Monday Moments Movie Review - The Boys in the Boat

In theaters now, director George Clooney does an excellent adaptation from the book The Boys in the Boat.  The two hours fly by faster than a coxswain can shout at his crew. I did read the book (based on a true story) a long time ago and was very happy with this presentation. 

It's the Depression and Joe Rantz (Callum Turner) isn't sure how he can stay at the University of Washington. He's stuffing newspaper in his shoes and living out of a dead car. There's a tryout for junior varsity crew and it gives room and board. What the heck. He proves capable and is picked by Coach Ulbrickson (Joel Edgerton) for a ragtag group of eight guys who have to learn to work together and row a winning boat. It's hard work, involves a lot of teamwork and the stakes are high. 

Back in 1936, crew is a huge competitive sport. First they have to beat California, and then aim for the Ivy Leagues back east. They have to beat the varsity for a chance at a regatta. Then the big goal is Berlin - 1936 Olympics - USA team versus European elite, especially Germany under the eye of Hitler.

I enjoyed the pacing of the movie, the actors, and the spirit. I found myself huffing and puffing with the crew, urging them forward. This is a feel good story about hard work, heart, and a team. I highly recommend seeing it in the theater.  
 

Bummer Movie Review: The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby is not so great. As a matter of fact, I give it a C+. Read the book by F.Scott Fitzgerald instead - trust me - same use of 2-1/2 hours. I can't explain the problem with the movie except to say it was a lot of flash without substance, and it was trying to be bigger, to have "meaning", and it just didn't get there.

Baz Lurhmann is an interesting director and I liked his Moulin Rouge. The Great Gatsby had the same rich cinematography, eye popping colors, huge cast, dazzling costumes, and decent acting. But, I just was not entranced. As a matter of fact, the theater I was in had a power surge and the movie stopped in the middle for about twenty minutes. I probably could have left without serious remorse. That's not a good sign.

Tobey Maquire narrated as Nick and he did a good job as the wide-eyed observer, protector of his cousin Daisy Buchanan (played by a dewy Carey Mulligan) and in awe of Jay Gatsby (played by Leonardo DeCaprio). Leo has the look, the intensity, and the panache, and yet...a little something was missing in the connection between him and Daisy. They said all the right lines, but I didn't feel scorching heat or intensity of love. Joel Edgerton, as Tom Buchanan, was suitable as the old money brute, carouser, womanizer, and foe to Gatsby.

There just wasn't a natural flow to the movie. We had scenes that were busy and pretty, and yet the tension didn't build at the pace it should have. It was choppy and disconcerting. With the kick-off of summer movie season, there are plenty of other movie competitors for your dollar. If you must see it, wait for The Great Gatsby to hit Netflix. Go see Ironman 3, or new Star Trek:Into Darkness (that's what I plan to see next) in the theater. And play some serious Jazz Age music, not rapper stuff for 1922. That's just wrong.