Movie Review - Bombshell

Bombshell, I think, is a must see movie. Based on fact, it chronicles the downfall of Fox news titan Roger Ailes (played with lecherous perfection by John Lithgow) after multiple accusations of sexual harassment. Gretchen Carlson, former Fox and Friends co-host (Nicole Kidman) got the ball rolling with a lawsuit and then felt shunned, twisting in the wind, waiting for others to substantiate her claim. Headliner Megyn Kelly (Charlize Theron) grapples with her experiences, her life, her power, and what it could mean to come forward also. And finally, Margot Robbie is Kayla, a composite character. She is a compilation of many women’s stories. She’s the young foot soldier determined to make it big, to help shape America’s moral fabric. As she climbs the ladder,  she begins to question what it really takes – must she relinquish dignity, truly climb on that casting couch.

Carlson basically was the forerunner of the Me-Too movement. Her bravery got women talking (together and to the people who count, the ones who can fire a man with such hubris to think that his word and power will not be questioned). The Fox news building was abuzz with people taking sides, trash talking, starting rumors, etc. Meanwhile, Megyn Kelly was walking a fine line. Charlize Theron is uncanny in her portrayal of Kelly. She shows how victims don’t always recognize the insidiousness of sexual harassment, and that an unspoken culture of silence can help perpetuate it. (EW Jan 2020)

When Megyn Kelly made her decision to accuse Ailes, the Fox owners – the Murdochs – recognized that this was huge,  it was time for Ailes to go. This was not a situation that could just be shoved into a corner. Women were talking and demanding action and respect.

Bombshell handles the whole story in a very classy manner. This isn’t strident. The movie shows the politics of power, the actions of men and women, the culture of men and women in the workplace. The actresses are excellent at portraying the delicate matter of negotiating the workplace, of trying to be successful while keeping ones dignity. I was impressed and you’ll be transfixed by Theron, worthy of Oscar buzz. Kudos all around.

Movie Review Madness - Pitch Perfect 3

Pitch Perfect 3 is silly, campy fun and a great way to spend a winter two hours. Hang out with a tub of popcorn, listen to tunes, laugh, and come out smiling. The Pitches are back in fine form. 

Well, the Bellas are out of college and in the real world, and that’s a bummer. Anna Kendrick’s a music producer but feeling discouraged with the kids and crap she has to deal with. She quits. Now what?

Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson – so fabulous. Her throwaway lines are gems) is bumbling along. At a Bellas reunion, the ladies all agree they’ll do anything to sing together again. How about a USO show? They have a connection and suddenly are landing at a base in Spain. Hilarity ensues. Of course there’s a riff-off with the other bands (and they have instruments…shocking!)

Are there love connections? Yes. These ladies are on a military base for goodness sake.

Are there some daddy issues? John Lithgow appears from a long ago past to connect with Amy. But his nefarious past proves troublesome. Just go with the plot line. Rebel is vulnerable and strong.

Pitch Perfect 3 has awesome mash-ups and plenty of girl power. Don’t judge. I got my five dollars of matinee entertainment.  And hey, can’t go wrong with a George Michael finale tune – Freedom 90. Seriously, so uplifting. The Bellas are fine and ready for their own freedom in the world. Sing it loud!

Movie Review Madness - The Accountant

The Accountant is not a sequel to anything. This is awesome news. It’s a fresh independent movie starring Ben Affleck, Anna Kendrick, John Lithgow, and J.K. Simmons. All of these actors are spot on in their roles.

Affleck plays Christian Wolff, a math savant who’s a small town accountant. But behind the scenes, he’s fully armed and dangerous. Video shows him meeting with “bad guys” – he’s the accountant to terrorist stars and J.K. Simmons, a Treasury Department agent about to retire is ready for his last big hurrah. He’s going to catch this guy, get his list, and take them all down. Meanwhile Christian is called into a robotics company run by John Lithgow (always good at being earnest sleazy) . Anna Kendrick was the little whistle blower – saying something wasn’t quite right with the books.  (and she’s very relatable as a “real” employee who’s a bit of a nerd herself)

Lots of math is discussed. Christian, in record time, locates a problem. Anna wonders “Who is this guy?” when she discovers all of his guns and his art work (he has a Jackson Pollock on a ceiling). The cat and mouse game is amusing to watch – Affleck, Simmons, and Lithgow. 

You have to suspend some belief and just go with the flow in this film. I’m not going to explain more, and indeed the film can be a tad talkie. But the premise is intriguing and Affleck pulls off a unique character. He’s managed to learn to work in the real world, and yet he has to keep his own boundaries to make that work.

The Accountant has action, intrigue, and math.  Somehow they all add up to a worthy flick for adults.