ARGYLLE, THE GREATEST NIGHT IN POP, DRIVE-AWAY DOLLS, MADAME WEB, BOB MARLEY:ONE LOVE, PROBLEMISTA

ARGYLLE| Universal Pictures & Apple Original Films| Writer/Director Matthew Vaughn

I had a ball! Vaughn says it’s his ode to 1980s action thrillers like “Die Hard” and “Lethal Weapon”, but also “Romancing the Stone”. Elly Conway definitely has shades of Joan Wilder. Although, thankfully, they don’t steal as much from it as the Sandra Bullock/Channing Tatum vehicle “The Lost City” which never credited “Romancing the Stone” as the movie’s inspiration.

I read some pretty bad reviews, but I don’t agree with any of them. One critic complained that it’s PG-13 and that eliminated sex and blood and therefore ruins the movie, huh? Aren’t filmmakers allowed to make things their underage children can see? Vaughn said during COVID lock down he showed all these old 80’s movies to his daughter who asked how come you don’t see movies like these anymore? So he set out to do that, and I think he succeeded.

Another reviewer said the CGI looks like a College kid did it. I want someone to show me what constitutes bad CGI in this day and age, cause I never see it. The technology itself has gotten so good that I don’t know how people can spot the flaws for judgement.

Another reviewer said they’d rather see the move be how it began, a spy movie starring Henry Cavill and John Cena. Which was just a mental image of Elly’s books. That wouldn’t really have landed for me if those scenes were the real movie; that would feel too much like a Guy Ritchie flick to me. And other than “Live Action Aladdin”, I don’t care much for his choices. Not a Ritchie fan, Even “Sherlock Holmes” Downey & Law together have chemistry, but I don’t love that franchise.

Another said there’s no chemistry between Rockwell and Howard. I like that Bryce Dallas Howard has big hips and is attractive with a more girl next door appeal. And Rockwell looks like the cute Dad the other Mom’s like at a PTA meeting. I think in the movie they’re a cute, well-matched couple. They’re not supposed to have a sexy, glam Bond film type romance.

Ellie running around with the cat, Alfie, in the argyle pattern spacesuit backpack was a great ongoing site gag and the cat does come in handy for several scenes. I love the Whirly Bird Dance move. I wonder if people are gonna attempt this on tik tok? Great intercut editing where we see Rockwell as the scruffy real-world spy in a fight scenes and then we see Elly imagining her debonair Argylle in the same fight, with Cavill and Rockwell enacting the same stunts in their different styles.

Another critic thought the film had too many twists. I gotta admit I should have seen the first twist coming, but I was just along for the ride and not trying to figure anything out, but in no way did I find the plot too convoluted and those 3 climax fight scenes and choreography are epic! Rating: 4 outta 5

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THE GREATEST NIGHT IN POP (We Are The World Doc)| Netflix | Director Bao Nguyen

Why did it take 40 years for someone to put this behind the scenes doc together!? I ate the whole thing up with a spoon. So many have left us, but surprisingly, so many still hanging in there of these cream of the crop performers. Lionel Richie‘s stories were funny of Michael‘s [Jackson] house being a literal zoo, making it hard to concentrate while writing the song. I don’t know where he got the stamina to host the AMA’s, perform two numbers, win 6 Awards, and then continue his “hosting” duties at the We Are The World recording session for another 8 hours! Quincy Jones, nothing would have gotten done without this musical genius at the helm. This was like wrangling big cats for a circus performance and he was the lion tamer; but instead of whips and chairs he used fatherly discipline and flattering encouragement to get the job done.

Stevie Wonder showing up all late to the demo recording thinking he’s still being asked to help write the song and then attempting to hijack it with Swahili on the night of the recording, making Waylon Jennings take a pass at the whole thing 😀 And Sheila E being used as bait to try to get Prince to come. I still don’t understand why it could only be Cyndi Lauper or Madonna, why not both?

It was just so interesting seeing how nervous people were to do their parts and feeling moments of imposter syndrome singing with those they admire. Loved Diana Ross wanting Daryl Hall‘s autograph and it starting a whole sign my year book kinda thing with sheet music. Wonder who still has their mega stars signed copy? Just one would fetch a pretty penny at Sotheby’s.

It was a fantastic idea to have the song premiere at the same exact moment on radio stations around the world. I was in high school at the time and don’t remember this happening. I do remember “We Are The World” being a huge success and liking it outside of its aim to combat hunger in Africa. But, it got overplayed at the time, so I guess I never bought it, cause it’s not in my old record collection. Rating: 5 outta 5

DRIVE-AWAY DOLLS | Focus Features | Director Ethan Coen

A road trip. A mix-up. A fast-talking hero, prone to tossing off bewilderingly verbose sentences. Some criminals who run the gamut from eccentric to psychotic to painfully inept. (Sometimes, they’re all three at once.) Dangerously sudden violence. Dangerously dark humor. Dangerously outrageous hairdos. The feeling that you’re watching a vintage film noir story run through a Looney Tunes filter. You are in the presence of a Coen brothers movie — whaddaya need, a road map?! … READ MORE by David Fear, rollingstone.com

To fans of the artists formerly known as the Coen brothers, their split at least provided the chance to puzzle out who had brought what to the partnership. Joel Coen’s leaden The Tragedy of Macbeth confused things. Drive-Away Dolls, though, feels more like what you might expect from a Coen. Criminal goons bicker in the subplot. So far, so Fargo… READ MORE by Danny Leigh, Financial Times

What Did I (LeAnne) Think? 3 outta 5 – This movie is only mildly entertaining, but Margaret Qualley is a scene stealer as the irrepressible, lesbian, rogue, voicing a sexy, humorous drawl. Ethan Coen’s black comedy, road trip, mistaken entanglement with bad guys movie, has some kick, but would be woefully under developed without Qualley.

I got introduced to Andie MacDowell‘s daughter in “Once Upon A Time in Hollywood” but I forgot that same year she was very good in Fosse/Verdon. She’ll be a household name before you know it. I just hope she doesn’t peter out like Mia Wasikowska. What happened to her?

MADAME WEB| Sony Pictures / Marvel Studios |Director S. J. Clarkson |Screenplay Matt Sazama, Burk Sarpless, Claire Parker, S. J. Clarkson

Set in 2003 New York City, we’re introduced to the skilled yet socially awkward paramedic Cassandra “Cassie” Webb (Dakota Johnson) as she’s doing what she does best: saving lives. Alongside her fellow EMT Ben Parker (Adam Scott), Cassie tries to get the job done from an emotional distance, meaning that she doesn’t like accepting thank you’s or any kind gestures from people even after saving their lives. She’s not a people person and doesn’t get out much, but that all changes after she survives a near-death experience on the job. This accident unlocks psychic abilities within Cassie that connect to her roots, specifically when her mother Constance (Kerry Bishé) was researching rare spiders in the Amazon rainforest while she was still pregnant with her. In learning to adjust to her unlocked clairvoyance, Cassie is faced with the opportunity to now save people’s lives before the threat even occurs… READ MORE by Andrew J. Salazar, discussingfilm.net

“Madame Web” directed by S.J Clarkson, was better than “Morbius” but still laughably bad, which made it a fun watch in its own right. This film can only be described as taking what didn’t work with “Morbius” — an extremely confusing and generic plot — and giving it to an all-star cast whose character interactions barely salvage a confusing and disappointing plot. Despite the disappointment, however, I don’t agree with the extremely negative reviews it has received. The movie wasn’t bad; it was just average — it doesn’t add anything to the massive, pre-established catalog of superhero movies… READ MORE Brennan Price, campustimes.org

What Did I (LeAnne) Think? 2 outta 5 – I have very much liked and enjoyed Dakota Johnson since she came on the scene as the perfect embodiment of Anastasia Steele in the 50 Shades Trilogy. She’s got a certain acerbic wit, dry delivery and watchful way of moving, that I would have thought would lend itself to this role of Madame Web. But no. There was a little too much Dakota. It feels as though absolutely no thought or preparation was done by Johnson in deciding who Cassie Webb is as she becomes Madame Webb. Bad writing aside, feels to me that Johnson’s mindset when accepting this role was … sure, I’ll collect some Marvel Money.

I don’t even feel like going into all the other failures which mainly stem from stupid dialog, repetitiveness and a laughable villain. The main problem being, we didn’t need a whole origin story movie. They should have gotten quickly to Cassie meeting the girls, having her accident which blinds and paralyzes her. Witness her struggle with these limitations a bit, until she realizes she should embrace her advanced abilities and begins to see how she can focus and guide the young trio of spidey crime fighting females – with a focus on Sydney Sweeney. Bam! Then you wouldn’t have had all this bad press and no where to go with this part of the MCU/Spider-man storyline.

BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE| Paramount Pictures / PlanB Ent | Writer/Director Reinaldo Marcus Green | Screenplay Terence Winter, Frank E. Flowers, Zach Baylin

I was privileged to attend a press screening of Bob Marley: One Love ahead of its Valentine’s Day opening and not long after what would have been his 79th birthday. Plainly stated, I thoroughly enjoyed the film. I found the performances of the cast to be beautiful and rich. The music is nostalgic, powerful, and true. The film’s many messages, through the life and legacy of this iconic messenger, are so timely.

There’s a lot of conversation and criticism of this film. I was steadied by this being, above all else, a Tuff Gong Film. This is the love letter to us, gifted by his family and closest comrades, those who shared him with the world. Like other biopics, this is now added to the canon of material on Robert Nesta Marley. If you want a documentary or cradle to the grave there are resources to piece that experience together! This beautiful slice-of-life story leaves you wanting more, and I found that to be profound. For some, this will be an introduction while for others this is a remembering. Memories are tinted by the glasses of our experiences, perspectives, and understanding. The only film that could honor all of that for everyone is the film that we each make.

What has lingered with me is a feeling… a spirit that is undeniably drenched in the details brought to the screen. I found overarching messages of LOVE, redemption, and transcendence. We have a way of wanting perfect expressions of imperfect people. Mr. Marley’s life was not stomped out by evil, cancer, or the very human experiences he faced as a man. He looked within and this film gently and tenderly calls us to do the very same. I left inspired to love & motivated to create a better world with the time I’m allotted. One Love! – Guest Contributor Friend/Colleague, MARLA CAMPBELL HARRIS

What Did I (LeAnne) Think? 3.5 outta 5 – I wasn’t moved to the degree of Marla, but I am pleased that this movie now exists to honor this unique individual, his beliefs and talent. I’ve never cared much for Reggae music. I’ve always felt everything sounds the same, but now being truly clued into the Exodus Album, I realize Bob Marley‘s music is wonderful. Like, I’ve heard the songs all my life, but never in the way I have now after watching the movie. Still, on the whole, I felt “Bob Marley One Love” is too disjointed. We move from scene to scene with what feels like choppy editing. There’s a shorthand to the writing and direction as if it’s aimed at those very familiar with his story, Rastafarianism and that of the Civil War in Jamaica. I agree with Marla, and understand the filmmakers needed to steer away from a documentary, which can be a tricky balance with a biopic, but I felt somewhat bewildered throughout a lot of the piece.

Kingsley Ben-Adir (British) had to learn what equates to another language entirely, technically Jamaican is English, but it’s the first time I noticed that the language reverses the order of sentences and phrasing is more complex than I’d ever noted. I suppose subtitles might take away from the authenticity of the film, but if I watch it again at home, I’ll be happy for closed captioning. But all praise for Ben-Adir’s performance and overall Bob Marley aura.

PROBLEMISTA| A24 | Writer/Director Julio Torres

Since his breakout sketches on “Saturday Night Live,” Julio Torres has established himself as a surrealistic comic. He graduated from the show to co-creating and starring in the quirky horror comedy series “Los Espookys” as the deadpan blue-haired diva Andrés and the solo special “My Favorite Shapes by Julio Torres,” which true to its title, features Torres in a glamorous silver suit on a futuristic set using shapes to tell humorous stories and jokes… READ MORE by Monica Castillo, rogerebert.com

Problemista is about authenticity and learning to be confident enough to take up space. Especially as a person of color who often feel invisible, or feel they must shrink themselves in order to fit in. Sometimes you’ve got to cause a little chaos and let that anxiety push you to succeed, which I’m sure Torres had to deal with a degree of chaos to make this film happen… READ MORE by Valerie Complex, dealine.com

What Did I (LeAnne) Think? 4 outta 5 – I had so much fun watching this movie! It’s totally my sense of absurdist humor. And I’m usually down for a little Scifi, magical realism/ surrealism, when it doesn’t change the structure of the piece. This kid from El Salvador, Alejandro, played by writer/director Julio Torres, doesn’t seem capable of navigating New York City with his dopey walk, blank expressions and cowlick, but he’s intuitive about people and for the most part is surprisingly clever about circumventing obstacles – the Filemaker Pro stuff is pure genius, especially if you’ve ever been an Administrative Assistant in the 90’s and early aughts.

Tilda Swinton has been so many kooky characters over the years, but I think this Art Critic, Elizabeth, moves to the top of my list. She nails this erratic, entitled, demanding, Karen of them all. I remember working for women and men like this, who fixate and become so hyper-focused on something that doesn’t seem worth doing, yet also quickly pivot to assigning you some other disagreeable task that now takes precedence, and then just as you begin asking questions about the new notion, they abruptly drop everything and demand you join them for lunch. They may be paying, but it also means you don’t get time away from them and their manic energy!

Despite Elizabeth’s less then appealing qualities, Alejandro does develop a soft spot for her that has nothing to do with him needing her to sponsor him for his work Visa, a major plot point. Torres does a fantastic job of outlining the absurdity & contradictory nature of the bureaucracy within the Immigration system and the corporate gatekeepers, using humor and surreal imagery, while still pointing out that it shouldn’t be this crazy.

I have a feeling “Problemista” will make my Top 10 list come December.