MOVIE REVIEW: LITTLE WOMEN

In the years after the Civil War, Jo March lives in New York and makes her living as a writer, while her sister Amy studies painting in Paris. Amy has a chance encounter with Theodore, a childhood crush who proposed to Jo but was ultimately rejected. Their oldest sibling, Meg, is married to a schoolteacher, while shy sister Beth develops a devastating illness that brings the family back together.

Director: Greta Gerwig

Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, Laura Dern, Timothée Chalamet, Tracy Letts, Bob Odenkirk, James Norton, Louis Garrel, Chris Cooper, Meryl Streep

Release Date: December 25, 2019

Genres: Drama, Romance

Rated PG for thematic elements and brief smoking.

Runtime: 2h 15  min 

Review:

It's impossible to not walk away from Greta Gerwig's adaptation of Little Woman feeling uplifted.  Sure it's a story that's been told multiple times before but Gerwig's take feels fresh and timely.  Some alterations to the story make it feel more modern and the film overall is better for it.  She shuffles up the chronology of the novel which makes the familiar story much more interesting and engaging.  Gerwig is blessed with a stellar cast which makes the whole thing incredibly watchable.  Her muse, Saoirse Ronan, couldn't be better suited to play the head strong Jo.  It's easy to forget that she's only 25 since she's so naturalistic and engaging as an actress.  Florence Pugh is just as strong in this film even pulling off the incredible feat of of making Amy less annoying and interesting.  Emma Watson and Eliza Scanlen round out the other tow sisters with their performances being solid but more subdued.  Ultimately it's Ronan's film and she carries it with great ease even though we already know the majority of the story beats.  The story does start to drag a bit near the end of it's run time and it's easy to see where 15 or 20 minutes could have been shaved off.  Regardless, Gerwig's film is a fine example of how to bring something new to a well worn story but keeping it's spirit at the same time.  

A-

My Favorite Films from 2019

Welcome to my list of favorite films from 2019.  Some are critical darlings while others are more standard crowd pleasers but ultimately, they’re all films that left an impression on me.  

First up are films that I'd classify as pleasant surprises but not quite top 10 worthy;

READY OR NOT – I’m always happy when a fun, well-made horror movie comes out of nowhere.  This film is fun on multiple levels and you’ll need to keep your eye on Samara Weaving in the future.



BOOKSMART – Olivia Wilde’s directorial debut is incredibly polished but more so, its incredibly funny and heartfelt.



LAST CHRISTMAS – Sure it looks like a paint by the numbers Rom-Com but it’s something fresh and unexpected with a charming lead.



DOCTOR SLEEP – Mike Flanagan successfully pulled off making a sequel to Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining which was respectful of that film and solid enough to stand on it’s own two feet.



GOOD BOYS – A preteen Super Bad probably sounds like a risky idea but this movie made it work on so many levels.



JOKER – I’m not nearly as high on this film as most but I can still appreciate it even if it mines Martin Scorsese’s catalog and successfully graphed it on a comic book character.



TOY STORY 4 – A fourth entry wasn’t necessary in this series and there is no reason for it to be as good as it is, an impressive epilogue.



DOLEMITE IS MY NAME – Eddie Murphy’s return to R rated fare, reminds you why he was such a big deal back in the 80s.



AD ASTRA – A high concept mash up of 2001 and Apocalypse Now that nearly pulls off something impressive.



JUDY - Renée Zellweger proving she’s worthy of her first Oscar by delivering another award’s worthy performance.



MARRIAGE STORY – Sure the topic and themes are well worn in Hollywood, but this newest entry is propped up by a pair of the best performances of the year.



THE IRISHMAN – If you ever wanted to watch all of Martin Scorsese’s films but didn’t want to watch multiple films, may I present to you The Irishman.

Now onto my 10 favorite films of 2019

10) YESTERDAY – Yesterday is an understated Rom-Com fantasy with a big heart, it’s earnest and thoughtful and sure to leave you with a smile on your face.




9)  KNIVES OUT – A throwback to the classic Agatha Christie films, a sharp script and an A list cast make this one of the more enjoyable films of the year.



8) ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL – It took over a decade for James Cameron passion project  to finally hit the screen, the result is one of the better sci-fi films of the last few years and probably one of Robert Rodriguez's most polished films.



7)  FORD V FERRARI – A classically styled prestige film that takes a real-life tale and makes it’s an engaging dramedy carried by two movie stars.



6) 1917 – Sam Mendes war epic is a technical marvel even with a bare bones story that's been told multiple times before, it deserves to be seen on the big screen. 



5) JOJO RABBIT – A weird concept that ends up being something that’s funny, meaningful and incredibly endearing.




4) ROCKETMAN – Rocketman is an example of how you shake up the musical biopic genre with something original, appropriate and appreciative of the central artist.



3) PARASITE – Bong Joon-ho's newest film is a success on a multiple levels.  Unlike many arthouse films, this is easily accessible and even easier to love.  It's funny, timely and tragic.



2) ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD – Quentin Tarantino’s love letter to 70’s Hollywood seems to stream directly out of the director’s brain onto the screen.  Throw in a pair of excellent turns by Leonardo Dicaprio and Brad Pitt and a fanciful story that’s Tarantino through and through even though its surprisingly bloodless for the most part.



1) MIDSOMMAR – Ari Aster made two films and each of them have left a lasting impression.  Midsommar though reflects an incredible leap in craftsmanship and overall quality.  Midsommar is a film that needs to be viewed multiple times to appreciate the nuance of skill at work.

MOVIE REVIEW: PARASITE

Greed and class discrimination threaten the newly formed symbiotic relationship between the wealthy Park family and the destitute Kim clan.

Director: Bong Joon-ho

Cast: Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong, Choi Woo-shik, Park So-dam

Release Date: October 11, 2019

Genres: Comedy, Drama, Thriller 

Rated R for language, some violence and sexual content

Runtime: 2h 12 min 

Review:

Bong Joon-ho can't be accused of making the same kind of film even certain themes do tend to carry over from The Host, Snowpiercer and now Parasite.  His newest film is one of the funniest and ultimately tragic films of the years.  Bong Joon-ho visual style is instantly engaging and engrossing as he relates so much information via visuals and some sharply written dialogue.  One of the most impressive things about this art house film is how easily accessible it is to the audience.  You don't have to be a movie aficionado to appreciate how well made and funny this film is all around. The performances the cast are great all around with Yeo-jeong Jo being particularly fun as the aloof wife.  The cast and director all lull you into a strange sense of safety and fun while dropping clues and cues about the film's overall message.  Once the film hits it's final act and the tone shifts in a shocking way it shouldn't come as much of surprise because Boon Joon-ho has been building to this from the beginning.  As a whole, the film is a impressive cinematic experience that is sure to have a massive level of rewatchablity.  

 

A-

MOVIE REVIEW: 1917

Two British soldiers receive seemingly impossible orders during World War I. In a race against time, they must cross into enemy territory to deliver a message that could potentially save 1,600 of their fellow comrades -- including one's own brother.

Director: Sam Mendes

Cast: George MacKay, Dean-Charles Chapman, Mark Strong, Andrew Scott, Richard Madden, Claire Duburcq, Colin Firth, Benedict Cumberbatch

Release Date: December 25, 2019

Genres: Drama, War

Rated R for violence, some disturbing images, and language

Runtime: 1h 59min

Review:

It takes a special kind of talent to a take a simplistic story, which has been done before, and make it a thoroughly engrossing journey from start to finish.  Sam Mendes pulls this off by using some visual trickery to make the film seem like it runs in a series of unbroken cuts and populating his film with memorial visual moments. Oscar winning cinematographer Roger Deakin's visual flair is on full display here, matched with Mendes direction gives the audience some truly mesmerizing moments some of which feel closer to horror movie beats than a war film.  These visual cues make what amounts to a simplified Saving Private Ryan engaging right from the start even though there are far fewer characters to follow.  The cast primarily consist of George MacKay & Dean-Charles Chapman with the latter carrying the majority of the load.  Much like Saving Private Ryan, you have a handful of name actors pop up here and there for quick cameos but ultimately it's MacKay that's the audience's primary proxy.  He delivers a strong performance which makes you feel every moment of his trek from fear to exhaustion  even in the film's quieter moments which are just as frazzling as the more action fueled sequences.  As a whole, the film is a technical marvel that doesn't forget to capture the human moments in the horror of war. 

A-

Cindy’s Top Ten Movies of 2019!

Ahhh...2019. In the interest of building suspense, I could be all cagey about this countdown, but let's face it: For me, 2019 was the Year of Rocketman. As lousy as the real-world year was, it was salvaged by Rocketman. Someone suggested in jest (maybe?) that Rocketman should be numbers one through ten on my year-end list, and that would be fair enough; HOWEVER...I did like some other movies this year, so I'm gonna give you--yes YOU, dear reader(s)--ten of my favorites. Just know in your hearts that the other nine fall way behind number one. Way, WAY behind.

The usual disclaimers:

A movie's position on my year-end list does not necessarily reflect its original Weasley score. Some films age well, bear up, and even improve under repeat viewings. Some...well...some do not. Also, I live in a rinky-dink town, so great movies like JoJo Rabbit and 1917--pictures that almost certainly would have found spots here or gotten very close--have not made themselves available to me yet. This is disappointing, but unsurprising. I'd hung my entire holiday break on the prospect of seeing 1917, only to discover on Christmas Day that its Christmas opening was limited release, and I have to wait until January 10th. Humbug. Finally, I think three or four of these movies already made Variety's "worst of" list for 2019, so kindly do not be too shocked when I diverge from The Serious Critics (TM).

Without further ado, presenting my top ten films of 2019:

TEN

"The most important qualification for any leader is not wanting to be leader."

THE TWO POPES

2019 threw me a nice surprise on its way out the celestial door, with the Netflix original The Two Popes. It's a deliberate, thoughtful, and timely film carried by a pair of the year's most exquisite performances: Jonathan Pryce as Pope Francis and Anthony Hopkins as Pope Benedict XVI. While the subject matter is weighty, this movie is an absolute delight.

NINE

"I'm glad I'm a revelation and not a disappointment."

DOWNTON ABBEY

This big-screen adaptation of the popular television series Downton Abbey, is, in fact, something of a revelation. A totally new story in the familiar and much-loved setting, with just the right amount of fan service, it is a joyful exercise that hits nearly every note perfectly. Making its case for the big screen are breathtaking costumes and production design...and Mr. Barrow finally seeing a bit of happiness doesn't hurt, either.

EIGHT

"We're gonna bury Ferrari at Le Mans."

FORD V FERRARI

At a glance, Ford v Ferrari might seem like a film appealing exclusively to car enthusiasts; however, that assumption does a great disservice to both the film and the viewer. Ford v Ferrari is an inspiring story about people. It's a nail-biter from start to finish, it has heart to spare, and it's fronted by great turns from Matt Damon and Christian Bale. Beautifully filmed race action makes this one to see on the biggest screen you can find.

SEVEN

"It always fits...eventually."

SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE

Technically, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is a last-year movie, but for me it's a this-year movie, and--despite its being the very first film I saw way back in January, 2019--it's far too great to leave off my best-of list. A Marvel property in the hands of Sony, Spider-Verse is smart, funny, touching, and better than the entire Avengers catalog combined.

SIX

"This is a twisted web, and we are not finished untangling it, not yet."

KNIVES OUT

Knives Out is a great piece of original cinema crafted from artful twists, clever humor, and terrific performances, layered with a gorgeous Gothic setting and an ominous score. Written and directed by Rian Johnson, this perfect murder mystery is a huge creative and financial win for the cinema, and I recommend it without hesitation or qualification.

FIVE

"This is the worst...and best...and most terrible...excellent thing that's ever happened to me!"

THE KID WHO WOULD BE KING

Hands up if you missed the Kid Who Would Be King at your local cinema? Yeah, I see you, ALL of you. The good news is that one of the year's most wonderful pictures is now available for streaming and download, and you shouldn't make the same mistake twice. The Kid Who Would Be King is a charming movie, great fun for people of all ages. Truly one of the year's best.

FOUR

"Si vis pacem, para bellum."

JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 3 — PARABELLUM

The John Wick franchise has become quite the phenomenon, and deservedly so. Continually upping the action ante in Fast-and-Furious-like fashion, these movies are so much more than just your garden-variety shoot 'em ups and beat 'em ups. John Wick is the role Keanu Reeves was born to play, and Parabellum raises the stakes for Wick while doubling down on masterful fight choreography and stunning cinematography. Here's to many more adventures for John Wick!

THREE

"Bruce is the direct line to all that's true in this world!"

BLINDED BY THE LIGHT

Blinded by the Light is another terrific picture that didn't exactly set the box office on fire. Inspired by the true story of one Springsteen superfan, and built on the Boss's epic catalog, it's a hopeful tale about overcoming prejudice and the limitations set for us by ourselves and by others, one of the year's most inspiring movies.

TWO

"Tell the truth to everyone, whenever you can."

YESTERDAY

Yesterday is yet another of 2019's under-appreciated gems, a beautiful, unique movie fashioned around the timeless music of the Beatles. Himesh Patel is a delight in the lead, and--while the premise requires suspension of disbelief--Yesterday is a charming picture that captivates with its "what ifs?" as well as its iconic soundtrack and enchanting cast.

ONE

"You were never ordinary."

ROCKETMAN

My number one movie of the year, and of the decade, was set on May 31st, when I saw Rocketman for the first time. I saw the movie at least twice a week as long as it was at my local cinema. I've watched at least part of it every day since it became available for home viewing. Outside of a week or so around each of the wonderful concerts I saw this summer, I've listened to nothing but the Rocketman soundtrack since the end of May. My phone and all my desktops have Rocketman wallpapers. I've joked (hmm?) that I only speak Rocketman now. The truth is, I'm not interested in speaking anything else. Pre-Rocketman, it had been a decade since a new movie made its way into my all-time top ten. Then there was Rocketman. Pre-Rocketman, my favorite acting performance hadn't changed since 1993. Then there was Taron Egerton's astonishing turn as Elton John. Pre-Rocketman, I was finding reasons to stay away from the movies. Then there was Dexter Fletcher showing us the beauty of real imagination. Rocketman is more than just a well-crafted film that reflects on an iconic artist's inspiring life. It is a film that uses Elton John's art to tell his story in fantastic, creative fashion. It is a film that uses exquisite detail in its styling and costumes to further its vision. It is a film that draws something sparkling and new out of a classic discography. It is a film that is not bound by dull, linear timelines or small minds. It is a film that surrounds a performance for the ages with others that bear it up. It is a film that shows, however dark the times, you will find the light. In doing all these things, it is a film that is saving lives. Rocketman is a film that is, in every way, magnificent. Thank you, Dexter Fletcher and company, for giving us this beautiful movie. Whatever the critics say and whoever wins the prizes as Awards Season bears down upon us, nobody has done anything more valuable this cinema year.

A few Honorable (and Dis-Honorable) Mentions:

While Taron Egerton deserves all the awards, all the time, for his work in Rocketman, there were some other performances this year that also gave me life:

Jamie Bell (Rocketman): Without Bell's Bernie Taupin as his stalwart cornerstone, Egerton's Elton could not have flown. It's a lovely, understated performance that has been grossly underappreciated.

Tom Holland (Marvel Cinematic Universe): Holland is a real gem, a standout who consistently steals the show from bigger names who get weightier work in the MCU. No matter how good, bad, or painfully bloated the movie, Holland is an absolute delight.

Renee Zellweger (Judy): Who knew it was even possible for me to stop hating Renee Zellweger? Well played, 2019.

Rebecca Ferguson (The Kid Who Would Be King/Doctor Sleep): There was little I enjoyed more this year than watching Ferguson chew her way through this pair of pictures. Oh, and if I start walking around wearing a hat, don't ask, m-kay?

Chris Evans (Knives Out): God, I love seeing Chris Evans do *anything* besides Captain America. Bonus points if he gets to be funny. He's really funny, despite his obscenely gorgeous mug.

John Boyega/Oscar Isaac (Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker): These two, individually and together, draw joy out of what's otherwise a fairly mundane exercise. If Finn and Poe somehow jumped to another saga in the Star Wars universe, I wouldn't complain.

The Cast of Jumanji: The Next Level: Top to bottom, a perfectly cast film, and a lesson in how the right actors can elevate any property.

As a matter of interest, if you watch the Irishman and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood back to back, you can effectively calculate how many hours you'll wish you had back when you're on your deathbed.

I would like a word with Gary Oldman's and Sebastian Stan's agents, please.

Cats: Make. It. Stop. Please, just...make it stop.

As this most challenging year winds to a close, I wanted to offer a sincere thank you to everyone who takes the time to read my reviews, and especially those who engage on any of our various platforms. Special thanks to Daniel for allowing me to be a part of his great page, and for tolerating my unceasing randomness. (Hotel Transylvania 4 in 2021, my friend!) I take no one's support for granted, and I’m ever grateful for you all. I wish our readers many blessings as this festive season comes to a close and we roll into 2020. See you at the movies!

MOVIE REVIEW: JOJO RABBIT

Jojo is a lonely German boy who discovers that his single mother is hiding a Jewish girl in their attic. Aided only by his imaginary friend -- Adolf Hitler -- Jojo must confront his blind nationalism as World War II continues to rage on.

Director: Taika Waititi

Cast: Roman Griffin Davis,Scarlett Johansson, Thomasin McKenzie, Rebel Wilson, Stephen Merchant, Alfie Allen, Sam Rockwell, Taika Waititi

Release Date: October 18, 2019

Genres: Comedy, Drama, War

Rated PG-13 for mature thematic content, some disturbing images, violence, and language

Runtime: 1h 48min

Review:

Jojo Rabbit’s concept may sound odd on paper but some how Taika Waititi makes the whole thing work.  Waititi’s irreverent type of humor is perfectly suited for this satire delivering a fun, touching and moving film.  Roman Griffin Davis stars as the titual Jojo and he does an admirable job of carrying the film.  He’s likable and never feels forced which is rare for a child actor.  Thomasin McKenzie is equally impressive in her role even if she’s a bit more understated than Davis.  Scarlett Johansson’s role is limited but she makes the most of her scenes giving the film a good deal of its heart.  Taika Waititi’s Hitler is fun particularly when he breaks into full bore Hitlering.  Sam Rockwell and Alfie Allen are good fun in supporting roles.  The cast as a whole makes this dark subject matter end up being a feel good film with a timely message given our current state of political tribalism.  It’s not a perfect film with the final act lingering on a bit too long but otherwise it’s surprisingly thoughtful film with some real heart. 

A