Whatever Wednesday - The Odyssey

 Better late than never to review  The Odyssey.    WOW - fantastic movie. 

I was hesitant due to the running time of 3 hours.  Sounded like a slog. Nowadays, I find some editing needs to be done. Whatever made me think I should question the director, Christopher Nolan? He knew what he was doing. 

So, on a steamy hot Sunday - 9/6/26 - I decided to spend my hours in an airconditioned movie theater. Time well spent.  The cinematography is gorgeous. The acting is tremendous. The story moves along well. Each travel chapter brought back memories from my honors English class in high school.  I was never big into Greek mythology, but retained enough to appreciate this film effort. 

Matt Damon is our hero, Odysseus. He is perfect in this role.  Tom Holland as his son, Telemachus, is very good. Anne Hathaway is Penelope, wife and mother. It's a quieter but important role.  She has faith that her husband will come home and staves off the suitors circling for power.  John Leguiziamo as Eumaeus, the blind seer, is tremendous (very worthy, I think, of a supporting actor nomination).  There is a much deeper cast who play Athena (Zendaya), Calypso (Charlize Theron), and more - all integral to Odysseus fights, and travels to return home. 

Big thumbs up and highly recommended.  

Finally Friday - Tony (a movie)

 Big blockbuster movies rule, but a few little art house projects sneak under the radar. It's over one hundred degrees in TX. It's too hot outside to even enjoy our pool.  Movie matinee time and Tony is a decent "little" film. 

Tony (Dominic Sessa) is a hot headed college kid - arrogant wise acre and so, so green. He ultimately becomes Anthony Bourdain (Kitchen Confidential chef extraordinaire). In this movie, he's just Tony. He's lost a summer writing prize, he heads to Providence seeking a girl (Nancy - Emilia Jones), he has no experience, fights and gets kicked out of a restaurant (bounced by hooligan Sal (Leo Woodall) )

. The rest becomes a bit of history as he manages to get on with said fish place under the guidance of Chef (Antonio Banderas).  Chef sees something in Tony, and Tony somehow senses he can learn. He needs the discipline, but he also screws up a lot. Drugs, drinking, carousing - you get a hint of the life Bourdain later wrote about. You also see the camaraderie and the growth of  Tony, his potential. 

Decent acting, interesting coming  of age story, and a nice  cool theater. I was happy for my two hours in a darkened air-conditioned show.  Look for Tony - probably streaming soon near you. 

(It also made me want to rewatch some Anthony Bourdain  shows - the man was so good. So sad he died by suicide) 

 

Monday Moments - The Invite

 I watched an episode of Hot Ones on YouTube and Penelope Cruz was the guest. She was pushing this movie The Invite, and it sounded intriguing.  

Well, it was different, angsty, very all talkie, amusing at times, cringe worthy, and I can't recommend it. 

But - I was interested enough to stay and watch. Does that make sense?  This was a Thursday matinee and there were two other ladies in  the theater. As we were leaving, the one said, "Well, I guess I'm not allowed to pick a movie for awhile."     Ha!

Olivia Wilde directed this and also starred as Angela.  She's married to Joe (Seth Rogan).  She's invited the upstairs neighbors to dinner. Joe is not happy and pretty much promises  to be rude. 

 Ding dong - doorbell rings and here's Hawk (Edward Norton) and Pina (Penelope Cruz).  They are obviously very cool and exude an exotic flair.  Here's where  Penelope shines - she just pops on the screen. She has the best lines and you can tell Joe is feeling her vibe. 

Well the conversation does take a racy turn....I won't say more. But  the tempo of the movie picked up, the stress of the awkwardness heightened, and let's just say someone might need to move!

Hey - the theater was air-conditioned and I killed two hours. I did laugh out loud at some lines - Seth can be amusing in his delivery.  And thumbs up to Penelope - she is damn hot and a good actress. 

This was my public service announcement for you. 

Monday Moments - Minions and Monsters

 News is nutso. It's hot and humid. Time for a small escape.  Ray and I ran away to our local movie theater to enjoy a Minions and Monsters matinee. 

And we laughed out loud starting with the opening credits -  a black and white homage to old Hollywood with minions meddling in the middle, and inevitable messing up a scene. So clever.  As old farts, we could pick up on so many references. I loved it. 

The general theme of the movie has school kids at a history museum and learning about James and Henry - minions who made a huge impact on the world. 

As the docent spins the story, we follow the guys as they muddle along in ancient times (reference Cyclops), or look to a Russian warlock to follow, and ultimately they land on a Hollywood set - thinking that the robbers are real. They are hired and are successful until the talkies some along. Minion tongue (all done by Pierre Coffin, the director) doesn't translate.  

So, kicked out - James and Henry decide to make their own monster film. I won't give away more. 

This movie is funny, silly, and dumb in a good way. It's creative and catchy. Ray and I both left giggling and amused. Success!  It was a bright spot on a Tuesday. 

Whatever Wednesday - Power Ballad

 I needed a short escape on a dreary, rainy Friday and treated myself to a movie - Power Ballad. This is a small film with a big heart.  It's a bit less than two hours - hooray.  It stars Paul  Rudd and Nick Jonas - two pleasant cuties.  It has some music, laughs, and is just entertaining. 

Paul Rudd (Rick Power) was a former star in a decent band. After he married an Irish woman, had a kid, and took off a year, he lost that gig. Since then, he's the lead singer in an Irish wedding band. It's a living - a human jukebox. 

The latest gig is at a very fancy Irish castle and turns out a groom's best friend is Danny Wilson (Nick Jonas) - a former boy band superstar who's not found his next groove.  After the show, Rick and Danny  end up talking music, playing some tunes, and noodling on a song. No big deal.  "It's been fun"

Six months later, Rick hears his song "How to Write a Song (Without  You)", only  it's a massive hit by Danny Wilson. Say what?

Here's where some hijinks ensue. Rick just wants some credit and some payment for his song. Danny's manager gives Rick the "buzz-off" and "do you have any proof"?  I won't tell more except Rick and one of  his Irish bandmates head to the U.S. to find and confront Danny. 

Power Ballad is about music, art, integrity, and family. Rick wants his wife and teen daughter to be proud of him. Deep in his soul,  he knows he's a good songwriter.  He wants the acknowledgment.  And then there's Danny who can really interpret a song - put  the soul into the tune.

I  predict this film will not  stay in  theaters long. It's a "little film". Look for it on  streaming and thank me for  a pleasant two hours.

Whatever Wednesday - The Devil Wears Prada 2

Heck yeah - I took myself to the movies on Friday May 8th.  I did my homework first and watched the original  Devil Wears Prada.  I had actually seen it several times with  my father during his last year. He knew the plot, could follow along, and he enjoyed Meryl.  So it was also imperative, a bit of a salute to him (gone two years as of 5/9), that I see The Devil Wears Prada 2 immediately.  

Of course there's some apprehension. Will it be silly? Will it be lousy? What story line and how have they handled aging characters? 

No worries. We launch back into the world of fashion, journalism, and the hustle bustle of NYC with aplomb. The story handles the onslaught of mergers, artificial intelligence, aging, and the money/power combo. I'm not going into the minutiae, just trust me it all works. 

Our stars, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, Meryl Streep, and Stanley Tucci,  plus a bonus appearance by Lucy Liu, are all fabulous. They look great, and are so good in their various roles - working together or scheming.  Special shout outs to Meryl and Stanley - it's a master class. Just a smirk, an eye role,  a pause. Their timing is impeccable. 

And another character itself is  New York City  - the  glam, the money side, the hustle bustle, and the  "little apartments" (HA!)  I love it and soak it in. 

So - big thumbs up from  me.  If you liked the original, you'll be very happy.

As Miranda (Meryl) says...."That's all."

"Go"

 

Monday Moments - Thriller

 Last day of April  was a dreary  blah day. I decided a movie could brighten the mood. Can't go wrong with  a Motown beat. Michael proved entertaining to me. This film covers the beginning of the Jackson 5 in Gary, Indiana. Little Michael is clearly the star - perfect pitch, soul, and a sadness/joy mix to his tiny demeanor. Coleman Domingo as Joseph Jackson, the  father, does a great job of showing the overbearing dad determined to use his sons for greater glory. He even uses the term "money machine" when referring to Michael. 

Sure enough, Berry Gordy, Motown founder hears and sees the magic in Michael and his brothers. They skyrocket.  The movie then pivots to Jaafar Jackson (yes, a relative of Michael) playing Michael as a teen, ready to move on from the J5. He has so much more to express. Jaafar does a very good job - the smile, the moves, the unique voice. The beat!  Off the Wall,  Billie Jean, Beat It, Thriller, the meteoric rise...

the Moon Walk dance! 

The movie shows the Pepsi commercial incident, the final J5 tour, and then the Thriller phenomenon. The movie alludes to Michael's weird childhood, the Neverland connection, etc., but doesn't go to the dark side. 

There have been other, better musical biographies but for $7 I escaped for two hours into good music. 

Finally Friday - Wuthering Heights movie

 Enjoyed a lunch and movie time a few weeks ago with some of my pickleball ladies.  Jason's Deli had a nice variety of soups, salad bar, and sandwiches. I went with roast beef on rye with provolone. Classic and tasty. 

Onward to Wuthering Heights starring Margot Robbie as Catherine and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff. This is NOT your ancient Sir Lawrence Olivier version. This is a bit more heaving bosoms and innuendo. I'm not sure if Emily Bronte, the author, would approve. 

The filming and photography were gorgeous. Margot and Jacob had chemistry. He was suitably brooding and the moors were enshrouded in mist. 

My group had mixed reactions.  One cried at the end over unrequited love.  One preferred the old black and white film.  I was mixed. I would have edited it quite a bit. I'm not a prude, but there were parts that were unnecessary. 

I remember reading  the book a long, long time ago, but truly did not remember the story line.  I will say Catherine annoyed me quite a bit. Oh well, it will go to streaming soon enough. I do not think you need to pay for  the theater. I enjoyed the afternoon with the ladies and that counted for a lot. 

Happy Friday the 13th (again! remember February).  Hope you have a good weekend.  

Finally Friday - Marty Supreme

Marty Supreme is a sport comedy movie loosely based on  the life of Marty Reisman, a table tennis superstar.  Timothee Chalamet stars as Marty Mauser, a wily hustler in New York City. Chalamet has won the Golden Globe and a Critic's Choice Award for his performance, and his nominated for an Oscar. He is very, very good. 

The movie is directed by Josh  Safdie who also did Uncut Gems which starred an award winning Adam Sandler.  I found the  two films to  be very alike - the pacing, the  down and dirty living, the lying, the angst. 

Marty is always robbing Peter to pay Paul, so to  speak. He's trying  to get money to  fly to Europe  for the table tennis championships.  He  borrows here, cheats here, always fast talking. He does work for his uncle's shoe  store, but manages  to screw that up. He's got Rachel, a long time girl/ friend who happens  to  be married, and he gets her pregnant. 

At age twenty-three, the kid is wise beyond his years and deep down is sorta good. Chalamet is likeable with that sweet face, and believable as very smart and talented. But almost too much of a wiseacre. 

I'm glad I saw this movie and yet I found it exhausting and way too long (2-1/2 hours) .  I got the gist immediately and then it just  kept going, and going - literally ping ponging around the city.  Whew! 

 

Monday Moments - Is This Thing On?

 So, I was kinda done with the world on Friday and needed to escape.  How about a marriage falling apart movie?  Yeah, that's the way to go. Popcorn and a soda - escape for two hours watching some misery.  Ha!

Is This Thing On? is directed by Bradley Cooper and he does a good job.  Will Arnett (Alex) is superb and Laura Dern (Tess) is always glorious  to watch. They've been married for over twenty years and are pretty much fighting all the time.  So they agree to split and divorce. The movie basically follows them struggling to make the divorce amicable for their two sons. 

Incredibly well acted and very realistic. Alex is in finance by day and then finds standup comedy by night. It's sheer happenstance that he goes into a comedy club. To not pay the entrance fee, he had to sign a sheet and do some comedy bit.  Turns out it's a bit therapeutic and he gets some laughs. He finds himself "alive" and challenged. It's a new world with some new friends.

What happens when Tess coincidentally sees him perform and she's the butt of his jokes?  Sorta a turn on? Are they kidding themselves? 

The  movie  feels very New York City real... like not really normal folks, but movie folks real.  I enjoyed it. The acting is really good and the difficulty of navigating  marriage is spot  on.  It's work.

Whatever Wednesday - Song Sung Blue

 Christmas afternoon I caught up with my pickleball gals and we enjoyed the film, Song Sung Blue. 

Based on a true story, Mike (Hugh Jackman) is a barely eking by singer. At a gig, he meets Claire (Kate Hudson) and they just  mesh. She's a single mom and also trying to get by in life. They connect with song and pull together as a Neil Diamond cover band..."an experience".

Slowly, they gain a following. They sound great and hey, you can't  go wrong with Sweet Caroline...so good, so good. 

Mike and  Claire marry. The kids get along. They get better gigs and even open for Pearl Jam. Eddie Vedder is a fan.  But this is a real life story and unfortunately, there's a huge set-back. (I'm not going to say what, but it's a shocker).  The movie takes quite the  dramatic turn. They are living some song sung blues. 

I'll stop there. Just have a tissue handy. Hugh Jackman is  great as Mike Sardina.  Kate Hudson just glows as Claire. They have chemistry and  their voices are awesome together.  Neil Diamond's songs are fabulous.  The story might sound like a soap opera, but it's movie type true. Thumbs up per me and my friends. 

Whatever Wednesday - Hamnet

 Lots of buzz for Hamnet. Golden Globe nominations, etc. 

This was a very intense, rather sad, but a wow movie.  The acting was superb. 

Directed by Chloe Zhao and based on the book by Maggie O'Farrell (who also co-wrote the screenplay with Zhao), Hamnet is a fictionalized version of the creation of the famous Shakespeare play Hamlet. 

We watch William Shakespeare (a magnetic Paul Mescal - oh, his eyes) fall head over heels for Agnes (Jessie Buckley - tremendous).  He's off to London to try to pursue this playwriting thing.  She's home with children. She's a strong woman, known for her forestry skills and wildness. She has to deal with his mother, Mary (a strong Emily Watson).   When Will's home, Agnes and he are a hot passion on screen. 

Agnes has to deal with "the pestilence" when it hits her eleven year old twins - Judith and Hamnet.  Alas, Hamnet ( a superb young actor Jacobi Jupe) dies (this is true in 1596).  She mourns.  She thinks Will doesn't care.  

Only when she goes to London and witnesses Will's new play Hamlet does she realize the depth of his mourning.  (cool fact - the young man playing Hamlet (Noah Jupe) on screen is the much older brother of the young actor playing Hamnet. Lots of talent in that family)

Have your tissues ready.  This film is quite intense and just hits the gut at multiple times.  Gotta love creative cinema.  Kudos. 

Monday Moments - Defy Gravity Again

Opening Friday, Julie and I followed the yellow brick road to the movie theater and enjoyed Wicked: For Good.   This is the Part 2 after original Wizard of Oz, Wicked on Broadway, Wicked (Part 1).  Very fun, very magical, and perfect on the big screen.  We both rewatched the first Wicked movie on Amazon. I was glad because I had forgotten some bits that proved useful to know.  I'm not going to give plots or give away twists. I've read some reviews that were very so-so.  Oh well, I disagree.  

I do think the first Wicked was a tad better - it just had that truly original feel to it and better songs.

But this sequel got darker and I liked how it tied up loose ends on many issues.  There weren't  as many characters to track

I absolutely love Cynthia Erivo.  She can act with her eyes.  And when she sings, my heart soars. As far as I'm concerned, she is tremendous as Elphaba.  Wicked good acting. 

 Ariana Grande is such a little wisp of thing, but she can belt out the high notes. As Glinda the "good witch", she does conflicted well. She and Cynthia have excellent screen chemistry. 

I like musicals.  I like big productions.  I like fun cinematography.  This was glorious on  the big screen and I give Wicked: For Good a thumbs up.  Enjoy it with a friend and then go to lunch afterwards to discuss. 

Monday Moments - Downton Abbey - The Grand Finale

Downton Abbey fans - rejoice.  The Grand Finale film is a must see on the big  screen. It's a lovely two hours with old friends.  The swell of music, the grand estate, the stunning costumes, posh accents, and a step back in time.

But  times are changing and this film is a bit of old guard relinquishing to the younger  generation.  We've watched Daisy grow up and now she's ready to run  the kitchen.  Andy's not a kid  anymore and he's ready to be head footman.  Carson needs to enjoy retirement. Mrs. Pattmore should just  cook for her husband Mr.  Mason.  

 And then  there's Lady  Mary.  Is Lord Grantham ready to acknowledge that she's been groomed for the position for  years?  She knows  the family history, but also knows changes must be made to keep up with the times. 

Yes, the plot's predictable but  welcoming.  And it was fun watching it at our theater. Collective chuckles at  some references to the Dowager (RIP Dame Maggie  Smith), some moments between Mary and Edith, and then some sniffles as the movie comes to  a close. 

I saw the movie with a friend and we enjoyed discussing it over  dinner afterward. Well done cast and crew.  And thank you Julian Fellowes for  entertaining us for years.  Jolly good! 

(PS - a private sniffle  for  me.   My father loved  the show. Rather sad that he's no longer alive  to enjoy this last movie treat) 
 

Monday Moments - Babygirl

 This is a PSA - ugh.  This movie, Babygirl, annoyed the heck out of me.  I do like Nicole Kidman as an actress and she's had good buzz on this film.  

Nope, sorry Nicole as Romy.  You can try, but age is catching up.  Antonio Banderas, as husband Jacob - oh sigh.  Young intern dude - Harris Dickinson as Samuel - well enough acted but a bit ick. 

Let me save you time and money.  It's a bit cringe, bordering on annoying "porny", creepy.  The couple next to me left.  The woman kept saying, "This is stupid."  I think the man was fine with watching Nicole get naked and live out some fantasy thing.

So, why didn't I leave?  I was killing time on Inauguration Monday, in a funk, and it was best I sat in a dark room - ha!

Finally Friday - September 5 (the film)

 Munich 1972

Olympics

September 5 - a day the terrorist group Black September invaded the Israeli rooms in the Olympic Village, they killed, took hostages, made demands, and the sports viewing public saw the tragedy unfold before us thanks to ABC coverage. 

The film September 5 is a stirring, fast paced ninety minute recounting of how a normal sports coverage broadcast day became THE top news story of its time. Peter Sarsgaard plays Roone Arledge, the sports director. He recognizes that he and his sports crew have the inside angle and wherewithal to scramble for the best reporting.   

Keep in mind it's 1972. No cell phones. Filming is done on big reels. Graphics are hand cut letters. CBS has some key satellite usage times and ABC has to negotiate for it. This was not a 24/7 instant news world.  

So, not only is the actual story sadly gripping, but just observing the  technology of the time is "entertaining".  I found myself holding my breath at times, even though I knew the outcome. And tears welled up at anchor Jim McKay's words.    At the end, Ray said, "Wow, that was really good." 

September 5 is a very worthy film to watch.  Kudos to the ensemble cast and the production crew. 

Finally Friday - A Real Pain

By the time you read this review, A Real  Pain might be streaming. It's a small artsy film created and directed and acted in by Jesse Eisenberg.  I've always liked him - he plays an excellent nerdy, angsty dude with a good heart.   His close cousin in this film is played by Kieran Culkin - a rather eccentric actor with soulful  eyes. 

The two are off on  a special Poland tour with an emphasis on Jewish history and the Holocaust.  They leave the tour a day early to visit their grandmother's town to see where she grew  up.  Both men fondly remember the grandmother, but Benji (Culkin) talked to her weekly and took her death hard. He's a "lost boy/man" and even attempted suicide. David (Eisenberg) is married with a young boy, but worries about Benji and is trying  to understand his cousin.

Benji is the charmer and makes friends with all in the tour group. He's extra sensitive and seems to extract MORE from the whole experience. David just wants to not make waves in the world.  The movie is "small" and yet is filled with great acting, a lot to think about in regards to family and connection, and it respects history.  The Poland backdrop is a bonus. 

It's a very weird little thinking movie, and I liked it.  Not  for everyone, that's for sure. 
 

Finally Friday - A Complete Unknown

 Yea, you know him now - Bob Dylan.  But in 1961, Robert (Bobby) Zimmerman arrived in New York  City ready to make his mark  on the  folk scene. 

 In the film, A Complete Unknown, Timothee Chamalet brings Bob Dylan onto the big screen and  tells his story. Here's this kid who seeks out the "biggies" - Pete Seeger (an excellent Edward Norton), Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro), Johnny Cash (Boyd Holbrook) - and proceeds to wow them with his songwriting skills. 

He knows his history, is musically talented, and leaps from unknown to  girls screaming in  a few short years. He's playing small gigs and then moves up to the bigger venues, including the Newport  Folk Festival. That's huge.  But there's tradition in  folk  and  Dylan is squirming under the invoked  "rules" pressure. 

I'm not  "blowing  in  the wind here"...when he takes  the  Newport stage in 1965, and plugs in  his guitar along with his band...well the  "times are truly changing". 

This movie is fun, entertaining, informative, and musically wonderful.  I personally admire Dylan songs,  but was never keen on the man and his voice. Timothee Chalamet did  a super job and I appreciated the Dylan story and history that much more.  Thumbs up to  start movie review 2025. 

Monday Moments - Defy Gravity

 By this time, you might be saying, "I'm sick of the hype." 

BUT....Wicked, the movie,  is absolutely  tremendous  in my opinion.  And you must  see  it on the  big screen.  And  yes, it's over two  hours,  but the time flies by with all of the magical scenes filling your eyeballs.  

There's  plenty of homage (Easter eggs) to  the original 1939 movie Wizard of Oz starring Judy Garland.

And there's also treats from the Broadway stage musical starring  Idina Menzel and Kristen  Chenoweth. 

But now, this movie is Part 1 and based  on  the book by Gregory Maguire. The movie truly gives a deep dive into the characters, the motivations, the real story and question of  "wicked".  Who  is truly behaving badly?  Do you see  parallels to today's world?  Oh yes.    

The voices soar, the harmonies are gorgeous, the dancing, choreography, sets are lush eye candy. 

The cast is perfect - Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba), Ariana Grande (Glinda), Jonathan Bailey  (Prince Fiyero) is extra charming, Michelle Yeoh  (Madame Mori), Jeff Goldblum (the Wizard), for  me a bonus Bowen Yang who lets his freak flag fly  (I say that as a compliment), and so many more. 

My friend and I sat stunned as the credits came up.  Defy Gravity rang in our ears.  So much to enthuse about.  We agreed we could easily see it again to  absorb more. I wore green. She wore pink. 

WICKED   WOW

Black Friday - Piece by Piece

I don't know if this film, Piece by Piece,  will  be at a cheap theater or streaming  by now - either  way, this is a fun family film for  Thanksgiving weekend. 

I saw an episode of Hot Ones on YouTube and Sean Evans interviewed Pharrell Williams. He's such a creative. Apparently the director Morgan  Neville wanted to do a documentary on Pharrell. He  agreed but said  he wanted his story as  a Lego  movie.  Sounds wacky.  Trust me,  this works and is extraordinarily innovative, colorful,  creative, and fun.   Great music, quite a life story, and a lot of joy. 

He truly sees color in  music and he was an  odd child who could feel the beat and create new ones. Featured in the  film are Chad Hugo (his fellow Neptunes), Daft Punk, Gwen Stefani, Snoop  Dogg, Jay-Z, Missy Elliott,  and more.  Pharrell worked hard and never gave up - this is a success story with a moral  to keep with your belief and focus. 

And as he says, life is kinda  like a Lego set - you build it piece  by piece!