MOVIE REVIEW: JUDY

Thirty years after starring in "The Wizard of Oz," beloved actress and singer Judy Garland arrives in London to perform sold-out shows at the Talk of the Town nightclub. While there, she reminisces with friends and fans and begins a whirlwind romance with musician Mickey Deans, her soon-to-be fifth husband.

Director: Rupert Goold

Cast: Renée Zellweger, Jessie Buckley, Finn Wittrock, Rufus Sewell, Michael Gambon

Release Date: September 27, 2019

Genre: Biography, Drama, History

Rated PG-13 for substance abuse, thematic content, some strong language, and smoking

Runtime: 1 h 58 min

Review:

You walk into some movies knowing full well its awards fodder.  Biopics in the fall are generally the biggest culprits and whether those films sink or swim is usually up to the central star of the piece.  Renée Zellweger in Rupert Goold’s film delivers a transformative performance that overcomes some of the story’s shortcomings.  Goold’s direction is steady and loving but he’s clearly more comfortable during the musical sequences.  Those musical sequences are the kind of award moments that are moving and sort of magical.  Whether you like Renée Zellweger’s voice is a matter of personal taste but she pours everything into those moments and you’d be hard pressed not to be moved by pain and sadness of Garland’s final days.  The film itself is a bit clunky in spots particularly with expositional flashbacks that are used to flesh out Garland’s early days.  Those sequences are ok but they feel shoehorned in and sort of unnecessary since Zellweger is more than capable of convening her tragic life and pain. Judy is one of those types of film’s that is better than it deserves to be because of a singular start delivering an Oscar worthy performance.


A-

MOVIE REVIEW: LA LA LAND

Struggling actress Mia (Emma Stone) and aspiring jazz pianist Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) begin a whirlwind romance as they both pursue their dreams in Los Angeles. However, their blossoming relationship is challenged when their careers pull them in different directions. Damien Chazelle (Damien Chazelle) wrote and directed this musical love story, which co-stars John Legend, J.K. Simmons, and Rosemarie DeWitt. ~ Daniel Gelb, Rovi

Director: Damien Chazelle

Cast: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, John Legend, Finn Wittrock, J.K. Simmons

Release Date: Dec 09, 2016

Rated PG-13 for some Language

Runtime: 2 hr. 7 min.

Genres: Comedy, Drama, Music/Performing Arts

Review:

La La Land is a rousing bit of filmmaking which is as fizzy and bubbly as the best champagne.  Like said champagne, it is a bit light on body.  Instead Damien Chazelle dresses up his retro musical with impressive shots and flashy choreography.  It’s an incredibly fun film, especially in the first 2 acts, with two magnetic leads.  Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone bring a dizzying sense of adorableness to their roles.  You can’t help but get sucked into this love story as their relationship begins to blossom and grow.  It’s an engrossing experience but once you peel back all the frills it’s a pretty bare bones love story tinged with a palatable sense of bitter sweetness.  Still it’s a credit to Damien Chazelle that he could take a simple story and infuse so much energy and passion into it.  Is it the best film I’ve ever seen, not even close, but it’s a still fine piece of film making.

B+