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November 27, 2019

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019) --- "We Could All Use a Little Kindness"

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Hello, Movie Buffs!
     Directed by Marielle Heller (Can You Ever Forgive Me?), written by Micah Fitzerman-Blue (Maleficent: Mistress of Evil) and Noah Harpster (Maleficent: Mistress of Evil), and inspired by the 1998 Esquire article “Can You Say… Hero?” by Tom Junod, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019) follows the true story of how Lloyd Vogel (Matthew Rhys), a weary and cynical Esquire journalist, learns to overcome his skepticism and embrace empathy, kindness, and decency from America’s most beloved television icon, Fred Rogers (Tom Hanks) from Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood.
     A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is a modest and quiet story that celebrates the virtues of patient listening, gentleness, and one's honest expression of their feelings. Mr. Rogers’ decency, patience, emotional intelligence, and understanding nature were consistent in the fact that Mr. Rogers on TV and Fred Rogers in real-life where one-and-the-same person. And while this can be slightly unnerving at times it is also quite humbling. Why? Because it shows how if one man could devote his life to being kind and helping others find a positive outlet to express their emotions, then why can’t everyone else try to do the same? Some people might look at him and call him a “saint” but neither he nor his wife believed that to be true. He was like everyone else but his nonjudgmental kindness came from empathy rather than a sense of superiority. He made kindness and forgiveness easy because they are. Maybe not at first but over time it gets easier and easier, and it only becomes hard when we make it hard when we make excuses to justify that we deserve to feel the way we do. But he shows us that we decide how we feel and that decision determines whether we live a life of happiness or a life of anger. He spoke to his young viewers without haughtiness or condemnation but rather simply as an adult, and he asked his adult viewers to remember what it was like as a child. He uses the example that like favorite toys, hurt feelings that you hold onto are like little reminders of vulnerability that make up the foundation of who you are as an adult.
     But unlike the heartfelt 2018 documentary Won’t You Be My Neighbor by Morgan Neville and the vastness of the story’s message, this film does not follow Mr. Rogers. Sure the film is set up much like an episode of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, complete with its iconic piano music and a miniature diorama of cities and neighborhoods, but the film primarily follows Lloyd and his journey to forgiveness. It shows how Lloyd’s skepticism and cynical attitude were no match for Mr. Rogers’ kindness, genuine friendship, and never-ending questions that pushed Lloyd to talk about himself, his new position as a father, and how the strained relationship with his father continues to affect him even after all these years. He learns to be a more understanding brother, a more open/responsive husband, a more involved father, and a more forgiving son. This is not like any other biopic film but rather it is a story that demonstrates the level of impact that Mr. Rogers had on the world and delivers a powerful message about kindness, forgiveness, and how to express one’s feelings; something I think we could all learn a thing or two from.
     The cast performances were solid. Matthew Rhys (The Post, The Edge of Love) is spot-on in his performance as Lloyd Vogel, who is loosely based on the journalist Tom Junod. Lloyd is a man hurt by his past and as a result, he closed himself off to certain emotions in order to survive but his character development and growth as a new father is aimed to compel audiences to reflect upon themselves. He goes on an emotional journey that forever changes his perspective on life and he acts as the audience’s entry point into the teachings of Mr. Rogers, which demonstrates that even adults can learn something from Mr. Roger’s teachings. Tom Hanks’ (The Post, Toy Story 4) performance as Fred Rogers is delightful. While he is not the spitting image of Mr. Rogers, he manages to convincingly capture the body language and vocal intonations of the beloved American icon. He slows his speech to get the same soothing cadence, holds hands and gives hugs freely, and walks with a level of effortless normality that could almost be considered vulnerable and open. Despite being a beloved icon, Mr. Rogers could almost be considered as the “antagonist” of the film. The reason I say this because he enters the main character’s, Lloyd, life and turns it upside down with is philosophy and way of doing things. Fortunately, he is much needed “antagonist”, otherwise Lloyd would have never been challenged to go on a journey of change. Susan Kelechi Watson (This is Us, The Blacklist) as Andrea Vogel - a public attorney, Lloyd's wife, and an avid fan of Mr. Rogers - delivers a patient and subtle yet powerful performance that makes her the perfect person to stand beside Lloyd and push him to be a better person, especially now since he is a father. Chris Cooper (American Beauty) as Lloyd's estranged father, Jerry is multidimensional. He is a character that tries to be the cool tough guy but really he feels guilt and a product of his own demons.  
     The rest of the cast - Enrico Colantoni as Family Communications president Bill Isler, Maryann Plunkett as Joanne Rogers, Tammy Blanchard as Lloyd's sister Lorrain, Noah Harpster as Lorraine's husband, Wendy Makkena as Jerry's girlfriend Dorothy, Carmen Cusack as Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood producer Margy Whitmer, Maddie Corman as Lady Aberlin on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, and Christine Lahti as Lloyd's editor - are also great in their respective roles. In addition to the main and supporting cast members, there were a number of notable cameos in the film. There is a particular scene where Rogers and Lloyd are at a restaurant, and the surrounding customers are made of Joanne Rogers, Margy Whitmer, Bill Isler, Margy Whitmer, and even David Newell who played Mr. McFeely on the show. 
     Overall, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019) is quite possibly one of the most heartfelt and touching films of 2019. Mr. Rogers showed the world that while it can be scary, nasty, and mean it doesn’t always have to be that way. Through is kindness, unconditional love, and simple nature he taught us that we have the power to change the world around us simply by understanding how to talk about and express our feelings in a positive way. He wasn’t a saint. He was an ordinary man who devoted his life to creating a legacy that would impact countless people for generations to come and he showed us a way of life that is easily obtainable for anyone who was willing to try. This is a story that speaks to every and challenges us to be better than ourselves. Whether or not you grew up watching Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, I highly recommend that you check out this film, especially while it is still in theaters, because I think that you will learn something that will speak to you.

Final Vote --- 8 of 10 stars


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Movies Similar
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Beautiful Boy (2018)
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November 25, 2019

21 Bridges (2019) --- “The Only Way Out Is Through Him”

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Hello, Movie Buffs!
     Thrust into a citywide manhunt for a pair of cop killers (Stephan James and Taylor Kitsch), embattled NYPD detective Andre Davis (Chadwick Boseman) closes all 21 bridges into Manhattan for the first time in history; preventing any entry or exit from the island. As the night unfolds and a massive conspiracy is uncovered, lines become blurred between who he is pursuing and who is pursuing him. Can he uncover those responsible behind the conspiracy before the island is opened back up? Or will the bad guys getaway?
     Directed by Brian Kirk (Game of Thrones, Great Expectations), written by Adam Mervis (Choices) and Matthew Michaek Carnaham (Deepwater Horizon, Dark Waters), and produced by Joe and Anthony Russo (Endgame), 21 Bridges (2019) is an entertaining action crime film that aims to keep one invested in the story and the moral imperatives the main character attaches to each new discovery. It’s not mindless or overly vulgar but neither does it spend an unnecessary amount of time of trivial moments or information. The story manages to leave clues for the audience to pick up on suggesting that not everything is as straightforward as it tries to seem. 
***SPOILER WARNING *** In addition to the story, the cinematography also has some moments to shine. One, in particular, takes place at the beginning of the film and involves a funeral for a young Andre Davis’s (Christian Isaiah) father, who was killed in the line of duty. During this scene there is an overhead shot outside the church, which is something we’ve seen a number of times in films, but what makes this different is that the shot is perfectly timed to see hundreds of cops snap a perfectly synchronized salute. This shot demonstrates with action the full importance and significant nature of the event, and how it makes an impact on the life of a young Andre Davis. ***SPOILER WARNING *** 
     The cast performances were great. Chadwick Boseman (Black Panther, Endgame) has a lot of action scenes involving running, car-chases, and shoot outs but there are also a number of moments that allow for the character to do a lot of thinking. He delivers a more thoughtful, intuitive, and smooth type of detective, one who holds high values and morals when it comes to upholding the law. In other words, he firmly believes that nobody is above the law, not even cops, regardless of the fact if the actions were justified as being “good.”Sienna Miller (G.I. Joe: The Rise of the Cobra, American Sniper) is unrecognizable and outstanding as the narcs' detective Frankie Burns, who seems to be hiding more than she is letting on. Stephan James (Race, If Beale Street Could Talk) and Taylor Kitsch (Waco mini-series) are a lot more sympathetically portrayed as the bad guys but they are no less violent, especially when it matters. J. K. Simmons (Spider-Man: Far From Home) as Captain Matt McKenna and Keith David (Armageddon) as Deputy Chief Spencer also gave good performances, especially Simmons who provided an antagonistic character on the side. The rest of the cast performances were good in their respective roles.
     Overall, 21 Bridges (2019) is a thrilling and solid action crime film that refrains from being a mindless drone of unnecessary violence and vulgarity. It’s a thought-provoking action film that leaves little clues for the audience to pick up on and suggest that not everything is as straightforward as it may seem. The cast performances were great, especially from Boseman who delivers a more thoughtful, intuitive, and smooth type of detective, whose conscience prevents him from allowing people, even cops, to get away with a crime. If you are looking for an action crime film that is both thrilling and thought-provoking then I highly suggest that you check out 21 Bridges.

Final Vote --- 7.9 of 10 stars

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November 24, 2019

Harriet (2019) --- “Be Free Or Die.”

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Hello, Movie Buffs!
     Its Maryland 1849 and Araminta “Minty” Ross (Cynthia Erivo) is a born slave legally bound to the land of her owners, despite being married to John Tubman (Zackary Momoh), a local freedman. When her master (Joe Alwyn) refuses to grant her freedom and instead chooses to sell her to the highest bidder, Minty makes a daring escape to Philadelphia, leaving those she loves behind. Guided by her inner strength and the premonitions she believes are messages from God, Minty miraculously makes the 100-mile journey to freedom. There she meets members of the Underground Railroad (Leslie Odom Jr. and Janelle Monáe) who give her the support and resources to go back and rescue her people.
     Directed by Kasi Lemmons (Black Nativity) and co-written alongside Gregory Allen Howard (Remember the Titans), Harriet (2019) is a biographical film that tells the inspirational and extraordinary life of one of America’s most iconic freedom fighters, Harriet Tubman. The story charts her first escape to freedom all the way to briefly touching on the part she played during the Civil War. According to history, after a 2lb metal weight fractured her skull as a young girl, Tubman suffered from fits that she claimed gave her visions from God. Lemmons and Howard could have easily chosen to exclude these beliefs but instead, they choose to incorporate them into the story, which not only made the story more interesting but also allowed for it to remain closer to its source material. The film maintains a brisk pace and a sense of suspense, which stems from the threat of danger that comes in the form of trackers, slave-hunters, and even Harriet’s former master. The violence is restrained in a way that allows for the audience to see the painful scars, both emotionally and physically, that enslavement leaves on a person but full brutality of the slave owners is more or less implied then it is shown. The story spans several years of Tubman’s life and attempting to cover that vastness was always going to be a challenge for a movie; perhaps it would have been better if it were released as a TV miniseries instead. Nonetheless, Harriet, while not an immersive horror like 12 Years a Slave (2013) nor is it a complex depiction of slavery-like The Birth of a Nation (2016) or Free State of Jones (2016), is still a formidable piece of cinematic entertainment that is a suspenseful, emotional, uplifting, and simple story about strength, perseverance, and freedom.
     Unsurprisingly, the story is elevated by its talented cast, who gave incredible performances. Cynthia Erivo (Widows, Bad Times at the El Royale) delivers a powerful performance as the wide-eyed, determined, and resourceful Araminta "Minty" Ross / Harriet Tubman. Leslie Odom Jr. (Hamilton) is slightly confined to a one-note character as William Still, but he provides a friendly face for an otherwise unfriendly world. Janelle Monáe (Hidden Figures) radiates on-screen as Marie Buchanon, a free-born black woman who owns a boarding-house proprietor in Philadelphia. Joe Alwyn has played in a number of interesting characters throughout his career, from Billy Lynn in Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk (2016) to the son of high-ranking Nazi officer in Operation Final (2018) to Robert Dudley in Mary Queen of Scots (2018) and now as Gideon Brodess, the son of a farm owner who owns Minty and her family. Here he does an incredible job with the character because although he is bad and you can see it at times in his eyes, there are also a few moments when you are unsure as to where his true loyalties lie. The rest of the cast - Jennifer Nettles, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Clarke Peters, Henry Hunter Hall, Zackary Momoh, Mitchell Hoog,Deborah Ayorinde, Vondie Curtis-Hall, Omar Dorsey, Tory Kittles, Tim Guinee, Joseph Lee Anderson, Brian K. LandisAntonio J. Bell, Willie Raysor, William L Thomas, and many more - all gave excellent performances no matter how small or how big they were.
     Overall, Harriet (2019), while not an immersive horror or a complex depiction of slavery, is still a formidable piece of cinematic entertainment that is a suspenseful, emotional, uplifting, and simple story about strength, perseverance, and freedom. The story had its challenges simply because there is never enough time to adequately tell a person’s life story, but it handled them with strength and care. The cast performances elevated the film and each one left an impression, big or small. I highly recommend that you check out this film, especially if you enjoy biopics or other films of a similar nature.

Final Vote --- 8.9 of 10 stars


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November 20, 2019

Charlie's Angels (2019) --- “Sworn To Secrecy, Bound By Sisterhood.”

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Hello, Movie Buffs!
     Jane (Ella Balinska) and Sabine (Kristen Stewart) travel around the world completing missions on behalf of the mysterious and now international Charles Townsend agency, as Angels. When young programmer Elena (Naomi Scott) discovers that the sustainable energy technology she invented has the potential to be weaponized, she seeks help from the Townsend Agency to stop it. But when the tech falls into the wrong hands, it is up to Elena, the Angles, and their trusted handler Bosely (Elizabeth Banks ) to retrieve the dangerous tech before it has the chance to irreversible damage. Can the girls find out who is behind the threat before its too late?
     Directed by Elizabeth Banks (Brightburn, Mrs. America), and co-written alongside Evan Spiliotopoulos (The Huntsmen: Winter’s War, Bright 2) and David Auburn (Georgetown, Lake House), Charlie’s Angels (2019) is the third installment in the film series that continues where the television series by Ivan Goff and Ben Roberts and the film series by McG left off. Although most people are never 100% thrilled when a reboot film is created but Charlie’s Angels (2019) is the reboot we never knew we needed. The film is brisk and knowingly tongue-in-cheek but at the same time, it slows down enough to allow the characters to connect and interact with the audience and each other. The film is mainly about women and promoting girl-power, while the actual crime-solving aspect is secondary. On that same note, while the girl-power vibe is nice and for the most part handled well, there are moments where it is very heavy-handed. Not everything needs to be detailed out, in fact, sometimes the less-is-more concept comes across a lot better. However, just as the Angels use society’s expectations about beautiful women against their targets, this film uses the audience's preconceived expectations about Charlie’s Angels to insert some surprising twists, which in turn make for an interesting story.
     A strong aspect of the story is that it gives ample time for the characters to shine. Kristen Stewart (Underwater) is entertaining as the flirty and comedic Sabina, while Ella Balinska (Hunted, The Athena) works well former MI6 turned Angel, Jane Kano, who performs most of the major action scenes gracefully. Naomi Scott (Aladdin) was hilarious and held her own as young programmer Elena Houghlin. Together, all three of the girls make for an interesting and well-rounded trio of Angels. Elizabeth Banks as Rebekah "Bosley", a former Angel who became one of Charlie's assistants, was delightful. For the supporting characters, Patrick Stewart (Star Trek: Picard) offers an a-typical performance and yet it is a delight to see him on screen; Jonathan Tucker (Westworld) is a bit one-dimensional but also formidable and  mysterious; Sam Claflin (Adrift) was good as the smug and insanely wealthy Alexander Brock; Noah Centineo (To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before 1 & 2) was cute as Elana’s Assistant, Langston; and Luis Gerardo Méndez (Murder Mystery) was hilarious as The Saint. The rest of the cast Djimon Hounsou (The King’s Man), Chris Pang (Crazy Rich Asians), Nat Faxon (Disenchantment) and even Robert Clotworthy (The Curse of Civil War Gold) who takes over as the voice of Charles "Charlie" Townsend, following John Forsythe's death in 2010 - gave good performances that added to the film’s character. 
     Overall, Charlie’s Angels (2019) is a fun, well-paced, action-packed, girl-power film that makes you laugh and smile throughout the entire film. It is the reboot we never knew we needed. Now the story had some issues with being heavy-handed in certain areas but it means well and the overall context is what matters most. The cast performances are great, especially from Stewart, Balinska, Scott, and Banks, all of whom provide most of the film’s dynamic nature. I highly recommend this film, especially if you enjoyed the TV series or two other feature films by director McG.

Final Vote --- 8 of 10 stars


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