Category: 2018-2019

“Outlaw King” (2018) starring Chris Pine, Stephen Dillane, Billy Howle, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, & Florence Pugh

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A true David vs. Goliath story of how the 14th C. Scottish “Outlaw King” Robert the Bruce used cunning and bravery to defeat the much larger and better equipped occupying English army. -Synopsis

Are you a fan of the epic movie Braveheart (1995), like me? To recap that story: A commoner, William Wallace (Mel Gibson), led a rebellion against Longshanks, AKA King Edward I of England (Patrick McGoohan), who wished to inherit the crown of Scotland for himself. When he was a boy, William’s father, brother, and many men of his village lost their lives trying to free Scotland. Once his wife, Murron (Catherine McCormack), is killed by a British soldier, William begins his quest to make his country free once and for all. He seeks to make an alliance w/ a young nobleman, Robert the Bruce (Angus Macfadyen), who yearns for the love/respect of his people (which William has). This recent Netflix movie is the (unofficial) sequel to Braveheart.

Robert the Bruce: It is our feudal duty to provide fighting men for our overlord, King Edward.
Villager: You assured us these obligations would be over!
Robert: I’d hoped they were.

I always wanted to know what happened to Robert; he was a complicated character. His father grew up partly in the English court w/ King Edward I; they fought in “the holy lands” as young men. I enjoyed this movie (for the most part); I learned that some of it is NOT historically accurate. Hey, the filmmakers of Braveheart changed a LOT of that story! The look is simply beautiful; some viewers felt that it was TOO “nice-looking” for the subject matter. I don’t agree w/ that; I’m tired of the modern trend of gray-ish/blue-tinted historical pieces! This film was shot on location in Scotland. Director David Mackenzie is known for small budget/indies; he does a good job here. However, I felt some scenes were a BIT too long or too short; I learned that the original version was quite a BIT longer (40 more mins.) As for those of you who’re sensitive to blood/gore, this is NOT the movie for you!

King Edward: It was my hope to grow old and not die on the battlefield, but I see now that the great danger in a death from natural causes is that one may be lying in one’s bed chamber thinking of all the things that have been left undone.

I was surprised to discover that the love story btwn Robert and his young/2nd wife, Elizabeth Burgh (Florence Pugh), was more interesting than the war (action) elements. Yeah, they have an arranged marriage and are separated by more than a decade, BUT slowly fall in love over several mos. However, it is NOT probable that ppl lived chastely for long, as a marriage wasn’t considered “real” until it was consummated. I’m sure the “slow burn” romance was written to appeal to modern audiences. Pine (w/ a NOT so glam haircut) does a fine job; he gets to show his range as an actor. As you may’ve heard, there is one scene where (pun intended) we glimpse the full Pine. Pugh is always FAB, no matter what material she is given! Now y’all understand why Pine and Pugh had such great chemistry in their scenes together in Don’t Worry Darling (2022).

James Douglas: Thinking about revenge? It tears on the soul, but it can also be a weapon.

When it comes to the (baddie) Brits- whoa boy- they’re ALL evil! Did you expect subtlety from a Netflix production? Edward, Prince of Wales (Billy Howle) has some serious “daddy issues” (as we saw in Braveheart); however, here he is violent and desperate to prove himself. King Edward I (Stephane Dillane) is cold/power-hungry; he can still fight at his (advanced) age. One of the allies of Bruce is James Douglas, Lord of Douglas (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), a wild-eyed/bushy bearded Scotsman bent on revenge. When I see this actor’s name, I have to cringe a little. Though James is a tough warrior w/ some cool sword skills, he doesn’t get much characterization. Taylor-Johnson will star in a superhero movie soon (no shocker). If you’re a fan of dramas like Game of Thrones, then you should check it out. I want to learn more re: Scotland’s history.

[1] …everything is crammed together quickly, if they had made a mini series they could have showed more of the story. […]

The action scenes are brilliant in the Outlaw King, and you can tell that most of it was inspired by Braveheart, from the gore, to the realism. However, I feel the movie put style over story and characters. I would watch it just for its visuals alone.

[2] A great story, impressive fight and battle scenes, care for details and a powerful, convincing lesson about fundamental values. In the age of blockbusters, it is a “must see.”

[3] The film does take certain liberties with historical accuracy, namely certain events either merged together or moved around on the timeline – all in aid of dramatic effect. Nonetheless, this does not shadow the realism that does exist, especially in terms of the savagery of warfare and intrigue, as well as the superb set pieces and costume designs that accompany the productions heavy attention to detail.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

“Ant-Man” (2015) & “Ant-Man & The Wasp” (2018)

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Ant-Man (2015) starring Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, & Corey Stoll, & Evangeline Lilly

Armed with a super-suit with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, cat burglar Scott Lang must embrace his inner hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym, pull off a plan that will save the world.

I’m sure that some of y’all regular readers are surprised that I watch (a few) Marvel movies- LOL! In recent yrs, I’ve liked Doctor Strange and Black Panther (both of which I saw in theaters); I felt that Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (watched on streaming) was uneven (will do a review later). I have to admit, I would NOT have checked this out if charming/likeable Paul Rudd (Scott Lang) and Corey Stoll (Darren Cross- the main baddie) weren’t in prominent roles. I wanted Darren to have a BIT more character development; he does a good job at being a villain. The OG Ant Man is Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas); I was a BIT surprised to see him (after many yrs). In the opening scene, VFX are used to make Douglas and Martin Donovan (who plays his rival) look younger. Scott’s trio of (diverse/formerly criminal) pals) add to the humor: Luis (Michael Pena), Kurt (David Dastmalchian), and Dave (rapper T.I. Harris). Scott’s young daughter, Cassie (Abby Ryder Fortson), is cute, bright, and a natural actor; she has great chemistry w/ her on-screen dad. Scott wants to better himself for his child, which is V touching and something which many parents/caretakers can relate to. I liked the directing style, action scenes, and special effects (esp. when the shrinking tech was used). The (unnecessary) kiss btwn Scott and Hope Van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) at the end didn’t work; I think they should’ve stayed (platonic) friends. Yeah, we see that Rudd looks FAB (in the shirtless scene), BUT Scott and Hope don’t have romantic chemistry. You can watch this movie w/ your fam and have fun!

Ant-Man and The Wasp (2018) starring Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, & Michael Pena

In the sequel, we get most of the cast back, and few more are added (incl. some surprises). However, it didn’t do anything much different w/ regards to style from the 1st movie. Scott (confined to house arrest at the opener) has a great relationship w/ Cassie, ex-wife Maggie (Judy Greer), and her cop bf- Paxton (Bobby Cannavale). The Wasp suit (worn by Hope) is even more advanced than the one we 1st saw on Scott; it was originally worn by her mom, Janet (Michelle Pfeiffer), who is thought to have died on a mission. I was glad to see that Pfeiffer is back on the big screen! As a protective dad, Hank is V reluctant to have Hope wear this suit; their relationship was complicated/strained over the yrs. Here we have new baddies (who aren’t as scary or interesting as Darren): a mysterious/disappearing woman- Ava (Hannah John-Kamen)- and a Southern criminal businessman- Sonny Burch (Walton Goggins)- w/ a crew of (diverse) henchmen. We also meet a prof- Dr. Bill Foster (Laurence Fishburne)- a former associate of Hank’s; I wanted to know more about him. I wasn’t as impressed here; this movie is NOT as memorable as the original and the baddies aren’t that intimidating. Also, there are a few slow scenes (which could’ve been cut) involving Scott’s pals (w/ whom he now runs a security business). Most of the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) movies need better editing, from what I’ve seen and heard (from entertainment critics I follow).

Quick Reviews: Recent Documentaries of Actors

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Jane Fonda in Five Acts (2018)

A look at the life, work, activism and controversies of actress and fitness tycoon, Jane Fonda.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus: Does a woman have to be single to be her authentic self?
Jane Fonda [at age 85]: Well, it depends on how you’re brought up. I grew up thinking it was my job to make men love me.

-From the podcast Wiser than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus (April 11, 2023)

Director Susan Lacy captures Jane Fonda’s complex life in this V informative, entertaining, and emotional doc (available on Max). The film is divided into 5 stages of the iconic actress’ life: Henry (her childhood/early yrs. w/ her father/family); Vadim (her older/French director hubby); Tom (her activist/lefty hubby); Ted (another American icon/”Alpha man” who became her hubby in middle age); and the last chapter- Jane (her important “3rd act”). The actress is open and honest w/ facts and freely gives her opinions (and we wouldn’t expect less). It was a BIT tough for her to get the confidence to pursue acting, which she began studying at 21: “I grew up in the shadows of a national monument- my dad!” Fonda is also known for her activism (which went way beyond the social media engagement of the young celebs of today), V popular fitness videos (in the ’80s), and entrepreneurship. We hear from her exes, family (incl. son Troy Garity), friends, and collaborators (incl. Alan J. Pakula, Sydney Pollack, Robert Redford, and Lily Tomlin). I will have to check out more of her work.

Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It (2021)

A look at the life and work of Rita Moreno from her humble beginnings in Puerto Rico to her success on Broadway and in Hollywood.

She is an original, and she can’t help but be that every minute of her life. So one gets lost in her personality, happily and feels better for being with her. -Norman Lear

There was nobody that I could look up and say “That’s somebody like me”. Which is probably why I’m now known in my community as ‘La Pionera’, or the Pioneer. I really don’t think of myself as a role model. But it turns out that I am to a lot of the Hispanic community. Not just in show business, but in life. But that’s what happens when you’re first, right? –Rita Moreno

This doc (which I saw on PBS) is shown in interviews w/ the iconic actress at age 87. Rita Moreno (who I 1st saw on The King and I as a kid) is one of the few artists who is an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) winner. She became successful as a petite/minority/woman in entertainment; she hails from Puerto Rico w/ humble roots. Like many young women of her day, she started out as a dancer; in an early role, she danced w/ Ricardo Montalban! Moreno (healthy, energetic, and blunt-talking) expands re: many difficulties she faced as young woman: the “casting couch;” being typecast in “exotic” roles which only required her to look beautiful/speak in accents (even after the Best Supporting Actress Oscar win for West Side Story); and broadening her career to do work which interests her (even if NOT high-profile). She discusses how her low self-worth affected her romantic relationships; she was involved w/ Marlon Brando, then married to Leonard Gordon for 45 yrs. Moreno (who recently appeared on the family comedy One Day at a Time) is also an activist focused on women and minority rights. We hear from her friends, collaborators, and others she inspired, incl: George Chakiris (co-star on West Side Story), Hector Elizondo, American Ferrera, Norman Lear (iconic TV writer/producer), and Lin Manuel-Miranda.

The Last Movie Stars (2022)

In this intimate six-part docuseries, actor/director Ethan Hawke explores the love story and enduring legacy of Hollywood legends Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman.

I think of Newman and Woodward as one of the (few) marrieds who made domestic life look fun! Ethan Hawke may win an Emmy for his (must-see for classic film fans) doc on Max. It features the voice talents of of many fine actors, incl. George Clooney (Newman), Laura Linney (Woodward), Zoe Kazan, Alessandro Nivola, and Billy Crudup. There are interviews w/ the iconic actors’/philanthropists’ daughters and excerpts from a many interviews (transcribed from tapes which Newman recorded in the early ’80s). We hear re: the actors’ (difficult) childhoods, their exciting days studying/working in NYC theaters, their (sometimes complicated) courtship/marriage, and much more. Did you know that Newman was Jewish!? Though I was familiar w/ several of Newman’s films discussed (From the Terrace, The Long Hot Summer, Sweet Bird of Youth, Hud, and The Sting), there are MANY that I’ve never seen (esp. from later in his career). I learned that Woodward made her mark (in middle-age) w/ TV movies (acting and directing); she won several Emmy awards. I will have to check out her work in the future; the couple also worked together on some projects. Though some critics felt that Hawke was “too present” in this, I didn’t mind this (unique) take on the doc. When he was V young, Woodward donated $10,000, so that Hawke could start a small theater company- wow! Woodward was a teacher/mentor/friend to Linney.

Being Mary Tyler Moore (2023)

Mary’s vanguard career, who, as an actor, performer, and advocate, revolutionized the portrayal of women in media, redefined their roles in show business, and inspired generations to dream big and make it on their own.

This doc (which came out this month on Max) was produced by Moore’s surviving husband Dr. Robert Levine; the director (James Adolphus) had access to home movies, personal memorabilia, family and friends. I read that Adolphus (who worked 20 yrs, as a cinematographer and producer) wasn’t familiar w/ the iconic actress’ work prior to making this movie; producers saw this as a positive. Moore started out w/ modeling, then got into radio progs and TV commercials. She was TV’s funny/pretty/housewife/mom (The Dick Van Dyke Show) before she transitioned to happily single/career gal (The Mary Tyler Moore Show). While Moore was in front of the camera, her (then hubby) Grant Tinker worked on the business side of the (iconic) comedy focused on TV news reporters in Minneapolis. We hear from those who knew her well and others inspired by her example (from several gens): James L. Brooks, Rob Reiner, James Burrows, Ed Asner, Valerie Harper, Oprah, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Lena Waithe, Reese Witherspoon, etc.

“Ophelia” (2018) starring Daisy Ridley, Naomi Watts, Clive Owen, & George MacKay

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As a rebellious/motherless child, Ophelia, is taken into Elsinore Castle by Queen Gertrude (Naomi Watts) as one of her ladies-in-waiting. Years later, a grown-up Ophelia (Daisy Ridley- who had her breakout role in the recent Star Wars sequel trilogy) captures the affections of Prince Hamlet (George MacKay). A romance kindles between the two in secret, as the kingdom is on the brink of war, amidst internal intrigue and betrayal. When Hamlet’s father (Nathaniel Parker- who has no lines) is murdered and the prince sets his mind on revenge against the new king/his uncle, Claudius (Clive Owen- wearing a terrible wig), Ophelia must choose between love and survival.

What happens when “the message” (feminism- in this case) and style (locations/sets, hair, costumes, etc.) are made more important than substance (good writing)? Well, we get movies like this (available on Netflix) from Aussie director Claire McCarthy. The cinematographer (or D.P.) is McCarthy’s husband, Denson Baker; I think he did a fine job. This movie was shot on location is the Czech Republic on a mere $12M budget- wow! I learned that it’s based on a young adult (YA) novel by Lisa Klein, NOT the tragic play Hamlet by Shakespeare. The chanting (repeated in several scenes) comes from Hamlet’s letter in Act 2, scene 2: “Doubt that the stars are fire. Doubt that the sun doth move. Doubt truth to be a liar. But never doubt I love.”

Things just don’t make sense here- which is frustrating! Young Ophelia is running around the castle dressed in raggedy clothes w/ a dirty face, though her father is the king’s main advisor. As a young adult, the other ladies-in-waiting belittle Ophelia as she wears flowers, NOT jewels (b/c Polonius can’t afford them). WTH!? As one astute reviewer noted, lines and scenes from other Shakespeare plays (Much Ado About Nothing; Romeo and Juliet) are used here. In the play, Hamlet hates the wild/drunken parties thrown by Claudius; here he wears a mask and dances w/ those at court. Of course, Ophelia (being NOT like other girls- eyeroll), is self-conscious b/c she “dances like a goat.” Whatever… There is V little development of the love story; I also didn’t see any chemistry btwn Ridley and MacKay. I’ve heard that MANY young actors want to tackle the role of Hamlet, BUT I felt kinda sorry for him here. Emasculating men or casting them ONLY as baddies is NOT going to improve stories of women. Just don’t waste your time!

[1] The all-star cast were OK in their roles, but nothing earth-shattering. The love story needed loads of developing and loads more could have been made of Clive Owen’s character being a threat to Hamlet’s family, crown and future. Naomi Watt’s duel roles was super confusing and brought nothing to either characters. (Which pains me to say as I love her as an actress). I really feel this film is style over substance.

[2] Hamlet is a non starter, some angry little boy. and the men of course are evil: deny education, don’t take care of their wife, kill other men, try to rape and so on.

[3] Preachy, not empowered. Lose the agenda and the attitude. Too bad, this could have been something interesting.

[4] I’m an ultra-lefty feminist and even I eyerolled. Why couldn’t it be a genuine dramatic tragedy? It didn’t need this type of girl power remake.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

Spoiler-Free Review: “The Man Who Killed Don Quixote” (2018) starring Adam Driver & Jonathan Pryce

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Toby (Adam Driver- looking tan and toned), a cynical commercial director, is in Spain shooting an insurance commercial that has a take on Don Quixote. At dinner, a Gypsy peddler has a copy of his student film for sale, a B&W adaptation of Don Quixote. Toby is fascinated by the journey back in time and decides that, since he’s staying so close to where he’d filmed this student project, he’s going to go go back for a visit. The town feels depressing; the girl (who played Dulcinea) has left, and her father is angry at Toby for it. The old cobbler (played by veteran actor Jonathan Pryce) he’d hired to play the lead has gone mad- thinking himself to be Quixote! Through a series of accidents and bits of craziness, Toby finds himself as Sancho Panza, a role he takes up reluctantly. The supporting cast include: veteran character actor Stellan Skarsgard, former Bond girl Olga Kurylenko, Spanish actor Jordi Molla, and a beautiful ingenue from Portugal- Joana Ribeiro.

Fantasy and reality begin to mix (which I learned is a common theme for director Terry Gilliam). He has also directed Time Bandits (1981), Brazil (1985- starring Pryce), The Fisher King (1991), 12 Monkeys (1995), and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998). I haven’t yet see any of these movies. Gilliam (raised in US, but later became a British citizen) may be best known as member of “Monty Python” along w/ John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Jones, Eric Idle and Graham Chapman. I watched this movie (once- so far) b/c t was on the list of Driver’s work. Fans know that Driver chooses his projects based on the director and the script. I thought the acting was (mostly) well-done, though I was confused by the presence of some minor characters and the purposed of a few scenes. Critics/viewers either loved or hated it, from what I’ve read (so far). I’ll try to watch it again and see if I can figure out more- LOL! This isn’t a movie for a wide audience. I think some of you’d enjoy the music from the musical- Man of La Mancha.

The film is dedicated to the memory of John Hurt and Jean Rochefort. Gilliam had chosen both to play Don Quixote in past versions, and both died before the film was completed. After eight attempts since 1989, production finally wrapped in June 2017; it has been called the most cursed film in cinema history! Gilliam started working on the film in 1989, but was unable to secure funding until 1998, when it entered full pre-production with a budget of $32.1M (w/o American financing), w/ Rochefort as Quixote, Johnny Depp as Toby, and French actress Vanessa Paradis (Depp’s ex-wife) as the female lead. Shooting began in 2000 in Navarre (the Basque region of Spain), but a significant number of difficulties, such as floods destroying sets and equipment, Rochefort leaving due to illness, and problems obtaining insurance for the production led to a sudden suspension of the production, and then cancellation. The original production was the subject of the documentary Lost in La Mancha (2002).

If you’re going to play with Quixote you really got to play with Quixote. And those were windmills that came along. Those were giants, they killed us once but we’re going to come back. Everybody says ‘Oh, forget about it, put it in the past. Move on.’ No, I won’t because that all sounds so reasonable and I don’t think films should be reasonable. The business we’re in is about exciting people, stimulating people, doing things, changing them, outraging them — it’s not a reasonable business. Especially when you’re spending the gross national product of a country to make a silly movie — this is not reasonable.

-Gilliam, on finishing this movie

[1] This movie is weird and wonderful. Adam Driver is absolutely hilarious. The scenery is fantastic. It’s like a story within a story within a commercial within a movie. It’s creative and wacky and fun.

[2] A metaphor. An analogy. An intricate story that blends fantasy and real, history and present, fact and fiction. […] It is similar to films such as Holy Motors (2012), The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009), Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014), so if these ring a bell, please give this film a chance.

[3] As visual art, the film is superb. But as a story, it is confusing. With all its bizarre references self-reflexivity, the central story becomes a side plot. It was visually beautiful, well-acted, great costumes and music, but thoroughly disjointed and confusing for much of the time. It had me thinking “this movie wasn’t made for an audience.”

[4] I can’t shake the feeling that the movie wants to be much more that how it ultimately gets on the road. It’s treading water and not making any progress. Does the movie simply want to be funny or does it also want to depict a kind of self-discovering process? Maybe both. But here you can already see the main problem. The movie can’t decide what it wants and as a result can’t transport it to the viewer.

-Excerpts from IMDB reviews