Tag: Romance

THE STRAWBERRY BLONDE (1941)

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Directed By: Raoul Walsh 

Written By: Julius J. Epstein & Philip G. Epstein

Based on the play by: James Hagan 

Cinematography: James Wong Howe

Editor: William Holmes 

Cast: James Cagney, Olivia De Havilland, Rita Hayworth, Alan Hale, Jack Larson, George Tobias, Una O’Connor, George Reeves, Lucile Fairbanks, Edward McNamara, Helen Lynd 

Biff Grimes is crazy about Virginia Brush, but his “pal” Hugo Barnstead marries her himself and makes Biff the fall guy for his shady dealings. Though Hugo seems to have everything Biff wants, Biff learns that having what one wants and wanting what one has can be two very different things.

One of the reasons why I love this film so much is I have never heard about this film before. Now while I am a film fan I can admit to having blind spots especially when it come to older black and white movies which to me are considered classics at times because of the time period in which they were made. A peek into a bygone era . Where certain roles were set up and portrayed but even back then knew that everyone was more than what they were told to play and more savvy than they let on. 

This is truly the first James Cagney starring movie I have ever seen so while I have seen him in other films in smaller roles and heard about him. This is my first experience with him where I can see the talent and charms all on display. Even in playing someone not necessarily all that smart but watching him start to get the point and realize what and who is best for him. 

It’s also fun discovering a film that was out there and many never mention that is practically an undiscovered gem. As it’s a film that while you can beleive the dramatic and romantic moments. It feels like everyone is having fun in and with their roles and one another. It’s heartfelt and entertaining. It’s a show but you take it with you once it’s done. Even though you know It’s not necessarily close to reality. 

Part of this film’s charms is that it’s not a big story with high steaks, but more a character comedy that is charming and it’s own right Word not only the star shines, but the supporting characters help.

As the film is about romance and love, and what truly matters in it, so it is full, and we see its nurturing grace, with a note of the next stage, and never or rarely being disguised.

This was one of my first James Cagney films, and definitely my first James Cagney comedy, though not one of his more famous titles or not considered a classic amongst his other films. So far, it is one of my favorites of his, and truly shows he was a star who seemed to be able to do it all saying, dance act, he could be a hero or he could be a villain and quite scary.

This is only the third film of James Cagney that I have seen. I think I appreciate it because it’s not as talked about as his other films.

His performance, here is more as a romantic, and a man, with a quick temper, who threw out, seems to be taken advantage of by those around him yet never let his anger out on them but directed at Phantom threats and challenges whose ultimate goal is to become a dentist.

The way he plays it is genuinely his own as in most of his comedic performances it’s fast and he seems to get so worked up over nothing that the performance is grand, and half of it is watching his history as he gets himself more and more worked up, but gracefully, he also comes down or how much trouble his anger and fast-talking gets him into.

As he is such a force of nature that it seems like the film and characters, more or less revolve around him, and react only in this film, they all get their time to shine, even while he is huffing and puffing. 

As the one person who truly does care for him, and looks out for him, he is oblivious to Eventually he wakes up and opens his eyes as he realizes what he has, or what he could lose.

The best thing for him was not getting what he wanted, as it also showed him what was important, which seemed to be the moral of the story.

The film has an earnest story and it’s quite simple but gets so much mileage out of it that it’s no shock that it’s the James Cagney of his films and the Director of the film Raoul Walsh also says it’s his favorite that he made.

The intentional comedy of his character being a hothead, yet always losing fights until it truly matters is a quality the film seems to try to introduce subtly. This also showcases that his character is not that smart, but is good with quips. Is that the character who ultimately is the villain of the story? Did his actions seem intentional, but always seem to take advantage of Cagney’s character or lead his character to ruin.

This also leads to one of the few problems of the film is that his other friend played by Jack Larson, is not that good-looking nor charismatic, So it’s hard to believe him as his rival as the only thing that he seems to have over Cagney is maybe a certain smoothness, which I guess is what works as it is obvious and is really the defining point of his character.

Later, it seems like he envies his friend’s life but eventually can see why it’s best. He didn’t get the girl and had the fate of his friend. 

Rita Hayworth’s character is a gold digger but has a soft spot for James Cagney which is romantic, but troublesome as she is the one who has her husband get him a job that proves to be his undoing.

There is even a chance that the romance between him and Hayworth could have worked, but and wouldn’t have been ideal or true. She ultimately buries herself and her chances later in the film. She shows all the things in her character that his character doesn’t like in a woman, yet is more ravishing in her lead scenes physically, though always shows why her character and Cagneys could work especially early in the film when they go on a forced date.

James Cagney and Olivia de Havilland’s chemistry is not the flashes they have so much chemistry and Rita Hayworth is truly his even in comedic scenes with her talking about her ideals and her strange flirtation with some Lothario (Played by Herbert Anderson, who played the father on the show DENNIS THE MENACE) who keeps winking and she can’t help winking at them with Chelsea her character is looking for love and excitement and is just as open to making the wrong decisions.

Though it’s hard to believe that she’s so passive when finding out we’re figuring out that her married friend Rita, Hayworth kissed James Cagney and the lights-out spaghetti scene.

It’s one of those stories where one finds the perfect partner with someone they weren’t really looking at or for and that other person falls for them anyway. Despite knowing they are a runner up. Though making their way to truly being number 1 

Cagney’s character played by Alan Hale, is hilarious steals all of his scenes, and proves to have great chemistry with the star. As well as George Tobias, who plays his Greek friend, and who ends up being his only true friend, they are both hilarious. 

The film’s more comedic scenes aren’t as physical but more verbal and witty.  It is even lensed by legendary (not at the time) cinematographer James Wong Howe (THE THIN MAN, SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS)

It’s a comedy with dramatic moments, but a heart for romance.

Grade: A 

THE PERSIAN VERSION (2023)

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Written & Directed By: Maryam Keshavarz

Cinematography: Andre Jager

Editor: Abolfazi Talooni and JoAnne Yarrow

Cast: Layla Mohammadi, Niousha Noor, Kamand Shefieisabet, Bijan Daneshmand, Bella Warda, Tom Byrne, Shevrin Alenabi, Sachli Gholamalizad, Jerry Habibi

When a large Iranian-American family gathers, a family secret is uncovered that catapults the estranged mother and daughter into an exploration of the past, and to discover they are more alike than they know.

This film is a heartwarming tale of family relationships. While overall being a film about relationships.

It’s ultimately a tale of immigrants building themselves up, As well as their families. While seeking independence being able to find a connection.

So, based on a true story, the film has quite an imagination. As it feels like a storybook at times. It’s full of reality, though has a touch of fantasy. When there is even an early scene that breaks down to a musical sequence of introducing family and friends to the Cyndi Lauper song girls just wanna have fun 

The film is so rich you want to hear some more of her many brothers ‘ tales or more stories about the family overall, as it seems, there is some magical realism that is anchored by reality. so much so that this film almost feels like a mystical pilot for a television series.

The film is familiar, and some might feel this film has too much heart or gets lost a bit in sentimentality overshadowing other parts of the story lessons, the tone.

It actually works, it might leave others in the audience, wanting more grit in the dramatic part of the story. That feels overstuffed with tragedy and hardships that are wrapped up a little too nearly. Though this film is all about the heart. after all, it is a story about family and time. 

Not to mention, it already provides tragedy with peaks of drama yet plenty of humor.

Just like the main character, it might define itself one way, but it finds itself in many different ways that go against definitions.

Grade: B 

FALLING FOR FIGARO (2020)

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Directed By: Ben Lewin

Written By: Ben Lewin and Allen Palmer 

Cinematography: Nic Lawson

Editor: Peter Carrodus

Cast: Danielle Macdonald, Hugh Skinner, Joanna Lumley, Gary Lewis, Shazad Latif, Ian Hanmore, Christina Bennington, Vicki Pepperdine

 A brilliant young fund manager leaves her unfulfilling job and long-term boyfriend to chase her lifelong dream of becoming an opera singer in the Scottish Highlands.

There is nothing truly wrong with this film that it’s more of a romance than a comedy with musical flare. As it revolves around the world of amateur opera singing.

This leaves the film or at least the audience a little confused as you’re expecting it to be or at least have a few more quirky characters, and maybe a little more interactive, and confused throughout when it comes to the story.

The way it plays is pretty much cut and dry, and I admire that the film doesn’t make the female leads, original, romantic entrance, and fiancé into any kind of villain, or give him any truly negative traits. As it is, they are growing apart when it comes to interests and thoughts of the future.

The film is simple and cut and dry, but the problem is it just seems to lack a certain charm. Maybe it’s because it’s not as cliche to the audience as other romance films are not trying to convince you to like the characters presenting the characters as they are them or not.

Immediately gets into its story and plot and you already recognize where it’s going and what’s going on so you just sit and watch and see which way it will be delivered it’s cute but it doesn’t send the pulse racing. It doesn’t make you excited it just kind of gives it to you and hopes you like it. It’s like going to a diner versus a restaurant now sometimes a diner can surprise you and give you one of the best meals of your life but sometimes it’s just par for the course giving you exactly what you wanted but no effort to make it special or one of a kind. That is how this film feels.

The one thing you will remember is the lead Danielle McDonald, who has been in quite a few films up until now, and as usual, gives a great and memorable performance in the lead. 

Grade: C 

AND GOD CREATED WOMAN (1988)

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Directed By: Roger Vadim

Written By: R.J. Stewart 

Cinematography: Stephen M. Katz

Editor: Suzanne Pettit 

Cast: Rebecca DeMornay, Vincent Spano, Frank Langella, Donovan Leitch, Judith Chapman, Benjamin Mouton, Gail Boggs 

In this variation on director Vadim’s own, more acclaimed Et Dieu Créa La Femme (1956, the same title in French), the vamp Robin Shea marries charming carpenter Billy Moran, only to get out of prison, but soon decides to seduce James Tiernan, who runs for state governor.

The remake was directed by the original director Roger Vadim. Tries to keep the same bets but in more modern dressing and fashion.

The film almost feels pornographic as the sex scenes are that graphic and feel more realistic. The original was a bit more coy. This goes for the jugular a bit. Though this version might be more explicit it Contains the same quality that the original did. An eroticism. 

Which makes it feel more like a softcore movie. Stretching to be more of a mainstream dramedy and relatable. This comes across more as a straight-to-cable or horn video at the time. Trying to cash in on the original’s fame.

While star Rebecca DeMornay is certainly attractive and works In the role. She isn’t at the level of the bombshell that was Brigitte Bardot. She comes across as certainly more intelligent, but she is familiar to the audience. As she was the fantasy girl in RISKY BUSINESS. Here she is more down to earth, still a bit dangerous, but somewhat familiar. At least she is fleshed out character-wise. 

The film almost feels like a step down for her from RISKY BUSINESS. As the subject of the lust humanizes her more, she is still desired more physically than anything. Where in the previous she remained a mystery. Here she is given a backstory and is all the more relatable, but still treated and shown in more of a carnal way throughout. That thought the material was never quite strong feels cheapened.

Of course in my teenage years when I first saw this film. This was a cable classic like finding a hidden treasure. Though was treasured more for its erotic Value. Sort of like Demornay’s character.

The quality might be a little off as Roger Vadim didn’t write this version only directed it and trusted the screenwriter to modernize it and make it more American. Which would explain the rock n roll angle. Though comes off as barely resembling the original and more in name only, with the two male leads obsessed with the free-spirited female character, against their better judgments. 

The cast is respectable throughout. Though don’t know if they signed up more because of the director. All involved deserve better than this. Most of the main stars have sex scenes. Even if they are hinted at or more shown afterward. It Reeks of someone older trying to show that they are still hip and can be cool, embarrassing themselves in the process 

This version does expose one essential truth about both films. Your interest is tied to its star no matter what story the film offers. So while it might try to have an extra amino of Merit at heart they are Star making films in the same way a teen idol or a TV star trying to make the move to the big screen and the film is built around them while giving them room to flex their acting muscles. Still, pay up the qualities of what the audience likes about them and hopefully have that built-in audience waiting for them and expose more to their charms 

Grade: C

AND GOD CREATED WOMAN (1956)

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Directed By: Roger Vadim 

Written By: Roger Vadim and R. Levy 

Cinematography: Armand Thirard 

Editor: Victoria Mercanton

Cast: Brigitte Bardot, Jean-Louis Trintignant, Curd Jurgens, Jeanne Markel, Jean Tissier, Isabelle Corey 

Juliette Hardy is sexual dynamite and has the men of a French coastal town panting. But Antoine, the only man who affects her likewise, wouldn’t dream of settling down with a woman his friends consider the town tramp. While Antoine’s away, his younger brother Michel, who worships Juliette, proposes to her. But what will happen when Antoine returns?

I saw the remake or reimagining from the 1990s first Which seemed to Focus more on Sex scenes and what the director Roger Vadim (who directed both the original and the

Remake) could get away with In The new modern age of cinema at the times. Which seems to be what both versions of heartbeats are.

Roger Vadim has always been interested in presenting the image of beautiful women on screen and more carnal delights. As  A provocateur in artistic clothing. As a Frenchman also more interested in relationships and characters rather than necessarily plot lines. Creates more of a mood and atmosphere in his films as well As style than anything of deeper substance.

Here he makes the film all about the beauty of Brigitte Bardot which helped make her a star but also limited her to a degree.  Making her a bombshell but especially more foreign gem export, at the time. Never truly let her acting talent come through and thus she never really got a chance to prove herself and was stuck more as an image and star. To be ogled, etched, adored, lusted after but never given anything deeper. As you want to possess and protect without knowing much about her.

Though the film through its critics and characters shows that there can never be a female character. Who is beautiful and her every action or decision not judged and a bunch of people talking or telling what she should be or should be doing. Everyone has an opinion about their relationship and their behavior.

She is a Symbol of unattainable beauty that men want by their side and women want to be. 

It shows a changing moral code in a more innocent time. That showcases desire amongst the other things going on in the character’s lives. Every decision is questioned and Idealized 

Women of beauty but never actually Considered for their other qualities. Who is Commonly Used and Judged. When their lifestyles and so-called attitudes don’t match the refinement they are expected to have. In other words when they show any traces of being human or normal.

The film offers Elegance but at times has a revealing peek-a-boo quality.

What might have once been seen as racy comes across as tame or classic like boudoir photos for couples. Luckily the film is not as exploitive as expected by the poster or reputation.

As Though Bardot’s character can’t be with the one she wants. she agrees to a marriage of convenience to truthfully a rebound relationship with a man who does love her and seems to pay the price. Only for her to stay and seemingly to stay in his life. Her behavior is troubling to many in his family.

Though she has many suitors and many men who desire her. It’s also about values, especially of character. As the rich man whom she Talks to, he has the power and means to give her what she wants and he truly only desires her more when she resists and thinks she is considering it. She knows he only wants her truly for her beauty and to have her just as he wants the shipyard that her husband owns. 

Though her husband might not be Rich. he truly loves her and wants to make her happy. He appreciates her for who she is, who she knows she can control. Once her old lover his brother comes back the only man she has ever truly loved and has feelings for. she keeps flirting and tries to seduce him more throwing her marriage in his face.

As she is a Small Town beauty stuck and weighing the best out of her options. As Everyone is living in the moment. They reveal Themselves to be Broken characters seeming to punish themselves and never think about tomorrow.

The film pushes cinematic rules at the time and conventions. Though she is the main character the film never gives her drive or reason more just a fantasy of certain expectations and given none,  other than beauty and what she can provide.

What I thought going in was that, You’re worth more than a smile and some nice words that Don’t focus on anything more penetrating than your beauty. 

You deserve non-broken promises, Actions, and pampering not to owe or be paid back later 

But done out of caring and love. 

Even her old lover finds her hard to resist.  even though he tries and when he fails jealousy comes with it.  She loves her husband but is weak when it comes to her attraction to his brother who consistently disrespects her to others.

She seeks to not be so lonely all the time, Though shows a fair amount of glimpses.  

The relationship started before she ever really met him. He had a crush when she was dating his brother.

In the end, everybody gets screwed and the only honest character seems to be her husband 

Having to deal with the repercussions of her actions. As Every decision is judged.

No matter what she does or carries herself. As it is seen as lustful by other men and shameless by other women.

If he can’t have her or truly control Her, no one can as he almost kills his brother over her and then in the end. When she chooses to dance and have fun. He views it as disrespectful and wants to kill her even as he is seen as the romantic one. 

They Make each other crazy, though it is seen as romantic when he slaps her as he is taking control and she has seen how much she believes he loves her by almost shooting her. 

Even the man who desires her eventually is scared of her power but also has the overview to see everyone’s true emotions. Knowing it will come to an explosion eventually. He steps in to defuse the situation but pays for it violently. 

This is a movie to talk about more than necessarily watch and praise what is on screen. Though you just see it to see how it is presented and the subjects that come up. 

Maybe people back in the past felt the way the modern version plays. A wolf in sheep’s clothing meaning it tries to have artistic resonance and show at the time the vhs gong sexual attitude and more open nature of European films and relationships. Not necessarily show sex scenes but plenty of titillation and many excuses to show a bouncing Bardot in risqué states of undress and tight clothing as well as an open sexual attitude and willingness.

This film also seems to be almost a tribute to the beauty of Ms. Bardot and writing a film around her and maybe the filmmaker’s obsession with her made it into drama. 

Grade: B

101 REYKJAVIK (2000)

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Directed by: Baltasar Kormakur 

Written by: Baltasar Kormakur and Hallgrimur Helgason 

Based on the Novel By: Hallgrimur Helgason 

Cinematography: Peter Steuger 

Editor: Skul E. Eriksen and Sigvaldi J. Karason 

Cast: Victoria Abril, Hilmir Snaer Guonason, Hanna Maria Karlsdottir, Baltasar Kormakur, Pruour Vihjalmsdottir, Olafur Dari Olafsson, Prostur Leo Gunnarsson, Eyvindur Erlandsson, Halladora Bjorn Sdottir 

Will the 30-year-old, Hlynur ever move out of his mother’s apartment in Reykjavík? Social welfare keeps him passive but things change when his mother’s Spanish friend, Lola, arrives and stays through Xmas and New Year’s Eve.

Before going off to make more action-oriented Hollywood films. Director Balatasar Kormakur (2 GUNS, BEAST, EVEREST, CONTRABAND) came through with this very visual erotic coming-of-age story of late maturity and being in a love triangle with your mother.  

I would like to say this film can be easily categorized, but this film is one you can never quite take too seriously. So that one minute It’s a romance then it seems like an aimless character study. Then it seems like a woe-is-me for a character we can never quite feel sorry for. So if anything we can say this film is a quirky comedy. 

There isn’t much substance to the material. A kind of love and lust triangle between a son, mother, and lodger. So that it ultimately becomes a film about relationships or connections.

A lodger is a free sprint and flamenco teacher played by Victoria Abril. Whose performance full of life, charisma, vitality, grace, and spirit is what saves the film.  Not to mention her obvious beauty. She truly saves the film and is the only reason to watch it. It’s what got me to watch. As when she isn’t in the film it drags. You wonder was the character written around her or was she cast perfectly and it worked out? 

Only wish she was in a better film that matched her talents and made her just her own thing to admire and love about the film. Rather than the only thing.

The main character is an unlikeable selfish jerk, but he is our guide. So when he gets his comeuppance. We aren’t as upset as it is expected.  The film tries to come off as a foreign Woody Allen-inspired film. Only less artistic and more aimless. 

His mother finally found a relationship and forced him to grow up. The downfall of his responsibility. Though originally seemed like it might focus on a lesbian relationship. It ultimately adheres to the male gaze and sexual fantasies and actions of straight sex.

The film is pretty open-minded for its time and has a liberal openness as it offers no judgments on anyone. It ultimately becomes about a young man learning to grow and become responsible. Learn how to truly have an adult relationship. So in certain moments is a relationship comedy. 

Which leads to the increasingly complicated situations he finds himself in. That proves to be his downfall and maybe his saving grace.

The film is a time waster and has some good ideas and tries to twist it so that instead of playing the victim the main character is almost a villain at times, but learns to grow up somewhat. Though none of it Is compelling enough to keep a major interest. 

Grade: C 

THE LOVER (1992)

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Directed By: Jean-Jacques Annaud 

Written By: Jean-Jacques Annaud and Gerard Brach

Based on The Novel By: Marguerite Duras

Cinematography: Robert Fraisse 

Editor: Noelle Boisson 

Cast: Tony Leung, Jane March, Frédérique Meininger, Arnaud Giovaninetti, Melvil Poupaud, Lisa Faulkner, Jeanne Moreau

In 1929 French Indochina, a French teenage girl embarks on a reckless and forbidden romance with a wealthy, older Chinese man, each knowing that knowledge of their affair will bring drastic consequences to each other.

This is one of the more troublesome movies to watch now as even though it’s based on a classic novel, it still is a love story between an older Asian man and a young French girl. Watching the film we know that both actors are of age but the film is overly erotic, and both actors even being of age are extremely attractive.

So while full of sex. at heart, it tries to be a romance and shows how power, race, and class bring them together, but also pull them apart, as take advantage of the other in their own way. The film feels like a book textured with beautiful international yet a small story. That has heavy and strong ramifications.

I remember when this film came out as one of the first artistic erotic films I remember seeing. As the sex was graphic and realistic, rather than being exploited, it seems to come more from passion, romance, and love.

This would obviously be hard to make today one of the other aspects that was the appeal at the time was that there was an interracial romance on screen. Full of risky material that deals with racism as well as classism.

The rules were reversed as here was an Asian man who was more classy, and had money which he comes from, and her family is more poor, desperate, and savage, he seemed to pluck her off the streets and seduce her, and to a certain point her family despised him for being Asian do like the money that he spends.

The film has plenty of artistic touches that help the film flourish. The art direction is top-notch, and the main character is the defining, all-white suit that he wears throughout. 

The film also happened to be the jewel in the way to the brief film career of the actress, Jane March it was also her screen debut. She was unbelievably beautiful. She followed this film up with films like TARZAN AND THE LOST CITY OF GOLD and PROVOCATEUR and the infamous Hollywood bomb THE COLOR OF NIGHT. Though like her The scope of the film is beautiful to look at. She has continued to work over the years here and there, but never quite in a starring role. The biggest budgeted Hollywood film she was in recently was the remake of CLASH OF THE TITANS. 

By the end when it comes to the characters she is the one you won’t forget, and was hoping that Jane March would have a memorable acting career aside from this film, but she achieved one-and-done status (One-and-done is usually where an actor actress is so good, but they never ever act again, and are only defined by one role where they stay unforgettable maybe even that character to life so strongly that even when you look at pictures of them in real life, you still see more of the character than the actual actor Which can work for the film as in your mind it makes them more real) even as she appeared in a few other films. None were good one was more infamous and reputation so that leaves the one she truly shines in and shows so much promise.

I remember being pulled into this film and caring about the characters beyond the sex scenes I will admit that the first time one watched the cultural and political stuff went over my head. Though one can remember the lush Scenery and feeling like you are watching an escapade.

The film truly is a perverted story of a taboo romance that once was more common at the time based on a novel, luckily in the film, the girl is aged up a bit and shows her learning of the world through him, usually through the comfort that he can bring her.

Grade: B

FRESH HORSES (1988)

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Directed By: David Anspaugh 

Written By Larry Ketron 

Cinematography: Fred Murphy 

Editor: David Rosenbloom 

Cast: Andrew McCarthy, Molly Ringwald, Ben Stiller, Patti D’Arbanville, Viggo Mortensen, Molly Hagan, Doug Hutchinson, Leon Rossom, Marita Geraghty 

A college student from Cincinnati breaks off his engagement to his wealthy fiancée after falling in love with a girl from Kentucky. She claims to be 20, but he learns she is actually only 16 and already married.

The film gets to buy on its reunion of the two stars, Andrew McCarthy, and Molly Ringwald, again, a rich boy, who falls for a girl, who is considered the wrong side of the tracks only hear her character is full of misfortune and mystery, rather than upwardly, mobile and spunky as well as early appearances of Ben Stiller, Viggo Mortensen, and Doug Hutchinson 

By the end of the whole affair comes off as distracting from his ultimate fate and destiny. A doomed romance that is part of growing up for these characters. 

Based on an off-Broadway play the film comes across more as having the substance of a 1950s melodrama which would also explain the film’s appeal to me, which is Molly Ringwald, her best and most luscious ever on screen, playing a romantic lead, becoming across more as a femme fatale, maybe it’s the color palette of her pale skin with her enhanced red hair and also Her at the time more an adult role in growing perfectly into it. Like a Greta Garbo or no not as voluptuous as Bridget Bardot.

So that her looks and appeal in this film come across as like a 1950s silver screen siren where the film is classic because of the beauty of the star in the role which truly shows that either they were becoming a movie star or a movie star but you can’t remember much story-wise or plotline about the film but you can probably remember where you were and how it felt when you first saw this image or saw this felt

After all most of the films that we consider classic because they’re so well remembered, but yet we can’t remember half of their stories unless you’re a true film aficionado, but you remember the stars because films were notoriously all around better back then, or consider to be made better, as the stars supposedly had to have all the talents of being able to sing, dance and we the stars on-screen charisma liability with their personality rather than necessarily they’re acting skills. 

However, it also feels like a film where she was trying to show a more adult and artistic side. Showing she had grown up to a degree. Something we commonly see with child stars who want to be seen in a new or different light and sometimes choose extreme roles in subpar films, for the opportunity. Though at this point she had already done THE PICK UP ARTIST and 

FOR KEEPS. This was the first of her films with a new look. A kind of rebirth though in familiar territory with an old co-Star 

This film would’ve been perfectly fine back in the day as it resides any emotions and tries to rely on acting ability, but comes across more basing itself on star quality in a romance story with a color palette that represents the season

So watching it feels like how some migrate to woodlands to see the changing of the color of the leaves. Here you’re watching the film to watch your favorite teen actors kind of grow up or play more adult roles and see if they can pass the test.

Wow, they perfectly do OK in their rules. It does feel like Molly Ringwald is a little Miss Cass. She looks the part but something is off that just doesn’t make her feel correct in the role. She does the best she can, but there seems to be a lack of an edge when it comes to her performance. Though again you will remember her looks or her look in the film. 

Then, again, maybe that’s me as it is what I remember most of why I wanted to see the film and why time the time I might come back to the film

Ultimately watch this film mainly if you’re a completist you like a good romantic tragedy, or you could think of it as a continuation of PRETTY IN PINK, but only in the aftermath.

I can admit, it’s not the greatest movie, and Andrew McCarthy was brought in late, but offered fans of PRETTY IN PINK. A kind of reunion of the two actors, obviously in a vastly different film and in a more adult playground, definitely more dramatic a little bit out of range from their usual roles. 

I will say that I saw the film based on that coupling and also based on Molly Ringwald, looking exquisite in the trailers in the posters and watching the film. I was not fully satisfied or disappointed. It’s just that the film was so cold and didn’t have the warmth nor was it that interesting. Keep in mind I saw this as a teenager so it was very boring and even watching it today. It’s very tepid It’s one of those. I don’t know exactly what the reason for all of this is but OK Storytelling.

It had higher hopes especially coming from the director David Anspaugh. Whose film before this was the hit movie HOOSIERS 

Grade: C- 

CAT PERSON (2023)

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Directed By: Susanna Fogel

Written By: Michelle Ashford

Based on the Short Story by: Kristen Roupenian

Cinematography: Manuel Billeter

Editor: Jacob Craycroft

Cast: Emilia Jones, Nicholas Braun, Geraldine Viswanathan, Isabella Rossellini, Hope Davis, Christopher Shyer, Liza Koshy, Fred Melamed, Donald Elise Watkins, Michael Gandolfini

When Margot, a college sophomore goes on a date with the older Robert, she finds that IRL Robert doesn’t live up to the Robert she has been flirting with over texts. A razor-sharp exploration of the horrors of dating.

Well, I am a big fan of the short story and the book it’s part of I was looking forward to this film, and it’s no surprise, that your pails and comparison, and is ultimately a disappointment compared to the original short story, which is more ambiguous, and might be one of the short story strength or as this film it’s hard to be ambiguous, totally and keep the audience interested and engaged not saying it’s impossibleit’s just that that quality was not expressed.

In the third act, it seems like the filmmaker and film decided to make a thriller or add thriller elements to the film kind of making all the paranoia and awkwardness she felt before come true but also since it’s based on a short story, the first half of the film is based on that actual story, and this is more where the filmmaker decided to go, maybe as a narrative choice, or to start to make the film, seem conventional, taking some sort of inspiration from the movie adaptation, wherein the third act it’s questionable but it becomes more conventional

As before this, the film seems more like an alien, awkward romance between two awkward people, one just beginning their adult and one well in the middle of it, and not seeming to have any anchors 

This film, a modern generation film, that certainly could open up many conversations, especially in a battle of the sexes and dating would’ve been a bit more interesting, and a third act tries to break up the monotony of that, but feels right and wrong at the same time 

As you can see, both sides of the story, though it doesn’t allow itself to get there. Some of the behavior is so extreme that you can’t truly forgive it or give the character credit.

There is a challenging and interesting movie very deep inside here. Fortunately, it just doesn’t seem to be well. Translated as the film is kind of a chore at times to sit through as you feel it length throughout.

Some scenes do work, but they’re also scenes that you look forward to and should be highlights that seem to fall short the intimate evening, for instance, is one of them.

While it tries to be moody. It also seems to decide to be one-sided and then in the end broaden up its view but onto with a few details and still Makes her justified in her beliefs. 

The film delves into the paranoia and boundaries of modern dating from a woman’s perspective. Especially for a young woman who is not as seasoned making her way through the world. 

Though watching it, I kept thinking how much different or even better it might have been if this was made by a director like Todd Solodnz as it has a kind of coldness to it, but then again a sense of belonging or wouldn’t have been seen differently if Geraldine Viswanathan who plays the main characters best friend, had played the main role. Would the film then explore not only different sexes but also different cultures?

Isabella Rossellini doesn’t even really need to be in this movie. As her role comes off as a cameo and maybe a star name to add to the cast for a bigger budget. 

This could have been a defining movie though unfortunately it does itself in and sells itself short. As it dulls any sharpness it might have and makes the proceedings dull all around for the most part. 

Grace:  C-

SHORTCOMINGS (2023)

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Directed By: Randall Park 

Written By & Based On The Graphic Novel By: Adrian Tomine 

Cinematography: Santiago Gonzalez 

Editor: Robert Nassau 

Cast: Justin H. Min, Ally Maki, Sherry Cola, Randall Park, Jacob Batalon, Tavi Gevinson, Debby Ryan, Sonoya Mizuno, Timothy Simons

Follows a trio of young, Bay Area urbanites–Ben Tanaka, Miko Hayashi, and Alice Kim–as they navigate a range of interpersonal relationships while traversing the country in search of the ideal connection.

This film is an anti-romantic comedy that is a breath of fresh air. As it is a movie after my own heart. Adapted from a graphic novel by Adrian Tomine 

The film offers a character-driven slice of life. That possesses a dry sense of humor. As it presents situations in the main character’s life. So that it feels more like a hangout movie. As we explore the character’s world, more witness his relationships.

How he complains and believes himself to be the victim always. Closing himself off from others and feelings in general. How he becomes his own worst enemy and slowly alienates others. Who actually wants to like him.

That ends up becoming a story of a kind of redemption or how a jerk finally wakes up to himself and his negative aura.

To give you an example of the main character imagine the worst film snob and magnify it as a personal outlook on most things. 

The film hits home as it is a reminder of sorts for one at a younger age. One would want to believe not as bad but plenty of aspects are personality. Though he is more successful relationship-wise and has more friends around him.

The film is dark-humored like a young Asian unsuccessful Larry David. Who you don’t root for or agree with. As we watch him go through interactions and her cross over and come to a head. 

The lead character is so Insufferable. Half of the entertainment is watching him fall off his high horse constantly. Especially as he starts to build any chances of hope. Then usually sabotages himself or his partners. Wake from any kind of charm ornament attention he was giving them.

This is the type of character who usually seems to be the hero of most relationship dramedies made by twenty-somethings. Whereas the world revolves around them and everyone else has the problem, not them.

Sherry Cola almost steals the whole film. Her character is reminiscent of her character in the film JOYRIDE only with more depth and sarcasm here. 

It’s nice to see the film take on racial politics but not be all about it and offer Asian American characters’ points of view and let them be more diverse and full.

Grade: B