Monday Montage

Fall color is popping in Texas. I stole these from some retired friend's FB page - this couple gets out and about during the week and find nifty places to hike. 

These pics are merely something pretty to look at while I give more reviews.  

Since I'm on a chess kick,  I watched The Queen of Katwe on Disney plus.  Based on a true story, it's about a teen girl (Madina Nalwanga) from the slums of Uganda who manages to learn chess from a coach (David Oyelowo) who runs a church camp for kids. She goes on to help this poor group beat some posh school kids, and then on to state champs, and a world competition. Her goal very quickly was to achieve "masters".  Convincing her mother (the wonderful Lupita Nyong'o) that this is not crazy, adds drama to the story. Well done,  kid friendly, and a nice story all around. Checkmate!

The Aviator's Wife by Melanie Benjamin is a fiction version of Anne Morrow Lindbergh's life.  It's a good read and offers quite a contrast to the myth that is Charles. She's the "plain" daughter who's very malleable. He's the dashing hero who needs a co-pilot in life. By that, he wants a yes person by his side. The author slowly shows Anne evolving into her own person, aware of his affairs, but loyal for the children, and a talented writer and person who stretches her wings too.

 Saturday I tuned in to the virtual Texas Book Festival that's normally held in Austin. I've gone to the live version in the past and it's awesome - so many authors, programs, and books, books,  books.  The virtual is working out okay and I did pay for a ticket to hear Matthew McConaughey chat with Ethan Hawke. Matthew was promoting his new memoir Greenlights. He's a very zen dude with his own life philosophy. He grew up with a bit of an abusive father, but a loving mother and strong siblings. He's been keeping journals for thirty six years and at fifty decided to peruse them and write his book. He's worked hard at his craft, worked hard to not let the noise of fame drown out what's important. He appreciates solitude. Very cool dude.  

I was excited for Ethan Hawke to be the  host. I like him as an actor. But he proved annoying and talked too much. Almost tried too hard to outshine Matthew, who stayed chill but looked a bit on camera like, "Dude, let me promote my book. No one cares about your crap today. Stoplight."

That was my culture moment for the week.  

Happy Monday!  

Movie Review Madness - The Magnificent Seven

Yes, 1960 had Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen and Charles Bronson headlining a western. That was a long time ago and you can watch it on any classic movie channel. But there’s nothing wrong with rounding up a new herd of actors and bringing The Magnificent Seven to the big screen again. Director Antoine Fuqua lends a sweeping touch to glorious scenery. He throws a ton of firepower, stunt shooting, and riding, and oh no – a Gatling gun to the showdown. He gives each man a solid role, sharp dialogue, and a chance to squint into the sun as he reflects on his fate.

Denzel Washington lends the gravitas necessary for Sam Chisolm, the bounty hunter. Ethan Hawke is a twitchy former Confederate soldier. Chris Pratt is the slick cardsharp gunslinger, and Vincent D’Onofrio is the grizzled coot. Byung-hun Lee, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, and Martin Sensmeier fill in the final seven. I read somewhere that it’s the United Benetton Western.  Peter Sarsgaard is the slimy villain who owns the mine and wants to run roughshod over the neighboring town and steal all of the land. Boo hiss

The seven choose to tilt against windmills and fight for the little guy. They help the townsfolk with their pitchforks and rifles and vow to save the women and children. It’s a noble fight and entertaining. The Magnificent Seven won’t be considered a classic, but it’s a popcorn worthy movie. Round ‘em up and head to the theater. 

July Junque: Day 30 Movie Review Madness: Boyhood

Boyhood is a fantastic and creative film. Director Richard Linklater had a vision and it worked – took twelve years, was quite a gamble, but it worked. When he cast six year old Ellar Coltrane as Mason, Linklater had no idea he cast movie magic. He also cast his own daughter Lorelei as the older sister, Samantha. Patricia Arquette plays the mother, and Ethan Hawke is the ex, was absent dad, now trying to make up for lost time dad. They filmed life vignettes over twelve years.  

This is a real movie with dialogue and no doubt some improvisation, but it mirrors true life. Lots of moving, plenty of bad choices, throw in alcoholic stepfathers, and we watch Mason try to blend into the world, quietly establish his persona, puzzle over what people say and do, and unite with his sister as they cope with life.  The film is seamless as it moves from year to year. Haircuts change, voice change, attitude, clothing styles, music, and facial hair – we watch the film eager to see Ellar/Mason’s growth spurt, eager to root for him, and hope that he makes friends, has a girlfriend, rebounds from stepfather stress and abuse.  

Often he’s the quiet one with huge watchful eyes. Samantha grows into a lovely young lady. The mother goes to school, gets her degrees, teaches at the university, and struggles to do her best for herself and the kids. Ethan Hawke’s dad is the motor mouth – exudes cool, wants his kids to love him, and seeks their reassurance. He, too, ultimately grows up, remarries and has a baby boy, and has had a positive influence on Mason.  

Boyhood is superb. We laugh and worry for Mason. We attend his high school graduation party and want to give him a big hug as we send him out into the “real” world. After watching him grow from six to eighteen we have a vested interest. There’s a great line near the end of the film as he explores Big Bend Park with new college friends. “I don’t think it’s always seize the moment. I think the moments seize us.”  That sums up Boyhood – life moments.

Movie Review Madness - Before Midnight

Before Midnight is the end of a trilogy and it's been a fun, talking, walking, angstfest. Directed by Richard Linklater, the Before series stars Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy. We met them first in Before Sunrise - freshfaced and touring Europe by train. They disembark in Venice, introduce themselves, and end up strolling the streets, talking, eating, and just being carefree youth. It's glorious - the scenery, the energy, and perhaps young love. But alas they part.


Before Sunset brings us up to date. Ethan's written a book about the day in Venice (disguised as fiction) and is now on an author tour with a stop in Paris. Julie sees a poster and shows up. Time has passed and they are both married and mature. Yet, the old magic is there and things click in Paris. But there are issues and baggage and more arguments. Could they be a couple? Eh - shrug like a Frenchman.

Finally, years have passed and it's Before Midnight. The duo are in their 40s now and surprise - married and vacationing in Greece. And they have twin girls approximately seven years old. But, Ethan's son spent the summer with them and heads back to the USA. There is still baggage with the ex. and Ethan's afraid he's missing out on important teen years in his son's life. He sorta hints at the possibility of moving back to Chicago. This throws Julie for a loop - she's just gotten a new job offer that will be fantastic and she sure doesn't want to go to Chicago. Look around - they are in Greece, for goodness sake, eating fresh olives and drinking wine. Their life is fantastic and they have a place back in Paris. The little girls are so cute speaking English and French. Give that up for Chicago?

So, this film is reality. Ethan, always so youthful and on the pretty side for a male, now has frown lines (still great cheekbones). Julie, very charming French actress, looks age appropriate and maybe leans toward frumpy mother of twins. But that's okay - that's what has made this series so cool. It's not gussied up. It's raw and improvised and smart and angsty. It's the reality of a couple who've been together and are questioning their path. Has it diverged? Or can they make it work and satisfy all parties concerned?

Before Midnight - nothing blows up (well, maybe the chance of a marriage), no special effects (just the radiance of Greece scenery). Just great acting, writing, and directing. Watch the first two movies and then see what happens? Root for love before midnight.