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Flash Movie Review: Eleanor the Great
EARLIER IN MY LIFE, I HAD two relatives of my generation pass away. I was close with both. Some of my earliest memories involve each of them; one was my best friend who I got to see most weekends. If I was not sleeping over at his house, then he was over at ours. I cannot tell you how many adventures we went on, from building forts to running through water sprinklers, to playing games, to hanging out at the neighborhood amusement parks. The other relative was into music at an early age, so we would get together and always play records on her portable record player that was always perched on top of the bookcase in her bedroom. I had a carrying case that held 45’s, those small vinyl records that had one song on each side. My love of Motown music started with a couple of records she had in her possession. Once they started to play on her record player, I quickly knew I had to have my own copies. As we grew up, we did not see each other as often due to school with its homework and its extra outside activities. However, any time I would get together with them, it was like time had not passed us one second. Because we knew each other since our births, we could easily communicate without speaking. I am the lone person who carries our shared history. IN MY EXPERIENCES, THE HISTORY ONE shares with a relative usually consists of only a portion of your entire history. The kind I shared with my closest circle of friends for the most part was different; though, I prefer saying it showed a different aspect of my life. My two longest friendships began in elementary school. With these individuals, I have a wealth of knowledge and shared experiences with each one. Being the same age, we had many classes together in school, giving us the added opportunity of being together after school to do our homework. Most times, each of us was experiencing the same emotions without having to be together to witness them. The nervousness of midterm testing, the strenuous physical testing we each had the beginning of the year in our gym classes, even the classroom competitions to sell candy bars or taffy apples for charity; so much history was packed in while we grew up. Through the decades I have remained close to each of them, and cannot imagine my life without them. Of course, when one is a realist they know there will come a time when one has reached the end of their life’s journey. I try not to think about it; I do not know how I would be if one of them were to go before me. The loss would be unbearable, and even knowing that, I do not see myself handling it like the main character did in this war drama. WITH THE LOSS OF HER CLOSEST and dearest friend, an elderly woman decided to pickup and move to New York City to be closer to her family. Trying to navigate her new surroundings, she finds herself in a self help group where her stories have an effect on the participants. With June Squibb (Thelma, The Humans) as Eleanor, Erin Kellyman (Solo: A Star Wars Story, Woken) as Nina, Chiwetel Ejiofer (The Life of Chuck, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy) as Roger, Jessica Hecht (Dan in Real Life, The Atlantic City Story) as Lisa, and Rita Zohar (Final Analysis, Mrs. Moskowitz and the Cats) as Bessie; this film was the directorial debut of Scarlett Johansson. She did an okay job. With the different emotions in play, I felt she could have gotten more depth and story out of the characters. Also, she was extremely lucky to have June Squibb playing the lead because she was outstanding. With her wide range of emotions, she made every scene she was in stand out. If she had not been in this picture, I think my mind would have wandered off more than it did. With such an interesting story, there was a wealth of information that could have been dug out of the characters that would have made a stronger impact on the viewers.
2 1/2 stars
Flash Movie Review: Thelma
THOSE WHO KNOW ME WELL, KNOW I will not open any links they send me via text or email unless they have specifically called me to say they were sending it to me. Some may think my fear borders on paranoia, but I do not care. I have this inherent mistrust of electronics, specifically computers, which makes me overly cautious whenever I must use an electronic device. Not so much the phone unless I am forced to use it for some type of confirmation or step to complete a business transaction. Though I get made fun of, I do not have an ATM card, nor do I do any type of online banking. If I know I am going to be on an extended vacation during the time I know I am to receive a charge card statement or some other type of bill, I double pay the previous month’s bill so there will be enough of a credit balance on my account to cover the following month’s bill. This minor trouble is worth it to me for the price of not paying things online. When I must make an online purchase, I have one dedicated charge card with a small credit limit that I use. That same card I take traveling with me after calling the issuing bank to let them know where I will be. You may think I am too extreme; I simply feel I am protecting myself. THE CLOSEST I CAME TO MAKING an error of judgment and allowing a fraud to unfold was when I received an email from my bank, questioning me about some unusual activity they discovered on my account. The email instructed me to log in, which I did without thinking. When I set up the account, it was because the bank needed my email address to send me documents to approve. So, I created it but did nothing about tying my account to any banking information. As I typed my email address, I was wondering what kind of activity it would be since there was no trail in place to touch my checking and savings accounts. Suddenly, I became aware that this email had to be a scam; so, instead of continuing to enter my personal information, I called the bank to ask them about the activity on my account. They confirmed everything was normal and they had not sent me any type of alert. I was relieved and grateful I did not cause a fraud to occur. However, I know friends and family of mine were not so lucky; their stories are so sad. One of them had a similar experience to the one depicted here in this action comedy, film festival winner. FINALLY REALIZING SHE WAS THE VICTIM of a scam; an elderly grandmother vows to get revenge and justice. With June Squibb (Nebraska, About Schmidt) as Thelma, Fred Hechinger (New of the World, the Woman in the Window) as Daniel, Richard Roundtree (Shaft, Moving On) as Ben, Parker Posey (Dazed and Confused, Lost in Space-TV) as Gail and Clark Gregg (Moxie, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.-TV) as Alan; this movie inspired by true events was a real treat. The whole cast had so much fun, led by the amazing June and Richard with their performances. I thought the script created a simple fun viewing experience. There were a few predictable scenes but overall, the amount of enjoyment watching this cast was worth the admission price. I laughed aloud a few times and sure the idea may have been far-fetched, but I think because of that it works in this film’s favor. And I must make special mention that June is 94 years old and seeing her in some of the predicaments the writers put her through made this viewing experience even better. I appreciated watching, for a change, a good old-fashioned comedy that was not too filling, but had the right mix of comedy and thrills with a few jabs of pre-conceived notions of what old people do. There was an extra scene during the ending credits.
3 ¼ stars
Flash Movie Review: Table 19
THOUGH I try to avoid using the word “should,” in this case I think it is appropriate. One should not get offended by which table they are assigned to at a celebratory function, such as a wedding or bar mitzvah. Whether you believe it or not there is a ranking system, just like there is one for the seating arrangement at the Oscar awards. I am not including company functions here since most of the ones I have attended did not have assigned tables. It makes sense to me to place those people that may have a task to perform closer to the staging area of a room. For example the siblings of the bride and groom would be seated near the newlyweds so they would have easy access to give their speeches. Grandparents are always placed close by out of respect or maybe just to keep an eye on them for whatever reason. Those in the wedding party also would be seated somewhere near the newlyweds since those individuals I would assume are part of the couples’ inner circle of close friends and relatives. I see it as a ranking system in general, plus I can see the logic in it. THERE is a running joke in my family about the table that is closest to the kitchen. I freely admit, at least within my family structure, those seated at that particular table tend to be individuals who do not fit in at the other tables. No one in that group is going to perform any function like a toast or speech; there may be a pair of single people placed there, especially if the bride and/or groom is trying to fix up a relative or friend; and it is not uncommon to place a person there who shares only a past history with the celebrating families, having been invited out of respect. As long as the food is good it really doesn’t matter where I sit, though the guests at the last table in this dramatic comedy would have been a bit of a challenge for me. GOING from being the maid of honor to simply a guest when the best man dumped her Eloise, played by Anna Kendrick (The Accountant, The Hollars) found herself seated at the dreaded last table at the wedding. She was not the only one at the table. The idea for this story was something I could easily relate to and felt almost anyone else would find something in common with it. With Lisa Kudrow (Easy A, Friends-TV) as Bina Kepp, Craig Robinson (This is the End, Pineapple Express) as Jerry Kepp and June Squibb (Nebraska, Scent of a Woman) as Jo Flanagan; I liked the variety of the cast and each of their back stories. As for the script it provided plenty of chances for most viewers to connect to something familiar in their own lives. The issue I had was the script was too basic; it was too easy to see the jokes coming, the acting was partially uneven due to the dialog and none of the scenes were pushed to a farther place to add some intensity to the story. I felt as if everything was on one emotional level which led to boredom. The script really needed to be punched up to make this picture stand out from other movies that had similar story lines. If you get an invitation to this film you might want to send back your regrets.
1 ¾ stars
Flash Movie Review: Love the Coopers
It was known as the fancy tablecloth but in actuality it was no different from any other one. The only difference was it only came out once a year for the holiday. The house would be filled all day with the warm smells of favorite foods being prepared in the kitchen. This was the only time where that cherry red gelatinous ring would make an appearance. It was created in a metal mold that had flowers etched in the bottom. Inside of it were pieces of various fruits that looked like they were captured and put into suspended animation. I have to tell you it was the weirdest looking thing on the dining room table. In spite of it this was my favorite holiday as we all came together to celebrate and eat. I do not think it started out as a tradition but people sort of fell into a set routine where each person would do the same thing every year. For example, the same person always brought this dessert made from an old family recipe that had to be doubled and tripled in size over time because everyone would fight over it. Another person would always make and bring sweet and sour meatballs that had a secret ingredient of grape jelly. All of these things fell into a tradition and became part of the holiday and part of our celebration. I of course being the most comfortable with routines appreciated that these things turned into our yearly tradition. Fortunately or unfortunately as the yearly guests became part of a couple they would bring new people into our traditions. Sometimes it worked and sometimes it did not. CHARLOTTE and Sam, played by Diane Keaton (The Godfather franchise, Annie Hall) and John Goodman (The Gambler, The Big Lebowski), wanted the family to all come together one last time for the holidays. Like any family, some would be coming with extra baggage. This comedy had an impressive cast of actors. Besides Diane and John there was Marisa Tomei (Spare Parts, The Lincoln Lawyer) as Emma and Ed Helms (We’re the Millers, The Hangover franchise) as Hank. With the few dramatic scenes in the movie the actors were easily able to pull them off. Sadly I would rather have had more such scenes because the majority of the story was so basic and idiotic I was bored to tears. I was stunned that these actors agreed to do something that was so poorly written. Diane’s role seemed identical to some of her recent previous ones; there was no difference between them. Not only did I not find anything funny, the entire audience around me must have felt the same since there was dead silence through the film. I only hope the studio does not want to start a tradition by doing a sequel. There was an extra scene during the credits.
1 3/4 stars
Flash Movie Review: I’ll See You in My Dreams
You see them with their heads bowed, peering down at the item in their hand. If you did not know better you would think everyone standing in the aisle was having a moment of silence. What they are looking for is the defining answer on whether they will purchase that particular item; it all depends on the expiration date. If the date is close or even past the day’s date, the food item is placed back on the shelf and the shopper looks for a fresh container. Thank heaven love doesn’t have an expiration date, though seeing some people’s reactions to an elderly couple being affectionate makes me wonder. If two people can find each other and form a long lasting love relationship then I say more power to them. I am not comfortable when I see anyone performing public displays of affection that go way over the top, where you want to tell them to go get a room. For those types of individuals I think they are doing it more for the people around them than the recipient of their affections. However, when I see a couple holding hands or one has their hand gently resting on the other person’s leg or back I think those two people have a comfortable connection. When I am in a relationship I enjoy resting my hand on the person’s arm or leg, especially at the movies because I can get an extra read on how they are reacting to the film. So why should it matter how old a person is if they can still find and enjoy being in love? CAROL Peterson, played by Blythe Danner (Meet the Parents franchise, The Lightkeepers), had been a widow for many years. Encouraged by her friends she attended a speed dating event. It only reaffirmed why she preferred to be alone all these years; but did she really prefer it? This comedic drama had everything working in its favor. Blythe was so good; she may get a nomination for best actress for this role. I cannot believe this was Blythe’s first starring role; she was in every scene and was wonderful. Joining her in this story were June Squibb (Nebraska, Scent of a Woman) as Georgiana, Rhea Perlman (Matilda, Cheers-TV) as Sally, Martin Starr (Knocked Up, Adventureland) as Lloyd and Sam Elliott (Tombstone, Draft Day) as Bill. The script was smartly written, allowing characters to grow in a real and organic way; I was quite taken by this movie. The script felt fresh and was not predictable. Whether you are young or old, I feel everyone could connect to this picture on some level. Love is a powerful force; it would be hard to resist it and this film.
3 1/2 stars
Flash Movie Review: Nebraska
It takes a person with a certain disposition who can enjoy living in a small town. They find comfort in knowing their neighbors, bumping into friends at the local supermarket, having their children attending the same school and living a simpler lifestyle than in a large metropolis. I am so not one of those individuals; in fact, I would probably get claustrophobic if I had to live in a small town. Being born and raised in a large city, I find comfort in the anonymity of being part of the masses. I do not know if it is due to how I was raised or to the hostile environment I experienced in high school, but for years I have always felt safer being invisible and not standing out. Now I will say I do not have a problem visiting small towns. There is something to be said for kicking back and going at a slower pace from time to time. If you can appreciate the attributes of small town living, you might get a quicker kick out of this dramatic adventure film. When mentally confused Woody Grant, played by Bruce Dern (Monster, Last Man Standing), received a notice stating he could be a million dollar sweepstakes winner, he was determined to make his way from Billings, Montana to Lincoln, Nebraska to pick up his winnings–even if he had to go on foot. With his youngest son David, played by Will Forte (The Watch, MacGruber), being the only family member to show compassion for his dad, they took off on a road trip that brought them some unexpected surprises. This beautiful black and white film directed by Alexander Payne (The Descendants, About Schmidt) unfolded like the sipping of a sweet tea on a lazy summer day. There were no big or thrilling moments per se; instead, scenes bloomed with satiric wit and touching realizations. The actor that stole ever scene she was in was June Squibb (Meet Joe Black, Scent of a Woman) as Woody’s wife Kate. She was a hoot with her take no prisoners persona. I found myself being drawn into this quirky story as it revealed more and more the realities of small town living. There were several scenes where I laughed out loud as the stellar acting carried us along for the ride. Though I still would not want to live in a tiny residential area, I would gladly go visit this family and sit down to a piece of homemade pie and some iced tea.
3 2/3 stars
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