Here's an interesting remake with a good cast. Same fish out of water story, but this time it's the American in Australia, not the other way around.
Hard to believe it was 1986 when the first one with Paul Hogan came out. And there were 2 sequels, Crocodile Dundee II and Crocodile Dundee: Los Angeles.
Summer 2018
Up in the Air (2009)
Three interesting themes worked together here:
A period piece of the 2008 financial crisis and the personal tolls it took. Best line: "This is one of the worst times in American history. This is our moment!"
A travel story of the rootlessness and small pleasures of life on the road/in the airports - based on the book by Walter Kirn. Ryan (George Clooney) is seeking to acquire 1 million air miles and loves his life on the road to accomplish it. The worst part is having to return home. So therefore, it becomes...
A story of returning home to family - a place where no matter what you do, they always have to take you in.
Strong early performance by a young Anna Kendrick and good lead by George Clooney. Good casting including Zach Galifianikis, J.K. Simmons, Danny McBride, Jason Bateman.
Directed by Jason Reitman who is good at subtle comedy and this generally hits the mark.
* * * * *
A period piece of the 2008 financial crisis and the personal tolls it took. Best line: "This is one of the worst times in American history. This is our moment!"
A travel story of the rootlessness and small pleasures of life on the road/in the airports - based on the book by Walter Kirn. Ryan (George Clooney) is seeking to acquire 1 million air miles and loves his life on the road to accomplish it. The worst part is having to return home. So therefore, it becomes...
A story of returning home to family - a place where no matter what you do, they always have to take you in.
Strong early performance by a young Anna Kendrick and good lead by George Clooney. Good casting including Zach Galifianikis, J.K. Simmons, Danny McBride, Jason Bateman.
Directed by Jason Reitman who is good at subtle comedy and this generally hits the mark.
* * * * *
On review, I told a friend this was one of my favorites. I enjoyed the existentialist crisis and particulary the mentor/protege aspect.
Groundhog Day (1993)
One of my favorites, it combines time travel with the mundane of daily living, and it does so with an interesting comedic arc.
Bill Murray is Phil, a local meteorologist assigned to cover Punxswatney Phil, the Pennsylvania groundhog, who may or may not see his shadow on February 2. Phil, seeing the assignment as below him (no pun intended) fights in a passive/aggressive way at the work, and sees only the negative in the situation. When by some magic, he starts reliving the same February 2 day over and over again, he starts by trying to change it for his pleasure and good, but then finds acceptance in the sameness.
Bill Murray is well cast as the sarcastic but lovable Midwestern schlubb (which he always plays even in real life). Andie McDowell has another turn as 80s womanly perfection. And Chris Elliott has a nice supporting cameraman role.
Directed by Harold Ramis who made Bill Murray into what he already was.... everyone's favorite schlubb (Stripes, Ghostbusters)
* * * * * a cultural touchstone
Bill Murray is Phil, a local meteorologist assigned to cover Punxswatney Phil, the Pennsylvania groundhog, who may or may not see his shadow on February 2. Phil, seeing the assignment as below him (no pun intended) fights in a passive/aggressive way at the work, and sees only the negative in the situation. When by some magic, he starts reliving the same February 2 day over and over again, he starts by trying to change it for his pleasure and good, but then finds acceptance in the sameness.
Bill Murray is well cast as the sarcastic but lovable Midwestern schlubb (which he always plays even in real life). Andie McDowell has another turn as 80s womanly perfection. And Chris Elliott has a nice supporting cameraman role.
Directed by Harold Ramis who made Bill Murray into what he already was.... everyone's favorite schlubb (Stripes, Ghostbusters)
* * * * * a cultural touchstone
The Post
A throwback to the glory days of the 70s moviemaking, you could call this a prequel to All the President's Men. We've got Tom Hanks as Ben Bradlee, editor of the Washington Post. The story here is the the Post is regarded as a local paper, a lightweight, overshadowed by the New York Times. The Post is run by a woman! Meryl Streep as Katherine Graham, widow of Phil Graham, who has inherited the business after Phil's suicide. Her male friends have set her up for a public offering to raise cash and have stocked the board of directors with well-meaning friends.
But now, Katherine has some big decisions to make: Ben Bradlee has acquired a copy of the Pentagon Papers. The New York Times has already published and it now under court order not to further publish. The Post has an opportunity to publish. This scoop could be big for the Post. Or it could bring it down. What should we do?
I liked nearly everything about the movie. Directing and Cinematography by the best in the business Steven Spielberg and his longtime Director of Photography, Januz Kaminsky. I really like the shots of the pay phones and the court. Also Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep are the best in the business. The story was one that I had not heard, but it was well told and not overly dramatized.
The scenes to confirm Katherine Graham's ascendancy as a woman in charge were well done and will get your cheering as intended
And the ending! So well done. Great shot by Januz!
* * * * * Highest rating
But now, Katherine has some big decisions to make: Ben Bradlee has acquired a copy of the Pentagon Papers. The New York Times has already published and it now under court order not to further publish. The Post has an opportunity to publish. This scoop could be big for the Post. Or it could bring it down. What should we do?
I liked nearly everything about the movie. Directing and Cinematography by the best in the business Steven Spielberg and his longtime Director of Photography, Januz Kaminsky. I really like the shots of the pay phones and the court. Also Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep are the best in the business. The story was one that I had not heard, but it was well told and not overly dramatized.
The scenes to confirm Katherine Graham's ascendancy as a woman in charge were well done and will get your cheering as intended
And the ending! So well done. Great shot by Januz!
* * * * * Highest rating
Darkest Hour * guest review
by Jonathan Miles, Guest Reviewer
What a terrific movie. Darkest Hour is a tightly-told story of five weeks between when Winston Churchill becomes Prime Minister in May 1940 and the evacuation of Dunkirk in June. France is collapsing, the British Army is trapped across the Channel, a German invasion is feared imminent, Britain is alone, and Churchill steps into the breach, drink in one hand, cigar in the other.
Whether he will side with those who believe that Britain must strike a deal with Hitler or rally the nation in a desperate fight is the movie’s big question. That question is nicely echoed by a smaller but equally important one: whether Churchill can gain the trust and support of an aloof and skeptical King George VI and symbolically, in the person of the King, the trust and support of the people he and Churchill must lead into either surrender or war.
The movie takes a few liberties with the historical record. A dramatic shouting match in the War Cabinet on the question of surrender probably never occurred, even though it is nice storytelling. The most cringeworthy fiction, though, is a ride Churchill takes on the London Underground, on which he meets at chats with a rainbow coalition of Londoners and takes courage from their resolve to fight. It is a sign of our times that such touchy-feely melodrama is deemed a necessary plot device to make great figures accessible, as if there are no great men, only men who ride the tube.
And Churchill was great (arguably the greatest human being of the 20th Century). He is a challenge for even a very fine actor. Gary Oldman proves himself very fine indeed. He captures Churchill’s intellect and humor, charisma and churlishness, determination and doubt. We just started watching The Crown, in which Churchill is played by John Lithgow. Lithgow is a fine actor, too, but his shambling wreck Churchill does neither him nor his subject much credit. If Oldman does not win an Oscar the Nazis will have rigged the vote.
Oldman’s performance is supported by Kristin Scott Thomas, whose Clementine Churchill is sharp and witty. Ben Mendelsohn captures the stiff reserve of George VI with a hint of sweet warmth. Lily James, as Churchill’s secretary, Elizabeth Layton, is charming and a lovely foil for her sometimes irascible boss. One wants more of each of these characters. If historical liberties were taken to a delightful extreme, a scene with Clemmie, George, and Elizabeth knocking back some pints in a pub during the Blitz would have been a joy. Maybe in a sequel.
Go see it. 4.9/5 jalapenos.
Lady Bird
The first 5 star movie of 2018! Starring Saoirse Ronan as Christine (call me Lady Bird) and directed by Greta Gerwig, we have a coming of age story from the female perspective.
On one hand, the story has been told comedically many times (Superbad, Risky Business) but what sets this apart are the mother/daughter conflict. Laurie Metcalf as Marion the mother gives an excellent performance of holding on and letting go.
The pacing of senior year is very fast, moving quickly to the next resolution. It gives a satisfactory pacing - the director wants to get to a certain point. The supporting characters help moves the story along. Well cast in that respect.
The setting, a Catholic girls school in Sacramento in the early 2000s is of note. Not easy to see how it affects the story, but you can try. It is a very strong presence, like a named character.
Very similar to The Fault in Our Stars: snappy dialogue, realistic parent/child relations, a young woman's maturity journey.
* * * * * (highest)
On one hand, the story has been told comedically many times (Superbad, Risky Business) but what sets this apart are the mother/daughter conflict. Laurie Metcalf as Marion the mother gives an excellent performance of holding on and letting go.
The pacing of senior year is very fast, moving quickly to the next resolution. It gives a satisfactory pacing - the director wants to get to a certain point. The supporting characters help moves the story along. Well cast in that respect.
The setting, a Catholic girls school in Sacramento in the early 2000s is of note. Not easy to see how it affects the story, but you can try. It is a very strong presence, like a named character.
Very similar to The Fault in Our Stars: snappy dialogue, realistic parent/child relations, a young woman's maturity journey.
* * * * * (highest)
Panacea
This short film (22 minutes) made its Texas debut at our very own Cine El Rey on Saturday. Directed by Carlos Moreno, Jr, Valley native (most recently credited in Coco), it stars Kyle Devero as Ayden, and Carlos Moreno as Dario, two friends dealing with Ayden's impeding death.
A group of friends gather to say their goodbyes before Ayden's death with dignity. An unfliching look at assisted suicide as some might call it. Others may say it's a better way. You make the call. Is it a Panacea?
Shot over a 9 hour period using a borrowed $70,000 camera, the acting is solid and the cinematography has a washed-out look evocative of going toward the light as death is often described. It walks the line of presenting this sad subject in a matter-of-fact manner.
Bankrolled as a way of promoting a video sharing/virtual reality platform called Legacy App, the end credits show some sample videos of Ayden giving messages after death. An effective marketing tool and an original idea on how to get funding for your short film.
Glad to know that we have some good filmmaking rooted locally.
* * * * of 5
A group of friends gather to say their goodbyes before Ayden's death with dignity. An unfliching look at assisted suicide as some might call it. Others may say it's a better way. You make the call. Is it a Panacea?
Shot over a 9 hour period using a borrowed $70,000 camera, the acting is solid and the cinematography has a washed-out look evocative of going toward the light as death is often described. It walks the line of presenting this sad subject in a matter-of-fact manner.
Bankrolled as a way of promoting a video sharing/virtual reality platform called Legacy App, the end credits show some sample videos of Ayden giving messages after death. An effective marketing tool and an original idea on how to get funding for your short film.
Glad to know that we have some good filmmaking rooted locally.
* * * * of 5
Movie preview for 2018
Here's are 5 movies to see in the next 5 months. Yes, Virginia, there are a lot of sequels but we do have some good Spielberg movies coming out:
The Post - January 11 (wide release) - starring Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, directed by Steven Spielberg - looks similar to Bridge of Spies
Fifty Shades Freed - February 9
You know you want it ... for the 3rd time
A Wrinkle in Time - March 9
Oprah + Disney = $$$
Ready Player One - March 30
also directed by Steven Spielberg - 80s video game come to virtual reality life
Avengers - Infinity War - May 4
Lots of great beards in this trailer
The Post - January 11 (wide release) - starring Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, directed by Steven Spielberg - looks similar to Bridge of Spies
You know you want it ... for the 3rd time
A Wrinkle in Time - March 9
Oprah + Disney = $$$
Ready Player One - March 30
also directed by Steven Spielberg - 80s video game come to virtual reality life
Avengers - Infinity War - May 4
Lots of great beards in this trailer
Spaceballs (1987)
Here again was a cool opportunity to see a movie on the big screen - one that I've never seen!
Spaceballs is a Mel Brooks spoof of Star Wars and other space themed movies. Mel Brooks was popular in the 70s and 80s and based his movies on parody and slapstick kitsch, almost in a Vaudeville way, of a popular movie them. He did the Western with Blazing Saddles and the Frankenstein movie with Young Frankenstein. So here is the Star Wars version.
Good casting with Bill Pullman as "Lone Starr" who is mashup of Luke and Han. Daphne Zuniga is Princess Vespa (in her pre- Melrose Place role. Good 80s comics of Rick Moranis (Dark Helmet) and John Candy (Barf) give it some good levity.
It's a pretty faithful trip through a galaxy far, far away. So much so that not only did George Lucas give the rights to parody it all (as long as there was no licensing of characters), that becomes a running joke throughout. Best line: "It will also come out in Spaceballs 2 - the Search for More Cash"
Very much an 80s movie, the soundtrack was very evocative, with Van Halen, Bon Jovi, Jeffrey Osborne and the Pointer Sisters.
Movies you will recognize here: Star Wars (Episodes 4-6), Star Trek, 2001: A Space Odyssey, as well as 80s favorites, Aliens , Back to the Future and Ghostbusters.
I picked the right time to see it - **** of 5 stars
Spaceballs is a Mel Brooks spoof of Star Wars and other space themed movies. Mel Brooks was popular in the 70s and 80s and based his movies on parody and slapstick kitsch, almost in a Vaudeville way, of a popular movie them. He did the Western with Blazing Saddles and the Frankenstein movie with Young Frankenstein. So here is the Star Wars version.
Good casting with Bill Pullman as "Lone Starr" who is mashup of Luke and Han. Daphne Zuniga is Princess Vespa (in her pre- Melrose Place role. Good 80s comics of Rick Moranis (Dark Helmet) and John Candy (Barf) give it some good levity.
It's a pretty faithful trip through a galaxy far, far away. So much so that not only did George Lucas give the rights to parody it all (as long as there was no licensing of characters), that becomes a running joke throughout. Best line: "It will also come out in Spaceballs 2 - the Search for More Cash"
Very much an 80s movie, the soundtrack was very evocative, with Van Halen, Bon Jovi, Jeffrey Osborne and the Pointer Sisters.
Movies you will recognize here: Star Wars (Episodes 4-6), Star Trek, 2001: A Space Odyssey, as well as 80s favorites, Aliens , Back to the Future and Ghostbusters.
I picked the right time to see it - **** of 5 stars
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