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Reviews
The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City (2020)
Great Storylines with New Themes
In any RH franchise there will be some good drama, but RHOSLC brings unique a backdrop of snowy mountains, religious elements and the most diverse cast of any RH show. Jen Shaw, Lisa Barlow, Meredith Marks, Mary Cosby, Heather Gay and Whitney Rose are each fascinating women on their own. From open to credits I watch every week.
American Honey (2016)
Naturalism At Its Finest
There is an abundance of lyricism in the road drama, 'American Honey.' Realistic, full depictions of the poor are rare, but when they are realized those depictions are often quite idyllic in that there is tremendous social and sexual freedom in the lowest socioeconomic classes. As with any other group, in Hollywood there are stereotypes of the poor, and many of them are inaccurate. What 'American Honey' does well is it gives incredible nuance and humanity to some marginalized teenagers and young adults. The actors (especially newcomer Sasha Lane) do some incredible work of filling out their characters with an authenticity and vulnerability that is not easily achieved. In achieving this naturalism, perhaps it is no accident that many of the actors were new or virtually new to the screen. With its frequent hand-held shots the film often feels more like a narrator-less documentary. 'Honey' captures the ways those who live in poverty often struggle to make decisions with long'term - or even mid-term - consequences in mind, often moving from responding to one crisis or adventure to another. Yet they are still often able to enjoy the here-and-now and are more quickly able accept marginalized others (racial, sexual minorities, mental health challenges) in ways that their more well-to-do counterparts are unable under the burdens of distraction and social mores. Few TV series or films that I have seen capture the emotional and social realities of poor communities well (the early seasons on the American version of 'Shameless' is another). British director Andrea Arnold illuminates the plight of the American poor without preachiness or sentimentalism. Yet her (and cinemaphotographer Robbie Ryan's) depictions of ventured gestures of affection and connection amidst prosaic tragedies and daily injustices are as beautiful as the shots of the American natural landscape the film contains. Kudos to Andrea Arnold for a non-Hollywood ending, an unhurried pace and uncomplicated weave to a film that deserves every honor it has received.
Khali the Killer (2017)
Western meets roller-coaster Crime Drama
The opening scene of the film sets expectations for savage brutality at any moment. And with that tension Jon Matthews is able to insert cathartic, playful humor to great effect. The score, which channels American Westerns, is a surprisingly perfect fit for this unconventional crime drama set in LA.
Richard Cabral fills his role so completely and convincingly that it came as no surprise to learn that Cabral has roots in gang culture. The only thing not believable is that his character doesn't speak much Spanish, because he has the pronunciation of a native speaker. But his powers of sensibility and fearlessness create so much emotional authenticity that it's often easy to forget you're watching a work of fiction. A strong supporting cast and unexpectedly subtle cinematography results in some stunning storytelling for a highly relevant story.