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Reviews
Sundown (2021)
I want a Mexican vacation!
First hour there was little to no action except to Tim Roth drinking beer, sitting on a beach or in a pool, screwing a Mexican street vendor chick, and mumbling. He is such a good actor and Charlotte Gainsbourg is as well...this film wasted them both. She at least did some emoting before she got bumped off after two and a half scenes. I figured out fairly early that he was grieving and also terminally ill. And his grief was obvious to me as a silently stunned reaction to the death of the mother. An illness was tipped off by the microscopic images shown of a suspicious mole on (his?) skin --though it turned out to be a brain tumor?! Could have been a good film if first hour wasn't mind numbingly boring. Cinematography was good as well as the scenery. It left me longing for a better film and Mexican beach holiday!!
Falling (2020)
Heartfelt Beautifully Directed
A story of an American family delicately and deftly directed by first time director Viggo Mortensen. Outstanding performances by all the cast. A tour de force portrayal of a father (Lance Henriksen) who's scarred and bitter from life's disappointments and perceived betrayals. His son, (Mortensen) daughter (Laura Linney) and other relatives including children, are pained yet patient in dealing with dad while he slings insult after insult belying his bigotry and overall intolerance. Yet there are many layers to these characters, as they live their lives through flashbacks and present day moments. An outstanding directorial debut by the multitalented Mortensen, who also wrote the screenplay and did the music. Bravo!
I Know This Much Is True (2020)
Flawless Drama
Mark Ruffalo always is outstanding. In his dual roles as the Birdsey brothers, the true depths of his acting skills are revealed. (All the acting, in parts large and small here, is flawless.) His powerful portrayal of the twins are poignantly played in ways true to life, as well as poetic. As someone who personally knows how a relation's schizophrenia can impact life, I was deeply moved by this drama. The whole series is a beautiful, if at times dark, meditation on the inherent complexities in an "everyday" family. And as the story unfolds, we see how through love we can find redemption.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017)
Oy to the Vey
After seeing this show win big on the Emmys I figured I'd check it out. What a disappointment. Yes the sets are outstanding but that's really all I was impressed by. I was hoping to enjoy at least a few hearty laughs. Sadly no. The ham fisted clichés of Jewish culture are alternately offensive and tedious. The actors while talented they may be, are over acting their stereotyped roles. I also failed to be inspired by the supposed female empowerment angle that has been loudly touted.