Doc. "Our American Family" Addiction Afflictions on Families

The searingly candid and painful documentary, 'Our American Family', follows 29-year-old Nicole and her immediate family in the weeks surrounding her most recent, near-fatal overdose.  The family unit includes Nicole's unremitting mother, Linda, her two squabbling 20-something brothers, Nicole's darling, two-year old daughter and Linda's husband, Bryan.  The family lives altogether under one roof in a Philadelphia suburb.  The family shares the responsibilities for raising Nicole's toddler, and providing her support for staying sober and drug free.  Directors Sean O'Grady and Hall Adelman wisely stay invisible and keep the focus mainly inside the family home.   This is an intimate, behind the doors look at the reverberating strains Nicole's addiction imparts on her and relationships within the family.  It's wrenching to watch.  Nicole's latest overdose brings her to a residential rehab clinic for help.  Here she takes us on a holiday decorated home tour with a jovial attitude and introduces us to other female residents.  The women's bonding feels more like a kumbaya  moment, masking the journey that led them here.  The reasons for their odyssey or what recovery entails is not made clear.   Linda, a yoga guru, admits having dealt with her own addiction and blames herself in part for her daughter following in her troubled footsteps.  Familial ties appear steadfast although not without bitter squabbles and recriminations.  Are Nicole's brothers living at home to help their sister or as a safety net for their own failings?  It's easy to understand why Nicole's step-dad is fed-up with her never-ending destructive behaviors.  Bryan's love for his wife may reach its breaking point.  Signing on for living with Linda's adult children, a step-grandchild and all their toxic demands is something most marriages wouldn't survive.  There's no preaching or declaring what steps are needed to combat addiction.  Nor are few reasons offered for Nicole's drug use aside from low self-esteem and her mom's history.  The film does provide a candid look at how families member's lives are impacted by their loved ones battling the disease of addiction.  For families or individuals burdened with drug maladies, this documentary will feel relatable.  Those expecting a deeper empathy for drug addicts, the stigma attached may only be re-enforced.  Bryan contends drug addiction is not analogous to terminal diseases.  Those with cancer, "don't go through your wallet while you're sleeping.  They don't get arrested because they're trying to get chemo."  

White Lotus Two-Yahoo! with Aubrey Plaza, F. Murray Abraham and Jennifer Coolidge

The White Lotus written and directed by Mike White is back for another season and there are many reasons to get on board.  First, it's highly entertaining albeit, cringe worthy,  Second, this season has elevated its overall star roster with F Murray Abraham, Michael Imperalio (Sopranos), Aubrey Plaza (always illuminating) and Theo James (Sanditon).  Thirdly, the show wisely brought back the breakout performance of the indomitable, Jennifer Coolidge. And, it's a clever social parody that highlights the hypocrisy of privilege and prejudices with humor in a contemporary forum.  A parody of society's flaws in White Lotus hasn't been this groundbreaking since "All in the Family."  This season begins similarly to last.  There's an obsequious entourage of employees waving to greet the incoming guests under the auspices of an overbearing, unctuous manager.  The location has shifted from a Hawaiian to the Sicilian coast in an exclusive, seaside resort.  One of the outgoing guests bemoans her vacation ending to new arrivals.  She goes for her final dip until she starts screaming upon bumping up against a floating corpse.  Therein lies a mystery underlying the welcomed new season.  Who in the featured cast has come to past.  It's revealed in this episode there have been more skeletons uncovered in the chateau we don't know about.  Who died and who did it will all be revealed while having an uproarious time watching multiple storylines, snide glances and sexual dalliances.  Watch for Plaza's leers for her husband's handsome college roommate and his beautiful, insipid wife.  Plaza has the look of hate we love.   There's the voyeuristic view of waning affections in her marriage.  The manager (Sabrina Impacciatore) contrasts to last year's whose mantra to remain calm dealing with the demands of spoiled guests as the hotel is beset with hookers.   Abraham plays an octogenarian lech.  He simultaneously manages to be charming and pathetic vacationing with his son played by Imperioli and grandson.  The threesomes' cross generational dinner conversation is hilarious.  Last year's Emmy winner, Coolidge, is back with her scene stealing performances.  She invokes her zaniness, vulnerability and cunning ability to disregard those deemed subservient without remorse.  The only other reprise is Jon Gries as Coolidge's love interest thought to have met his demise.  Reviving his role to tango with Coolidge offers plenty of reason to watch this season on HBO.  In its first season the show scooped up five Prime-time Emmys including best TV movie and acting award for Coolidge amid 20 nominations.   My only complaint is I have to wait a week between episodes.  

The Murmuring Episode in Guillermo de Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities-Beat Still My Heart

Guillermo de Toro eight episode series "Cabinet of Curiosities" airing on Netflix, is in simpatico with Rod Serling's series, "Twilight Zone" (1959-64)  and Alfred Hitchcock Hour series (1955-65).  These episodic programs share a sense of the paranormal, sci-fi and high drama.  Guillermo introduces each episode as did his predecessors.  The final episode, "The Murmuring" is the only one written by Guillermo.  It is directed by Jennifer Kent ("The Babadook").   The mainstay of this "haunted house" story is a rundown, but inviting mansion.  The story is set in Oct,'1951, on a sylvan, secluded island.  A married couple played convincingly by Essie Davis (Nancy) and Andrew Lincoln (Edgar).  They're both ornithologists studying the sounds and patterns of dunlins in hopes of understanding the murmuration formations that are so beguiling and bewildering.  The goal as scientific researchers is to continually ask why and how.  The stunning cinematography captures mesmerizing dunlins' murmurations.  The color palette scans a broad spectrum of pale, cool blues outdoors to deeper tones indoors venturing toward midnight blues.  The antiquated charm of the large home becomes more foreboding as Nancy is awoken by slamming doors, slithering shadows and unintelligible voices.  The mainstays for constructing a haunted house are built in the film's structure.  There are arresting, family photos lining the walls of the winding stairs.  Suspense mounts steadily as apparitions manifest themselves to Nancy as they mirror a growing strain in the marriage.  It's no mystery the couple has endured a parents' worst nightmare.  Guillermo has captured a hauntingly, beautiful film of grief which weighs the toll grief extracts for its irreplaceable loss, and portends why this phenomenon is on individual path.   And, how the repression of sorrow festers while its release has the miraculous power to heal.  Still, grief must be processed, "all in good time, my little pretty, all in good time."  

RAYMAND and RAY-McGregor and Hawke Bereaved Brothers or Not, Not Worth the Bother

Ewan McGregor and Ethan Hawke are hapless, half-brothers drawn together by the death of their estranged father. The duo dig up differing views from the bad dad they knew growing up.  Raymond (McGregor) and (Ray) Hawke surprisingly resemble brothers but this overly long movie offers nothing new or compelling.  Seven years sober but without a steady job or love interest, Ray has no interest in paying any last respects to a father he resents.  Raymond mostly agrees with his brother's assessment but calls in a brotherly favor to accompany him to pay their final respects.  Who knew their dad became a converted Jew? Their father's attorney bequeath's his minimal estate and informs them of his last wishes which are to be buried nude in a grave to be dug solely by his sons using only shovels for implements.  The film despite the charms of its two stars stinks to high heaven.  A younger half-brother they didn't know about is introduced at graveside.  Female characters are brought in to soften the brother's rough edges.  Cliched melodrama keeps being piled on which does nothing to elevate the material.  This redemption story is a sorry misuse of its two leads and Maribel Verdu who plays their father's former lover.  The brother's can't keep their jaws from dropping at this and other revelations.  RAYMOND and RAY is not worth the bother of a viewing.    

She-Hulk Attorney at Law-Marvel at the Morphing Super Hero Genre

Most could agree the Hulk has come to be the most likely Marvel hunk and most likely spin-off of its own.  The formidable actor, Mark Ruffalo, has become synonymous with his alter-ego superhero, Hulk.  Ruffalo imbues Hulk's character with gravitas and sensitivity, providing depth to a tantrum temper superpower possessed by many a toddler.  Regardless, the latest Marvel spin-off series, She-Hulk gives little girls a relatable superhero who has a day-job as a female attorney to aspire to.  No longer the only mean, green, omnipotent enforcer, the Hulk has a cousin who can pick up the slack when it comes to fighting off various villainous avengers.  The pilot episode brings Brian Banner together in jocular banter with his cousin, Jennifer Walters (Tatiana Mislay).   Banner and Walters are out for a joyride when they are knocked down a cliff by an interloping alien aircraft.   Banner warns his cousin to stay back as she clamors to his side after the tumultuous crash but not before his blood becomes intermingled with Walters.  This explains the mood altering mutation which transforms Walters into She-Hulk.  Has the Hulk ever bled before?  Not critical for the time being, just know that Walters is a begrudging superhero who only wants to do battle as an attorney in the courtroom.  Nonetheless, Banner takes her through the ropes of channeling her strength and her animosity for the greater good of humanity.  A montage of tossing boulders and each other into crumpling abodes brings the cousins closer and opens a new chapter of Hulk mania.  She-Hulk embarks into a new frontier of TV viewing meshing the mortal sitcom format of a legal comedy/drama with commonplace interruptions of flying, super-strength criminals.  The power of gab versus the powerful jab take on each other in front of a unfazed forum with a broken fourth-wall decorum.  She-Hulk doubles up on genres to generate extra zeal.  There's fun packed into a female Hulk figure who combines sex, brains and braun with combustible, superhero fantasy.  The cast of supporting characters are appealing and there are surprising, guest stars in the mix.   Was the flying saucer merely a flash in the pan?  Do you think you're likely to become a fan?  I think I can. 

Try Trivia Nite You Mite Like It-I Did

You might be surprised to know there's a trivia night taking place in your local town.  I was.  I was also thinking it might be fun to try it with a few friends.  (Pssst..."Friends" is a good guess in Trivia if your theme is the 90s).   I asked a couple friends if they were interested in checking it out with me.  Trivia night in our Sonoma town was at one of the tasting rooms.  There were plenty of wine to get those brain cells flowing.  I was the driver.  Next time, I'll leave the driving to someone else.  Perhaps, a glass of wine might've sparked the brain to gain more answers.  It couldn't of hurt. Our team name is MindFull.  Clever, yes?  Too bad points aren't awarded for best team name.  We went back in time for the evening to the 90s.  There were 4 rounds of 10 questions.  Each team turns in their written answers.  No shouting out answers or multiple choices.  The first round was a potpourri of pop culture and historic figures.  Do you remember the group who gave us the Macarena or who the first female Sec. of  State was.  The second round were photos of 10 movie posters from the 90s.  You needed to name the film.  Not easy.  Our MindFul trio had fun trying to solve the titles from the pictures.  The third round were specific questions about celebrity movie stars, sports figures and icons of the 90s.  The fourth and final round was an audio round which proved the most intriguing and perplexing.  Name the TV sitcom from the theme song played.  Could you identify "The Full House" or "Twin Peaks" themes.  We got one of the two, (yay).  We were successful in guessing at least 3/10 for each round.  Guessing is what we mostly did and mostly got wrong.  But, it was entertaining putting our heads together trying to come up with the correct answer.  We often settled for a humorous guess we hoped might pan out.  Our charming host for the evening, James, laughed reading out some of the incorrect but interesting answers.  If there were points awarded for the ones James thought were funniest, our team would've been deemed more mindful than senseless.  Nonetheless, it was a high spirited event mixed with good spirits and friends.  "That'sSoRaven" team was the 1st place winner and the team with adults and pre-teens.  "Whats4Dinner" came in 2nd.  Both were awarded prizes.  Don't take yourself too seriously and you're guaranteed a winning night.  By the way, do you recall what the biggest box office film of the 90s or what was the 1st reality TV show?  Well, you may just need to know.

Tribute to Bob Saget Benefiting Scleroderma Research Sept. 21, 2022

Bob Saget's passing in January of this year has left a huge chasm in the world.  He also left a lasting legacy with his beloved family, friends and his active commitment to raising awareness and funding for Scleroderma research.  Bob spearheaded the Cool Comedy Hot Cuisine event for 30 years.  He served on the Board of Dir. for Scleroderma and co-chaired every annual Cool comedy- Hot Cuisine.  Bob called upon his friends and fellow actors, comedians and musicians to perform. Laughter draws people together.  Bob brought people together with his humor.  On his podcast Bob SAGET's HERE FOR YOU," Bob called his fans to listen in on their lives.  He also did interviews with scores of friends in entertainment.  Tragically, Bob's sister Gay, died from complications of Scleroderma. He become a staunch champion for this painful and often fatal disease.  "I will spend my life dedicated to helping our amazing Board of Dir. at the incredible Scleroderma Research Fdtn. to work with the best medical minds in science as we raise the funds for research to one day find a cure."  The comics and artists who came to pay tribute to Bob were all close friends.  Jeff Ross, John Mayer and Jimmy Kimmel hosted.  Kimmel took the stage as guests meandered into the Beverly Wilshire Gala Hall.  The guests were not ready to settle down. Kimmel implored, "People, maybe some of you know I'm considered famous."  The self-deprecation and hilarity was full tilt.  Howie Mandel was riotously funny as he shared his Covid traumas.  He asked a question of a Dr. in the front who continued to interject until Howie asked him, "Do you think I might be a little busy right now."  Handsome and debonair, John Stamos paid tribute to his brother.  Joel McHale and Kevin Nealon provided levity and barbs with other comics.  Surprise (or maybe not) guest was Dave Chappell who brought Bill Burr onstage. The two ribbed one another relentlessly.  John Mayer sent everyone off with his guitar playing.  (He also auctioned off two of his personal guitars). John played "Free Fallin" which he said he played at Bob and Kelly's wedding.  Kelly, Bob's beautiful, loving and talented wife was there with her mother, sister and Bob's impressive daughters Aubrey and Lara.   Norman Lear, a close friend was there to honor Bob along with his FULL HOUSE family.  The event though bitter sweet, was a celebration of Bob's gift of gab, comedy, kindness and commitment to finding a cure.  The evening raised $1.5 million dollars and elevated the spirits of all who were fortunate to know Bob personally or know him through his many years in show business.   Bob you will be forever in our hearts for all you've doneS to make our world better. 

The Outfit (2022 film) Stars Mark Rylance and Zoey Dutch

 "The Outfit" is a psychological crime thriller set in gangster riddled Chicago, 1956.   Mark Rylance stars as Leonard Burling, a mild mannered, meticulous "cutter" of men's hand made suits.  The Tony, Oscar and BAFTA winning actor, Rylance makes this well acted and shrewdly written film worth watching.   It's written for the screen by Graham Moore (Imitation Game) in his directorial debut and Johnathan McClain.  The film has the feel of a stage production.  The tightly filmed story unfolds unhurried within Leonard's shop.  British native Leonard is irreverantly dubbed "English" by the flashy, fast talking young thugs who use Leonard's innocuous shop to run their nefarious dealings.  Leonard focuses myopically on the very detailed oriented steps required to comprise a perfectly fitted suit.  The laborious process of measuring, cutting and stitching are elaborated and demonstrated by Leonard instilling a calming, reassuring affect.  Leonard is perceived as methodical and forlorn. He and his secretary, Mable (Zoey Deutch) work companionably together.  Mable is envious of Leonard's life abroad. She's determined to travel far from Chicago's frozen tundra.  The first two thirds of the movie moves ploddingly.   Francis (Johnny Flynn) and Richie (Dylan O'Brien) are tough guys with more brash than brains.  Both relish their roles as heir apparent to the head honcho.  Richie is son to the head of the Irish mob.  Francis is obsessed with being Roy's lackey.  Having taken "6 marbles for Roy" Francis feels he's earned the top spot.  Richie makes it clear that isn't how it works.  What's puzzling is whose leaking information on the mob's activities.   Things take a dastardly turn when Francis and Richie show up late at night.  Richie is (bleeding from the abdomen from a gunshot. (It's enigmatic how blood never stains Richie's trousers). Francis holds a gun at Leonard coercing him to sew up the wounds.  Leonard is also ordered to protect the contents of an attache with a tape which should point the finger at the snitch.   Tempers flare.  Francis and Richie pull guns on one other while accusations fly.   A Hitchcock twist folds over this volatile, outdated tale that never quite goes out of style.  Rylance is impeccable in his role.  Deutch is perfect as the 50's self-reliant, ingenue.  Both Flynn and O'Brien look and act the parts of dapper delinquents.  And, Simon Beale as mob daddy, Roy, and his not too bright, gun totting enforcer add luster to the look and feel of the production.  The  costume design and cinematography along with a first rate ensemble bring a compelling fit to make this well-worn genre feel updated and spiffy.  I recommend viewing this superbly crafted crime drama that wears like cashmere on a chilly night.  

Mesa-Yakushev Cello Piano Duo at 222

Thomas Mesa, Cuban-American cellist and Russian born pianist, Ilya Yakushev, performed for a delighted audience at THE 222 Gallery in Sonoma.  Both distinguished int'l artists are highly awarded performers.  Mesa won the Sphinx Medal of Excellence (2022).  He's performed with the SF Symphony under MTT and toured with Itzhak Perlman.  Ilya Yakushev has won the World Piano Competition (2005) in the US and the Gawon Int'l Music Society Award in South Korea.  Performing in THE 222's intimate setting, the two musicians were relaxed, engaging and bantered humorously with the audience and each other.  The program was bookended by Beethoven's Sonata No. 3 and Rachmaninoff's Sonata in G Minor for cello and piano.  In between were contemporary classical compositions,  SILBO (2021) by Andrea Casarrubios (b. 1988) and OBLIVION by Astor Piazza (1921-1992).   Also on the program was Claude Bolling's (1930-2020) GALOP for jazz trio.  To comprise a trio, recorded snare drum music for the score was added. Yakushev noted performing jazz was not something they did often.  The piece lacked a jazz aesthetic except for one interesting phrase that clashed within the composition.  My favorite piece was the newest work, SILBO (2021).  Mesa spoke of his friendship and admiration for cellist/composer, Casarrubios.  Mesa commissioned her earlier work, SEVEN (2020) a tribute to essential workers during the pandemic.  SILBO was a very haunting and elegiac piece.  The evening was very special thanks to the close proximity between performers and audience providing an immediate connection with the mechanics and techniques of the artists.  In SILBO, Mesa's fingering was low on the neck of his cello, moving along the strings above the body of the instrument emitting a pleasing, hollow screech. Mesa's exquisite instrument is a Nibble Gagliano cello, c. 1750.  Rare Violins of New York City is generously loaning this rare cello.  Flailing stray bow hairs could be observed.  Mesa deftly detached these gossamer hairs.  The piano's repetitive stanzas underscored the wavering complex melodies of the cello.  SILBO's alluring intensity was hypnotic.  The compactness within the gallery made the the vibrations on the bow discernible, the hum of piano keys visceral and the impact of the demanding multi-operational components of playing, profound.   Mesa happily shared facts on Rachmaninoff's life. His hands were extremely large  which he used to shield himself from paparazzi.  His early works were not met with critical success leading him to a depression treated in part with hypnotism.  Yakushev wanted to close and join everyone in a glass of wine.  He motioned with one hand tipping a glass to his mouth and the other to wrap things up.  The two shared a warm laugh and embrace after their encore and rousing ovation.  

San Francisco Comedy Competition Semi-Finals

The 46th annual San Francisco semi-finals competition was held at the Luther Burbank Theater in Santa Rosa last evening.  The competition has heralded in top comics in the past such as Ellen DeGeneres, Kevin Pollack, Dana Carvey, Dane Cook and of course, Robin Williams.  Last night crop of top comics have been whittled down from hundreds to the top ten standing.  There were several promising prospects in the group and thankfully, everyone garnered their share of laughter.   The host for the event was Tim Rose.  The bloom was off this Rose.  His jokes were lame and his intros all the same.   Last year's emcee  was the funniest part of the show.  Better this year, however, was the talent for all those who chose to pursue a fiscally unsound career being funny and making others laugh.  There could be no complaints for lack of diversity last night.  Three contestants were female comics, six black comedians and one self-proclaimed Arab, Joe Abousaka.  Santa Rose is known for having a homogenous, white demographic as apparent in the audience.  There was also an older, "adult" group present.  Being black in a mostly white area was fodder for the black comics.  These deliveries were quick with an ironic twist you didn't see coming.  White comics bemoaned white privilege problems; amusing at best.  And, Abousakher, the "Arab" comic, quipped about Palestinian persecution, Pfizer vaccines leading to sterility and raising a step-daughter from an early age.  His plaintive patter resonated with humility.  As for the women comics, I wish I had more to champion.  While all were likable, they were also forgettable.  The comics who came to the forefront were Mario Hodge, Rob Edwards and Chris Riggins.  Hodge was the elder statesman on the sets.  His enactment of being mugged by a deaf assailant was hilarious.  He also did physical humor falling down and a vocal rendition of today's rap v. 70s soul.  His routine was unique and he was having the most fun onstage.  I found his zaniness infectious.  The majority of comics had an angrier vibe that worked with their material.  Edwards routine using slurs was clever and biting.  Chris Riggins did a lot of sex and dick jokes,"You know what I'm saying."  Edwards possessed a polished persona.  His comfort in front of an audience bespoke a veteran.   Covid jokes ran rampant.  It felt great to be in an audience, laughing and celebrating without masks running interference.  The panel of judges made their top five picks; two of which were chicks.  My guy, Mario Hodge missed the cut.  The finalist which included Joe, Rob and Chris all showed comedic chops.  My pick for the winner to be named later this month from the final five would be Rob Edwards whose future in comedy shines a beacon ahead.