Rotten Tomatoes, are you kidding me? The collection of critics who averaged higher than a 75% should have their opine licenses revoked. Hail, Caesar was an utter bore. The trailer may look cute, but the film as a whole has no solid story nor characterization. Remember the halcyon Coen Brohters Days? In Big Lebowski, all… Continue reading Not an Earthquake, Just Julius Rollin’ Over: Hail, Caesar
First World Silly, Third World Smart
I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that sadly many Americans have a superior attitude about us vs third world countries. But let me tell you, my weekend movie experiences would shatter this myth for anyone with an ounce of intelligence. First, I saw the super tardy Rochester premiere of 2009’s Iranian film “About… Continue reading First World Silly, Third World Smart
Anomalisa: Marc Maron Podcast Recommended as a Preview
Definitely go see “Anomalisa”, but first, listen to Marc Maron’s WTF podcast with directors Charlie Kaufman and Duke Johnson. Then, you’ll have more appreciation of the stop animation craft. Every minute of the film took one week to shoot which breaks the record for difficult actresses (AND actors, step down ladies). http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=anoalisa&view=detailv2&qft=+filterui%3alicense-L2_L3_L4_L5_L6_L7&id=218F3A4F6CC0D700E9EB67A53410B2A52EBADACE&selectedIndex=7&ccid=HL6vKiwW&simid=608039732148833508&thid=OIP.M1cbeaf2a2c16003e839f507a836ec7bfo0&ajaxhist=0 Was it “A… Continue reading Anomalisa: Marc Maron Podcast Recommended as a Preview
Just Hand it Over
Revenant is precisely why I love films; leaving the theater, I felt both emboldened by the tenacity of Leonardo Di Caprio’s character ‘Hugh’ and yet also humbled by the sheer endurance of all of my ancestors who battled weather, topography, illness, nature all without a smartphones or gas powered vehicles. And while the New Yorker… Continue reading Just Hand it Over
Youth surpasses Joy (Not an adage for real life!)
I snuck in two more films before the ball dropped and only one is squeezing into my top ten. While “Joy” had all the ingredients of a master class film-O’Russell and his wrecking crew of actors and actresses, a few clunky scenes took the charge out of the true story of a poor housewife makes… Continue reading Youth surpasses Joy (Not an adage for real life!)
The Big Short Lands a Top Ten Spot
Steve Carell The Big Short is worth seeing foremost due to Steve Carell’s evolution as a serious actor which is an absolute thrill to observe. Christian Bale’s chameleon expertise commands the entire screen with Popeye arms and a penchant for hard rock. Ryan Gosling’s solid as a smarmy dude, his only misstep ever being the… Continue reading The Big Short Lands a Top Ten Spot
I’m Sorry Todd
I’m sorry Todd, your film Carol is not making my top 10 list. I don’t know. I guess I should’ve known, I thought Far From Heaven was painstakingly slow, didn’t even it make it all the way through I’m Not There. There is some good news: I did like sections of “Carol”. But first, the… Continue reading I’m Sorry Todd
Sicario: Del Toro “I Woke Up Like This”
What must it be like to wake up as Benicio Del Toro, put on a nice suit or SWAT gear and be ready on set. He’s not so much an actor as someone who is gifted to have ‘the look’, the dark, brooding, borderline sinister resting face. Or Josh Brolin? Who only needs to add… Continue reading Sicario: Del Toro “I Woke Up Like This”
my top ten of 2015
Top Ten Films 2015 1. Love&Mercy 2. Tangerine 3. Steve Jobs 4. Straight Outta Compton 5. Dope 6. Youth 7. The Big Short 8. Brooklyn 9. Welcome to Me 10. Grandma
A Rare Hamletesque Command: Get Thee to a ‘Tangerine’ry
Tangerine Ok, forgive the bad analogy, but since my commandments are rare outside of my workplace (evidence based essays), I had to make that announcement. Forget the nunnery baby, the world is wide wide open with Tangerine on the screen. With Tangerine, think “Clerks” run by the Santa Monica transgendered. Think “Dope” with an equally… Continue reading A Rare Hamletesque Command: Get Thee to a ‘Tangerine’ry