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The Apprentice (2004)
Trump Tower Offices Stank - Not the Sweet Smell of Success
In 2004 I thought the premise of The Apprentice show was just plain dumb. People where I worked were intrigued by it, so I reluctantly gave it a look. MBA students were tasked with running lemonade stands in Manhattan on the sidewalk. I thought it was preposterous and demeaning. The assignment wasn't even junior high level, it was an elementary school assignment. Trump seemed like a blowhard but people seemed to gravitate toward him because he lived like a rich guy. The show was a hit.
In retrospect, we've since learned that it was all smoke and mirrors. For the more than ten years that the show was on the myth that Trump was self-made was perpetuated. All of it was a lie! Trump was again created on TV like he had created his persona in his life. New Yorkers knew he was a fraud back then and certainly now.
We learn in a new 2024 book "Lucky Loser" that the creators of The Apprentice realized immediately that Trump may have been a "businessman" but he wasn't successful by any stretch. The offices at Trump Tower stank. Literally smelled. Not the sweet smell of success Trump was trying to project by a long shot. The TV creators realized they had their job cut out, making him look like a success. During filming, Trump refused to be briefed for the show. He didn't have the attention span. Sound familiar? It speaks volumes that the show managed to have drama, as Trump fired contestants randomly because he couldn't keep them straight of who was who. What a fool.
The Kominsky Method (2018)
Kominsky-A Comedy with Heart
Alan Arkin was robbed. He plays the agent of hasbeen actor turned acting teacher played by Michael Douglas and he was robbed of a well-deserved Emmy twice. The Kominsky Method is solid entertainment, hilarious and deep. It is especially deep in the first season when Arjun's character becomes a widower.
KM has got a great cast and a storyline that progresses nicely. I loved the relationship between Michael Douglas and Alan Arkin. Arkin's character dresses beautifully and his financial success is measured in his wardrobe and his house. In contrast, Douglas's life is a bit off the rails. Still, you believe these two are friends.
The Kominsky Method was written with adults in mind it is Sophisticated entertainment. I loved it!
The Great (2020)
Historical? Who Cares! Hysterical! Defenitely!
The Great is a satirical comedy in a class by itself. I LOVED every minute of it. The rapid fire dialog, there is chemistry between Elle Fanning and Nicholas Holt that makes this series so spectacularly enjoyable. The entire cast is top notch and every actor knows exactly what they are bringing to their roles. The sets and costumes are first class. I read that one of the costumers had Cat Steven's 1970s rockstar wardrobe in mind for Peter. So brilliant. The promo poster tells you everything about the characters. I love the dynamic power play between Catherine and Peter and that they are trying to kill each other. Phoebe Fox is great too. Everyone is. And the costumes, the costumes! It is such a gorgeous production with the best writers. I didn't want it to end. I have watched it three times and will certainly watch it another three or more. The Great is a joy and just great sophisticated fun. And for those sticklers who can't enjoy a series unless it is one hundred percent accurate, read the history book instead. But I'll take this any day, based on history, with artistic liberties and hilarious fun.
I don't understand these people giving it one star? Ten for me!
Angela's Ashes (1999)
McCourt's Masterpiece
I don't know why when I saw Alan Parker's film, Frank McCourt's "Angela's Ashes" in the cinema, I was disappointed. I have changed my mind.
McCourt's book is a Masterpiece of writing about his miserable Irish childhood made worse by the strictures of the Catholic Church that did previous little to help the masses stuck in abject poverty. Alan Parker brings this vision to the screen unflinchingly. His teachers weren't much better except for the few who treated the kids with dignity and gave them the best advice, "get the hell out of Ireland, just as soon as you can."
Maybe my disappointment came from Liam Neeson not playing the lead character of the alcoholic father. Robert Carlyle does a fine job as does Emily Watson (always excellent) as the mother. All the kids are great too. The film is an artistic triumph in cinematography. Beautiful too watch even though the scenes are heart wrenching.
Frankie survives typhoid fever and even though he was on death's door being taken care of in a warm clean bed, bathed and fed must have been heaven for him.
The suffering these poor people endured living in the lane, the poverty, the filth, the predjudices are crushing. There are some light moments and some light at the end of the tunnel. Frank learns to live by his wits. They serve him well and gets him his freedom to America and in his way saves the lane from their crushing debts with one courageous fling in a waterfall.
This is a solid film but not one for the squeamish.
The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
My Top Five Films includes this Masterpiece
One has to ask if the Academy Members had half a brain in 2000? It is astonishing that "The Talented Mr Ripley" was nominated in several categories and didn't win even one!
Not only is this film a treat for the eyes, in glorious cinematic color, we are treated to some of the most beautiful places in Italy.
The director, Anthony Mingella and his cinematographer traveled Italy for two years scouting and photographing locations. This dedication really pays off.
The cast couldn't be more perfect. Of course, writing this review 24 years later, everyone is so young. Jude Law has never been more beautiful and is the perfect Dickie Greenleaf, so confident, so suave, and sophisticated. He has exquisite taste in everything. His clothes and of course his luggage is perfect. The way he lives enviable. Gwyneth Paltrow lights up the screen. She's so fresh looking, so right for Dickie, so open to Matt Damon's Tom Ripley, who is so out of his league with these two, and becomes intoxicated with their way of life. Tom is on a mission to find Dickie for Dickie's father who has paid him to try and persuade Dickie to return home. Dickie has no intention of ever doing that.
Tom Ripley meets the very upper crust, Kate Blanchett upon arrival in Italy in Customs and wanting to fit in with her, immediately pretends to be Dickie before he even meets him. This is Tom's undoing for what could have eventually been his happiness. You'll have to wait until the end of the film to understand just why.
The very great late Philip Seymour Hoffman has a small pivotal role as the brash, upper class playboy, Freddie Miles. As sophisticated as Jude Law's Dickie is, Freddie is someone so great in his esteem that even Dickie is enchanted by Freddie. It is Freddie's distain for Tom, that brings Dickie back to reality regarding Tom when he realizes that the shine on their relationship has dulled. Tom finds himself on the outside about to lose everything, a very cold place that he never wants to return. This is a huge turning point in the film that turns very dark indeed.
How anyone could describe this film as "slow" has no curiosity and must have trouble following plot lines. Paying attention, is part of the enjoyment of this masterwork.
"The Talented Mr Ripley" is one of my favorite films. I have watched it many times since seeing it in the cinema when it was initially released. It's right up there with "Chinatown," "Women in Love," "Rosemary's Baby," and "GoodFellas."
This film is a masterpiece.
Ripley (2024)
Cinematically Stunning!
Wow, what a fantastic decision to film "Ripley" in crisp, sumptuous black & white. Not only does it lend to the period of 1960s Italy, it intensifies the moodiness and tension of the piece.
"The Takented Mr Ripley" in gorgeous technicolor is one of my top 25 favorite films. I love everything about the film. I am glad the series differentiates itself by doing the opposite in black & white. It works!
Likewise, the "Ripley" Netflix series will be a treat for anyone who enjoys noir. The casting and script are top notch. Andrew Scott's neurotic psychopath is almost sympathetic when he is ridiculed by his "betters." But when he is backed into a corner, watch out. He's pretty calm and cool during his rampages and during interrogations. Always one step ahead.
The actor who plays Freddie is a surprising choice. But then who can compare to Philip Seymour Hoffman's Freddie? Still this Freddie does a good job in playing self satisfied and obnoxious. Never let it slip that you think a killer is a killer if you don't have the police with you.
Marge played by Dakota Fanning gives us a different Marge. She never warmed to Ripley even from the start. My heart breaks for her. She knows deep down Dickie would never treat her this way by choice.
The inspector is great. What a transformation from what the actor really looks like. Who would have guessed he could disappear into this character?
Johnny Flynn as Dickie Greenleaf plays it with all the confidence of a rich kid used to having the best. It's horrible the way he meets his maker. He's been smart up to now. What was he thinking? But then who thinks their friend is a psycho?
This series is a joy to watch. Each cinematic frame so beautifully composed. The direction superb. This is art.
Monsters (2022)
Nicey Nash Deserved the Emmy
"Monster Dahmer" was aptly named and difficult to watch. Until Nicey Nash won the Emmy, I wasn't terribly interested in watching the series because I knew how difficult it would be to see Dahmer's heinous crimes recreated.
The casting was excellent. I am a huge fan of Richard Jenkins and his portrayal of Jeffrey's father was heartfelt with just the right notes of pathos, pain, suffering and confusion. Clearly Mr Dahmer was at his wits end for all of Jeffrey's life. I felt for the grandmother too. If only she had called the police or at the very least a fumigator. Maybe some lives could have been saved if her grandson was stopped sooner.
All of the victims were played so well. As a viewer you care so much and hope they find a way to save themselves. The ones that did were very lucky. The families and their plight were heartbreaking. The horror of Dahmer and his crimes is something they personally endured. For all, it must have made life unbearable.
Nicey Nash played Glenda Cleveland, a neighbor who knew something was off with Dahmer and called the cops multiple times. The police were unresponsive, neglectful of an underserved black neighborhood that just wasn't a priority. When they did respond they believed Jeffrey because he was white and not Glenda because she was black. One of Jeffrey's victims was a 14 year old boy who was drugged and had been lobotomized by Jeffrey drilling holes in his head. It was gruesome, recreating it was gruesome but necessary to show just how evil Dahmer was and how inept the police were on that particular call. Dahmer ruined that boys life even had he lived. Glenda pleaded with the police to take the boy, instead they gave him to Dahmer.
After many murders one of Dahmer's victims managed to get away. He's wearing only pants, but manages to run and flag down the police who thank God believe him enough to investigate bringing the victim to Dahmer's door. The smell of decaying victims is strong enough to make the police not take Dahmer's word but actually go in and look around. Finally Dahmer is arrested.
Equally disturbing is the way the police have no remorse about how they have handled multiple calls that involved what they now know is a serial killer. The two cops that let the 14 year old die by Dahmer's hand were not only decorated later that year but one ends up replacing the police chief who wanted to fire him. It is a disgrace. At the same time the two police are being honored in a grand hall in a grand fashion, Glenda Cleveland is being awarded a small paper citizen's prize in a building's basement. It's an embarrassment the City of Milwaukee's leadership should be ashamed. I am glad that the TV series didn't let them off the hook. The cops come off badly and are actually harassing one of the victim's fathers because he is an immigrant. Ignorance has no limits. They made me sick.
How many times Dahmer was given a pass by cops and a judge because he was white and for no other reason is something every person of conscious should consider gravely. Dahmer deserved the death penalty. He had no remorse for what he had done. I for one am glad he is no longer living.
The actors living these parts must have had a difficult time. They were all so convincing and I have no doubt their roles all consuming.
Robin and Marian (1976)
Sean Connery & Audrey Hepburn Have a Great Time as Robin Hood & Maid Marion Reunited after a 20 Year Absence.
Robin and Marion is a charming period film and one of my absolute favorites.
Director, Richard Lester made The Beatles first film and two great Musketeers films in the 1970s with all star casts. What makes these films so enjoyable is that the scripts are written for characters who seem like normal folks just living their natural lives.
Robin and Marian has an amusing script written by James Goldman who has an ear for natural dialog. The film takes place in the 1190s when life was harsh and grueling. Even the King's castle seems cold and filthy. The costumes and sets add to time and place.
There is great chemistry between the actors and especially Sean Connery and Audrey Hepburn. I loved this film when it came out in 1976 and I love it still.
Richard Lester, I hope you read this review. You made some great films.
Emma. (2020)
By Far the BEST EMMA Period.
In 2020, I saw this delicious film on a very big screen and loved every minute of it! This is absolutely the best Emma adaptation. Spoiler (I also loved CLUELESS). EMMA. Has the same wonderful attributes. It is clever and modern. Emma is hip. Everyone wants to be her friend. Harriet, whom she has taken under her wing, worships her at the near expense of her own happiness.
Bill Nighy, as her neurotic father is at his comedic best. I wish he had more to do. Emma is devoted to him and because of this does not consider marriage for herself...until...
As costume period dramas go, this is one of the best. A feast for the eyes with gorgeous scenery in nature, opulent and beautifully appointed rooms, and everyone dressed impeccably in the most gorgeous clothes. There is humor in every scene. It is conveyed in attitude in the way a character comports him or herself. Josh O'Connor as the minister is ridiculous and supports his character in the way he reacts physically in a walk or a facial expression. He tries to be dignified but can't pull it off.
Emma's determined walk defines her, Harriet's ridiculous clumsy run defines her. The pomposity of society at this time is amusingly conveyed.
This is my favorite Emma.
Napoleon (2023)
NAPOLEON in the Hands of Ridley Scott is a TRIUMPH
Joaquin Phoenix plays Napoleon brilliantly a man obsessed with two things, war and Josephine.
Not all films deserve to been seen at the cinema on the big screen but this one does. "Napoleon" is a gorgeous film from beginning to end. The costuming sumptuous and the scenery stunning.
The script is thoughtful and gives insight into the characters. I learned so much.
Napoleon was obsessed with war. He fought 61 brutal battles and Scott does not shy away from the horrors of war on the battlefield. It is fight to the death. How any soldiers survived these battles is beyond comprehension?
This is a stunning film, superbly acted and a feast for the eyes. I hope it sweeps at Oscar, I'll be routing for it.
Goodbye, Mr. Chips (1969)
A Period Film before Studios knew how to make a Period Film
Peter O'Toole plays a school master in an exclusive boys' preparatory boarding school
in 1920. Petula Clark who got her start as a pop singer in the 1960s England plays a stage actress. I think O'Toole's character is going to fall head over heels for her but I doubt I'll see the end. This film is unbearable.
Yikes all the women in this film have hair styles and make up from the 1960s. Apparently whatever studio made the film didn't think the audience would notice.
It wasn't until the 1970s, one year later that studios began paying attention to such details which really transformed films. (See Ken Russell's "Women in Love" where even the costumes were sourced from thrift shops that had 1920s clothes.
Another far superior film with a similar school theme is "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie." Watch that film instead. Another thing going for "Brodie" is Maggie Smith who is not only brilliant but doesn't break annoyingly into song for no apparent reason.
Under the Banner of Heaven (2022)
Excellent True Crime Drama
Andrew Garfield is excellent as the lead detective (Jeb Pyre) in a horrific true crime murder that happened in the 1980s in Mormon country Utah. Some reviewers had trouble understanding that Garfield's Mormon character is torn practically in half because of his devotion to his church and because hid church elders want to bury the crimes to save the Mormon church from embarrassment. As the crime unfolds and the deeper he is enmeshed in bringing the murderers to justice, the more he stunningly realizes the corruption of church elders. His own faith principles hang in the balance.
The story is told in flashbacks and in the present. We see the crime scene first and later meet the victim in flashbacks. It is her misfortune to marry into the Laffertys family, conservative Mormons who believe wives and daughters are property and husbands rule with iron fists. Her husband is not of this mind but is heavily influenced by his family who already deeply conservative take a fundamentalist turn. His beliefs are deeply imbedded in wanting to spend eternity in the next life with his wife so he doesn't rock the boat with his brothers. If only he had.
For those of us not schooled in Mormonism, there are many "historical" flashback moments that begin with the inception of the religion (that one viewer called ancient) actually from the 1700s. The history is shown in tandem with the modern day Laffertys as past and present Mormons become more radicalized. I suppose this is necessary so we the viewers understand why the Laffertys are going off the deep end and are able to rationalize it.
I wonder if there are any Mormons who watched this series and found their faith tested like Jen Pyre? As someone who is not religious it is difficult to understand how people are indoctrinated and still under the spell of religion when there are so many examples of abuse and corruption past and present. I suppose belief systems die hard. It is entirely possible to do what is right without the benefit of religion as so clearly expressed by Pyre's partner the Native American cop who knows a different side to the Mormon early history and his own people.
The story moves along with all of these themes swirling. Detective Pyre refuses to back down to church pressures. One wonders at the end if he can ever be the same man he was before working on the case?
The cast is excellent and the feeling of the 1980s Utah captured well.
Call Jane (2022)
Who would have predicted that another "Call Jane" movement would be necessary in 2023?
The right to choose was settled until it wasn't! Who would have thought that another "Call Jane" movement would be necessary in 2023?
The film while not perfect get the message across that women were not in control of their own bodies, could not terminate a pregnancy even when medically necessary and the woman's life was in danger. One of the opening scenes has Elizabeth Banks as Joy, pregnant with congestive heart trouble and a hospital board of men voting no on terminating her pregnancy because she might live through it. I almost forgot how dire the situation was back when abortion was illegal in my lifetime. The pill had just become available and has been life changing for women. The film does a good job portraying that time. What a travesty that women's rights have been taken away in more than half of America. I would not have ever predicted that we could regress but we have. It is a tragic state of affairs.
Termination is everyone woman's right. It is a private decision. Laws against women, doctors, pharmaceutical companies, and culpability against anyone willing to help girls and women access to medical help are despicable.
I recommend this film for everyone.
Rome Adventure (1962)
We'll it's watchable, but just barely!
Suzanne Pleshette is a favorite and drew me into watching "Rome Adventure" (1962) after I bailed on "Light in the Piazza" which was unwatchable due to George Hamilton attempting an Italian accent! Ugh!
"Rome Adventure" starts of promisingly with Pleshette quitting her job at a woman's college and treating herself to a trip to Italy. She meets sexy older man Rossano Brassi on the ship crossing over but stunningly there is no spark. Enter Troy Donahue! I haven't seen him in a film since I was a teen. He was surprisingly okay but the script is out-dated and filled with morality about unmarried sex and even in 1962 this must have seemed old fashioned especially to young women at the time.
The travel log of Italy concentrating on Rome and including Florence, Sienna, Verona, Lake Como and other memorable places is nice to see but is handled in a rather bizarre way with we viewers as part of the bus tour. Other tired aspects is the over wrought movie music which is more often than not over whelming.
Bad girl Angie Dickinson vs virgin Suzanne Pleshette along with the religious overtones serves to only date this film to the point of rendering it to almost unwatchable.
Summertime (1955)
One of My Favorites
Katherine Hepburn is vulnerable and brilliant in her portrayal of a midwestern American spinster who has realized her dream visiting Venice. Finally she is here, staying on the Grand Canal. It's everything she imagined but how much better it would be if she too had a fella? She's a bit lonelier than she thought she imagined she'd be even in glorious Venice.
She bids her time and finally she gets noticed by a very attractive Italian. To her delight, he asks out and she's thrilled until she feels betrayed when she finds out the man is still married.
She befriends a small boy whom she likes in spite of his being more street smart than she. She pals around with him and even though just a kid, he adds to the plot and texture of the film.
Rossano Brassi is ten years younger and the picture of sophistication and compassion. His only flaw is that he behaves as a man and can't understand why Hepburn is upset by a little thing like his having a wife. It's a clash of cultures.
Venice is also a star in this film and from the time I saw "Summertime" as a teen, Venice was top on my list as the first place I'd travel. Everyone should see Venice at least once.
So happy HBO has "Summertime" available on demand at this writing 3.6.23 Stream it, you won't be disappointed.
You People (2023)
Funny Send Up of Woke Society
The people who are offended by this film are missing the point. The cliches are just that, cliches. Julia Dreyfus's character bends over backwards trying to be open (trying to show she is cool and woke) and nice to her son's new girlfriend and ends up being cloying and offensive. Instead of just being herself, she tries to make her son's girlfriend comfortable but her efforts do the exact opposite. It's cringeworthy but that is the point. Jonah Hill is beside himself with embarrassment for his mother and his girlfriend.
Eddie Murphy's character is the exact opposite of not being nice in an effort to drive Jonah Hill away. These characters (Julia and Eddie) are opposite extremes and it is meant to be funny.
I have friends who are married who are black and white. A mixed marriage is what it used to be called. I know each of them would think this movie hilarious because they have lived it!
It is interesting reading reviews from people that are highly critical. They haven't the first clue of how to create a script, characters and a story. Even the most genius effort will get a tut tut from these types. Always makes me smile in wonderment. I'm not saying this is the best film ever, but it is what it was meant to be, very entertaining. I especially liked Jonah Hill in it. Hill was especially genuine.
Jojo Rabbit (2019)
JoJo Rabbit a Cinematic Powerhouse Masterpiece
This satire on war takes place during WW2 in Germany is both hilarious and heartbreaking. JoJo is a 10 yr old boy blindly fanatical about the greatness of Hitler, so much so, that Hitler is his imaginary friend treating us to some hilarious dialogue. Hitler is an emotional wreck.
The film is saturated in color. From the very beginning of the overlays of real Third Reich propaganda film mixed with the Beatles' German version of "I Want to Hold Your Hand" you realize you are in for a special cinematic power house experience.
JoJo is caught up in this swirl of propaganda, his mother, played by Scarlet Johansson is having none of it. Sam Rockwell a Third Reich officer has been down graded to brown shirt training camp counselor and when JoJo gets blown up by an explosive at camp Rockwell knows full well that JoJo's mother is going to kill him. Not truly but how she deals with him is hilarious.
This film is not without horror. It is war and not without consequence. There are tender moments too when every time JoJo sees his real best friend they joyfully embrace. It is so cute.
The credits come up with David Bowie's "Heroes" in German. Brilliant from beginning to end. I wish this film got Oscar's Best Picture. It deserved it.
Indian Matchmaking (2020)
Matchmaking in the 21st Century is serious business! I Loved the series!
I hope Sima Taparia continues the tradition and the art of matching willing participants to meet and if the chemistry is right; marry. I am an American, not Indian, and so MM was a foreign concept. I thought it was outdated, silly, unnecessary but this series has changed my mind.
Of course, it is Sima who has won me over. She takes her work seriously and she really does artfully set matches. Some work, some don't but the series continues to be fascinating as you meet new people. You begin to hope for them that they will find love and the right person. It is difficult out there. If you don't meet your true love in high school or college it becomes ever increasingly difficult.
Indian families can be demanding and the pressure to marry must be awful for those who want to marry but haven't found the right match. I got very attached to certain people both the women and the men. One or two women I didn't like at all because of difficult and demanding personalities. Sima knows how to handle all of the personalities from the difficult to the pleasant. It was interesting to see that the more successful the woman the more demanding and more close minded they were. Eventually most opened their hearts which opened their minds to the possibility of love and a relationship.
I hope the season comes back. I want to know if the high school teacher finds someone. He is so sweet and so nice. There has to be someone out there. I also want to know if the shy couple who have to live in the boys home with the parents! Got over their shyness. We're they able to consummate the marriage? I wasn't betting on it but I hope they had time to get comfortable with each other first.
Watch this series for entertainment but knowing this is real for the participants with real consequences. I wish them all happiness.
Till (2022)
Strength, Courage, Bravery a Story That Needs Telling
Danielle Deadwyler deserves an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Mamie Till-Bradley Mobly, the mother of Emmett Till, a 14 year old boy who leaves Chicago to visit cousins in Mississippi the summer of 1955. Because Emmett was raised and lived in Chicago, he doesn't have a grasp on how the balance of power is so mercilessly stacked against him. Emmett pays dearly for trying to compliment a white woman whom he innocently thought resembled an actress.
Gratefully, we are spared the subsequent brutal and barbaric beating and torture the 14-year old boy sustained. However, we do see the aftermath of the torture when his distraught mother sees his body at the funeral home in a heart wrenching scene. What comes next made history and became instrumental in moving the Civil Rights movement forward. Anger is a strong propellant. Instead of being crushed and defeated, Mrs. Till with the fearsome courage of a lioness is determined to show the world "what they have done!" Subsequently, Emmett's battered, bruised and swollen body is presented in an open casket. Photographs of Emmett in his open coffin were broadcasted across the globe and shocked the world. The courtroom case only proved what Black people in America already knew that it was impossible for a Black person to get justice in the Deep South. The perpetrators were found not guilty! Two years later the two men exonerated in the court trial, confessed to the killing of Emmett Till to LOOK magazine for $4,000.
The story is told well. The script and cast are excellent. It is beautifully filmed. I hope that it is rewarded with both Oscar nominations and wins, especially for Danielle Deadwyler as actress in a lead role. She was fantastic.
Brenda Pizzo, Boston.
Indian Matchmaking: Adjustment and Compromise (2020)
Such an interesting series at times painful as these are real people
I am enjoying this series and find myself very much involved in what will happen next. Since I am not Indian, I did not understand the matchmaking aspect that is still very prevalent in the culture. It makes sense to me now as Sima provides a necessary service to find good matches for people who haven't met the right person...yet! The pressure to marry is more than uncomfortable at times. And the thought of moving into the husband's parents' house is unimaginable to western sensibilities. However in this particular episode this is the case with Akshay's and staying in his parent's home after marriage is inevitable, nothing short of expected. In his particular case, Picking the right bride is imperative because she'll marry not only the "boy" but his mother too! Yikes!
It was painful watching the meeting when the "girl" is presented. She's a CPA with a degree in accounting but so shy she has no idea what to say in front of the two families. It must be horrible to be judged so publicly. Akshay must also endure unflattering comments from his mother, in front of everyone, one of which that he is a "momma's boy!" Well whose fault is that!
Akshay has a nice relationship with a female cousin but has not made the transfer and figured out how to talk to his perspective bride. Maybe that's why he rejected over 100 proposals because he knew he didn't know what to say. I felt sorry for him. Later when they did have a chance to talk alone neither of them knew how to converse. Asking, what are you looking for in a life partner? Is not an ice breaker. So many of the other people in this series have had life experience and it shows in their confidence and how they carry and interact with others. These two have been terribly sheltered to the point of crippled.
They are to get married. The engagement came fast and the wedding within two weeks. One hopes they get to know each other before consummating the marriage or will that be the next thing his mother will demand a report? If they find it difficult to talk to each other how will they do THAT without dying of embarrassment?
I hope this couple finds happiness and is able to get comfortable. This is exactly the matchmaking experience that is so foreign to the west. It is one thing to be introduced and for the relationship to take its natural course but to be forced in an imposed unnatural time line seems cruel and unusual.
Windfall (2022)
Great ensemble cast with captivating plot
If blockbusters are your thing, this film is not for you, that would explain some of the lower ratings from movie watchers who are on the younger side and have not exposed themselves to various kinds of film.
This is a fine ensemble cast that develops interesting character studies in a situation none of us would want to find ourselves. Jesse Plemons never disappoints in his portrayals and this is a very different role for Jason Segel.
A wealthy CEO with his wife gets "kidnapped" in his own vacation home and has to navigate his way out of it. Is the burglar dangerous or not? There are twists and turns and for the length of the film no one knows how the scenario will end. Probably not where you think! The title of the film takes on new meaning.
In Her Hands (2022)
Afghanistan is doomed
What can you possibly say about a country governed by religious zealots who lied and continue to lie to their own people? "We will let girls go to school. We will return women their rights!" Lies! They have killed and jailed women who protest against them. The Taliban are small minded weak men who think religion is more important than humanity. They have no humanity.
Zarifa Ghafari at 26 was mayor of a city outside of Kabul in such a climate. The Taliban called her immoral because she dared to help her fellow citizens both male and female. She paid a huge price, the Taliban assassinated her father. Her driver is also featured, Massoum, a courageous and thoughtful man, the father of a baby daughter. He wants change. He is devoted to Zarifa and is disappointed when she gives up her job as mayor and is unable to keep him as a driver. The State Department has rigid rules. He is unemployed, despondent but not so desperate that he joins the Taliban.
When the US troops finally evacuate, Zarifa and most of her family are able to leave and become refugees of Germany. I can't blame her for leaving. It is a desperate situation. As her driver had declared, the Afghan government begged other countries for money and put it in their pockets!" Greed is a tragedy that has caused much suffering. Afghanistan is a hell. Still to my utter amazement Zarifa goes back to set up a school and try and educate those who will listen that education is the only way out. She thinks a woman president is the answer. Perhaps in time she will be that woman.
Mind Your Manners (2022)
Great Advice for People Who Want to Get More Out Of Life
Sara Jane Ho has some great advice to help navigate the world and elevate your life. She looks perfect and seems like she wouldn't or couldn't relate to regular folk, people unlike herself but she sees people as they are and shows them they can do better and be better. This is not a preachy show, simply, this is the world of etiquette, these are the rules, this is how it is done. It is more than using the correct fork, and how to hold it correctly, yes there is a correct way! It is learning to be comfortable in every situation and making those around you feel comfortable. Life lessons told gently. We meet six individual people who are vastly different from each other with different needs and objectives but all who want to improve themselves. They all realize that by improving themselves their lives will be better. There is one man, Robert, who is shy with women. He has had girlfriends but he wants to improve how he connects with people. The rest are women at various stages in life, one woman who is an older mom and feels she has lost her way. Because Ho insists on seeing where people live she gets insight into who her students are and gets a better understanding of how she can improve their lives. The 50 year old mother lives with her daughter and husband. Discovering there is no table for family meals and conversation Ho makes it clear over the course that this is an important element that must be added to improve life for the whole family. It seems obvious but nothing is obvious to the uninformed.
There are also four other women who meet together for lessons in etiquette. They are Asian women who are navigating between two worlds East and West. This is very interesting and at some points brings her individual student in to meet this group for a lesson.
The show is well thought out. Ho works on an international scale and that's why you'll see the show end with a different skyline showing you that the student she is working with lives in New York, London, San Francisco. Another reviewer was confused by the changing skylines.
Etiquette may seem frivolous to some, but Ho takes her work seriously. She herself is a dedicated student of humanity. She is professional, impeccable and approachable and so is her style and manner. I enjoyed the show more than I thought I would.
Moonage Daydream (2022)
Bowie Fans will be disappointed
I loved David Bowie, I love his music, I love his genius in making music and song writing, I loved the way he looked physically and found his life's philosophy intriguing. That he died sick from cancer and kept his illness to himself and his family was another revelation. He wanted to live for as long as he was living. "Moonage Daydream" makes an impression of Bowie's impact but does little to celebrate his music. I wanted to be enveloped in the music, assaulted with fabulous imagery of the man himself, instead we get maybe three songs, two of which I didn't know, psychedelic imaginings, silent film clips that Bowie probably would have appreciated and that are easily recognized by people well versed in film, as I am, but none of it was what I was hoping. The early clips of Bowie showed his outrageousness, and the contrast of one of the chat show commentators served only to make Bowie appear silly but he was more than that. The documentary then takes a different direction and shows Bowie the man, the world traveler on his quest for purpose that was revelatory and so was his art, his portraits and his paintings. There was more to Bowie than met the eye. We left the cinema perplexed. I think the documentary, "Five Years," serves Bowie much better and is more satisfying.
Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris (2022)
SIMPLY CHARMING
I have been tracking this film checking listings every week to find it. Finally it was playing in a theater near me. I had my hopes up and was not disappointed. Leslie Manville in the title role is wonderfully appealing. She has hope written all over her face and even when she's disappointed in life she doesn't let her situation get her down. From the opening, the film looks and feels beautiful, a lovely period piece, a world recreated. The sets are beautifully assembled, Paris is a mess with a garbage workers strike, but Mrs Harris doesn't care, she's in Paris on a mission to get a beautiful Dior dress unaware that she's not "meant" i.e. Good enough, rich enough, important enough to have such a creation. The House of Dior is a world unto itself and one she didn't imagine she'd have to battle just for a place in the showroom to see the fashion show. And what a show it is! We get a front row seat along with her. Which beautiful creation will she choose? This is a fun film, unrealistic at times, Hollywood at times, but a wonderful escape. I think most women can relate to Mrs Harris and her quest for a dream come true. The supporting cast is well chosen, the script good and the story enjoyable. Two thumbs up!