MOVIE REVIEW: JOKER

Forever alone in a crowd, failed comedian Arthur Fleck seeks connection as he walks the streets of Gotham City. Arthur wears two masks -- the one he paints for his day job as a clown, and the guise he projects in a futile attempt to feel like he's part of the world around him. Isolated, bullied and disregarded by society, Fleck begins a slow descent into madness as he transforms into the criminal mastermind known as the Joker.
Director: Todd Phillips

Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, Frances Conroy, Brett Cullen, Glenn Fleshler, Bill Camp, Shea Whigham, Marc Maron

Release Date: October 4, 2019

Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Rated R for strong bloody violence, disturbing behavior, language and brief sexual images

Runtime: 2 h 2 min

Review:

After watching a bit of Todd Phillip’s Joker you get the strong feeling that Phillip’s really hopes that you’ve never seen Taxi Driver.  To say that he mines that particular film seems like a understatement since there are multiple direct references to it through out.  Needless to say, Phillip’s film isn’t as groundbreaking as it thinks it is.  The story of a disaffected loner pushed to the edge is story that’s been told multiple times particularly in Taxi Driver or the underappreciated Henry Portrait of a Serial Killer.  The film can stand on its own merit with some wonderfully composed shots that really leave you feeling grimy and dirty.  Ultimately though, the gas in this particular vehicle is Joaquin Phoenix who throws himself into the roles with such intensity that it’s hard to look away.  His performance elevates the material and makes the whole thing much more prestigious and watchable than it deserves to be.  As for the story, it’s an interesting take on this character but it’s hard to tell if Phillip’s wants us to root for character or despise him.  Nearing the finale you get a sense that Phillip’s is propping him up as a sort of hero of madness and chaos which is a strange message to send in a film like this even as some of the more ham fisted attempts at modern day relevancy fall flat.  It’s certainly a film that will draw plenty of discussion even though it’s really a shadow of better films.  


B-

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-

Cindy Prascik's Reviews of Downton Abbey / Rambo: Last Blood

 

Yesterday it was off to the pictures for the peculiar pairing of Downton Abbey and Rambo: Last Blood.

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

First up: The big-screen version of ITV/PBS' breakout TV hit Downton Abbey.

The Crawleys prepare for a visit from King George V and Queen Mary.

For fans of the TV series, the Downton Abbey movie is like a visit with a much-missed old friend. From the opening notes of the show's iconic theme, the whole thing just feels...comfortable. Having said that, this film is very much a stand-alone piece that explains itself well enough that anyone should be able to keep up.

The Downton Abbey movie is mostly light in tone, with the chaos of preparing for a royal visit providing its own comedy. In addition to the expected witticisms from Violet and Isobel (Maggie Smith and Penelope Wilton), Mr. Molesley (Kevin Doyle) is used almost exclusively for comic relief (to great effect, I might add). Sub-plots involving Tom Branson (Allen Leech) and Thomas Barrow (Robert James-Collier) take a more serious turn and add a genuinely tense undercurrent. Magnificent costumes and sets make the film a thing of lush beauty. The final scene does go on just a bit longer than it needs to, but that's a very petty quibble with a pretty perfect movie.

The Downton Abbey TV series ended on a mostly-satisfying note, leading to some concern in my household that an addendum might upset that applecart. ("Like Sex & the City!" my sister kept saying, whereupon I kept my secret: I don't remember enough about Sex & the City--series or movies--to commiserate!) Happily, the big-screen Downton Abbey only adds another satisfying chapter to its story, leaving enough loose ends to continue the tale if demand is there, but not the kind that leave viewers frustrated for lack of resolution.

Downton Abbey clocks in at 122 minutes and is rated PG13 for "thematic elements, some suggestive material, and language."

The Downton Abbey movie adds a worthy new chapter to the adored television series. Of a possible nine Weasleys, Downton Abbey gets nine.

Fangirl points: You. Guys. A LOT of these people have been on Midsomer Murders!

Next on the docket: Rambo: Last Blood.

John Rambo is out for vengeance.

One last time. Having a mere two minutes to spare between the end of Downton Abbey and the beginning of Rambo, I sprinted (I. SPRINTED.) across the cinema expressly for the pleasure of seeing Oscar Jaenada on the big screen, which doesn't happen nearly often enough. Per my usual M.O., I didn't care enough to revisit previous Rambo installments before checking out his 2019 adventure, but Last Blood is not smart or deep enough to require any background to follow along.

Sylvester Stallone is a favorite of mine. He's making bank these days playing tired, old versions of his classic characters, and generally I have no problem with that; however, Last Blood is so wholly constructed of over-used movie tropes, painful dialogue, and wooden acting that it's beyond saving. Laughable levels of carnage are elevated to beyond ridiculous by some of the most gruesome sound effects ever, and an over-abundance of weird extreme close-ups make the movie feel like a cheap soap opera. If there's one good thing to be said about Rambo: Last Blood (besides the fact Jaenada gets a fair bit of screen time), it's that the movie is mercifully short.

Rambo: Last Blood runs 89 minutes and is rated R for "strong graphic violence, grisly images, drug use, and language."

If you are totally invested in the Rambo series, or if you are totally invested in opportunities to see Oscar Jaenada on the big screen, Last Blood may be worth a trip to the cinema. If not, spend your ticket money on something that works harder to earn it. Of a possible nine Weasleys, Rambo: Last Blood gets three.

Fangirl points: Uh...did I mention Oscar Jaenada? Until next time...

MOVIE REVIEW: AD ASTRA

Thirty years ago, Clifford McBride led a voyage into deep space, but the ship and crew were never heard from again. Now his son -- a fearless astronaut -- must embark on a daring mission to Neptune to uncover the truth about his missing father and a mysterious power surge that threatens the stability of the universe.

Director: James Gray

Cast: Brad Pitt, Tommy Lee Jones, Ruth Negga, Liv Tyler, Donald Sutherland,

Release Date: September 20, 2019

Genre: Adventure, Drama, Mystery

Rated PG-13 for some violence and bloody images, and for brief strong language

Runtime: 2 h 3 min

Review:

Ad Astra answers a question nobody ever asked, what if Apocalypse Now and Solaris had a baby.  The answer is laid bare in beautifully filmed, poetic film that thinks subject matter is meatier than it actually is.  James Gray delivers an impressively filmed movie that’s filled with striking visuals that echo 2001 and Solaris on multiple levels.  It’s hard to not appreciate the level of craftsmanship even if the film moves at a snails pace with random bit of surprising violence.  To say that Brad Pitt carries the film would be an understatement.  Pitt delivers one of the best performances of his career with measured, thoughtful delivery.  While the film’s story has a big celestial basis, it’s a very much a personal story.  Unfortunately, the main crux of the film deals with daddy issues which seems like a theme that’s been beat into the ground.  It’s hardly a fatal flaw but do sort of wish that the story had something new or more meaningful behind it.  It still doesn’t take away from those few passing moment of Pitt and Tommy Lee Jones performing together in some incredibly moving and heartbreaking sequences.  Ad Astra is the type of film that will be remembered fondly by cinefiles but rarely revisited.


A-

Cindy Prascik's Review of It Chapter 2

Yesterday it was (finally) back to the cinema for It Chapter 2.

Spoiler level here will be moderate, nothing plot-related, but I'll offer one general thought that may be considered spoilerey. Forewarned is forearmed.

Nearly three decades after the events of Chapter 1, the Losers Club is called back to Derry to face off with their old nemesis.

It Chapter 2 is easily the weaker half of this iconic Stephen King tale, and stretching it to a bloated three-hour runtime did it no favors, though steady pacing keeps the movie from bogging down too much. Creature and gore effects are solid, and the de-aging process used on the youngsters from Chapter 1 didn't bother me, though it's been much maligned elsewhere. There isn't much scary about the film--even the cheap jump scares are too obvious to have much effect--but it is blessed with a talented, likable cast, fronted by Oscar nominee Jessica Chastain and Golden Globe nominee James McAvoy. McAvoy and the less-decorated Bill Hader are especially strong throughout. The kids from Chapter 1 are still solid, though with far less to do than in round one. Frankly, the adults are never quite as interesting.

On the strength of its cast and well-formed characters, It Chapter 2 works best when focused on people and relationships. The story of friendship, reconnecting, and redemption is a timeless one that never fails to engage; unfortunately, the horror/fantasy aspects just don't measure up, and even come off a bit laughable. Thanks to a few tweaks, this version of IT feels less melancholy than the original, and I fear it will fade from memory much more quickly.

It Chapter 2 clocks in at 169 minutes and is rated R for "disturbing violent content and bloody images throughout, pervasive language, and some sexual material."

Despite its many flaws, you'll still want to see the Losers Club through to the end with It Chapter 2.

Of a possible nine Weasleys, It Chapter 2 gets six. Until next time...

MOVIE REVIEW: HUSTLERS

Working as a stripper to make ends meet, Destiny's life changes forever when she becomes friends with Ramona -- the club's top money earner. Ramona soon shows Destiny how to finagle her way around the wealthy Wall street clientele who frequent the club. But when the 2008 economic collapse cuts into their profits, the gals and two other dancers devise a daring scheme to take their lives back.

Director: Lorene Scafaria

Cast: Constance Wu, Jennifer Lopez, Julia Stiles, Keke Palmer, Lili Reinhart, Lizzo, Cardi B

Release Date: September 13, 2019

Comedy, Crime, Drama

Rated R for pervasive sexual material, drug content, language and nudity

Runtime: 1 h 50 min

Review:

Hustlers is a surprisingly engaging film mixed with a strong undercurrent of feminism and female friendship.  Lorene Scafaria has crafted a film that’s funnier than it is dramatic at any point.  You can’t help but feel that there’s probably a deeper story in there somewhere and we only get to know the characters on their most basic levels. Still, it’s entertaining easy flowing film that’s more fun than it deserves to be.  Scafaria keeps the action moving at a steady pace never lingering too much on anything in particular, this makes some of the more superficial aspects of film brush off easier.  Constance Wu carries the film with ease while showing off a hefty bit of range as she goes all in with her character.  Her character isn’t the showiest role in the film but it’s the heart and soul of the film.  Jennifer Lopez does solid work here even though you get the distinct feeling that she’s just playing a version of her own personality in real life with a stronger tan.  Keke Palmer and Lili Reinhart are fun in supporting roles, unfortunately Julia Stiles is sadly underused.  Hustlers is the kind of crime dramedy just fun even if it’s not particularly deep.  

B