Tag: Movies

Movie 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” (1987) starring Debra Winger & Theresa Russell

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She mates and she kills. No man can resist her. Only one woman can stop her. -Tagline

A tall/blonde/early 30s woman, Catharine Petersen (Theresa Russell), marries older (50-something) millionaires, waits until they’ve changed their wills (to leave all of their money to her), and murders them using clever methods. With each relationship, Catharine changes her appearance (hair/makeup/clothes) and personality to suit the man. Alexandra Barnes (Debra Winger) is a DOJ data analyst who finds links btwn several mysterious deaths. The more she learns of this woman, the more Alex becomes fascinated; she does field work on her own time (her co-workers and supervisor are V skeptical). Taking a wild chance, Alex flies to Hawaii to track the “black widow” (on her own)!

This (lesser known) neo noir was released about 6 mos. prior to the hit Fatal Attraction (1987). The director (Bob Rafelson) hadn’t worked on a movie since The Postman Always Rings Twice (1981); I’m NOT a fan of that remake (see the original B&W ver. instead). This movie could be a BIT shorter; there are also odd editing choices (some critics called it “choppy”). The dialogue is pretty good; the screenplay is by Ron Bass (Rain Man; My Best Friend’s Wedding). Winger (who had prior success w/ An Officer and a Gentleman and Terms of Endearment) was given the choice of the 2 co-leads; she chose Alex, b/c she didn’t understand why Catharine kills. One of the men in the poker game is David Mamet (in his 1st film); he’s best known as a director. Dennis Hopper has a small role (5 mins.) in the 1st act. We also see theater/movie veterans (Lois Smith and James Hong) in supporting roles.

Black Widow gives us a look into the (pre-internet) world of investigations; there was no facial recognition tech yet. Alex uses a slide projector to examine newspaper photos. Catharine borrows a VCR player (which is quite large) from the fancy Seattle hotel where she’s staying to watch a videotape. (I don’t think my family had a VCR then; we’d immigrated to the US in the Fall of 1986.) There is a LOT that is unsaid; there is “erotic tension” (as one astute reviewer said) btwn. the two women. Does Alex envy Catharine (who can get any man she wants)? Are the women attracted to each other? Early in the story, Alex shut down advances (gently) from her “right hand” (D.W. Moffett); there is also concern from her boss (Terry O’Quinn) who tells her (explicitly) to get a man. As Roger Ebert (who didn’t recommend it) said: “The acting is good. I expected more from this movie.” Gene Siskel liked it a LOT; he said: “Alex realized that Catharine could do something that she couldn’t- love!”

“Raw Deal” (1948) starring Dennis O’Keefe, Claire Trevor, & Marsha Hunt

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Bullets! Women! –Can’t Hold a Man like This! -Tagline

This is one of only a few noir films narrated by a woman – Claire Trevor (the “Grand Dame” of film noir). -Eddie Muller (TCM) in intro to movie

After a year behind bars, Joe Sullivan (Dennis O’Keefe), is anxious to get out and “breathe” again. He took the rap for a San Fran gangster, Rick Coyle (Raymond Burr), who owes him $50,000 (which would equal about $615,000 today). Rick sets up a jail break for Joe, thinking he’ll be caught escaping, locked away for many yrs, or killed. However, w/ the help of his street-wise/loyal gf, Pat (Claire Trevor), and a young/ idealistic social worker, Ann (Marsha Hunt), Joe gets a LOT further than he was supposed to. Is Joe a cold-hearted criminal, or is there still goodness under that tough exterior? Will Joe stay w/ Pat or fall for Ann?

Joe: [being visited in prison by Ann] Next time you come up, don’t wear that perfume.

Ann: Why not?

Joe: It doesn’t help a guy’s good behavior.

This (cult classic) film noir was directed by (NOT yet famous) Anthony Mann; he is more known for Westerns. The screenplay was written by John C. Higgins; there is memorable dialogue packed into 80 mins. The cinematographer is John Alton (one of the best); he can do a LOT w/ a little (low budget). O’Keefe (a leading man in B-movies) does a good job; he’s tall, traditionally masculine in looks, yet the acting is subtle. We sense that there are strong emotions coiled inside Joe. Rick (a V nasty villain) throws a tureen on fire at a woman- yikes! Burr is shot from the waist up, so he looks like a menacing “heavy.” Rick’s dressing gown is a silk and he smokes w/ a solid gold Cartier cigarette holder. It is the two women who shine in this film; they’re more complicated than we expect! Trevor (who usually had many glam outfits) mostly wears one suit and hat here. Trevor and Hunt play off each other V well. As one thoughtful viewer said: “They act like a devil and an angel on Joe’s shoulders.”

Joe: You’re wonderful, baby. I don’t know what I’d do without you.

Pat: Remember to tell me later, with gestures.

Some viewers commented on the “dream-like” tone; others were reminded of tropes common in “fairytales.” Pat has a sorrowful tone to her narration; underneath, a theremin plays (which has an unusual sound). Alton makes it look like “stars” are shining in her eyes when Pat visits Joe; she’s in love and goes along w/ his plans. Looking for another ally, Joe sneaks into Ann’s apt through her bedroom window. We know he is (potentially) dangerous, though he awakens her w/ a gentle kiss (as we’d expect from a fairytale prince). Joe and Ann share a pivotal/romantic scene in the woods (which could symbolize a place of knowledge and fear). This is a must-see for noir-istas; you can rent it on Amazon.

[1] Some of the characters may be losers but the movie is a true winner.

[2] …manages to seem authentic all the way through because it doesn’t hold back on the violence or the threat of violence.

[3] Mann & Alton move the tight screenplay thru a shadowy world of half-lit images and high contrast brutality. Jittery cameras are supplemented by unbalanced angles…

-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.)