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Reviews
Bliss (2017)
Surprised
I found this comedy on Britbox and decided to give it a go as I think that Stephan Mangan is a good actor (I particularly liked him in The Split). The first episode was highly entertaining and funny. I am surprised at all the low scores.
Frances Ha (2012)
Don't walk away after first 10 minutes
Can we stop it now? I said this several times in the first 5 mins. No, we're watching this. And then I started to relax, understand the situation, bond with some of the characters and empathize with mid 20s psycho drama.
As soon as she moves in with the two guys, the mood lifts because of their performance, but also because they are drawn very accurately. All the other people in her life are dull, one dimensional and predictable.
The film should have been about two wealthy jewish guys sharing a trendy apartment in Manhattan, Frances was just some loser chick who breezed through.
Elements of Woody Allen for sure, but also Friends with money, and New girl.
I Care a Lot (2020)
For one moment I thought she was going to get away with it
Ignore the ridiculous low scores on this site.
The movie is compelling, but very uncomfortable as care home abuse is a hot button issue.
You are supposed to hate her, and you do. You end up routing for the brilliant Dinklage to just shoot her or something. But they are saving her karma moment for right at the end when you probably are in a state of disbelief that she's getting away with it.
Pike, Wiest and Dinklage are very good, but the incompetence of the Russian mob doesn't ring true. Hey, at least they managed to take care of the doctor on the take.
The moral is a mobster who loves his mother is a better human being than a conniving sociopath. The level at which old people can be manipulated is a damning endictment of a society that doesn't care about its old folk.
Yucatán (2018)
There is some gold here, but not everywhere
Let us first remember how absolutely wonderful cruising was. Little did they know, that the Sovereign would be sold for scrap in Turkey two years later.
Anyway, there are some great musical numbers, and the camp antics of the con artists makes it very entertaining. A little over long, and the dubbed voice of the mark didn't help. Nice port scenes, the open bar in the guys suite was awesome, and the two sons in law were hilarious.
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (2020)
The film is not about Ma Rainey
Two sensational performances, perfect historical detail and dialogue but the story is about the elaborate ploy of buying a hit tune from a bit player in Ma Rainey's band for $5 and then selling it with a white orchestra and lead singer. Everything the studio does to make her feel special is just playing along to the ultimate goal. The studio has no intention of selling her records , hence the stuttering nephew introduction is irrelevant. The exploitation of genuine musicians caught in a fierce race row.
Industry (2020)
Lose the sex scenes and youve got a great show here
Loved the characters in the office, very realistic. Strong young cast, literally prepared to do anything to shock you. The best performance was the older Scottish trader, pretending to an Annabelles loving bon viveur to keep his one client happy. Some of the dialogue with management was sparkling. Lose the horrible sex scenes please, totally unnecessary.
The Undoing (2020)
Hugh Grant is miscast in this role
Nicole Kidman's face does not move during each episode. The ending is weak, with Donald Sutherland primed to have a significant role in the womans demise. The ending seems like a cheap cop movie. The defence lawyer was great, but there were too many other places they could have gone to with the murder to make it more worthwhile. Son and mother had very bad hair.
Uncle Frank (2020)
Surprisingly good
Bettany was very good as the closeted professor hiding his dark secrets from his family. His Arabian boyfriend was very good, if slightly too camp, al la Nathan Lane in birdcage. The fathers acting was very good with his disgust for his sons deviency. I thought the family came around a little too easily at the end to force a happy ending. However, good road movie.
Nocturne (2020)
Say what?
Loved the music, I would have liked to have heard more. The teachers at this academy are all scumbags, and the world of competitive music competition is exposed warts and all. I didnt quite get all the imagery and Faustian deal going on, until I read someone elses review. However, enjoyable, the rivalry between sisters can be intense especially when one of them is a dysfunctional psychopath.
The Lie (2018)
Goddamn teenagers!
I knew when they were both insistent on getting out of the car at the same time, that something was up. Also, he would have seen the body.
The mother goes from a pretty, corporate lawyer, to a complete physical and emotional mess, very good acting. Saarsgard is good. The girl gets on your nerves with her lies and behaviour. Hey, who hasnt faked the death of your best friend to get of a ballet recital. The film shows the evil in all of us. as both parents try to murder the girls father one at a time.
Hillbilly Elegy (2020)
Great performances looking for a script
Glen Close will surely be nominated for her performance come awards season. Amy Adams tries a little bit too hard, less is more in acting. The young and mature JD are OK, but not great. The film tries a little too hard to cover too many areas of social problems, rather than just nailing one or two. Still very watchable, and the grande dame of American cinema knocks it out of the park. Be aware, she looks a lot like Robin Williams' Mrs Doubtfire with all the face prosthetics.
A Rainy Day in New York (2019)
Just what I needed
I loved everything about this movie other than the casting of Selena Gomez, just didn't work for me. Chalamet is heading for greatness in time. The music is beyond wonderful, and never played anymore which is a tragedy for the young generation. Manhattan forever, rainy, rich, romantic and full of secrets. You will laugh and cry.
The Morning Show (2019)
Men steal the show
Almost as good as Succession, but not quite. Duplass, Crudup and Carell are outstanding male actors. For once Witherspoon has to play second fiddle to a hammy and over reaching Anniston. Think Friends but without the jokes.
The musical evening party with Crudup and Anniston in duet was old school tv gold.
I knew Hannah was a gonna by the time of the Vegas episode.
Watch and enjoy.