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Hope Gap (2019)
Lovely, poignant movie
**Not sure if there are spoilers - but I think what I wrote is in the trailer - but just in case I am writing this part first **
If you are looking for a plot-heavy drama you won't find it here. But if you are like me, and appreciate a journey that feels like something you might have gone through, something relatable and character-driven - then this is your movie. I long for these types of movies. The complexities of relationships and human interaction - not screaming at you. The flaws. Bening as the wife of 29 years who is surprised when her husband leaves her, is a deeply flawed - maybe even unlikeable - character, but you can't help feeling her pain. Bill Nighy is another character that you want to dislike, perhaps feel sorry for - angry at! (Because how dare he be so weak and callous - and victimized at the same time !). But isn't it just reality? When someone wants to leave - when they've had enough - they just do it. When someone is unhappy, sometimes the push is "someone else". No matter if you are in later life - a history, lifetime shared with someone else. And even the hints of "Angela said" throughout the movie - a subtle but powerful peek into the vulnerability of Nighy's character and the power Angela has over him (not unlike the power his wife had over him - and we wonder where that will lead) - even towards the end when "Angela" nods at him to go after his ex, and he does so immediately at her approval. The worried, adult son is another character - and we DO like him, and his emotions come spilling out with only a soft glance - and he is pulled between his parents and the different places they have settled (happy and unhappy). If you are good at catching the subtleties and are appreciative of a slower-moving movie (like a wagon ride through an impeccable countryside on a dismal day - with the clouds beginning to part only as you reach the end) - then ENJOY! I did.
Little Women (2019)
Definitely not the best adaptation; subpar
I had high hopes for this film. Love Little Women and the Winona Rider 1994 version. This version was boring. The non-linear way in which it was told was confusing. As great as the cast was - and I love Timothy Chalamet - I just didn't feel invested in anyone. It did not move me at all in any way - not even when Beth died (sorry).
I am curious as to how this movie could possibly have gotten 10 stars.
Dumbo (2019)
Amazing - gorgeous and poignant.
Beautiful from beginning to end. And I saw and loved the first one. Of course I was a child then. But I remember being sad - then happy. Same here. The movie was moving - heartbreaking many parts - and Dumbo was so lovable - but the end was happy and satisfying. The special effects - Dumbo flying etc - superb!
If you want a magical, moving experience - this is for you.
The D Train (2015)
Not a slapstick comedy, but really, really good
First off, the movie is not for everyone. It touches upon topics that some people are uncomfortable with. It is not for the ultra-conservative. I knew nothing about this movie going in. I, like a lot of people, expected a typical Jack Black comedy. But this was not that. It was more of a comedy/drama. It was different. I was surprised, uncomfortable, completely intrigued and even quite moved. By the end of the movie I turned to my husband and said: I really loved this movie (he didn't share my opinion). I rarely review anything, but I enjoyed the movie so much, and I felt the ratings didn't do it justice. (Possible spoilers) The movie centers around a married man who goes to LA in search of an actor - a guy he went to high school with (who was the most popular kid in school) to get him to come to the 20 year high school reunion (because he believes if he comes everyone else will come). It starts off sounding like it's going to be a silly, fun movie but it's not that at all. Events occur, leading to lies, leading to more lies, leading to an unhealthy obsession that climaxes with an important lesson learned. You must watch this movie with an open mind and without labeling it or comparing it to any previous works by the actors. Just enjoy it for what it is. A different type of a movie. If I had to think of a movie that came close to the kind of movie this was, I would say American Beauty (although this movie is a lot lighter).
Jersey Boys (2014)
Wonderful movie!
I have never seen the play (though, I have seen other Broadway musicals) and so I wasn't really sure what to expect. I knew I liked some of the Four Seasons songs - not really realizing just how many good songs they had. What a movie! I loved it! It had a great story line, I loved the actors - they all played their parts perfectly. John Lloyd Young who played Frankie Valli did an amazing job. The songs were delivered beautifully and I felt moved during many parts of the film. It was inspiring to see how a group of young, tough Jersey Boys went from playing in local establishments to stardom. I have already watched it 3 times! A must see!
Gravity (2013)
Very good movie if you don't go in hyped up
So, my husband and I went into the theatre expecting an action-packed 3-D adventure - and we were excited due to all the hype. At the end of the film, he was disappointed. I was 'disappointed only because of the hype'. Had I gone in not knowing anything, I would have thought it was a really good movie.
It is not a fast paced action movie. In fact, it focuses more on Sandra Bullock's character - and the different emotions she goes through as she finds herself in a very frightening position on her first trip to space.
I think that is where some people get lost. If you're looking for the whole move to be what you saw in the trailer - you're not going to find it. If you like going a little deeper - and appreciate symbolism etc - and don't mind a slower pace because of it - than you will really like this movie. *(SLIGHTLY SPOILER-ISH): You see Sandra Bullock going through a myriad of emotions - from intense panic, fear, strength, hopelessness, faith (and lack of), as well as watching her go from wanting to die to slowly finding her will to live again. You go on a journey learning, once again, how important your psyche is, when you find yourselves in situations that are out of your control. It's 'that' kind of movie. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it. And I know, had my husband not gone in with these ultra-high expectations, ready for a 3D explosion - he would have appreciated it a little better.
Les Misérables (2012)
Beautifully done
I'd like to first say that I have been a fan of Les Mis since I first sang it in my ninth grade chorus class. I have seen the play five times, owned the cds, watched (numerous times) the televised concert etc. So, to say that I walked into the theatre with a highly critical eye, is an understatement. I wasn't sure how I would feel about 'actors' being cast and their voices 'measuring up' to the songs.
This being said, from the moment the movie opened and the first song was sang - my mind was immediately put at ease. I thought the movie version was absolutely wonderful. The actors were cast perfectly and the songs were delivered beautifully and with much emotion. Did Hugh Jackson sing 'Bring Him Home' as perfectly as it was sung on Broadway? No. But - I still managed to love it. The movie did 'its own thing' - yet, still managed to capture the essence of the Broadway production. Where the movie may have lacked in musical ability (and it really didn't lack much in my opinion) it made up for in the acting.
I thought Anne Hathaway gave an amazing performance as Fantine - brought tears to my eyes. When I first saw Hugh Jackson in the opening scene at the jail - he looked so unrecognizable. I wasn't sure if he could achieve the 'look' that Jean Valjean should have. But, he certainly did not disappoint. He possessed the perfect 'strong' aura that Jean Valjean always had. And I felt for him throughout the whole film. Sacha Baron Cohen was great as the innkeeper - his musical ability surprised me - and he had me laughing (would you expect less from him?) Eddie Madrayne was perfectly cast for Marius - and I had doubts when I first saw him on screen. I always remembered Marius being tall, 'dark' and handsome. And Eddie Madrayne - with his freckled face - just didn't seem to fit. But, again - he evoked such emotion and his voice was so beautiful that I now cant imagine somebody else playing that role. I left the movie in tears and so did my sister. Anybody who criticized this movie, is not opening their mind. This is NOT a Broadway play - this is a MOVIE. Therefore, it is NOT going to be exactly the same or evoke the same energy. You have to see it for what it is - a movie; a musical. And - enjoy it. I certainly did.
W.E. (2011)
Beautifully crafted - much depth
I thought the film was brilliant. Certainly, there were a few historical inconsistencies but, if you watch the movie simply for what it is - an intriguing love story, and the woman obsessed with it - you can clearly see the beauty of it. *There might be a very slight spoiler below*. Visually, I thought it was greatly stimulating - and the music was very moving. I loved the way the film intertwines the two women - Wallis Simpson (the Duchess) and another woman (Wally) in 1998, who, also, seems to be living the perfect life to the outside world, but is not. Wally is in an emotionally neglectful, abusive relationship with a man who provides everything for her (materialistically), but is never home. She becomes obsessed with the story of the Duke and the Duchess - and the fact that the Duke abdicated his throne for the woman he loved. She longs to understand that kind of love - and delves into their story (all the while, developing her own story). Throughout the movie, we are taken back and forth from the story of Wallis and Edward to 1998, Wally. During many moments of the movie, the two women interact(metaphorically). At one point, Wallis Simpson is walking through the streets in a seemingly happy mood, when she notices her affair with Edward being negatively cast on the front pages of newspapers. She rushes into a nearby building, upset - when she sees 'present-time' Wally, watching her. She stops for a moment and looks at her. Then she says, "Get a life." In another scene, Wallis is crying in bed over the fact that she and the Duke have basically been exiled - and the 'present-day' Wally, sits beside her and tries to comfort her, stating, "At least you have each other." Wallis, then, sits up and slaps Wally, saying, "Wake up!" In which, Wally is immediately woken from a dream.
The movie certainly had depth - and there is much in what is not said (facial expressions, simple words - actions, music). One of my favorite movies is 'The Hours' - and I would say, in regards to tone and depth - this movie is similar. I loved it.