A Sense of Humor for Halloween Weekend

Since there are likely parties and get togethers going on this weekend in anticipation of Halloween. I have selected a few horror films that have a sense of humor and camp about them. I could have easily picked serious, dark classics or other comedic films, but these have a warm spot for me, and each stands on its own. Beetlejuice, An American Werewolf in London, Zombieland, and The Bride of Frankenstein.

BLADE RUNNER 2049 and Memories of Green

1982’s  Blade Runner with Ridley Scott at the helm and Harrison Ford fresh off Star Wars and Indiana Jones, was an imaginative vision of the future (based on Philip Dick’s novel) that grew in stature over the years to become a sci-fi classic. With a compelling screenplay, director Denis Villeneuve (Arrival) has accomplished the feat of building on the original’s storyline and cleverly expanding it in Blade Runner 2049.

In 2049 Los Angeles, Officer K (Ryan Gosling) is a blade runner who hunts renegade replicants for termination and discovers a buried mystery and clues that lead to a revelation with immense ramifications.  K’s search for the truth leads to the past including Deckard (Ford), a former blade runner, and a mysterious figure named Wallace (Jared Leto) who has taken over the remnants of the Tyrell Corporation, the creators of the replicants.

The filmmakers pay homage to the look and feel of the original film (and a score that honors original composer Vangelis) by vividly recreating a dark, dystopian world of overpopulated, grimy streets and saturated commercialism.  By no means a perfect film with its occasional plot holes, you get swept up by its beautiful, stunning images courtesy of cinematographer Roger Deakins.  Its narrative raises questions about reality versus implanted memories, and what it means to be human. 

Gosling and Ford are quite good and supported by a strong cast including Robin Wright and Sylvia Hoeks. There is also a virtual holographic companion named Joi well played by Ana de Armas (not unlike the artificial intelligence in Her) whose scenes with K have an emotional connection.

Dovetailing nicely with its predecessor, and at 163 minutes with its methodical, deliberate pacing, the film is always engaging, finding new wrinkles to surprise you.  For fans of this genre, it is an achievement of filmmaking that demands a big screen and is destined for Oscar recognition.

**** of **** (for sci-fi fans)

BATTLE OF THE SEXES and a Moment of Change

Battle of the Sexes recounts the fascinating, true story of two vastly different tennis stars whose lives intersect at a pivotal moment in the 1970s.  I remember watching and experiencing the hoopla and circus atmosphere surrounding this symbolic tennis match during a period of great social change with the women’s rights movement.

Billie Jean King (Emma Stone) is the reigning champion of women’s tennis who wants respect for females in a male dominated world. She fights for equal pay for female players which results in a boycott and a separate, competing tournament.  Happily married, she falls into a relationship with a female hairstylist.  At the same time, former men’s tennis star Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell), a hustler at heart, struggles with a failing marriage and, desperate for fame and fortune to feed his gambling addiction, hits on the idea to challenge the top woman’s tennis star in a match. First taking on champion Margaret Court, both he and King are on a collision course that culminates in a globally televised event.

The film does good job building to an emotional, poignant ending. Stone is marvelous as the tennis superstar on a personal journey who discovers another side of herself and risks her marriage and career. Carell embodies the physical appearance and of the narcissistic, chauvinist Riggs. They are supported by a solid cast led by Sarah Silverman, Alan Cumming, and Bill Pullman.

A defining moment brought to life by a strong cast, revealing script (Simon Beaufoy), and sensitive direction by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris (Little Miss Sunshine), it’s a refreshingly entertaining film that should please Stone fans.

*** of **** stars (add ½* for Emma Stone fans)

Pushing Daisies- Tenth Anniversery of a Marvelous Show

Just wanted to commemorate the ten year anniversery of a short lived TV show, Pushing Daisies, which defied conventional broadcast television for two abbreviated, but brilliant seasons with its quirky characters and mysteries enhanced by imaginative set designs, atmospheric music, and snappy dialogue. It was equal parts fantasy, comedy and drama filled with unusual subplots and musical sequences but always surrounded by love. It was a show I looked forward to indulge each week. Created from the fertile mind of Brian Fuller (Hannibal, Star Trek Discovery, American Gods and much more), it was a gem we don't see too often in the landscape of television. It was on not nearly long enough, but I am grateful it existed at all. Ten years seems like a long time ago.