The Dark Side of MALIGNANT

Writer/Director James Wan returns to his horror roots (Saw, The Conjuring) with Malignant, an effective thriller that delivers some shocking moments. 

In 1993, a research facility attempts to contain a growing, powerful threat of an enraged boy named Gabriel who exhibits paranormal abilities.   Flash forward to the present in Seattle, and a young woman, Madison (Annabelle Wallis), experiences terrifying visions of vengeful murders by a mysterious figure that is somehow related to her past. She has also experienced enormous, personal loss in her life and is haunted by a traumatic childhood. Detectives are baffled, and as the grisly crimes point to her as a suspect, a devastating secret emerges and with it a powerful evil that threatens Madison’s family and beyond.

There is effective use of dark, saturated colors to establish an ominous mood as well as sound and visual effects that vividly depict Madison’s psyche.  The film functions at first as a mystery and becomes all out horror on a personal level when the truth emerges. Among the best moments is an astonishing sequence that shows the full fury of the menace as it begins in a crowded jail cell and spills over to the police station.

Thematically the film is focused on the meaning of family and blood relations. What is Madison’s connection to the killer? Is she the killer, or is it all in her mind? And is her imaginary childhood friend a figment of her imagination?  The truth is a stunner.

With similar vibes to the original Halloween and Psycho, it’s best not to make too much sense of the plot and enjoy the ride. It’s a fairly entertaining piece of horror genre especially if you don’t take it too seriously.

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

A Prodigious Talent

 

Songwriter Leslie Bricusse has passed at 90. This Grammy and Oscar winning lyricist penned some of the greatest known songs in pop culture.

He wrote such timeless classics as the stage song, What Kind of Fool Am I, pop hit, A Wonderful Day Like Today, and countless others. His seven decade career encompassed films where he often in collaboration with the likes of Henry Mancini, Anthony Newley, and John Williams, and would write such songs as Bond classics Goldfinger and You Only Live Twice, Talk to the Animals from Doctor  Doolittle, Pure Imagination and Candy Man from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, the song/score for Victor/Victoria, Can You Read My Mind from Superman, and the only really good song from Scrooge, Thank You Very Much. A prodigious talent.

Disney Legend No Less

 

Animating pioneer Ruthie Tompson, a long time visual artist hired by Walt Disney, passed away at 111! You might not know her but she was one of the first female animators for a major studio and helped create the animation for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Fantasia, Pinocchio, Dumbo, Sleeping Beauty, Mary Poppins, The Rescuers, and many others over the decades.  A Disney legend no less.

ROMEO AND JULIET at The Classic Theatre

 

We were treated to Shakespeare in an intimate setting at the Classic Theatre of Maryland with the presentation of Romeo and Juliet. This featured an excellent cast and seating that puts the audience remarkably close to the performers, swordplay and all. Having seen filmed versions of the classic play, it was amazing to be still moved a love story written hundreds of years ago.  The production was expertly enhanced by sumptuous costumes and seamless lighting. There was clever use of spare, basic sets while focusing on the spoken word as the bard intended in a room enhanced by ideal acoustics. In fact The Classic Theatre boasts a nearby Cabaret space with another stage, bar, and comfortable seating. Patrons may feel pampered and spoiled by such fanciful treats. Annapolis has a gem of a showcase that deserves attention. Oh, and the play was splendid. Our afternoon of culture complete!

Emotional Farewell in NO TIME TO DIE

Daniel Craig formally bows out as superspy James Bond in No Time To Die, (directed by Cary Fukunaga), a rousing swan song and consummation of four preceding films.

James Bond (Craig) has retired with Madeleine (Léa Seydoux) as both reconcile past trauma and dark secrets.  When CIA pal, Felix (Jeffrey Wright), comes calling about a bio-threat, the trail leads to Cuba and London as Bond meets his counterpart (Lashana Lynch) at MI6. It also means revisiting an old adversary and rekindling a long, lost love. This culminates on a remote island where a mysterious figure (Rami Malek) devises an insidious, horrific plan that could devastate the globe.

With a terrific opening sequence featuring the Aston Martin, this directly continues from Spectre and draws from past mythos particularly On Her Majesty’s Secret Service with Hans Zimmer’s score blending themes from that film and Billie Eilish’s haunting, title song.  With minimal gadgetry, it’s more grounded in the real world, and though the narrative is a bit convoluted, what is refreshing is the film doesn’t rely on clichés but rather subverts them in ways where anything can happen.  You may think you know how things will play out; you would be wrong. The plot ventures into uncharted territory where no Bond film has gone before. 

The MI6 gang of M (Ralph Fiennes), Moneypenny (Naomie Harris), and Q (Ben Whishaw) are back while Ana de Armas (please build a movie around her) is outstanding as a CIA operative who demonstrates fighting skills par excellence. In fact, the Bond women are significant; never has a Bond film featured so many adept female characters.

The longest Bond film ever at 163 minutes, the story keeps you engaged while Craig gives it his all.  Is it the best Bond film? No, but it’s a brave, emotional sendoff that will be affecting for Bond fans.

***1/2 of **** stars (especially for Craig)

Comedy Director Extraordinaire

 

TV comedy director Jay Sandrich passed at 89. You may not know who he was, but maybe you've heard of some of the shows he helped to direct or produce like Get Smart, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and The Cosby Show getting nominated for 11 Emmy Awards winning four. He started as an assistant on I Love Lucy and The Andy Griffith Show and helped usher the pilot episodes of The Bob Newhart Show, WKRP in Cincinnati, Empty Nest, and The Golden Girls. He directed episodes of hit shows like Soap, The Odd Couple, and more recently Two and a Half Men. Quite a resume.

The Harsh Realities of BLUE BAYOU

 

Writer/Director Justin Chon fashions a highly effective, emotional drama in Blue Bayou, and in doing so makes a very personal statement about the plight of resident immigrants.  This labor of love features strong performances and shows a triple threat filmmaker in command. 

Antonio (Chon) is a Korean who was adopted as a child amid ambiguous immigration laws and grows to have an interracial family with his wife Kathy (Alicia Vikander), her daughter Jessie (Sydney Kowalske is adorable), and their new baby on the way. With little formal education, he works at a tattoo parlor and struggles to make ends meet.  When Kathy’s ex-husband scuffles with him, Antonio must face deportation due to outdated immigration rules. Meanwhile, he befriends an Asian woman who takes an interest in his life. As the threat of losing his family looms, he must face his hidden, traumatic past and look to his family for support and love.

This is Chon’s film all the way as he enhances mood and atmosphere with some striking shots of the Louisiana bayou.  His Antonio is an affecting, complex character who may have had past scrapes with the law yet maintains his principals when helping a dying tattoo client. Vikander is in fine form even doing an appealing vocal of the tile song.

It is the relationship between father and stepdaughter that forms the centerpiece of the narrative.  When other films could have wrapped up a satisfying ending, Chon bravely opts for turning this into a cautionary tale with a distinct message that elicits a strong response and a call to action.  It’s an impassioned plea that mirrors real life families documented in the end credits. It’s a story worth viewing and makes one look forward to Chon’s next project.

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

THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE and the Rise and Fall of the Bakers

Those who grew up watching Jim and Tammy Baker on late night television in the 1970s may be fascinated by The Eyes of Tammy Faye, based on the documentary of the same name. Directed by Michael Showalter, it features impressive performances led by Jessica Chastain.  

Drawn to the church as a little girl in the 1950s Midwest, Tammy Faye (Jessica Chastain) attends Bible College where she meets and marries Jim Baker (Andrew Garfield), a dynamic presence driven to lead and preach to the masses. Together, they inspire each other with his teachings and her singing to build an empire of lavish wealth by exploiting the power of television evangelism and garnering massive viewer pledges. When their exorbitant lifestyle exposes improper use of funds, their world comes crashing down amid marital infidelities. Through it all, Tammy Faye maintains her love for people with an indomitable spirit.

Tammy Faye is portrayed as a sympathetic, compassionate figure whose empathy for all people including gays during the AIDS epidemic runs afoul of powerful, religious leaders like Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson who hold sway and influence on viewership and politics. Chastain’s transformation is a remarkable display of makeup and acting while convincingly emulating her speaking and even singing voice. 

Vividly recreating TV sets and styles from the 1970s, this film is one version of an American tragedy and the love story of a couple who had it all and then lost it.  In fact, Chastain and Garfield could have easily fallen into caricatures or a parody of the Bakers.  Here, they do not. You may not change your opinion about the Bakers by film’s end, but you will understand them better.

*** of **** stars (add ½ * for Chastain)

THE CARD COUNTER and Tortured Memories

 Writer/Director Paul Schrader wrote Taxi Driver and Raging Bull. As such, his films are darker, and their male protagonists are tortured souls ready to burst at the seams. In The Card Counter, (a perfect companion piece to his recent, great First Reformed) this theme meshes with military abuse and the thirst for vengeance. It also features a splendid, tightly wound performance by Oscar Isaac.

Bill (Isaac) is an ex-convict living a solitary existence roving from one casino and motel to the next. He regularly wins at blackjack and poker and quits before attracting attention. You see, he has mastered the art of counting cards while in prison. This attracts the attention of La Linda (Tiffany Haddish is effective in a dramatic role), who represents interested high roller investors.  Bill also attracts the company of a young man, Cirk (Tye Sheridan), who has an agenda that involves a figure from Bill’s dark past. As a card tournament commences with huge stakes, Bill must confront his past that will forever alter his future.

Isaac conveys a man (who could easily be a young Robert DeNiro) haunted by his past actions and who is on a mission to mentor and help Cirk.   He is supported by a marvelous cast including Willem Dafoe. When Isaac and Haddish get together, there are sparks.

The film details the intricate, mathematical odds of beating the dealer; it’s a fascinating world. The motive of revenge weighs heavily in the narrative and, as in many of Schrader’s characters, there builds a level of intensity that foreshadows an ominous foreboding of violence.

This seemingly simplistic film ultimately becomes a complex study in obsession, compassion, forgiveness, and love as exemplified by the memorable final shot.  Fans of Schrader will not be disappointed.

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

Powell Was MGM Musical Star

Hollywood star Jane Powell passed at 92. One of the last of Golden Age actresses who was a darling at MGM's heyday, her highlights included Royal Wedding and the classic Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. She continued to act and sing in films, stage and TV and was a guest host on TCM for Robert Osbourne. Her voice landed her on music charts too.

The Acerbic Wit of Norm MacDonald

 

Comedian Norm MacDonald passed away at 61 after a private nine year battle with cancer. He wrote for Roseanne and The Dennis Miller Show, and his biggest fame was on Saturday Night Live from 1993-1998 especially anchoring the news and his spot on impression of Burt Reynolds. He continually did stand up shows with his sharp humor and appeared frequently in late night shows particularly on David Letterman who he revered. Comedian Seth Rogan and director Edgar Wright are among those who paid tribute to the talented wit.

What If...? and Some Mind Boggling Scenarios

 

Disney Plus is showing Marvel's What If...? animated series, and it takes what we know and love about these superheroes and tweaks it to create a new, mind blowing dynamic. Last week was Dr. Strange in a sad repeating loop to save his love which may have connections to the upcoming films. This week involves zombies in a terrifying scenario that is both horrifying and amazing. In most cases the original actors voice their iconic roles especially the late  Chadwick Boseman. These half hour nuggets keep things interesting as we hopscotch each new movie release. 

Family Bonds in SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS

 

An Asian cast and director (Destin Daniel Cretton) begin a new chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the film adaptation of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, a rousing, action packed adventure that focuses on family ties and legacy.

‘Shaun’ (Simu Liu) leads a normal life with his friend Katy (Awkwafina), but his past catches up to him in the form of his powerful father (Tony Leung).  Forced to confront his destiny that involves the powerful ‘Ten Rings”, Shang-Chi begins a journey of self-discovery and a battle with a mystical evil that threatens the world.

There are strong connections to Dr. Strange, and the superb martial arts set pieces recall fond memories of Hong Kong actioners and the magical aura of Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon. Indeed, there are vibes that echo the Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings films.  Striking the right balance of sentiment and action, the film is about embracing one’s identity and family whether it be brother and sister or son and father. It also represents female empowerment as exemplified by a number of strong actresses (including Michelle Yeoh in fine form).  Aside from Liu’s terrific turn as a new superhero, the supporting cast (and a welcome cameo from the past) is excellent especially the veteran Leung, who etches one of the very best Marvel villains. 

The narrative is told with cultural authenticity (as portions of the film are in Chinese with subtitles), and although it finishes with a battle royale that leans heavily on visual effects, the film’s inclusivity expands the scope of Marvel much as Black Panther did.  It’s a splendid origin story.  Two portentous scenes are in the end credits.     

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

The Epitome of Cool Has Passed

French movie star Jean-Paul Belmondo has passed at 88. This superstar of French New Wave and European cinema in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s could have easily pivoted to Hollywood, but he mainly stayed in his comfort zone working with the top directors (Truffaut, Chabrol) and leading ladies (Catherine Deneuve, Sophia Loren). He achieved worldwide fame in a couple of memorable films, Breathless by Jean-Luc Godard and co-starring Jean Seberg, and the Oscar nominated That Man from Rio. He was the epitome of cool.