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Reviews
Elvis Presley: The Searcher (2018)
Underwhelming
To someone fairly clueless about Elvis Presley, I can see The Searcher being informative. I know quite a lot about him, I've listened to his music for years, have been to Graceland, Tupelo, Sun Studio, Studio B - you get the picture - and I didn't come away with anything extra. I like hearing Priscilla talk about Elvis because it's a perspective I want to hear, but she always cleans things up too much. I get that she's a businesswoman, and that she's entitled to privacy, but it's out there that their marriage was troubled and that it ended. I wish she'd just go into that a little.
Overall, while a nice bit of background noise, The Searcher falls victim to the unfortunate curse that blights a lot of Elvis Presley media; it fails to pack a punch; it fails to live up to him. And I don't know what gives Springsteen and Tom Petty the authority to talk about Elvis like they were there with him. It's likely they were used for their fame.
My Darling Vivian (2020)
Refreshing Change of Perspective
Vivian Liberto has often been reduced to 'Johnny Cash's First Wife': the woman he was married to before his fairytale romance with June Carter. This movie destroys that image and puts an incredible woman in a new light.
Told by Vivian and Johnny's daughters, the film offers an interesting perspective. While we hear about what they witnessed as children, their narration never feels unreliable. They offer sensitive views made perspicacious and considered by decades of reflection. The film does not shy away from showing their different, individual recollections, and we get a very good idea of what it was like for Vivian and the girls. Johnny and June are never demonized, and there's no side-taking or bitterness in any way, I must add, so what's said feels very true and fair. My opinion of June has shifted a little because of this, and I'm glad that my preconceptions have been challenged.
Just how strong a woman Vivian was is the point of the movie. You'll walk away in awe of her. Juggling four kids, a house in the styx, a menagerie of exotic pets, drunken fans showing up in the dead of night, and death threats from the KKK all alone is incredible. Add to that a childhood marred by abuse, years of Catholic guilt, and just so much more, and it is absolutely clear that the woman was made of steel. Words just don't cut it. It makes me so glad that she can finally have a voice with this movie.
Any fan of Johnny Cash ought to see this film. It offers a valuable glimpse into his life and so much more. Vivian Liberto, as an individual, was remarkable. She deserves to have people know that.
King Creole (1958)
A Decent Elvis Movie
Of the handful of Elvis' movies I've tried to watch, Jailhouse Rock and King Creole have been the only ones I could finish.
King Creole is an obviously manufactured movie; it's there for a studio to make money. That doesn't mean it's too clean or predictable. There is some grittiness, good acting, and gorgeous sets and cinematography. Other characters shone and were there for you to care about. The music was integrated into the plot, and was absolutely fantastic. I just wish the lipsyncing was better.
If you're going to watch an Elvis movie, make it King Creole or Jailhouse Rock. They have a lot more than an over-worked Presley singing lame songs for the sake of profits.
Sprung (2022)
So far, so good
By the two episodes currently available, I'm impressed. I'm a fan of Greg Garcia's work, and Sprung is exactly what I expect from him. The Guest Book missed the mark for me, as it lacked a lot of his earmarks and relied too heavily on shock value. Sprung has likeable dirtbag characters, raunchy comedy at the right levels, little things to keep an eye out for (H. I. McDonnough Penitentiary), a whole lot of 1970s kitsch, an AMC Pacer, and a really sweet undercurrent. It has all the charm that Raising Hope and My Name is Earl did, while being fresh and imaginative at the same time. Sprung really feels like a Greg Garcia show.
Martha Plimpton and Garrett Dillahunt are fantastic, too. I was worried I'd only be able to see them as Virginia and Burt Chance, but they are perfect as Barb and Jack. They're amazing actors and I can't wait to see more of them.
Update for the end of the season -- Sprung is classic Garcia. The cast was incredible and hilarious, the story well-written and satisfying. This should be the gold standard for pandemic comedy; I've never seen it pulled off like this. I'll be seriously upset if we don't get a season 2.
Jailhouse Rock (1957)
Not All Bad
I've tried to watch Elvis' movies before, and have never got beyond ten minutes. I made it to the end of Jailhouse Rock.
Obviously, the film had a demographic it was targeting. For that purpose, it did very well. Elvis was handsome and charismatic as ever, and the music was fantastic. It was nice to see some respect woven into all this, too. The material was thin in places, but the story was competent. The movie wasn't bursting at the seams with too many songs; in fact, there was only a few.
Overall, Jailhouse Rock is good entertainment. It's not challenging, but we see a decent story, some good acting, and character growth. It's a shame Elvis never had a real moment to shine on the big screen. I think he certainly could have handled something complex.
Arizona Dream (1993)
A Haze
I've watched this twice, and I just cannot wrap my head around it properly. That's why I like it. The atmosphere is tantalizingly strange, the characters are idiosyncratic, and the Django Reinhardt music tops it all off. It's not a substantial movie, but I enjoy the sheer weirdness of it.
Stranger Things (2016)
Insufferable
I was a teenager when the series started. Then, I liked it. Season 4 came around and I had long since lost interest; let's face it, its just a franchise; not really a show for adults. I didn't plan on seeing any of it. Unfortunately, due to family watching it, I have caught a lot of it.
The show is just tiresome. It's the same thing over and over. The script is the most infuriating part. It tries to make you feel every emotion within the space of five minutes, and this cycles throughout episodes. Every line of dialogue is cloying sentiment or a slick quip. Something terrible happens, then there's a lame joke. There's no room to breathe. I'm not sure the characters have distinct personalities as a result of this. I also feel the series relies too heavily on a gimmick, that being 1980s nostalgia. It's gaudy and mind-numbing. Don't waste your time.
Elvis (2022)
Fantastic
I didn't have high expectations for this movie. Frankly, I thought it would be a completely soulless cash-grab from the minute I heard Harry Styles was being considered for the role. I saw the movie today and I was very pleasantly surprised.
Austin Butler was incredible. No man could ever capture just what Elvis had, but he comes pretty close. I've seen impersonators and actors take on Elvis before. Even the best of these did not move me like Austin Butler did. His performance was just brilliant. He will make your heart thump.
As for the rest of the cast, they were great. I was particularly impressed by Helen Thomson, who played Gladys Presley. She conveys the misery that clouded her expertly, and looks the part entirely. She and Butler have a convincing, natural dynamic. I'm not one for tearing up in the theatre, but I certainly did when Gladys died.
I enjoyed the perspective. It was interesting to see Tom Parker's side and see his importance in Elvis' life. There's plenty to think about, too, like the question of what Elvis' career would have looked like without him. The extent of how slimy he was wasn't quite there, though. There were details omitted, some definitely worth mentioning; he fled Holland because he was suspected of murder, and he also showed up to Elvis' funeral in a Hawaiian shirt and used the opportunity to squeeze more money from Vernon Presley. Hanks did a decent job being cold, but he wasn't at his best. Plus, the accent was a stupid thing to do. It's not only inaccurate, but a complete giveaway; clearly, just from that, he was not named Colonel Tom Parker.
The pacing and editing of the movie brought it down a couple of rungs. The first 30 or so minutes were hectic; too many lurid graphics and jumping around. It failed to convey an atmosphere; it felt too modern to be immersive. I felt the same about the inclusion of modern music/ remixes. It was probably added to appeal to younger people, but it's unnecessary. Elvis is timeless, and it just pulls you out of the moment. Thankfully, the movie settles down nicely and, as we enter the 1960s, the atmosphere is more convincing. Luhrmann tones it down to suit Elvis, not just himself.
Overall, Elvis is a tremendous movie. It's not perfect, but nothing could be. Elvis Presley was a phenomenon, and we're lucky to have something this competent to add to his legacy.
The Pioneer Woman (2011)
Butter, Butter, and Another Stick of Butter
To someone who's not really paying attention, this comes off as a sweet show. Take a minute to really look at it, and it's insufferable. I can't quite put my finger on what the problem is- maybe it's terrible acting- but I'll say there's an off-putting air.
That's without the recipes. If you want bland, middle-American food that's packed with butter and sugar, you're in for a treat. Dislike processed food, and you'll be sorry you watched The Pioneer Woman. Anything foreign or exotic is always ruined by Ree twisting it to suit an obstinate palate, and she'll use a truckload of condiments to mask vegetables. Not everything needs to be drenched in ranch or balsamic glaze. The last straw for me was seeing Ree Drummond make and serve a mostly-mayo salad in a Ziploc bag, then make a single serving of cake with three tablespoons of oil. I don't care how active your lifestyle is, that sort of diet is utterly nauseating. It's a wonder none of the Drummonds have dropped dead of an aortal blockage.
I've seen some of the pandemic-era episodes too, and I'll note that they're an improvement. They are much more natural, benefitting from having no script. Still, the recipes blow and I can't see anything more of Ree Drummond than a vacuous businesswoman who hawks every product known to man.
Girls5eva (2021)
Not For Me
To me, Girls5eva has the branding of being made specifically for women. It doesn't smack you in the face, but its there. Like other shows that do this, there's little subtlety in conveying messages that, as a woman myself, I find juvenile. In other words, it's women's glib. These impedes comedy. I prefer TV that have a little more respect for the audience; shows that don't make a real effort to spout out whatever's hot on Twitter at the time.
A One-Time Special (2020)
Not Sharp Enough; Unsatisfying Plot
Essentially, this special was a 40-minute ad. Of all shows, I would have thought 30 Rock would be the one to get away with that, but the writing was disappointingly dull. There was potential and it was blown for the sake of keeping it a straight-forward ad.
The whole premise of zoom calls and being in lockdown is as stodgy now as it was when it emerged; it's never been funny as it hinges on weak-as-water observational and 'relatable' comedy
That said, there were some funny moments and seeing the cast was nice. But a few moments that feel like 30 Rock do not justify this waste of time.
Infamous (2006)
Better than 'Capote'
Unsatisfied with 'Capote', I turned to 'Infamous', and was pleased with what was given. Jones' performance lets us see a lot more of Truman Capote; the 'wind-up toy', the wit, the manipulation, and the years of suffering were performed expertly and such contrasts and comedic breaks added more dimension than Hoffman's version. Harper Lee's importance was appropriately heightened in this movie, which I applaud.
'Infamous' portrays the entirety of the Clutter murders as I had Imagined from 'In Cold Blood'. We get a good overview, however incomplete, as crucial details about Perry are omitted, and the theme of sexuality takes a more obvious stand. While an interesting thought, I feel it muddies Perry's character a little; his reasoning is not quite clear nor correct. I don't really feel Craig was right for the role; there's a certain immaturity he doesn't quite exude.
Overall, I enjoyed this film and appreciated its varying tone and Toby Jones' Capote. It was refreshing and more satisfying than the flatly sombre atmosphere in 'Capote'.
Ray (2004)
Foxx's Best Work
In a film that's solidly good in every aspect, Jamie Foxx is outstanding. Not once did I look at him in this film and recognize him; I saw Ray Charles. He triumphed in the role and I rarely see performances as good as this.
Marvin's Room (1996)
Schmaltz
The cast performed well in a movie that had nothing interesting to say. There is some depth to the characters, but this all just seems to disintegrate at the end, when it's suddenly decided that taking care of several, severely unwell relatives is the only moral way to live.
It's a tolerable movie, all in all, if you're looking for some background noise or wanting to 'switch off' for the duration. Some drama or an actual twist (rather than a sickly end) could have turned it around completely, though, and that's what I wanted, given the overdone situation and the talented cast.
Elvis & Nixon (2016)
Novelty With Meaningful Undertones
An amusing movie, Elvis & Nixon blends novelty with the right amount of deeper meaning. Michael Shannon certainly does not look like Elvis but creates a distinct personality and owns the role (and movie) masterfully. Overall, its a great, subtly comedic, and entertaining exploration of what happened between the president and the king.
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)
Nostalgia
I was a child when this was released, and I had anticipated it for a long time. Then, it was the best thing I'd ever seen, and I spent the following years doing my best Spalko impression and playing with Lego Indiana Jones sets.
Now, I can see its glaring faults. CGI was overused, the refrigerator scene was ridiculous (as was the vine-swinging part), and the alien theme doesn't fit in with the rest of the franchise. That said, the film does seem aware of its ridiculous facets and there is a purposeful hint about them. They just weren't pulled off too well.
I admire the talented cast, and the kitschy feel of the movie reminds me of my own childhood, as well as a period of time I don't remember, but can look back on with a sort of fondness. I can ignore what's wrong with this movie.
The Tourist (2010)
Immensely Dull
The film utilises European locations and a glamorous lead actress, yet fails to convey much of the elegance I'd expect from these. Depp is fine, but doesn't have good chemistry with Jolie, who is as plastic-looking as ever and makes a lot of bland quips, which are just tiring. I barely made it to the half-way point when I decided the film was just too insipid for me to continue; it doesn't even cut the mustard in the field of mindless entertainment.
Strangers with Candy (1999)
Surreal and Blue
I'm not usually a fan of heavily-applied blue humour; it's usually just crass and the audience is left to suffer with the gaucheness. Strangers With Candy has a lot of this humour but does it well, often down to the absolute absurdity of the show's setting and characters. Questionable jokes never come off as sincere or make you uncomfortable, as they are played as a jibe at characters' lack of scruples. Plus, everything is too ridiculous to be taken seriously.
SWC has all the charm of 90s-2000s TV series but has a real edge of originality. The basis of the show is fairly simple, but further beneath is the creation of a unique character, based on an idiosyncratic, yet little-known, real-life person. The attention to detail, especially concerning the set, it commendable, and there is definitely some intelligent writing that ties together the surrealism quite neatly. Sedaris is plain hilarious in anything she does, too. Overall, it's a great comedy.
Benny & Joon (1993)
Worth Watching for Depp
Benny & Joon has an interesting premise. A woman, Joon, who is severely mentally unwell, gains independence from Benny, her older brother and carer, who, in his way, does likewise. The arrival of Sam, Joon's interest ushers in improvement in her condition; she is much happier and safer having established a connection with a misfit like herself. Both siblings are spurred on by the arrival of their respective love interests, though neither can achieve what they want until Benny relinquishes control and admits they need the space to live for themselves.
Johnny Depp's performance in the movie is the best part of it. As he always does, he plays an oddball extremely well. The stunts and comedy routines are impressive, and he possesses a strange charm, which develops nicely as the film progresses.
The portrayal of mental illness in this movie can also be commended. It recognizes the challenges that come with severe conditions, but does not reduce Joon to a jabbering lunatic. There are moments of intelligence and perspicacity from her, as well as Sam, who also seems to struggle in a similar regard. Ultimately, the movie states that she is best off living of her own accord and is capable of a fairly normal life, with interests and genuine connections, all she needed was some respect as an adult. However, I do think this message would have come off better had she been more 'difficult' before Sam's arrival. The challenges she presents and faces aren't quite conveyed, and we don't see the extent of the siblings' frustrations that would warrant the rest of the movie. I also feel that Masterson's performance was shallow in places and lacking a dimension of emotion.
The film also does fairly well in the area of leaving things to the audience. While we don't really see a lot of Joon and Sam's bonding, there are hints of it, such as Sam bringing home a job application form so that Joon can help him fill it out. Later, he gets the job. This leaves room for the audience to imagine that they're doing well while left to themselves, while Benny's needs and overall sense of control are portrayed.
All in all, it's an enjoyable movie. There are funny moments, and the tone is kept pleasant. There is, however, some depth, respect, and meaning, saving it from being too mild. Perhaps a little more drama is needed - maybe a touch of real danger and harder emotion - but it's a good movie.
The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet (1952)
Nice, clean, and charming
The acting and plots can be lacklustre, but it doesn't really matter. Anyone tuning in to Ozzie and Harriet simply must be doing so for a helping of good old, salubrious Americana. Its nostalgic, even for those not yet born when it aired. Plus, the show is not taxing in the slightest, but it is extremely important to TV and music history; it lay the foundations for sitcoms to come and helped ease rock and roll into the mainstream.
All in all, it's pleasant, clean, and inoffensive (even if white audiences were enraged when Ricky sang a Fats Domino song at the end of an episode). It's something of its time, and its a shame that more entertainment can't be like this.
Sneakers (1992)
Good Entertainment
As you'd expect from just looking at their names, the cast performed extremely well. The film mixed drama and comedy nicely, and is well paced; it's never dull. The ending was a little disappointing, as it was quite predictable; it seemed as though the filmmakers needed to wrap things up quickly and happily with a few obvious twists.
Overall, it's a good movie. Not the type you'd watch again, but perfect for a fairly light watch.
The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window (2022)
Lacklustre
The ridiculous title obviates what the show is, but the content is lacklustre. The comedy is sometimes a little too subtle and predictable, making the show dull; it does just seem like a hackneyed Netflix show at times. It's not entirely unpleasant to watch, but neither the mystery nor comedy cut the mustard. In short, it's forgettable.
Smokey and the Bandit (1977)
Unsophisticated Silliness
An unpretentious comedy with a charismatic cast, Smokey and the Bandit is an easy watch. It's not a film to be taken seriously, nor is it remotely challenging, and there's nothing wrong with that. It's important to have escapism like this; sometimes, we all need a fix of wackiness.
Are You Being Served? (1972)
Good, Old Fashioned Fun
The show uses a lot of humour that's raunchy, crude, and silly, and there's a lot of content that shows wouldn't dare to try, nowadays. But 'Are You Being Served?' does it well; there's nothing hateful or off-putting, and the steadfastly light-hearted atmosphere makes the show nothing but a pleasant experience.
Don't Look Up (2021)
Contemporary Ham-Handedness at its Finest
There's nothing subtle, funny, witty, or poignant about this movie; relying on a lot of ham-handed 'satire' and pandering, it's nothing but the regular old schlock every facet of entertainment churns out today. In short, it's a movie with no depth, made for catastrophising, numb-skulled people who think that their ego-driven, dumbed-down, preachy brand of politics is revolutionary. Movies like this are tiresome and hackneyed; don't waste your time.