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Where to Invade Next (2015)
Wake up USA and Canada!
Another excellent film by Michael Moore.
The footage from the school cafeteria in France was just embarrassing. The muck fed to children in Canada - by both schools AND many halfwit substandard parents - is disgusting :(
Over-sweetened, unhealthy food is not a good investment...our shortsighted authorities prefer corporate profits now, which only leads to expensive medical care later.
As the French chef remarks looking at photos of north American school lunches: "that is not food...your poor children".
As for sitting in a civilized manner during meals...NOT the norm in this backward society.
The social attitudes & policies in all the countries profiled in this film are not only sophisticated but also sensible, and explain why the citizens in those countries are so much smarter than here.
Wake up USA and Canada! ... Rampant greed & individualism, not giving a F*** about your fellow citizens , i.e. the so-called 'american dream' is getting us nowhere.
Playing nice with others results in MORE wealth and happiness, not less. (Duh!)
A Touch of Frost (1992)
Disappointing end to A Touch of Frost
What were the producers thinking concluding this magnificent series with an insipid American-style 'happy ending'! The Frost character and series deserved better.
The decision not to use the 'alternate' end in which Inspector Frost dies makes no sense because the final episode storyline set the audience up for a tragic end: - As a longtime viewer I was rooting for Frost to finally find that special someone, but given Frost's lifelong bad luck with women I was also prepared for his relationship with lovely Phyllis Logan to once again be 'too good to be true'; - Inspector Mullet finally publicly acknowledges and honours Frost's extraordinary ability and dedication; - Frost's statement "I'm happy" immediately prior to the collision.
The namby-pamby happy end deprived loyal Frost viewers of an emotionally-satisfying conclusion - a tragic end would be disturbing and emotionally complex as was the entire Touch of Frost series. The poignant gesture of Frost's hat placed on his coffin is a superb visual summation.
Ending the series with Frost's death would be artistically powerful for David Jason and the audience, and in-line with the story arc of the series.
The Bridge (2006)
an artistic, compelling film
The Bridge was disturbing to watch but intriguing and emotional. The geographical setting is beautiful and the Golden Gate Bridge a work of art. The cinematography captures GG Bridge as an integral part of life in San Fransisco. Despite GGB being the most-chosen place in the U.S. for people to end their lives, while viewing this film I never lost sight of the character of GGB as a place where people enjoy life - boating, windsurfing, taking pictures etc. Watching the crowds on the bridge I found it impossible to discern in advance the lonely souls who would jump off. What a shock to witness this act; suicide is impossible to fathom even when one sees it happen.
Interviews of friends and family left behind are respectful, not motivated by blame or political message; the filmmaker just lets them talk freely about their experience.
The Bridge exposes the inadequate treatment available for those who want to die and how threatened friends and family are by their state of mind.
Powerful ending. I watched it several times over. The haunting melodic soundtrack is perfect match for the subject. The Bridge is an artistic, compelling film.
Mamma Mia! (2008)
Disappointing rendition
I had the privilege of seeing the original North American cast - who premiered in Toronto and went on to Broadway - perform Mama Mia on stage. Sadly the movie does not compare.
Scenery is pretty but the cast are all abysmally bad singers. The "stagey" dance routines and exaggerated gestures are fun in the play but look ludicrous on screen.
Other major problem: The cast is too old! Skarsgård, Brosnan, Walters and Baranski are age 55 to 59. The story was written for actors approximately 40, not almost-60. The guys look like Grandads, not hip Dads of a young bride-to-be.
Meryl Streep is 59 - not believable she would be the mother of a 20-year old.
As always Streep's bad overacting is a distraction.
I have a good sense of humour but the incredibly cheesy sight-gag involving hippie wigs was pathetic. An unnecessary indignity to the actor.
All in all I did not buy in but MM is worth 4 for the lovely Mediterranean scenery and of course good old Abba songs - after all these years they still sound great. How could anyone resist singing along!