The Duesenberg Drive Diva Has Opinions
Beyond the Sea
Beyond the Sea misses its mark. It could have been great but has to settle for fair. It is certainly worth seeing by those who recall Bobby Darin, but certain segments within the movie do not flow naturally. I had read that the flick had received only mediocre reviews and was very disappointed. I actually thought it was a little better than the AJC reviewer, however.
On the positive side, Beyond depicts Bobby Darin and Sandra Dee even-handedly. Their backgrounds and storybook romance do not feel schmaltzy, and the depiction of their narcissism is not heavy handed. Often such topics are over-played for effect and Spacey, to his credit, avoided overstatement. The performances were on point and the actors were well chosen with regard to their appearances, particularly Kate Bosworth who played the part of Sandra Dee. Spacey sings the songs himself and does quite well musically and theatrically to mimic Darin. The ending credits are even fun to watch.
Where Spacey loses me are the two scenes in which he interjects choreographed dance sequences that do not blend in with the surrounding scenes and do not enrich the film in any way. The first such sequence is during Bobby Darin’s youth when Darin’s mother teachs him to play the piano. There was a scene in the street, worthy of Fred Astair and Ginger Rogers, with several couples similarly dressed and dancing in step. That particular scene is out of place. Even worse, was the ending. Bobby Darin died in Sandra Dee’s arms and much of the audience is moved, until it immediately cuts to an upbeat Fosse-type song and dance routine with Spacey at its center. What is he thinking? Is he preparing for his upcoming road tour as Bobby Darin? He is clearly showcasing himself in the ending routine w/o regard to storyline..
Kevin Spacey always gives a good performance and Bobby Darin was certainly an interesting man, so the movie is worth a look. It just could have been better.
The Aviator may just be the best movie of the year. The performances are excellent, the sets lavish, and the story well researched, compelling and bigger than life.
Leo DiCaprio plays Howard Hughes with perfection; Cate Blanchett nails Kathryn Hepburn; and Kate Beckinsale plays a very credible Ava Gardner. Other notable performances are made by John C. Reilly, Alec Baldwin, Alan Alda, Gwen Stefani, Jude Law and Frances Conroy.
Mr. DiCaprio carries the film in his portrayal of Hughes as a brilliant and innovative engineer, film maker, businessman and judge of character. He plays Hughes as being fully aware of his own mental illness, but intelligent enough to suppress that illness for short periods of time when necessary. Clearly, his ability to suppress his illness diminishes as he becomes more and more lost in his insanity, but he can still rise to the task on rare occasions when it is necessary for his survival.
There seem to be several Oscar worthy films out this year, but The Aviator gets my vote for its epic proportions, beauty and the performances of its actors.
Closer is an excellent ensemble piece for Julia Roberts, Jude Law, Clive Owen and Natalie Portman. All give amazing performances, but unfortunately, the story is wanting.
The story focuses on infidelity and manipulation, and too many times I had to ask “Why?” Occasionally the characters behave in ways that just simply are not credible. Additionally, there are no redeeming characters. All are flawed beyond empathy, with the possible exception of Natalie Portman’s character.
The main issue this film seems to leave in the minds of its viewers is whether or not one truly wants or should have details when one’s spouse has been unfaithful.
Closer is worth watching for the performances alone, but beyond that, is something of a disappointment.
Being Julia stars Annette Benning. Need I say more? It is an excellent showcase for her and her performance is spectacular. The film deals with infidelity, ego, superficiality, manipulation and revenge. There are no likeable characters or lessons learned, so the film tends to leave many with a somewhat hollow feeling. Ms. Benning’s performance, however, is worth the price of the ticket. Her face has aged beautifully and gives her the depth of character and expression a younger, less lined face lacks. She has opted to be a beautiful older woman rather than an older woman trying to look younger, and it works.
Hotel Rwanda is a must see! Don Cheadle give a wonderful performance and the true story is terribly moving while offering much food for thought.
The story takes place in Rwanda during a civil war. Mr. Cheadle’s character has been working for a Belgian luxury hotel chain and has learned to manipulate and massage the system and individuals in Rwanda to insure the comfort and safety of his clients. When necessary, he uses those same skills to save as many lives as he could while others were being murdered in the streets outside of the hotel property. The scenes are both horrifying, senseless and absurd, as such situations truly are.
Hotel Rwanda is one of those movies after which one should stop, have coffee and discuss all the issues it brings to mind.
Million Dollar Baby is an Eastwood masterpiece. Does it get any better than Clint Eastwood and Morgan Freeman? Actually, it does if you add Hillary Swank.
Mr. Eastwood’s work seems to improve with his age. He takes the traditional boxing genre and gives it a serious twist. Before the film is over, the viewer has dealt with complex characters, competition, familial relationships, unconditional love, euthanasia and forgiveness. Additionally, there probably is not another notable actress in Hollywood that could have played the part played by Hillary Swank. Ms. Swank has taken some very calculated risks with her career and is being rewarded handsomely for those risks. Finally, I would buy a ticket for just about anything Morgan Freeman is in, and he does not disappoint in Million Dollar Baby.
Be forewarned that this movie is not intended for family viewing, but instead deals with some very harsh realities. It is not a date movie, a comedy or light. It is definitely worth the price of admission and some serious thought.
