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)

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!"