If you've seen classics that clearly inspired multiple facets of this film, like "An American in Paris," "Singin' in the Rain," "A Star is Born," and lesser films like "Xanadu,"and "Fame," you may find "La La Land" less than inspiring, despite its decent songs. Emma Stone was very good, but Gosling nearly ruined the film with his saturnine presence; there are many actors who could have done a better job. Overall, it presents a heavily romanticized version of L.A., giving the impression that the city is largely defined by Pasadena, Griffith Park, the Santa Monica Pier and the Hollywood Hills. These and other script elements certainly betray director/writer Chazelle's youth and lack of real-life experience. Most actors in L.A. never get (paid) work in films or TV, and the small percentage who do mostly get work in commercials and as (non-union) extras. Most would gladly eat out of dumpsters for months for the chance to get a SAG card. Given that jazz clubs are few in L.A., and regularly feature established artists of the genre with a lot more experience than Gosling's character has, some of his character's actions and attitudes are largely preposterous. In short, a derivative diversion with some good songs and a luminous performance from Emma Stone. It lacks the zest and joie de vivre to make a strong impression on the big screen. It may play better on video.
Reviews
9 Reviews
Miss Tatlock's Millions
(1948)
Arson is NOT funny
8 October 2014
You could make a comedy featuring an arsonist in 1948, but you definitely cannot do that today. That is why this film has been indefinitely shelved by whichever corporate entity owns the copyright to it. Other reviewers of this title have wondered why it is not available. It is NOT, as one speculated, because the actor-impersonator indulges in stereotypical mentally-challenged behavior. There are lots of movies available on video featuring comic portrayals of what we know today to be mental illness. It is because of the arson. You can not have acts of arson portrayed in a comedy, because it is not in the least bit funny.
Finding Joe
(2011)
Joseph Campbell for dummies
15 March 2012
This movie will surely appeal to misfits and dreamers of all stripes. It starts off promisingly, introducing a few of Joseph Campbell's key ideas, and even a couple of his subversive ones. Unfortunately, it soon devolves into interviews with several men, most of whom have unconventional occupations, and all but one of whom are white. These men delight in lecturing the audience about the ups and downs and eventual success they achieved during their own "journeys," using a profusion of nauseating "you"-statements instead of "I"-statements. The takeaway from this - that you too can have a fulfilling life if you just do what you love - is nothing new and can be heard in your local college's career counseling office. Oh, but be prepared for the road to be rocky along the way. Heard that one before?
This is by a director who made his living making commercials - it shows in his visual style. He has some talent in this area, but he should have left the writing to someone else.
This is by a director who made his living making commercials - it shows in his visual style. He has some talent in this area, but he should have left the writing to someone else.
The Swell Season
(2011)
If you have a keen interest in the personal lives of the stars of "Once"
3 November 2011
Warning: Spoilers
then you may be interested in seeing this. I had not seen "Once" and went to see this on a whim. It was a one-night-only engagement, and now I know why - it doesn't have the legs to sustain interest among a general audience. The only viewers who could possibly be interested in this are those who saw the film "Once". If you have not seen that, you'd best not bother seeing this. It is like watching the second half of a film when you have missed the first part. Nothing shown here made me care about either of the characters, both of whom I found self-absorbed.
More surprising was the utter lack of significant talent exhibited by Glen Hansard. He was mostly shown screaming out tuneless ditties while furiously strumming his guitar like a maniac. What the heck is that about? The film seemed to mostly focus on him and his story, while Marketa's story and performances were secondary. A mistake, since she at least appears to be able to write a listenable tune.
More surprising was the utter lack of significant talent exhibited by Glen Hansard. He was mostly shown screaming out tuneless ditties while furiously strumming his guitar like a maniac. What the heck is that about? The film seemed to mostly focus on him and his story, while Marketa's story and performances were secondary. A mistake, since she at least appears to be able to write a listenable tune.
A man who changed the course of American history
1 May 2010
This documentary is a must-see for anyone interested in American history. The most important reason to see it is that it illustrates the cozy nature of press-government relations in the 1960s, and how that relationship changed radically, albeit slowly, as a result of Daniel Ellsberg's leak of the Pentagon Papers to the New York Times.
The Pentagon Papers were top secret documents that detailed the real reasons for America's entry into the Vietnam War. They clearly showed that presidents Kennedy and Johnson had lied to the American public and flouted international law in sending troops to Southeast Asia. What was revolutionary was the mainstream press's eventual willingness to publish the classified documents. This had never been done before in America. The story as told in this film is as riveting as any spy caper, and shows how individual acts of courage on the part of several people were crucial to the success of Ellsberg's efforts to reveal the truth.
There is also some black humor in the film, where President Nixon reveals his vengeful anger against Ellsberg on excerpts from his famous tapes. It is no exaggeration to say that Ellsberg almost single-handedly set in motion the events that would bring down the Nixon presidency and end America's involvement in Vietnam.
The Pentagon Papers were top secret documents that detailed the real reasons for America's entry into the Vietnam War. They clearly showed that presidents Kennedy and Johnson had lied to the American public and flouted international law in sending troops to Southeast Asia. What was revolutionary was the mainstream press's eventual willingness to publish the classified documents. This had never been done before in America. The story as told in this film is as riveting as any spy caper, and shows how individual acts of courage on the part of several people were crucial to the success of Ellsberg's efforts to reveal the truth.
There is also some black humor in the film, where President Nixon reveals his vengeful anger against Ellsberg on excerpts from his famous tapes. It is no exaggeration to say that Ellsberg almost single-handedly set in motion the events that would bring down the Nixon presidency and end America's involvement in Vietnam.
Hamlet 2
(2008)
A few funny moments, but disappointing and pointless overall
8 September 2008
Steve Coogan plays his part as if the whole picture depends on him, and given the lousy script, it pretty much does. He does his best as a solipsistic actor who is devoted more to Hollywood stars and movies than to theatre, despite what he tells his drama students. That is pretty much it for the funny stuff. David Arquette and Catherine Keener, who play his boarder and his wife, have nothing to do with the rest of the movie, and their parts should have been written out of the script. And why did they set the movie in Tucson when it was actually filmed in New Mexico? Evidently, one of the scriptwriters has a beef with Tucson, because it is subjected to some casual and unfounded dissing more than a few times, none of them in the least bit funny.
I ended up not caring about any of the characters, because all of them are one-dimensional. If this is supposed to be a satire, what is it satirizing? The fact that many actors are insecure, shallow creatures with delusions of grandeur? What else is new?
I ended up not caring about any of the characters, because all of them are one-dimensional. If this is supposed to be a satire, what is it satirizing? The fact that many actors are insecure, shallow creatures with delusions of grandeur? What else is new?
Interesting time capsule
26 May 2008
This documentary does a decent job in 90 minutes of outlining the birth and history of Playboy, as seen through the eyes of Hugh Hefner, through the end of the '80s. To its credit, the makers avoid hagiography in giving plenty of attention to Playboy's critics and their arguments. Hef acquits himself well in his responses to their criticism. One comes away thinking that he was a great man, at least in the '50s and '60s, fighting for freedom of expression and against the forces of intolerance and puritanism. When mainstream semi-acceptance came in the '70s, so also came the most serious problems, which are given their due here.
The nudity displayed here is pretty tame, and there isn't much. And aside from one "f-word", there is no objectionable language. It's testament to the still-strong streak of puritanism in our culture that this movie is rated "R". It really should be "PG-13".
If you care about postwar cultural history in the U.S., this documentary is definitely worth a look. Playboy's influence has been of major historic significance, and our culture is still dealing with its impact.
The nudity displayed here is pretty tame, and there isn't much. And aside from one "f-word", there is no objectionable language. It's testament to the still-strong streak of puritanism in our culture that this movie is rated "R". It really should be "PG-13".
If you care about postwar cultural history in the U.S., this documentary is definitely worth a look. Playboy's influence has been of major historic significance, and our culture is still dealing with its impact.
Mrs. Henderson Presents
(2005)
Plucky comedy-drama with great musical numbers
18 January 2006
Judi Dench commands the screen as Mrs. Henderson, a sheltered but freethinking wealthy widow who buys an old theater. With the help of mercurial impresario Vivian Van Damm, played by Bob Hoskins, she eventually hits on a winning formula of musical revues with nude women in artistic poses.
Although most of the supporting characters are two-dimensional and used perfunctorily, this movie is highly enjoyable thanks to the splendid musical numbers and the indomitable Judi's performance, not to mention the gorgeous naked women.
The nudity is tastefully filmed (except for a brief full-monty shot of Bob Hoskins - ugh!), and there is no reason why this feature of the film should have gotten it an "R" rating in the U.S. Still, sadly, to many American minds, nudity in movies = sleaze. The ladies in this film are treated with respect and affection - as if it were just another way of making a living; an admirable attitude.
Fans of '30s music should see this by all means; several upbeat numbers will have your toes tapping and make your "heart beat the faster" (to quote Jerome Kern).
A snappy, if sometimes too-hurried pace, will keep your attention throughout. In terms of the energy level, it reminds me, oddly enough of those all-star propaganda musicals made in the '40s to boost morale during the war.
Although most of the supporting characters are two-dimensional and used perfunctorily, this movie is highly enjoyable thanks to the splendid musical numbers and the indomitable Judi's performance, not to mention the gorgeous naked women.
The nudity is tastefully filmed (except for a brief full-monty shot of Bob Hoskins - ugh!), and there is no reason why this feature of the film should have gotten it an "R" rating in the U.S. Still, sadly, to many American minds, nudity in movies = sleaze. The ladies in this film are treated with respect and affection - as if it were just another way of making a living; an admirable attitude.
Fans of '30s music should see this by all means; several upbeat numbers will have your toes tapping and make your "heart beat the faster" (to quote Jerome Kern).
A snappy, if sometimes too-hurried pace, will keep your attention throughout. In terms of the energy level, it reminds me, oddly enough of those all-star propaganda musicals made in the '40s to boost morale during the war.
The Magic of Lassie
(1978)
The songs are wonderful, as are Jimmy Stewart and Mickey Rooney
18 July 2005
If you love catchy, melodic songs (a couple of which could have been hits!), you will love this movie. The endearing performances of Jimmy Stewart and Mickey Rooney, both of whom sing, also make this a must-see for their fans.
The story and script is just OK otherwise, standard boy-and-his-dog adventure.
It's a shame that the soundtrack album has not been released on CD. I bought the LP on a whim, having not seen the film, and was struck by the high quality of the songwriting and performances. Highlights are "When You're Loved", sung by Debby Boone, which should have been a hit, "That Hometown Feeling" sung by Stewart (quite well for a non-singer), "Travelin' Music" sung by Rooney, and "Banjo Song" by the Mike Curb Congregation in one of their last recorded appearances.
The story and script is just OK otherwise, standard boy-and-his-dog adventure.
It's a shame that the soundtrack album has not been released on CD. I bought the LP on a whim, having not seen the film, and was struck by the high quality of the songwriting and performances. Highlights are "When You're Loved", sung by Debby Boone, which should have been a hit, "That Hometown Feeling" sung by Stewart (quite well for a non-singer), "Travelin' Music" sung by Rooney, and "Banjo Song" by the Mike Curb Congregation in one of their last recorded appearances.
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