OBSESSION-A Horror Film Where the Guy Gets the Girl and all Hell Breaks Loose

OBSESSION starts out with our protagonist practicing his pitch for the girl of his dreams to go out with him. Bear (Michael Johnson) is a shy, likable guy that wants girl Nikki (Inde Navarrette). Taking a wink from "Big" Bear goes into a New Age store to buy Niki a gift but comes away with a prize for himself. A make a wish stick. The shtick is the wish stick works - too well. When Bear wishes Nikki "would love me more than anyone else in the world," Nikki finds herself drawn to Bear. A 180 turn around does seem odd but not so much that Bear would look a gift horse in the mouth and the two move in together for a limited time of bliss. Soon things go amiss. Friends Ian (Cooper Tomlinson) and Sarah (Megan Lawless) start noticing Nikki acting bizarre. Bear knows things are even worse than they seem. The relatable premise turns dark and eerie once Bear gets his heart desire and if he only knew how dim the fire and passion that have turned obsessively deranged and destructive. Bear calls a number on the wish stick box with his questions which doesn't give him what he was hoping. It's one of the funniest scenes in the film. Inde Navarrette's tour-de-force performance is electrifying. Nikki's behavior is terrifying, haunting, revolting, sad and hilarious. The pacing, look and mood of the film have a mystique and naturalness that give way to shocking scenes that jump out at you. Director/writer Curry Baker has made a horror film that is creepy, credible and engrossing (and gross at times). Baker also makes a few nods to "Exorcist" and "Fatal Attraction." However, Baker has created something quite original that explores the horrors of getting what you wish for. 

Crime Thriller/Romance TUNER-Turns Flat After A Bit-But Tune In

TUNER is an entertaining crime thriller driven whose premise and prelude are appealing. A promising piano prodigy turned piano tuner's precision ear proves advantageous to cracking into combination safes. Leo Woodall ("White Lotus") plays Niki, the sultry and skillful young piano tuner who partners with Harry, played by the legendary Dustin Hoffman.  Harry and his wife Maria (a terrific Tovah Feldshuh) are the bickering, bantering couple who love each other and Niki whom they regard as their son. The hilarious overture to the film begins with a montage of piano tuning jobs where Harry and Niki have to deal with obnoxious clients. The two are called to repair a piano for an elite musical university where Ruthie (an alluring Havana Rose) is now practicing.  Ruthie, an inspiring composer/pianist is put out by the interruption but there's an undercurrent of attraction between the two. When Ruthie's heirloom piano is drenched by rain she calls up Niki to try to help her save the piano. A love serenade between the two is composed and all is harmonious until Harry needs hospitalization and a miracle to pay his bills. While tuning a piano on an exclusive estate, Niki is unable to work because of noise in the house. Niki has a condition called hypercusis, a hearing condition that make everyday sounds unbearable which is why he dons earplugs at all times. When he scopes out the source of the noise it's coming from the security guards who are trying to drill open a safe. The security "thugs" tell him to get lost unless he can open the safe which he promptly does. Uri (Lior Raz) head boss of bumbling thieves knows a good thing when he see it and promises Niki big money if comes to work for him. Niki is driven to cracking safes to pay for Harry's hospital bills and to have some cash and gifts for Ruthie. The film turns somewhat flat and predictable once it shifts to heist jobs. When Niki wants to stop his life of crime Uri shows up at Maria's home during Harry's memorial and threatens to harm his girlfriend's hands if won't continue. The stellar acting keeps the plot on pitch. The musical scenes and the relationship between Niki, Ruthie Harry and Maria elevate the film. TUNER is an easily watchable film. But once the film shifts key after Harry's death from drama and romance to crime thriller, it becomes something we've seen before. And, what are the odds that the one piece of jewelry Niki swiped to give Ruthie comes back to haunt him? Nevertheless, 

5 STAR WEEKEND-Earns a Paltry 3 Despite Star Power Jennifer Garner/Timothy Olypant

"The Five-Star Weekend" based on the bestselling book by Elin Hilderbrand now airing on Netflix. It features an assembly star cast led by the beautiful and bankable Jennifer Garner. Garner plays Hollis Shaw who we meet making a boat load of impressive Xmas cookies with snow covered evergreens outside her cozy kitchen window. The serene scene is interrupted by knocking at her door. The police came to inform Hollis her husband was killed in a car accident. (Her shocked response makes her look like a fish gasping for air.) Next we jump ahead to 6 months later to sunny skies outside the windows of her stunning Cape Cod home on the Vineyard. Hollis is a celebrity chef and an influencer. After breaking down crying on a TV celebrity talk show mourning her husband, her publicist tells her to take time off . She suggests getting together with her closest friends from the varying decades in her life. The chums all come from different periods in her life and backgrounds. What's the worse that can happen? Sadly, nothing worth noting happens that is credible just easily digestible fare in a gorgeous setting with good actors. Regina Hall plays a PR agent for celebrity athletes and is put on sabbatical for a PR crisis of her own making. Chloe Sevigny, plays her best friend since childhood. Chloe's mom helped raised Hollis after her mother died when she was young. Chloe plays a no-nonsense broad with gusto but may soon be facing chemo. D'Arcy Carden plays the garrulous, funny friend who wants to fit in. She may have a few mysterious plot lines. We know of an arch enemy in Judy Greer who was not invited and an unknown legal battles looming. And, the sultry Gemma Chan who only recently joined the gang. She ingratiated herself into Hollis' good graces by following her and developing a connection since her husband's death. (Nothing to be concerned about here). Timothy Olyphant as her old beau from the hood in Nantucket. Will they or won't hook-up? Really? Throw in Hollis' coed daughter, She's keeping things from her mother and falling for the wrong boy back home during the female pow wow weekend designed to ease the widow's grief.  Hollis is super organized along with her culinary skills. She's charted plans for the entire 3 nights which includes a pajama dance party while drunk following a salacious round of truth or dare. If you dare to watch this 8 part series which seems promising given the talent and Hilderbrand's beach book plot.  Know this is light entertainment at best when not cringe worthy schmaltz. There's predictable broad strokes; secrets revealed and spirits healed. I wouldn't throw this show in the trash with the burnt tarte Tatin. It does it best with good ingredients and intentions, but fails to rise to any great expectations.

Doc "Chris & Martina: The Final Set-A LOVE MATCH to LAST-It's a Winner

The sports doc. Chris & Martina is one for the record books and one to be watched. The most captivating  sports rivalry of the 20th C  was not Ali v Frazer, not Magic v Bird. It was Chris Everett and Martina Navratilova on the tennis court. Their records on the courts and their talents on are full display in this easily watchable and very likable documentary. What makes this such a compelling film is their story of lasting LOVE and friendship off the court. And, tennis tore apart their friendship. The film's strength comes from the their deep friendship that has flourished despite having been pitted against each other for their consummate goal to be #1 in the world. The two contrasting athletes in their style of play and demeanor couldn't have been more diverse. They share their drive and what they gave up to achieve their goals. Martina's defection in the 70s from the Czech Republic meant she was separated from her family which was devastating for her. There's a joyful reunion in which Martina brings Chris back home to meet her family years later. Chris also felt tennis demanded all her focus. It took her away from her first husband "I had nothing left to give off the court." Her victory at Wimbledon, while joyful when having received her trophy "left me lying on the floor of my hotel room. It was depression. I realized I had no friends." However, this is not a depressing film. It's actually very uplifting and life affirming film about competition and dealing with diversity. Looking back at the early years of both women as young girls on the courts and their love for the game is delightful.  We see how arch rivals tend to bring out the best in one another. The film is framed by the present cancer battles both women are facing. The comeback and evolution of their love for one another is a tribute to the characters of both women which I came to admire.  It's reassuring to see the support each has within their own family; Martina her wife and Chris her 2nd husband and sons.  Chris says "We were married 20 years and had 3 children together. The caring doesn't go away."  This film wins in a tie breaker with other engaging sports documentaries as on center court are two great foes who fought each other and who found each other as cherished friends. A double bonus is watching the two champions watching their matches together. 

"Sr." Robert Downey Jr Tribute to Sr Should've Stayed in the Family

The family documentary "Sr." is Robert Downey Jr.'s (RDJ) tribute to his beloved father, Robert Downey "Sr."  Celebrity insight, but, if you're not part of the family, don't bother. Most people are familiar with Robert  Downey Jr. (RDJ)the highest paid "actor in the world".  Yet, most people are unfamiliar with the films the senior Downey (RDS) wrote and directed. The reasons being the son is an extremely talented and prolific actor while the father's films are in a word, unwatchable. "Sr." is a mess of a film that despite a lot of footage spent on the editing process, more editing was badly needed.  There is obvious warmth in the relationship between father and son which is endearing though not compelling enough to sustain interest in either the familial connections or the connections to filmmaking as the family's pursuits. Clips from RDS' movies (the only footage in this film in vivd color) attest to the zaniness and off-the beaten tracks of his life's work. However, bizarre moments and characters does not make for an engrossing film. The impact of his counter culture filmmaking lived in the past. Today these films feel gross in an annoying way that neither call for revised interest or a retrospective. The documentary was shot in black and white to lend an artistic aesthetic to elevate the film's appeal. While New York City's beauty lends itself to the starkness of white and black, the film lacks "le coeur a ses raisons" other than to pull at the heart strings watching a son process the flailing health of his father. It felt gratuitous and voyeuristic watching RDJ wipe away tears and confer with his psychiatrist at the prospect of his father's passing. Furthermore, the man being eulogized is engaged in the eulogizing process was baffling and off-putting. Granted, it's refreshing to watch a family biopic where there's true affection demonstrated rather than animosity. Still, it comes off like chopped up home movies spliced together that play only to family members.  I did find watching RDJ as a young boy and young actor quite charming. The destructive years of drugs and alcohol for both are quickly raked over the coals.  Regret is bemoaned by RDS for introducing his son to these destructive vices. Thankfully, healthy outcomes are shared by both. RDS' second wife was lovingly cared for by him throughout her battle with ALS until her death. Rosemarie, RDS' 3rd and final wife up until his death was asked how long she and her husband have been married.  Her repeated answer was 1,500 years. That's about how long it felt watching this mishmash documentary that despite having been made with a tender heart, is not set far apart from other family's personal tribulations and reflections . 

CARRIE PILBY with Nathan Lane, Gabriel Byrne Worth a Watch

CARRIE PILBY (2016) film now on Amazon is not an amazing movie but it is not without its charms. Carrie (a wide eyed Bel Powley) is a 19 year old Harvard grad thanks to an IQ of 186. Of course, this high IQ is both a blessing and a curse. What's a widowed father (Gabriel Byrne) to do but matriculate his daughter into the IVY league since she's way ahead of all the adolescents her age. Well intentioned but not necessarily advantageous to a precocious girl who is really still a young girl pitted into an adult world which doesn't prepare her for a lecherous professor or peers who prefer someone their own age. Having graduated, Carrie finds herself alone in her NYC apartment without a job, friends or family. Her dad is in London where she was raised and she's left to navigate on her own. Well not entirely. Dad has hired his friend, a psychiatrist, Dr. Petrov (played by a steadfast Nathan Lane) to help guide her. Left on her own, Carrie would choose to stay at home and read. This is not a recipe for happiness. But with the kindly encouragement of Dr. Petrov and the job being as a proof reader she finds kindred spirits.  Carrie commences to navigate herself towards a fulfilling life. The movie is actually a lot better than it sounds. The quirky friends she meets at work are likable. So too is the handsome next door neighbor who plays a long winded instrument out on their fire escape. Bryce and Lane add their talents and finesse. This is an easily digestible, diverting film with a heroine whose tough facade belies a heart searching for connections.  Powley's performance is pitch perfect. She's engaging as a bumptious intellect. yet manages to carry off an underlying vulnerability without garnering pity. We see her as the 16 year old college girl who understandably fell prey to an ill-advised affair with her Lit professor and gain insight to her romantic reserves. Pilby's blazing blue eyes emote non-stop.  I was taken in by this film about an intellectual young lady whose emotional maturity is still mostly on par with her chronological age. This movie may not receive high honors but it does earn high above a passing grade. It's a sweet movie to pass the time. 

MINIONS and MONSTERS-Most Entertaining Minutes at the Start, Sadly Falls Apart

I took my 4 year old nephew, Ames, to see MINIONS and MONSTERS. He would tell you, "It was funny and I liked it." I agree that it was delightfully funny and I did like it - but only up to a point. The clever opening with a tour through a movie studio with loving tributes to favorite family films was a lot of fun. A scene where George Lucas was encased in glass was delightful. So too were the homages that would charm cinephiles. Hats off to Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplain, Orson Wells and other visual treats. I was captivated by the tributes more so than my nephew.  It was a lot of fun watching the minions searching for a vicious villain to serve and conjuring up monsters from the wizard's magical book. Here Ames and I were aligned. And, the beginning friendship of James and Henry (note not Henry James) this isn't classic literature after all, was warm and touching. Sharing a sense of humor does a friendship make. Perhaps, James and Henry will be counted among Abbott and Costello or Laurel and Hardy if they can sustain their routines. Maybe they're likened to the silent screen stars because their language is non-decipherable except for a few words and expletives now and then. However, in the framing of the film, our tour guide (voiced wonderfully by Allison Janey) is befuddled that her group were not familiar with James and Henry whom she credits with saving the movie industry. The film goes to flashback to explain how the minions' mayhem brings them into Hollywood where they are befriended by a movie director and their careers are quickly launched and just as quickly quenched by their antics. So far so good for both Ames and me. But the ending subplot of an alien robot who falls for a lovely suffragette becomes supercilious.  It becomes way too juvenile when the adorable ET like creature conjured by James and Henry, resurrects his  monster buds, including an orange blob with millions of eyes that begins taking over all of Hollywood. I would have shut this Saturday morning cartoon plot line and sophomoric monsters which dragged down an up to then enjoyable movie. The tour guide needs to be corrected of her understatement regarding James and Henry saving the movie industry was actually an unbeknownst saving the world from monsters and aliens. Ames said "I liked the parts with the orange blob kept getting bigger and all the space ships." (A heavy handed salute to the star war movies). I did enjoy the more sophisticated satirical humor and Easter eggs that flooded the first half of the movie. MINIONS and MONSTERS attempted to be all things to all ages. By doing so, it did not achieve a thumbs up from me. However, Ames gave it 2 thumbs up. Yes, Ames and I are the best of friends.

E Stout's The THINGS WE NEVER SAY-Has Lots to Say on Lack of Communication

In "The Things We Never Say" Elizabeth Strout expands the theme of human isolation and the improbability of honest, open communication. Artie is a high school history teacher who cares about his family, his students and the state of the world. The story takes place under Trump's first administration. Yes, Artie's a kind, thoughtful man who is loved by those who know him. But the question remains, how well can we really now someone. "His {Artie} study of history, he learned about the leaders, and the various groups involved, but he had somehow missed this fact about every single person that they held within themselves a vast, unknowable universe." The political tension that has polarized our country is a backdrop that magnifies secrets being kept to sustain a status quo and prevent turbulent relationships. Artie's greatest pleasure comes from his weekend sail where he steers himself through turbulent waters. If only he could maneuver himself freely and share with his wife of 30 years, Evie, what is weighing on his mind. Evie became a therapist after a girl was killed in car accident in which their son was driving. Her career highlights the hypocrisy of keeping major secrets from both spouses."Artie was aware for the first time how much people lied to one another." Strout is very direct in her condemnation of Trump. Artie and his new"best friend" Kevin who rescued him from drowning formed a friendship in which he felt at peace. With Kevin he was able to share his feelings and felt heard (as long as they didn't discuss politics.) The story becomes somewhat muddled among the layers of clandestine behaviors (shoplifting), various affairs and careers (espionage). Strout makes the point that when communication is open and trust is built, people can positively impact other's lives. Artie influence on two of his students' lives is heralded ad nauseam. However, the futility and rarity of open dialogue is rare. "Why don't people ever say anything real? Ands now he knew why. Because to say anything real was to say things that nobody wanted to know." The overall melancholia and suicidal ideations makes this a bleak novel. One can argue that Strout made her hero likable enough to engage the reader. One can argue, as Artie pondered, there is no free. So why should we care? The delicate balance between personal agency and outside forces is examined. So too is the inability to truly communicate which is truly depressing. "So blind we humans are-so blind. To each other and to ourselves moving through life as through shadows, putting out a hand in the dark and thinking we have touched someone...grasping only the smallest details of one another's selves, including our own. Thinking all the while that we can see." 

ALICE and STEVE-Not Your Typical Family Comedy on Disney+ Cringeworthy Fun

The comedy series ALICE and STEVE airing on Disney+ is not your typical PG 13 fare. And, it's fair to say this is not intended for the family to watch together. It's a cringeworthy comedy where a loving mother and daughter relationship is threatened when mom learns her longtime best friend and former college beau, Steve is sleeping with her 26 year old daughter, Izzy. The friendship between Alice and Steve is evident. There's plenty of humor amidst the mourning of a mutual friend while drinking and doing coke at nightclub following the funeral. Alice is played by the incomparable British stage and screen actress, Nicola Walker ("The Split" and "Last Tango in Halifax"). Alice is thrilled when her daughter returns home following her recent break-up. Steve is played by the New Zealand comedy actor Jermaine Clement ("Flight of the Conchords" and "What We do in the Shadows"). Steve has known Alice's daughter Izzy since birth. She's played by Israeli film and series actress Yali Tool Margalith ("A Good Girl's Guide to Murder" and "House of David"). While mom is upstairs searching for her old coke stash, Izzy and Steve casually chat. Both inform the other of their single status since Izzy's recent break-up and Steve's divorce. A sexual tension is obvious as Izzy questions Steve why his wife left him. Steve's sense of humor and self-mocking are charming. Izzy's flirtation with Steve does not go unnoticed. Coming downstairs ready to go back out with Steve, Alice is oblivious to an attraction between her daughter and Steve. A hilarious hi-jinx night ensues. Alice inadvertently allows Steve's ubiquitous dog to ingest her coke. After the harried night they return to Alice's home where she insists Steve and his dog spend the night. While Alice is upstairs asleep with her husband Daniel (British actor/musician Joel Fry) Izzy comes back down to get some more wine sans pants and joins Steve on the couch. Despite being her mom's friend and twice his age, Steve succumbs to Izzy's sexiness and the two spend the night getting fully acquainted. Izzy pursues Steve at his place and easily gets him to continue their dalliance.  Izzy brazenly informs her mom she's now with Steve. As you can imagine, Alice is furious with both of them. The comic premise is promising. The strong performances from this international group of talented actors gives credibility to the silliness and cringe worthy scenario. Izzy meets mom head on as an adult of 26 able to determine whom she dates. Alice is irate. Steve is remorseful but not enough to give up the good thing he's got going. Alice has to finagle to sabotage the awkward love match. But she comes off as a shrew and what's a mom to do? The situational comedy is salacious fun with a cast that carries it off despite its off-putting odd-couple pairing.

New York City Ballet Returns to LA after a Long Absence-Times are always Changing

If it seems that NYC Ballet hasn't been in Los Angeles in forever, it's because it has been two decades. Hooray, herald the return of one of the world's top echelon ballet companies. There's an audience here that revels in ballet and dance. Dance is a consummate performance art. It encompasses all musical styles and  endless visual designs expressed through movement of the human form. Hallelujah, there was live music albeit, limited musicians who accompanied the dancers. There are two different programs featured for the six performances over four days; June 24-28 at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Last night's opening performance was a pastiche of modern, classical and most dance forms in between. In particular, the final piece on last night's program, "The Times are Racing" choreography by Justin Peck. The work premiered in 2017.  Its medley of hip hop, contemporary, tap and "ballet" was energetic and ambitious. There was plenty of fleet footwork and exciting moves to admire. "Ballet" is in quotes because female ballet dancers are to be "en pointe" creating an elongated, ephemeral visual effect. The women dancers did not don pointe shoes. Constrictions placed on ballet are continuously being stretched and challenged which is essential for art forms to thrive. Still, the mixed styles in "Times" is not ground breaking but appropriated as dance is want to do.  Justin Peck, a former dancer with the company was named Artistic Director and Resident Choreographer in 2014. With this post comes the crucial responsibility for keeping ballet alive and expanding its audience. The costuming was street wear with jeans, cut-offs and t-shirts. is beginning The non-stop intensity was intoxicating. In contrast, "Signs" (2022) choreographed by. Gianna Reisen with music by Philip Glass was softer and more sedate. The dancers all wore pale blue leotards.  Glass' repetitive scoring was less abrasive than his typical pulsating style. My favorite piece for the evening was "Red Angels," (1994) with blood red bodystockings and fiery portals in the staging. This gave the affect of dancers slithering out of Hell; ready to cause havoc. The ambience and choreography were startling and gloriously menacing. Despite being an "older" piece, it felt alive and timeless.  There was no Balanchine ballets in this program.  Two of his ballets are featured on the other program. There was a Jerome Robbins piece which featured his humorous wit and broadway showmanship. Created with Baryshnikov mind, the solo dancer, Daniel Ulbricht and cellist on stage played off each other. Ulbricht's musicality was superb as he emphasized Bach's Six Suite compositions. Comparing him with Baryshnikov's gravity defying leaps came up a little short. The evening offered something for everyone to favor. It's vital for major companies like NYC Ballet to continue to embrace new techniques and ideas while maintaining its classical lineage. Most importantly, let's keep attending ballet and dance in LA to ensure it remains here.