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Susan_McAdams
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Reviews
Cheer (2020)
Portrait of Tenacity
There is something so special about sports documentaries-especially when they focus on young, scrappy athletes who have battled personal struggles to make a family out of their team. We have all seen the fluff behind the world of cheerleading, but this compelling documentary exposes the hard work and intense regimen behind this sport, while shifting our focus to the the individuals who make up the team and what makes each one special. By the end, I felt like I knew these remarkable, resilient young men and women. I feel grateful to have been let into their lives for a few fleeting hours. And Coach Monica is the heart and soul of this drama. As a former college athlete, I know what a gift it is to have a coach like her.
I binged straight through this limited series. Held my breath. Cried. Cheered the athletes on. What a lovely portrait of tenacity.
Unbelievable (2019)
Could have been done in 2 hours.
I'm sorry, but I just don't get all the "10" ratings. I love a good detective piece, and kudos to Collette, Wever, and Dever for their fine acting skills, and I appreciate the writers' efforts to raise issues about social injustice as it applies to rape cases. BUT, this limited series drags and drags and drags.
There were so many pointless scenes that were clearly meant to enhance the character development, but no one evolves in any way. There's nothing all that interesting about how the case progresses-just a series of clues (with many dead ends) that move along at a snail's pace. In fact, I laughed out loud way into Episode 6 where Collette and Wever discuss how insanely boring police work can be. They certainly got that right!
I really wanted to like this drama, but maybe I would have if it had been made into a 2-hour film and cut out all the filler scenes. Ugh.
Once Upon a Time in... Hollywood (2019)
Fantastic Character Sketch
I was thoroughly entertained by every scene of this lengthy film! Tarantino's genius lies in his skill at building the complexities of his characters within the context of a fantastical, pulpy plot. And, DiCaprio and Pitt use their exceptional acting skills to bring those characters to life. It's a joy to watch them on screen sinking themselves into Tarantino's indulgent screenplay.
Case in point--I noticed many of the little ticks and personal details that the actors put into their roles, such as the stammer DiCaprio assigns to Rick or the relationship Cliff has with his dog. You feel like you know these characters so well by the end of the story, and you root for them. Honestly, this is some of the best work DiCaprio and Pitt have done in years.
I just love how Tarantino makes no excuses for shaping his own version of history in his films--as he did in Inglorious Basterds. He gives us an ending that we all long for to be truth. I mean, if we had the chance to change the course of events, wouldn't we want to see Manson's minions taken down in extravagant fashion? So satisfying in the director's outrageous style.
Murder Mystery (2019)
Mind-blowingly Bad
Perhaps Sandler and Anniston were attempting to create a parody of classic whodunnits, but they failed to deliver even a single clever line in this film. The plot was so banal that I found myself drifting into an analysis of what work Anniston had done to her face. And, the interior shots of the yacht were so tacky, I wondered if they filmed it in some desert casino.
Honestly, I would have had more fun digging up my kids' game of Clue and paying it solo. Embarrassing to see two seasoned comic actors stoop this low. I will give it 2 stars instead of 1 because I did chuckle a couple times in the early scenes. But after that-yawn.
At the Drive-In (2017)
A Slice of Nostalgia
This film made me so happy! And congratulations to Virgil and his whole eccentric crew for following their mutual passion by keeping this dying art form alive and running. For those of us who grew up going to the drive-in on balmy, summer nights-meeting up with our gang of friends, loading plastic lawn chairs into the back of an old hatchback, hiding someone under our legs in the back seat under a pile of blankets, reciting movie dialogue while perched on the roof of our cars, riding on rusty swing sets during intermission-we we feel the love. It was a simpler time.
I live in Southern California and a few drive-ins still remain. But, most have switched to digital, and yes, you can feel the difference. I hope to one day make it out to Mahoning Drive-In to catch a vintage double feature and soak in the nostalgia. Keep it up, guys!
Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)
How I Miss You, Freddie! 😢
I remember sifting through my older sister's LP's and coming across that beautiful, curious cover of A Night at the Opera. The moment I placed the needle on Side A, my seven year old mind was blown away. That voice! Oh, that voice.
I have waited forever for this biopic, and the moment Rami Malek opened his mouth and Freddie's glorious voice filled my ears, I was that seven year old girl again, hugging my knees in front of my crappy, plastic record player, feeling the joy of the band's music.
Perhaps the screenplay takes some liberties and the dialogue is basic, but I challenge anyone to leave the theater at the end not feeling warm and happy (and a bit heartbroken) inside. I never got to see Queen perform live-except in front of my TV, riveted by Live Aid, but this film brought me back and put me right there in the crowd. What a treat! Freddie, you were so loved and always will be. 😢