ENTER THE MOVIES
  • Welcome!
  • All Movie Reviews
  • Some Discussions About.....Things
  • Reel Talk Pod
  • Contact me!

8/19/2019

Quick Reviews, Summer 2019: Late Night, Ma, Her Smell, Men in Black: International, Spider-Man: Far from Home

0 Comments

Read Now
 
Picture
Late Night (2019): A late-night talk-show host suspects that she may soon lose her long-running show.

I had a chance to see this Sundance hit early, (and as an official member of the Cincinnati film press, if I may humble brag) and upon leaving  the theater, I was actually pretty torn about it. On the one hand, it is a lovely little film, another peg in this surprising resurgence of American comedies we've seen over the past 2 years, (that's right, there's been enough of these American comedies that have been good that I'm officially calling it a resurgence) but on the other hand...... there's something off about this film. I think it has something to do with the film's somewhat insidious message. On the one hand, it's a film about female empowerment, but on the other hand, it's main female character can't be a strong, independent woman - she has to have a very shoddy boyfriend storyline. On the one hand, it's a film about a middle-age Hollywood star trying not to be cast aside because she is no longer 25 and "beautiful," but on the other hand she has to have a sex scandal and be a super mean person. (There's a word for that that I won't dare utter here.) On the one hand, there has to be a statement on a frat-like work environment. On the other hand, none of the men are ever punished for their actions and overall repulsiveness. (not even the writer at the focal point of the sex scandal gets anything short of a nice "zing" moment) Because of this somewhat muddy message, I'm quite surprised this was a hit at Sundance, one of the most liberal watering holes on the planet, as some of these moments definitely fall into the realm of "cringe." THAT SAID, the cast is wonderful. Mindy Kaling and Emma Thompson are great, both together and separately, John Lithgow is FAR better here than he was in freaking Pet Sematary, and of course I continue to love Paul Walter Hauser and everything he's in.  The jokes are great, the formula (which we've seen a million times) works, and you feel good about yourself and the world around you by film's end. I just wish it didn't have as much underlying spite for progressiveism as it does. Seriously, why are you so afraid to have your lead female character just be #singleandproud? 

My Number: 6/10

Ma

Picture
Ma (2019): A lonely woman befriends a group of teenagers and decides to let them party at her house. Just when the kids think their luck couldn't get any better, things start happening that make them question the intention of their host.

This is one of those examples where it's better to let the mystique of a film envelope its persona versus actually seeing it. The marketing behind Ma has been nothing short of incredible. From "receiving texts from Ma" to the short clips of Octavia Spencer being hilariously passive aggressive, it was hard not to at least slightly elevate the bottom-of-the-barrel expectations going into this film…….. and I wish I hadn't. The latest horror / thriller from Blumhouse Productions is a vehicle for Octavia Spencer to be in a role that you would NEVER see her in otherwise, and sadly that's all it is. The film shines when Ma (Spencer) is on the screen, but is otherwise a mediocre horror film with very few actually scary moments and a horrific L on the psychological aspect. Seriously - the message conveyed here about one person's approach to dealing with childhood trauma is pretty messed up. Director Tate Taylor and writer Scotty Landes make the fateful decision to try and make the viewer actually sympathize with Ma, attempting (and failing) to ground this film with a sense of humility. If Ma had just been a near omnipresent being with a connection to the supernatural, the journey would've been far more enjoyable. But nope! She just had a vendetta, obsessed with delivering the exact wrong message of how to deal with your problems to viewers everywhere. Also, if you think you'll find solace in the rest of this cast, think again. Everyone else besides Diana Silvers has NOTHING to do, (Allison Janney puts in one of the most phoned-in performances I've ever seen) and Silvers is still too young in her career to know how to carry a film. (She delivers the exact same "inquisitive look" approximately 47 times.) In short, Octavia Spencer is great, and everything I hoped she would be, but the character is written terribly, and there's NOTHING else here to keep you vested. Hard pass.

My Number: 4/10

Her Smell

Picture
Her Smell (2019): A self-destructive punk rocker struggles with sobriety while trying to recapture the creative inspiration that led her band to success.

What a purely creative film. Buoyed by an iconic performance from Elisabeth Moss, Her Smell is the latest from director / writer Alex Ross Perry. The film showcases Elisabeth Moss in EASILY her best performance to date - an emotionally unstable creative that has fallen into a destructive pattern of harm to both her and her fellow bandmates. Becky Something (Moss) is as unpredictable as she is unstable - an unforgettably genuine performance from the already successful Moss that gripped me from the first moment she was on screen until the credits rolled. This performance from Moss completely floored me - it was so unexpected, yet despite the outlandishness of it all, was grounded in an undeniable sense of humility. This zany performance was absolutely necessary, as the rest of the film left much to be desired. It's such a whimsical film that it was downright impossible to follow at points, moving so quickly from one idea to the next it was impossible to keep up. But the characters, each bursting with individual and genuine traits, keep you more than invested throughout the lengthy 134 minute runtime. All wrapped up in that Elisabeth Moss performance which is easily the best performance I've seen all year to this point.  Just be prepared to be questioning what you just heard. A lot. 

My Number: 7/10

Men in Black: International

Picture
Men in Black: International (2019): The Men in Black have always protected the Earth from the scum of the universe. In this new adventure, they tackle their biggest threat to date: a mole in the Men in Black organization.

​This one makes me sad. The latest from the GREAT F. Gary Gray, (Straight Outta Compton) the 4th installment in the Men in Black universe is somewhat enjoyable, but otherwise depressingly lifeless. Look, corporate Hollywood loves its sequels. There's no denying that. And if the sequel is done well (see: any Mission: Impossible film) the end result is glorious. But this sequel feels corporate-mandated, soul-less, and devoid of any real meaning. A lifeless husk that lumbers through each scene with little passion or intent. Not even its leads feel dynamic, Tessa Thompson is playing herself, (which, admittedly, I'm fine with) and Chris Hemsworth is playing every charismatic lead actor ever. Rafe Spall is horrifically miscast, and Liam Nesson is just playing himself to. Which is significantly less welcome at this point compared to Thompson. The only character here with any semblance of depth is Kumail Nanijiani, who's voice is basically the only entertainment to be found in this film. Once he shows up, basically halfway through, there's some entertainment to be found here, but it's very little and very far between. While there are a few decent moments, (it's not the worst sequel I've ever seen by any means) there are also vastly superior films to watch right now. (See: Rocketman and Booksmart for starters) Go see one of those.

My Number: 4/10

Spider-Man: Far from Home

Picture
Spider-Man: Far from Home (2019): Following the events of Avengers: Endgame, Spider-Man must step up to take on new threats in a world that has changed forever.

The latest installment in the Spider-Man universe and first film to drop from Marvel in a post-Endgame world, Far from Home lands with a hard thud and makes me very worried about what the MCU will look like going forward. Director Jon Watts (who also directed the last entry, Homecoming) is very aware that he's making a new Marvel film, and his constant reminder to us, the audience, about it is far more frustrating that it is funny. Additionally, Mysterio is a very frustrating character. The first act of this film is totally wasted on a meaningless storyline that goes absolutely nowhere, and by the time the meat of the film kicks in, it's already too late. At least Jake Gyllenhaal is having a good time portraying the character. The rest of the cast seems... exhausted and uninterested in reprising their characters again. Even Zendaya seems to be merely going through the motions with her vastly superior portrayal of MJ. (compared to the previous iterations) As does the rest of the events of this film. If this is a sign of what we're in for in a post-Endgame world…. I am very worried.

My Number: 3/10

Share

0 Comments

8/1/2019

Movie Review: Once Upon a Time.... In Hollywood

0 Comments

Read Now
 
Picture

Dat male gaze dough

Once Upon a Time... In Hollywood (2019): A faded television actor and his stunt double strive to achieve fame and success in the film industry during the final years of Hollywood's Golden Age in 1969 Los Angeles.

Quentin Tarantino is back! The 9th film from the so-called "Godfather of indie films" turns the self-indulgence and self-referential humor up to 11 while inexplicably doing everything he can to derail an otherwise enjoyable film. That's right, folks. The worst thing about Quentin Tarantino's latest film is.... Quentin Tarantino. But, despite Tarantino trying so hard to be the most Tarantino possible, the final product is still a somewhat enjoyable one, thanks entirely to its once-in-a-generation collaboration between two of modern Hollywood's most recognizable stars. Which makes all the Tarantino aspects of this film THAT MUCH MORE FRUSTRATING. 

Ok. Look. Before I trash Quentin Tarantino's distracting storytelling style, I should tell you: like every self-proclaimed film buff, I love Quentin Tarantino films. When his style works, it's iconic. I will never forget how I felt when Lt. Hicox held up three fingers the wrong way. Or when Pumpkin decided to hold up a random diner that's not-so-random. Or when any Christoph Waltz character did anything in a Tarantino film. When it works, it works! But when it doesn't, you'll find yourself bored out of your mind, wanting to SCREAM at the screen to move along. This film DRAGS. The Hateful Eight did too, but that film also heavily featured a Tarantino trait that is sorely lacking for most of Once Upon a Time….. tension. Without any sort of tension, Tarantino's overzealous style becomes glaringly distracting, and it does everything it can to derail an otherwise perfectly enjoyable film. Also, where TF are the women?? The male gaze is disturbingly obvious here. Let's not forget Tarantino was BFFs with Harvey Weinstein, and the legendary Uma Thurman had some things to say about his…. abusive directing style once the #MeToo movement was in full force. So, what does Tarantino do in his first post- #MeToo film? Have a female lead who's rich, dynamic, and interesting? Hahahaha NO. ABSOLUTELY NOT. MARGOT ROBBIE HAS NOTHING TO DO BUT BE CAUGHT IN SQUARELY IN THE MALE GAZE. About 2 hours in, when Sharon Tate (Robbie) FINALLY goes to a local movie theater to watch herself in one of her films, she had had basically one line of meaningless dialogue the entire film. (Yes, that one scene from the trailer is basically her only meaningful scene in the ENTIRE film) For the first TWO FREAKING HOURS, Tarantino spent more time uncomfortably checking her out with the camera than actually letting her speak. After SKIRTING by the #MeToo movement…. This ain't a great look, Quentin. Oh, and if you think any other woman will have a notable part to play in this film….. lol! Think again. Squeaky (Dakota Fanning) has ONE SCENE. She was probably on set for a single freaking day! Sure, the same goes for George, (Bruce Dern) but if only the old white dudes were ignored as much as the women. JAY SEBRING (Emile Hirsch) HAS AS MUCH DIALOGUE AS MARGOT ROBBIE. WHAT ARE YOU DOING, QUENTIN. Pussycat (Margaret Qualley) has one scene too, and it's there entirely to serve one of the male leads. And I haven't even mentioned the controversy surrounding Bruce Lee's character! Which is a major problem in and of itself. Seriously, this film flirts with being a #MAGA's wet dream, and the further I get away from it, the more frustrated I am by it. 

(Deep breath.) That said…. Maybe it's because Tarantino has unlimited budget and clout in Hollywood at this point, but damnit….this film is also so freaking charming. When you accept this film is essentially a buddy picture between two best friends who happen to be played by two of the biggest stars in the world, who have somehow never shared a silver screen before, in a nostalgia-driven 1960s fantasia Hollywood…. yes, you will have a good time. Leo and Brad are iconic! Leonardo DiCaprio, playing the lead Rick Dalton, in his first role since winning his Oscar no less, reminds us why he is one of the greatest living actors today. And his dynamic with the equally rich Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt) is palpable and (frustratingly) worth the cost of admission. Both Dalton and Booth are incredibly fleshed out and have a great relationship with each other and everyone around them as the events of the film drive them apart and bring them back together. And the nostalgic odes to classic Hollywood are intoxicating. How many directors would be able to revert the actual Sunset Blvd to its 1969 state? The attention-to-detail is incredible. Just give them the Oscar for Best Production Design right now. These tracking shots are so cool! And the music is so good! Tarantino's taste in music is impeccable once again! H!

This film is so polarizing! It's propped up squarely by its two iconic (white male) leads, while leaving its female star in the dust. The male gaze is so infuriating. Its director does everything he can to ruin the experience. And its ending..... is something. I wasn't a huge fan of the moment where Tarantino finally went full Tarantino at the hands of an acid-dipped cigarette. Your mileage will vary with this ending, but I will put it squarely in my rearview. As I will the rest of this film. Why oh WHY did we have to waste this iconic duo on Tarantino? Can we get a do-over, please? Hey, Damien Chazelle, you watching this?

The Critique: Despite having one of the most iconic collaborations of the 21st century as its leads, Once Upon a Time squanders any hope of greatness at the hands of its overzealous director. 

The Recommendation: Film buffs will rush out to see this if they haven't already, but the rest of you? Just rewatch Rocketman or something.

Rewatchability: Low

My Number: 4/10

Image Credit:

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMWU2MWQ0YjAtOTNiZi00N2E1LWI5MTAtY2JlMmViNWM1ZTc3XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNjg2NjQwMDQ@._V1_SY1000_SX1500_AL_.jpg

Share

0 Comments
Details
    Picture
    "Like" Enter the Movies on Facebook for the latest and greatest on all things movies! OR ELSE FACE THE CONSEQUENCES OF A KILLER RABBIT. Sorry about this one, guys. Not my decision. He volunteered. And is just absolute dynamite!
    Click Here!!!!


    Genre

    All
    Action
    Animated
    Cannes 2019
    Comedy
    Drama
    Flash Reviews
    Horror/Suspense
    Musical
    Noir
    Quick Reviews
    Raw Thoughts
    Retro Review
    Romance
    Science Fiction
    Short Films
    Sports
    Throwback Tuesday
    Video Review
    Western

    Date Reviewed

    September 2020
    June 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013

Home
All Movie Reviews
Some Discussions About.....Things
Contact Me!
ABOUT JOSEPH

​I believe you've gotta have fun with everything you do. Otherwise, what's the point?

​Also, say anything bad about Greta Gerwig or 
Timothée Chalamet and I will fight you with some very strong emotions.
  • Welcome!
  • All Movie Reviews
  • Some Discussions About.....Things
  • Reel Talk Pod
  • Contact me!