GLASS ONION: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY Is a Fun Whodunit

 

Glass Onion is an enjoyable mystery with twists and turns to savor as writer/director Rian Johnson orchestrates his follow-up to Knives Out in fine fashion.

Billionaire Miles Bron (Edward Norton) invites old friends (including Dave Bautista, Kate Hudson, Leslie Odon, Jr, and Kathryn Hahn) to his island paradise for a murder mystery game. As the guests converge with surprise additions including legendary detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig), each person has a secret, and the group’s past comes back to haunt them with extremely high stakes.  It turns out Miles’ plans and machinations are part of a bigger scheme, and not everything is as it seems.  Old grudges, betrayals, and jealousies emerge, but are they motive enough to commit murder?

With cameos and Easter Eggs augmenting snappy, amusing dialogue, the audience needs to stay on its toes to keep up with a dizzying script (that belies Johnson’s love of classic mysteries) filled with surprises and misdirects to confound even the best detectives. Expect the unexpected; you may think you can guess the murder plot, but you would be wrong.  Of course, the climactic narrative is replayed with eye opening revelations. 

Gorgeously shot in Greece with imaginative set and costume designs, the film is anchored by a delicious, musical score.  It’s nice to further explore the character of the brilliant Blanc thanks to a spot on performance by Craig.  The impeccable cast, highlighted by Janelle Monáe, is having a ball with this juicy scenario.  With this gallery of colorful characters, it’s a fun romp that compares favorably with Knives Out, and despite an over the top, apocalyptic end, this is one worthy whodunit.  The next Rian Johnson mystery can’t get here soon enough.

***1/2 of **** stars (add ½ * for Blanc fans)  on Netflix

Female Pioneer in TV Journailsm

Pioneering journalist Barbara Walters has passed at 93. Her long career began in the 1950s, and she eventually worked at all three TV networks. She became a cohost on the NBC Today Show and then coanchored the ABC Evening News which shattered a glass ceiling. Her accomplishments were not without resistance from male counterparts, but she set the gold standard of event interviews over the decades with the top stars and world leaders. Her pre-Oscar show was a staple for many years and her evening news magazine 20/20 was an institution. She helped create The View and mentored female talents. Even SNL's Gilda Radner and later (Cheri Oteri) famously parodied her as 'Baba Wawa'. She won multiple Emmy Awards and was at the top of her profession when she retired in 2014.

The Good Bad and Ugly in BABYLON

 

Babylon, writer/director Damien Chazelle’s (La La Land) personal exposé of vintage Hollywood in transition, is a celebration and damnation that will both fascinate and repulse.

At a wild Hollywood party in 1926, drugs are overflowing and sexual diversion commonplace, and movie neophytes and megastars converge in an orgy of debauchery and scandal. Among them are legendary actor, Jack Conrad (Brad Pitt), would-be starlet Nellie LaRoy (Margot Robbie), and an ambitious gofer, Manny Torres (Diego Calva).  The road to stardom is paved with power brokers and bottom feeders, and fame is fleeting.  As the years march on, careers flourish and wither as the industry undergoes major changes led by talking pictures, and lives will be changed forever.

With well written characters and sharp dialogue, the movie, part spectacle and drama, demystifies old Hollywood and touches on unsavory subjects including humiliating, racial stereotyping.  Chazelle reveals the excesses and realities of an industry of fragile egos and veers to unpleasant, creepy extremes resembling a darker version of Quentin Tarantino. 

Robbie shines as Nellie, and Pitt eclipses his Oscar-winning performance in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.  Calva is a revelation as our point of view (like Nick Carraway in The Great Gatsby).  A strong supporting cast includes Jean Smart emulating a Louella Parsons type and Li Jun Li, a dead ringer for Anna May Wong as real Hollywood names are mixed with icons. 

It’s a fascinating tale that tries to be many things, and at over three hours would play better as a miniseries.  Production values are outstanding with cinematography (and remarkable tracking shots), costume design, and musical score as standouts. This potentially divisive film is an ambitious undertaking (with a dizzying, montage finale) that doesn’t completely work, but it’s certainly a wild ride for cinema lovers.

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

Immaculate Glory

 

Hall of Fame running back Franco Harris has passed at 72. This legend of the Pittsburgh Steelers glory years of the 1970s and beyond collected 4 Super Bowl rings and career milestones rivaling Walter Payton and Jim Brown. His greatest moment came on what is called "the immaculate reception" during a playoff game. It is one of the most memorable moments ever for football fans.

Bye Bye Cecily

Long time veteran player Cecily Strong ended her role with SNL tonight. What started over the past year with the exit of several classic, talented cast members, concluded with a final skit set at a Radio Shack farewell to a beloved employee, Cecily. It was really a touching farewell as host Austin Butler sang in his Elvis voice, Blue Christmas, as the cast assembled on stage. It was a classy, emotional way to bid farewell to one of SNL's best. 

Cameron Ups the Ante in AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER

 

Avatar: The Way of Water, writer/director James Cameron’s long awaited sequel to his sci-fi adventure, Avatar (the all-time box office champ), goes in new directions that jump starts the franchise in a big way.

Several years after the battle on Pandora between the Na’vi and the humans or ‘sky people’, Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), now a Na’vi hybrid, and his wife Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña) have a growing family.  Later, humans return from a dying Earth to Pandora for precious resources, and this time a deadly figure from the past makes a figurative return determined to get revenge on Jake.  Both Jake and Neytiri seeks refuge at a Na’vi sea colony leading to an inevitable confrontation with the humans that threatens Jake’s family and life on Pandora. 

The predominant themes about ‘family’, acceptance, and sacrifice go beyond blood and race as Jake must protect his loved ones from an obsessive adversary.  Despite its length (over three hours long) and expository start (keeping track of characters past and present can be a challenge), the tension builds to a thrilling, non-stop climax where the film soars as Cameron, a technical virtuoso, choreographs marvelous, action set pieces.  This is a fully realized, immersive universe in which all life is interconnected, and much of the narrative takes place in the water where Oscar level visual effects are a breathtaking achievement.

On IMAX and 3D, this is a phenomenal, sensory experience, and Cameron has created a generally engaging story with new twists that easily sets up another sequel.  The film (which compares favorably to the original) may feel like a marathon for some while others will be exhilarated by the sheer, world building wizardry on display.  One thing I have learned over the years: Never bet against James Cameron.  

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

Delicate Emotions in EMPIRE OF LIGHT

Empire of Light is a moving drama that features a romance amid turbulent times and deals earnestly with mental illness as written and directed by Sam Mendes (American Beauty).

In 1980 at an English seaside, Hillary (Colman) is a middle aged worker at a majestic movie house. As we learn more about her, we find a desperately lonely woman who has a traumatic history that has led to her simple, solitary life and acquiescence to the unsavory dalliance of her lecherous manager (Colin Firth). When she takes a fancy to a new employee, Stephen (Michael Ward), who dreams of going to college, her world is changed.  Stephen is a young, black man who is subjected to racism and violence, and as the theater prepares for a grand premiere of Chariots of Fire and accompanying luminaries, Hillary must confront her own damaged soul. The stage is set as tensions mount and hidden secrets emerge. 

This is meticulously directed and well-acted by an ensemble led by Ward and the ever impressive Colman, whose sensitive performance exposes Hillary’s shame, fear, and anger all of which manifest into startling moments. There are memorable scenes including New Year’s fireworks on a rooftop, a stunning confrontation at the premiere, and the very act of watching a movie which becomes a revelation for one person.  

The film’s deliberate pace may test audiences, but it is clear that the time and place have a deep meaning for Mendes personally.  Those who have worked in a movie theater (including yours truly) may find an instant connection to the film’s setting as it features beloved titles of the day including Raging Bull, Stir Crazy, and Being There.  It’s a valentine to cinema with a compassionate turn by Colman.

***1/2 of ****stars (for movie theater lovers)

Twin Peaks Composer is Gone

Angelo Badalamenti the film composer of many scores especially David Lynch films and his classic TV score for Twin Peaks, has passed at 85.

An Undying Love in SPOILER ALERT

Based on a memoir, Spoiler Alert is a sensitive, honest drama (directed by Michael Showalter), showcasing Jim Parsons (Big Bang Theory) in an impressive change of pace role. . 

Set several years prior, Mike (Jim Parsons) is a journalist who meets and falls for Kit (Ben Aldridge). Both are stark contrasts to one other as Mike is reserved and self-conscious, whereas Kit, a photographer, is more adventurous yet fearful about coming out to his own parents (Sally Field, Bill Irwin).  We see their relationship develop over time as they weather highs and lows, and when adversity strikes, it not only tests their love, but changes their world forever. 

Told primarily from his point of view, it’s about Mike finding a meaningful relationship with a soulmate, and, significantly, how even with his insecurities and jealousy, he is able to evolve and grow as a person over time. The film shows two individuals being vulnerable to each other, who sacrifice and forgive, and ultimately allow each to be an authentic self.  These two men develop their dynamic through the years so that you care for them when tragedy strikes.

The film is about taking chances in life, going outside one’s comfort zone, and learning to move on after loss. (This is essentially a touching, couple’s story switching a heterosexual pair for same sex.) More than a love story, it ultimately settles on the joy and fragility of life, but it does so with compassion. The thoughtful, at times humorous screenplay, is well acted by the principal cast. Parsons is able to display a full range of emotions and pushes his acting to new heights.  This may pleasantly surprise those who invest themselves in its heartfelt narrative.

*** ½ of **** stars (a must for Parsons fans)

Holiday Spirit Lives in THE GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY HOLIDAY SPECIAL

Writer/Director James Gunn was a fan of the Star Wars Holiday Special from 1978 and in turn created The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (on Disney Plus), a one-off to celebrate the holidays, and the result is better than you might think.

Mantis (Pom Klementieff) and Drax (Dave Bautista) want to help Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) get some Christmas cheer especially in light of the loss of his love, Gamora. Since Quill had raved as a child over Footloose, naturally the two travel to Earth to find Kevin Bacon. Of course, things don’t go as planned and yet somehow, just maybe everything will work out in the end, hopefully.   

This is an expected ‘fish out of water’ scenario with some funny situations highlighting the duo’s (Mantis and Drax) chemistry while exploring these supporting characters better.  We learn more about Quill’s history with his surrogate dad, Yondu, and by the end, the true spirit of Christmas emerges in simple, heartwarming ways. Also present are the rest of the Guardians crew including Groot, Rocket, Nebula, and even Kraglin, and there is even a continuing character, Cosmos the Spacedog. This timeline follows Thor: Love and Thunder and leads to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 with one major plot reveal. At 44 minutes, it breezes by quickly and feels like Guardians-lite with mirth and good tidings.

Gunn wanted to recall his fondness for Christmas TV specials like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. With this special, he is on the right track.

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

 

Stern Explores The Boss

The Howard Stern Interview: Bruce Springsteen on HBO is amazing. Say what you will about Stern. He can be an engrossing interviewer, and he excels with Springsteen. If you have ever liked Bruce, the interview is mesmerizing and fascinating. (The greatest concert I ever saw was his Born in the USA tour.) 

 

 

 

McVie Was Fleetwood Mac Keyboradist

 

Rock star Christine McVie has passed at 79. As part of Fleetwood Mac, she collaborated on records that sold over 100 million copies which peaked with their classic Rumours album, and the Grammy Award winning group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999. Her keyboards and smooth vocals will always be beautiful.

Horrific Obsession in SMILE

 

With visual flair by first-time feature director Parker Finn, Smile is a fright fest of images and menace that is a fairly effective tale of terror.

When Dr. Rose Cotter (Sosie Bacon) treats a disturbed patient who is paranoid and scared to death, it is the beginning of a terrifying descent into madness as she begins to witness disturbing visions. The recurring motif is the appearance of evil smiles on other people’s faces.  Feeling herself losing touch with reality and sanity, she alienates those closest to her and sees her therapist wondering if some unseen force is responsible for the nightmarish visions.  When she finds that there may be other victims, she must turn to an unlikely source to find answers, and her investigation forces her to confront her past and her mom’s tragic death.  Her life in danger, she desperately searches for answers before it’s too late. Can she avoid the ghastly fate of the others? 

The film works partly as a mystery as she follows clues to other witnesses connected to grisly deaths.  It’s a relatively straightforward premise with its strong theme of past trauma.  Part of the unsettled feel of the story is not knowing whether what Cotter sees is real or imagined.  Some scenes are visually horrifying, and though you can sense or guess something coming, it still packs a wallop nonetheless.

The film is another version of malevolent menace employed in films like It Follows and has a tinge of supernatural vibe from The Ring.  A bit methodical in its pacing at times, it builds tension and delivers its shocks, and though there are instances you wish the film explored certain subplots more, Finn impresses.  It’s best to let his film play and exact its scares.

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

Spielberg Revisits His Origins in THE FABELMANS

 

Director Steven Spielberg has frequently imbued his films with aspects of his early life, whether it be the fractured family in E.T., the tribute to his father in Saving Private Ryan, or his Jewish background in Schindler’s List.  He fully reconnects with his past in The Fabelmans, an earnest, heartfelt remembrance of his youth and the events that came to shape arguably the greatest film director of his generation.

In 1952 in New Jersey, the Fabelmans are a middle class, Jewish family whose young son, Sam, is so affected by The Greatest Show on Earth that he begins a lifelong passion of making movies.  Sam's parents are stark contrasts as his free-spirited mom, Mitzi (Michelle Williams), loves the arts and encourages her son’s creativity while pragmatic dad, Burt (Paul Dano), is an engineer, whose jobs relocate the family to the west coast.  As a high schooler, Sam (Gabriel LaBelle) is a victim of racism and bullying while also discovering love. As his filmmaking career beckons, his parents’ marital strife threatens to tear the family apart.

It must have been painful yet cathartic for Spielberg to relive his early years (via Sam), but what shines through is his parents’ unwavering love and sacrifice and how filmmaking served as his emotional refuge.  There are poignant and funny moments, but the film never falls into sentimentality.

Williams and Dano are outstanding with great support from Seth Rogan and Judd Hirsch.  In a film filled with movie inspirations and Easter eggs, the final scene (featuring a memorable turn by David Lynch) is truly prescient with Sam at the brink of his film career.  This loving tribute to his parents leaves you with a sense of empathy and understanding of Spielberg’s touchstones.  

**** of **** stars (For movie lovers everywhere)

SHE SAID and Its Hidden Truths

Adapted from a landmark New York Times investigation/book, She Said (directed by Maria Schrader) is the fascinating expose on sexual harassment of women and subsequent cover-up which led to the beginnings of the MeToo movement in Hollywood and beyond.

In 2016 with President Trump’s alleged, improper behavior and subsequent focus on rumors of sexual misconduct in Hollywood, two New York Times reporters (Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan) investigate Harvey Weinstein, a powerful, manipulative producer who for decades has allegedly preyed on women via seemingly innocent production meetings that become sexual encounters.  A grim picture emerges of destroyed lives amid sexual harassment, intimidation, and the fear of being blacklisted. However, Weinstein’s pattern of behavior is just part of a larger, systemic problem.  The ultimate challenge becomes getting victims or witnesses to ‘go on the record’, and slowly production assistants and accountants are joined by actresses in coming forward as the truth begins to come to light.

Told mainly from the reporters’ point of view, it’s an engrossing, mystery story and a riveting journey with subject matter that maintains your attention from beginning to end. These reporters are humanized by showing their personal lives and families, and though frustrated by dead ends and self-doubt, they are also brave, compassionate and relentless.  Their reporting of sensitive stories from broken individuals is sobering and heartbreaking, but by giving voice to them, it becomes empowering.  

Highlighted by an emotional turning point with Ashley Judd (portraying herself), the strong cast shines.  In the tradition of landmark, investigative films like All the President’s Men, Spotlight, and more recently, The Post, it’s not necessarily a perfect film, but its timely topic and adherence to a compelling, true story warrant attention and awards buzz.  These ordinary reporters became extraordinary heroes for our time.

**** of **** stars

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)