Tag: History

“Lawless” (2012) starring Shia LaBeouf, Tom Hardy, Gary Oldman, Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain, Guy Pearce, & Jason Clarke

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When the law became corrupt, outlaws became heroes. -Tagline

Tom is a big draw for actors, b/c people wanna work w/ him. Well, when you think about it, my character is a fan of his brother. He’s the leader, the shot-caller essentially. […] There’s a lot of my dichotomy w/ Tom in my life and btwn. Jack and Forrest. I look up to Tom as an actor, and I respect him as an actor. -Shia LaBeouf, during press tour for Lawless (Spring 2012)

In 1931, in Franklin Co, VA, Forrest Bondurant (Tom Hardy) is a legend among the locals. Together w/ his older brother, Howard (Jason Clarke), and younger brother, Jack (Shia LaBeouf), he runs a distillery/bootlegging biz. When the D.A. Mason Wardell arrives w/ Special Deputy Charles Rakes (Guy Pearce), the Bondurants refuse to pay the required bribes. Meanwhile, Forrest hires a waitress for their gas station/cafe, Maggie (Jessica Chastain), who has a mysterious past in Chicago. Jack becomes interested in a Mennonite preacher’s daughter, Bertha Minnix (Mia Wasikowska). Jack and his friend, Cricket (Dane DeHaan), deal a big load of liquor w/ a powerful gangster, Floyd Banner (Gary Oldman). Jack shows off w/ his new car/clothes, attracting the attention of Rakes.

Jack [in opening voiceover]: You can make moonshine whiskey from just about anything. Turnips, pumpkins, blackberries, cornmeal, tree bark. Anything.

This movie premiered at the Cannes Film Festival; it’s based on real events, as explained in the 2008 book The Wettest County in the World by Matt Bondurant (grandson of Jack). The timeline and sequence of events found in the book differs from the film. Chastain had her hair cut/dyed, as she didn’t want to wear a wig. Forrest was supposed to look slimmer, BUT Hardy had to bulk up for The Dark Knight Rises (2012). LaBeouf (who naturally has a slight build) gained 40 lbs. The 3 onscreen bros all lived in the same house while filming on location (in Georgia). Hardy and LaBeouf got into “a physical altercation” during the shoot. Hardy later said that LaBeouf “knocked me out;” the younger actor said that Hardy started aggressively wrestling w/ him (w/o warning). LaBeouf said he drank moonshine during filming (as part of his process). He admitted that his drinking and aggressive attitude caused Wasikowska to try and leave the film- wow! If you know re: LaBeouf’s (troubled) personal life, this won’t shock you.

Forrest: It is not the violence that sets men apart, alright, it is the distance that he is prepared to go.

There is much to admire re: Lawless, BUT it is an uneven movie. I liked the (unique) way that modern and period music were blended; it was quite effective. The movie drags on about 10-15 mins. TOO long and is light on character development (w/ an international ensemble cast). Warning: The blood and violence may be TOO much for sensitive viewers. The main villain (Pearce) is vain, sadistic, and prejudiced; as one journo at Cannes commented, this performance was “somewhat campy.” We know that Hardy is a strong screen presence, BUT could’ve had a few more lines; his character “talks” w/ his fists (like most of the men in this community). Much more could’ve been done w/ the 2 separate romances, esp. btwn. Hardy and Chastain (who had a LOT of chemistry on the promo tour). I was a BIT surprised that Maggie was the one who approached Forrest; he’d just been watching her for some time. As Chastain commented: “In some ways, he’s like a little boy.”

[1] This is a dark movie where it seems those out of the religious community live and survive by force. In comes law enforcers from outside led by a sadistic sergeant, and we have an explosive mix. […]

This film isn’t about gung-ho good v evil. This is a lot more. […]

Action comes generally in short sharp moments, but thankfully doesn’t detract from the rest of the movie. Surprisingly some great acting and great camera work.

[2] You are left with the impression that Hillcoat is pulling out all the stops to give this commercial appeal. Not only are the good guys a bit too good, the bad guys a bit too bad, leaving the audience in no doubt who to cheer for, but is also trying to make a film trying to appeal to both teenagers and a female audience. […] …the story loses focus and is trying to do too much.

[3] Unfortunately, Lawless is tedious through and through. It’s sequences go from bursts of heartless violence to development-less talking. The problem is its atmosphere, which could also be attributed to the choice of digital photography. It tries to be gritty, with its music hinting back to one of my favourite western TV shows, Deadwood, but the slick cinematography is just completely lifeless. […] It was a huge mistake to try and force some romance subplots in here. There’s nothing too bad about Lawless, besides its humourless and cold approach, it’s just disappointingly average given the talent.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

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.

Quick Reviews of the Indiana Jones Movies

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Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) starring Harrison Ford & Karen Allen

Indiana Jones – the new hero from the creators of JAWS and STAR WARS. -Tagline

In 1936, archaeologist and adventurer Indiana Jones is hired by the U.S. government to find the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis can obtain its awesome powers. -Synopsis

This past month, I’ve been binge-listening to The Fordcast, a V fun/informative podcast re: career of actor Harrison Ford. I have been (re-watching) some of his (’80s & ’90s) movies. The 1st of the Indiana Jones movies is considered “one of the 1st Summer blockbusters” (after Jaws); it was directed by Steven Spielberg and story is credited to his friends/frequent collaborators (George Lucas- who created Indy, Lawrence Kasdan, and Phillip Kaufman). The music (which suits the action/adventure V well) was composed by John Williams. Long-time fans (according to what I’ve read online) consider it to be the best (or 2nd) best of the franchise. I saw this movie (on network TV) many yrs ago; I didn’t recall much about the plot. I re-watched it last month and had a LOT of fun! In the title role, Ford has a LOT more to do than in the (also iconic) Star Wars franchise. Indy’s (buttoned-up) professor is almost like a different man from his (risk-taking) adventurer; I was reminded of the Clark Kent/Superman dichotomy. Ford was NOT considered “conventionally handsome” (when he went to auditions early in his career). I’m guessing that he was the (rare) male actor who wasn’t vain.

Marion: You’re not the man I knew ten years ago.

Indy: It’s not the years, honey, it’s the mileage.

Indy’s line to Marion (smart, independent, and sassy) when they are on the ship (see above) was ad-libbed by Ford. Marion (Karen Allen) returns in a later film; she’s considered to be the “true love” of Indy’s life. In the opening of the story, we see a (young/slim) Alfred Molina. Indy’s Egyptian friend, Sallah (John Rhys-Davies), will be seen in later movies also; many know him from the LOTR trilogy. The posh/British dean at Indy’s college, Marcus Brody (Denholm Elliott), will be recognizable to period drama fans; he appeared in A Room with a View (1985) and Maurice (1986). The famous scene in which Indy shoots the swordsman was NOT in the script. Ford was supposed to use his whip to get the sword out of his attacker’s hands, BUT the food poisoning he (and the rest of the crew) had gotten made him too sick to perform the stunt. After several tries, Ford suggested “shooting the sucker;” Spielberg liked the idea!

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) starring Harrison Ford, Kate Capshaw, & Ke Huy Quan

In 1935, Indiana Jones is tasked by Indian villagers with reclaiming a rock stolen from them by a secret cult beneath the catacombs of an ancient palace. -Synopsis

Indy: [groping desperately down Willie’s dress] Where’s the antidote?
Willie: Oh, listen, I just met you! Oh, I’m not that kind of girl…
Short Round: Hey, Dr. Jones, no time for love. We’ve got company.

A LOT of (younger) ppl are discussing this movie lately; Ke Huy Quan (Short Round), has received many awards for his role in Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022). His mom saw an ad in the newspaper looking for child actors; Quan (aged 12 in this movie) got an audition! The Chinese-American actor (who worked mostly as a stuntman) appeared in another famous movie- The Goonies (1985). Spielberg and his wife, Kate Capshaw (Willie), met and fell in love during production. Quan does a good job w/ what he is given (though he never acted before); he later said “I was just a kid having fun.”

This is NOT a V effective film (aside from a few scenes of action and humor). The pacing is NOT good; it drags in many places. Worst of all, there are stereotypes and MANY problematic elements involving POC (most notable those playing Indians). I don’t know what the co-writers (William Huyck and Gloria Katz) or producers were thinking! Indie film fans may recognize Roshan Seth; he is a fine character actor known internationally. Amrish Puri shaved his head for the role of Mola Ram (the main baddie here); he kept that look and became one of India’s most popular film villains. Women/girls will NOT be amused; Willie (the singer) is characterized as a shallow, nearly helpless, and complaining re: everything; Capshaw later admitted that the role was “mostly screeching.” For the bug chamber scene, Capshaw was covered w/ over 2,000 insects; she took sedatives to get over her initial fear, and said “they definitely worked.” There is a shirtless scene in the cave; Ford (who is looking esp. fit) worked out using the Body by Jake program. Y’all remember all the exercise crazes we had in the ’80s!?

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) starring Harrison Ford, Sean Connery, & Alison Doody

Have the adventure of your life keeping up with the Joneses. -Tagline

In 1938, after his father goes missing while pursuing the Holy Grail, Indiana Jones finds himself up against the Nazis again to stop them from obtaining its powers. -Synopsis

I consider this to the best of the franchise; it was enjoyable from start to finish! The opening (flashback) is terrific; we see a teenaged Boy Scout, Indy (River Phoenix), facing off against some big/tough men attempting to steal artifacts in a cave. Phoenix (older brother to Joaquin who died in ’93) played Ford’s son in The Mosquito Coast (1986); the older actor recommended him for young Indy. Though they are NOT that far off in age, Ford and Connery make a great duo. If you weren’t impressed w/ Connery much before, check this movie out! Did anyone recall the 23 y.o. actress Alison Doody (Elsa)? She’s Irish, worked as a model in the ’80s, and went on to work as a painter. Doody recently had a baddie role in the Indian hit movie RRR (2022).

Prof. Henry Jones: [accidentally shoots their own plane with the machine gun]
Indy: Dad, are we hit?
Prof. Henry Jones: More or less. Son, I’m sorry. They got us.

Ford cut his chin in a car accident in SoCal when he was 20 y.o. This cut is explained by young Indy cutting his chin w/ a whip. As w/ the other movies in this franchise, Ford did many of his own stunts. According to his stunt double, Vic Armstrong, he had to pull Ford to one side and ask him to let him “do some work”- LOL! Armstrong commented: “If he wasn’t such a great actor, he would have made a really great stuntman.” Most of the uniforms worn by the Nazis in the Berlin book-burning scene are real WWII uniforms, not copies. I learned that 2,000 rats were bred for this production; this was necessary, as ordinary rats would have been riddled w/ disease- wow!

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008) starring Harrison Ford, Cate Blanchett, Shia LaBeouf, Ray Winstone, & Karen Allen

In 1957, Indiana Jones becomes entangled in a Soviet plot to uncover the secret behind mysterious artifacts known as the Crystal Skulls. -Synopsis

Indy: What’s your mom’s name again?

Mutt: Mary. Mary Williams. You remember her?

Indy: There’ve been a lot of Marys, kid.

Mutt: [jolts up from chair] Shut up! That’s my mother you’re talking about! All right? That’s my mother.

Indy: You don’t have to get sore all the time just to prove how tough you are.

I heard that it was (mostly) bad- and yup- those critics/viewers were right! Here we see that even the FAB Cate Blanchett (who plays an Eastern European villain) didn’t “hit it out of the park” every time. Of course, some ppl will be avoiding this movie b/c of (the problematic IRL) LaBeouf. The CGI looks dated, too. Ford convinced David Koepp (co-writer) to incl. some jokes re: Indy’s age in the script, believing they’d help reduce the “American paranoia about aging.” He also refused to dye his hair for the role, arguing Indy’s appeal wasn’t in his youth, BUT in his imagination and resourcefulness. I had assumed (when I was younger) that The Last Crusade would be the final of this franchise.

#Oscars: “Babylon” (2022) starring Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Diego Calva, Jean Smart, Jovan Adepo, & Li Jun Li

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A tale of outsized ambition and outrageous excess, it traces the rise and fall of multiple characters during an era of unbridled decadence and depravity in early Hollywood. -Tagline

Aging actor Jack Conrad (Brad Pitt) is based on John Gilbert, a leading MGM star of the 1920s. He had a soft voice and dashing on-screen persona which didn’t match up w/ talkies. As his starring roles became few, Gilbert developed a drinking problem and died from a heart attack in 1936 (just aged 38). Gilbert’s story also inspired the screenplay for Singin’ in the Rain (1952). Emma Stone was originally cast in the role of ingenue Nellie LaRoy, which was announced to be based on Clara Bow, but dropped out due to scheduling conflicts after the production was delayed b/c of COVID. After Margot Robbie replaced Stone, the role become more fictional in nature. Olivia Hamilton’s character is based on Dorothy Arzner, one of the 1st female directors in early Hollywood, and the inventor of the boom mic. (FYI: Hamilton is also the wife of the writer/director, Damien Chazelle).

WTF did I see!? OMG, that is 3 hrs. 9 mins. that I’ll never get back! As this came from the mind of Chazelle, I didn’t have high hopes; I wasn’t a fan of La La Land (and haven’t seen his other work). He was given $80M to make the movie- wow! The opening (coke-fueled/orgy-like party) sequence is over 30 mins. long. Warning: If you’re more of a sensitive viewer (or consider yourself squeamish), avoid this movie! Several critics commented that there are maybe 3 great scenes- NOT a harsh assessment.

This movie boasts a large/diverse cast, but two of the most interesting characters, the Black trumpeter Sidney Palmer (Jovan Adepo) and Chinese-American writer/singer Lady Fay Zhu (Li Jun Li), could’ve been developed much more. In the early days, the movies were NOT considered classy/respectable; POC, women, and queer individuals played various parts (behind and in front of the camera). Pitt is phoning it in; he did better in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Robbie can tackle what she is given; she got to show her stuff on Nellie’s 1st day on set and the (stressful) 1st day making a talkie. The audience surrogate is the young/ambitious Manny Torres (Hollywood newbie/Spanish actor) Diego Calva. I learned that Calva has a big role in the Netflix series Narcos: Mexico. (I’m finishing up S1 of Narcos co-starring Pedro Pascal). Things just happen to Manny; he doesn’t get much character development. In the 3rd act, Tobey Maguire pops up; he plays a (cartoonish) rich/evil/villain. (FYI: He’s one of the movie’s producers.)

Is there anything I was impressed by here? Yes, Jean Smart does a terrific job (as usual); her gossip column writer and Pitt have on of the best scenes. The production design (Oscar-nominated) is great; the audience is taken into the (wild/crazy) past of early Hollywood. The cinematography (esp. in the early war/epic scene) is beautiful. The (jazzy) soundtrack suits the action; it was composed by Chazelle’s friend/former college roomie- Justin Hurwitz. This is one of the (many) cases of style over substance and self-indulgence (by the filmmakers) common in modern entertainment. Don’t watch it, b/c you MAY get mad at yourself!