I appreciate this new series, which will grow on you episode over episode. What some reviewers here are not getting is this is a fairytale, a fable. McCarthy and Falcone have a lovely sweet energy together, and a shout out to supporting cast members, especially Ana Scotney, Kevin Dunn and Georgie Bolton. Satan too! Give it a chance, an entertaining binge watch..
Reviews
9 Reviews
August: Osage County
(2013)
Wow. Just wow.
20 April 2014
If you, or someone you know, harks from a childhood punctuated by emotional abuse and abandonment, you will recognize (uncomfortably recognize) many of the themes touched on in this film – how hateful words cut and strafe the soul, the cost of surviving in this kind of environment, children flying out of these abusive homes at the speed of light as soon as they can cut free, the lasting scars that never seem to completely heal, tragi-comic coping skills (Juliette Lewis's Karen), the legacy of emotional abuse as the ugly gift that keeps on giving, down through generations.
Emotional violence begets emotional violence, as embodied in Julia Roberts' Barbara. Roberts and Meryl Streep are riveting in their pas de deux throughout this play-film, crafting rightfully lauded performances. Another sparkling gem here, imho, is Ivy, played by Julianne Nicholson. Nicholson's nuanced performance captivates -- she has arrived as an A lister, in my book. An actor's actor, too. I tip my hat as well to Chris Cooper, who just keeps evolving on the screen, with rich and deep performances.
This film is an adaptation of the play, evident throughout the film's distinctive ebb and flow, a sense of division into acts and scenes, and staging that acknowledges August: Osage County's origins on the boards in a work by Tracy Letts. I am intrigued now to read the play, and see it performed on stage. Personally I am fond of cinematic adaptations from theater (ex. Angels Over America, Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, etc.). There is a distinct tone and rhythm when this translation from stage to screen occurs. It is fascinating, if you love literature in general, to see how directors (John Wells in this case), make key choices to adapt a play for screen. It was smart to have the playwright create the script in this case, an eloquent adaptation.
The costume and styling design work was excellent too. Notice the hair of the three sisters, Barbara, Ivy and Karen, and of Streep and her sister counterpart. Wardrobe as well tells a story, reflecting emotional shifts and changes, and punctuating arcs in the storyline, as does the soundtrack (and the gorgeous acoustic rendering of Last Mile Home by Kings of Leon).
Also, the use of environment must be noted, in the architecture of the family home, the vast open plains of Oklahoma, the still-rustic small towns that punctuate the landscape, and the storied history of the place, from Native American decimation (marked in a quiet, riveting performance by Misty Upham), rapid crazed settlement (the Oklahoma Sooners), the madness-inducing heat of the place, and the dysfunction bred by poverty, isolation, and ignorance – still a prominent feature of plains life.
We all get wounded, we all have dysfunction in our families. Some more than others. In this film, you will find traces of yourself and your family, amplified to an almost unbearable level. If you do not, you had an exemplary childhood, and you probably do not exist. And yet, I found solace in this moving, beautifully crafted cinematic tour de force. There is escape, there is a life outside the plains, there is the whisper of a possibility of a chance of what it takes to begin healing. A second viewing leaves me equally touched and moved. As my review title says -- WOW.
Emotional violence begets emotional violence, as embodied in Julia Roberts' Barbara. Roberts and Meryl Streep are riveting in their pas de deux throughout this play-film, crafting rightfully lauded performances. Another sparkling gem here, imho, is Ivy, played by Julianne Nicholson. Nicholson's nuanced performance captivates -- she has arrived as an A lister, in my book. An actor's actor, too. I tip my hat as well to Chris Cooper, who just keeps evolving on the screen, with rich and deep performances.
This film is an adaptation of the play, evident throughout the film's distinctive ebb and flow, a sense of division into acts and scenes, and staging that acknowledges August: Osage County's origins on the boards in a work by Tracy Letts. I am intrigued now to read the play, and see it performed on stage. Personally I am fond of cinematic adaptations from theater (ex. Angels Over America, Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, etc.). There is a distinct tone and rhythm when this translation from stage to screen occurs. It is fascinating, if you love literature in general, to see how directors (John Wells in this case), make key choices to adapt a play for screen. It was smart to have the playwright create the script in this case, an eloquent adaptation.
The costume and styling design work was excellent too. Notice the hair of the three sisters, Barbara, Ivy and Karen, and of Streep and her sister counterpart. Wardrobe as well tells a story, reflecting emotional shifts and changes, and punctuating arcs in the storyline, as does the soundtrack (and the gorgeous acoustic rendering of Last Mile Home by Kings of Leon).
Also, the use of environment must be noted, in the architecture of the family home, the vast open plains of Oklahoma, the still-rustic small towns that punctuate the landscape, and the storied history of the place, from Native American decimation (marked in a quiet, riveting performance by Misty Upham), rapid crazed settlement (the Oklahoma Sooners), the madness-inducing heat of the place, and the dysfunction bred by poverty, isolation, and ignorance – still a prominent feature of plains life.
We all get wounded, we all have dysfunction in our families. Some more than others. In this film, you will find traces of yourself and your family, amplified to an almost unbearable level. If you do not, you had an exemplary childhood, and you probably do not exist. And yet, I found solace in this moving, beautifully crafted cinematic tour de force. There is escape, there is a life outside the plains, there is the whisper of a possibility of a chance of what it takes to begin healing. A second viewing leaves me equally touched and moved. As my review title says -- WOW.
Killing Season
(2013)
Ugh.
9 December 2013
I gave this two stars, because the camera work is actually good, and Travolta and De Niro are greats in their own right.
Also, the landscape really is beautiful, not sure where it was shot, but it's set in the Appalachian Mountains, so somewhere in that region?
But what a stinker of a movie, filled with gratuitous violence, and downright idiotic script....
Maybe things went south in the editing bay, I don't know.
It's sad to see these great actors in such a cinematic and artistic failure.
Save your money, and more importantly, save your time!
Oh, more lines of text to say it's awful? OK. It's awful. Awful. Awful.
Also, the landscape really is beautiful, not sure where it was shot, but it's set in the Appalachian Mountains, so somewhere in that region?
But what a stinker of a movie, filled with gratuitous violence, and downright idiotic script....
Maybe things went south in the editing bay, I don't know.
It's sad to see these great actors in such a cinematic and artistic failure.
Save your money, and more importantly, save your time!
Oh, more lines of text to say it's awful? OK. It's awful. Awful. Awful.
Friends with Kids
(2011)
Worth It
6 August 2013
Warning: Spoilers
I found this film to be surprisingly entertaining and well-done for low-budget fare. The performances are quite respectable - my beef is more with the lighting, and some bumpy editing. But who cares? I was entertained and engaged by both storyline and performances. The scene towards the end where he kisses her, hard, against the wall.... Well any even partially heterosexual woman will tell you, that is HOT! There are funny scenes galore here, and a fair amount of non-verbal funny, which I particularly enjoy.
Pop up some popcorn, put up your feet, and lay your inner film critic down for a nap. Odds are, you won't regret it.
Pop up some popcorn, put up your feet, and lay your inner film critic down for a nap. Odds are, you won't regret it.
The Hairdresser
(2010)
Get It, Watch It
31 July 2013
Warning: Spoilers
A surprising gem of a film with a rye, dry sense of humor and a heroine we come to like and respect, because she likes and respects who she is. And that includes her body, which she brightly adorns, lovingly cleans, and supports as needed.
On a second viewing, I realized other assets of the character that I had over-looked the first time. She has clear boundaries, she won't be patronized, she's not afraid to look ridiculous in pursuit of her goal.
The love scene is both radical and beautiful. Humanistic. Sweet. I could do a whole essay on that and where it stands in the history of film, but won't bore you here.
A thoughtful, carefully rendered film with a rather profound message. I'll be looking for more from this creative group.
On a second viewing, I realized other assets of the character that I had over-looked the first time. She has clear boundaries, she won't be patronized, she's not afraid to look ridiculous in pursuit of her goal.
The love scene is both radical and beautiful. Humanistic. Sweet. I could do a whole essay on that and where it stands in the history of film, but won't bore you here.
A thoughtful, carefully rendered film with a rather profound message. I'll be looking for more from this creative group.
Big Miracle
(2012)
Big Miracle is a Big Surprise
16 July 2012
I watched this film on a whim. Wow, I was really surprised, it was GOOD! In addition to being thoroughly entertained and moved, it was very moving to know that the film is based on a true story.
I don't know how they rendered the whales (CGI, mechanical, etc.), but they were extremely life-like. It was also interesting to see how many different cultures interacted -- political realms, the media, the local Inuit community, the oil industry, environmentalists. The script was terrific, and be sure to stay tuned for the end credits, where the actors are shown alongside the real-life players in this drama.
It should be noted that Kristin Bell was excellent in the film, along with the rest of the cast. She appears pretty far down in the credits, and I'm not sure why, as she had a fairly prominent role.
Watch this one, you won't regret it!
I don't know how they rendered the whales (CGI, mechanical, etc.), but they were extremely life-like. It was also interesting to see how many different cultures interacted -- political realms, the media, the local Inuit community, the oil industry, environmentalists. The script was terrific, and be sure to stay tuned for the end credits, where the actors are shown alongside the real-life players in this drama.
It should be noted that Kristin Bell was excellent in the film, along with the rest of the cast. She appears pretty far down in the credits, and I'm not sure why, as she had a fairly prominent role.
Watch this one, you won't regret it!
Rachel River
(1987)
Well Worth Seeking Out
28 January 2012
I saw this film when it was first released, on the big screen in Los Angeles (in Century City's multi-plex, for those of you who know the city).
It was lovely. The audience, including me, was completely rapt. All these years later, I still remember scenes and images from Rachel River. Vivica Linfors is particularly strong here.
The biggest vote of endorsement came at the end of the film, when THE ENTIRE THEATER AUDIENCE spontaneously rose to their feet and gave the film a long STANDING OVATION.
Believe me, the times this happens with a jaded LA audience are few and far between. The film is that good - nuanced storytelling and performances, lovely cinematography, thoughtful and sensitive direction and editing.
I only wish it was available on Netflx. Maybe if enough of us request it Netflix will add it. This is one film that must not be lost to the dustbins of history.
It was lovely. The audience, including me, was completely rapt. All these years later, I still remember scenes and images from Rachel River. Vivica Linfors is particularly strong here.
The biggest vote of endorsement came at the end of the film, when THE ENTIRE THEATER AUDIENCE spontaneously rose to their feet and gave the film a long STANDING OVATION.
Believe me, the times this happens with a jaded LA audience are few and far between. The film is that good - nuanced storytelling and performances, lovely cinematography, thoughtful and sensitive direction and editing.
I only wish it was available on Netflx. Maybe if enough of us request it Netflix will add it. This is one film that must not be lost to the dustbins of history.
Triage
(2009)
A Must-See
4 April 2011
I was very moved by this film. I loved the pacing, the movement back and forth in time, the many-layered meanings of the word "triage". Colin Farrell's work just gets better and better, he is fast becoming my favorite actor. The camera work is gorgeous too, kudos to the DP.
I'll keep this review short, but suffice it to say, this is a Must-See. Right up there with some other finely wrought journalism/war films, like "Welcome to Sarajevo," and general war films, like John Boorman's "Beyond Rangoon." I'm ordering the book to read and then plan to re-watch the film too. It's not often an author pulls of a great adaptation, but judging from the film, he sure did here.
I'll keep this review short, but suffice it to say, this is a Must-See. Right up there with some other finely wrought journalism/war films, like "Welcome to Sarajevo," and general war films, like John Boorman's "Beyond Rangoon." I'm ordering the book to read and then plan to re-watch the film too. It's not often an author pulls of a great adaptation, but judging from the film, he sure did here.
Beyond Rangoon
(1995)
A Must-See
5 September 2006
Lush cinematography, beautifully written and edited, John Boorman's Beyond Rangoon is a must-see for anyone interested in world politics and the arc of personal transformation. It interweaves a personal and political tale that continues to haunt me, popping up in my mind's eye with frequency. The story line is gripping, and the inner and outer journeys are paralleled carefully and delicately both cinematically, and in the story line. I've watched this film at least six times, and it really holds up to scrutiny. It is particularly relevant today, given world events. Check it out, you won't regret it! BTW, NetFlix does not yet carry it, but you can request that they do.
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