04, "Pan's Labyrinth" '06, "Hellboy II: The Golden Army" '08, "Pacific Rim" '13, "Crimson Peak" '15, "The Shape of Water" '17) plus TV, shorts and a video game. What is odd is that when I mention del Toro's name, the response I receive is one of 'who's that?' What's ironic is that his name is as A-list as Spielberg or Hitchcock or Ridley Scott. I guess that because he does so many independent films, word doesn't get out as much. Trust me, this filmmaker is amazing in how he's able to extract just the right emotion out of his actors for any scene that comes along. If you like this director's dark approach to directing, his "Pinocchio", which he also writes is in post production for a 2022 release. It is also equally well written by Guillermo del Toro ("Cronos" '93, "Mimic" '97, "The Devil's Backbone" '01, "Hellboy" '04, "Pan's Labyrinth" '06, "Hellboy II: The Golden Army" '08, "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" '10, "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" '12, "Pacific Rim" '13, "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" '13, "The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies" '14, "Crimson Peak" '15, "The Shape of Water" '17, "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark" (screen story) '19, "The Witches" '20, Trollhunters: Rise of the Titans" '21) plus TV, video games, video shorts and shorts, and Kim Morgan ("The Forbidden Room" (additional writer) '15) plus a short, based on the novel by William Lindsay Gresham. As with all of del Toro's scripts, this screenplay was concise, cohesive, tightly written all with a great story that the audience can simply escape into. With all the plot twists and turns, this story will keep you riveted to your seat. Obviously del Toro had the lion's share of the experience here, but Morgan certainly had pivotal input toward the script. Usually after a film runs for a two hour period, I'm starting to become frustrated and impatience, however this two and a half hour running time sailed right along, and this is a sign of talented writing and directing. The cast was consummate: Cooper, Blanchett, Collette, Dafoe, Jenkins, Mara, Strathairn; I was riveted. 

If Guillermo del Toro isn't nominated come Oscar time, there's something seriously wrong. This was every bit as compelling as his "Pan's Labyrinth". With so many big-budget, visual effect ridden films out there at this time of year, it's certainly refreshing to see something that is as original as "Nightmare Alley" is. 

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                             Rated: R                                                        150mins.

Being the Ricardos

Hollywood has produced many remakes of older films and TV shows, and while most of them have been a sorry representation of the original, some simply shine and belong in that category of well crafted films. "Being the Ricardos" certainly makes the grade of a well-hewned remake on many levels.

Lucille Ball (Nicole Kidman) and Desi Arnaz (Javier Bardem) are threatened by shocking personal accusations, a political smear and cultural taboos in this behind-the-scenes drama. A revealing glimpse of the couple's complex romantic and professional relationship, the film takes audiences into the writer's room with writers, Madelyn Pugh (Alia Shawkat) and Bob Carroll (Jake Lacy), onto the soundstage and behind closed doors with Ball and Arnaz during one critical production week with co-stars Vivian Vance (Nina Arianda) and William Frawley (J.K. Simmons), of their groundbreaking sitcom "I Love Lucy".

Others to round out the cast are Tony Hale as Jess Oppenheimer, Linda Lavin as older Madelyn Pugh, Ronny Cox as older Bob Carroll, John Rubinstein as older Jess Oppenheimer, Clark Gregg as Howard Wenke-CBS, Nelson Franklin as Joe Strickland-CBS and Jeff Holman as Roger Otter- Phillip Morris. 

This was well directed by Aaron Sorkin ("Molly's Game" '17, "The Trial of the Chicago 7" '20). Where Sorkin lacks in experience behind the camera, he more than makes up for quality. Not only was he able to extract that right emotion out of his actors, but also the movements and tonality of each character had that was a subtle nuance of those characters we loved seeing them on that iconic sitcom. It was also well written by Aaron Sorkin ("A Few Good Men" '92, "Malice" '93, "The American President" '95, "Charlie Wilson's War" '07, "The Social Network" '18, "Moneyball" '11, "Steve Jobs" '15, "Molly's Game" '17, "The Trial of the Chicago 7" '20) plus a ton of TV. Where Sorkin is much newer to the directing field, he is a seasoned veteran when it comes to writing-- his "A Few Good Men" was based on his play by the same name. This film was presented by chapters--each working production of the five day week, telling the audience what transpired each day as it was delineated with meticulous detail. I never tire of a Sorkin screenplay which is always a cohesive, concise and well thought out script. Truly, the only small obstacle of this is that, even though Kidman is an extremely talented actor, there were a few times that she didn't carry off that look and presence that is definitely Ball, otherwise most of the time, she is spot on. Bardem's Ricky, Simmons' Fred and Arianda's Ethel were all amazing in their respective roles. Also, as to be expected with most period films, the production values, i.e. production design, costume design and photography were painstakingly well delineated. 

If you loved the sitcom, "I Love Lucy"you will love this. Both Lucille Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr were so impressed of this biopic of their mother and father, they decided to be two of the executive producers of this film. This was well written, directed and acted, and if Oscar is friendly it could garner a number of nods.

Out Of 4 Stars: 3.5                                          Rated: R                                                    131mins.

West Side Story

As far as films go, remakes are made by Hollywood probably more than, if not as much as original films. And while some remakes are redone in a fairly short amount of time, "West Side Story" took a lengthy 60 years. Certainly waiting that long only helped this version which was as brilliantly crafted as the original...maybe better. 

Love at first sight strikes young Tony (Ansel Elgort) as he spots Maria (Rachel Zegler) at a high school dance in 1957 New York City. Their burgeoning romance helps to fuel the fire between the warring Jets and Sharks--two rival gangs vying for control of the streets. It turns out that Tony is, or at least was, the leader of the Jets, and Maria, who is the sister of the leader of the Sharks, Bernardo (David Alvarez) end up in the middle of this difference of ethnicity--the Jets are white while the Sharks are Puerto Ricans. 

Others to round out the cast are Ariana DeBose as Anita, Rita Moreno as Valentina, Brian d'Arcy James as Officer Krupke, Corey Stoll as Lieutenant Schrank, Mike Faist as Riff, Josh Andres Rivera as Chino, Iris Menas as Anybodys, David Aviles Morales as Anibal and Sebastian Serra as Braulio. 

This was crafted brilliantly by veteran director Steven Spielberg ("Duel" (TV movie) '71, "The Sugarland Express" '74, "Jaws" '75, "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" '77, "1941" '79, "Raiders of the Lost Ark" '81, "E.T. the Extra Terrestrial" '82, "The Color of Purple" '85, "Empire of the Sun" '87, "Hook" '91, "Jurassic Park" '93, "Schindler's List" '93, "Saving Private Ryan" '98, "Minority Report" '02, "The Terminal" '04, "Munich" '05, "The Adventures of Tintin" '11, "War Horse" '11, "Lincoln" '12, "The BFG" '16, "Ready Player One" '18) plus many others, TV, shorts and a video game. Spielberg just simply has the ability to be able to extract that specific emotion from his actors that astounds. He knows people and what it takes to grow into character. If this director's style in intriguing, his "The Fabelmans" is in post production for a 2022 release. It was equally well written by Tony Kushner ("Angels in America: The Opera" (TV movie) '04, "Munich" '05, "Lincoln" '12) plus TV and a video, based on the stage play and book by Arthur Laurents. Ernest Lehman wrote the original "West Side Story", however this was equally well written, if not better. Kushner had the ability of recreating the original where each scene seamlessly melded into the songs so effortlessly. The character development was amazing and crisp. The continuity, cohesiveness and conciseness was absolutely spot on. All the actors were an amazing ensemble, but Mark Faist as Riff simply shined. He was every bit as talented as his counterpart as Riff in Russ Tamblin's role in the 1961 original. Even Ansel Elgort's Tony was every bit as good as Richard Beymer's Tony in the 1961 original. And the photography by Janusz Daminski and edting by Michael Kahn ace and Sarah Broshar was stunning and definitely enhanced the feel of the film. Typically Spielberg is a filmmaker that has an amazing eye for detail, and it definitely shows here. Any Oscar nods here? Absolutely! Possibly for direction, film and maybe photography. 

Whether you are a musical fan, a nostalgia fan or a Spielberg fan, this film will please on all counts. It was an amazing remake of an incredible original. I certainly felt that if anyone could recreate such an already amazing film, Spielberg could, and he did in spades. It was wonderful to see Rita Moreno in this since she was in the original. And certainly Leonard Bernstein recreating his score from the original was consummate. And what a tribute to Stephen Sondheim who created the lyrics, since he passed recently. 

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                                     Rated: PG-13                                          156mins.

C'mon C'mon

At the end of the year, when big-budget, commercial films are the mainstay of this season, it's refreshing to see a small independent film nestled in the midst of these films. While there's nothing wrong with commercial films necessarily, it's certainly a welcome change to see a film like "C'mon C'mon", especially when it's crafted as well as it is. 

A radio journalist embarks on a cross-country trip with his young nephew. Johnny (Joaquin Phoenix) and his young nephew, Jesse (Woody Norman) forge a tenuous but transformational relationship when they are unexpectedly thrown together in this delicate and deeply moving story about the connections between adults and children, the past and the future. It turns out that Johnny's sister, Viv (Gaby Hoffman) has to go take care of her ex-husband, Paul (Scoot McNairy) who is going through a mental breakdown. So as Johnny is traveling--because of his job, Viv coaches him on how to be an effective parent via phone since Johnny has never been a parent. 

Others to round out the cast are Molly Webster as Roxanne, Jaboukie Young-White as Fern, Deborah Strang as Carol, Sunni Patterson as Sunni, Jenny Eliscu as waitress, Mary Passeri as behavioral center nurse, Brandon Rush as ER nurse and Brey'on Shaw as Brey'on.

This was stunningly directed with such detail by Mike Mills ("Thumbsucker" '05, "Does Your Soul Have a Cold?" (documentary) '07, "Beginners" '10, "20th Century Women" '16) plus shorts and videos. Watching this was almost like watching people simply live there lives somewhat like a documentary setup. Mills is definitely an actor's director in that he knows how to extract just the right emotion from his actors so one feels like they're viewing real people as opposed to actors. The detail is painstaking. This being an indie film, he certainly didn't go too much out of his comfort zone since most of his experience is in the indie arena, but given that, we are the victors for it. It was also equally well crafted by writer Mills ("Thumbsucker" '05, "Beginners" '10, "20th Century Women" '16) plus shorts. The premise of this film wasn't necessarily original (an estranged 'parent' figure attempting to reunite with his nephew after being thrown together), however, the way this was written with so many nuances of believability between this uncle and his nephew was so amazing that even though the idea of the film wasn't original, the acting, directing and the style of the writing allowed the audience to forgive all else. Also effective was the fact it was shot in black and white by Robbie Ryan ("How to Cheat in the Living Certificate" '97, "Large" '01, "This is Not a Love Song" '02, "Isolation" '05, "Red Road" '06, "Brick Lane" '07, "Patagonia" '10, "Wuthering Heights" '11, "Philomena" '13, "I Am Not a Serial Killer" .16, "The Favourite" '18, "The Roads Not Taken" '20). The crispness of the photography was amazing while that process absolutely solidified the feel in which Mills was attempting to convey. Other than a couple of very small places in the story, this was spot on.

If you like indie films that are well directed, acted and written, this will be the film for you. The acting by Phoenix was amazing and could receive an Oscar nod. But even the supporting cast was very effective, i.e Hoffman as the sister, Viv and even the young nephew, Jessie played by Norman. They were incredible in their respective roles. While this is not a film that is for the large audience appeal, it will be one that will leave you thinking by the time the credits end. 

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                                Rated: R                                                  110mins.