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The Kitchen (2019)
The Kitchen: A new cult genre!
Add "Coup de femme" to the list of exploitation genres! From the birth of the love-to-be-hated, gritty, cheesy, low budget Spaghetti Westerns, Blaxploitation, Martial Arts and other independent genres that rose like fungi from the fringes of film, Andrea Berloff writes (adapts) and directs a new, stylistically-AB-FAB game changer.
Funny how putting female faces on done-to-death stereo type male roles, in done-to-death male centric stories, shoots a whole new flavor of adrenaline off the screen.
It's a sure cult juggernaut indicator when a film pisses off the status quo, and boy does brilliantly double-entendre-titled The Kitchen do just that. Read the reviews.
All stories like the one told in The Kitchen are fantastical. They're deliberate subtext... exaggerations, parables... vehicles to make a bigger point. In the Kitchen that point comes in the form of a spectrum: A female POV that ranges from society's forced role expectations, abuse and marginalization, to self realization and being respected. Some moments are incredibly touching others may have you averting your eyes, but every frame depicts what women often call reality in a Western patriarchy.
Now saying that, Andrea Berloff added yet another dimension: Alternate ways a woman might handle the same situations Hollywood, TV and Literature's male characters have previously handled them ad nauseam.
The cast is brilliant. The music is brilliant.
I can only hope Quentin Tarantino's seen this dozens of times already, and wouldn't be surprised if he gets involved on some level in the sequels (that I really, really hope are coming)!
I thoroughly enjoyed this shoot-em-up bang-bang coming-of-age buddy movie, and look forward to it becoming a full-out multi-film franchise!
Us (2019)
Not horror, this is enlighened philosopy
This film, like Get Out, and for different, but similar reasons is an absolute masterpiece. It's brilliant and philosophical portrayal of lack of enlightenment renders is what renders it a horror film. Where do I start? Well, beyond the perfect screenplay, direction, acting, and excellence in every department... the score will go down as a classic: as rich as it is diverse. The research put into the story line is mind boggling. It must have taken an insane amount of meticulous study to have allowed the ability to distill all these elements into a cohesive and amazingly well thought out analogy of our current social situation. The references blew me away... especially the Manson/Beach Boys and the Crowley. ones. Jordan Peele is single handedly re-establishing the original reason for horror and sci fy- meaning, it's use as a vehicle for bringing important social issues into the public forum.I can'[t thank him enough for the incredible works he is creating; work that will upgrade social consciousness.
BlacKkKlansman (2018)
DULY HUMBLED
Okay. Look. I'm an old white lady who jumped on Spike from the moment of the release of his first film. I've been hooked ever since. Why? Did I mention that I am an old white LADY, as opposed to white MAN? After having one perspective rammed down my throat for over 55 years, I yearned to see Western life from another perspective. Lee gives me that. And here is his genius: without revenge, without anger, without bitterness, this man puts an objective camera out their, and records what happened. Just the ability to do that is remarkable. With his latest film, BlackkKlansman, he gave himself a Herculean challenge; can I depict this situation without any cultural slant. My tears attest that he did so, in spades. From the protagonists relationship with his white superior officer, to his conduct throughout... Lee never tilted the odds to be any different than if the protagonist/superior officer relationship were any different to that of a Bruce Willis in relationship to any similar situation. There was no cultural or racial bias even hinted at. The entire script allowed anyone from any background to experience the story from the drivers seat. The view of racial hatred he provided was so objective and so clear that anyone who was not moved, needs serious psycho therapy. Thank you again Mr. Lee for providing a perfect depiction of truth.
MiddleMan (2016)
Brilliant on all levels!
Ned Crowley. Wow. Directed and wrote this hysterical, ironic cautionary tale! The story, the dialogue, the directing, that acting, the production design and cinematography come across like the work of a seasoned pro! Gorgeous! And that's not even mentioning the comedy. Mr. Crowley's comedic sense is off the charts. And it's not just a wild, OMG romp!. His message is brilliant. Especially at a time where real life Hollywood drama is exposing how far people will go to achieve and maintain fame. I got my eye on Ned. I expect to be seeing a lot more from you!
Mother! (2017)
Mother! is not a film, it's a consciousness shift.
Mother! is probably one of the most powerful consciousness expanding films ever made. (Not that Darren Aronofsky doesn't have a habit of turning film into some new-form-of-quantum-communication, the man is fluent in "third-language!") Mother! is a blindingly obvious baseball-bat-to-the-head of WTF earthlings? Wake up and smell the reality. Seduced by the rich production quality, the deep, wave-like surrealist ambiance, the characterizations, the Oscar worthy performances— the list is endless...I sat there with my chin in my lap. Think of Mother like an optical illusion: Those who see the image hidden in plain sight, all agree on what it is, and are astounded at the artistry of how the trick was done, those who don't see the hidden image are furious because all they see are random patterns! I just love this Director!!! Ha! Let Mother! speak to you. Each viewer will be impacted differently, but trust me, you will never forget this film, and I guarantee, like good, 70's LSD, it will flashback on you, hitting you with out-of-the-blue-aha-moments from here til-next-Tuesday and beyond. I make it a point to avoid any knowledge about a film before I see it, and that is the most powerful way to see Mother!
Suicide Squad (2016)
Best Cult Film in over 30 years.
I mean that in the best possible way. For me, culture altering "Cult Films" are the most difficult to write and make. When they work, they last forever in a way no other genre can. Why do I say this? Because, using humor, philosophy and politics, they engrave archetypes into the collective consciousness, as I said, in a way that no other form can. Let's start here: Suicide Squad's incredibly strong Black and Female characters smashed the molds for what we usually see in film. Not that there haven't been others who have done awesome work, but the characters and performances in Suicide Squad have widened the parameters and opened doors that will never again be closed. Margot Robbie, in my opinion gave the first screen performance by a female that defied gender. That doesn't mean that Charlize Theron or Sigourney Weaver and other notable bad ass women haven't done amazing work, what it means is, the combination of the role given to Ms. Robbie, and her ability to take it to the absolute limit and beyond, have resulted in a total game changer. Ladies, the floor is now open, no more holds barred. Thank you to the writers, directors and producers who had the vision to allow Ms. Robbie, to take the role and run with it. Will Smith? Really? I mean, I do love him, but now I have so much more respect. That was one hell of a role to make work even without being true to source material. He grounded the film in so many ways. Viola Davis? What a surprise secret weapon she is in this film. Fresh and brilliant... once again a brand new avenue for female actors. Jared Leto? I know you all have your favorite Joker, but I'm sorry, his take was villain hall of fame level for detail and originality. Look, I could go on and on about each character, but this was an ensemble that fed off each other brilliantly. And here's the other thing about Cult Films for me... The rendering: from cinematography, to CGI, to make up, to wardrobe, to music (the music was flawless) to direction... must be very serious and of a high quality. That's the irony that makes it work; the contrast between the "off the cake" story and the very real production details. And let me tell you, the producers of Suicide Squad went all the way in every department. This movie is not for critics, it's for real people who love good film making, film making with joy and heart and imagination. Thanks guys. I can't wait for the next film!
Ted 2 (2015)
Love this franchise!
Vulgar, irreverent, politically incorrect, offensive to all cultures in every way possible, hysterical. A brilliant civil rights vehicle! Bravo! A must see! I wondered when the film started out... Are they going to far? Have they gone off the rails? Has one of my favorite new conceptual franchises lost it's plot??? I hung in there, and so glad I did. With science fiction and fantasy as the two main genres used for spreading political, spiritual and intellectual enlightenment, it's sure nice that CGI is being used to animate stuffed toys for a darn good reason— to school us about what has become of Western Society. Sure other animated films have done this, but not with a Teddy Bear wielding a comedy baseball bat. Aside from that, I just couldn't understand how two button eyes and a plush toy face was able to communicate such a wide range of emotion! Kudos to the special effects guys!!!! (Don't underestimate what it took for them to pull this off.) Great writing, directing and acting throughout! Can't wait for Ted 3! Thanks!!! WARNING: If you can't handle a lot of swearing, even if it's to make a huge point... you may not get through this film. (But it's worth it!!!)
The Man in the High Castle (2015)
Season 1: MIND BLOWN!
We live in a frightening, and confusing time. "The Man in the High Castle" may be one of, if not the most important works for everyone to see. If nothing else, it will make you rethink your own values, and your own reality.
Warning: Both the book, and Amazon series are not for seekers of gratuitous mindless entertainment, "The Man in the High Castle" is a marathon of consistent, intellectual and spiritual impeccability that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It's hard enough to put book to screen. It's a miracle when the original story, is flawlessly expanded, and this creative cast and crew have done that and more.
The directors consistently pull brilliant performances from every cast member, making it hard to believe the series used more than one director. The production value is incredible, placing the viewer in the perfect state of suspended reality. The score, by Dominic Lewis is magnificent; original, haunting and thrilling— Beautifully composed. The producers; Marta Every, Lisa Schomas, Ridley Scott, have done something rare: made sure that this production is the best it could be. But the most exciting aspect is the writing—Wow! Frank Spotnitz, creator, screenwriter and executive producer, has dug deep into his soul and delivered a truly inspired work of love. He has shown us who Philip K. Dick really is: a humanitarian genius, born decades ahead of his time.
Thank you team Amazon for bringing us this masterpiece. Keep it up everyone—keep it up!
The Gift (2015)
Joel Edgerton triangulates with a masterpiece.
No spoilers here! The screenplay, the direction, and one of the lead roles— all by Joel Edgerton. This is one of the most important, and brilliant films I have seen on an all too accepted, yet unacceptable scenario. This film should be used as a teaching aid wherever psychology and psychiatry are studied, as well as in every major film school. Entertaining, thrilling and enlightening. The acting performances and character depictions are stunning, the detail of which is staggering. The writing is flawless, and the direction, impeccable. I would definitely say Mr. Edgerton wanted deeply to tell us something— And he has— in abundance. I hope you all thoroughly enjoy The Gift. Can't wait for his next work.
Steve Jobs: The Man in the Machine (2015)
Not what it seems
In a post Steve Jobs world, I believe this film is a deliberate take down piece. HOLD ON! Hear me out. Although I am confident that what you have seen is most likely based on fact, what these brilliant film makers have omitted tells the real story. That being; Apple existed in the corporate world, the darkest, most corrupt community on earth. What this film has exposed about Steve Jobs, pales in comparison to what is being done to your food, your medicine, your banking, and to you, by your own government. Steve Jobs did exactly what he set out to do. He accelerated a human consciousness shift. He brought humanity to a point where they can see more than they have ever been able to see before. He has given us the choice to act on what we see, or to continue to hide our heads in the sand, and be controlled by propaganda. You have the technology, do your own fact finding.
Soaked in Bleach (2015)
A Must see for every American
"Soaked In Bleach" the new Kurt Cobain documentary is, bar none, the best documentary I have ever seen. Every one of you owe it to yourself to see it. I know it's scary, but truth is always a lot easier to survive than lies. I only hope that this film will open your eyes to the reality of the world we live in. If this can happen between a husband and wife, between a beloved citizen and the law who we pay to protect us, then you will forever be able to discern between what is the truth and what is an attempt at human bondage. After seeing this film I contacted the Oscars and made a recommendation that they at least review the film as a consideration for the upcoming Academy awards.
Mad Men (2007)
Man Men series finale
Sometimes I'm just a gushing fan. Spoiler warning. If you haven't seen this, stop reading.
MAD MEN
Indulge me.
The creators presented years of flawless period episodes that gave us an eagle eye view of American culture by using the perspective of the movers and shakers of the advertising world. On the other hand, even if the show hadn't been consistently genius, even if the creators were just whistling Dixie out their a—holes for the past seven years— As a stand alone example of screen writing, the series finale last night was one of the most profound, hard hitting, deftly subtle examples of pop philosophy I have ever seen. Dang these people can write. And dang that cast can act.
From the confusion of WTF is Draper doing? To- and this floored me- the guy and his "refrigerator dream," Draper's reaction- and then the lotus seated Draper fades as the most ground breaking ad in the history of television advertising brings us to a close. Wow. Wow. Wow.
Yeah, I got punk'd a little this season. I got sucked in. I got pi**ed off. What the hell was our protagonist doing? Who are these last minute characters? Why are they there? Amazing again. A great writer shows, they don't tell. And they showed our Don facing and seeking himself. Having himself being thrown upon himself by having dysfunctional new characters and situations being attracted to him. Each one not wanting to get out of his or her trap and ultimately pushing him away. Why? Because he was healing himself and unlike them, was about to get out of his own trap.
And the best thing— that is how the story started. Simple. A man against insane circumstances with a will to surpass them. Not for one second did the writers deviate from that theme. Plus they expanded on it by allowing us to see the macrocosm of that theme- Don and his journey or self discovery paralleled by America and her journey of self discovery.
I will binge watch this series again and again. I wouldn't be surprised if it becomes a University course.
And I do have something to look forward to: Netflix's Grace and Frankie.
Lucy (2014)
Why I loved this film.
I loved this film for many reasons. It's only fair to say though, that in my opinion, an archetypal cult classic is one of the most difficult types of films there is to make, and they don't happen often. So I it is with the highest praise that i consider this to be an archetypal cult classic. The way that writer/director Luc Besson chose to present this incredibly thought provoking idea, was brilliant. This was some heavy duty philosophy, and rather than try to deliver something that could have easily turned into an over produced philosophical info dump, he borrowed, authentically I might ad, from the world of super heroes, took us on a brilliantly paced, exciting, and original journey that allowed us to follow his thought process and see the potential implications of his vision, through the use of analogy. Of course Morgan Freeman was stellar. The casting was wonderful, and the roles well acted. Scarlett Johansson did an amazing job. Remember, there are not many female roles like this to draw from, since it's only recently that roles like this exist for women. She is a pioneer and I believe she nailed it.