A STAR IS BORN (2018)

Released:  2018

Director:     Bradley Cooper

Writers:      Eric Roth, Bradley Cooper, Will Fetters

Actors:       Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper, Sam Elliott

Honestly, when this first came out, I had no interest in watching yet another remake of this movie.  Then I heard rumors that it would be up for Academy nominations.  So.  Okay, what the hell!

I watched it and…WOW!  I’m not a fan of Lady Gaga.  Or, that is, I wasn’t a fan of Lady Gaga.  Her extreme costumes, hair and makeup were a little too much for me.  They were like a cocoon covering her true self. 

Then I watched this movie, and… WOW!  Out of her cocoon, she is a true beauty.  It’s the type of beauty which emerges with HONEST revelation.  She is vulnerable, courageous and true;  her rendition of La Vie En Rose played my heart strings and touched my soul with easy mastery.

As for Bradley Cooper, this movie affirms he’s not just a pretty actor.  Knowing that he also co-wrote and directed this movie forced me to view him as a master artist.

So, all right… I guess you can say I loved this movie remake.  I also loved the other versions, but life replays its classic patterns again and again, and each replay has its own validity. 

This version has a new canvas, new colors, new models and a style different from previous artists, and it works.  It wasn’t perfect.  It had a few scenes which slowed the pace by trying to establish the mechanics (which had already been established) of the relationship between the two stars.  And if Sam Elliott doesn’t get a nomination for Best Supporting Actor, I will be sorely disappointed.  His acting is raw, real and a testament of unfettered emotional power.

This version is a work of art.  I think it will receive nominations for Best Actress, Actor and Picture.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1517451/?ref_=nv_sr_1

TAGS:  A Star is Born, Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga, Sam Elliott, Eric Roth, Will Fetters

BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY (2018) - Rami Malek, Lucy Boynton

Released:  2018

Director:     Bryan Singer

Writers:      Anthony McCarten; Peter Morgan

Actors:       Rami Malek, Lucy Boynton, Gwilym Lee

I am predicting this will get Oscar-nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor for Rami Malek, and possibly Best Director, as well as a few other categories.  What a powerful movie! 

Rami Malek is entirely believable as Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of the band, Queen, and the writer of their hit, ”Bohemian Rhapsody.”  While this is based on the rise and descent of the band, it focuses on the human relationships among the band members, and how the personality differences ultimately made the band a stronger and richer synergy.

The love story of Freddie’s unwavering devotion to Mary Austin, his greatest supporter, is truly beautiful.  Their love for each other is pure, based on a mutual understanding and acceptance of each other’s flaws and weaknesses.  Not once does judgement surface between them.   I applaud the writers for choosing to tell this story anchored by this love between Freddie and Mary.

Director Bryan Singer, known for his directing of superhero franchises (X-Men, Superman Returns), handles this movie as if Queen were comprised of superheroes, and it works.  At the end, I truly believed that given his generous spirit, intuitive genius, and passion for his work, Freddie Mercury was indeed a superhero.  During the Live Aid presentation, when Freddie already knows he has contracted Aids, he gives 200% of himself to the crowd, and they love it.  So did I.

In summary, all elements of this movie are superior.  Yes, I teared up a few times, but it wasn’t so much grief, but appreciation for the powerful story and characters of this movie.  A strong recommend.

TAGS:  Queen, Bohemian Rhapsody, Freddie Mercury, Rami Malek, Lucy Boynton, Gwilym Lee, Bryan Singer

CRAZY RICH ASIANS (2018) - Henry Golding, Constance Wu, Michelle Yeoh

Released:  2018

Director:     Jon M. Chu

Writers:      Peter Chiarelli, Adele Lim (based on novel by Kevin Kwan)

Actors:       Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Michelle Yeoh

What a fun movie!  It has the flavor of Bollywood, but set in Singapore, with Asian themes and actors.  The set designs are wonderful, with a knockout wedding scene which is extravagant and a wonderful testament to just how crazy and rich these Asians are in this movie.

The actors are likable and competent, with kudos to Awkwafina as Peik Ling Goh, who brings a wacky persona to any scene she’s in.  I also loved Michelle Yeoh, who brings elegance and integrity to her “bad-woman” character.

Basically, this is a Cinderella storyline, where a young woman falls in love with her Prince Charming, who, unbeknownst to her, essentially belongs to one of the richest families in Singapore.  Of course, included in this movie is the evil mother persona (Michelle Yeoh), as well as the Fairy Godmother (the grandmother, Ah Ma), who saves the heroine from ultimate rejection.

The party scenes are well orchestrated, peopled by a variety of characters who add to the fun and laughter.  I was moved by the beautiful rendition of “Can’t Help Falling In Love”, performed by Kina Grannis.    The one scene which was very “Bollywood” was during the wedding reception when the characters dance it up with glee and joy.

In summary, this is a fun movie, with extravaganza scenarios which those of us (less crazy, not-necessarily-Asian, and certainly less rich) can vicariously enjoy.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3104988/?ref_=nv_sr_1

TAGS:  CRAZY RICH ASIANS, Jon M. Chu, Michelle Yeoh, Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Awkwafina

SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY (2018) - Alden Ehrenreich, Emilia Clarke

Released:  2018

Director:     Ron Howard

Writers:      Johnathan Kasdan, Lawrence Kasdan

Actors:       Alden Ehrenreich, Emilia Clark, Woody Harrelson, Paul Bettany

I love Ron Howard’s directing.  While featuring the fancy techno gadgetry which makes this a wonderful CGI movie, he manages to keep the storyline focused on the characters.  He brings us a movie peopled with characters experiencing romance, betrayed loyalties, and life-and-death adventures.

Alden Ehrenreich takes on the challenging task of portraying Harrison Ford’s character of Han Solo as a young man.  Yes, he conveys the charm, the derring-do courage, and the flamboyant impulses of a true hero… but, darn it, I miss Ford’s self-mocking bravado which makes him so likable.

Granted, it’s not fair to compare the two characterizations, so let’s allow young Ehrenreich a little leeway.  Let’s consider that maybe young Solo hasn’t experienced enough near-death adventures yet to warrant the self-mockery.

Emilia Clarke is persuasive as a young girl blindly adoring the young Solo; she is also quite credible as a mature woman whose personal experiences have taught her the harsh realities of survival. Woody Harrelson is snaky and deceitful in this movie, and Paul Bettany makes a villain we love to hate.  I’m so happy that Joonas Suotamo was given the chance to flesh out his Chewbacca character in this story.  We come to understand his blind loyalty to Solo, and it makes him more lovable than ever.

The Kasdan writers have done a great job keeping the storyline simple enough to follow without losing its Star Wars essence.  What a great idea to create a back story depicting the adventures which shape Han Solo into a fabulous hero.

This is a fun movie that will please enthusiasts of all ages.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3778644/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

TAGS:  Solo; Woody Harrelson, Alden Ehrenreich, Emilia Clarke, Joonas Suotamo, Paul Bettany

THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING MISSOURI (2017) - Frances McDormand, Sam Rockwell, Woody Harrelson

Released:  2017

Director:     Martin McDonagh

Writers:      Martin McDonagh

Actors:       Frances McDormand (Oscar Best Actress); Sam Rockwell (Oscar Best Supporting Actor), Woody Harrelson

I love the way audiences have evolved.  Through the years we’ve seen black actors struggle to prove their relevance in the motion picture industry, and today, they are respected, honored and embraced.  In years past, it was big movies like "Cleopatra" and "Ben Hur" which have captured the most Oscars and acclaim. 

It impresses me that now more and more people are embracing smaller pictures which celebrate the human condition.  This movie is directed with such unabashed honesty we are forced to face serious personal flaws in the characters.  McDonagh directed with such unflinching focus into the harsh realities of life, we can’t help but engage in the story

McDormand plays the role of Mildred, a woman who is mean and bitchy, and whose actions are downright unforgivable.  Yet, she faces us with such naked honesty we find ourselves still caring about her and wanting her to triumph.  Mildred's character echoes with grief so sharp we can’t deny the reality of it.  I kept wondering if, in Mildred’s place, I could ever act with such passionate and fearless courage.

Woody Harrelson does a fine job portraying a conflicted lawman.  While his job requires otherwise, he feels compassion for McDormand’s unswerving desire to find justice for her murdered daughter.  Also deserving his Oscar, Sam Rockwell is another treacherous human who ultimately is forced to face his failings.

If McDormand and Rockwell  had each been less honest in portraying their roles, the ending would have been dismissive and unbelievable.  Because they were both so good, we realize there is no other way it could have ended.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5027774/?ref_=nv_sr_1

TAGS:  Three Billboards, Frances McDormand, Sam Rockwell, Woody Harrelson

BLACK PANTHER (2018) - Chadwick Boseman, Lupita Nyong'o, Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker

Released:  2018

Director:     Ryan Coogler

Writers:      Ryan Coogler, Joe Robert Cole

Actors:       Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker, Andy Serkis, Letitia Wright

What a beautiful movie!  The set designs, CGI effects and costumes are brilliant.  The acting, writing and directing are excellent.

I’m a fan of Gaia TV, and according to the content of that website, humanoid beings whom we consider ETs have been living in highly technological underground civilizations on Earth for thousands of years. Marvel Comics creator, Stan Lee, has probably been visited by ETs who have disclosed things to him.

But never mind that.  This is superb movie-making in itself.  The country of Wakanda has kept itself isolated from earth because it doesn’t want to involve itself in Earth’s historically violent history.  Still, natives of Wakanda have visited and lived on earth at various times during its history. 

Let’s just say it.  Most of our movies feature “white” heroes, and this movie features “black” heroes, and, in fact, a superior “black” civilization.  The audience is being asked to accustom itself to a “different” view about “different” beings, i.e., ETs.

In this movie, the Black Panther (Boseman), is a powerful being imbued with a good heart and deep conscience.  Our villain (Jordan) is a human flawed by circumstances of his childhood years.  It turns out his father was a royal of Wakanda.  The actors who play out the storyline are wonderful.  Angela Bassett is fierce as the Panther’s mother, and Letitia Wright is charming and lovable as the Panther’s sister.  There is nobility in this movie, as well as passion and charming humor.  Like all other Marvel enterprises, the action/adventure is out of this world!

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1825683/fullcredits?ref_=tt_ql_1
TAGS:  Black Panther, Ryan Coogler, Lupita Nyong’o, Angela Basset, Martin Freeman, Mark Boseman, Andy Serkis, Forest Whitaker

THE SHAPE OF WATER (2017) - Sally Hawkins, Octavia Spencer, Richard Jenkins, Michael Shannon

Director:     Guillermo del Toro

Writer:        Guillermo del Toro, Vanessa Taylor

Actors:       Sally Hawkins, Octavia Spencer, Richard Jenkins, Michael Shannon

This is essentially an old-fashioned love story.  Woman meets man and they fall in love, despite adversity, common sense and the impossibility of it all.

Elisa (Hawkins) is mute, though not deaf. She’s all heart and soul, with a touch of healthy sexuality. Along with Zelda (Spencer), her job is to clean the secret facility which is experimenting on an aquatic creature discovered in the Amazon jungles. The natives consider the creature a “God,” but the lab considers him a mere specimen for study.

Strickland, the supervisor of the facility, enjoys torturing the creature and is ordered by his superiors to kill it. Elisa decides she must rescue the creature. With the help of her loyal neighbor Giles (Jenkins) and stalwart friend Zelda, she succeeds in hiding the creature in her apartment.

A beautiful scene ensues where Elisa floods her apartment in order to create a watery world where she and her aquatic creature explore their feelings for each other. The romance and charm of the scene is so simple and pure that we buy into the story, as surreal and impossible as it seems.

When the villainous Strickland discovers where the creature is hiding out, there is a showdown. Elisa manages to get her creature to the canal which leads to sea, but Strickland finds them. Shots are fired, victims are dying, and everything is falling apart. Then we see why the jungle natives view the creature as a God.

Del Toro directs this movie with wistful tenderness.  It’s filled with charm, humor and an abiding belief that with all our flaws and foibles, love can elevate us all to heroic heights.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5580390/?ref_=nv_sr_1

TAGS:  Guillermo del Toro, Sally Hawkins, Octavia Spencer, Richard Jenkins, amphibious, water