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Reviews
The Turning Point (1977)
Beautiful
The Turning Point is one of the most visually pleasing movies in my memory. Each dance scene, even the rehearsal scenes, are a romantic glimpse into the world of ballet. For me, the story itself is not important and merely serves as a means to display the art and artists. The final dance scenes with Leslie Browne, Mikhail Baryshnikov and dance team are stunning as is the music. The other cast members, Anne Bancroft, Shirley MacLaine and Tom Skerritt are fine but the real star of the film is ballet. The attention to detail by director Herbert Ross, used to shine a light on this art form and perhaps draw appreciation from a young audience deserves high praise.
Love with the Proper Stranger (1963)
Chemistry 101
This is my favorite film of both Natalie Wood and Steve McQueen. Their on-screen chemistry is undeniable. McQueen's quirky and reluctant character was endearing. Wood had never been more beautiful. She had great comedic timing while exhibiting the frustration of trying to be an independent woman from an overbearing old school Italian family with over-protective older brothers. The film was ahead of its time in the 1960s with the subjects of premarital sex, a one night stand, pregnancy of an unwed woman and back-alley abortions. Tom Bosley delivered a hilarious performance as a clumsy suitor. The scene between Wood and McQueen in their first attempt to get to know one another in a domesticated setting that evolves into one with the smoldering sexuality of the duo is the definition of on screen chemistry.
The Curse (2023)
I'm still waiting
I'm viewing episode five right now and I still don't know what this series is about. I don't get the inclusion of scenes that don't seem to have relevance to whatever the plot is. In the first episode, it's revealed that Asher is far from well-endowed but do we really have to see him urinating with a closeup of his penis? Some of the characters are so creepy it's hard to want to know what happens to them. The only reason I gave it any stars is for Emma Stone's performance. The characters portrayed by Nathan Fielder and Benny Safdie are just too weird; their scenes are difficult to watch. In brief, this series is a swing and a miss.
The Beanie Bubble (2023)
Confusing
I understood the story but not the need to jump back and forth in time. Since the characters and the story are not that well known it was confusing to follow. I don't know why it couldn't be told in straight chronological order. Also, Zach Galifianakis' makeup and wigs were not believable at all; bad job by that department. The acting by all principles was good and it was somewhat satisfying to see the women behind the company's success come into their own. Mr. Galifianakis played a ruthless, self-obsessed man who took great advantage of all who elevated his company to the heights of success. This role is quite a departure for him and he was believable playing a very unlikeable person. There was a certain degree of satisfaction prior to the credits when it was disclosed that Ty Warner was convicted of tax evasion/fraud.
Up Here (2023)
Love it!
I had just finished binge watching Good Girls and was looking for my next movie/series. I noted that Mae Whitman from Good Girls was also in Up Here and that it was a musical series. Ms. Whitman is so unbelievably talented and has quite a voice! Carlos Vasquez is also wonderful as is the entire cast. The concept of the series is very unique. I won't give it away but let's just say it's very enjoyable. As far as the music is concerned, it's not like the cast breaks out in song every 5 minutes. It's interspersed in the episodes just enough to be relevant and entertaining. I so enjoyed the music that I purchased the soundtrack. I would love it if the entire theme song was recorded with just the 2 main characters whose harmonies are fantastic!