dbkdances Reviews

Capital Games (2013)

What movie were the other reviewers watching?

[2/10 · 8 August 2017]

I looked forward to this movie based on the reviews I saw on IMDb. The first one was the only one I should have heeded. The rest sounded like they were written by friends of the company.

The acting was dreadful. Eric, his sister, and Mark's fiancée were blatantly overacting. Moreover, I saw no chemistry between the leads. I believed Mark's ambivalence and the anxiety over his predicament, but even he was hard to take. I don't know if the problem can be traced to the director or the actors.

It could have been a real interesting portrait of straight men falling for each other - instead it was a bust.

Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp (2015)

Silly and dumb and why did I laugh so hard?

[8/10 · 1 August 2015]

I found the first two or three episodes almost painful to watch. The writing was lame, there was no connection to the movie to speak of, and I wondered why all the actors agreed to do the film (does anyone read scripts?). Somehow, there was enough to get me to watch the rest and I must say there were some funny bits. It reminded me of SNL, where maybe one out of four skits get me laughing.

It was great fun watching all the actors do their thing, some of them surprisingly well. Jon Hamm is a riot, especially in a fight with Christopher Meloni. Both of them playing their absurd roles totally straight-faced. I did not recognize Chris Pine, and enjoyed him as well as a half-dozen a-list actors and actresses.

I'm glad I stayed for the later episodes.

Cupcakes (I) (2013)

Silly farce yet totally entertaining

[9/10 · 10 July 2015]

My interest in this film came out of Eytan Fox's previous work. Walk On Water is one of my favorite films, and all of his previous films have been serious and gay-positive. A friend saw it at a local festival last year, and recommended it.

I just caught it on Netflix and as I watched it, my smile grew larger and larger. Clichés are in place, as a broad mix of people come together to put on a "Eurovision" type show. This gives another perspective to life in Israel.

It probably lost something in the translation to subtitles, but ultimately the narrator's reflections on life take a back seat to the old "let's put on a show" plot line.

There are many serious moments, as when the parents of one of the gay couple say they accept the relationship, but discretion is required. Each of the six participants has a back story, not always clear (subtitles?) but it's a comedy and corny as it may be, we have a happy ending.

Grace and Frankie (2015–2022)

Fonda and Tomlin hit it out of the park

[9/10 · 9 May 2015]

I binged the series over a 2-day period and wished there was more. The characters were well developed and the whole thing was very entertaining. It covered many bases that divorce can bring about to family and friends, and dealt with issues of loss, honesty and aging, among others.

I wish Sheen and Waterston had had greater chemistry between them, but their interactions with the family members were believable and poignant. I especially enjoyed June Diane Raphael and Baron Vaughn, as two of the four adult children.

What I can't decide is who I liked better, Fonda or Tomlin. In each case, they braved characterizations that were vulnerable and multi-faceted. In the case of each, this is their best performance, and the two together were phenomenal. Funny one moment and heart-tugging the next.

This is an adult story, in the best sense of the word.

Snails in the Rain (2013)

Misled but satisfied

[8/10 · 4 May 2015]

Just watched this film, and as other reviewers have indicated, the cover photo is misleading.

I think those reviewers who refer to the hero as homosexual, are missing something. Boaz has always been afraid of his own same-sex attraction, and as often as not, strikes out against any gay man who approaches him. One could label him a gay-basher. Homophobic bisexual probably fits him more accurately.

The story takes place in 1989, one year after homosexuality has been decriminalized in Israel and four years before gays could serve openly in the army. As such, it takes place in a time of great change. This factoid may have also played a part in his inner struggle.

Yoav Reuveni, beyond eye candy, gives a nuanced performance. The production is well-paced and professional (a far cry from the early Israeli-gay films). I'm glad to see that Eytan Fox is not the only great Israeli director of gay-themed films.

Impossible Choice (2012)

Impossible to Watch

[3/10 · 20 February 2015]

I found this earnest effort difficult to sit trough. The pacing, the amateurish performances, the clichés, all made me want to go watch something else. The direction was tedious and the acting was on a level with high school drama. The father, in particular, was a cartoon depiction of a fundamentalist Christian. I only gave it a three because it contained one scene in an acting class where Matthew Shepard is portrayed in what seems to be purgatory and that scene was touching. The rest of it was painful to behold, and not in a good way.

If you want to watch an excellent movie that explores the conflict of religion and coming out, watch "Prayers for Bobby."

Everything Is Illuminated (2005)

A slow starter with a most powerful conclusion

[10/10 · 9 December 2006]

This was an unexpected treasure. I happened on this film while watching HBO and something about it kept my interest despite moments of near tedium. I Couldn't tell if it was trying to be funny, serious or what.

By the time Jonathan (Wood) reached his destination, I was riveted and involved and very much moved. Wood's performance was stoic and at first annoying, but again, as the past was revealed, it made sense. The rest of the cast got it totally right. I salute Schreiber for making the film, for what must have been a labor of love, and for not risking a more formulaic approach.

All the elements came together - the music, the acting, the location - to create a beautiful testament to memory and honoring the past.

Dave (1993)

Capra Lives! This charmer stands up beautifully

[9/10 · 10 September 2006]

Just saw Dave again after many years, and was impressed by how well it plays in 2006. The tale of a common man taking the place of the President of the USA may have seemed more appropriate to Clinton's time, but it's still full of satirical barbs that keep it contemporary.

The cast is flawless, and the direction is clean. Kevin Kline plays it earnestly and Sigourney Weaver is believable. Frank Langella is a perfect villain. Seeing all the real-life politicos and news-people still make it great fun. I found it very reminiscent of Mr. Smith goes to Washington with Kline doing a great modern Jimmy Stewart. Frank Capra would approve.