blairvcarpenter Reviews

Christmas with the Campbells (2022)

Was this movie made for me, specifically??

[8/10 · 13 November 2023]

If you are adjacent to the Hallmark Movie phenomenon but can't bring yourself to fully dive into the trash pile, this movie is for you.

The negative reviews of this movie are particularly hilarious, because they make it abundantly clear that the reviewer is not in on the joke. This movie hits every ridiculous stereotype head on while showing enough restraint to still be funny instead of heavy-handed.

Julia Duffy said some truly outrageous things, with impeccable comedic timing. Justin Long made me laugh out loud more than once. The whole main ensemble knows their role perfectly but plays it earnestly.

In my perfect movie, Brittany Snow would've had a chance to show off her comedic chops more, but she did an amazing job playing the pitch perfect straight man. Occasionally the overwhelming horniness of her character's ex was a bit much, but it was tolerable.

Overall, hilarious takedown of a well-trod genre.

Oppenheimer (I) (2023)

Powerful, intricate film

[9/10 · 23 July 2023]

The subject matter of this film is immense, intense, and powerful. With Christopher Nolan at the helm and Cillian Murphy anchoring the film, they more than met the emotion and gravitas needed to anchor the story. Every detail was accounted for: the practical effects, sets, and costumes grounded the film necessarily. The impact of the sound mixing, makeup, and score cannot be understated - this may be one of the great scores.

The story was INCREDIBLY complex. Drawn from Dr. Oppenheimer's biography directly, it's clear there were likely some heated production meetings determining which details were precious and relevant enough to keep. While every element contributed to the overall portrait of the man, it was occasionally to the detriment of the editing. The beginning portion of the film was edited so tightly and quickly it felt like a trailer, and therefore many early elements (such as Florence Pugh's portrayal of Jean Tatlock) were not allowed room to breathe.

The casting included giant after giant. Movie lovers will get a little thrill each time a new giant or up-and-comer appears in a supporting role. The only odd piece was Rami Malek - though his character ended up playing an important role, his distinctive looks and his particular charisma stuck out even amongst a heavy-hitting cast.

Emily Blunt in particular proved she's far more than a pretty face as the fierce, volatile Kitty Oppenheimer. Others, like David Krumholtz and Josh Peck, are signaling a new direction in their career that could yield promising results.

Overall it's a superb execution of a complicated portrait of a complicated man.

Dave (1993)

Ridiculous premise held together by strong performances

[8/10 · 10 July 2023]

It's frankly astounding how many incredible actors came together for this goofy, heartfelt, enjoyable movie. Kevin Kline and Sigourney Weaver have amazing, very adult chemistry. Though he's less believable as the frosty Bill Mitchell, Kline shines as the goofy, affable Dave.

The score is sweepingly corny in that quintessentially late 80s/early 90s way. The plot and characterizations of politics have absolutely no grounding in reality (from what I've gathered). But frankly that doesn't detract from the movie.

The film asks the silly question, "what if the President were secretly replaced by a guy named Dave?" and fires back a silly, sweet answer.

Side note: Sigourney Weaver looks absolutely killer in the power suits and tasteful evening gowns she's costumed in. Major 90s boss babe envy.

Clockwatchers (1997)

Delightful yet nihilistic

[8/10 · 20 June 2023]

This movie is visually stunning, right off the bat. It really captures the forced cheer of a banal corporate setting beautifully.

Toni Collette really shines (as she always does) and Parker Posey makes some outrageous moments feel pretty grounded in real people (as she always does). Neither Lisa Kudrow nor Alanna Ubach are used to their full potential here - but I think it's a casting issue. Ubach's full force of personality isn't exploited enough, and Kudrow's a bit too quirky for her character (though her successful moments are as strong as Posey's best).

Peripheral characters do a lovely job of exploring the myriad power struggles that happen between the powerless. The overall point - the way we are all pitted against one another in service of the upper classes - was well made.

A Gen X cult classic worthy of Gen Z aesthetic obsession.

A Merry Friggin' Christmas (2014)

The Cast Can't Save This One

[2/10 · 5 November 2022]

This cast is STACKED - Joel McHale, Lauren Graham, Candice Bergen, Jeffrey Tambor - and Robin Williams!

But despite the comedy goldmine of talent, no amount of Robin Williams could save the pathetic script. Even whip-fast Lauren Graham stumbled over the inelegant writing. The comedy was weakly established. The relationships were caricatures, leaving no room for the type of tension a good version of this movie would have for the way you can greatly dislike your parents - and still desperately want their approval.

Part of that is because of the combination of the cast together. No amount of Candice Bergen will make me believe that Robin Williams is Joel McHale's father. Magic chemistry of a truly great ensemble cast doesn't necessarily come from throwing big names together - the actors have to work well together. They all tried their best, but some crucial piece of magic was missing.

I only made it 2 minutes into this movie so I can't speak to anything more than that. Don't waste even 2 minutes of your life.

Hello, My Name Is Doris (2015)

Great cast, great acting, great editing, great soundtrack

[9/10 · 15 March 2021]

This film reminds you why Sally Fields numbers among the living legends. From her hilariously dour expressions to her masterful muttering, she fully embodies the quirky recluse that is Doris Miller. She holds tension perfectly in every scene without being melodramatic or a caricature.

Tyne Daly as her best friend, Roz, is incredible from the beginning. The film casts heavy hitters like Natasha Lyonne and Kumail Nanjiani in bit parts.

Greenfield does a good job with the limited material for him. Clearly written for a handsome, vapid man, Greenfield adds real depth and charm to the character.

Special attention should go to Doris's wardrobe. Vintage, bright, quirky, and just right, it perfectly cements her in a world of her own, having developed on her own path in life, both stuck in the past and something entirely its own.

Occasionally Doris's behavior verges on the uncomfortably creepy. If genders were reversed, this would be a far different movie, though the younger of the pair is at least in their mid-30s (past the age of gross fetishization).

While this movie could be a solo vehicle for Fields with little depth outside of that (truthfully, it occasionally is), the stunning ensemble, beautiful art direction, and on point soundtrack make for a lovely movie.