Starring Eva Longoria and Demian Bechir
La La Land
Set in Los Angeles, we have two up and comers Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) and Mia (Emma Stone) both trying to make it in the big city, he as a musician, her as an actress.
This Hollywood and Vine story is further established as a old-time tale by the singing and dancing musical nature of the first part. The second part turns into more of a drama as both "Seb" and Mia become jealous of the other's potential success.
Directed by Damian Chazelle (Whiplash) we have similar use of crescendo-ed music, close up of musical instruments, quick dramatic cuts to add to the drama. Unlike Whiplash there's not real sense of urgency. A Star is being Born (maybe two) and we just should watch this retelling of Their Story.
I'd hoped it would be better - I did. But this old story didn't age well. Maybe this subplot might help matters - from Conan
* * * of 5
This Hollywood and Vine story is further established as a old-time tale by the singing and dancing musical nature of the first part. The second part turns into more of a drama as both "Seb" and Mia become jealous of the other's potential success.
Directed by Damian Chazelle (Whiplash) we have similar use of crescendo-ed music, close up of musical instruments, quick dramatic cuts to add to the drama. Unlike Whiplash there's not real sense of urgency. A Star is being Born (maybe two) and we just should watch this retelling of Their Story.
I'd hoped it would be better - I did. But this old story didn't age well. Maybe this subplot might help matters - from Conan
* * * of 5
The Walk Out
I went to go see Nocturnal Animals the other day. I thought it would be good, but ,,,that's what you get for thinking, as Dad Sales used to say.
Not only was it not interesting, but it was not compelling, not well acted, and not original. You start to think, "it must get better" then you think "how long do I have to wait for that?" and then realize "it's getting worse" and "I don't want to wait this out". So up you go, feeling that all eyes in the dark are on you. In this case there were only 2 other people in there. So out I went.
Other movies I recall walking out on:
Everything Must Go (2010)
Bruno (2009)
First walkout since I started this blog in 2012!
Not only was it not interesting, but it was not compelling, not well acted, and not original. You start to think, "it must get better" then you think "how long do I have to wait for that?" and then realize "it's getting worse" and "I don't want to wait this out". So up you go, feeling that all eyes in the dark are on you. In this case there were only 2 other people in there. So out I went.
Other movies I recall walking out on:
Everything Must Go (2010)
Bruno (2009)
First walkout since I started this blog in 2012!
Good Fellas (1990)
"All my life I wanted to be a gangster". That's a classic first line of a movie. This mobster movie may not have been the first to the genre, but it does give it a classical American version, from the immigrant neighborhood, to the automobiles, to the clothes.
Another movie that I never saw the first time around. The sweep of the life stories has influenced other semi historical movies of the nature, from Boogie Nights to Jersey Boys. Ray Liotta as Henry is overshadowed by Joe Pesci as the volatile Tommy (Academy Award winner). Robert De Niro of course must be cast in any mob film and even he is overshadowed by both.
Directed by Martin Scorsece it is probably his best known work, being somewhat autobiographical. Both his mother and father appear in the film.
Liked but not loved ****
Another movie that I never saw the first time around. The sweep of the life stories has influenced other semi historical movies of the nature, from Boogie Nights to Jersey Boys. Ray Liotta as Henry is overshadowed by Joe Pesci as the volatile Tommy (Academy Award winner). Robert De Niro of course must be cast in any mob film and even he is overshadowed by both.
Directed by Martin Scorsece it is probably his best known work, being somewhat autobiographical. Both his mother and father appear in the film.
Liked but not loved ****
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