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! ...

Luce

Octavia Spencer, Naomi Watts,

Tim Roth, Kelvin Harrison Jr.

"The truth Has many Faces"

The stellar cast attracted me to watch this heavy drama that tackled race, adoption, political violence. Luce Edgar (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) is an ace student - good debater, athlete, charismatic, well loved by his peers and the community. Born in Eritrea, adopted at 7 years old by married couple Amy (Naomi Watts) and Peter Edgar (Tim Roth), they couldn't pronounce his real name so they called him Luce which means Light. Probably because he was the light of their eyes. 

For 10 years, Luce went through a tough time, reeling and shaken by a traumatic childhood in war torn Eritrea. But in high school, he is an all star student. An essay he wrote for his history class alarms his teacher Harriet Wilson (Octavia Spencer) who informs his parents about her concerns. She is worried there might be a violent streak in him, perhaps stemming from his troubled past. She also found a paper bag of illegal fireworks in his locker adding to her fears. But his parents, and specifically his mother, Amy is doubtful. They have been through too much with him so she believes Luce is a good person not capable of harming anyone. Or is he?

There are more incidents involving Luce in school and off campus. The premise focuses on two main trains of thought. Is Luce indeed capable of harm and is just maintaining a facade? Or is Luce a good person, and being falsely accused by a teacher who always gives him a hard time? Is he a sociopath? Or a saint? 

The plot falters as often as Luce comes up with an alibi. Sudden jarring music which comes out of nowhere was irritating. I expected a more steady course in the middle part, and a more polished ending could have given more closure, both for Luce's parents as well as the confused viewers. I'd say, Octavia Spencer and Naomi Watts' outstanding acting would be the only saving graces of this drama with racial undertones which frankly is a very difficult and sensitive story to tackle.

The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected)

Dustin Hoffman, Adam Sandler, Ben Stiller,

Elizabeth Marvel, Grace Van Patten,

Emma Thompson, Judd Hirsch, Candice Bergen

NETFLIX

These days, I believe it is a good investment to have a Netflix account. Some good movies are now produced and released by this media streaming provider. All you need is a good internet connection and voila you can watch in the comfort of your home. Just need to find a good time to sit through a movie which normally lasts more or less 2 hours or so. I tend to be picky when it comes to choosing which ones to watch.

The name "Noah Baumbach" usually attracts me right away. A director noted for dramatic comedies with well developed characters and he has an impressive repertoire such as "The Squid & The Whale", "Greenberg" and "Frances Ha" to mention a few, all of which I have absorbed with enthusiasm!

In 2017, he released "The Meyerowitz Stories" on Netflix but it is only now that I managed to see it. The Meyerowitzs are a typical family whose members are estranged from each other, some have valid reasons, while some are just silly, petty reasons. 

The patriarch Harold (Dustin Hoffman) is a 4 times married sculptor and former arts professor. Stuffy and so full of himself, he is now with an alcoholic yet stable influence in his life Maureen (Emma Thompson). Danny (Adam Sandler), his once "musician" son from a previous marriage is in town to get his budding filmmaker daughter Eliza (Grace Van Patten) settled in Bard College, the same institution where Harold taught for 33 years.  Danny's plain sister Jean (Elizabeth Marvel) is also in town for support. Their half and more successful accountant brother Matthew (Ben Stiller) shows up to help in the sale of Harold's house and all its contents even some of his precious art works. 

Harold is aging and stubborn but determined to get a retrospective of his works exhibited in Bard College. Unfortunately, he suffers a mild stroke and is comatose before his main event. This leaves the siblings to interact with each other to assure the legacy of their father is preserved through the exhibit. This short period makes Matthew, Danny and Jean closer to each other. Their past and hidden grievances are aired, put out to dry and get resolved either amicably or through a long overdue fist fight. Self discovery as well as revelations surface, making them appreciate each other more.

These multi-dimensional characters are well acted by a good ensemble cast, headed by Dustin Hoffman, Adam Sandler (a serious non comedic role) and Ben Stiller. The narration unfolds like a dialogue driven play and/or a TV sitcom but never veering away from its main theme - a dysfunctional family who despite their flaws are solidly united by a bloodline. Yes, it is a common story in most movies but this Noah Baumbach managed mature family drama deserves our full attention, mostly for the brilliant performances of its excellent cast.

Last Christmas

Emilia Clarke, Henry Golding,

Emma Thompson, Michelle Yeoh

"Sometimes, You've just gotta have Faith"

Cinema 4, The Red Carpet @ Shang

For this Christmas themed movie, I dragged my parents along so we can get some of that much needed Yuletide spirit. It is difficult to feel Christmas-y when the sweat pours like crazy because unfortunately, we don't have winter in these parts of the globe.

This movie is based on Wham's or more specifically the late George Michael's hit 1984 song. Coincidentally, George Michael died on Christmas Day in 2016. Quite a shock which I still cannot fathom. Emma Thompson together with other writers wrote the script expanding on the essence of the song.

Emilia Clarke stars as Kate, a down on her luck, wanna be singer who works as an elf in a year round Christmas shop. Her employer, Santa (Michelle Yeoh), a dainty Asian who likes to spread Yuletide cheers in her shop full of wonderful trinkets. One day, bored Kate meets Tom (Henry Golding) loitering outside the shop and who always likes to look up. They tend to always bump into each other so they begin hanging out. He shows her his sanctuary, a small park within the bustling city. Together they discover the wonders of London, which is all decked up for the season to be jolly. He seems like a dream come true - a charming polite, good looking dude who gets around London on his bicycle and even volunteers at the homeless center.

As we discover more about Kate and her family composed of her mother Petra (Emma Thompson), her father Ivan who used to be a lawyer in their hometown, the now defunct Yugoslavia but drives a cab in London and her sister who hasn't come out yet to their parents. An air of mystery still surrounds Tom. We don't know his surname, his job, his family - nothing. 

Eventually, everything is revealed in a clever twist which really makes sense. It felt like a champagne bottle popping open, you know the shock and the little jerk you experience when you hear the cork bursting out of the bottle. LOL It does give justice to George Michael's lovely song about the heartbreak and anguish during Last Christmas.

The ensemble cast led by Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding are both delightful in their roles. It is always refreshing to watch Clarke being her cheerful self as opposed to her Khaleesi role in Game of Thrones. Henry Golding is still pleasant eye candy and does a good job, picking roles which suit his personality, the charming leading man role. Emma Thompson is a hoot, perfect as the overbearing mother, complete with the Eastern European accent.

The soundtrack features George Michael songs even one which was released after his untimely passing. The city of London in all its Yuletide finery provides an excellent backdrop. So much so that I wanted to fly to London, never mind the expense & the almost 15 hour flight. I understand the intention of the narration but it could use some editing especially where it gets too cheesy and when Petra became too domineering. 

I will still add Last Christmas to the list of my favorite Christmas movies. Mainly due to the believable chemistry between its lead stars and seeing wintry London during the most wonderful time of the year. 

P.S.

Love Actually is the top movie on my list.

P.P.S

I visited London in November 1995, mostly to watch West End plays.

100 Dinge(100 Things)

4th German Film Week

SM Megamall

Toni and Paul are best friends since childhood. Together, they develop an app for mobile phones called NANA. It is like SIRI but it can be customized to suit the personality and preferences of the owner of the cellphone, working based on complicated algorithms. 

They rush in Paul's dilapidated car to present it to the wealthy owner of a famous software company named David Zuckerman (hint: slight resemblance to Mark Zuckerberg), along with a thousand other app developers who all aim to secure capital for their inventions.

Through some twist of fate, even if they are the last ones to present NANA, Zuckerman is so taken with their app that he immediately present them with 4 Million Euros for their app. Drunken party ensues with Paul & Toni celebrating their victory with the employees of their company. In a drunken state of mind, they both agree to a bet - they will get rid of all their possessions for 100 days and only get one item back, each day at midnight.

Next scene, we see both guys naked, their huge loft type apartments stripped bare. A big hangover still clouds their vision and judgement as they realize their employees emptied them of their precious belongings. Running naked across town to the storage area where their things have been placed is one of the funniest scenes I have seen in a while.

The film focuses on Paul & Toni trying to come to terms with a drastic change in their lifestyle. Toni is methodical, the salesman among them and is very conscious of his looks - taking pills for hair growth, wearing contact lenses because he hates wearing glasses. While Paul is the developer of the app and totally obsessed with his cellphone as NANA who dictates his every movement from buying the latest sneakers online, to even what he has to wear every day.

As we see how the deprivation of material possessions take a toll on their lives, (Paul is like a zombie without NANA while Toni's hair is unruly, has to wear glasses after infecting his eyes from week long contact lenses, OUCH!!) - they also come to terms with meeting realistic goals. Learning that friendship is more important than fancy rubber shoes or a well coiffed hair. Spending time with family and a potential love interest is way better than being obsessed with material things. 

The first part of the plot is engaging as we see how they cope with the bet, how they try to not 'cheat', the frantic race to win the bet. Middle part gets a bit murky with too many side plots distracting away from the main theme with the introduction of a love interest named Lucy for Toni. She is an interesting character with her own 'disability', having an enormous credit card debt, a victim of commercialism as well. 

The ending is rightfully predictable. Even as Zuckerman stole their creation, NANA, passing it off as his own, thus raking in profits, all is not lost for penniless Paul & Toni. A cunning twist manifests itself as sweet revenge. That was brilliant, I didn't expect that at all. A good way to end a comedy that went through many scenarios, naked butts et al, to essentially prove a very compelling point.

Balloon (2018)

4th German Film Week

SM Megamall

"For freedom, they Risked it All"

2019 marks the 30th anniversary of the reunification of Germany. The Berlin Wall which divided the West (democratic) from the East (communist) fell after a peaceful revolution. 

Life in East Germany was very restrictive, to say the least. The Ministry for State Security, commonly known as the Stasi was the official 'police'. They were a very ruthless and strict force who mostly relied on surveillance to keep tabs on its citizens. Openly engaging in domestic, foreign and political espionage which was overseen by the Communist/ Socialist party.

Many East Germans tried to flee across the border to West Germany. Risking their lives just to be free from authoritarian rule. This movie documents a major risk, two families took to escape from East Germany - using of all things, an easily visible hot air balloon. It was set in 1979 - Ten years before the fall of the Berlin wall.

It shows their futile first attempt when the balloon starting leaking due to the cold air at such a high altitude. The material they used was not water proof so the balloon came crashing down in a forested area, just a few meters from the border. That was heart breaking, shocking and really frustrating.

But luckily, the Strelzyk family were not caught since it was the dark of night. They managed to walk back to their car through the thick forest and simply went home like nothing happened. But still very shaken from the unfortunate incident.

Their inflated balloon though was discovered by a local who chanced upon it the next day. The Stasi as well as the border patrol is alerted and their search for the 'owners' of the balloon also unfolds simultaneously as the Strelzyk family along with their friends, the Wetzel  family decide to try escaping yet again.

They source their materials from different clothing stores as Gunter Wetzel gets to sewing the patches together to form a large balloon. They also tweak the main frame where the oxygen gases are situated and built it a bit larger to fit all of them.

The fast pacing takes on an intense nature once the second attempt on a much larger hot air balloon, begins. You are on the edge of your seat as you feel your pulsating heart beating fast. Probably the exact feeling they all felt that night. Adding to the drama is the fact that the Stasi have discovered about their second try so it is a race between the families flying to freedom and the authorities, fielding all of their gears, hot on their tail. 

Scenes are mostly shot during the night for the escapes. But the camera work is steady so you don't have to squint to see what unfolds on the screen. It is set in the 1970s so the wardrobe is realistic, as well as the furnishings inside their household. A typical East German vibe, if you know what I mean, permeates through the row of similar looking houses on their block.

The first balloon is already 'made' so it mostly focuses on the plotting of their second getaway.  Not much information on the why, when, and where this idea of escaping on a hot air balloon is provided. I guess, every East German's dream was to flee to freedom but it would have helped if we knew what triggered their intentions.

The end credits show the real characters upon whom this film is based, as well as their first inflated balloon cordoned off in some forested area. They are also shown reacting to the fall of the Berlin wall, safely in the Bavarian region which is located in the west part of Germany.

Overall, it is a fitting tribute to those who tried to escape, either successfully or resulting in failure. But it is human nature to cheer on for those deprived of their basic human rights and this average film deals with very inspirational characters who did not give up until they tasted freedom, in every sense of the word. 

El Reino (The Realm)

Pelikula 2019
Spanish Film Festival
Greenbelt 3 Cinemas

I only managed to catch one film at this year's Spanish Film Festival. A political thriller about money laundering, dubious land deals, conspiracy and corruption. The main character, Manuel is a local politician who has a luxurious lifestyle but this all comes crumbling down when he and his peers in a political party are accused of wide scale corruption.

The whole 2 hours and 12 minutes deals with Manuel trying to get support from his peers who have either made deals with the government or are tight lipped about their involvement in the corruption. The saying that 'you only know who your true friends are in times of trouble' fits perfectly here. Trust issues rear their ugly head as Manuel is running out of time to prove his innocence or at least lessen his complicity in the corrupt practices of his entire political party. So he decides to take revenge and in the process try to redeem himself.

Pacing is balanced with car chases as well as dialogue driven sequences. The ensemble cast are credible as they do seem like corrupt politicians from their demeanor to the manner they converse. But kudos goes to reliable actor Antonio de la Torre as Manuel - the stress of his character visibly painted on his face and his behavior as he turns from scapegoat to whistle blower in a span of a few minutes towards the last part of The Realm.

The narrative is universal as corruption is common among most politicians in any country where the system has failed people. Citizens are not protected, unemployment prevails, the divide between the haves and the have-nots widens, borders are not safeguarded, immigration issues. Basic services are not provided and other prevailing problems which plague a nation rocked with corruption. And this can come in the form of dishonest politicians as well as unscrupulous business owners who overcharge people for their services.

Alright so I got sidetracked! Look what any talk of corruption triggered in me. These were precisely the thoughts which entered my mind as I watched this movie. A well crafted film about a desperate man struggling to right the system which he contributed to. But is it too late for him? Is there any chance of reversal both for him and the system? Questions we are left pondering from the abrupt conclusion and dare I say the answers cannot be replied with a simple 'yes' or 'no'. So think about it!

Downton Abbey 2019

Elizabeth McGovern, Maggie Smith, Michelle Dockery,
Joanne Froggatt, Hugh Bonneville, Jim Carter,
Imelda Staunton, Laura Carmichael, Brendan Coyle

"Based on a TV series"

Cinema 4, Ayala Malls the 30th

Fans of this period drama TV show were thrilled when we heard it would made into a full length movie. Characters we have learned to love, somehow feel like our family members even though it is set in an entirely different century. If you are familiar with another British TV show, "Upstairs, Downstairs" in the 1970s, then Downton Abbey would be quite similar to the same premise. 

In this case, the upstairs refers to the landed Crawley family - headed by Lord Grantham, his American wife, his daughters and their significant others, as well as his feisty mother Lady Violet Crawley. While the downstairs are the cook, the maids, and the footmen who serve them headed by head butler Mr Carson.

The series folded up nicely after 6 seasons with 52 episodes on aristocratic intrigue, servants foibles and everything else in between which delighted us and charmed us from 2011 to 2015. The older Crawleys aging well with wisdom, while the younger Crawleys got married, had kids with their every loyal household staff still performing their duties with aplomb.

So after 4 long years, it is back with a movie. A reunion of these endearing characters with the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Downton Abbey as its main premise. Naturally, the 'aristocrats' with all its family members present are very excited about this news and their dedicated staff immediately get to work from coming up with an extensive menu, polishing the silver wares and even bringing back the old reliable Mr Carson from his retirement to be the head butler, yet again. A duty and a job, he can do with his eyes closed.

The main premise (the royal visit), with various side plots tackling issues like homosexuality, opposition to the monarchy,  an estate inheritance all blend well together until the very satisfying end. Wardrobe is visually attractive with the costumes reminiscent of that century. The massive castle they call home (Downton Abbey) is the principal setting along with several other places which exude their period drama locales vibe. The ensemble cast are all in their elements headed by the indefatigable Maggie Smith as the spirited Lady Violet Crawley still dispensing her sarcasm masquerading as wit dialogue with gusto. 

One always gets a pleasant feeling when Downton Abbey is on. All those years, these characters were very welcome guests into our homes through the telly. Their 'reunion' movie did not disappoint in any way and we left the cinema with smiles on our faces and in our hearts.

10,000 KM

Cine Europa 2019

Cinema 1, Greenbelt 3

This movie is Spain's offering in this year's Cine Europa. It commences with a couple having sex in the hopes of conceiving. They are Alexandra and Sergei, in their early 30s, together for 7 years and live in Barcelona. Sex, breakfast and an important work email for Alex on a lazy Sunday sets the tone for this simplistic film about a long distance relationship. 

Alex, who is British accepts a year long stint as a photographer in Los Angeles while Sergei remains in Barcelona to prepare for his teaching board exam. Soon the setting shifts to a white minimalist apartment of Alex and their shared place in Spain. They keep in touch, despite the time difference through video messaging. Updating each other about their lives and their occupations. 

The problem with long distance relationships (believe I know since I was once in one) is your mind never stops wandering and wondering. Simple things such as what the other person had for breakfast, did he go to the gym? or did he remember to water the plants? - they get highlighted not because you don't trust the other person. But you have this need to still feel like you are part of what used to be your routine as a couple. That connection to each other remains a vital part of the communication. With modern technology like high speed internet, a laptop and a computer with webcams, keeping and staying in touch is way easier in this wifi loaded era.

Naturally, when you see the other person posting pictures with new people, you can't help but wonder if it isn't just platonic. You both set a certain time for the video call and when the other person does not answer the call, you can get paranoid. Is he ok? Did he get home, safe? Is he out with someone else? It is a crazy mental exercise to stay sane when one is part of this type of relationship. 

All of the issues I mentioned above are well portrayed in 10,000 KM. Sergei and Alex have a major argument, deciding to stay away from any forms of communication for some peace of mind. Their relationship reaches its breaking point when Alex wants Sergei to join her in California. This triggers Sergei into thinking she doesn't value what he does for a living. She points out that for the longest time, she was supportive, even living in Barcelona so they can be together.

The last few minutes was vague, in some way a surprise yet not totally unexpected in any LDR. Someone has to indeed sacrifice, make a bold move and hope it works out. In this case for Alex and Sergei, I have my doubts it was the best thing to do. But that is the sarcastic me, being negative. The positive part of me, however small, would like to believe Sergei and Alex will grow old together with their kids, no matter where they decide to live and raise their family.