Comfort Film – Page 2 – Splatter: on FILM

CINDERELLA (2015) movie review

March 16, 2015October 25, 2015Leave a comment

Kenneth Branagh masterfully directs Disney’s newest live action adaptation of the beloved children’s classic fairy tale Cinderella.

In contrast to this year’s Into the Woods, no cheesy princes seek with fickle vengeance to woo winsome woeful indecisive scullery maidens. You need never flinch in fearful disgust. It’s appropriate for all ages but not so slapstick that adults can’t stand it. Marvel at the costuming and at Cate Blanchett’s truly wicked stepmother. Delight in each scene, drenched in artful Victorian symmetry which would do Jane Austen proud.

No longer just once upon a Time, it’s now once upon our time as Downton’s best take center stage. Lily James’s portrayal is demure, deliberate, ethereal. And Daisy of Downton is the perfect pompous step-sis. Already a fan of Agent Carter in her Marvel Fame, I believe Hayley Atwell was perfectly cast as the tragic mother figure. Shockingly, even Helena Bonham Carter underplayed her toothy froofy Godmother. The film as a whole was like a lovely well-paced waltz. Caring characters suffer loss but seek to prove always that bravery and kindness win the day for good. Well done.

Spend an evening getting swept up in the array of gowns and Swarovski’s best. Ah, the glass slippers! See Cinderella and believe in magic again.

ANNIE (2014) movie review

February 2, 2015October 25, 20151 Comment

Despite her hard-knock life, little Quvenzhane Wallis sees sunshine in every tomorrow.

Jamie Foxx woos audiences on each and every corner of NYC with his likable expressions and a voice like butter, but it’s Rose Byrne who knows she’s never fully dressed without a smile and helps charm little Annie into thinking she’s gonna like it here.

Cameron Diaz takes easy street as a surprisingly believable Ms. Hannigan, the evil caretaker for the all the little girls and former member of C+C Music Factory.

Maybe Annie will seize the opportunity to find her family, but most likely she will figure out that she doesn’t need anyone but you!

This remake was darling, vastly more entertaining and enjoyable than I ever expected it to be.

HALLMARK MOVIES at Christmas

December 23, 2014November 7, 20158 Comments

Everything I ever needed to know I learned from Hallmark movies…

1. If business men are deeply in love with their jobs, they will never love Christmas. Or you.

2. Small towns become “Christmas towns” every December and always have a tree lighting, a perfect coffee shop for meeting up, and a man who looks uncannily like St. Nick. Children know this. They are wise beyond their years.

3. It’s truly amazing how very small items like an ornament, a cookie, a mitten, or a book can miraculously transform a heart and make it grow three sizes at least.

4. 37-year-old businesswomen have been so busy doing good for the world that they’ve missed out and now deserve all of the love and attention from everyone in their lives so they can find love at Christmastime.

5. Everyone should support small businesses and personal dreams.

6. Names matter. Noel. Kris. Nick. Joy. Kringle. Prancer.

7. Being brave may include visiting a new world, trying a new look, a new job, even impressing royalty, but mostly it means standing up for what you believe in.

8. Ice skating should be a real Christmas tradition because it’s both a sport and a way to bring people together. People rarely fall, but when they do, they laugh.

9. Love is hard to spot it first. But heads up – it always turns out to be the most amiable, best looking guy in town who also loves Christmas the most.

10. Miracles do happen…especially at Christmas. “It’s a Christmas miracle.”

A few favorites include :
Northpole – Tiffani Thiessen, a mom first, journalist second must help her small son revive the Christmas joy in a small town and find love before the lack of Christmas spirit extinguishes the Northpole’s magic.

The Nine Lives of Christmas – Pet lover needs to let love in before her firefighter hunk (and actual Superman) flies away. They share so much. Especially quirk, good looks, and a love for cats.

A Bride for Christmas – Thrice engaged interior designer must get over her commitment issues before she loses her new client and real man of her dreams. It’s Runaway Bride meets How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days…at Christmas.

A Boyfriend for Christmas – It’s self explanatory, really.

Christmas at Cartwrights – Single mom must secretly take a job as Santa Clause and hide her real identity or risk eviction and losing the love of the hunky manager of the men’s department.

A Royal Christmas – Philly girl must fit in with royalty if she wants to become Princess Bride. Starring Dr. Quinn and the girl from Party of Five, it’s the Prince & Me…at Christmas.

MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT (2014) movie review

September 13, 2014October 25, 20153 Comments

Greetings from beyond the grave… Knock once for yes and twice for no.

Would you call this film one of Woody Allen’s best?

One knock.

We do write ourselves into characters, writing what we know, but don’t you think that the delightful, big-eyed Emma Stone is too many decades the junior to our flawed likable hero Colin Firth?

Two knocks.

True, Allen would have no trouble with the age-old question, so it could be good to note Allen’s perspective walking into this film. I believe that Allen’s accolades, well deserved, should not be withheld in lieu of his life choices. That’s taking personal vendettas too far. He is a brilliant filmmaker and writer. No question. He still pushes boundaries making viewers think. I have great respect for that skill as he puts it to use.

On a similar note, Allen girls rarely resemble Bond girls. Allen’s women are bold, conversational, talented, complex, sometimes quixotic but still intelligent, sexy, and confident. Allen paints women that women don’t mind watching and can relate to. Emma Stone is no exception. She is exceptional. Wouldn’t you agree?

One knock.

This film waxes Gatsby, doesn’t it?

One knock.

Lush 20’s sets, costumes, and lighting: perfect from every feathered hat to draping beaded gown. It’s silver screen smudged hues on golden twilight backdrops transport these modern actors into a golden age of Hollywood. You expect Cary Grant to attend the party and Grace Kelly to step into the scene for a quick visit at any point.

Magic in the Moonlight is a talkie, but the lack of action is rarely felt. Audience members are allowed somehow to feel equal with the characters on-screen. Tricked and sung to, questioned and valued. The actors saunter from one room to another, adjusting bow ties pondering the weather and waxing philosophical. Allen unabashedly tackles common taboo topics like religion and politics. Perhaps like Scorcese whose seeming quest is to find himself redeemable, Allen’s obvious discussion on-screen mirrors this by asking questions of the afterlife. This film questions the existence of God, mankind’s purpose on the planet, the truth in daily living, and the romance of magic.

Is he perhaps squeezing the brain to make room for the heart?

Three knocks.

Wait – what does that mean? Don’t you know? Okay, spirit from beyond, one final question:

Do you think that since Woody Allen’s last two films took place in France in the 20’s, that we can dare hope for a trilogy of sorts?

One knock.

Wonderful! Thank you so much, kind spirit, for the interview from beyond. Until next time…

MONUMENTS MEN (2014) movie review

July 27, 2014October 25, 20151 Comment

Learn your A B C’s:A lways trust George Clooney.

B elieve in Bill Murray.

C ast Matt Damon in anything.

D on’t forget Cate Blanchett.

E njoy Bob Balaban as much in this as in Guffman or Moonrise Kingdom.

F eel the weight of loss when you realize that Hitler stole everything from people when he took their lives.

G reet Goodman, as ever, a force and a friend, like a grandfather you fear but can’t wait to see.

H ugh Bonneville, Downton’s Lord Grantham, stayed true to form in his stately address and attire.

I nnocuous as art may seem, when paired with the destruction of so much of Europe, its loss must have felt like insult to the injuries caused by war.

J oin ever sweet Jean Dujardin and the team in rescuing stolen art with their suave personalities and winning smiles.

K eep
L ooking though you
M ay
N ever clear the
O bstacles
P ervading your
Q uest.
R emember that your
S oul is
T he art of the
U niverse’s Creator who
V alues you, knowing you are
W orth treasuring, as
eX tingushable as
Y ou may feel.

NaZ i soldiers obeyed orders, feeling they were right, but Clooney’s troop of Monuments Men sought to remind all why we fight.

THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY (2013) movie review

December 29, 2013October 25, 20156 Comments

I held my breath so many times. When it was too beautiful or too shocking or when I was too worried for our hapless hero. Don’t miss this journey into adventure, into bravery and joy, into LIFE and living it.

Starring and directed by Ben Stiller, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is an instant family classic reminding us to seize life and live it. It also shows the value in cherishing everyday moments that seem mundane, those unposted, ungrammed, forgettable day-to-day type events like work and meals. My friend Dan says, “No one posts pictures of themselves in their cubicles at work because they don’t seem glamorous enough for Facebook, but we all go to work and it’s okay.” Dan is wise. Flat, grey paper Mitty from side A of the film would not agree, but post-transformation Walter Mitty feels the valuable weight of each moment.

Don’t worry. It’s not a spoiler. Every character must undergo transformation. Dorothy must go over the rainbow but return to admit that “There’s no place like home.” The Grinch-heart must grow 3 sizes. The underdog must win. Even the bad guy must see his ills in a mirror and move to change and become likable. Transformation.

Life Magazine‘s humorous first motto was “While there’s Life, there’s hope.” Stiller offers another cinematic take which graffiti fonts the film and leads Mitty on his path to self-discovery. Kristen Wiig, Adam Scott, Patton Oswalt, and other TV funny people walk alongside Stiller holding hands with greats like Sean Penn and Shirley MacLaine. It’s a beautiful film. I went with my family after Christmas. We will most likely go again. Probably tomorrow.

SAVING MR. BANKS (2013) movie review

December 27, 2013October 25, 20158 Comments

Saving Mr. Banks is a beautiful film reawakening Mary Poppins as an eternal classic. Etched into the psyches of most adults who watched it as children, we all know, for instance, that a spoon full of sugar actually does make the medicine go down. For every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. Children should play games, all sorts. Height can be measured by one’s character and be “practically perfect in every way.” Birds are meant to be sung to and fed, tuppence-a-bag. Sister suffragettes have earned a glee-filled “well done!” Neighbors have their quirks and canons. Street art is best. Carousels are magical. Uncles often get lost in their own jokes and must be brought back down to earth. Chimney sweeps were the first dirty dancers. Mothers should all be allowed to hire governesses, cooks, and cleaners. Fathers must be forgiven for working hard and then we must teach them to fly kites.

Emma Thompson plays P L Travers, British author of the Mary Poppins books. Her character appears to be the quintessential British matron with grand expectations and low tolerance for superfluous nonsense. What a pairing with the original imaginarian, Tom Hanks as Walt Disney himself. This film peaks through the office doorway into the early glory years of Disney. As an adult, I still believe that Disneyland is the best place, “happiest on earth” as it claims to be. I love it so much. It remains quaint but moves forward, new and inventive while reviving vaulted delights at will. Creativity personifies within those gates, often showing up as the Mouse.

The brilliantly cast Colin Farrell is Mr. Banks, the one who must be saved. And Paul Giamatti delights with his quiet affirmations. He won me over as well. Jason Schwartzman and B.J. Novak march in as the brilliant unsung jolly song writing duo who turned so many children’s books into a show giving characters musical life.

What we don’t realize while watching Mary Poppins that it battles heart wrenching issues, offering hope to children when real life gets them down. Though slower-paced than Poppins, edgier and more emotional, Banks is all heart as it endears and renders fathers forgivable at long last.

movies-saving-mr-banks-colin-farrell

STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS (2013) movie review

May 27, 2013October 25, 20158 Comments

We are here as witnesses to one another’s stories. Some stories I just wouldn’t want to miss. This film excavates human emotion while exploding (quite literally) on-screen. I love JJ Abrams. He understands my need to connect with the characters and my almost equal desire for on-screen action. He took the Trek dynasty to another level. My expectations, though very high, were more than met. I felt lucky to witness this.

Lessons in leadership: I swear it was like watching Twenty-seven Secrets of Highly Effective Leaders onscreen (…I made up that book title FYI). ie…Sometimes we must fight the instinct to go out guns blazing and instead trust the people around us to use their gifts to work together in order to win the day.

Favorite moments: The heartbreaking wordless scene near the beginning felt “Up“esque in its ability to tell a visual story. Beautiful. Brilliant.

Music in Film: I love Giacchino’s scores. I’m always listening for LOST moments in his sound.

“Stop with the metaphors, Bones!”: What did they say in the special featurette of the first JJ Star Trek film (2009)? …something to the tune of “Star Trek has always been beautiful classical music. Star Wars is rock and roll. We wanted to combine the two.” That’s what they’ve done with the new Trek films. There are so many gorgeous nods to old Trek, aka Tribbles, Spock yelling “Kaaaaaahhhhhnnn!” Oh, and that Cumberbatch… I just love it all.

Here is a link to my review of the 2009 Star Trek film: https://splatteronfilm.wordpress.com/2011/03/20/star-trek/

In this next chapter, Captain Kirk’s story needed an arch. He HAD to play the classic pompous pilot ignoring his mentor’s pleas for humility, fight an impossible battle, and sacrifice for the good of the many. What happens when we must bury our mentors? Perhaps the last lesson they taught becomes the loudest voice, the unsolved mystery, the final fight left unresolved. Frodo had to go on alone to deliver the ring. Superman had to find his birth father to fulfill his destiny. Skywalker had to become a Jedi against all odds. Each of us must listen to our mentors, make choices, and learn from our mistakes. Sometimes we must venture into the darkness of our own hearts to recognize that even heroes need saving.

THE SWITCH (2010) movie review

March 24, 2013October 25, 20151 Comment

I’ve never seen a more ridiculous plot made into something quite so brilliant.

I’ve never really been a Jennifer Aniston fan, but here she is vulnerable and lovely. Jason Bateman, as usual, is beloved as the straight man. Jeff Goldblum makes any scene laughable, but memorable, while Juliette Lewis plays to stereotype as the perpetually high bf.

It’s truly ridiculous. Oddly neurotic but likable best bud guy friend who secretly loves his successful gorgeous single female best pal gets clobbered at the sperm party and replaces the donated sperm. Donor? Pretty Patrick Wilson. Nice. Stupid. Worst plot ever. It’s not funny. It’s horrifying.

Then somehow, twenty or so minutes in, I’m crying. I’m in love with Jason Bateman all over again. The music, the voiceover narration, the little boy, the daddy issues, the lovely family connections, the funny lines. This one is well written. If you can handle the low LOW concept and consider the acting for two minutes, you too can feel empowered to speak up when necessary in order to avoid the potentially costly and ridiculous antics of your own life. The Switch surprised me so much. I’m embarrassed to admit that saw it three times in a week. I kept it running. I replayed the precious moments to commit them to memory. Sure there is equal silly to smart in this one, but for some reason it also rings thoughtful, familial, precious.

On ELIZABETHTOWN (2005), GOOD WILL HUNTING (1997), and grief

February 4, 2013October 25, 20151 Comment

My storyteller Grandfather passed away suddenly this week, and somehow movies have always helped me grieve.

In Elizabethtown (1995), Orlando Bloom conquers grief after the death of his father with the help of ever-present, amiable Kirsten Dunst. No, it’s not the best film ever made, it’s coated in velveeta moments and oddly flinched out lines, but it’s about family and it’s kindred . “This is your blood.”

Blooms character rides through seasons of discouragement on his road trip to freedom. Today I had to pick out an urn, but I didn’t fear that new unknown because I’d watched Bloom pick one out for his father.

In grief, I’ve noticed that time stands still, then speeds up to catch up. Isn’t that a line from the movie Big Fish (2003) ?

It feels like yesterday that my friend Erin drove me to my first Rated R movie called Good Will Hunting (1997). Shocked at the vulgarity, I almost missed the point. Later, I drove home and crawled onto the top of my rusty Nissan Sentra to watch the stars and ponder the lives I’d just infiltrated for 2 hours or so. Will, his best friends, his girlfriend, his mentor. He had to go see about a girl. It wasn’t his fault. How did he like them apples? I cried then for the first time in a month since my great uncle‘s sudden passing.

It was odd crying so hard after a happy ending in lives I could barely relate to. But it wasn’t my fault. It wasn’t anyone’s. It wasn’t. It wasn’t. There is no pocket for death, and this cantankerous relative who lived behind us and had made my life sort of miserable through pre-teen years was gone. How can you stay mad at a dead man? How can you miss a dead man you’re mad at? I don’t know, but I was and I did.

So, I sobbed under stars and release washed over me in what many poets would call my baptism of tears.
New days do come. Tears are good. And tonight as I go to bed, I plug in Elizabethtown, a comfort film, for the third night in a row to fall asleep to scenes of goodbyes, great music, and a kindred awareness that I am not alone, even in grief.

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