Change Your Image
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Reviews
Squid Game: The Challenge (2023)
Social Experiment couched in unscripted Reality TV.
The titular scripted series caught my attention. So I was hesitant to embrace this. I'm still hesitant. I don't like complétion reality shows, but this one reminded me of social behavioral experiments.
Granted there's a financial carrot (or pig!), but that's the catalyst that drives behavior. So I found the alliances and their shifts intriguing.. In my head, I know like with wrestling (which I never watch) it's all in the editing and characterization. People aren't randomly chosen.
It's almost like picking a jury, and the editing tends to make the heroes and the tragically pull the rug out from under them. I went into this thinking, "I'll give it one chance," and then allowed it to take me.
It showed me something I like, seeing the Firming, Norming, Storming and Performing of group dynamics, and the formation of a societal structure. This was actually displayed in an HBO series called Station Eleven when they were forming a society in an airport. During a pandemic.
I think that if you don't take the game too seriously and allow yourself to observe the character choices and only see the money as a source of need and character validation, you begin to see people wanting to change something in their lives, or find validation from others from their success.
Of course there's also the micro-aggressive schadenfreude of completion, which only tapes into our base identity..
Oslo (2021)
Impressive interpretation!! Worth viewing!
The idea of facilitated peace negotiations brings tears to my eyes. This film based upon the play about the Israeli-Palestinian Oslo Peace Accords displays the back channels develops and massaged to set the path for open, honest dialogue between two warring societies. I could go in depth about the unique approach towards facilitation that the Norwegians took, or the role that Nordic countries have played as peacemakers, but I won't. Of course there are some dramatic liberties, here, but they play well in the hands of the performers. Also having the perspective of the husband-wife team that negotiated this (true or not) played by Ruth Wilson and Andrew Scott completely humanized and sold the story!
"For if we do not sit across from out enemies and hear them, and see them as human beings, what will become of us?"
If you like political films, this is certainly worth a watch!
Them (2021)
(LONG PAUSE...Exhale)
In the genre of horror/thriller, this ticks ALL the boxes. The show sets the stage with genius titles resembling 60's and 70's horror-sploitation flicks. The acting, though a mostly British, Canadian and Australian cast was fed to us in believable bites; stylized 1950's, African American family (the Emorys) moves into SoCal nabe seeking to leave their trauma in N. Carolina (a bit of historical context were given at the beginning).
I will say no more about the plot because, I'm exhausted and I respect the art form of good horror.
I was, however, fully invested in the characters of the Emory's and their individual stories continually hoping for them to catch a break so I could breathe, but like reality, many BIPOC rarely get a break. If you don't like horror, but like period drama, you might be able to digest this.
In fact, it should be watched by Every. Person. In. This. Country! (Including Denmark (you'll get it later on)!
There's a a convergence happening between the reality of our negative societal actions, read: racism, and the horror towards the individual and family unit.
Little Marvin and Lena Waithe write and produce a tightly wound powerful story. The filming and design are off the hook excellent! It's just that, if you're a sensate of conscience you'll have difficulty. We had bad dreams the first night and we could only take it in small doses, but it paid off.
After what's happened in Minnesota and across this effed up country, it only makes sense that I'm enraged and disgusted and continue to be moved to action.
I forced myself to watch this because I should be forced to look at the horror that continues to happen. We've become to desensitized to it. People need to be scared to a point of action.
I enjoy the genre of horror and as painful as this was I truly enjoyed this production's true artistry!
Pop the corn, and buckle in for a harsh history lesson that tells a story a quiet neighborhood.
Eventually, maybe you'll thank me.
Supernova (2020)
A Well-Polished Mirror
There's more to this movie than some gay trope. I was drawn in, first by the characterizations of Tucci and Firth because it was Tucci and Firth, but then I was invested by the relationship dialogue and their realistic delivery. MacQueen created a film about and for a generation of us who are "in it".
We've gone through identity politics, rejection from Thatcher and our governments and then entered our first epidemic that many of us didn't live through. This wasn't about that. It was about those of use who survived it and are now confronted with the challenges and threats that come with aging.
Granted, this will appeal to couples currently in relationships, but it can also be seen as a camera to our lives, our loves and how we choose to cope. Sure, tilts two seemingly straight white actors playing gay. And to that I say it's quite impressive acting on both their parts; not just about kissing, but about the gendered rapport and conflict that comes with a long-term gay male relationship.
I felt like I was "seen", in the same way that I'm sure that some community members were "seen" when "Boys In The Band" first came out. Film can be a mirror into our lives. And this film, for me, did just that.
No, it's not a great film, but it's a necessary one for a generation moving through their lives. It speaks the dialect of many of us, while validating our realities and the emotions and trauma we confront or deny. View it with a broader lens and enjoy the writing and performances 9f these two fine actors.
Lovecraft Country: I Am. (2020)
Filled my lungs with energy!
This episode was truly the macro and the micro in storytelling! The juxtaposition of history and future and a multiverse in the context of al the language coming out of this!
The shrinking of character both in Hippolytus and Montrose and being "seen"! I'm still trying to regulate my breathing from this!! BAM!
I Am Woman (2019)
Sturdy, if not derivative musical biography but well-needed
Getting the worst out of the way, it was derivative, BUT, nothing has been written about neither Helen Reddy or other major female artists front hat time. The active was decent and Tilda got many of Ms. Reddy's moves down accurately. Evan Peters was a good actor for Jeff Wald. I think that the woman who helped lift the sails of the ERA and women's rights' movement and provided a strong musical history in its wake!! Brough tears to this man's eyes and reinforced my respect for her work! Worth a viewing!!
The Good Fight: The Gang Is Satirized and Doesn't Like It (2020)
Never fails to impress!
I wish I knew what the writers are reading, who they know or how they structure their scripts!! This show is GENIUS and views like a documentary! This episode had the US DOJ written ALL OVER it! I'm blown away by the balance of character development, casting and effectively balancing it with timely and relevant plot! It's like this spin off gave themselves permission to go meta and write what they truly wanted to!! Love love LOVE IT!!
Watchmen: Martial Feats of Comanche Horsemanship (2019)
Outstanding interpretation with relevant themes!!
This telling of The Watchmen challenges the viewer to think outside the box! I'm both surprised at the lower viewership and yet I understand given the source material and how it steps beyond the source. People are still unfamiliar with the characters and the references to those who are not on screen. Also, people tend to get judgey when social themes of racism are featured so prominently. I'm a firm believer in the television and cinema as an art form that holds a mirror and forces our culture to look at its true colors. Having a powerful actress like Regina King leading this story was a genius casting strategy! I think that viewers need to be patient and allow the story and its characters to unfold. I, for one, am a committed viewer and look forward to the unfolding!
Watership Down (2018)
A serviceable remake, with a skilled and stellar voice-cast!
This is such a beautifully told tale. I credit the amazing Me. Adams with that. Not particularly for little little children, this tale of survival and death has been retold beautifully! The tale always brings tears to my eyes!
The artwork from the original animation isn't quite there, but it's been replaced by another rich style of cgi-like animation! And, of course, the stellar voice cast simply will not disappoint!
I have been reading this book since it came out in 1972 when I was a preteen! Of course I'm partial to the original and the book, but taking it to a 4-part series allows them to expound of some of the unique intrigue! I say, "well done!"
Insatiable (2018)
Essentially a teen rework of Joan Rivers' "Girl Most Likely To"
Cute and teenager-y with decent scripts. Cross between "Mean Girls" and "Drop Dead Gorgeous". But Stockard Channing and Ed Asher do a better job in the TV movie version written by Joan Rivers.
Cloak & Dagger: Call/Response (2018)
Thank YOU! More, please!
I'm SO glad tha Marvel brings current culture and race politics into this show through this episode!! I'm tired of the complainers moaning that their shows are too political. If television and graphic novels are an art form, then there MUST be a social impact and reflection of the world we live in! This show is doing it, albeit from a young adult perspective, which in this day and age is even MORE important! Also, thanks for spelling out the krewe culture!! More conscious storytelling please!
Miss Sloane (2016)
Good portrayal, if ideal, of policy/lobbying world and character analysis
"Miss Sloane" covered the policy lobbying world in a way that really hasn't honestly been done in the past. Despite the hot button topic of "Gun Control" (emphasis on "control", Rabid Red Staters), the K Street negotiations felt relatively tight. However, the non-profit side of things was a little glamorous.
Jessica Chastain played the character quite well. There probably could have been some more side story to justify the ending and give some more build to her character development, but as someone who has worked in public policy for over 30 years, it felt really on point. Definitely a movie for those who enjoyed shows like "Newsroom" (where they seemed to employ a few of their actors!) and like to be challenged in their viewing.