Tag: DRAMA

PAST LIVES (2023)

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Written & Directed By: Celine Song

Cinematography: Shabier Kirchner

Editor: Keith Fraase 

Cast: Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, John Magaro 

Nora and Hae Sung, two deeply connected childhood friends, are wrested apart after Nora’s family emigrates from South Korea. Twenty years later, they are reunited for one fateful week as they confront notions of love and destiny.

For a film that can be so romantic. It is ultimately a film about heartbreak. 

The film has a cinematic beginning of what if. That ends up answering all the questions that the opening scene raises and gives the answers a lot more depth. It does give the film an initial memory that is replayed later, but it is also the only part of the film that feels a bit more pandering and conventional. 

The film is a story that should be a two-hander. The films to will remind you of usually are such as the BEFORE trilogy (BEFORE SUNRISE, BEFORE SUNSET, BEFORE MIDNIGHT) and other romantic films such as SUMMERTIME, IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE. That usually takes place in foreign locales. To paint a view of being a visitor or an outsider exploring the terrain or make the audience feel that way.

Here the film does take place in a few foreign locales but rarely explores them. As it is more interested in exploring the character’s motivations, emotions, and decisions. 

Which is what works in its favor as it has its own vibe. While staying reminiscent of those other films. If it had followed suit it would have been fine. There are many ways to tell a story. Just make sure you tell it well and to the best of your ability. 

These films are usually told through conversations. This film is similar but more is said by what the characters don’t say and through gazes, looks, body language, and actions. Films were a bit more common when I was younger and indie cinema was seen as the cream de la creme. Now these types of films are a rarity and it’s no wonder why such praise is heaped upon them. 

This film takes place over time, over decades but mainly a few days in their lives, And while it is a small story. It is an emotional minefield that stays subdued but feels bigger than it is letting on. Ultimately it involves fate and the future, but the past is important as it gives the modern definition. 

The film shows the grace and beauty of Greta Lee in a star-making lead performance. Showing her great range as I primarily remember her from the movie SISTERS, where she played a more comedic over-the-top role. Here you can’t help but fall for her. You see what the other characters surrounding her see.

This is a film where it’s relatable to the audience. As it is about that person who got away and wonders what could have been. It also might remind people of that special friend they grew up with and not only what happened to them, but why they never really got together. 

Everything through the film has a subtlety but is devastating. It feels like a testament to things never truly said or spoken. As the characters dance around, just to get to the heart of the matter and moments. 

Grade: A- 

THE COLOR PURPLE (2023)

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Directed By: Blitz Bazawule

Written By: Marcus Gardley

Based On The Musical Stage Play & Book Of The Musical Stage Play By: Marsha Norman

Based On The Novel By: Alice Walker 

Cinematography: Dan Laustsen

Editor: Jon Poll

Cast: Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Henson, Colman Domingo, Danielle Brooks, Corey Hawkins, Louis Gossett Jr., Halle Bailey, Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, Ciara, Gabriella Wilson ‘H.E.R.’, David Alan Grier, Deon Cole, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Jon Batiste, Tamela Mann, Elizabeth Marvel

A woman faces many hardships in her life but ultimately finds extraordinary strength and hope in the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood.

If you are a fan of the original movie like I am, this film is going to come off more as a cliff-notes version of that film. where you recognize the scenes that are coming up in the situation, but it never quite delves into the depth and drama, as much as the original 

While watching this film, it constantly feels like a production, which it is, considering it’s based on the Broadway adaptation of the book and the movie is successful in that manner. But for those of us who know the history, and the story a little better it always will feel like a musical. As it never feels like it has the proper roots. It is constantly deprived and not sure of the depth it will survive with rough weathering. 

Don’t get me wrong. This film is visually stunning and all the performances are to be noted and feel true to themselves, it just comes across as way too happy in the end, as there is too much redemption for everyone. Which feels more like a Hollywood production and influence over necessary truth character and narrative-wise. 

I’ve never read the book. so I can’t say what was more truthful to the book or the material. I can only go by my multiple viewings of the first film that I saw when I was way too young and have grown up with, so that is the version I always will feel close and emotional to, so I use that film as a reference. 

For instance, in this version, Fantasia Barrino plays the older version of Celie and is supposed to be the main character, even though this is an ensemble film, it feels like most of the time her character is more in the background than the lead. Everyone else gets their chance to shine, and then it seems like the film remembers. “Oh yeah,” instead of making her witness we should let her have a say at this point. Thematically that works well as her character is so meek or is treated and punished, so often she is as quiet as a church mouse, even though everyone seems to depend on her and know her.  it works for the motivation of a character, but it also kind of limits her and she’s our lead. 

Taraji Henson. as well, even though. We know she’s not a natural singer, but she makes the character of Shig unforgettable and sets the screen ablaze. She clearly looks like she is having fun. Plus her musical number allows for a memorable entrance. 

Danielle Brooks has the much more showstopping supporting role of Miss Sophia and it seems like it was Tailor made for her. Miss Danielle Brooks is an actress who has loads of charisma and can’t help but show it in whatever role she plays. Here not only does she show it, but she shows a certain strength And proudness with comedic sensibility that comes through the screen. It shows that she should be in more that is truly worthy of her talent. 

Coleman Domingo can always be counted on to give a good performance, though I wish he had more positive and good-guy rules, rather than usually being the villain or the bastard in most of his roles. As he has the looks, talent, and depth to more leading rules.

The film isn’t bad. As the music is catchy even for a downtrodden story, some of the songs come out of nowhere. luckily towards the middle, the film becomes more about drama, the scenes and situations, and the seriousness of them, and then the musical segments will come in as more of a time to show good Times. Rather than be where let’s say, a character just got punished, and now all of a sudden we’re going to see them sing and dance with upbeat tunes. Which would feel out of place and rather ridiculous. There are those moments in the film. They don’t feel ridiculous at the time but when you look back at them, they seem a little out of place

Director Blitz Bazawule should be commended as he took on a Herculean task and came through well enough as his visuals are stunning and powerful, and he handles the gargantuan production well enough to make it his own and create a cinematic world that is impeccable in its design.

This version is in the new generation version. That seems to choose not to focus on the pain and actions so much, but to highlight the positive aspects and positivity that can be gained and the strength of family and the human spirit. 

The film is memorable, even if it is the lighter, brighter version of the material. you don’t have to run to go see it but you will be fully entertained by it

Grade: B

BRUISER (2022)

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Directed By: Miles Warren 

Written By: Miles Warren and Ben Medina 

Cinematography: Justin Derry 

Editor: James LeSage

Cast: Jalyn Hall, Trevante Rhodes, Shamier Anderson, Shinelle Azoroh, Sarah Bock

A 14-year-old boy turns to a charismatic loner for help after being beaten up, in this searing feature debut about fathers, families, and the effects of fighting.

This is a film that has some great direction and filmmaking, but the material while enriched also doesn’t come off as well.

The film is a character study that focuses on three characters in particular. Which feels a bit too much. It’s understandable as you want to give the two forces their understanding and see their strengths and weaknesses. As well as what they seem to be fighting over, the boy also gets his time to get to know him.

Though most of the film is trying to be a coming-of-age story. Highlight the two men who want to be the boy’s father. As though they both care about him. He comes off more as a prize than anything else and an extension of their rivalry that seems will never end. Nor truly be satisfied as both will never back down.

This is truly showcased in the end and l truly shows who matters as he is saved from a lesson his mother taught him early on in the film. She seems to be the only parent who loves him and thinks of him first.

The film feels like a tragedy in slow motion. As a child eventually chooses between two fathers the stern but loving and unemotional Malcolm and the drifter who is personable, cool, and fun Porter. Both have anger issues one is just more stable and the other is free-floating. The film comes off as realistic enough. Though both provide toxic masculinity and show lasting effects that it can provide in all ways. It also showcases the power of forgiveness as well as religious values that can regulate and save a person. How people learn violence at times from those who are there to love and protect them. How they feel is how they show their love and feelings. 

The film offers a dramatic powerhouse and great cinematography. Yet the film never seems to allow itself or the characters any joy throughout. 

Grade: B-

PIECES OF APRIL (2003)

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Written & Directed By: Peter Hedges 

Cinematography: Tami Reiker

Editor: Mark Livolsi 

Cast: Katie Holmes, Derek Luke, Oliver Platt, Patricia Clarkson, Alison Pill, John Gallagher Jr., Alice Drummond, Sisqo, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Sean Hayes, Lillias White, Adrian Martinez 

April Burns invites her family to Thanksgiving dinner at her teeny apartment on New York’s Lower East Side. As they make their way to the city from suburban Pennsylvania, April must endure a comedy of errors – like finding out her oven doesn’t work – to pull off the big event.

The problem with this film is that for all its earnestness feel-good moments. It feels emotionally manipulative and I’m sure there are families and similar situations but the story development and characters feel more or less calculated than Flesh and Blood Real.

The hurdles everyone must get over just feel poured on a bit too much all at once. Especially for a film that takes place in one day. I could understand if this all happened over a weekend but all this emotional and physical baggage in one day is a bit too much. 

That having been said, the film is enjoyable, It is more of a warmer, tailed Indie film, especially since by the end not everything is solved, but there is at least peace. not offering total care or answers for everything. 

The film is a heartwarming story that tries to add an edge to certain situations and characters but finds itself going back to its emotional roots. It’s a downtown tail told about a bunch of outsiders. That gives it the feel of a lost recent error of the time.

This feels like a good novella stretched to its limits as it tries to make itself different like a teenager going through self-discovery. At first, it wants to be special, so it goes about trying to be different. Then it looks at itself in the mirror and comes to the realization That it must be true to itself. That is what will make you stand out.

The film is low budget with a big name, cast for its budget, who are all good and throw themselves into their roles. I even recognize many of the locations from my days working downtown at Tower video. They even filmed in one of my coworkers’ buildings, which gave me a strange strange connection to the film.

The stand out in the cast is the assured performance of Katie Holmes in the lead role. That easily could have been a stepping-stone film that revolved around her. So even though the title character. The film is more of an ensemble effort 

I wish she would have kept doing roles such as this one. She would’ve had a more respectable and maybe bigger career because underneath what appears to be blandish she surprised you with a powerful skill that peeks out at times. You see that glimmer.

The film put a spin on your typical family dinner film for the holidays. It succeeds due to some sly humor and a playful cast. 

Watching it recently puts me in mind of a certain time and place in my life. Which surprisingly makes it a nostalgic reminder of a certain time and place in my life. 

Grade: B-

LEAVE THE WORLD BEHIND (2023)

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Directed By: Sam Esmail 

Based On The Book By: Rumaan Alam 

Cinematography: Tod Campbell 

Editor: Lisa Lassek 

Cast: Julia Roberts, Ethan Hawke, Marashala Ali, Myha’la, Kevin Bacon, Charlie Evans, Farrah Mackenzie 

Amanda and Clay’s aspirational vacation with their teenage children is interrupted by the arrival of a middle-aged man and his daughter who own the holiday home and who have fled an unprecedented blackout in the city. When the internet, television, and radio stop working, as does the landline, they have no way of finding out what is happening. As strange sonic booms shatter the peace of the countryside, and animals start to migrate in strange ways, the physical and mental health of the families begins to disintegrate. The renters are upscale and White; the owners are upscale and Black. The issues of race clash and become distractions to the more alarming things that are happening all around them.

I don’t know what it is with Netflix and taking these big movie stars who mostly were in romantic comedies in the 90s and 2000s and then putting them in these doomsday apocalyptic movies on their streaming service. One can understand It allows them some range and shows them in a new light, but you know is starting to feel like a certain concoction or formula.

By the end, the film feels like it kind of trolling the audience, especially when it comes to the daughter’s storyline in a way it’s not a bad episode of the show BLACK MIRROR, but one that’s more disappointing because it has so much potential and ultimately, that is what this film feels like it has so much potential, but it feels stale to a certain extent.

Throughout the film, you know every scene is practically filled with tension, especially once the oil tanker hits the beach, so it always makes you feel uncertain. But throughout the film, there seems to be so much stuff that’s unresolved and we really don’t get to know too much about the stories of any of the characters.

I understand we’re being introduced to them pretty much as they introduced to each other but there still could’ve been some kind of development for the character’s past.

Even when it comes to Mahrshala, here is this good gentleman but it always seems like he is hiding something which is a payoff, but not in the way that we thought it would be. And the film only truly comes alive when Kevin Bacon makes his kind of cameo in the film.

You know, we have the characters on a different kind of plot thread or character finally development for Julia Roberts, who starts off the film with his big monologue about how she dislikes people which is supposed to be shocking I guess especially when you used to be America, sweetheart, and then, by the end we see how much she actually does care and misses humanity, after being mean spirited for no reason throughout most of the film.

At times, they hint at racism, and some prejudices, which could also be easily seen as judgment of character. No, ultimately nothing really comes of it. It just seems there to be a kind of tease or to add attention in the audience is mine to the situation.

There feels like there could’ve been more done when it comes to Race relations with the characters in the movies, especially considering it is supposed to be Mahrshala Ali‘s house and yet he’s being made to feel like a visitor in his own home. 

Myha’La seems only there to be kind of the whiny daughter trying to empower her father and also a bit of eye candy just to add another character to the mix.

We’re never quite sure what is going on and even by the end we’re still not we’re a little more informed, but we still it’s a mystery as to what exactly is happening kind of ambiguous, but it also seems a weird way to want to set up a more action pack sequel.

I guess one would expect more considering the film is written, and directed by Sam Esmail you know adapted from a novel, but he is the mastermind behind the show Mr. Robot amongst other shows so while he got the thriller elements right, it seemed like the characterization might’ve been like that show where it comes in bits and pieces but again he had multiple seasons when it came to that show with this movie you’ve only got a 2 1/2 hour running time And you know we care about the characters cause they’re the protagonists. We barely know anything truly about them which works for the thriller elements, but the dramatic elements kind of feel like they drop the ball.

Like, why should we care about other human beings? The film works as an apocalyptic tale in minutiae.

Grade: C

HOLY SPIDER (2022)

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Directed By: Ali Abbasi

Written By: Ali Abbasi and Afshin Kamran Bahrami 

Cinematography: Nadim Carlsen

Editor: Olivia Neergaard-Holm and Hayedeh Safiyari

Cast: Zar Amir Ebrahimi, Alice Rahimi, Soraya Helli, Arash Ashtiani, Mehdi Bajestani, Sohaib Quista, Forouzan Jamshisnejad, Maryam Taleb 

Female journalist Rahimi travels to the Iranian holy city of Mashhad to investigate a serial killer targeting sex workers. As she draws closer to exposing his crimes, the opportunity for justice grows harder to attain when the murderer is embraced by many as a hero. Based on the true story of the ‘Spider Killer’ Saeed Hanaei, who saw himself as on a mission from God as he killed 16 women between 2000 and 2001.

This Is a film that is better to go into blind and then read this review. It discusses a lot of subjects in the film and this is the type of film. You will want to talk about it afterwards.

Drama and tension-filled, what is more disturbing is the fact that it is based on a true story. 

The film begins with a typical night for one woman. As she puts her child to end after feeding them and washes for her night out. As we see her make her rounds as a prostitute. How she is treated. We are made to believe she might be our lead character. Then she is attacked and we hope after spending this time with her she will survive, but she quickly becomes a victim. (Sort of like the SCREAM films only with no celebrity and no excitement in the kill.)

This allows us to see her killer. So that the mystery is cut short and in his hands now. 

The mystery is when or if he will get caught and how as it seems only two reporters are on his tail and seem to care. As the film continues we see the female reporters attempt to interview and find the Killer. We get to know more about his personal home life. Around his kids and wife which is relatively normal except for some outbursts and his fanatical extremism.

The film does show him hunting, picking up, and killing the prostitutes. As well as a scene that shows him having sex with his wife and with one of his victim’s bodies hidden in the room before he can dispose of it. How he gets turned on while watching the dead body a few feet away. Which only he can see.

The film offers many close calls. As we hope each time the next victim will escape and survive. Even when the bodies are discovered the reporters are at their front and center and he is in the background.

Even once the culprit is eventually caught. It shows that many men especially approve of his crimes and might inspire some to commit the crimes themselves in the future. That is one of the scariest parts of the film and the people involved. As most around him supper him Even after he is arrested.

As even after he is arrested it seems like all the work in hunting him down and getting him arrested after a reporter barely survives an attack by him. 

Luckily the film isn’t cut and dry. It doesn’t end with his arrest. We go through the short trial and also get interviews with victims’ families. As well as his own after. 

The ending offers some kind of justice turning tables to show him whimpering and fighting against his decided fate just as much as his victims fought for their lives.

The film shows the scary chauvinistic attitude and misogyny that exists in men. As even the desk clerk. Who at first didn’t want to let her have a room by herself. First son tries to hit on her and then when rejected not only threatens but finds it necessary to demean her.

In the end, it still shows a majority of the male characters inadvertently seem to hate women or at least consider them second class while holding them on a pedestal. Yet still try to exploit them for the crime in their heads of attracting them. 

GRADE: A +

A HERO (2021)

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Written & Directed By: Asghar Farhadi

Cinematography: Ali Ghazi and Arash Ramezani

Editor: Hayedeh Safiyari

Cast: Amir Jadidi, Mohamed Tanabandeh, Sahar Goldie’s, Faresheteh Sadorafaei, Ehsan Goodarzi, Sarina Farhadi, Maryam Shahdaei, Alireza Jahandideh 

Rahim is in prison because of a debt he was unable to repay. During a two-day leave, he tries to convince his creditor to withdraw his complaint against the payment of part of the sum. But things don’t go as planned.

This story and film show that one lie inevitably leads to another. How he can stain or destroy all those clothes or who chooses to believe in you or it.

As we go through the film, the lead character is Denver entirely likable. He seems to blame others for his own failures and still feels he is owed. Even if at times, you can see his side to things, and that his punishment might be a little excessive, he does himself no favors.

We see how people treat him and turn on him. Something simple. Seems like it’s on a stack of dominoes, falling all in a Row one behind another.

Attention, as usual, is thrown out for something that seems so simple but cuts to the very heart of us all morally which is the strength of filmmaker Asghar Farhadi

Most of his films rely on moral dilemmas, that are easily identifiable for most of us where empathy can only go, so far before we are truly challenged to make choices

As with this film, it all boils down to honesty, survival, and ego, as well as responsibility and exploitation, and how no matter our intentions, how well-meaning they may be if not honest or honorable police can leave behind a certain stain, not to mention take on a life of their own

The film is more of a character study that involves many who are all affected by the actions of the main character.

This film shows the worst that could happen behind a good deed, and that the world is cynical that there might be Cash behind good honesty, but also if it helps you out or you take advantage of the outcome. It asks if is it still as honest.

What the film does honor and many can appreciate is that there can be many truths.

GRADE: A

ABOUT ELLY (2009)

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Written & Directed By: Asghar Farhadi 

Story By: Asghar Farhadi and Azad Jafarian

Cinematography: Hossein Jafarian

Editor: Iman Rahimi and Hayedeh Safiyari

Cast: Golshifteh Farahani, Shahab Hosseini, Taraneh Alidoosti, Sajjad Dolati, Merila Zare’i, Mani Hachighi, Peyman Moaadi, Ra’Na Azad, Ahmad Mehranfar, Saber Abbar 

A group of friends leave Tehran for a long weekend on the Caspian Sea. A young kindergarten teacher named Elly is invited along to join the good friends and family. The reason is soon made apparent: she’s being set up with a recently divorced man. Over an easy-going holiday, tensions rise until a crisis point is triggered, and Elly goes missing.

This film is tricky as eventually, it becomes a mystery, though at first, it seems more like a reunion drama.

It quickly becomes melodramatic as friends come together and celebrate a vacation that brings a newcomer. Eventually not only is her feet under investigation but also who she was.

This all begins to tear, not only the friends apart, but also the couples and relationships. As she might have been there for some ulterior motives, that only Sam knew about.

We learn about her as most of the characters do as they keep getting pulled in Dever, as it goes along and more is revealed

This film is full-scale storytelling surrounding events in the friend’s fall out, As questions are slowly answered plenty of mysteries are introduced and still remain

The film is a morality play from different points of view, which is what the Director Asghar Farhadi, excels at painting, a full picture and making sure that you are paying attention to all the little details in focus

Not necessarily, a murder mystery, but a mystery nonetheless, as lies and secrets lead to more trouble it’s not as melodramatic as one, I think as it stays sharp and we become more invested trying to see where it will go 

The film mostly takes place in a single location that while small becomes epic 

This all leads to a haunting and haunted, ending, showing the damage of their lies, and what it has done to their lives, which would also allow for answers

Grade: B

THE ZONE OF INTEREST (2023)

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Written & Directed By: Jonathan Glazer 

Cinematography: Lukasz Zal 

Editor: Paul Watts 

Cast:: Sanda Huller, Christian Friedel, Freya Kreutzkam, Ralph Herforth, Max Beck, Ralf Zillman, Imogen Kooge, Lilli Falk, Stephanie Pertrowitz 

The commandant of Auschwitz, Rudolf Höss, and his wife Hedwig, strive to build a dream life for their family in a house and garden next to the camp.

This is a film that is best to go into blind. Even after explaining it, I’m not sure it will still be understandable. As this is definitely a film more to be experienced on a big screen. As it is if anything cinematic. Though more of an art piece to admire. 

When it comes to filmmaker Jonathan Glazer is one of these filmmakers who is like an heir to Kubrick whereas he takes his time when his films are made. Several years between projects. Not to mention he never makes a decision or makes judgements on the characters portrayed on screen.

What usually causes a stir are technical marvels that are a challenge for the audience to sit through but stunning visuals. 

This is why this film is odd as it keeps the horrors off screen we hear it more than we see anything which is worse as it sets our imaginations loose of what we know. Bro only that bothers that the family at the center of it, sees this all as normal and is treated with no real judgment except when the wife who seems to stay out of politics threatens her Jewish maid late in the film. The fury comes so swift yet so natural

We watch this family’s day-to-day which is why it’s hard to tell where the middle and end of the film are exactly. The film is disorienting as there isn’t really too much of a narrative. So you never know what is coming next. There is a lack of close-ups, mostly middle and wide shots so that we are never tight on anybody or with any of the characters. So they are always distant and kept at a distance. Which is the same that can be said about the movie and its characters.  So much is said in silence and nothing is truly ever explained. 

Glazer’s films and especially this one are technical marvels that are more to be seen, studied, and theorized over than felt that much 

So much is unspoken and spare. That is what it delivers. Like everyone, the movie is keeping a secret even at times from one another. It is a holocaust movie at heart. Where we see more of the side of the soldiers running the camp, their home lives, and hinting at the horrors they witness day to day and inflict. Even as they discuss their plans for the future they never acknowledge the human element or any empathy towards the inhabitants. In one scene his wife unleashes a verbal threat that is more chilling than we have ever even seen her husband do. 

The film is experimental and Chilling never knows what is going to happen next. Honestly, this film is going to be an endurance test for most of the audience. 

Grade: A- 

BABYLON (2022)

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Written & Directed By Damien Chazelle

Cinematography: Luis Sandgren

Editor: Tom Cross

Cast: Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Diego Calva, Jovan Adepo, Lukas Haas, Jean Smart, Olivia Wilde, Samara Weaving, Flea, Max Minghella, Li Jun Li, Jeff Garlin, Katherine Waterston, Tobey Maguire, Ethan Suplee, Kaia Gerber, Joe Dellesandro, Patrick Fugit, Eric Roberts, Rory Scovel, P.J. Byrne, Bob Clendenin 

Hollywood, 1926. Nellie LaRoy is trying to catch her first break as an actress. Manny Torres wants to do something in movies, anything as he believes filmmaking is the ultimate profession. Sidney Palmer is an unambitious young trumpeter who is happy to go wherever the music takes him. Jack Conrad is Hollywood’s #1 leading man. Their lives and careers are about to be intertwined in the maelstrom of ambition, breakthroughs, disappointments, changing technology and audiences, and decadence.

Next to WHIPLASH, this might be Director Damien Chazelle‘s best film. It’s another film like his previous film LA LA LAND, exploring the history, tragedy, and beauty of Hollywood and the unending industry of dreams.  He tackled this after a journey literally to outer space with the film FIRST MAN. 

This reeks of a passion project, and while it has a lengthy running time it truly is an epic. Where are you? Don’t notice the running time though you can feel the 3 act structure. A sprawling epic of mythic proportions. As after all, it is Hollywood. 

The film offers, a dazzling, beginning, where we are quickly brought into the debauchery of the era, which sets us Avenue for how low, and how dirty the characters will go throughout, The characters and the Director guide you through with interest as to what’s going on around you and offer you little intros, hints, and suggestions

The lead in our story, played by Diego Calva, is of Mexican heritage. He seems as if he is a stand-in for half the film, not strongly involved, necessarily, letting the film focus on other things and other than the main one. After all most of the other supporting characters are played by movie stars, whose characters stars or become movie stars. The main character gets more involved in it all in the second half as he rises up the Hollywood ladder, and the other two main characters played by Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie are falling for various reasons

An interest in film history and classic movie Stars will help when it comes to any audience member’s interest in the film. It plays like a dash of DAY OF THE LOCUST and Hollywood Babylon, with a refreshing SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN way of working next to each other, though, don’t necessarily share many scenes together, and as the film shows how Hollywood is moving to talkies and sound from silent films.

Margot Robbie gives a truly iconic performance, where she truly gives her all and shows the appeal of her character, especially in her low moments. She is the battery of sorts. While The scandals that pepper, the background well her character will do anything to be a star while living up to her nickname in the film

Brad Pitt plays in the movie star who has tons of ideas for future productions, but as his time is coming to a close, he ends up losing confidence even as he is the one who has helped build or added to the industry at the time and has made many crews comfortable, but as times change his own is limited And he can’t stand being a laughingstock or even being thought, less than

Tobey Maguire‘s appearance seems to be meant to be like Alfred Molina‘s in Boogie Nights cause a ruckus and adding a bit of danger to an already volatile situation, and while he does incomes closest to a villain other than his degrading look, he doesn’t make as much of an impression though he is definitely scary

The film is like Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, only it doesn’t rewrite history but takes its time telling stories

Add heart the film is a love story in there for people, as well as others art Hollywood life but also with the Darkside th thrown in as kind of what you have to go through to get there, what you have to deal with to stay there

The film and its title can be seen, Like Hollywood Babylon, where its title seems to come from, so it’s a kingdom that slowly comes down and wild rice, and again had the purge itself

Like the Ryan Murphy Limited series, HOLLYWOOD, this film tries to add color in minorities to the history of Hollywood yet unlike that project, this doesn’t try to rewrite history and please all who are involved instead it offers details like it is to a degree showing the ugly truth.

Now Jovan Adepo, as a jazz musician in this, feels a bit forced as his storylines come to nothing really other than representation but nothing is done with it and it could’ve been so much more. The same with Lady Fay Zhu character. Who is of Asian nationality. Though it does fit the episodic nature of the film. Though quickly drops these characters of color 

Who even has a relationship with a major character and leaves to be A mere background character. It feels like it wasn’t phased out or cut out. He just feels a little like pandering for inclusion. At least the film and the Director, Damien Chazelle tries just not enough entirely.

The founders have rapid editing in the beginning that is a little distracting like the film Moulin Rouge, though as it settles and sets up who we are mostly going to follow and becomes confident and takes, it’s time 

It’s a strong film for an audience. I only wish I had seen it on the big screen because that is what it deserves as it is pure Cinema. 

The film was unfairly picked on, and the result of bad press as watching it now it comes across more as an underrated gem, and a kind of lost opportunity for film fans. As it does come across as an informative film, lovers dream of Hollywood history.

The characters cross, each other’s pass, but offer each other no real goodbyes, which might be why the ending hit so hard. 

Grade: A-