Tag: Drama

Spoiler-Free Reviews of Three 2023 Movies

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Killers of the Flower Moon

In 1920s Oklahoma, a simple-minded/former WWII soldier, Ernest Burkhart (Leonardo DiCaprio), comes under the influence of his powerful/businessman uncle, William Hale (Robert DeNiro). In this area, the members of the Osage nation are V wealthy, as they hold land rights (to where oil was discovered). While working as a driver, Ernest meets and courts Mollie (Lily Gladstone), a young/single Osage woman who comes from a family of several sisters. Ernest and Mollie marry and have children, though their life together is NOT always smooth. In time, we learn of (mysterious) deaths of several Osage; the (newly formed) FBI sends agents to investigate, incl. Tom White (Jesse Plemons).

IF the 3 hrs. and 26 mins. run time doesn’t put you off, then you should check it out. I feel V important events, issues, and themes are discussed. I saw it w/ 2 of my friends a few weeks after it was released. I think younger (under 25) audiences could have a tough time, as they have shorter attention spans. Modern viewers are also NOT used to such long takes of scenes, some of which could’ve been edited further. IF you’re sensitive to blood, racist/sexist language, and violence, this MAY be difficult to watch; director Martin Scorsese films don’t shy away from these elements.

DiCaprio (who made a salary of $30M) is wearing a downturned (frowning) expression w/ his brows knit tightly; some critics commented that Ernest is working hard to understand what’s going on (as he’s NOT V smart). Gladstone is prominent in the 1st half of the film; she can express a LOT while speaking little. DeNiro plays the affable (unofficial) patriarch; he speaks the Osage language and knows the culture. I thought that most of the supporting (mostly NOT famous) characters did a good job and fit their roles; the standout was Louis Cancelmi (as several critics have noted). The production design was V impressive; you can tell that a LOT of research went into this production.

I was disappointed that the FBI storyline was NOT as developed much as I expected. The FBI came in ONLY in the last 1/3 of the movie; Tatanka Means (son of activist/actor Russell Means) is the young/handsome Native American agent. As some of you MAY know, the (original) script had DiCaprio playing Tom White and focused more on the law & order angle. When Scorsese decided to focus more on Ernest and Mollie’s story, Plemons was brought on to play Agent White (who became a supporting character). There are some V effective shots which will stay in your mind; we wouldn’t expect less from Scorsese. What did you think of the ending? I think it was an unusual directorial decision. This story did get me emotional in the final moments.

Napoleon

I went to see this movie on a TUES about one week after it was released; I ONLY paid $7 for the ticket (at Regal). I didn’t have high hopes, BUT was curious to see what director Ridley Scott had done. I was disappointed to see that French actor, Tahar Rahim (who plays aristocrat/general Paul Barras), was ONLY in the first 1/3 of the story. English actress Vanessa Kirby (Josephine) is a strong onscreen presence; I wanted to know a BIT more about her. As for Joaquin Phoenix in the lead role, I was NOT impressed by the characterization (we know he is a strong actor). He speaks w/ an American accent and is now close to 50; Napoleon accomplished much as a young man. Napoleon often looks tired, annoyed, and petulant; we see him planning battles (in ONLY one scene) though he was famed for strategy. As one critic said, this movie shows us “the greatest hits” (just 3 of his battles). As for these few action scenes, I thought they were done quite well. Some of the background CGI is NOT that realistic. At the end, I saw that the (small) audience I went to see it w/ was NOT impressed. Scott’s work in the past 15 yrs. has been hit or miss.

Oppenheimer

I went to see this movie the day after it was released, as I had time off that afternoon; the (IMAX) theater was full w/ viewers of ALL ages. I’m sure MANY of you have heard/read re: this movie, so I won’t give a synopsis. I was glad to see that Cillian Murphy (an Irish actor I admire) got a starring role; he is now 47 y.o. (so it’s high time). He is up to the challenge of carrying the film; there are MANY close-ups of his face. My audience seemed to enjoy the scenes w/ Murphy and Matt Damon (in the 1st act); they have good onscreen chemistry and quippy banter. Even more so than w/ KOTFM, we see supporting actors who each get a chance to shine. The standouts among the scientists are two Americans: David Krumholtz (who started out in teen comedies) and Benny Safdie (also an indie director). There are some cameos which MAY surprise viewers.

Unfortunately, we don’t get a LOT of character development for the 2 main women- Kitty (Emily Blunt) and Jean (Florence Pugh). Blunt gets more to do than Pugh; as some critics said in the past, director Christopher Nolan doesn’t focus much on women. Another issue is the (incessantly overdramatic) music which I did NOT appreciate! There are a few shots (whether practical or special effects) that were V impressive. When we get to the last act, it looked like people were NOT as engaged. This is the section where we see more of Robert Downey, Jr; his young aide is played by Alden Ehrenreich (who was the co-lead in Fair Play). It was a V long movie, BUT I was mostly interested in the material. Nolan isn’t much for emotion (as y’all cinephiles know), BUT he does have an unique viewpoint here.

“One Royal Holiday” (2020) starring Laura Osnes & Aaron Tveit

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When Anna offers a stranded mother and son shelter in a blizzard, she learns that they are the Royal Family of Galwick. Anna shows the Prince how they do Christmas in her hometown, encouraging him to open his heart and be true to himself. -Synopsis (Hallmark)

[1] ...despite the predictability of the final outcome, the writing is fresh, with plot twists and surprises that add layers of emotional depth.

[2] Finally a prince who acts like a prince! This was a sweet coincidental love story. Thank you Hallmark!

[3] Surprisingly fun and trope-filled royal holiday movie is packed with Broadway greats.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

I came across this Hallmark Xmas movie last month by chance; you can rent it on Amazon Prime. I noticed that it stars (surprise) Broadway/theater actors/singers: Laura Osnes (who plays cheerful cardiac nurse Anna Jordan) and Aaron Tveit (who plays serious/grumpy Prince James Gallant). Some of y’all MAY recognize Tveit from the 2012 adaptation of Les Miserables; he played the friend/fellow rebel to Marius. Here he uses a British accent and has slightly longish hair; the actor has the handsome looks of a prince. This movie as shot in June 2020 (during the COVID-19 pandemic); it was the 1st movie to go into production in Connecticut (and the East Coast) at that time.

Anna is NOT intimidated/nervous in the presence of the royals; she pokes fun at James (in a sweet/harmless style). James is a BIT arrogant and acts entitled (at first), BUT he has real worries. As they are snowbound, Anna and James (who seem like opposites) get to know each other. There are cute/funny references to Jane Austen novels and The Sound of Music. Osnes and Tveit have good onscreen chemistry; you can see their relationship develop.

Unlike a LOT of other Hallmark movies, the supporting characters get stuff to do. Queen Gabriella (Victoria Clark) is V supportive of her son; she is BOTH down-to-earth and elegant. Anna’s widowed father, Ed (Tom McGowan- a Canadian character actor), is a jolly innkeeper who is close w/ his daughter. Anna’s childhood friend, Sarah (Krystal Joy Brown), is the mayor of the small town; she has a side plot w/ romance. There are 2 scenes where Xmas carols are sung to showcase the actors’ FAB voices.

“Johnny Eager” (1941) starring Robert Taylor, Lana Turner, Edward Arnold, & Van Heflin

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Robert Taylor ‘N Lana Turner – TNT – They’re Dynamite in JOHNNY EAGER -Tagline

Johnny Eager (Robert Taylor, 30 y.o.) is a recent parolee pretending he has quit the rackets (gambling) and working as a taxi driver in NYC. However, he’s still deep into crime; he’s desperate to get a permit to open a dog track. One day, Johnny happens to meet Lisbeth Bard (Lana Turner at just age 20), a college student/step-daughter of the DA, John Benson Farrell (Edward Arnold).

Director Mervyn LeRoy originated the “TNT” idea to promote this movie; it was a box office hit for MGM. I’d never seen Taylor act before, BUT I knew that he was married to Barbara Stanwyck. Life imitated art here, as Taylor fell in love w/ Turner on set and asked his wife for a divorce. Stanwyck is said to have injured her wrists after learning of the illicit romance. Turner quickly broke up w/ Taylor; she was maybe NOT in love w/ him. They do have good chemistry onscreen; those heated looks and kisses aren’t all make believe.

I was curious to see this film noir after learning that it was Van Heflin’s 1st role. He’d been encouraged by Katharine Hepburn (his co-star on Broadway) to try Hollywood. Heflin (looking V slim/youthful) plays Jeff, Johnny’s alcoholic/intellectual best pal. Jeff has some great lines in the movie; Heflin ended up winning the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor!

[1] The glamorous Ms. Turner is at first a little hard to believe as a student studying social work, but she does acquit herself well in some powerfully dramatic scenes with Taylor. Paul Stewart, Glenda Farrell and Edward Arnold chip in fine supporting performances while Van Heflin delivers a magnificent one. Heflin as Eager’s alcoholic sidekick and pickled conscience is not only effectively moving, but also lends a droll sense of wit to the film with his sardonic observations.

[2] The film would never have stood out but for the script (Grant and Mahin) and the direction (LeRoy). The opening sequence and the ending sequence are well crafted and can stand alongside the best of film noir.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

“Alice, Darling” (2022) starring Anna Kendrick

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Sometimes the hardest thing to see is the truth. -Tagline

Anna Kendrick (Up in the Air; Pitch Perfect) plays Alice, an early 30s woman in NYC experiencing great stress, as she’s dealing w/ a (psychologically) abusive live-in bf, Simon (Charlie Carrick). In the past year, she hasn’t been seeing friends much and even cut down on work. Simon (a few yrs older) expects Alice to be available to support his growing fame/career as a painter. While on vacation (in upstate NY) w/ her 2 BFFs (Tess and Sophie), Alice rediscovers herself and gains some new perspective.

IF you consider yourself to be sensitive viewer, then you can watch it (IMO); this story doesn’t contain the (typically melodramatic) portrayals of DV. Instead, we get a look into Alice’s mind, as she tries to cope w/ complicated feelings (anger, sadness, shame, etc.) I was surprised to see how well Kendrick handled the serious material; she is more known for comedies. The friends (who’ve known her since childhood) are perceptive and caring; they’re genuinely worried for Alice. This indie drama (w/ an international cast) was directed by Mary Nighy, the daughter of veteran British actor Bill Nighy. Wow, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree; she’s a talented/sensitive filmmaker! I think young people (or those w/ less experience w/ relationships) esp. should watch this movie. Abuse can come in many different forms.

[1] I thought Anna Kendrick was amazing as the mentally anguished and tortured Alice, who’s fairy-tale romance had turned out to be anything but, as she finds out what friendship and love really can be, when those close truly care.

[2] A very important point is that the film is very realistic. Of course, each person’s case is different, but the whole point is abusive relationships and how being in them affects people’s inner world and mental health. People feel trapped, like they have no other choice, they think that their partner is treating them badly out of love.

[3] It’s such a deeply contemplative film. The imagery is stunning. The way it takes a single moment and fleshes it all the way out is true artistry.

The simplicity of the storyline is what makes this such a good story.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

“May December” (2023) starring Natalie Portman, Julianne Moore, & Charles Melton

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SPOILER ALERT: Don’t read this post if you haven’t seen, or don’t want to know, details from the movie May December (2023) streaming on Netflix.

Gracie: I thought you were taller. You look taller on television, but we’re basically the same size.

Elizabeth: We’re basically the same.

Natalie Portman (who plays an actress named Elizabeth) brought the script to director Todd Haynes as a potential collab; he loved the script and suggested Julianne Moore (w/ whom he worked on 4 other films) for Gracie. This film was acquired by Netflix for $11M following its premiere at Cannes (May 2023). It was shot in 23 days on location in Savannah, Georgia. Charles Melton (Riverdale) gained 40 lbs. for his role as Joe. Melton’s mother is an immigrant from Korea; she met her white/American husband while he was serving overseas in the military. A prolific character/NYC theater actor, D. W. Moffett (Gracie’s ex-husband Tom), heads the film and TV dept. at the Savannah College of Art and Design; students from the acting program appear in the movie.

Joe: [to his son] God, I can’t tell if we’re connecting, or if I’m creating a bad memory for you in real time, but I can’t help it.

Gracie and Joe met at the pet store where they worked when she was 36 y.o. and he was 13 y.o. As some of you MAY recall, the story IRL was even more problematic: Vili Fualaau was only 12 y.o. and Mary Kay Letorneau (39 y.o.) was his teacher. The 3 lead characters are a LOT more complicated than they initially appear. We start at a backyard BBQ of a (seemingly happy) family headed by Gracie Atherton-Yoo (a baker in her 50s) and her handsome/36 y.o. husband, Joe Yoo (a X-ray tech). They have 3 teen children together; one daughter is in college and the twins (a boy and girl) are preparing to graduate H.S. Through Elizabeth’s eyes, we gradually begin to learn more about this couple. It’s hard to understand why Gracie acts the way she does. Can she truly be as naive as she acts? Joe is still a boy in his mind, though w/ an adult’s body and responsibilities. His kids are half his age, BUT seem to be more mature.

You’re kinda dangerous in this movie. I never knew what she [Gracie] was gonna do. -Annette Bening commented to Moore during Variety’s Actors on Actors interview

This story NOT only delves into the predatory relationship btwn Gracie and Joe, it also comments on how (self-important) actors can predatorily insert themselves into strangers’ lives. For a woman who has transgressed in a big way, Gracie is V concerned w/ appearances and image (publicly). She has a V feminine (girly) persona; she speaks sometimes w/ a lisp (a decision Moore made to sound younger). Weirdly, as she gets to know Gracie more, Elizabeth copies the lisp. Melton walks as if he’s being dragged forward by an unseen force; he often has his shoulders hunched (to make himself smaller). Elizabeth flirts w/ Joe when they’re alone at the hospital during her observation of his work life.

There is an unsettling kind of tension that permeates this movie. Though I loved the acting (incl. from the kids), I was NOT a fan of the (cheesy) soundtrack. Haynes chose it from a ’70s drama he discovered. The (grainy/sun-drenched) visual style works here IMO, though it may be unappealing to some viewers. Is this supposed to be a comedy or a drama? As I was watching, I thought it had elements of a dark comedy. There are unexpected scenes, though I did guess what happened at the climax. Check it out for yourself!

[1] …this is a very well done movie about adults who are really just children. They never healed from their traumas and what ensues is a vision of how life is when you ignore that stuff. […]

The movie is for people that love film as art – not narrative. It is very well done. All the acting is based on nuanced subtext. The score and the cinematography are also very well done (I love slow zooms…sue me).

[2] Elizabeth is polite and apologetic as she initially treads carefully in asking probing questions of the family and their friends. Her approach generates some awkward moments, and although Gracie seems to hold firmly to her did-nothing-wrong stance, it’s Joe who begins to question things… mimicking the slow development of the Monarch butterflies he breeds.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews