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The White Crow (2018)
Excellent
After having this film recommended to me by several acquaintances, I finally checked it out from our library. It is a beautifully produced story of the early life of possibly the most famous and enigmatic dancer of the century. Before seeing this film, I knew nothing of Nureyev's childhood and youth, and (as it turned out) not as much about his early career as I thought.
When I first heard of this film I assumed it would present to the audience his dancing post-defection, particularly his partnership with Margot Fonteyn; it doesn't. It does portray the challenge of defecting during a hard-core Soviet era, especially challenging when The State considers the individual to be both a public-relations cornerstone and property of the government.
The extra features on the disc show the huge effort Ralph Fiennes put into casting his star, only choosing Oleg Ivenko after observing every
capable dancer in the USSR who was the appropriate age. He is a marvelous dancer, besides bearing a significant resemblance to Nureyev.
I recommend this film.
Made in Dagenham (2010)
I like this film SO much!
This is a superb portrayal of actual events, performed by a truly excellent cast. I know that women who work still have challenges to surmount, but younger viewers may find it hard to believe the breadth and depth of the bias inherent in women's working lives as recently as 1968.
The strike shown here started as a simple protest against the classification of skilled workers as unskilled, a ridiculous situation. As the women presented their case against that idiotic idea, the long-standing (eternal, more like) standard whereby women were automatically paid less than men came into focus. When I first learned about that, it was concerning defense plant workers during WWII, where women were paid less than 70% as much as their male counterparts. I have seen film and read statements in which men who'd supervised them admitted that the women were just as competent as men, and -- in jobs requiring fine dexterity -- often far superior to most men.
FYI: I did not grow up in a "Workers of the World, Unite!" household. To borrow a very old joke, I was 11 years old before I knew that damnunion wasn't a single word. I admire the women shown in this film more than I can express. I would carry a sign for them.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
Sweet film
I've become quite fond of this movie. It is a very real presentation of the relationship challenges of youth, without getting sappy or "coming-of-age afterschool special" about it. The cast is marvelous, with a cohesion and chemistry which is delightful. The extra features commentaries bear out my own perception, that this group of young actors coalesced quickly into a family unit, with great fondness for one another. The only one with whom I had been familiar was Emma Watson (whom I adore), but Logan Lerman and Ezra Miller are also excellent in their roles. The "Best Summer Ever" featurette reinforces my impression that they all had a great time making this film, a characteristic which always shows on screen.
No Hard Feelings (2023)
Botticelli related
I can hardly remember anything about this film other than Venus Rising From the Sea. I remember that there was a story, one which showed J. L.'s character exercising considerable empathy for the subject of her job project, but--when I try to remember any scene--all I can see in my mind is the magnificence of the naked Jennifer Lawrence striding across the beach in order to kick ass.
I don't think I have 190 more characters-worth to say. I have long enjoyed Lawrence's self-effacing sense of humor. She is a wonderful actress who does not take herself seriously, a welcome presence in an industry in which many people take themselves FAR too seriously.
La La Land (2016)
Enjoyable
I don't have the OMG! Reaction to this film which it seems that many did, but I do enjoy it. I appreciate the aspirations and dedication of the central characters, even though I have none of them.
I, unlike most people I meet, am a second-generation native Californian, and have never thought of my lovely state as the escalator to fame and fortune; it's just a place where people live. I know with certainty that most residents just want a job which will let them support their families, and a chance to have some fun on the weekend. They have no show biz ambitions.
We can be thankful that Stone and Gosling DID have those ambitions, as they are truly excellent entertainers. I'm not as familiar with him as her, but I think they're very well matched in this film. I love good actors who also can dance.
The Artist (2011)
I was surprised
When I first heard about a silent movie about silent movies, I had no interest in seeing it. I happened to read the comments on the DVD box at my local library, and decided to give it a chance. I don't know how to sum it up; it may not be possible.
I had never heard of either of the stars before this viewing, but am now a fan of each. Jean Dujardin's modern interpretation of broad silent movie acting I thought marvelous, and Bérénice Bejo's Peppy is undeniably charming, and peppy.
I love tap dancing, and the tap number at the end -- the first scene with significant audible dialogue -- is great fun.
I think of this as akin to A Star is Born, but with a happy ending.
Frances Ha (2012)
Mmmm...OK
This film is interesting, and well-made, but I fear that I'm about half a century too old to become really engaged with the story. Frances is sweet, undirected, clueless about any form of relationship, almost invariably makes poor decisions, and lies constantly, even (or especially) when the truth would have worked to her advantage. I did not see anything which would have motivated the glowing reviews written elsewhere.
I enjoyed the unforeseen presence of the wonderfully talented Charlotte D'Amboise (I saw her in Chicago--the show, not the city), and Grace Gummer is always welcome, as she and her sister each inherited a nice serving of talent from their mother, Meryl Streep.
I was pleasantly surprised that the DVD from my library included a very informative booklet, with a detailed presentation of the story.
Please don't let my perceptions influence yours; I may be wrong (chuckle).
Authors Anonymous (2014)
It grew on me.
I actually like this about 6 1/2 stars worth, but I rounded up.
Starting a bit slowly, with a conversation between two of the least-likable characters in the film, it took me a few minutes to see where the story was going. Fans of Christopher Guest's mockumentaries will feel very much at home watching Authors Anonymous, as many moments feel very like Best In Show.
Kaley Cuoco, whose character is the least educated member of a writing group, has the greatest and most-rapid success of the group, and the inter-group dynamics and jealousies which ensue are the core of the film. The cast is perfect, and--as I learned from the bonus features--were allowed to improvise at will. One of the producers indicated that about 15% of the movie we see was not in the script, which made for very funny work.
I dabble at writing myself, so maybe that's why I rate this more highly than most reviewers, as I can see myself in many moments of the film. Anyone who appreciates, or at least is curious about, independent films should watch this.
Blue Thunder (1983)
Even better than I remembered.
Disclaimer: I was a helicopter crewman in the Navy, so I'm biased in favor of films featuring helo action.
I had not seen this since I saw it in a theater in 1983, so I didn't recall a lot of details of the film. I think it's fine entertainment for almost anyone. It has an engaging story and characters, touches of humor and romance, and the finest aerial action since Star Wars. I was going to say "Since Top Gun," until I remembered that Blue Thunder was released three years before Top Gun.
Malcolm McDowell is, as in many of his roles, exquisitely vicious and threatening. I was interested to learn from the extra features on the disc that Mr. Mcdowell hates flying, and is terrified by it. It's a monument to his acting that he did such a good job in this role. According to one of the producers, making this film actually helped McDowell lessen his fear of flight.
I've never thought of myself specifically as a fan of Roy Scheider, but I realized a couple of years ago that he's in three of my favorite films: Blue Thunder (obviously); Marathon Man; and All That Jazz. I was saddened by his demise, at an age younger than I am now (gasp!).
This was the first film in which I'd seen Daniel Stern as an adult, and it was refreshing to see him as someone other than the hapless doofus in Breaking Away. I enjoy much of his grownup work.
Good film; see it!
A Life Less Ordinary (1997)
Fun
Somehow I'd missed viewing this film in the 27 years since its release, but I corrected that lack today. I found it to be a weirdly charming romantic action suspense fantasy drama comedy, and quite enjoyed it. The stars, obviously early in their careers, were very good, and the unexpected old pros added excellent flavors to the background. Cameron Diaz gave a performance which required a lot of versatility, and looked even more adorable than she did in The Mask, with her short hair actually enhancing her undeniable beauty. The not-quite-ept guardian angels, award-winners Holly Hunter and Delroy Lindo, took their supporting roles and ran with them. I recommend this film to the viewer who can appreciate stories which are not middle-of-the road Hollywood.
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
Better than almost any sequel
I can't believe that I haven't already reviewed this film, but it seems I haven't.
I just watched it for the 5th or 6th time (I ordered the DVD the day I saw it in a theater), and it's still excellent. I'm sure that other reviews have lain forth the story, so I won't bother with plot.
Among the many things I enjoy about TG:M are the number of chuckles, and actual laughs, which are mixed in with the action and emotion. Some directors neglect to lighten the load from time to time, but Joseph Kosinski hasn't done that. I love trivia tidbits, such as my realizing that Jennifer Connelly as Penny Benjamin is a character for whom Maverick got in trouble in the original Top Gun. When I was involved in NavAir there were no female pilots, and it's refreshing to see them in this story, and portrayed as extremely capable. I love the nod to Val Kilmer, who has had poor health in recent years, and who I feared would not have been able to appear in the new movie.
This is film entertainment as its best . The only thing missing from the DVD is Extra Features. I look forward to a future re-release which would contain outtakes. I'm aware that several of the cast members are renowned goofballs, and there must have been many hilarious bloopers and pranks during filming.
To the reviewers who decry the film's technological or tactical errors, I say: It's not a documentary; it's entertainment! Relax!
Pirate Radio (2009)
Great fun
I think I may have seen this film when it was new, but it's been so long since than that I did not remember it. It is wonderfully entertaining, and even meaningful. The cast is perfect, and Richard Curtis was up to his usual standard in putting together a story which can be enjoyed by a wide audience.
The deleted scenes on the disc are definitely worth watching. My favorite, "The Meaning of Life," Curtis pointed out particularly as containing the message of the film. If you don't watch all of the deleted scenes, at least watch that one.
The cast, both old familiar pros and unrecognized newcomers (new to me, anyway), take the script and run with it. The late, lamented, Philip Seymour Hoffman, is his usual ball of energy, and Rhys Ifans and Bill Nighy provide excellent comedic balance. There is no character which just takes up space; they all contribute.
Maiden (2018)
Beyond excellent
This is an excellent film about a beyond-comprehension difficult achievement. Tracy Edwards and her crew not only entered the Whitbread, but completed it, and won two legs of the race while doing so.
Besides the usual sexist crap from other potential participants, the press (particularly the famously abrasive English papers) came up with every derogatory comment or nickname possible. Many people focused on the folk wisdom that a group of women could not cooperate together for long without becoming nasty to each other, and this film shows that to be so much dusty old horse manure. I was especially amused and moved by the comments from the mother of Tracy Edwards, who previously had the long-established opinion that her daughter never followed through with anything. Tracy did an incredible job at an extremely daunting task.
This film reminds me of The World's Fastest Indian, also a story of someone doing the supposedly impossible. It is about human spirit, and is not gender or activity specific. One needn't be a male motorcyclist or a female sailor to appreciate either film.
Wheeler Dealers: Jaguar S-Type R (2022)
Error
A major error was shown when Elvis used a flat feeler gauge to gap the spark plugs. One should never use anything but a wire gauge for spark plugs, as a slight rotation of the gauge will not change the reading. The slightest tilt or twist of a flat gauge will give an incorrect gap.
I need more characters for my review, so why do the English pronounce the "u" in Jaguar? The original Spanish word is much closer to the American pronunciation than the Brit's 3-syllable version.
Still too short? OK, Mike, please return to the U. S. I enjoyed seeing you and Ant tooling around areas with which I am very familiar.
Scooby-Doo! Curse of the Lake Monster (2010)
I enjoyed it
First, some background: I have no childhood memories of Scooby-Doo, because he did not exist until I was 22 years old. Due to the vagaries of life, I was not aware of Scooby and friends until I was about 35, but I'm glad I've gotten to know them, as they're so inculcated into modern culture. Without having seen them, I would not have known what Deadpool's girlfriend meant when she said "Ruh-Ro!"
I've now seen both animated and live-action Scooby tales, and I think this is one of my favorites, and definitely better than the 2018 films. I also prefer it to the 2002 story, with Freddie Prinze Jr. I shall continue to enjoy Scooby in my dotage.
The Jane Austen Book Club (2007)
Good
I've always been a big reader, but I admit to having read only one Jane Austen book, Pride and Prejudice. My strongest impression is that dear Jane never used a hundred words when a thousand would do the job. It's fortunate that it's not necessary for the viewer to be a fan of her work in order to enjoy this film.
This starts out appearing to be solidly in the Chick Flick realm, but turns out to be a People Flick. Both male and female characters evolve before our eyes, and several have made major changes in their lives and attitudes by the end. I admit that I love many films which are thought to be aimed toward a female audience, and I almost always prefer the company of women to that of men. I would enjoy being in this reading group.
The character of Emily Blunt's husband is a caricature, as he represents the worst stereotype of modern males. I was pleased to see that his consciousness gets raised by the end.
For me the climactic scene is not the very end, but a scene on the beach shortly before the end. All's well that ends well, as another English writer said.
NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service (2003)
Newly discovered
I was just introduced to this series about 3 months ago, so I don't have a long-term perspective.
Something which entertains me, probably more than it does most viewers, is the number of errors I find in Navy procedures and nomenclature. I was a Navy helicopter crewman.
In one of the earliest episodes Gibbs gets a call from a friend who needs help abord the Enterprise. The next shot, presumably the ship to which Gibbs and crew have flown, is the USS John C. Stennis, a ship in which a friend of mine served. Later in that episode someone flies off the ship in a helicopter which is clearly marked HS-4 (Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Four). I was in HS-4 in 1969, and that squadron has never been home ported anywhere but Imperial Beach or Coronado, both in San Diego county. It's not impossible that they would be deployed to the Atlantic, but it's unlikely, as east coast squadrons would get that assignment.
The early episodes also contain an excess of sailors and Marines addressing civilians as "Sir." Marines are so disciplined in the "Sir" habit that their use of it doesn't bother me too much, but even they would not automatically use that form of address to a civilian.
I just learned that Pauley Perrette left the series after 15 years, so I probably will not watch later episodes. Her Abby is the source of most of the joy in this show.
Wild Mountain Thyme (2020)
New favorite
I've loved the song from which this film got its title for a very long time, so I was biased in its favor before viewing. Now that I've seen it, I know that I also like the film. There are a few scenes during which I wished that the pacing had been slightly more rapid, but I endured and forgave. I've just realized recently in how many films I've seen Emily Blunt, and have become a fan. Christopher Walken is, of course, his reliable professional self, and Dearbhla Molloy can do no wrong in my opinion. I was unfamiliar with Jamie Dornan, but he gave an excellent performance.
Knives Out (2019)
Decent entertainment
This is not Agatha Christie, it's not Alfred Hitchcock, but it is perfectly good entertainment. Ignore the opinions of the other reviewers here, shut off the analytical area of your mind, and just enjoy it.
Jungle Cruise (2021)
disappointing
I enjoy the work of Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson, so I hoped for better from this film. Containing: an ancient curse; a person who's immortal until the curse is lifted; a cure for the curse which is nearly impossible to acquire; masses of computer-generated hubbub; this is simply Pirates of the Caribbean on a river.
Paris pieds nus (2016)
Tati for the new millenium
I'd never heard of Fiona Gordon or Dominique Abel before I plucked this disc off the shelf at my local library, and I've been missing out! They are so talented, performing with ease many difficult and amusing moves while eliciting sympathy for the characters, in the manner of Charlie Chaplin. Their dance together gave me the distinct impression that Ms. Gordon has had significant training, as only a trained dancer can make such silly moves look so graceful. I was also unfamiliar with Emmanuelle Riva, who is marvelous. Not everyone will love this film, but if you love Mr. Hulot, you will love this movie.
Destination Wedding (2018)
Thoroughly enjoyable
I like this film, a lot! I plucked it off the shelf at the library because I enjoy the work of the stars, and because the notes on the box said "witty." It is genuinely witty. It's a bit talky, but in a way I like: the protagonists have actual vocabularies, and express themselves in complete sentences. What a pleasant surprise! An exchange I enjoyed particularly, concerning the bride:
WR "She does not have the sense God gave a toaster."
KR "She's a moron, and her breasts were built on a medical bench."
My enjoyment was enhanced by the setting of the movie, as the wedding venue and the hotel in which the main characters stayed are about 25 miles from my home, so I recognized most of the exteriors. This is a worthy successor to mid-20th-century screwball comedies, with a sort of West-coast Woody Allen flavor.
Post Script: I'd love to know whether there was an actual script for this film, or whether the director just handed each actor an outline of suggestions every morning. I can't help but believe that about 75% of the dialogue was extemporized.
Half Magic (2018)
Love it
I'm a male person, a couple of decades older than Heather Graham, and I enjoyed this film thoroughly. The magic-candle bits seemed to me more appropriate to early adolescents than grown women, but still entertaining. I found Angela Kinsey's character particularly engaging, (and enjoyed the unobstructed view of her full-figure profile). In the future I may not remember this film by its actual title, but rather as "Lick It!, The Movie."
The Curse of Von Dutch (2021)
Haven't watched it, but...
I have wondered often how many people associated with this company have ever heard the name Kenny Howard, the real Von Dutch. He was a pioneer pinstriper, vehicle customizer, knife maker, and gunsmith, an all-around craftsman. From what I've seen, no one associated with this brand is worthy of carrying Kenny's tool box.
King Arthur (2004)
Unique take on the legend
I'm pleased that this is not the swords-and-sorcerers crap which it could have been. Somehow I missed the film during its theatrical release, had never even heard of it until it started showing up on television. TV broadcasts had an inordinate number of commercial interruptions, so I got it from my local library.
I've heard various versions of Arthurian legend over the years, and I find this one to be quite plausible. According to the DVD extra features, new archeological evidence supports the possibility of the story originating over 1,000 years before the clean and shiny 15th-century version we've been fed by Hollywood. Men who'd lived as warriors would not be clad in clean, colorful costumes. There's also a mention by Keira Knightley that--like many early societies--pre-celtic Britons and Picts were matriarchal, lending credence to the idea that some warriors were female. History has established well that women have fought in many wars, usually disguised as men, but this film shows them clearly as female. I love the scene where Guinivere is fighting a very large man, who has thrown her to the ground, and three other women coming racing to her aid. Just like modern women, they band together in times of duress. (Side note: The shots of Ms. Knightley in her leather-and-woad battle dress give me heart palpitations). Viewing on disc really enhanced my enjoyment, as being able to pause and see in slow motion made many of the action sequences more comprehensible.
I don't know whether there is any historic evidence that battle-hardened knights helped indigenous people escape marauding Saxons, but it made for a lively story. I enjoyed the film, and will probably watch it again...eventually.
29 May, 2023 I watched this for the second time last night, and enjoyed it thoroughly again. It carried me along so well that it did not feel as though it was over two hours long.