Gods And Monsters - 1998 - USA

Gods And Monsters - 1998 - 7/10

 
“What-if”  biographic study of James Whale, long retired from Hollywood, in the twilight of his life.
Whale, openly gay in 1930’s Hollywood, was tolerated because he delivered a string of box office hits.
The hits dried up, and by the 50’s he is ostracized and is in declining health.
 A shameless flirt, he is watched over by a protective Mother Hubbard housekeeper.
The relationship between the two, and the new gardener, a hunky ex-marine, forms the core of the film.
Packed with references to Old Hollywood, and periods where Whale goes into a mental fugue.
Ian McKellen deserved the Oscar.  (1998 was a strong year for men, so the Academy, as they so often do, gave the award to the weakest nominee.  Typical.)
Terrific small film, yet owing to the gay subject matter, fared poorly in the States.

2010: The Year We Make Contact - 1984 - USA

2010: The Year We Make Contact - 1984 - 6/10

 
Like 2001, the 2010 date recedes further in the mirror each day.
Meanwhile, the chances of human space exploration grows slimmer.
Pointless “sequel” sends US-Soviet mission to Jupiter to find out what happened with USS Discovery in 2001.
Global tensions back on Earth, but nauts astro and cosmo are beyond that, correct?
While both stories were based on Arthur C Clarke works, 2010 misses Kubrick.
Despite better special effects (and I did like that Soviet craft), this lacks the soaring vision and imagination of the original.
What this does offer are tidy guides for individuals (know thyself) who want everything explained.
I remember half snoozing when I originally saw this.
No change.

Rise Of The Nazis: S02-03 - 2022 - UK

Rise Of The Nazis: S02-03 - 2022 - 6/10

 
Unexpected followup to the first series, which was superb
This one promises well, as S02, “Dictators At War” zeroes in on Hitler and Stalin.
As a result, we receive insights on Stalin, Molotov, and Zhukov.
Producers rush the pace, however, and after two episodes the Soviet Union is barely mentioned.
E03 offers the White Rose resistance as well as Colonel Stauffenberg, no Stalin.

 
The third season was something of a disappointment.
Talking heads, “experts”, dominated this trio of episodes relating to the downfall.
Key members of Hitler’s inner circle were psychologically analyzed.
Speer, Eva Braun, and Admiral Karl Dönitz receive more due than is customary.
All too often, the presenters voice speculation and second-guessing.
A few come across as judgmental.
Such is their privilege, though one expects more objectivity in a documentary, instead of righteous opinion.
I’d suggest stick with S01, and dispense with later series unless you are a hardcore history buff.

Subtitles = https://subscene.com/subtitles/rise-of-the-nazis/english/2971584

The Commitments - 1991 - Ireland

The Commitments - 1991 - 7/10

 
Jimmy decides to manage a soul band in Dublin.
Problem, there is no soul band, so he decides to form one.
Adverts, auditions, rehearsals, disastrous gigs.
Experienced viewers can easily predict how feel-good this will go.
Think again, Farquar, as Jimmy has unerringly selected individuals who detest each other.
Songs are first rate.  Very funny film, although some of the Irish humor escapes me.
Film debut of Maria Doyle (Kennedy).

Wicker Park - 2004 - USA

Wicker Park - 2004 - 6/10

 
Remake of L'appartement (1996).
Matthew thinks he spies an old flame, Lisa, in a Chicago restaurant.
That flame is strong as he puts his life, and career, on hold.
Although the real mystery is why Lisa originally disappeared, this US version flirts with romantic territory.
I would rarely suggest this, but it might be better to view Wicker Park first, then L'appartement a few years later.
The US version is a fine thriller in its own right, but is a lesser film than the original.
Aside from Diane Kruger, there is simply not the talent.

An Unmarried Woman - 1978 - USA

An Unmarried Woman - 1978 - 6/10

 
Early empowerment film, back when the ERA still seemed possible.
Martin leaves Erica for young stuff.
She is cut adrift, and even though an artist (Alan Bates) soon beckons, she experiences independence.
Unfortunately, this has dated somewhat, and modern audiences may not grasp how unusual this was.
Women were not in the workforce to the extent they are today.
Jobs were part-time things, or temporary.  Being alone, after a certain age, garnered social stigma.
Still, reentering dating in your 40’s or later, remains awkward and daunting even now.
This is Jill Clayburgh’s film, period, and she deserved all the acclaim she received.

Cornwall And Devon Walks With Julia Bradbury - 2020 - UK

Cornwall And Devon Walks With Julia Bradbury - 2020 - 6/10

 
“Wow!  Would you look at that!”  Later,  “My God, look at this!”
And so it goes.
Julia Bradbury, who I have enjoyed in previous docs, has developed chronic jabberjaw.
She comes across as an American teenage cheerleader on cocaine.
Besides constant camera mugging, she is incapable of simply appreciating the obvious.
Whenever she is with anyone, Julia is at least 3 dB louder than they are.
More than once, you can see guides or guests, put off, who refuse to engage with her.
Score is for breathtaking scenery.
Advice.  If you go on a walk with Julia, wear earplugs.  She cannot help herself.

Nathalie - 2003 - France

Nathalie - 2003 - 6/10

 
Catherine, learning her husband is cheating, hires a hooker to “test him” and report.
Yes, like in real life.  Most would hire a detective, but not here.
The plot lurches between absurd and unbelievable like a drunk trying to pass a sobriety walk.
Catherine (a wasted Fanny Ardant) is a folly of insecurity, while the hooker spins tales from the side of her mouth, and I found her impossible to believe from one moment to the next.
Not particularly suspenseful.  Not erotic, either.
Excellent cast wasted in film that promises more than it delivers.

Ian McKellen On Stage - 2021 - UK

Ian McKellen On Stage - 2021 - 8/10

 
With a large steamer trunk filled with a few props.  McKellen gives a tour de force.
One man play consists of two halves and a brief, very brief, intermission.
First half touches on childhood, growing up, interest in theatre, and film work.
Those anticipating Tolkien will not be disappointed.
The half is theatre oriented.  Old playhouses, rep, colleagues.
Second half:  Shakespeare, every single play.
Quotes, performances, myths.
A masterclass.  Theatre buffs, a must!

Life Is A Bed Of Roses - 1983 - France

Life Is A Bed Of Roses - 1983 - 5/10
AKA - La Vie Est Un Roman

 
French arthouse territory with three concurrent plots.
One is set on either side of WWI as rich idealist plans to create Utopia.
Following war, he perseveres and creates a mad version of harmony.
Another narrative follows modern day learning institute (set in unfinished Utopia castle).
Third is dreamlike world where children, dressed as play actors, sing, do beheadings, and shift between first narrative and the second.
In all narratives, characters burst into song.
According to what I read (after being thoroughly confused by this), director Resnais was showing characters striving for happiness and harmony.  
Most of the happiness resembles the sexual sort.
Bit of a slog for me, though the '20's section was visually striking.

Caliber 9 - 1972 - Italy

Caliber 9 - 1972 - 6/10
AKA - Milano Calibro 9

 
Barely released from prison, Ugo is picked up by henchmen and taken to the junkyard.
“Where’s the money you stole?”  they demand, between beatings.
Ugo consistently declares he knows nothing about nothing.
Not that it’s the money to the big boss, the Americano, it’s the principle.
So begins the long game.  Ugo, the Americano and his thugs, the organized wealthy behind them, and law enforcement, struggling to find a weak point.
Great Euro-Crime outing boasts graphic violence, sex, nudity, as well as a plot that keep one wondering until the last scene begins to play.

Arthur & George - 2015 - UK

Arthur & George - 2015 - 6/10

 
Three part series featuring famous sleuth, Arthur Conan Doyle.
Sherlock mania in full swing, Sir Arthur is recently widowed and suffers depression.
He receives a letter from a recently released convict, hopeful solicitor, asking to Doyle review his conviction.
Martin Clunes makes a crisp Doyle.  Costuming seems impeccable and most of the goings-on take Doyle and his secretary outside of London, so plenty of afternoon and full sun framing.
Story springs the odd turn here and there, but nothing too far fetched.
Because ... yes, inspired by true events!
The young solicitor, Doyle’s interest, and subsequent law change were all true.
Everything else onscreen, say dialogue or additional characters?  No, sorry, pure writer’s imagination.
Entertaining, if starchy, and at three parts not an endless soaper.