A Solemn, Hopeful BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER

 

The spirit of the late Chadwick Boseman formerly T’Challa, Black Panther, is strong in this moving sequel, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, effectively transitioning from the past to the future with some stirring moments as directed by co-writer Ryan Coogler.

Wakanda mourns the loss of their leader, T’Challa, and must reconcile its standing in the world as it guards its precious vibranium.  However, the discovery of another source threatens a mysterious underwater kingdom led by all-powerful Namor (Tenoch Huerta), who ruthlessly protects his people and proves a formidable rival of Wakanda led by Queen Mother (Angela Bassett) and T’Challa’s brilliant sister, Princess Shuri (Letitia Wright). As the FBI and CIA close in, Wakanda ally Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) tries to stave off disaster when Namor challenges Wakanda setting up a major confrontation. In a world with no Black Panther, Shuri must prepare her nation for battle; will she do the right thing and at what cost?

The ambitious story is engaging as it builds to a grand faceoff while it deals with processing loss and healing for T’Challa’s family.  Contrasting two proud cultures, each powerful and technologically advanced, the film effectively serves as an origin story for Namor and introduces a new character, Ironheart (Dominique Thorne).

Along with Lupita Nyong’o, Bassett and Wright are simply excellent; indeed the cast rises to the occasion with their roles expanded significantly while newcomer Huerta shines in his debut. There are callbacks to the past (with some surprises).

With colorful production values and a lovely Rihanna song, Coogler accomplishes much by honoring Boseman’s legacy, introducing new characters and storylines, and, to its credit, it almost all works. This is Marvel’s most mature film, and the moving end (and mid-credit scene) will resonate.

***1/2 of ****stars (add ½* for Wakanda fans)

Tár and Her Compulsion

 

Tár is a psychological drama from writer/director Todd Field (In the Bedroom, Little Children) that features a disturbing depiction of genius undone by human behavior. It’s also is a masterful showcase for Cate Blanchett.

Lydia Tár (Blanchett) has a prodigious career as a brilliant classical composer and conductor for a German orchestra.  Mentored by Leonard Bernstein and having won the highest accolades, she is an advocate for female representation in classical music. With her female partner and their young daughter, her life is full and brimming with music students, business meetings, concert rehearsals, and a new book. When she repeatedly avoids urgent messages from a female in her past and begins to focus her attention on a talented female cellist, it leads to larger, more sinister issues.  When the past catches up with her, truths emerge that threaten to upend her personal and professional life.  

Told from her point of view, Lydia can be demanding and precise in her art, and her position of power and decision making often impact other people’s lives whether it be students, musicians, or associates.  The question soon becomes, “Does she take advantage of her position for selfish reasons?” As she becomes more self-consumed with her personal sins, she begins to experience strange sounds and a growing paranoia.  Ultimately, her compulsive behavior and past transgressions come back to haunt her. 

This meticulously researched and authentic screenplay that embraces the creative process and the politics of music, also gives a fascinating take on issues like ‘cancel culture’. Blanchett’s acting is on a different level, incorporating physicality and nuance into creating this complex character. It’s not a matter of ‘if’ but rather ‘when’ she gets an Oscar nomination.  She’s that good. And that final shot is stunning.

**** of ****stars (for Blanchett fans)

Lonely Souls in The Banshees of Inisherin

Written and directed by Martin McDonagh (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri), The Banshees of Inisherin is an unusual, intimate study of human behavior in an isolated setting, Brilliantly acted, it’s also one of the best films of the year.

In a small, island village off the coast of Ireland in 1923, a farmer, Pádraic (Colin Farrell), is stunned by the abrupt end of a friendship with his drinking buddy Colm (Brendan Gleeson). His sister (Kerry Condon) and friend, Dominic (Barry Keoghan), try to console him, but Pádraic desperately tries to understand what has happened and to salvage their relationship.  Resolute and determined, Colm responds by issuing a shocking and ominous response.  What follows goes beyond the simple bond between two men and taps into inner demons and unleashes the longings of each person.

This minimalist drama, with flourishes of humor (featuring one of the most unusual confessional scenes you’ll see,) and tragedy, could easily have been adapted for the stage.  Its emerging themes of loneliness and purpose take on almost a mythic, classic tragedy. Colm’s sudden change and unyielding stance creates a mystery and forms the backbone of the narrative as both leads are in different stages of reexamining themselves.

In support, Condon and Keoghan are quite impressive, etching memorable characters with their own life ambitions.  Beautifully shot, the landscape and even animals like a dog and donkey serve as significant, supporting players.

The story touches upon one’s legacy and portrays life as a delicate, fragile balance. As such, it’s a film that won’t register for some people looking for easy resolutions and explanations; rather, it needs to be simply experienced as an acting showcase. Those who are game will be rewarded.  Oscar nominations will surely follow. 

***1/2 of **** stars (add ½* for Gleeson and Farrell)

'The Killer' Is Gone

Rock n roll legend Jerry Lee Lewis has passed at 87. Nicknamed "the Killer", he was popular for decades with his showman skills on piano highlighted by classic songs Great Balls of Fire, Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On, and Breathless. Although rocked by personal scandal, he outlived his contemporaries like Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, and Johnny Cash. He won 4 Grammys and was among the first class to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.

I actually recall seeing him in concert in 1983 at the old Wax Museum in Washington D.C. where he performed an essentially informal jam session which occasionally threw in a familiar tune. The crowd ate it up. It was amazing to just be there while he was schmoozing the audience.

Savage Splendor in THE WOMAN KING

With its strong cast and loosely inspired by real events, The Woman King is a fascinating, exciting tale of a pivotal time in history breathtakingly realized by director Gina Prince-Bythewood and writers Dana Stevens and Maria Bello. 

An African tribe in Dahomey in 1823 must defend itself from slave trading rivals by relying on its fierce army of female warriors led by Nanisca (Viola Davis).  Among the young female trainees is a girl, Nawi (Thuso Mbedu), who has an important link to the tribe.  Outnumbered by the gathering tribes, Nanisca must strategize a daring, risky plan that not only will determine their survival, but has far reaching consequences as truths are revealed and loyalties tested.

These Amazons are noble, yet brutal when in battle where there is no room for weakness or sentiment.  They are supreme fighters not unlike the Amazons in Wonder Woman and the Wakanda women in Black Panther; you get the idea.  With its well-choreographed, unflinching depiction of hand to hand combat, the film also has the DNA of Braveheart. 

An engrossing screenplay is able to focus on each character’s motivation and past trauma revealing a deep, unwavering bond and sisterhood.  The story elicits strong, emotional moments especially in its rousing climax.  Most of all, the film is also a message about empowerment and the powerful meaning of ‘family’, even a newly found one.  Further, the film also makes a statement about its time period with the Dahomey tribe transcending and evolving from a male dominated world and an immoral slave trade. 

With Davis completely transforming herself into a powerful leader and Lashana Lynch outstanding in support, expect multiple Oscar nominations for a movie that thrills, surprises, and touches the heart all at once.

**** of **** stars (With a brief mid credit scene)

Grand Dame of Stage, Screen and TV

Actress Dame Angela Lansbury has passed just shy of 97. This legend and one of the last of Hollywood's Golden Age, conquered stage, screen, and television. 

From her early roles in the Oscar nominated Gaslight, the epic Samson and Delilah, the memorable comedy, The Court Jester, the voice of Mrs. Potts in the animated classic, Beauty and the Beast, to her great portrayal as the dominating mom in the original Manchurian Candidate and as the elderly balloon lady in Mary Poppins Returns, she had 3 Oscar nominations and was honored with a lifetime Oscar. 

In the 1960s and 1970s she dominated Broadway with leads in Mame, Gypsy, and Sweeney Todd, while capturing 5 Tony Awards and an honorary lifetime Tony. 

She would guest star on various TV shows and hit paydirt with a glorious 12 year run in Murder She Wrote while amassing 18 Emmy nominations!

And what a treat, she has a cameo in the upcoming Knives Out sequel, Glass Onion!

Ghoulish Treat from Marvel

Werewolf by Night (on Disney+) is a one shot adaptation from Marvel Comics featuring a more graphic, horror oriented show, that is one of the MCU's best streaming presentations.
World class assassins gather for a deadly hunt  to win the coveted Moonstone. The event involves monsters, unlikely bonds, and surprises.
Make no mistake, this is a dark, violent tale with a macabre narrative. For those a bit bored by Marvel's more recent fare, this one is perfectly suited for the Halloween season. Long time Marvel and Disney music composer, Michael Giachinno, directed this gem. It won't be his last.

***1/2 of **** stars
 

The Queen of Country

Country singer Loretta Lynn passed at 90. This legend won 3 Grammy Awards and lifetime awards as queen of country music for 7 decades while writing the first number one country single by a female artist. Her story was dramatized on film with Sissy Spacek winning an Oscar as Loretta in Coal Miners Daughter. Her 50th album, Still Woman Enough, was recorded last year and its title track contains her life in her own words.

"I'm still woman enough, still got what it takes inside;

I know how to love, lose, and survive;

Ain't much I ain't seen, I ain't tried;

I've been knocked down, but never out of the fight;

I'm strong, but I'm tender;

Wise, but I'm tough;

And let me tell you when it comes to love;

I'm still woman enough."

A Dream Come True

I think this is really happening, and although Logan was a fitting perfect ending for a certain, beloved character, there is a cosmic force named Ryan Reynolds who has from day one wanted as his Deadpool to play with Hugh Jackman despite every indication that Jackman was done, finished, at peace with his most famous role. But persistence is a funny thing, and MCU fans are getting ready to go stratospherically crazy. For one more time, Wolverine is coming back. Can you imagine the implications? September 6, 2024 cannot get here fast enough.

MidAtlantic Nostalgia Time Machine

The MidAtlantic Nostalgia Convention is on the books. My daughter Laura had a booth, and I helped out a bit. She got her picture taken with actor Robert Fuller, and somehow I got pulled into another pic. He was a gentleman and fan favorite for a reason.

I met actress Constance Towers, star of film (Horse Soldiers) and TV guest roles (Hawaii Five 0). At 91, I was bowled over how great she looked and told her so. She was such a nice person.

Other stars included Loretta Swit and Jamie Farr of TV's M*A*S*H! There was Melissa Gilbert, Jimmie Walker, Linda Thorson (who replaced Diana Rigg on TV's Avengers), and Newlywed Game host Bob Eubanks. There were actresses from TV's Batman including Nancy Kovak. 

The vendors were there with incredible memorabilia for sale. I picked up a few items. People in general had a very nice time. I even ran into a friend/coworker and her husband! Actress Susan George couldn't make it, but maybe next year...Thanks to Martin Grams and his team of workers for another successful event.

Actor Played many Villains in Lengthy Career

 

Actor Henry Silva has passed at 94 (or very near). He played all kinds of roles both good and bad and differing ethnicities, but few were as good as his villains. He had supporting roles in films like the original Manchurian Candidate which featured a grand fight scene with his mentor Frank Sinatra. He played a cool hit man in Johnny Cool and was the last surviving member from the original Oceans 11  Rat Pack. He guest starred in top action adventures on TV like The Outer Limits, Hawaii Five 0, and Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea. Later, he memorably played a lethal killer in Sharky's Machine. He had striking looks and a prolific career.

Godard Led French New Wave

 

Director Jean-Luc Godard has passed at 91. He was among the young French directors in the 1950s and 1960s who spearheaded the New Wave movement in film especially with his classic, Breathless. His style was to break the old cinematic rules while revolutionizing film content and technique. He made over 70 films including important titles like Contempt, Alphaville, and Week-end. He was honored with a special Oscar in 2011 and was influential to many adoring filmmakers including Edgar Wright, Martin Scorsese. And Quentin Tarantino.

 

Spidey and National Cinema Day

 Today was the first National Cinema Day when all films at most theater chains charged only $3 for all shows to bring people to the movie theaters during the slower Labor Day Weekend. I went to my neighborhood theater and had a choice of several titles narrowing it down to Elvis (which I had not seen and is now on streaming), Top Gun Maverick (which I saw in theaters), and Spiderman No Way Home (I saw in theaters but this release contained 11 minutes of bonus material). I picked Spidey. The theater was fairly busy! I was still grabbed by the film which was a thrill from start to finish and elicited strong emotions toward the end. The bonus material was at times easy to spot, and some were melded seamlessly into the narrative. There was a clever post credit scene that calls back to the earlier Tom Holland films. I would say the promotion was a success. Now let's release some more quality films to draw moviegoers like me to the movies...

National Cinema Day

 

https://www.nationalcinemaday.org/

Saturday September 3, most theaters have $3 movies!