HIDDEN FIGURES and History’s Unsung Heroines

This rousing film reveals the little known contributions of a trio of black women who overcame discrimination to help NASA launch a man into space.  Hidden Figures is a real crowd pleaser with winning performances by Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe in particular with terrific support from Kevin Costner.

In the early 1960s, NASA is desperate to keep pace with the Russians who are first in space with a satellite and manned launch.  Despite segregation laws and statutes that  hinder job advancement and higher education, three women of color including a math prodigy Katherine Johnson (Henson), a talented computer expert Dorothy Vaughan (Spencer), and engineer Mary Jackson (Monáe), defy  the odds in helping the US space program at a critical point in the ‘space race’.  As the trio, led by Johnson, strive to prove themselves in a male dominated world and the coming computer revolution, astronaut John Glenn prepares to pilot the most challenging, dangerous US space flight ever, and the calculations for a safe orbit and reentry are in question as the countdown begins for history.

Much of what happens is based on fact, a fascinating history lesson amid the Cold War and civil rights movement. (The film has an added aura with the passing of the real life Glenn.)  Henson is outstanding in a choice role, and Costner as a NASA director compliments her perfectly. Spencer has the best comeback line, and Monáe is an actress to watch. The balance of serious drama, tension, and humor is well done as each female lead gets a moment to shine while overcoming great adversity.  

Never short on heartwarming scenes, this amazing story (from the novel) is done justice by scriptwriters Allison Schroeder and director Theodore Melfi. Watch out for this one-like The Blind Side, it has tremendous goodwill and its solid work should garner Oscar attention.

***1/2 of **** stars

The Unsinkable Debbie Reynolds

It’s been a very tough year with the loss of several cultural icons, but the passing of Carrie Fisher now followed by her mom, Debbie Reynolds, one day later is almost unbearable. It should somehow have been the other way around and separated by years, but life is that way.

I have always known the name Debbie Reynolds all my life as one of the movie stars from Hollywood’s golden age.  She was the last surviving principal of Singin’ in the Rain, perhaps the greatest musical of all time.  In the all-star blockbuster, How the West Was Won, she was the one who memorably bridged the epic from start to finish.  And who can forget her wonderful, tour-de-force performance in The Unsinkable Molly Brown?

After so many films and TV appearances in sitcoms and talk shows that spanned the better part of seven decades, Debbie was a household name and one who brought a smile to your face despite a turbulent personal life. She was one of the first who championed a Hollywood Motion Picture Museum which became a reality.  Her radiance and goodwill were only exceeded by her exuberance and enthusiasm.  I am hoping somewhere both mother and daughter are at peace together, maybe having a debate every now and then.  We miss you Debbie.

A Voice for Many is Gone

Carrie Fisher was a special person who spoke her mind and resisted playing the game in Hollywood. The daughter of screen legend Debbie Reynolds and pop singing star Eddie Fisher, she forged her own acting career quite young. I remember the precocious teen in Shampoo and her Star Wars films as everyone’s beloved, space princess. With a respectable film career (including Hannah and Her Sisters), she made an even bigger mark as a top notch author, screenwriter and script doctor. And don’t think that too many Oscar ceremonies went by without a bit of input from Fisher’s comedic sensibilities. With A Force Awakens, she earned a new generation of followers. She bravely brought to light her own personal struggles with substance abuse and mental illness. While we have her words and films including her next Star Wars film she completed filming, a strong voice has been silenced. The rest of us will have to carry the torch she held so well by herself. Rest in peace Carrie.

The Magic and Dreams of LA LA LAND

I love musicals and can’t tell you how much anticipation I had for this, an original musical whose reputation has justifiably grown immensely.  Writer/Director Damien Chazelle (Whiplash) has fashioned a Valentine to the Hollywood musical and updated it to the modern sensibilities of a classic romance.

Mia (Emma Stone) works in a coffee shop dreaming of being an actress someday, and Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) yearns to play pure jazz in his own club. These two souls cross paths, and their courtship and love come in bittersweet conflict with their careers.  It is hard not to be swept away with Emma Stone’s marvelous trifecta of singing, dancing, and acting, but with Ryan Gosling, the two make an irresistible couple; their on screen chemistry is electric.

With an exhilarating, opening musical sequence on a freeway jam, there are several more musical numbers and imaginative duets that flow to a glorious, elaborate finale.  The singing and dancing won’t make you forget Judy Garland or Fred Astaire but will certainly make you yearn for more of Justin Hurwitz’s infectious songs (City of Stars has Oscar written all over) and themes.  

Lush color schemes saturate the costumes, lighting and set design complemented with imaginative transitions all gorgeously photographed in Cinemascope. Chazelle, whose love for classic films is evident in every frame, has drawn heavily from past films-the tone and style are from The Umbrellas of Cherbourg and the structure and substance from An American in Paris and Singin’ in the Rain while exhibiting passionate originality and execution. Not a perfect film, but if you love old fashioned musicals and romance, this will likely bring a tear to your eye. It is heartfelt.  Oscar glory awaits.

**** of **** stars (for romantics and musical lovers)

Courage Under Fire in ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY

Is this worth seeing? Absolutely, but it has a different vibe than the Star Wars mythology we know by heart with just enough connection to tie things together with the original film.  Essentially a prequel that dovetails quite nicely with A New Hope (with numerous references and not just familiar musical cues), it centers on the attempts to steal the plans of the soon to be lethal Death Star by a ragtag, desperate group of rebel fighters and mercenaries led by Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones shines) who holds the key to everything.  She is supported by a talented, diverse cast especially Mads Mikkelsen, Diego Luna and Donnie Yen.

This is a darker, more ominous film in the mode of The Empire Strikes Back and is really more geared to older audiences. There are a few light, humorous moments especially from a lovable robot K-2SO (Alan Tudyk is wonderful), but mostly it has the serious tone of an outright war film-think The Guns of Navarone and The Dirty Dozen. Fast paced, and with an engaging, thoughtful script, the film really takes off in a complex, final battle sequence where heroism and sacrifice reign supreme. It’s a well realized world of odd creatures and exotic set designs; the special effects and makeup are impressive.   Despite a minor quibble about a couple of unique, visual effects shots that come close to achieving an amazing feat, sharp eyed fans may pick out familiar Easter eggs galore.

And yes, Darth Vader does make an appearance and is quite “impressive”.  Director Gareth Edwards has fashioned one of the better Star Wars films that proves the franchise has a lot of life in it. Destined for repeat viewings.

***1/2 of **** stars

Coming of Age in MOONLIGHT

The sensitive drama, Moonlight, is a breakout film for all involved in its depiction of a repressed, black boy whose childhood is filled with loneliness and pain as an outsider.  Set in three successive periods of time from grade school to high school and young adult, the film chronicles the maturation and sexual awareness of Chiron (well played in each age group by a talented trio of actors), whose existence and path in life consists of bullying by other kids, an abusive mother (Naomie Harris, quite good), a helpful, fatherly figure (Mahershala Ali, a standout), and a schoolmate who becomes more than just a friend.  Well directed and co-written by Barry Jenkins, it is methodically paced, and as such, it explores the subtleties and emotions of its characters in quiet moments in ways a more commercial film might not. The film is ultimately about broken individuals who yearn for a meaningful connection and the thing that matters the most-love.

***1/2 of **** stars

A Monumental Love Story in LOVING

Loving is based on the true story of Richard (Joel Edgerton) and Mildred (Ruth Negga) Loving, an interracial couple in 1950’s Virginia who lived in fear as a married couple while facing jail and prosecution from state laws prohibiting mixed marriages just as the Civil Rights movement loomed. It’s a remarkable story told on an intimate, human scale that chronicles what became a landmark court case that would take them all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.  The film, as written and directed by Jeff Nichols, is told in brief moments and vignettes that collectively portray a relationship and the personal sacrifice and hardship amid intolerance.  Never sensationalistic or overly dramatic, its understated nature lingers long after its sobering postscript. What shines through are stellar performances by the two leads in a love story that transcends its time. 

***1/2 of **** stars

The Tapestry of Life in ARRIVAL

Denis Villeneuve is a director on the rise (Sicario) with Arrival which reinvigorates the science fiction genre with this tale of an unknown alien presence, the memory of personal loss, and possibilities of reality.  Amy Adams (in an Oscar worthy performance) is outstanding as the language expert called in to help communicate with an ominous, humongous vessel that has also appeared in locations around the Earth. As global tensions and fear mount and military aggression is imminent, Adams desperately attempts to understand the visitors’ true purpose even as she makes a powerful, personal discovery. Jeremy Renner and Forest Whitaker lend strong support, and the film is beautifully shot and eerily scored. The DNA of this film comes from The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951), Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Contact, and Inception. Deliberately paced and at first ambiguous, what begins as an intergalactic codebreaking mystery morphs into a thoughtful, heartfelt allegory of human connection.

**** of **** stars

The Man from UNCLE

Robert Vaughn passed away recently, and his was a rich career for over a half century ranging from movie classics like The Magnificent Seven to Bullitt to The Towering Inferno and TV shows like The Lieutenant and The Man from UNCLE, the latter which will be fondly remembered as a super cool spy show that was TV's answer to the spy craze of James Bond. Even Ian Fleming had a character in Goldfinger named Napoleon Solo which he contributed for Vaughn's TV spy name. Growing up watching this show with my dad is a strong memory, and now we have reruns and dvd's to remind us of a talented actor (Oscar nominated and Emmy winner) whose work will live on.

The Dazzling Magic of DR. STRANGE

Marvel’s Phase Three in super hero film adaptations branches out from the real world to the realm of fantasy and wizardry in Dr. Strange, a visually stunning origins tale of redemption that is consistently entertaining and, yes, mind bending.  Adhering to the tried and true formula of Iron Man, an egotistical, self-centered surgeon (well played by Benedict Cumberbatch) has his career is cut short by a horrific car accident and subsequently searches desperately for help from the other side of the globe in the form of a wise mystic, The Ancient One (marvelously interpreted by Tilda Swinton). As he learns to heal and master other worldly powers and abilities, Strange finds that there are corrupt sorcerers like Kaecilius (Mads Mikkelsen in another glorious villainy romp) who seeks darker powers to destroy the earth. A strong cast including Rachel McAdams and Chiwetel Ejiofor elevates this to a well-acted, believable adventure still grounded by real emotions. There is humor sprinkled throughout and wide eyed fascination of this new world of magic, alternate realities, and other dimensions of space/ time that Marvel is introducing to its fandom. Above all else, director Scott Derrickson and the production team have creatively fashioned a world with supremely imaginative special effects that exceed The Matrix and Inception. They are Oscar worthy. Do stay for two post credit moments.

*** of **** stars (add ½ * for Marvel fans)

I love baseball, and you have to be thrilled for the Cubs erasing the 108 year old curse to finally win a thrilling World Series after being down 3 games to 1 game capped by a 7th game to go into the cardiac realm of all time greats. Ironic how the top guys who helped Boston erase their curse, manager Terry Francona goes to lead Cleveland and GM Theo Epstein builds a champion in Chicago going head to head. Very happy for the Chicago fans and the memory of all those great Cub players like Banks, Santos, Jenkins and Holy Cow, the late, great Harry Caray! Oh, and "It does matter" to Bill Murray!

INFERNO and the End of the World

Inferno, the third adaptation of Dan Brown’s intricate mythological and historical mysteries led by his protagonist, Robert Langdon, is a reasonably entertaining adventure that begins with disturbing imagery and the threat of global annihilation as it crisscrosses European locales.  Tom Hanks lends a credible presence as an amnesiac Langdon who is the key to unraveling a plot that harkens back to The Plague, and he is aided in his search for answers by a female doctor (Felicity Jones). As the pair is pursued by unknown, deadly forces, there are some startling twists and turns that climaxes in a tense, race against the clock. Inferno is about on par with Angels and Demons which about says it all. It worked for me as someone who has not read any of Brown’s novels, but I have seen some TV shows that generated a bit more tension and excitement.

**1/2 of **** stars

MidAtlantic Nostalgia Convention Strikes Again

The annual MidAtlantic Nostalgia Convention was another impressive display of movie/TV memorabilia with a mixture of new and old vendors selling posters, comics, dvd’s,  games, and much more. 

It was an opportunity to finally welcome actor Robert Conrad who has been sought after for years to visit Baltimore.  Conrad was extremely popular with constant long lines of fans who showered him with adoration for a long career especially on TV’s The Wild Wild West. I got a photo with the man and told how I grew up watching the show with my dad and how we loved his work and stunts.  Actor Robert Fuller made his fame in TV westerns like Laramie and as a doctor in Emergency. His lines were surprisingly huge and he was wonderful with his fans.

Other stars included two Bond girls, Britt Ekland (The Man with the Golden Gun) and Luciana Paluzzi (Thunderball) who were often posing in tandem for photos with loyal fans. Likewise were Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood the stars of 2001: A Space Odyssey.  I remember my dad worked for the  Naval Research Lab, and we were invited as a family to see the premiere of 2001 at the Uptown Theater. Lockwood said that was actually the world premiere. Kent McCord (Adam 12) was terrific with fans as was Kathy Garver (Family Affair) who was just as exuberant as her character Cissy.  There were several other celebrities including mentalist, Kreskin, and TV favorite, Bernie Kopell.

The folks behind this convention always do such a nice job of creating an experience for fans and we can’t wait for next year’s lineup. Thanks to Laura who had her vendor table buzzing.

SULLY and the Essence of a Hero

Sully, the dramatization of Captain “Sully” Sullenberger’s amazing water landing of a passenger jet in the Hudson River when both engines failed at once, serves as a jumping point for a deeper story of the subsequent NTSB investigation of the contradicting evidence of why the plane did not attempt an airport landing.  It is a fascinating, sobering examination of the possibility of human error and self-doubt that creeps into what should have been a celebration of courage under fire.  Reminiscent of films like Fate Is the Hunter and Courage Under Fire, where the narrative flashes back and forth with different points of view, the film is very much a study in the nature of heroism.  Tom Hanks is a wonderful embodiment of Sully while Aaron Eckhart gives good support as co-pilot Jeff Skiles. The actual flight is effectively rendered in great detail by director Clint Eastwood who never fails to maintain the human element that culminates in a powerful, emotional resolution. Well done.     

*** of **** stars

Third Time is the Charm in Star Trek Beyond

Star Trek Beyond is a thrilling space adventure that takes us on the third year of The Enterprise’s five year mission as the crew is sent on a rescue mission that becomes a struggle for survival against a lethal enemy.  Justin Lin (Fast and Furious) gives the franchise an energy boost with cast member Simon Pegg collaborating on a sharp screenplay that honors the original TV series with its vision of a hopeful, diverse universe (and emulating its retro uniforms) while reveling in the new cast’s strong chemistry and comaraderie.  Idris Elba plays a mighty, nasty villain with an interesting past, and while one wishes the film followed through on a couple situations and subplots that could have elevated this to a great film, what we have is an entertaining mix of action and character interaction that compares favorably with J. J. Abrams’ reboot of Star Trek and should delight most Trekkie fans.  Poignant, sentimental moments at the end are punctuated by noting the passing of Leonard Nimoy (original Spock) and Anton Yelchin (reboot Chekov).

SciFi Fandom on Display at Shore Leave 38

Shore Leave 38 in Hunt Valley, MD was another gathering of Star Trek and scifi fans in general with many fans dressed as their favorite character from Dr. Who, Star Wars, and Trekkies etc. There were plenty of vendors with memorabilia and art items with movie tie-ins. Of the several genre stars of TV shows and film, John Noble (Fringe) was the most notable, Karen Gillan (Gauradians of the Galaxy), and Anthony Montgomery (Star Trek:Enterprise) who talked about his first auditions for TV. It was a fun event as usual for fandom.