Tag: Musical

THE HOLE (1998)

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Directed By: Tsai Ming-Liang 

Written By: Tsai Ming-Liang and Pi-Ying Yang

Cinematography: Pen-Jung Liao

Editor: Ju-Kuan Hsaio 

Cast: Kuei-Mei Yang, Kang-Sheng Lee, Miao Tien, Hui-Chin Lin, Hsiang-Chu Tong, Kun-Huei Lin

While never-ending rain and a strange disease spread by cockroaches ravage Taiwan, a plumber makes a hole between two apartments and the inhabitants of each form a unique connection, enacted in musical numbers.——————————————————————————-

This film about two stragglers in a doomed neighborhood on the verge of the new millenium of the year 2000. As it seems they are the last ones left in their neighborhood and trying to avoid a virus that is passed from roaches that makes those who get the virus pretended and act like insects.

Before this happens a plumber trying to find a leak into the apartment downstairs exposes a Pipe and a hole into the apartment downstairs

As the film goes along constantly rains and the female who lives downstairs apartment keeps getting flooded. While the man upstairs who runs a shop keeps smoking.

Both are lonely and after awhile they start to communicate and you can see how lonely they both are and long for connection. In between we see musical scenes usually starring the female. Which seem to be her inner monologues of what she wants to say or share. 

The film is about two lonely people finding one another imnthe middle of chaos. 

There are long moments of nothing really happening. Except for each of them going through their days or killing time. Not really doing much, but those moments make us become much more closer to them. As they are more identifiable. Especially In their loneliness. As they are so close yet far away from one another.

This is one of those films where you will either be into the film or you won’t as it can be hypnotizing, but it can also be seen as boring. 

By the end It’s a romantic poetic moment where we hope for the best. As it ends literally on a happy note.

As the film goes along it’s easy to get what it is supposed to be about and the story of making a connection in desperation. At the worst of times and your perfect partner was there all along.

this is one of those films again that when I used to work in a video store, I used to see the DVD cover for all of the time, but never ventured past the cover art to venture to find out what the film was about as the cover looks so plain it just never really interested me or at the time looked way too artistic for me to truly find an interest or try to find an interest in.

At heart a romance. Though. Definitely not a comedy. Though it has  enough quirky details To be shaped or Designed like one.

As two neighbors,Really strangers become connected

Once  a plumber leaves a hole in the floor of

An apartment that is the roof of another. As there is a pandemic in a nearly Empty housing unit. Where the disease is being spread by insects randomly and there is non stop rain outside. Though again some how this is the aesthetic and background to explain why these two characters firnthe most part stay home and other then work Or food shopping, Go nowhere. Yes it’s One of those films. High concept in theory, but focused on the minutae of the characters and dramatics. Where the musicsl numbers are the action scenes. As well as

Kind of the loveScenes. As it is where the characters innermost thoughts and feelings actually come out and are on display. 

Where it feels like it’ going to change scene to scene, but for every curve like the musical sequences. It stays true to it’s path and vision 

It’s a film where it feels like you fully understand where the film

Is going and what it wants to come

Across, but insists on do I g it in it’s

Own way and you have no choice but to follow.

Then rather then going the conventional it chooses to make you watch the most mundane actions of the characters and make it seem poetic or that it means something deeper.

While Also getting the audience to feel thencharscters to be more identifiable. 

While one can admit this is the type of film that feels more like A Statement or Expression.

Definitely not justncintent or disposable. It’s a Film That is clearly not meant for all audiences.

As it is the type of Film you are going to either get with or not.

Unfortunately for me it never connected with me

Or never got  on the same wave length. As it felt tedious and you question not only what is it all about and why am I here. Even a question of consciousness.

Though I can see why others might dig the film. It never quite comes alive. It’s certainly unconventional. So I can’t really rate it. As it is more artistic cinema for you to ponder rather then just grade. 

when it comes to art, we all have our own interpretations as it is so bold and different than what we are accustomed to, while

being creative In anyway, that is not universal

Unfortunately,  i also felt most of the minutes and the film is under 90 minutes. 

KPOP DEMON HUNTERS (2025)

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Directed By: Chris Appelhans and Maggie Kang

Story By: Maggie Kang 

Written By: Chris Appelhans, Maggie Kang, Danya Jimenez and Hannah McMechan

Head Of Cinematography Layout: Gary H. Lee

Editor: Nathan Schauf 

Featuring the voices of… Arden Cho, May Hong, Ji-Young Yoo, Ken Jeong, Daniel Dae Kim, Ahn Hyo-Seop, Yunjin Kim, Lee Byung-Hun,Liza Koshy, Joel Kim Booster

When they aren’t selling out stadiums, Kpop superstars Rumi, Mira and Zoey use their secret identities as badass demon hunters to protect their fans from an ever-present supernatural threat. Together, they must face their biggest enemy yet – an irresistible rival boy band of demons in disguise.

————————————————————————-

Trust me, this film came totally as a surprise to me as the title pretty much says it all and I didn’t at first have too much interest in it but heard so many glowing reviews and word-of-mouth that I decided to check it out and I’m glad I did 

As this animated film was truly a marvel to experience and caught me totally off guard. It’s dramatic. It’s funny. It’s silly has supernatural elements, but is also a satire of K-pop music and the whole industry or phenomenon around it well also exposing the heart of it and how meaningful the music can be to not only the artist, but especially the audience

It also works as a full-blown musical with not only the stage performances of the songs, but also in their singing their emotions after certain dramatic scenes

This is also a film that could only be told truly an animated form as to make a live action version of this film. You couldn’t exactly get the angles and the budget would have to be super inflated, and it just wouldn’t lend itself to the silliness at certain times.

Now the film has action sequences, but it’s not heavily an action film. It seems to care more about emotions and humor as well as being an outcast.

This one just has an energy and excitement that feels contagious and you’re willing to follow the film wherever it goes. 

It’s quite enjoyable and I have to say so far one of the better films that I have seen this year I can say it certainly not for everybody but if you ever just wanna have fun and get lost in a film with a pretty good soundtrack to boot or just a fan of musicals you should definitely give this film a try

Grade: B

BREAKING GLASS (1980)

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Written & Directed By: Brian Gibson 

Cinematography: Stephen Goldblatt 

Editor: Michael Bradsell

Cast: Hazel O’Connor, Phil Daniels, Jon Finch, Jonathan Pryce, Peter-Hugo Daly, Mark Wingett, Nigel Humphreys, Gary Tibbs, Charles Wegner 

A rock singer is determined to rise to the top of the profession, letting nothing stand in the way of that goal.

—————————————————————————

Don’t know how I never heard of this film before recently. As for me, this is an instant classic. The storyline resembles a star is born and even the rose no, it’s different elements, one would say more of THE ROSE, for its lead character kind of achieving theme and going a bit crazy because of it.

What makes this film so different is that it was found during the upheaval in England, so it makes it a time capsule as to the politics, and what was going on in the streets at the time, even if Over the storyline.

The other quality, and that puts it in a herd of other films of its elk is that it doesn’t really feel like there’s too much acting in this room. It almost feels like a documentary, or Lisa docudrama, as everyone is so believable and committed in their performance that it never feels fake. 

It’s one of those dark 1980s movie about the music industry and how you start out, Ernest and all the little compromise. You have to make to achieve popularity and fame while still trying to stay true to yourself and as creative as you once were but also how it’s not only changes you, but it changes the people around you.

As there is a love story of source of her falling for her manager, who believes in her and comes with her to the Fame, but he becomes too controlling, and once he’s lost control of everything, he’d rather quit, then compromise, whereas the female lead falls for more the polished producer who see something in her, but it might be more for his a claim in again to be in control over her

So the film presents an interesting conundrum, where neither of these so-called love interests or people who are supposed to care about her have really her best interest at heart they’re more interested in controlling her and the film seems like she needs that has her energy is all over the place but when she’s being controlled, at least she has direction.

As much as I enjoyed this film, I found out that I saw the American version which is a slightly different cut, whereas in the original version it shows more of her mental breakdown along the way, and in the end, spoiler alert, she ends up in an asylum here the film ends with her, giving her all during a performance in the film ends anonymously, where we don’t know what’s going to happen, or what’s next it just ends.

The songs are catchy and well written, and Hazel O’connor gives an absolute stunning performance in each, and every time she performs in the musical scenes songs in which she wrote. They are just so stellar in iconic that it’s a shock. This film didn’t do more business or is it more popular, even in cult film circles?

As it is a once in a lifetime performance, she appeared and other films and television, but nothing as strong or as big as her starring role here in which you audition, for it was chosen over 3000 others and never expected to have the League she would’ve been happy with just a smaller or supporting role in here. She ended up the lead and she gives her all dressed as a character does.

One believes that once this film is seen by more people, she will enter the lexicon of memorable, female singers in movies wAHO become disillusioned or become legends and inspirations, such as the characters in the films TIMES SQUARE played by Robin Johnson and LADIES AND GENTLEMEN THE FABULOUS STAINS played by Diane Lane and STARSTRUCK 

As with any older films, it’s fun to see certain known character actors of today play smaller, supporting roles in this film, though luckily, it doesn’t take you out of the phone, and still stays as gritty and hard hitting. Truly nihilistic to a certain degree. Though it gives off so much energy that you can’t help but have a reaction to it. It’s a musical about a band trying to make it in the 1980’s 

Surprised to find out Brian Gibson Directed this who directed musical biographies such as WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT, THE JOSEPHINE BAKER STORY as well as the music comedy STILL CRAZY (My first known Bill Nighy film appearance) as well as the thriller THE JUROR. So while his other films were more well known. His best film is the one that seems to be the least known. 

Grace: B+

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.

EMILIA PEREZ (2024)

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Directed By: Jacques Audiard

Written By: Jacques Audiard, Thomas Bidegain, Lea Mysius and Nicole Livecchi 

Based on the novel “ECOUTE” By: Boris Razon

Cinematography: Paul Guilhaume

Editor: Juliette Welfing 

Cast: Zoe Saldana, Karla Sofia Gascon, Selena Gomez, Adriana Paz, Edgar Ramirez, Mark Ivanir, Eduardo Aladro, Emilio Edmundo Hasan Jalil

follows four remarkable women in Mexico, each pursuing their own happiness. Cartel leader Emilia enlists Rita, an unappreciated lawyer, to help fake her death so that she can finally live authentically as her true self.

One of the joys of listening to the soundtrack of a musical early (even before you see the production)  Is seeing where the song will be used in the film And presented. Brought to life, visualized, and performed. See where they place It. 

Not necessarily advisable, as you might want to experience a first as you watch the film. Which can be a more magical experience. 

There is a lot to admire here visually. Jaques Jacques Audiard is a world-class director and makes everything dazzle here. Though it feels a bit empty, as for all the arresting nature of the film’s production. In the end, it feels like it lacks heart. Making it ultimately feel like a shallow exercise.

As the spectacle and mood take over. Even though most musicals seem to be about the numbers the story is there to link them all together and usually suffers in believability. Here is the story which could be interesting. It doesn’t naturally mix with the musical numbers and as this film tries to be so many things at once. It comes across as quite confusing. As it is roasted in stages or at least that is the best way to consume it.

This feels like another director trying to invade or emulate another director’s style. This film feels more like a Pedro Almodovar film. Who would know how to connect and meld everything together better as it would be more his style and territory in theory? 

It’s a spectacle That is at times political then goes back to age-old melodrama at its heart. Yes, An artistic achievement. Through It seems to be more about style. Yet, it is a crime story that the director is known for 

Selena Gomez is one of the biggest names appearing in the film. Giving the film some star power next to Zoe Saldana and she is given the least to do. She does have at least two songs of her own to sing and perform. Most of her scenes involve her either crying or screaming. It seems she is here for some artistic cred for herself and to help the box office for the filmmakers. 

It’s like going full special needs. It’s devotion to calling attention to itself with genres that Don’t naturally blend. Not to mention it gives us a Trans Character but gives her little depth, nor explores her experiences or being in this new world in a different body. It gets about as deep with her as Caitlin Jenner does with other trans people in life. There is something to say about identity, but the film barely explores it. 

Zoe Saldana is the only one who manages to make it through the film unscathed. She gives a strong performance does everything the film and filmmakers ask of her And maintains a glow throughout.

Maybe the fact that it has four screenwriters is the problem. Each one brings their talents, and ideas that seem to work with one another but become quite different as the film goes along. 

Grade: B- 

WONKA (2023)

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Directed & Story By: Paul King

Written By: Paul King & Simon Farnaby

Based on Characters Created By: Roald Dahl

Cinematography: Chung-Hoon Chung

Editor: Mark Everson

Cast: Timothee Chalamet, Calah Lane, Olivia Colman, Keegan Michael-Key, Sally Hawkins, Tom Davis, Paterson Joseph, Matt Lucas, Jim Carter, Natasha Rockwell, Kobna Holbrook-Smith, Rakhee Thatkar, Hugh Grant, Rowan Atkinson, Freya Parker, Matthew Boynton, Rich Fulcher

Willy Wonka is the mastermind behind some of the most delicious and innovative chocolate creations the world has ever seen. But before shaking up the chocolate industry and making a name for himself as a confectionery genius, the ambitious young creator had to defy all odds. As a result, Willy transformed his wildest dreams into reality with a bold vision, determination, and unexpected help from new friends. After all, hard work and a dash of magic can make anything happen. Because, as Willy already knows, it only takes a dream to make a difference.

One thing I can definitely say about this movie is that it has its charms it won’t. It doesn’t erase the memory of the first WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY but it still feels more pure and miles above Tim Burton, CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY  doesn’t feel as predictable. Nor as made by the committee.

The film is a musical, which was a bit unexpected, but makes sense, and it does use a few of the original films’ classics throughout, though in quite a different way that does instill nostalgia, but also tries to make it its own. 

At times, it does feel like a big Broadway musical, but under a greater production and a grander vision, you could easily see this making its way the reverse way and going from a movie into a Broadway show.

The film perfectly fits Director Paul King’s style as it feels like a fantasy and a living storybook come to life. It’s as big and silly as the two PADDINGTON films that he has directed so this one is a little less comedic, even with all of its outrageousness. Though no nightmare scenes as the previous two films had.

Can’t help, but put a smile on your face in Timothee Chalamet actually works in the lead role, even though he is tasked with pretty much always being happy no matter what throughout even when disappointed. he’s not as iconic as Gene Wilder Daffy goofy, but ultimately wise and quirky Wonka but again we’re at the origins of Wonka as a character so he has a happier disposition, and is still full of hope at the beginning of his career.

This is a film that is fun for the whole family. It’s pretty much an offensive and feels magical throughout. It literally is another generation’s version of Wonka, or as this is more of an original story than an actual remake or reboot, which is refreshing, even if it is still Dealing with an existing IP.

Hugh Grant is here as comedic relief as an Oompa Loompa, and he mostly works as this is the most we’ve ever really heard an Oompa Loompa speak other than singing. The film is full of quirky characters that feel straight out of a children’s book, and have outrageous looks to follow. though again, he seems to be relishing and playing a more comedic supporting role just as he did, and PADDINGTON 2 only here he is, isn’t the villain

The production design and visual effects are excellent. The songs are catchy, but not as memorable as the originals again, I say this now, but at heart eventually, time will tell, and also the fandom of this film, if there will be one as great as the classic film in which men grew up with.

It’s a film that is definitely worth checking out. It won’t leave you mesmerized, but if this is your type of movie, you won’t leave sad or disappointed. 

Grade: B 

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

DE-LOVELY (2004)

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Directed By: Irwin Winkler 
Written By: Jay Cocks 
Cinematography: Tony Pierce-Roberts 
Editor: Julie Monroe 

Cast: Kevin Kline, Ashley Judd, Jonathan Pryce, Kevin McKidd, Kevin McNally, Allen Corduner, James Wilby, Keith Allen, Taylor Hamilton, Angie Hill, Natalie Cole, Sheryl Crow, Elvis Costello, Robbie Williams, Alanis Morrisette

Inspecting a magical biographical stage musical, composer Cole Porter reviews his life and career with his wife, Linda.

This was a film it has taken me a while to watch. As I knew more about the soundtrack than the movie. It’s one of those I always meant to watch it eventually type of movies where you feel you have to be in a certain mood to watch or can never think of when specifically needing something new to watch. Not has it ever truly been recommended to me by anyone. So I finally decided to take the plunge.

The film feels like how I described it. It’s on and certainly entertaining and thinks of itself as smart. Though it never truly elicits any true emotions from the audience. So it never truly connects and comes across more as if you were watching a visual biography that tries to be flashy and inventive.

As the film and story are preset like Cole Porter is creating a musical of life and constantly having to deal with a director who has his own vision or wants even the harder more private stuff to be part of it. As they both look back upon his life from the director’s Chairs in the audience. 

The film is presented as a love story between Cole and his wife. Even as he is bi-sexual or more homosexual.

Kevin Kline shines in the main role. He is truly what makes the film Memorable. As he seems to go above and beyond to make it work. He already is usually one of the crowning achievements in any film. Only wished he would have had more starring roles when he was younger. Though it always seemed hard to find a place to put him in films. Which might be why he stuck more to theater over the years. He has a theatrical way of speaking at times, but so does John Lithgow, and look at how many legendary roles he held down. Though maybe only a few as the leading man. 

As they go through the numbers some are more stage-bound and others more in life outdoors. Though always feeling staged. As it stages at least half of its scenes in theaters of some kind. 

The film reminds the audience of ALL THAT JAZZ. Only that movie was based on and directed by its subject Bob Fosse. This film never quite ends up as warts and all, dramatic or hard-hitting. That film unfortunately never as inventive either. 

This film could work as a Broadway show all Its own. Though it never quite comes across as grand as it should. 

As it is based on a true story and biography. We all know what is going to happen. It telegraphs its moves at times in true dramatic cliches. Though comes across as quite elegant as a prestige film.

Irwin Winkler is the director and he isn’t bad here he just unfortunately makes the material feel basic. It never quite has the flair of the person it is based on. 

It’s a prestige project that tries to be playful. That is more meant for awards season. Yet not of that caliber. Though it is fun to see music superstars of the time period, singing classic songs. 

It’s a good presentation but never quite feels deep enough. For us to care or to be moved. Once it finally hits home and hard is at the end. You will come out of the film humming and singing and wanting to hear more of his songs.

Grade: C+

THE LEGEND OF THE STARDUST BROTHERS (1985)

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Written & Directed By: Makoto Teduka

Music written By: Haruo Chikada

Cinematography: Eiichi Osawa 

Editor: Mari Kishi and Makoto Teduka 

Cast: Shingo Kubota, Kazuhiro Takagi, Issay, Kyoko Togawa, Kiyohiko Ozaki, Kiyoshi Kurosawa 

In 1985, Makoto Tezuka, the son of manga genius Osamu Tezuka, was still a film student with a few experimental shorts to his credit and who was entrusted with the mission to turn an album by Haruo Chikada into a musical film.

Strange, inventive, surreal, and fun. There are no exact words to describe this film and do it justice. If you are a fan of movies like PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE, THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW and SHOCK TREATMENT. 

The story behind the film is just as wild and creative as the film. that a musician Haruo Chicada wrote an album full of songs, Essentially meant to be a soundtrack for a film that didn’t exist and that was the extent of the project until writer-director Makoto Tezka discovered it and decided to make a film based around it adapting it with a full storyline. 

So much talent In Front of and behind the scenes. As the director sought out musicians and artists of all kinds for the film. After all, this was his first full-length film. After just graduating from film school and making only experimental shorts. He considered himself a visualist more than just a director.

The result is a movie that plays like a series of music videos or montages built around the songs with a story connecting it all. So truly a musical at heart without so much choreography and show-stopping staging. though plenty of musical-themed montages when the main characters aren’t singing. 

Almost like a mean-spirited movie version of THE MONKEES TV show.  only not surrounding a band but a singing duo and focusing on the branding and corporate ownership of the two and being forced to sing the songs their Svengali manager gives them and him always watching. They also lose fame to rivals that come out of nowhere and then try to murder them. Competition between artists and even each other as a duo and want to be independent and try their own music 

The film’s soundtrack and visuals are its strength as the story is Minimal and never makes complete sense. As the film is all over the place. In a good way. Making it definitely crazy and unpredictable. 

The film has an Animated and even a horror sequence. This makes sense as it is partly anime-influenced or manga, especially towards the end the action sequences feel like live-action cartoons. The writer/director is also the son of Osamu Tezka an anime/Manga legend 

The film is definitely a product of its time and a shine as it is a cult film, that is little known In its homeland and the United States, with a soundtrack that is difficult to find 

It’s an epic odyssey that goes far but does so much with so little. Involving A story made up that only adds to the legend and might actually be true with The theme of wanting to make it on your own and realizing that you might need help To do it.

This Is a film whose wavelengths you are either going to get on or not. All of the music and songs are quite catchy. It seems to go through all cultures and fads of the time. 

It’s not perfect but such a unique, crazy, stylish, and silly journey that represents some things that it might not have intended to constantly invent and reinvent itself. As it is Reckless, dazzling unhinged, and creative. As it always has its heart on its sleeves and despite its surreal  nature bares it’s heart and spirit 

Grade: B+

ROALD DAHL’S MATILDA THE MUSICAL (2022)

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Directed By: Matthew Warchus 
Screenplay By: Dennis Kelly
Based On The Stage Musical By: Dennis Kelly and Tim Minchin 
Based On The Book By: Roald Dahl 
Cinematography: Tat Ratcliffe 
Editor: Melanie Ann Oliver 

Cast: Alisha Weir, Emma Thompson, Lashana Lynch, Stephen Graham, Andrea Risenborough, Sindhu Vee 

An adaptation of the Tony and Olivier award-winning musical. Matilda tells the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a sharp mind and a vivid imagination, dares to take a stand to change her story with miraculous results.

I will admit to having a bias when it comes to this film. As I saw it on Broadway during its run before it became a movie.

I will also admit that I have only watched the Danny Devito-directed non-musical version in bits and pieces. Ever from beginning to end. 

Watching this film it sticks to the same beats as the Broadway musical. Which is only a bit more impressive because of what they managed to do with only a certain amount of space. 

The film itself is wonderful, dramatic, and fun and encourages children and adults with it’s

Positivity, focus on storytelling and literacy, and the power of imagination. 

The film stays colorful, entirely surreal, and a little grotesque, but amazing in its Songs that are uplifting and positive messages to never forget. The choreography is amazing and tight.

Truly a famous movie that has something for everyone. Though most of the cast are children who are more full-fledged characters. As the adults seem usually over the top and caricatured. At least the bad ones are. It is also heartwarming even in the end. Her parents who have treated her horribly actually show emotions for her.

I will admit towards the end it starts to falter and isn’t as strong as before. Where you wonder where it is going and wish for maybe a little stronger direction in the form of the surreal and fantasy, as Danny Devito’s Direction and less conventional direction in this version. 

The theme of the film Will leave you with a smile on your face and Emma Thompson shows she is having fun playing the main villain in the film, as the headmaster who is a former curling champion. Here at least she gets to play the villain and not necessarily the hero as in her NANNY MCPHEE films. It is a delight to see her in this film.

Grade: B