The Last Showgirl

As we have entered the dead zone for films as of Jan. 1st, once in a while during this time, we come across some gems that are written, directed and acted incredibly well. One such film is that of "The Last Showgirl". It being an independent film, there wasn't much press for it considering the cost of advertising is extremely expensive. Suffice it to say, this film has a lot to say about the changing of society whereas the change isn't complimentary for anyone striving to hold on. 

This story is a poignant film of resilience, rhinestones and feathers. It stars Pamela Anderson as Shelly, a glamorous showgirl who must plan for her future when her boss, Eddie (Dave Bautista) announces abruptly indicating a 2-week advance that the show will close after a long 30-year run. So, Shelly and her close friends, Annette (Jamie Lee Curtis), Jodie (Kiernan Shipka) and Mary-Ann (Brenda Song), who also work at the Casino, which is in Las Vegas, also have to scramble to find something all the while having to deal with their own issues in each of their lives. 

Others to round out the cast are Billie Lourd as Hannah, Jason Schwartzman as Director, Linda Montana as Geo and Giovani L. DiCandilo as Anthony. 

This was poignantly well directed by Gia Coppola ("Palo Alto" '18, "Mainstream" '20, "The Seven Faces of Jane" '22) plus TV, shorts and music videos. Like the rest of the Coppola family, i.e. Francis Ford and Sofia, Gia has a plethora of directing talent--it must be in the genes. She truly captures the vulnerability, determination and fear of Shelly, Anderson's character. You can feel her pain, rejoice if her milestones as she reminisces and this is amazing directing--of course, this was certainly a tour-de-force for Anderson playing this showgirl. It was written with deft ability by Kate Gersten (TV and a short). She was able to sequence and stage this incredibly well, and even though there were a couple of small places of disjointedness, it certainly wasn't enough to detract anything away from the story. She will undoubtedly receive more work. Definitely her TV experience has served her well considering this was her first feature film, and with that, she will do well. Everyone in the cast was believable and effective, but truly Anderson and Jamie Lee Curtis really shined in this. Anderson was nominated for a Golden Globe Award, and didn't win, but possibly her turn will be at the Oscars. 

If you like fine acting, directing and writing, this is a film you'll revel over. Its poignancy, resilience and hope that is experienced by these tragic characters is clear and concise, and the vulnerability of Pamela Anderson actually brought a tear to my eyes at times. It's not for everyone, but film aficionados will be studying this film for years to come. 

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                             Rated: R                                            89mins.

The Damned

It's the start of the film 'dead zone' this season and through my research, there's not a lot of great films coming. And, even though "The Damned" has an interesting premise, it does become mired down with some disjointedness as it unfolds in the script, It's a horror film, however there is a fair deal of suspense and keeps one on pins and needles. 

Eva (Odessa Young), a 19th century widow is tasked with making the impossible choice when, in the middle of an especially cruel winter, a ship sinks off the coast of her isolated Icelandic fishing post. Eva and her crew, including Daniel (Joe Cole), Jonas (Lewis Gribben), Helga (Siobhan Finneran), Skuli (Francis Magee) and others, must choose to either rescue the shipwrecked or survive the winter with their last remaining food. Facing the consequences of their choice and tormented by their guilt, the inhabitants wrestle with a mounting sense of dread and begin to believe they are all being punished for their choices. 

Others to round out the cast are Rory McCann as Ragnar, Tullough Convery as Hakon, Micheal Og Lane as Aron, Arnar Gray as Dead Boy and Guillermo Uria as Shipwreck Survivor. 

This was powerfully directed by virtual newcomer to feature films, Thordur Falsson ("TV/shorts). This filmmaker's ability to film in very close quarters to give that certain frenetic feel to the production was amazingly effective as was shooting a fair deal of the film in the dark. All of these actors were able to dig deep into themselves to convince us of their plight, and this is talented direction. It was effectively written by Jamie Hannigan ("Pilgrimage" '17) plus TV and shorts with not a whole lot of experience than that of Palsson, and we see that this film is extremely captivating and clearly tests the audience's ability to figure what is truly happening when it comes to questioning what's really happening to these people. Are these people truly being haunted by the shipwrecked because the others being left without enough food, or are these same people suffering due to their guilt of not rescuing the shipwrecked? Really, other than a couple of places of disjointedness in script, this was a puzzling yet captivating screenplay. Will they survive their fate and be able to figure out what is going on? There is a huge twist with this to watch out for that will leave you totally surprised. 

If you like horror, thrillers or suspense films, this is the film for you since it houses all three aspects. The cinematography by Eli Arenson and sound design by Quentin Collette is intense as it is effective to the story. Being basically 90 minutes in its running time allows it to cut to the chase so not a great deal of character develop here, but this doesn't need it. It's a gripper!

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                      Rated: R                                               89mins.