This may be the last time audiences will see Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt from the widely known Mission Impossible franchise. While there is no official...
Since the overhaul of Marvel films that have been released since Endgame, it’s been difficult to get excited for any of the upcoming sequel or spinoffs....
What happens after the career you’ve invested a majority of your life in suddenly comes to an end? It’s a stirring thought that can make you question what matters most in life. Gia Coppola’s newest drama, “The Last Showgirl” beautifully portrays the heartbreak of this challenging crossroad.
Pamela Anderson stars as Shelly, a seasoned Vegas showgirl, who must plan for her future when her show abruptly closes after a 30-year run. The film also stars Academy Award winner Jamie Lee Curtis, Brenda Song, Kiernan Shipka, Billie Lourd, and Dave Bautisa, who all do a fantastic job, but it’s Anderson’s quietly captivating performance that steals the show. This career-defining role makes you wonder why Anderson hasn’t been given the opportunity to shine like this sooner. However, we can only hope this film will lead to her being cast in more breathtaking roles.
The movie as a whole is simple, but less is more. In its brief runtime, “The Last Showgirl” exemplifies in making audiences feel for all these women and their next steps, while focusing on Shelly’s journey. We learn she gave up a lot for what she felt was her “dream” career. Including a meaningful relationship with her daughter, Hannah (Lourd). And unfortunately, performing as a Vegas showgirl, doesn’t necessarily set the stage for you as an actress.
Shelly as a sorrowful road ahead of her and through the brilliant of work of Anderson and Coppola, we feel Shelly’s pain every step of the way. While the film’s plot is thin, its depth and emotions are heavy. “The Last Showgirl” stays with you and truly dazzles as a raw and polarizing character study.
Based on the New York Times Best Seller by Colleen Hoover, “It Ends with Us” stars Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively, who gives a truly inspiring performance to a layered character.
Lively plays Lily Bloom, who overcomes a traumatic childhood and sets off to open her own flower shop. She meets a handsome neurosurgeon and the two begin a romantic relationship. But things take a dark turn when she starts to see signs of abuse similar to her past. She then realizes she must rely on her own strength to break a violent pattern and make a difficult choice for a brighter future. While the film might shy away from overly graphic images, they are not shying away from the issue of domestic violence. The approach is painfully realistic, in that it’s not often talked about and those involved may want to focus more on the positive in their life versus acknowledging any red flags.
Whenever a film is adapted from a book, you can always tell there are missing pieces that would have probably added more to the plot. At times “It Ends with Us” does feel rushed and audiences will want more from the characters. Luckily the film should satisfy readers and even encourage new ones. The film does a wonderful job at appealing to the emotions and giving an authentic perspective. There is a fine line to what may be considered romantic or aggressive. And this movie cleverly portrays how one might see things the way they want to instead of how they really are. While this film has romance and deals with a serious subject matter, this is a story about a strong, resilient woman, who is much more than what has happened to her. She is a daughter, a friend, a mother, a business owner, and she stands for hope.
The entire cast is fantastic, especially the much-needed comic relief by Jenny Slate, but it’s Lively and Baldoni who pull you in from the start with their polarizing performances. “It Ends with Us” is an unforgettable, compelling story that will move all audiences.
This week I got a chance to speak with director, Hannah Marks and actors, John Cho & Mia Isaac about their new movie, “Don’t Make Me Go”. The four of us chat about life lessons, road trips, how to know when you’ve found the right partner and more!
“Don’t Make Me Go” is available to stream on Amazon Prime July 15, 2022.
David Lowery is an Irving High School alum who has gone on to make critically acclaimed films like “Pete’s Dragon” and “A Ghost Story”. His new movie, “The Green Knight,” is a Medieval, fantasy re-telling of Sir Gawain based on the 14th century Arthurian poem. Watch the video below to find out my thoughts on the movie, along with a review of the independent film, “Paper Spiders”, starring Lili Taylor (“The Conjuring”).
“The Green Knight” opens in theaters July 30, 2021 and “Paper Spiders” is available to rent on various VOD platforms.
The last time director Paul Greengrass and Tom Hanks worked together was for “Captain Phillips”. A solid movie that was strong in its performances, but lacking in its story. Now, the two have teamed up again, and Hanks plays an even better Captain in the film, “News of the World”.
Hanks stars as Captain Kyle Kidd, a war veteran who travels from town to town five years after the Civil War, to read the news across Texas. But this man doesn’t just read the news, he brings life to it with his energy and storytelling; almost like a performance. He entertains the crowds at each stop with his loud, commanding voice.
While on his news tour, Kidd stumbles across a 10-year old girl which he names Johanna (Helena Zengel). She’s found abandoned on the road. She was raised by the Kiowa tribe, and doesn’t speak any English. Once Kidd realizes Johanna has no one to help her, he takes it upon himself to get her to her aunt and uncle’s farm near San Antonio. But this is no easy journey, and Kidd still must complete his work. Johanna tags along and watches in admiration as Kidd reads his “stories” to the towns they visit before their final destination.
“News of the World” does have some action, and there is enough intensity to keep you engaged. But be prepared for a lot of quiet and slow moments. With the exception of one shoot-out, this isn’t a very wild western. The enjoyment of the film comes from Kidd and Johanna. The two have great chemistry, and a very natural father/daughter like relationship. The dialogue between them is never forced or cheesy. The progression of the care and trust they build is incredibly heartwarming. They are both troubled and lost, but they find a home in each other.
The film is beautifully shot with luminous cinematography by Dariusz Wolski, and has a fantastic production design by David Crank. The exteriors of this film are wonderful, but what gives this movie life is the heart behind the two lead characters.
“News of the World” is an unconventional western. But regardless of your genre preference, Hanks and Zengel will win you over.
Rating: 4/5
“News of the World” opens in theaters December 25 and On Demand in January.
