Wicked (Part 1)

 

   

         All the pre-movie hype and massive over the top marketing that had turned me off initially, faded away once the film started. Building upon the success of the wonderful Broadway show, the film adds layers to the characters and story that make it that much more entertaining.

          I was also initially disappointed that the film was to be split in two but after seeing it, it makes sense as it ends on such a high note with so much story left to tell, one film could not do it justice.  Broadway could only do so much, incredible as it is, but the film (to borrow a line) is unlimited with it's possibilities.

          Director Jon M. Chu and his team have created something special. The singing, the dancing, set design, costumes and cinematography by Alice Brooks all combine to create a world of wonderful magic.

         As for the cast, it is literally perfection. Cynthia Erivo brings such depth and emotion to Elphaba. She continues to show her diversity as a fine actress and even handles the memorable songs with ease. We already know Ariana Grande-Butera is a terrific singer but here she shows great comic timing and charm as Galinda (Glinda). The two women have wonderful chemistry and together literally make magic happen.

          The film co-stars Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero and he couldn't be more perfect. Ethan Slater makes a fine Boq Woodsman. Jeff Goldblum is perfection as "The Wizard". Michele Yeoh brings her great inner strength to Madam Morrible. Marissa Bode brings a sparkle of personality to Nessrose. Bowen Yang and Bronwyn James are Galinda's catty friends. And Peter Dinklage adds his unmistakable voice to Dr. Dillamond, the goat professor. 

            Is it excessive at two hours and forty minutes?  Of course, and scenes could have been trimmed or cut but ultimately it all works as a sensational entertainment. Those that know the story will be aware that "Act Two" will have darker elements but that won't deter our anticipation. It's just a shame we have to wait a full year to return to Oz.

Gladiator II

 

      Not many directors working today can pull off a crowd pleasing spectacle such as this. Ridley Scott is one of those directors (Cecille B. DeMille would be proud). While it's been 24 years since it's predecessor, only 18 years have passed in this film as Mr. Scott returns us to the glory and horror of the arena. "Are we entertained?" Of course we are.

       The film stars Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, and Denzel Washington. Ms. Nielsen reprises her role from the original film and Mr. Mescal is the title gladiator. Mr. Pascal is a Roman general and Mr. Quinn and Mr. Hechinger are brothers who rule Rome as duo Emperors. Co-starring are Lior Raz, a gladiator trainer and Derek Jacobi returning as Senator Gracchus.  Mr. Mescal makes a fine lead in a star making role but it is Mr. Washington who nearly steals the film as the gladiator master who seeks ultimate power.. He is clearly having fun as the villain, as you watch him plot and angle his way into the emperors court. Mr. Washington is an actor on another level, adding great depth to what easily could have been just a cartoon villain (just watch his eyes as he calculates his next move).

       The screenplay by David Scarpa (with a story by Mr. Scarpa and Peter Craig) cleverly integrates the new story with the original film (shown in small flashbacks) and continues in fluid continuity. Mr. Scott raises the ante with bigger and more elaborate fights in the Colosseum arena. The first skirmish takes place with men against killer baboons before we even get to Rome. Obvious CGI animals, it sets the scene for what is to follow. From baboons, we get an animatronic/CGI rhinoceros and then Mr. Scott literally jumps the shark, filling the Colosseum arena with water and CGI sharks. At this point he has cut the cord of believability but redeems himself with the man to man fight scenes. To Mr. Scott's credit, even though he may have lost some credibility in the story with CGI sharks,  you find yourself still involved and entertained.

       Any fan of the original film will absolutely enjoy this one and even if you haven't seen the first one, there is just enough backstory to lead you through this sequel.

Blitz

 

          Steve McQueen wrote, directed and produced this new wartime drama starring Saoirse Ronan and Elliot Heffernan. The film takes place in London during the German "Blitzkrieg" or "Blitz" for short. It was a horrible nightmare for the British as the German air force dropped thousands of bombs, practically leveling the city and killing thousands.

         Ms. Ronan stars as Rita, a single mother who, like hundreds of other parents, sends her child on a train out of the city for his protection. Defiantly, nine year old George, played by Elliot Heffernan, in his first role,  leaves the train to find his way back to the city and his mother.

          Young Mr. Heffernan is simply amazing, wise beyond his years and effortlessly tackling a complicated and important role. He easily steals the movie. Ms. Ronan shows once again, why she is such a wonderful actress, who even gets to sing during the film. Co-starring as her father, is the legendary Paul Weller and in smaller roles, Stephen Graham, Benjamin Clementine, and Harris Dickinson.

          Mr. McQueen and his team realistically recreate a bombed out London and put the viewer squarely in the action. His visuals are amazing. The technique he uses to show the devastation before and after each bombing is unique and incredibly well done. In addition, credit the wonderful cinematography by Yorick Le Saux for imagery that will stick in your mind, long after the film ends.  

          The sound design, art direction and music by Hans Zimmer all combine to bring George's odyssey to vivid life as he struggles to find his way home juxtaposed with Rita's story of survival during a devastating time. I predict multiple Academy Award nominations.

           The film is in limited theatrical release and now available on a major streaming service.

Heretic

 

      Written and directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, this is less of a horror film and more of a psychological thriller.

       When two Mormon missionaries, Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East) knock on the wrong door, they become locked in a religious battle of cat and mouse with the ultimate heretic, Mr. Reed, played wonderfully against type by Hugh Grant.

       Mr. Grant is charming, yet gonzo in his theological ideas. With just ever so slight facial movement, he can convey twisted menace at any given moment while playing the friendly host to the two young women. He challenges their beliefs and goes on and on about the one true religion, while giving them history lessons about various organized religion. He tells them they are free to leave but offers little in the way of freedom, except through a choice of doors marked "Belief" and "Disbelief".

        The film is never really scary but does build a reasonable amount of suspense and creepiness as it goes on. Introducing a "prophet" later in the film, who Mr. Reed tells the two women can be resurrected, is the closest the film comes to a "horror" moment. 

       All the religious posturing grows weary as the film goes on and even the craziness of the final act, can't really save the film from the weight of Mr. Reed's heresy. What saves the film though, is the terrific performance of Mr. Grant, who really seems to be enjoying himself as the film's villain.

Anora

 

       Written and directed by Sean Baker, this new comedy/drama tells the story of "Anora", a stripper who ends up married to  Vanya, the hard partying son of a Russian oligarch. 

      While on a "paid" week with Vanya, the two jet off to Las Vegas with friends and end up impulsively getting married. Of course this does not sit well with his parents back in Russia, who send a crew to break up the marriage.

       There is a centerpiece scene when the three men break into Vanya's mansion that is at once very funny and yet violent as well. The three just don't know how to contain the force of nature that is "Anora".

     The film is fueled by the lightning bolt of a performance by Mikey Madison as "Anora". She is electric from start to finish in a raw, comedic, fierce and touching performance. The film co-stars Mark Eydelshteyen as Vanya, Karren Karagulian as Toros, Yura Borisov as Igor, and Vache Tovmasyan as Garnick.

     Mr. Baker shot the film authentically in Brooklyn New York. Vanya's mansion is in Mill Basin and many of the other scenes take place in Coney Island and Brighton Beach, home to Brooklyn's largest Russian community.

          It's a wild ride and a star is born.

          

A Real Pain

 

     Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin star in this new comedy drama, written and directed by Mr. Eisenberg. The two play mismatched cousins traveling to Poland on a tour group, with the intention to eventually visit the ancestral home of their grandmother.

      It is an endearing story filled with moments of great warmth,  humor and yes, pain as well. Mr. Culkin steals just about every scene while Mr. Eisenberg plays the straight man, the anchor of the story. As written, both roles are not much of a stretch for either actor, but they do play to their strengths.

      The film co-stars Will Sharpe, Jennifer Grey, Kurt Egyiawan, Liza Sadovy, and Daniel Oreskes as the other members of their tour group. A group I may add, with quite a lot of patience for the two cousins.

      During it's 90 minute run time, we actually get to see quite a bit of Poland, including a very somber tour of the Majdanek concentration camp.

       Playing in theaters now, it's worth the time or just wait for it to stream, which these days doesn't take very long.

Will & Harper

 

       A documentary by Josh Greenbaum, the film follows comedian Will Ferrell and his friend of many years, Harper Steele, on an unusual road trip across America.

       The two met many years ago on the set of Saturday Night Live and became close friends. Earlier in her life, Ms. Steele had enjoyed many road trips across the country in her former life as a man. Ms. Steele reached out to Mr. Ferrell and other during the pandemic of her decision to go through gender transition.

       After learning of this life altering decision, Mr. Ferrell then suggests another road trip from New York to Los Angeles to spend time with his friend and better understand her decision. They also wonder what it will be like to revisit old stops and see them in a new light.

       The film is brave, honest, heartwarming and yes, filled with occasional humor. There is at times, a terrible sadness as well. Ultimately, it's about education, acceptance and an enduring friendship. You see a famous comedian in an entirely new light.

        It is only available on a major streaming service.

His Three Daughters

 

       Written and directed by Azazel Jacobs, this is a weighty drama about family, life and death, and love. It's the story of three adult sisters who reunite at their family apartment when their father's illness take a turn for the worse and he goes into hospice care.

        The three sisters are played by Carrie Coon, as Katie, Natasha Lyonne, as Rachel and Elizabeth Olsen, as Christina. The film is a marvelous showcase for their acting but is otherwise fairly depressing. Co-starring are Rudy Galvan, Jose Febus, Jasmine Bracey, Jovan Adepo and Jay O. Sanders as the dad. For most of the film, Mr. Sanders is off screen but has a terrific monologue near the end. 

         The action takes place almost exclusively in the apartment with just a few scenes in the building courtyard. It is a claustrophobic environment that the three estranged sisters must share and come to grips with their various issues.

         Mr. Jacobs relies on the strength of his leads to to carry the film and they are all terrific but the shadow of death hangs over the entire production and at times makes it very difficult to watch.

         Not in theaters but currently available on a major streaming service.

Conclave

 

     While a fictional drama about choosing a new Papal leader after the death of the last Pope, the Conclave portrayed in the film seems realistically accurate and becomes quite tense as the various Cardinals continue to vote until a consensus is reached.

      Ralph Fiennes stars as Cardinal Lawrence, the Cardinal that leads the Conclave, which becomes a political potboiler as various nominees jockey for position and secrets are revealed. Also starring is Stanley Tucci as Cardinal Bellini, a progressive Cardinal who says he is not interested in the position but obvious is. John Lithgow, Sergio Castellitto, Lucian Msamati, Carlos Diehz, and Merab Nindze all play other Cardinals. Brian F. O'Byrne plays the assistant to Cardinal Lawrence and Isabella Rossellini plays Sister Agnes, the Cardinal's head caterer and housekeeper.

      The film is directed by Edward Berger, who's camera seems to take the audience directly into the inner circles of the Vatican. The score, by Volker Bertelmann, plays an important part in raising the tension and keeping it high. The cinematography, by Stephanie Fontaine, is outstanding especially in certain scenes staged by Mr. Berger.

      The film is a serious drama with a great cast and obvious Oscar aspirations, marred only by a controversial final twist that is so incredible, it devalues everything that has come before it.