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canarygirl
Reviews
Miss Americana (2020)
Taylor finds her voice - in a controlled way
This is an Interesting documentary on one of the world's biggest stars. Taylor has always sparked controversy for being the 'nice girl', as being nice isn't edgy or controversial. Quite sad that we, as a society, cannot just applaud the fact this talented young woman is completely self-made. We get an insight into this process as we watch Taylor work at her craft, which has helped her sell over 50 million albums. We also see Taylor stand up for herself, even when her own father tries to dissuade her from having a political opinion. However, when she posts on social media that she is backing the Democratic candidate in Tennessee, young people listen, and many registered to vote, which can only empower people to use their own voices whether you agree with her political opinion or not. This film isn't ground breaking and I am sure Taylor had overall control but it is an insight. It will be interesting to watch her journey over the next decade to see if she breaks free of more shackles. I suspect this is just the beginning.
Sid & Judy (2019)
The Incomparable Judy Garland. Oh and Sid Luft.
The title of this documentary grated on me, with Luft taking first billing, but I stuck with it as a huge fan of Judy. What can't be disputed is Luft, in a way, did reignite Judy's career. She received her first Oscar nomination, and played to millions live. However, Judy was born with a God given talent ,which even when she duets with Barbra Streisand, who went on to star in an inferior version of A Star is Born, it is Judy you are drawn to. What I learned was how funny Judy was. When she describes the media frenzy when she is nominated for Star at her hospital bedside it is genuinely hilarious! I also learned Luft was a two faced chancer who promised to look after and not hurt Judy, but like most in her life, milked her for funds and kept her on pills to perform. Judy couldn't respond to how Luft rewrote her history but it is she who will be remembered forever. Watch this for Judy and take Luft with a giant pinch of salt. Best thing about him is he was voiced well by Jon Hamm.
Little Women (2019)
My heart was full
When I heard Greta Gerwig was directing a new adaptation of Little Women my heart sank. Was Hollywood so devoid of new ideas that we needed yet another remake? As a fan of the 1949 and 1994 versions, did we need another retelling? Well yes we did! This version is moving, uplifting, heartbreaking and beautifully shot. The characters are more rounded and even though it's Jo's story, each of the sisters shine. Particular plaudits to Florence Pugh, Emma Watson and Eliza Scanlen, none of whom are American, for their impeccable accents and performances. However, the heart that beats the fullest is Jo, played by a wonderful Saoirse Ronan, who is caring, spirited and a joy to watch. Could she finally win a deserved Oscar? Thank you Greta. Louisa M Alcott would be proud.
Elizabeth Is Missing (2019)
Will break your heart
I watched this stunningly powerful film with tears running down my cheeks. This is a no holds barred portrait of an elderly woman desperately trying to remember events of her youth while suffering with dementia. There are super supporting performances, especially from Helen Behan, as the put upon daughter dealing with the daily pain and trauma of seeing her beloved mother deteriorate. However, this is a tour de force performance from Glenda Jackson as Maudie. Her performance is raw and heartbreaking. Ms Jackson is still one of the world's greatest actors. Please watch this.
Marriage Story (2019)
You will feel your heart hurt
Since seeing the trailer at the cinema I have been looking forward to watching this. What an astonishing film. Your heart will break and you will cry your eyes out at the pain you witness Nicole and Charlie going through. The score by Randy Newman is masterfully played, touching, but not overbearing in any way. Adam Driver is a tour de force as a man whose life is falling apart and Scarlett Johansson is raw as a woman who wants to find her own voice. With superb supporting performances from the great Laura Dern and Ray Liotta as the lawyers they never originally wanted, this is a must see film. I hope it is richly rewarded come awards season.
Blinded by the Light (2019)
Blinded by the Trailer
Was excited to watch this on holiday recently having seen the trailer a few months ago. Alas, this film is the 80's by numbers thanks to its stereotypes. Strict Pakistani parents, slave driven mum used round the clock to make cheap clothes for white women, bad white males with braces and skinheads and a gifted young Asian writer whose pretty teacher really, really believes in him, even when he doesn't believe in himself. Throw in a girl straight from a Dexys video, who keeps trying to shock her Tory loving parents with her choice of boy as a friend, and you get the picture. The Springsteen soundtrack really is just an add in. A lot of the songs are crow barred in to scenes and to be honest, the Boss was never really any young kids soundtrack to the 80s in my community. I spent a lot of the latter part of the movie cringing at the 'message' and in the end, the guy was just some superfan. Nice idea but watch only the trailer, and check out East is East. A film of real drama and quality.
Ford v Ferrari (2019)
Magnificent - you don't even need to like cars!
Watched this morning at 10 am. Wow. What a film. Matt Damon and Christian Bale are a great team on screen. Possibly the best movie I have seen Damon in. Bale, as usual, is sublime. The supporting cast are brilliant, especially young Noah Jupe, who surely has a great career ahead of him, rather like Mr Bale has and continues to have. You don't have to like cars, but if you like great movies with great performances this is for you. A shoe in for the Oscar nominations.
Lunatics (2019)
Chris Lilley what have you done?
I will start by saying it pains me to write this about one of my comedy heroes. This is the man who created Mr G, Nathan and Daniel, Ricky Wong and Ja'mie for heavens sake! I was excited to watch Lunatics on Netflix but it is just not funny. It's like a teenage boy trying to be hilarious but just being crude and a bit sad (and there is a crude teenage boy in it). The only slight saving grace is Jana the pet psychic, who could potentially evolve. However when your first character is Dick and one of your characters becomes DJ C##t you have a major issue. You want to see him at his best then download Summer Heights High, Angry Boys or We Can Be Heroes. Come back with something fun Chris. Please. That's fun with a Ph.
Wild Rose (2018)
You will laugh. You will cry. You will rejoice!
Having just watched Wild Rose as part of a Mothers Day early preview screening I was blown away by the soon to be superstar talent of Jessie Buckley. This woman can act and sing and knock your socks off doing both. You want to smack her and then hug her. Hugely strong support from the legendary Julie Walters and two adorable children and a fantastic soundtrack. This film is a must see. As we left in tears, the audience were also wiping their eyes. Outstanding.