Tag: Friendship

“Tequila Sunrise” (1988) starring Mel Gibson, Michelle Pfeiffer, & Kurt Russell

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A dangerous mix. -Tagline

A former L.A. drug dealer tries to go straight but his past and his underworld connections bring him into the focus of the DEA, the Mexican feds and the Mexican drug cartels. -Synopsis

This is a neo noir (written/directed by Robert Towne) set in LA; it’s streaming on Max (formerly HBO Max). It was also shown on TCM’s Noir Alley. I must’ve seen it MANY yrs ago (maybe as a teen) b/c I recalled V little about it (aside from the hot/famous cast). It’s trying to be edgy, as the good guy is an ex-drug dealer and the cops/feds are baddies. There is a love triangle of 2 men (friends since HS) and one woman; this is unusual for mainstream Hollywood. Critics are mixed re: this movie; some enjoyed it, while others noticed the (many) flaws.

Jo Ann: I’m sorry. I was just joking. I didn’t mean to hurt you.

Mac: Aw, come on. It didn’t hurt that bad. Just looking at you hurts more.

What’s up w/ the odd title? When the DEA agent, Maguire (J.T. Walsh), is listening to surveillance tapes of restaurant owner, Jo Ann Vallenari (Michelle Pfeiffer), she’s heard offering Dale “Mac” McKussic (Mel Gibson) a cocktail (Tequila Sunrise). FYI: The drink consists of tequila, orange juice, and grenadine syrup. The producers wanted Harrison Ford and Jeff Bridges for the male co-leads; that could’ve been a better movie. Gibson was V popular then; he’d recently been in Lethal Weapon; Mac is more nuanced than Det. Riggs (trying to be a good father). Russell (acting since childhood) was known for his likeability and work in the action genre; Lt. Nick Frescia is NOT so nice though. Pat Riley (coach of the LA Lakers) provided the inspo for Nick’s look (suits and slicked-back hair).

Jo Ann: Mr. McKussic, it seems, has been engaged in his business for purely romantic reasons, whilst you have been engaged in romance for purely business reasons.
Nick: I’m not sure I understand.
Jo Ann: A little vague for you?
Nick: A little.
Jo Ann: Well, then, let me spell it out for you: you want to f**k your friend, then f**k him, not me!

Did these (mostly male) writers and producers have any (female) friends!? Mac’s ex-wife is depicted as vain/money-obsessed; she gets V little screen time. As some viewers noted, neither Nick not Mac is good enough for Jo Ann! Pfeiffer (in mostly cream-colored outfits) is doing her best w/ Jo Ann’s (shallow/contradictory) characterization. She didn’t get along w/ Towne; he called her “the most difficult actress I have ever worked with.” The actress was going through a divorce at this time. There is a (infamous) love scene; the hot tub was NOT built properly/chlorinated. Pfeiffer, her body double, and Gibson got skin rashes and splinters from the wood- ouch! Production shut down for a few days while they recovered.

Carlos [to Mac]: You son of a bitch! How could you do this? Friendship is the only choice in life you can make that’s yours! You can’t choose your family, God damn it – I’ve had to face that! And no man should be judged for whatever direction his d**k goes – that’s like blaming a compass for pointing north, for Christ’s sake! Friendship is all we have! We chose each other. How could you f**k it up? How could you make us look so bad?

The dialogue can be good (at times), BUT also quite cheesy/predictable. The plot and editing are often confusing; Roget Ebert commented: “It feels like there are chunks of the movie cut out.” The filmmakers could’ve made better (more nuanced) choices. I expected Mac to die at the end of the film; that would’ve made more sense! Towne wanted that ending also, BUT producers said Gibson had to be alive. Is there anything fun re: this movie? Well, Gibson is shirtless in several scenes (in FAB shape). The kid playing Mac’s son (Cody) does a good job in his small role. When the main villain, Carlos (Raul Julia), appears- he steals the movie! Julia (a trained singer) sings some; he does the best he can w/ what he has been given. A young Matt LeBlanc (Friends) appears on the TV; this was a real commercial for Heinz ketchup.

“The Delinquent Season” (2018) starring Cillian Murphy, Catherine Walker, Eve Birthistle, & Andrew Scott

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Love is a dangerous game. -Tagline

Two friend couples, Jim (Cillian Murphy) and his wife Danielle (Eve Birthistle), and Yvonne (Catherine Walker) and her husband Chris (Andrew Scott), have 2 children each, and appear to live in marital bliss, until cracks start to appear in both seemingly-steady marriages. The film asks “How well do any of us really know each other?” and explores the ideas of love, lust, and family relationships. -Synopsis

Have you seen the new movie Oppenheimer (starring Murphy) yet? (I’ll have a spoiler-free review up soon). Perhaps you’re a fan of Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s recent comedy series Fleabag (where Andrew Scott plays the “Hot Priest”). Or maybe you’re just looking for a smart/mature/modern drama (streaming for free on several platforms)? I came across this indie/Irish film (written/directed by Mark O’Rowe) while looking up Murphy’s work. It is mostly filmed like a play and centers on 4 characters; O’Rowe is known in Ireland for his work in the theater. Murphy (who was a musician before getting into acting) started out on the stage; he collaborated w/ O’Rowe in several plays. The more I see of his acting, the more I want to see!

Why can’t we (in U.S) make dramas like this!? I was pleasantly surprised by this film; I didn’t know what to expect beforehand. I thought it was quite true to life; the acting was terrific from all of the cast (incl. from the cute/tween kids). No one is depicted as a straight-up “villain” or a conventional “hero.” The characters look, dress, and speak like modern/middle-class folks w/ “everyday” problems (though the setting is suburban Ireland). This is the (perhaps rare) movie that doesn’t glamorize having an affair (unlike what is depicted in Adrian Lyne’s Unfaithful). The love scenes are shot in a matter-of-fact style, NOT to tittilate. I was reminded of David Lean’s Brief Encounter when it came to the tone (in certain scenes). The ending came as a BIT of a surprise to me (as it was un-Hollywood). Watch it for yourself- I don’t want to give away TOO many details!

Drama is conflict. I’m not interested in a good man’s life. I’m interested in contradiction, and pressure, and duress. All great works of art, or film or literature, in my opinion, have elements of those in them. Because who wants to write about happy people? -Cillian Murphy

[1] The film treats well the topic of middle-class malaise and ennui, deftly shifting the audience’s sympathy multiple times throughout.

[2] It was Cillian Murphy that attracted me to watch this movie. And I got so much more. Solid story with a presentation of moral dilemmas that have a lasting effect – both in thought and discussions

[3] At the end, I felt like I really knew these people, and I deeply felt for them. It’s such a small but perfect cast and such a tender and yet uncomfortable story.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

Spoiler-Free Review: “Barbie” (2023) starring Margot Robbie & Ryan Gosling

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Barbie suffers a crisis that leads her to question her world and her existence. -Synopsis

She’s everything. He’s just Ken. -Tagline

Summer has (traditionally) been the season for family-friendly/crowd-pleasing movies. As you may know, both Barbie and Oppenheimer were released on the same day (July 21) of this yr. I went to see Barbie w/ a big group of (mostly) women during its 2nd wknd at AMC (Ballston Quarter). One of my friends was esp. excited; she purchased 10 tickets (limit per person) several wks. ahead of our screening. I was somewhat curious, b/c I really liked the work of director/co-writer Greta Gerwig (who turned 40 y.o. last wk) and Noah Baumbach (co-writer); they’re also partners IRL and have a baby together. Gerwig and Baumbach are also close friends/collaborators w/ Adam Driver. Some skeptical critics wondered: “Who is the audience for this movie?” As I expected, my theater was full w/ (mostly) women in their 20s-40s; many were wearing pink (in various shades).

The production design is V cool; you feel immersed in the material/colorful world of Mattell toys where “Stereotypical Barbie” (Robbie), her love interest, Ken (Gosling), and all their friends live. As we saw in the trailers/ads, there are Barbies and Kens of diverse backgrounds (Issa Rae, Simu Liu, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Kate McKinnon. etc.) Alan (Michael Cera), Midge, and a few other (NOT so well-known) dolls are also there. Women are the ones who hold ALL the important jobs in this (make-believe) world! Of course, there are several human characters (played by America Ferrera, Ariana Greenblatt, Will Ferrell, etc. ) A much younger Greenblatt (now 15 y.o.) was Driver’s co-star in the action movie 65 (2023). The eclectic music suits the story well; I was NOT familiar w/ all the songs. Yes, this movie has a feminist take (as I’m sure many are aware). It also includes singing and dancing (which reminded me of technicolor musicals). There are many LOL moments, yet there are emotional/touching ones also. I hadn’t seen much of Gosling’s acting; I was surprised by how funny he could be! I do think this movie was a BIT too long; this is a common problem today. There are also a few speeches; they are NOT all effective IMO. I think a wide audience (IF they keep an open mind) can enjoy this movie; it already passed the $1B mark worldwide – wow! Two of my (mid-20s; male and female) co-workers really liked the movie; they went on opening wknd.

“His Kind of Woman” (1951) starring Robert Mitchum, Jane Russell, Vincent Price, & Raymond Burr

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The hottest combination that ever hit the screen! -Louella D. Parsons

Nick Ferraro (Raymond Burr), a crime boss deported to Italy, needs to re-enter the US. His plan involves “honest” gambler, Dan Milner (Robert Mitchum), who’s subjected to a series of “misfortunes,” then bribed to take a trip to Mexico. On the way, Dan meets a lounge singer, Lenore Brent (Jane Russell), who calls herself one of the “idle rich.” Upon arrival at the resort (Morros Lodge) in Baja, Dan finds the guests all playing roles, except- maybe- actor Mark Cardigan (Vincent Price). What does Ferraro want w/ him? Can he trust anyone?

Myron Winton, an American banker: [after he & other guests have viewed Mark’s latest films] Yes sir, I agree with those folks: that was one of the finest movies I’ve ever seen. They oughta’ make ’em ALL like that. None of this nonsense about social matters. People don’t go to the movies to see how miserable the world is – they go there to eat popcorn and be happy!

Mark: [Addressing Mr. Krafft] What did you think of it?

Mr. Krafft, an European writer: [Dourly] It had a message no pigeon would carry.

Mark: [Slightly amused, turning to Myron] At my studios, all messages are handled by Western Union.

Myron: You know, you can’t take his opinion on anything: he’s an intellectual.

[Mark responds with a look of mild alarm.]

There is much drama BTS of this film noir, which pokes fun at the genre. John Farrow finished the film, BUT Howard Hughes (a well-known control freak) brought in Richard Fleischer to add a few shots. Hughes co-wrote the ending w/ Fleischer, who ended up reshooting the entire movie. Lee Van Cleef was cast as the crime kingpin before Hughes suddenly decided he wanted Burr instead. All of Ferraro’s scenes had to be reshot w/ Burr. During his RKO days, Mitchum referred to himself as “a tall dog on a short leash.” In his memoirs, Fleischer wrote that the actor’s alcoholism caused a LOT of problems for the production. One day, Fleischer told the actor that he “was making a fool of himself.” Mitchum then pushed the stuntmen off and destroyed the set! The next morning, a sober Mitchum was V remorseful and apologized to the director for his behavior.

Mark: [Preparing to go out and rescue Dan] Now might I drink hot blood and do such bitter business the earth would quake to look upon.

Helen, his estranged wife: [Rolling eyes] Hamlet again…

Gerald, his manager: Mark, this is no time for histrionics.

Mark: [Scoffing] What fools ye mortals be.

This movie is rather long for its day; the running time is 2 hrs. There are scenes which could’ve been edited better. Mitchum and Russell do look hot together (as the ads claimed); they’re both tall, laconic, and project ease/confidence. They went on to become V good friends IRL. Russell was “discovered” by Hughes. I’d read (on a film noir Facebook group) comments re: how funny Price was here. There are several LOL moments, which is NOT common for noirs! Some careful viewers noticed that Price is often slumping, wearing oversized costumes, and has makeup (which makes his face look rounder). This was (obviously) done to make him appear less imposing/attractive than Mitchum (the hero).

[1] Price quotes Shakespeare, critiques his performance, and is amazed by his own heroics, and he has never been funnier, onscreen.

[2] In a way, the film can be seen as three films in one. The opening scenes are shot in the dark, menacing film noir style. […] When Milner arrives in the resort the mood becomes lighter, and the film resembles more one of those “sophisticated” comedies about divorce and adultery… When the villains arrive and the nature of their plans becomes clear, the mood of the film changes again.

[3] …a great example of a film where the dialog is so snappy that the plot itself is secondary. Now this does NOT mean the plot is bad- the film is very well-written, as the WHAT and WHY turn out to be pretty interesting. But when Mitchum talks, he is the ultimate in ’50s cool- with a wonderful world-weary style and sarcasm... In addition, his scenes with Russell are great- with a nice mixture of romance, sarcasm and heat!

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

“Black Widow” (1954) starring Ginger Rogers, Van Heflin, Gene Tierney, & George Raft

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At a cocktail party thrown by nabes, a married Broadway writer/producer, Peter Denver (Van Heflin), meets a 20 y.o. young woman, Nancy “Nanny” Ordway (Peggy Ann Gardiner), an aspiring writer. He tells his actress/wife, Iris (Gene Tierney- in a small role), about this new acquaintance; she’s out of town helping her ailing mom. Peter decides to take her under his wing, giving her advice, and a bright place to write (his apt). A few weeks later, Nanny is found dead in his apt! At first thought to be a suicide, it is later discovered that she was murdered; suspicion falls on Peter. He begins his own investigation in order to clear his name; he discovers that Nanny wasn’t as naive/innocent as she appeared to be. The lead cop on the case, Lt. Bruce, is played by George Raft (in his gray-haired/character actor era). Classic film fans may know him from his leading roles (’30s-’40s).

Peter’s nabe/friend, Brian Mullen (Reginald Gardiner), started an affair w/ Nanny (who became pregnant) b/c she made him feel appreciated. This happened weeks before she met Peter. Brian (who has no current job) is married to a successful/glam Bdwy actress, Carlotta “Lottie” Marin (Ginger Rogers). From the early scenes, we see that Lottie is “the one that wears the pants” (and has a strong personality). Rogers uses a haughty/theatrical voice in her role; she wears several stylish outfits. Though Brian acts humble/self-deprecating in public re: being “a nobody,” Nanny realizes that it bothers him to be perceived of as less than his wife.

This is a movie that made me wonder: Are men doing OK? It seems that (even today), some men have a prob when gfs/wives make more money and/or have more power/influence than themselves. Actress Keke Palmer’s bf (w/ whom she had a baby recently) called her out (on Twitter) re: her outfit at an Usher concert. I don’t know what (IF anything) he does for a living; I’m guessing that Palmer is the breadwinner. Sarah Brady, a pro surfer/ex-gf of Jonah Hill, released texts (on IG) where the actor was trying to counsel her re: clothing and friendships when they were a couple. Were these actions (taken by Palmer’s bf and Hill’s ex) on social media in good taste? No, BUT they do reveal the insecurity some men feel when they can’t control the women in their lives. So why NOT pursue women who have more “regular” jobs or those who choose to dress “conservative?” Well, that wouldn’t be a challenge to men w/ this mindset! They want to tear down women that society puts above them (when it comes to money, status, looks, etc.)