THE FABELMANS-Spielberg's Ode to His Family Is Shabby

THE FABELMANs is Steven Spielberg's close encounters with his love for his family, filmmaking and coming of age story.  For those who are not familiar with Steven Spielberg, you must be an extraterrestrial and I won't belabor Mr. Spielberg's illustrious film credits and awards that bridge generations of movie goers.  For most of the human race, the interest into Spielberg filming his adolescence and foray into the world of film seems ideal for adding to his omnipotent list of astounding adventure pics.  Unfortunately, THE FABELMANS is a disappointing foible to his prodigious body of works.  It doesn't work in sync with his body of riveting storytelling magic.  First, at 2 1/2 hours the movie needed editing.  I find this ironic since much of the film deals with a "young Steven Spielberg" a.k.a. Sam Fabelman (played by a starry eyed Gabriel LaBelle) learning the craft of filmmaking and editing.  The movie suffers from trying too hard to be clever.  Starting with the movie's title which is a play on words.  FabEL is a critical analysis of the plot of a play.  FabLE, is a literary genre: a succinct fiction story that leads to a moral lesson.  Succinct the film is not and the morals posed are ambiguous concerning adultery and religious fervor for proselytizing.  Sam's love for the creative lens of filmmaking provides him a prodigious insight into perceiving people beyond the veneer presented to the public.  Delving into the camera's objective focus proffered two troubling revelations that were particularly problematic.  Sam's epiphany of his mother's adultery was first discerned on film.  Sam's mother (Michelle Williams) is portrayed with a fickle and narcissistic nature which undermine her allegiance to her husband (played by Paul Danno) and family.  In his new high school, Sam's flattering filming of the school's athletic Adonis is viewed by its subject in such a mawkish manner to appear comical.  As director, Spielberg gets wonderful performances from many in the cast.  In particular, performances by leads Gabriel LaBelle and Paul Danno and supporting actors Seth Rogen, Judd Hirsch and Julia Butters and a surprise cameo by David Lunch.  There were many delightful scenes with Sam filming his affable sisters and friends who enjoyed the experiences of taking part in making movies.   Spielberg should've had a better bite into the meat of the material from which he wrote his biographic film with the aid of Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, Tony Kushner.  I don't think it's safe to say this is movie making at its pinnacle.  Spielberg, you're gonna need a bigger, better bio pic for me not to lodge a complaint.   

Beo Quartet Performs at 222 Compositions from 17th 18th 20th 21st C

The Beo Quartet performed at THE 222 Friday evening with a program that was au courant with compositions from Missy Mazzoli (b. Amer. 1980) and Marc Mellits (b. Cuba 1966) and classical. The Quartet was formed in 2015 with brothers; Jason and Andrew Giordano on 1st and 2nd violin respectively, Sean Neukorn playing viola and Ryan Ash on cello.  The broad swarth of programming culminated with music from Bach and Beethoven.  Bridging the gap between 17th and 21st C compositions was Shostakovich's  (b. Russia 1906-1975) "String Quartet #8, Op. 110.  This carefully curated program started with contemporary works; "Enthusiasm Strategies" 2019 by Mazzoli and String Quartet #5, Waniyetu" (2015) by Mellitis.  Mazzoli's work was atonal, discordant and high pitched.  The cello offered a beck and call response between the violins and viola that was energetic with an apocalyptic aesthetic.  Mellits' piece offered a surprisingly harmonic assemblage with the four string instruments' melodies breaking apart and reassembling.  Of the eight differing movements, I was drawn to "funk" for its modern jazzy sound and "smooth"for its velvety, romantic feel.  This was a very exciting, revelatory piece.  I intend to learn more about Mellits and his body of work.  Shostakovich's "String Quartet #8, Op. 110, followed the two contemporary works.   Shostakovich wrote many of his works broadly tonal with elements of atonality chromaticism.  Shostakovich was heavily influenced by Bach and by Beethoven for his string quartet compositions.  Beo performed a Bach (b. Germany 1685-1750) Contrapuncti selected from "Art of Fugue" but it was so fleeting as to be forgettable and regrettable for a missed opportunity to hear music of the classical period and the composer who most influenced both Haydn and Mozart.  It did permit Andre a plug for their new CD featuring Bach's fugue compositions.  The wide array of composers, countries and styles exposed a connection spanning epochs from the classical/romantic composures to Shostakovich's shakeup in style in the 20th C and broaching infinity and beyond with musical pioneers in the 21st C concluded with Beethoven's Quartet in F major, Op. 18 #1.  Beethoven (b. Germany 1770-1827) will continue to remain legendary amongst musicians, composers and music lovers alike.  It never fails to amaze when pondering his genius, how revolutionary and groundbreaking his compositions were.  His works transitioned the classical period into the romantic.  Beethoven is a flagstone of innovation and influence for future generations and much beloved for his artistic contributions.  

Doc. SELENA GOMEZ: MY MIND and ME-Selena's Exposes Her Mental/Physical Health Issues

Selena Gomez's life in the public eye covers her career from a toddler on "Barney" to her spotlights as a singer/entertainer on stage and screen.  Selena has long been a fan favorite to female adolescents and more recently, forayed into fashion with older fans on the hit series, "Only Murders in the Building" with veteran actors/comedians Steve Martin and Martin Short.  Selena and singer Justin Beaver's on-off romance was fodder for the paparazzi for eight years.  Selena's wholesome, dark eyed good looks mark her for one of the most beautiful women in the world.  This revealing doc. now streaming on Apple TV+ is a somber look at Selena struggles with Lupus, kidney disease and moreover, her ongoing mental health issues.  The doc. begins with a glamorous peek at her being pampered and styled for a concert looking every bit a diva in form fitting, sequined costumes.  However, the carapace of control soon cracks following a live performance.  Selena appears inconsolable with self-loathing at her performance while her entourage look on helplessly.  This manic episode is not an isolated incident of venting energy, but a frequent display of duress that results in a highly publicized, mental breakdown and hospitalization.  While hospitalized, Selena receives a bipolar diagnosis; a mental disorder characterized by periods of deep depression and periods of mania lasting for days or weeks.  Our sympathies and affections align with Selena.  We see Selena as extremely kind, interesting, hard working and talented.  I commend this selfless and often unflattering exposure of Selena.  The film empowers the public with a better understanding of this affliction which strikes all factions and encourages seeking support and treatment.  The doc. weighs heavily in on Selena's mental health.  For those, myself included, looking for a broader swath into Selena's stardom, social life, physical welfare or family dynamics, the film won't foot the bill.  Still, the doc. is direct in its intent, "My Mind and Me."  The adulation bestowed Selena by her young fans is fully warranted.  This somewhat older fan looks forward to the third season of "Only Murders" and to following this courageous, accomplished actress/singer's future.  

TAR Starring Cate Blanchette is Forgettable

The pseudo intellectual film, TAR, stars British actress, and two time Oscar winner, Cate Blanchette and is now streaming on AppleTV.  The film is written and directed by three time Oscar nominee Todd Field (b. US) known for "Little Children" and "In the Bedroom".  TAR features Blanchette as Lydia Tar, a world renown conductor for major orchestras.  The cast includes Nina Hoss (b. Germany) winner of the German Film Award for Leading Actress and French born actress, Noemie Merlant ("Portrait of a Lady on Fire") winner of a Cesar and Lumbers Acting Awards.   This impressive cast and crew have a lot of heavy lifting to do for this pretentious and overbearing film.  Lydia Tar is a loquacious, erudite whose bark is ferocious; worse is her bite.  Tar has not been held back by her sex, sexual orientation or good looks but proves to be her own worst enemy.  Lydia has been in a longtime lesbian relationship with concert violinist, Sharon (Nina Hoss).  Together, Sharon and Lydia are raising their adorable, bi-racial daughter, Petra.  The family of three live in Berlin in a posh apartment replete with a Steinway and scores of books and recordings.  Tar's malcontent and hectic, paper chase life, leaves little time to waste on fools.  Lydia, born Linda from a humble background lacks polished tact.  Still, her genius for composing and conducting music affords slack. Currently she's working on what's expected to be her greatest triumph; Mahler's Fifth Symphony.  The movie is a cacophony of orchestral warmups and soul scorching sonatas.  Still, its metronomed beat is off when it comes to conducting a resounding story.  Tar is culpable of abuse. "Me-too" scenarios cast shade upon Lydia's illustrious career and her impenetrable facade begins to falter.  I feel the audience for a  film featuring a leading, female conductor has its narrow niche, appealing to the well educated, well read who dread being considered mundane.  Yours truly, a classically trained pianist, didn't let the wool get pulled over me.  I see TAR wearing no clothes.  You may agree.  

MEGAN-Barbie Is No Match for Megan

MEGAN is the new Queen of the AI (artificial intelligence) thrillers.  It's creepy, credible, cringeworthy and diabolical and destined to become a cult hit.  The film is ablaze on TikTok, a fashion craze and bestows homage to her many predecessors.  These nods are plentiful and playful, alluding to old classics, fantasy flicks, horror pics and the prescient buzz with the omnipotence of AI.  It's fun noting obvious hints as those to THE WIZARD of OZ, ET, EXORCIST and most recent, the film "After Yang" starring Colin Farrel.  The basic plot, orphaned girl gets a playmate in a robotic doll designed to befriend, mentor and defend her against all interlopers. MEGAN adds a lot to the genres with a 'Big Whoop'!  The film follows Disney's design of killing off one or both parents and placing a child in unchartered water.  Nobel Prize winning author, Kazoo Ishiguro and Booker Prize winning author, Ian McEwan, both wrote novels about relationships with AI dolls from the point of view of a child, an adult and the AI doll itself in their respective books; "Klara and the Sun" and "Machines Like Me."  Ishiguro generates sympathy for his AI, Klara, abandoned by her childhood companion when she grows into adulthood like the beloved cowboy, Woody, voiced by Tom Hanks.  Don't worry about feeling sorry for Megan.  No one puts this baby doll in a corner.  The film dissects what it means to be a responsible parent, a child pushing her boundaries and society's growing dependencies on technology.  The tension becomes so intense at times, you may need to cover your eyes or perhaps, use a chainsaw.  There's LOL lines that offer some comic relief.  The musical score and MEGAN's salacious dance are sure to spawn copies.  The acting is convincing by its leads, Alison Williams ("Get Out") who plays Gonna, the engineer/inventor of Megan and guardian of her orphaned niece, Cary, played by Violet McGraw ("Haunting of Hill House").  Actress, Alison Williams is a doppelgänger for actress Jennifer Connelly, Jen Brown plays fellow engineer, Tess.  Brown is a ringer for Minnie Driver and Megan resembles a female version of the doll, Chucky.  All this adds to the mystique of lines blurred and to what's real and what's not.  I can't help but hark back to the classic Pinocchio tale.   The age old tale is continuously revamped.  The questions remain what defines us as human and humane.  The question of whether this is for you depends, whether you have a penchant for chills.  Me, I liked the thrills.   Bet on MEGAN being continued.   

A MAN CALLED Otto Ought to Please Seniors Starring Tom Hanks

The likable film, "A Man Called Otto" is directed towards the senior set.  Boomers are sure to love this uplifting, feel good movie. "Okay Boomers?"  For discerning movie goers who'd just as soon save their hard earned dollars, "Otto" is best enjoyed when streaming at home.  The film stars Tom Hanks, the bankable, likable actor that is the Boomer's answer to James Stewart.   This is a family affair, with Hanks' wife, Rita Wilson, producing and Hanks' and Wilson's son, Truman Hanks portraying Otto as a young man.  Neda Backman is an executive producer on the film and the wife of Fredrik Backman, author of the international bestselling book, "A Man Called Ove" from which the film is adapted.  With all this familial bonding, the formulaic curmudgeon with a big heart story is bound to warm the hearts of even persnickety movie goers.  Otto (Tom Hanks) is a man set in his ways and plays by the rules.  Alas, he must navigate amongst a world filled with fools.  The rest of the cast are all stellar, except for the young Otto played by Hanks' real life son, Truman Hanks.  Cries of nepotism babies are alive and well and holding true in many celebrity households.   Otto's wife, Sonia (a luminescent Rachel Keller) is seen in flashback of the early years of their courtship and marriage.  The young Otto plays his role more like a Forest Gump.  The pregnant mother of two and new neighbor to Otto, Marisol (Mariana Trevino) is responsible for being the catalyst for cracking Otto's carapace.  She's wonderful in her role generating great warmth and credence for the film.  Smaller roles with little or no speaking lines but still provide poignant moments stem from Otto's long time neighbors played by Juanita Jennings and Peter Lawson Jones.  Both veteran actors give quietly, powerful performances.  If you're looking for a family film that all can enjoy, "A Man Called Otto" aught to fit the bill.  For those looking for a movie to equate its expense,  I advise you to wait on the bench for streaming.  By the way, to the seniors who were in the theater with us, please stay home.  The theater is not your family room.  Your parents should have taught you no talking in the theater.  Shush! 

The MENU-Say Yes Chef to this Guilty Pleasure with Ray Fiennes and Anya Taylor-Joy

"The Menu" is a spicy thriller that is part parody of foodies with a side of psychological thriller. This film is guaranteed to generate some shocking surprises.  Fiennes, a two time Acad. Award nominee, two time Tony Award nominee and six time Golden Globe nominee adds finesse to his role as renown and revered chef who is a despot amongst aspiring culinary artists and food fanatics.  Why someone of Fiennes' stature would lend his prowess to this macabre mess is anyone's guess unless it's for the check.  Nevertheless, this preposterous scenario takes place on an exclusive island opened only to the elite who've been dying to get an invite.  The film delivers a ferocious bite that lingers long after digested.  The scrumptious A list class includes Anya Taylor-Joy, Judith Light, John Leguizamo.  Additional British acting royalty is served with Janet McTeer and Nicholas Hoult.  The guests are offered a cursory tour upon debarking on the island before invited into dine inside an ominous cavern.  The divine evening of fine dining feels doomed from the first course.  The film's director, Mark Mylod, is known for his work on TV shows in the US and United Kingdom.  Mylod directed episodes for the HBO series "Entourage" and "The Throne."  Working here and abroad benefitted the mirepoix of blending British and American actors into an ensemble that rises like a perilous soufflés on the cusp of imploding.  The cinematography makes the food look scrumptious and the shifting twilight ominous.   Sometimes, eyes can appear bigger than the stomach.  Not everyone will stomach the demonic delights on the menu.  For those with a refined palette, there's plenty here to savor.  For those who don't jump at each stentorian clap by the chef, you need to check your pulse.  Just say yes to the chef and "The Menu," if you know what's good for you.

DAVID CROSBY; REMEMBER MY NAME-A Bio Pic Portrait of an Artist Paints an Indelible Portrait

"David Crosby: Remember My Name," is the documentary of legendary guitarist, composer, recording artist and member of three highly successful rock bands,  The film was first released in theaters in 2019 and now streaming on AppleTV.  This absorbing documentary is an intimate look into the life, music, muses and major mis-steps in David Crosby's tumultuous life and his proliferative contributions in music.  It's rare to reveal the subject of a bio pic with all its warts, blemishes and skirmishes.  It is refreshing and rewarding to view this artist's candid egotism and degradation so exposed.  Crosby is a rock star that's still rocking today to sell out crowds.  The fact he's still standing after his health battles, mostly brought on by his drug and alcohol addictions, stuns him more than anyone.  (Tragically, his biological son with singer/songwriter Melissa Etheridge and her partner, died of an opioid overdose at age 21 in 2020.). The three revered rock bands Crosby is a founding member, originated in the 60s and 70s: the Byrds, Crosby, Stills and Nash (CSN) and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young (CSNY).  CSNY became synonymous with the anti-Viet Nam protests for their song "Four Dead in Ohio" the OH University where four college students were fatally shot by the national guard called to contain the student protestors.  'Tin soldiers and Nixon coming We're finally on our own This summer, I hear the drumming Four dead in Ohio." (CSNY)  The film along with Crosby act as a zeitgeist for the 70s in the US along with a musical track that never overtakes its central focus, Crosby, who spends later years trying to figure himself out and mete out regrets.  For anyone who is a fan of the music of Crosby or the music during his heyday, this picture is sure to please.  What's most appealing is Crosby appearing to use the documentary to make personal pleas for amends to the friends and family he acknowledges to have badly mistreated.  His past love stories are searing portraits of love lost, love rebuffed and finally, finding the soul mate for whom he now hates to leave for touring I would have liked to learn why his daughter spurns him and what, if any relationship he has with the biological children he fathered with Etheridge.  "Teach your children Their father's hell did slowly go by And feed them on your dreams The one they pick's the one you'll know by". (CSNY)  "Remember My Name" transcends most artists' biopics by allowing the artist to reflect on what remains heaviest on his heart.  I highly recommend watching. 

  

  

Winner "Most Compelling Living Subject of a Doc. '19)