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.

Lynley Was Child Star Grown Up

 Actress Carol Lynley passed away suddenly at 77. She was a well known star of movies.and guest TV shows in the 1960s and 1970s. Many will remember her in the disaster movie blockbuster The Poseídon Adventure. She was one of the first guests I met at a film convention. Nice person with no pretense.

Living ‘The Boss’ in BLINDED BY THE LIGHT

Based on a true story, Blinded by the Light is an uplifting, emotional journey of identity and self-discovery as directed by Gurinder Chadha (Bend It Like Beckham). This is one of several musical themed dramas highlighted by classic pop artists’ music (Yesterday, Bohemian Rhapsody).

Set in 1980s England, teenager Javed (Viveik Kalra) and his Pakistani family live in a small town and face bigotry and economic hardships.  Javed yearns for a life beyond his small town, and when a schoolmate introduces him to the songs of Bruce Springsteen, his life is transformed. His hope of going to college to be a writer and find his own happiness is stifled by his strict, overbearing father. Springsteen’s music and words speak to and inspire him, and, encouraged and challenged by his English teacher, Miss Park (Hayley Atwell), Javed’s passion for writing and expressing his inner voice leads to opportunities and even love.  As his father objects to his desires, it threatens to tear the family apart.

The film garners well-earned heart and goodwill. It never strays far from the concept of the importance of family and the challenges and pains of struggling for a life in a foreign land.  It is also an interesting look into aspects of Pakistani youth and culture in England at the time.  The core conflict is a clash between old, traditional, homeland values and the newer, progressive, youthful independence.  The mostly unknown cast is uniformly excellent, and Atwell registers in support. 1980s hairstyles and clothes are in full, period display.

The film, with its strong, emotional finish, is a testament to following your dreams while holding onto family values. Of course, there’s a healthy dose of The Boss’ songs sprinkled throughout. A winning film.

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

TV's Wise Cracking Bestie

Some of my best memories were watching TV Saturday nights and The Mary Tyler Moore Show with its precious, priceless ensemble of actors and writers. I had never heard of Valerie Harper til that pilot episode in 1970 and fell in love with her as Rhoda, the no nonsense best friend for Mary and adversary to landlord Phyllis. Her spinoff show was fun and she had some success in film (Chapter Two). This multi Emmy winner had been diagnosed with cancer years ago and she continued to hang in there until passing at 80. Rest easy, your fans remember you lovingly.