Sunday, July 8, 2018

At the Cinema - May/June 2018

Hearts Beat Loud – 10

I’ll admit it.  I saw the previews and knew this was a movie I would like.  It’s about a record store owner, and I sure do miss browsing through vinyl.  His Brooklyn store is failing, and his daughter is about to go off to college in California.  He’s a crochety guy, played to perfection by Nick Offerman, and his daughter has not just a heart of gold, but pipes of gold.  She can really sing.  Sam is played by wonderful Kiersey Clemons, and their bond has been to write and perform their songs in the comfort of their home.  One is so good (the title tune) that he puts it on Spotify, and some things begin to happen.  The last half hour is essentially a musical, and it makes for a thoroughly gentle, pleasant, and enthralling musical experience.

If there’s any justice, the Oscar winning song will come from this movie (there are several that would qualify) and Clemons will be the next big musical star.  She’s got it.  This is the low budget “star is born.”  They actually shot it in 19 days.
If you like music, you should see this movie.  I can’t wait to see it again.
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Ocean’s Eight – 4

I don’t know what possessed me.  Maybe I had forgotten how irritating the Oceans’ movies are, with their jangly score and split screens sliding off into never-neverland.  It was an expensive nap, made worthwhile only by the presence of Anne Hathaway who managers to steal the movie while playing an Anne Hathaway type star. That in itself presents a conundrum.  While the subject jewels the thieves are trying to steal may have theoretically been worth it, is the movie worth stealing?  I would have to say no.  Can’t believe I fell into another Ocean.
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Scanning the Satellite

Imposters – 9

One of the great trends in TV is short series like Fargo and True Detective.  I thoroughly enjoyed this silly little 2 season series.  You can catch the first season on Netflix and the second on Bravo.  A young lady is conning the unsuspecting into marriage (you’ll see why) and some of the conned decide to seek revenge, but they themselves must learn to con, in an effort to get their money back.  The story is unpredictable, and the actors are engaging.  A perfect little binge.   
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