Cindy Prascik's Reviews of Last Night in Soho & tick...tick...BOOM!

My dearest reader(s), Last weekend I had the opportunity to catch up with two hot titles: Last Night in Soho and tick...tick...BOOM!

Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers.

First up: Edgar Wright's psychedelic fever dream Last Night in Soho.

An aspiring fashion designer is transported nightly to the London of the 1960s, but it isn't always the wonderful time she'd imagined.

Full and fair disclosure: Edgar Wright is my favorite director, in my eyes, a person whose artistic vision is 20/20 at all times. I honestly hoped to see Last Night in Soho at the cinema, but circumstances didn't allow, so I rented it when it became available for streaming last week. I don't think this is a movie that suffered for my having seen it on my pretty-big TV instead of a really-big movie screen, but be armed with the knowledge when considering my opinion.

While the idea of someone accidentally landing in another era is hardly unique, Last Night in Soho skips the Life on Mars routine; our heroine is as much observer as participant on her nightly trips. When the misdeeds of decades previous start to haunt her present-day, the movie begins to feel more like a standard thriller. It's not particularly difficult to figure out it's heading, but Last Night in Soho is a good story, well told, and it doesn't waste time. Wright's typical expertise in use and placement of music is in full effect, and the makeup and costumes are gorgeous. The movie is violent at times, but most effects are creepy and sinister, rather than gory; overall, a victory for anyone who thinks horror should be more than a gross-out.

Last Night in Soho clocks in at 116 minutes and is rated R for "bloody violence, sexual content, language, brief drug material, and brief graphic nudity."

Last Night in Soho is a stylish, well-paced thriller that's well worth the price of admission (or rental). Regular reader(s) will know that my rating scale is based on nine Weasleys, but I'm forced to give Last Night in Soho nine and a half: seven and a half for the movie, plus two bonus Weasleys for having two *actual* Weasleys (James and Oliver Phelps) in the cast. Fangirl Points for the twins, as well. Bonus points all 'round!

Last Night in Soho is still playing in cinemas worldwide, and is now available for rental via Amazon and other outlets.

Next on my weekend agenda was tick...tick...BOOM!, based on Jonathan Larson's semi-autobiographical musical of the same name.

A composer tackles life's ups and downs as he faces off with his impending 30th birthday.

Okay, more full and fair disclosure: No disrespect to Jonathan Larsen, but I barely tolerate Rent. I love theatre, and I respect Rent for all it is to so many people, but I like exactly one character (Collins) and two songs (Santa Fe and What You Own). It's basically a hipster's Wicked. Pretty much everything that irritates me about Rent is, predictably, prevalent in tick...tick...BOOM!, so it's fair to say I found it something of a slog.

Having said that, if you're looking for positives, there's Andrew Garfield, a magnificent performer who never fails to elevate any project lucky enough to have him. AGarf's tour de force performance is probably the only thing that kept me from turning off the movie before the halfway point. (He's the best Spider-Man as well. I shall hear no argument.) Also fun is a cool number that features so many Broadway legends (oh hai, Brian Stokes-Mitchell!) that you couldn't throw a rock without hitting one. (But please don't throw rocks at Broadway stars. Or at anyone.) Otherwise, tick...tick...BOOM! is a collection of mediocre songs sung by people being wayyyyyyy too dramatic about pretty much everything. If you love Rent, you'll probably love it. I do not and I did not.

tick...tick...BOOM! runs an almost insufferable 115 minutes and is rated PG13 for "some strong language, some suggestive material, and drug references."

tick...tick...BOOM! is worth watching, if only for another incredible performance by Andrew Garfield and a lively game of "Spot the Broadway Star." Of a possible nine Weasleys, tick...tick...BOOM! gets three.

tick...tick...BOOM! is now streaming on Netflix.

Until next time...

MOVIE REVIEW: GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE

 

When a single mother and her two children move to a new town, they soon discover they have a connection to the original Ghostbusters and the secret legacy their grandfather left behind.

Director: Jason Reitman

Cast: Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace, Paul Rudd, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver, Annie Potts

Release Date: November 19, 2021

Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy

Rated PG-13 for supernatural action and some suggestive references

Runtime: 2h 4m

Review:

Ghostbusters: Afterlife peddles heavily in nostalgia but unfortunately it doesn’t bring much new to the table.  Jason Reitman’s film decides to follow the J. J. Abrams template of franchise revivals by lifting memorable moments from the original film and repackaging them with a new cast.  That’s not to say the film doesn’t have it’s moments where it comes to life due to a capable cast but it never really hits the sweet spot. Mckenna Grace is the film’s best addition as she delivers a fun, enjoyable performance as Ego’s granddaughter.  She has an air of authenticity and earnestness that works in the film’s favor.  Logan Kim is her defacto sidekick and they share some solid comedic chemistry which is rare among younger performers.  Paul Rudd and Carrie Coon deliver workman like performances unfortunately the script doesn’t take advantage of their talents.  The original cast appears in what amounts to extended cameos and the film works in the late Harold Ramis with mixed results.  Ultimately, Ghostbusters: Afterlife feels like it should have left a bigger impression but it’s mostly forgettable. 

C

MOVIE REVIEW: HOUSE OF GUCCI

When Patrizia Reggiani, an outsider from humble beginnings, marries into the Gucci family, her unbridled ambition begins to unravel the family legacy and triggers a reckless spiral of betrayal, decadence, revenge -- and ultimately murder.

Director: Ridley Scott

Cast: Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Jared Leto, Jeremy Irons, Salma Hayek, Al Pacino, Reeve Carney, Jack Huston

Release Date: November 12, 2021

Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Rated R for language, some sexual content, and brief nudity and violence.

Runtime: 2h 37m

Review:

Ridley Scott's House of Gucci is a massive Shakespearian soap opera that indulges in its opulent excesses to a fault.  Scott's directs his film with a steady hand, delivering a glossy vision of the 80's that uses every cliched song imaginable.  The shots are meticulously constructed which allow you to appreciate the incredibly lavish fashion and art direction on display.  There isn't the usual grittiness typically associated with Scott, here he's clearly going for a very specific look and feel that's reflective of the fashionista royalty on display which fits perfectly for the film.  It should come as no surprise to anyone that Lady Gaga fits perfectly as real life femme fatale Patrizia Reggiani.  Gaga is clearly committed to the role as she channels Lady MacBeth in 80's couture.  It’s a showy role for her, more so than her turn in A Star is Born, and she does well delivering a steely, ferocious turn that works as the anchor of the entire film.  Adam Driver delivers one of his better performances by playing against type and not relying on his masculinity like he usually does.  

Driver is surprisingly believable as Maurizio Gucci who starts out being overly naïve before he becomes more savvy to his wife's machinations in the family business.  Jared Leto's much talked about transformation is cartoonish but in the film it works since the film is populated with performers going big with their characters.  Al Pacino and Jeremy Irons are prime examples of this with each delivering some fun but hammy turns as the Gucci partners.  Jack Huston, Reeve Carney and Salma Hayek round out the cast with more measured turns which flesh out the world.  If this all sounds like a lot, well it is and narratively speaking its overstuffed with Scott cramming 30 years of story into a two and half hour film.  The performances and production make it easy to overlook the fact that there isn't much palpable tension or drama even with all the betrayals and backstabbing going on. 

B

Cindy Prascik's Reviews of The Harder They Fall & Red Notice

My dear reader(s), these past two weeks I'd have liked to go to the cinema and didn't get there, so I threw myself on the mercy of Netflix for a couple new releases. 

First on my agenda, the Harder They Fall. An outlaw puts his gang back together to seek revenge on an old enemy. The Harder They Fall is an okay movie with a cast it doesn't quite deserve. Idris Elba, Regina King, LaKeith Stanfield, and Edi Gathegi are standouts in a group that has no weak links. Outside the exceptional actors, the rest - story to humor to music - works about half the time. Sadly, any time the movie gets good enough to feel invested, it derails itself with hokey or contrived choices, and the overlong run time only exacerbates its problems. 

The Harder They Fall clocks in at 139 minutes and is rated R for "strong violence and language." The Harder They Fall is worth a look for its incredible cast, but otherwise is nothing special. 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, the Harder They Fall gets five. The Harder They Fall is now streaming on Netflix. 

Next on the docket, Red Notice. The world's greatest art thief attempts to steal a rare treasure while on the run from the law. Red Notice is the kind of dumb fun I feared Covid had cost me my ability to enjoy. I am well pleased to report that is not the case. The movie's goofy humor is pitch perfect for stars Dwayne Johnson and Ryan Reynolds, Action sequences are well choreographed and don't run on too long. Plenty of twists keep the story moving at a good clip, and Gal Gadot is simply a delight. Red Notice runs 118 minutes and is rated PG13 for "violence and action, some sexual references, and strong language." 

Red Notice is dopey good fun that will keep you smiling and won't overtax your brain. Of a possible nine Weasleys, Red Notice gets seven. Fangirl points: Red Notice earns some BIG fangirl points for something that might be considered a spoiler, so I'll just say keep your eyes open for a "perfect" cameo! 

Red Notice is now streaming on Netflix. Until next time...

MOVIE REVIEW: BELFAST

 

A semi-autobiographical film which chronicles the life of a working class family and their young son's childhood during the tumult of the late 1960s in the Northern Ireland capital.

Director: Kenneth Branagh

Cast: Caitríona Balfe, Judi Dench, Jamie Dornan, Ciarán Hinds, Colin Morgan, Jude Hill

Release Date: November 12, 2021

Genre: Drama

Rated PG-13 for some violence and strong language

Runtime: 1h 38m

Review:

Kenneth Branagh’s Belfast is a heartfelt rose colored spat of nostalgia that’s touching and occasionally harrowing.  Branagh wrote and directed the film which feels incredibly personal from the start, it’s a more ground approach from the renown director.  The black and white approach echoes Alfonso Cuaron’s Roma which ran the same semibiographical gamut from a different part of the world.  This film balances the heartwarming memories with sparks of real world violence which permeated the era.  Jude Hill is one of those rare child actors that carries an air of authenticity.  He’s the lynch pin of the entire film which is peppered with award worthy performances from its supporting.  Caitríona Balfe and Jamie Dornan almost make you forget that best looking working class couple ever with sincere performances that are grounded and not overly showy.  Balfe in particular delivers the kind of performance that feels universally recognizable no matter where you are from.   Ciarán Hinds and Judi Dench play doting grandparents with Hinds being the film’s secret weapon.  Hinds steals every scene he’s in with a singular turn which should garner some awards consideration.  Belfast is the type of film that tugs at your heart strings in the best way possible, it’s uplifting and harrowing as it captures a moment in time that feels relatable regardless of where you are from. 

A

MOVIE REVIEW: ETERNALS

 

The Eternals, a race of immortal beings with superhuman powers who have secretly lived on Earth for thousands of years, reunite to battle the evil Deviants.

Director: Chloé Zhao

Cast: Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, Lia McHugh, Brian Tyree Henry, Lauren Ridloff, Barry Keoghan, Don Lee, Harish Patel, Kit Harington, Salma Hayek, Angelina Jolie

Release Date: November 5, 2021

Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Sci-Fi

Rated PG-13 for fantasy violence and action, some language and brief sexuality.

Runtime: 2h 37m

Review:

Chloé Zhao’s Eternals is one of the more interesting entries in the ongoing Marvel series.  The mash up of Zhao’s naturalistic style and superhero tropes results in a character focused film that’s more interested in the smaller moments than big action sequences.  As such, it has a different feel than most of these films do while still accomplishing the usual Marvel albeit at a glacial pace.  It has an odd pace that drains the proceedings of any urgency even though it’s literally dealing with end of the world stakes.  Intermixing flashbacks with present day events drains the film of any sense of forward momentum since neither section get enough time to gain any sort of real traction.  Luckily the incredibly diverse cast makes the slog more bearably with earnest performances.  Gemma Chan and Richard Madden do the heavy lifting for the majority of the film with each providing a steady stoicism to their duo. The large supporting cast each get their moments to shine during the film with Lia McHugh, Brian Tyree Henry and Barry Keoghan leaving the biggest impressions.  Angelina Jolie does well as the tortured warrior whose being crushed under the weight of her memories.  Salma Hayek gets a scant few moments to shine but ultimately the film waste her with an underwritten role.  Eternals tries hard to be sweeping and epic but it never really achieves it, only skirting with it during it’s hefty runtime. 

B-

MOVIE REVIEW: SPENCER

 

In 1991, while spending the Christmas holiday with the royal family at Sandringham House, Princess Diana decides to leave Prince Charles.

Director: Pablo Larraín

Cast: Kristen Stewart, Jack Farthing, Timothy Spall, Sean Harris, Sally Hawkins, Stella Gonet, Richard Sammel

Release Date: November 5, 2021

Genre: Biography, Drama, Romance

Rated R for some language

Runtime: 1h 51min

Review:

Pablo Larraín's poetic nightmare opens with the preamble "A fable from a true tragedy."  Those expecting a more tactile grounded approach to Princess Diana will likely be frustrated by Spencer since it plays more like a fever dream.  Larraín's film delivers a disquieting disorienting experience from the onset and it rarely lets up.  Long tracking shots mixed with an unnervingly but effective soundtrack echo sequences from Kubrick's The Shining or even Polanski's Rosemary's Baby.  He builds Diana's mental claustrophobia and paranoia with expert precision but the film hinges on Kristen Stewart's turn as Diana.  Stewart's performance bleeds through the screen as she makes you feel every moment of Diana's mental tightrope walk on the edge of madness through whispered words and outburst of rebellion.  She shares believable chemistry with Jack Nielen and Freddie Spry who play Diana's children with those moments working as anchors for the character's state.  Sean Harris and Sally Hawkins deliver strong supporting turns as supportive confidants while Timothy Spall is ever present and menacing throughout.  The film's script is dense with thematic undercurrents and meaning which it subtly weaves into the story early on however it decides to hammer home the point by spelling out metaphors in the final act.  It's a minor complaint to an otherwise mesmerizing film which takes you on an unexpected journey into Diana's psyche.   

A-