Penny Marshall was Much More Than Laverne

Penny Marshall passed away at 75 and with her go memories of TV shows like The Odd Couple and a glorious run in Laverne and Shirley with its Lucy and Ethel hijinks. But greater glory came when she became a bona fide director who was perhaps the first female to guide a film to blockbuster status and a catalogue of films especially the trifecta of Big, Awakenings, and A League of Their Own which were unqualified successes critically and financially. Gone much too soon, her legacy has helped inspire female directors to this day (Ava DuVernay with Selma and Patty Jenkins with Wonder Woman).

A Special Bond in THE GREEN BOOK

Based on the true story of a truly odd couple on a life changing road trip, The Green Book, directed by Peter Farrelly (known for blockbuster comedies), is a moving, character study amid the civil rights era in America and features outstanding acting by its leads.

In New York City, 1962, a doorman/bouncer, Tony Lip (Viggo Mortensen) answers an ad to escort Dr. Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali) to his piano concerts for two months through the Deep South.  The two disparate men, (a wealthy, culturally refined, black pianist and a streetwise, white driver trying to support his family,) head south, using The Green Book, a survival guide for blacks which lists hotels and restaurants as safe places.  As they face harrowing and often racist obstacles, these two come to depend on each other for different reasons as they develop compassion and mutual respect on their fateful journey.

The film is serious in tone but has funny exchanges of dialogue and amusing moments (when Dr. Shirley helps Tony write romantic letters to his wife while Tony shows the doctor the pleasures of pop music and fast food).  

There will be comparisons to Driving Miss Daisy and even  Planes, Trains and Automobiles, but this story is borne of a real life friendship, and the film does show that, despite racial intolerance and even differences in social class, people have much in common (although it would not have hurt to learn more about their respective backgrounds.) Yes, the Christmas Eve finale is expectedly sentimental, but so what? It packs a well earned, emotional punch, a true holiday film that works because of these two gifted actors who should be gunning for Oscar gold.  

**** of **** stars

WIDOWS and Empowerment

Director Steve McQueen’s first feature since his Oscar winning 12 Years a Slave, Widows  delves into the real meaning of female empowerment and raises what would be a standard genre film to dizzying heights.  It is a triumph of acting led by Viola Davis.

In Chicago, four women married to professional thieves are left to fend for themselves when a big heist goes horribly wrong. With a huge debt to repay some dangerous characters, and left with notes from her dead husband, Harry Rawlings (Liam Neeson), Veronica (Viola Davis) has a business proposition for the other widows by planning a new heist to repay the debt and start a new life. But things are not as what they seem with corrupt politicians seeking money and power. These female amateurs must find the courage to not only protect their families but their very survival.

You find yourself caring and rooting for these women with limited options who must rely on each other in a male dominated world.  The film touches upon political and familial legacies, but also explores the precious bond of love where no one is perfect, and everyone has past sins.

Viola is marvelous as the leader who not only displays resourcefulness, but a vulnerability that makes for a fully realized performance. Her past is revealed through a series of key flashbacks which give clues to her current plight.  An acting ensemble includes Colin Farrell, Michelle Rodriguez, Robert Duvall, Daniel Kaluuya, Elizabeth Debicki, and others working off a screenplay by Gillian Flynn and McQueen.

The film has a methodical pace with a tense, climactic heist and some surprising twists. Although the finale is a bit open ended, this impressive film is an energetic study in loyalty and greed wrapped up with some powerful acting.

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

The Script Doc Is Out

William Goldman died at 87. He was one of the greatest screenwriters from 1960s to the millennium. He wrote novels that he often adapted to movies as well as other authors. He helped mentor other screenwriters like Aaron Sorkin and wrote a memoir on his screenwriting days called Adventures in the Screen Trade where he proclaimed the famous line, ”Nobody knows anything”. He also came up with other memorable lines that are part of the lexicon like “Follow the money”, “As you wish”, and “Is it safe?” His films included Magic, The Princess Bride, Marathon Man, The Stepford Wives, A Bridge Too Far, and Misery.

He won two Oscars for screenplay for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and All the President’s Men and two Edgars (for best mystery writer)as well.  He was a top script doctor who rescued or consulted on screenplays for films like Indecent Proposal, A Few Good Men, and Good Will Hunting. He was at one point the highest paid script writer in Hollywood. And just to show he was human, his unproduced adaptations included Papillion and The Right Stuff. 

Stan Was the Man

Stan Lee has passed away at 95. What an amazing tale of a man who helped elevate the comic art form with his talented colleagues like Jack Kirby and Gene Colon (their cover art below). 

His career spanned pre World War II to the present but his glory years were the 1960s when he collaborated to create iconic superheroes who were human and fallible. Spiderman, Fantastic 4, Black Panther, X Men, and many more that reflected contemporary social issues. His weekly Stan's Soapbox was his commentary that ended with his phrases, "Excelsior!" or " 'nuff said". My favorite comic series was called Tales of Suspense that featured twin adventures with Captain America and Iron Man. 

So when Marvel moved to 21st century tech moviemaking, the adaptations were a child's dream come true. Stan would do cameos in most of these no matter the studio or format of film or TV. It almost seems fitting as ten years of the current Marvel Cinematic Universe culminates with the anticipated Avengers 4 next year, which ties up all 22 previous films in the series and marks the beginning of a new phase with relatively new or upcoming heroes, that I am virtually certain he filmed one more cameo. What a cool guy, what a talent, Stan, you were truly the Man.

Hawaii Five 0 at #200 Looks Back in Time

Tonight was the 200th episode of Hawaii Five 0 which would make its original show proud. This was different in taking a fanciful trip in nostalgia to an unsolved case. It was an opportunity to see the cast in change of pace roles. The episode was also a tribute to the famous real life, Hawaiian detective Chang Apana who inspired author Earl Derr Biggers to create Charlie Chan who (political correctness aside) was popular in books and especially in films. The show runners obviously have alot of reverence for old Five 0 lore and canon and this aspect was well done. They even insert a shot of Danny reading an early Biggers book The House Without a Key and show McGarrett studying a photo with Apana and Warner Oland who was the definitive Chan. The show runners did not have to include that, but film buffs love that detail! The show keeps churning out entertaining shows with a close knit cast, and it is not unrealistic to look forward to episode 250. 

Family Horror in HEREDITARY

Writer/Director Ari Aster’s first feature is a moody horror film, Hereditary, that is extremely well made and unsettling, and it marks a genuine talent for the future. It also features a bravura performance by Toni Collette.

After their grandmother has passed away, a grief stricken family must cope with the aftermath. Their daughter, Charlie, has a mysterious bond with grandma, and the mother, Annie (Collette), bears witness to strange visions and sounds as she experiences a mixture of emotions and guilt.  When a horrific tragedy occurs, she finds herself devolving into depression and losing touch with her family and reality. After finding some solace in a loss support group, she meets a fellow attendee who introduces her to the world of mediums to contact the dead. Amid paranoia, can Annie save her family even if it means sacrificing her own sanity?

The film is a thoroughly convincing depiction of a broken family.  Things and people are not what they seem or are out of place.  Beginning with The Sixth Sense kind of vibe, it takes the creepy family dynamics of Get Out and Don’t Look Now and then veers off into dark, Lovecraftian territory.  It is quite effective in its well-placed scares abetted by startling visuals and lingers with an uncomfortable feeling of menace long after the shocking end.  The use of Annie’s job designing dioramas adds an element of creepiness with some bizarre scenes recreated in miniature. 

Collette is the standout, and the film is well cast especially with Alex Wolff and Milly Shapiro as the teen children. It’s quite a disturbing journey and impressive piece of genre filmmaking guaranteed to get under your skin.  And just what is that smell?!

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

A Personal Journey in FIRST MAN

In keeping with the realism of space epics like The Right Stuff , Apollo 13, and even Hidden Figures, First Man is director Damien Chazelle’s (La La Land) vivid recreation of the events leading to man’s first moon landing nearly fifty years ago and the man who led the mission amid personal challenges and sacrifice. 

In 1961, Neil Armstrong (Ryan Gosling) is a loving family man and engineer with a knack for solving problems as he rises from test pilot to Project Gemini, a prelude to the Apollo Program which will place a man on the moon and win the space race against the Soviets.  His wife, Janet (Claire Foy), and their children live with the risks and danger that plague the space program, and when tragedy strikes home, the human and emotional loss will have a profound effect on him even as all eyes are focused on man’s first moon mission. 

Gosling does an admirable job as Armstrong, who was part public figure and enigma, and Foy is effective as his supportive wife who will not sit on the sidelines. It is interesting how he reacts to his personal grief and how his soft spoken persona contrasted with more vocal astronauts like Buzz Aldrin.

Space aficionados will love the recreations of key space missions.  It’s a technical achievement with imaginative camerawork and realistic, visual and sound effects to simulate the astronauts’ point of view.  What is fascinating are the behind-the-scenes mechanical problems and close calls not widely known in news headlines.

A more cerebral kind of movie, it’s an intimate journey of a true American hero which culminates in not only a historic moment for all time, but ends with a memorable shot that shows where its heart lies.

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

Moore’s Warning in FAHRENHEIT 11/9

Documentarian Michael Moore has always been successful at manipulating his audiences with a persuasive narrative and some compelling news footage and interviews. His cautionary tale, Fahrenheit 11/9, raises some significant issues that have far reaching implications for this country.

On Election Eve, 2016, as virtually every major poll predicts a convincing Presidential victory by Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump, even Trump supporters are pessimistic. When 11/9 brings a historic, Trump upset win, how could this have happened? Moore’s playful spin on his Fahrenheit 9/11 is this insightful study of politics and media and how corporate money and influence play a direct role in elections and policy that has far reaching consequences. 

Starting with the power of the media that propelled Donald Trump into the spotlight, he lashes out at Republicans and Democrats alike as well as his own embarrassing shortcomings.  He focuses on unfairly influenced primaries in West Virginia and the horrific water crisis in Flint, Michigan (Moore’s hometown), with its corrupt officials who contributed to the public’s loss of faith in government.  He also shows a remarkable segment where underpaid, state teachers strike in together in supreme solidarity.  Similarly, Parkland School students react to a mass shooting by effecting political change through global marches and social media.

Though he may seem self-righteous and heavy handed at times, he has lost none of his passion or his skill at persuasive cinema to rally his audience emotionally.  There is a sense of urgency in his message, a call to arms, as he shines a light on grassroots candidates who are the hope of the nation. You may or may not believe or agree with him, but his observations are eye opening.

***1/2* of **** stars (for Moore fans)

Three Fun Horror Classics for Halloween

Ah Halloween, what a fun celebration. A chance to be ghoulish and to eat candy treats and dress up different. Here are three scary classics. The original The Thing from 1951 which I can never ever get tired of and holds up beautifully. Then there is one of Vincent Price's best, the campy The Abominable Dr. Phibes from 1971. And 1979 gave us the bizarre scifi horror cult film (J.J. Abrams loves it) Phantasm. Forget logic and reality. Great fun and scares all.

Cooper’s Impressive A STAR IS BORN

Actor Bradley Cooper makes a strong directorial debut with his remake of the classic Hollywood story, A Star Is Born. Not only does he star and co-write the screenplay, but proves an adept singer/songwriter.   

Jackson Maine (Cooper), a superstar singer, discovers Ally (Lady Gaga), a talented singer/writer who languishes in obscurity under superficial makeup until Jack looks deep in her soul.  When the recording industry takes notice and grooms her for stardom, Jack’s personal, family demons catch up to him and drag him to an alcoholic spiral much to Ally’s embarrassment as she celebrates success and accolades.  Through their struggles and pain, all that remains is their bond of love.

Early on, you can tell this film is directed with a sure hand, and it actually elevates to another level in the second half.  Ironically it was slated for director Clint Eastwood, whose collaboration on American Sniper may have benefitted Cooper. Nothing feels phony or forced here, and the sharp screenplay depicts the price of fame and the anguish of addiction and rehab.   

The performances are authentic; Gaga convincingly embodies a yearning artist with vulnerability and strength, and her musical moments particularly in the finale are standouts.  Cooper, a pretty good singer in his own right (who knew?), gives one of his best displays of acting. Sam Elliott has his best role in years as Jack’s older brother.

Major Oscar nominations are likely (especially director Cooper and actress Gaga), and the question is not if it will win Best Song, but rather how many songs will get nominated. With actors Ben Affleck and John Krasinski becoming legitimate directors, Cooper joins their ranks with this labor of love, a bona fide hit.

***1/2 of **** stars (add ½ * for Cooper and Gaga fans)

Hawaii Five 0 celebrates the Big 50

It is the 50th anniversery of the crime show Hawaii Five 0. For a record 12 seaaons, Jack Lord and his elite detectives faced all manner of criminals and masterminds in the stunning backdrop of Hawaii. It was a landmark show (with imaginative storylines and tough action especially in its early years) shot on location and paved the way for shows like Magnum P.I. and it's own reboot going strong at 9 seasons and with easter egg reverence to the original. Through it all, Morton Stevens' signature theme has stood the test of time. "Book 'em Danno."

MidAtlantic Nostalgia Convention 2018

The latest edition of The MidAtlantic Nostalgia Convention was a solid success.  Despite the absences of Barbara Eden, Peter Marshall, and Loni Anderson (who may come next year), the show featured many celebrities including a Hart to Hart reunion of stars Robert Wagner and Stefanie Powers. There was a WKRP in Cincinnati reunion of Tim Reid, Howard Hesseman, and Jan Smithers. Oliver!, the Oscar winning film of 1968 was represented by its stars, Mark Lester and Shani Wallis. Original Creature from the Black Lagoon monster Ricou Browning, St. Elsewhere TV star Ed Begley Jr., Diahann Carroll TV's first black female solo star, Falcon Crest TV star Morgan Fairchild, Emmy winner Kristy McNichol from TV's Empty Nest and Family, and several others.

There were Q&A sessions with many of the group of celebs.  I also met Wagner (I was a huge fan of his first TV show, It Takes a Thief) who was very accommodating with his fans. He looked great at 88 and so did Powers. Fairchild was and still is a beauty. Carroll was almost unrecognizable under sunglasses on Day 1, but that changed on the following days when she removed them. Yes it cost a fee to get autographs and pictures, but the prices were reasonable by industry standard as well as at the door. The celebs were all generous with their fans and it showed.  There also were continuous movie/TV showings and even a radio show reenactment.

As usual, there were many memorabilia vendors selling posters, stills, trading cards, comics, toys, games, dvds, and other imaginative tie-ins.  Daughter Laura had her vinyl creations and jewelry and was able to meet several celebs too. This was Linda's first convention on Friday and she came the next day dressed as her favorite star, Lucille Ball in I Love Lucy! I was able to see friends and family attend for the first time and reunited with others even from Facebook. I also made new friends even in line who shared mutual interests. Martin Grams and his team have done it again. Cannot wait to see his lineup build for next year!

THE X FILES Celebrates 25 Years

It's the 25th anniversary of the groundbreaking TV classic The X Files. For 11 seasons and 2 films this scifi series about paranormal and unexplained phenomenon dealt with a myriad of subjects and some long story arcs with extraterrestrials. Told with conviction by top flight writers (including Vince Gilligan before his Breaking Bad) and acted with genuine chemistry by David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson (who won an Emmy Award), it was influenced by everything from The Outer Limits, Kolchak:The Night Stalker, and Twin Peaks, and inspired a generation of films and shows (Stranger Things, Black Mirror). What was special about it was that the shows were written up to an audience. It had its monster of the week but it dealt in science and myth for an educated viewer. And the repartee and dark humor from its stars was perfect. When it was on its game, it was as good as anything on TV. "The Truth Is Out There."