“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).

Mature Women/Mature Dramas: “Fleishman is in Trouble” (Hulu), “Dead Ringers” (Amazon Prime), & “The Diplomat” (Netflix)

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Fleishman is in Trouble (2022) starring Jesse Eisenberg, Claire Danes, Lizzy Caplan, & Adam Brody

“Fleishman Is in Trouble” follows recently-separated surgeon Toby Fleishman as he enters the world of app-based dating and finds more success than he ever had the last time he was single. When his ex-wife Rachel disappears, he’s left with their kids and no hint of where she is or whether she plans to return. Balancing parenting, friends, a long-awaited promotion at the hospital, and all the eligible women Manhattan has to offer, he realizes that he’ll never be able to figure out what happened to Rachel until he can more honestly examine what happened to their marriage. Libby is Toby’s long-time friend and the narrator. -Synopsis (The Hollywood Reporter)

During a JAN 2023 interview w/ Tonya Mosley on NPR’s Fresh Air, Taffy Brodesser-Akner (a 1st time showrunner/creator) confirmed that many of the main cast were chosen at least partly b/c they’d been well-known as teens and were now middle-aged: “It was so intentional. It was–you know, there was this idea that these actors were too young to play these roles. […] But most of all . . . if I don’t, as a 40-year-old, yet understand what is happening to me in my life, the idea that Jesse Eisenberg–yes, from The Squid And The Whale, yes, from The Social Network–that it’s happening to him, too, that it’s happening to Claire Danes from My So-Called Life, that it’s happening to–oh, my gosh–to Adam Brody [from The O.C.], to Lizzy Caplan [from Mean Girls], to Josh Radnor–all these people that we knew so well as very, very young people. It hits home for me so much to say, oh, my God, this is a force you cannot fight–if you’re lucky. If you’re lucky and you get to live, this is a force that you won’t be able to fight. We’re all going to get old.”

At first, you think this show (a limited series w/ 8 eps) is all about Toby: his (newly) single life, job as a doc, and parenting 2 (adorable) kids. However, after 3 eps, the show dives deep into th the lives of his old pals, Seth (Brody) and Libby (Caplan), then ex-wife Rachel (Danes). This is a show centered on mature, intelligent, successful, and thoughtful women (perhaps reminding us of a gal pal or fam IRL). Libby is happily married to a loving/supportive hubby; she recently became a SAHM (stay at home mom), BUT this role leaves her dissatisfied. Rachel is NOT the villain that Toby paints her as in the early eps; she’s a V complicated woman who has suffered trauma. Danes is known for her ability to access (V strong) emotions in her acting; she continues to impress here. As one viewer wrote: “It is thought provoking and rich on several levels. Its main achievement is to get the viewer to sympathize with then later become cold towards certain characters. The subjectivity of perception is examined. I was reminded how quick we are to judge.” Other viewers noted being surprised (in good ways). There are moments that are just cringe-y, emotional, and/or funny (often coming off as too real). Though these are upper middle-class/ Jewish ppl living in NYC (and nearby ‘burbs), most of their struggles are universal. If you’re single (over 35), you may relate to Seth; he’s in finance (like many in NYC), extroverted, and dates often; he’s still hoping for a deep connection w/ a woman.

Dead Ringers (2023) starring Rachel Weisz

The Mantle twins, identical from head to toe, are on a mission to change the way women give birth. -Synopsis

Warning: This show is NOT for more “sensitive” viewers who generally avoid “body horror” (incl. blood), dysfunctional relationships, and dark themes. Are you a fan of the 1988 David Cronenberg film Dead Ringers? Then, you may want to check out this show (6 eps; limited series). I don’t think I’ve seen anything like this before; it was tough to watch sometimes! The Mantels are NYC-based OBGYNs on the cutting edge of their profession; their dream is to have a birthing clinic where pregnant women (of all incomes/backgrounds) can go to deliver their babies. Elliott and Beverly (Brits) are played by a woman (Weisz in a dual role); we know she can handle any type of role. Weisz explained that she’d shoot a scene as Elliot 1st, opposite scene partner/stand-in (Kitty Hawthorne- recently graduated from RADA), before heading back into hair/makeup to transform into Beverly. Then Weisz (who didn’t attend acting school) would act out the same scene w/ an earpiece in place (so she could hear her own lines). There are strong supporting performances; I was esp. impressed w/ Jennifer Ehle (who also played a key role in She Said) as a tough/uber-wealthy/businesswoman interested in investing in the clinic. The show is smart, atmospheric, and is centered on a (real-world issue)- maternal child mortality. However, there is a TOO much going; some scenes may be confusing (even if paying close attn) and a few characters aren’t well-developed. I wasn’t a fan of the (dark) lighting/filters used in certain scenes. Women (of diverse backgrounds) are prominent in front of and behind the camera. This is an ambitious endeavor, BUT certainly NOT for everyone!

The Diplomat (2023) starring Keri Russell & Rufus Sewell

In the midst of an international crisis, Kate Wyler, a career diplomat, lands in a high-profile job for which she is not suited, with tectonic implications for her marriage and her political future. -Synopsis

Are you a fan of The West Wing, Veep and/or political shows? Then this is the series (9 eps) for you! The showrunner (Debora Cain) worked on The West Wing earlier in her career. We are in a time when both the man and the woman in a relationship are in high-status/high-paying careers. Kate (Keri Russell- worked w/ Adam Driver on Bdwy in 2019) and Hal Wyler (Rufus Sewell) are an attractive/smart/mature “power couple” in diplomacy. They met on the job many years ago, BUT are now serious re: divorce (though keeping it quiet). These actors have great chemistry and play both comedy and drama well. Sewell (who still looks handsome) can do an American accent nicely; he’s perhaps best known for British period dramas. Russell and David Gyasi (who plays British Foreign Sect. Austin Dennison) also have great chemistry; we wonder what could happen when they have to work closely together. I think Gyasi (who in his mannerisms reminded me of Sidney Poitier) has a bright future ahead! Rory Kinnear (who plays Prime Minister Nicol Trowbridge) is also V interesting to watch; you never know what he’ll say. This show is intelligent, well-written, and easy to binge. I can’t wait for Season 2!

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.

“Sliver” (1993) starring Sharon Stone, William Baldwin, & Tom Berenger

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You like to watch… don’t you. -Tagline for the movie

Hoping for a fresh start after a recent divorce, a 35 y.o. book editor, Carly Norris (Sharon Stone- who was signed for $2.5M), moves into an elegant/high-rise apt. in Manhattan. However, the luxurious “sliver” building comes w/ a history of unsolved murders! Carly catches the eye of middle-aged crime novelist, Jack Landsford (Tom Berenger- in a thankless role), and the 20-ish video-game designer, Zeke Hawkins (William Baldwin). There is a voyeur watching the tenants’ every move using some (then high-tech) equipment. Is this movie really as bad as most people say? Oh yeah, it’s just a mess! The dialogue is cliched, the characters are shallow (or cartoonish), and the plot is basic (and predictable). The screenplay credits go to Ira Levin (who wrote the source novel) and Joe Eszterhas (whose credits incl. Jagged Edge, Basic Instinct, and Showgirls).

Stone alleged in her autobiography that one of the producers, Robert Evans, wanted to see her naked and treated her in a misogynistic manner. Stone (who gets to show some vulnerability in this movie) didn’t want him on set while she was working. As one viewer commented on IMDb: “Stephen Baldwin [one of Alec’s younger bros] is utterly intolerable, why this man was given leading roles in big budget Hollywood films I will never know.” If you thought Madonna was limited in her (vanity project) Body of Evidence, well Baldwin is worse! Johnny Depp, Val Kilmer, and River Phoenix turned down the role of Zeke. The script originally called for full male frontal nudity (which has become less controversial in the past 5 yrs), but Baldwin changed his mind (after the scenes had been shot). Though he does bare his backside in Basic Instinct, Michael Douglas said no to full frontal nudity.

Philip Noyce (an Aussie w/ extensive TV/movie credits) previously directed Dead Calm, Patriot Games, and Clear and Present Danger. A crew was sent to Hawaii to film an active volcano for the opening credits. The volcano erupted and the helicopter carrying the crew crashed- yikes! No one was killed, BUT all film was lost. Eszterhas’ original ending was confusing to test audiences; an alternate ending was quickly written/shot. I don’t think you can blame Noyce much, as doesn’t have much to work w/ here. According to the director, Stone and Baldwin disliked each other so much that they demanded their scenes be filmed separately (when possible). As for the steamy scenes, they’d have been more effective if there was any romantic chemistry. A young Polly Walker (who went on to work on Rome and Bridgerton) plays Carly’s model neighbor. I think modern viewers will be bored, IF they happen to watch this movie!

Hitchcock’s “Foreign Correspondent” (1940) starring Joel McCrea, Laraine Day, Herbert Marshall, & George Sanders

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The Thrill Spectacle of the Year! -Tagline for the film

Johnny Jones (Joel McCrea) is a crime reporter at a NYC newspaper- The Globe. The editor suddenly appoints him as an European correspondent; he wants a man who’s a clean slate (doesn’t know much re: world affairs). Jones’ 1st assignment is to get the inside story on a secret treaty agreed btwn 2 European countries by a famous Dutch diplomat- Mr. Van Meer (Albert Bassermann). Things don’t go according to plan; Jones enlists an idealistic young woman, Carol Fischer (Laraine Day), help to track down a group of spies. This is Hitchcock’s 2nd American movie; he has a big budget (and it shows in the impressive sets). Rebecca (a huge hit) was also released in 1940. You can watch this movie on Max (new name for HBO Max).

Scott ffolliott: One of my ancestors was beheaded by Henry VIII. His wife dropped the capital letter to commemorate it. There it is.
John Jones: How do you say it, like a stutter?
Scott ffolliott: No, just a straight “fuh.”

To modern eyes, this is a lesser-known Hitchcock film; we find a LOT of his trademarks (which he improved upon later). It’s a BIT long for a classic at 2 hrs; the pacing was slow in some scenes (which is NOT unexpected). It’s an unique blend of comedy and drama; the lighthearted tone in one scene is followed by a more serious (darker) one. The word “Nazi” is never used, BUT we know where the threat is coming from. The 1st choice for the lead was Gary Cooper, BUT he turned it down; he later admitted to Hitchcock that he regretted that decision. Thrillers didn’t have the best reputation at that time. McCrea plays it easy/understated (as he often did in his roles); he has good banter w/ Day. In one action scene, he scales the outside of a hotel in a robe (flashing a LOT of leg). Stephen Fischer (Herbert Marshall) is the most interesting character; he’s clever, witty, charming, yet mysterious. George Sanders gets to play a good guy (which is rare for him); I got a kick out of that. Robert Benchley (also one of the scriptwriters) is V funny as the (experienced) London correspondent who’d rather be drinking.

[1] Though lacking the star power of some of the great director’s more famous movies, the cast is very good, the settings are wonderfully conceived, and the story and writing keep the viewer’s attention at all times. It has everything we hope for from Hitchcock: action, suspense, and a good dose of humor.

[2] …a film which coincidentally carries Hitchcock’s boldest political statement: That neutrality doesn’t work when others are bent on war. […]

Some back in Great Britain complained Hitchcock’s leaving his native country as it faced Hitler all alone was desertion, but Hitchcock was doing all he could for King and Country, as “Foreign Correspondent” pulls all the stops to shake American viewers from their neutrality.

Hitchcock is very careful in presenting the bad guys. He never says they’re Germans, though the implication is obvious. The chief baddie is ruthless but not without decent impulses…

[3] Notice especially the excellence of the exterior set—the sky, the windmills— these visuals are exceptional for a sound stage creation.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews