Rent Arrival on Amazon Video Written by: Eric Heisserer (screenplay), Ted Chiang (based on the story "Story of Your Life" written by) Directed by: Denis Villeneuve Starring: Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker Rated: PG-13
Plot When twelve mysterious spacecraft appear around the world, linguistics professor Louise Banks (Amy Adams) is tasked with interpreting the language of the alien visitors.
Verdict Intriguing story that plausibly depicts how we would interact with an alien species. This is like an opposite to Independence Day, focuses on raising questions instead of action. The subplot of Amy Adam's memories throughout have a huge pay off towards the end as we further explore how language shapes how we see the world. It's a great piece of film. Watch it.
Review The movie opens with quick clips that tell the story of Louise's daughter while Louise ruminates on beginnings and endings in a voice over.
Twelve oval shaped structures appear around the globe and people go crazy. With a less is more approach, the structures are just oval shapes.This movie feels very grounded in how the military and world would react to extra-terrestrial life. Louise is recruited to make contact since she's a linguist. The lead up to her and the military attachment entering the alien structure is great. This is a Villeneuve movie so it looks impressive and the mood remains intense despite the fact this movie is just two species learning to communicate.
This is a cerebral experience, pondering how language shapes cultures and thought. It's a sci-fi movie that's more cerebral and less action. The tension is derived from the need to figure out what the aliens wants and later the threat of attack. At first all countries are working together, but as fear increases all countries stop contacting each other and sharing information. Throughout the movie, Louise's task at hand triggers memories of her daughter. I figured there had to be more to her flashbacks, and there is.
When the aliens talk of a weapon the military is ready to attack. Louise warns that the aliens may not be using the word correctly, the trouble with not establishing a base line. The military wants answers immediately, but Louise convinces them to wait. This is reinforced with the Chinese who used chess to communicate. When your basis of language is winning and losing, the aliens communicate in those terms.
The subplot of Louise's memories of her child come back in a big way towards the end, but it also feels like a trick. Louise's memories aren't quite what they seem and it's incredibly odd she never questions it or even talks about it. If she did, it would steal thunder from the end, but her reaction just seems odd once we get to the twist. I like the question it generates. Is it better to love and lose than to not love at all? I just wish the movie got there without it feeling like subterfuge. Louise knows something and doesn't tell us just to not spoil the end.
Despite my complaint, the movie just keeps getting better. It's an amazing movie that explores questions about freedom of choice, language, and perspective. A question the movie doesn't ask directly is whether we have free choice.
Towards the end, General Shang whispers to Louise his wife's last words. It's not subtitled on screen, but what he said was, "In war, there are no winners. Only widows."
Watch GLOW Season 1 on Netflix Created by: Liz Flahive, Carly Mensch Starring: Alison Brie, Betty Gilpin, Sydelle Noel, Britney Young, Marc Maron, Britt Baron, Gayle Rankin, Jackie Tohn, Ellen Wong Rating: TV-MA
Plot Ruth Wilder (Alison Brie), an out-of-work, struggling actress in 1980s Los Angeles, finds a chance for stardom when she enters the glitter and spandex world of women's wrestling. Sam Sylvia (Marc Maron), a washed-up B-movie director manages fourteen women on the journey to wrestling stardom.
Verdict This is not a wrestling show. It's a drama where the characters work as wrestlers. The wrestling isn't going to hook you. They aren't good at it as they're still learning, but it's the characters that grab you. The characters have great arcs, and while this show features ridiculous personas, the character's stories get quite deep. This is set in the '80s, not long after the women's movement, exploring what's changed for women as these women enter a distinctly male dominated arena. The last episode deftly brings everything together in a great episode. Watch it.
Review Jenji Kohan (Weeds, Orange is the New Black) serves as the producer of this '80s period piece. I looked for an anachronism in the background and couldn't find it. From the sets and locations to the clothes, costumes, and cars, the time period is meticulously accurate.
This enters the world of wrestling, which is fake. The show doesn't make a joke of it or exploit the fact. It shows that despite the fights being fake, it still takes a lot of work and skill to make it look real. Despite the male dominated around them, these women are seeking empowerment.
Ruth is the main character, bringing a theatrical approach to the world of wrestling which isolates her from everyone else and annoys director Sam. For all of the characters, GLOW is a last ditch effort to succeed. They've all failed in some way and don't have any other options. Will this succeed with a bunch of characters that are at or near rock bottom?
This isn't about the wrestling. It's about the characters and their struggles. Ruth's personal and professional lives collide as Sam is all too happy to capitalize on her rift with former best friend Debbie (Betty Gilpin) to further the show. Reality is often shoehorned into the ring. Sam recruits Debbie has his main star, irritating Ruth who thought this gig would be her chance to shine. Ruth has never made it, and Debbie was a soap star. While Alison Brie usually plays a sympathetic character, that isn't the case here. Nearly all of these characters are flawed in some way. This show uses their strengths and weaknesses to great effect, and with so many characters the pacing never feels slow.
In the last few episodes this takes some heavy turns, though it never abandons the comedy. Sam is a jerk, but we begin to see that he acts like that to distance himself from people. It's a facade, and Sam just might be a good guy under it all. Sam is played by Marc Maron, and if you're familiar with Maron, he didn't have to reach too far to play this character. This does take advantage of the '80s and a movie Sam's been talking about making since the beginning of the season has an amazingly hilarious payoff towards the end. Of course being set in the '80s and focused on wrestling, Hulk Hogan is not only mentioned, but seen in clips from the time.
The final episode is a culmination of the entire season. The characters come together and their practice and dedication pays off in the title fight as Ruth's Zoya the Destroya battles Debbie's Liberty Belle.
Everyone's journey with Olivia de Havilland starts somewhere. For most it's her role as Melanie in Gone With the Wind (1939). Mine began when I was little. My dad was watching The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) on the old square tv. It was the scene where Robin Hood visits Maid Marion in her castle room. I wasn't much on the guy at the time - I've never been a fan of long hair on men - but Maid Marion, with her shining brown eyes, long thick braids, and shimmering blue dress definitely left a mark on me. She was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen and I wished I looked just like her.
In the years following (and pre-internet at my house), I wondered what version of Robin Hood my dad had been watching and who that lady was who played Maid Marion so well (even better than the fox Maid Marion in my favorite Disney film).
Fast-forward to the year 2012. I was watching You've Got Mail on dvd for the first time (after seeing it countless times on television - though usually it was just the ending). After it was over, and with "Over the Rainbow" still playing in my head, I checked out the special features. One of them was titled "You've Got Chemistry" and it introduced me to many on-screen couples I would soon come to know and love. I already knew and loved Mickey and Judy (and of course Hanks and Ryan from the feature film). New-to-me couples included Bogie and Bacall, Powell and Loy, and lastly Olivia de Havilland and Errol Flynn. As I watched clips from their eight films together, scenes from their most famous pairing in The Adventures of Robin Hood let me know that I had finally found my childhood Maid Marion.
Over the next year I acquainted myself Powell and Loy as Nick and Nora and the sizzling on-screen love affair between Bogie and Bacall. Then, in 2014 we finally got Turner Classic Movies and I recalled that last couple I had yet to delve in to.
April 5, 2014 - I watched They Died with Their Boots on (1941), my first Flynn/de Havilland film and their last pairing. They were instantly a new favorite (and last year's post for the blogathon as well as the subject for one of my Cinema Wedding Gown posts). Three days later I watched The Adventures of Robin Hood in it's entirety for the first time, in all its Technicolor splendor. It far exceeded my expectations. Rather than feel dated, it leapt off the screen, as fresh and vibrant as if it had been filmed the day before. Olivia de Havilland was everything that Maid Marion should be: beautiful, smart, strong-minded, principled, courageous, and did I forget to mention gorgeous?
The next film I watched with one of these newly discovered stars was The Sea Hawk (1940) starring Errol Flynn and, in the lead female role, Brenda Marshall. If I could remake any classic film, I would remake this one with Olivia in the lead (and a more substantially part of course). Olivia never needed the hero, rather, he needed her.
After that was The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex (1939) with Errol Flynn, Bette Davis, and in a tiny part, Olivia. It pained me when Errol and Olivia didn't end up together. It just didn't feel right, like something was terribly wrong in the world! It was the same with The Charge of the Light Brigade (1936), which aired on TCM a few days later.
In between those two films, I saw my first Olivia film without Errol, My Love Came Back (1940). And while it seemed wrong for her to love someone other than Flynn, it instantly became a favorite. Olivia, being the fantastic actress that she is, is very convincing as a violinist. Not to mention she can get a man to ask her to dance all the while acting like she's not interested but will oblige him anyway.
Other Olivia films that year included Hard to Get (1938), Gold is Where You Find It (1938), Wings of the Navy (1939), The Dark Mirror (1946) - another favorite where Olivia plays twins, Princess O'Rourke (1943) - a BIG favorite, Dodge City (1939) and Santa Fe Trail (1940) - both with Flynn, The Male Animal (1942), and In This Our Life (1942).
The year 2015 brought me The Ambassador's Daughter (1956), The Irish in Us (1935), Alibi Ike (1935), Government Girl (1943), The Strawberry Blonde (1941), Thank Your Lucky Stars (1943) - a cameo appearance, and Captain Blood (1935) - her first with Flynn.
Last year started off with her Oscar-winning performance in The Heiress (1949), Gone With the Wind (1939) for the first time in its entirety, and My Cousin Rachel (1952) - three powerful performances.
I was therefore extremely excited when Olivia was named the Star of the Month for July on TCM, especially since I was hosting a blogathon in celebration of her 100 years here on earth. Her birthday being on the first of the month couldn't have been more ideal as, while reading all of the posts, I was able to decide which films I HAD to watch. As it turned out, I wanted to watch every one of them.
The order in which her films were shown, and in which I watched them, somewhat mirrored her career, beginning with period pictures and comedies then serious dramas. I was able to watch Raffles (1939), Call it a Day (1937), The Great Garrick (1937), It's Love I'm After (1937), Devotion (1943/1946), To Each His Own (1946), Hold Back the Dawn (1941), Light in the Piazza (1962), and Libel (1951). I saved Four's a Crowd (1938) - the only Errol/Olivia film I hadn't yet seen - for as long as possible.
There are still several I have yet to see (I didn't have room on the dvr last year to record all of the great films they showed. In fact, I had to make a list of the ones I could get from the library). I finally watched Hush... Hush, Sweet Charlotte (1964) this year after finishing Feud: Bette and Joan. I will definitely be recording Anthony Adverse (1936) next Saturday and hope to actually get around to checking out some others from the library. I also need to make a new Top Ten List of her films, as I've seen so many more great Olivia movies since I originally published it.
The fact that Olivia is still with us and turned 101 today is a gift indeed to the Classic Movie Fan. I hear her goal is 110 and I plan on hosting a blogathon every year to celebrate her amazing body of work and her continued impact on people's lives.
Just come across this blogathon and want to join? Jump on in! You have until Monday to share your post! Have an old post (of a film or topic that's not been claimed) that you'd like to share? I'll add it to the bottom of the daily posts
Is anyone planning on seeing the new My Cousin Rachel when it comes out next week? Below is the 1952 trailer with Olivia and the new trailer with Rachel Weisz.
Here's a list of upcoming Olivia and Errol films being shown on TCM:
July 8 - Anthony Adverse (1936) - Olivia de Havilland & Fredric March July 12 - Too Much, Too Soon (1958) - Errol Flynn as John Barrymore July 15 - Escape Me Never (1947) - Errol Flynn & Ida Lupino, Gig Young, Eleanor Parker July 27 - The Sisters (1938) - Errol Flynn & Bette Davis August 7 - Never Say Goodbye (1946) - Errol Flynn & Eleanor Parker, S.Z. Sakall August 26 - The Strawberry Blonde (1941) - Olivia de Havilland & James Cagney, Rita Hayworth September 3 - The Snake Pit (1948) - Olivia de Havilland September 9 - Santa Fe Trail (1940) - Errol Flynn & Olivia de Havilland September 15 - The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) - Errol Flynn & Olivia de Havilland
Growing up, I was introduced to horror through some of the more palatable forms of terror. There were Halloween episodes of certain popular sitcoms (Roseanne, Home Improvement) that were always a spooky and fun treat to look forward to. There were the child themed anthology shows Goosebumps
Chris Evans, Mckenna Grace, Lindsay Duncan, Jenny Slate, Octavia Spencer, Glenn Plummer, John Finn, Elizabeth Marvel, Jona Xiao, Julie Ann Emery, Keir O'Donnell
Storyline
Single man Frank (Chris Evans) is raising his child prodigy niece Mary (Mckenna Grace) and is trying to give her a normal life by letting her attend a normal school instead of a school for gifted kids. But his mother Evelyn (Lindsay Duncan) has different plans and draws Frank into a custody battle.
Opinion
I knew nothing about Gifted. I had seen no trailers. I had read no storyline. I only knew there was Chris Evans on whom I have a crush on since he played Johnny Storm so of course I watched it. And it was a very pleasant surprise. Well, maybe it wasn't a complete surprise because I've read a few days earlier a review saying how smart and charming and funny it was. Which, by the way, it's true. Gifted is smart and charming and funny. And heartwarming.
The story is pretty average and there isn't really anything special about it. It doesn't have any surprise plot elements, and it isn't really a powerful story either. However, it is well constructed and properly executed which is why the film manages to be gripping and engaging.
But that's true only in part because the characters are those making the film truly engaging. They are well-written and developed, especially the lead, Frank, a very interesting character whose growth as a man you can witness during the film. And the credits goes to Chris Evans. Maybe it's the fangirl in me talking, but he brings his charisma and some kind of warmth into the character that makes him feel real. Also, he's able to deliver the character vulnerability.
As much as I'd love to say Evans is the best thing about the film, he isn't. Young Mckenna Grace completely steals the show as his niece Mary. There isn't anything special about the character, but she is a delight to watch. Her acting never feel forced but most important her chemistry with those around her is incredible, especially with Evans. You can sense their closeness.
Octavia Spencer also does a great job as Frank's neighbour. She is sassy, funny and kind. Just what the film needed. And Lindsay Duncan too is great as Frank's mother.
There is, however, something that didn't work for me and that is Jenny Slate. Well, not her, but her character. She just doesn't find a place in the movie because she's just not needed in the movie.
Rent The LEGO Batman Movie on Amazon Video Written by: Seth Grahame-Smith and Chris McKenna & Erik Sommers and Jared Stern & John Whittington (screenplay), Seth Grahame-Smith (story by), Bob Kane & Bill Finger (Batman created by), Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster (Superman created by), William Moulton Marston (Wonder Woman created by) Directed by: Chris McKay Starring: Will Arnett, Michael Cera, Rosario Dawson, Ralph Fiennes, Zach Galifianakis, Jason Mantzoukas, Conan O'Brien, Zoë Kravitz Rated: PG
Plot Batman vows to solely vanquish the Joker once and for all, but ends up adopting a son in the process and learning a little bit about family.
Verdict With an incredibly clever script, it's fully entertaining for kids, but meticulously crafted to entertain adults. The script exploits the common Batman and Joker foibles, breaking down who Batman is and his character flaws. The movie is insightful, but always entertaining. It's rare for a movie to work so effectively on multiple levels. The LEGO Batman Movie does it effortlessly. Watch it.
Review This spinoff from The Lego Movie (2014) is delightfully self aware, presenting a Batman with a huge ego. Batman prefers to be alone and that is a big part of the plot when he's forced to work with Barbara Gordon when it's pointed out that Batman must be bad at his job since he's never caught the Joker. Batman vows to vanquish Joker once and for all, but a faux romantic plot is thrown in with the Joker just wanting Batman to admit there mutual hate.
It gets to the core of and exploits Batman's tendencies. Batman wants to avoid a family structure because of what happened to his family, but he accidentally adopts Robin. You understand Robin's hero worship of Batman and feel bad for the kid when Batman deliberately puts Robin in harm's way. Robin's suit was a reggae outfit Batman once used, hence the 'R'.
It's irreverent, befitting an animated feature, but the script is impressive. This has plenty of pop culture references without direct mentions, daleks from Doctor Who and Jurassic Park velociraptors to name a couple. There's even a reference to the terrible '80s movie Gymkata.. Even if you take away these references the conclusion is a Chekov's gun that encapsulate everything this movie does. It manages to be heartfelt, imaginative, and humorous while playfully criticizing Batman. This might just be the best Batman movie.
Plot Two eccentric metal detectorists spend their days plodding along open fields hoping to unearth the fortune of a lifetime.
Verdict This is a fantastic show. Don't let the premise of 'two guys metal detecting' dissuade you. That description is a disservice. This follows the drama in the lives of two best friends Lance and Andy. Life can be serious and silly, and as detectorists they're hunting for meaning and vindication, something we all seek. They are strong characters, flawed and fixated, that never feel anything less than real, and that's the charm of this show. Watch it.
Review Written and directed by Mackenzie Crook, best known for playing Gareth in the U.K. version of The Office, this show immediately impressed me with how great it always looks. Some movies don't take as much time establishing shots and scenes. All of that would be for nothing if the show didn't create such authentic characters. Metal detecting is an escape and a chance to overcome their social order. They want to find gold, the goal of any detectorists, but they only see others on the news. Crooks has confirmed a third and final season will air towards the end of 2017.
Season 1 Lance is stuck to his ex-wife. She constantly uses him, and while Andy frequently tells him this, we get the sense Lance knows it to some degree. He likes being useful and having something in his life even if he knows it's a farce. Detecting is an escape. Andy is trying to find a job, but knows he doesn't have any real skills. Both men are socially awkward. Detecting is a mostly solo exploit, but they've forged a bond over it. While waiting for his girlfriend, a middle school teacher, to get off work, Andy is approached with concerns that he might be a miscreant just because of how he looks.
Lance and Andy's conversations are understated, simple words holding a lot of meaning. We get the sense they've been in the fields for years forging this bond. The subtlety with these characters is impressive. It's what makes this show unique and charming, aside from metal detecting.
The new girl in the detectorist group, Sohpie manages to create a rift between Andy and Lance and later Andy and his girlfriend. Metal detecting is serious business, but it's also a relationship Andy and Lance have built. They want to share in each others successes. When Andy makes a discovery with Sophie, Lance isn't happy. He feels he should have been there.
Lance and Andy's group the Danebury Metal Detecting Club (DMDC), aren't without rivals. the duo dubbed Simon and Garfunkel from the AntiquiSearchers are hilarious in every scene. The humor is distinctly British, subtle yet incredibly clever.
Season 2 This season seemed to have a larger budget, the first scene opening with a flashback to times when Saxons roamed the lands. These scenes set up a thread woven throughout the series, how close and simultaneously how far Lance is from finally finding his gold.
While season one took time to establish the characters, season two has a few more arcs, with a man looking for a plane crash and new archaeological graduate Andy looking for a job that might take him out of the country. This season explores treasure hunters and reasons for seeking it. For Lance and Andy, it isn't about the money. They truly love the hobby, despite the frustrations.
Their hobby can make one easily disillusioned as Lance sees a detectorist discover gold and cross the television screen after only two sessions. By the end of the season, both men have made significant decisions that will dictate their future while the DMDC is in a prime position to discover new valuables that might be buried in the ground.
Watch Okja on Netflix Written by: Joon-ho Bong (story), Joon-ho Bong, Jon Ronson (screenplay) Directed by: Joon-ho Bong Starring: Tilda Swinton, Jake Gyllenhaal, Paul Dano, Seo-Hyun Ahn, Steven Yeun, Giancarlo Esposito, Lily Collins Rating: TV-MA
Plot A young girl attempts to prevent a massive company from kidnapping her best friend, a giant super pig named Okja.This Netflix exclusive will get a theatrical release in the U.S. and South Korea.
Verdict This is easily one of Netflix's best movies. Okja explores the line between commodity and pet. This strays a bit too far over the top at times, but that often serves to generate amazing sequences. Creating a new species for the movie was a clever way to better convey the point about animal cruelty. This crams three movies into one with a big corporation, the main story of a girl and her pet, and an animal rights group. Watch it.
Review Joon-ho Bong continues to tackle social issues with his latest Okja. In this he broadly tackles ignorance and corporate corruption. His previous movie Snowpiercer (read my review), picked at the class divide. While this is a very good movie, the rave reviews and buzz left me somewhat disappointed. It's a good movie, but due to reviews I was expecting a bit more.
This movie rips corporations for lying to consumers. The Mirando corporation introduces a new species as a public relations overhaul, with new head Lucy (Tilda Swinton) criticizing her father's business ethics. It's all subterfuge. Lucy is just as bad, but the way Lucy acts takes this to parody levels. It was hard to take her seriously. It seemed like there was more to the character than what we see but it isn't explored. Fellow Mirando exec Frank (Giancarlo Esposito) seemed to waver between puppet master and yes man, but ultimately doesn't do much. Jake Gyllenhaal is the face of Mirando, Doctor Johnny, a television host with a show about animals. Gyllenhaal does a great job, picking a great role. I'm always impressed by the roles he chooses. He'll do top billed or cameo roles, always picking intriguing characters.
Joon-ho Bong's movies often stretch suspension of disbelief for plot payoff or cool sequences. The most baffling part of the film is how Mija's grandfather even got the super pig Okja. Twenty-six pigs were given to qualified farmers around the world to raise them, but grandpa doesn't seem that qualified. On top of that he lies to Mija, not telling her that Mirando corporation will take Okja back. For some reason he wastes his money on a solid gold pig statue that he thinks will somehow suffice. Grandpa isn't hitting on much, but all of these issues do serve a plot purpose. Grandpa's a mountain man which gives us a forest backdrop where we first meet Okja. The golden pig comes into play later too. Miradno wants to make bacon of the pig, the ultimate purpose of the super pig program. Mirando claims it's about reducing hunger, but it's just about the money.
Grandpa's lie and Mirando's acquisition of Okja sets the plot into motion, though I wonder how they took the pig without a fight. Considering the terrain and the pig's size, Okja easily could have escaped or fled.
This movie mostly serves as a take down of corporations. I don't see this as a repudiation of people that eat meat, but it is urging you to check the source of your food. Ignorance isn't an excuse. Corporations are only able to sustain these practices due to consumers paying them to do so. This movie shows you the extremes. The corporations, the animal liberation group, and Okja. Going to these extremes often veers into parody though. One of the animal liberation member refuses to eat any food as it all comes at the cost of someone or something else. Okja's story weathers the over the top manipulation the best, as does any story about a child and her pet.
The movie is a bit manipulative, which goes hand in hand with making the point. These super pigs are much smarter and self aware than they have any right to be. The more human you make them, the more sympathy they generate. Regardless, killing farms exist. The entire movie brings us to that location, and it's harrowing. Using cows or pigs would lessen the impact. They aren't smart enough to anthropomorphize. Most people just can't connect to a cow. Using a dog is a step too far. You just can't harm a dog in a movie, and no one wants to see a movie with people eating dog. Creating a new animal was the answer to bridge the gap.
Sense8 (2015-2017) Finale (2018) Sense8 finale will premieres in 2018
Created by the Wachowski's who made The Matrix, eight strangers are mentally linked and can enter each others minds.While it was canceled after season two, this special finale is a reaction to the fans who wanted more.
Laura Wachowski originally announced the finale with a letter on the Sense8 twitter.
F is for Family has been renewed for a third season.
This animated series portrays the middle class Murphy family in the '70s. Frank is the short tempered patriarch, a Korean war veteran working in the baggage department at an airline. His wife Sue is a stay at home mom. They have three kids Kevin, Bill, and Maureen.
Will Smith, Joel Edgerton, and Noomi Rapace star in this supernatural cop thriller where magical creatures live with humans.
Death Note (2017) Death Note premieres August 25, 2017
Based on a Manga series, a high schooler possesses a notebook that grants him the power to kill anyone by writing their name in the notebook. He uses the notebook to kill criminals, while a detective pursues him.
Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist team up to fight crime. They each have their own series, now they're together. Sigourney Weaver plays the villain.
Season one was set in 1983 where a mother tries to find her son after he disappears mysteriously in the small town of Hawkins. Season 2 is set one year later, and is more of a sequel than continuation. There will be more scenes in the upside down world, more monsters, and additional settings. All of the original cast is returning, including Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) while adding two new regulars - Max and Billy. Billy (Dacre Montgomery) is a black Camaro driving bad boy and Max (Sadie Sink) is his tom boy step sister. Sean Astin will play Radioshack manager Bob, a high school classmate of Joyce (Winona Ryder) and Sheriff Hopper (David Harbour). Paul Reiser is Dr. Owens from the Department of Energy, a suit tasked with containing the events from last year. Roman (Linnea Berthelsen) is an emotionally damaged woman that suffered a loss as a child. She is connected to the lab from season 1. The Duffer brothers, many writers will return for season 2.The Duffer brothers will draw inspiration from '80s action-adventure sequels, namely Temple of Doom, The Empire Strikes Back, Aliens, and Terminator 2. Finn Wolfhard who plays Mike suggested watching The Goonies, Aliens, and Ghostbusters in preparation for season 2.
Netflix announced Dear White People has been renewed for a second season.
Based on Justin Simien's 2012 film of the same name, this focuses on racial tensions as students of color attend a predominantly white Ivy league school.
Yesterday the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) announced is extending 774 invitations to join the organization and because there are some people I was very positively impressed they were invited, as well as was utterly impressed Kristen Stewart is not a member as of this moment (!!!), I'm doing this post with comments and to list some of the people invited a couple of Academy Branches.
On the interesting side of AMPAS list there are 30 individuals that have been invited by multiple branches, but they have to select only one branch upon accepting membership. Besides having to pay their financial dues, new members will be welcomed into the Academy at invitation-only receptions in the fall - meaning Oscar Season. But the irreverent perhaps is more juicy as almost all industry magazines today have articles that highlight the "many" TV actors invited to join the Academy. To be honest, that's what called my attention and made me read the list of actors paying more attention than the usual. Then the other much abuzz is diversity as the institution tries not to fix the industry but is trying to fix itself by asking younger individuals, more female, increase race diversity, etc. and from my perspective, open to the world of cinema it leads no matter what anyone says and well, the 774 new members will come from 57 countries (if all accept). By-the-way it is a record as is the first time the organization has extended that many invitations (until 2015 were in the 300 range, 2016 doubled to 600 range).
Then you have the inevitable, those that claim that with these invitations the Academy is lowering its standards. Seems some believe that to be invited the individual has to do remarkable work as otherwise is not worthy of becoming a member. Will not comment much, but that's the kind of conversation that should not exist in any organization much less in a cinema-related institution where there is a huge stretch between bad-good and who is the good-credentials one to say which work belongs to which side of the scale. Sigh.
As finished reading the list do notice that there are lots of women invited, with some branches inviting more women than men (which is notorious but unavoidable as most of its members are male) and yes, there are a lot of American TV actors but all have made movies, many made blockbuster movies, some indies and others studio movies; but no doubt that all have acted in movies and probably are SAG members (lol!).
Seems the youngest individual invited this year is 19-years-old Elle Fanning and the oldest is none other than 95-years-old Betty White (she has been in about 7 films). Among the individuals honored with an invitation there are three married couples: Anna Faris and Chirs Pratt, Carina Lau and Tony Leung, plus Adele Romanski and James Laxton; a Father and Daughter-In-Law: Amitabh Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan; and two sisters, Debbie Allen and Phylicia Rashad. Also noticeable are the many Bollywood actors invited, but what it's quite "funny" is the movies they're attached as seems someone was not allowed to list the many (some in the hundreds) Bollywood movies they are in (lol!).
In case you do not recall, all 2017 Oscar nominees that were not Academy members receive an invitation; so you have to discount from large list, around 96 individuals that got 112 nominations from which 24 individuals went to win 25 Oscars.
There is a crucial fact many seem to be forgetting and is VERY IMPORTANT. Individuals have to accept the invitation otherwise they will not be Academy members. Perhaps the most notorious case this year is Viggo Mortensen who was invited before but declined; still, seems this time he will accept as has been told by some industry reports.
Here are some of the individuals that received an invitation.
Actors (105) A (3) Riz Ahmed Debbie Allen Elena Anaya B (6) Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Amitabh Bachchan Monica Bellucci Gilm Birmingham Nazanin Boniadi Daniel Brühl C (5) Maggie Cheung John Cho Priyanka Chopra Matt Craven Terry Crews D (3) Warwick Davis Coman Domingo Adam Driver E (3) Joel Edgerton Chris Evans Luke Evans F (7) Fan Bingbing Elle Fanning Golshifteh Farahani Anna Faris Tom Felton Rebecca Ferguson Lou Ferrigno G (10) Gal Gadot Charlotte Gainsbourg Jeff Garlin Spencer Garrett Domhnall Gleeson Sharon Gless Donald Glover Judy Greer Rupert Grint Noel Gugliemi H (11) John Hamm Arnie Hammer Naomi Harris Leila Hatami Anne Heche Lucas Hedges Chris Hemsworth Ciaran Hinds Aldis Hodge Bryce Dallas Howard Bonnie Hunt J (3) Jian Wen Dwayne Johnson Leslie Jones K (6) Keegan-Michael Key Aamir Khan Irrfan Khan Salman Khan Rinko Kikuchi Zoë Kravitz L (3) Sanaa Lathan Carina Lau Tony Leung M (7) Rami Malek Leslie Mann Kate Mckinnon Sienna Miller Janelle Monáe Michelle Monaghan Vigo Mortensen N (2) Ruth Negga Franco Nero O (1) Elizabeth Olsen P (5) Deepika Padukone Sarah Paulson Robert Picardo Amy Poehler Chris Pratt Q (1) Zachary Quinto R (4) Edgar Ramirez Phylicia Rashad Margot Robbie Maya Rudolph S (12) Hiroyuki Sanada Henry G. Sanders Rodrigo Santoro Rade Šerbedžija Nestor Serrano Amanda Seyfried Molly Shannon Ana Deavere Smith Hailee Steinfeld Kristen Stewart Omar Sy Wanda Sykes T (4) Channing Tatum Aaron Taylor-Johnson Lauren Tom Jeanne Tripplehorn V (1) Paz Vega W (7) Dee Wallace Ming-Na Wen Betty White Rebel Wilson Mary Elizabeth Winstead B.D. Wong Shailene Woodley Y (1) Donnie Yen
There is no doubt that the most interesting list belongs to the directors branch as has some outstanding filmmakers that absolutely deserve the honor of belonging to the so-called American Academy but undoubtedly is becoming more and more open to the incredibly good World Cinema. Still, wonder if some of the below directors will accept or decline the invitation as can't imagine them being active in such mundane Oscar duties (lol!).
List includes amazing filmmakers like Vietnam's Tran Anh Hung (remember awesome The Scent of Green Papaya?), Chile's Pablo Trapero and Alejandro Jodorowsky, Mexico's Amat Escalante, Philippines' Brillante Mendoza and Lav Diaz, Greece's Athina Rachel Tsangari, Australia's Cate Shortland and Garth Davis, South Korea's Kim Ki-duk, Portugal's Pedro Costa, France's Emmanuelle Bercot, Germany's Fatih Akin, Austria's Jessica Hausner, Hong Kong's Ann Hui and Johnnie To, Japan's Takashi Miike, Israel's Eran Riklis, Mexico's Arturo Ripstein, Denmark's Martin Zandvliet, Netherlands' Paula van der Oest and more.
Directors (64) A-E (20) Fatih Akin Adolfo Aristarain David Ayer Nabil Ayouch Siddiq Barmak Aida Begić Emmanuelle Bercot Martin Butler Patricia Cardoso Peter Ho-Sun Chan Derek Cianfrance Pedro Costa Garth Davis Bentley Dean Lav Diaz Carlos Diegues Nelson Pereira dos Santos Nana Dzhordzhadze Ildikó Enyedi Amat Escalane F-L (13) Safi Faye Tom Ford Goutam Ghose Jessica Hausner Joanna Hogg Hannes Holm Ann Hui Christine Jeffs Barry Jenkins Alejandro Jodorowsky Kim Ki-duk Zacharias Kunuk Mohammed Lakhdar-Hania M-P (13) David Mackenzie Sharon Maguire Theodore Melfi Kleber Mendonça Filho Brillante Mendoza Marta Meszaros Takashi Miike Orlando Montiel Jocelyn Moorhouse Kira Muratova Hector Olivera Idrissa Ouedraogo Jordan Peele R-Z (18) Mohammad Rasoulof Eran Riklis Arturo Ripstein Guy Ritchie Antony Russo Joseph Russo Mrinal Sen Cate Shortland Peter Sollett Juan Carlos Tabío Rawson Marshall Thurber Johnnie To Tran Ang Hung Pablo Trapero Athina Rachel Tsangari Paula van der Oest Susanna White Martin Zandvliet
Worth mentioning are two well-known musicians, lyricist, singers: Justin Timberlake and Lin-Manuel Miranda; but no doubt the most interesting in the Music branch is Justin Hurwitz with his work in La La Land and Whiplash. Last, best news come from the Writers branch as Céline Sciamma has been invited to join them; it's good news but honestly would have even better if she was invited to join the Director's branch.
To read the complete list that includes some of the films each individual is related to go official site here, file is a pdf.
Hello there, it's Thursday Movie Picks's time, the weekly series hosted by Wandering Through the Shelves where you share three movies to fit the theme of the week each Thursday.
It's time for another television edition and this time we are dealing with medical dramas. I didn't have a lot of choices since I've only seen 4 (one is terrible), but at least it was an easy week.
House M.D. (2004-2012)
It's about an anti-social, pain killer addict and arrogant doctor who, along with his team, tries to cure complex and rare diseases. This is the first medical show I've watched and it's brilliant. Also, Hugh Laurie is phenomenal as Doctor House and as arrogant and unlikeable his character gets, I can't help but love him.
Grey's Anatomy (2005- )
It's about a group of surgical interns and their residents and the challenges they go through, both professionally and in their personal lives. This is my favourite of the three, I just love the way it combines compelling medical cases and the characters personal lives. And I think this is the most addictive show ever. I watched 13 seasons in 2 months, that's how addictive it is. I have to admit the writers did piss me off when they killed Patrick Dempsey.
Private Practice (2007-2013)
It's about a group of doctors working at their own practice. It's a spin-off of Grey's Anatomy and it's quite good. Not addictive though. Anyway, the great thing about it is that you get a mixed variety of patients, from kids to couples who want to have babies. And the lives of the doctors are quite interesting as well.
Irène Jacob, Halina Gryglaszewska, Aleksander Bardini, Wladyslaw Kowalski, Jerzy Gudejko, Philippe Volter, Janusz Sterninski, Sandrine Dumas
Storyline
As Weronika dies (Irène Jacob) in Poland, the life of Véronique, who looks just like her but lives in France, seems to take a turn.
Opinion
After loving Kieślowski's Three Colors trilogy and finding out he was the director of Dekalog (I saw Dekalog: One in high school and I loved it but I didn't know the title and that was driving me insane), I knew I had to watch The Double Life of Venorinque. And just like I thought, it was a superb film.
The story to this is simply amazing. It is about two identical women, living in two different countries. They never met and yet they share this incredible and mysterious mental and emotional connection that influences one more than the other. While it isn't very strong with Weronika, the connection fully influences Veronique's life which is truly fascinating.
Through that story, Kieślowski wonderfully and deeply explores the theme of identity and he raises some interesting and deep questions about the existence and definition of self. He explores the human experience and the idea of one's soul trapped in another body.
The Double Life of Veronique doesn't only provide food for thoughts. The film is also visually breathtaking. Other than the stunning cinematography by Slawomir Idziak, the film can truly benefit from a magical use of two colours, red and green. They tie in with the Christman theme at the beginning of the film, but, most important, they represent Weronika and Veronique. They are complimentary, just like the lives of those two women. Also, the music by Zbigniew Preisner is evocative and inspiring, and fit the film to perfection.
And then there is Irène Jacob. Her performance is superb. She is able to portray very well both Weronika and Veronique, and all of their differences. While the first is cheerful and spiritual, the second is more melancholic and practical.
Death Note (2017) Death Note premieres on August 25
Based on a Manga series, a high schooler possesses a notebook that grants him the power to kill anyone by writing their name in the notebook. He uses the notebook to kill criminals, while a detective pursues him. Stars Nat Wolff, Margaret Qualley (The Leftovers), Lakeith Stanfield (Get Out), Shea Whigham (American Hustle) and Willem Dafoe (Spider-Man).
Claudia Cardinale, Henry Fonda, Jason Robards, Charles Bronson, Gabriele Ferzetti, Paolo Stoppa Marco Zuanelli, Keenan Wynn, Frank Wolff, Lionel Stander, Woody Strode Jack Alam, Al Mulock
Storyline
Harmonica (Charles Bronson) and Cheyenne (Jason Robards) joins forces to protect the beautiful Jill McBain (Claudia Cardinale) from a ruthless assassin (Henry Fonda) working for the railroad.
Opinion
Once Upon a Time in the West and I have a history. It is both the first western and the first Sergio Leone movie I've seen. But it's more than that. It is also that film that I watch and makes me see what western lovers see in westerns. It is good on so many levels, each time I watch it I love it a little more. That's the kind of film Once Upon a Time in the West is to me.
The story isn't very complex and it's basically the same as in any other western, not to mention the incredibly slow pace it has, nonetheless it is incredibly compelling as Leone manages to create mystery, intrigue and suspense around so little. There isn't any epic plot twist, still it feels like there are because of how brilliantly the story is told. Also, this is not the kind of story that is supposed to entertain only, but to make you feel something as well.
That, however, isn't by far the best feat of the film. That role belongs to the characters. They are very minimalistic and they barely speak and yet they are well defined, convincing and they feel incredibly real thanks to a solid script, even more solid performances from all the actors involved in the important roles, and, this one is the most important to me, a spectacular camera work. The way Leone captures every single glance, facial expression and body movement is beyond spectacular and the characters really benefit from that.
The characters are also the reason why this will always be one of my favourite westerns. Actually, one particular character, Jill McBain, the only (major) female character. Unlike in most westerns, this is a strong, leading woman. Sure, she still is a prostitute, but she is well characterized and she is fundamental to plot development.
Definitely worth of a mention is the opening sequence. An almost ten minute silent opening sequence where nothing really happens but is nevertheless memorable. One of my favourite openings ever in movies. It's pretty much perfect.
At last but not least there's Ennio Morricone's score. It really adds to the film - if that's even possible considering how spectacular Once Upon a Time in the West already is - adding more drama and emotions. And I'm pretty sure many will agree with me when I say this score is what better than The Hateful Eight's.
This week Forest delves deeper into the Heisei era of Godzilla, with Godzilla Vs King Ghidorah - the Godzilla flick with time traveling UFO! Cory shares a few too many corny jokes as he revisits a Stephen King classic Children of the Corn.
Plot: This HBO comedy focuses on the founders of a start up company, from developing the technology to generating funding, and navigating the board room. In season four, Richard, Gilfoyle, and Dinesh still have the compression algorithm but are changing their focus yet again.
Verdict This show is great, but I don't understand the writers' reluctance to progress past step one of being a start up. No matter what happens, Richard, Gilfoyle, Dinesh, and Jared are always launching an idea that never lands. The show is still just as funny and witty, but taking us up to the point of an actual business and not a startup would add a lot of depth. This show is just as creative as it's ever been. Each episode provides a new favorite character, though it's never Richard. I'd put season 3 slightly ahead of this one, but this isn't a bad season by any means. Silicon Valley is still one of the best comedies available. Watch it.
Previously During Seasons 1, 2, & 3 Richard develops a compression algorithm that he then turns into a start-up, Pied Piper. A rival tech company the likes of Google or Apple try to beat him to market, but can't surpass his superior engineering. A lawsuit concludes with Hooli owning no part of Pied Piper or the technology. They generate funding, but at the end of season two, Richard is ousted as CEO. In season 3, the company goes through a few CEOs that aren't Richard, experience triumph and downfall, but the last episode seemed like a happy ending and Pied Paper may have finally found its 'killer app.'
Review This is undeniably a great show, but I don't understand the writers reluctance to progress the plot. This can be just as funny without the gang constantly going back to square one. Season 3 touched upon this when they finally got an office, but that was short lived. This show constantly wants to return to them being an early stage startup, any deviations are temporary. I would love for the show to walk us through all stages of being a start up tech company. Instead we're forever relegated to step one. I get start ups are difficult, but even the bad repercussions are temporary.
Pied Piper may have found a killer app, but Richard is having trouble with the new direction of the company. I have to wonder if his problem is that he didn't have the idea. Richard is incredibly petty despite his lack of success. His goal has never been financial success, but proving his worth. He splits with Piper Chat to do his own thing.
Just as the show teases that actual repercussions might occur, we return to 'normal,' with Hooli unknowingly bailing out PiperChat and it's CEO Dinesh. I don't know why the show is so bent on keeping the team in Erlich's house. No matter what happens, we always return to that house. The potential downfall is a hilarious oversight, but the deux ex Hooli seemed a bit too convenient.
Belson bounces around this season, all due to Pied Piper. Belson's blood boy is just so weird it's nothing but humorous. While I want the show to move the team along, the humor is still ridiculously good. Jian-Yang comes into his own, though he doesn't overshadow the rest of the cast. Each episode I have a new favorite character, usually Gilfoyle or Jared.
Jared's arcs are so out there. At one point he's trying to be a human male and in episode seven he develops a second personality to call other companies. By the end of the episode he decides he must fire that personality. That may be the best joke all season, though I thought the show would continue it for more than one episode. There's something to not running a joke into the ground, but most jokes and plot points are self contained in a single episode.
Haley Joel Osment is perfect in his cameo role later in the season. He is also the rift that forms between Richard and everyone else. Richard is a comedic yet unlikable character. He gets demolished in the last episode, his pettiness looking like it might bring everything crashing down. This seems like it could be the final nail in the coffin, but this show does have a habit of returning to normal.
