Summer Flicks 2019

Last year around this time, I wrote a round-up of summer movies from 2018. I briefly ranted about my overall disdain for summertime movies. I must say, I've changed my tune about summer releases. Seeing that I've been living the life of a full-fledged New Yorker this summer, I've adored the outlet of film to escape from the summer heat. While not always stellar, summer movies tend to have a ~fun factor~ that tends to dissipate around award season. Take a gander at my thoughts on some of the releases from summer 2019!

Rocketman:

I've been anticipating the release of "Rocketman" since it was initially teased about a year ago. As a long-time Elton John fan and huge biopic enthusiast, I jumped at the chance to see "Rocketman". I must say, while I appreciate the quality of the film and understand its success, I did not find it to be a personal favorite of mine. It is less biopic and more fantasy, retelling select moments on Elton John's life in random order through song. As an extremely type-A individual, I always appreciate biographical films that not only honor the truth of an individual's life, but follow a chronological order. I find this to be crucial in movies depicting the story of a key figure's life - that way, if a viewer is unfamiliar with the subject matter, they are able to be properly informed of the facts.

Going into the film, I didn't know very much about Elton John's personal life. The sequence of events in the film honestly left me a little confused. Once again, I understand that the intent of the film is to be a fantasy as opposed to a biopic, but it just wasn't my favorite genre.While I may have taken issue with the sequence and styling of the film, I must give credit where credit is due. Taron Egerton delivered an exceptional performance as legend Sir Elton John. His performance was raw and vulnerable, leaving viewers with a newfound appreciation for Elton John's struggles throughout his life. Egerton was able to not only invoke empathy from an audience, but also brilliantly showcase Elton John's flamboyant persona. He carried the weight of this film on his back and delivered.

What I disliked about "Rocketman" is what many appreciated most. The fact that this fantastical biopic wrote its own rules truly allowed the genre of a biographical film to be redefined and open to interpretation. Another aspect of this film that I took issue with was how it handled the topic of addiction and recovery. As with many films about addiction, the film danced around the harrowing moments that are hand in hand with this topic. Instead of being grounded in a sense of reality, these moments in the film seemed to grasp for pity from the audience. The tone of this matter in the film quickly leapt from "woe is me" to Elton John breaking out into "I'm Still Standing" after his recovery (the truth of the matter is he actually wrote this song while in the depths of his addiction). Granted, I understand that a film of this scope is essentially set up to have some let-downs. Overall I would consider it an enjoyable film. As someone who tends to put movies under a microscope, especially biopics, I know I was not an average moviegoer. Once again, my highest praises go to Taron Egerton, masterfully taking on a difficult role.


Late Night:

"Late Night" is not the type of movie I would venture out to a theater to see. It's more of a "I'll wait until this pops up on Netflix" type of movie to me. That being said, one of the major perks of living in New York City is having access to many exciting film screenings. I was actually able to attend this movie for free thanks to the creator and star herself, Mindy Kaling! She bought out a theater in LA and New York to allow for audience members to catch her movie for free. If that's not great PR, I don't know what is. For anyone unfamiliar with this film, "Late Night" depicts Emma Thompson as a late night talk show host, Katherine Newbury. She is a bitter and, frankly, cantankerous middle aged British woman who works with an all-male writing staff. Her ratings are circling the drain, and producers threaten to pull the plug until Katherine can bring life back into her show. In an act of desperation, Katherine hires Mindy Kaling's character, Molly Patel, onto her writing staff as a diversity hire. Molly has no actual experience in comedy, but Katherine is desperate to keep her show on air. The film follows suit as one would expect a romantic comedy to play out, whilst tackling major issues such as workplace sexism and discrimination against minorities.

"Late Night" may have had a fairly predictable plot, however it depicted issues rarely displayed in film. This, plus its fast-paced and witty script, earned it major brownie points in my book. I've been a fan of Mindy Kaling's for many years now, and it is evident that she puts her heart into all of her work. This felt like so much more than a film cranked out in Hollywood's moviemaking factory, following point A to point B in linear fashion. This film has heart, which sadly is a lacking quality in many modern films. This is the type of film that progresses Hollywood forward, rather than pull it back in time. I can imagine young girls (anyone, truly) watching this and thinking "that's me". "Late Night" is an optimistic film that says anything is possible with some hard work and dedication. It is certainly movies with something for everyone.


Yesterday:

As you may have guessed by my review of "Rocketman," I certainly tend to gravitate towards musical films. I am a major Beatles fan, so "Yesterday" was another film that I was eager to see this summer. Let me be frank- I thoroughly disliked "Yesterday". I thought it was campy and borderline disrespectful to perhaps the greatest band to ever exist. Once again, I am a harsher critic than most, and do appreciate that many viewers would enjoy this film. I just wasn't one of them!

"Yesterday" tells the story of singer-songwriter Jack Malik, played by Himesh Patel. Jack lives in England and is struggling to make it in the music business. One day, he wakes up and everyone in the world seems to have forgotten who The Beatles were, except for him. He takes it upon himself to reintroduce the world to The Beatles and performs the songs as his own. Once I initially heard of this plot, I knew I would likely either hate the movie or love it. Ultimately, it could have been a great SNL sketch! I really wanted to love this movie, but I found the protagonist to be very unlikeable. He lies to the world, and as his fame grows, he gets incredibly cocky. In addition to the main storyline, the film also depicts Jack's relationship with his friend and manager, Ellie, played by Lily James. This "will-they-won't-they" storyline didn't do the film any favors, in my opinion. Since I didn't have any empathy for the main character, I found it difficult to root for their relationship to work out in the end. It felt as if the writers forcefully slapped in a romantic storyline. Perhaps one of the oddest parts of the film is the addition of Ed Sheeran playing himself. Essentially, this character is designed to launch Jack into stardom and help him and "his songs" gain recognition. I found this sudden partnership to feel very forced and not genuine in the least.

Sure, if you view this film as a lighthearted rom-com, you may get a lot out of it. In reality though, it undertook the massive task of reimagining the world without The Beatles. It is designed to be a love letter to the band, demonstrating how half a century later, their music is still universal and widely loved. Too much of the film didn't add up in order to make this objective credible. For example, one of Jack's main hits is "Back in the USSR". His audiences go absolutely wild for this song. In reality, I highly doubt audiences would embrace this song decades after the Soviet Union disintegrated. This film felt incomplete to me. It skated from one plot point to the next, just barely grazing the depths of each character. It didn't feel authentic in the least. The only way a movie with this plot would work was if it felt credible, as if it really could happen. As a viewer, I didn't feel invited into their world- this definitely is something that allows great films to stand out to me. "Yesterday" didn't hit the mark. Moments are funny and clever, but that is not enough to make a film great, or even good. It was lacking and ultimately left me disappointed.


Midsommar:

Ah, "Midsommar". There are only a handful of movies I've ever contemplated leaving the theater during (I'm looking at you, 'Mother!") and this makes the list. The writer and director of"Midsommar," Ari Aster, also wrote and directed last year's horror film "Hereditary". For the most part, I really enjoyed "Hereditary," so I expected to feel similarly about his new endeavor. Nope. This film was BANANAS. I honestly don't think I've ever seen a more off-putting, unusual film in my life.

This movie centered around Dani, a young woman grieving over an unthinkable family tragedy, who decides to embark on a trip to Sweden with her anthropology-student boyfriend. The entire film is centered around their relationship, and the plot alters as the dynamic between the two shifts. The couple, along with a few friends, go to a small town in Sweden to observe a midsummer ritual at a commune. The scene at which they arrive appears picturesque, with beautiful women in traditional outfits dancing through open spaces. Quickly into the groups' visit, dark things begin happening on the commune. Astor constructs his films as modern allegories, but to me "Midsommar" depicted pointless scenes of gore and brutality. I wouldn't describe this film as scary, I would say it is unsetting. I don't think of myself as one easily deterred by gore, but I was squirming in my seat for two hours straight.

The characters take many doses of hallucinogenics, making it hard for viewers to discern fact from fiction within their world. That being said, it is very evident that this midsummer ritual consists of a series of bizarre acts. I would honestly hate to subject readers to the details of these events, but I will say that one of the rituals involves a pair of elders plummeting to their deaths while a group watches from below without batting an eye. As the film continues, characters begin disappearing one by one. The audience quickly becomes aware of their unfortunate fates. In my opinion, there was not a lot to gain from scene after scene of brutality. I know that this film was generally well-received, however it just wasn't my cup of tea. I would recommend this film to lovers of films such as "Us' and "Hereditary" - to all others, especially those with weak stomachs, steer clear!


The Farewell:

Of all of the films I've seen this summer, "The Farewell" was by far the most meaningful. Awkwafina, who viewers may remember from her role in last year's "Crazy Rich Asians," plays Billi, a third generation Chinese immigrant trying to find her footing in New York City. She has a very strong relationship with grandmother, who is in China. Despite their distance, Billi is sure to regularly contact her grandmother, referred to as Nai Nai, to maintain their relationship. Her grandmother serves as a sense of warmth and compassion in her life. Billi's parents are often abrasive and critical, regularly reminding her of the sacrifices they've made for her. Billi soon discovers that her beloved grandmother has cancer. Traditionally in Chinese culture, families do not inform their elders of their illnesses. Therefore, Billi's grandmother is unaware of her cancer diagnosis. This is done in order for the younger family members to take on the burden of the elder, after all they have done for their family. They want Nai Nai to enjoy the rest of her life unburdened. While this is widely viewed in China as an act of respect, Billi is horrified by this discovery. She views this secrecy as unethical- after all, this practice is illegal in the United States.

While news of Nai Nai's diagnosis spreads among the family, family memebers quickly orchestrate a wedding between Billi's cousin and his girlfriend in an effort to bring the family together in China. Billi's parents didn't want her attending the trip in fear of their daughter unleashing this secret diagnosis to Nai Nai. Billi buys her own ticket to China, knowing she must see her grandmother at this time. Once Billi arrives in China, the audience is exposed to what in can feel like being a traveler in your birthplace. Billi quickly realizes how unfamiliar she is with a place that once was her home. I won't spoil what happens by the end of the film, but I can assure you that this film masterfully tells a heartbreaking story while weaving clever hits of comedy throughout. As was frequently noted last year with the release of "Crazy Rich Asians," very few films depict the life of Asian Americans. "The Farewell" brought a new light to what families like Billi's may experience. I learned a lot from watching this film, and believe that many can relate to the story told in "The Farewell". It is an important film, and am glad I caught it in theaters! 


Once Upon a Time in Hollywood:

My favorite film of the summer, by far, was Tarantino's latest, "Once Upon A Time In Hollywood". It is no secret to most that I am a huge fan of Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie, so I was excited to see how this dream team would act together. "Once Upon A Time In Hollywood" is truly Tarantino's love letter to Hollywood in the 1960s. At its core, this movie is ultimately a buddy movie about Rick Dalton, played by DiCaprio, who is a washed-up Western television actor and his stunt double Cliff Booth, played by Brad Pitt. Rick frantically questions what's next for him in his career, desperate to remain on top in Hollywood. Meanwhile, his buddy Cliff has a more zen approach to life. Working from one odd job to the next, Cliff's greatest joy in life is coming home at the end of the day to his loyal dog. Throughout the course of the film, we see Rick and Cliff doing their best to succeed in "the biz" while stumbling upon other influential figures of the time (such as Bruce Lee). Rick is encouraged by a top dog in the business (played by none other than Al Pacino) to make Spaghetti Westerns in Italy. Rick ponders over his next big career move, and it quickly becomes evident that he has some pretty well-known neighbors. He lives next door to director Roman Polanski and his wife, Sharon Tate (played by Margot Robbie). While the audience is exposed to parts of Tate's career, she is largely absent from most of the film. Many were quick to critique this decision, and I personally feel as if much of her story was left untold. However I think this strategy deliberately captures her allusive image in Hollywood. This allows the audience to frequently question how the film will handle Tate's real-life tragic fate. Things get even more interesting as Cliff finds himself led to Spahn Movie Ranch by a hippie girl he's infatuated with. After getting a glimpse into the Manson family, the audience anxiously braces themselves for what they believe will soon appear on screen.

In true Tarantino fashion, the ending of the film certainly takes a wild turn. Once the audience sees a pregnant Sharon Tate on the screen, everyone braces for what is to come. I won't spoil the ending, but let's just say Tarantino does what he does best. The twist ending was certainly polarizing for viewers, but I found it to be creative and exactly fit for the film.

One aspect of the film that I adored most was the authenticity of the sets, costumes, props, and so on to evoke the spirit of Hollywood in the 1960s. This film was like stepping into a time machine. Tarantino included several scenes where we see Cliff driving Rick around town, it is evident that the attention to detail is impeccable. From the radio ads in the car, to the billboards on the streets, it truly felt like the 1960s. With every turn of the head, there is a nod to old-school Hollywood. This attention to detail, plus a whirlwind plot guided by the incredible acting of the leads, certainly made "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" a standout for me. DiCaprio never lets me down. I genuinely cannot picture any other actor delivering in the role of Rick Dalton. That being said, Brad Pitt's performance may have even been better. He portrays this cool, nonchalant attitude throughout the film that is so believable. The duo really excelled in their scenes together. Their chemistry as great friends in the film was palpable. Tarantino's ninth film is bold, and was certainly an enjoyable, stand-out movie of the summer.


Blinded By The Light:

After being let down by not one, but two music-centric films this summer, I went into "Blinded By The Light" with low expectations. This feel-good film is based on a true story. The movie follows Javed, a young Pakistani boy living in 1980s-Margaret-Thatcher-ruled England. His family faces the harsh realities many families like his experienced during this time. Neighbors participate in racist acts. Javed's father is laid off of his factory job due to the job crisis at that time. Javed has a very traditional Pakistani family, meaning his father serves as the head of the household, and his wife and children follow his rules. Javed's outlet from his everyday stressors is writing poetry. This is something he mainly does in private, as his traditional father would not see writing as a worthy profession. Javed's world is turned upside down when a classmate introduces him to Bruce Springsteen's music.

This movie hit every mark that was lacking in "Yesterday". The audience saw how deeply Springsteen's music spoke to Javed, as if each song was written just for him. This music empowers him to follow his dreams and go after what he wants, regardless of what his family may think. Javed quickly befriends Roops, the classmate that gave him Springsteen's tapes. He woos the girl of his dreams, Eliza, with the help of "The Boss". The trio dance through the streets of their small town to "Born to Run".

While the heart of the film is happy and upbeat, it also brilliantly and realistically captures life of Middle Eastern immigrants in England in the 1980s. This family, among many others, experiences harsh racism and protests. The entire nation is affected by a national unemployment crisis. This film authentically demonstrates how music can be an outlet unlike any other in times of turmoil. "Born to Run" is a timeless coming-of-age film that will strongly resonate with audiences for a multitude of reasons. Unlike "Yesterday," this film effectively captures the power of music and nostalgia. Even if you're not a huge Springsteen fan, "Blinded By The Light" can serve as a great pick-me-up, reminding us all that there is light in even the darkest tunnels- sometimes you just have to know where to look.

When They See Us

Last night, I finished Ava DuVernay's Netflix limited series, "When They See Us". This series depicts the severe injustices of the 1989 Central Park Five case. Never in my life have I felt more deeply impacted by any show or film. I minored in African American Studies in college, therefore was already very familiar with this particular case. That being said, this series opened my eyes to an entirely new perspective on this case. I have been a major fan of Ava DuVernay's work for years, so I knew that she wouldn't disappoint (side note -- if you haven't watched her documentary "13th" it is an absolute must-watch!).

Please excuse my mini history lesson on mass incarceration of African Americans, but I believe it is crucial for a more whole understanding of the Central Park Five case.

It is no secret that there is a glaring racial gap in the American prison system. The initial imbalances of races in prisons was significantly impacted by the War on Drugs. The purpose of the War on Drugs was to define and reduce illegal drug trafficking, issued by President Nixon. When the War on Drugs was put into place, the use of drugs increased, as did the rate of incarceration, particularly among black males. At the time, there was a severe economic divide between white people and black people, due in large to decrease in industrialization in the 1980s, in which many African American workers lost their jobs. The case of the Central Park Five was a direct result of racial profiling. The media coined a term called “wilding” at this time, pertaining to the case, as mentioned in the show. This term means intentionally behaving in a wild manner in order to inflict harm on others. African Americans were the primary targets of suspicion. This ultimately led to countless young black men to pay for the sins of others.

As seen in the show, five young men were arrested for the attack and rape of a woman jogging in Central Park. Due in large to the War on Drugs and the increase of drug distribution in New York City, crime rates went up and black men were constantly under scrutiny. The fact that these five minority young men were wrongly accused and imprisoned for an act that they did not commit displays racial profiling in this country. When these boys were being interrogated, they got caught up in lies of false confession to the crime naively thinking this could get them home faster. Another man was finally found guilty of the crime, due to admission of guilt as well as evidence. While the Central Park Five were proven innocent, their lives were forever changed. Their teenage years were taken from them. They initially had difficulty adjusting to daily life, and later had trouble securing jobs. While this case forced many Americans to think about the influence of race on criminal accusations, this is sadly a very real issue two decades later.

As an African American studies minor, I was exposed to the extreme injustices displayed by the American judicial system. What separated this case from countless others like it was the complete media frenzy that followed the case for years. I watched documentaries and read books on the Central Park Five. I’ve always had exceptionally strong and disheartened feelings about this case. However, watching “When They See Us” heightened these feelings beyond belief.

This miniseries was broken into four episodes. The first episode shows how these innocent young boys were coerced into giving false confessions to the crime. We see prosecutors work to force the story of the crime to match up to the boys' confessions. The boys are literally bullied and beaten by police and promised release upon offering up confessions. Watching the expression on these young boys' faces completely broke my heart straight out of the gate. In the second episode, we watch the trials unfold. Even though there is no evidence, the handwritten and videotaped confessions from the boys allowed the jury to find them all guilty. Seeing the reaction from these boys, as well as their community and family members, brought me to tears. In the third episode, we see 4 of the 5 boys serve their time in juvenile detention, and see what life is like upon their release. I found the fourth and final episode to be the most painful. It depicts Korey Wise's time in prison. He was tried as an adult, therefore had the longest sentence and endured the most brutality behind bars.

The acting was harrowing and stellar. I’ve never seen such fine performances from such young actors. Their ability to capture the innocence and pain of these young men positively sent chills down my spine. While every performance was superb, one performance stood out in particular. Jharrel Jerome's portrayal of Korey Wise left me gutted. This young actor was the only one to play both the teenage and adult version of their role. I have chills just thinking about his performance. A few scenes in particular stood out to me. When Korey was being prosecuted by Elizabeth Lederer (played by Vera Farmiga), Jerome's face said it all. I could feel the rage, confusion, and panic that Korey must have felt. At that moment, Korey's youth was stolen from him. Jerome's performance left me speechless. He also portrays Korey as an adult, being held in solitary confinement. Watching Korey endure beatings, endless abuse, and hallucinations in solitary confinement was no easy feat. I cannot imagine the strength it must have taken for Jerome to mentally tap into those emotions. As a viewer, you feel the pain and anger Korey feels alongside him every step of the way.

I’ve never experienced such a strong physical reaction from watching a television show. Those who know me know I rarely choke up while watching movies, but this series left me a mess. There were moments that were so harrowing that I had to pause just to wipe my tears.

I am so immensely impressed by DuVernay's work on this series. She directed and co-wrote all four episodes. I loved that the intent of this show was to showcase the humanity of these 5 young men whose youth was stolen from them. It does not serve to reinvestigate the case or simply retell a story. Instead, it shines a light on the injustice minorities face in our country, while telling the full-picture story of 5 very remarkable individuals. For years, journalists and juries decided the reputations and fates of these young men. So many years later, the world gets to see them as they truly are, thanks to Ms. DuVernay. I would encourage every single person to take 5 hours out of their life and watch this series. It is so much bigger than a show. Watch it, feel it, be the change. This sort of discrimination is intolerable, and I am so hopeful that "When They See Us" will serve as a stepping stone taking this country closer to justice.

Booksmart

"Booksmart" is a fresh, funny take on traditional coming-of-age movies. It's "Eighth Grade" meets "Lady Bird" with a new comedic spin. This movie is Olivia Spencer's directorial debut, and she certainly delivers! "Booksmart" is about two academic girls, Amy and Molly, who, on the night before graduation realize that they've been missing out on sheer fun throughout high school. After working tirelessly to get into the best colleges, Amy and Molly realize their peers have gotten into a the same prestigious schools without sacrificing fun. Naturally, in true high school fashion, the pair decides to cram 4 years of fun into one night. As someone who was very studious and type A in high school, I strongly related to this film. 

Many elements set this movie apart from other coming-of-age films. There is such an array of well-developed characters that veer from traditional teen archetypes. What sets this movie apart from other high school films is it depicts experiences that people actually go through in high school. It felt believable and honest. This was due largely in part to the terrific cast. The chemistry between all of the cast members was palpable. Beanie Feldstein (you may remember her from "Lady Bird"!) and Kaitlyn Dever star in the film, showcasing their dynamic energy as best friends. 

"Booksmart" feels like a modern John Hughes movie, which in my book is very high praise. It incorporates a lot of traditional coming-of-age elements, such as teen angst towards parents and unrequited love- however done so in a modern context. It is progressive and inclusive, highlighting issues modern teens experience. It was great to see teenage girls as lead roles that are so unapologetically themselves. Their world and self-worth doesn't revolve around high school hierarchies and social status. We are exposed to a high school world with strong and powerful female friendship, as well as a student body of diverse students with different sexual orientations. This film works on so many levels. The script is superb. The scenes are fast-paced and witty, leaving the viewer captivated the entire time. I highly recommend this as a fun summer flick! 

Pose

Although I've exclusively written film blogs in the past, television has made significant strides in the past few years. The lines between movies and TV are getting more blurred as time progresses. Television content is currently at the highest production level it has ever been at. It has a few advantages over film, such as long-form story telling. Therefore, I feel it appropriate to include periodical reviews of TV shows on my blog.

Let me begin with a bold statement: Ryan Murphy is a television god. In my last semester of college, I had the privilege of interning at an entertainment public relations company in Los Angeles. A huge part of my role throughout this internship involved assisting at red carpet events. When I was assisting at one of these events, I practically had an out-of-body experience when Ryan Murphy walked past me. I've really learned how to keep my cool while interacting with various celebrities, but I was simply starstruck by Ryan Murphy. He is known for creating, writing, directing and producing shows such as "Glee", "American Horror Story", "American Crime Story", and most recently, "Pose".

While I have always admired Murphy's work, I believe his most influential work to date has been for his most recent show, "Pose". This show came out in June of 2018. It has been critically lauded and was even nominated for a Golden Globe for "Best Television Series - Drama". It depicts life in New York City in the late 1980s. It's primarily centered around the African American and Latino ball culture of this time. These balls were places where queer and trans people of color could gather to "walk" for prizes. (I highly recommend the documentary "Paris is Burning" for further insight into the balls). It also touches upon subjects such as the rise of the yuppie, life in the height of the AIDS epidemic, and more. Not only is the cast comprised of Ryan Murphy long-time favorites such as Evan Peters, but has the largest transgender cast in the history of television. The show demonstrates the juxtaposition of wealthy white men and queer minorities in late 80s NYC. Characters grapple with challenges ranging from sexuality and self-identity to simply finding a way to access the basic necessities of daily life. Family dynamics are rewritten as house mothers take in lost souls such as Damon, a young man who was kicked out his home because he is gay. These houses compete at the balls, dressing to the nines and showcasing their attitudes. Although the characters consistently face tragedy, "Pose" serves as a celebration of life.

This show has glamour, ambition, and a lot of heart. Murphy isn't afraid to touch on subjects that others shy away from, such as what it's like to love someone with AIDs, and losing your family as a teenager after coming out. My favorite character in the series is Pray Tell, played by the wonderful Billy Porter (you may remember him from his iconic tuxedo dress worn at this year's Oscars). The show is as daring and full of extravagance as he is. Pray Tell is the emcee of the balls, calling out "and the category is..." as participants fiercely showcase their looks and attitudes. The cast of characters truly make this show. Viewers are exposed to many unique and heartfelt storylines. "Pose" shines a light on the transgender community in the wake of ball culture. Many people are unaware of the existence of ball culture. "Pose" gives a voice to a community that has not had a strong presence on television before. Not only is this culturally significant, but the show is simply downright entertaining. Every element that makes for good television is there. It is beautifully shot. The costumes are glamorous. The acting is superb. With season one being only 8 episodes total, I highly recommend bingeing this before season two airs later this year.

Belated 2019 Academy Awards Thoughts

Although it has been some time now since the 2019 Academy Awards, I find my mind still wandering back to that night. In the years that I've had this blog, I've centered my content primarily around award season and critically acclaimed cinema. Since moving to New York in the fall and working in fashion public relations, my love for pop culture and movies has taken a back seat. With the high pressures of the fashion world, and just trying to keep up with the fast-paced life of city living, I've struggled to maintain a good balance in life that allows me to experience things I enjoy most- and a huge part of that is film.  Between fashion previews and commuter rush hours, I've been neglecting this blog simply to keep up with my surroundings. This introduction has been more personal than any of my previous blog content has been, but I felt it necessary to provide context for my inconsistencies.

Without further ado, let's go back in time now to February 24th, 2019...

As you may recall, this year famously had no host. A particularly strange sequence of events took place leading up to this year's awards show. The Academy decided at the last minute to retract their decision to not broadcast every single award. Then, drama around this year's host ensued as Kevin Hart stepped down as the host after making homophobic remarks. This was a big factor of this season's show. People were unsure of how a host-less Oscars would pan out. Personally, I immediately didn't take much issue with this fact. While a good host provides a lot of crucial elements to the show, there have been plenty of years that I found a host somewhat distracting. As it turned out, no host- no problem! The show went very smoothly without a host. In fact, it was nice to see some variety this year. For example, Maya Rudolph, Amy Poehler, and Tina Fey lightened the mood by roasting the Oscars. It allowed for the show to clip along at a good pace. I enjoyed the overall tone of the show this year. Freeing itself from the traditional format allowed for the show to have a fresh feel.

Straight out of the gate, the Oscars started off strong this year. With no host, everyone was unsure of how the ceremony would begin. The audience was immediately welcomed to the 2019 Oscars with a killer Queen performance (see what I did there?) featuring powerhouse Adam Lambert. The audience was on their feet and were having a ball (I promise to keep Queen puns to a minimum now). As for the awards themselves, let's start by discussing the biggest award of the night. Much to my dismay, "Green Book" took home the award for Best Picture. I know I'm far from the only person disappointed by this win. The movie is based on a true story about the friendship between a black classical pianist and his Italian driver as he tours the South. This film felt as if it spend two hours telling a 30 minute long story I did not do a separate blog post on "Green Book," but my overall consensus was that it felt like a very outdated film, and quite frankly, it bored me. It ironically had "Driving Miss Daisy" written all over it - this shouldn't be where films are at three decades later. Branded as a racially progressive story, this film felt condescending to me, as well as many other viewers. Tony, the Italian driver, transitions from a man throwing away glasses used by African Americans to an expert on African American culture in the blink of an eye. The saving grace of the film was Mahershala Ali's performance as concert pianist Don Shirley. His acting is perhaps the only part of the film that felt heartfelt and genuine. He breathed life into a complex character. We saw how Shirley struggled with his own identity over the course of the film. With that being said, I was exceptionally pleased that Ali won an award for Best Supporting Actor. Now that I've lauded Ali's win for Best Supporting Actor, I want to express my extreme joy over Regina King's win for Best Supporting Actress. In a previous blog, I praised her magnificent performance in "If Beale Street Could Talk". (By the way, the biggest snub of the year was this movie not being nominated for Best Picture). Not only was I pleased to see King graciously accept an award for this performance, but I was pleased that several black women received awards over the course of the evening. Although the Academy has a ways to go with recognizing minorities in the industry, it was nice to see more diversity in the wins this year.

Rami Malek won Best Actor for his role as Freddie Mercury in "Bohemian Rhapsody". I personally thought he was most deserving of this award. Christian Bale is always phenomenal in all of his roles, and his portrayal of Dick Cheney in "Vice" was no exception. That being said, Malek's performance as Mercury was honestly one of my favorite performances I've seen in recent years. He was incredibly captivating as the singer. It was clear that he studied Mercury's every movement. One could argue that he was mimicking Mercury as opposed to playing him, but it was truly incredible to see Malek appear on the screen as Queen's leading man. The most moving part of his performance was his portrayal of Freddie at the Live Aid concert. Malek truly nailed every nuance of Mercury and was entirely deserving of this award. Olivia Coleman won Best Actress for her work in "The Favorite". In my last blog, I expressed how this was not one of my personal favorite films. While that fact holds true, I commend Coleman on her performance as Queen Anne. She was hysterical in this role, capturing the queen's childlike tendencies as well as portraying her physical ailments. If you've seen the film, you know this queen is a little bananas. She is eccentric, irritable, and sad. Coleman truly brought each aspect of this character to life. 

Other noteworthy wins included Roma's win for Cinematography and Directing. Roma was definitely the most visually compelling movie of the year- the win was most deserving. Spike Lee finally got an Oscar! That man is SO worthy. He took home an award for Best Adapted Screenplay for BlackKklansman. Gaga may have won an Oscar for "Best Original Song" that night, but the one of the most talked about moments of the night was Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga's chilling performance of "Shallow" from "A Star is Born". Their incredible performance was filled with palpable chemistry. To wrap things up, although I think this was one of the least exciting award seasons overall, this year's Academy Awards shaped up to be better than expected. Though I would have honestly preferred any other nominated film to win Best Picture over "Green Book," other moments definitely helped to make up for this. I will be curious to see how the Academy Awards will continue to shift and develop as time progresses. Until next year, Academy Awards. I look forward to you as always.

Fall & Winter 2018

Hello, fellow movie lovers! Please forgive my hiatus. Life has been pretty crazy the last few months. I picked up my life and moved to Brooklyn, and started a new job! Sadly, the insanity of the last few months has left me strapped for time to do what I love- watch movies and review them. I'm doing my best to make up for lost time, so I've decided to write this blog post delivering short reviews of the movies I've seen this season. Given that the Oscar nominations are being announced in a couple of days, I feel pretty ashamed with my current movie-viewing status this season. Those rumors about the New York work grind are real, I can assure you. Onto the reviews!

Mary Queen of Scots:

Most recently, I saw "Mary Queen of Scots," the dramatic telling of the rivalry between young Scottish queen Mary and her cousin, Elizabeth, queen of England. This film stars Saoirse Ronan as Queen Mary and Margot Robbie as Queen Elizabeth. I've always adored historical dramas, so considering the premise of the film and my adoration for these actors, I couldn't wait to see this film! While this film hasn't been very well-received by critics due to problematic historical accuracy, I personally loved it. A lot of historical dramas get analyzed with a fine-toothed comb to make sure the history is accurately portrayed. It may not have been perfect, but what  "Mary Queen of Scots" lacks in historical accuracy, it makes up for in its dramatic plot, fiery dialogue, and incredible lead actors. The movie unravels the tension between the English and Scottish monarchies in the 16th century. Teenage ruler Mary returns to Scotland from France following the death of her husband, and finds herself ruling a country that does not stand by her decisions. Meanwhile, her cousin Elizabeth, reeling in jealousy of Mary's youth and confidence, struggles with her health and with the fact that she has not produced an heir to the throne. Since Mary has claim to Elizabeth's throne, the threat to Elizabeth's monarchy sparks a heated tension between the two nations. This film breaks down what it's like to be a woman in command in a world that is predominately controlled by men. The script of this film is razor sharp, and Ronan and Robbie delivered compelling performances. The cinematography was breathtaking. While I don't think this is technically one of the greatest films I've seen, it is still one I immensely enjoyed. Sometimes movies of this nature can feel a bit like a slow burn, however "Mary Queen of Scots" kept my interest from start to finish. I can personally excuse any historical inaccuracies because the dramatic twists and turns throughout the plot kept me on the edge of my seat. Robbie and Saiorse are two of my favorite actresses, and neither let me down. Robbie is nearly unrecognizable as the sickly Queen Elizabeth, and Ronan truly brings her character to life. While this film could feel a bit like a soap opera at times, I still very much enjoyed "Mary Queen of Scots" and would recommend it to anyone with an interest in historical dramas. 

If Beale Street Could Talk:

In my humble opinion"If Beale Street Could Talk" was the most perfect film of the year. Director Barry Jenkins blessed our screens with "Moonlight" two years ago, and he's done it again this year with "If Beale Street Could Talk". Jenkins adapted James Baldwin's novel of the same name into a film, telling the story of Tish and Fonny, a young African American couple living in 1970s Harlem. While I've never read the book, watching this film truly felt like watching a book come alive. "If Beale Street Could Talk" is about the complexity of relationships and identity, breaking down the realities of being African American in the 1970s. Childhood best friends Tish and Fonny dive into a deep romantic relationship in their teenage years. They spend their days dreaming of their future lives together. Their future plans together get put on hold when Fonny gets accused of a crime that he did not commit. The film breaks down the struggles Fonny, Tish, and their family members face due to the injustice served to the African American community in 1970s Harlem. If I could describe this film in one word, it would simply be beautiful. It truly felt like a work of art. The dialogue, charged by Baldwin's mastery of language, astoundingly captures each character's thoughts and feelings. The set design and costumes transport viewers to the New York that existed 40 years ago. As far as I'm concerned, every aspect of this film was sheer perfection. Each actor's performance was phenomenal, particularly that of actress Regina King, who portrayed Tish's mother.  She portrayed such raw emotion as a mother who cannot find a way to comfort her child. "If Beale Street Could Talk" almost felt more like a play than a movie to me. There were moments where the characters would look straight into the camera, inviting the audience into their souls. This script is poetic- I am certain that James Baldwin's memory could not have been honored in a more meaningful way. This movie demonstrates how every single component of African American life, even something as fundamental as love, is altered by systematic racism. Fonny is framed for a crime that he did not commit, simply due to the color of his skin. Sound familiar? This film bone-chillingly reminds us as a society that many things have not changed over the last several decades. Systematic racism against black men in this nation has been and will continue to be a monumental injustice. What I really loved about this film is it seemed to go several layers deep into each character's soul. Instead of just telling the story of Fonny's framing, the viewer can essentially feel what each character is feeling. It dives deep into the emotional side of things without losing any credibility for the gravitas of Fonny's situation. Watching "If Beale Street Could Talk" made me want to read every Baldwin book and rewatch "Moonlight". Both Jenkins and Baldwin are creative geniuses that have a gift for showcasing the deep emotional sides of African American stories. "If Beale Street Could Talk" is a work of art that everyone should see!

The Favourite:

It seems as if every year there is one film that I can truly appreciate as being great, but I personally don't enjoy it. This year it is Yorgos Lanthimos's "The Favourite". This film stars Emma Stone, Rachel Weisz, Olivia Colman. Colman plays Queen Anne, an 18th century English queen who appears to be utterly helpless and dependent. She relies on her aid Sarah, the Duchess of Marlborough, played by Weisz. The two appear to have a complex relationship, ridden in banter and lust. When Sarah's cousin, Abigail (Stone) appears at court, a very intricate love triangle ensues. Abigail is given a position as a lady in waiting to the queen. Anne quickly takes a liking to Abigail, stirring up a rage of jealousy in Sarah. While it is clear that the court is dealing with major global conflict, Queen Anne remains an utterly useless pawn. This film focuses in on the rivalry between Sarah and Abigail, as well as their relationships with Anne. Lanthimos injected a very specific type of humor into every crevice of this film. Last year, Lanthimos directed the film "The Killing of A Sacred Deer," which I greatly disliked, so I should have taken that into account before seeing "The Favourite". I just don't think I appreciate this style of humor. The script is witty and the acting is great, I just personally don't like the humor. It's challenging for me to pinpoint exactly what I don't like . I don't want to sound like a complete snob, but I think I honestly just found the humor a little juvenile and tasteless. Something about injecting this type of humor into a period piece about monarchy felt a little disrespectful. A lot of people I know seemed to love this film and find it hysterical. I do agree that the script was razor sharp. Each actress delivered a stellar performance.  The lighting, costumes, and cinematography were exquisite. That being said, it just wasn't for me! Simple as that. All in all, I definitely see why this film is being well-received by critics. My sense of humor just didn't match up!

A Star is Born:

While I think "If Beale Street Could Talk" was the best movie of 2018, I must say that "A Star is Born" was my favorite! I just adore this movie! I was so excited for months leading up to its release. I think Lady Gaga is one of the most talented people on the planet, so as soon as I knew she was set to star in this movie I was on board. I saw the 1976 Barbra Streisand version of "A Star is Born," and even though I adore Madame Streisand, I did not care for that film. I thought it was slow, boring, and felt very dated. I did, however, like the premise of the film. When I heard that Bradley Cooper was attached to direct and star in a remake, I became even more excited. When the film was about to be released, however, I must say I got a little nervous. For all these months I've set my expectations of this film quite high. I told myself going into the theater that it was okay if it wasn't great, it was going to be a fun movie. I spent the next two hours completely entranced. For anyone who doesn't know the premise of the film "A Star is Born," it tells the story country rock singer Jackson Maine and upcoming shining star Ally Campana. Jackson is a bonafide rockstar struggling with addiction when he discovers Ally a natural-born talent. The two quickly fall into an intense romantic relationship. In the midst of their courtship, Ally provides a sense of home for Jackson while Jackson launches Ally into the spotlight. Their relationship is explosive and tumultuous- the audience is taken along for a twisty ride throughout the course of their romance. Gaga and Cooper breathe life into their characters. This movie is nothing without their immense talents. I've honestly never been much of a Cooper fan in the past, but his performance as Jackson Maine and role in directing this film made me completely change my tune. He does an unbelievable job in this role- and who knew he had such an incredible voice! He was so committed to this role that he lowered his speaking voice an entire octave throughout the film. The only part of this film that proved to be better than Cooper was queen Lady Gaga. This was her first time acting in a lead role of a film, and her performance was genuinely one of my favorites of all time. We all know Lady Gaga has stellar pipes, but she was so phenomenal in her role as Ally. The music in this film is absolutely phenomenal. I've literally listened to the soundtrack every week since the film came out. I thought that every element of this film was just wonderful. It was heart-wrenching, powerful, inspiring- everything I could have wanted and more. The dialogue seamlessly blended with the music. The performances in this film were some of the best I've seen in a long time. I could go on about this movie for ages, but I'll leave this off by saying I cannot wait to see what Cooper and Gaga do next!

I hate to admit it, but that's been the extent of my movie viewing so far this season! I have yet to check out Vice, Bohemian Rhapsody, Roma, and Green Book. Rest assured that every movie will be seen once the Oscar nominations are announced! I've watched every best picture nominee for the past several years, and that is not a streak I plan to break. Cheers to the 2019 Oscar Nominations- I can't wait to report back soon with more thoughts on these films!