Tag: Catherine Keener

JOKER: FOLIE A DEUX (2024)

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Directed By: Todd Phillips 

Written By: Todd Phillips and Scott Silver 

Based on characters created by: Bob Kane, Bill Finger, Jerry Robinson, Paul Dini, and Bruce Timm 

Cinematography: Lawrence Sher 

Editor: Jeff Groth

Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, Zazie Beetz, Steve Coogan, Leigh Gill, Harry Lawtey, Ken Leung, Bill Smitrovich 

Arthur Fleck, now incarcerated at Arkham State Hospital, who encounters Harleen Quinzel, a fellow patient who becomes dangerously obsessed with his Joker persona. Their shared psychosis fuels a destructive and increasingly chaotic relationship, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. The film delves deeper into Arthur’s mental state, exploring the complexities of his condition and the enduring power of his iconic villainous persona.

This is more a free-expression sequel than a typical continuation. 

One Refuses to rate it as it doesn’t work as a sequel. People who match it will view it differently as expected and wanted. It seems to be less about commerce here and more of a message and commentary on useless unnecessary sequels.

The story and discussions built up by the first film come off as meaningless. As the continuing story of the main character. Ends up being an imposter or that of a wannabe. Whose story while eventful has no true reasoning or purpose.

While having a singing superstar as his co-star, Joaquin Phoenix showed no talent or aptitude for singing. Though helps show the delusional message of ourselves singing to ourselves it is more about the emotion, mood, and lyrics an expression than talent. Thought for others it is more about wanting to experience it all including image and talent. 

While also leaving Phoenix a reason to return to a character and make him more of an interest to the actor. Though like slipping on yesterday’s worn clothes. A return with comfort but wanting to change or move on. Despite winning an Oscar for his first portrayal and for an actor who wants to be more of a chameleon it feels like a trap or curse only coming back for the check and making it fun for themselves. Making a mockery of all the hoopla and the Hollywood system in general.

A rebellious act when a studio forces a filmmaker to make a sequel never quite designed and what they do with it. An artistic enterprise but also a center move to insult not only the powers that be but in true punk rock fashion even the audience. Encouraging them to think for themselves and find meaning in what was worth it not necessarily what they are given. Don’t let them force-feed you what is not good for you, but fans spending money on these Hollywood films looking for an escape sided against it as it was their anti-hero who they cared about doing to them what he was doing to the establishment.

Just as when the public sides with Jones and disrupters as clowns like Tom Green in the past and all was fun when laughing with them but when the joke is on you. not as happy and truly see how the others felt. The power is held by the comedian who feeds off of reaction.

If anything this is more dour and dull. It also seems like Todd Phillips is going for a vision and not be accused of copying another film or filmmaker like he was with the first Joker film oddly similar to the films of Martin Scorsese TAXI DRIVER and KING OF COMEDY in particular

Even though most of the musical scenes are borrowed from other classic musicals and sung in full. Though with no artistic flair or dancers no flash. Though the of my friends who can see me now are at least notable for trying 

As is said in the film. The people care about the Joker, not Arthur Fleck. This film Seems to be more about Arthur Fleck and that pissed the audience and studio off. 

So Some might argue this is a character piece that explores his fractured embracing and obsession with musicals and things played out in the same way. As well as getting to play and have commentary on pop culture and the simulators of what he is going through as well as the situations he finds himself in. 

Not adding any flash to the mundane most of the time. Disillusionment and only a minor character if any to the Gotham City residents. As he is more a means to an end of inspiration than into the more fantasy-based realities. It plays more like a courtroom drama with some Personal insights from the characters 

Not living up to other’s expectations your berries never quite being who you are sorry for them

To be your ideals and be the mascot or symbol for others’ actions and emotions when it really has nothing to really to do with them or what they believe so they become More A symbol. Waking up to reality over fantasy 

A story ultimately about being used as a representation for something you have no connection truly with and being dumped when you Don’t  Live up to others’ ideals. Which seems to be the exact reaction to this film. As well as a perfect ending to this particular franchise making sure there will be no follow-up. 

Idolization and the origin story or dramatizing similar events to some known Characters. As far as this movie gets into the official DC universe. It comes off as one of the more interesting side stories you might see on BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES. Only

Of course, mroe adult-themed here.

Can give Todd Phillips credit as this is one of his more original and nuanced films that he has made where he goes over the line and still doesn’t feel like too much, but an all-over-the-place portrait.

SWITCH (1991)

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Written & Directed By: Blake Edwards 
Cinematography: Dick Bush 
Editor: Robert Pergament 

Cast: Ellen Barkin, Jimmy Smits, Perry King, JoBeth Williams, Lorraine Bracco, Tony Roberts, Bruce Payne, Lynette Anthony, Victoria Mahoney, Basil Hoffman, Catherine Keener, Kevin Kilner, David Wohl, Tea Leoni, Jim J. Bullock, Rick Aiello 

Steve Brooks is a sexist and the prototype macho. Unfortunately one day he is killed by one of his girlfriends. In heaven, though, there is no place for men like him and he is sent back to earth in the body of a woman so that he can see how women are treated by men like the one he once was.

Initially, it seemed this was a movie that was going to be a comedy of comeuppance and body-switching that had a kind of. Resurgence with moves like VICE VERSA, LIKE FATHER LIKE SON and 18 AGAIN or the teenage version SOMETHING SPECIAL 

This film is definitely outdated. The premise is Intriguing when it came out and caused some controversy when it did. It seems like a movie that is intentionally trying to be provocative and subtle In its own way. 

Watching it now it seems a bit tame but it does feel like a lothario male getting his come upance and Learning life lessons as having to go through life as an adult woman to try and get into heaven.

Learning through trials and tribulations. Though the film is trying to be pro-female and their rights. It still comes off as sexist. While allowing for plenty of sex scenes and nudity that it comes off as a sexual farce. 

The film does have Its fair share of funny scenes and Ellen Barkin is really Terrific in the lead role. Showing she has comedic timing and is thoroughly believable throughout. This is actually one of her better and more memorable roles. Where she isn’t necessarily the bad girl sexpot for a change. Normally this would have been more of a star-making role for her. As it is one of her unfortunately few leading roles in a film.  

Though the third act is rough. Having a child by means of drunken encounter pretty much seems at least as far as the character goes as date rape as she didn’t really give consent and finding a kind of happiness afterward with her best male friend who falls for him In Female form. 

Though ridiculous it doesn’t come off as physical or far-fetched as his previous movie SKIN DEEP. As here it seems that legendary writer/director Blake Edwards is trying and has invested interest in this film. Though he definitely seems to be trying to push some buttons when it comes to the subjects. While at times crasser than it needs to be. It definitely is more outdated than expected

There is still plenty of physical comedy throughout which is his specialty and some satire though towards the end it gets more serious and dramatic from its sillier early antics. 

Though this caused a bit of controversy at the time. This might have been a film that was made too early or too late for the times. As it is certainly a high concept and would have probably been more insulting than thought-provoking if made in the 1980s

The film also treats the killing of the main character so easily as flippant and more like a plot device rather than needed or really felt. As he never lied to these women so their murder seems madder at themselves for falling for him. Not only that but the film treats the fact that he was promiscuous as more his major sin and maybe his attitude towards women as we never Hear or even see him really treat any of the women. So the film generalized and tries to make a point figuring the audience will go with it 

Grade: C+

THE SOLOIST (2009)

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Directed By: Joe Wright
Written By: Susannah Grant
Based On The Book By: Steve Lopez
Cinematography By: Seamus McGarvey
Editor: Paul Tothill

Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Jamie Foxx, Catherine Keener, Stephen Root, Lisa Gay Hamilton, Rachael Harris, Tom Hollander

In 2005, the only thing hurting Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez more than his face from a recent bike accident was his pressing need for story ideas. That is when he discovers Nathaniel Ayers, a mentally ill, homeless street musician who possesses extraordinary talent, even through his half-broken instruments. Inspired by his story, Lopez writes an acclaimed series of articles about Ayers and attempts to do more to help both him and the rest of the underclass of LA have a better life. However, Lopez’s good intentions run headlong in the hard realities of the strength of Ayers’ personal demons and the larger social injustices facing the homeless. Regardless, Lopez and Ayers must find a way to conquer their deepest anxieties and frustrations to hope for a brighter future for both of them.

The film is perfectly fine entertainment of a film that really doesn’t have a plot. Sure it’s a fascinating fact-based story that may have been better explored as a documentary or maybe even better reading about it, but the film leaves a lot to be desired as not much really happens. Except that it makes the main character feel better by discovering and trying to help a talented homeless schizophrenic. Which is pretty much the plot of the film.

Everyone does a perfectly serviceable performance. I really like Robert Downey Jr’s look. Jamie Foxx’s performance doesn’t really hit as hard. As it seems like his intention sure he is a spot-on mimic, but the performance seems exactly like that an act or impersonation in it’s not really ground in any sort of reality though it is based on a true story.

The film feels empty with no heart which is how the film feels. It tries to get you emotional in many scenes but fails to do so. The film plays like a contemporary movie that seems only made to try and be Oscar bait and a crowd-pleaser. Like the film THE BLIND SIDE only the latter seemed to know how to appeal to the masses this film seems more directed at a more artsy audience. That is why it feels so basic with artistic touches and indulgence.

Other than the two main characters we really never get to know any characters. This is especially daunting as the film has an established supporting cast. So we never get to know the past of the main characters as far as what they tell us. Like we know Steve, as played as Downey Jr., has demons but we only get hints at it. But in the film, we are supposed to believe he faces his own to help another person but other than having serious looks on his face and seeming vulnerable we never know exactly what he has to overcome.

The film also introduces a character who insists that Jamie Foxx’s Character needs to find god and religion, but the first time he suggests it he goes ape-shit. So when right before a recital he tries the same plan again it’s hardly surprising that he messes him up. If this was a traditional film he would be seen as a villain but here he is a normal supposedly intelligent side character.

I can see why this was held over for a few months. When it was thought at first to be Oscar bait then the studio watched the film and realized what a dud they had on their hands and held it for an anonymous release, that would be the best to just make a quick buck on the film.

The film just seems like it is desperate to pat itself on the back especially by including actual homeless people as characters and extras. That it feels false and like a waste of time.

I just hope Joe Wright picks better material for his next film to show off his talent rather than waste it on drivel like this that requires more of a workman-like director with not as much creativity.

GRADE: D+

SICARIO: DAY OF THE SOLADADO (2018)

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Directed By: Stefano Sollima
Written By: Taylor Sheridan
Cinematography: Dariusz Wolski
Editor: Matthew Newman 

Cast: Benicio Del Toro, James Brolin, Catherine Keener, Jeffrey Donovan, Isabella Moner, Matthew Modine, Shea Whigham, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Elijah Rodriguez 


The drug war on the U.S.-Mexico border has escalated as the cartels have begun trafficking terrorists across the US border. To fight the war, federal agent Matt Graver re-teams with the mercurial Alejandro.

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