Movies Extravaganza 19: WONKA, THE COLOR PURPLE, LEO, THE IRON CLAW, SALTBURN, THE ZONE OF INTEREST …

ORIGINALLY POSTED DECEMBER 10, 2023

WONKA| Warner Bros Pictures  | Writer/Director Paul King 
Co-Writer Simon Farnaby

In his Paddington movies, Paul King folded animation and live action together into delightful all-ages adventures, selling a message of community and acceptance with spry wit and disarming sweetness, not to mention Ben Whishaw’s impeccable voice work, imbuing the gentle ursine protagonist with genuine heart. Depending on your appetite for sugary excess, you might embrace the director’s Wonka as more of the same. Or you might find the qualities that distinguished his previous hits get steamrolled here by strained whimsy, an aggressive charm that wears you down rather than lifts you up… READ MORE David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter

The obvious (prequel) route would have been to recount how Willy built his factory and persuaded the Oompa-Loompas to staff it, but King and Farnaby have veered off in a direction all of their own. In their hands, Wonka is the tale of how the starry-eyed young Willy (Timothée Chalamet) tries to set up a chocolate shop in a fictional city (sort of British, sort of American, sort of mainland European) in a fictional time period (sort of Victorian, sort of mid-20th Century). But his efforts are opposed by Slugworth (Paterson Joseph), Prodnose (Matt Lucas) and Fickelgruber (Mathew Baynton), the three businessmen mentioned in Dahl’s novel as the rival sweet-makers who stole Wonka’s recipes… these three slimy snobs bribe a chocoholic police chief (Keegan-Michael Key in a fat suit) to kick the interloper out of town… But that’s not all. A remarkable percentage of the running time is taken up by Willy being forced to work in a launderette by two Dickensian grotesques played by Tom Davis and Olivia Colman… There are also subplots in which Willy has to learn to read, borrow a giraffe from a zoo, find the parents of his streetwise sidekick Noodles (Calah Lane), and break into the villains’ lair, which happens to be directly beneath a cathedral… READ MORE Nicholas Barber, BBC.com

THE COLOR PURPLE| Warner Bros Pictures | Director Blitz Bazawule
Screenplay Marcus Gardley | Based on Alice Walker’s Novel

The Cast:  Phylicia Pearl Mpasi as young Cielie, Fantasia Barrino as Celie, Danielle Brooks (Orange Is the New Black) as Sofia, Taraji P. Henson (Hidden Figures) as Shug Avery, Corey Hawkins (Straight Outta Compton) as Harpo, Colman Domingo (Euphoria) as Mister, H.E.R. as Squeak and Halle Bailey (The Little Mermaid) as Young Nettie.

It’s a testament to the enduring impact of Alice Walker’s 1982 novel “The Color Purple” that there have been multiple adaptations on both stage and screen. Steven Spielberg’s 1985 theatrical version was a stunningly apt translation of a decades-long tale of a bond that held firm against the interminable storm that billowed all through the lives of two sisters in early 1900s America… By 2005, a stage adaptation began production, and with a host of original show tunes worked into the plot, it was a massive hit on Broadway. Now, a theatrical musical version of this story where Director Blitz Bazawule (Black is King) melds the best parts of this timeless story’s theatrical and stage adaptations… READ MORE by Boluwatife Adesina, thewilldowntown.com

What did I (LeAnne) think?  4.5 outta 5 – I’ve never read Alice Walker’s novel; have never gotten a chance to see the Broadway version of The Color Purple; I’ve only watched the Steven Spielberg directed version once, and not until the late 90’s.  So I am far from an authority on this long-standing work. I know when the movie came out in 1985, I wanted nothing to do with sad, downtrodden, black women of the south.  I didn’t really even know what the story was about, but it sounded super depressing to me.  Back then I was steeped in the glamorous white women of the early days of Hollywood – Ingrid Bergman in “Indiscreet”,  Myrna Loy in “The Thin Man”, Ann-Margaret in “Bye Bye Birdie” etc…  Yes, I was a fan of Oprah and Whoopi, but I didn’t wanna see them as these characters. And kinda still don’t. But you add singing and dancing and suddenly I’m onboard.  The hard topics of abuse, incest, racism, longing, separation are all still in there, but Taraji P. Henson in a fantastic red dress making an entrance on a boat in the fog, Fantasia’s glorious vocals and Danielle Brooks spot on line delivery, takes just enough of the sting out of things for it to go down a little easier.  And of course, I have watched far more depressing movies during these last few years as a member of The Philadelphia Film Critics Circle, so I’m not as adverse to hard topics as I was as a girl in the 80’s.

What I did note in watching this adaptation, is the signs of true faith. I understand the book has Celie writing letters to God, that’s not present here, but it shows in the character of Celie, she’s so accepting and caring of others despite all the abuse heaped upon her. She’s the first person to reach out and lend a hand, a kind word and nary a complaint. Now, she’s also a little backwards, but more so, she illustrates the story of Job told in the Bible, and is ultimately rewarded similarly.

LEO| Netflix | Directors Robert Marianetti, Robert Smigel, David Wachtenheim | Writers Robert Smigel, Adam Sandler, Paul Sado

Leo (Adam Sandler), a grumpy 74-year-old lizard, lives as a fifth-grade class pet alongside an equally pessimistic tank-mate Squirtle (Bill Burr) at a Fort Myers Elementary School. At the top of the new school year, with a new slew of anxious students, the teacher, Mrs. Salinas (Allison Strong), takes maternity leave, leaving her duties to a strict substitute, Ms. Malkin (Cecily Strong). But before Malkin takes over the class, Leo learns that lizards live to be 75 years old, and he’s in his final year. With a life solely spent in captivity, Leo plans to break out and live in the Everglades. Malkin assigns the kids to take care of Leo for a weekend. On one getaway attempt, he inadvertently breaks animal code number one: talking. His voice impresses the kids, and he finds himself in a newfound role as a guidance counselor.  Leo reunites Sandler with his old SNL writer pal, Robert Smigel, who penned You Don’t Mess with the Zohan and Hotel Transylvania 2. Suppose any of their repertoire’s wry, sarcastic, comical, grumpy humor is familiar to you. In that case, their witty observational jokes play into Leo‘s strength and charm. READ MORE by Rendy Jones, rendyreviews.com

But the biggest pillar of support for why Leo is a fun watch, unsurprisingly, is its assortment of jokes that work with varying degrees of effectiveness. The running gag of its portrayal of kindergarteners is the best example. Adding to that is a healthy dose of pop-culture references; from Leo being thrown onto a table filled with Lego buildings making him look like Godzilla terrorising a town, to his actual name being Leonardo, but him preferring Leo because it’s “less ninja turtle-y”. Speaking of turtles, Squirtle the turtle is a not-so-subtle Pokemon reference! With a few adult jokes to charm the elders, Leo is a surprisingly sweet, feel-good film overall; here’s to hoping the Sandler streak continues. READ MORE by Gopinath Rajendran, thehindu.com

What Did I (LeAnne) Think? 4 outta 5 – With the exception of The Wedding Singer, prior to Uncut Gems, I thought Adam Sandler was very overrated. But he has really seasoned with age, he can now appeal to a much wider audience.  I also get a kick out of those Sandler Netflix Mystery movies with Jennifer Aniston.  And now he gets major props from me for LEO!  I found this to be absolutely charming, and highly amusing.  The advice Leo doles out to these adolescents is pure gold, and you really become invested in each of the kids and their emotional life.  It’s too bad this movie really didn’t get much attention. I prefer it 1000x over that weird-ass The Boy and the Heron foolishness.

THE IRON CLAW| A24 | Writer/Director Sean Durkin

Back in the 2000s, this writer had a best friend. In 2006, his brother died unexpectedly. A year later, the other brother (my best friend) also died. Two brothers went within a year and a half. Easily one of the most devastating experiences. And as much pain as this writer felt, the emotion the parents felt… It’s just unfathomable.

Because of these events, upon first watch, this reviewer was not ready to accept what The Iron Claw had to offer. The Von Erichs have a story as unbelievably tragic as the one outlined above. But the Von Erichs remain legends not because of the tragic tale, but because of the brotherly love they brought to the stage. And The Iron Claw powerfully honors their legacy… READ MORE by John Dotson, thecosmiccircus.com

The cast is strong but no one will get more notice (rightfully) than Zac Efron. Following in the footsteps of numerous great performers who completely transform their physique to meet the needs of a role, Efron has bulked up to enormous proportions to believably play Kevin. On acting merits alone, Efron’s portrayal is strong enough to generate Oscar buzz but, whether or not he is nominated, this part illustrates his range better than any previous opportunity. He has come a long way from the teen heartthrob period engendered by his appearance in High School Musical and its sequels… READ MORE by James Berardinelli, Reelviews.com

What Did I (LeAnne) Think? 3.75 outta 5 – Wrestling was big in the late 80’s early 90’s. Hulk Hogan was everywhere and so was The Rock and I even kinda remember Rick Flair, who, played by Aaron Dean Eisenberg, has a comical cameo in this movie. But I have no recollection of the Von Erich brothers at all. Nothing, not the hairstyles, their father,the Claw, the tragedies, Nada. Shortly before screening the movie, I heard something about the family being cursed, but no details, so I was thrown every time, as one by one, each brother just stepped out of the ring of life. The only time something like this happens is during war time when brothers all get drafted or enlist in the military. This was more like the grim reaper moved in with this family. The movie features 5 brothers 4 wrestlers and 1 brother who didn’t make it to adulthood, but in real-life there were 6 brothers, the movie leaves out the youngest brother Chris, who was actually the first to commit suicide. The movie also omits Lance Von Erich, who was a phony brother they brought in after David’s death to kinda round things out and then according to the documentary, they deeply regretted this decision and tried to sweep the whole thing under the ropes.

You’d think The Iron Claw would be a movie just too sad to watch, but surprisingly, it’s quite lighthearted in many scenes, particularly the romance between Kevin (Efron) and his Type-A girlfriend, Pam (Lily James) and the brotherly bonds of friendship feel authentic. I saw an interview with Efron, Jeremy Allen White and Harris Dickinson and you can tell these guys got, maybe not as close as the real-life brothers, but very tight during the making of this film; which is a darn good family drama/biopic, and cracked my Top 20 List. It probably should be a Best Picture nominee instead of The Holdovers.

SALTBURN| MGM Studios/Amazon | Writer/Director Emerald Fennell

What Did I (LeAnne) Think? 4 outta 5 – SPOILER ALERT! Decided to watch this a second time. I wanted to see if there were any signs in the beginning of the movie to indicate Oliver (Barry Keoghan) being the murdering sociopath he reveals himself to be in the end. There isn’t any verbal or visual cues to make you perhaps question him in anyway. I’m sure Fennell did this intentionally to create the “shocking” twist, but I feel it’s a cheat. She just changes the character to create a sensational and campy ending out of what had been a sincere and very agreeable story.

Perhaps the issue for me is that I didn’t have a problem with the eccentricities, extravagances, and old world titled-ness of the Catton family living well at the Illustrious Saltburn estate. If we’re supposed to hate them in a way that we don’t care their family line is destroyed, than don’t cast devastatingly appealing Jacob Elordi, or unexpectedly hilarious Rosamund Pike, Richard E. Grant is a little more toned down, but I love his excitement at wearing his suit of armor for the birthday party. Venetia (Alison Oliver) is like every angst-ridden young woman, she’d have the same issues if she were dirt poor. Farleigh (Archie Madekwe) is a Dick and deserved to have that Sotheby’s trick played on him, but glad he escapes with his life, if not his inheritance.

When we get to the drinking the bathwater scene, we raise the stakes in a good way, as up until this point, we didn’t know there’s a bit of freak in Olly, this is a good turn. A liar, okay, but murderer, nope, it’s a stretch.

I saw a film at Sundance with shades of “Saltburn” called “Brief History of a Family” (China) only this one does the opposite and leaves the motives of the protagonist too vague.

I still gave “Saltburn” 4 stars because the shot list, coloring, The Estate, set decorating, Cinematographer, Linus Sandgren and all the filmmaking choices are Oscar winning caliber. If she didn’t “jump the shark”, I believe it would have been a Best Picture Nominee.

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… Fennell won’t be drawn on questions relating to the nuances of racism, sexism, and classism in the film. To her mind, any political critique encoded within the film is ultimately secondary to its central preoccupation… READ MORE by Hayley Maitland, VOGUE

ZONE OF INTEREST|  A24 | Writer/Director Jonathan Glazer

The Zone of Interest, Jonathan Glazer’s first film in 10 years, is ostensibly based on a book: Martin Amis’s stomach-churning 2014 novel of the same name. But understanding the movie’s formal and thematic genius requires looking at it differently: as a sidelong horror-film adaptation of Hannah Arendt’s 1963 Eichmann in Jerusalem, one that goes way beyond that book’s well-worn idea of the “banality of evil.” That phrase, lifted from Eichmann’s subtitle, furnishes most people’s entire Arendt knowledge base: the idea that evil presents itself not as a devil with horns and a pitchfork, but in seemingly egoless, “mediocre” men like Adolf Eichmann, architect of the Final Solution, who carry out unspeakable atrocities… READ MORE by Alissa Wilkinson, vox.com

That nauseated feeling in the pit of your stomach as you watch The Zone of Interest is, it’s fair to assume, intentional, as the film nonchalantly moves through the busy daily lives of a soldier and his homemaker wife, all while we know exactly who these people are and what’s going on outside the high stone walls of their disturbingly idyllic compound. Hedwig spends her days overseeing the house staff, caring for the children and prepping for her mother’s visit; she’s built up an enviable garden next to the house, with vegetables and flowers of all sorts, spaces to sit and enjoy the (fresh?) air, and even a small pool at the center for the kids to splash in… READ MORE by Lisa, somebodysmiracle.com

What Did I (LeAnne) Think? 3.5 outta 5 – I mean I get it. The Concentration Camps are just over the wall of this family’s compound.  The wife (Sandra Hüller) is ambitious for her husband (Christian Friedel) as if he were just climbing the corporate ladder instead of a Nazi in the Third Reich. The kids are enjoying their summer vacation, everything on the surface looks like a typical upper class family enjoying the spoils of their lives.  All except for the wife’s mother who comes to visit but leaves abruptly, she leaves a note we don’t get to see, you assume she can’t stomach the hypocrisy. And the daughter, she seems to be leaving food at night on the other side of the wall, but all of this is very vague.  The fact that people can know other people are suffering right under their noses and carry on as if it’s not at all stressful, dark and horrid, is the point being made. And it’s made effectively in a clean, pleasing environment. Yet intentionally flat & stark production design by Chris Oddy. It’s impossible not to equate this film with what’s going on in Palestine. Which makes it all the more relevant. Still, I gotta admit to being quite bored through a lot of scenes, and then because my mind would wonder, I’d miss moments and be a little lost.