Friday, August 19, 2016

Movie Review Madness - Florence Foster Jenkins

1944 New York City.  Florence Foster Jenkins ( the always talented Meryl Streep) is a wealthy socialite who once played the piano at the White House as a child. Now she’d like to get back into “her music”. Her husband St.Clair Bayfield ( the ever charming Hugh Grant) arranges everything – a famous voice teacher, a new pianist Cosme McMoon (funny Simon Helberg), payoffs to the newspapers, small friends-only dinner party/concerts. Money buys discretion because Florence can’t sing. Truly awful – flat, pitchy, and laughable.

But….but this is a true story and it’s about how Florence Foster Jenkins sang at Carnegie Hall. This is a small movie with a big heart. Florence did a great deal for music in NYC during WWII. She supported the troops and the arts. She was ill (you’ll find out more as the movie progresses) and yet she rallied when performing. She loved and embraced music and the movie deals with how folks came to embrace her. Florence Foster Jenkins is a movie with low key charm that shines through. Its humor is pleasant. You’ll laugh out loud when Florence first opens her mouth, but you’ll come to root for her by the end. Great acting, rich sets, and a nifty old fashioned tale.


Sing loud, sing proud!

16 comments:

  1. I hadn't heard of this; does sound like a good movie!

    betty

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  2. I've seen the trailer for this, and it looked quite good. I assumed there would be depth to the story. Plus, I can't pass up Hugh Grant in a film - I thinks he's great!

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  3. Never even heard of this one before. Sometimes low key movies really hit it home, sounds like this one does.

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  4. From what I read of your review this seems a great film.
    Yvonne.

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  5. I think you would get a kick out of it

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  6. The ads I've seen for this movie have intrigued me. Did you know that Simon Helberg actually did the piano-playing in the film? Evidently, he's an accomplished pianist. Good to know you liked the movie. I'll have to see if I can get Smarticus to go... doesn't sound like his kinda flick.

    The premise reminds me of a long-time pastor of ours. He couldn't carry a tune in a bucket. I mean, really, really bad. But still... he sang. As he put it, he was "making a joyful noise." :)

    Have a super weekend.

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    1. yes, I read where Simon is talented - comically and musically. That's cool. Believe me I can fill a bucket with joyful noise. What the heck!

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  7. When I read the UK reviews of this film it really appealed to me. Now, having read your review, I am determined to see it! I did hear some of her recordings many years ago and have always been intrigued by her story.
    CLICK HERE for Bazza’s fabulous Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

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  8. I was curious about this one. Thanks for the review. Now I look forward to seeing it.

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  9. I haven't heard of this one. It looks quite good.

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  10. Hi Joanne - interestingly our film society has recommended "Marguerite" as the choice of the film to watch on this lady. So that's coming up this season - I'm looking forward to it ... I don't think I'll see the Streep one - but am glad you enjoyed it ... cheers Hilary

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