This Sundance favorite got picked up for a $13 million distribution deal but it's not hard to see why: it's basically a reboot of the Devil Wears Prada. Emma Thompson is Katherine Newberry, an aging late night host who bases her career on excellence. But when she finds out she is becoming last night's news, she decides to hire a "woman writer", the first one she sees, Mindy Kaling.
In over her head, Molly Patel sets about to "write something" to freshen up and overhaul the show in the 13 weeks she's been given. In that time, she of course has an ill-advised office relationship, both is star-struck and offended by the boss at the same time, and manages to reinvent this aging American late night icon. Not bad for a temporary position.
A nice little success story.
* * * of 5
Toy Story 4
Like Mission Impossible, we have a 1990s movie franchise rebooted for 2019. A proven story, proven box office draw, which makes for a pretty easy decision to go forward. But will we ever get tired of this schtick? Only the bottom line will tell for Disney.
You know the usual suspects: Tom Hanks as Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz, and the usual other assortment of toy voices. It's hard to remember all the plot lines, but here Bonnie is going to school and Woody stows away because she should have a toy to make it easier. She ends up making a new toy out of a spork, called Forky, who she falls in love with. But when Forky goes missing the toy gang has to find him.
The road trip aspect reminded me of another Pixar success, Cars and there is a lot of crossover: Randy Newman music, old time Americana scenes, western towns like Grand Basin. There are some new characters which are welcome and it does pull at your heart strings with fears of loss and separation.
A nice G rated movie that I can recommend to nearly all.
**** of 5
You know the usual suspects: Tom Hanks as Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz, and the usual other assortment of toy voices. It's hard to remember all the plot lines, but here Bonnie is going to school and Woody stows away because she should have a toy to make it easier. She ends up making a new toy out of a spork, called Forky, who she falls in love with. But when Forky goes missing the toy gang has to find him.
The road trip aspect reminded me of another Pixar success, Cars and there is a lot of crossover: Randy Newman music, old time Americana scenes, western towns like Grand Basin. There are some new characters which are welcome and it does pull at your heart strings with fears of loss and separation.
A nice G rated movie that I can recommend to nearly all.
**** of 5
Murder Mystery
New on Netflix starring Adam Sandler and Jennifer Anniston as a married couple who goes to Europe on vacation, meets a count and ends up on his yacht where.... "a murder occurs" right in front of them.
Sandler being a NYC detective (although not a good one) sets about to solve the crime, when Anniston seems better suited for the job. Good supporting parts and great scenery in Monaco and Lake Como.
A fun summer watch. For free. * * * of 5
Sandler being a NYC detective (although not a good one) sets about to solve the crime, when Anniston seems better suited for the job. Good supporting parts and great scenery in Monaco and Lake Como.
A fun summer watch. For free. * * * of 5
50/50 (2011)
Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Seth Rogen stars as two buddies whose friendship is tested when Adam (JG-L) is diagnosed with cancer. In the process, Adam learns to smoke more weed, break up with needy bitches and draw closer to his mother (Angelica Huston) and his buddy Kyle (Rogen). Of course he also falls in love with his therapist (Anna Kendrick) Who wouldn't? A real Dramedy.
* * * of 5 Free on Netflix
* * * of 5 Free on Netflix
Rocketman
Like with Love, the Cirque Du Soleil production of the Beatles music, we have a dream-like play based somewhat autobiographically and most important set to Elton John's music. Taron Edgerton stars as Reginald Dwight, later known as Elton John, who grows up a musical prodigy while being emotionally distant from his unfeeling father and over/undersexed mother (hard to say which).
Highlights include his first meeting Bernie Taupin, his lyricist, his first performance in L.A., his meeting his manager, uncovering his sexuality. All told in a flashback form from rehab, which only become apparent as the movie continues.
In contrast to Bohemian Rhapsody, that movie plays it a bit more straightforward. Music is rolled out in general release order. Here there's more of a dreamlike quality and the music is chosen for what it brings to the scene, not when it was really released. It works well.
* * * * *
In The Producers (2005), there's a number called "Make It Gay". The filmmakers here certainly took that to heart so consider that as part of the R rating.
Highlights include his first meeting Bernie Taupin, his lyricist, his first performance in L.A., his meeting his manager, uncovering his sexuality. All told in a flashback form from rehab, which only become apparent as the movie continues.
In contrast to Bohemian Rhapsody, that movie plays it a bit more straightforward. Music is rolled out in general release order. Here there's more of a dreamlike quality and the music is chosen for what it brings to the scene, not when it was really released. It works well.
* * * * *
In The Producers (2005), there's a number called "Make It Gay". The filmmakers here certainly took that to heart so consider that as part of the R rating.
Wine Country
Directed by and starring Amy Poehler, it's a middle-aged group of Bridesmaids getting together to celebrate turning 50 [cue panic attack]. Amy the planner (Leslie Knope character) tells everyone they can choose where to go from Napa, Hawaii and Napa. Along the way they encounter a motley assortment of Tina Fey, Jason Schwarzmann and Maya Erskine who help them realize (surprise!) that while they are all different people now than at age 18, they're still buddies.
* * of 5 - available on Netflix
* * of 5 - available on Netflix
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