While Ron Howard's fab documentary on The Beatles' touring years offers very little footage unseen by true and dedicated Beatlemaniacs, it is a welcomed introduction to today's uninitiated audiences and youth who may have been wondering just what all the fuss was about in those days. The film does however, include some touching interviews with luminaries such as Whoopi Goldberg, Elvis Costello, Sigourney Weaver and others who offer insight as to just what it meant to discover the band's contributions to music in general and society-at-large in specific. Howard's movie successfully removes all doubt that The Beatles changed the course of music, fashion, popular culture, racial differences and more. During this world premier viewing, at various moments the audience cheered, laughed, sang along, and applauded as if it were an actual concert event. For this author the highlight throughout the entire sitting was the joy experienced of seeing some of this found footage re-mastered in high definition and on the big screen. Can't wait for the DVD and hopefully it will include bonus footage and commentary tracks. A splendid time is guaranteed for all.
Reviews
5 Reviews
Swiss Army Man
(2016)
Being alive is a wonderful thing
2 August 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Absolutely brilliant film! Entertaining, thought-provoking, well- made, and works in so many ways that it staggers the mind. The are so many levels (deep levels, I might add) that it works on, that to be honest, if anyone does not take something from this film, they must be either extremely shallow or corpses themselves. So you have to suspend belief at times; that should be no problem for the masses who are used to being spoon-fed super-hero, vampires, zombies, and so much more by Hollywood these days. Swiss Army Man forces us as a society to not only come to terms with and accept our suppressed, yet natural human thoughts, body functions, relationships, standards, morals and more, but to relish and rejoice in them and the joy of what it simply means to be alive. It was fun to watch audience reaction in the theater and try to figure out who was laughing simply because something was funny versus "nervous" laughter because society has conditioned us not to laugh or find pleasure in things like death, corpses, flatulence, masturbation, alienation, suicide, relationships, and other aspects of life that are par for the course of being alive. While it is being touted as: "there has never been a movie anything like it", I beg to differ. I was reminded several times of "Tideland" and even "Weekend At Bernie's", to mention just two somewhat similar films. I saw it 2 days ago and will see it again, but I am still very much in deep thought regarding this film, and processing it in my mind. In my honest opinion, that right there attests to what a great film should accomplish and stand for, among other things. It's all about individual interpretation and what a given member of the audience can take from such a movie-going experience that could enhance and even enrichen our very lives. It doesn't hurt that Daniel Radcliffe and Paul Dano are wonderfully gifted as actors. Their chemistry is quite magical as co-leads. An audience should be more than happy to chuckle and follow along with them on this wonderful ride, regardless of the absurdity inherent in the premise of some of the script. I highly recommend it.
The Intern
(I) (2015)
Enjoyably Witty
26 September 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Today we went to see "The Intern" starring Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway. Surprisingly, I rather enjoyed it. The chemistry between De Niro and Hathaway is really the star here and it is adeptly handled by writer/director Nancy Meyers. The ensemble cast provides a well-balanced dose of giggles, tears and panache. It's good to see De Niro not going too much over the top for laughs as he has been prone to do in recent years. Hathaway is believable in her role and you feel for her as she deals with the ups and downs of balancing her life as a successful business person and being a wife. As with so many films today, The Intern is ripe with references and examples that clearly illustrate the differences between the way things were back in the day and the whole social media-driven mentality of modern day standards of acceptance. Kudos to Anders Holm and JoJo Kushner in their respective roles as the husband and young daughter and for pulling off what almost comes across as throw away parts until too far into the film. All of this being said and without divulging spoilers, for this reviewer as with so many of these recent "successful white collar yuppie bromantic" type of comedy films (for lack of a better label), the ending was weak and all too predictable. Still, I give it 7 out 10 stars for effort.
The Town
(2010)
Average heist/action movie is not bad, not great.
19 September 2010
"The Town" is OK, though nothing special, really. I just don't, or rather can't ever buy Affleck or Damon for that matter, as leading men. They simply don't have the skill, charm, or charismatic appeal of the seasoned pros for my money. In my opinion, their strengths are writing, producing, and directing. Those things and Robin Williams' performance is what made Good Will Hunting a good movie, not Ben nor Matt's acting abilities. The other thing that needs to be pointed out, is that the movie is based on a best-selling novel, which is basically almost always a sure-fire hit at the box office with a pre-built-in audience; which amounts to taking the safe road. The story is superb, and an added bonus is the authentic Boston location shots (although if you are a Bostonian, you can easily pick out some of the flaws in the location sequencing. During car chase scenes, for example, one frame they are in the North End, the next it is Bay Village, then Beacon Hill, back to the North End, etc. all within seconds. I know this is nitpicking, so that really is not a big deal. Of course, it is great to see Fenway Park in any movie and this one is no exception and delivers. Even though I did not read Prince of Thieves, (the novel that the film is based upon) there were quite a few times when I got the feeling that too much license may have been taken with story incidentals and plot development for the sake of the action-movie dollars and for fans of Affleck's work. The music soundtrack is almost non-existent or not very memorable, sounding at times like what used to merely be referred to as "stock". Jeremy Renner (who steals the show), Rebecca Hall, and Jon Hamm are far more interesting to watch than Affleck here, and their performances are about as solid as it can get in an action/heist drama of this sort. Is it a bad movie? By no means, if you ask me. Is it a great movie? Certainly not, in my opinion. Maybe as an inexpensively priced matinée, it succeeds, but I am happy that I was not prepared to pay top dollar and wait in a long line to see it. Although I had no expectations entering the theater, I still exited feeling that this is one of those films that is probably best left to DVD, cable, or large screen in the comfort of your home. As a heist movie, it is no "Killing Zoe", "Dog Day Afternoon", or "Reservoir Dogs" that's for sure. Give Ben Affleck a few more years or miles under his belt as a dramatic actor, and he just may someday develop into a great actor/director who doesn't feel the need or desire for so many close-ups and takes of what amounts to, well, Ben Affleck's rather limited repertoire of Ben Affleck faces.
Julie & Julia
(2009)
Yummy!
28 August 2009
"Julie & Julia", Nora Ephron's adaptation of Julie Powell's book is quite delightful. Meryl Streep's portrayal of Julia Child is as delicious as the recipes in Child's's first book. Streep's every gesture, inflection, and nuances are to be savored like a fine wine. Amy Adams puts in a solid performance as the bold and determined blogger. Adams brings a unique flavor of just the right mixture of sass and coyness to the role. The film maintains an excellent balance between drama, comedy, panache, and plain old good story telling. For me, it is a much-welcomed break from the usual and typical shoot 'em up, monster, superhero, action, Harry Potter, and lame comedy summer fare. This is a film done with class, intelligence, and has a great deal of charm, wit, and subtle modern-day humor and sensibilities. It may not be for your average movie goer, but for me, it is a significant notch way above the rest. Do yourself a big favor, and take your significant other to see what amounts to so much more than just a mere a "chick flick". Make sure you watch on a full stomach, though, as the featured dishes and cooking, combined with laughter will have your stomach growling and howling simultaneously. As Julia Child was fond of saying: Bon Apetit!
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