The GLASS ONION-Peel Away Layers and There's Nothing There

I went into seeing GLASS ONION hoping to enjoy it more than I did KNIVES OUT.  Both films are written and directed by Ryan Johnson and received raves from critics.  Spoiler - I think they both stink; especially GLASS ONION.  At least with KNIVES OUT there was a grizzly death at the start of the film that drew me in as did the cast and the atmosphere.  In GLASS ONION there's no there, except for a terrific cast that's not given any convincing script to glaze over the cracks in the preposterous plot for a movie that's not so hot.  Still, the performances by Kate Hudson, Daniel Craig and Kathryn Hahn were fun to watch.  They brought some zing to the thing but not enough to make this birdie, sing.  Edward Norton, Janelle Monae and Leslie Odom, Jr. all looked out of place.  The bright spots in this dismal lot came from surprise guest cameos.  Angela Lansbury, Steven Sondheim and Yo-Yo Ma lit up the screen.   Sadly, both Stephen Sondheim and Angela Lansbury's appearances turn are their final swan songs on screen.  The layers here are papery thin in a sequel unequal in appeal to KNIVES OUT.  This critic only bestowed a rent at home review to KNIVES OUT. which only got a rent it sentiment. Peel back the layers to GLASS ONION and you'll view a vapid thriller the whole way through.  

Dave Koz 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour-Timeless Jazzy Xmas Tunes

Dave Koz's and Friends 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour came to town at the Luther Burbank Theater in Santa Rosa. There was no pouting, no crying, I'm telling you why - The packed auditorium here was filled with good cheer. The audience came decked out to the hilt, some came bearing ugly Christmas sweaters. Ohers looked finer in glitter and silk.  Dave dressed divinely in jazzy refinery.  And to the show he brought his best his favorite friends; Peter White on acoustic guitar and Rick Braun on horn.  He also gifted us with the divas of jazz.  Rebecca Jade singer and guitar player was amazing.  Jade called out her basketball coach she played for at UC-Berkely and bade her good tidings.  Keiko Matsui, pianist virtuoso, tinkled the ivories with flourish and gusto.  Anyone getting my riff?  The show was holiday gift providing smiles and and spirits a lift.  What could go wrong with your favorite holiday song tied up in a rhythm jazz?  Rien, my friend.  Unless you're a Scrooge or a Grinch or a zombie.  It was you a mremorable evening of music and song.  I'll stop now so this won't get too long.  After 25 years, Koz still puts on the ritz with his sax and his glitz.  The price of the show is not just for the rich.  I could've listened all night.   I want to give a review that's just right....Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!   

The BANSHEES of INISHERIN-Colin Farrel and Brendan Gleeson Star

"The Banshees of Inisherin" is being bantered about as one of the year's best films.  To this blarney I say malarkey.  Though exquisitely shot along the cliffs of rural Ireland in the early 20th C, and despite exceptional acting from its cast, this was not enough to redeem the repugnant story of two former friends who go to incredulous ends for revenge.  Padraic (Colin Farrell) and Colm (Brendan Gleeson) are two lifelong friends on a sparsely populated coastal island where everyone knows everyone's business.  It's dumbfounding to Padraic, and everyone else on the island, when Colm unceremoniously terminates their friendships.  Padraic pleads with Colm to explain what he might have done that would cause Colm to spurn him.  Not wanting to hurt Padraic's feelings, although that is what he's doing is causing him immense pain, Colm calls him "dull." Colm, an accomplished fiddler, wants to spend what time he's left doing something meaningful and composing music for his legacy.  Padriac wears his emotions on his sleeve and can't understand why he their friendship would impede anything.  This quiet town offers few diversions for its intertwining eccentric locals.  The town folks include a scary, corn-pipe smoking hag, a shopkeeper who reads everyone's mail, a perverted cop and his simpleton, irrepressible son.  The movie derives its poignancy from the strong performances of its ensemble cast and its outstanding lead characters played by Farrell and Gleeson.  Farrell and Gleeson are reprising their co-starring roles by writer/director, Martin McDonagh who also made "In Bruges".   Both "In Bruges" and "Inisherin" are dark films dealing with themes of loneliness and despair.  The pangs of rejection and yearning reverberate in Padraic's eyes and echo in longing for companionship in Padraic's sister, played by Kerry Condon and Barry Keoghan as the dimwitted, abused son of the constable.   Emotions run high laden with lager and longing but prior to the combustible climax, self-mutilation destroy what was a haunting tale of friendship.  To what extent will people go when pushed to their limits?  As Padraic says, "There are some things there's no moving on from." My tolerance was drenched under torrents of revulsion.  This banshee offers her wail of warning not to get swept up in the lore heralding "Inisherin."  It may prove to be your down falling.  

Jazz Pianist Marc Cary at 222

Marc Cary donned the ivories at 222 for an evening of dazzling jazz piano that called to mind Thelonious Monk's innovative spontaneity and command of the keyboard.  For pianists, myself included, who ponder the need for 88 keys, it's astonishing and humbling to note what can be achieved when an artist utilizes the full range of bass and treble keys.  Cary, nominated for Grammys for his recordings with Stefan Harris and Abbey Lincoln, whom he pays homage, filled the space of The 222 in Healdsburg on solo piano on Saturday night.  The evening began with Cary jaunting on stage donning an engineer's cap, plaid pants and turtle-neck and a long necklace that resembled a dream-catcher.  Personifying an aura of coolness and ease, Mr. Cary commenced saying,  "I'll let my playing do the talking for me. We'll talk later."  His first piece transitioned smoothly into four different compositions including Ellington's, his own composition and arrangement of a Pascual Church hymnal.  The evening had an overall imperial, innovative aesthetic played with with forte piano front and center.   Observing  Cary's hand fly over the keyboards was exciting to behold.  The intimate setting offered close viewing to key in on Cary's elegant fingers; each hand working their magic independently.  His wrists appeared staid in a horizontal position and it was surprising to see the agility and power stemming from the fingers.  Clay made use of his forearm coming down on the keyboards for a syncopated, pleasing vibrato.  In a later piece, Cary held the strings while playing only with his right hand.  The piano emitted a deep percussive, hollow tone.  With what little talking he did, Cary shared how he derived the title for my favorite performance of the evening, "Dreamlike." He said he heard the music and played it just like he dreamt when he awoke.  "Dreamlike" had a rippling of layered chords played at a churning tempo.   Perhaps, that's why Cary wears a "dream catcher" around his neck.  Perhaps, that's not a bad idea.  

Alan Cumming Stars in Doc. My Old School-No Fool Like an Old Fool for Real

In the doc. film "My Old School" (2022) Alan Cumming lip synchs interviews granted by Brandon Lee who was not willing to be filmed for his bizarre biopic pick. Ambiguous questions are posed in befuddlement and with humor as to what exactly occurred in a secondary school, 1993, by former classmates and reporters?  Unbeknownst to most,  Brandon Lee pulled off Scotland's most shocking high school hoax.  When the enigma is finally revealed, it will have some reviled or reeling in disbelief.  Perhaps, others may find themselves laughing along with former friends and classmates at the absurdity of what ensued.  The film has a languid approach to presenting the perplexing paradox at its apex.  Needless,  by then you'll be won over by the interviews from Lee's contemporaries and innocent cohorts in his colossal charade.  Delightful animation reminiscent of the the '90's series, "Daria" depict Lee more cartoonish than sinister.   The outlandish fraud takes a backseat to the comical response it evokes from those who knew him back in the day.  Those finding Lee far less than admirable were mostly the adults at the time; teachers, staff and his co-star in the school's musical.  Some of the now, 30+ something, speak of his kind ministrations to the misfits; paving a path to acceptance in the schools' social hierarchy.  Lee also demonstrated a gift for mimicry and an academia intellect way beyond his chronological years.  The enigma emerges after getting to know those who knew him then, without knowing they were being taken in by Lee.  Lee,  32 at the time,  returned to relive his senior year at the scene of his former school.  What fools these mortals be.  Maybe, but the movie has a warm class reunion feel of former students.  They all  share their glory days with Lee whose antics, regardless of his questionable motives, gave them all bogus bragging rights.  The doc. crumbles when it gets into the bleaker contemplations of Lee's motives.  The inimitable Cumming is winning and whimsical portraying Lee, portraying a man feigning being a teen amongst teens despite being twice as old as his peers.  I rate the oddball "My Old School" watchable without words that adequately describe my reaction.   Lee's so-star with whom he shares an on-stage kiss in South Pacific, called it.  "Ick!"

Sacred Profane Chamber Chorus Performs New Work by Michael Bussewit-Quarm

The Sacred and Profane Chamber Chorus performs a cappella chorus music that performs classic secular and sacred works dating back to the Middle Ages as well as contemporary music by emerging composers.  Sunday afternoon at the 222 in Healdsburg, the Sacred and Profane sang works by Sibelius and Ralph Vaughan Williams along with 21st C works from six composers all born in the later half of the 20th C.  The world premier performance of "Now is the Time" by Michael Bussewitz-Quarm was the final and most compelling work on the program.  It wove complex harmonies into a bravado of confluent voices. Artistic Director Rebecca Seeman outlined a defining theme for the program all enbracing dreams to "...realizing a better life."  Seeman directs a repertoire of music that speaks to social justice and socially relevant issues.  Bussewit-Quarm's (BQ) piece "Now is the Time" was commissioned by the Sacred and Profane.  It was being performed for only the third time on our stage.  The piece acknowledges a hope and healing for the world around us.  "Now is the Time" featured four soloists, including a standout performance by tenor Michael Villarreal with his clear and vibrant singing voice.  The hope in "Now is the Time" is for acceptance and finding love.  BQ is transgender and a staunch advocate for the LGBTQ community.   The absence of musical accompaniment was remarkably not needed for the full stentorian sounds with only vocals.  "Visions of Glory" by Trevor Weston (b. 1967) felt incongruent with clapping, snapping and stomping added to the singing.   My second favorite work, "Dreams" was by Scandinavian composer Jacob Muhlrad (b. 1991).  The piece utilized the soprano and alto section to provide a hypnotic humming which elevated the tenors and baritones and created a somnambulant impression.  Muhlrad referenced Langston Hughes text: "Hold fast to dreams For when dreams go Life is a barren field Frozen with snow."   The concert was a powerful blend of old and new with voices rising to embrace the beauty of music expressing our shared humanity,  

EMILY the CRIMINAL- Aubrey Plaza Steals the Film

Aubrey Plaza is unforgettable in this season of WHITE LOTUS as the wife in a waning marriage.  Plaza is also starring in the thriller EMILY the CRIMINAL as a debt riddled art grad.  Emily works delivering catering while searching for more lucrative employment.  First seen on a job interview, Emily admits a search of her record would reveal a DUI as a student and running a red light where no one was hurt. Her interviewer lied about not having read her report.  He questions her about an assault conviction her record.  Caught in her deception, Emily goes on the offensive calling him out for his duplicity.  She snatches her file and storms out.  In addition to a combustible temper, Emily shows a tender side.  She agrees to help a co-worker with his  nightshift so he can attend his son's game.  The co-worker thanks her by giving her a contact to make a quick $200 on a job.  Emily's prospects appear dismal.  She lives in a squalid, shared walk-up, burdened by her student loan and its compounding interest.  After her hectic workday, she meets her girlfriend for drink.  As she listen to her friend's flourishing career and lifestyle, Emily's stilted path garners our sympathy.  The two spend the night snorting coke in the bathroom and sprawling across the sidewalks.  In the morning, Emily texts the number given to make some easy money.  Before entering the circumspect location, Emily removes a mace spray from her purse.   It's clear Emily will not allow herself to be a victim.  The room of people are told they are going to make dummy purchases with fraudulent cards.  On the verge of leaving, Emily is drawn in and becomes swept up into riskier scams for bigger payoffs.  The cons and crooks in this heist thriller are convincing but the movie scores because of the stunning performance by Plaza.  Her bulbous eyes convey a scan of emotions from viciousness to vulnerability and envy to loathing in a flash.  The film is a prescient and convincing portrayal of what person is capable of when pushed to the precipice.  Plaza's commanding performance gives the film an intensity that makes this worth watching.   It would be a crime not to see Aubrey Plaza land more leading roles.   

Play Reading of HOME-Homeless Enclave Unites by Nathaniel Roberts

An open reading of the new play HOME by Nathaniel Roberts was performed for the public, free of charge at the Raven Theater Monday evening.  The artistic director, Steven David Martin, welcomed the audience of several dozen thespians for coming despite a Warrior and football game.  "What's a Warrior game?" called out a young woman with purple and magenta hair which was met with chuckles from an enthused audience.  Martin went on to introduce the playwright seated at the back of the theater and invited everyone to stay after the reading to offer feedback or ask questions of the playwright or actors.  The eight cast members are part of the Raven Players affiliated with the Healdsburg Center for the Arts.  Six of the cast portrayed homeless individuals living under an overpass around the Bay Area.  An Asian father who owned a small convenience store and his college age daughter are forced to navigate past the homeless encampment to reach the father's business.  Hostilities arise between the shop owner and those living in the make shift shelters.  The father vehemently forbids his daughter from conversing with these people and belligerent to those addressing him.  Meanwhile, his daughter strikes up a conversation and concern with the young homeless woman, Monica.  We learn Monica has a four year old daughter living in foster care and that Monica prostitutes herself to support her meth addiction.  We also learn the histories of the other homeless which include a former attorney, nurse and minor league baseball player.  Francisco is young homeless man who befriends Monica.  He's a new outsider to the group and his role muddles the plot. (He also needs correction on his pronunciation of kibbutz.)  It seems incredulous this forged family of homeless all had impressive careers and would show solicitous concerns for each another.  The former attorney plans to appeal to the courts to claim these grounds rightfully theirs.  Nicholas James Augusta as Bluejay, an alcoholic and former ballplayer, is particularly sympathetic and credible.  Mina Lim as the college co-ed is also winning as the earnest daughter who quarrels with her dad and takes an interest in Monica's welfare.  The consensus for the actors was positive who brought their characters to life.  My feedback for the playwright is to limit the homeless to one or two individuals to cement an understanding which may develop between a nearby business owner and homeless individuals when strewn together.   A live script reading is performed monthly.   One new play will be selected from the readings for a full staging at the end of the season.  

PEPSI WHERE'S MY JET? Advertisers be Ware but Grows Weary

The true David v. Goliath story of a teen taking on the powers and deep pockets of a major corporation,  tends to win fans rooting for the underdog.  In the 1990s, Pepsi was gearing up its battle with Coke to win the cola wars.  Pepsi's plan was to gain more market shares with a campaign using swag, sex and a major gag.  Swag in exchange for redeemable Pepsi points, sex with just one look at Cindy Crawford cooling her thirst while adolescent boys watched drooling and a bad ass ad that commandeered a Harrier Jet.  The Harrier lands outside a school classroom causing havoc with a caption "7,000,000 Pepsi points" redeemable for the jet.  Those with nostalgia for this ad will be reminded of how it swept consumer interest with its wink at humor and youth associating Pepsi as your preferred drink.  Those seeing the ad (ad nauseam) in this four part (two part) too long Netflix series, will find it bemusing, at least at first.  How likely is it for someone to take the ad literally and take the challenge?  John Leonard was a college student in 1996 living at home, doing odd jobs.  One of his jobs was as a climbing guide where he crossed paths with Todd Hoffman.  The older, financially set Hoffman and amenable Leonard formed a friendship as they bonded over weeks on various climbing ventures.  Hoffman became Leonard's mentor and benefactor.  Leonard became obsessed with obtaining the jet and enlisted Hoffman's support with his ad hoc business plan to coerce Pepsi to make good on their promo.  An appealing friendship and underdog story unfolds but soon grows old. With Hoffman's tutelage and backing taking on the task to hold Pepsi with their deeper pockets and limitless lawyers, to keep their promise we sign on for their journey.  The initial media frenzy with fresh faced Leonard as a college kid calling Pepsi for pay up is fun and entertaining.  The problem is maintaining a compelling story that drags over a generation through mounting litigation.  Gnawing interviews with people at Pepsi, its ad agency, legal adversaries and Leonard and Hoffman grow wearisome.  Sympathy garnered for the young, assimilated actors portraying Hoffman and Leonard goes cold as the players grow old and become annoying.  Sizzle is added by the chance enlisting of the not yet certified attorney, Michael Avenatti.  Avenatti's corrupt advise for Leonard portends his own legal problems as a lawyer.  Avenatti's animated interviews are taped while under house arrest for his extortion and fraud convictions.  There is plenty of gusto spurting intermittently but it tastes flat.  The ongoing blind taste tests were clever; Coke won,  Take my advice with a spoiler alert:  Don't bother to take a look.  Take the money and run.  

Jessie Montgomery's "Soul Force" Performed by Santa Rosa Orchestra

It's always exciting to hear a new composition by a contemporary composer.  Last evening, the Santa Rosa Orchestra performed Jessie Montgomery's "Soul Force" at the Weil Center at Sonoma State.  Montgomery (b.  US 1981) is a renowned violinist and composer.  She's been honored with the Leonard Bernstein Award and The Sphinx Medal of Excellence.  The New York Philharmonic has been chosen as one of the composers for "Project 19" marking the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment granting the right to vote for women.  "Soul Force" was commissioned by the Dream Unfinished, a benefit for civil rights and premiered in New York City 2015.   It's an innovative, one-movement symphonic work that is a coalescence of classical structure and contemporary styles such as jazz and R+B.  The surprising piece begins with percussive staccato bursts followed by moments of complete silences leading into a beckoning clarinet solo syncopated by sharp popping sounds that intimate gunshots.  A mounting horn section beckons a timpani of percussive snapping sounds, ringing off cymbals, rolling  snare drums, and clopping of the glockenspiel.  There's a notion of continuous interruptions.  These percussive bursts fail to dismantle the orchestration as it puts forth a steadfast, marching sensibility which speaks to an indomitable attitude.  Montgomery stated, "The music takes on a form of a march which begins with a single voice and gains as it rises to a triumphant goal."  There is an overall feeling of positivity and strength despite persisting confrontations.  And, a sense of resiliency comes through harmoniously with its  mounting wind section.  The bravado blend of rich sounds emit from tubas, bassinets, horns, flute and oboes rise into a clarion sounding cry.   Montgomery explains having named her preeminent "Soul Force" composition, "I have drawn the work's title from Dr. Martin Luther King's 'I Have a Dream' speech in which he states: 'We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence.  Again and again, we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force."  

Roberts Clooney Ticket to Paradise-Phooey Don't Go There

The rom/com film "Ticket to Paradise" which stars the superstars Julia Roberts and George Clooney is unwatchable and unworthy of its cast.  It goes to show,  even bankable, A list movie stars can't save a supercilious script from being a total disaster.  Roberts and Clooney play a bitterly divorced couple, Georgie and David Colton.  The two agree to set aside their acrimony to abort their beloved daughter's plans for matrimony,  Kaitlyn Dever plays their beloved daughter Lily.  Lily just graduated from law school.   Lily and her college roommate, are off to Bali for a much needed vacation after graduation.  On their island vacation in paradise, Lily meets the man of her dreams and the two plan to wed.  Georgie and David agree this disastrous decision will destroy their daughter's future career and happiness.   Their schemes to disavow any wedding vows are what nightmares are made of.   Plots where parents know what's best for their child has been done before as in the iconic film, "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" (1967) starring Hepburn, Tracy and Sidney Poitier.  This was a groundbreaking film depicting an interracial couple planning to marry.  In 2017, the Library of Congress selected "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" as "culturally, historically or aesthetically significant."  I'm guessing Roberts and Clooney want to be considered the Hepburn/Tracy duo of the 21st C.   In "Ticket to Paradise"  Roberts and Clooney look foolish.  The plot is lame.  I'm not to blame if you're tempted.  You've been warned.  Don't bite!

Richard Branson Doc. is Full of Hot Air

The HBO Doc. BRANSON aired its first of four episode last night but failed to ignite sparks of awe for the adventurer, entrepreneur and founder of the Virgin group of companies.  The interviews that Richard Branson and his sister gave are so laid back as to be laughable.  Lindy Branson, gave a very relaxed interview while lying with her legs aloft a chaise.  Richard is filmed in casual attire, if not shirtless, with his trademark flowing locks and gleaming smile.  Of course, there's plenty for Richard to smile about, although a foreboding tape of Richard predicting "the only reason for seeing this tape is in the event of my death."  This clip was filmed days prior to his blast off into outer space in his Virgin Galactic rocket ship.  Spoiler alert, the launch was successful but it follows other major mogul rocket ship launches with passengers.  While Branson's successes have stemmed from risks, the doc. failed to take many.  It felt as though Branson was in control of releasing and editing to permit only flattering footage and commentary.  It's fair to say Branson is not intimidated taking financial risks.  His mantra being "You can't run a business without taking risks.  The brave may not live forever - but the cautious do not live at all."   We see his charmed lifestyle on his own idyllic island with the exotic animals he's brought there to live. A lightning bolt caused the destruction of one of the large properties where his mother and Kate Winslet were staying.  Everyone escaped without injury and there is a photo of Winslet carrying Richard's mother away from the burning building, both with large smiles.  Branson has hosted many famous people on his island including Princess Diana.  It's enjoyable seeing the rich lifestyle afforded Branson and his family.  Branson boasts joyfully of the seven years the family lived together on a small house boat while managing his many businesses.  Branson maintains he relies on instinct and giving people a lot of rope to do their jobs.  This seemed to give Branson a lot of freedom to enjoy the fruits of his others' labors.   Branson dropped out of college to get on with the life he knew he wanted realizing schooling wasn't going to help achieve.  Ironically, despite having dyslexia his first business was a start-up magazine STUDENT.  Perhaps lightning only strikes once because there were no major thunderbolts or revelations in this pleasant but tepid coverage of such a dynamic figure.  The next episodes will cover some of his daring, or even reckless risks taken with his own life.  This episode had me wondering what was hiding behind the curtain that made Branson so certain in his quests.

GOOD NIGHT OPPY-Doc. of NASA Exploration Rover to Mars

GOOD NIGHT OPPY charts the 15 year mission of the NASA exploration rover sent to MARS.  It's a miracle that the rover survived 15 years, well past the expect 90 day mission.  There's a lot of groundbreaking material and a lot of never before seen ground uncovered on MARS in this two hour plus documentary.  The first mission to Mars was a complete bust and the butt of late night comics' jokes.  NASA engineers knew the pressures they were under to succeed this time.  GOOD NIGHT OPPY doesn't launch outside the orbit of feeling like a public relations video to promote NASA and enlist future engineers.  I applaud these efforts but feel slighted that the footage is mainly re-creations rather than actual depictions of MARS' terrain.  Several scientists and engineers narrate over the years sharing their insights and excitements for the project.  It was exciting to learn Mars at one time had water on the planet.  Understanding what caused Mars' water to disintegrate would bear major significance.  I liked seeing how problem solving was achieved by building a model and recreating the troublesome terrain the robots were experiencing.  There's a lot of shared celebratory fellowship and concern.  Perhaps, so much so that it feels forced causing one to feel cynical for what the jingoism is masking as in the exorbitant budget allocated by the government,  OPPY is the nickname for the Rover originally named Opportunity.  The crew bestows human traits to OPPY and their attachment feels too sentimental.  Of course, they have spent 15 years of their lives working on the project which is also their livelihood.  The film project feels like a massive missed opportunity to share actual imaging and information learned from this mission.  Alas, why were there no conjectures as to why OPPY greatly surpassed her expected expiration?       

RANKED A Musical-High School Pressures Combust amid COVID Memorialized

The pressures placed upon high school students for getting good grades to get into good colleges, these are the times that try teens' souls.  Hey, let's put on a show of our trials and tribulations.  David Gomes, composer, and Kyle Holmes, (G&H) theater director at Granite Bay High School in CA, decided to turn  student's concerns into a concert shedding light on the insurmountable pressures felt by teens to achieve academic success.  Students were interviewed by G&H and much of the dialogue was lifted directly from their conversations and writings.  RANKED is a doc. of the making of the musical at Granite Bay H.S. but it achieves much more.  The camera follows students through their junior/senior years to graduation and several months post-graduation.  Several students are featured not only from Granite Bay but other schools throughout the country that optioned the rights to perform RANKED.  The camera closes in on faculty and close family members.  What's captured is a refreshing angle on young people who care not only about their futures but each also other and the supportive adults committed to obtaining the best opportunities for them.   While feeling the burdens of grades and schoolwork, the overriding sense of camaraderie and youthful exuberance is prevalent and up-lifting.  And, just when the students thought it safe to go back on stage, COVID caused a national lockdown marking 2020, one for the record books.   Ingenuity, humor and artistic fervor surmount obstacles caused by forced separation and isolation.  Videos of the students sharing their feelings during lockdowns should be treasured in time capsules for posterity.  Their struggles with boredom and navigating online learning are candidly charming.  These students worked hard to graduate but were robbed of the rights of passage that come with senior years in high schools.  Fordham School principal was teary eyed when acknowledging the class did not receive year they deserved.  The students irrepressible attitudes prevailed.  They reveled in their accomplishments with pragmatism, good cheer and gratitude.  They were sad they were unable to thank their teachers in person.  The doc. filmed the derailment of RANKED being staged for Broadway due to COVID.  The Broadway auditions were fun to watch but not nearly as poignant or rewarding as watching students auditioning for the show and colleges online.   RANKED soars when the camera captures the students performing and really hits its stride when sharing the student's unabashed moments of pride.