Rogers’ Aura in A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is a heartwarming reminder of the simple kindness and hope of a children’s TV figure, Mister Rogers. As played by Tom Hanks (an Oscar caliber performance), he becomes more than myth, a living, caring soul for our times.

Opening with his PBS show in 1998, Mister Fred Rogers introduces us to Lloyd Vogel (Matthew Rhys), a hard charging writer who reluctantly accepts a magazine assignment to interview Rogers. Lloyd is an angry, sad man who’s rocky relationship with his father (Chris Cooper) causes family tension.  As Rogers explores Lloyd’s internal conflict and emotional walls, what emerges is the truth about his past and the promise of reconciliation and love.  

Lloyd may be a broken man, but Rogers helps him heal.  In a way, Lloyd is our window to a magical, almost surreal world with its miniature sets, puppet friends, and musical cues. These shows become self-contained life lessons that act as a framework for individual stories. Although the show is aimed at children, it allows adults the opportunity to reconnect with their childhood.

Seeing Hanks as Rogers is a bit jarring at first, but then he totally becomes the icon.  Throughout the film, Rogers’ decency shines in its simplicity and patience.  He becomes more than a TV personality but rather a caring human being who sees value in every person, while sharing his own experiences about life and even death.  

There are nice moments including a subway ride with passengers serenading the Rogers’ theme song, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” The film is about compassion and redemption ultimately resulting in a transformative experience. There is an infectious spirit and goodwill that lingers after the credits. Go see it.

**** of **** stars (for Rogers fans)

A Passion for Excellence in FORD V FERRARI

 

Energetically directed by James Mangold (Logan), Ford V Ferrari is a kinetic, true story of the trials and competition of being the best in car racing.

In the early sixties, former driver Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon is excellent) works behind the scenes as innovator of faster, more efficient race cars. Hired by Henry Ford II to beat rival and perennial winner, Ferrari, at the grueling 24 hour Le Mans race, Shelby enlists driver Ken Miles (Christian Bale totally winning) to design a better race car and lead his team to victory.  Shelby and Ford must contend with dangerous road tests, stiff competition from other car makers, and corporate meddling which culminates in a tense showdown at Le Mans racetrack.

The film conveys a fascinating history with real life figures like Lee Iacocca, and its narrative is propelled by the relationship of Shelby and Miles, two racing pioneers who fight, argue and bond over their quest for racing excellence.  Shelby, a maverick and hustler, knows he can deliver a championship if given support; his seemingly reckless demeanor belies automotive acumen. Miles is a temperamental driver who understands cars better than a computer.  Despite a lack of background on Shelby’s personal life, we see Miles in some touching moments with his wife and son.  

With memorable moments including a brotherly fist fight and a hilarious test drive with a Ford executive, the brilliantly staged racing scenes stand out. The film is a bit long like a Le Mans marathon, but camerawork, editing, and sound are exemplary for maximum effect and demand a big screen with optimal sound.  

Told with conviction, it’s an old fashioned film with heart about human ingenuity and the men and machines that fought for glory. 

***1/2 of **** stars (add ½* for racing enthusiasts)

War as Satire in JOJO RABBIT

Jojo Rabbit is an irreverent satire of Nazism in World War II by gifted writer/director Taika Waititi (Thor:Ragnarok). 

Jojo (Roman Griffin Davis) is a German, ten year old boy being trained in Hitler’s Youth.  His mother (Scarlett Johansson) dotes over him while his secret friend, Adolph Hitler (Taika Waititi is a riot), at least in spirit (much like Elvis in True Romance), counsels him.  One day he discovers a Jewish girl, Elsa, hidden in his home by his mom. Try as he may, Jojo is not a soldier at heart and begins to question the persecution of Jews by the Nazis.  As the war winds down and desperation sets in, he must confront his deepest fears and humanity.

You care about Jojo, a lonely boy growing up in a world at war. The film, which balances a free spirit with the grim realities of war and racism, can be summarized in terms of Jojo and his evolving bonds among his mom (who teaches him about life), Elsa (who helps him discover love), and his imaginary friend, Adolph.  With sharp, amusing dialogue throughout that avoids falling into parody, there are effective, touching scenes highlighted by a tense visit from the Gestapo and a surreal climax.

The impeccable cast is led by Davis, Johansson (building an Oscar portfolio this year), Waititi, and Sam Rockwell, who shines in support as a Nazi officer. 

It’s a deceptively simple premise that never loses sight of the human cost of war as endured by Jojo and Elsa, and how, amid human persecution and evil, hope and good can come from the unlikeliest of places.  Not for all tastes, but if you are game for an offbeat, touching tale, this is a gem. 

***1/2 of **** stars (add 1/2* for fans of irreverence)

PARASITE and Living the Good Life

Don’t be misled by the title; Parasite, an original film by director/co-writer Bong Joon-Ho (Snowpiercer), is a fascinating suspense drama unlike any conventional story.

An unemployed family of con artists takes advantage of any opportunity including free Wi-Fi and more. One day, the son’s friend offers him a job to tutor a girl whose family lives in an upper class home complete with chauffeur and housekeeper. The son then exploits his relationship with the wealthy family particularly its trusting mother to benefit his own family members.  One family assimilates and becomes ensconced in another family’s lifestyle, but despite this golden opportunity, can something or someone trip them up and expose their illicit scheme? And what secrets might this house have that is unbeknownst to both families? It all culminates at a lavish party where tension and truth come to a head.

Essentially a methodical con game that gets flipped upside down, the film is a fascinating contrast in social classes and explores the facades that people display.  Ironically, this family with its larcenous vocation, watch over each other and has its own hopes and dreams amid hopeless surroundings. Part of the fun is watching how these opportunists manipulate the wealthy household, and you almost root for and care about these would be criminals to succeed.  This moral ambiguity smacks thematically of Alfred Hitchcock.

Well directed and acted, the film is beautifully shot and well-paced with a narrative that goes in unexpected directions while maintaining your attention. Audacious in spirit and remarkable in its simplicity, it is one of the most daring pieces of cinema in recent years.  Don’t let the Korean with English subtitles dissuade you. This captivating sleeper of the year will make noise come Oscar time.  

**** of **** stars

Alien in It's 40th Annversery

I have an embarassing story ideal for Halloween. 40 years ago, I went to the Uptown Theater with a date to see the sci-fi horror film Alien. The review in The Post was great (an iconic monster) and we arrived way early in anticipation of crowds.

I dropped her off to get in line (this before reserved seating) while I went to park my car. Then my worst fear happened-I got lost! I was not too familiar with this part of DC at the time and I learned the states names as every street had a state name. I finally found my way back right before the showtime and wound up with a pretty food space as the previous show was letting out. My date was furious asking where did I go. When I told her what happened, she couldn't really get too upset at me- how could I makeup such a dumb story?

We wound up in seats close to the screen but it was a memorable film with the first shock with the contents of the opening egg causing the audience to scream and then giggle after  good scare. That was for openers in this space funhouse of terror.

This essentially remade version of the 50s film It the Terror from Beyond Space was Ridley Scott's second film that launched his great run. It made a star of Sigourney Weaver. The tagline was even unique, "In Space No One Can Hear You Scream". It won a deserved Oscar for visual effects abetted by Swiss artist H. R. Giger's alien designs. It spawned a series of lesser sequels (except for the terrific Aliens).

It was a great experience despite my wild goose chase. I even met one of its stars Veronica Cartwright at The MidAtlantic Nostalgia Convention a few years back. She signed my one-sheet. Ah what thrilling memories.

Producer Extraordinaire Evans

Producer Robert Evans passed away at 89. Despite a controversial personal life, he helped revive Paramount Studios in the 1970s into a powerhouse with films like Rosemary's Baby, Love Story, The Godfather, Chinatown, and Marathon Man. Not too shabby.

The Dark Psyche of JOKER

In remarkable change of pace, director/co-writer Todd Phillips (The Hangover) has re-envisioned the origin story of an iconic, DC Comics villain, Joker, and the result is an astonishing performance by Joaquin Phoenix in a fascinating, yet disturbing journey into the dark side of humanity.  

Arthur Fleck (Phoenix) is a wannabe standup comedian who toils his menial life as a clown for hire and tending to his frail mother in 1980s Gotham City. Living with a condition where he spontaneously laughs uncontrollably, and relying on the meager resources of social services and a system that lets him down, he has one last chance at redemption that culminates in a fateful appearance on The Murray Franklin Show (modelled after The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson).

The film touches upon Arthur’s mental illness in the real world as it depicts his fascination with death and hallucinations.  He empowers himself through his alter ego and becomes a mysterious avenger who unwittingly galvanizes a movement among a faceless, urban population.

Phoenix (Oscar worthy) is a revelation as Arthur (losing significant weight), a tragic victim of a cruel, immoral world whose descent into madness and rage erupts in startling violence. It’s a scary role that a younger Robert DeNiro (who excels as Franklin) could have taken. 

With surprising twists and Easter eggs, the film’s DNA ties to Taxi Driver, The King of Comedy, Network, and Death Wish, with its incendiary climax (akin to The Day of the Locust) and ominous ending. The soundtrack is embellished with pop standards, and the film’s muted color scheme adds to the mood.  

Audiences will be divided about the merits or value of this film; there is no middle ground. Yet there is no doubt that Phoenix has delivered a knockout. 

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

Vet Actor Made Comeback in Jackie Brown

Veteran actor Robert Forster passed away at 78. He starred for half a century in various tv shows and over 100 movies, but no role stood out like his bail bondsman in Jackie Brown for which he was nominated an Oscar. His scenes with Pam Grier are priceless moments of respect and love. This film and others in recent years (including El Camino, the Breaking Bad sequel), rejuvenated his long career for new generations to appreciate.

Pioneering TV Star Carroll is Gone

TV pioneer, Diahann Carroll passed away at 84. She was a multi-talented singer and actress on stage (Tony Award winner), screen (an Oscar nomination) and especially TV. She starred in Julia 50 years ago about a single mom and nurse which marked the very first time a black actress had a non-stereotyped starring primetime role. Other roles followed in Dynasty, The Colbys, and the movie Claudine. She was a multi-Emmy nominated actress who studied acting under the legendary Lee Strasberg.

Only a year ago, she visited the MidAtlantic Nostalgia Convention along with other past and current stars like Morgan Fairchild. Gone but not forgotten.

The Splendor of DOWNTON ABBEY

The prestigious PBS show, Downton Abbey, is given a full cinematic treatment, and the results are a dazzling valentine to fans.

In the 1920s, the stately Downton Abbey is about to be visited by the King and Queen, and feverish preparations and power struggles ensue that impact the family and its servants. When a mysterious heir to the Downton legacy appears, a major showdown brews with some revealing surprises and truths. Old relationships are rekindled and new ones are forged as the whirlwind royal event takes center stage with a whiff of conspiracy. 

For those unfamiliar with the show, it works as a marvelous period drama, but there are numerous subplots and familiar faces whose histories have become such canon that faithful legions will be rewarded as it sets up intriguing situations going forward. The returning cast has retained its endearing chemistry and is highlighted by Maggie Smith as the matriarch who gets some juicy moments. 

This film adaptation is more lavish in scale (a royal ball is a magnificent set piece,) with beautiful, fluid camerawork and extremely well-paced editing.  The set designs and period costumes are complemented by a magistral score.  

Julian Fellowes’ (Gosford Park) sharp screenplay juggles interweaving storylines (each of which could serve as a TV episode), effortlessly shuffling back and forth among a dozen sets of characters while contrasting the lives of aristocracy and servant class.  Above all, there is the honor, pride, tradition, and family.  The film never minimizes its grandeur nor does it glamorize at the expense of its rich characters and themes.  

The film effectively conveys the sense of a grand era about to recede in wake of a modern world and new beginnings. A splendid adaptation of a beloved show.

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

Batman 80 Years Old!

80 years ago, Bob Kane and Bill Finger created pop culture phenomenon Batman, a super hero who was more grounded in dark reality than the extraordinary powers of his contemporary, Superman. Here was a non traditional hero whose villainous adversaries were bizarre yet also realistic.

In 1966, when Batman premiered on ABC as a twice weekly cliffhanger series with its POW BIFF SPLAT and colorful sets and villains, it was a revelation! Batmania swept the nation. (I had the model batmobile too.)

When Tim Burton made his stylish Batman in 1989 with of all people, Michael Keaton as the lead, it was bold. And what sets and an over the top Jack Nicholson as The Joker.
(The sequels degenerated into all star messes though.)

Then when Christopher Nolan cast Christian Bale as the Dark Knight, part of a trilogy, things changed for filmic super heroes (including Marvel) that resonates to this day.

Local Cosmic Comix celebrated with some nice freebies today.
So happy 80th anniversery on Batman Day.

2019 MidAtlantic Nostalgia Convention

The 2019 MidAtlantic Nostalgia Convention is in the books and was fun for returning fans and new ones!  Martin Grams and his hard working team have done it again.

There were James Bond female stars Britt Ekland and Maud Adams, Tv stars Loni Anderson and Loretta Swit, West Side Story actors George Chakiris and Russ Tamblyn, Film stars Nancy Kwan and Tatum O'Neal, and several others.

Film star Tom Berenger came last minute and was a terrific guest.

Karolyn Grimes who played Zuzu in It's a Wonderful Life signed ornaments. What a treat.

Despite some last minute cancellations hopefully rescheduled for next year, the rest of us had a very nice time. It was also cool to see rhe celebrities interact with each other as mutual fans. The vendors had memorabilia of all kinds. There were seminars with the guests and films all day. It is a community experience with memories and fandom uniting us. Next year promises to be bigger and better.