Uncut Gems

Adam Sandler, Lakeith Stanfield,

Julia Fox, Kevin Garnett

NETFLIX

There is something to be said for comedians who are also good in dramatic roles. Adam Sandler proves it is possible.  As Howard Ratner, Sandler digs deep and shines as a compulsive gambling, jewelry store owner in New York. Always in a rush to score the big one, even going as far as buying some rare opal from Africa, which he considers his lucky charm. These type of hustlers always attract shady characters and in this movie there is no shortage of them.

The hustle and bustle of New York's diamond jewelry stores serves as the backdrop. Howard is a nervous gambler, always on the go type. wheeling and dealing. He is also having an affair with one of his employees. Yet fulfills his family and religious duties, obediently.  The plot is fast paced  and tend to use colorful language.  

Sometimes it is difficult to keep up with Howard's chaotic and sleazy lifestyle. Yet at the same time, we can't help but commiserate with his situation and root for him. He strikes as a tragic figure, we all love to hate but we also wish the best for him. For him to be successful in his business. For him to sanely handle his hectic lifestyle. For him to hit it big so maybe, just maybe he is less stressed and panicky.

Adam Sandler is in his 'Jewish' elements. From his wardrobe, to his accent and his manner of doing business.  His realistic portrayal deserves an award for this larger than life role. The haywire plot can be confusing but there is only one reason to watch his dramatic film - Adam Sandler. 

Our Souls at Night

Jane Fonda, Robert Redford

NETFLIX

This tender love story stars two truly talented actors. Both of them in their twilight years but still have great chemistry given that this is their 4th pairing in a movie. Jane Fonda and Robert Redford are legends in the film industry and in this intimate movie, they continue to prove their mettle and their durability in a solemn movie about finding love in one's later years.

Widow Addie Moore (Jane Fonda) knocks on widower Louis Water's door. She has a proposal for him. She wants Louis go to her house and sleep in her bed at nights. Purely platonic as she finds it difficult to fall asleep, when she is all alone at nights. At first, Louis (Robert Redford) was hesitant but then he would show up at the back door of her house as he didn't want any gossip. Eventually, he would show up at her front door and didn't care if they became the talk of the small town.

They have a nice set up until Addie's son Gene shows up. He leaves his little son, Jamie with her as he needs to sort out some marital problems. Jaime is shy but he eventually warms up to his grandmother and Louis. A minor accident leaves Addie disabled but she can still walk with clutches. Gene then decides Addie must live with them so they can take better care of her. Addie is reluctant but soon enough agrees so her little 'agreement' with Louis is permanently cut. But their communication continues through the help of the ever reliable cellphone.

This small town romance is the perfect vehicle to showcase Fonda and Redford's on screen chemistry. Veteran actors which uplifted this otherwise average romance, relying on their acting skills to personify their characters. It is rare that movies feature senior citizens in lead roles and "Our Souls at Night" is a gem in this age of CGI filled superhero blockbusters.

Paddleton

Ray Romano, Mark Duplass

"A comedy Of dramatic Proportions"

NETFLIX

This buddy drama is one of the saddest movies I've seen.  Andy (Ray Romano) lives on the apartment on top of Michael's (Mark Duplass) flat. An unlikely friendship develops between them. 

They are both loner types lacking in social graces but their bond is solid. They even invented their own game which they named "paddleton", a variety of squash, the racket and ball game. They also always watch an old kung fu movie called "Death Punch", together. 

Michael finds out he has liver cancer and decides to take his own life before the disease turns 'messy'. So they go on a short road trip to another town where the (euthanasia) medicines Michael needs are available. Apparently, not all pharmacies sell these kind of medicines, for moral reasons.

Andy and Mark's friendship is purely platonic and I have to emphasize they are definitely not gay. I never got that vibe even though I have read reviews that imply they were. Their bond is endearing because it seems they only have each other as there are no mentions of family or other friends.

The last 20 minutes was intense and quite emotional. It is the scene where Michael decides to end his life. Much to the chagrin of Andy yet he doesn't stop his best friend, either. Mark Duplass did a great job in showing the effects these medicines have on one's body. There was no blood or anything gory involved. In fact, it was quite peaceful to see but it was also tragic and very sad. 

On the other hand, it was refreshing to see Andy move on with his life without Michael, even making small talk (his pet peeve) with his new neighbors (a mother and son) moving into Michael's former apartment.

I don't believe in euthanasia. This film doesn't really justify it. It was portrayed as an option offered to cancer patients so they can get a good quality of life. I may not like it but I do understand and respect their decisions.

"Paddleton" does not aim to be an existential movie and was ranked 186th in the 250 best Netflix movies. It is a simple narrative about an affinity between two people who may not have anything in common but are drawn to each other and have a lasting brotherly relationship. It is powered by great and credible acting from Mark Duplass and Ray Romano. Romano is  quite a revelation because even though he is  a comedian, he can equally shine in dramatic roles. Just be ready with some tissues, when you see this movie.

The Kindergarten Teacher

Maggie Gyllenhaal, Gael Garcia Bernal,

Parker Sevak

"A Fine line Between nurturing And obsession"

NETFLIX

This remake of a 2014 Israeli film is ranked 163 in the 250 best films on Netflix. It stars the talented Maggie Gyllenhaal as a 40 something kindergarten teacher named Lisa Spinelli. It seems that Lisa is stuck in a rut. 

Her grown children are always busy with their studies and constantly prefer social media over some family bonding times. Her husband Grant is solid yet there is an invisible wall between them.  Lisa is enrolled in a writing class so she can revive her lost dream, a life filled with poetry, supports art, or language. In short, being an intellectual in a world where social media has invaded every single aspect of our lives.

Enter Jimmy, a student in her kindergarten class who can recite his own poetry without any effort. Lisa becomes so fascinated with Jimmy's artistic talent, she even passes his poems as her own in her writing class. It climbs to an obsession as she hounds the little kid to come up with more poems, even giving him her cellphone number so Jimmy can call her up each time he comes up with a poem.

This very simple movie tackles with good precision the really thin line between nurturing pure talent and obsessing over it. For me, Lisa means well. She is part of a dying breed of individuals who prefer books, poetry and anything artistic than be caught up in a world of mediocrity. So I do understand her frustration, and her anguish, but her questionable method of harnessing Jimmy's talent is quite stalker-like and very creepy, indeed.  

On the other hand, there is no doubt that Jimmy is a genius. Even at such a young young, his brain is wired differently. I don't think he can even process just how talented he is. But this does not mean that Lisa can just 'invade' his brain and literally kidnap him, to hold him hostage as what happened towards the open ended conclusion. Mind you, even Jimmy realized that fact when he called the police and told the authorities, he was kidnapped. 

Maggie Gyllenhaal is brilliant in any role and as Lisa, she is very good in capturing the teacher's soulful and spirited persona. The little boy who portrays Jimmy is equally good, given that it is very difficult for child actors to look natural on screen. 

"The Kindergarten Teacher" is a slow burn but also very provocative. My advise is to watch it without being highly judgmental towards Lisa. Instead dig deep, and even though it is difficult, please try to fully understand where she is truly coming from. In these arduous times, tolerance goes a long way. I end with  a quote from Lisa which is sad yet very accurate.

Talent is so fragile and so rare. And our culture does everything to crush it. I mean even at four or five, they're coming into school attached to their phones, talking only about TV shows and video games. It's a materialistic culture, and it doesn't support art, or language, or observation. Even my own children, who are great, they don't read. You know, you think maybe it's just a phase. But I worry that it's something larger. A lack of curiosity. A lack of reflection. No one has space for poetry.

Knives Out

Daniel Craig, Ana de Armas

Jamie Lee Curtis, Don Johnson,

Toni Collette, Chris Evans,

Michael Shannon, LaKeith Stanfield,

Christoper Plummer

"Everyone has A motive.
No one Has a Clue"

This all-cast murder mystery does reveal early on, the manner the murder was committed. Yet as the plot unfolds, the original cause of death is torn to pieces as the truth slowly comes out.

So the 'murdered' person is famous crime novelist Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer), the patriarch of the family who just celebrated his 85th birthday. Suicide is the cause of his untimely death. 

Enter Lieutenant Elliot (LaKeith Stanfield) the person in charge of investigating the 'suicide'. He is accompanied by renowned detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) who was hired by an anonymous benefactor. They proceed to interview several members of Harlan's immediate family. 

Harlan's eldest daughter Linda Drysdale (Jamie Lee Curtis), a successful business woman and her husband Richard (Don Johnson), next is Linda's brother Walt Thrombey (Michael Shannon) who runs the publishing company which markets his father's books. 

Joni Thrombey (Toni Collette) is Harlan's daughter in law, the widow of his late son Greg. She has a teenage daughter, Meg who is friends with Marta Cabrera (Ana de Armas), Harlan's dutiful nurse and caregiver, an immigrant from some Central or South American country. They all answer the queries as honestly as possible even though in the process, they each offer some sort of motive towards wanting Harlan dead, in some way or the other.

Through Blanc's intensive prodding, he discovers that Marta made a mistake while administering Harlan's medicines, he then overdoses on an injection which gives him only 10 minutes to live. Marta is unable to find the antidote so Harlan decides to kill himself so Marta's mother, an illegal immigrant won't be deported when Marta is jailed for the accidental injection. Much to Marta's chagrin and despite her pleas to call an ambulance, Harlan slits his throat.

To make the long story short, several factors such as Blanc's style of investigation, and the appearance of Ransom (Chris Evans), the son of Linda and Richard Drysdale, we find out the real cause of death, the evil mastermind behind the 'murder' and who hired Benoit Blanc. These snippets are all revealed through flashback sequences and leads to a bittersweet conclusion with Marta inheriting everything the patriarch owes as stipulated in his will.

This Agatha Christie style crime thriller with a cast of good actors was refreshing to watch. Daniel Craig shines as Benoit Blanc as we are reminded of Hercules Poirot, the fictional Belgian detective created by Agatha Christie. Not a caricature, mind you. But an equally eccentric detective. The ensemble cast carries the entire narrative on their quite able shoulders. The plot tends to lose some momentum during some scenes but overall it is a clever whodunit which deserves our full attention. 

Outside In

Jay Duplass, Edie Falco

Kaitlyn Dever

"Things are Never the Same on the Outside"

NETFLIX

The plot seems simple enough - an ex convict is released after 20 years for a crime he didn't commit, through the advocacy of his former HS teacher. Yet at the story unfolds we realize it isn't that simple. A side plot offers some complexity to an otherwise average drama.

Chris (Jay Duplass) is fetched from prison by his brother Ted. Although the crime is not re-enacted, the audience does have a sense more or less of what actually occurred through a muddled voice-over. The thing is Chris is totally innocent yet served 20 years incarceration. 

Now 38 years old awkward and shy Chris must adapt to a very uncertain future. He tries applying for several jobs yet his one passion remains his romantic feelings towards his former teacher. Carol (Edie Falco) is stuck in a loveless marriage and has a complicated relationship with her teenage daughter Hildy (Kaitlyn Dever). Fully aware of Chris's crush on her but staying true to her married vows.

Eventually, an event leads Carol into Chris's arms and although we want to cheer them on, it isn't the happy ending we all long for. Or is it? I am not spoiling the fluid ending. It is up to the audience to formulate their own conclusion(s), alright?

Jay Duplass is a familiar face if you watched the eccentric yet amusingly entertaining TV show "Transparent". His characterization of Chris is subdued. A stoic outward appearance yet deep inside he is very conflicted with his feelings. There is nothing much to say about Edie Falco's brilliant acting talent. She is fantastic in any role and as Carol, she is in true form. 

"Outside In" (#81 in the best 250 films on Netflix) proves that even though it may be a small budget movie, it still kicks in a lot of punch in its narrative. A compassionate and absorbing story set in a small town with great performances from its two main leads.

P.S.

RIP to its director, Lynn Shelton who died recently. Gone too soon, just 54.

1922

Thomas Jane, Molly Parker,
Dylan Schmid

"Your Darkest secrets Never stay Buried"

NETFLIX

This is based on a short story by Stephen King. The horror king, himself. If you are a regular follower of this blog, all three of you :D  You would know I am not a horror movies fan, at all. Yet this was #167 on the Netflix best 250 films article so I was naturally curious. 

Set on a farm in Nebraska in the year 1922, the story is told through the eyes of farmer Wilfred James (Thomas Jane). In a letter, he confessed while he was staying at a hotel that he killed his wife, Arlette (Molly Parker) with the help of his teenage son Henry.

The scenes flick back and forth to his stay in the hotel completely paranoid and also to the time when we get the back story before the murder. Their farm isn't making money at all so Arlette wants to sell her share to another farmer. But Wilfred is a proud man and doesn't approve of her plan. While Arlette was sleeping, Henry holds down his mother as Wilfred tries to decapitate her. Yet she naturally struggles so they end up stabbing her to death. Blood is everywhere. On the bed. Their clothes. The floor. It is a bloody mess, indeed.

Next, they dispose of her body in an old well. The following day as Wilfred peeks into the well, he disgustingly discovers huge rats feasting on Arlette's decomposing body. Together with his son Hank, they decide to push a big cow into the well to cover the stench. 

Bad luck continues as the farm still doesn't make any money. Hank is disillusioned and gets his girlfriend pregnant. They run away as his girlfriend's father is furious. Resorting to a life of crime, the young runaways are miserable. While Wilfred is now haunted by big rats which find their way into the now decrepit house. He sees visions of his dead decomposing wife everywhere. Suffice to say, the film ends on a bleak note with no redemption for the doomed characters. yet I believe they deserved their fate.

So while there are very disturbing scenes of rats infestation and rats feeding on a corpse, 1922 was intriguing enough for me to keep watching. Yet, I cringed every time, those scenes appeared.   The setting is as bleak as the dark and twisted plot. Great performance though from Thomas Jane as the weary farmer. His physical appearance clearly depicted exhaustion from his gravely voice to his wrinkled, fatigued face. As much as the film tried to turn into a psychological thriller, it lacked some depth to fully transform into one. 

Just make sure, you don't watch it before bedtime or else you might have nightmares of rats infesting your bed. Trust me, I did so be warned.

Blue Jay

Sarah Paulson, Mark Duplass

NETFLIX

On May 1, a Rotten Tomatoes article listed the 250 best movies on Netflix, it was a rather interesting mix of original Netflix movies as well as those which were released in cinema theaters. I tend to navigate towards small, independent movies which may have limited budget costs yet are still quality films that pull no punches. 

Blue Jay, # 188 in the list stars Mark Duplass as Jim who is based in Arizona and works in construction. Upon his mother's death,  he returns to his hometown in California to sort out her affairs. While at the grocery, he runs into his former long time girlfriend Amanda (Sarah Paulson) who is visiting her pregnant sister. 

At first, it was awkward and a bit of a shock for the both of them. Over coffee, they get re-acquainted as it has been 20 years since they kept in touch. As night falls, they continue to reminisce at Jim's ancestral house. They embark on a very nostalgic trip, even re-enacting their little make believe skit complete with a Annie Lennox song, "No More, I Love You's", a 1990s classic.

While going through some items in Jim's former room, Amanda discovers a letter in a sealed envelope addressed to her. This letter plays a pivotal role in their relationship, eons ago. It is opened in the final few minutes of the film and it is like a Pandora box of past regrets. A painful yet significant event in their past which I believed shaped their lives, without them fully realizing it.

This film is entirely in black and white, and was shot over the course of 7 days in Crestline, California. A small town in the San Bernardino mountains which we don't really see much of since the leads are mostly indoors. Mark Duplass along with his older brother,  actor Jay have a film production company which mostly roll out independent movies.

Sarah Paulson has a very refreshing face even though Blue Jay is in black and white, her striking features still shine through. Mark Duplass tend to portray lonely, good guys in most of his films and as Jim, he is in true character form. Together, Amanda and Jim's chemistry is palpable. It feels like one is eavesdropping on a couple who were in a deeply pure relationship in their teenage years until an unplanned incident led to their separation. Even if they haven't kept in touch, they seem to pick off from the time they were in their teens, albeit in a guarded position.

The last few minutes was intense with the revelation of the contents of the letter coming to the fore. It begs the questions: if the letter was read when they were still together, would they be a happily married couple now? Or it won't make much difference and they would still break up?

So yes I was left with more questions than answers. But allow me to merit a guess - I believe it made Amanda stronger and wiser to face life head on because as much as I hate to admit it, Jim will always be happier in a small town setting. The fact that he remained single proves he is not that mature to handle what life throws at him. Amanda married a much older guy and this just proves she needed maturity and guidance in her life.

I'm not a psychologist nor a psychiatrist but merely a keen observer of human behaviors and patterns. So I'm glad I chanced upon this gem of an independent movie because it had depth, passion and more drama therefore the need to put my thinking hat on - which in my book is a good thing. =)

Phantom Thread

Daniel Day Lewis, Vicky Krieps

Leslie Manville

NETFLIX

I'm grateful for Netflix, it has a wide selection of films which were first shown on the big screen. I've been meaning to see Daniel Day Lewis' final film but due to time constraints, I missed its run by just a day.

Director Paul Thomas Anderson and Daniel Day Lewis worked together in the award winning movie "There will be blood", a grand tale about the rise of a ruthless oil tycoon. 

Their second collaboration is a post-war narration, set in London about a famous fashion designer named Reynolds Woodcock. His stylish attires/gowns are sought after by royalty members, stars from tinsel town and the affluent sector of society. Together with his sister Cyril (Leslie Manville), a Mrs Danvers type and his business partner, the atelier is thriving.

After Cyril "rids" (no, she was not killed)  Reynolds of his lonely  girlfriend or wife (not sure if they were married); he drives at top speed in his sports car to his regular vacation spot.  There he meets Alma, a meek and shy waitress at the inn he frequents, who takes his order of a very hearty breakfast.

Alma (Vicky Krieps) is a bumpkin but Reynolds is totally smitten and brings her back to his atelier in London. At first, her role is ambiguous. She is assigned to help the other seamstresses yet she also shares his bed. They are polar opposites as she is awkwardly clumsy while Reynolds is refined and demure befitting his status in high society. 

But they are a good tandem as she's his inspiration, his muse, his everything. Things get  a bit bizarre when Alma commits some macabre deed so Reynolds is totally dependent on her. A side plot which I honestly didn't see coming. Soon enough, her 'gesture' works, so they seal their bond with matrimonial vows. Now official married, Reynolds lighten up a bit without losing his essence while Alma also tries desperately not to lose herself. Without compromising who they really are, their marriage is successful, even being blessed with a child. 

Newcomer Vicky Krieps was a revelation. Her Alma was able to evolve from an awe stricken shy waitress to a woman with a strong personality especially when it comes to "manipulating" her husband. Although she does have a morbid streak which manifests itself on some occasion, she is no longer the long suffering heroine. She has come into own person, a good thing for women during that decade when they were supposed to merely be decorative pieces.

Daniel Day Lewis doesn't disappoint at all. As Reynolds, he is in his best elements. Sans make up, salt & pepper hair slick and combed back, his face weary but distinguished, delivering his lines effortlessly. Totally imbibing this complex character with ease. At first, a stubborn snob but eventually submitting to a lifestyle completely different from his very uptight upbringing.

The Anglo-Irish actor has come a long way from "The Last of the Mohicans" (1992) as a swashbuckling hero rescuing a damsel in distress. He has had a flourishing career. Even though "Phantom Thread" is quite a 'minor' film compared to his other much celebrated movies, it was a fitting vehicle to capture his brilliant acting skills making him a great thespian. I will miss seeing him on the big screen but I also understand his reason for retirement. 

God speed, Daniel Day Lewis!

Private Life

Paul Giamatti, Kathryn Hanh

Molly Shannon, Emily Robinson

NETFLIX

This drama tinged with some dry humor is set in New York and deals with a couple struggling with infertility problems. Richard Grimes (Paul Giamatti) and Rachel Biegler (Kathryn Hanh) are a typical couple, probably in their 40s. Richard teaches while Rachel is an author, their flat is surrounded with books, they live comfortably but their inability to conceive the natural way is taking a heavy toll on their marriage as well as their physical health and mental state.

Countless blood tests, retrieval of eggs, artificial insemination and the tortuous IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) are very strenuous for couples. Rachel and Richard though have this relentless spirit, they don't give up. Failure after failure doesn't slow them down. 

Soon enough, their niece Sadie who is taking a 'break' from studying at college (because she is lost and wants "to find herself") is more comfortable staying with them than with her parents.  They agree because it feels nice to have someone else in their house, sort of a distraction from their tedious "task".

By this time, Richard & Rachel are exploring other means of being parents. They decide on hiring a surrogate to carry their baby for them. They make a bold move by asking Sadie if she is willing to be their surrogate. She agrees because it was the  least she could do for them, her favorite persons in the whole world.

Here are issues I had with Sadie's agreement: First, she is only 18 years old, too young to be responsible. She can't even commit to finishing her studies. I know she won't be the mother, but still it was a huge responsibility to ask of a 'child'. Second, they didn't even check her medical history. Does she have any underlying conditions or can she even carry a baby to term? Third, Sadie is too close to them. She is their blood relation. 

I won't reveal, if they were successful or not in their attempts to conceive.

Director Tamara Jenkins does a great job in showcasing their journey towards parenthood. Paul Giamatti and Kathryn Hanh were perfect in their roles, relying solely on their great acting skills and their palpable chemistry. They really imbibed the true nature of couples dealing with infertility. From their physical appearance, the endless talks about their options, to the heavy toll the constant pressures and stress took on their marriage.

I absolutely felt each of their heartaches, their pains, their feeling of being incomplete. Because, me too I struggled with infertility.  I was already 41 years old when we tried to conceive.  I had to spend 3 days a week at the hospital for TVS (ultrasounds), numerous blood tests. I also had to drink several fertility medicines daily, until it got to the point where I needed to be injected with HCG for follicles production, every other day. 

It was a vicious cycle of hospital visits and painful injections. It took a huge toll on my mental well being. I would cry to sleep every time I had 'negative' results in the pregnancy tests. I would easily cry whenever I saw babies, anywhere. I was an extremely troubled chapter in my married life.

After two years of trying, we simply quit and accepted that we are not meant to be parents. The sooner I accepted it, the better I felt. I have no regrets though. At least we tried until our bodies and our bank account surrendered to God's almighty will.

So "Private Life" felt so raw and genuine because there aren't many movies which tackle infertility problems with such precision. I like that the film wasn't too technical and instead focused on the journey of two wonderful persons who are willing to do anything to be parents. That, for me is the true measure of  L.O.V.E.