Tag: Elizabeth Perkins

THE HOUSEMAID (2025)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Paul Feig

Written By: Rebecca Sonnenshine

Based of the Book by: Freida McFadden 

Cinematography: John Schwartzman 

Editor: Brent White 

Cast: Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, Brandon Sklenar, Elizabeth Perkins, Michele Morrone, Sarah Cooper, Ellen Tamaki, Megan Ferguson 

Millie a struggling young woman becomes live-in maid for a wealthy couple Nina and Andrew. She enters a mansion of secrets, manipulation, and escalating psychological games that pull her into a dangerous relationship dynamic.

This is based on the best seller and directed by Paul Feig, who used to be more of a noted comedic director, and still brings humor usually to most of his films whereas here this is part of his journeyman process of films, such as A SIMPLE FAVOR Which was a muster mystery with humor and pretty much a domestic fantasy. 

This film is more of a domestic drama/thriller that seems to be made to appeal more for women, but particularly middle class. Women who are probably housewives. This seems aimed at them the only time the film seems maybe aimed a little bit. Maybe for the husbands is in a sex scene within the film that offers nudity by star Sydney Sweeney, but it still played more romantic and a bit risqué as a fantasy for the housewives.

First and foremost, I must say, even though Sydney Sweeney is the star Amanda Seyfried walks away with the film she gives the strongest performance which at times could be camping, but it’s strangely fits in with the film. It makes her all the more believable at first you might hate her, but she is what makes the material come alive and truly is the films anchor.

That would also feels like this is Amanda Seyfried handing the torch down to Miss Sweeney as to play the young hot genu whereas Amanda Seyfried is now in the era of playing middle aged or women considered older and more grown-up she’s matured though she’s still a dynamite actress though no one is we’re not many are probably going to feature her as the young beautiful and uninformed

Trying not to spoil this film as it has many twist and turns that are actually worth it even if they are a bit ridiculous I will say each half of the film works for different reasons. The first half is a built-up definitely strong and works and makes you believe one thing. The second part is where the film gets a little bit more ridiculous but is stronger and gives you a different point of view than what we seen and heard in the first half of the movie it kind of pulls the rug out from under you.

One of the sore spots of the film is actually Sydney Sweeney, who does what she’s required here and definitely is a sex symbol throughout the film, though it feels like she could’ve been stronger as where the film takes her. It works, though she doesn’t inhabit it as well as in the first half of the film.

Which also introduces a strength thing when it comes to Sydney Sweeney‘s acting and her career

Sydney Sweeney tries proving she can act many times indifferent more independent productions, such as AMERICANA, CHRISTY even REALITY which was made for HBO even EDEN, which was directed by Ron Howard, where she was around such noted actors, as Jude law and while the critics might praise it, unfortunately most audiences don’t go to see these films

So that forces her to maybe star in mainstream films that exploited her assets more, but proved to be hits like in films like anyone but you this film the housemaid so of course she’s going to more embrace these types of films as these are proving to be her bread and butter

And that is what she’s embracing by making more of those types of films, which is why then she gets endorsements with more sexually changed ads and even starting her own skimpy clothing company using sex and lust to sell so that she has seen is having no integrity and selling out rather than when she tries to show integrity. No one is watching they claim because they don’t want to support her but yet they all see the other ads and those tend to be quite successful. So she’s damned if she does and damned if she doesn’t. So obviously she’s gonna go with what works and keeps paying her bills.

She’s all right this isn’t obviously her best performance, but it plays more into her wheelhouse. At least the types of films that she’s most commonly gonna find herself casting or choose to be in. Though especially in flash vaccines involving her is where she might be at her weakest.

Whereas Brandon Sklenar, who plays the husband in the film, he does just fine stoic at times scary at others and even being the dreamboat, but he also comes across at times so stiffing like a Boy Scout that and including his looks, he just comes across as the type of actor you commonly see on soap operas that seems to be his range good guy one minute, but can quickly change but pretty much always the industry standard and between the two actresses he ends up being an anchor that tries to ground the film and that maybe should let up and let the film be a little bit more crazy.

Though when you factor in Elizabeth Perkins in a supporting an all two brief role, she almost walks away with the film herself. One wishes there was a movie with her and Amanda Seyfried starring in it as these characters are in it together where they can just go full blast.

Director Paul Feig like Sydney Sweeney finds himself kind of in the middle whereas the comedies he used to make, but then stopped making money in studio stopped making those films so he changed up his style and found films that work for him where he can go from a thriller that is a bit more comedic to one that is more icy and dramatic and still never skip a beat. Either way everybody in this film in their careers will be fine afterwards. As this film was a surprise hit.

It hits the right spot is most of the other characters are dislikable and bitchy for no other reason that the script wants them to be so that the film becomes a little closed off and only shines a light on the main three characters overall.

If you’re looking for a thriller, that thinks it’s smarter than it is, but at least we’ll keep you entertained throughout no matter how implausible it might be at times and feels like a guilty pleasure by the end then this is the film for you. As this is pretty much a crowd pleaser. They were a bit too long.

Grade: C

ANOTHER SIMPLE FAVOR (2025)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Paul Feig

Written By: Jessica Sharzer and Laeta Kalogridis 

Based upon the characters created by: Darcey Bell 

Cinematography: John Schwartzman 

Editor: Brent White 

Cast: Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, Henry Golding, Allison Janney, Elizabeth Perkins, Michele Morrone, Elena Sofia Ricci, Alex Newell, Bashir Salahuddin, Taylor Ortega Aparna Nancharla, Andrew Rannells, 

Stephanie Smothers and Emily Nelson reunite on the island of Capri, Italy for Emily’s extravagant wedding to a rich Italian businessman, which is interrupted by murder and betrayal.

———————————————————————-

This phone is OK considering it didn’t feel like the first film really needed a sequel as this truly could’ve gone either way it stays in the spirit of the first film, though this feels more like a buddy mystery comedy.

Whereas the first film felt generally like a suburban mystery with twists and turns. this film has decided to take the characters and go international. Sonthat it feels like it’s following the trend of the KNIVES OUT murder mystery franchise, finding corpses of the past no matter where these characters go. We get a whole new set of supporting characters played by recognizable faces.

Even though in the first film, they were friends and rivals,  in this film where are forced to believe that they have buried the hatchet so to speak and become friends,  uneasy ones, but eventually, ones who seem to have made peace with one another.

Anna Kendrick’s character seems to only go along with her to help her book sales which are lagging. Henry Golding is in the film and for all the sex appeal he had in this film. He seems like an insufferable jerk and clown.

I won’t say that this film is predictable, but the twist and turns seem more melodramatic or almost out of a TeleNovella rather than a solid story. 

Not to mention for a film that is supposed to take place more internationally. One would think that the location and lush is this film would look more lavish. it has its moments, but from the looks of things of could’ve been everywhere and just added some color.

Whereas the first film felt like it had deeper stakes and was set in a reality you recognize. This film just feels like it’s a slapstick comedy and the deaths aren’t really that deeply felt or even respected. they’re just like part of the plot. It’s a shame as some characters we know some characters are new to us, but they are treated more Flagrantly than deeply

Which only helps make our leads look all the more guilty. Even though we in the audience know they’re not and give them a reason to be on the run.- while sidelining any supporting characters from the first film other than the stars to cameos 

The film is fun and a guilty pleasure way whereas it’s not rushed, it also didn’t need to be made, it still wants to keep its acid tongue, humor, and cynical, as well as try to be a bit campy 

All the actors do what is required of them and they are really what makes this film work and makes it at times fun though corny bits that kind of overcrowd the film too or also cliché moments and characters that don’t need to be there, but are it doesn’t hurt.

Luckily Paul Feig returns as the director as without him this would most certainly fail, but he brings his skills and panache with the actors to craft quite a meal from scraps

If you are a big fan of the first film, you will probably enjoy this one but know that it’s not as sharp as the first film it’s not dull, but it just doesn’t quite as deep as well as the first film and leaves itself open for another sequel for this to be a franchise 

Grade: C+

28 DAYS (2000)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Betty Thomas 
Written By: Susannah Grant 
Cinematography: Declan Quinn
Editor: Peter Teschner 

Cast: Sandra Bullock, Elizabeth Perkins, Viggo Mortensen, Dominic West, Margo Martindale, Diane Ladd, Reni Santoni, Alan Tudyk, Azura Skye, Steve Buscemi, Michael O’Malley, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Susan Krebs 

A big-city newspaper columnist is forced to enter a drug and alcohol rehab center after ruining her sister’s wedding and crashing a stolen limousine.

This movie is charming in its own way.  As it is primarily a comedy but it gets deeply dramatic and doesn’t always provide a happy ending. 

This movie marked a difference In Sandra Bullock’s career. Where she seemed more interested in trying to stretch past her girl next door image and have more edge to her but also kind of realized her limitations. So she was trying to have a middle ground here. 

The film is too light to really be too hard-hitting, but gets to the emotional landscapes that it needs to and hits those aspects hard.

It’s a relief to watch a film where there is a hint of romance but treats it more for what it is a connection that can easily be read as a distraction from your true problems. 

While Sandra bullock is engaging it’s the side characters that really pepper the film

And make it spicy. They are also more the heart and dramatic pulls of the movie. Luckily though Sandra bullock is clearly the star. She lets the supporting characters breathe enough for us to care about them. Even if some stay one-dimensional.

Even though in hindsight the plotline with Azura Skye’s character would have been more recognizable and maybe a more informed outcome. Though she is one of the more heartbreaking. Elements of the film And definitely memorable characters. 

Though Viggo Mortensen comes into this film Like a true movie star and makes his presence felt he still feels more like a minor element to the film As a whole. Whose most dramatic and Piercing scene is a throwaway one at a gas stop. Though throughout the oozes charisma.

Though when the film hits her dramatic past. It does feel right and strong. Yet luckily never quite overdramatic. 

When I first saw the film I wasn’t prepared as it seemed to ride the middle as far as genres and quality. Watching it again recently though it might not have a typical happy ending film Makes you feel comfortable. As the film is infinitely rewatchable.

The only problem with the film Might be that In trying to be so many different things instead of going in-depth it kind of flirts and gives a bit, little too passable when it comes to everything. 

We are just given enough to feel or be informed about characters, situations, and the road to recovery. While feeling a bit spiritual but not the hokey hippie kind.

In the end, it shows the power and charisma of Actress Sandra Bullock that lasts to this day. As she is one of the last true stars of the big screen. Where audiences follow her no matter what genre of film she stars in and is still usually a hit of some kind. Yet she never comes across as the stereotype of a star. 

Grade: B-