THE FABULOUS FILIPINO BROTHERS

Released:  2021

Director:     Dante Basco

Writers:       Arianna Basco, Dante Basco, Darion Basco

Actors:        Liza Lapira, Dante Basco, Solenn Heussaff

 

Upfront, I hereby disclose I came from Pittsburg, CA., the locale of this movie and, in fact, I grew up with the parents of the Basco brothers’/sister’s  family.  One of my own sisters lived next to the grandparents of the Basco brothers.  From her window, I’d watch the youthful brothers practicing their skills in their back yard.

 As director, Dante does a creditable and professional job in infusing the screen with the boisterous and passionate energy of family culture.  I read in a review that the actors were guilty of overacting in this film.  I totally disagree.  I knew this family and their characters are EXACTLY reality-based.  In an old-fashioned Filipino family culture, stoicism and forbearance are rare.  Only “Lola” (grandmother) types keep their lips tightly shut, and that’s because they have too many family secrets to keep hidden. 

There is charm and joy in this movie.  Dayo (Derek Basco) does a fine comedic job of embodying “eldest” syndrome… willing to live on the fringe of lawful behavior in order to fulfill family obligations.  On the other hand, David (Dion Basco), the youngest, demonstrates a natural physical comedy talent, as demonstrated in the suggestive food scene.  Yes, that scene might have been too much for underage viewers, but I laughed uproariously through it all.  

My favorite scene in the movie is the “first date” between Darion Basco (the depressed electronic geek) and Liza Lapira (a long-time denizen of many American TV series).  Despite the awkwardness of that first date, both talented actors brought a believability to their romantic meetup which added an endearing warmth and charm to the movie.

Directing yourself in a movie ain’t easy, so kudos to Duke (Dante Basco) for pulling it off.  However, I must admit I wished he had a bigger reason for hooking up with his ex-girlfriend in the Philippines.  While there was a nostalgic regret in their hook-up, it lacked sufficient drama to justify his unfaithfulness to his wife back home.  For instance, if she had had his child, and he discovers it during the hook-up when she has an emotional moment of regretful confession… then the resulting pathos would have been more deeply meaningful.

Ultimately, however, this film is a loving and respectful homage to the Filipino culture, to the many members of the Basco family, and to Pittsburg, California itself (which has a large Filipino population).

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10810850/

TAGS:  FABULOUS FILIPINO BROTHERS, Arianne Basco, Dante Basco, Darion Basco, Derek Basco, Dion Basco, Liza Lapira, Solenn Heussaff

 

 

 

 

 

A QUIET PLACE (2018) - Emily Blunt, John Krasinski

A QUIET PLACE

Released:  2018

Director:     John Krasinski

Writers:      Bryan Woods, Scott Beck, John Krasinski

Actors:       Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe

Now available on Hulu and other TV cable shows, this film received 109 award nominations and 34 wins, including a SAG Best Supporting Actress win for Emily Blunt.

The movie has a very simple storyline.  A family must survive against killer monsters with super hearing abilities.  Their only tool of survival is silence.  It is brilliantly conceived, masterfully executed, and powerfully acted. 

Along with the danger, what is immediately established is that this family is glued together with love and loyalty.  The directing is clean and no-nonsense, without indulgent interludes.  Indulgence wasn’t necessary.  The emotions generated by the events in the scene are built by so clearly that we can only identify with the terrible horror at what’s about to happen.

This is good clean directing.  Krasinski knows exactly what needs to be established to predict the outcome ahead.  What adds to the power of the story is that we understand so clearly how the progression of events leads to the inevitable result.

The acting is also top-notch.  We expect it of Emily Blunt and John Krasinski, but the children prove themselves equal to the task.  We identify so powerfully with each character’s dilemma we are engaged to maximum capacity.  In an unforgettable scene, we watch John Krasinsky (who plays the father, as well as directing) make an inevitable decision and our hearts break because we know he has no other choice.  Truly heroic stuff.

This is destined to be a classic for all the reasons noted above.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6644200/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3

TAGS:  A QUIET PLACE, Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe, Bryan Woods, Scott Beck

PARASITE (2019) - Kang-ho Song, Sun-Kyun Lee,

Director:     Bong Joon Ho

Writers:      Bong Joon Ho

Actors:       Kang-ho Song, Sun-kyun Lee, Yeo-jeong Jo, Woo-sik Choi, So-dam Park, Hye-jin Jang

Director/writer Bong Joon Ho received Oscars for Best Picture, Best Screenplay and Best Writer on this one.

All the actors who portrayed the Kim family members were entirely credible.  I felt like I was given special 3-D glasses to witness a real slice of life.

Parents Ki-taek and Chung-sook are utter failures as parents to clever son Ki-woo and quick-on-her feet daughter Ki-jung.  But when it comes to taking advantage of opportunities, the parents have taught their children well.

With charm and friendly ease, the Kim family con their way into becoming welcome fixtures in the wealthy Park family home.  To watch how brilliantly this is achieved is a lesson in sheer strategy.

Despite how much we like them, because of their ruthless exploitation of the Park family, we begin to see the Kims as villains with no ethical values.  Then suddenly they become the victims themselves.   The scene which creates this twist in momentum is not only hilarious, but we suddenly find ourselves sympathetic to the villainous Kims again. 

What first appears as a sitcom becomes a horror story and finally morphs into a complete tragedy.  Bong Joon Ho is not only a master storyteller, he’s a brilliant manipulator of audience response and engagement.  He takes us on an experience which generates our sympathy, charms us, captivates us, entertains us and then ultimately horrifies us.

Most films focus on a specific genre, but this film covers them all.  At first I thought this movie was another disease-disaster story.  On a metaphorical level, it is, but on a human-condition level, it’s an all-encompassing journey destined to be considered a classic of its time.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6751668/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
TAG:  Parasite, Bong Joon Ho, Kang-ho Song, Sun-Kyun Lee,

TERMINATOR: DARK FATE (2019) - Linda Hamilton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Natalia Reyes, Gabriel Luna, MacKenzie Davis

Director:     Tim Miller

Writers:      Screenplay:  David Goyer, Justin Rhodes + 1

Story By:  James Cameron, Charles H. Eglee, + 3

I love this return to the original “Terminator” franchise.  The writers have done a magnificent job melding the old story with this new one, and director Tim Miller sews it all together into a totally believable story. 

However, it’s Linda Hamilton and Arnold Schwarzenegger who make it a brilliant, epic return.  Despite the many excellent versions of the “Terminator” concept, including a television version, nothing engaged me like the first one, written and directed by James Cameron, co-written by Gale Ann Hurd.  

There is such an iconic implacability about the Schwarzenegger Terminator (“Carl”), I can’t help but love him and I’m so glad he’s a “good” guy in this latest version.  When Sara Connor steps into frame, my heart swelled with relief… I just knew she would save the day.  Neither of these actors are in their prime physical shape now, but, ultimately in the end, they prove it’s not “muscles” or “skills” which get things done; rather, it’s pure unrelenting, unforgiving, unmistakable commitment to their cause.

Natalia Reyes is adequate as the new Savior-of-the-World, and I suspect she will eventually rise to fill her heroic shoes.  MacKenzie Davis is effective and wonderful as the new version Protector-of-the-Heroine.

Implacable as all Terminators must be, Gabriel Luna makes a formidable foe because he has the same commitment as Sara and Carl, but he doesn’t prevail because he lacks the fuel Sara and Carl have in abundance.  That fuel is love.  Make no mistake, Carl has “learned” this concept well enough to act it out.  Whether a cyborg can really “feel” it… well, I don’t even think it’s relevant in this brilliant return to the original franchise.

I predict a successful new franchise arising from this movie version.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6450804/?ref_=nv_sr_1?ref_=nv_sr_1

TAGS:  Dark Fate, Linda Hamilton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, James Cameron, David Goyer, Terminator, MacKenzie Davis, Natalia Reyes, Gabriel Luna

 

CHERNOBYL (2019) - Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgard, Emily Watson

Creator:     Craig Mazin       

Actors:       Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgard, Emily Watson

This HBO limited series won 10 Emmys and had numerous other nominations for excellence.  Still, despite the accolades, I didn’t really want to watch people going through the horror of radioactive contamination.

But I was curious, so I made myself comfortable in front of the TV and watched it.  What an experience!  Folks, this story is not about the resulting horrors of a nuclear blast.  Rather, it’s about how humans, no matter their livelihood, age, ethnicity or character, step up to the plate and become heroes during times of inescapable danger.

After the Chernobyl nuclear explosion, the Russian government decides not to reveal the potential horrible outcome of the blast. Meanwhile, people begin to die.  It is an ugly, painful way to die.

Three people decide they will do whatever it takes to expose the true story behind the explosion, not so much for the sake of truth itself, but because other countries must be warned of a flaw in the system which will ultimately result in an explosion.  The area is so contaminated that staying in the blast vicinity for any period of time is guaranteed contamination.

Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgard and Emily Watson portray the three people who are determined to get the true story out. As each episode reveals more and more of the real danger, we see how each character accepts the inevitable truth of the situation.

 For the volunteers who go back inside the building to prevent an even greater blast, it’s a suicidal act for which their families will only receive a few dollars as compensation.  For the miners who agree to strengthen the building’s foundation to withstand pressure buildup, it’s a guaranteed case of death by radiation.

This is a beautifully written story about the depths and heights people reach when disaster strikes.  People make heroic choices every day.  What kind of coward would I be to deny myself the chance to honor it?

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7366338/?ref_=nv_sr_1?ref_=nv_sr_1

TAGS:  Chernobyl, Stellan Skarsgard, Emily Watson, Jared Harris, Johan Renck, Craig Mazin

THE LION KING (2019) - Voices: Donald Glover, James Earl Jones, Alfre Woodard, John Oliver

Released:  2019

Director:     Jon Favreau

Writers:      Jeff Nathanson (screenplay)  

Voices:      Donald Glover, Chiwetel Ejiofor, James Earl Jones, John Oliver, Alfre Woodard, Seth Rogen, Beyonce, JD McCrary

What a charming, delightful version this is!  The animation technology has advanced so much that the animals are as real as African wildlife featured on any TV documentary.  Then, there’s JD MCCrary (as young Simba)  whose voice and style sound so much like Michael Jackson, it’s downright chilling.

Disney certainly knows how to make movies.  This one features animals in the leading roles, but make no mistake… this is an educational experience about how to be an ethical, responsible and loving human being.  Kudos to director Jon Favreau and all the actors for making it so real.

James Earl Jones’ voice is perfect for Mufasa, Simba’s father.  Integrity, honor and love resonate whenever he speaks.  Alfre Woodard’s voice, so tender and soft, becomes a powerful surge when she raises her voice to challenge villainous Scar.  Basically, image and voice are so well aligned, you forget this is just-pretend reality on a screen.

What I congratulate most about this movie is that it isn’t afraid to show the harsh realities of life.  Animals prey on other animals.  They kill and eat other animals.  Children watching this do need to be aware that loved ones die and it’s important to honor their passing, but it’s just as important to learn how to move on.  The song “Hakuna Matata” is so joyous we get that it’s a matter of “life” and not burying our pain to avoid dealing with it.

All in all, this is a fun, educational and emotional adventure.  The children of yesterday who saw the first version should definitely bring their own children to enjoy this movie now.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6105098/?ref_=nv_sr_1?ref_=nv_sr_1
TAGS:  LION KING, James Earl Jones, Alfre Woodard, Beyonce, Jon Favreau,  Jeff Nathanson, JD McCrary, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Seth Rogan, Donald Glover

 

LEAVING NEVERLAND - 2019 (HBO TV - 2-part Documentary)

Director:     Dan Reed

Cast:          Wade Robson, Jimmy Safechuck, Michael Jackson Footage

This documentary focuses on two men who now admit during a filmed interview that Michael Jackson sexually abused them. 

What makes this film so powerful and credible is that it doesn’t focus on Michael, the pedophile.  It focuses instead on the experiences of two men who survived the abuse and who, to this day, are recovering from the trauma of their experiences.

Kudos to director Dan Reed who uncovers the truths in this film with respect and dignity.  It makes clear that at the time the two boys were actively involved with the superstar, what they felt for him was overwhelming love and loyalty.

Michael’s charisma was so powerful even the boys’ families fell under his spell.  Watching the footage of Michael’s interaction with them, we see proof of his generosity and kindness.  We hear Michael’s voice ending his conversations with, “I love you.” 

Today, it’s hard to imagine why a mother would allow her young son to share a bedroom with Michael Jackson.  It becomes a little more believable when we see how Michael so sincerely cares about them.

As Wade Robson and Jimmy Safechuck, now fathers of young sons themselves, honestly share their experiences with us, we see their pain, vulnerability and bewilderment.  They KNOW Michael’s love for them was genuine, but the confusion and trauma of being loved, then rejected and discarded… that too is real.

As fathers whose sons are now the same age they were during their time with Michael, they see the vulnerability and innocence of young boys. They understand the ultimate cruelty of planting seeds in a garden made of Michael’s type of inappropriate “love.”  They know now that seeds thrown into that type of garden create plants which are psychologically and emotionally malformed. 

This is a difficult film to watch.  Nevertheless, its hard-core truths present an important aspect of reality which all parents should understand for themselves. 

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9573980/?ref_=nv_sr_2?ref_=nv_sr_2

TAGS:  Michael Jackson, Wade Robson, James Safechuck, Dan Reed, Neverland

MARY POPPINS RETURNS (2018)

Director:     Rob Marshall

Writers:      David Magee, Rob Marshall, John DeLuca

Actors:       Emily Blunt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Meryl Streep, Ben Wishaw, Dick Van Dyke, Colin Firth, Julie Walters, Emily Mortimer

This is saga which brings us to the time when the original Banks children have grown up and now have challenges of their own.  Mary Poppins returns to help the family, bringing with her all her delightful and magical presence.

It’s not the same, though.  When the original came out, many of us had no clue as to the possibilities of CGI effects, and so what was magic then becomes routine now.  The “ah” and “wow” factor have disappeared because we are now conscious that certain “magical” things on screen are simply a techno effect.

We are no longer a caveman mentality mesmerized by light turning on at the flick of a switch.  We take electricity for granted now, so it’s no longer magical.  The talented Emily Blunt is a talented, powerful actress, and while I was thrilled at seeing her toes-out figure zooming in from the clouds, it wasn’t the heart-stopping gasp I experienced when Julie Andrews did it.

Lin-Manuel Miranda is also talented and competent, but he just didn’t tickle my heart into the delightful energy Dick Van Dyke brought to his role.  In fact, the two who succeeded best at bringing back the joyous magic of the original movie were Meryl Streep and Dick Van Dyke. 

Having said all that, this is an excellent movie, with excellent actors and scenes, and it was time to revisit all the wonderful charms of Mary Poppins.  Unfortunately, as a young girl whose eyes popped out and heart expanded in magical wonder at the original, I can’t help making the comparison to the original, and, unfortunately, this new version is diminished in that comparison.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5028340/?ref_=nv_sr_1

TAGS:  Mary Poppins, Emily Blunt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Meryl Streep, Colin Firth, Emily Mortimer, Ben Wishaw, Dick Van Dyke, Julie Walters

THE MULE (2018)

Director:     Clint Eastwood

Writers:      Sam Dolnick, Nick Schenk

Actors:       Clint Eastwood, Bradley Cooper, Manny Montana, Dianne Wiest, Andy Garcia, Michael Pena, Laurence Fishburne

Hooray for Clint Eastwood! What an honest, self-deprecating actor and director he reveals himself to be in this movie.  Those of us in the “senior” generation remember him as a beautiful specimen of a movie hero who could even carry a tune.

In this movie, he plays a 90-year-old horticulturalist who is guided into a life of "muling" drugs on behalf of a Mexican cartel.  His walk is slow and measured now, his voice trembly when he sings, but he is as he always has been – a stubborn, strong-willed man who has his own codes of what’s right and wrong in life.

As he did in his younger days, he depicts a heroic man who will not be steered away from his goal.  In a way, I suspect this is his personal exclamation point that, yeah, he’s no longer the hunky superhero, but he still hasn’t veered from his path of being true to himself.  

This movie is filled with surprising charm.  I giggled and cried and loved him as I always have.   As director, Eastwood knows how to bring out the humanity in his cast.  Eastwood even imbues the “bad guys” -- the cartel boss and his minions – with a certain amount of likability factor.  All the supporting cast acquit themselves competently.  Dianne Wiest, as always, captures the essence of gentleness beneath her tough exterior.

What I loved most about this movie is the honesty of life’s evolutionary journey, one containing mistakes, anger, hate, love, evil, and so many pitfalls.  Yet, throughout the journey, you can only do it “your way” since, after all, you are the one who reaps the ultimate consequences.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7959026/?ref_=nv_sr_1

TAGS:  The Mule, Clint Eastwood, Bradley Cooper, Manny Montana, Dianne Wiest, Michael Pena, Andy Garcia, Laurence Fishburne

AQUAMAN (2018)

Director:     James Wan

Writers:      David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, Will Beall

Actors:       Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, Nicole Kidman, Willem Dafoe, Patrick Wilson

The CGI effects are wonderful in this movie!  The set designs, the vision of Atlantis and costumes are eye-popping.  Heard, Dafoe and Wilson acquit themselves believably. Kidman, as always, brings class and power to her role. 

What falls short of my expectations is Aquaman himself as depicted by Jason Momoa.  I’ve seen Momoa in other movies and he knows how to be an actor.  Unfortunately, the words coming from his mouth in this movie, meant to be bad-ass and ironic, don’t fit his character.  Mamoa is gorgeous and physically perfect for the role, but since all characters are filtered through the soul (eyes) of the actor, his inherent tenderness should have been written into the fabric of his character.   As it was, as portrayed by him, Aquaman’s bad-ass words felt “off” to me.

Robert Downey (Iron Man) can say those things and get away with it because he brings the grief-ridden ruthlessness to his character which makes his sarcasm and irony funny.  Momoa’s soul is simply too tender.  I wish he had brought playfulness rather than tough-guy mockery to his character.

I think if the writers had shaped Aquaman with Momoa’s inherent tenderness in mind, this would have been a more successful movie to me.  His essence depicts it, so no new action sequences are needed, but that tenderness should have been exploited in his dialogue and how he was directed. 

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1477834/?ref_=nv_sr_1

TAGS:  Aquaman, Jason Momoa, Nicole Kidman, Willem Dafoe, Patrick Wilson, Amber Heard, James Wan, Will Beall, David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick

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

STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI (2017) - Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher

Director:     Rian Johnson

Writers:      Rian Johnson, George Lucas

I liked this one much better than THE FORCE AWAKENS.  It might be because “Force” had to take time to establish new characters.  In this one, we could engage into the storyline much faster.

This latest STAR WARS movie is focused more on the personal odysseys of the main characters and the dynamics between the familiar characters and the new ones.  It’s fascinating how we love the robots (C3PO, R2D2, BB-8) as much as we love the humans.

Mark Hamill, as Luke Skywalker, “The Last Jedi,” is cynical and dark.  Yet, it’s his very darkness which makes his ultimate rescue of the rebels more climactic.  Daisy Ridley, as Rey, fulfills her heroic potential, fighting to keep Kylo Ren, Han Solo's and Princess Leia’s son, from surrendering to evil. 

 

In “Force,” I was a little disappointed in John Boyega’s portrayal of Finn, the new character meant to be Rey’s heroic counterpart.  He acquits himself better in this version, though he still suffers by comparison to Harrison Ford’s crazy, charismatic “Han Solo” character.

Director Rian Johnson’s choreography of the battle scenes adds to the storyline, rather than detracting from it.  Benicio Del Toro is strong as a would-be ally overcome by dark motives.  CGI effects are excellent, and Andy Sirkis, who embodies his CGI manifestation of the villainous Snout, is excellent.  I loved the little critters with big eyes from Skywalker’s island who kept getting in Chewbaca’s way.

In the end, I have to admit that I thought BB-8, the upgraded version of R2D2, was the most heroic and lovable of all.  Funny, huh, given that he’s “just” a robot.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2527336/?ref_=nv_sr_2

TAGS:  Star Wars, Jedi, Mark Hamill, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, George Lucas, Rian Johnson, Benicio Del Toro, Andy Sirkis

BLADE RUNNER 2049 (2017 - Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Robin Wright, Ana De Armas

Director:     Denis Villeneuve

Writer:        Hampton Fancher, Michael Green

Actors:       Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Robin Wright, Ana De Armas

This is a sequel to the original “BLADE RUNNER” movie which was released in 1982.

At the time I saw the original, I found it so filled with mysterious subtext and incredible ideas that it took three viewings for me to “get” what the story is about.  The romance between Decker (Ford) and the replicant played by an impossibly beautiful Sean Young touched me at such a gut level, I’ve never been able to forget it.

I had so many questions:  Can an android really know what love is like?  If so, is love a spontaneous response to “memories”?  Is love simply the sum total of emotions generated by such memories?  And never mind that  I was blown away by the incredible potentials of AI technologies.

Well, this sequel has stirred up even more questions for me along those lines.  Ryan Gosling, as this movie’s new Blade Runner, is heartbreakingly believable as he unravels one mystery after another.  He sweeps us into the trauma of his dilemma and we have no choice but to hang on to his coat tails.  The storyline itself is brilliant in concept and resolution, and Villenueve directed this version with respectful homage to the original.  It is every bit as fascinating and mind-twisting as the 1982 version.

It was wonderful to see Ford in his “older” persona of Decker, still possessing all the passionate convictions which led him to the non-traditional choices of his past. 

Ultimately, the beauty of this movie is that while it is very much about the technological reality of our future, it is even more about the infinite possibilities of our human ability to love what we can remember and imagine about people and things. 

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1856101/?ref_=nv_sr_1

Tags:   Blade Runner, Villenueve, Harrison Ford, Ryan Gosling, Robin Wright,  suspense, Sci-Fi,