Change Your Image
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Reviews
Sr. (2022)
A fond farewell, a student honours his mentor
Wow. I have to admit never seeing any of the movies featured but can identify many of the cast as movers and shakers in the industry. Testament to a man who made movies for the pure pleasure of movie making and challenging the perceptions of others. Family and friends contributing to a precis of a craftsman and a Son charting his final farewell to a Man who allowed him live his own life.
Many time I recognised parallels in the relationship between Father and Son and my own parent & myself (sudden death syndrome) and that last 'interview' where Jr 'knows' is touching as it is shared with Jr's Jr. I can only conclude that when Sr's mind went elsewhere it was back to the time when editing of his segment was in process.
At times poignant, mostly humorous, this end-time journey was something I would not usually watch but I am so glad I did, such creativity.
The Sandman (2022)
It is what it is, an introduction to the Dreaming
After the disappointment of American Gods and the delight of Goods Omens I was excited to watch The Sandman.
Having read and reread the graphic novels and fending off an over competitive brother about who knows what I have a history with the groundbreaking Gaiman Dark Tales. I have noted the whinges and whines of the purists, but dismissed their complaints as change keeps things contemporary. Their concerns are for the superficial and the live action serial has kept the heart of the narrative.
Surely, the telling does not slavishly mimic the comic books, the CGI, the episode length, the PC police and complexity required are the myriad reasons The Sandman has been dubbed unmakeable. However, the cast (Sturridge, Dream, Park, Desire and Howell-Baptiste, Death deserve special praise) are brilliant but sometimes delivery is rushed (Constantine especially).
The fundamentals of the storyline are present but there is a distinct lack of the horror which 'fleshed' out the narrative and added a more mystical dimension.
Hats off to Splatterbloat for "There's One at the Door . . .", a most disconcerting ditty which set the scene for the best retrieval episode and foreshadow.
After the first series of ten I was disappointed but could understand why the TV could not challenge the Books. The tone is adult but lacks Darkness, the writing is tight but has simplified themes, the visuals are eye-catching but not breathtaking.
Upon reflection, the comic books didn't really get down to proper storytelling until Book 2. The Dreaming Universe is a rich tapestry drawing on the themes introduced in Book 1 and I hope Season 2 echoes the development.
ADDENDUM BONUS EPISODE.
Oh my, The Sandman was replete with side stories and non-local tales two of which feature in ep11. Animated cats and Greek Muses. Graphic Novel gems hinting at the future (I hope!)
The Voices (2014)
A quiet obsidian black comedy that screams.
Hard not admit that this is quirky and definitely disturbing from the start but the innocence and vulnerability of Jerry (Reynolds) drew me in and held my attention.
Acting from all concerned is involving and believable for the material and context and the tale being told from one point of view adding to the depth and pathos. The Voices starts light enough and shows a pleasant but odd guy at odds with his feline companion but supported morally by the canine. Devil and Angel on his shoulders. As the story progresses Jerry's backstory emerges, the humour become darker, subtext more uncomfortable and previous titters and laughs now have reference in the bigger picture of Jerry's Doom. Not a descent into schizophrenia and psychopathy but a fully fledged plummet with Reynolds showing acting chops of hidden genius and all concerned helping him deliver a work of depth and sensitivity for his subjects POV.
This really is a brilliant movie, especially with the final musical number, which is funny, detailed, enlightening and deeply disturbing all at once. Intelligent film making without the massive budget.