The beauty of Elvis's earlier movies lies in their ability to vividly capture his burgeoning talent in full color. While researching early videos of Elvis performing, all one would find are grainy black and white recordings from fairs or guest appearances on national shows like the Ed Sullivan show. However, in his movies, a different picture emerges. Here, we witness a young 22-year-old with explosive talent, a presence that not only mesmerized audiences and fans but also left an impact on his own parents. It must have been overwhelming for them as well! As a mother myself, my heart skipped a beat seeing Elvis's mom in the audience as he sings "Got a Lot of Living to Do." When the camera pans back to the stage, we glimpse Elvis's dad sitting beside her. It's a moment that truly resonates.
Reviews
44 Reviews
Dune: Part Two
(2024)
Frank Herbert's story gets the 10, not Villeneuve
9 March 2024
I find it difficult to find praise for this jumble of a movie. It is loud, incoherent and subtitles are added ad hoc when the noise is too high. Despite the interesting special effects and the extraordinary source material, Villeneuve's execution leaves much to be desired. Never mind the studio-planted endless ratings of 10/10 on this site.
We forgave the sluggishness of Dune, but we are bewildered by Dune II. My rating of this film is low, because one must take into consideration not just the final product, but also the abundant resources available to Villeneuve to create this film: ample budget, talented cast, and a rich source material.
The pacing of the first movie was rightfully criticized as slow. Unfortunately, this trend persists in Dune II. I found myself zoning out constantly despite the fact that I am an ardent fan! And that is where the problem lies. Villeneuve's emphasis is to appeal to younger viewers with limited familiarity with Frank Herbert's phenomenal books. Consequently, enthusiasts of Dune may depart the theatre shaking their heads in disappointment, and asking themselves, What the heck just happened? In addition to that, Villeneuve actually changes the original story of the novel which may leave avid fans of the novel feeling quite disappointed.
Regrettably, the execution fell short of expectations. Directors, producers, with a lot less at their disposal have produced much better products. This movie has endless silhouettes against the sunset (ok, we get it) garbled dialogue, too many closeups, rushed script. I am not entirely surprised, I suppose. I began to worry when seeing the overwhelming hype surrounding this production, surpassing even that of Dune. The frequent interviews by the young actors delivering lame dialogue, coupled with long-winded monologues from the female lead, leave much to be desired in terms of refinement. It seems unlikely that an Oscar is forthcoming for this performance, so the actress should temper her delivery (take it down a notch) and recognize the collective focus of the production.
The fans who never read the books will like it for the great story. In fact many accolades here are for the story itself. Frank Herbert gets the 10 not Villeneuve.
We forgave the sluggishness of Dune, but we are bewildered by Dune II. My rating of this film is low, because one must take into consideration not just the final product, but also the abundant resources available to Villeneuve to create this film: ample budget, talented cast, and a rich source material.
The pacing of the first movie was rightfully criticized as slow. Unfortunately, this trend persists in Dune II. I found myself zoning out constantly despite the fact that I am an ardent fan! And that is where the problem lies. Villeneuve's emphasis is to appeal to younger viewers with limited familiarity with Frank Herbert's phenomenal books. Consequently, enthusiasts of Dune may depart the theatre shaking their heads in disappointment, and asking themselves, What the heck just happened? In addition to that, Villeneuve actually changes the original story of the novel which may leave avid fans of the novel feeling quite disappointed.
Regrettably, the execution fell short of expectations. Directors, producers, with a lot less at their disposal have produced much better products. This movie has endless silhouettes against the sunset (ok, we get it) garbled dialogue, too many closeups, rushed script. I am not entirely surprised, I suppose. I began to worry when seeing the overwhelming hype surrounding this production, surpassing even that of Dune. The frequent interviews by the young actors delivering lame dialogue, coupled with long-winded monologues from the female lead, leave much to be desired in terms of refinement. It seems unlikely that an Oscar is forthcoming for this performance, so the actress should temper her delivery (take it down a notch) and recognize the collective focus of the production.
The fans who never read the books will like it for the great story. In fact many accolades here are for the story itself. Frank Herbert gets the 10 not Villeneuve.
Sense8
(2015–2018)
Modern Take on the 1960's "The Champions"
8 February 2024
This series is strongly reminiscent of the 1969-1969 TV series called "The Champions" with added sensory features such as bilocality. While some viewers perceive it as slow-paced with too much dialogue, its intention is to intricately develop the backstory and individual arcs for each of its eight characters. However, what strikes me as particularly unusual are the frequent and explicit sex scenes, often escalating into bizarre orgies among the characters. This excessive portrayal can feel out of place. Despite their adventures and misadventures, the entire first season concludes, leaving viewers with unanswered questions about the purpose of the 8 sensates.
Why were they created? How long has this phenomenon been occurring? Is there a deeper significance to their unique abilities? These questions are still not answered by the end of the first season.
Why were they created? How long has this phenomenon been occurring? Is there a deeper significance to their unique abilities? These questions are still not answered by the end of the first season.
Next in Fashion
(2020–2023)
Grace and maturity of the contestants
23 January 2024
A show host plays a key role in a show as the guiding force embodying leadership and setting the tone. That is how they earn the respect of the candidates as well as the viewers. Such leaders do not abruptly switch between insensitive, disrespectful boss-type to an expectation for collegial camaraderie. They do not jump from being authoritative to emotional. These sudden shifts from hard-nosed to someone shedding tears during the elimination process is jarring. It is so for both the contestants as well as for the viewers. It comes across as fake. Erratic behaviour suggests an individual grappling with their own internal discomfort, lacking of emotional control, and projecting their struggles onto others through outbursts of bossiness or tears.
They want us to believe that despite their rudeness, they are somehow suffering more than the contestants ! If the contestants displayed such behavior they would have been eliminated. As the season draws to a close, it is evident that the contestants' poise and maturity far surpassed that of the hosts, whose behavior at times appeared lacking in both maturity and in experience.
Looking ahead to future seasons, it would be prudent to consider new hosts who command the respect and admiration of aspiring designers and of the viewers, ensuring a conducive environment for talent to thrive.
They want us to believe that despite their rudeness, they are somehow suffering more than the contestants ! If the contestants displayed such behavior they would have been eliminated. As the season draws to a close, it is evident that the contestants' poise and maturity far surpassed that of the hosts, whose behavior at times appeared lacking in both maturity and in experience.
Looking ahead to future seasons, it would be prudent to consider new hosts who command the respect and admiration of aspiring designers and of the viewers, ensuring a conducive environment for talent to thrive.
Grace and maturity of the contestants
22 January 2024
A show host plays a key role as the guiding force, embodying leadership qualities and setting the tone for the show. However, such a leader does not abruptly switch from being authoritative to be totally emotional; jumping between a hard-nosed, rude boss and expecting collegial rapport. The sudden shift from a stern, unyielding figure to vulnerability and shedding tears during the elimination process is jarring for both the candidates and for the viewers.
This erratic behaviour suggests an individual grappling with their own internal discomfort, projecting their struggles onto others through outbursts of bossiness or tears. It comes across as though they want to convince us they are suffering more than the candidates. I am just glad that this season has come to an end. My heart truly goes out to the candidates who had to endure this childish charade. It goes to show that even a bad leader cannot stop true talent. The grace and maturity of the candidates far surpassed that of both hosts combined.
This erratic behaviour suggests an individual grappling with their own internal discomfort, projecting their struggles onto others through outbursts of bossiness or tears. It comes across as though they want to convince us they are suffering more than the candidates. I am just glad that this season has come to an end. My heart truly goes out to the candidates who had to endure this childish charade. It goes to show that even a bad leader cannot stop true talent. The grace and maturity of the candidates far surpassed that of both hosts combined.
Boss man/woman
22 January 2024
I have always expressed the belief that there is nothing less appealing than a woman who adopts a commanding style reminiscent of that of a boss-man. Being a successful businesswoman should not entail embracing the negative qualities often associated with the stereotypical toxic male. Responding curtly to young contestants unmistakably signals an inability to navigate a position of authority effectively. This season serves as a clear example of what one should avoid when leading a group of aspiring professionals. The designers exhibit a greater sense of class and maturity compared to the hosts, underscoring a regrettable reflection on the overall lack of quality of the Season 2, mostly due to the hosts.
Degenerating rapidly.
21 January 2024
Watching this episode was a disheartening due to the continuous inappropriate banter from the two hosts that has only degenerated from episode 1. It's painful to see these wonderful, talented young designers excel only to have the hosts trash their work in such a manner. Do the hosts realize that the fashions have been designed in mere hours! Season one had professional, sensitive comments that were clearly rooted in real life experience. It is evident that either one or both these hosts needs a lesson in hosting, sensitivity, reality, and perhaps even fashion, because there is no teamwork between the two of them.
The hosts come across as the amateurs
21 January 2024
This season lacks the depth it once had. Tan France already has one year under his belt with this show, yet the magic seems elusive. The responsibility of maintaining fluidity and injecting the show with captivating banter falls on the both hosts. Unfortunately they falter. The two hosts struggle to keep things lively. Their attempts at guiding the dialogue forward are unimpressive, marked by comments that lack substance, or feel out of place. They sometimes carry a condescending tone when a special guest expresses a differing view. It is disappointing; the hosts come across as the amateurs. Bring back Alexa Chung. She brought a special something to the show.
Mr. Holmes
(2015)
Beautiful movie but why make it about Sherlock Holmes.
18 January 2024
The movie unfolds with intellectual and analytical contemplations, mysterious elements, breathtaking views of rural Britain, profound emotional layers, and a gentle, warmhearted domestic storyline. Young Roger in the film is a remarkable discovery, praised for both his uncanny resemblance to Thomas Brodie-Sangster and impressive acting talent. Hattie Morahan, portraying the troubled wife, and Ian McKellen as the detective deliver outstanding performances, making the movie a must-watch for their exceptional acting.
The film could have been enhanced if it focused on an unnamed but renowned detective grappling with doubts about case outcomes. Unfortunately, the decision to explicitly identify the character as Sherlock Holmes, seemingly for broader appeal, undermines the movie's essence. Insisting on the Holmes connection becomes grating and erodes the audience's perception of the beloved detective, whereas leaving it ambiguous would have sparked audience speculation. I would have rated it 8 or higher, but the decision to center it around Sherlock Holmes diminishes my overall appreciation.
The film could have been enhanced if it focused on an unnamed but renowned detective grappling with doubts about case outcomes. Unfortunately, the decision to explicitly identify the character as Sherlock Holmes, seemingly for broader appeal, undermines the movie's essence. Insisting on the Holmes connection becomes grating and erodes the audience's perception of the beloved detective, whereas leaving it ambiguous would have sparked audience speculation. I would have rated it 8 or higher, but the decision to center it around Sherlock Holmes diminishes my overall appreciation.
Whimsical title for a movie about angst
17 January 2024
The juxtaposition of the movie's whimsical title with its somber subject matter is jarring. The story revolves around the invention of the atomic and hydrogen bombs and the detonation of both, killing hundreds of thousands of people to end World War II.
Though the lead character was well chosen to embody the emotional conflict of his participation in such a horrendous project, his acting skills would have been better served with a more developed character arc. While the film includes some interesting dialogue during the inventing process, it is stretched rather thin by the persistent scenes about regret. Consequently, the film unfolds as one hundred and forty-two minutes characterized by relentless angst.
The film would have benefited by a more comprehensive story line.
Though the lead character was well chosen to embody the emotional conflict of his participation in such a horrendous project, his acting skills would have been better served with a more developed character arc. While the film includes some interesting dialogue during the inventing process, it is stretched rather thin by the persistent scenes about regret. Consequently, the film unfolds as one hundred and forty-two minutes characterized by relentless angst.
The film would have benefited by a more comprehensive story line.
Ted Lasso
(2020–2023)
Cool to the end
12 January 2024
It became apparent that the series finale required a poignant catalyst for Ted to make his significant lifestyle choice. The writers ingeniously introduced his mother into the narrative, yet it went beyond a mere familial reunion. They orchestrated a multi-faceted confrontation, seamlessly interwoven to culminate in Ted's final decision.
Their conversation begins by Ted attributing some childhood misunderstandings to his mother (as children often do). Ted soon found himself humbled when he realized she had, in fact, illuminated his own shortcomings as a father: Ted's actions in the series were heading toward a similar future confrontation with his own son: What message was he giving his son? What will Ted's son say to him someday? And will the boy employ the same regrettable language against his father? Ted's mother, demonstrating sagacious wisdom, prevented a similar confrontation between Ted and his son. Well done, writers! Cool to the end.
Their conversation begins by Ted attributing some childhood misunderstandings to his mother (as children often do). Ted soon found himself humbled when he realized she had, in fact, illuminated his own shortcomings as a father: Ted's actions in the series were heading toward a similar future confrontation with his own son: What message was he giving his son? What will Ted's son say to him someday? And will the boy employ the same regrettable language against his father? Ted's mother, demonstrating sagacious wisdom, prevented a similar confrontation between Ted and his son. Well done, writers! Cool to the end.
Where'd You Go, Bernadette
(2019)
Title should be called "You go, Bernadette."
28 December 2023
Another underrated non-mainstream film.
In an era dominated by cynicism and excessive analysis, the need for more films addressing the complexities of our lives has never been more apparent. Our society tends to overmedicalize, sending children to the doctor for every minor ailment, often resulting in misdiagnoses. This trend extends to adults as well, as the true nature of genius remains widely misunderstood. There is a prevailing notion that conventional career paths and climbing the corporate ladder are the only acceptable routes; and deviating from this norm is frowned upon. We need more movies shedding light on individuals who make decisions divergent from the mainstream, yet with compelling reasons behind them. Only the magnificent Cate Blanchett could pull off this complex role.
A notable flaw in the movie lies in its opening. The lack of a well-crafted introduction diminishes the audience's ability to connect with her character. There is a lack of connection from the supporting cast, as she stands apart in a way that doesn't necessarily enhance the viewing experience positively. But the movie is worth viewing. There should be more movies like this one.
In an era dominated by cynicism and excessive analysis, the need for more films addressing the complexities of our lives has never been more apparent. Our society tends to overmedicalize, sending children to the doctor for every minor ailment, often resulting in misdiagnoses. This trend extends to adults as well, as the true nature of genius remains widely misunderstood. There is a prevailing notion that conventional career paths and climbing the corporate ladder are the only acceptable routes; and deviating from this norm is frowned upon. We need more movies shedding light on individuals who make decisions divergent from the mainstream, yet with compelling reasons behind them. Only the magnificent Cate Blanchett could pull off this complex role.
A notable flaw in the movie lies in its opening. The lack of a well-crafted introduction diminishes the audience's ability to connect with her character. There is a lack of connection from the supporting cast, as she stands apart in a way that doesn't necessarily enhance the viewing experience positively. But the movie is worth viewing. There should be more movies like this one.
Four Weddings and a Funeral
(1994)
Mismatched after all the fuss
20 December 2023
This engaging film, boasting an ensemble cast, premiered during the same year as the television debut of the series "Friends." While both productions explore the theme of friendship, "FWAAF" faced a more challenging script. The narrative undertakes the delicate task of trying to portray upper-class characters with empathy. We are introduced to Thomas and Fiona as the 7th wealthiest family in the UK, and Hamish who owns half of Scotland. Despite the potential hurdle posed by their social status, the film encounters obstacles elsewhere in the story. The prospect of a worldly individual forming a genuine connection with Hugh Grant's "Charlie", characterized as a stammering klutz, seems highly improbable. In contrast, the sincerity of Julia Roberts' character in "Notting Hill" is more convincingly portrayed, as she seemed to genuinely care for him. Furthermore, the compatibility between Andie MacDowell and Hugh Grant's characters raises questions, possibly more pronounced than those with Hamish. She constantly rubs salt in Hugh Grant's romantic wounds. Viewers might expect that their future marriage, ironically, wouldn't last any longer than her first marriage. For a true, harmonious relationship one needs to look no further than the one between Gareth (Simon Callow) and Matthew (John Hannah).
Inventing Anna
(2022)
Bad casting
6 December 2023
In this TV series, the reporter (Chlumskey) an obsessed high school kid working on the school paper - childish, whiny, with valley girl cmentality, that are scattered and annoying. This is a clear case of miscasting. Despite being given a prominent role in a series (ok ,not a great series) Chlumskey manages to make it worse, she contributes to it being downright awful. Whenever she appears on screen, I find myself wanting to go do something else due to her incessant whining. She doesn't embody a character but rather a caricature, repeatedly butchering the same lines, over and over. The script could have benefited from improvements, starting with brevity. As noted in some of my previous reviews, the writing seems stretched to artificially lengthen the series.
Emily in Paris
(2020– )
Rapid descent into Soap Opera formula
6 December 2023
I have watched some of this TV series and quickly realized how the writers employed the tired, old, standard playbook. They dedicate numerous episodes to debating whether our main characters will hook up, incorporating all the conventional obstacles to that relationship. Many episodes are devoted to enduring their unrequited love. Occasionally, we are teased with a faint glimmer of hope, only to have it dashed, with the expectation that our interest will be sustained. The remainder of the cast is relegated to relationship-hell as a strategy to prolong the episodes and complicate the story line with a variety of new relationships. Who is sleeping with whom now? Do I really want to know? It's nauseating. The writers have stretched this cookie-cutter formula across three seasons, showcasing their prowess not in originality but in formulaic repetition. This series is tedious, nauseating, and predictable.
The Lovers
(I) (2015)
It's the movie that sank, not the ship
18 November 2023
I was surprised at the bad reviews when I started watching the film. A lot of effort went into this production, with good acting, an interesting story line, time travel, adventure and history. The chase to save or kidnap the queen kept me glued to the screen. It was a thrilling roller coaster for about three-quarters of the film. The last quarter gave mixed messages, jumbled conclusions and added more loose ends. Where was the director, did he fall asleep? The whole story hinges on an underwater discovery of a sunken British ship. What ship? Who was on it? Who drowned? The last time we saw the rings they were in the hands of the two characters in 1778 in a forest in India. How did the rings get on a ship? Not by the dead character in the forest! The last quarter of the film simply sinks the movie.
Love Actually
(2003)
Missing scenes of Bernard (William Wadham) in DVD version are a disappointment
18 November 2023
I loved this movie when it came out and I recently viewed it on DVD and laughed all over again. Each actor is excellent. Bill Nighy still stands out. And to see Martin Freeman (the Hobbit, Sherlock's Dr. Watson) in an early role is delightful. I was so impressed with the younger actors too. They have certainly matured in the last 12 years. ONE DISAPPOINTING FACT: I simply adored the scenes with young Bernard (William Wadham). This little guy can ACT. He and his 'mom' Karen (Emma Thompson) cover a young man's need to fit into society, and overcome his insecurities at home and at school. But in the DVD version his scenes had been deleted. What a disappointment! Please put them back.
Inherent Vice
(2014)
More hair than substance.
18 November 2023
During my flight to Europe, I took a look at the selection of movies available on board. This trailer caught my eye with its promising storyline involving a kidnapping and various relationship complexities.
The film started on a positive note. However the film quickly lost its initial appeal, and devolved into what could best be described as a 1960s slideshow presentation. Stilted acting, slow plodding script, ridiculous hair made this a laughable attempt at a movie. Regrettably, the film prioritized failed stylings over substantive contentReese Witherspoon's early hairstyle came right out of Faye Dunaway's hair in "The Thomas Crown Affair." Joaquin Phoenix's hair, both facial and head, kept alternating between a John Lennon look, and Hugh Jackman's Wolverine-pathetic. These exaggerated unoriginal styles and the repetitive use of phrases such as 'peace' and 'brother,' became tiresome. I found myself saying. "'Get on with it, already.' Also, the intrusive voiceover narration consistently disrupted our attention, leaving us wishing instead for a coherent storyline. The movie lost track of its initial premise and made the flight seem that much longer. So I watched something else.
The film started on a positive note. However the film quickly lost its initial appeal, and devolved into what could best be described as a 1960s slideshow presentation. Stilted acting, slow plodding script, ridiculous hair made this a laughable attempt at a movie. Regrettably, the film prioritized failed stylings over substantive contentReese Witherspoon's early hairstyle came right out of Faye Dunaway's hair in "The Thomas Crown Affair." Joaquin Phoenix's hair, both facial and head, kept alternating between a John Lennon look, and Hugh Jackman's Wolverine-pathetic. These exaggerated unoriginal styles and the repetitive use of phrases such as 'peace' and 'brother,' became tiresome. I found myself saying. "'Get on with it, already.' Also, the intrusive voiceover narration consistently disrupted our attention, leaving us wishing instead for a coherent storyline. The movie lost track of its initial premise and made the flight seem that much longer. So I watched something else.
Whiplash
(2014)
Master and Student
18 November 2023
We meet a music student. He has an intelligent face and is a talented drummer. His demeanour and expression are less advanced: awkward would be a better description here. The Master noticed. A brief conversation between them in the corridor and the Master knows what makes this particular student tick. He expects all his students to bare their souls. Time to throw chairs.
A multi-level battle for mastery : Master versus student, student versus student, student versus himself, versus his expression, all expressed through music. This is not an adventure movie; it is not a high tech FX galactic battle. But there is a battle, there is tension: when it's time to perform; time to plunge in; to hit the right notes; to suffer the blisters and play till you bleed. Metaphors abound: losing your head; give them enough rope to hang themselves; being left hanging; off with their heads. Decapitation comes in many forms. This movie grabbed me from the start. I identified with the characters. They go through the paces of finding one's place, making sacrifices, perfecting oneself in whatever endeavour we choose in life. It is a backdrop, a reference point, a moment in time we all live, as we strive to excel and express within our chosen adventure. Dare to be great.' This movie certainly is.
A multi-level battle for mastery : Master versus student, student versus student, student versus himself, versus his expression, all expressed through music. This is not an adventure movie; it is not a high tech FX galactic battle. But there is a battle, there is tension: when it's time to perform; time to plunge in; to hit the right notes; to suffer the blisters and play till you bleed. Metaphors abound: losing your head; give them enough rope to hang themselves; being left hanging; off with their heads. Decapitation comes in many forms. This movie grabbed me from the start. I identified with the characters. They go through the paces of finding one's place, making sacrifices, perfecting oneself in whatever endeavour we choose in life. It is a backdrop, a reference point, a moment in time we all live, as we strive to excel and express within our chosen adventure. Dare to be great.' This movie certainly is.
So Far So Good
(2014)
Real life and entertaining
18 November 2023
I saw this movie at the Italian Film Festival in Montreal just last week. The characters are realistic, charming, engaging and full of life. Like kids in a dorm, they have all kinds of misadventures, heartbreak, live-in mishaps. And all the things that can and will go wrong in relationships and fitting in. Without giving away too much, the story is about a group of friends (similar to the series Friends) living together. They are funny, romantic, lost (let's not forget that one) enraged, happy, and totally devoted to each other. I enjoyed it. The audience burst out laughing throughout the screening!
The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
(2015)
Improvement on the original series
18 November 2023
Yes! Guy Ritchie did it. He improved on the original 1960's series. Not surprising, given the amazing talent he worked with. This trio of actors is simply excellent and each plays a role out of their 'depth,' with added accents, and a comedic twist. Yes, Armie Hammer was funny in "The Lone Ranger,' but here he shows us he can act! And Hugh Grant's limited scenes still impact the movie in a very positive way. The chase scenes are intense, the rivalry is realistic, the bonding is believable, the characters remain human despite the extraordinary circumstances they find themselves in. The soundtrack is great. Well done, all !
La La Land
(2016)
Don't waste your time or money
18 November 2023
This flat, poorly scripted movie clearly draws from (read copied) several earlier movies: West Side Story, Singing in the Rain, Funny Face (the balloons), Moulin Rouge, Top Hat and yet it actually succeeds in failing. We even hear Kermit the Frog's 'Rainbow Connection' in Emma's song about her aunt. When the screen said "Five Years Later" I sighed because I felt I had already spent 5 years watching this awful movie. Thank God I did not have to sit for five years in front of this disaster! I can write a better script than that, many can. And with all the movies the writer/director appears to have copied from, he should have been able to deliver a better product -- that was at least watchable. Not an Oscar contender at all! Don't waste your time or your money.
Crazy Rich Asians
(2018)
Accomplishment has its own worth
18 November 2023
It is refreshing to see a female role where the character (Rachel) is both accomplished and kind. These two attributes are not mutually exclusive. You can be both. And therein lies the conflict in the movie. Her future mother-in-law, Eleanor, had not been deemed worthy to join the Young family when she married into it. Chances are she was not. Her pettiness and divisiveness prove her unworthiness. Eleanor remained the same petty person she was when she was young. She is living proof that you cannot change who are. Her modern day equivalent in the movie is Michael, Astrid's husband. As Astrid says to him 'I cannot make you what you are not.' He cannot be changed. Neither could Eleanor.
The Midnight Sky
(2020)
Predictable
18 November 2023
The source material is a 2016 novel 'Good Morning, Midnight' by Lily Brooks-Dalton. I read some reviews ont he book, and it provides a wealth of material to work with. Unfortunately Clooney could not even ride the coattails of the author's wonderful vision. Sad to note that a man with the money to deliver, doesn't. I gave the movie 1 star because the site would not permit a 0 rating. What is also sad is how professional film critics are singing its praises! Could it be possible that they dare not offend George Clooney? As someone else said on this forum: The only Clooney with any talent was Rosemary.
Pretty in Pink
(1986)
Viewed it 30 years later and still relevant
18 November 2023
There are many themes in this well written, well-acted movie. Seeing it again in my adult years, a new perspective emerged. The men in Andie's life consist of her dad, her friend Duckie, and a school friend, Blane. Duckie and her dad can't seem to take responsibility for their behaviour, nor their own happiness. Duckie says to Andie, "I'm not particularly concerned with whether or not you like me, because I live to like you ." He holds Andie responsible for his happiness and plays the victim. Blane is willing to walk with Andie through the minefields of their respective social peers. He shoulders responsibility and tries to clear the way for a solid relationship with Andie. He cracks under that weight. Later he tells Andie "I believed in you, I always believed in you. It was you who didn't believe in me." That's when Duckie realizes Blane is the better man. What will Duckie do about that?
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