The Irishman

Robert de Niro, Joe Pesci, Ray Romano,

Harvey Keitel, Al Pacino, Bobby Canavale,

Anna Paquin, Stephen Graham

"His story Changed history"

NETFLIX

Scorsese, De Niro, Pesci, Pacino - their surnames alone can draw in the crowds! But this mob thriller was released on Netflix, the streaming service. No need to head to the cinemas to see these film industry bigwigs acting flawlessly in a compelling film based on the nonfiction book "I Heard You Paint Houses" by Charles Brandt.  

The author interviewed Frank Sheeran, the Irish hitman for the Bufalino crime family who confessed in a series of interviews that he was the one who killed Jimmy Hoffa, the teamster and union leader who disappeared in 1975.

We are first introduced to Frank Sheeran (Robert de Niro) as a truck driver who delivers good quality meat to restaurants. Wanting to earn more money, he agrees to deliver his first grade steaks to Skinny Razor (Bobby Canavale), a mob boss who worked for Angelo Bruno (Harvey Keitel), the head of the Philadelphia crime family for two decades. Frank gets fired from his job and hires union lawyer Bill Bufalino (Ray Romano) to represent him. Sheeran is acquitted, then introduced to Bill's cousin Russell Bufalino (Joe Pesci), an upper state Pennsylvania mobster, who hires him to 'paint houses'. So begins the WWII veteran, former truck driver's life of criminal activities, working for both Bruno and Bufalino.  

Sheeran claims "I heard you paint houses?" was the first thing Hoffa asked him when they first spoke over the phone. A mob term which means "I heard you kill people". Russell Bufalino, sort of "loaned" Sheeran to Hoffa so Frank could take care of matters for the head of the Teamsters, from being a bodyguard, a thug to a traveling companion, following Hoffa around the country as he held local meetings, fortifying the labor union.  

Sheeran and Hoffa were two peas in a pod, their families were close, a symbiotic relationship that lead to a life long friendship. In fact, Hoffa trusted Frank so much that even at that instant when he entered that house in Detriot for an alleged meeting with some mobsters, he had no idea it was his last day on earth. Fell by two bullets behind his head, shot by his friend, Frank. Hoffa's body was taken and burnt in some oven pit. Well, is this true? Did Sheeran really kill his friend as ordered by several mob bosses? We can never know for sure but an old Frank claims, he did it. 

This well directed, well crafted epic movie rolls for 3 hours and 30 minutes. Thankfully, it is shown on Netflix so I could pause it for toilet breaks and get some snacks. I was totally engrossed in the story, I barely noticed the time. Told through the eyes of a much older and cancer stricken Sheeran in a wheelchair, waiting out his final days in a hospice - the non linear flashbacks complete with de-aging technology (which works wonderfully), adds much gravitas to this realistic mob story. Based on true mobsters, Scorsese would add snippets beside the characters's faces - notes on how they met their untimely (or timely) death. Sure there are violent scenes but it won't be a credible crime story without some brutality, right? 

For the supporting cast, we had Ray Romano doing a good job as the sly attorney, a far cry from his comedic days. Too bad, Harvey Keitel is given very few lines, in few scenes. He barely scratched the surface of an intriguing character as Angelo Bruno. The indefatigable Al Pacino is excellent as Jimmy Hoffa. Pacino can overact sometimes but in this case, it was a plus as he essayed a larger than life, colorful character, whose disappearance still remains one of life's greatest mysteries, as enigmatic as the Loch Ness monster saga. 

Lastly, I want to thank Scorsese for (1) bringing De Niro and Pesci together in movie. I read that Pesci turned down Scorsese's offer several times, preferring to enjoy his showbiz retirement in peace. I grew up watching their tandem in such classics as "Goodfellas" and "Casino". Even though they are already much older, their rapport never missed a beat. Both of them giving spectacular performances in roles which they can act out in their sleep. (2) For proving that good film making is still very much alive! Relying on a credible plot, hiring an ensemble cast of great actors, peppering the story line with just the right blend of action, adventure and drama - a cinematic feast. So you can take as much time as you want to regale us with your master storytelling, Mr Scorsese!

Judy

Renee Zellweger, Jessie Buckley,

Finn Wittrock, Rufus Sewell, Michael Gambon

"Judy Garland: The Legend behind the Rainbow"

This biopic depicts a brief period in the turbulent life of iconic star, Judy Garland - actress, singer par excellence. For 5 weeks, she performed in a London club, The Talk of the Town to mixed reviews - applause one day, heckles the next. A pattern which tore down the already fragile ego of a star who was slowly, losing her luster.

Judy was first hesitant to accept the London stint because she will be away from Lorna and Joey, her young children with her third ex-husband Sidney Luft. She was a devoted mother to her 3 children. Her eldest is actress/ singer Liza Minelli who just had a brief cameo in the film. Judy only accepted the London shows to provide a better life for her children, believing it (living with their father) was merely a temporary set up. Unfortunately, 6 months after her return from London, she died from a drug overdose in 1969, aged 47.

The film had seamless periodic flashback scenes of a young Judy. It shows several instances when studio mogul Louis B. Mayer, co-owner of MGM, hired a 'handler' to supervise the 14 year old. A strict matronly type made sure that Judy  watched her weight, was also given very harmful pills for everything (to stay awake, sleeping pills, uppers & downers). Judy also 'dated' Mickey Rooney but it was mostly just a publicity stunt because they were the biggest stars of MGM during its glory days. 

Mayer is portrayed as this looming, chubby and tall fellow who was very manipulative. He convinced the poor young Judy into believing, there were always other more deserving young stars to play the role of a lifetime, Dorothy Hale in "The Wizard of Oz". 

This dominating, fiercely controlling period in her life eventually gave way to an insomniac, pill popping, anxiety ridden adult Garland who had commitment issues (married 5 times), and very low self esteem. A nervous wreck who needed other people's validation, needed people around to prep her up before her performances. Being a diva but understandably she was a very troubled soul, her childhood stolen from her. Quite miserable, somber and really dejected existence, true be told. Watching a woman in her prime on the brink of total physical and mental decline was very painful to watch. Heartbreaking, really.

Renee Zellweger was impeccable as Judy Garland. From her uncanny resemblance, her mannerisms to her singing Judy's famous songs. Renee carried the entire movie on her very able shoulders. Several times, it felt like it  was actually the real Judy Garland, acting in her own biopic. I hope Renee wins the Oscars for best actress award, this year.

The song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" from "The Wizard of Oz" took on a very different meaning for me after watching her biography. It was also relevant that it was the last song, she performed at The Talk of the Town. She was fired for being very unprofessional and while singing this song, got very emotional and could not finish. The forgiving audience joined in, she finished it with their much needed encouragement & support. 

Someday I'll wish upon a star

and wake up where the clouds are far

behind me

where troubles melt like lemon drops

away above the chimney tops

that's where you'll find me

Somewhere over the rainbow

Bluebirds fly,

Birds fly over the rainbow,

Why then, oh why can't I??

Rocketman (2019)

Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell, 

Richard Madden, Bryce Dallas Howard

Gemma Jones, Steven Mackintosh

"The only Way to tell his Story

 is to Live his Fantasy"

The only way a biopic of a musician would be relevant is to pepper it with his well loved songs. Taron Egerton as Elton John is fantastic, from front teeth gap, glittery costumes, to enormous glasses. All this flamboyance masks a lost soul who only wanted to be hugged & loved, properly.

The opening scene starts with Elton John in full costume entering a rehab center to discuss his shortcomings to a circle of strangers, then it evolves into a musical number focusing on his much younger self. A young boy named Reginald Dwight living with a domineering mother, a gracious grandmother and an absentee father in every sense of the word.

He is briefly enrolled in the Royal Academy of Music, where his musical talent shines. We are introduced to adult Elton, as a struggling musician. His first job was playing piano in a back up band for American jazz singers performing in small clubs in London. He teams up with Bernie Taupin (Jamie Bell), who writes heartfelt lyrics which Elton sets to music. His rise to fame from Reginald Dwight to Elton John (Elton is the name of his band mate while John refers to John Lennon) is meteoric. 

Breaking barriers, he makes it big in the US, handled by a strict manager named John Reid (Richard Madden). A turbulent lifestyle characterized with wild parties, drugs and alcohol. His invincible self grappling with his sexuality, his constant quest for love amidst his larger than life stardom. 

A well crafted story line using fantasy, dream sequences and musical numbers but it won't have worked without these elements. Elton John was consulted on everything, from the costumes, the songs, his collaboration with Bernie Taupin, the difficult relationship with his mother, his decline into darkness to his life changing period in rehab centers to work on his sobriety. 

A vibrant cinematography added more glitter for lack of a better word. I grew up listening to his songs, the ones they picked were very symbolic for each of the scenes, they were added to. Classic, bouncy, dance-able tunes which still make sense, after all these years.

Taron Egerton was perfect! His nuanced, honestly raw portrayal of Elton John is heartfelt. From his appearance, wearing all those extravagant costumes, to actually singing all the songs - it is NOT easy to play a real life character, but he did an excellent job. Taron deserves all the awards he is getting for this once in a lifetime role.

It is good to know that a lost soul like Elton was able to 'redeem' himself. Now sober for 28 years and counting, still writing songs with Bernie Taupin, a philanthropist and finally finding love with David and their two adorable kids for 25 years now.

"Rocketman" is a great tribute to a true music icon who sings:

...  I'm still standing better than I ever did,
     looking like a true survivor,
     feeling like a little kid.
     I'm still standing, after all this time,
     picking up the pieces of my life,
     without you, on my mind
     I'm still standing ... yeah ... yeah .... yeah! ...