MOVIE REVIEW: WEST SIDE STORY

 

Love at first sight strikes when young Tony spots Maria at a high school dance in 1957 New York City. Their burgeoning romance helps to fuel the fire between the warring Jets and Sharks -- two rival gangs vying for control of the streets.

Director: Steven Spielberg

Cast: Ansel Elgort, Rachel Zegler, Ariana DeBose, David Alvarez, Mike Faist, Rita Moreno, Corey Stoll

Release Date: November 19, 2021

Genre: Crime, Drama, Musical, Romance

Rated PG-13 for some strong violence, strong language, thematic content, suggestive material and brief smoking.

Runtime: 2h 36m

Review:

Steven Spielberg's West Side Story isn't really necessary in the grand scheme of things since the 1961 Robert Wise film is considered cinematic royalty.  Perhaps Spielberg is one of the few directors around who could pull off the amazing feat of delivering a vibrant and relevant refresh of this story. The film pulsates with a palatable verve from it's opening frame.  Each shot is meticulously constructed and composed which displays the amount of care that went into this production.  The songs are instantly recognizable but the choreography and costuming are just breathtaking to behold in terms of size and scope.  Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler lead the cast as the star crossed lovers.  Zegler, in her big screen debut, is perfect from the moment she hits the screen with a voice that's sure to leave an impression.  There's an air of authenticity in her performance that bleeds through the screen. Elgort though feels like a weak spot in the cast with his performance and voice coming off flat for large portions of time.  Zegler and Elgort don't share that spark of onscreen chemistry you'd expect from the central couple and in a lesser film it'd probably sink the whole production.  It's a testament to the film that it really doesn't matter in the long run since the supporting cast more than makes up for it.  Mike Faist turn as Riff is a kinetic punch of charismatic juvenile delinquency making him the most interesting person onscreen for a large portion of the film.  David Alvarez is equally strong as Riff's rival Bernardo.  Alvarez reeks of masculinity and machismo which fits perfectly with the character.  Ariana DeBose, who takes on Rita Moreno's role from the original film, manages to leave a huge impression with her energetic and ultimately tragic turn with the centerpiece being her performance of America.  Spielberg's West Side Story is a rare cinematic feat especially for a remake, it's engrossing, uplifting, timely and moving in the best way.

A-

MOVIE REVIEW: C’MON C’MON

 

Johnny is an emotionally stunted and softspoken radio journalist who travels the country interviewing a variety of kids about their thoughts concerning their world and their future. Then Johnny's saddled with caring for his young nephew Jesse. Jesse brings a new perspective and, as they travel from state to state, effectively turns the emotional tables on Johnny.

Director: Mike Mills

Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Gaby Hoffmann, Scoot McNairy, Molly Webster, Jaboukie Young-White, Woody Norman

Release Date: November 19, 2021

Genre: Drama

Rated R for language

Runtime: 1h 49m

Review:

Mike Mills C’mon C’mon is a simplistic but elegant bit of introspection about life.  It’s the kind of cinema veritas that takes the mundane in life and makes it significant and meaningfully.  It’s a quiet soft spoken film that relies on dialogue more than anything and does so with great effectiveness.  Those looking for a hard charging plot will be left wanting for more here as very little actually happens throughout the majority of the film.  Its leisurely pace rhythm may be off putting for certain audience but there is plenty to enjoy for those that can connect to the interpersonal relationships on display.  The central relationship between Joaquin Phoenix and newcomer Woody Norman provide the beating heart for the film.  Phoenix is understated and authentic from the onset which shouldn’t be a major surprise but Woody Norman is a revelation.  Norman and Phoenix share a rare kind of screen chemistry that’s hard to find and it elevates the film which avoids most of the big clichés of the self discovery genre.  Both should be getting plenty of awards recognition once the time comes.  Gaby Hoffman and Scoot McNairy deliver strong supporting turns with Hoffman getting more time to shine.  C’mon C’mon isn’t the type of film that will appeal to everyone because of it’s pace and methodical approach to the subject matter but for those that can appreciate subtle and delicate storytelling there is plenty to love here.    

A-

MOVIE REVIEW: ENCANTO

 

The Madrigals are an extraordinary family who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia in a charmed place called the Encanto. The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift -- every child except Mirabel. However, she soon may be the Madrigals last hope when she discovers that the magic surrounding the Encanto is now in danger.

Director: Byron Howard, Jared Bush

Cast: Stephanie Beatriz, María Cecilia Botero, John Leguizamo, Mauro Castillo, Jessica Darrow, Angie Cepeda, Carolina Gaitán, Diane Guerrero, Wilmer Valderrama

Release Date: November 24, 2021

Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy, Musical

Rated PG for some thematic elements and mild peril.

Runtime: 1h 42m

Review:

Encanto walks that fine balances between being a colorful animated musical that'll keep children entertained while also being thematically dense and engaging enough for adults to enjoy.  Byron Howard and Jared Bush's film displays vibrancy right from the start as the lush animation and catchy songs take hold.  The overall animation design looks simplistic at first but as the film goes on you can't help but appreciate the level of detail and artistry on display.  When the animation is paired with musical numbers from Lin-Manuel Miranda the film envelopes you with its effervescent energy that's hard to ignore.  That alone would probably make for a passable family film but Encanto's story makes it memorable and touching.  Themes of family, legacy and self-affirmation stream throughout the film as we follow Mirabel, voiced by a wonderfully earnest Stephanie Beatriz, on her journey.  The script touches on some deep and thoughtful ideas with impressive care and subtly.  The cast all feel perfectly suited for their roles with Stephanie Beatriz, John Leguizamo and María Cecilia Botero, who plays the Madrigal's matriarch, leaving the biggest impression.  Encanto is a multilayered family film that can be enjoyed from multiple levels.  

A

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