I'm peeved that I paid for Peacock in order to watch "The Day of the Jackal". I feel swindled. The new 10 part series stars Eddie Redmayne as the highly paid assassin and Lashana Lynch as Bianca, the M16 operative determined to capture him. I'm determined to finish this international espionage series even though I've fallen asleep at some point during three of the episodes. This doesn't bode well, but neither does Redmayne as the Jackal with an Achilles heel; his sexy, hot headed Spanish wife (Ursula Cordero) and their year old son. Even when in disguise, Redmayne's boyish good looks come through. His wholesome appeal doesn't hit the mark as an elite marksman and cold blooded killer. His nemesis, Bianca, a heavy set woman has problems at home with her husband and teenage daughter. She doesn't fare any better with the same pouty mouth and stoic face in every place and situation. Bianca's time consuming career pushes her loved ones to the rear. The plodding plot is masked with stunning scenery of worldwide capitals. This is not enough to cover for all the cliched characters and tropes. Oh no, there's a mole in M16 headquarters. Who it is, is obvious from the get go. There's a financial entrepreneur whose persona is so typecast it's farcical. He's going to bring down the 1% (of which he's also one) and shake up the wealthy establishment. Charles Dance plays his typical villainous stereotype. Dance hired the Jackal to take down the entrepreneur before he causes a financial revolution. Ho Hum. The backstory of the Jackal comes late in the series and it's a serious misfire. The best that can be said of this dormant thriller is the sultry, distrustful wife of the Jackal who's on to him. In fact, she could teach the jackal a thing or two and just might. The wife's schlubby brother who keeps hitting up his brother-in-law for money is a hoot to boot. But, I want my money back for paying from Peacock for which I'm going to have to take a hit.
Comments & critiques on cultural events and New York City happenings.
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Sunday, December 29, 2024
Melinda's Top Movie Music Theater or Dance Events of 2024
The following is my top ten picks for the best of the year in the arts in alphabetical order:
1. Alvin Ailey rehearsal dance rehearsal for Alvin Ailey's choreography that was edited from his classic "REVELATIONS" work at their studio in NYC,. Lucky me I got to see Alvin Ailey Dance Theater rehearse in their NYC studios. I regret I missed their repertoire at City Center (Nov-Dec).
2. American Idiot -Green Day's musical at the Ahmanson performed by the West Theater Deaf Co.
3. Aya piano trio at the 222 played Beethoven, Brahms and Beach.
4. An Evening with Lonnie Cheng - Comedian dishes hilariously on IVF, family and current events.
5. DAUGHTERS - Documentary that reunites daughters with their incarcerated fathers - unforgettable.
6. Ellington and Strayhorn's HARLEM NUTCRACKERS performed by Marcus Shelby's Jazz Orch at the Raven Theater in Healdsburg.
7. Lady Gaga sings jazz at the Park MGM in Las Vegas.
8. GHOSTLIGHT - a healing and haunting family drama with an odd lot cast of Shakespearean actors.
9. Van Morrison - and his band at the Luther Burbank Theater in Santa Rosa.
10, MY OLD ASS - Aubrey Plaza stars in a coming of age, time travel film that's funny and magical.
11. RIPLEY - Andrew Scott and Dakota Manning star in an artsy black/white remake of THE TALENTED MAGIC RIPLEY.
Okay that's 11 - So be it!
Comedy Series LAID-Lethal Vagina Enigmal is Lively then Trying
The new Peacock comedy series stars a lively duo of femme fatale pals that are looking for love while finding a trail of past lovers dying in a seemingly sequential order. Women comedy duos have a history from Lucy and Vivian, Mary and Rhoda and more recently, Tina and Amy. The dynamic, loquacious ladies in LAID are Ruby (Stephanie Hsu, "Joy Ride") and AJ (Zosia Mamet, "The Flight Attendant"). The two roommates and best friends since their college days. Both are searching to find mr. right and are feeling the doldrums of being single while their other friends are getting married. Ruby is particularly put out when she learns her first lover passed on. Ruby convinces AJ to accompany her to the funeral where she is received as a guest of honor (except from the deceased's current girlfriend) for a macabre mix of laughs and gaffs. A former male friend of the deceased and former flame of Ruby's strike up a flirtation at the wake that ends in a fatal accident in front of Ruby. When the girls learn of a third boyfriend's passing, AJ tells Ruby, "Two is a coincidence. Three is a pattern." And so the sexy, sly sleuths set on a mission to alert the list of Ruby's liaisons of their pending doom. Ruby and AJ have perfected the fast talking chatter familiar to "Gilmore Girls" fans and they make a funny, likable pair of "30 Something" friends. But, after a few episodes, these garrulous gals lose their flare as the LAID falls back on tried and true tropes found in typical rom/coms. Ruby sleeps with AJ's current beau after a night of stoning and self-loathing only to hate herself for her betrayal. Another, sappy rom/com meme is the seemingly perfect guy for Ruby except he's her client and has a serious girlfriend. The two share a passion for rom/coms and parlay lines from "When Harry Met Sally" to each other and share a love of musicals. They even named the same favorite, animated musical, "Beauty and the Beast". The laughs land fast and furious in the first few episodes. The premise of past lovers pushing daisies seemed promising but petered with little if anything other than sex as the jest of their past fling. There are two basic reasons to watch LAID; its two indefatigble leads Hsu and Mamet (Zosia is David Mamet's daughter) as besties. Their charisma and chemistry keeps the show alive as the death tolls mount, and the mystery misfires. Even when Ruby is at her most annoying, it's delightful knowing the two girls remain steadfast friends to the end. Despite Ruby being toxic to exes, the two make a strong comedy duo of the feminine sexes.
Thursday, December 26, 2024
A DIFFERENT MAN-A Very Different Dark/Comedy Written/Directed by Aaron Schimberg
The central character of A DIFFERENT MAN is Edward (Sebastian Stan), with grotesquely disfigured facial features associated with neurofibromatosis:, a.k.a Elephant Man Syndrome. Edward lives alone with his car in a rundown apartment in New York City. His apartment ceiling has an ominous dark hole on its ceiling which continues to leak and worsen. We follow an abject Edward on public transportation. We see how he perceives repulsion or aversion in public. The new, next door neighbor Ingrid (Renata Reinsve) is startled and gasps when she first meets Edward. But, glamorous and garrulous Ingrid knocks first on his door to borrow detergent. A kinship, with a whiff of something more, ensues between the meek, lonely Edward and outgoing Ingrid in what is referred to later as a Beauty and the Beast relationship. Edward tells Ingrid of his acting aspirations (although his acting talent is abysmal aside from his hideous appearance). Ingrid tells Edward of her playwright aspirations, although she has yet to write anything, Meanwhile, Edward has become part of a medical study for a treatment to erase the tumors on his face. It's a miracle! He sheds the outer-layer of his facial skin in a horror-movie like scene and transforms into a handsome looking man. Edward assumes a new identity as Guy and informs his miracle worker Dr. and landlord that Ed is dead. From here the film moves slightly into the future. The new "Guy" is now a successful realtor. He has girlfriends and a busy social life. One would expect Guy to feel himself the luckiest guy in the world but his persona proves very different and perplexing. Guy spots Ingrid on the streets and follows into a small off-Broadway theater with a billboard that reads EDWARD a play written and directed by Ingrid. Guy reads for the part and is cast in the lead role. The play is basically taken from the experiences between Edward and Ingrid. Ingrid and Guy become sexually involved. But this happy interlude for Guy turns to turmoil when Oswald (Adam Pearson, an actor with neurofibromatosis) walks into the theater and usurps Guy's lead role. Oswald is charming, debonaire, and quite the ladies' man despite his badly distorted face. Guy's frustrations lead him off the deep-end and sabotages himself at work and with friends by wearing the mask that molded off his prior face.The play within the "movie" is clever and fun to watch until it ends in a disaster, especially for Guy. The messages here feel blurry and mixed. Does beauty lie in the eye of the beholder? Do looks define a person? Is it easier to change one's outward appearance rather than one's inner self? This beguiling and original film is lumped with peculiar moments that are startling and oftentimes puzzling. One scene in which Oswald sings karaoke is hauntingly beautiful. I recommend A DIFFERENT MAN for discerning movie lovers looking for something very different from your usual holiday fare or blockbuster feature.
Wednesday, December 25, 2024
JUROR #2-Clint Eastwood's Courtroom Drama Earns a C+
Clint Eastwood, movie star, award winning director is 94 and still making movies. JUROR #2 is an old fashioned courtroom drama that casts doubt on his current filmmaking prowess. The problems in the plot render a C+ verdict despite convincing performances by Toni Collette as the prosecuting attorney, Chris Messina as the defense attorney and Nicholas Holt as Justin, a.k.a. juror #2. The promising premise places Justin onto the jury of a murder trial. The jury pool is questioned by the judge for any conflicts of interest. Justin's plea to be excused rests with his high risk pregnant wife (Zoey Deutch) needing him home. This doesn't fly with the judge and he's seated as juror #2. The reluctance to serve was relatable. Soon, the real conflict of interest is revealed. Justin may be the actual culprit culpable of vehicular manslaughter and defendant, innocent of the murder charge. In flashback Justin is placed at the scene of the conflict in a bar down the road from the scene of the crime. The defendant and his girlfriend (played by Eastwood's daughter) were witnessed engaged in a heated altercation at the same bar in question. Fact, Justin left the bar at the same time as the boyfriend and was driving nearby when he struck something (or someone?) on the road. Justin exits his car in the rainstorm to check for evidence of what he may have hit. He's unable to see anything other than a conveniently placed deer crossing sign. This seemingly innocent fender bending accident is dismissed by Justin who continues home to his pregnant wife. Only now that he is on the jury does Justin recall to the best of his ability, the incident. Justin turns to his AA leader, who's also an attorney (Keiffer Sutherland) for legal advice. The questionable advice he receives for $1 (to insure confidentiality) is beyond a reasonable doubt, if not immoral. "Don't inform anyone of this. You're likely to be charged with vehicular manslaughter. With your past DUI, you are likely be found guilty and sentenced to 30 years." The drama in the courtroom is only mildly entertaining. More enjoyable are the warring attorney's bombastic styles which belies their friendly banter outside the courts at the local bar. J.K. Rowlings is winning as a juror who gets dismissed for doing detective work (his former occupation) outside the trial which could influence the outcome. But the jury deliberations are shamelessly, cliched facsimiles of "12 Angry Men". An implausible philosophical discussion between the prosecutor, now the newly elected D.A., and Justin on a bench outside the court house is circumspect and lacking in conviction. The surprise verdict is not the whole unsatisfying, surprise ending. Perhaps now 94, Eastwood should take heed from his Dirty Harry character, who said, "A good man always know his limitations."
Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Keira Knightly/Ben Whishaw in BLACK DOVES-The Assassin/Spy Duo are Dynamo
Looking for an intriguing series to binge over the holidays? Checkout the new espionage thriller on Netflix, BLACK DOVES starring Keira Knightly and Ben Crenshaw. Set around the Christmas holiday in London (with ten year flashbacks). Knightly plays Helen, the wife of Britain's Sec. of Defense and mother of their eight year old twins). Helen is a code name for Daisy (which may also be a code name). She's recruited into an int'l spy ring known as the Black Doves that gathers intel sold to the highest bidder. "Will I be breaking the law? Will I have to betray my country?" Helen asks her handler, Mrs. Reed (an icy Sarah Lancashire) before accepting the offer. "Yes. And, at times," is the cool response she receives before taking the job offer as an espionage agent we knew she would from the glimmer in her eyes. We know little about Daisy, a.k.a. Helen other than what's vetted at her original job interview as a diplomatic interpreter. She's highly intelligent, a polyglot, a risk taker and with no family ties other than a step-sister in jail for killing her dad, Daisy's step-father. Knightly is half the reason to watch this glossy, violent, sexy, INTRIGUING spy thriller. Knightly is not only convincing as a ruthless killer, she exemplifies a loving, albeit frustrated mom also in love with the man she's having a torrid affair which is cut short by an assassin's bullet. The other reason to tune in is to watch Ben Whishaw as Sam, a contract hitman who trained Helen to be proficient in the essential skills essential at killing as well as self-defense. Fortunately, Helen happens to have a natural talent for fighting and flair for duplicity. The two actors are captivating and convincing in their multi-layered, intoxicating roles, ranging from sociopathic to doting parents, devoted lovers and die-hard friends with each other. We learn Sam's story with his lover early on and why he needed to disappear for years. Look for Kathryn Hunter as Lenny who is all but unrecognizable and unforgettable as a menacing mob boss in tracksuit and oversized glasses whose banal appearance belies the ominous, omnipotent control she wields. Lenny tells Sam "You're a cold killer with a soft heart This is not a good combo to have." But, Ho Ho that's the jolly rub, seeing the extreme spectrum of Sam and Helen's personas. There's only six hour long episodes. Each is packed with an abundance of tension, tenderness, mystery and mayhem to hold the viewer hostage. If there are questionable holes in the plot, the top notch leads, assorted enticing characters, suspense, romance and action to cover up any cracks or inconvenient corpses. DIE HARD has just been replaced as the favorite Christmas thriller. BLACK DOVES has it beat in spades. Knightly and Whishaw will make you wish for a second season. It's circumspect whether it's set during Christmas or not.
Sunday, December 22, 2024
Ellington and Strayhorn's HALRMEN NUTCRACKER SUITE Performed by Marcus Shelby Orchestra
Saturday, December 21, 2024
Netflix Series NO GOOD DEED-Not Great but Good Enough
The new Netflix Series, NO GOOD DEED, is a dark comedy loaded with stars and interwoven storylines. Ray Roman and Lisa Kudrow star as Paul and Lydia Morgan, a married couple at the apex of this knots laden drama that draws us into the mystery of how their son was killed and their role in its coverup. The loaded opening show introduces us to a mixed bag of noisy neighbors and lookie-loos coming through the Morgan's handsome home just put on the market. Across the street are neighbors Margo (Linda Cardellini) a conniving, sex-pot and her husband JD (Luke Wilson) an out of work soap opera star. The next door neighbor, Phyllis (the incomparable Linda Lavin) the bossy know-it-all (who may just know it all). The Morgan's gay, "non-stereotyped" realtor is a riot as the ingratiating, irritating wheeler dealer. Two other couples vying for the Morgan's dream home are a lesbian power couple, a district attorney and a physician both driven with their own clandestine mission and a newly married couple who are still new to each other and expecting a baby with a meddling, overbearing mother-in-law in tow. Denis Leary plays Paul's brother just released from prison who's somehow complicit in the implicit cover-up of his son's slaying who holds some blackmailing cards. I'm not saying this entire house of cards makes for must-see TV, but it does have its share of salacious sexual dalliances, relationship tribulations, nefarious dealings and clever cliffhangers which are sufficient to keep you tuned in for the next thirty minute episode. Who will own the Morgan's beloved family home? Who's zoomin who? And, who knows what about the fatal shot that took out Paul and Lydia's troubled son. (By the way, what has kept the Morgan's older daughter away for three years?) I'm hooked enough to come back for another showing.
WICKED Part I-Smoke and Mirrors Lacking Heart
The highly anticipated (and overly hyped) film adaption of the Broadway smash hit, WICKED is a long and winding let down. Having seen and loved the original cast starring Idina Menzel and Kristin Kenoweth my expectations may have been over the rainbow but even so, the movie was all razzle dazzle and sorely missing a heart. What the film does have is a shining talent in the lead role of the wicked witch, Elphaba, Cynthia Erivo, the Tony, Grammy, Golden Globe Award winner and two time Oscar nominee. Erivc's heavenly singing voice kept the overburdened and underwhelming film aloft. Arianna Grande wasn't bad as the good witch Glinda. She did an admirable job with her sweet soprano singing voice and comely appeal. However, Grande's stature in the film was made diminutive by Erivo's gargantuan talents despite both women sharing the same petite 5'1" stature. I'm surprised Grande didn't turn green with envy. The intense kaleidoscope cinematography became blindingly distracting and the perpetual large choreographed numbers morphed into one another feels sluggish and redundant. Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard of OZ and Michelle Yeah as Madame Morrible were electrifying except when called on to sing or dance as needed. But, my main quibble with this ambitious and amiable film is the same lament as the Tin Man's, it lacked a heart to the story. The budding empathy of Glinda and the anguish of Elphaba felt hollow. The persecution of the talking animals did not resonate in the film as it did on stage. Peter Dinkledge as the anthropomorphic professor was resplendent and hopefully Part II will reignite his role. Casting Menzel and Chenowith in the film was fun but contributed to the film being seen as a pale comparison. Still, the astronomical cost difference between its Broadway show and movie ticket makes WICKED: Part I much more accessible. Before you're off to see the witches on the big screen, and for those who have a brain, remember the strength of a well-told story must always be at its core. Anyhow, that's how I like them apples. But, if you care to see Erivo defying the weight of this overly stuffed film adaptation, you won't be disappointed. I feel the movie lacks any real emotional power. I advise you not to pay attention to all the fanfare behind the curtain. Soon, WICKED Part I will be released to home viewing and there's no place like home for the place to be to see it.
Thursday, December 19, 2024
BLINK-Family's Year of World Travel Prior to Childrens' Looming Blindness
The family/travel doc. focuses on a Canadian family who learn three of their four adolescent children have inherited a genetic disorder that affects their corneas leading to blindness. This devastating news is met with pragmatism by the parents. "What's hardest for parents is letting go. That is what parents do throughout their children's lives. There's nothing that can be done. There's no treatment, no cure." The best advice the mom, the key spokesperson received, "was to give them as much visual references to store in their memories." Taking this to heart, the couple decided to travel the globe for a year with their children and "fill their visual memory with as much beautiful things as we can." Mia is the oldest at 11 with 3 younger brothers, Laurent, 4, being the youngest. Only the eldest son will maintain his vision. Before departing, the family compiled a "bucket list" of what they wanted to experience. The couple explained how they could afford such a journey on their budgeted $200/day. However, the film was produced by National Geographic which mitigated the integrity of its imposed frugality and explains its breathtaking cinematography. My only other nitpick would be the intermittent scoring that detoured from a natural family travel log. Nevertheless, the essence is the family unit which remained a tight knit group who cared for one another. The boys continuously tussled with each other. "They're a pack of wild wolves," the mother lovingly described them. The animated maps and drawings crisscrossing the globe added the right, light touch. The selected list designations were delightful, each member was granted a few choices. Laurent received his chance to "drink juice while riding a camel." "See a sunrise on a mountain. Make friends in other countries." Dad got the family on an extended hike in the Himalayas with its wonders and hardships. One harrowing night, the family spent in a swaying gondola during a storm. "We're all together, we'll be fine," the mom reassured them. The family bonds grew stronger and individual growths are noted. One son when asked how he changed said, "I know I've changed but it's hard to explain what's changed. Knowing their sights were shrinking, the film was tinged in melancholy, "The first to go was the stars. Darkness renders them totally blind." Mia said, "I feel as though I'm in a void. I need to be touching something to reduce my fears." In the Amazon forest the parents join the pre-dawn ritual of sharing dreams which are given credence. With an interpreter, the mom shares her dream of her son being burned. A tribe woman empathized saying, "I know, my father is ill. What can you do but accept it." Overall, this is a wondrous, travel log of a close clan providing one another memories of the world to cherish while proffering love and security within the home. The film inspired me to compile a bucket list while feeling grateful for the beauty found in every sunrise and sunset.
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
SUPER/MAN: The Christopher Reeve Story
Sometimes it seems as if some people are bestowed with more gifts than one person should be allowed. It appeared that Christopher Reeve, the handsome movie star who rose to stardom as Superman on the big screen would fall into that category. Tragically, Reeve took a near fatal fall from his horse that left him a quadriplegic; dependent on machines, medical staff and loved ones to care for him to stay alive. Reeve's charmed life became one that nobody would envy. Nonetheless, watching the doc. SUPER/MAN is a sobering and uplifting experience that stirs us to appreciate what we have and empathize more with others. This is not a preachy or overly sentimental film. Rather, it's a thoughtful and honest look at Reeve's life from childhood, through stardom, his marriages/families, his accident in 1995 until his death in 2005. It doesn't sugarcoat his accident and its aftermath. Though not told in a linear fashion, we get a sense of knowing Reeves personally. We gain an admiration for his gusto for life, decency and dedication for family and friends. Reeves ended his relationship with the mother of his two older children shortly after his rise to celebrity. He takes ownership of their breakup. One of the takeaways is the strong bond Reeves maintains with all three of his children and the close relationship the siblings have with one another. Will Reeves, Christopher's son from his marriage to Dana, says, "There's no half siblings. We are siblings." The older brother moved in to help care for both Will and his father. The interviews from Reeve's celebrity friends, Glenn Close, Jeff Daniels, Whoopi, Susan Sarandon and others are noteworthy. Snippets from his career on film and stage are spread thinly throughout. It might've been interesting to delve more into his acting career that was eclipsed by his role as Superman. His love for the craft of acting was noted. When asked about working with Brando, Reeve said, "It's a shame when an actor just phones his part in." The close friendship between Reeve's and Robin William, best friends since their Juilliard days are heartwarming. Williams referred to Reeves as "my brother." Close said, "If Reeve's were still alive, no doubt Robin would still be here." This doc. is also a tribute to the love story between Reeve and his wife Dana who sadly passed less than a year after from lung cancer despite never having smoked. When Reeves was contemplating being left to die Dana told him, "If that's what you want, but you're still you and I love you." Most importantly, Reeve's courage is acknowledged along with the impact he made as a formidable advocate for the disabled. His first major public appearance in 1996 at the Oscars was groundbreaking. Reeve's superpower to improve lives by advancing research funding for spinal injuries and improving the quality of lives for others with disabilities will remain his legacy.
Thursday, December 5, 2024
BETWEEN the TEMPLES with Jason Scwhartzman and Carol Kane
BETWEEN the SHEETS (BTS) is a Jewish comedy/drama by independent filmmaker Nathan Silver. It slides in somewhere between the movies "Harold and Maude" and the Cohn brother's "A Serious Man". It centers around the burgeoning relationship between a temple's cantor, Ben Gottlieb (Jason Schwartzman) and a much older woman, Carla Kessler (Carol Kane) who wants to become a Bat Mitzvah. As in "Harold and Maude" there is a connection forged between two eccentric loners with the woman significantly older than the man. Ben has been battling depression for a year since the death of his wife and lost his ability to sing. Carla is a widow and retired music teacher seeking to grasp her misaligned Jewish identity. As in "Serious Man", the film takes a darkly comic look at Jewish lives centered around the Rabbi and congregants of the same Synagogue. Schwartzman has perfected the slow, melancholy that makes him annoying and affecting. Ben's a cantor who's lost his singing voice while trying to find his footing under the benevolent guidance of the Rabbi. He's currently living in the basement of his domineering mother's home where she lives with her lesbian partner. Of course, it doesn't hurt that his mother is a major donor to the synagogue. The Rabbi is also flexible when dealing with possible donors likely to contribute generously which pile on to the satirical dry humor of the film The Rabbi contends "We're all free to love whom we love." He also practices putting in his office into the shofar and dispenses wisdom to Ben as he caddies for him. The scenes of Jewish teens in the synagogue and flashbacks to the young Ben Gottlieb were delightful and earnest. There's an ambling feeling to the film. You're not sure where the film is headed which serves to launch the movie in a haphazard manner keeping you intrigued to learn what will happen to Ben and Carla and perhaps, between them. There's also the feeling of having unscripted dialogue similar to "Curb Your Enthusiasm." Some scenarios are especially memorable as in the Shabbat dinner with Ben, Carla, the Rabbi and his family and Ben's family. Also, unforgettable was the dinner with Ben and Carla with her family. Shots of the congregation during Friday night service showed a dwindling, older population with a spattering of required younger members that rang true as did many other seemingly innocuous scenes that cleverly portrayed or parodied Jewish assimilation. There was a poignant scene in which Ben sought enlightenment from a Priest regarding beliefs in the afterlife. BTS has the fabric to become a cult film like "Harold and Maude" thanks to a lot of the genius and droll humor the Cohns brought to "A Serious Man." This film is fitted into the Jewish comedy/drama genre where Jewish stereotypes are aired with some parts faring better than others. You don't have to be Jewish to enjoy BTS. You do need an open mind for this independent film. You'll be blessed with a quirky comedy stuffed with an exceptional cast.
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
PILOBOLUS RE:CREATION-Miscreant Dance Performance at LBT
The word Pilobolus is a phototropic fungus stemming from the Greek word meaning "hat thrower." The spores of the fungus are cast out up to 45 mph and adhere to wherever they land. The word dance refers to rhythmic movement to music typically following a set sequence of steps. The Pilobolus Dance Company plays very unconventionally with the term "dance". The program tells us. Pilobolus is a rebellious dance company and informs us that the Artistic Dir. Matt Kent joined Pilobolus in 1996 without any formal dance training. Art begs to be radical, provocative, inspiring and oftentimes, aesthetically pleasing. Dance is an art form that combines movement and musicality within a choreographed framework. Modern dance brings new paradigms to choreographic works. The Pilobolus program at Luther Burbank last evening "recreated" dance to become more of a theatrical performance not unlike buskers panhandling on public corners. Calling the performers dancers is more of an appendage as I would describe the troupe as theatrical performers aligned with mime than dance. The discordant synthesized music for the works set a mood that was eerie and pulsating without supporting the movements. The absurdist piece "Walklyndon" was sophomoric and slapstick. "Rushes" included a shadow silhouette on screen that was geared towards pre-teens. I have seen Pilobolus Dance Theater for the second time and the last time.
Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Colman Domingo Stars in Netflix's Crime Thriller THE MADNESS
Netflix's new crime thriller stars Colman Domingo in THE MADNESS, a tense thriller that is exasperating with twists and plot holes that make the parts better than the whole. Domingo Colman is gripping as Munci Daniels, a CNN host and media pundit. The first explosive episode will put Daniels into a harrowing chase for his life after coming upon the grisly murder of his unknown neighbor in the Pochonos. Daniels is adept behind a news desk as well as in hand-to-hand combat with unknown assailants. He proves to be a resourceful sleuth investigating the murder he reported to police. When Daniels and the officers return to the scene of the crime, there's nothing amiss except Daniels' story. Daniels didn't fill the officers in on his fatal stabbing of one of the masked assailants with his pocket pen. And somehow Daniels is able to pick up solid clues that lead him to the identity of the man he saw in hacked in pieces when the police came up empty. When he returns to his snazzy Philadelphia apartment, he notices the lock on his patio door is broken and a family photo turned awry. The officers who take this report from Daniels with his slick attorney present, are skeptical of any crime as nothing is reported stolen. Daniels is contacted by an FBI agent Franco (John Ortiz) who informs him that the man Daniels found dead is a key figure in a far-right group and has been on his radar. Daniels fears life and that of his estranged wife and pot-smoking son are in grave danger and convinces them to abscond with him. The set up for the series is tense and full of suspense but it's also full of holes and red herrings. If you suspend cynicism with some cracks in the veneer of credibility and push aside the dry family drama, you'll be in for a chilling exploit that will keep your blood boiling. Domingo and Ortiz are first rate and strike the right balance of stealth, cunning and skepticism. Set aside any quibbles with questionable tactics and you'll be taken for a fierce and compelling mystery that uncovers the inside agendas of Antifa activists and their equally troubling counterparts. Furthermore, we see the troubling racism that Daniels must contend with in gaining credibility from law enforcement. It's not clear who Daniels to trust, who's out to harm who and as the plot thickens you'll be swamped in intrigue.
Jim Gaffigan: The SKINNY Comedy Special on Hulu
That's right Jim Gaffigan is looking good. Don't believe me, he'll tell you or you can check him out on his new HULU comedy special "Jim Gaffigan The SKINNY". No, he doesn't have cancer and no, he isn't on Ozempic. It's another drug and it's worked wonders for his physique but Jim will tell you, "It's not sustainable." Jim's new dapper look covers the same old Gaffigan where he covers similar, non-incendiary topics like raising his five kids with his unflappable wife of 20 years and their dog. He's a clean comic with an affable appeal. Jim delivers with zeal material that is aimed at being relatable. While he won't offend, in the end there's not a whole lot to chew on and spit out. If the family is looking for something diverting that's not divisive or infuriating, this is a safe bet. If you're expecting laugh out loud guffaws generated by Gaffigan, you'll come up lean. There's nothing wrong with a comic who doesn't rely on mean. But, then there's nothing to really get excited about. Perhaps, you may want to tune into his next special to see if Gaffigan gets fat again.
Monday, December 2, 2024
GOODRICH-with Michael Keaton/Mila Kunis-Good Acting Poor Script
GOODRICH now screening on AppleTV is a film about a self-absorbed wealthy, white guy, Andy Goodrich (Michael Keaton) who owns an art gallery which bears his name and sells contemporary art is not a movie to get invested in except for the excellent performances of Keaton and Mila Kunis. Kunis plays his pregnant daughter Grace from his first marriage. The script is a collage of an LA story of a divorced dad whose not all bad but doesn't really have a clue of what he needs to do to connect with his wife, daughter and nine year old twins with his second wife. There's a dash of Kramer v. Kramer as the dad who doesn't realize what it means to be present for his kids or his wife until he's forced to deal, after his wife leaves, leaving him in charge. The movie opens with Andy getting awoken by a call from his wife while in bed. He thought she was asleep next to him. She tells him she's left and signed into a rehab facility to deal with her prescription addiction. He's totally taken aback although Grace and the nanny are not surprised. Being left with his two young kids at home whom he's ill equipped to manage, Andy turns to Grace to help cover for him. Grace not only has her hands full being married, eight months pregnant and her own work, she's built up a lot of resentment for having gotten shafted from him as an absent father in her life. Kunis and Keaton are great at playing off of each other as the daughter relegated to the back burner and benevolent dad trying to be successful but too often MIA. But hey, Andy has a big heart and the best intentions even though he keeps breaking his word. Still, you can't really hate the guy nor can you recommend him for father of the year. Neither can you detest this film or highly recommend it. What makes it worth watching is the entire cast and seeing how ingratiating Andy can be. Somehow he's still loved by those who know him, including his ex-wife (Andi McDowell) and his business partner (Kevin Pollack) whose small roles add just the right tones. His young twins and the nanny are also colorful. There's just the right strokes of humor and angst. You end up rooting for this blustering bloke despite his poor decision making and unreliability. Keaton as Andy can still pull out the charm and light up a room. All told, the script is awash in Hollywood undertones of a loving apology from a wealthy, self-consumed husband and dad who regrets the neglect to his family but knows he's still welcome back in the fold.