This episode, salmon and mushrooms, is superb in so many ways. The kimono lady is delightfully mysterious. The relationship of the couple is spot on and surprising at every turn. How can such an episode achieve such Heights in 24 minutes or so?
Reviews
9 Reviews
Gloria Bell
(2018)
A great start... then too often boring
4 April 2019
6 1/2 out of 10 Albert stars
This movie shines a sweet light on Julianne Moore, who is an exceptional actress in just about any role she plays. In most respects Gloria Bell is a female empowerment movie. It's about discarding nonfunctional lovers and husbands, as well as harmful habits, and replacing them with new attempts at creating a good life.
The strength of the movie lies in its first 2/3 where all of the needed situations are set up, including divorce, searching for love in all the wrong places (mainly dance clubs), maintaining a difficult job, and trying to connect with her family members. One of the latter is her nonfunctional, vaping son, played by Michael Cera, who doesn't know how to take care of a child.
There are no functional males in this movie apart perhaps from Brad Garrett's, who plays her ex-husband. Despite this, I enjoyed seeing how the movie came together and how the Bell character was developed. At about the 2/3 mark, however, the camera lingered too long on Julianne Moore's face and the place slowed to a crawl. Lovely as she is, this was very self-indulgent fixation by the director, who was hired by the executive producer, who is Julianne Moore herself.
In a similar way, Barbra Streisand is famous for having her face occupy too much of a movie. In this case, even though Julianne Moore is generally fascinating to watch, all of those extended takes of her just felt like wasted screen time. There were many interesting details that could have been explored, plot kinks and characters to be developed, etc. So I found myself looking at my watch repeatedly and wondering when the movie was going to end. Never a good sign. I wanted to go and see how many minutes more I had to suffer through.
Other people will feel differently, especially women looking for a good trouncing of loser men -- or just trying to find a way to make life work. John Turturro's acting is superb., and his character is very interesting.
An important bonus for movie-goers is that the music is very catchy and lively, and the fact that Moore's character thrives on the music and sings along all the time. This shows that her singing -- and by extension music in general -- can be an antidote, an anodyne and a pure joy. Not just for characters like Moore's, but for all of us. And the ending is uplifting. So there you have it.
My first judgment about this film was much harsher than this, and Hollywood was worried. But a friend had a fairly positive reaction to the movie, and I re-thought... and recalled how much I enjoyed the first 2/3. Then I revised my opinion. This change will no doubt drive tens of thousands more moviegoers to see the flick. Thanks!
This movie shines a sweet light on Julianne Moore, who is an exceptional actress in just about any role she plays. In most respects Gloria Bell is a female empowerment movie. It's about discarding nonfunctional lovers and husbands, as well as harmful habits, and replacing them with new attempts at creating a good life.
The strength of the movie lies in its first 2/3 where all of the needed situations are set up, including divorce, searching for love in all the wrong places (mainly dance clubs), maintaining a difficult job, and trying to connect with her family members. One of the latter is her nonfunctional, vaping son, played by Michael Cera, who doesn't know how to take care of a child.
There are no functional males in this movie apart perhaps from Brad Garrett's, who plays her ex-husband. Despite this, I enjoyed seeing how the movie came together and how the Bell character was developed. At about the 2/3 mark, however, the camera lingered too long on Julianne Moore's face and the place slowed to a crawl. Lovely as she is, this was very self-indulgent fixation by the director, who was hired by the executive producer, who is Julianne Moore herself.
In a similar way, Barbra Streisand is famous for having her face occupy too much of a movie. In this case, even though Julianne Moore is generally fascinating to watch, all of those extended takes of her just felt like wasted screen time. There were many interesting details that could have been explored, plot kinks and characters to be developed, etc. So I found myself looking at my watch repeatedly and wondering when the movie was going to end. Never a good sign. I wanted to go and see how many minutes more I had to suffer through.
Other people will feel differently, especially women looking for a good trouncing of loser men -- or just trying to find a way to make life work. John Turturro's acting is superb., and his character is very interesting.
An important bonus for movie-goers is that the music is very catchy and lively, and the fact that Moore's character thrives on the music and sings along all the time. This shows that her singing -- and by extension music in general -- can be an antidote, an anodyne and a pure joy. Not just for characters like Moore's, but for all of us. And the ending is uplifting. So there you have it.
My first judgment about this film was much harsher than this, and Hollywood was worried. But a friend had a fairly positive reaction to the movie, and I re-thought... and recalled how much I enjoyed the first 2/3. Then I revised my opinion. This change will no doubt drive tens of thousands more moviegoers to see the flick. Thanks!
Roma
(2018)
Superb in so many ways!
30 December 2018
This movie is superb is so many ways -- in its ambition, its portrayal of human caring and in its cinematic execution. The film was written and directed by Alfonso Cuaron and shot in black and white. It tells the story of an upper middle-class Mexican family and their caring housekeeper-child-care worker Cleo, played by the incomparable Yalitza Aparicio.
The acting is amazing, from individual performances to ensemble playing. That said this movie is not for everyone. First, it moves very slowly at times - and then it speeds up dramatically. If you are an impatient movie-watcher (as I am most times), this one is not for you. Basically it tell the tale of a dysfunctional, marriage, the consequences for the children, and how Cleo responds to various challenges. That is a whole lot of short-hand, but I am trying not to reveal much.
The way I found enhanced my appreciation of the film is to watch each scene unfold studiously. Observe what is happening in the corners of the frame, especially since it is often shot from a distant view. Something meaningful is always going on, whether it pertains to plot, character development or cinematic beauty.
If I found some imperfections in the film, they are these: 1) At Cleo's crisis moment, she could have screamed. This would have added power to her portrayal and to the movie as a whole (even if some would say it would have been out of character). 2) When the mom behaves irresponsibly at the end of the film her state of mind is not sufficiently foreshadowed.
Finally, you may wonder: "Why should I watch this movie?" My answer is that the character of Cleo is emblematic of many of the world's long-suffering but dedicated and indispensable women. This judgment is not in the sense of a lesson that you must take, but in the sense of a warm human story that is rewarding to watch.
The acting is amazing, from individual performances to ensemble playing. That said this movie is not for everyone. First, it moves very slowly at times - and then it speeds up dramatically. If you are an impatient movie-watcher (as I am most times), this one is not for you. Basically it tell the tale of a dysfunctional, marriage, the consequences for the children, and how Cleo responds to various challenges. That is a whole lot of short-hand, but I am trying not to reveal much.
The way I found enhanced my appreciation of the film is to watch each scene unfold studiously. Observe what is happening in the corners of the frame, especially since it is often shot from a distant view. Something meaningful is always going on, whether it pertains to plot, character development or cinematic beauty.
If I found some imperfections in the film, they are these: 1) At Cleo's crisis moment, she could have screamed. This would have added power to her portrayal and to the movie as a whole (even if some would say it would have been out of character). 2) When the mom behaves irresponsibly at the end of the film her state of mind is not sufficiently foreshadowed.
Finally, you may wonder: "Why should I watch this movie?" My answer is that the character of Cleo is emblematic of many of the world's long-suffering but dedicated and indispensable women. This judgment is not in the sense of a lesson that you must take, but in the sense of a warm human story that is rewarding to watch.
How I missed this hilarious comedy, I'll never know!
18 June 2018
How I missed this hilarious comedy on the first trip around, I'll never know. Streamed it the other night. John C. Reilly is phenomenal as he portrays any number of Rock gods of the 1950' through the early 2000's.
Chiefly, he plays Johnny Cash. I found the script and film-making wonderful, as a satire on rock cliches. Within it are takeoffs on The Beatles, Bob Dylan, June Carter Cash (Jenna Fischer) and many more.
Even more amazing is that Reilly recorded 33 original songs for the movie with his backup band. And they are in varied styles. He handles all with aplomb. And so, it is a plum!
Chiefly, he plays Johnny Cash. I found the script and film-making wonderful, as a satire on rock cliches. Within it are takeoffs on The Beatles, Bob Dylan, June Carter Cash (Jenna Fischer) and many more.
Even more amazing is that Reilly recorded 33 original songs for the movie with his backup band. And they are in varied styles. He handles all with aplomb. And so, it is a plum!
The House of Tomorrow
(2017)
Extraordinary story of teens and rebellion!
14 June 2018
THE HOUSE Of TOMORROW (2017)
9 out of 10 Albert Stars
Worth seeing! This movie gets your attention and holds it via strengths of good acting and directing, rounded character development, an excellent script, and a fine story arc. It is not really about Buckminster Fuller's architecture, although that figures symbolically as the geodesic dome house-museum in which Ellen Burstyn and her charge live.
Instead, this tale is about two adolescents, one sheltered and played with great restraint and sensitivity by Asa Butterfield; and the other a rebellious, aspiring punk rocker played by Alex Wolff. The sheltered teen is zealously guarded by his granny, played superbly by Ellen Burstyn.
There is a good deal more to the story and many amusements and hijinx. But the main theme is caring - and is it is finely interpreted by the teens and the parental figures. Well done! Only available in selected theaters and via DVD
Worth seeing! This movie gets your attention and holds it via strengths of good acting and directing, rounded character development, an excellent script, and a fine story arc. It is not really about Buckminster Fuller's architecture, although that figures symbolically as the geodesic dome house-museum in which Ellen Burstyn and her charge live.
Instead, this tale is about two adolescents, one sheltered and played with great restraint and sensitivity by Asa Butterfield; and the other a rebellious, aspiring punk rocker played by Alex Wolff. The sheltered teen is zealously guarded by his granny, played superbly by Ellen Burstyn.
There is a good deal more to the story and many amusements and hijinx. But the main theme is caring - and is it is finely interpreted by the teens and the parental figures. Well done! Only available in selected theaters and via DVD
Tully
(2018)
Tully - a wonderful and mysterious movie!
15 May 2018
This film tells the story of an overwhelmed. exhausted, pregnant mother, played by Charlize Theron, and the various trials she faces. If that were all this movie offers, you might well say: "Not for me."
But this film TAKES OFF! And pays off. A mysterious Nanny appears - Tully - played with zealous aplomb by Mackenzie Davis. She offers to make the mom's pregnancy and, indeed, her life much better.
This description just hints at what lies in store. I won't tell you, because that is the beautiful secret of this arresting film. If you like to be challenged at the cinema - plus provoked and entertained - then this movie is for you. A caution: do not read too much about it beforehand.
But this film TAKES OFF! And pays off. A mysterious Nanny appears - Tully - played with zealous aplomb by Mackenzie Davis. She offers to make the mom's pregnancy and, indeed, her life much better.
This description just hints at what lies in store. I won't tell you, because that is the beautiful secret of this arresting film. If you like to be challenged at the cinema - plus provoked and entertained - then this movie is for you. A caution: do not read too much about it beforehand.
Dunkirk
(2017)
More potent, loud and puzzling than you might expect!
3 August 2017
DUNKIRK - a mini-review 8 out of 10 Albert stars This movie is extremely gripping and powerful. I enjoyed it, despite the loss of life it depicts. The film tells the basic story of the Brits in Dunkirk, who were trapped by the Nazis in France. They came under steady aerial bombardment. For more basics and background, see IMDb.com I saw it in IMAX, which I understand is THE way to go with this high visual impact film. Before writing this mini review, I decided to let my thoughts "marinate." Now they are ready to serve: If you are thinking of seeing it, here are some things to consider: * It is violent. So is war, right? If you don't tolerate violence -- even if in historical context -- don't see it. The violence is not extreme, by the way. Someone I was with spent 3/4 of the movie looking away from the screen. * It is loud, extremely so. * The aerial combat scenes were filmed with authentic period planes, and some are intentionally crashed to make the movie. The dogfight scenes are intense and amazing. Some questions I had are these: 1. Why was no historical background given? It is bewildering to wonder how the Brits could have been stranded in such a predicament. In later discussions, people have told me that Hitler hesitated to attack because he felt the Brits were fellow Aryans. 2. How could British intelligence have been so bad that they did not know the Nazi Panzer tank divisions would advance rapidly and trap their soldiers? 3. Why were they sent into harm's way without air support, heavy artillery, tanks, etc.? I also feel that the Nazis, although the Lear villains, were also human beings, Why not understand their individual psychologies, doubts, and deaths? War is a form of murder. Let's get to know at least ONE example of who we are so happy to be murdering. So that's it for minor objections and questions. A superb film!
Maudie
(2016)
A beautifully told story!
3 August 2017
MAUDIE - a mini review
This beautifully told story deserves your attention! Maudie is a taleof a lonely, afflicted woman who creates a space for herself in this world by dint of her pluck, artistic talent and charm.
The principals are Sally Hawkins as Maudie and Ethan Hawke as a gruff and even abusive fisherman who hires Maud as his housekeeper. How the rest of the relationship develops is the essence of the story, and I won't spoil it here. Hawkins' performance is Oscar- worthy and calls for substantial emoting. Hawkes' role calls for more restraint and infinite shades of "dumbfoundedness" irritation, bewilderment, and occasional apercu of realization. He shows these emotions with only slight changes of expression that are fun to watch.
Maud Lewis was a self-taught artist, kind of like a Grandma Moses of Canada. The landscape is Prince Edward Island, which I was fortunate to have visited a few weeks ago. Lovely landscapes and great Nature views abound. I saw "Dunkirk" the week prior. This film is like Dunkirk in Opposite-World!
This beautifully told story deserves your attention! Maudie is a taleof a lonely, afflicted woman who creates a space for herself in this world by dint of her pluck, artistic talent and charm.
The principals are Sally Hawkins as Maudie and Ethan Hawke as a gruff and even abusive fisherman who hires Maud as his housekeeper. How the rest of the relationship develops is the essence of the story, and I won't spoil it here. Hawkins' performance is Oscar- worthy and calls for substantial emoting. Hawkes' role calls for more restraint and infinite shades of "dumbfoundedness" irritation, bewilderment, and occasional apercu of realization. He shows these emotions with only slight changes of expression that are fun to watch.
Maud Lewis was a self-taught artist, kind of like a Grandma Moses of Canada. The landscape is Prince Edward Island, which I was fortunate to have visited a few weeks ago. Lovely landscapes and great Nature views abound. I saw "Dunkirk" the week prior. This film is like Dunkirk in Opposite-World!
Everybody Wants Some!!
(2016)
A highly entertaining movie!
12 April 2016
Simply put -- for a fun time, go see this flick. It's an effervescent and irreverent look at college life in the 1980s, as seen from the viewpoint of college baseball athletes in Texas.
Everything does happens that you can imagine happening in a campus comedy, but even so, it's always surprising. Richard Linklater is a wonderful filmmaker who has a relaxed and natural way of presenting characters and events. The escapades roll on and keep the audience entertained and often in stitches. The actors are comical in an unforced way, and every scene is cleverly constructed. The net result is that you feel you've enjoyed the company of some startling lunatics having a good time. I bet that even with the rigors of film production that this gang of actors really did enjoy themselves. Clever wit and innovative physical scenes keep your mind hopping.
If I could add one thing, it would be a stronger plot. But Linklater is not too fond of traditional notions of plot, I think, so that's OK. Zoey Deutch is so appealing that she deserved more screen time. But that's a small complaint. As I said: go see it and have a fun time!
Everything does happens that you can imagine happening in a campus comedy, but even so, it's always surprising. Richard Linklater is a wonderful filmmaker who has a relaxed and natural way of presenting characters and events. The escapades roll on and keep the audience entertained and often in stitches. The actors are comical in an unforced way, and every scene is cleverly constructed. The net result is that you feel you've enjoyed the company of some startling lunatics having a good time. I bet that even with the rigors of film production that this gang of actors really did enjoy themselves. Clever wit and innovative physical scenes keep your mind hopping.
If I could add one thing, it would be a stronger plot. But Linklater is not too fond of traditional notions of plot, I think, so that's OK. Zoey Deutch is so appealing that she deserved more screen time. But that's a small complaint. As I said: go see it and have a fun time!
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