DAILY CALL SHEET: AUGUST 31, 2018

The Legacy (1978) Supernatural force tries to put the whammy on Katherine Ross while Roger Daltry does his best to look manly next to Sam Elliot. He fails, as would we all. TIL: Morally, the most dire effect is not on the person who is cursed, but on the one who does the cursing.

Your daily dose of culture courtesy of Rage (1972) - "There is no sin or wrong that gives a man a foretaste of hell in this life as anger and impatience." -Saint Catherine of Sienna

And finally, the time has come to get back into the reviewing business. This week for Aleteia I take a look at The Apparition, the new drama from Xavier Giannoli which revolves around a reporter's inquiry into an alleged appearance of the Virgin Mary.

Book vs Movie: Molly's Game

Earlier this year, I watched Molly's Game, Aaron Sorkin's directorial debut that tells a story that seems too unbelievable to be true, the story of a former Olympic-class skier who, at the age of 26, created a high-stakes poker game in Los Angeles which attracted many Hollywood celebrities as well as wealthy people and sports figures.

It sounds exactly like a story someone would make up, right? Not in this case. In fact, Aaron Sorkin's film is based on the memoir written by Molly Bloom. When I found out, which was after watching the film for the first time back in January, I knew I had to read the book. And now that I have, I couldn't help but pose the fatidic question, how accurate is the film?

From both Bloom's memoir and Sorkin's film, we learn that Molly was a promising skier with Olympic aspirations, the result of years of training from her demanding father. In the movie, we are told that during an Olympic qualifying run, she sustained a terrible back injury that ended her career. In real life, that fall never happened. She decided to retire after finish third because, as she says in the book, she was tired of living with pain --resulting from a back surgery she had when she was 12 after which she was told she could no longer ski-- and was exhausted from trying to keep up with her brothers and of feeling like she constantly had to prove herself. She stepped away from the sport because she wanted to find a new path in life. 

And in order to do that, she moved to Los Angeles, which is where the real story begins. After some waitressing jobs, she meets her former boss --real estate entrepreneur (and real asshole) Darin Feinstein, referred as Reardon Green in the book and Dean Keith in the movie--, who later introduces her to the world of poker. What we get after that is a more (book) or less (movie) detailed look at Molly's career in poker.

Which brings me to Player X. Although Sorkin said that there is no real-life counterpart to him, it's more than clear to anyone who has read the book that Michael Cera's Player X is Tobey Maguire. Despite the fact that Cera does a great job, I didn't find his character as despicable and menacing as I did while reading the book. The film still showcases how important he was to the game: while in the film, he is bringing heavy hitters and Molly needs his approval, in the book, Bloom says that Maguire even lent her his card shuffling machine --and asked for money.

Both book and movie give us a look at her private life. While in the book, Bloom talks about a couple of important relationships she had, one in Los Angeles, one in New York, which helps show her human side, her frailty, the film focuses on the father and daughter relationship, one of Sorkin's typical elements. This addition/difference is both good and bad for the film. Good because it helps us understand Bloom and her motives --she loves her father and yet she loathes him for cheating on her mother and destroying the family, which is why she has trust issues and wants to control powerful men-- and we didn't really get it from the book. Bad because we have to sit through that park bench scene that not only is corny as hell but also feels out of place and not in line with the movie.

Another of Sorkin's additions is Bloom's defense attorney Charlie Jaffey, played by Idris Elba. Although Bloom did hire lawyers, the character of Charlie Jaffey is fictional, some sort of stand-in for Sorkin himself as he uses the character to ask the questions he asked Molly in real life and to show off all of Bloom's virtues. Through a long monologue beautifully delivered by Elba, Jaffey explains to us why Bloom is a great person. It shouldn't work but it does because it shows us how much their relationship has grown and tells us, just in case we haven't realized yet, that she is a real-life heroine. In the beginning, Jaffey sees her just as the Poker Princess, someone who cares only about the money (and fame), but at the end, he knows the real Molly, he knows what a noble person she is.

At last, there is Jessica Chastain's performance. She beautifully brings to the screen the smart, driven, charming and sexy woman who used her intellect to thrive, become powerful in a field dominated by men. She delivers her strength, humanity and emotional turmoil in a way that makes the character feel real. I look at her and I see the Molly Bloom I met in the book.

Have you read the novel? If so, what do you think of Sorkin's adaptation? 

Ocean's Eight (2018)

Ocean's Eleven is one of my favourite heist films ever. It's fun, entertaining, clever and the chemistry between the actors, it is simply wonderful. That's what I was hoping I would find in Ocean's Eight, the all-female spin-off of Ocean series. Unfortunately, it wasn't nearly as good as the "original" (in case you didn't know, Soderberg's film is a remake of a 1960 film, also named Ocean's Eleven, starring Frank Sinatra).

Newly released from prison, Debbie Ocean (Sandra Bullock), the young sister of Danny Ocean, puts in motion her five-year-in-the-making plan: she is going to get Cartier to lend a $150 million diamond necklace to a vain actress, Daphne Kluger (Anne Hathaway), for the exclusive Met Gala where she is going to pluck it off the actress's neck. To pull off the heist, she assembles a team of talented women.

The plot is pretty much garbage. It's often implausible and it is filled with gigantic holes. What's worse though is that it's not exciting nor that entertaining as it lacks suspension and surprises --there are twists, but they couldn't get more predictable-- and because of that, it ends up being quite boring to follow. It is simply too straightforward for me to really enjoy it --I love my heist movie guys to struggle a little, but everything goes according to plan here.

Another problem with Ocean's Eight is that it lacks interesting characters. They are just heist movie stereotypes and as such, they have no depth whatsoever. We don't get their background stories --what is all that sexual tension between Sandra Bullock's Debbie and Cate Blanchett's Lou about?-- and they lack strong motivations.

Warner Bros. Pictures

Then there's the cast. Some of the women in the film can't even act --Rihanna and Mindy Kaling-- and most of those who can do a terrible job. I love Sandra Bullock and the chemistry she has with Cate Blanchett is amazing, but she is kind of a boring lead. Anna Hathaway and Helena Bonham Carter do a pretty good job though, respectively as the vain actress and her quirky designer. Carter stole the scene every time she was on screen for me. James Corden is pretty good too. He basically plays himself only with another name --he's not an actor, after all-- but he is the one, the only one, who delivers the humour in the final part of the film.

Despite the poor writing and the mediocre to say the least acting, Ocean's Eight doesn't qualify as the worst film of the year. Although the humour is flat at times, there are several humorous moments that will keep you interested, and to watch the heist being pulled off was entertaining despite the lack of tension.

HORROR PACK UNBOXING - August 2018

Welcome back for yet another Horror Pack Unboxing! This month comes with the blu-ray exclusive anthology flick based on Mexican legends - Mexico Barbaro! With it is Cult of Chucky, the 7th film in the "franchise". And also two found footage films, Hangman & Unfriended.

CONTINUE READING

DAILY CALL SHEET: AUGUST 30, 2018

Psych-Out (1968) Deaf runaway hangs out in Haight-Ashbury with Nicholson, Stockwell, and Dern. Not a lick of authenticity, but man, that cast. TIL: Can't help but notice that while the hippies liked the "love thy neighbor" verses, they skipped over the "go and sin no more" parts.

Your daily dose of culture courtesy of The Grim Game (1919) - "No man is sane who does not know how to be insane on proper occasions." - Henry Ward Beecher

The Fred MacMurray Blogathon is Here!!!

The Fred MacMurray Blogathon is here!!! I apologize for the lateness at getting this post up. My aunt decided earlier this week to come visit this weekend so I've been getting ready for her and I keep forgetting about my own blogathon!! So if I'm a little late in seeing your posts that's why.

P.S. If you share your post on Twitter make sure to tag @solidmoonlight and I will retweet!

P.S.2. Don’t worry if your post is a day or two late. I’ll be happy to add it 😊

THE POSTS:

The Midnite Drive-In kicks off the day with The Caine Mutiny (1954).

Wide Screen World looks at one of MacMurray's comedic roles in Too Many Husbands (1940).

The Stop Button discusses the well-executed but slightly unbelievable Pushover (1954).

The Story Enthusiast revisits a childhood favorite, The Happiest Millionaire (1967).

Silver Screenings looks at MacMurray's study in ego in Swing High, Swing Low (1937).

Caftan Woman share's a lesser known film of MacMurray and Stanwyck in There's Always Tomorrow (1956).

Back to Golden Days takes a look at The Collaborations of Fred MacMurray and Claudette Colbert.

Top Ten Film Lists writes about another MacMurray/Stanwyck pairing in the holiday film Remember the Night (1940).

Movie Rob gives us double the fun with The Absent Minded Professor (1961) and...

Kisses for My President (1964)!

Realweegiemidget Reviews looks at MacMurray's most famous "bad guy" roles in The Apartment (1960).

The Flapper Dame writes about one of MacMurray's films with his favorite co-star, Carole Lombard, in The Princess Comes Across (1936).

Sat in Your Lap takes an in-depth look at The Caine Mutiny (1954).

Taking Up Room looks at a new side of MacMurray in Double Indemnity (1944).

Hamlette's Soliloquy is kept guessing with A Good Day for a Hanging (1959).

Love Letters to Old Hollywood is pleasantly surprised with the odd Murder, He Says (1945).

It Came from the Man Cave takes us along on The Oregon Trail (1959).

Critica Retro examines the Collaborations between MacMurray and Billy Wilder.

Thanks to everyone who participated!!!

The Invisible Guest (2016)

Although I don't join every week as I used to, I love Wandering Through the Shelves' series Thursday Movie Picks, for two reasons: first, it challenges me and it's fun to read what other bloggers have picked; second, I discover so many gems because of it. The Insivible Guest (Spanish: Contratiempo), picked by the host a few weeks ago for non-English language week, is one of those. 

The film follows Adrián Doria (Mario Casas), a wealthy young businessman who was arrested after he was found in a hotel room with his dead lover, Laura Vidal (Bárbara Lennie). As his lawyer (Francesc Orella) is away working on the case, Adrián is suggested to meet with Virginia Goodman (Ana Wagener), a veteran lawyer who is an expert in building defences for trials. He does as he's told and has 180 minutes to tell her about all the events that led to his arrest so that she can convince the jury he's innocent. 

The plot is absolutely incredible. Although it didn't really convince me at first as it seemed to have too many plot points in common with other thrillers, as it really started to develop, the plot became something of its own, so full of twists, some more predictable than others, that will keep you on the edge of your seat trying to figure out the truth. It's the kind of plot that really challenges its audience. It is gripping and compelling and filled with tension, so much so that it barely leaves you time to breathe; and the jumps back and forth between the several timelines are executed brilliantly. 

The Invisible Guest has some pretty compelling characters as well. Although they could have used more complexity as Adrián is only depicted as self-absorbed, selfish and remorseless, and doesn't really have a redeeming quality, and we don't know enough of Laura to understand why Adrián is so fascinated by this femme fatale, they are interesting and absorbing.

Warner Bros. Pictures, Film Factory Entertainment

The performances, too, are great. Mario Casas does an excellent job as Adrián. He gives such an intense performance that really draws you in, scene by scene, and, despite the lack of a positive side, you'll end up on his side. Ana Wagener too does a great job as Virginia Goodman. Also, Casas and Wagener deliver the dialogue between their characters in such a way to build even more suspense. 

The camera work is also pretty impressive and the music fits every scene and contributes to making the film even more thrilling.

The Man Who Wasn't There Movie Review

The Man Who Wasn't There (2001)

Rent The Man Who Wasn't There on Amazon Video
Written by: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
Directed by: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen (uncredited)
Starring: Billy Bob Thornton, Frances McDormand, Michael Badalucco, James Gandolfini, Scarlett Johansson, Richard Jenkins, Tony Shalhoub
Rated: R
Watch the trailer

Plot
In this black-and-white film noir set in 1949, a laconic, chain-smoking barber blackmails his wife's boss and lover for money to invest in dry cleaning, but his plan goes terribly wrong.

Verdict
It's a genre from the past, but it's done incredibly well. All of the actors are spot on and the twisting story is what makes this. This feels like a lot of the Coen movies, and that's a good thing. The way this story wraps up is really neat. The main character is definitely punished for his crime, but that is anything but straight forward with his original crime creating a ripple that affects everyone around him.
Watch it.

Review
The Coen's are talented. No Country for Old Men (read my review) is incredible, Inside Llewyn Davis is one of my favorites, and Hail Caesar! (read my review) is a lot of fun.
Even their first film Blood Simple (read my review) is impressive.

Billy Bob Thornton plays Ed Crane.

There stories are usually twisting, with the best laid plans imploding. Life has a way of getting you if you try to outsmart it in the Coen movies.
Film noir is an all but abandoned genre, but this pulls in everything typical of the genre which makes it feel a bit more indie and artistic. It's a solid movie even if the gray scale turns a few people away. The twist in the story is just brilliant.

James Gandolfini plays Big Dave.

This has a great setup, though the Coen's usually excel at that. Ed is a barber and suspects his wife is cheating on him with Big Dave. He plans to blackmail Big Dave to raise funds for a business investment. I had a feeling from the start that Ed's investment opportunity was a bit too shady. Ed had to suspect something, especially when the guy got so giddy talking about money.
It could just be something different. Ed sees it as his best way to escape his current life. Thornton plays the character well. Ed is laconic, but he has a presence.

Ed's scheme only gets so far. I wasn't sure what was going to happen, but it's just the first of many twists. We and Ed get more than a few surprises. It's an intricate plot. Everything that happens ties directly back to Ed's blackmail scheme. He thought he was going to improve his life, but he hurts himself and everyone around him. Ed committed a crime, but he gets charged with the repercussions of the crime. You can't say he didn't earn it, but the way the blackmail comes back to bite him is such a neat story twist and distinctly the Coen brothers.

Tony Shaloub plays a fast talking lawyer.

They can tackle different genres  with such effectiveness. They are excellent directors with a great eye. A lot of scenes have the film noir look, but it looks deceptively easy.

DAILY CALL SHEET: AUGUST 29, 2018

Eyes Of Fire (1983) Pioneer preacher and his cult run afoul of Shawnee and evil spirits. Eerie precursor to 2015's The Witch is a forgotten gem. TIL: The 1537 papal bull Sublimis Deus declared that "Indians" were not to be deprived of liberty or property. Not everyone listened.

Your daily dose of culture courtesy of Tenement (1985) - "The Bible tells us to love our neighbors, and also to love our enemies; probably because they are generally the same people" - G. K. Chesterton

PODCAST 323: Bio Zombie & A Little Bit Zombie [Rom-Zom-Com Edition]

This week the Horror Duo take a look at a pair of lesser known romantic zombie comedies - the house that Shaun of the Dead built. Forest revisits the Hong Kong brain eater Bio Zombie. Cory joins in the fun with an indie that he saw at the Eerie Horror Film Fest a few years back, A Little Bit Zombie.

CONTINUE READING

To All the Boys I've Loved Before (2018)

Although I haven't read Jenny Han's book, I was looking forward to seeing To All the Boys I've Loved Before as it looked kinda nice from the trailer. 

The film follows Lara Jean (Lana Condor), a 16-year-old who, instead of telling boys how she feels about them, writes them love letters that she never sends and puts them in a teal hatbox. When her older sister, Margot (Janel Parrish) leaves for university, her younger sister, Kitty (Anna Cathcart), steals the box and sends the letters, thinking of doing her a favour, and soon Lara Jean finds herself faking a relationship with one of her crushes, Peter (Noah Centineo), so that another of her crushes, Margot's ex-boyfriend Josh (Israel Broussard), who think she is in love with him.

I don't need to tell you how this is going to end as this is probably the most clichéd, predictable and straightforward film I've seen in a while, so much so that it ends up being tremendously boring and it's get really challenging to keep following the "plot".

Which, unfortunately, isn't by far the worst part of the screenplay. Rather than showing or leaving something to the imagination, the film keeps explaining to us every single detail either through a crappy narration or some character which eventually gets pretty annoying. Not to mention the bland dialogue the film is filled with. 

The characters don't get any better. I haven't read the book but considering how many people loved it, I'm pretty sure Han did write developed and interesting characters. Susan Johnson's film doesn't have any. Lara Jean is such a boring main character as she has no other interest or passion whatsoever other than the boys she likes. Okay, she likes reading and watching some movies, but it looks like something she just does, without really loving it. The supporting characters are paper-thin and are literally just plot-devives. Also, I'm pretty sure we are not supposed to like Peter, and that Josh isn't just some background character who stares at Lara Jean. The only relatable character in this is Lara Jean's father as he is probably exhausted from existing in the film. 

Netflix

And the acting, oh boy it's bad. I'm glad Han fought to have an Asian actress cast for the lead as Lara Jean, in the book, is half-Korean and half-Caucasian. I think it's really empowering for Asian teenagers to be represented in a romantic comedy. That said, Lana Condor was not a great choice. Although she is the best, she is pretty cringy. The rest of the cast is just terrible, especially John Corbett as Lara Jean's father, as he delivers every single line as if he was forced to be in the film. 

In addition to extremely poor writing and terrible acting, To All the Boys I've Loved Before can also claim pretty terrible editing and a soundtrack that's over the top and distracting most of the time. 

DAILY CALL SHEET: AUGUST 28, 2018

I Drink Your Blood (1970) Boy feeds rabies infected meat to the hippie Satanists who raped his sister. Cannibalism ensues. Rabid hippie satanist rapists; all the early 70's fears rolled into one. TIL: Actually, you can drink blood at every mass. To different effect obviously.

Your daily dose of culture courtesy of Supersonic Man (1979) - "Our heroes are men who do things which we recognize, with regret, and sometimes with a secret shame, that we cannot do." - Mark Twain

And finally, though there’s nothing really religious in the story, here’s something cool anyway. The legendary super-8 film, Shortcut, a stop motion homage to King Kong made by a bunch of kids back in 1980, has been unearthed and is available to watch for free. Check it out.