Greetings,
I hate sports. I have mentioned this often. And I have my reasons, including but not limited to the fact that I am not good at them. Still, I think what I more have an issue with are sports fans and the behavior that they sometimes engage in. Now I know that my opinion of sports is just that, an opinion, and I know for certain that most fans are good people who just want to have some fun. But, then, every so often, some of them do things that make me question if I am of the same species as these people. I was reminded of one of those times when I saw the film, Catching Hell.
Catching Hell is a 2011 documentary directed by Alex Gibney. It chronicles the incident that occurred at a 2003 Cubs game wherein a single fan, Steve Bartman, was accused of interfering and ultimately costing them the game and, eventually in the minds of the fans, the World Series, though this was not even yet the World Series. I say "accused" because, first of all, he thought he was simply going for a foul ball, as you do, and second of all, he was one of about eight people who did the same thing. How he ended up getting blamed is something I still wonder and something that this film questions, as well. After focusing on the actual incident itself, we also go further into what happened to that man after the fact, how his life was affected and how the fans treated him. Spoilers: They didn't treat him very nicely. In some cases, I might even be inclined to use the word "barbaric". Look, I get it. You're upset that your team...sorry, "your" team lost. Because it's not yours. Because you're not a part of it. But, perhaps, some life perspective might do you some good. And by the way, another thing the film explores that people tend to forget is that many things went wrong and led to the Cubs' loss that day. However, some find it better to place all the blame onto one person rather than to accept the fact that, sometimes, crappy stuff just happens. Go figure.
Now don't think for a minute that this thing is one-note or one story. In fact, they used the tale of what happened at this game to juxtapose something that happened at another game 17 years earlier. That would be the infamous Red Sox game where Bill Buckner made an error. Yeah, these two stories definitely line up. One person makes a mistake and he is demonized for it, despite the fact that others made mistakes as well. Oh, and the fact that both of these games happened during Game #6 out of 7, which means both teams had one more chance and both teams blew it. They all could have bounced back, teams and fans alike, but they let themselves be defeated, in more ways than one. But, again, too easy to accept that. We need a scapegoat, which is something else discussed in the film, in a very masterful way.
An interesting aspect of this film is that the aforementioned director is a big sports fan. One would think it might make him biased in favor of the teams. But no. Gibney decided to show this story in a fair and honest way. You know, that thing that all documentary directors are supposed to do but so often fall at. And in the end, we get a fascinating story about blame, responsibility, priorities and the nature of human beings when they feel they have been wronged. Even when it comes to something as trivial as baseball.
At its core, this film serves to put a mirror in front of so many people in order for them to see the insanity of their behavior. A person's life is not less important than a game. Having respect for others, even if you're mad at them, justified or not, should be the default setting for humanity. It's not a lot of the time. And frankly, that's just sad to me. In fact, there were many parts of this movie that kind of broke my heart. It was rather a disgrace the way that both Bartman and Buckner were treated. It's not how we should be. Hopefully, this film has made and will make some people change.
So, to wrap things up, check out Catching Hell. Even if you're not a sports fan, as I am not, you will still find this entertaining, interesting, thought provoking and perhaps, even mind changing.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Friday, May 20, 2016
Tumbledown - Music Movie Review
Greetings,
Though I've never written it down officially, I have a list of movies in my head that I really wish I could be in. Not as an actress, but rather as a character. Some films create worlds that make people want to be a part of them. As I'm not one for fighting dragons or going into space, my choices tend to be more realistic. Happily, I have found another film I can add to that list, Tumbledown.
Tumbledown tells the story of Hannah, played by the wonderful Rebecca Hall, sans her British accent, as the widow of Hunter Miles, a musician who made one album that become a cult classic. She's living alone in a house in her home state of Maine, the one she was supposed to share with her husband for the rest of their lives, and trying to deal with her loss. She is also trying to write a biography of Hunter's life as not much was known about him by his fans, and she is the one with all the information, especially that which is extremely personal. However, she soon discovers that someone else is in town with hopes of also pulling together a biography, a writer from New York named Andrew McCabe, played by Jason Sudeikis. Reluctantly, Hannah agrees that, since Andrew actually knows the technical aspects of doing a book and she clearly does not, it might be a good idea for them to work together. Of course, things are rocky at first for many reasons, as wounds are still healing and Hannah is overwhelmingly protective of the legacy of the man she loves, but eventually they come to an understanding, both where their work and their lives are concerned.
I don't want to give away too much about the exact plot, because this is one of those films that doesn't exactly lead up to some Ka-Boom moment. It more so makes you want to follow along on the journey and gently slide your way into its conclusion. I like those kinds of movies, so I like this one. Thus, since I won't be giving a boatload of spoilers away, what else can I talk about? Well, I can't possibly get by without mentioning the phenomenal supporting cast, so let's start there.
Blythe Danner serves as, what I consider, the most prestigious member of the cast, playing Hannah's mother, who is desperately wanting her daughter to move on with her life after Hunter, though it is obvious that she is also wounded by the loss of someone she considered a son. We have a great character actor, Richard Massur, who many may recall by his face, if not his name, playing Hannah's father. Diana Agron pops up as Andrew's girlfriend, a character who the audience may be unsure of whether or not they are supposed to like. Joe Manganiello plays a local guy who shows up when Hannah needs him for...reasons. Make your own predictions on that one. Finally, Griffin Dunne serves as Hannah's most understanding and supportive friend in town. And everyone seems to be cast rather perfectly for their roles. That's always a good thing.
And now for a trip behind the scenes. The director of this film is Sean Mewshaw, who came up with the story along with his wife, Desi Van Til, who wrote the screenplay. And I certainly hope the info I got about them being married is correct or this would be awkward. Kidding aside, I love what they created together with this film. I am such a great admirer of character driven stories, wherein you can follow them emotionally and root for them to get to where they need to be. This is absolutely one of those, as I found myself getting tugs at my heart in the best way when seeing Hannah in her most quiet and personal moments, something that can also be attributed to the subtle brilliance of Ms. Hall's acting. Of course, I feel an actor is at their best when given a great story. Mission accomplished. And what I mentioned at the start of this post about the world creating? Well, hats off in a big way to the director for showing us a place that feels like home to people who have never even been there. These two superb artists made a world where everyone is so protective of everyone else and the very place itself, so much so that it makes each audience member long to be a part of that kind of community. And it makes us realize why the unseen character of Hunter Miles fell in love with the town as much as he fell in love with Hannah.
One more thing to discuss: the music. As I just said, we don't really get to see Hunter Miles, aside from a brief flash of a photo or two, but where we truly get to know him is through his songs. These songs are provided by an artist I had never come across, but I'm glad I finally have, whose name is Damien Jurado. He was tasked with constructing a person who, in a way, did not exist anymore, but who we had to believe still did. He was, after all, still alive in the hearts of those who loved him, those who knew him and those who didn't. Yes, I know that sounds sappy, but it doesn't make it untrue. Well, Jurado did this flawlessly, to the point where, if someone had described the character of Hunter Miles to you, this is exactly the kind of music you would predict him to make. And while we are the subject of music, I would be remiss if I didn't mention Daniel Hart, who did the beautiful score. This is one of those cases where, when I refer to a movie as a "Music Movie", I put great emphasis on the music part.
So, in closing, in case you haven't figured it out yet, I am highly recommending Tumbledown. Does it have flaws? Of course. Are there moments that may seem predictable for a story such as this? Yeah, I suppose. But when everything else is so good and heartfelt, where you can feel the soul of the people who created this film in every part of it, I can overlook a few faux pas and just tell you to watch it.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
Though I've never written it down officially, I have a list of movies in my head that I really wish I could be in. Not as an actress, but rather as a character. Some films create worlds that make people want to be a part of them. As I'm not one for fighting dragons or going into space, my choices tend to be more realistic. Happily, I have found another film I can add to that list, Tumbledown.
Tumbledown tells the story of Hannah, played by the wonderful Rebecca Hall, sans her British accent, as the widow of Hunter Miles, a musician who made one album that become a cult classic. She's living alone in a house in her home state of Maine, the one she was supposed to share with her husband for the rest of their lives, and trying to deal with her loss. She is also trying to write a biography of Hunter's life as not much was known about him by his fans, and she is the one with all the information, especially that which is extremely personal. However, she soon discovers that someone else is in town with hopes of also pulling together a biography, a writer from New York named Andrew McCabe, played by Jason Sudeikis. Reluctantly, Hannah agrees that, since Andrew actually knows the technical aspects of doing a book and she clearly does not, it might be a good idea for them to work together. Of course, things are rocky at first for many reasons, as wounds are still healing and Hannah is overwhelmingly protective of the legacy of the man she loves, but eventually they come to an understanding, both where their work and their lives are concerned.
I don't want to give away too much about the exact plot, because this is one of those films that doesn't exactly lead up to some Ka-Boom moment. It more so makes you want to follow along on the journey and gently slide your way into its conclusion. I like those kinds of movies, so I like this one. Thus, since I won't be giving a boatload of spoilers away, what else can I talk about? Well, I can't possibly get by without mentioning the phenomenal supporting cast, so let's start there.
Blythe Danner serves as, what I consider, the most prestigious member of the cast, playing Hannah's mother, who is desperately wanting her daughter to move on with her life after Hunter, though it is obvious that she is also wounded by the loss of someone she considered a son. We have a great character actor, Richard Massur, who many may recall by his face, if not his name, playing Hannah's father. Diana Agron pops up as Andrew's girlfriend, a character who the audience may be unsure of whether or not they are supposed to like. Joe Manganiello plays a local guy who shows up when Hannah needs him for...reasons. Make your own predictions on that one. Finally, Griffin Dunne serves as Hannah's most understanding and supportive friend in town. And everyone seems to be cast rather perfectly for their roles. That's always a good thing.
And now for a trip behind the scenes. The director of this film is Sean Mewshaw, who came up with the story along with his wife, Desi Van Til, who wrote the screenplay. And I certainly hope the info I got about them being married is correct or this would be awkward. Kidding aside, I love what they created together with this film. I am such a great admirer of character driven stories, wherein you can follow them emotionally and root for them to get to where they need to be. This is absolutely one of those, as I found myself getting tugs at my heart in the best way when seeing Hannah in her most quiet and personal moments, something that can also be attributed to the subtle brilliance of Ms. Hall's acting. Of course, I feel an actor is at their best when given a great story. Mission accomplished. And what I mentioned at the start of this post about the world creating? Well, hats off in a big way to the director for showing us a place that feels like home to people who have never even been there. These two superb artists made a world where everyone is so protective of everyone else and the very place itself, so much so that it makes each audience member long to be a part of that kind of community. And it makes us realize why the unseen character of Hunter Miles fell in love with the town as much as he fell in love with Hannah.
One more thing to discuss: the music. As I just said, we don't really get to see Hunter Miles, aside from a brief flash of a photo or two, but where we truly get to know him is through his songs. These songs are provided by an artist I had never come across, but I'm glad I finally have, whose name is Damien Jurado. He was tasked with constructing a person who, in a way, did not exist anymore, but who we had to believe still did. He was, after all, still alive in the hearts of those who loved him, those who knew him and those who didn't. Yes, I know that sounds sappy, but it doesn't make it untrue. Well, Jurado did this flawlessly, to the point where, if someone had described the character of Hunter Miles to you, this is exactly the kind of music you would predict him to make. And while we are the subject of music, I would be remiss if I didn't mention Daniel Hart, who did the beautiful score. This is one of those cases where, when I refer to a movie as a "Music Movie", I put great emphasis on the music part.
So, in closing, in case you haven't figured it out yet, I am highly recommending Tumbledown. Does it have flaws? Of course. Are there moments that may seem predictable for a story such as this? Yeah, I suppose. But when everything else is so good and heartfelt, where you can feel the soul of the people who created this film in every part of it, I can overlook a few faux pas and just tell you to watch it.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
Sunday, May 15, 2016
Mommie Dearest - Movie Review
Greetings,
Yes, I know that Mother's Day was a week ago, and a much more appropriate day to do this. I had, in fact, intended to do this thing last Sunday, but reasons, as usual, interfered. Still, it seemed like a good way to get back into doing reviews here on the blog. Talking about something that is completely underrated, unappreciated and something in which no one can see the brilliance. Just like me! Anyway, Mommie Dearest.
Mommie Dearest is a 1981 film that tells the story of Joan Crawford by way of the 1978 book of the same name written by her adopted daughter, Christina Crawford. Now this is not exactly a biopic, as we don't follow Joan throughout her entire life, but rather it covers the alleged abuse that Christina and her brother, Christopher, suffered at the hands of their mother. That's right. This film, which has become a cult classic, is considered "camp" and was once re-marketed as a dark comedy, is all about child abuse. Hilarious! But more on that, and some specific scenes, later.
Seriously, this film gets a really bad rap, even getting the Razzie Award for Worst Film of the Decade. It was not! I certainly don't know why it gets all this hate, and I absolutely don't know why the lovely and talented Faye Dunaway, who portrays Joan Crawford, gets the brunt of it. In my humble opinion, I thought she was phenomenal. It actually might be her greatest acting job ever. But, of course, some people often refer to the performance as over the top, as though it's a bad or inaccurate thing. I mean, do they know anything about Joan Crawford? She was over the top. Oh, and what's with all the jokes they make about Ms. Dunaway's physical appearance in the film? THAT is how Joan Crawford looked. These criticisms are akin to someone saying that Jamie Foxx played Ray Charles too much like a blind guy.
Look, I could spend a long time raving about this performance, but I would remiss if I didn't mention everything else. This was a well-written, well-acted, and overall well-made movie. Everyone in the cast did a fine job, but I must speak specifically about Mara Hobel and Diana Scarwid who play child Christina and adult Christina, respectively. First, Mara Hobel did one of the best kid acting jobs I've ever seen, and I've seen some bad ones. She really held her own against a pro like Faye Dunaway, as did Diana Scarwid. On to her performance, while much of it was understated, certainly by comparison, when it came time to let the emotions go full speed ahead, she pulled it off quite nicely. Really, this story is about these two women and their relationship, and they conveyed that to the audience very well.
Oh, and speaking of the cast, we get a little "What's up?" from Xander Berkeley as adult Christopher at the end, and also an appearance by Belita Moreno. You may know her as George's mother on The George Lopez Show. If you've seen her on that show and if you've seen this movie, you'll get the irony of this.
But let me take a moment to get back to that elephant in the room. Anyone who has ever, well, been alive most likely has seen some kind of parody of the infamous "No wire hangers ever!" scene. I won't judge you for laughing; I may have done it myself. However, let's think about that. These jokes spring from a very unsettling scene of a child being beaten. What is wrong with us? And how about some other scenes in the film? The all out, mother-daughter brawl, complete with the smashing of a glass table or the crazy chopping down of the tree with an ax, which are often taken out of context and if you see what led to them, you can see them in the correct light. Still, how can anyone miss the quieter scenes of the movie, like the ones where Joan and Tina legitimately behave like two people who seem to care about each other or, perhaps, what I consider the greatest scene, where Joan laments losing her contract and the way she is being treated in Hollywood. Three words: Bravo, Faye Dunaway.
Speaking of which, let me say, once again, that I love Faye Dunaway in this movie. I've heard that, due to all the negativity surrounding it, she doesn't like to talk about Mommie Dearest. It's kind of a shame. Not that I think she'll ever see this, but if she does, I hope she knows that those of us who can recognize brilliance when we see it, recognize it in her and this performance.
Bottom line, if you haven't seen Mommie Dearest, please do so. And go in without the blinders or preconceived notions of what you've heard about it. It does not get the respect it deserves. Some people call it ridiculous; it's not. It's actually very good. Find out for yourself.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
Yes, I know that Mother's Day was a week ago, and a much more appropriate day to do this. I had, in fact, intended to do this thing last Sunday, but reasons, as usual, interfered. Still, it seemed like a good way to get back into doing reviews here on the blog. Talking about something that is completely underrated, unappreciated and something in which no one can see the brilliance. Just like me! Anyway, Mommie Dearest.
Mommie Dearest is a 1981 film that tells the story of Joan Crawford by way of the 1978 book of the same name written by her adopted daughter, Christina Crawford. Now this is not exactly a biopic, as we don't follow Joan throughout her entire life, but rather it covers the alleged abuse that Christina and her brother, Christopher, suffered at the hands of their mother. That's right. This film, which has become a cult classic, is considered "camp" and was once re-marketed as a dark comedy, is all about child abuse. Hilarious! But more on that, and some specific scenes, later.
Seriously, this film gets a really bad rap, even getting the Razzie Award for Worst Film of the Decade. It was not! I certainly don't know why it gets all this hate, and I absolutely don't know why the lovely and talented Faye Dunaway, who portrays Joan Crawford, gets the brunt of it. In my humble opinion, I thought she was phenomenal. It actually might be her greatest acting job ever. But, of course, some people often refer to the performance as over the top, as though it's a bad or inaccurate thing. I mean, do they know anything about Joan Crawford? She was over the top. Oh, and what's with all the jokes they make about Ms. Dunaway's physical appearance in the film? THAT is how Joan Crawford looked. These criticisms are akin to someone saying that Jamie Foxx played Ray Charles too much like a blind guy.
Look, I could spend a long time raving about this performance, but I would remiss if I didn't mention everything else. This was a well-written, well-acted, and overall well-made movie. Everyone in the cast did a fine job, but I must speak specifically about Mara Hobel and Diana Scarwid who play child Christina and adult Christina, respectively. First, Mara Hobel did one of the best kid acting jobs I've ever seen, and I've seen some bad ones. She really held her own against a pro like Faye Dunaway, as did Diana Scarwid. On to her performance, while much of it was understated, certainly by comparison, when it came time to let the emotions go full speed ahead, she pulled it off quite nicely. Really, this story is about these two women and their relationship, and they conveyed that to the audience very well.
Oh, and speaking of the cast, we get a little "What's up?" from Xander Berkeley as adult Christopher at the end, and also an appearance by Belita Moreno. You may know her as George's mother on The George Lopez Show. If you've seen her on that show and if you've seen this movie, you'll get the irony of this.
But let me take a moment to get back to that elephant in the room. Anyone who has ever, well, been alive most likely has seen some kind of parody of the infamous "No wire hangers ever!" scene. I won't judge you for laughing; I may have done it myself. However, let's think about that. These jokes spring from a very unsettling scene of a child being beaten. What is wrong with us? And how about some other scenes in the film? The all out, mother-daughter brawl, complete with the smashing of a glass table or the crazy chopping down of the tree with an ax, which are often taken out of context and if you see what led to them, you can see them in the correct light. Still, how can anyone miss the quieter scenes of the movie, like the ones where Joan and Tina legitimately behave like two people who seem to care about each other or, perhaps, what I consider the greatest scene, where Joan laments losing her contract and the way she is being treated in Hollywood. Three words: Bravo, Faye Dunaway.
Speaking of which, let me say, once again, that I love Faye Dunaway in this movie. I've heard that, due to all the negativity surrounding it, she doesn't like to talk about Mommie Dearest. It's kind of a shame. Not that I think she'll ever see this, but if she does, I hope she knows that those of us who can recognize brilliance when we see it, recognize it in her and this performance.
Bottom line, if you haven't seen Mommie Dearest, please do so. And go in without the blinders or preconceived notions of what you've heard about it. It does not get the respect it deserves. Some people call it ridiculous; it's not. It's actually very good. Find out for yourself.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
Saturday, May 7, 2016
Theatre in the Theater
Greetings,
When I hear someone come up with a good idea that I agree with, I can't help but share it. I recently found a video on the YouTubes and, for the life of me, I cannot remember who made it. Sadly, I can't give credit for said idea to the actual person. I will, however, correct this mistake should I ever find it. But I digress. The point is the idea and, as you may have guessed from the title of this post, the idea is theatre in the theater. Allow me to explain.
There are a boatload of theatre loving people in the world, like full on "people on the stage only getting one take" theatre. And what better place to find that than Broadway. Sadly, though, many fans will never be able to go to NYC to check out a classic, long-running show, and even more can't head there every month or so to catch the latest productions. So, is there any remedy for this so those who can't see this great shows due to finances or personal reasons or any reasons, really? Perhaps.
As I mentioned, this was not my idea, but what about showing live theatre in movie theaters? Yes, I know they do this occasionally with Fathom Events and whatnot, but they don't do it nearly enough. Also, the shows they present, in my opinion, aren't usually ones that can drum up much interest. But I am talking about doing events where shows currently running on Broadway are recorded and shown in movie theaters around the country. Not eight times a week, of course, like they're done in NYC. Just once or twice per production, so the actual, live shows won't lose a crap ton of money. Just for the people who really won't ever get the chance to go to the city see them. Actually, if you factor in that, they might even make more money. And despite what some people may believe, I don't think this will stop anyone from going to Broadway all together, as when they do they, it tends to be for the entire NYC experience, not only theatre.
Now, look, I can admit that I know zero about the logistics of doing something like this, but I'm sure someone does. And I get it. Maybe my believing that this could happen is insane. Maybe this is something that really could never happen. But for everyone who sits at home only ever being able to hear the news of the wonderful shows on Broadway, or have a singular performance at the Tony awards as the best they'll ever get from them, I certainly hope it does.
And my apologies to the YouTuber whose name I can't recall. I do know it was a guy, though. Does that narrow it down?
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
When I hear someone come up with a good idea that I agree with, I can't help but share it. I recently found a video on the YouTubes and, for the life of me, I cannot remember who made it. Sadly, I can't give credit for said idea to the actual person. I will, however, correct this mistake should I ever find it. But I digress. The point is the idea and, as you may have guessed from the title of this post, the idea is theatre in the theater. Allow me to explain.
There are a boatload of theatre loving people in the world, like full on "people on the stage only getting one take" theatre. And what better place to find that than Broadway. Sadly, though, many fans will never be able to go to NYC to check out a classic, long-running show, and even more can't head there every month or so to catch the latest productions. So, is there any remedy for this so those who can't see this great shows due to finances or personal reasons or any reasons, really? Perhaps.
As I mentioned, this was not my idea, but what about showing live theatre in movie theaters? Yes, I know they do this occasionally with Fathom Events and whatnot, but they don't do it nearly enough. Also, the shows they present, in my opinion, aren't usually ones that can drum up much interest. But I am talking about doing events where shows currently running on Broadway are recorded and shown in movie theaters around the country. Not eight times a week, of course, like they're done in NYC. Just once or twice per production, so the actual, live shows won't lose a crap ton of money. Just for the people who really won't ever get the chance to go to the city see them. Actually, if you factor in that, they might even make more money. And despite what some people may believe, I don't think this will stop anyone from going to Broadway all together, as when they do they, it tends to be for the entire NYC experience, not only theatre.
Now, look, I can admit that I know zero about the logistics of doing something like this, but I'm sure someone does. And I get it. Maybe my believing that this could happen is insane. Maybe this is something that really could never happen. But for everyone who sits at home only ever being able to hear the news of the wonderful shows on Broadway, or have a singular performance at the Tony awards as the best they'll ever get from them, I certainly hope it does.
And my apologies to the YouTuber whose name I can't recall. I do know it was a guy, though. Does that narrow it down?
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
Monday, March 21, 2016
Straight From the Theater Review. - The Ten Commandments 60th Anniversary Re-release
Greetings,
There's something very special about getting to see your favorite movie on the big screen for the first time. Well, yesterday, I finally got to do that. In honor of the 60th anniversary of its original release, The Ten Commandments has been re-released just in time for Easter, as always. As soon as I heard about this, I knew I had to be in attendance. Now I won't be talking so much about the actual movie as I normally do in my reviews, mostly because I traditionally reviewed this a few years back. And since that particular post was quite long, like loooooong, I probably will keep things fairly short today. I will be speaking mostly of the experience, and it was a wonderful experience.
The Ten Commandments has been my favorite movie from the time I knew I was allowed to pick one. I've been watching it every year since I was a little girl. I remember always being in awe of it, the way it looked, the way it sounded, all of it. In fact, I would say that the way the script was so beautifully written was what truly made me fall in love with words. Those superb actors saying those sentences and paragraphs sounded like a symphony to me, and it still does. And the vivid pictures that the whole film creates has always been a wonder to me, like a huge painting that has come to life. It's practically perfect to me, cinematically speaking. Though all of this, I've had to enjoy it by way of my television at home. I was curious to see how different it would be for me to see it in the theater.
Of course, with some films, the theater experience can be one that enhances even the greatest works of art, and that was certainly the case here. While nothing could ever lessen the feelings I get when I watch this alone on a small screen, it was a thrill to see all the amazing care that was put into this movie on a much bigger canvas. The massiveness that it always holds just because of the heart and soul contained within was now something I could see physically, and it was unbelievable. I wonder if this is how those people felt back in 1956 seeing this masterpiece for the first time ever. I've always envied them for that.
But now I've had the pleasure of getting something close to that experience. I don't think anything could ever make me love this movie more than I already do, but getting to see it in a different way just adds to the whole lifelong relationship I've had with it and will continue to have with it. Again, if you want me to say something more detailed check out my previous review, which was more like a retrospective, if I'm being honest. I suppose the bottom line to all I have to say today is that, if you haven't already seen The Ten Commandments, see it. It gets shown every Easter on TV, like I said, or you can rent it anytime, or if you have the chance, catch it on the big screen for the Fathom Event. No matter how you feel concerning the religious aspects of it, this is a brilliant piece of film making. It's just plain legendary. On a more personal note, this is a powerful story and it has been told in a powerful way. It has always meant so much to me, as many of the stories from the Bible do, so I hold this work in a special part of my heart where it will live as long as I do.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
There's something very special about getting to see your favorite movie on the big screen for the first time. Well, yesterday, I finally got to do that. In honor of the 60th anniversary of its original release, The Ten Commandments has been re-released just in time for Easter, as always. As soon as I heard about this, I knew I had to be in attendance. Now I won't be talking so much about the actual movie as I normally do in my reviews, mostly because I traditionally reviewed this a few years back. And since that particular post was quite long, like loooooong, I probably will keep things fairly short today. I will be speaking mostly of the experience, and it was a wonderful experience.
The Ten Commandments has been my favorite movie from the time I knew I was allowed to pick one. I've been watching it every year since I was a little girl. I remember always being in awe of it, the way it looked, the way it sounded, all of it. In fact, I would say that the way the script was so beautifully written was what truly made me fall in love with words. Those superb actors saying those sentences and paragraphs sounded like a symphony to me, and it still does. And the vivid pictures that the whole film creates has always been a wonder to me, like a huge painting that has come to life. It's practically perfect to me, cinematically speaking. Though all of this, I've had to enjoy it by way of my television at home. I was curious to see how different it would be for me to see it in the theater.
Of course, with some films, the theater experience can be one that enhances even the greatest works of art, and that was certainly the case here. While nothing could ever lessen the feelings I get when I watch this alone on a small screen, it was a thrill to see all the amazing care that was put into this movie on a much bigger canvas. The massiveness that it always holds just because of the heart and soul contained within was now something I could see physically, and it was unbelievable. I wonder if this is how those people felt back in 1956 seeing this masterpiece for the first time ever. I've always envied them for that.
But now I've had the pleasure of getting something close to that experience. I don't think anything could ever make me love this movie more than I already do, but getting to see it in a different way just adds to the whole lifelong relationship I've had with it and will continue to have with it. Again, if you want me to say something more detailed check out my previous review, which was more like a retrospective, if I'm being honest. I suppose the bottom line to all I have to say today is that, if you haven't already seen The Ten Commandments, see it. It gets shown every Easter on TV, like I said, or you can rent it anytime, or if you have the chance, catch it on the big screen for the Fathom Event. No matter how you feel concerning the religious aspects of it, this is a brilliant piece of film making. It's just plain legendary. On a more personal note, this is a powerful story and it has been told in a powerful way. It has always meant so much to me, as many of the stories from the Bible do, so I hold this work in a special part of my heart where it will live as long as I do.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Thoughts on Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders
Greetings,
So, have I mentioned that Gary Sinise is my favorite actor? I may have once or twice. Well, it's a joy for anyone when they hear that their favorite actor is working on a new project, though the anxiety of waiting to see if it's good or not can be a bit of a headache. No worries for me, currently, because last night, I got to watch the latest endeavor from Mr. Sinise, a spin-off of the very successful Criminal Minds series called Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders. Here are some very quick and not too detailed thoughts about the premiere.
As evident by the title, this show takes us to other countries where a special team of FBI agents help out and/or rescue American citizens. The cast consists of the aforementioned Gary Sinise, Alana de la Garza, who I know best from Law & Order, Daniel Henney, who was in the sadly short-lived series Three Rivers that I really liked, Tyler James Williams, who we no longer hate...because he used to play Chris on Everybody Hates Chris, and Annie Funke, who I don't recall having seen in anything, but I thought she was a delight in this first episode. In fact, I'm happy to report that I enjoyed every cast member and character, a rarity for me. Okay, that was obviously the discussion on the "Who"s, now how about the "What", as in "What did I think of this introduction?"
Now, I never actually watched the original Criminal Minds, so I can't really speak on the show in comparison. But if that one is as good as this one, I may have to start catching up. I was quite intrigued by the episode last night. It had a decent story, it kept me interested to the very end and of course, it was acted very well, which is always important. Was it perfect? No, but I didn't expect it to be. Pilots tend to be flawed. Even the first few episodes of a new series can stumble until it finds its footing. The good news is that the potential is certainly there. It has enough great things that should sustain it with the audience until it becomes a well oiled machine, and with good old Gary at the helm as both lead actor and producer, I have no doubts that it will happen quickly.
So, will I be tuning in next week and Beyond for this new show? I think I will. And believe it or not, it's not just because I am ecstatic to see Gary Sinise again on a regular basis. Sure, he pulled me in, but if the show was not good, I would not stay. Therefore, I think I'll be sticking around with the team on this one for a while.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
So, have I mentioned that Gary Sinise is my favorite actor? I may have once or twice. Well, it's a joy for anyone when they hear that their favorite actor is working on a new project, though the anxiety of waiting to see if it's good or not can be a bit of a headache. No worries for me, currently, because last night, I got to watch the latest endeavor from Mr. Sinise, a spin-off of the very successful Criminal Minds series called Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders. Here are some very quick and not too detailed thoughts about the premiere.
As evident by the title, this show takes us to other countries where a special team of FBI agents help out and/or rescue American citizens. The cast consists of the aforementioned Gary Sinise, Alana de la Garza, who I know best from Law & Order, Daniel Henney, who was in the sadly short-lived series Three Rivers that I really liked, Tyler James Williams, who we no longer hate...because he used to play Chris on Everybody Hates Chris, and Annie Funke, who I don't recall having seen in anything, but I thought she was a delight in this first episode. In fact, I'm happy to report that I enjoyed every cast member and character, a rarity for me. Okay, that was obviously the discussion on the "Who"s, now how about the "What", as in "What did I think of this introduction?"
Now, I never actually watched the original Criminal Minds, so I can't really speak on the show in comparison. But if that one is as good as this one, I may have to start catching up. I was quite intrigued by the episode last night. It had a decent story, it kept me interested to the very end and of course, it was acted very well, which is always important. Was it perfect? No, but I didn't expect it to be. Pilots tend to be flawed. Even the first few episodes of a new series can stumble until it finds its footing. The good news is that the potential is certainly there. It has enough great things that should sustain it with the audience until it becomes a well oiled machine, and with good old Gary at the helm as both lead actor and producer, I have no doubts that it will happen quickly.
So, will I be tuning in next week and Beyond for this new show? I think I will. And believe it or not, it's not just because I am ecstatic to see Gary Sinise again on a regular basis. Sure, he pulled me in, but if the show was not good, I would not stay. Therefore, I think I'll be sticking around with the team on this one for a while.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
Sunday, March 13, 2016
Ordinary People - Movie Review
Greetings,
So, is it possible for a movie that had high acclaim at one time to also be very underrated? Well, it might be rare, but I say the answer is yes. Especially when certain movies win certain awards and some people think that other certain movies should have won instead. And they still think that over thirty-five years later. Seriously, let it go. But today I will be talking about the first of those two certain movies, an extraordinary film called Ordinary People. See what I did there?
Ordinary People is a 1980 film that was named the Best Picture of said year, and as I mentioned, some people, to this day, feel as though it did not deserve to win. It kind of makes me question if they even saw it, because it is one of my favorite movies. Mostly it is that because it makes me feel...a lot! But more on that later. It stars my beloved Timothy Hutton as Conrad Jarrett, a teenager dealing with PTSD after being involved in a boating accident that killed his older brother, Buck. After a suicide attempt and a stint in a psych hospital, he begins to see Dr. Berger played by Judd Hirsch. His parents, Calvin and Beth, played by Donald Sutherland and Mary Tyler Moore respectively, are dealing with all of this, or not dealing with it, in their own ways. Calvin is doing his best to try and understand the feelings of his surviving family members, whilst Beth seems to be in complete denial about everything that has happened, attempting to do the impossible - live in a past that no longer exists. Oh, and by the way, I must give a bit of a warning. You know how there some people who no one can ever hate, like Betty White or Mr. Rodgers or Grimace? And also Mary Tyler Moore. Everyone loves her. Well, prepare yourself. It may seem impossible, but for much of the duration of this film, you will probably not like her very much. You might even hate her. I know I did. Granted, I understand why she is behaving as she is, but still. Again, more on that later.
Basically, the plot is just watching this family trying to figure out what to do in a situation that no one is equipped to handle. I know that may not seem like much, just watching people live through a tragedy, or to be more accurately, its aftermath, but trust me, this is one of those films that carries out a somewhat simple story in a brilliant way. And the brilliance comes mostly from the actors. In addition to those I already mentioned, keep an eye out for some other familiar faces in smaller roles, like Dinah Manoff, Elizabeth McGovern, M. Emmet Walsh and Adam Baldwin. Everyone is fantastic in this. Of course, when it comes to those four main actors I spoke of earlier, they all bring something extraordinary. There's that word. again. I can commend Judd Hirsch, playing a doctor who has seen people's hardships from the outside and tries desperately to help, or Donald Sutherland, portraying a father who is trying to hold together what he has left, or Mary Tyler Moore, as a woman fighting to oppress reality so she does not have to deal with life's most excruciating pain. But if I'm being honest, the sun of this film rises and sets on the performance of Timothy Hutton. Hard to believe he did this when he hadn't even reached the age of twenty. No doubt about it, he is absolutely exquisite, and he breaks my heart every time I watch this. And that really is the sign of serious mastery in film making. When you can watch something or someone over and over again, and the effect never diminishes. And speaking of mastery in film making, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the director here, Robert Redford. Yeah, that's right. He has directed TWO of my all time favorite films. This one included, obviously.
So, are there any other reasons why I love Ordinary People so much? Why, yes, and it kind of lies right there in the title. I've always loved movies and stories that are very character driven. I love seeing how people are and how they live and how they deal with everyday life, even when everyday life changes for them. Look, I'm fine with films that take people away to a fantasy world, but to me, there's nothing more moving than being confronted with a reality that is not your own but that very well could be. What happened to the family in this film could happen to any of us. That's what makes it so compelling, fearful even. And honestly, we need to be reminded of what could be for us, so that we can more appreciate the blessings we have and not get complacent about them. If I may make an analysis on the mother character here, I always felt as though she had such a good life, perhaps one that was near perfect, that her gratitude for it turned into a kind of entitlement. She may have begun to feel that this perfect life was a guarantee, so when it was taken from her, the only reaction could be one of anger, of "How dare anything or anyone ruin what the life that is owed to me!" Trouble is, she had no idea how to deal with that anger or grief, so instead of pulling close what family she had left, she dug a canyon between herself and them. All the while, we sit and watch, wondering if they'll build a bridge to one another so they can heal or all fall over the edge. It's a grim set of thoughts, but I think they are things we all need to think about sometimes. So, yes, I am grateful for films like this that help us do that.
I suppose I should wrap this up. I am absolutely recommending that everyone take a look at Ordinary People. No, it's not always easy to watch. In fact, it's not mostly easy to watch, but as I said, it will make you feel something. It will make you think. And hopefully, it will make you appreciate what and who you have.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
So, is it possible for a movie that had high acclaim at one time to also be very underrated? Well, it might be rare, but I say the answer is yes. Especially when certain movies win certain awards and some people think that other certain movies should have won instead. And they still think that over thirty-five years later. Seriously, let it go. But today I will be talking about the first of those two certain movies, an extraordinary film called Ordinary People. See what I did there?
Ordinary People is a 1980 film that was named the Best Picture of said year, and as I mentioned, some people, to this day, feel as though it did not deserve to win. It kind of makes me question if they even saw it, because it is one of my favorite movies. Mostly it is that because it makes me feel...a lot! But more on that later. It stars my beloved Timothy Hutton as Conrad Jarrett, a teenager dealing with PTSD after being involved in a boating accident that killed his older brother, Buck. After a suicide attempt and a stint in a psych hospital, he begins to see Dr. Berger played by Judd Hirsch. His parents, Calvin and Beth, played by Donald Sutherland and Mary Tyler Moore respectively, are dealing with all of this, or not dealing with it, in their own ways. Calvin is doing his best to try and understand the feelings of his surviving family members, whilst Beth seems to be in complete denial about everything that has happened, attempting to do the impossible - live in a past that no longer exists. Oh, and by the way, I must give a bit of a warning. You know how there some people who no one can ever hate, like Betty White or Mr. Rodgers or Grimace? And also Mary Tyler Moore. Everyone loves her. Well, prepare yourself. It may seem impossible, but for much of the duration of this film, you will probably not like her very much. You might even hate her. I know I did. Granted, I understand why she is behaving as she is, but still. Again, more on that later.
Basically, the plot is just watching this family trying to figure out what to do in a situation that no one is equipped to handle. I know that may not seem like much, just watching people live through a tragedy, or to be more accurately, its aftermath, but trust me, this is one of those films that carries out a somewhat simple story in a brilliant way. And the brilliance comes mostly from the actors. In addition to those I already mentioned, keep an eye out for some other familiar faces in smaller roles, like Dinah Manoff, Elizabeth McGovern, M. Emmet Walsh and Adam Baldwin. Everyone is fantastic in this. Of course, when it comes to those four main actors I spoke of earlier, they all bring something extraordinary. There's that word. again. I can commend Judd Hirsch, playing a doctor who has seen people's hardships from the outside and tries desperately to help, or Donald Sutherland, portraying a father who is trying to hold together what he has left, or Mary Tyler Moore, as a woman fighting to oppress reality so she does not have to deal with life's most excruciating pain. But if I'm being honest, the sun of this film rises and sets on the performance of Timothy Hutton. Hard to believe he did this when he hadn't even reached the age of twenty. No doubt about it, he is absolutely exquisite, and he breaks my heart every time I watch this. And that really is the sign of serious mastery in film making. When you can watch something or someone over and over again, and the effect never diminishes. And speaking of mastery in film making, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the director here, Robert Redford. Yeah, that's right. He has directed TWO of my all time favorite films. This one included, obviously.
So, are there any other reasons why I love Ordinary People so much? Why, yes, and it kind of lies right there in the title. I've always loved movies and stories that are very character driven. I love seeing how people are and how they live and how they deal with everyday life, even when everyday life changes for them. Look, I'm fine with films that take people away to a fantasy world, but to me, there's nothing more moving than being confronted with a reality that is not your own but that very well could be. What happened to the family in this film could happen to any of us. That's what makes it so compelling, fearful even. And honestly, we need to be reminded of what could be for us, so that we can more appreciate the blessings we have and not get complacent about them. If I may make an analysis on the mother character here, I always felt as though she had such a good life, perhaps one that was near perfect, that her gratitude for it turned into a kind of entitlement. She may have begun to feel that this perfect life was a guarantee, so when it was taken from her, the only reaction could be one of anger, of "How dare anything or anyone ruin what the life that is owed to me!" Trouble is, she had no idea how to deal with that anger or grief, so instead of pulling close what family she had left, she dug a canyon between herself and them. All the while, we sit and watch, wondering if they'll build a bridge to one another so they can heal or all fall over the edge. It's a grim set of thoughts, but I think they are things we all need to think about sometimes. So, yes, I am grateful for films like this that help us do that.
I suppose I should wrap this up. I am absolutely recommending that everyone take a look at Ordinary People. No, it's not always easy to watch. In fact, it's not mostly easy to watch, but as I said, it will make you feel something. It will make you think. And hopefully, it will make you appreciate what and who you have.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
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